Author's Notes!

Hey there!

Before I start, I want to share something with you guys. While I was resting for a bit from writing all those backlog updates that should've been posted in an earlier time, I looked over my calendar. A thought suddenly enters my brain while eyeing the date today and realized something important: I'VE BEEN IN THIS SITE SINCE MARCH 2013. I remember how excited I was posting my first ever story here, reading the first reviews I got, reading the stories of others in awe. It was a new experience for me, a heartfelt one that got me through some of my darkest moments.

Flash forward to 62 months later to where I am now, I thought that the fire inside might've died since I've been away for long periods of time. My usually constant updates were halted to a compete stop that lasted for years. Last year I've actually updated my stories only once. But, as I continue writing this one, I was proven wrong. I still enjoy writing. I still enjoy creating stories in this site. A half a decade has passed, and yet I still get giddy like a kid whenever I visit this site.

I love writing. I love this site, and I love you guys. Have a cake! :) My name is kmtdiccion and I would like to commemorate my 5-year stay in fanfiction with this story titled...

"Today My Life Begins"
by: kmtdiccion

Chapter 2
"Brittle"

Tara always thought of herself as brittle.

From the moment she was born, the platinum blonde girl is treated akin to a porcelain doll, a little mistake would shatter her into millions of pieces. She was delivered as a stillborn, and the doctors in charge of her birth worked for hours to resuscitate her back to life. The panic left a lasting impression on her mother that her toddler years were made sure she is in perfect security and comfort. She was confined within the walls of her house for most of the time, with the only memories she could remember going outside were family outings.

She was home-schooled for a bit until she reached primary school, where Tara's world suddenly expanded. For years of isolation, the thought of meeting someone new made her feel anxious. The sudden influx of new ideas about school, activities, and friends overwhelmed her that she almost backed out, if it weren't for the steady gazes of her father. The initial reaction to her introduction was normal enough, and Tara thought that she would do fine in her school, but she thought wrong.

"Look at her pale face. She looks like a ghost!"

"Don't get near her, or else you'll be eaten alive! Run!"

Her days living inside the house left her skin a creamy white color. The bullies instantly latched onto that fact and started teasing her. Whenever she appears, they would always shout and run away from her. Those who she initially talked to started to waver, leaving her all alone in her lonesome. It became a norm for her for a few months before her savior comes and changed her life once again.

"You know what? I think you're fine, girl."

Tara didn't know how it happened, or what hidden agenda she might be having at that time, but she is always thankful that she met the one Bonnie Rockwaller in her life. A day after her encounter with the brunette, all bullies ceased to tease her. She was confused why they've stopped when Bonnie explains that anyone in her posse is immune to them. Laying a hand to one of her friends is tantamount to social suicide. She then placed her hand on top of Tara's shoulders and said everything will be fine if she's with her.

She wanted to believe her. She wanted to hold on to whatever hope was left, but she can't, because Tara always thought of herself as brittle.

Middle school comes around with a faint hope from her to step out from her eggshell and try to live as normal as possible. She still has Bonnie on her side, so she wanted to see new things life has to offer to her. She started following the latest trends in fashion, practice her routine for her tryouts for the cheer squad, which Bonnie is groomed to become the future captain, and meet different cliques that make up the student body. And at first, the platinum cheerleader is exhilarated from the prospect, but as time pass by, she slowly saw the cracks from the things she wanted.

Sans Bonnie, there were no one else she could truly call her friend. Truly, she cherished the rare moments she shared with the brunette whenever she turns off her 'Bitch Mode' as she so eloquently puts it. They've become each other's confidante, sharing their joy and sadness they normally hide when in front of the public. Tara loved the girl like a sister, but besides her, there were no one else she was close with. The rest of Bonnie's circle were fellow cheerleaders that although she had lots of fun with them, felt too shallow for her to truly care for.

Not that she hated them, but aside from the usual talk of fashion, music, and budding romances, there were nothing else for them to talk about.

The boys who were also high up on the 'Food Chain' were worse. They didn't see her as someone they could befriend, but rather a trophy to show off their social status. She would receive numerous proposals to be her date, and at first she was flattered with the attention, but it usually ends up with her regretting it since most of them didn't even bother knowing her more. She's just an achievement once she was caught, they would quickly lose interest and go on to the next one.

Tara wondered if this is all school life has to offer until one time she saw someone peculiar.

She was used to Bonnie berating anyone who she deemed lower than her. Although she feels a bit sad for those the brunette is chewing, but she knew well that it is what she needed to do to secure her place. But this one time, she saw a different form of Bonnie. She is glaring daggers with the new cheerleader in the team, Kim Possible. After showcasing her masterful routine, the team agreed to let her join the squad, and this doesn't sit well with her friend. Bonnie likes to be the center of the spotlight, and she feels threatened that some redhead will come and steal her show. And so, the two started to bicker immediately.

