Disclaimer
Kim Possible is a registered trademark of Disney Inc. I have no rights to any of the characters. And they have no rights to me.
Providence
A Kim Possible Story
Author: falfurrian
Editor: Spice of Life
Chapter 11
"Kim! Wait up! Would you, please?" Randy asked.
Kim rounded on the two boys, ready for action. 'If they get out of line, I will knock them senseless!' She thought to herself fiercely. Randy and Nate came up short, not wanting to get too close to the ardent redhead.
"Kim," Randy started, unable to meet her gaze. Nate stood a little behind Randy, looking only at his feet. "How is Ron? No one seems to really know how he's doing."
Randy raised his head and for the first time Kim got a good look at him. Both of his eyes were swollen and had large bruises around them. The long scab running over the bridge of his noise looked painful. 'And what a cast!' She thought in amazement, 'I thought I had a big arm weight, but his is a full arm cast with pins!'
Nate lifted his head a little and she cringed. He too had raccoon like black eyes, but his nose was huge and all shades of purple, yellow and blue. It hurt just to look at him. What a job Ron had done to them! Kim relaxed slightly. Randy didn't look like he wanted any trouble.
Kim began to understand why people had been talking differently about Ron. He had kicked the crap out of these boys.
"Ron is doing well." Kim answered formally. "He should be returning to school Wednesday or Thursday."
"Did he really have a concussion?" Randy asked.
'Was that a smirk I saw on Nate's face?' Kim asked herself.
His manner was relaxing, and he started looking more like the bully that Kim remembered. The sound of Randy's voice brought back memories of him and his posse yelling insults at Ron during pep rallies. Those idiots had done everything they could to upset him. Ron always ignored them, but she knew the constant taunting had to hurt.
"Yes he did," Kim answered bluntly.
"But he'll be okay, right?" Randy questioned heavily. He dug his hands into his pockets and stared hard at Kim.
Eyes narrowing and mouth compressing, Kim was loosing grip on her anger. 'Okay' was a relative term. Ron's physical wounds would heal. But Ron had lost something he would never have again. These offish boys had beaten her friend while he was helpless. 'I'm glad Ron kicked your sorry ass!' She thought rudely to herself.
Kim's thoughts came through loud and clear. Randy and Nate backed away from the young woman.
"Thanks Kim. Uh, see ya." The two boys quickly disappeared into the cafeteria, not wanting to further anger her. When they were out of sight, Kim finally broke down. Her emotions overflowed. Tears began streaming down her face, and her vision blurred as she ran down the hall. The deserted classroom was a perfect place for her to lose composure.
She dropped into her usual desk, and buried her head in her arms and cried. It had been a long morning. Her reputation had been tarnished by Mankey, Ron was still in the hospital, and Monique was going completely weird. 'What could happen next?'
The Kimmunicator sounded, the loud rings interrupting her thoughts. What now?! She let it ring again. She didn't want to talk with Wade, and the thought of a mission without Ron made her sick. On the third ring she checked the caller ID. 'Middleton Hospital.' Could it be?
"Hello? Ron?"
"Hey KP. How's it going?" Kim's heart leapt.
"Ron, I'm so glad you called!" She said, not hiding any of her emotions.
"Kim, you don't sound so good. What's up?" Ron questioned her softly.
"Oh Ron, it's been such a terrible day. Monique is going all weird on me, I'm constantly telling people I don't get high, and I hate those bullies that attached you!" Kim stifled a sob.
"Wow, that sounds rough!" Ron confirmed.
"Life blows right now, Ron."
Ron listened patently as Kim told him about all the rumors and questions from the morning. She told him about when Bonnie had caught her off guide with her comment about smoking pot and being kicked off the squad. She finished lamenting with the recent Randy and Nate encounter.
"That's harsh Kim." Ron stated when Kim seemed a little calmer. "Everything's a mess right now, but you'll get through." Ron said, somehow managing to sound optimistic and empathetic at the same time.
"Don't waist your time with Randy and company." He added gently. "They're just a bunch of insecure people trying to make themselves look 'big and or strong'." Ron continued, doing his best to sound like Mr. Barkin. "They are the losers."
Kim smiled. "You're right Ron. I just hate what they did to you."
"No good ever came from hate." Ron added somberly. "Now what is this about Monique?"
"Ron, she is being so weird! She keeps saying stuff that just doesn't make since"
"Like what KP?" Ron asked.
Kim hesitated; she was not sure how Ron might take this. "Well, Ron. It's about you. She says that you are a … racist."
"Well, I am pretty good at Turbo Raceway III," Ron said sounding a little confused.
"No Ron! Not racer, racist. Prejudice." Kim said, wondering how he could go from being so insightful to harebrained so quickly. "You know, not liking someone for their skin color or religion."
"Oh." Ron said, realizing his mistake.
