As the years go by Chapter 8

Chapter Eight: Back to Basics

After a calm week of sharing with family, Candace and Jeremy were on their way back to their house. Isabella and Phineas watched from the roof and waved them off. Once they were out of sight, Phineas pulled Isabella close.

"We finally get some time alone" he whispered

"Hey guys! Ferb and I are back, your parents told us you were on the roof" Gretchen's voice interrupted

They looked down to see her and Ferb looking up at them. Phineas' brain thought of some kind of plan so he could spend some time with Isabella, yet that he would be able to talk to Ferb and Isabella would be able to chat with Gretchen. A light bulb went off in his mind

"Hey Ferb, I know what we're gonna do today!" he dropped down to the ground with the help of some rope; then steadied Isabella when she followed.

"Isabella, you and Gretchen go to the mall, get some nice clothes, go to a spa; then come back here at five. Ferb, we have work to do"

At the mall, Isabella and Gretchen were trying out dress after dress after dress.
"What do you think of this one, Gretchen?" Isabella asked, showing her a lovely blue and pink dress

"That one's amazing!" Gretchen gushed "Do you think Ferb will like me in this one?" she showed her friend a yellow halter top dress with light flecks of green.
Isabella nodded and smiled mischievously "If you ask me, Ferb would like you in anything"

Gretchen let out a happy sigh "I know" she glanced at the store's clock; they had successfully killed three hours looking at dresses. "Izz, I what do you say we buy these and go get some matching shoes and accessories to go with them?"
Isabella nodded "and a smoothie, I'm getting hungry"


"Ferb, I know what you're saying, we've done this before, but that was what, eight years, seven years ago?" Phineas told his brother when they finished building "Plus, this isn't a Platypus themed restaurant, it's a French one" he pulled out a checklist "We got Buford and Baljeet on cooking, finished up the restaurant, and we can't find Perry" he checked off items, then looked around the idyllic countryside "I think it was a nice touch to change the location, good thinking Ferb" an alarm beeped "Whoops, we better get going, Isabella and Gretchen will probably be about ready when we get back"

"Never keep a lady waiting" was Ferb's only comment while they gathered up their tools and rode the motorcycles (or flew) home.


By that time, Isabella and Gretchen were waiting at the front door, all dressed up and ready. When Phineas and Ferb got there, they quickly changed into more elegant clothing, before taking the keys to the car. Ferb opened the passenger door for Gretchen; then got on the driver seat. Phineas let Isabella in the back seat before getting in after her.

Both girls gasped when they saw the small French cottage restaurant, the sun was hitting it just so, the sky behind a pinkish red. Isabella hugged Phineas quickly before happily getting off the car. Phineas watched her run to the restaurant, when she turned and smiled, he felt his heart beat faster. Grinning from ear to ear, he got out and followed.

They sat down at the only table in the small restaurant. Isabella looked around, it had classical French music, french art work, French everything.

"You guys built this how fast?" she asked din amazement

"About two, three hours. We had help, Baljeet and Buford, they're in the kitchen" he smiled, putting his arm around her shoulder

"And the change of location?"

"We thought this place would be better, although those two aren't really paying attention to anything other than each other" he pointed to Ferb and Gretchen, who were far too busy speaking in hushed tones and staring deeply into each other's eyes to listen to their company.

"That's just so sweet" Isabella sighed happily

A bell dinged and dinner was served. Isabella's eyes widened at the meal: stakes, mashed potatoes, green beans and baby carrots. Then for dessert angel food cake.


Ferb dropped then off at the house, before going to drive Gretchen home. Phineas walked Isabella all the way to her bedroom. Now that Candace was gone and Ferb was back, she would sleep in Candace's old bedroom again.

"I had a really good time, Phineas" she told him "and now I have a little surprise for you"

Phineas smiled "What would that be?"

"Close your eyes" she whispered

Phineas obliged her, and was rewarded by her soft lips on his. He felt her lean on him and wind her arms behind his neck. He put his arms around her waist and nearly lifted her off the floor, responding happily to her kiss.

Finally, she pulled away smiling happily as she wished him a good night's sleep. Phineas was sure that when he finally managed to fall asleep, he would have good dreams for sure.