No, that wasn't what she is surprised at. What piqued Tara's mind is the boy next to Kim. His hair was quite messy, his freckles splattered all across his cheeks, and his smile was too wide and bright it could make a man go blind. He is an oddity to what guys usually are, on her perspective. Boys should wear stylish clothes and gives off a cool aura. This one, however, looks like a walking fashion disaster. Guys act suave when talking to girls. This one acts like a clown towards everyone. It is too mind-boggling for her that she can't help but ask.

"Why would someone popular like Kim would want to hang out with someone like him?"

She cringed when she remembered what she asked the first time she talked to Kim. It had been an innocent question, but the redhead took it in another way. Bonnie adding another snide comment didn't help in her favor either. The murderous look Kim gave the two of them were the stuff of nightmares. And so, the platinum blonde leave them be. She never participated in the constant sneers Bonnie and her other friends always spew to them, but then again, she never really helped Kim and Ron either.

Tara was never strong. She can't just stand up from the girl who helped her reach the highest social circle in Middleton Middle School and even now in high school. She disagrees with some of her actions, but is too timid to tell her.

Then high school came and nothing much has changed. Bonnie was expected to take charge of the "Food Chain" after her twin sisters, Connie and Lonnie Rockwaller, graduated. She and Ron still haven't communicated with each other until he tried, and was accepted, to become the school mascot. She remembered how furious Bonnie was and pulled all stops just to kick him out of the squad. But with Kim, he stayed. She thought this would be the chance to see what made her stick around him for so long.

But she didn't.

They practiced together, went to competitions, and basically near each other for the most of the day, but with Bonnie constantly hovering around her, as if daring to get near the freckled teen, she would feebly back down and would look at the two, talking and laughing. It remained that way until the infamous first Camp Wannaweep experience. Everyone doubted him, and who wouldn't? To hear his seemingly crazy stories about rabid squirrels and mascot monkeys would totally mark him weird, but after he saved them from being mutated to monstrous creatures, she saw Ron in a new light, never before seen in her eyes.

She started to fall for him.

She gave him a kiss and practically skipped her way to the school bus, much to Bonnie's surprise. The brunette exclaimed the absurdity of what she's done and said it might end her place in the Food Chain, but at that time, Tara doesn't care one bit. She had her fair share of princes who would sweep him off her feet, their dashing looks and gallantry that would make girls swoon. But that one, lanky boy, the one who is afraid of everything, the school pariah who was scorned by the social elites, faced his fears and rescued them, even those who were cruel to him, and defeated Gill, that boy took everything she knew about who she should date with to the trash and wrote a new one with his name on it.

"I think I'm falling for Ron Stoppable..."

Tara placed a hand on her cheek when realization struck her. She started noticing things she haven't noticed before, like how his chocolate eyes are so expressive. You can see the real sincerity and care from those brown orbs whenever he's concerned, or how it lights up like a pyrotechnic display when something good happens. Tara had a few slew of crushes then but nothing compares with how she's feeling every time he enters the room or went to cheer practice.

She wanted to tell her feelings. Oh, she wanted to hear him speak to her once again, but she can't, because Tara always thought of herself as brittle.

But maybe, just maybe, fate may give them a chance to be close. The news of Kim getting a boyfriend quickly struck all over the school. The student body kept talking about her and her handsome boyfriend who just transferred a while ago. Many of Kim's fans were dejected by the news, while the girls gush on how pretty the guy was. Tara met Matthew Evans a couple of times, and she knew that Kim would agree to date him during their girl talk. The guy was nice and all, and he was sure handsome, but the attraction didn't bloom into a full-blown crush.

The reason behind this is because she saw something happening behind the scenes. While almost everyone were joyous for the new power couple of Middleton High, one certain boy wasn't. Although from the outside, Ron is still the infamous clown klutz who would always joke around. His 'Never Be Normal' attitude hasn't subsided and is still going strong. The small naked mole rat he bought before graduation is now a fully-grown adult and is now residing inside his cargo pants. From a casual's perspective, nothing's going on with him.

But, Tara saw the cracks from his grin. His smiles never really touches his eyes anymore, almost as if he is forcing himself to stay happy. He is still close with his best friend, but the platinum blonde knew it wasn't as tight as it used to be, now that she has a relationship. Although Bonnie intervened with her numerous times about her 'stupid' crush with the freckled teen, Tara never really outgrown her affection towards him. She just locked her feelings inside, and now, it started show once again. Tara wanted to reach out to him.

"Tara! Are you alright?" She could still remember the concern oozing from his voice when he saved her from the his mad running-away skills, he barely caught her in his arms, making her avoid a big blow to her back. When he helped her to stand up, the blonde, together with his pet mole rat, were focused on making sure if she's okay. Tara just smiled and told him she's okay. Though it may sound cliche, but at that moment, he never thought that a great friendship was born.

The old flame was reignited as the two started the most unlikely friendship. Bonnie vehemently argued against it but Tara paid her no mind. She assured her that it would be kept secret and no one will trace this back to her. It took a long time for her to accept it, although grudgingly, and the sneers Ron gets from the brunette slightly decreased, with emphasis to the word 'slightly'. Tara learns more about the life Ron leads him, how his friendship with Kim first started, the reasons behind his motto, and snippets of his crazy world-saving adventures as part of Team Possible. Tara was beyond amazed not only for his heroics, but also his character.

