Shuffle
Summary: There are moments in life that shaped our entire being, events that mold our entire character. Some are tragic, some hysterical. Some are horrific and some are blissful.
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers.
Chapter Four
September 27th
7:40am
"Yeah that sounds good," Tommy nodded as he and Kat discussed their schedule for the dance that evening. Kat smiled and was just about to leave when Aisha came running up to them, Rocky and Adam in tow.
"Oh my God you guys are never gonna believe this! Jason and Kim are back together!"
Kat snickered, "Really?"
Tommy's face immediately turned to a scowl, "No they're not. They're just going to the dance together."
"Well, they may be doing that too but they looked pretty cozy this morning."
Kat laughed as she shook her blonde locks from her shoulders, "I can't believe they're really back together."
"I know," Aisha nodded.
"Girls are unbelievable," Rocky chimed in. "Who cares!"
Aisha rolled her eyes and waved good bye to follow Rocky as they took off, leaving Adam standing there with Tommy and Kat.
"So, things are obviously better with you and Kim then?" Kat decided, looking over at him.
Tommy cleared his throat, "Uh, no. Kim and I haven't actually made up."
"Oh," Kat winced.
"I'm sure you will," Adam encouraged as Kat nodded in agreement. "If she's with Jason again, right?"
"They're not back together, Adam," Tommy insisted, verging on whining.
"Hey guys," Jason suddenly called out. The trio looked to the source and saw their mutual friend approaching, hand in hand with Kimberly.
Tommy turned quickly to face the inside of his locker, lest his rage be detected.
Adam and Kat returned the couple's hello and offered humble congratulations.
Kim bit her lip and thanked them bashfully as Jason snuck a kiss to her cheek.
"I finally came to my senses, didn't I baby?" Jason cajoled as the foursome laughed nervously.
Kim noticed Tommy buried in his locker and tried to inconspicuously watch him, hoping he'd finally emerge and face her.
"I was just waiting for Kat," Adam said after a minute. Kat smiled and nodded before turning back to Tommy and giving his arm a squeeze.
The gesture was enough to pull him from hiding and as he did so, locked eyes with Kimberly for a brief moment. She attempted a small smile as Tommy just stared, Jason still holding onto her one hand while he fished through his locker with the other; like she was a puppy on a leash.
"Umm, I'll see you later then, Tommy?" Kat supposed, breaking him of Kim's trance.
"Yeah," he said absently, before a vicious thought entered his head. He just had to know something. "See ya later."
No one saw it coming, least of all Kat. As the blonde released her grip of Tommy's arm, he caught her hand and pulled her back into him, kissing her square on the mouth.
Adam blushed wide eyed as Jason whistled. Kimberly's jaw clenched inexplicably as she watched their lips slowly ease into the kiss. When Tommy finally pulled away, Kat exhaled with a goof smile across her face.
"Umm…okay then…bye," she said dreamily as Tommy lovingly waved her off. Adam patted Tommy's back as he followed Kat and said good bye.
Jason was still laughing, sending a playful punch to Tommy's side, "Stallion."
Tommy smirked before his eyes fell back to Kim, and right there he knew. She felt something for him too, even if she didn't know it. Her behavior outside during lunch was strange enough to prompt his suspicions. It was too convenient that her turnaround had occurred mere seconds after Kat had asked him to the dance. And now she'd said yes to Jason? And now they were supposedly back together? Yet she hadn't forgiven him?
Maybe it was wishful thinking, but Tommy felt he was onto something. And Kimberly's current reaction only confirmed his theory.
Kim ripped her eyes away from Tommy's and tugged on Jason's hand. He glanced over his shoulder and held up a finger to his free hand, telling her to wait. She huffed as Tommy continued to stand beside them, watching them; smirking.
"What?" Kim finally barked at him.
Tommy rubbed his chin and shook his head, "Nothing," he said proudly. "Not. A. Thing."
Kim shot daggers his way as he swiftly shut his locker door and patted Jason on the shoulder.
"Congratulations," he said as Jason nodded, half listening as he finished grabbing his books.
He shot Kim one more glare before leaving, "See ya in class."
