Storm Chaser

Chapter 46

Hello again and time for the next belated chapter of Storm Chaser. Thanks to all who've stuck with this tale and sorry for the delays, but there's real life gremlins that live in our day-to-day world that keeps us from more timely postings.

Now to recap from last time: Kim's return to base has left her in the hospital for observation from the 'seizure' she had just short of her last mission's destination when it blew up. Ron got a bit toasted as he was quite close up when things got nearly too much personal for him when his presence there resulted in Sheldon triggering his 'present' for any snoopers that happened by, post Dementor's murder for refusing his offer to join the eye-patched clandestine villain's team.

While Kim's getting figured out, Ron took his roomie, Nathan Blance, to Middleton to pickup Rufus and get the resulting butt-chewing from the Sake Sisters of his past and current behavior towards Kim. While dodging the red head and picking up his mole rat buddy, the Sisters stick it to the blond for his actions regarding said red head. Still a butthead to the end, Ron sticks to his position and prepares for return to Florida. But while airborne, Dean learns that his plans to remain hidden from his former paramour just got a wrench thrown in his plans as Nathan informs his friend of the terrific fashion maven he met while waiting for him at a bar frequented by her and her roommate…Yeah, life just got more interesting for Ron/Dean…

And we'd like to thank those who've contributed to our tale, post-read: Sentinel103, Randamwriter, , Jimmy1201, Bobtrumpet, Randy-the-Guest, Vgn Golley. Thank you all!

February 17, University of Miami:

"Well it's been five weeks and I'm dying to know what the last name of this 'Monique' is you keep talking about?", Dean asked as they sat in a local bar less than a mile off campus. "You've been talking about her nonstop when you're around and if I don't learn anything more I'd have to say she is a figment of your imagination.", he mock glared at his friend. Shaking off the grin he received in reply, "Anyway, it's starting to drive me nuts."

Snorting at Dean's 'predicament', "Maybe a figment of my wet dreams, Kaminsky." Waving off the blond's eyeroll, "Anyway, her last name is Jenkins and she lives with that Kim girl, that teen hero you spoke about on the plane ride up to Middleton." Shaking his head at the coincidence, "Just how weird is that? But, I'm going back up there during Spring Break to spend time with her…" Pausing to fix Dean with a look, "And I mean Monique, not the Kim girl.", Nathan explained. "We like have a mutual thing going. I flew up there during the final week of Christmas break to see her and do a couple of things with her while there for the holidays." Shrugging, "And since was there, I actually met her friend, she seems nice but sad. She talked about her guy, Ron, a lot."

Ignoring the latter info, Dean nodded, "I'm glad you found someone Nate, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy."

Cocking an eyebrow in return, "We talked about setting you up with that red head, Dean…She's drop dead gorgeous and I told them all about you. And Monique is dying to meet you and I want your approval of her." He stopped for a moment when Dean's reaction to this was coughing as if something went down the 'wrong hole'.

Dean then half-smiled at the trouble he could get in if they met, "Why me? I shouldn't be the deciding factor here…It's you and this Monique ya know, not me. If she's good for you, that's the best thing."

"Yeah, but I want you to meet her when she comes down. I mean you'd be my Best Man if we took it that far."

"Uh sure, I guess…But, still, they might still call me in for the Hunter thing at a moment's notice this year.", Dean replied while trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this one without being identified. Then drawn and quartered by Monique's roommate.

Then, remembering something, Nathan announced, "Oh, by the way. I have a paid internship this summer. It's going to be good in more ways than one."

Dean's eyes brightened, "So, what did you snag?"

"I'm going to be working as a weather analyst for a local station affiliate in Middleton, Colorado. I got my foot in the door and they have a decent weather lab, I get paid, and I get to spend a lot of time with Monique. It's a win-win in my book.", Nathan ticked off the good points.

Nodding, "I agree Nate, how did you get that gig?", Dean inquired.

