Aftermath of Wannaweep – Chapter 7

Ron was taking Tara home after school on Tuesday. It had been a few weeks since the dinner at Tara's house. Ron had started spending as much time at Tara's house as he did Kim's if not more. Mr. and Mrs. K. had come to appreciate Ron's talents as a cook. He had made a number of meals for the family over the past couple of weeks. Ron had finally bowed to the insistence of her parents and started calling them Squirrel and Sunny. Ron and Squirrel really got along well as Squirrel's favorite saying "Cool out and hang easy" went well with Ron's "Never be Normal". Mrs. King appreciated the change in Tara. Before Tara had been somewhat withdrawn, even though she was on the cheer squad she was the most timid of the team. Yet, now that she had Ron around she was more open and happy. Ron appreciated the easy going lifestyle of the King home.

Ron was over at the Kings helping Squirrel with some work in the yard. "Ron," he asked. "I was wondering. We are going back to my hometown in a couple of weeks for a family reunion and a historic celebration at my hometown. Tara, Mrs. King and I would be more than happy if you would come with us. You have become family to us and I would like you to see the town where I and Tara grew up."

"Well, Squirrel. I would have to ask my folks but as far as I know they won't mind." Ron answered. "I knew that Tara grew up in another town, but she never talks about it much."

Mr. King nodded. "Yes, Tara didn't have a happy time there the last few years. She was on the cheer team there but another girl on the team made her life miserable. Worse than Bonnie is to Kim I believe. Tara had a real nice boy that seemed to like her, but this other girl basically made his life miserable until he broke up with Tara."

"Sounds like a Bonnie act-a-like." Ron said.

Mr. King nodded. "And also, our belief in trying a peaceful solution to most situations caused problems. This girl would constantly try and pick fights with Tara and Tara would back down. We have never told you but Tara had an older brother. He had a worse time than she. All the boys called him a coward because he would never fight. He ran away from home because of it. He joined the army, but was killed in a training accident."

Ron glanced at Mr. King. "Tara never said anything about an older brother."

"No, I imagine she didn't. You are about his height. You don't look like him, but you are like him in many ways. He was always joking, always looking on the bright side of people and things. Right after we buried him, we moved here. Going back will not be easy for us. Tara will need you I know." Mr. King said.

Ron looked at Mr. King and walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mr. King..Squirrel, if Tara will needs me, nothing will stop me from going. I am sure my parents will approve. I would like to ask one thing. Don't tell anyone who I am. I mean you can tell anyone that my name is Ron, but don't tell them my last name. I need to be there for Tara, not dealing with a lot of folks asking me about what I do."

Mr. King nodded. "That's fair, we will be staying with my parents, I will need to tell them who you are, but they will respect your request for no one else to know. The home is located on a farm and there will be plenty of room. Thank you Ron."

TWO WEEKS LATER

Ron sat in the back seat of the King's car with Tara as it pulled into town. Apparently the town was celebrating it's 100th anniversary. The car continued through town and out into the country. They turned onto a tree lined path and headed toward a large two story farmhouse. As they pulled up to the front of the house an elderly couple came out of the door and waved. The man was tall and burly, and was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. The woman was slightly shorter and thinner was also wearing jeans and a flannel shirt.

"Grandma, Granddad," Tara yelled as she jumped from the car and ran to them. The couple enveloped her in a big hug, and then hugged their son and his wife. The grandfather walked up to Ron and stood for a few seconds looking at him. "So, you are Ron Stoppable. You look bigger on the TV." He grumbled. Then he put out his hand grinning. "Welcome Ron, my son and Tara have told me all about you. Thank you for what you did. It is an honor to have you in our home. No one outside of this household knows who you really are. I can understand your apprehension about people knowing who you are." Tara came back down the steps and stood beside Ron and held his hand as her Grandmother came and stood beside her husband. "So your quiet little Tara goes off to the big city and finds herself a boyfriend. A rather good looking boyfriend. Not just any boyfriend mind you but a rather famous young man at that. Welcome to our home Ron. Come on everyone, lunch's ready."

Later after lunch, Tara and Ron took a walk around the farm. Tara took Ron's arm and held it tight. Ron pulled his arm from her grip and put his arm around her. She leaned into him and sighed slightly. "Thanks Ron, for coming. This place holds a lot of memories good and bad."

Ron nodded and pulled her tighter against him. "When are you going to show me around town? I saw an ice-cream shop in town when we came through. How about we go? My treat?" Tara turned to Ron and smiled.

The elder Kings and their son stood on the rear porch watching Ron and Tara walk around the farmyard talking. "He appears to be a fine young man. Did he really jump clear across the room and hold up that old freezer of yours? I saw some footage of he and the young lady Kim fighting some weirdo in France a few weeks ago. There must be a great deal hidden under that easy going exterior."

Mr. King nodded. "We were really not too pleased when Tara first showed interest in him, but he sorta grows on you. There is no doubt that he has capabilities that we would not believe. But from what I have seen he has excellent judgment and control. I think he will do Tara some good."

