Hi, and welcome back to the story! Sorry for the delay. I actually had to study the Camp Wannaweep episodes to try and make sure things end up in some way consistent. n.n; I would like to say a round of thanks to David Falkayn, Data Seeker, MonkeyBoy0118, and Sharper the Writer for your reviews! I know I say it every chapter, but I'm happy so many seem to enjoy this story. For this particular tale, I wanted the characters to feel like they do in the show. Hopefully it continues to be a fun read. I know I didn't give Ron's parents names last chapter, but I decided to use their voice actors names to make it easier for myself. If you have any info you can provide on that sitch feel free to let me know! Now on to the chapter!
Flashback
Day Before Camp Wannaweep
It was a nice warm spring day. With it being on the verge of summer, the birds were chirping in full swing and butterflies flitted about. Within the treehouse that stood in the Stoppable's yard, Kim sat on the red couch against the wall and Ron stood in front of Kim. The treehouse was their makeshift base of operations, and the operation this time was creating an unforgettable summer. Kim felt content sitting there, watching Ron going over a piece of paper with his eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she was wearing her favorite outfit, a yellow T-shirt with a white daisy in the middle with light-blue shorts. Ron was wearing a basic blue T-shirt and shorts. Pent up energy flowed out of him, and Kim was sure she could feel the waves of radiation he gave off of happiness. Quite honestly, she was surprised he wasn't pacing. He wasn't known for being able to stand in place for too long.
"This summer is going to be so badical!" Ron announced, pumping his fist with the hand not holding the paper. "I mean, statistically speaking, it's in our favor to rock!"
Kim giggled. Seeing Ron excited was infectious. "You did make 'the list'. I'm sure it has to go right in some ways."
"I wanted to make sure we both had the perfect summer," he said, in what Kim liked to refer to as his know-it-all voice. He passed the list to Kim so she could check it out herself. "We'll have a few weekends of summer fun at the beach, then there's ice cream at the new place in the next town over, your dad's going to take us to his job to check out rockets..." He check marked everything by extending the necessary number of fingers with one hand, and touching them with the index finger of his other hand. "I even already finished my summer homework. Easy."
Kim blinked, surprised. "You already finished it?" The summer homework packet was like thirty pages long, with a lot of it being front and back. She had started it, but she was nowhere near done.
"Sha, I didn't want it to get in the way down the line when we plateau once summer peaks," he explained. "That's when we begin to anticipate and dread returning back to school in equal measure. We're also going to want to enjoy every day to the fullest by then. It's part of the list, KP. You have to finish it." He shot her a concerned look.
"Don't worry, I'll get it done," She laughed. "You're always so high strung. Relax."
"Hey, one of us has to be. This summer is a defining point. We're going to start middle school in the fall!" Ah, and so commenced his pacing. "The laws of elementary are no more," he explained with a swing of his arm outwardly from his body. "We're entering new territory. Current status: unknown."
"Not to mention the Bueno Nacho grand opening?" Kim asked, leaning forward slightly and eyeing him with a smug smile on her lips. She didn't want to think about middle school just yet. They had the entire summer after all, and as long as Ron would be by her side she wasn't concerned in the slightest over any arbitrary rules. They'd have time to cross that bridge when it officially hit.
Mentioning the name of the fast-food place Ron eyed the construction of almost daily had the desired affect Kim was hoping for. He froze and turned his head to her slowly. The smile Kim loved so much radiating his features. "Oh, absolutely. We have to be there day of! No exceptions!" The grand opening was a week before they started back to school. The giant taco sign reeled him in, already erect by the construction, and he was an eager beaver for its opening. Kim didn't fully understand what was super exciting about a Tex-Mex eatery, but Ron was happy so it was good enough for her.
"Which means you did put learning to ride a two-wheeler on the list, riiiight?" She asked.
"Duh, Kim. Nobody rides a three-wheeler to a grand opening," he closed his eyes and shook his head. "It's just not done."
"Then that means we have to work hard to get you ready," Kim said, knowing he was more than nervous about trying to ride a two wheel bike.