Kim stared at him incredulously. Where the hell had that come from? And why did she even care? She'd thought all night about reconciling with Tommy but now…now there was this mysterious rage she felt. She was angry at him all over again…but for a new reason. That nagging feeling she'd experienced the other day came back when she saw Tommy kiss Katherine. She'd recognized it for it was then but couldn't bring herself to admit she'd felt it. Was she…jealous??
"You ready to go, baby?" Jason whispered, squeezing her hand.
She shook off her thoughts and smiled back at Jason. "Yeah."
"I didn't think Tommy had it in him. Can you believe he just kissed Kat like that?"
Jason's laughter was muffled by her thoughts once more. What was happening to her? It was just good, old fashioned possessiveness, right? She'd always been the number one girl in Tommy's life, despite never actually wanting to date him. Sure, he was cute enough; really cute in fact. His new long hair; slicked back into that ponytail, his tall, muscular but lean body, his piercing brown eyes, his beautiful full lips that always held a brilliant smile….okay fine, Tommy was downright gorgeous. Maybe even more gorgeous than Jason. But Kimberly had never thought about him that way. Okay, maybe once when she was seven but, never in the way that she'd thought about Jason. And Tommy certainly hadn't ever thought of her as anything more than a friend. Obviously, or they would have probably dated by now. The two were so close for so long, surely if one of them had liked the other, something would have happened. They'd even been mistaken for a couple once or twice; their closeness, their goofy behavior around each other, even their arguments had led complete strangers to believe they were together.
No, Kim thought to herself, I don't like Tommy? I mean, I love him like a brother. He's my best friend err…was….my best friend.
That's all this is, she silently told herself. I'm just pissed that I'm not getting his attention anymore, I can admit that. But not because I want Tommy. I just want his attention as a friend. Exactly, I just want to be his best friend again and that's easily fixed. I'll just talk to him in English and we'll be good as new.
Once more she found herself being shaken from her thoughts by Jason. She looked up as he stared back at her, slightly annoyed.
"Sorry baby, what'd you say?"
Jason rolled his eyes, "I said I'll see you later."
"Oh, yeah. Okay," she nodded feebly.
Jason snickered and kissed her, unaware that she kept her eyes open and barely kissed back.
"I love you," he said. Kim smiled, though she suddenly questioned if she felt the same. Jason's declaration was nothing new; the two had said the "L" word a long time ago, getting back together made the phrase seem obligatory now.
"I love you too," she whispered as he kissed her once more and ducked into his class. Kimberly groaned as she walked onward toward her own room, her mind now questioning her desires.
September 27th
8:57am
"He just kissed her! Like, on the mouth! In front of everybody!"
Trini stared at Kim in awe, fighting the urge to laugh. "Why do you care?"
Kimberly gawked at her friend, "Don't think I don't know what he's doing, Tri."
Trini was close to losing it. Between frustration and amusement, she could easily break at anytime. "And what exactly is he doing, Kim?"
"I can admit that I like having Tommy's attention, ya know? It's not unheard of. I'm just as possessive of your attention, right?"
"So what? You think Tommy's trying to make you jealous?"
"Exactly! I think he's mad that I'm still mad and he's trying to show me that he doesn't need me anymore!"
"As a friend, right?" Trini asked, far more aware of what Kim's words were implying than she was.
Kimberly stopped for a moment and blinked at Trini curiously, "Yes, of course as a friend," she said nervously.
Did Trini suspect something? Was she giving off signals that she possibly liked him more than just a friend?
"Maybe he really likes Kat," Trini offered, unable to think of anything more useful to say.
Kim scoffed, "Yeah, right."
"I ask you again," Trini sighed, "Why do you care?"
"I don't care if he likes Kat; I just don't want that poor girl being used for some twisted scheme of his."
"And you think Tommy's got some twisted scheme that involves replacing you as his best friend?"
Kim stared back at Trini like it was the most obvious answer in the world. Trini however, remained skeptical but simply shrugged as she shut her locker door.
"Kim, you and Jason are back together, right?"
Kim shrugged, "Yeah."
"And you're happy you're back together, right?"
Kim shrugged again.
"So, just talk to Tommy and make up and everything will be back to the way it was."
Kim nodded, unconvinced. Nothing could go back to the way it was, because something entirely new was brewing.