"Well, you know you had me review your work…and I added some of that data and where it concluded in my review. I told them I didn't write the whole work, just reviewed it, but they said that's what got me the job since I could figure it out and check it out to prove it.", Blance smiled. "So, thanks for including me and letting me review all that monster work. They did say they'd like to interview you if you're interested. I did tell them who you were working with though. I hope you don't mind."

"Nah, I don't mind…But, hey that reminds me…Remember I get to review yours too Nate.", Dean smiled, "Anyway, thanks, but right now I am happy with the Hunters."

"Are you going to have time to go over mine when I'm ready? I mean the Hunters are going to put you on as a contractor, right?"

"It's seasonal work for the most part and I can see that I'm going to have to get another seasonal job to pay my Social Security.", Dean grinned. "So, I'll still be available to help with lectures with Professor Wink and Doctor Wong if they feel that they need me to help out.", he chuckled.

Snorting, "You have enough put away that you only have to take the gigs you want Kaminsky.", Nathan retorted. His voice dripping with sarcasm, "It must be nice."

Dean shot back with just as much sarcasm, "And it must be nice to have a hot chick or two dig you…And it's super nice that she is gainfully employed." A knowing smirk, "Guys in our field won't get rich."

Shrugging, "Well it's not all nice. Monique was muttering something about some 'Ron' guy that was an ex of Kim's, and she seemed determined to either find this guy or set Kim up with a hottie." Pointing at him, "So, I naturally told them about you. In the meantime, it couldn't hurt, seeing how she was waiting on whoever this 'Ron' guy was, to appear again."

Dean sighed in a frustration Nathan didn't understand, "Thanks. But if I remember what this Possible girl looked like, she could have her pick of the hotties. She just might be better off looking for one of them."

"Yeah, she looks all that good, but she said she was waiting for her fiancée to return to her.", Nathan replied to Dean.

The young blond mentally cringed. He knew that, with the way this was working out, if he wasn't very careful now, he would be thrown back into the middle of what he had at one time but wasn't emotionally prepared to go through again. No matter that Rufus, Suzy and Wanda insisted that he make contact with Kim again, regardless of what her mental state was. He knew, just before his girlfriend left for school, they had come to an 'agreement'. But at the time he was worried that she'd forget him anyway while she was in England. And…of course, the nightmares he was having at the time really didn't make things easier. And…in the end, she did distance herself from him.

XXX

Middleton, Ludden's Micro Brewery and Steakhouse:

Wanda leaned in to look Kim over, then sat back in relief, "Kim, you look fine to me."

Smirking, "This is a wacko-dream, girls.", Monique informed their friends. "You have to listen to this, it sorta freaked me out when I first learned of it."

Suzy motioned for Kim to spill.

Kim turned red with a small grin, "Well…I was in the hospital…"

XXX

Weeks before:

The blond man eased his way down the hospital corridor as he made his way to a certain room. 'I hope she's not awake or this is gonna be way awkweird.', Ron mentally chastised himself for coming to see his former lover. Once he had been given information about his ex, he knew he had to see her to make sure she was OK. Although Ron didn't want to be in a relationship with the beautiful red head, he didn't want her to be less than she was. He had trained long and hard to get where he was and he knew that he couldn't go back. He had changed too much. Now unfortunately, his past looked like it might be crashing down on him and he had come pretty far in the world without Kim 'carrying him', to revert back.

It was nearly two in the morning when he opened the door to the GJ agent's room and peered into the darkness.

He softly padded over to the hospital bed and touched the arm of its inhabitant. His eyes flashed gold, then blue as he relaxed and he confirmed the identity of the form lying there.

With a sad smile on his face he quietly pulled a chair up to the bed and placed his hands on the former teen heroine's temples to make sure she was fine while he accessed the gifts he had finely tuned over the preceding years.