"She won't tell me why she thinks this. She only tells me that she knows it's true." Kim continued more positive then ever that Monique was wrong. Heck, Ron didn't even know what the word meant.
"Wow! If she thinks that, she must really being saying some stuff about me." Ron didn't sound upset, only concerned. "She couldn't tell you why?"
"No!" Kim stated, clearly frustrated. "I told her you were the last person on earth that would feel like that, but she won't listen."
"Thanks Kim! That was nice." Ron was silent for a couple seconds. "You know, this sounds villain kind of weird. Anything unusual going on in that world?"
"I never thought of that! You may be on to something!" Kim said with real surprise.
Ron continued, clearly pleased with the praise from his friend, "To quote a very close friend, 'No big'."
Kim was feeling much better. Her long-time companion had once again restored her 'can do' attitude and she was able to see more clearly. 'He has always been there for me. What would I do without him?'
"I'll contact Wade to see what's new on that front." Kim stated with renewed zeal.
Kim relaxed and sighed, "Thanks Ron. It always cheers me up to talk with you."
"Anytime KP." Ron replied, smiling.
"I almost forgot. You called me. What did you need?" Kim asked. She had been rambling on about her problems. What if Ron had needed to tell her something?
"I needed to cheer up my best friend."
"Sometimes you amaze me Ron."
=========================================
In an abandoned Buggy Whip manufacturing plant north of Upperton, USA, two sinister looking individuals conferred on their unique plan to crush Team Possible.
"Well Shego," started Dr. Drakken. "I think the plan is going better than expected. Tonight, we step it up." He looked at his attractive assistant wanting obedient confirmation. "Are all the additional feeds and monitors in place at the Possible house?"
The shapely younger women with slightly greenish skin and beautiful long black hair rolled her eyes. "For the forth time, YES!" Shego said with disregard. "Have you finished your part? Have you edited all those photos you had me take? I swear, I have never taken so many pictures of pimply faced teens in all my life!"
"You wouldn't have had to take so many if you'd done your research." Dr. Drakken reminded with complete confidence.
"Hold on there bucko! It was your job to find out which girls liked Kimmie's boyfriend. I had my research done on time."
"How was I to know she was going to break up with Jack..."
"You mean Josh." Shego corrected.
"Whatever!" Drakken yelled, waving a dismissive hand. "And start falling for her buffoonish sidekick. That threw my plan all out of wack!"
"Yea, and caused me to run twenty more data feeds." Shego snorted.
"It's not my fault Kim Possible decided now was the time to pair up with a loser." Drakken retorted, pacing the room. His usual blue lab coat was buttoned up high, and his polished black boots were slapping lightly on the wooden floor.
"I wanted extras subjects as a precaution. That boy has managed to alienate himself from every girl at school. We needed the extra girls as back-up." Drakken said defensively.
"For once Dr. D, I agree with you." Shego said. Drakken stopped his pacing and looked at his assistance, mouth open. "By the way, how did you pick the girls?"
Looking very pleased with himself, Drakken replied, "Simple. I picked the pretty ones with well developed breasts."
Shego shook her head and said under her breath, "Typical male." Then in a sarcastic tone, "You didn't think for a second that it might be easier to get him to interact with girls that were a little plainer, and possibly even demure? Stoppable has never had a date or even kissed a girl! Don't you know that men, boys especially, are intimidated by attractive women?"
Drakken stared blankly at his assistant. "Well, it's too late now," He began, "And besides, we seem to have plenty of girls interested in him now. I'm sure one of them will meet our needs."
"We got lucky there. Him knocking those boys silly and getting conked on the head worked in our favor. Who would have thought he was capable of that?" Shego wondered aloud.
"Yes," Dr. Drakken hissed sinisterly, completely missing her meaning. "Best laid plans of dogs on their days."
Shego shuttered. The maniacal laughter only made the conjoined proverbs that much more painful.
==============================
Kim stopped as she entered what she believed was Ron's hospital room. The fragrance of flowers and all the assorted arrangements were unexpected.
"Ron, are you there?" Kim yelled, making her way through the forest of flowers crowding his room.
"Yeah KP! Come on in!"
Kim continued into the room to find her friend sitting on the edge of the bed, his light blue hospital gown tied in front. Ron had a little flower card in his hand.
"Look at all these flowers!" Ron exclaimed happily, a smile lighting up his face.
"They're beautiful. Who're they from?" Kim asked curiously. 'Since when did Ron have so many friends?'
"People at school, mostly."
"Really?" Kim asked, raising her eyebrows. She put her hand on one of the cards but did not move it. "Mind if I look?"
"'Course not. Help yourself." Ron replied. He was eager to show-off his new-found popularity.
Kim pulled out a card on the spring bouquet next to her. She bent close to smell them. 'They smell so pretty.' She couldn't help but think.
"Ron, these flowers are from my Squad!" Kim replied disbelievingly.
