Authors note: Drakken and Shego are tangled up at the moment and won't be available for a bit, instead enjoy the company of teen hero and Graduate Kim Possible and her boyfriend sidekick Ron Stoppable. Review and enjoy…and action!
CH.3: Coping through the pain
It was early morning in the Stoppable household and it was hectic. Mr. Stoppable and Mr. Possible were making pancakes, while the rest waited around the table. Jim and Tim were getting a lecture for using the microwave to conduct an experiment, while Kim and Ron were sitting on the couch. "So, my dad says he can get the help of the construction company…but it will have to wait till tomorrow. What do you want to do today?"
"Well KP…I was hoping to see what the city was going to do about Bueno Nacho," Ron said with his arm behind her.
"Ron…you know better then to meet the city council with such an accusation," she knew perfectly well that Ron was going to accuse them of; replacing Bueno Nacho with a better fast food restaurant.
"But Kim…it's going to happen. While Bueno Nacho was in that spot…I was a happy and go lucky teen. I overheard Ned talking to the manager…this was before it was destroyed by those stupid drones."
"Ron…why don't you spend the time today with your girlfriend?" The plop of plates on the table diverted Ron's attention, and Kim sighed. Ron has an appetite that is louder then my voice, she said in resignation. Ron jumped off the couch and took a seat at the table. As pancakes were served onto his plate he got the syrup and drowned his pancakes.
"So Kimmy what do you got planned for today?" James Possible sat beside his wife and was neatly cutting his pancakes. Ann was chewing on hers already, having expertise with sharp objects and cutting things open.
"Well…since Drakken has turned major softy," she said in an exasperated voice, "I guess I'll tag along with Ron." Ron swallowed a huge pancake and raised an eyebrow at Kim. Rufus had his own little plate to the side and was burying his face into the maple like substance spread across his food.
"While you're in town Ronald…could you pick up a newspaper? I happen to be interested in what my company is doing about this…situation." Mr. Stoppable handed him a quarter then turned his attention to Hanna, who by some talent, had finished her serving of pancake already. "Rufus…did you steal Hanna's pancakes?"
"Uh uh," Rufus replied looking at the half stacked pancakes on his plate. He tilted his head to the side and saw Hanna clap her hands for joy.
"Hey dad…can we come with you to the construction yard?" Jim and Tim said in unison.
"Well…sure why not," he said looking at his watch. "The construction team has agreed to meet me today on the building." With plans set and all, Ann sighed and realized she had little to do. "Oh I'm sorry honey, did you want to come?"
"Oh me…why would you consider me for such a job? I mean it is just negotiating certain material needed to build our house back to its normal size, it isn't brain surgery-."
"Mom's coming…isn't she?" Tim said to the side and his brother nodded while swallowing his amount of pancakes.
"We could tag along with Kim and Ron," Jim suggested giving his sister an eyebrow raise. Kim caught that and downed her milk before pulling Ron by the shirt sleeve and leaving the table.
"Sorry to leave in such a rush…but you know how Ron is about being on time!" She dragged Ron out and Rufus followed close behind, he barely made it out before the door slammed shut and Kim leaned her body against the door.
"Kim…you know I'm not one for time," he said crossing his arms, "is this about Jim and Tim wanting to come?"
"Well…sort of. You see, we're going to be attending the city council of Middleton. It isn't a place to goof around; you go there, make your speech, then the council votes on whether what you said in your speech is carried out. You really want to do this?" She walked forward and placed a comforting hand on his cheek.
"Yes KP…it has to be done. For my sanity…it must. Can you honestly see me going off to college and coming back to a pizza setup?" Rufus stuck out his tongue, and KP sighed in resignation.
"Just don't get carried away ok?" She gave him a kiss on the cheek, then went to her purple car. Ron followed her and Rufus jumped into his pocket. As they drove into the street and into Middleton, Kim checked her hair. "Ron…are you going dressed like that?"
"C'mon KP…it's not like they're going to be dressed in tuxes and fancy smancy clothing," he said leaning back in his seat. Rufus slapped his head and Kim grimaced as she came upon the building. A lot of cars were parked there, including one Bonnie Rockwaller; whom last she saw was sentenced to summer school.
"Well if it isn't my old cheerleader buddy from high school…and you're still dating the loser, seems things don't change after high school at all."
"Hello to you to Bonnie. And what's with attending a city council meeting? I never knew you had a fondness in these, didn't you once say you'd never be caught dead here?"
"That was the old me, I tend to make a difference now. I'm here to get us some decent food in this town. One can only look at a Nacho for so long…and not barf-."
