2. Put To The Test ("Home, James")

The shrill buzz of the clock radio alarm sliced through the dawn-lit solitude of the bedroom. William reached over, tapped the 'off' button, and laid there for a moment, caressing the slender hand that was slowly teasing the hair on his chest. 5:30. Great. Another work week.

William turned to Kim. "Good morning, lover. You want the shower first?"

"Soooo nooot," Kim slurred, burying her head in her pillow. "I want to sleep for another hour."

"You were out before you hit the pillow last night. Did you get up in the night? Worried about today?"

"I don't remember even moving after I laid down, much less getting up."

William laid his palm against Kim's forehead. "Aren't you feeling well? You don't feel feverish."

"I....feel okay, I guess. Just a little sluggish," said Kim, sliding closer. "I guess I'm not used to answering an alarm clock. You take the shower first. I just want another half-hour...pleeeaaassse..."

William sat up, Kim's hand trailing along his back. "Okay. Half-hour," he said, standing and walking to the bathroom.

Kim slipped over to William's side of the bed, pressing her face into his pillow. "Thhhnnk ymm, bmmby."

6:02 AM.
William slid a few shirts along the rod in the closet before picking one out. He was doing a quick check to see that all the buttons were there when he heard a grumble behind him, and Kim's head thudded against his back. He turned around and slipped his other arm over her shoulders as she drooped her head against his chest. "You're really tired, aren't you?" he asked as he lightly rubbed her back.

"I'll be okay after a shower," she said, slipping past him to the closet. "I promise."

William kissed her just behind the ear. "Anything particular for breakfast?"

"No," replied Kim. "Just toast. I think I'm too anxious to eat much. My stomach is a bit unsettled."

"Pre-test butterflies ," William chuckled. "I remember those. Don't worry, you'll do fine on the skills test."

"What will they test me on?"

"Mostly stuff you do here on the computer anyway - typing speed, word processing, spreadsheet, email, simple arithmetic...they'll look at grammar and spelling, too. I don't see a problem."

"I'm not so sure I can do that stuff as well with some stranger watching over me."

"They don't. All the tests are compiled and graded by the computer. Nobody will be watching."

"That does make me feel a bit better," said Kim, reaching to kiss William on the cheek, and going through clothes. "I'll take that shower now."

"Attagirl," William smiled.

She brought out a black mid-length skirt, white shirt and tan blazer and laid them on the bed, then turned for the bathroom. William dressed and went to the kitchen to make them breakfast.

6:41 AM.
Kim walked into the kitchen, her mid-height black heels clopping on the linoleum. She was putting the last of the pins into her hair, which was pulled into a bun. She also had a light application of makeup.

William drew out a slow whistle, causing Kim to do a turn, her arms outstretched. "Very business-like, yet not beyond casual," he said.

Kim smiled, then winced just a bit. "If only if fit like it should," she said, arcing her arm forward to adjust.

"Hm?"

"This is my favorite bra...but it feels like it shrank the last time I washed it, or something...I had to let it out a bit, and it's still kind of...snug."

"There's something we never thought of," pondered William. "Cellers growing in the Flesher environment."

"Great..." moaned Kim. "Next I'm going to have to watch my weight."

William spread his hands out in the air in front of him. "I can see the headlines...'Attack of The 50-Foot Kim'."

"Gee," she pouted. "Remind me to wish good things on you today, too." She walked to the counter and slopped a little butter onto her toast, and letting the knife clang on the counter. She bit into her toast, looking out the window with her brow low over her eyes.

William's face fell a bit. "Kim? I was joking..."

Kim finished her bite of toast - then she placed the slice on the counter and her eyes fell to the floor as she walked toward William, embracing him slowly. "I know you were," she said, looking up at him. "Or I should have known. I guess I'm really wound up about this skills test thing."

William slowly edged his hands back and forth along Kim's shoulders. "I know...but I told you how easy it was going to be...and that you had nothing to worry about."

Kim placed her head on William's chest and began to repeat slowly and quietly, "I'm sorry, William...I'm sorry..."

William slid his hands to her back and hugged her a little tighter. "There's nothing to be sorry about...I should know you're worried about things you've never gone through before..." He then felt Kim's body begin to jerk slightly as she started to sob. "Kim...please don't cry...I told you, there's nothing to be sorry about..."

Kim pulled back slowly, wiping under one eye as she looked up to him. "I...I don't know why I'm crying. It just...hit me." She gave a kind of mix between a sigh and a sob. "I'll be glad when this is over. It's really messing with me, both mentally and physically."

William smiled into his wife's eyes, taking her face into his hand, and gently kissing her cheek where the tear was. "You'll see when you get in there. It's exactly like stuff you do at home on the computer. Then your natural Kimness will take over, and you'll do great."

