Chapter 2: Joker Part 1

A few blocks from the hotel, I flagged down a taxi. The taxi stopped and I got in.

"Where to?" the hackie asked. He didn't say anything about the blood on my clothes and face; so I guess he's seen worse in his line of work over the years.

Anyway, I told him my address. On the way home he asked, "Had a bad night?"

"Yeah, dude, you could say that."

Luckily, he didn't seem to want to continue the conversation. Let out a big sigh. Looking out the window, I saw we were leaving Lowerton and heading to Middleton. Might need to see a doctor about the cuts. But if that happens to be Mrs. P, I'll be in deep trouble.

Thing was, I'd just killed someone. Maybe more than one someone, because of the bomb. And no way in hell I'm going to Arkham. The rumors about that place got on my nerves.

Still, that wasn't my real concern. It was Josh and Kim - why would KP do that to me? She was my only friend ever since pre-k. Before Rufus and Felix.

Then it came to me. That's when I finally realized Kim was just like all the rest of them.

All my life, people have looked down on me. Calling me a loser and what-not. Laughing at me behind my back - and even in front of it, sometimes. I hate them all for it. Took Kim long enough to find out I had feelings for her. And she just ends up betraying me with Josh.

I might have to do something about that, besides just storming out of the house like an upset little girl.

Finally we arrive home. "How much?" I asked.

"It's on me," the hackie said shortly, and I could see the gun in his hand.

"Thanks," I said as I got out and the taxi drove away. "See you around."

My parents weren't home, like always. Unlocked the door, then went inside. Cleaned myself up, and started applying band-aids in front of the mirror. Those cuts on my face will leave scars, that's for sure. With the right face paint, though, I can cover them up. No one would know about what happened.

Looked like I had a permanent smile on my face, though. Well, at least I didn't have a second smile all the way around my throat.

Opened my mouth and saw all my teeth. I have two visibly ugly scars that clothes won't conceal, but no big. Not like I was considered hot or good-looking before. Going to a doctor that can fix it is obviously the next order of business. KP would freak, have Wade look into it.

Guess that's one less thing to worry about now.

Tossed the tux to the floor of my bedroom. So much for the lame-ass impromptu date I didn't go on. Got dressed then went to bed. Dark thoughts entered my mind. And I'm talking Darth Vader-esque or the Emperor reborn type dark thoughts, people.

The next day I put flesh-tone face paint over the scars. There's no way anyone can tell that the scars are there now. Good thing mom and dad are off enjoying themselves someplace. That woulda made things kinda inconvenient for me.

With that tracking chip gone, I don't have to worry about Kim or Wade finding out what happened last night either.

Went downstairs for breakfast, then off to school. On my way to my locker, I ran into Bonnie.

"Watch where you're walking, loser!" she said. But she didn't even look at me, I swear. The words came out of her mouth on automatic.

"No, you should watch where you're going, bitch!" I yelled at her. Guess I'd just had it with Bonnie being such a bitch all time. Too bad I didn't keep that goon's knife from last night; I might have carved my initials into her face. Teach her a lesson she'd never forget.

Bonnie's eyes went wide, as if she couldn't believe it. She didn't say anything after that. Some students looked at us like there was going to be a fight, like I was gonna throw down with a girl.

Puh-lease! Didn't want to wait for Mr. B to show up, so I left. Got my books from the locker then went to class.

I couldn't help hearing kids saying, "Did you hear about the explosion at a hotel in Lowerton?" "Yeah, I saw it on the news!" "It was so cool!"

Morons. Still, I smiled, 'cause no one knew it was me. That's the cool thing about anonymity; people call you cool and never know it's you they're talking about.

Anyway, I sat down at my desk. Then Kim came in before the bell rang. She sat next to me, oh joy.

"What happened between you and Bonnie?" the no-good cheater asked.

"Oh, that was nothing KP."

"I'm sorry about last night-"

"Yeah, so?" I said back.

"Ron, what's wrong?" she said to me, looking confused. I swear, I could have gutted her right there.

"You and Josh going at it behind my back!"

How did he find out? Kim asked herself. "Listen, Ron..."

"Okay, class, let's get started," the teacher interrupted her. I just gave Kim a glare, and she wisely shut up. But I knew that wouldn't be the end of it.

Later that night, she tried to apologize. I told her I didn't want to hear it, that we were through. She tried the old tears and moans routine. I told her to cut it out and act her age. And that's when I did something stupid.

I let Shego blast me. Guy took me totally by surprise. I fell off the catwalk. Into a bunch of chemicals down below.

SPLASH!

"Ron, NOOO!" Kim Possible screamed.

"Kimmie, looks like you just lost your sidekick," Shego said with a smile.

This didn't look good for our heroine, folks.

To Be Continued