"Oh no…you did not just insult Bueno Nacho!" Ron took a step forward and his brown eyes narrowed. "Bueno Nacho is by far the best heavenly restarauant in town. It houses a good many choices, so you don't have to stick with your regular Nacho. You can Grande size it…or share a platter with a friend. The prices too are understandable-."
"Yeah…maybe for the poor. I however have taste, so, I'm here to vote with a majority of the town against rebuilding Bueno what ever. My word carries…you'll see. Oh and nice seeing you again Kimmy…maybe you'll make head cheerleader wherever you attend College."
"I think that's the nicest thing you've said to me yet," Kim practically shot at her. The murmuring of passing people led their eyes to people a bit older and wiser then most.
"Wow…this looks heavy," Ron said and Rufus silently agreed. The man in lead had a flat of silver hair and his eyes were covered with spectacles. He wore a white button up shirt and crisp clean jeans. Behind him was a woman wearing a blue dress and her hair was let down her back. She seemed young to be on the council.
"Ron…if you're still willing to go through with this," he looked at her with a slightly determined look on his face, "then they better hang in. I intend to back you the entire way." Ron smiled and the two embraced. Bonnie made some sick noises and filled in behind the rest. Ned drove up then and waved to them.
"Hey…glad you could come Ron. It will suck if they get rid of Bueno Nacho. I've worked there for so long, it's the only place that understands me. If they get rid of it…I'll…"
"It's ok Ned…no one is touching Bueno Nacho…though the drones pretty much already did that. All the same…this project will commence…if my name isn't Stoppable-."
"Hey…isn't your name Stoppable?" Ned asked raising an eyebrow. Ron slapped his head and followed everyone into the room. It was quite spacious and each row was filled with worried faces. Not only was this for the future of Bueno Nacho, it was also the future of the town.
"Alright, Middleton city council of 2007 shall commence now," the sound of soft murmurs now filled the once loud room. "I am Rich Shelby, head council member of this council. I have served here for over 10 years; each decision made has always been in the best interest of you, the townsfolk. To my right is Rebecca Onesville, she has been in charge of the economy. Schools have received a lot because of her. She has served on this council for 5 years. I could take hours discussing the members and their wide range of achievements, but right now, the best interest for you is to hear of the damage and the repairs needed. Will Chief of the Construction yard please take the podium?"
Walking from behind Kim and Ron was a man with short brown hair, blue caring eyes, and arms that could move buildings. He wore a red shirt over dusty blue jeans and as he took the podium, he looked to be 20, though in fact he was 35. "Good morning Council members and city of Middleton. We have looked at the city, and about over 50 homes and property were damaged or demolished during the recent alien attack. My team and I are already working on plans to rebuild. I trust you read my report?"
"We did," an Asian man who looked to be in his late 40's said, "it says here one of the buildings to be repaired is the Possible house. Might I ask why?"
"The Possible family is dear friends of mine. Their daughter saved my construction yard from facing demolition, ironic as it sounds. James and I worked out a deal, I help build half, and he does the rest."
"I'll let that slide for now," an African American man said, he was or appeared to be in his early thirties and had wavy black hair and stern eyes. "Rebecca, how does the economic viewpoint look?"
"The damage is a lot. We could be looking at many cut backs. The way I see it, one such property in question, it appears, deserves some looking into. I refer to document 450, or in simple, the Bueno Nacho."
The audience murmured and Ron gripped onto the wood in front of him. Rufus consoled him and Kim would've too, but the voice behind her made her smile. "Hi girl, what brings you here today?"
"Monique…I should ask the same thing," Kim turned around to see Monique sitting there…and beside her was Wade. "Wade…what brought you from your computer?"
"Kim…this is important. I managed to get some video feed from orbit…you should-." The ring of the gavel interrupted Wade and he gave her a 'we need to talk later' look.
"Guess Mr. look at me has something to say," Monique said. She crossed her arms and all the murmuring quieted down.
"Yes…the Bueno Nacho is a fine eating establishment. But might I ask Rebecca, how that is cutting into the economy?"
"It is quite simple; people have lost a taste in Nacho, as you say. More teens are interested in hot and spicy food that is why a majority of the town have voted to spend money on a more refined and dignified new locale."
"Shouldn't that money be used to build the houses?" Felix Renton was in his wheel chair and Kim had barely noticed him. He seemed intent on getting an answer and no one dare object.