As expected, the nervousness hit him. "It's so daunting. I dunno, Kim," Ron was on the cusp of hyperventilating. The way he switched emotions used to give her whiplash. Now that she understood him better, she knew that even though he understood what needed to be done, it didn't mean that he wasn't scared in regards to doing it. "I don't think I'm ready."
"It doesn't have to be today," she reassured him, standing and pressing her hand against his arm. "Just try to keep in mind that you're doing it for Bueno Nacho."
"That is a pretty good reason." Ron admitted, perking up again.
"For now, it's your only reason," she stated, firmly. "Think about how good you'll feel racing alongside me to be there when the doors first open. You park your bike and smile because you so nailed learning how to do it."
"Yeah, you're right, Kim." He grinned widely. "I'll learn how to ride a bike. I can do anything!"
"Hey, that's my line!" They both laughed.
"You give good pep talks, KP." He said, throwing an arm around her shoulders, as he smiled.
"No big. What are best friends for?" Kim asked, returning his smile with twinkles in her eyes. She couldn't wait for them to tackle the list. It was going to be an awesome summer.
With plans set and hunger erupting in the pit of the pairs stomachs, they trekked to the Possible household. Neither of Kim's parents greeted them upon entry, though she knew they both had the day off. Sure enough, the twins barreled out of the kitchen, proving that some sort of supervision had to be around somewhere. Six year old menaces left to their own devices would be the sure destruction of their living quarters.
"Hey, Ron." Tim greeted, holding some empty soda cans close to his chest.
"Do you want to check out our latest project?" Jim asked, holding a similar amount of soda cans in the same fashion as Tim.
"Uh, sure?" Ron agreed, not wanting to come off too excited. He didn't mind spending time with Kim's brothers. He was always fascinated by the things they created, and on occasion, he helped, but he couldn't bring himself to tell Kim how he truly felt about it. Kind of like with his love of cooking. He didn't think she'd belittle him for the hobby. She never had for anything so far, but he was nervous that she would try and take it over somehow. He adored Kim, but she could be a little bossy, which is why he eyed her reaction now.
"Tweebs! What have I told you about taking my best friend?" Kim placed her hands on her hips, eyeing her brothers. Yep, never mind that he kinda volunteered to go. He was sure she just assumed he wanted to appease them, but building things out of random household items was oddly enjoyable. It was a rare moment that the tweebs helped him have. He sometimes wished Kim enjoyed it too.
"But Ron's really helpful." Tim said.
"We need him." Jim added on.
"Please?" They said in unison, puppy dog pouting their sister with their six-year-old adorable looks to boot.
"Ugh, fine," she relented. "But only for twenty minutes."
"Cool!" They said, looking at each other while Ron followed them along to their room, probably to pose as an experiment, Kim thought.
While the boys shut their door, Anne came around the corner to find a sour Kim eying their door distastefully. "Hi, Kimmie. No Ron today?" She asked, curious to why her eldest was shooting bloody murder eyes at her sons bedroom.
"He's here. The tweebs took him," She said, crossing her arms.
"Ah, thus, explains the pouting."
"Why can't they find their own best friend?" Kim asked, unable to curb her irritation.
"They have a hard time bonding with children their age, Kimmie. For one, they are so in sync with each other to the point it's kind of scary. Other kids probably find interacting with your brothers a little…difficult. It's not a lie to say that they are more intelligent than their peers."
"They do act like they share a brain." Kim agreed, reluctantly.
"And they see Ron like an older brother. They look up to him. There's no harm in sharing him with them, is there?"
"I know sharing is good, but I wanted to spend time with Ron."
Anne smiled. She knew the two best friends could be clingy when they wanted to be. She secretly found it adorable. She hadn't grown up quite as close to anyone from such a young age, and she hoped it would be a lifelong friendship the two shared as they continued to grow up. They were bound to have differences finding themselves, and she hoped they could endure during those times. Having known Ron for nearly seven years, she couldn't begin to imagine a time where he wasn't around in some way anymore. "Kimberly, it's not forever. Ron will be back to play with you intact."
There was a bang, then a thump, and a groan from inside of the twin's bedroom. Better in there than the living room. "Or, well, mostly intact." She kissed Kim's forehead and stood up to her full height. "Now come along. There are cookies in the kitchen."