Trini watched her friend in silent contemplation. She knew her suggestion was pointless. Nothing would ever be the same again. Tommy's feelings for Kimberly had been news to her, though they shouldn't have been. Though their trio had always been equally affectionate, an intangible force bound Tommy and Kimberly closer. But Kim had never given signs of ever wanting more from Tommy….until recently. Trini wasn't blind. Kim's petty ramblings could fool everyone else, but Trini knew better. Tommy's new affection toward Kat had nothing to do with mere, platonic jealousy. Kimberly was catfight jealous; bulging, green eyed, jealous.
Which could only mean one thing; Kimberly had feelings for Tommy too. Though Trini would be much harder pressed to get that information from Kim like she had Tommy. Kimberly was a proud creature; and when threatened, shut down entirely.
No, Trini would have to let Kimberly come to her with this one. And in the mean time, Trini thought to have a chat with Tommy about his apparent performance at the lockers this morning. Kim was perceptive in a way; that Tommy was using Kat to make Kim jealous, of that Trini was sure of.
"Hey," Tommy voice suddenly broke the malaise.
Trini whipped her head around to face him, sending him a knowing scowl as she did so.
He looked at her defensively and shrugged, unable to say anything in present company.
"Great," Kim mumbled. "I'll catch ya later, Trini."
"Wait," Tommy said quickly, grabbing Kim by the wrist. She flinched slightly before he let go and turned to face him.
"Can we talk? On our way to class?" He continued, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Kim looked to Trini and gave her a knowing smirk before returning to Tommy and nodding curtly.
Tommy too looked to Trini who simply shrugged before spinning on his heels to catch up with an already walking Kimberly.
"What do you want?" She snapped as she felt him stroll up beside her.
"I'm glad you and Jason are back together," he lied.
"Somehow I doubt that," she sneered.
Tommy sighed, "I was hoping that if there's a chance for Jason, there's a chance for us again?"
The warning bell chimed, though Kim merely acknowledged it. "Why? It's not like we dated and then broke up," she laughed bitterly.
Tommy swallowed with difficulty, "Well, it kind of is, in a way. I mean, I hurt you as badly as Jason did, maybe worse."
"You're damn right you did!" She barked, "And you know, I was thinking that I could forgive you but after that bullshit this morning, forget it!"
Tommy reared back in shock, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"That kiss with Katherine? Don't think I don't know whose benefit that was for!"
"You think I did that for you? Why? Why do you care who I kiss?"
The first final bell rang, unheard by the two as the straggling students whipped by them in a frenzy. They were on their own time right now, soaring with fists full of apparent and hidden emotions.
"Because you're just using that poor girl to make me jealous!"
"What? Why would I want to make you jealous? What possible reason could I have to want to make you jealous? I thought this was about our friendship, Kim! Remember? How badly I hurt you as a friend?"
"It is! And you made it abundantly clear this morning that you don't need me as your friend anymore!"
"How? By kissing another girl? Like you said Kim, it's not like we were dating!"
"Well it's not like you're in love with me either, so what the hell else could it possibly be?"
The last final bell chimed, signaling to them of their already made tardiness.
"Shit," Kimberly huffed as she ran to the door, stopping only to realize that Tommy wasn't immediately behind her.
He was frozen in his spot, unable to move. The truth had been so close to escaping…he didn't know whether to thank or curse the bell. He shook off his stupor as Kim swatted his chest.
"Look, it's obvious we can't get along right now so let's just go back to avoiding each other." Kim hissed quietly, her hand on the knob.
"Have it your way," he seethed, pushing past her to enter the room.
She followed suit a moment later, the class and their teacher all looking at them expectantly. The pair hung their heads ashamedly and ran to the nearest, empty chairs.
"Oh good, Mr. Oliver and Miss Hart," their teacher said dryly. "Since you both arrived late, you can partner together. Shakespeare. I want reports by next week from every group on what the themes are from each act as well as literary devices…."
The rest of the assignment was muted as Tommy and Kimberly both glared at each other; rage burning in their eyes as their teacher's voice broke through once again.
"Miss Hart? Mr. Oliver?"
The two looked up, embarrassed once again for being caught as Mr. Johnson gave them both a curt smile.
"Sorry," Kim muttered as Tommy rolled his eyes, handing her one of the two scripts their teacher had given him.