A smile began to spread on Kim's face now. She sniffled once. "I love you, William."

"And I love you, Kim," answered William. He caressed her cheek. "Feel like eating now? Marcy will be after us soon."

"Yeah...I do," Kim said. She slowly backed from William, her eyes locked on his, and her hands sliding along his arms until their hands clasped for a moment - then she turned back to finish her toast.

7:44 AM.
Kim was working with a typing tutor program when the doorbell rang. She sprang from the chair and grabbed her blazer from the bed, putting it on as she ran down the hall. Even from the bedroom, she arrived at the door the same time as William, who had been at the kitchen table, putting his papers together. They opened the door together and greeted Marcy.

"Good morning, you two," Marcy said with a wide smile. "Kim, you look great!"

Kim returned her own warm smile. "Thanks."

"Ready to go?"

"Yep," said William. "Let me just get our paperwork from the table." He retrieved both of the large envelopes and grabbed his keys from the breakfast nook. "Let's went." They walked to Marcy's car - Kim seated in front, William in back - and started off for Meridian.

Kim took a long look aound the iterior and over the dash as Marcy eased into traffic, her hands sliding over the velour upholstery. "William, this is just like the one from the brochure. It's beautiful, Marcy." After that, she turned in her seat to look at William and quietly asked, rather embarassed, "...it is...isn't it? I...haven't been inside too many cars..."

"It is," William nodded. "But I still think I'll end up with the Camry, because of the room."

Marcy giggled a bit. "William, get out of my head! I wanted a Camry too, instead of the Honda. But the day I went down there, they didn't have any colors that appealed to me. I'm still thinking of taking the loss on the lease and trading before winter."

"Loss?" asked Kim.

"The lease term for Meridian company cars is three years," Marcy explained. "If you turn the car in before the lease term is up, and it's not because something is really wrong with the car, the lease company assesses a penalty...usually pretty steep...and if it's not turned in as a decision of the company - guess who pays that penalty."

"Yikes," Kim winced.

"Yeah. The term on this isn't up for another two years. Could wind up costing me a couple thousand dollars. But, it might be worth paying a bit to get what I wanted in the first place."

Kim turned back to William again. "Pleeeaaase make sure you get the one you want." This caused William to laugh softly.

8:07 AM.
The three walked through the parking garage to the main employee entrance. They stepped into the elevator, and Marcy pushed the "3." "I want to give Kim just a peek at Claims and Rec before I take her down to HR," she said.

William nodded as the elevator slowed and the door opened. "That's most likely the department you'll be working in," he said to Kim. Then he smiled. "Though, if I know your talents as well as I think, you'll advance rather quickly."

Kim, Marcy and William walked down the corridor to the glass entrance of Claims and Reconciliation and walked through the doors as the slender Indonesian receptionist came out of a back office with a small stack of papers. "Oh. Good morning Mr. Hodge, Marcy." Her face brightened at the sight of William's wife. "HI Kim!"

The three of them responded as one. "Morning Dawn." Kim immediately put her hand over her mouth, trying to keep composure. They started quickly down the hall of the department, getting about ten steps before Kim could no longer hold her laughter.

William turned to Marcy, chuckling. "I told her about Dawn and that greeting."

Kim turned to Marcy, her eyes narrowed with laughter. "Hmmmm-hm-hm-hm-hmmm."

Kim took in the sight of the Claims and Reconciliation department as they walked along the hall. It was a spacious room, with well over 100 cubicles made from cloth-covered panels of various colors, and the walls were covered in a light beige material. The panels only extended about two feet over the surface of the desks within them, so people were able to see without having to stand. Music from one of the local stations drifted softly from ceiling speakers, playing a mix of songs from today, as well as the 80's and 90's.

As they walked, Kim could see the "news" ripple like waves over a pond, as more and more peoples' heads perked to her presence. Some waved as they caught her attention. One woman who had asked a question of Kim at the reception stood as she neared. "Hi Kim! I didn't expect to see you here...ohmigosh, are you coming to work with us??"

"I sure hope so," Kim replied with a wide smile. At this, the woman sat and whirled in her chair to her neighbor in the next cubicle. Word nearly beat them to the end of the room as they turned the corner and entered the break area. It too, was a rather large room, with a mix of long tables and smaller round ones. The walls were lined with various vending machines, refrigerators, a few sinks and coffee makers and microwave ovens adorned the counters. There was a TV on a stand suspended from each ceiling corner. "This is where most people grab a bite for break or lunch," Marcy said as they walked through. "This connects with the other half of Claims and Rec. There are about 200 people in the department right now. Would you like anything, Kim?"

