-AN- I'm not really happy with this chapter; it didn't go as well as I have planned. But bear with me, this chapter is mostly about moving the plot along anyway, not so much about character insight or development. The next chapter won't be posted until around Friday or Saturday, due to a number of reviews concerning pacing and back-story I am really taking my time with this next chapter. Thanks to everyone who has written me so far, and special thanks to cpneb who has been incredibly supportive. One last thing, KP and the gang are not mine, they're owned by the giant mouse!

"I still don't understand what happened", a hurt, and very confused Kim Possible whined to her mother. "Last night, the prom, it was so wonderful, and then he blows up this morning! Oh, I just wished I knew what Ron was thinking!"

Before Kim's mother could reply her father stated, "Well I am very disappointed in Ronald. To bring up that….to bring up Erik like that showed very poor judgment. I'm not sure if he'll be welcome back in this house"…

"Now dear",

"Daddy that's totally unfair! How dare you judge Ron like that!" Kim cried angrily. You know how self-conscious he is. Oh, if only I hadn't made that crack about 'maintaining my image'! Poor Ron must have thought I thought he wasn't good enough for me."

"I agree with Kim dear, we mustn't judge Ron too harshly", the elder Redhead stated. "It was obvious all morning he had been fretting about something, he had obviously been up all night crying." She turned to her daughter, "However young lady that does not excuse his behavior. The two of you need to sit down and have a long talk, very soon Kimberly Anne. I believe your 'hottie' fixation has really hurt Ron, but that does not excuse his actions this morning".

"Your right mom. I'll talk to him as soon as I possibly can." If she added mentally, he ever wants to talk to me again.

A few hours later and Kim found herself at the mall, minus Ron. Once her mother had seen Kim had no intentions of doing anything other than moping around the house all day, the elder possible ordered the auburn-haired teen out of the house.

Before Kim left she tried to call up Ron. Not surprisingly, no one answered the phone. She knew his parents must be working…they spent long hours out of the house. And Ron must still be avoiding her. Sighing, Kim tried to decide on what to do. She knew she needed to leave him alone for a while, and hope that his natural Ronness would overcome his current funk. Still, she needed someone to talk to; someone who could help her put her whirling thoughts and feelings in order. With that in mind, Kim headed towards the mall.

An hour and a half later and Kim was officially having the worst day of her life. She had made her way to Club Banana, hoping to find Monique. If anyone knew how to put Kim's feelings in perspective it was her BGF, (Monique speak for Best Girl Friend). But of course, Monique had not been in. A harried clerk informed a very peeved Kim that Monique had left the store to go to Upperton, to pick up new stock. To make matters even worse, the awesome new jacket Kim had been eyeing, (and secretly hoping Ron would buy her), was now sold out. Kim had a sinking feeling who had bought the last one… (Bonnie strikes again, Kim thought bitterly).

Since it was already past lunch, and Kim hadn't had much in the way of breakfast, (amazing how fighting with your BFBF tends to ruin an appetite), Kim decided to head for the food court. While she sat at a table, trying to decide between pizza or the Pop Pop Warner's Corn Dog stand, Kim realized she had run out of the house without her wallet. Growling, Kim did a quick glance over, and realized that she had been so upset she had left without her kimmunicator, something she never did. That seals it, I can't take anymore, Kim thought to herself. She slunk into her seat and let her thoughts overwhelm her.

God, what was up with Ron today? He's never acted like that before. What he said really hurt me. How could he have brought up Erik like that! I know he regretted saying it…but still, can I really be in a relationship with someone who can hurt me so easily? Can I really do this with Ron if his insecurities constantly lead to us fighting? Oh man, this is so the drama! Do I have to break up with Ron? What am I going to …

It was at that moment that Kim noticed a movement behind her, and heard a voice whisper in her ear, "Hello Princess". Turning around, Kim just had time to see a glowing green fist come hurtling towards her face.

Then there was only darkness.