Tommy grimaced as he saw what they were reading; Mr. Johnson continued.
"Since everyone else was too scared to volunteer to read these parts, they're left to you two…my…tardy couple…"
Kim blushed furiously at the term used to describe her and Tommy as some of the other students snickered.
"Kim you'll read for Juliet and Tommy, Romeo. Okay, let's begin. Grant, you're reading the chorus…"
Once again the sounds of the classroom faded as Kimberly swallowed the lump in her throat, stealing one final glance up at Tommy. She whipped her head back down when she saw that he too was staring back at her.
"Two households…"
September 27th
11:31am
"This whole thing is twisted," Zack cackled as he and Trini laughed good-naturedly.
"I know, I feel like a piñata," Trini said with a sigh.
"So, it's really okay?" Zack asked again with a bashful grin.
Trini laughed and nodded, "Yes. Have fun with Angela. Dedicate a dance to me."
Zack gave her a loving pat on the arm as Kimberly strolled up.
"You are not going to believe my morning," Kim started right away.
Zack winked at Trini before the waved good bye, Zack giving Kim's arm a tiny pinch before he walked off.
"You and Zack discussing your exciting evening?" Kimberly joked.
Trini shook her head, "No, actually. Angela Jones asked Zack to the dance and he wanted to make sure I was cool with it."
"So he dropped you to go with Angela?"
Trini shrugged, "Its fine. We weren't really going as each other's dates anyway. I think he actually likes her so, it's better this way."
"What are you going to do now?" Kim wondered.
"Probably go see my movie after all," Trini chuckled.
"Everything is so messed up," Kim sighed.
"Yeah, what happened this morning? What did you and Tommy talk about?"
Kimberly groaned and sank into the nearest chair as Trini did the same, an ever watchful eye on the clock this time.
"Kim, I hate to rush you but I can't be late again for Chemistry so, cut to the chase."
Kim gave her a pitiful look before shooing her away with her hand. "No, forget it. Go to class. I'll talk to you after school."
"Are you sure?"
Tommy stepped up beside Trini and waved, announcing his presence to both girls.
"Hey."
Kimberly groaned again and stood up abruptly, pushing between them to retrieve her lunch.
Trini watched Kimberly storm off before looking back at Tommy, "We've got to stop meeting like this."
Tommy rolled his eyes, "This morning was a disaster."
"Yeah, so I've heard. Hey, what's this I hear about you kissing Katherine?"
Tommy crossed his arms and stared Trini down. If she wanted to accuse him of something, bring it on.
"So, you're not denying it? Kimberly didn't exaggerate a tiny peck on the cheek into a full blown make out session at your locker?"
"It was just one kiss on the lips," Tommy insisted calmly.
"And you did it because you suddenly have feelings for Katherine?"
Tommy shrugged, "Kat's cute enough."
Trini rolled her eyes, "You're being such a guy about this."
"Hey, if Kim can do it, so can I."
Trini pulled him by the sleeve and dragged him out into the hall. "The difference is Kim's not trying to make you jealous by dating Jason again."
"Wanna bet?" Tommy challenged.
"If you think you know something Tommy, you'd better say it!"
"I saw the way she looked at me when I kissed Kat. She's jealous Trini. And you should have heard the bullshit she said to me before class today."
"Well if you're so convinced Kim's in love with you too, why don't you just save everyone the drama and just tell her? Then you two can live happily ever after."
"Well…" Tommy started, knowing that Trini had a very good point. "What if I'm misreading her? You know her better than I do right now, has she said anything to you?"
"Other than what a dick she thinks you're being? No! Tommy, I'm not so sure you're not just seeing what you want to see. And Kim's with Jason again anyway, remember? Any chance you may have had is gone. And now, thanks to you, Kat's involved in this whole mess!"
The final bell. The damned, final bell.
Trini's eyes widened in horror, her harsh whisper turning to a loud cursing as she slung the straps of her bag over her shoulders and shoved Tommy violently, for lack of a better surface to hit.
"Screw all of you!" She screamed, running down the hall and out of sight.
Tommy reentered the lunch room, suspicious students leering at him as he emerged from the same spot they'd just heard Trini's screams. He was sure they wondered if all he ever did was get into fights with girls.