Delicately, without disturbing his former boss in the hero business, the young man's eyes began to glow again as he seemed to 'fade' in the visible spectrum but didn't disappear. His breathing and heart rate slowed until it looked like he was a half invisible statue.

The woman's mind was reliving an event from her childhood that involved a freckled, blond boy with humongous ears as he approached a little red-haired pigtailed girl, holding a ball.

XX

"Do you want to play ball?", she asked the other child.

With a smile, he opened up his hands and asked, "Sure. What is your name?"

"Kimmie.", she replied, "And what's yours?"

"Ron.", the blond boy said as he handed the ball back, "I have an invisible friend, his name is Rufus."

The little girl then said, "You're weird…but I like you."

"Do you want to be friends?", the boy asked.

The girl clarified, "Best friends forever."

The blond boy with freckles smiled, "I've never had a friend before Kim, just Rufus. I'd like that."

The little girl turned to look at a man who seemed to be watching them. "Is that your Daddy, Ron?"

"Ah, no. My Daddy is bigger around the middle. I don't know who he is."

XX

The nearly transparent form removed his hands from the woman's temples and wiped a tear from his cheek. He rose to his feet, leaned over and gently kissed the young woman on the forehead. "KP, you need to find someone to make you happy. If you can't and are determined, you'll be able to find me. Sensei is being a real jerk about pushing us back together. I just want you to be happy. Promise me you'll be happy.", he whispered.

He went to the door and glanced over his shoulder. With a sigh he turned back to the door and opened it a crack. He knew what Sensei had been suggesting and he didn't know if he could stand the agony in his soul again, but he would do it if he had to.

He simply vanished after confirming that his ex was safe and content.

XXX

Back to present:

"Well, remember I told all you guys that Ron and I met in Pre-K?", Kim asked as she looked around.

"When I was in the hospital, I dreamt that Ron and I were…"

"Were what?", Wanda asked, "You were doing 'it'?"

"Uh, no. We have…well did in much of our senior year. But this was when we first met when we were four. In this dream.", the red head took a sip of water, then continued, "Anyway, Ron and I were playing ball, but there was someone off, nearby, watching us. He seemed to have sad eyes. I wonder what that means?"

"Do you know who it was?", Suzy asked.

"No, but he looked so much like what I thought Ron would look like when he got older.", Kim told them. Sighing, "He was much taller and…he very was handsome. But his eyes were so sad, and they were blue. Anyway, if it was Ron, I can tell you he finally grew into his ears." The GJ agent blushed at her description of someone she wished was her Ron. "And at the end…he seemed to kiss me on the forehead, like an uncle or a good friend. Then he just disappeared."

Suzy and Wanda glanced at each other and knew that one of them would have to get in touch with the blond in question and Yamanouchi, since neither were informed of this development before now. Nor did they have a clue as to what the Chosen One might have done. The shorter woman then said, "That is totally weird Kim, but I am no shrink." Then to Monique, to divert the conversation away from Kim's 'dream' while doing her best to not divulge any information she and her 'sister' had on those Ron/Dean associated with, "Girlfriend, you have to spill about your guy…What's he like?"

The fashion diva blushed then grinned, "Okay, his name is Nathan, Nathan Blance. He's African-American just like me and he's educated. Ungodly so, almost to the point of being a geek. He's almost like Felix Renton but without the wheelchair."

"Go on Monique…But we're interested in cute guys not nerds.", Wanda snarked as she encouraged the fashion diva, while filing this tidbit back in the back of her mind.

"Well he is cute…I'm a couple years older than he is, but he got his Masters at MIT and is now attending the University of Miami to get his PhD at their weather school. He'll be back this spring break so we can have some time together and then during the summer work at one of the TV stations. Anyway, when I have a few days off I'm going to fly down to Miami to see him. He wants me to meet his best friend down there. He wants me to set that guy and Kim up."

At the irony of the sitch, Suzy giggled, as she also met the man in question and decided that she and Wanda didn't need to be around when the two met. She didn't want to be anywhere around when the fireworks went off. "So,", Suzy drawled slyly, "just how did you meet him?"