Tara and Ron walked up to the porch. "Daddy, can we borrow the car? Ron and I would like to go get some ice cream at Sweet Treats. We promise to be careful."

"Okay, buttercup." Mr. King said. "Let Ron drive and you give him the directions."

"Thanks, Daddy" said Tara, and got the keys from her father.

"I'll be careful, Mr. King." Ron said.

"I know you will Ron, you two have a good time." Said Mr. King.

The Ice Cream Shop.

Ron opened the door for Tara as they entered the shop. There were only a few people in the shop in some of the booths or sitting at the bar. The inside was bright and clean and smelled of freshly made waffle cones. An older man came from down at the cash register and smiled in recognition. "Well, as I live and breathe, I do believe I see a Tara King, and she is all grown up and pulling a young man along with her."

"Hi, Mr. Grayson, it is good to see you, it has been a long time. Mr. Grayson, this is my friend Ron, Ron this is Mr. Grayson, he has owned this shop as long as I can remember." Tara said.

"Welcome, to SweetTreat Ron, good to meet you." Mr. Grayson said as he shook Ron's hand. "I hope you like the town, and I hope that you are taking good care of Tara here."

"Well, Mr. Grayson, I sure am trying, I mean about taking care of Tara, the town seems real nice." Ron said with a smile.

"Your usual Tara? Chocolate chip mint if I remember correctly, or would you like something else?" Mr. Grayson asked.

Tara looked up at Ron. "What would you like, Ron?"

"How about one of banana splits, they look great." Ron said. "We could get chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream with fudge, pineapple and strawberry toppings."

Tara gave Ron a wary look, then grinned "Okay, Ron that does sound good, but you will have eat most of it yourself. If I ate half of that I would be sick."

"No problem, sunshine, I'll take care of my share." Ron said with a smile, patting his stomach."

"A banana split as ordered coming up." Mr. Grayson said. "This one is on the house. By the way Ron, have we meet before, your face looks familiar."

Tara and Ron exchanged nervous glances and before Ron could say anything Mr. Grayson said "Naw, just the old eyes seeing things. You two have a seat and I'll bring it out to you."

Later as Ron and Tara got ready to leave, the door to the store opened and a cold eyed girl with raven haired walked in wearing a cheerleader uniform. There were a couple of other cheerleaders with her all with the same look. Following the girls were three large boys with football jerseys on.

"Well, well, little Tara is back in town." The first girl sneered. Tara pulled back around Ron. She shook slightly as she said "Hi Dena, where's Jack?"

"Oh, I got rid of him after you moved; I had no need of him after you left." Dena sneered.

"Come on, Tara, let's go." Ron stated.

"Leaving so soon Tara, and where did you dig this guy up. Is this the best you can do in the big city?" All the girls laughed as did the guys.

"Come on, Tara, let's go." Ron repeated taking her arm and started to leave.

"Hey, dude, my girl friends talking to you. You show her some respect." The biggest guy growled as he took Ron's arm.

Tara saw the flash of light in Ron's eyes. "Ron, don't they are worth it." Tara said.

"Hey, dude, are you a coward like her brother was, he couldn't even die decently." The guy holding Ron's arm said.

The words nearly killed Tara and she tried not to start crying. Ron felt the power rising in him and Tara felt it too. Ron stopped and stared at the thug. "You will apologize for that." He stated simply.

"Alright, Danny, Jason, Carl, Dena and you others. These two came in here nice and quiet. I don't want any trouble here." Mr. Grayson stated.

"Oh, there will be no trouble Mr. Grayson as soon as this thug apologizes to Tara." Ron stated. The room got very quiet and the two other boys joined the first.

"That mighty big talk for someone so small." One of the guys said.

Ron reached up and took the hands on his arm and pulled in a certain way. The grin on the main thugs face turned to one of pain as he went to his knees screaming. The other two boys made a move toward Ron when the police came in. Ron released the thug who was on his knees whimpering.

The first officer scanned the room. "You six sit over there. Son, would you care to identify yourself."

Ron turned toward Tara and bowed his head. Then turned and reached in his pocket pulling his wallet out. "Yes, officer, my name is Ron Stoppable. Here is an ID I carry that should help with any questions."

When Ron identified himself there were several surprised gasps mainly among the six trouble makers.

The officer took Ron's ID and was surprised to see a special card with a federal and military law enforcement clearance. The officer had been an MP before he retired from the army and joined the police force in this small town. In all his years in the army he had only seen a few IDs with a clearance as high as the young man standing in front of him had.

"Well, Mr. Stoppable, seems Hopewell has a real celebrity in town. It's a pleasure to meet you. My daughter will have a fit when she finds out that you are in town. She has your picture all over her room." The officer said smiling as he handed the ID back to Ron.

The officer then turned to the six sitting in a booth nearby. "Were these people giving you any trouble?"

"No officer, this gentleman and I just bumped into each other and we lost our balance. There was no trouble." Ron said staring at the three players and cheerleaders. Ron smiled at the six.