He scanned the area, looking for Zack, Billy and Adam when he spotted Kim; sitting alone outside, flipping through her script from English class.
"Go away," she mumbled, ripping into her sandwich as Tommy's shadow hovered over her.
"It's about the assignment," he insisted, sitting down across from her.
"I'll do it by myself and put your name on it," she said, still not bothering to address him face to face.
"That's no good," he laughed, hoping to break the tension.
Kimberly looked up at him at least, but with a scowl that could peel paint. "You're not funny, you're barely charming. Go. Away."
"We both have to discuss this in class, Kim!"
"So?" She snapped, "Read it by yourself."
"We have to write a paper, together, and discuss it, together."
Kim slammed her book down and looked him square in the face. "We both know you don't give a shit about this assignment. So cut the crap and say what you really came here to say. And if the first words out of your mouth aren't 'I'm sorry' then don't even bother."
Tommy scoffed as he leaned in, lowering his voice, "I'm sorry about the Jason thing."
Kimberly too leaned in, whispering back harshly, "Are you sorry about the Kat thing?"
Tommy gave a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure no one else was around to hear them arguing before turning back and leaning in further. "I am not using Kat!"
"Prove it!"
He did the unthinkable. At least, in his mind he did the unthinkable. In his mind, this was the part where he'd grab her face violently and plunder her mouth with all of his passion. She'd be shocked at first but then would slowly melt in his embrace; her arms locked around his neck while his hands clutched her tiny waist until the need for air became unbearable and they'd slowly part, smiling back at one another as the soundtrack of their lives swelled in the background.
But that didn't happen. Alas, despite what Tommy wanted to believe, he just didn't know how Kimberly felt about him in return. And telling her seemed impossible. So when she challenged him all he could do was stand up, bow his head and sigh.
"I can't," he said sadly.
Kimberly watched him stand and move to leave; a bit disappointed he hadn't accepted her challenge in a more dashing, unexpected way. Something strange occurred to her in that moment. Tommy had never backed down from one of her challenges. From the time she'd dared him to eat an ant when they were five to running naked down their street when they were fourteen until just now.
"Tommy, wait," she said suddenly, shooting up to follow him. He stopped at the door and sighed as he faced her; tears she swore she saw in his beautiful brown eyes.
"I can't do this, Kim."
Kim bit her lip, unsure what to say.
"I can't stand talking to you like this, being like this with you."
Kim bowed her head and nodded slowly, suddenly overcome with tremendous fear and guilt.
"I don't think we can be friends anymore," he said quietly.
Kim's eyes shot up as Tommy gave her a sad smile and returned inside. Kimberly remained staring straight ahead, tears flooding her eyes. She let them fall, disbelieving what had just happened.
September 27th
2:31pm
"Wear that one dress you wore sophomore year," Jason whispered seductively in Kim's ear.
She blushed as she bit her lip, Jason's hand grazing her stomach as they walked to his locker.
"I doubt that dress still fits me!" She cooed.
"What about me? Anything special you want me to wear?" Jason asked as he popped open the locker door.
Kimberly's arms were locked around his waist, her head resting on his back as he awkwardly fished through his books.
"That one red shirt with the collar was pretty hot," she mumbled, swaying him in her embrace.
"One red shirt with the collar it is then," he said, spinning around and lifting Kim in the air, kissing her as he set her back down.
They giggled obnoxiously as Jason rested his forehead against hers, his lips about to meet her own before a loud rattling came from their right.
Kimberly's dewy expression fell as Tommy opened his locker, ignoring both her and Jason.
"Hey bro," Jason said, seemingly unaware of the ultimatum Tommy had given Kimberly earlier that day.
"Hey," Tommy replied curtly.
"Hi," Kimberly attempted, craning around Jason; now facing the inside of his locker once again.
"Hi," Tommy said, still refusing to face her.
"So bro, you and Kat made your plans for Saturday, yet?"
Tommy sighed and looked out from his locker, eyeing Kim as she nervously eyed him.
He didn't want to discuss this in front of her; that much she could tell. She gave Jason's arm a small tug and pulled away.
"I'm gonna go," she started before Jason hurriedly pulled her back.