After everything he went through, he would still remain the same. At first, the girl thought that everything Kim did, she did it all alone with her skills. But hearing from Ron's perspective, it wasn't the case. It was a team effort. Although Kim is the mind behind all her great feats, Ron acts as her wall to keep her grounded. Tara was now sure that she will do whatever it takes to keep their own friendship intact. She wanted to have something that made Kim who she is today, and she wished she could never part with him.

But, that wasn't the case. After all, she was never meant to be strong. Tara had always thought of herself as brittle.

It was a month before graduation when her parents told her a surprising news. With a big grin plastered on his face, the patriarch of the King household announced that he is given a chance for promotion. Everyone exploded into cheers and applause save for one person. With a strained smile, Tara said nothing as she went to her seat and ate dinner in silence. Her dad landed the position as manager to one of their overseas branches, thousands of miles away from Middleton.

Miles away from everyone she knew. Miles away from him.

Tara would be leaving after receiving her diploma, and that thought frightened her. She felt she was back to primary school, and already she's feeling lost. Months from now, she will be forced to let go of everything she built here in Middleton. And with a heavy heart, she decided to tell her few close friends about her imminent departure. But, as she was about to approach the group, she is quickly drowned by the squeals and giggles. They were talking about joining the graduation party in Brick's place on the day when she will leave.

She tried to find ways to pass on the news but everyone was so engrossed with the upcoming event. Tara even tried to tell her brunette friend personally, but the high from her excitement made her say something that broke the fragile girl.

"So you can't even support your own friend later tonight, is it? Then so be it! Don't go! It's not like my loss if you're gone. Then go away! Go wherever you want."

The blonde girl was shell-shocked in her place. Her desperate pleas fell on deaf ears as the storming brunette stomped her way out of her sight, and most especially her life. The one who instantly bound her to her posse, the one who is notoriously known as the 'Ice Queen of Middleton High', the one who at times she wished to change for the better. The shackles that was once on her neck, following the Food Chain like a slave is now broken. She's free now, and thus she should be happy. But, the tears falling from her eyes tell tell her otherwise.

Tara wanted to run back to Bonnie, give her a couple of good slaps to her face, and tell her of her departure and gratitude for everything she'd done for her, but she can't. Tara had always thought of herself as brittle.

She went back to her house totally devoid of any emotion. The family is finishing up packing their things. The movers arrived and has already carried the furniture inside the truck. Mr. King, after putting the last box inside, decided to have dinner at Bueno Nacho before leaving. The mention fo the Tex-Mex restaurant made the girl think of a certain freckled teen who had grown to been another person who had been close to her heart. So, with a phone in hand, she called him.

"Ron! I've missed you so much."

"Oh, really? I'm sorry, T. I guess I've been slacking off more than usual." The voice was like music in her ears. It has been a while since they both talked and up to this day, she could still feel the butterflies in her stomach whenever she talks to him.

"... Are you in your pity fiesta again, huh Ron? I told you to stop doing that." She scolded him with a stern tone.

"What? No... Psh... I was just... Uh... I was just... studying. Yeah..."

"Oh, really?"

"W-Well..." He said weakly when he heard her sigh.

"Anyways, I needed to talk to you. Can you meet me in the park thirty minutes from now?" Tara asked with bated breath. She didn't know what to expect, especially after Bonnie's sudden outburst. After a moment of pregnant silence, the male voice on the other line finally responded.

"Sure thing, T. I'll be there."

"I... Thank you, Ron... Thank you."

"No big!"

Closing the phone after ending the conversation, Tara quickly fixed herself up and told her father that she'll be gone for a while. Before he could ask where she is going, the platinum blonde quickly whisked out of the door. A million thoughts were running inside her mind, but if there's one thing she's certain, it is she wanted to leave this place without any more regrets. The wounds of all the things she wanted to say to her only friend still hurts a lot and she wished her encounter with Ron won't end the same fate.

Half an hour has passed and she reached the bench inside the park, just beside an artificial lake. This has been their secret meeting place since it is hard to find, and the amazing park view. After Bonnie found out their closeness, they decided to at least talk to one another somewhere where the prying eyes of the student body can't see, and after a rescue mission with Kim, Ron accidentally found this place. Tara sat on the bench and waited for him.

And she waited for more...

... and waited.

... and waited.

.

.

.

It was almost time to go, and still there was no blonde boy in sight. Tara fought back the tears that were trying to break out from her eyes, but she never stood a chance. Ron never came, and her heart felt like being stabbed multiple times. She could hear her father shouting her name, but she didn't paid him any mind. Tara tried to be hopeful, but reality seemed to smack her back to the harsh truth. Ron never came.

Tara had always thought of herself as brittle.

And as of this moment, those words have never been any truer.

A/N's: Bet you didn't expect this one to be updated, huh? To be honest, this story hasn't been under my radar for quite a while now, and I was shocked to find some inspiration to write this chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one! Tune in because there are more stories I have in store for you guys. Thanks for reading!

'Til next time!
-kmtdiccion :)