"Well, he was sitting at a table in here and was drinking a beer while waiting for his friend of his to call. I think the other guy's name was Gene or something…Anyway, he asked if he could buy me a drink. Seeing as to how I didn't have anyone I was going to see…and he's pretty cute, and I haven't been too lucky since high school, I thought to myself, 'Sure, why not?' So, we got to talking. Finally, his friend called up, but by then we decided we'd make an evening of it since Kim was in the hospital over the weekend.", Monique related to them concisely of what happened on what turned out to be an impromptu date.

Wanda groused, "I never have that kind of luck."

Suzy snorted, "You never would have spent all night talking…"

Monique blushed hard enough to get the other girls' attention, "That's not all we did…But, I DO know I am very happy right now."

Kim, of course, knew all about this. In fact, Nathan had flown in to Middleton to interview for his internship and he stayed in Monique's room while there. They had gone out together a few times and he had spoken of one of his fellow meteorology students named Dean who Nathan claimed was going to be the best meteorologist in the whole country in the very near future.

(AN…If Kim would have had Ron's pictures out in the main rooms instead of in her bedroom and office, Monique's new squeeze would have recognized that Ron and Dean were the same person. So, before you ask…NO she didn't. From Larry…Bleargh! From CB…)

Kim, for her part, smiled as she joined in the conversation, "Anyway, when Nathan gushed like a fanboy about his friend I told him about my fiancée, Ron, and that I am a 'taken' woman. End of discussion."

Monique knew how far this relationship had flowered over the course of their Senior year and to her credit she never spilled about the promises that were made between the two heroes. Of course, Felix knew which meant Zita knew. (This was one of the reasons Ron's best male friend was aggravated with the red head until they made their peace a couple years before…AN)

"But Kim, you haven't seen him in years.", Wanda reminded her friend, "Are you sure he hasn't moved on?"

Kim smiled weakly, "Yeah I know, but the school I attend every summer for a month told me that Ron will show up again and at some point, he will hold my hand again and put a ring on it like I think he intended to do the first year at Oxford. Then we'll be back on track again. You know there were so many obstacles in our way. This is just a reset or something to try to make us appreciate what we had/have in each other."

Suzy reached across the table and grabbed the red head's hand and squeezed it, "I too, am sure you will find him before too much longer Kim. A love like that would be a shame to waste."

"Thank you, Suzy, I appreciate the thought.", Kim replied not knowing that her friends had knowledge of where her best friend lived. (Of course, if Kim knew that her friends knew that her girlfriend, Monique, knew, then that would be real angst. So eat your heart out Classic Cowboy…That will teach you not to update Worlds Warriors…AN)

XXX

Japan:

The aged Master sat in the 'Lotus' position as he meditated. His consciousness continued through the planes until he came to the mountain with a small plateau in front of it. A figure coalesced in front of him. As it solidified he bowed, (Master, you have called your humble servant?)

The other aged Master motioned, (Please sit with me child, we have much to discuss since events are now moving along as I have envisioned them.)

(And those are?), Sensei inquired.

(The Chosen One and his Chosen. I have foreseen that they are to be one. I have moved events and dreams in Stoppable-san's head when he is in repose to encourage this change in his behavior. I feel this is beginning to take effect now.), Lord Toshimiru informed the current head of Yamanouchi.

(That is splendid news master…)

(Yes, I agree it is my friend, but when events happen that I foresee we must be ready for this one opportunity. I do not wish to waste this, too much depends on doing this at the right speed. Now your time is up, I will let you know more at a later date when I understand more.), the founder of the ninja school told his successor, ending the conversation.

(Thank you for your inspiration Master.), Sensei replied as his mind drifted back to the mortal plane.

He rose from his mat and went in search of his Granddaughter and her husband since he had a mission for them. And he wanted to make sure that all proceeded as he felt it should.

