Time Limit

Chapter 5: A Shipping Moment

I sat at the counter, exhausted.

The last two weeks had been full of Phineas calling up his connections to the band, 'Love Handël', and convincing them to let me go with them on one tour trip.

We ended up going to Hollywood and after one performance from me, there were people chasing me everywhere. I tried to hide and now America knows me as 'The Mystery Angel'.

I laughed when Thomas showed me the gossip tabloid until I realized that I had more fame and I groaned.

Now that we were in Danville, I had to wear one of Phineas' ninja outfits. It was cute and kept me from people, but all the exercise and running was keeping me from sleeping. One time I forgot to take it off and I got a rude awakening when Thomas entered the room on me sleeping.

"Hey, Ferb!"

I smiled when Isabella came in. "Hey, Isabella!"

Her smile wavered but she waved slightly and sat next to Ferb at the table.

I pouted. When I came back, I found Isabella had been ignoring me. She still talked to everyone else so why not me?

Thomas out his hand on my shoulder and I yelped. "Thomas! What the platypi?!"
He rolled his eyes in amusement before he laid a plate of eggs, sausages, and bacon in front of me. "Eat up, Mari."

I grunted a thanks and ate quietly.

My ears perked up when I heard Isabella and Ferb whispering and giggling together.

Thomas shot me a questioning look. I shrugged back.

"Hey, Ferb! I thought up some more big ideas!" Phineas exclaimed, running into the kitchen.

"The only big idea that'll be happening around here is you five stuffing your mouths with breakfast. I'm in charge today and I'll be keeping a very close eye on you guys to make you don't do anything bustable."

She glared at us signaling the eagle eyes and we just stared back.

We almost jumped when she squealed as the doorbell rang.

"It's Jeremy! He's here!" She jumped around like a little girl.

Then she turned back to us with a stern glare. "You twerps better not interrupt our lovey-dovey stares- I-I mean our guitar lessons!"

Then she skipped off to open the door.

"Glad you weren't like that when we were teens." Thomas whispered to me and I giggled.

Phineas turned back to Ferb. "Hey, Ferb! I know what we're going to do today!"

Phineas then ran to the backyard. I was gonna follow him until Thomas pulled back.

"Wha-"
"They're not following him." Thomas whispered.

I looked over at Ferb and Isabella. Usually, they were eager to participate but now they were just sitting there, enjoying their breakfast. Which was fine but unusual.

"Are you guys coming?" I asked.
They looked at each other and then Isabella answered. "Um, actually we enjoyed a little peace and quiet these past two weeks that you guys were gone so um...we'll just skip for today."

I glanced over at Thomas but he just shrugged and I followed him outside.

Phineas was already hammering away at a piece of metal.

"Um, Phineas?" I walked up to him.
He didn't look up at me. "Hmm?"
"Ferb and Isabella aren't going to build today." I said.
He stopped for a second and then just continued, unfazed. "Ok! Maybe they're just tired!"
I blinked. "Wait, uh, you're not even bothered?"
He shrugged. "They could use the rest since I always expect them to do stuff with me."

I decided to ask him something. "If Isabella didn't want to hang out with you anymore, would you be ok?"
He stopped and stared at me. "If Isabella didn't want to hang out with me, that'd be her choice."

As he continued, I peeked back at Thomas and saw Isabella outside near the glass door. She looked hurt and was staring hard at the ground. Thomas glanced back and saw what I was looking at. We watched as Ferb slipped out and pulled her inside.

"Um, wait-" Thomas pulled my hand and shook his head.
"She's ignoring you, remember? You're not gonna make her feel better right now." He muttered.

I sighed. He was right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Thomas and I finished Phineas' latest big idea, I went inside. I was tired and was needing some me time.

Phineas didn't seem at all bothered that Isabella didn't want to hang out with him.

And her time was all going to Ferb. I was getting worried. It's been three hours and those two were still in Ferb's room playing video games and talking. Not that I wasn't happy that they were happy but I wanted Isabella to be with Phineas. No offense to Uncle Ferb...

I sighed and got up from my bed in the guest room. As I went to clip my bow into my hair, I felt a jolt and something felt different.

I looked up at the mirror and my hands flew to my mouth before I could scream.

My beautiful orange hair that I had taken quite pride in...was now a vibrant lime green.

"Bloody hell..." I whispered, copying Ferb and Thomas.