"Yeah, thanks Kim." Ron said, reading a card someone had sent him.
If Ron noticed the surprise in her voice, he didn't show it. 'None of the girls told me about this!' Kim had wanted to send flowers, but Ron's on-again, off-again relationship with them squelched all team courtesies. Kim had given up asking after they voted to send Ron a dead rat for his birthday.
Kim pulled out a couple more cards. They were from some of the same girls that had asked about him at school today. The same girls that wouldn't give him the time of day last week! A thought was creeping into Kim's head that made her uneasy.
"Ron, most of these cards are from girls." Kim probed.
"Yeah, I figure flowers are a girl thing." Ron replied flatly.
"Girl thing. Right."
'Hmm, no sign of big-headedness. Well, not yet anyway.' Kim speculated. She'd give it a few minutes.
"How was the rest of school today?" Ron asked, putting down the card and turning his full attention to Kim.
She pulled one of the chairs out of the corner to sit in front of her friend. As she sat, Kim reached out and moved a portion of Ron's gown so it wouldn't show so much of his colorful boxers. She smiled.
"You know, those are meant to be tied in the back."
"Really? That doesn't make sense. How are you supposed to reach the tie thingies?" Ron said, confused.
"Why don't you have your mom bring you some pajamas?" Kim asked, laughing at Ron's attempt to re-tie his hospital gown. With three failed attempts, he finally gave up and tied it in the front again.
"And miss out on all this free hospital stuff? No way!"
Kim rolled her eyes and relaxed back into the chair. She loved talking to Ron. He was a great listener and never judgmental. And even though he was not really up on technology or current events, his straightforward and honest outlook on situations was strangely attractive. It was one of his best qualities.
Recalling her brief talk with Randy and Nate, Kim decided to ask, "Do you remember the fight?"
"A little. " Ron admitted. Most of the things he remembered were hazy bits and pieces. "I remember being crazy mad at Josh for wanting to drive you home. Then somebody grabbed me from behind and I snapped. I kinda felt like … well, you." Kim looked at her friend, confused.
"You know, in control and capable. I was moving on instinct. I'm not sure how, but I had them on the floor in a couple of seconds. The feeling disappeared after that. Then Josh did a number on my head." Ron touched the back on his head. It was still tender.
"That's amazing Ron!" Kim gushed, "I would have loved to see it."
"Why's that KP?" Ron gave her a questionable glance.
"Well, to put it mildly, you kicked the crap out of them. You remember my mom telling you about Randy's broken wrist and all, right?"
"Yeah…" Ron answered cautiously, nervous about the direction this might go.
"Well, you broke John's nose so badly, I'm not sure it will ever look the same!" Kim laughed quietly to herself.
"Oh no!" Ron moaned, "I didn't mean to do that! All I wanted to do was get away."
"Ron, you don't look so good!" Kim noticed suddenly, "Lie back, I'll get a damp cloth." The color had drained from Ron's face, and he was feeling queasy and light headed. Kim ran to the bathroom, returning with a damp hand towel.
"Here, lean back and put this on your forehead." Ron had moved his legs halfway onto the bed. Kim pushed him back and moved his legs the rest of the way. Ron didn't object to her gentle guidance. He closed his eyes and laid there for a few moments holding the cold compress to his forehead.
"Feeling better?" Kim asked.
"Much." Ron assured her, "You saved me once again."
"What can I say, it's what I do." They both smiled at the joke.
Kim put her cast free hand on Ron's chest. "Don't feel bad. You were only defending yourself. You fight bad guys with me? Is there any different?"
"I guess not. I just never thought of the people at school as …bad guys."
"Look at it this way. By putting those boys in there place now, you may have prevented them from hurting others."
"Wow, you're right KP. I didn't think of it that way." Ron didn't feel so bad anymore. Injuring a classmate was not something Ron liked to think about. But teaching someone a lesson, even if they got hurt, was tolerable.
"So, I really gave Randy a black eye?" Ron asked with a slight smile.
"Two." Kim replied with an approving look.
"Speaking of bad-guys, what's the status on the villain front?" Ron said sitting forward a little.
"Wade said he would get back to me tonight on the sitch…" And just as if on cue, the Kimmunicator sounded an incoming call. "Go Wade!"
"Hey Kim. So Ron, how was the food tonight?" Wade asked.
"Actually, tonight it wasn't half bad." Ron replied licking his lower lip.
"You have me to thank for that. I substituted the usual bland recipes for some I found in Bon Apatite"
"Thanks Wade! You rock. Tomorrow morning I want an omelet with bacon, ham, sausage, beans, onions, salsa, cheese, and banana."
Wade smiled and winked at Kim, "I'll fix you up real nice."
"Thanks Mr. Computer Hacker Extraordinaire."