"Yes, money will be used in building new homes. But then we have money left over, and that is what we're debating. Should Bueno Nacho be rebuilt, or should a new and better eating establishment be placed there instead?"
"The floor now is open to anyone willing to object…or to agree to the ordinance that will be passed." Rich Shelby steepled his fingers together and looked at the many faces centered in the room.
"I would like the floor…head council member," Felix rolled on down in his state of the art wheel chair. He nodded his head in Ron's direction, then hit a special button on his chair that allowed him to hover just up to the mike. "Fellow Council Members and good people of Middleton, I am Felix Renton. Graduate of the class of 2007 and Valid Victorian. Today we face a grave issue, one that has split our town in two. I refer to the Bueno Nacho. Home of everything that to some…holds our taste buds and heart, the Bueno Nacho is to some, the meaning of hunger. It has been in this town for generations, many of you were there the day it first opened. You must understand, economically speaking, sure it hit some road bumps, anything on its first leg does. I vote you rebuild it…let its second leg be the start of a greater cause."
Ron and a few others whooped and clapped and Kim herself was on her feet joining in the celebratory clapping. Bonnie and a few others crossed their arms, not moved by the speech. As the gavel rang on the wood, all was silenced. "Thank you Felix. Now…anyone else?"
"Yes…I believe I have something to say," Bonnie walked up to the floor wearing a pink shirt over light blue jeans. Her brown hair waved about her like it was an uneven tide. Her hard eyes took in the council members, the look, Kim could imagine, was one that wouldn't be ignored. "For years now it seems Middleton has been in a slump, kids have been attending this Bueno Nacho and what good has it served? Kids are growing fatter by the minute, heart problems and lack of exercise are becoming medical disasters, that is why I propose we make a new restaurant, one that is healthy and at the same time has variety. I want what is best for Middleton, thank you."
"That was…unexpected," Kim said looking confused. Since when has Bonnie cared about the health of teens and kids alike? Still, she couldn't allow Bueno Nacho to be rid of, her main reason was that of Ron. Looking over at him she could see his cheeks flaring up and as she reached out to comfort him he marched up to the podium.
"Alright…if that is-." Rich was cut off by the stamping feet of the Stoppable kid, sighing in resignation he set the gavel down and placed his hands on the wood. "The floor recognizes Ron Stoppable, head debator for keeping the Bueno Nacho."
"Thank you head council member," Ron said formally, "people of Middleton I am here today to support the keeping of Bueno Nacho. For years, maybe even more, it has stood here in Middleton…a monument to time and pleasure. Bonnie says it has gave kids heart conditions, not so, I am well aware of the medical accusations, and let me assure you, they are very little. One kid tried to sue on account of choking on a Nacho, what you did not know was he tried to stuff it down his throat. Another blamed it to being too spicy, truth be told, that person put too much sauce on it. People, what harm has the Bueno Nacho really done to you? It has stood there; its only purpose is to serve you with quality food. I will fight you with all the breath I have…until justice is served!"
The audience began to clap and Kim was moved to tears, when Ron wanted something badly enough, he'd fight for it. The council members didn't seem impressed, and Bonnie herself was crossed armed and fuming. Wade and Monique grew worried and as Rich pounded his gavel, the applause was shattered. "Thank you for your show of appreciation, but we have made our decision. We have heard both sides, and it is in the town's best interest…not to continue funding for a new Bueno Nacho-."
"Nooo…you can't do that!" Ron rushed forward and made his way to the podium, the gavel was being raised even as he said that. "Bueno Nacho is everything to me…it is a part of history and me. To get rid of it will be like tearing a chunk out of Middleton. Have a heart…reconsider…"
"Son…you say anything else and you will be arrested. Decisions are made everyday, some people are affected by it, others don't care, the point is, and once this gavel is brought down…no more talk will be made." Ron felt his whole world crumbling around him, he hadn't been accepted to any college yet, he didn't get to finish his pancakes, and now Bueno Nacho would be taken from him. He felt his knees weaken and Kim rushed out of the audience to help him up.
"Chief Council Member," she began, "I am Kim Possible, daughter of James Possible and Ann Possible. My boyfriend here has a point," the audience began to let out gasps and she slapped her head, "this town needs to open their eyes more, " she said to Ron, "Look, he has made a valid point. What has the Bueno Nacho done to you? I admit the cheese can get stuck in your teeth, but is that a reason in itself to be rid of such a monument to the town's taste buds? I've saved this town for 4 years, and if there were any favor I haven't used, would you please keep the Bueno Nacho?"
