A/N—Please review.
Chapter 2
Ron awoke to the obnoxious ringing of his alarm clock, jerking him awake. It was another peaceful night, and Ron was reluctant to give it up. It's a good thing this is the last week of school he thought to himself. Finally, after four harsh and tumultuous years of high school, he was finally going to graduate and start anew in college. "And I'll get to sleep in for three months," he muttered to himself, still irritated at waking up early.
He found the energy to make it to school and headed towards his locker. Next to it, he saw Kim and Josh staring into each other's eyes, and once again Ron felt a queasy feeling in his stomach. This isn't right.
"Last week of school, Kimmie-cub," Josh said playfully. "Then we'll be off to college…together."
"Yea," Kim said dreamily. "Things are going to be so perfect; we'll have all summer to get to know each other even better."
Turning away from the duo, Ron headed in the opposite direction before they could spot him, not bothering to go to his locker anymore. The only real friends he had in the entire world were Rufus and KP. It saddened him deeply to see her involved with another person so deeply. If he weren't so busy denying it, he would have realized that the aspect of the relationship that bothered him the most was the fact that the other person was a guy.
For seniors, the last week of school was more of a formality than anything. There really wasn't much academic work, and all of it was optional anyway for the graduating seniors. Ron had managed, barely, to graduate from high school, but he pulled it off so that he could go to college with Kim. Despite all the stress that everyone else was feeling about college and such, Ronald Stoppable felt relaxed and content. Stopping at the door of his first period class, Ron smiled, thinking of all the good things to come. I'm going to college, going to get a new start, and I'll finally be able to spend more time with KP outside of missions during the summer. Little did he know that the peaceful dream of his would be shattered because when destiny calls, one must answer.
Graduation Day"…and when we walk out of this school, know that we, as well as the rest of the world, are better for it. Don't look too far ahead because the future is too ambiguous and unpredictable to plan perfectly. Take life in stride…" Ron yawned. Man, this is just so cliché. It's just like every other valedictorian speech I've seen in movies. The valedictorian went on, causing a silent groan to spread across the audience. "…and understand that no dream is unreachable. Class of 2006, when we walk out of these doors, we will face the real world." The audience let out a collective sigh as the speech ended, causing a slight blush on the valedictorian's face. Ron looked at Kim, sitting a few chairs down from, hoping to make eye contact. Apparently, she had been as bored as he during the long and very cliché speech of the class valedictorian. Finally, the principal started to read the names of the graduates, calling them up one by one to receive their diplomas.
"Ansel, Tom," he started, reading the names in alphabetical order and handing out diplomas while shaking hands. Ron felt a little nervous, knowing that this would be his last time in high school.
"…Callahan, Derek…" A blond-haired student stood up and walked to receive his diploma, smiling brightly like all the others before him.
"…Mankey, Josh…" There was a loud ovation for the quarterback as his name was called. Ron felt a slight twinge of jealousy within him.
"…Possible, Kim…" Another loud ovation greeted Kim, and this time Ron was at the head of it, cheering the loudest.
"…Rockwaller, Bonnie…" This time, the ovation was deafening. Though Bonnie may have been manipulative and conniving, she was still the most popular girl in school.
"…Stoppable, Ronald…" The din instantly died down, leaving just respectable clapping as Ron got up to receive his diploma. "GO RON!" he heard Kim yell, bringing a huge smile to his face. With Kim by his side, everything was fine.
"…Zimmerman, Tim." The principal finished all the names. "Congratulations, Class of 2006. You are all high school graduates!" he said excitedly, and the place erupted in happy cheering, with everyone on their feet. Ron made his way to find Kim and saw her with his and her parents together.
"Ronald, you look so nice and sharp in that graduation gown," Mrs. Possible said to him.
"Thanks, Mrs. P," Ron replied politely.
"Well, Ronald, your mother and I couldn't be prouder," said his father, as his family embraced him in a warm hug.
"Aw mom, dad, you're embarrassing me," Ron said jokingly.
"That's our job son," his dad replied. Everyone gave a hearty laugh, savoring the happiness and cheer going around.
"So KP, you ready for college?"
"Kind of nervous, but I'm all right otherwise. I'm just glad you'll be there with me."
"Yea, same here." There moment of silence was interrupted by a smooth voice from behind Ron.
"Hey Kim," Josh said. All eyes turned to him as he sauntered over and put his arm around Kim. A look of sadness passed over Ron's face for a split second.
"Hey, Josh," Kim said happily. "Ready to meet the real world?"
"With you, I'm ready for anything." Ron was dying on the inside. That's so cheesy he thought to himself. The rest of graduation passed as planned, and everyone headed back to their respective homes.
Sunday Morning
Knock! Knock! "Coming!" yelled Mrs. Possible as she went to open the door. "Oh hey Ron, I was hoping you'd show up today."
"Thanks, is Kim here?" Her face darkened a little.
"No, she's out with Josh again. In fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Come in and take a seat Ronald." Ron silently obeyed, sitting on the couch confused.
"Ron, how do you really feel about Kim?" That question definitely took Ron by surprise.
"Well, she, she's my best friend."
"I know that!" she said. "Look deeper Ron, what do you really feel for her?"
"I, I don't know," he said softly.
"Okay, let's go on to another question. How do you feel when Josh touches Kim, puts an arm around her or holds her hand? Answer me honestly Ronald," she said sternly.
"I, I don't know. I just get this queasy feeling in my stomach, and I feel…something. I don't know what it is, maybe jealousy, but I can't say for sure."
"And why would you be jealous of Josh?"
"I, I've never thought too much about it. I guess it's just because I feel like he's taking KP with me, stealing her time with me," Ron said sadly.
"Are you sure that that's all it is…that it doesn't go deeper?"
"I, I'm sorry Mrs. Possible. I just don't know. I've never asked myself any of these questions before. I told myself that as long as Kim was happy, I should be happy for her."
"Ron, I saw your face after Josh put his arm Kim yesterday. I think you love her," Mrs. Possible said boldly.
"W-w-what?" Ron exclaimed.
"Just think about it Ronald; we won't press this issue any further. Now tell me, do you… I dunno, get a bad vibe from Josh?"
"Yes!" Ron exclaimed. "I've always had one but I've never been able to put my finger on it. There's just something wrong with their relationship."
"Yea, me too. I just feel as if Josh is going to hurt her in some way."
"Don't worry Mrs. P. I'll be there for Kim."
"I know, you always are," she whispered wistfully. "If only it had been you two…" she muttered to herself.
"W, what was that?" Ron asked.
"Oh, nothing, thanks for your time. And I'm begging you, begging you to think this over. You're one of the closest things Kim has."
"No problem," Ron said, still stunned from Mrs. Possible's love statement. He got up and walked out of the door and headed home, more perplexed than ever.