The Bible says that open enmity is better than silent love. People are such dopes. One side says, "Hey, I'm a man! I'm strong and silent! I'm not supposed to show my true feelings!" The other side says, "If he really loved me, he would know what I want and need! Besides, I've already told him so often!"
Ron regrets his failure to confide. What is it like from Kim's side?
Based on "They're SOOOO Crushin' " by Goofmore, "Behind The Scenes" by CarbonF at Dev-Art, and "So The Drama".
Some of the dialogue is from "Emotion Sickness" and "So The Drama".
Did I overdramatise? Probably. Was it fun? Yes.
CHAPTER 3--WHY DIDN'T HE SAY SOMETHING?
For more than a month after the Moodulator incident, Monique noticed Kim's dreamy gaze. She commented: "You pretend to be annoyed with him...then when he's not lookin', you give him 'The Look'."
Kim vehement denied it. "I do not!"
And Monique smiled knowlingly.
For more than a month after the cousin's wedding, Kim fondly reminisced about dancing with Ron. She had consented to be his "date" for friendship's sake, but the way he looked into her eyes; it warmed her down to her toes. She would retell the story and Monique would patiently listen. "He means so much to me--but we're just friends," Kim would hastily add. And Monique would give her the sceptical glance.
For more than a month after his cousin's wedding, Ron fondly reminisced about dancing with Kim. He had persuaded her to be his "date" for friendship's sake, but the way she snuggled her head against his chest; it warmed him down to his toes. He would retell the story and Felix would patiently listen. "She means so much to me--but we're just friends," Ron would hastily add. And Felix would roll his eyes.
Monique and Felix compared notes. "They're so crushing on each other!"
"Tell me! When are they gonna finally get serious?"
"Dunno. Hope it's soon! It's driving me crazy!"
Laughter and high-five.
Ron had every intention of bringing up the topic with Kim. Kim gave him lots of hints, lots of opportunities, lots of time. But there were missions, and school projects, and the Food Chain. Kim had Cheer Squad, Student Council, Swim Team. Ron had--well, lead feet. Slowly Kim's hopes wilted. Well, maybe it was for the best. What would dating do to their friendship? She finally gave up. She nursed her private hurt.
Erik appeared and stole her heart. The hurt went away--or at least she didn't notice it.
Ron was quiet lately. In fact, more than quiet; he was glum, withdrawn, downright morose. Kim was used to his poor behavior when she dated Josh Mankey, but it took her a while to realize--this was different--he wasn't the same. she hadn't heard a "Booyah" in weeks. And her heart went out to him.
The other day, when Erik was pushing her on the swing, she looked over for a moment and saw him on the see-saw--alone. He looked so lonely that she wanted to run and hug him--but Erik took her to Bueno Nacho.
They passed him on the way to school. Erik's motorcycle made Ron's scooter look like it was going backward.. Now if he hadn't squandered all his naco money, he could afford some new wheels. Kim waved cheerily.
Kim saw Ron on the evening news at the Grand Opening of the remodeled Bueno Nacho. He was going to pieces. "I'm losing everything I ever cared about!"
It was time to confront him. Wade gave her a hint: the old treehouse.
"I have an armed weapon!"
"Put the slingshot down Huck Finn, it's me."
She finally got Ron to open up. "You know what was worse? Spending a whole summer away from you."
Why did he bring that up now?
"Y'know, maybe something more than the Bueno Nacho sitch is bothering you."
She so didn't intend to say that--head in the game, Kimmie!
And the words just spilled out of him. "Talking about Erik, why--oops--didn't mean to blurt that out--no-why would I have a problem with Erik? No--I'm down with Erik!"
He bared his hurt and opened up her own again. It was too late for that! She was with Erik! Quick! Steer the conversation back to safe ground!
"Ron, Erik's not going to change what we're all about. We'll always be tight."
There, damage control.
But Ron's gaze stabbed her. "Pretty words, Kim"
He saw right throught her.
"Kim!" Erik's voice came up from the ground.
Thank goodness! He was rescuing her from a sticky sitch!
Next day was the Prom. The night would be theirs--hers and Erik's. At last she would kiss him--maybe more.
It was after school. The Prom was just hours away. Monique walked with Kim to their lockers. Erik was waiting. Kim ran up and hugged him. She opened her locker to stash her books.
Suddenly she noticed the picture of Ron, Rufus, and herself on the inside of the door. It drew her attention like never before. A shocking sadness fell on her like a cold blanket. Voices echoed in her head.
"I've got to go--I'll be back!"
Monique and Erik stared at each other in total confusion
Kim slammed open the door to the girls' restroom. Damn! The room wasn't empty. Tara jumped startled and stared at Kim.
Kim ran to the stall and slammed the stall door behind her. The stupid thing had no latch! She leaned against the partition. She could feel the sorrow welling up. Supress! Supress!
Tara looked in with hesitancy and concern. "Kim?"
Kim covered her face with her hands. "It's nothing! Go away, Tara! Leave me alone!" A sob escaped her lips--another sob. She buried her head in her arms.
Tara was astonished and embarrassed. This was the I-Can-Do-Anything girl. This was the Cheer Squad Captain. She never saw anything like it.
Razor-sharp memories intruded.
Bonnie had taunted her. "Is there anything sadder than going to the Prom with your Just-A-Friend?"
Monique had tried to reassure her.
"Monique, you were totally right.
"I know... What was I right about? "
"The Bonnie problem. Non-issue. Who cares about the Food Chain? Ron and I are cool."
"Stand by your Ron!"
The Tweebs got her tweaked. "Attention! Cooties detected! Kim's got a new boyfriend!"
Even Erik: "You know what my mission is? To take you to the Prom."
And the last memory--no! Not that! Please, God, not that!
"So I guess the crush and everything is all Moodulator, huh?"
"Not everything, there's still fireworks."
Kim clung to Tara and cried like a baby.
"I thought he might care for me! I tried to wait! I tried to give him time! I wanted him to tell me--how he felt about me! I wanted him to say something! Why didn't he say something?"
TO BE CONTINUED