"Just a little water, thank you," Kim replied. Marcy showed her where the water dispenser was, and she took a paper cup from the rack, filling it. She pressed the cup to her lips and took a sip - then softened. "Mmmmmmmm," Kim said. "William - this water is soooo COLD!"

William turned to Marcy. "We go through quite a bit of ice at home," He said. "The colder, the better."

Kim took another drink and stuck her head through the door to the other half of the department. Someone immediately saw her and waved, then tapped his neighbor on the shoulder - and the ripples of waves and "hi" flowed through the room, just like the other half. Kim smiled, returning the wave.

The three of them went back into the hall and out a door to the main corridor. Marcy turned to Kim. "Ready?"

Kim balled her fists and took in a deep breath. "I'm psyched."

Marcy made a swiping motion in the air. "Nothing to be psyched for. From what William has told me, you shouldn't have any problem. You already work with this stuff all the time at home." William smiled and winked at his wife.

"William, when she's completed the skills test, I'll have them run the results straight up to my office. I'll tell them to show Kim to your office. It'll be just over three hours for everything. Then we can grab a little lunch and head over to Harlan."

"Sounds like a plan," William replied. He then leaned to Kim, taking her hand and kissing her on the cheek. "See you in a bit. Tear it up."

Kim smiled, then started off with Marcy down the hall. William turned and went the other way, toward his office.

8:34 AM.
Marcy opened the door to the Human Resources department and held it open for Kim to walk through. The woman at the desk immediately stood up. "Kim! Hi!" she said, extending her hand. "I'm Mary Drexel. I talked to you at the wedding reception. Hi Marcy. What's up, you two?"

Kim took her hand, smiling warmly. "Hi Mary. I remember you."

"Mary, Kim is here for a standard Skills Test, "said Marcy. "I already have her app. Ummm...go ahead and throw in Internet and research skills. I want you to rush the results to my office the second they print. Then if you could get someone to show Kim to William's office?"

"Not a problem," replied Mary, glancing at the wall clock. "Should be done by about noon or so."

"Thanks Mary," Marcy said. She then turned to Kim. "Have fun, and I'll see you at lunch."

"Thank you so much for everything, Marcy." Kim said as Marcy then turned for the door.

Mary was a few steps away, with her hand on a doorknob. "Let's get you started," she said. Kim walked to join her. Inside a small room was a desk and chair like the ones in Claims and Rec, and a computer. A booklet stood on a text stand to the left of the monitor. Mary showed Kim how to adjust the chair to her liking as she took off her blazer and put it on the back of the chair.

Mary then pulled another booklet from one of the desk's drawers, and put it behind the one on the text stand. She pointed to various places on the screen as she instructed Kim on the test. "You're all set. Everything is done for you by the computer...just follow the directions. It will start after put in your information - name and stuff. The only test that's timed is the typing speed test - but don't spend a whole lot of time on any one thing. If you don't know, just hit 'next,' and it'll take you to the next task or test. After the last test, just hit 'complete,' and it will print at my desk." She started to turn for the door - then stopped. "Kim?" she added. "There's a lot of stuff on the tests, and the size of the whole thing can intimidate some people. What I tell everybody is just to concentrate on the task you're working on, and not the next. That seems to help a lot."

Kim spread a smile over her face. "I think that will help. I've been dreading this a little."

Mary placed a hand on Kim's shoulder and smiled. "Just look at the screen and go...'no big'." They both laughed at this, and Kim's attitude toward the test she had been dreading began to take on a new lightness. She placed her hands on the keyboard as Mary turned for the door. She looked back in the room - Kim's fingers fluttered twice on the keys - and, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, she had already entered her name, and reached for the mouse to click the 'next' button in the lower right corner of the screen.

"Wow," said Mary, a bit amazed. "I'm already jealous of your typing."

Kim giggled as Mary closed the door - then turned back to continue the test.

11:48 AM.
William was working on coordination projections for the first phase of the upcoming restructuring when his phone beeped twice - a call from his secretary. He pushed the speaker button. "Yes?"

"Kim's here."

"Ah," said William. "Right on time, too. Send her right in." He hit the speaker button again. A few seconds later, the door opened and Kim slowly moved her head inside.

"Hi there," William said cheerfully. "Come on in, there's nobody else here."

Kim stepped through the door and closed it slowly while looking around. She had never seen William's new office. The walls were papered with a medium gray material which nearly matched the carpet. William was seated behind a large cherrywood desk, with an extension to his right, where his computer and printer sat. The entire wall behind him was bookcases filled with books and folders and other items, including a small refrigerator, a microwave oven and a stereo which was playing classical music at a barely audible level. The room was lit by indirect track lighting along the ceiling, and a large reading lamp on the desk. In front of the desk were two chairs upholstered in a deep burgundy fabric, with exposed wood arms carved into elegant curves.