"Kim, it's been pretty quiet on the villain front. Nothing unusual from the major players. There've been some small time stuff, but nothing stands out. There was a robbery in Upperton about two weeks ago. Electronic wholesaler lost some transmitters, a bunch of cable, and other stuff. The MO fit black market cable pirates."
"Thanks Wade."
"No problem, but why the inquiry? Something up?" Wade questioned.
"Oh it's Monique. She's gone all negative on Ron in a really harsh way. I was just making sure it was her own idea. Keep me posted Wade."
"Sure thing Kim. Stay out of trouble Ron." Wade advised.
The screen went blank. Kim's shoulders dropped and eyes hung low. "Well, no villains pulling any strings this time. I'm perplexed. You're not some radical racist, and I know Monique wouldn't just make this stuff up. There has to be a logical reason."
"Well, she is a girl you know" Ron replied.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Kim sounded angrier than she felt.
"You know… girls are different sometimes. They have mood swings and …stuff." Ron answered defensively.
Kim knew girls were a mystery to Ron, and decided to drop the conversation. Right now this was between Monique and her. Maybe it would resolve itself. Either way, she did not want to think about it any longer tonight.
She stood up and took the towel from Ron's forehead. "Feeling better?"
"Much." Kim patted the top of Ron's head and smiled.
"So, are you going home tomorrow?" Kim asked hopefully.
"For sure! At least I hope so. Doctors are so non-committal. If I have to watch another day of TV in this bed, I'll go nuts!" Ron shouted, raising his arms in the air and waving them around to emphasize his point.
"Assuming you go home tomorrow, when can you go back to school?" Kim asked, adjusting her chair so she was more comfortable.
"Wednesday, as long as I'm not dizzy or anything." Ron replied, "I can't go to cheer practice for a while though. Doc said if I fall on my head again, I could get eclectic seizures."
"It's pronounced 'epileptic'. Those can be bad." Kim corrected him.
"Yea, that's what he explained. No driving, or scuba diving, or sky diving, or …"
"I get the picture." Kim knew this was bothering her friend more than he was showing. Ron had the head of the bed elevated and was leaning back on a pillow. It looked like a very comfortable position. Much more comfortable than her chair. "Scoot over a little bit Ron."
Ron obliged eagerly. Kim sat next to Ron on the bed matching his relined position. Ron looked at Kim with surprise, but he felt absolutely wonderful having Kim close.
"Well, we'll just have to make sure you don't get into any dangerous situations for a while." Kim being next to him felt so comforting. So, intoxicating. Ron wanted it to last forever. Anxiety began to build in his chest at the thought of her moving.
"Want to watch some TV? You could, hmm, stay where you are and we could watch it together." Kim patted Ron's leg, and scooted a little closer.
"Sounds great."
===============================================
Kim walked in the house about 8:45 pm. Seeing Ron was great but it had been a long day. She plopped on the couch in front of the family TV, remote in hand. She loved their TV. Her father could not resist anything techno-cool, and this TV was definitely the coolest. Eighty-five inches of High Definition color with excellent surround sound. The only think that was missing was quality programming. At least there were more channels than at the hospital.
Flipping through the channels was mostly a disappointment. She finally settled on some sitcom about six friends. But instead of relaxing, she felt more and more uneasy. It was strange, she kept thinking about Ron, but not pleasantly. She had just spent a great evening with him. Sitting close, talking, and occasionally watching TV. Now all she could think about was him kissing all those girls at school that had sent him flowers. 'How dare he do that!' They weren't dating, but after the last couple of days she actually thought that they might be real soon. She finally couldn't take it any longer, and turned the TV off. Maybe it was the show she was watching.
She continued to sit on the couch for a while after the TV was off. She closed her eyes to help clear her thought. But instead she clearly saw Ron kissing Vanessa! 'This just won't do! I'm calling Ron.'
She picked up the phone and dialed the number for his room. However, since it was after 9:00, the hospital switchboard would not put her through. She was mad, but there was no use arguing with the operator. She thought about telling her mother, but she would want details. Especially if she was going to go against hospital policy. Telling her mom she needed to yell at Ron because she felt like he was kissing other girls was way too personal, and weird…
'I must be too tired. It's been a long day.' Kim headed to her room. "Good-night Mom, Dad. I'm going to bed."
"Good night Kimmie," Her father said.
"How is your arm doing?" Mrs. Possible asked as Kim walked towards the stairs.
"I'm fine, mom!" Kim snapped.
"Kim!" Her mother said, appalled at her daughter's uncalled for behavior.
"I'm sorry mom. I'm just tired." She replied apologetically. She really had not meant to snap at her mother.
"Well, a good night's sleep should help that. Good night Kim." Kim headed up her stairs.
Her night clothes felt good, and bed even better. She stretched out under the covers and closed her eyes. She wasn't fixated on Ron any more, but she was still uneasy. 'He must have done something to make me feel this way. I'll get to the bottom of this tomorrow.' And with that, Kim fell into a troubled blanket of sleep.