One of the player's turned green and ran for the bathroom. Soon the sounds of gagging came from the still open bathroom door. One of the cheerleader's ran to the bathroom to help her apparent boyfriend. The one who had grabbed Ron was just getting the feeling back in his hand and arm. His face was white as he looked at what he thought would be an easy mark. But he thought to himself. 'This guy could have taken me, Jason and Carl with his eyes closed. I am lucky I still have my arm on my shoulder.' He got up and put out his hand. "Sorry Ron, we sorta had a little collision there. It's nice to meet you. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure!" Ron said.

Danny turned to look at Dena you looked like she was going to stew where she sat. "Is Kim Possible really your best friend, I mean she is one ho…I mean she is really goo.." He turned to Dena who by this time was turning several shades of red and purple and had a look on her face that would kill. Danny turned back to Ron. "I think I'll catch you later." He whispered.

Ron nodded " No prob, I be in town for the nex…."

BE BEEP BE BEEP

Ron's communicator beeped in his pocket. Tara moved quickly to his side and took his hand. Ron stood for a second staring at Tara, who had a frightened look on her face. They both knew that Kim and Wade had promised not to beep him unless it was really serious. Ron pulled the communicator from his pocket and activated it. The crowd of teens gasped when they saw the well-known device. Kim's face appeared on the screen. "Sorry Ron" Kim said, her voice carrying across the store. "but, Dr. Dementor and Monkeyfist have teamed up for something. Wade doesn't know what but is working on it. Whatever it is, it can't me good. Sorry Tara." Kim could see Tara's frightened face change to horror at the mention of Monkeyfist. "Ron, we need to find a place to pick you up in a helicopter, is there a park or field nearby? We are about a 15 minutes out." Ron looked at the police officer.

"The main park on the edge of town, plenty of room. We will get you there. Come on." The officer said.

"Kim, did you get that?" Ron asked.

"Five by Five, Ron, main park on edge of town. See you in a few." Kim said.

Ron reached over to take Tara's hand. "Come on, you can see me off. Officer, can you see that see gets back to her grandparents?"

"I'll make sure she gets there." Danny said as he stood. "It's the least I can do. Tara, I am sorry about what I said."

Tara smiled at Danny. "No big, Danny. Thanks."

Dena who by this time was about to explode. "Danny, just what do you think you are doing? Why are you helping her? She is the biggest loser around." She fumed.

Tara walked up to Dena with a smile on her face. "Dena, I've got one thing to say to you, Courtesy of Ron Stoppable, BOOYAH," with her statement Tara brought the cup of ice she had picked up and grabbing the front of Dena's uniform shirt dumped the contents of the cup down the front of her shirt.

Dena's eyes grew as big as dinner plates as she hollered loud enough for people outside the store to hear her. She ran screaming for the bathroom.

Ron smiled at Tara's actions and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Let's go." The other teens jumped in their car as Ron and Tara climbed in the police car and it went flying up the street with the siren and lights. The teen's car followed the police car.

The cars arrived at the field in time to see the helicopter coming in over the trees. The police car pulled onto the field as the helicopter landed. Ron got out of the car and pulled Tara with him. "Tara….I…I'll be careful. I'll be back as soon as possible." He leaned over and gave her a kiss. Then turned and ran for the chopper. The side door opened and the officers and other teens saw Kim Possible standing in the door.

"Like, WOW, it is really her, he is really her partner. Team Possible is here" one of the girls said.

Ron reached the helicopter, then turned and waved to Tara. Tara forced a thin smile and waved back. Kim jumped out and ran to Tara. "Tara, I am so sorry, I'll have him back to you as soon as I can." Kim reached out and hugged Tara, then turned and ran back to the helicopter and joined Ron as the helicopter took off.

Danny turned to Tara. "Tara, let's get you to your Grandparents."

Tara nodded and joined the teen's in their car.

"Danny" the officer said. "Follow me, we will give you escort out there. I think the King family is going to need all the support that it can get."

Tara's parents and grandparents came out on the front porch as the police car came up the path with its lights on. The car with Tara and the other teen's followed. When the car stopped, she bolted from the car into her mother's arms crying.

The officer took of his cap, Jason, Jean, Mr. and Mrs. King, Tara's friend Ron was called on a mission. They just picked him up.

Tara crying whimpered to her dad. "Daddy it's Monkeyfist."

The expression on Mr. King's turned very grave.

The officer and teen's gathered around. Danny spoke up. "I take it that this Monkeyfist guy is real bad news." Tara's mother guided her into the house with her grandmother following. Mr. King said "Yes, he is very, very bad news. The last time Ron faced Monkeyfist, he was nearly killed."

Danny spoke up. "If you don't mind we would like to stay with Tara. I know that we haven't seen each other in sometime, but I think she is going to need all the support she can get."

Tara's grandfather spoke up "Sure, go on in. Jean will settle all of you in."

Officer Martin turned to Mr. King. "I wish this homecoming would have been a little more peaceful for you. Is there anything we can do?"

"Yes" Mr. King said. "Hope, hope and pray for Team Possible's safety."

The adults turned and stared at the darkening horizon.

"Come back to us, Ron" whispered Mr. King. "Come back and take care of my little girl."