"No, no, no, baby. This concerns you too," Jason urged, looking back to Tommy. "So? Have you?" Jason asked him once more.
Seeing there was no way of getting out of it, Tommy eyes shifted awkwardly from Kim to Jason, "Umm, we've sort of talked about it. Why?"
"Well, I was thinking, I'd rent a limo and we could all go together! The four of us!"
Kimberly opened her mouth to protest. Thankfully, Tommy took the hit.
"Sorry Jase, I'm already picking Kat up and we've made dinner reservations."
Kimberly was visibly taken aback by the depth of Tommy's explanation. She'd been grateful for him finding a way out of Jason's horrible idea; but she'd wished she didn't know about Tommy's plans with Katherine.
"Oh, bummer. Well, okay then," Jason shrugged as he shut his locker, clutching Kim's hand once more before giving Tommy one final playful shove, "Don't get caught up at the restaurant, if you know what I mean."
Jason cackled wildly at his own insinuation as Tommy laughed nervously, catching Kimberly's face as she pulled away from Jason and ran off.
Jason stopped laughing and looked back to his friend. "You guys still fighting?"
Tommy sighed and shrugged, shutting his locker before patting Jason's shoulder on his way out.
Jason stood there for a moment and nodded in afterthought before snickering, on his way to find Kimberly.
September 27th
5:36pm
Tommy was in his room, watching T.V. His books were scattered before him, evidence of an earlier attempt to study. When he'd flipped over his notebook and found the Romeo and Juliet script, he gave up. He needed to not think about her for awhile. That's why he'd said what he'd said. And true, while they were fighting she was still in his life, but he didn't want to fight with her anymore. And if that meant she was out of life, then so be it. At least this way they could avoid hurting each other anymore than they already had.
A small repetitive tap came from his window suddenly. He staggered for a moment as he turned to the glass and saw a series of pebbles hitting the surface. He walked over to the sill and saw Kimberly down below; her long brown hair whipping across her face. Her tiny body clad in the same short, flirty sundress she'd worn to school today. Her toned legs straining with each heave she gave a pebble as they continued to pummel his window.
He managed a small chuckle in spite of himself as he finally pried the glass open, sticking his head out to regard her.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"But soft!" She chirped with a hopeful smile, dropping her remaining ammunition to the ground.
Tommy laughed; she'd caught him off guard with that remark. He quickly remembered himself and sobered up, glaring back down at her with all his strength.
"What do you want Kim?"
"To talk to you," she strained, craning her neck upwards to maintain eye contact.
"I have to study, remember? We have to read that stupid play tomorrow in class and then be ready to discuss it."
"Fine. We'll discuss the play. Keep the conversation strictly to Shakespeare."
Tommy groaned. This was not how he intended on avoiding Kimberly. But they were partners for this assignment, like it or not. And Kim was way better at this stuff than he was. Maybe he was justifying….no. This was strictly business.
"Stay there. I'll be down in a minute."
"Tis twenty year til then," she said to herself as Tommy disappeared back inside, shutting the window.
Moments later, Tommy emerged from the side of his house. Kimberly stood still underneath his window, smiling innocently.
Her sudden shift in demeanor had Tommy concerned. Did she not just run away from him mere hours ago? Was this not the same Kimberly that was yelling at him at lunch and in the hall today?
"So, how far have you read?" he asked as Kimberly looped her arm through his. Tommy pulled to move away before Kim braced his arm with her hand, refusing to let go.
"Let's walk to the park, shall we?" She suggested, ignoring Tommy's obvious discomfort.
He stared at her bewildered as she looked ahead, guiding them down the sidewalk.
"Kim,"
She wagged her finger in his face, "Strictly Shakespeare," she reminded him.
He rolled his eyes as they continued down the street, stealing another cautious glance at her as they walked in silence.
"So, what's going on?" She started after a minute or two.
"I don't know Kim, you tell me."
She laughed, "No, I mean…in the play."
Tommy snickered, "There's these two families fighting."
Kim nodded, "Right. And how long have they been fighting?"
"For a long time."
"Good. And why are they fighting?"
Tommy started to answer before scratching his head with his free hand and shrugging, "I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"Nobody does."
Kim smirked as she bestowed her first glance to him since they'd begun walking. "Sound familiar?"