Kim Possible is a registered trademark of Disney Inc. I have no rights to any of the characters. And they have no rights to me.
Providence
A Kim Possible Story
Author: falfurrian
Editor: Spice of Life
Chapter 11
"Kim! Wait up! Would you, please?" Randy asked.
Kim rounded on the two boys, ready for action. 'If they get out of line, I will knock them senseless!' She thought to herself fiercely. Randy and Nate came up short, not wanting to get too close to the ardent redhead.
"Kim," Randy started, unable to meet her gaze. Nate stood a little behind Randy, looking only at his feet. "How is Ron? No one seems to really know how he's doing."
Randy raised his head and for the first time Kim got a good look at him. Both of his eyes were swollen and had large bruises around them. The long scab running over the bridge of his noise looked painful. 'And what a cast!' She thought in amazement, 'I thought I had a big arm weight, but his is a full arm cast with pins!'
Nate lifted his head a little and she cringed. He too had raccoon like black eyes, but his nose was huge and all shades of purple, yellow and blue. It hurt just to look at him. What a job Ron had done to them! Kim relaxed slightly. Randy didn't look like he wanted any trouble.
Kim began to understand why people had been talking differently about Ron. He had kicked the crap out of these boys.
"Ron is doing well." Kim answered formally. "He should be returning to school Wednesday or Thursday."
"Did he really have a concussion?" Randy asked.
'Was that a smirk I saw on Nate's face?' Kim asked herself.
His manner was relaxing, and he started looking more like the bully that Kim remembered. The sound of Randy's voice brought back memories of him and his posse yelling insults at Ron during pep rallies. Those idiots had done everything they could to upset him. Ron always ignored them, but she knew the constant taunting had to hurt.
"Yes he did," Kim answered bluntly.
"But he'll be okay, right?" Randy questioned heavily. He dug his hands into his pockets and stared hard at Kim.
Eyes narrowing and mouth compressing, Kim was loosing grip on her anger. 'Okay' was a relative term. Ron's physical wounds would heal. But Ron had lost something he would never have again. These offish boys had beaten her friend while he was helpless. 'I'm glad Ron kicked your sorry ass!' She thought rudely to herself.
Kim's thoughts came through loud and clear. Randy and Nate backed away from the young woman.
"Thanks Kim. Uh, see ya." The two boys quickly disappeared into the cafeteria, not wanting to further anger her. When they were out of sight, Kim finally broke down. Her emotions overflowed. Tears began streaming down her face, and her vision blurred as she ran down the hall. The deserted classroom was a perfect place for her to lose composure.
She dropped into her usual desk, and buried her head in her arms and cried. It had been a long morning. Her reputation had been tarnished by Mankey, Ron was still in the hospital, and Monique was going completely weird. 'What could happen next?'
The Kimmunicator sounded, the loud rings interrupting her thoughts. What now?! She let it ring again. She didn't want to talk with Wade, and the thought of a mission without Ron made her sick. On the third ring she checked the caller ID. 'Middleton Hospital.' Could it be?
"Hello? Ron?"
"Hey KP. How's it going?" Kim's heart leapt.
"Ron, I'm so glad you called!" She said, not hiding any of her emotions.
"Kim, you don't sound so good. What's up?" Ron questioned her softly.
"Oh Ron, it's been such a terrible day. Monique is going all weird on me, I'm constantly telling people I don't get high, and I hate those bullies that attached you!" Kim stifled a sob.
"Wow, that sounds rough!" Ron confirmed.
"Life blows right now, Ron."
Ron listened patently as Kim told him about all the rumors and questions from the morning. She told him about when Bonnie had caught her off guide with her comment about smoking pot and being kicked off the squad. She finished lamenting with the recent Randy and Nate encounter.
"That's harsh Kim." Ron stated when Kim seemed a little calmer. "Everything's a mess right now, but you'll get through." Ron said, somehow managing to sound optimistic and empathetic at the same time.
"Don't waist your time with Randy and company." He added gently. "They're just a bunch of insecure people trying to make themselves look 'big and or strong'." Ron continued, doing his best to sound like Mr. Barkin. "They are the losers."
Kim smiled. "You're right Ron. I just hate what they did to you."
"No good ever came from hate." Ron added somberly. "Now what is this about Monique?"
"Ron, she is being so weird! She keeps saying stuff that just doesn't make since"
"Like what KP?" Ron asked.
Kim hesitated; she was not sure how Ron might take this. "Well, Ron. It's about you. She says that you are a … racist."
"Well, I am pretty good at Turbo Raceway III," Ron said sounding a little confused.
"No Ron! Not racer, racist. Prejudice." Kim said, wondering how he could go from being so insightful to harebrained so quickly. "You know, not liking someone for their skin color or religion."
"Oh." Ron said, realizing his mistake.