Day of Camp Wannaweep
Ron tossed and turned in bed, a line of drool spilling from his open mouth. He dreamed of making a working soda can express rocket out of an air conditioner like the twins had showed him. He worked out what would make it work best vs what would likely end in failure. His hands moved of their own accord in his sleep mimicking what he was thinking about in his head. He smiled when something clicked. He was sure he had figured out the answer. Rather he remembered when he woke would be a different story.
"Wake up, Ronnie," Ron's mother, Andrea Stoppable said, shaking him slightly, smiling at his tumbling around in bed. She wasn't sure how he managed to do that and keep the sheets upon his person, but he normally could stay burrito wrapped pretty nicely. It must have been a Ron skill. "You have to get dressed."
His eyes cracked open slightly and he hissed at the blinding light, craving the darkness again. "Why? There's no school." He knew this. Being able to sleep in longer was one of the perks to summer days. It was his well earned reward for doing good in school all year long.
"No, but…" She smiled. "Your dad and I are sending you to summer camp!"
He nodded and snuggled back into his blankets. "Cool."
"Come on dear! Wake up! The bus will be here soon." She pulled the blankets back, making sure they stayed out of range of his groping hands.
"Mom! You know children need eight hours of sleep for good growth and health. I don't want to be short forever."
His mother smiled. "And you know listening to your mother also helps keep you in good health." She softly spanked his rear. "Now it's time to get out of bed."
Ron groaned, but did as he was told, still barely awake to the world around him. He brushed his teeth, changed clothes, and ate breakfast. As he was midchew, his still sleep addled eyes opened widely, and his heart thumped passionately in his chest.
"Summer camp?!"
Knowing him well, Andrea wasn't surprised in the slightest at his delayed understanding. "Me and your dad think it'll be good for you. You can learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun making s'mores out in the open air of the woods."
Hmm, he did love s'mores, but... "What if I don't want to learn new skills or make new friends? I asked you guys for a pet, not camp!"
"Mister watch your tone," His mother chastised. "And you know your dad's allergic to fur."
"A rather large variety of fur." Elliot shivered, sitting down at the breakfast table.
"It's not fair!" Ron wailed. "There's a list!"
"Sweetheart," She placed a hand on his shoulder wanting to sooth him. "You're getting to an age where things might not come as easy as they used to."
"Obviously. I know this," There was a desperate edge to his voice. He had been down this road before. "I even told Kim about it."
"That's my worry. How much do you do outside of Kimberly?"
Ron felt like his mother just sucker punched him square in the gut. He backed up slightly. "Kim's my best friend! You know that! Of course we hang out."
Andrea smiled sadly. "I know she is, but the more you two grow up, there's a chance you may grow apart. Sometimes...things don't last forever," Ron shrank into himself hearing that. "I think Camp would be good for you. Branching out and meeting new people outside of Kim will make you more well balanced." I just don't want you to be hurt. Andrea thought to herself. Kim was growing up into a beautiful young lady. Popularity would follow, and she was sure her poor son would be brushed under the rug, forgotten, when they both became teenagers. So went the social hierarchy. More friends that he could rely on might help with that. It would soften the blow if he was ever met with that kind of betrayal. As far as she could tell, Kim was still his only friend. That sort on loneliness could destroy him if/when it ever came to that.
"Kim wouldn't hurt me." They had seven awesome years behind them, and he never thought to question a time when Kim wasn't in the picture. She had never given him the feeling that she would leave him behind.
"She may not mean to, but she could unintentionally."
"No." He stood firm. "Kim's not perfect, but she's always been a loyal friend. She's had my back when I needed her and I do the same for her when she needs me. I mean, I get that the future may be thorny, prickly, hideous, ugly, scary, a pinch of terrifying…" He gulped. "Uh, you get the picture. But! I know I can rely on her. I'll never doubt that."
He ran out of the living room ignoring the sounds of his mother calling him to come back.
A few minutes later there was a soft knock on his door. His dad opened it and stuck his head inside the crack, finding Ron face down in his pillow, his fully clothed body on top of his blankets. Elliot sighed and walked over to Ron's bed, taking a seat to rub his son's back.
"Are you okay, Ronald?"