Ron walked up to Kim, his eyes watering like a puppy and his love for her like a unstoppable ocean. He placed his hands on her cheeks and kissed her. As he pulled away he held onto her hand and faced the council. The council murmured in their circle and came to a final decision.
"We have come to our final decision," Rich said, "the Bueno Nacho shall not be rebuilt…this council meeting is now-."
"Hold that gavel Rich!" Everyone turned in their seats and walking down the aisle was none other then Mr. Barken from the High School and Smarty Mart's. He wore a brown business suit and apparently had recovered from his break down. "The Stoppable kid has a point. And if you look at the audience, you'll notice a change of heart. I've been teaching for many years, and for once I can say I'm proud to have taught Ronald here. He never was good at making speeches, but this one came from the heart. I admire that quality, he is becoming a true young man. So, still want to ring that gavel?"
"Steve I don't want to pull you out of here and embarrass you in front of all your friends," Rich said motioning his gavel at the many people in the audience, most of them students and parents.
"Embarrass me…that is a low even for you Rich. Teaching has been my life, I have seen many bright pupils of mine go on to do great things. Fact is…I have retired from teaching." Murmurs and surprised gasps filled the town meeting, even Kim and Ron were dumbfounded. "Yes I know people, what would make hard nosed Barken retire, well truth be told, I have a different career in mind now. Rich…step down."
"W-What…on what authority do you have to make me step down?" Rich was shaking and the other council members were a bit scared.
"You do realize that not all of Middleton is here right? Some are fixing their homes that were destroyed in the attack; it makes me wonder how come you've taken so long to call this meeting. You sound so convincing up there, to take down one restaurant, is that really necessary. Oh and by the authority of a majority of the town, that and the President of the U.S. So, if you don't mind-."
"The President of the U.S…that is impossible…there is a war going on," Rich moved down and began to march over to Barken.
"You want me to show you the documentation?" Barken challenged him in his loud commanding voice. Rich was stumped, yet he could find no response to that. With a harrumph he left in a flurry of robes and all. "Ok people, Bueno Nacho is here to stay!"
"Alright Mr. Barken you showed that dress wearing guy whose boss!" Ron saw the disapproving look from Barken and shut up. Kim clung to his arm and had a confused look on her face. "Something wrong Possible?"
"Yeah, how did you get the President to sign a order saying Rich was unfit to be the head council member?" Kim frowned and joining her were her parents and friends. Rufus popped out and shook his head a bit at everyone there.
"Well…it wasn't the President…it was the Vice," he said quietly, "but he is still a very important man." Ron elbowed Barken and they all laughed. Yet his face grew serious as the other council members frowned at him. "Listen Ronald, I won't have time to overlook the rebuilding of the Nacho place, and seeing how it was your idea, how would you like to be the new manager of the Bueno Nacho?"
"Me…run the Bueno Nacho?" Ron got pats on the back and Kim smiled at him. Barken shook his head, wondering how this day had come. "But what about Smarty Mart?"
"Smarty Mart will always be there for you…case you decide to give up your dream. But Bueno Nacho needs you Ron, farewell for now." Mr. Barken left and Kim kissed Ron on the cheek.
"Ron you did it…Bueno Nacho is saved!" I can't believe it, if it weren't for Barken we'd be in a slump for quite some bit. Still…that was impeccable timing, and Rich didn't look all too pleased about the sitch. Suddenly Kim's mom showed up. "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"After I accompanied your father to the construction yard I went home, it was then that while passing Ron's house his mother wanted me to give him this." Ann Possible handed over a letter and on it said…a College!
"I got a letter! Alright…booyah!" He did a little dance and both Possibles laughed at his hilarious dance. Yet it suddenly dawned on him before anyone else. He took a seat and placed his head in his hands.
"Ron…what's wrong?" Kim took a seat besides her boyfriend and Wade, Monique, Felix, Mr. and Mrs. Possible, Jim and Tim, most of the people in his life were there. Ron had ripped it open, but no sudden happiness showed, only sadness.
"I got accepted…but its out of Middleton. Do I stay and save the Bueno Nacho…or go and start my life?" He slumped in his seat and Kim was on the verge of tears. Would he honestly stay and live here for the rest of his life? The whole world was opening up to him…what would he choose…who would he choose.
Authors Note: Politics…you got to love them sometimes. In my opinion it suits the story, puts it in place for the upcoming battle, and how it will affect both Kim and Ron's life. Will being a good guy ruin the already low view of Shego to Dr. Drakken? And what the approaching fleet? All will be answered in the next chapter, coming soon.