Author's Note: Sorry for the relatively long time to update. I have tons of load at work and I only found time to update fic just now. Hope you enjoy the fic! And don't forget to review!
I was restrained in the four walls of my private room after the very unfortunate accident had befallen on me. It was only after a week of stay that I decided to undergo surgery despite the consistent pains and my doctor's orders to do so. I had this mad hope that somehow, my back would be alright again but alas, no. It had gone worse since I got into the hospital and I cannot endure the pain anymore, thus I finally made my decision to undergo surgery.
My mother had arrived from France two days after the incident. She was a great comfort to me during these times. How I wished that she would stay until the Olympics, but she had other matters to attend to in France so she had to leave after I got better. But she promised that she'll be with me during the Games. I have asked her to be in the Kiss and Cry and needless to say, she gladly accepted.
To be honest, I really felt useless and wasted these days. I have wasted precious training opportunities because of my carelessness on the beam. I had it. I HAD IT. I was very great on the floor, on the uneven bars, and on the vault too. But on beam. On beam. I think that the beam is my waterloo. Before, it was on the beam that I fell before, and almost ended it all. Thank goodness that I was able to recover. I swear that I would be more careful and focus. For the second time, I betrayed myself and failed.
Once I recover completely, I plan to hit the gym and catch up the lost training time. This time, I'll be more careful. I must be on peak form come the Olympics, even if I have to train day and night. I have risked too much for this and I cannot afford to lose more. When the Olympics are over, it would be the time to bring things back to where they were. I hope I'm not too late. If I fail at the Games…I try not to think about it. I shrudder at the very thought.
My injury has caught the attention of the US Olympic Committee and some of them had visited me at the hospital. Of course, they were quite worried on my condition and my chances of nabbing a gold for the United States. They all look relieved when they heard that I will be able to recover completely. To ensure that I will be back in my tiptop shape, they offered different American coaches who would permanently guide me to the Olympics, but I declined their offer. I knew what I was doing even before the injury, and I know I was doing a very good job on myself. My injury was just a mishap. I was just too nervous and stiff that day. Just another isolated incident. Nothing more, nothing less.
A few days after my surgery, I received a huge package from my former teammates back in Angel Grove. Mom was so happy to see my friends remembering me in times like this, though I feel otherwise. I appreciate their effort, but now is not the time for them to be entering in my life. They have their own time and pace in my life, but that time is not today.
Mom opened the package. They sent a complete bunch of Power Ranger dolls, complete with embroidered names on the chest: Jason in Red, Adam in Black, Trini in Yellow, Billy in Blue, and Tommy in White. Along with it, they sent a get-well-soon cake with Power Ranger cake toppers. The Pink Ranger topper was being carried by the other Rangers, and there was a message in the cake, written in pink, which read as, "Get well soon, Pink Ranger!".
Also, included in the package was a VHS tape, which apparently contained a video message for me. Mom inserted the tape in the player (my room has one) and together, we watched the video, much against my will.
The video opens with Billy. He was sitting inside his lab, alongside his usual contraptions and laboratory instruments.
"Hi Kim", Billy said, waving. "We have heard the news of your untimely injury. As much that we want to go there and visit you personally, you know that we have important things to attend to here in Angel Grove. We hope that you recover fast enough and you win that Olympic Gold. You're a hard-working girl and you, of all people, deserve that honor. Well, I'll see you soon!".
Billy waved goodbye at the camera. Up next was Zack, who was somewhere in Europe, judging by the place he was in.
"Kim, how are yah, girl?" Zack started. "It's been a long time since I've seen you and I really miss all of you guys. Anyway, I just want you to know that we're always behind you no matter what. You're a great gymnast and I've seen what you're made of. You're the real deal. Anyway, I'll see you soon. Bye, Kim!"
In a split second, the scene was changed to Trini.
"Hi, Kim. I am so missing my best friend and I would give anything to be at your side right now. But unfortunately, I am at the other side of the world right now. I just want you to know that you're still my best friend and I hope that you get alright soon. I have heard your recent successes in here and I am so proud of you. You are such a great athlete and I know you'll win. Take care now!"
Jason was up next.
"Hey Kim. It's me, Jason. I am sorry about your injury. Everyone gets their fair share of bad luck. Don't worry, you'll be back in no time. It means you'll be up for a greater opportunity soon. I miss you and the other guys, and I hope we can catch up, like take diving lessons soon. Watch your back, ok?"
Kim knew who's next, and she wished that her Mom would stop the player before it happened.
"Hiya Kim", said Tommy, sitting in the juice bar. He looked sad and lonely. "How are you in there? I was so worried about you and I am always watching out for news about you, your training and stuff like that. I know it's not the best time for me to speak to you but I just want you to know that I'll be here, no matter what. Things have changed, change and will change, but one thing is constant: I will never do anything to hurt you. Go well, Kimberly".
With that, the video ended. I stood frozen in my bed. I felt a cold chill in my spine.
I will never do anything to hurt you.
Mom noticed that I was uncomfortable so she took my hand and caressed it gently. She understood what rough time I had with Tommy and said, "It's alright Kim. You'll work out things in the end".
I doubt it, Mom. I had to hope against hope. I hope everything will be alright in the end.
Please Tommy, please…
Author's Note Part Deux: The Kiss and Cry, as mentioned above, is a mini gallery where the athletes, and their coaches or parents, wait for the results of their performances. It's called Kiss and Cry because the skaters cry in this area (if they got a good result) and sometimes, kiss. Kiss and Cry areas are more prominent in figure skating than in gymnastics, but I plan to use it all the same in the future.