XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Chapter 6

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Ding Dong. The door opens and there she stands. Dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt with a heart on it and a welcoming smile on her face. Her long hair flows down to her shoulders and her emerald green eyes look more beautiful then either. Stepping back to allow him to enter her home, she can't help but feel a little bit nervous about their upcoming talk. She didn't know why she was nervous; he was Ron, her best friend. She could tell him anything. Talk to him about anything. Why should this be any different?

Ding Dong. The door opened and there she stood looking more beautiful than ever. Her welcoming smiled eased his nervousness a little bit as he entered her house but not entirely. He was still somewhat uneasy and didn't know why. She was his best friend, he could tell her anything. She would understand it was for the best.

They made their way up the stairs to her room knowing they would have some privacy there. Upon entering her room they both felt a little bit uneasy about what to do next. Kim sat down on her bed and waited to see where Ron would sit. Normally he sat down next to her or sometimes in her desk chair. She wasn't sure if she wanted him to sit by her or not and he wasn't sure either. Slowly Ron paced around the room for a moment or two finally one of them spoke.

Kim: "Ron about last night. When you kissed me I felt something special, something that I've never felt before. I've been thinking about things and I'm just not sure how I feel but I think we should just be friends. With that said though I need to know how you honestly feel. I know I care for you but I'm scared that dating might ruin what we already have and it's not like you're not worth it cause you are but if you don't feel the same..."

Ron: "Look last night everything seemed so right but now I'm not sure. I like you Kim, a lot. Your my best friend and I don't want to ruin what we have either. And I'm scared too. I've scared all day that last night I crossed a line. When you kissed me back last night did you do it cause you like me or because you just wanted someone to kiss?"

Kim: "I'm not sure Ron. I'm just so confused right now and I don't want to rush into anything."

Ron: "Then we'll take things slow. We'll just stay friends and if one day we both decide we want to pursue a more intimate relationship then we will."

Kim: "Friends it is then."

Ron: "Okay glad we talked."

Ron and Kim sit in an awkward silence for a moment.

Ron: "Well I guess I'll get going. If you want to do something later just give me a call."

Kim: "Okay guess I'll talk to you later."

After Ron leaves Kim walks into her bathroom and splashes some water on her face.

Kim: "Well Kim you're best friend likes you."

Kim: 'Why couldn't I tell him the truth?'

Kim: "Too bad you don't feel the same way."

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As Ron walks home he thinks about his conversation with Kim.

Ron: 'I know there was something that Kim wasn't telling me but what was it? Does she really want to just be friends? Maybe she was waiting for me to make a move, or maybe I just gave her an easy out clause. Nice going Stoppable. Blow your chance with the one girl who's perfect for you just cause you're a coward. Though things are probably better off this way. Boy am I hungry.'

Ron: "Hey Rufus want to go to Bueno Nacho?"

Rufus: "Uh-huh."

Ron: "Bueno Nacho it is then."

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Later that night Kim and Ron are sitting in her living room with her family. They are all watching Sleeping Beauty. Ron and Kim are sharing the sofa along with the tweebs. Ron has a bowl of popcorn in his lap that Kim repeatedly reaches into the grab some. Every time she does this, her hand meets Ron's and they both pause for a moment. No one really notices anything except for Kim's mom who makes a mental not to talk to Kim later about her and Ron. After the movie finishes Ron gets up to go home. He says goodbye to Jim and Tim and then to Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Possible. Kim walks Ron to the door to say goodnight to him.

Ron: "Well I never get tired of seeing that movie."

Kim: "Yeah it is one of my favorites. So I was thinking about going to the mall on Saturday care to join me?"

Ron: "Sure thing just hit me up."

Kim: "Hit you up? Ron haven't we talked about your attempt at using 'cool' lingo."

Ron: "Right umm give me a call."

Kim: "Much better don't want you going all white gangsta on me."

Ron: "You know how I roll girl."

Kim: "Okay there Ron-daddy."

Ron: "Say why that prince charming is is always some hunk?"

Kim: "Huh?"

Ron: "In the movies prince charming is always some hunky guy he's never normal."

Kim: "So was the princess."

Ron: "In that movie yes but in others she is supposed to look normal but he is always a hottie. Are they trying to tell us that girls only want hot guys?"

Kim: "Ron not all girls want just hot guys. Sure the shallow ones do but most girls look at what's inside a guy not just a nice haircut and abs."

Ron: "And which do you prefer?"

Kim: "I think you already know that answer. Besides I don't need prince charming I need someone real."

Ron: "Well goodnight KP."

Kim: "Night Ron."

Ron opens the door and leaves the Possible house. Back inside Kim turns around and walks back into the living room. Kim's mom is still in the room but her father and brothers are gone.