"She won't tell me why she thinks this. She only tells me that she knows it's true." Kim continued more positive then ever that Monique was wrong. Heck, Ron didn't even know what the word meant.
"Wow! If she thinks that, she must really being saying some stuff about me." Ron didn't sound upset, only concerned. "She couldn't tell you why?"
"No!" Kim stated, clearly frustrated. "I told her you were the last person on earth that would feel like that, but she won't listen."
"Thanks Kim! That was nice." Ron was silent for a couple seconds. "You know, this sounds villain kind of weird. Anything unusual going on in that world?"
"I never thought of that! You may be on to something!" Kim said with real surprise.
Ron continued, clearly pleased with the praise from his friend, "To quote a very close friend, 'No big'."
Kim was feeling much better. Her long-time companion had once again restored her 'can do' attitude and she was able to see more clearly. 'He has always been there for me. What would I do without him?'
"I'll contact Wade to see what's new on that front." Kim stated with renewed zeal.
Kim relaxed and sighed, "Thanks Ron. It always cheers me up to talk with you."
"Anytime KP." Ron replied, smiling.
"I almost forgot. You called me. What did you need?" Kim asked. She had been rambling on about her problems. What if Ron had needed to tell her something?
"I needed to cheer up my best friend."
"Sometimes you amaze me Ron."
=========================================
In an abandoned Buggy Whip manufacturing plant north of Upperton, USA, two sinister looking individuals conferred on their unique plan to crush Team Possible.
"Well Shego," started Dr. Drakken. "I think the plan is going better than expected. Tonight, we step it up." He looked at his attractive assistant wanting obedient confirmation. "Are all the additional feeds and monitors in place at the Possible house?"
The shapely younger women with slightly greenish skin and beautiful long black hair rolled her eyes. "For the forth time, YES!" Shego said with disregard. "Have you finished your part? Have you edited all those photos you had me take? I swear, I have never taken so many pictures of pimply faced teens in all my life!"
"You wouldn't have had to take so many if you'd done your research." Dr. Drakken reminded with complete confidence.
"Hold on there bucko! It was your job to find out which girls liked Kimmie's boyfriend. I had my research done on time."
"How was I to know she was going to break up with Jack..."
"You mean Josh." Shego corrected.
"Whatever!" Drakken yelled, waving a dismissive hand. "And start falling for her buffoonish sidekick. That threw my plan all out of wack!"
"Yea, and caused me to run twenty more data feeds." Shego snorted.
"It's not my fault Kim Possible decided now was the time to pair up with a loser." Drakken retorted, pacing the room. His usual blue lab coat was buttoned up high, and his polished black boots were slapping lightly on the wooden floor.
"I wanted extras subjects as a precaution. That boy has managed to alienate himself from every girl at school. We needed the extra girls as back-up." Drakken said defensively.
"For once Dr. D, I agree with you." Shego said. Drakken stopped his pacing and looked at his assistance, mouth open. "By the way, how did you pick the girls?"
Looking very pleased with himself, Drakken replied, "Simple. I picked the pretty ones with well developed breasts."
Shego shook her head and said under her breath, "Typical male." Then in a sarcastic tone, "You didn't think for a second that it might be easier to get him to interact with girls that were a little plainer, and possibly even demure? Stoppable has never had a date or even kissed a girl! Don't you know that men, boys especially, are intimidated by attractive women?"
Drakken stared blankly at his assistant. "Well, it's too late now," He began, "And besides, we seem to have plenty of girls interested in him now. I'm sure one of them will meet our needs."
"We got lucky there. Him knocking those boys silly and getting conked on the head worked in our favor. Who would have thought he was capable of that?" Shego wondered aloud.
"Yes," Dr. Drakken hissed sinisterly, completely missing her meaning. "Best laid plans of dogs on their days."
Shego shuttered. The maniacal laughter only made the conjoined proverbs that much more painful.
==============================
Kim stopped as she entered what she believed was Ron's hospital room. The fragrance of flowers and all the assorted arrangements were unexpected.
"Ron, are you there?" Kim yelled, making her way through the forest of flowers crowding his room.
"Yeah KP! Come on in!"
Kim continued into the room to find her friend sitting on the edge of the bed, his light blue hospital gown tied in front. Ron had a little flower card in his hand.
"Look at all these flowers!" Ron exclaimed happily, a smile lighting up his face.
"They're beautiful. Who're they from?" Kim asked curiously. 'Since when did Ron have so many friends?'
"People at school, mostly."
"Really?" Kim asked, raising her eyebrows. She put her hand on one of the cards but did not move it. "Mind if I look?"
"'Course not. Help yourself." Ron replied. He was eager to show-off his new-found popularity.
Kim pulled out a card on the spring bouquet next to her. She bent close to smell them. 'They smell so pretty.' She couldn't help but think.
"Ron, these flowers are from my Squad!" Kim replied disbelievingly.
