Author's note: Thank you so very much for the reviews! Keep'em coming. Feedback – if they could synthesize it into a powder or something that could be smoked or drunk, it would outsell any street drug.
Kim and Ron sat, wild eyed, while the commercials aired. Kim started to breathe heavily. She couldn't believe it. How did they know? Were they just making this up? The only people who knew were their families, Wade and… Tara. Kim didn't want to believe that Tara could have done anything like this. After all, they were friends, team mates! Granted, not as close as she was with Monique, but still!
"I… I'm sure that they're just lying, Kim", Ron ventured. "I mean, it's like you said, they're-"
"It won't matter, Ron. Even if they have just made it up, they're right. And everyone's going to… know." Kim closed her eyes. She could feel a headache coming on. "You… You didn't tell Felix yet, right? And I haven't told Monique. God, not even Nana knows! How could they-." She was interrupted by the sound of the programme starting again. They leaned in, to listen intently.
"Welcome back", said the host, Gladys Glabra. She turned to another camera, seamlessly.
"Kim Possible; teen hero, teen mother? Our first story tonight comes from Bree Keanin in Middleton." The image shifted to a blonde woman, standing outside the Middleton High School.
"Thank you, Gladys. Two months ago, Kim Possible, the teenaged hero who has saved the world more than a dozen times, announced her retirement from the life of adventure she has led for the last few years. At the time, most commentators believed that the events of her last mission had been a step too far. As you remember, her loyal sidekick", she seemed to lower her voice a bit "and boyfriend, Ron Stoppable, was almost killed after being poisoned by former professional golfer Duff Killigan." She took a breath.
"Today, however, a new piece of evidence was introduced to the mystery. Sent here to us by a loyal viewer, this photo,", the reporter was replaced by a photograph of Kim, standing by the counter of the pharmacy at the Middleton Hospital, " which clearly shows Ms. Possible purchasing" the image zoomed in on the object on the counter, "a pregnancy test, at he Middleton Hospital."
Kim gritted her teeth. When she bought the test, she had realized too late that she should have gone to Lowerton, in disguise. This only confirmed to her that she should have done so. The image shifted again, to footage of the halls at Middleton High.
"Sources at Middleton High have reported that Ms. Possible has also been experiencing symptoms similar to morning sickness. We have sought Ms. Possible for a comment-"
"No you haven't! At least stop lying about that!" Kim yelled at the TV.
"But have not been able to reach her at this time." Kim sighed, as did Ron. Rufus seemed to realize that something was wrong, but didn't know what it was yet. He jumped over to Kim and stroked her hair, trying to calm her down.
"We have also sought a comment from Middleton High School officials, but the only response we've had comes from a vice principal Steven Barkin, stating that", the reporter picked up a piece of paper and read from it, "'the personal life of students at Middleton High are not subject to comments from the staff of Middleton High.' Everyone remains silent here in Middleton about this subject, Gladys, but we did manage to get a comment from one of Ms. Possible's team mates on the cheerleading squad," Kim inched in. Had they gotten to Tara after all?
"A Ms. Bonnie Rockwaller", the reporter concluded. The image shifted again, to footage of the reporter running up to Bonnie, it looked like it was filmed on the way to the mall.
"Ms Rockwaller! Do you have any comments on the rumour that Kim Possible is pregnant?" On the couch, Kim and Ron watched as Bonnie shone up in a smile reserved for those moments when everything had gone her way. They'd seen it a couple of times, but thankfully it was mostly unseen.
"K-K-Kim Possible? Pregnant?! Oh, this is… This is just too good to be true!" Kim and Ron recognized the sarcastic tone and frowned. The reporter didn't seem to pick up on it though, as the image shifted back to her and she continued. "Too good to be true. A nice sentiment from one of her friends, and one that we join in sending Ms. Possible. Back too you, Gladys." The image shifted back to the anchorwoman again, who thanked Bree Keanin for the report.
Without either Kim or Ron noticing, James and Anne Possible had entered, having heard Kim's screaming. The male Dr. Possible was seething with anger, while his wife stood in silent shock, her right hand covering her mouth.
"Anne, get the number for our lawyer. We're going to sue these assholes back to local news", he said, going for the telephone.
"Mr. Dr. P., sir?" Ron interjected, "That won't do any good. They've been sued many times and gone free every time."
"Ron, I know that they must have good lawyers, but they just can't go around spewing these rumours! Kim is-"
"I'm in the news, dad", Kim spoke up, "like, a lot. We don't have anything we could sue them for. They even said it was a rumour." James closed his eyes and seemed to calm down a bit. Suddenly, they were interrupted by the chirp of the kimmunicator. They hadn't heard that one in a long time. Kim went to her bag, where she kept it and answered it. The image of Wade Load came up on the screen.
"Hey, Kim." He noticed the sour look on Kim's face. "I… guess you saw the report, huh?"
"Yeah, Wade, we're a little busy right now, could I…
"I was just…" Wade interrupted, " I was just calling to see if I could help. I guess people are going to be calling and I could re-rout them if you don't want to talk right now.
Kim sighed. She hadn't even thought about that. Thank god for Wade's genius.
"Thanks, Wade. That… would be great. Could you make sure that we can call out, though?"
"Sure, Kim. If you want to, I could put in a statement, if you had one prepared, or something."
"We… Not now, Wade. I'll call you if we come up with one", Kim said.
"Ok, Kim. I'm gonna spike Reportage's system, too. "Kim chuckled at the sentiment. "I… hope you'll be alright. Say hi to Ron and Rufus for me too."