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "So is Ron gone home dear?"

Kim: "Yeah mom he just left."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "And I guessed you guys talked earlier."

Kim: "Yep."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "And?"

Kim: "We decided to just stay friends."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Really? Both of you cause I saw the way you two looked at each other when you touched hands earlier."

Kim: "Well it's still kinda awkward."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Who said it?"

Kim: "Said what?"

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "I love you."

Kim: "Neither of us but I think he wanted to. Mom I'm still confused. I know Ron likes me but I think he's scared about something. He says its because he doesn't want to ruin our friendship but I think there's more to it than that. Truth be told though I could've been more forthcoming also. I like him and all but he's just not boyfriend material."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Honey you need to tell him that then."

Kim: "But mom what if he is the one for me and I'm too blind to see it."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Give things time to develop dear. I seriously doubt your going to lose Ron ever."

Kim: "Thanks mom."

Kim goes upstairs to her room and her mom goes into the kitchen. In the kitchen Mrs. Dr. Possible is getting a glass of water when she hears a light tapping on the sliding glass door to the patio. It startles her at first but she is relieved that it is just Ron. She is a little curious as to why he just didn't go to the front door. She opens the door and let's him inside.

Ron: "Sorry to scare you Mrs. Dr. P. Has Kim gone to bed?"

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Yes Ron is everything alright?"

Ron: "Yeah I just needed to talk to you about something."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Well Ron I'm here what do you need to talk about."

Ron: "I'm in love with Kim."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "I know."

Ron: "You know. But how?"

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "A mother knows these things."

Ron: "Well I don't know what to do. I know I told Kim that I just wanted to be friends but that's because I thought that's what she wanted."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "And you want more?"

Ron: "Yes but I don't want to lose what I already have. I'm really not sure how Kim feels. She keeps saying that she's confused but I think she's just scared of hurting me if she tells me the truth. However if she does like me and this is my opportunity then I don't want to miss it. I guess I just don't know what to do."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Well you should start by telling Kim the truth. Just don't expect her to rush into a relationship with you right away. I think she's still hurting over Josh some and not ready to open up just yet."

Ron: "The truth?"

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Yes the truth."

Ron: "Thanks Mrs. Dr. P. Goodnight."

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Anytime. Goodnight Ron."

Ron leaves through the way he came in and heads on home.

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It's early Sunday afternoon and once again the mall is packed. It seems like everyone in town is always at the mall. Fortunately for Kim she's a seasoned shopper and has no trouble making it through the crowds of people as she goes from store to store. Ron on the other hand is having quite a problem keeping up with Kim. Whether it's bumping into old ladies or nearly trampling some wandering toddler Ron seems to be walking into a disaster with every step he takes. Finally he is able to get by some people and catch up to Kim who is staring inside the store window of Club Banana. In the window is a beautiful red dress on a mannequin with a heart pendant around it's neck.

Kim: "That dress is just so beautiful."

Ron: "I must say that mannequin looks quite stunning in it."

Kim: "I wonder how much it is."

Ron walks into the store and to the window. He looks at the tag and then walks back to Kim.

Ron: "Let's just say don't get your hopes up."

Kim: "That much huh?"

Ron: "For a dress yeah."

Kim: "Well I want to see what else they have."

Kim enters the store and begins to look around. Ron slumping and impatiently follows Kim into the store.

Ron: 'Yeah more shopping.'

Inside the store Kim looks around and tries on a bunch of outfits. Out of curiosity she ganders over to the price tag and checks it. Realizing that Ron wasn't embellishing Kim quickly forgets about getting the dress and goes back to looking around. She buys some new jeans and a matching t-shirt while Ron waits outside. After paying Kim walks out of the store and decides it's time to go do some shopping for him.

Kim: "Okay how about we hit Movie Palace next?"

Ron: "Now your talking KP but wait a second I think Rufus is still inside the store."

As Ron walks back into Club Banana Kim notices the lump in his pants pocket. She knows that Rufus is in his pants and wonders what Ron is up to. A few seconds later Ron emerges from the store acting as casual as ever.

Kim: "Okay Ron I know Rufus was in your pocket the entire time so why did you go back into the store?"

Ron: "Don't worry KP it's a surprise."

Kim: "Fine let's go my mom's picking us up in an hour and Movie Palace is at the other end of the mall."

Ron: "I'll race you."

Kim: "Ohh that's fair I've got all these bags of clothes and whatnot."

Ron: "Yep you with your five bags of clothes and necklace will probably still beat me."

Kim: "Ron I'm not wearing a necklace."

Ron tosses Kim a small box. She opens it to find the heart pendant from Club Banana.