Kim slowly made her way across the room, still taking in William's work environment, studying several pictures on the wall as she passed each. William rose from his desk and met her a little more than halfway, embracing her. "There now. That wasn't as bad as you thought, was it?"

Kim leaned up for a kiss. "It could have gone a little better...but Mary was really nice, and she said some things that put me a little more at ease." She continued looking around the office. "So...this is your home away from home," she said.

"It's a nice place to work," said William, "but I don't think I'd want to live here." He led Kim to one of the chairs. "Get comfy. We have to wait until Marcy calls, and then we can go to lunch." He returned to his chair, turning partway around and sweeping his hand to the refrigerator. "Would you like something to drink in the meantime?"

"Have any juices in there?" asked Kim, grinning.

William smiled. "You know me well, Mrs. Hodge," he said, getting a couple of mugs from a shelf and opening the refrigerator to pour some apple juice in each. William walked around to the front of the desk, sitting in the other chair while passing Kim one of the mugs. "Have any problems with the tests?"

"The only thing that slowed me down was that I forgot how to export parts of a spreadsheet to a Word document," Kim said. "It took me a couple minutes, but it came back to me. The rest went pretty well. I think I did okay."

"Oh, I'm sure you did 'okay'," replied William.

"I'm going to have to start listening to you more."

"The test was really no big, was it?"

Kim laughed. "No...you were right. And so was Marcy. Hehe, that's exactly what Mary said to me - 'no big'."

"Marcy really likes you. I could tell that from the wedding. And I hope you would know that I'd never steer you wrong on anything I didn't think you could handle."

Kim reached for William's hand. "Yeah. Thanks for putting up with me this morning."

"I'm just glad you're feeling better."

William's phone beeped twice. "'Scuse me a sec, hon," said William, rising to walk around his desk. "Duty calls." He sat at his chair and picked up the receiver. "Marcy's on six," said Ann, his secretary.

"Thanks," William said. He then pushed a button on the top row. "What up, Miss Al-va-rez?" He said in a mock snooty tone - then laughed. He wrote "Marcy" with an arrow on a notepad, and showed it to Kim.

"William," Marcy started. "I just got Kim's test results."

"Anything wrong?" William asked.

"You've got to be kidding," she said. "She tested at 95 words per minute with 100% accuracy...her spelling and grammar are right on...she came through the other tests with flying colors - especially the research. William - she's tested on a lower management level. I almost feel bad about not starting her as a supervisor...but the right thing to do is to start her in the trenches, until she's comfortable with internal policies and such - at least a couple of months."

"That's my girl," William beamed, giving a "thumbs-up" sign to Kim. He then started scribbling something else on the notepad. "And so?"

"I'd be willing to bet that she'd be anxious to start - but I'd like to see you give her a little rolling start at home. Show her some of the tricks you know. How about a week?"

"I'm liking it," William said. He scribbled a bit more - then, "Are we still on for lunch and Harlan?" As he asked this, he slid the notepad across the desk, turning it so Kim could read it. Kim leaned forward. The notepad read, "Welcome to Meridian, baby. You start the 29th." with a smiley face below that.

"That's what I had on the agenda," said Marcy. "I'll start up there right after we hang up."

Kim tried to contain an extended squeal behind her closed mouth. She stood quickly and almost ran around William's desk, throwing her arms around him. William said "MFPH" into the phone.

"What was that??" Marcy chuckled.

"I'm being hugged," laughed William. "I'm taking that to mean that Kim graciously accepts your offer of employment."

Now Marcy laughed. "Maybe I should get up there now, before you newlyweds start anything."

"Start anything...? Oh! Now that you mention that, I did promise to educate Kim on the term 'nooner'..."

Kim lightly slapped the back of William's head and burst out laughing. "Come save me, Marcy," she said, leaning toward the mouthpiece. "He's thinking evil again."

Even Kim could hear Marcy's laughter. "Tell her to be brave, William. I'm on my way." William could hear her still laughing as she hung up.

William hung up the phone - and was smothered with kisses, interspersed with several "I love yous."

"Wow...what's this for?"

"For how wonderful you are."

William laughed softly. "Your getting a job here had little to do with me. Marcy offered, and you already had the mad computer skills required."

Kim stopped for a second - then kissed her husband again. "You're still wonderful."

"You're still the big reason why," replied William.

"I should have brought some water to pour on you two," giggled Marcy from the doorway.

Kim stood up quickly at Marcy's voice. Both she and William were now blushing. William stood, taking the lease paperwork from his desk, and straightening his tie.