He finally found Yori and Hirotaka. With a bow to them, (My esteemed children, may I have a moment of your time?)

Yori glanced around quickly, (Hai Grandfather, you would honor us to do so.)

The wizened old man smiled behind his mustache as he sat down with them, (You did a magnificent job in speaking to Kim-san for me my child and for that I am deeply in your debt. Also checking on Stoppable-san's friends allowed us to make sure that they are protected in such a manner that the Chosen One would be pleased. However, now I would like for you to take another mission to America.)

(Yes Grandfather, what do you need accomplished?), Yori asked.

(I wish for you to speak with Ron-san's honorable parents and include them in on the plot. I feel we need to wear him down and it will take the effort of many of us to accomplish this task.), the wizened ninja master confided with a hidden grin that looked suspiciously like Doctor Drakken's.

(Of course, Grandfather…)

(And I wish you to check in on Stoppable-san. Lord Toshimiru has turned up the heat because he is as clueless as he has always been and I feel that our Chosen One needs to be informed of the fact that he has displeased the founder and must change his ways sooner than later before all is lost.)

Hirotaka flinched, (Master. Stoppable-sama still feels that Kim-san has abandoned him…)

(True my child, but he is changing his mind and we want it to change a little faster. Just go and check on him and make sure his injuries are healing from his last mission. Except for the conversation I have had with him about the mission we have not spoken for some time.), Sensei informed them.

(It will be our honor Sensei…Now…we ah must inform you, however, that I will soon be unable to work in the field.), Yori cryptically informed her Grandfather.

(Is there anything that I can assist you with my child?)

(No Grandfather, Hiro has already taken care of the reason for my upcoming absence from field operations.), Yori told the ninja master as she blushed deeply.

The head of the ninja school frowned, then looked at Hirotaka, who meekly nodded. A huge grin rose on Sensei's face; he clapped his hands in glee, (Congratulations my children. You have honored me and your Grandmother.) The old man leaned in as he was able from the position he was in and gave her a warm hug. (You must share this knowledge with the Chosen One in an effort to persuade him to change his mind about Kim-san. He is slowly coming around but we feel that the lesson needs to be reinforced again. Wanda and Suzy may not have gotten through to him. Now will you know join me in tea as a celebration for the wondrous news?)

Hirotaka bowed low, though he was seated, (Yori-chan and I would be most honored, Master. You have honored us both accepting our child.)

The older man replied, (How could I not honor you, my friend? You have wed my Granddaughter and are giving me a Grandchild to bounce on my knee. The kami are proud, neh the Founder will be proud at the wonderful news.)

XXX

The Possible home several days before:

"Anne? How would you like to go to Denver for the weekend?", James asked, "I got some front row seat tickets to a game and that show that you wanted to take in."

Anne quirked an eyebrow, "The Nuggets?" At James' nod, "I'm in, but let's go Thursday, I want to do some shopping and tour a museum or two.", the Neurosurgeon replied.

"Then we'd better get there the day before. I have plenty of comp time and I know you have months of vacation built up.", James responded.

"I know.", she sighed. "I can use the break."

X

Anne Possible, holding onto the arm of James, as they went shopping in a Denver mall. It had been a nice trip to get away from the daily aggravations they faced in their careers. The red-haired surgeon smiled to her husband, "Jimmy, we need to do this more often. Kimmie's out of the house and the boys are in college. We simply aren't tied down like we used to be."

"I agree Anne, we both have intensive careers which we have pushed to be at the top of our fields. At this time of our lives we should start to enjoy our hobbies a little more.", James replied, then looked off. Having caught his eye, he pointed across the street to two adults (both blond) and a raven haired little girl, "We don't have little ones to watch and worry about right now, like that couple does over there."