Tommy wagged his finger in her face, mocking her earlier statement, "Strictly Shakespeare."
Kim bit her lip and smiled. There was the Tommy she knew and lo…..liked like a brother.
"Okay, so…what happens in the first act?"
"There's a fight between the Capulets and the Montagues, which the Prince guy stops…"
"And tells them what?"
"To stop fighting?" Tommy guessed.
"Sort of, yes. He says…Three civil brawls bred of an airy word by thee old Capulet and Montague have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets. If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay—"
"Shall pay the forfeit of the peace," Tommy finished.
"Good," Kim said proudly. "Now, what does he mean?"
"Umm…this is…..the third time…"
Kimberly giggled as the crossed into the park. Leading them still arm in arm toward the lake, she released her grip and beckoned him to sit on the ground beside her.
He did so, reluctantly before clearing his throat and starting again. "This is the third fight you have had?" He guessed as Kimberly nodded. "And if you fight again I'll kill you?"
Kimberly clapped, "Not bad. A little rough in the translation but, not bad."
Tommy snickered as he absently plucked a blade of grass from the ground and twirled it between his fingers.
"So, who else do we meet in this act?"
"Umm…everybody I guess, right?"
Kimberly smirked, "How far have you read?"
Tommy shrugged, "Only the first couple scenes."
"Tommy!" Kim scolded.
"What? I hate this stuff."
Kimberly shook her head and pulled out her script from her bag, flattening the spine so the pages would remain open.
"Okay, let's start from there then," she instructed, pointing to the top of the page.
Tommy looked at the script, daunted by its contents, "You expect me to read all of this?"
"You're gonna have to in class anyway!"
"Well, there's too many characters to read here," he whined.
"Just skip to the part with Romeo and Juliet. That's what Johnson's gonna have us read anyway."
Tommy grumbled before snatching the book from Kim's hands. "Fine."
Tommy scanned the page for a moment, preparing himself for the worst. He wasn't kidding; he really did hate this stuff.
Kimberly bit her lip in concentration as she watched Tommy begrudgingly read the passage, his brow furrowed intently as he traced each line with his finger, trying to keep his place while reciting.
"If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss…"
"Good Pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this; for saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch. And palm to palm is holy palmer's kiss."
"You don't need the script?" He asked her in awe.
Kim blushed and shrugged, "I love this play. Do you see what she's describing?" She asked, leaning into his space ever so slightly to point to the passage in the script. Tommy leaned back as the scent of her hair invaded his nostrils.
"She's holding up her hand to explain herself," Kim said, leaning back once more to face him. He shot his eyes open once again and gave her a bashful smile.
"Here," she admonished, grabbing his hand and holding it up before holding up her own and pressing her palm into his.
Tommy inhaled sharply; suddenly acutely aware of how close they were sitting.
"They're using the others words against each other. But not like, angrily. They're playing off what the other says."
"Like flirting?" Tommy ventured, realizing their palms were still pressed together before pulling away and grabbing the script again.
"Exactly like flirting," Kim said with a smirk as Tommy read on intently.
"Have not saint's lips and holy palmers too?"
"Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer."
"O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; they pray grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."
"Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake."
"Okay, wait," Tommy said suddenly. "I'm confused."
Kimberly laughed, "What part?"
"Well, I thought I understood what was happening but then Juliet started talking and now I'm all lost. I mean, it's easy to see what Romeo wants."
"And what does Romeo want?" She asked softly.
"He wants to kiss her," he said as the notion dawned on him. He looked up at Kim nervously as she reached for his hand once more and positioned it so that he was holding hers.
"Okay, let's break it down. They start like this, right? With Romeo holding Juliet's hand."
Tommy nodded absently, completely transfixed.
"Then he goes on to say, 'forget your hand, I wanna kiss you on the lips'."
Again Tommy nodded but said nothing, letting Kimberly direct their bodies into position.
"And Juliet says, 'you're mixing your metaphors, buddy. I'm a good girl and I don't kiss perfect strangers. But you're kind of cute so I'll just hold your hand'."
Kimberly then pressed her palm into his like she'd shown him before, bowing her head to regard the script. Tommy's eyes remained on her every move, watching how her hair fell in front of her face; the way one slender finger of her free hand tucked it behind her ear and revealed her creamy neck. She looked back up and smiled, breaking him off his trance.