"I will, Wade, Thanks." She hung up.
That evening was spent talking about what they would do next. Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable came over, and together, they decided that they would confirm the story the next day. Denying it wouldn't help anyway. Ron and Kim also decided to talk to Felix and Monique tomorrow, face to face, instead of by phone. They did, however, call their grandparents and other family. Kim's cousin Joss had been very excited at the news.
The next day, Kim woke up to the sound of cars running. As she looked out of her window, several news vans had already arrived and parked on the street, anticipating Kim's walk to school.
After her usual fight with morning sickness and the mirror, Ron arrived. He had to push his way past reporters shouting questions at him. He greeted her with a kiss. After some talking, they, together with Kim's parents, exited the house. Anne took the lead as the stepped out the front yard. The reporters started to shout again, but Anne made a gesture to silent them.
"Ok… " , she started. "Kim and Ron won't take any questions. W will however say, that Kim is pregnant and the Ron is the father, and we, as well as the Stoppables wish them all the luck in the world, as we hope you do too. For now, we hope you can respect their wishes and give them their privacy. Thank you." The reporters started shouting again, but neither of them answered anything. Instead, they went to their respective cars, and drove off.
"Hope it won't be like this next week", Kim said, looking out of the window as she drove towards the school. "I like our walks."
"Me to, KP." Said Ron, extending his arm behind her shoulder. They arrived shortly. As they walked, hand in hand towards the entrance, the camera crews arrived, jumping out of their vans, ready to get some footage.
Kim squeezed Ron's hand, then leaned in and whispered: "Want to give them something besides a statement?" Ron smiled at his girlfriend, who proceeded to throw her arms around his neck and give him a big kiss. Rufus Jumped out of Ron's pocket and shouted. "Hnh! Go Ron! Go Kim! Hnh!" There was a smattering of flashbulbs. Suddenly, they stopped. Kim and Ron looked up, and saw Mr. Barkin standing between them and the reporters.
"You are currently on school grounds, Stoppable, Possible. I want to see you in my office at the end of the day." He seemed a bit angry, but it didn't seem to be directed at them, as he winked with his left eye. He turned around and faced the mob of cameramen.
"As for you… Get away from my school before I call the cops." The reporters started to mumbled, but moved back. Kim and Ron walked towards the doors and entered.
The halls were filled with students, and everyone seemed to stop for a moment when they entered. After a beat they continued about their business, seemingly trying to act as if nothing had happened. A few wolf calls could be heard as Kim and Ron went to their lockers. After a few minutes, Monique walked up to them.
"Hey, guys… I… Well…", She started, unsure.
"We know, Monique. Everybody knows by now, I guess, since Bonnie was interviewed", Kim said.
"Yeah… she's already going around bragging about her performance", Monique responded.
"Same old Bonnie", Kim sighed. She glanced at Ron, who mouthed "talk to her". "Listen, I… I think I need to explain things…"
"You don't, really, It's ok", Monique started. By then, Kim had started to drag her towards the ladies room. When they entered, the girls in their sensed that they needed some privacy and left.
"Listen… I was going to tell you yesterday, but with all the customers I just couldn't-", Kim began, but was interrupted by Monique.
"It's ok, Kim, really. You couldn't know that this was going to happen." After a moment had passed, she realized that Kim said. "Wait… so… you really are pregnant?" Kim nodded. "Whoa…. This… this is huge, I… When?"
"After Ron woke up. We… uh, you know", Kim lied. They had decided on that story instead of the real one.
"Oh, I should have guessed", Monique laughed. Kim smiled at hearing her friend. "So… you're keeping it, then?"
"Yep." Kim took a breath. "You know… if anyone could do it…"
"It would be you and Ron. Well, you anyway. Ron needs to chill out a bit to get to the daddy role, I think." Now Kim started to laugh. It was a shame that Monique hadn't seen how wonderful Ron could be when they discussed the baby and their future. Monique leaned in and gave Kim a hug. "You'll be alright. I just know it. So… you've thought of any names yet?" Kim smiled. She was gad that Monique was taking this so well.
"Not yet. I mean… I think Simon would be a good name if it's a boy. It sounds good, you know. Simon Stoppable, Like a superhero name. I guess you're going to suggest Monique, huh?" Kim and Ron hadn't discussed any names yet, but she'd always thought that Simon was a good name.
Monique raised her eyebrow and grinned, but stayed silent. After a moment Kim got unnerved. "What?", she asked.
"Kim… did…. Did Ron go and propose to you or something?"
"What? No! We haven't…. Not yet, I mean… We're still in high school! Why would you-" Kim responded, a bit flustered.
"Then why did you say 'Simon Stoppable' instead of 'Simon Possible', huh? Come on, you can tell me…" Monique grinned even bigger.
"Monique! We've… We're not there yet", Kim said, trying to calm down. "I just… you know, at some point, I'm sure that…"
"Oh, that boy better get down on his knees or I'm getting mean! And no, I'm not suggesting Monique anymore. I was going to, but now… Monique Stoppable? Euurgh."
Kim laughed at her friend's remark.
"Seriously, Monique. I know it's probably going to happen, but we're not trying to rush anything right now."
"Well… rush any more you mean. You do have a bun in the oven, remember?" Monique responded. Kim's eyes went wide at the comment.
"Monique! I'm… you're teasing a pregnant woman?", she responded, in a faked shocked tone.
"Well, yes", Monique said. "But mostly, I'm teasing my best friend, who just so happen to be pregnant by my second best friend. If I can't tease you a little, who can?" She flashed Kim a huge smile, before hugging her yet again.