"No," his voice came out muffled from being pressed into the pillow. "You guys know Kim. How could you think she...that she would..." He sat up, tears in his eyes. Elliot looked away. He didn't fully agree with Andrea's delivery, but he understood where she was coming from. He hoped he could explain it well enough so that Ron wouldn't come to try and avoid his mom down the line.
"Your mother may sound harsh, but...well, she's been through that sort of heartache herself," Elliot began, still rubbing Ron's back.
"Really?" Ron asked, unsure.
"Yes, really. Someone she viewed as her best friend did something your mother can never forgive. And she shouldn't."
"So it wasn't something they could work out?" Ron asked confused. If he and Kim disagreed on something, they would eventually try to talk it out and come to some form of agreement.
Elliot shook his head. "Unfortunately, there are times when relationships can't be repaired or mended. When it comes to that, we have to know how to let it go."
"Growing up sounds more problematic than I was imagining." Ron said, glumly, doubt in his heart. He knew middle school would be a hurdle, but now he had a tension ball of anxiety in his stomach. He gripped it with his hand not liking the feeling at all.
"It may not be like that for you. Even your mother knows that, I'm sure. You and Kimberly have one heck of a bond," Elliot chuckled. He had never seen such a mature friendship in two people so young. "She only wants for you to be better prepared than she was." I think, he kept to himself.
Ron was quiet for a moment. He was back to his earlier form. He refused to doubt Kim when there was nothing to doubt. Still, he was going to go away for some time. Who was to say if Kim didn't find herself replacing him while he was gone? Ron took a deep breath. "Can I have a favor before I leave?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"May I say goodbye to, Kim?" Ron asked, looking down at his hands.
Elliot smiled. "They don't live too far. I'll let the Possible's know."
Kim stood on the sidewalk next to Ron, both kids sad at what was about to take place. The summer hadn't even officially started, and he wouldn't be around to begin it with her when it did. They wouldn't even get to their list. It would now sit lonely, untouched, up in the treehouse. Kim clenched her hands together in front of her. This wasn't something she had ever expected. When her mother came into her loft, she was surprised to receive news that Ron was going to Camp. That very day. Her stomach twirled in knots.
"Do you really have to go?" Kim asked, knowing that it was out of his hands.
Ron nodded, his mood on the same scale as hers. "I didn't get any more warning than a rude awakening that I needed to get ready. I-I don't want to go."
"Mom, can I go with him?" Kim asked, looking towards Anne who stood near her car. Anne shook her head, hating to be the bearer of bad news.
"I'm sorry, Kimmie. Sign-ups are closed." Maybe if the Stoppable's had told her in advance, but there was nothing for it now. "Plus, we may need you to babysit your brothers on a few different occasions."
Kim closed her eyes. They had never spent any serious amount of time away from each other. Maybe a day or two apart to visit their family and friends, three tops, but nothing close to this. She would miss him. She opened her eyes and took him in. His large dorky ears that worked for him somehow, his six freckles, three under each eye, the brown of his irises...This would be it for a while. Her lip threatened to quiver.
Ron pulled her in for a hug, which she immediately returned. Kim placed her lips close to his ear so he could hear her. "Be strong, Ron. Don't be scared."
His heart thumped. He couldn't help being scared. He had never been this far away from his parents or Kim before. He swallowed roughly and it hurt. His stomach produced bigger knots of worry pains. "I'm not scared."
Yes, you are, Kim would have taunted any other time, a smile on her lips catching the lie. This time, she just took in a breath. "It may not be the summer we wanted, but we'll see each other again when you get back. First chance, I promise." She held up her pinky finger, the one they had made untold kept promises with. A bit of relief he didn't know he needed left his too tight lungs. He linked his pinky with hers, a shaky smile on his face.
"First chance," he repeated, a breeze blowing by as the bus he was to take to Camp came to a stop at the curb of his home. He frowned. This was it. "See you when I get back, KP."
"See you," Kim whispered, moving closer to her mother, as she watched Ron board the bus after hugging his parents goodbye. Anne observed all of it, feeling her own heart squeezing at the exchange. She had not one ounce of doubt about how they cared deeply for each other. It might be a painful summer for them, but they'd reunite stronger than they were now. However, she knew making it to that point would be the most difficult one of all.