Kim broke the silence first. "Hi," she said rather nervously, looking down and kicking her foot against the carpet. "I feel like Harlequin Girl now."

Marcy continued to smile. "It's okay. You're still newlyweds. I really do understand."

Kim walked toward Marcy with an embarassed expression, her brow furrowed. "No, I'm sorry, Marcy," she said. "I'm...not known for big public displays like that...please forgive me." As she said this, her eyes became somewhat glassy.

"Kim...it's okay. Really."

"I hope so," Kim said, putting her arms around Marcy. Marcy looked at William over Kim's shoulder, opening her palm in the air, a quizzical look on her face. William had no explanation for Kim's sudden moodiness, which started that morning. He shook his head slightly, mouthing the words "I don't know," with a concerned expression.

Marcy pulled back, studying Kim's face. "Do you feel alright, honey?"

Kim gave a huge sigh of resignment, wisping a tear from one eye with a finger. "I think I overpsyched myself for the skills test," she said. "It turned out to be a lot of worry over nothing. It was quite the emotional stress, I guess."

"Nothing is right," smiled Marcy. "Your test results were fantastic."

"I'm just glad I didn't let anybody down. But once I got started, it came to me easy."

William walked up, placing an arm around both of them. "Are we ready for this lunch thing? I'd like to have a full stomach when I find out they don't have a car I like."

Marcy laughed, "I shouldn't have told you about my experience at Harlan. I'll feel really bad if what you said comes true."

"I'm not that picky when it comes to color. I'm sure they'll have something I can live with."

"Speaking of picky," Kim asked. "Ummm...where are we going for lunch?"

"There's a little Chinese tea room on the way to Harlan," Marcy replied. "I think you'll really like it."

"We made stir-fry one night." Kim said. "I like Chinese food." Her eyes fell a bit. "Marcy? Would I be rude if I said I wasn't very hungry?"

"No, dear - not at all," said Marcy. "You eat as much or as little as you want."

They started through the door with Kim in the lead. William turned to his secretary on the way out. "This is us - leaving. See you in the morning."

1:11 PM.
Sunshine Tea Room

The three had just finished their meal. William ordered almond chicken, Marcy fed her usual craving for pot stickers - and Kim had picked at an egg roll and some fried rice, eventually eating most of it.

Kim took the napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. "Marcy, where are the restrooms? I could stand to check my face and hair."

Marcy pointed toward the back of the restaurant. "They're back that way, the other side of the hall from the kitchen."

"Thanks," Kim smiled and rose, walking toward the doorway Marcy pointed out. As she turned out of sight, Marcy turned to William. "You smack me if this is none of my business," she started. "But...is everything okay between you two?"

"Near as I can tell, everything is fine," replied William. "You're talking about the bit of emotion in the office?"

"Yeah...I can believe that the test might psyche her out - it does that to a lot of people. But that just seemed a little...strange...that's all."

"To tell you the truth, she's been moody since she got up this morning. I told her beforehand not to worry about the test. I knew she knew all the stuff that would be on it."

"I hope that's all it was," Marcy said.

"Actually, I've been trying not to dwell on it," William said. "It's easy to forget...but...this is still a new environment for her...and there is no information whatsoever about how the Flesher environment may or may not affect Cellers over a long period of time. Kim is the very first to ever be here this long. If this kind of thing continues, I might suggest she see a doctor."

"I can see why you wouldn't want to dwell on it. She's so special, William...and you're so lucky to have an experience like this. It would be horrible to think that anything bad could happen as a result of her being here."

William nodded. "I tell myself the first two things you said every single morning. The last part...not so much."

"Let's forget it for now," said Marcy, "See how she is tomorrow. But I agree with you, have her see a doctor if it keeps up."

"Marcy," William said, "There are times when we don't know what we would do without you. I've been meaning to say that for quite a while now, and I know Kim feels the same way. The thing with setting up the wedding, helping her through the process to get her job...you've gone above and beyond...and I don't think we'll ever come up with a way to thank you enough."

"William, ever since you hit the door at Meridian a couple of years ago, you've turned into someone I could always count on at work. The touches you put on the reports...all the extra things you did, staying late and everything - I felt that it was the least I could do to thank you for everything you've done - for me, for Meridian - just everything. You deserved it."

Kim came through the doorway and approached the table. She had let her hair down. She took her chair and smiled. "Thank you for lunch, Marcy. This food is excellent. I'm sorry I didn't bring my appetite."

"It's okay," Marcy replied. "At least you've gotten a taste. I'm betting you'll come back here soon," she said, turning to give William a "hint" expression.

Kim snickered and joined Marcy's expression toward her husband. "Yes, Mr. Hodge...let's bet."