"Yeah, thanks Kim." Ron said, reading a card someone had sent him.
If Ron noticed the surprise in her voice, he didn't show it. 'None of the girls told me about this!' Kim had wanted to send flowers, but Ron's on-again, off-again relationship with them squelched all team courtesies. Kim had given up asking after they voted to send Ron a dead rat for his birthday.
Kim pulled out a couple more cards. They were from some of the same girls that had asked about him at school today. The same girls that wouldn't give him the time of day last week! A thought was creeping into Kim's head that made her uneasy.
"Ron, most of these cards are from girls." Kim probed.
"Yeah, I figure flowers are a girl thing." Ron replied flatly.
"Girl thing. Right."
'Hmm, no sign of big-headedness. Well, not yet anyway.' Kim speculated. She'd give it a few minutes.
"How was the rest of school today?" Ron asked, putting down the card and turning his full attention to Kim.
She pulled one of the chairs out of the corner to sit in front of her friend. As she sat, Kim reached out and moved a portion of Ron's gown so it wouldn't show so much of his colorful boxers. She smiled.
"You know, those are meant to be tied in the back."
"Really? That doesn't make sense. How are you supposed to reach the tie thingies?" Ron said, confused.
"Why don't you have your mom bring you some pajamas?" Kim asked, laughing at Ron's attempt to re-tie his hospital gown. With three failed attempts, he finally gave up and tied it in the front again.
"And miss out on all this free hospital stuff? No way!"
Kim rolled her eyes and relaxed back into the chair. She loved talking to Ron. He was a great listener and never judgmental. And even though he was not really up on technology or current events, his straightforward and honest outlook on situations was strangely attractive. It was one of his best qualities.
Recalling her brief talk with Randy and Nate, Kim decided to ask, "Do you remember the fight?"
"A little. " Ron admitted. Most of the things he remembered were hazy bits and pieces. "I remember being crazy mad at Josh for wanting to drive you home. Then somebody grabbed me from behind and I snapped. I kinda felt like … well, you." Kim looked at her friend, confused.
"You know, in control and capable. I was moving on instinct. I'm not sure how, but I had them on the floor in a couple of seconds. The feeling disappeared after that. Then Josh did a number on my head." Ron touched the back on his head. It was still tender.
"That's amazing Ron!" Kim gushed, "I would have loved to see it."
"Why's that KP?" Ron gave her a questionable glance.
"Well, to put it mildly, you kicked the crap out of them. You remember my mom telling you about Randy's broken wrist and all, right?"
"Yeah…" Ron answered cautiously, nervous about the direction this might go.
"Well, you broke John's nose so badly, I'm not sure it will ever look the same!" Kim laughed quietly to herself.
"Oh no!" Ron moaned, "I didn't mean to do that! All I wanted to do was get away."
"Ron, you don't look so good!" Kim noticed suddenly, "Lie back, I'll get a damp cloth." The color had drained from Ron's face, and he was feeling queasy and light headed. Kim ran to the bathroom, returning with a damp hand towel.
"Here, lean back and put this on your forehead." Ron had moved his legs halfway onto the bed. Kim pushed him back and moved his legs the rest of the way. Ron didn't object to her gentle guidance. He closed his eyes and laid there for a few moments holding the cold compress to his forehead.
"Feeling better?" Kim asked.
"Much." Ron assured her, "You saved me once again."
"What can I say, it's what I do." They both smiled at the joke.
Kim put her cast free hand on Ron's chest. "Don't feel bad. You were only defending yourself. You fight bad guys with me? Is there any different?"
"I guess not. I just never thought of the people at school as …bad guys."
"Look at it this way. By putting those boys in there place now, you may have prevented them from hurting others."
"Wow, you're right KP. I didn't think of it that way." Ron didn't feel so bad anymore. Injuring a classmate was not something Ron liked to think about. But teaching someone a lesson, even if they got hurt, was tolerable.
"So, I really gave Randy a black eye?" Ron asked with a slight smile.
"Two." Kim replied with an approving look.
"Speaking of bad-guys, what's the status on the villain front?" Ron said sitting forward a little.
"Wade said he would get back to me tonight on the sitch…" And just as if on cue, the Kimmunicator sounded an incoming call. "Go Wade!"
"Hey Kim. So Ron, how was the food tonight?" Wade asked.
"Actually, tonight it wasn't half bad." Ron replied licking his lower lip.
"You have me to thank for that. I substituted the usual bland recipes for some I found in Bon Apatite"
"Thanks Wade! You rock. Tomorrow morning I want an omelet with bacon, ham, sausage, beans, onions, salsa, cheese, and banana."
Wade smiled and winked at Kim, "I'll fix you up real nice."
"Thanks Mr. Computer Hacker Extraordinaire."
"Kim, it's been pretty quiet on the villain front. Nothing unusual from the major players. There've been some small time stuff, but nothing stands out. There was a robbery in Upperton about two weeks ago. Electronic wholesaler lost some transmitters, a bunch of cable, and other stuff. The MO fit black market cable pirates."