Anne looked to where her husband was pointing as the blond woman turned towards the child. Taking in the woman playing with the child, the red-haired woman cooed, "That is so cute…shopping with their granddaugh…Hey! Isn't that Barb Stoppable?", Anne then pointed as she called out, "Dean! Barbara! Over here!" Once the couple turned to them, she shouted, "Where have you been?"

Startled, the woman in question looked up at them, then got the attention of the shorter, sandy haired man. Also surprised, he grabbed the hand of the little girl, reached for the woman's hand and hurried up the street away from them. When the three turned the corner, the child paused and waved to them before they disappeared from view

Stunned, "We have to follow them.", James said as he checked the traffic before starting to cross the street. The urgency driven by the hope that they'd be able to finally locate what looked to be Dean and Barb Stoppable, with their adopted daughter, Hanna.

As he made to step out into the street he was pulled back by Anne, "You are not going to make a widow of me. Let's just go to the corner. If I remember correctly, Dean can't move that fast."

Having forgone her normal heels and skirt for this part of the trip, Anne was able to keep pace with her husband as he pulled her into the crosswalk (which had just turned in their favor) and crossed the avenue.

Once across, they both took off at a jog in the same direction as their 'quarry' did, just moments before.

XXX

Sheldon Director LTD office, Chicago:

Kim, Wade and several other members of her team entered the onetime villain's CEO office.

"Kim Possible?", the former Gemini gasped as she stood before his desk.

"Agent Possible, Mister Director. You have been notified that there would be others birddogging you from now on, am I correct?", the fiery haired woman inquired, well aware that he did, as she drafted the letter and had it sent Certified Mail®.

"Ah, yes, yes Miss Possible…"

"Agent Possible, sir.", Kim corrected, "I didn't spend all those years in college and then go through GJ training to be termed 'Miss'. Now, since I am the one pulling the strings to make sure that you are complying with the terms of your parole that kept you out of prison I expect to be called by the appropriate title."

Sheldon paled at seeing that she and the others were serious. Recovering, "What would you like to see?"

Kim grinned, "All your computer files. Some of my agents will also want to interview members of your organization. We have a lie detector device which will give us a clue as to if they are telling the truth or not."

Sheldon Director sighed hoping he wouldn't get caught with his hand in the proverbial 'cookie' jar.

XXX

Anne finally reached the sandy haired man who was moving very quickly along with the taller blonde woman. "Dean!", Anne barked. "Stop! This is getting annoying."

Slowed by the seemingly deliberate lagging of what was a normally hyperactive Japanese girl. Dean Stoppable came to a halt. Raising an eyebrow at the smirking, raven-haired tot, Barb turned to the Possibles. "Hello Anne, how have you been?", she casually said to the huffing couple.

Stunned at her nonchalance, "How have we been? Where have you been?", Anne shot back. "You…you just up and left…"

Suddenly doing something very brave or tremendously stupid, Dean Stoppable stepped between the two women, "I suggest we take this somewhere more private."

X

Ten minutes later found the five sitting in a corner of an almost vacant coffee shop:

James frowned at being shunted to the corner. Then sighing, "What happened for all of you to just disappear like you did? Where did you go? ... Why?"

After glancing around, Dean leaned in, "About a month after Ronald left we received a call from him…" Lowering his voice, "He returned to that school in Japan where he went on that exchange." Leaning back and looking from one to the other, "Since you and Anne also weren't speaking with us at the time, we discussed this with Ronald. From the sudden lack of contact with Kim and her parents, he surmised that Kimberly had found someone else in England," James and Anne grimaced. "and didn't want to embarrass himself any further by direct confrontation over breaking things off." Anne blinked. "And with the three of us still living in Middleton, it was decided that we leave Middleton for the good of all concerned as he felt that Kim might never return to her other friends if he, or we, were still around. So, we left without leaving word as to where we went or how we could be reached."

Shaking his head sadly, James replied, "Kimmie didn't find another boy Dean, but she had other things going on in her life that kept her from contacting him."