William switched his glance back and forth between the two. "Uh, err, umm - this weekend?"

"Bingo!" exclaimed Kim, laughing.

Marcy joined in the laughter. "You've have him trained so well."

"Oh no. Not me. He was this way when I found him." Kim said. The two women laughed again.

William now chuckled. "I can remember a time when you wouldn't think of stepping out the door of the apartment, much less to a restaurant."

"Yeah," Kim immediately responded. "Oh man, that seems like sooo long ago." She then took both of their hands. "Back before I knew what a lovely friend I had in Marcy -" She then turned to William. "- and what a gift I had in you." She leaned to her husband and kissed him, then sat and looked at Marcy again.

"You better not kiss me like that," Marcy smirked.

"HAHAHA!" Kim burst out, with Marcy joining in.

William again made the motion of writing on his hand. "Note to self - when lunching with Kim and Marcy, sit at different table and deny knowing those crazy people." This caused all three of them to erupt into laughter. Then William put his hands flat on the table and looked at Marcy. "Mooooommm? Can I have a car now? You promsed."

"You bet," she replied. "Let's do this." She glanced at her watch. "Whoa! Yes, let's definitely do this. I still have marketing to do before I go home."

Marcy picked up the check and the three of them went to the cashier, where Marcy bought each of them a mint. Kim looked at the wrapper. "Vanilla Creme Mint. Good call," she giggled.

"Oh, you'll just love that," said Marcy, pulling her keys from her purse as she opened the door to the street. "Sometimes I stop by here on the way home just to buy one."

Kim and William waited at the curb while Marcy brought the car up. Kim waited until getting in the car before opening her mint, so she could have Marcy put the wrapper in the trash. She studied the candy for a second - then slid it onto her tongue and into her mouth. Even without seeing her face, William knew the expression she took on. Kim's head slowly lolled back against the headrest as the mint melted and filled her mouth with its creme esssence, and she began to purr out a long slow moan.

Marcy watched Kim for a moment. "You like?"

William leaned forward a bit, smiling. "This is why I love taking Kim places for new food."

"Mmmmm-mmmmm, yesssssss," was all Kim could muster as an answer.

Marcy turned back to William. "Does she do this often?"

"Not very often," William offered. "Only when she eats."

"All food?"

"It's a Celler thing," Kim cooed, still experiencing the mint.

2:25 PM.
Harlan Motorplex

Marcy pulled into a space in front of the new car showroom, and the three of them got out. Harlan was a massive "superstore" dealership, handling several different makes, from Toyota to Mercedes. They didn't even get to the door before they were met by a large man with an obvious Texan accent.

"Marcy, Ah ain't seen y'all since th' last tahm," he said rather loudly, taking her hand and shoveling it into his. "How's that Hondah runnin' fo' y'all?"

"It's running just fine, Todd," Marcy answered. "We're here to initiate the lease I talked to you on the phone about. She turned and sweeped her hand. "William, this is Todd Boyd. Todd, this is William Hodge."

Todd took a step forward, taking William's hand in the same manner as he did Marcy's. His grip reminded William of the way Angelica would grab his hand - only about three times larger. "Good t'meet y'all William. Thanks fer comin' to Harlan for your motorin' needs." He then extended his hand to Kim. She took a step from behind William, not sure how to take him. Todd froze for a second, his eyes wide as he caught full sight of his first Celler. He then went back into Sales Mode, taking her hand. "Hah, Kim," he said, smiling widely.

"H--ow, Hi," replied Kim, wincing a little through her smile from the large man's handshake.

"Fo'give me fo' starin', Kim..." Todd said, "And fo'give mah manners...but dickens if'n you ain't got th' reddest head o' hair Ah ever did see." Kim blushed slightly, still recovering from the handshake. Todd then turned to William. "So y'all need a comp'ny car. Ah guess you've seen th' brochures from us?"

"Yeah," replied William, "And I was kind of leaning toward a Camry." Marcy stuck her tongue out slightly at William at this, and Todd looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

Marcy giggled a little. "I told William about the day I picked out the Honda. Actually, I was mulling over turning it in early and getting a Camry. But I'll handle that from work."

"Ah remember that," said Todd. "Y'all were a bit frustrated that we didn't have a color ya lahked much. Well, y'all kin call us when you're ready to make that switch. Jes' lemme know, and if Ah don't have one in stock Ah kin put on hold, Ah'll find one." He turned back to William. "What about you? Y'all got a color in mahnd?"

"Well, my first choice would be a dark blue, if you have it."

