"The Ties That Bind"
Sequel to "The Truth About Yamanouchi"
Kim and Ron were on the plane heading back to Middleton from Yamanouchi. Kim was happy to be returning home. "I can't wait to get back home. So much has happened while you were gone."
"I'm happy to be heading home too KP. I've been gone three weeks. Oh boy, Tara is going to have a lot of questions. She'll be waiting for us at the airport."
"Eric will be there too."
"Eric? Who's Eric?" Suddenly Ron remembered what Tara had told him.
"Oh, I guess I haven't mentioned Eric. His family just moved to Middleton. He started school just as you left."
"So KP, tell me a little bit about Eric."
"Well, he a bit taller than you. He's got dark brown hair. He's got the dreamiest eyes." Ron just rolled his eyes. Kim was getting all mushy describing Eric. "KP, I don't need a description of what he looks like. What's he like?"
"He's nice, charming, smart…"
"Forget I asked KP."
"What, you're the one that wanted to know."
The rest of the plane ride was awkward for Ron. Kim kept talking about Eric. Ron wanted to listen to some music so he didn't have to hear about Eric but Kim wouldn't have it. Ron was relieved when the plane was descending into Middleton. His ears were still ringing.
When they got off the plane, Ron saw Tara and some guy run toward them. Tara reached Ron first and pulled him into a hug. "You're finally home Ron. I missed you." Ron was clearly distracted. He saw Kim and the guy he presumed was Eric hug. Kim had a huge smile on her face. Tara noticed Ron looking toward Kim and Eric so she pulled Ron into a kiss. As Tara broke off the kiss Kim introduced Ron to Eric.
Eric offered his hand to Ron. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Ron. Kim's told me so much about you."
Ron shook Eric's hand. Funny, Kim didn't mention a thing about you till the plane ride home and then she couldn't stop talking about you. "It's a pleasure to meet you to Eric."
They gathered their luggage and Kim suggested they share a cab ride home. Ron having heard more than enough of Ericso he suggestedthey get two cabs so they aren't swished. He used the excuse his back was bothering him from the plane ride. He and Tara got into one cab and Kim and Eric got into another.
During the cab ride back to Ron's house Tara had a bunch of questions for Ron. "Tara, I'm exhausted from the plane ride. Can we please hold the questions for tomorrow?" They arrived back Friday night so they would have the weekend to adjust back to local time before school on Monday.
Tara had a mischievous smile. "I could give you a massage to ease out the knots in your back."
As tempting as that sounded, Ron declined as he needed to clear his head and get some sleep. Ron had the cab drop Tara off at her house before taking him home. At his house, he was mobbed by his parents. "Mom, Dad I can't breathe."
"Sorry honey, we're just so happy to see you. Let me look at you."
"Ron, you look sad. Is something bothering you honey?"
"I'm just tired Mom. I'm going to head to bed early."
Mrs. Stoppable produced a Bueno Nacho bag. "Don't you want dinner first?"
"Mom, I ate on the plane."
"Honey, are you feeling ok? Are you sick?" Mrs. Stoppable put hand on Ron's forehead.
"No mom, the plane ride took a lot out of me. Put the nacos in the fridge, I'm sure I'll be hungry in the middle of the night."
Mr. Stoppable carried Ron's luggage into his room. "Ronald, get some sleep. Tomorrow, your mother and I want to hear all about your adventures in Japan."
Mr. Stoppable closed the door as he left.
Ron sighed and let himself fall backward on his bed. His bed felt great after sleeping on a thin mat on the floor for three weeks. Ron closed his eyes when he heard an intermittent beep. That's my answering machine. Who would have left me a message while I was gone? Ron wanted to just ignore it but the incessant beep was disturbing his rest. Ron opened his eyes, got up and walked over to the answering machine. He pressed the play button. "Ron, Eric and I are going to grab some dinner and catch up. You should join us. It will give you more of a chance to meet Eric. Give me a call when you get home. Bye."
Ron stared at his answering machine. I've have more than enough Eric for today thanks. Ron pressed the delete button and returned back to his bed. Ron closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. Just as Ron was about to drift off to sleep, the phone rang. He grabbed his cordless phone and looked at the caller id display. Oh no, I forgot to call Kim back. "Hello KP."
"Ron, didn't you get my message. Want to go out to dinner?"
"I'm exhausted KP. Mom already picked up nacos for me so I am good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes KP, I am." Ron yawned. "We can talk tomorrow."
"Goodnight."
"Have a good dinner, KP."
Ron hung up and put his head back on his pillow. Ron was still in his clothes but he didn't care. Ron quickly drifted off to sleep.
Ron woke up the next morning sore. He had woken up in an awkward position. He had some weird dreams. The only thing he remembered was it involved Kim and Eric. Man, I need to get Eric out of my head.
Ron got up, hit the shower and got dressed in some fresh cloths. He felt better after getting out of his old clothes and the shower. Ron headed downstairs. "Well look who decided to join the land of the living. Good morning sleepyhead. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes mom, how long was I out?"
"Only 13 hours. Want me to fix you some pancakes and sausage honey?"
"No, I'll eat those nacos that you got for me last night." Ron walked into the kitchen, hugged his Mom. He pulled his nacos out of the fridge and put them in the microwave.
"Kim stopped by earlier this morning with Eric andthenTara showed upabout an hour ago.You were out cold."
"Thanks Mom." Ron grabbed his nacos from the microwave and a can of soda from the fridge. He walked back into the living room with a TV tray and turned on the TV. He flipped through the channels as he polished his nacos. He walked back upstairs and picked up his phone. He stared at the phone a few minutes. Tara would have a ton of questions about Yamanouchi. No doubt Kim would want him to get together with her and Eric. Why does Eric bother me so much? Ron set the phone down and plopped back down on his bed.He closed his eyes. I need to clear my mind before talking to Tara and Kim.