A near glowering Barb leaned in, "Like what?", she bit out. "Ronald was almost emotionally destroyed when Kimberly cut off all communication with him. And ever the loyal friend he'd always been to her," Both Possibles flinched. "no matter what, he gave Kimberly the space she needed…so he could fade away…from her."

Anne glanced at her husband. At his nod, she leaned in so that no one could hear them, "Kimmie was having a nervous breakdown…"

Barb, now close in too, "Why didn't she get help?"

"She did, but she had to go into intensive therapy and lost a year."

Dean didn't like where this was going, "Why didn't she let anyone know? We could have flown her back…"

James almost hissed, "My baby didn't want her lover to know. She said that 'The world's best guy deserved an acceptable girlfriend'…not an insane one, or something like that.", he waved a hand distractedly. "She didn't want Ronald to see her that way…That she wasn't his 'KP'.", he revealed to the now befuddled former neighbors. Crossing his arms in a huff, "As a Father of a young woman, I've got to admit that your boy sets a very high standard in the mind and heart of Kimmie." Here he stopped as he was starting to get loud. Regrouping, "It was three years before she could come home. While she was here that first summer back from Oxford she had nightmares. And from them, she was terrified.", he related, eyes haunted. "You cannot sleep like that and remain sane…And Kimmie had those nightmares for over a year."

Barb countered, "She could have called…"

With a tight smile, Anne nodded, "I agree for once." Then, in resignation, "Kimmie tried to be all that and it failed, but she didn't want Ron to see her that way…And that almost broke her." Sighing, "The good thing is that she is better now, and we owe more than you could ever imagine for her schooling and the therapy she received to get her through this.", she replied in gratitude. "They were first class in what they did for her…but having a certain blond-haired boy beside her would have helped a lot more."

Piping in when the adults paused to take this in, "Mom?", the raven-haired child asked, "It is time to mend this rift in brother's and sis's relationship."

Taken aback, "'Sis'?", Anne inquired.

A beaming smile, "Yeah! Kim is my big sister.", the Asian girl informed them. "She told me that."

James looked at Hanna with a questioning look.

Dean clarified, "Hanna has always talked about Kimberly that way."

Hanna's eyes narrowed, "I have a very good memory.", she said to James. Then looking between Anne and James, "I. Am. Special.", she playfully smirked. "And I remember everything. I remember Ron crying for his KP when she wouldn't talk to him, and you didn't help at all. My brother even carried me over to your house in an attempt to get you to tell him something about my big sister.", she chided them as they looked shamefully away for a moment. "And when that didn't work, he left on a plane.", Hanna growled. "I didn't see him again for years."

Having never heard Hanna speak to anyone in this way before, Barb took a long look at her daughter before turning back to their former neighbors, "Now that we have a better understanding of what brought that past event on, I want to do what we can to mend what happened, and soon.", she said. Then looking between the other three adults, "And…are we still friends here?"

Both Possibles nodded. Then James replied, "Yes, we are, and it has been too long in coming.", he said to the light sighs of all present. "In fact, Kimmie wants Ronald to put a ring on her hand ASAP. And if he asks me for permission, it will absolutely be granted.", he stated with authority. Looking between the three Stoppables, "Now can you tell me where we might find the young man?"

Dean rolled his eyes, "I…", waving a hand between his family members, "We don't know.", he sighed as the Possible's hope visibly deflated. "I mean, we know he is going to college for dual PhDs, but we don't know where." As their friends sank back in their chairs, "I do know that he argues one very soon and then another one in a month or two. But that's all we know." Rubbing his chin in thought, "He already has a job that he has been interning for the last few years as well…"

Shaking his head, James snorted and then became more serious, "The word is out that you guys are doing pretty well for yourselves…and others, too it seems.", as he waved a hand lightly. Sighing, "Oxford isn't cheap…and when it all fell apart for her over there…we learned of the fund for Kimmie." Reaching out to Ann's hand, a near watery smile to his former neighbors, "We…and our daughter are grateful for your generosity Dean."