Todd pulled a dog-eared sheet from his shirt pocket and looked it over. "Ah yeah. Stratosphere Mica. Got two of 'em. Both V6 XLEs - top o' th' lahn. Y'all stay raght here and Ah'll bring one of 'em 'round." With that, Todd went through the door and toward the key rack, studying the sheet for a stock number.

As the door closed, Kim took on a pained expression. She shook her hand, flexing her fingers and holding her wrist. She pointed in Todd's direction, looking at William and Marcy. "Ewwww."

Marcy laughed out loud. "Makes quite an impression, doesn't he?"

"Shades of David Morris," William said.

Marcy's head quickly turned to William. "Exactly!"

"Good call," added Kim. "That guy was sooo ewww. I never had to shake his hand, though."

"If David could find a way, he'd reach through the phone to shake your hand, if he thought it would sell you a policy," said William. "But in person? Yeah. So eww." Marcy nodded in agreement.

The three of them were startled by a horn behind them. Todd slid into the space next to Marcy's car in a new Camry, gleaming in deep blue. He opened the door and strode toward them. "William, y'all take that fo' a spin. Ah'll stahrt th' paperwork." He looked at Marcy. "Ah'll also talk with this little lady about wha she wants to get outta that bee-yootiful Honda."

"You just pulled up in the reason," Marcy said, smiling. "I wanted a Camry in the first place."

Todd opened the door of the dealership and swept his arm inside, inviting Marcy. William walked to the car on the passenger side and opened the door. He turned around and looked at Kim. "Don't you want to come?" he said, extending his hand.

"Yeahhh," said Kim slowly, walking to take her husband's hand. "I just wanted an invitation." William led her into her seat, and she settled against the rich charcoal velour, warm from the midday sun. William gently shut the door, then went to the driver's side and got in. They both sat for a moment, studying the interior, William looking over instruments and controls and adjusting the wheel and seat to his liking.

"Mmmm," Kim said, sliding her fingers over the upholstery. "This is even nicer than Marcy's car."

"Now I see why she wants one. Shall we?"

"Absolutely."

William turned the key. :KKKKKKKKK: "Oops," he said sheepishly. "It's already running." He slipped the shifter to Reverse, and backed out of the space. William eased into traffic, merging with the flow. As he drove, he tested the operation of various features - wipers, windows.

Kim noticed a small handle on the ceiling. "Is this what I think it is?" She pulled it back, exposing the glass panel behind it. "A sunroof!" she beamed as the sun shone in on her face. William found the switch on the dash which retracted the panel. Kim let her hair dance about her face as the air streamed in.

As they rolled to a stop at a light, they pulled next to a minivan in the next lane. Immediately a number of children began to pound against the window. One of them leaned out of the driver's window, behind the woman who was driving. "Hey you're Kim Possible!" he shouted. "We watch you all the time!"

Kim found the switch for her window and slid it down. "Hi, thanks," she said, smiling warmly. "What's your name?"

"I'm Bobby," said the blonde-haired boy. He then pointed to other children in the back. "And this is Joel, David, Theresa - and my yucky sister, Bonnie." This earned him a smack from a dark-haired girl seated directly behind the driver's seat.

"A sister named Bonnie," William said to Kim. "Ohh, I bet that's fun."

Kim giggled, then turned back to the children. "Where are you guys going today, Bobby?"

"To the zoo!" he shouted. At this time, the light changed to green, and the minivan began to pull away. "Bye Kim!" shouted Bobby before sinking back inside the window. "You rock!"

Kim waved her hand out the window at the children. "Bye!" she shouted. Then she laughed out loud as she closed the window. "He went back to the seat, and just dived on his sister." William laughed as well.

Kim then took on a look of mock anger, putting her hands out as if holding a steering wheel. "Don't make me come back there." She then erupted into giggles.

William adopted the same expression. "So help me, Robert - I'll turn this van around and go straight home."

"And when we get home, you're grounded for a week, young man!"

"Two weeks!"

"A month!"

They said the next together, remembering a line from one of Kim's episodes. "A whole MONTH!!??" They broke into laughter.

Kim regained herself and gave a loud sigh. "Oh, I sooo needed that."

"What," said William, "being recognized, or the giggle fit?"

"Yes," Kim said, surrendering to another short spurt of laughter.

"I'm at my happiest when you're happy," William said, taking Kim's hand.

Kim curled her fingers around her husband's hand. "Then you must be very, very happy right now," she said.

"All we need to do now is go back to Harlan and sign the papers, and this day will be perfect," William said as they slowed to another light.

Kim turned her hand and teased the tip of her finger slowly over William's palm. "That's the day...what about the night?" she said slyly.

William motioned Kim to meet him halfway - then began to whisper in her ear as she leaned toward him.