"Sorry, huh?"
Kim shook her head, "Then Romeo counters with, 'I got that beat. Lets do what praying hands do, but with our lips'."
"Oh," Tommy said quietly as Kim smiled and relinquished his hand.
"So, start that part over and we'll try it with the actions, okay?"
Tommy nodded feebly and cleared his throat, clutching the script tightly with one hand.
"If I profane…"
"No, no, just skip to the last line," she clarified, "But remember to grab my hand."
Tommy nodded and lowered his head again to read, "To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss."
Kim smacked him lightly as he laughed bashfully before remembering to grab her hand.
She nodded promptly and delivered her reply, cupping Tommy's larger hand in both of hers and directing it back up to press her palm against it once more.
"Okay, now that brings us back to where we stopped. So, I'll start with my next line; 'saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake'."
Tommy nodded dutifully and spoke his next line. "Then move not while my prayer's effect I take thus from my lips by yours my sin is purged."
Kimberly smirked and placed her free hand on top of the script, blocking Tommy's view. He looked up at her questioningly.
"Something happens there," she whispered.
"Oh? Sorry. I'm confused again."
"Take a pause between 'I take' and 'thus from'."
Tommy nodded and pulled the script from under Kim's hand and clear his throat again, his other hand still pressed against hers.
"Then move not while my prayer's effect I take—"
The world stopped, everything went black. It took Tommy what felt like forever to realize his eyes were closed. And more importantly than that…why his eyes were closed.
It was then that he felt the warm sensation of Kimberly's tongue brushing against his bottom lip. He opened his eyes for the briefest of seconds and looked out to see her sweet face attached to his; her eyes closed blissfully as her hands found their way toward his hair.
His eyes rolled back into his head as she played with his ponytail. He snapped his eyes shut once more and groaned as her tongue begged for entry. He accepted, prying his lips further apart and wrestling his tongue against hers.
They fell back onto the ground as Tommy reached for her waist, his every fantasy coming to life as Kimberly lay atop his body, hands roaming over precious layers of clothing as their mouths dueled.
She moaned softly into his mouth when his right hand dipped dangerously close to her back side, desperately wanting to hold on and squeeze.
When the need for air summoned, Kimberly sat up gasping, straddling his waist.
Tommy lifted his head as he felt her lips pull away before resting it back to the ground, panting wildly as he stared up at the sky, disbelieving what had just happened.
Kimberly waited for Tommy to look at her, and when he did; her eyes widened in horror.
A smile so blissful; so contently and decidedly in love, it scared her.
She stood up abruptly and brushed herself off, grabbing her script as she did so.
Tommy stood up after her, fixing his ponytail as he ran to follow.
"Hey!" He called out, grabbing her by the wrist and spinning her back to face him.
"I'm sorry, Tommy. I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did that….that…this shouldn't have…..I'm….I gotta go," she cried frantically, pulling away and running again.
"Kim," he pleaded as he continued to chase her down, this time grabbing her by the waist and holding on until she settled.
"Why are you sorry?" He asked as a means to calm her down.
"Are you in love with me?" She sobbed, ripping away from his hold to face him head on.
Tommy's face dropped, "What?"
"Are you in love with me?" She repeated, her tone demanding; desperate.
"Kim…I…."
"Because if you are…." She started to threaten, unsure of how exactly to back up her claim.
"What if I am?" He challenged back, his throat dry as he watched her face go from terror to anger.
"Then…." She stammered, staggering backwards as she prepared to flee. "Then I'm sorry I kissed you."
Tommy was sure he felt his heart rip right then and there. He bowed his head as Kimberly waited for an answer.
"I'm not in love with you," he said coldly, his voice shaking.
Kimberly inhaled a sharp breath, "You kissed me back!"
"Like I said, I'm still a guy," he sneered, hating himself with every word he uttered.
Kimberly's sobs were hysterical. She charged at him and for the second time, smacked him across the face. "Liar!" she screamed, running off once more.
This time though, Tommy let her go. Tears now streaming down his face as his jaw quaked in rage.
AN: Chapter Five, coming soon! Please review!