Kim: "Ron you didn't have to buy me this."

Ron: "Yeah I did Kim you deserve it."

Kim: "But why?"

Ron: "Because your my friend that's why."

Kim: "Thanks Ron. Wanna help me put it on?"

Ron walks behind Kim and helps her put the necklace on. After he's done she turns around and smiles at him. Ron returns the smile and they both stare at each other for a moment. Thoughts racing through each of their minds.

Kim: 'Is he going to kiss me or not? Does he want to kiss me? Does he think that maybe I don't want him to kiss me?'

Ron: 'Should I kiss her? Does she want me to kiss her? What if I kiss her and she doesn't want me too?'

After an awkward minute that seems like forever Kim and Ron snap back to reality and head off for Movie Palace.

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Monday morning and the beginning of a brand new school week. Kim has signed up to help out with the upcoming winter formal and is waiting by the gym to see what she will be needed to do. Meanwhile Ron is talking to Felix about something and he seems to be holding back a laugh.

Ron: "So I guess you guys had a great time huh?"

Felix: "Yeah Tara's great. We're going out again Friday night."

Ron: "Well I'm happy for you."

Felix: "Let's not forget though that you made this happen. If you hadn't of stood her up and then given me the ticket I wouldn't have gotten the date with her in the first place."

Ron: "So by doing something totally mean I ended up doing something nice? That's quite interesting."

Tara walks up to the two boys and says hi.

Ron: "So Felix was just telling me what an awesome night you too had."

Tara: "Yeah it was pretty awesome. I mean he actually showed up so he had you beat from then on."

Felix: "Ouch."

Ron: "Well just remember if I had shown up for our date then you wouldn't have had such a great date with Felix. In a way I did you a favor."

Tara: "Yeah I guess you did."

Kim begins walking over towards them. She has an angry expression upon her face.

Kim: "Guess what my winter dance job is?"

Ron: "Picking a theme."

Kim: "No it's decorations and guess who I'm stuck with."

Everybody: "Ohh."

Ron: "Just ask Mr. Barkin to switch you to something else."

Kim: "I can't do that."

Tara: "Why not?"

Kim: "Cause if I do then everyone will think that the reason I switched is cause I couldn't stand to be near Josh, which I can't. However people will interpret it as me not being over Josh. Besides I'm in charge so at least I can scream at him all I want."

Ron: "See Kim there's always a silver lining."

Kim: "Yeah well I'm gonna go say hi to Monique. See you in class Ron, bye guys."

Tara and Felix: "Bye Kim."

Ron: "I'll save a seat for you."

Kim walks over to Monique who is by her locker.

Monique: "Hey girl."

Kim(gloomingly): "Hi."

Monique: "What's wrong there Ms. Droopy?"

Kim: "Well first off I'm charge of decorations for the dance and I'm working with Josh."

Monique: "Ohh sorry to hear that."

Kim: "However it's Ron that's really got me down."

Monique: "I'm guessing you guys talked huh."

Kim: "Yep and I'm pretty sure that he likes me. I just don't like him that way but I couldn't tell him that."

Monique: "Are you two a couple?"

Kim: "No we said we'd just be friends but the way we left it I didn't really make it clear to him how I felt."

Monique: "How does he think you feel?"

Kim: "I told him that he is a great guy, that he's definitely worth it but that I'm still confused about things."

Monique: "Girl you'd better tell him the truth before he gets seriously hurt."

Kim: "That's what my mom said."

Monique: "Smart woman your mom is."

Kim: "Yeah well I'm gonna go to class. See ya at lunch?"

Monique: "I'll be there."

Kim begins to walk towards her first class. She has only one thing on her mind. She notices Ron waiting for her outside of the room. She decides that it's now or never and gathers up her courage.

Kim: "Ron I need to tell you something."

Ron: "What is it KP?"

Kim: "I wasn't perfectly honest with you the other day. I…. I'm not sure how to say this without hurting your feelings."

Ron: "Just tell me the truth KP."

Kim: "Okay here it goes, I like you as a friend, hell you're my best friend but I don't like you as a boyfriend. I know we said that we'd take things slow and all that but I was just afraid of hurting you. I'm sorry if I lead you on at all and I can understand if you feel a little uneasy around me."

Ron: "So I guess when you kissed me back the other night it was because you wanted someone to kiss and not because you wanted me?"

Kim: "Actually Ron that night I wanted to kiss you but that's it. It was just that one time please understand."

Ron: "Sure KP."

Ron turns and walks into the classroom. He looks back at Kim and gives her a small smile. Kim enters the room and sits down in an empty desk. Ron sits right behind her. They both take out a notebook and pen, always looking straight forward. Things will definitely never be the same.