As he spoke, her eyes slowly drifted to slits, and a smile began to spread over her face. "Eeeeeeviiillll," she purred.

William pulled back for a second - "And then -" - he then whispered a bit more.

Kim's eyes became wide, and she took in a long slow gasp. She looked rather shocked at him as he straighened in his seat. She started chanting as the light changed, "Back to Harlan! Back to Harlan!"

Back at the dealership, William held the door for Kim as they entered. Todd and Marcy were seated on either side of a desk to the right. Todd immediately stood and strode toward William. "Whatcha thank, Mr. Hodge? Izzat th' one?"

"Good thing you started the paperwork," said William. "That's the one."

"Ah knew it!" replied Todd. "Ah knew it th' second y'all laid ahs on it. Them Camrys all but sell theirselves. Ah'm waitin' fo' one thang from th' secretary, but we kin do th' rest in th' meantahm." He dropped his huge hand on William's shoulder and led him to his desk. He picked up the phone and dialed a short number. "Danny, Ah need y'all up front to put some transit stickers on a customer's new car," he said while motioning William into a seat.

Marcy rose to give William the chair as they approached, and she joined Kim. "See why I wanted a Camry all along?"

"Yeah," replied Kim. "It almost rides like a limousine. Even has a sunroof."

"I'd still want one in gold, though," Marcy said. "Do you like that dark blue?"

Kim didn't answer. Her gaze was transfixed on something on the other side of the showroom. Marcy waved her hand in front of Kim's face. "Kim?" Kim said nothing, but took Marcy by the arm and started to walk across the showroom.

"Well, that's it but th' tax statement," Todd boomed across the desk. "I know th' comp'ny bahs th' tags, but y'all saghn it 'cuz y'all're dravin' it." William nodded. Todd stood and looked toward one of the offices at the back of the showroom. "Lemme check on how th' secretary's doin'-" He then caught sight of Kim and Marcy. He turned back to William, pointing to the women. "Looks lahk your wahf found her a little somethin' too. Whah don't y'all talk with her and Ah'll be back with that tax thang." He then turned for the office. William went to join Kim and Marcy, just as Kim was sliding behind the wheel of a small dark green sedan.

"What's up, ladies?" asked William.

"She pulled me over to look at this one," Marcy said.

"William, I think I'm in love," said Kim, sliding her hands along the wheel. "Get in and check this out."

William walked around to the passenger side and slid into the seat, looking over the strangely-laid out dash panel. There were no instruments in front of the driver - the speedometer and indicator lights were on a small panel on the top center of the dash. Below that was a panel with various icons, and arrows between each. "This is different," William said.

"It's just the right size for zipping around town on short trips," Kim said. "It can't use much gas at all."

"Less'n ya thank," said Todd, who had returned with the rest of the paperwork. "This here's a hahbrid ve-hicle. Runs mainly on 'lectric power 'round town...and if y'all don't mahnd m'sayin' so, that 'Lectric Green Mica paint kinda matches th' little lady's ahs."

Kim turned to William and fluttered her eyelids at him. "Mahh ahhhhs," she giggled in a mock accent. William chuckled. "I take this as a hint that you think we need a car of our own."

"Well...you did say that we can't use the company car for personal use."

"Kim...it's a good idea," he said, getting out of the car and walking around the back, reading the nameplate - "Prius" - "And there's only two things stopping us from taking this car home today." He opened Kim's door and offered his hand to help her out.

Kim stood and looked at her husband rather expectantly, waiting for him to finish.

"Driving lessons and a license," he said.

"Yeah. Can we do that soon?"

"I can help out there," Marcy joined in. "I can bring my own car over this weekend, and we could get started in a parking lot somewhere."

Kim threw her arms around Marcy, then turned and did the same with William. "You both rock," she said.

Todd motioned William to the rear of the car, where he had the rest of the paperwork laid out with a pen laid on top. William scrawled his signatue onto them - and Todd dropped the keys into his hand. "Your wahf really lahks this one," he said. "Somethin' tells me Ah'll be seein' y'all again soon."

"If Kim takes to driving the way she does everything else, you're very right," smiled William, as he shook Todd's hand. "And thanks for everything." He then turned to Marcy. "Thanks to you, too. Come over anytime Saturday, and we'll start the lessons."

The three of them started for the door. "Thanks agin," Todd boomed after them. "Thanks fo' shoppin' at Harlan, and y'all come back soon."

William turned to Marcy as they walked out the door, and they both said, "Y'heah?" then laughed. Marcy opened her door as William led Kim to the passenger side of the Camry. She looked over the new vehicle. "You're going to make me trade even sooner than I thought," she said, smiling. "See you tomorrow. And Kim? See you Saturday. Bring your helmet."

to be continued...