Rain fell from the heavens in torrents when the bus pulled under the wooden Camp Wannaweep sign that spoke of the arrival to the destination. Ron took it as the literal sign it truly was. He wasn't going to like his stay here very much. "Be strong, Ron," Sweet, pure, Kim told him, as they hugged. Her emerald eyes full of so much concern and sadness when they pulled back from each other. "It may not be the summer we wanted, but we'll see each other again when you get back. First chance, promise." Kim had told him, building up some hope in his heart.
They had never been apart like this. Knowing that they couldn't see each other if the mood or need came up. Sure, they didn't normally see each other every day, but this was going to be absolute torture. He had no way of actually communicating with her if things got hard. He felt like he had just been sent to slaughter. The reasons may have been pure on the surface, but he didn't want to be here. It would have been nice to have gotten some sort of warning, but nope, he was tossed into the deep end. To drown. Thunder rumbled its agreement in the nearby distance.
Ron, being dressed in only a t-shirt and shorts, was immediately drenched upon leaving the bus. Gripping his duffle bag with change of clothes, toothbrush, and other needed day to day supplies, he walked resigned to his new found fate. A smaller wooden sign featuring the name of the place, 'Camp Wannaweep' was posted a few inches from him. He felt his fragile resolve breaking. Crumbling at his feet. This was really real. He wasn't in Middleton anymore. He wouldn't see it again for weeks. Why couldn't they send him to Clown Camp instead if they felt they must send him anywhere at all?
"Move it, squeeb." A rough voice taunted, as Ron felt a heavy push against his side making him lose balance.
"Hey, no need to be rude." Ron frowned, picking himself up feeling a cool, wet spot on the back of his pants, etching itself into his boxers. Great. Now he was muddy too and it had been all of three minutes. He glared at the boy who sent him tumbling.
"'No need to be rude,'" the boy said, in a horrible imitation of Ron, making his voice soft and squeaky. His voice wasn't that squeaky. The boy's dark hair was flattened to his head thanks to the rain. He seemed truly unbothered by it, standing there with a wide smile. There were dark, hollow marks under his eyes.
"You know, it doesn't take much to be kind," Ron supplied, holding up a finger at the boy absently. "If we all have to attend this camp together, it would be better if we all got along. Wouldn't you agree?"
The boy who pushed him connected eyes with a different boy, a little bulkier and stockier. They both laughed. "You hear this, John? The squeeb thinks we should get along, and hold hands, because that'll make the world a better place."
"I never said we should hold hands," Ron scoffed, crossing his arms. "Misinformation is how rumors get started."
"What is wrong with you?" The one he now knew as John asked, as if shocked anyone would speak up against him. "You sound like a bad fortune cookie."
"Another piece of distorted facts," Did these boys know anything? "Fortune cookies are based on silly quotes, so there's a chance it could say something like that, thus making it a good fortune cookie."
John stepped forward. "Don't you know when to shut up?"
"I've been told I could learn to do so from time to time, but majority of the time my mouth doesn't comprehend the danger of carrying on. Like now." Ron admitted sheepishly. He gave a soft smile neither boy cared to return.
"I don't like uppity brats like you," John growled. "Using school words during summer is lame."
School words? Ron was sure he hadn't even used any big words when talking to these boys. What was he going on about?
"Let's go, Gil. He's not worth it."
"You're right. He's nothing but a mosquito bite."
They both cackled. If these two were supposed to be potential friends who needs enemies? He thought to himself. Yes, indeed it was going to be a very long summer, he couldn't help thinking, as the rain continued to pound against him, making him feel outwardly what he felt internally.
Behind the scenes info: I was torn between continuing where I left off last chapter or making this flashback chapter, buuut I figured this was a good place to start. I haven't read any young Ron at camp stories. Not saying they don't exist, I just haven't read any personally, so it's kind of fun writing a little bit of Ron while he's at camp. Plus, it makes it easier for you readers to kind of piece together things and follow along with how I'm building this Ron who forgot he was smart, or so I hope. Until next time my fellow readers and writers! Feel free to review if you so wish, and as long as you aren't a guest I'll reply back to you when I have the free moment to do so. Take care out there everyone!