The Actuary's smile was gentle and sincere, "I think I can speak for Barb, Hanna and Ronald in saying that you and Kimberly are very welcome…And if you remember, she was with him when he came up with an idea that eventually turned into millions…"

"Billions.", James corrected.

Fidgeting slightly, "Well…", she shot a quick glance to Dean, "we are…uh, comfortable.", Barbara admitted.

Taking a commanding stance, "Mom, Dad give them your number so they can reach you.", Hanna instructed.

Anne chuckled, "I can't believe my eyes, how grownup Hanna seems to be after only knowing her as a tot."

Relaxing shyly, the Asian girl blushed, "I still like to have friends come over. And in the summer Rufus visits."

Anne asked, "Is Rufus still with you?"

"He's gotten on in years since he left with Ronald and is a little slower than he used to be, Anne.", Barb informed her.

"But where did you guys go? You…you just vanished.", as James brought the original topic back into play.

Looking between his Wife and child, Dean folded his hands in his lap and began at Barb's nod, "After receiving nothing but silence after all attempts to contact you all, we thought that you did not want to have anything more to do with us." At the Possible's grimace, he continued, "So Ronald suggested we move out of the country, and we did. A few days later, we ended up in Norway." Then tapping his chin with a finger, "The transactions to transfer our money went through about an hour after we got on the plane." James and Anne were startled at this news.

Continuing, "We changed our names, and for now we're not going to say what they've are to reduce the chance of someone like Kim's old tech guru from tracking Ron down, so no one had an idea of who we were. By the time we made the first flight change in Cincinnati all the money had been moved like ten times through various shell companies." Their guests' mouths dropped open. "By the time we were across the Atlantic no one, not even a forensic accountant working for the IRS would have been able to find where more than two percent of the originating accounts went." Now they were just stunned as Dean continued, "We paid all the taxes up front so it was very legal, except for our identity papers." James just blinked while Anne shook her head sharply. Shrugging, "We all agreed that we needed to fly under the radar for a few years and not attract any attention to ourselves", Dean wrapped it up in general terms so there was nothing specific brought to light of their handling of said money and some of their flight from Middleton. "And that, in a nutshell, is how we got to where we are now."

Drawing a breath, "Wade told me you were ungodly rich…"

Cutting him off, "Please do not use the Lord's name in vain, James.", Dean cautioned.

"Sorry, it's…just we were frustrated, please don't take offense.", James apologized. Then fixing him with a look, "After all this time, has Ronald married?", he asked.

With a sad smile, Dean shook his head, "No, he hasn't." He and Barb sighed as Hanna rolled her eyes. "He, in fact, has stated that he is a confirmed bachelor." Explaining their melancholy at this declaration from their Son, "You see in our religion not having children is frowned upon, but not unheard of." Taking her hand, "Barbara and I would love to have grandchildren." He sighed, "But as things are now, Ronald does not want to even think about anything like that."

Keeping her voice low, Anne leaned in, "Well Kimmie wants Ronald's children, and knowing her, she usually gets her way." Leaning back, "Every summer after she returns from Japan, she's even more enthusiastic about her chances."

Looking to her former neighbor, "Well, we met some friends of Ronald's while we were living in Japan." Thinking for a moment, "A married couple by the names of Yori and Hiro.", Barb told them.

X

Spying a clock in the café, "As much as I'd like for us to go out to dinner, we have a show to go to tonight.", James told them. "And we really should be going."

Nodding in return, "Yes, we should as well James.", Dean replied as he rose from his seat, followed by Barb and Hanna.

Rising with James, "We have your contact information and we promise not to tell Kimberly that we were able to speak with you as long as you keep the pressure on your Son.", Anne told the now-smiling Mother of such a dense Son.

XXXX

Well, the degrees of separation are really dropping into very low…single digits, aren't they?