34

The Supreme State of Science

Chapter 34 - Being Honest

In the living room, after her uncle and father had left, Ally felt much more at ease.

Thinking about Alison’s idea, Ally’s embarrassment grew stronger, and to get rid of the weight she felt in her chest, she said, “Jimmy, the truth is I’ve known you for a long time. When my dad was in the hospital, I traveled there often to see him, and on one special occasion, I saw you…”

“I don’t remember us meeting,” Jimmy said, feeling increasingly awkward.

“No, it wasn’t mutual. I saw you participating in a math event with adults… I was really impressed because you were much younger than them, yet you could beat the adults.”

“That makes more sense.” Jimmy felt proud to have left an impression—after all, compliments weren’t something he received often.

“Yeah…” Ally didn’t know what else to say. Her thoughts were blocked by uncertainty. “How about I take you to see my dad’s wine collection?”

“Well, why don’t you first tell me what you need to say?” Jimmy gave her a kind look, trying to break through the wall between them.

Maybe Jimmy wouldn’t normally be this forward, but this time, the intentional—or unintentional—attack from Ally’s father had irritated him, and he was just about ready to get out of this mess.

Besides, Ally seemed to be struggling with something—it was so obvious that Jimmy couldn’t ignore it.

Ally looked into Jimmy’s eyes and felt all the strength in her body drain. She felt as light as if she were walking on clouds.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming ambiguous and pink bubbles seemed to float in the air, a loud, abrupt coughing sound startled them both.

It turned out to be Ally’s father. He was worried about his daughter being alone with Jimmy, so he had returned to the living room.

“I have to go.” Jimmy sighed. He didn’t feel any romantic feelings for Ally, so it was better to avoid problems for now.

Ally was surprised by her father, but then Jimmy’s words left her speechless.

She had been pushing herself to be just as cool as Jimmy, but maybe those feelings had only confused her even more.

“You’re leaving already?” John asked, a bit puzzled.

“I’m Jimmy Neutron, winner of multiple national math awards and future owner of a tech company that will change the world—I’m not someone unworthy of being your daughter’s friend.”

After saying that, Jimmy stood up and added, “But don’t worry, we’re just friends. I thought that making friends would make my parents worry less, but it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Jimmy, I’m sorry…” Ally couldn’t do anything but apologize.

“See you around.”

Watching Jimmy walk away, Ally felt all her spirit drain from her. Clearly, in her eyes, this family invitation had been a failure.

“Happy now?” Ally turned around and glared at her father, who was pretending to sip water, though he was actually full of regret.

But part of the blame also lay with Jimmy—that boy couldn’t handle a little intimidation from the father of the girl he was pursuing. Back in his day, his girlfriend’s father had welcomed him with a shotgun in hand.

Compared to how John had treated Jimmy, this was nothing more than a playful test.

“Ally, I’m telling you, you should stay away from those handsome boys in the future. They’re all up to no good…” James came out of the bathroom and offered his niece some advice.

“We’re just friends!” Ally couldn’t believe these were her father and uncle—she didn’t recognize them at all.

“That…”

“Didn’t you ever have friends at my age?” Ally shouted in frustration, ran back to her room, and slammed the door shut.

Ally’s father set down his glass of water, stunned. Finally, he thought about the redness in his daughter’s eyes as she left. He sighed and was about to go comfort her.

“Let her be alone for a bit,” James said, experienced with kids’ tantrums.

Ally’s father, with a headache, couldn’t help but complain. “I told you not to be so hard on the kid—you scared him off.”

“If he got scared by that, he’s not worthy of protecting your daughter. Think about it.” James knew the world was big and full of options—Ally would move on.

…

On the other hand, Jimmy had just gotten home and was surprised to see his mother baking pies.

“You’re home early,” Judy said, eyeing her son more closely than usual.

“It was a disaster. Her dad thought we were in a relationship or something—it was overwhelming,” Jimmy said as he sat down in front of the TV.

Then, he looked toward his mother in the kitchen and asked, “Anything interesting happen while I was gone?”

“Your friend Sheldon—his mom said he got into a debate with the pastor about the existence of God…”

Jimmy knew that wherever little Sheldon went, surprises followed.

Judy then told her son everything that had happened at church that morning.