"Thanks Wade."
"No problem, but why the inquiry? Something up?" Wade questioned.
"Oh it's Monique. She's gone all negative on Ron in a really harsh way. I was just making sure it was her own idea. Keep me posted Wade."
"Sure thing Kim. Stay out of trouble Ron." Wade advised.
The screen went blank. Kim's shoulders dropped and eyes hung low. "Well, no villains pulling any strings this time. I'm perplexed. You're not some radical racist, and I know Monique wouldn't just make this stuff up. There has to be a logical reason."
"Well, she is a girl you know" Ron replied.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Kim sounded angrier than she felt.
"You know… girls are different sometimes. They have mood swings and …stuff." Ron answered defensively.
Kim knew girls were a mystery to Ron, and decided to drop the conversation. Right now this was between Monique and her. Maybe it would resolve itself. Either way, she did not want to think about it any longer tonight.
She stood up and took the towel from Ron's forehead. "Feeling better?"
"Much." Kim patted the top of Ron's head and smiled.
"So, are you going home tomorrow?" Kim asked hopefully.
"For sure! At least I hope so. Doctors are so non-committal. If I have to watch another day of TV in this bed, I'll go nuts!" Ron shouted, raising his arms in the air and waving them around to emphasize his point.
"Assuming you go home tomorrow, when can you go back to school?" Kim asked, adjusting her chair so she was more comfortable.
"Wednesday, as long as I'm not dizzy or anything." Ron replied, "I can't go to cheer practice for a while though. Doc said if I fall on my head again, I could get eclectic seizures."
"It's pronounced 'epileptic'. Those can be bad." Kim corrected him.
"Yea, that's what he explained. No driving, or scuba diving, or sky diving, or …"
"I get the picture." Kim knew this was bothering her friend more than he was showing. Ron had the head of the bed elevated and was leaning back on a pillow. It looked like a very comfortable position. Much more comfortable than her chair. "Scoot over a little bit Ron."
Ron obliged eagerly. Kim sat next to Ron on the bed matching his relined position. Ron looked at Kim with surprise, but he felt absolutely wonderful having Kim close.
"Well, we'll just have to make sure you don't get into any dangerous situations for a while." Kim being next to him felt so comforting. So, intoxicating. Ron wanted it to last forever. Anxiety began to build in his chest at the thought of her moving.
"Want to watch some TV? You could, hmm, stay where you are and we could watch it together." Kim patted Ron's leg, and scooted a little closer.
"Sounds great."
===============================================
Kim walked in the house about 8:45 pm. Seeing Ron was great but it had been a long day. She plopped on the couch in front of the family TV, remote in hand. She loved their TV. Her father could not resist anything techno-cool, and this TV was definitely the coolest. Eighty-five inches of High Definition color with excellent surround sound. The only think that was missing was quality programming. At least there were more channels than at the hospital.
Flipping through the channels was mostly a disappointment. She finally settled on some sitcom about six friends. But instead of relaxing, she felt more and more uneasy. It was strange, she kept thinking about Ron, but not pleasantly. She had just spent a great evening with him. Sitting close, talking, and occasionally watching TV. Now all she could think about was him kissing all those girls at school that had sent him flowers. 'How dare he do that!' They weren't dating, but after the last couple of days she actually thought that they might be real soon. She finally couldn't take it any longer, and turned the TV off. Maybe it was the show she was watching.
She continued to sit on the couch for a while after the TV was off. She closed her eyes to help clear her thought. But instead she clearly saw Ron kissing Vanessa! 'This just won't do! I'm calling Ron.'
She picked up the phone and dialed the number for his room. However, since it was after 9:00, the hospital switchboard would not put her through. She was mad, but there was no use arguing with the operator. She thought about telling her mother, but she would want details. Especially if she was going to go against hospital policy. Telling her mom she needed to yell at Ron because she felt like he was kissing other girls was way too personal, and weird…
'I must be too tired. It's been a long day.' Kim headed to her room. "Good-night Mom, Dad. I'm going to bed."
"Good night Kimmie," Her father said.
"How is your arm doing?" Mrs. Possible asked as Kim walked towards the stairs.
"I'm fine, mom!" Kim snapped.
"Kim!" Her mother said, appalled at her daughter's uncalled for behavior.
"I'm sorry mom. I'm just tired." She replied apologetically. She really had not meant to snap at her mother.
"Well, a good night's sleep should help that. Good night Kim." Kim headed up her stairs.
Her night clothes felt good, and bed even better. She stretched out under the covers and closed her eyes. She wasn't fixated on Ron any more, but she was still uneasy. 'He must have done something to make me feel this way. I'll get to the bottom of this tomorrow.' And with that, Kim fell into a troubled blanket of sleep.