Sunday, July 6, 2004
3:25 PM
North Lawn - Hotel Él Ángel
Tommy stood on the freshly cut grass and wondered if by some miracle he would survive if he took the jump from the hilltop. An awesome action packed sequence began to play in his head. He could jump off and make it in the water. Perhaps land perfectly on a jet ski that would take him to an awaiting boat Secret agent style. He was already wearing the fancy suit. From there, the boat would take him to a deserted island where he would have no contact with the outside world. He would live out the rest of his days like Tom Hanks in Castaway. He would befriend a volleyball, name it Wilson, live happily for the rest of his life lying on the beach, and drinking out of coconuts.
Unfortunately, life is not like how it plays out in movies. For example, If he were to jump off the cliff he would be one of two things. He would either be Tommy Oliver, the guy who took the leap and became shark lunch, or Tommy Oliver, the guy that went splat on all the rocks down below. Maybe by some miracle he could be Tommy Oliver, the idiot that jumped off the cliff and miraculously didn't break every bone in his body.. Nah, that would never happen.
"And that's all of it," Tommy stuttered, "that's the whole truth. I'm so sorry I lied to you, mom." Tommy's shoulders were slumped over. Sweat collecting in the palms of his hands. He had never been this nervous. In fact, he couldn't think of the last time he had lied to his mother... And gotten caught. Okay, so He may have lied about being a normal teenager by day and super hero by... Well, later that day, but that was for her own good. Now that he actually thought about it, Tommy couldn't remember ever fighting lord Zedd, Rita, or any of their monsters at night. It was almost like they had a curfew or something. They literally would start school in the morning and by lunch time they would be fighting a slew of putties. Anyway, that's not the point anymore, the point is that he hurt his mother greatly, and that was something no son would ever want to do.
After having over heard Jason's last words, Janice thought the worst of her son. To her, Tommy and Kimberly were a newly engaged couple, and Holli was a woman who came between them. Janice began verbally accusing Tommy of being unfaithful to Kimberly. Raising her voice at him and telling him that she had taught him better than that. It wasn't until Tommy told her the truth that she began to think straight. Once she received all the details, she came to the realization that the truth was way more complicated.
"I-I don't even know where to begin," her mouth trying to find the right words. "This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. You lied to me, Tommy. This whole time you have been lying to me. And you had Kimberly lie to me too." Her heart hurting from having been lied to by her only son. Looking at his eyes and trying to see what could have possibly possessed him into thinking it was a good idea. They stood off the side of the lawn. Away from the eyes of the guests that were trickling in. They were trying to have as private of a conversation as possible.
"I'm so sorry, mom. I never meant to lie to you... I just wanted to make dad happy," he finished as his head dropped. The total look of disappointment on his mothers face. He couldn't bear to look at her.
Tommy Oliver was a naive young man. How could he possibly think that something as silly as being engaged would make his father happy. Sure Frank was happy but not because his son was engaged, he was happy because he thought his son had found the love of his life.
"Your father would have been happy with the truth. You didn't have to create a large spectacle of it. Now he's going to be disappointed by this and not because you aren't really engaged, but because you lied."
Those were the words that Tommy didn't want to Hear. There is nothing worse than disappointing your father. He created the whole lie to make his father have some happiness in the last few months of his life. Now, it seems like he's going to be doing the exact opposite.
"Can I please be the one to tell him?" He begged. A deep sigh escaped his lungs the next moment. There was nothing more that he wanted to do that to make things right himself.
Janice looked at her son. She knew he never meant to hurt them but there are always consequences to your actions. Tommy made a huge mistake and now he was going to have to pay for it.
"Yes, I think you should be the one to tell him, but not today," she muttered calmly. Surprising Tommy. "He's been having a rough week," she continued.
Tommy's eyebrows furrowed. His mouth began to move at a rapid pace, but no words escaping him. He soon found his voice and was about to begin asking questions before his mother put up her hand.
"He's fine, but the cancer is taking its toll on his body. He has been looking forward to this wedding and I don't want you to ruin this day for him."
Tommy swallowed the knot building in his throat. He had accepted his fathers fate, but to hear how he was slowly deteriorating was tough on him. His father had always been his hero. He had never once showed any sign of weakness. In fact, he had only seen his father cry a handful of times. It wasn't because Frank was trying to build a macho persona, but because his father was just really strong. Both physically and emotionally. To Tommy, Frank Oliver was the real super hero in the family. His father was stronger, tougher, and more fearless than he could ever wish to be. The green, white, and red ranger that he once was paled in comparison with his father.
"I'll tell him tomorrow," a wobbly tone noted in his voice. He looked down to his feet trying to stop himself from succumbing to the tears that were threatening to build.
Janice nodded her head in agreement. It was tough on her to see her son be upset about her husbands condition. Janice was utterly heartbroken when she first learned about her husbands prognosis but had to be strong for the family. With her husbands health weakening every single day, she was forced to become the backbone of the family. It wasn't until just recently when they shared their devastating news with their friends and family, that she was able to let some of the weight off her shoulders.
Still, Tommy would be the only immediate family she would have left. She knew she couldn't stay mad at her child. Although they weren't biologically flesh and blood, she still thought of them that way. Of course, Flesh and blood doesn't equal to love and she knew that. Tommy didn't share her and Frank's DNA, but the Bond between them was no different. There is nothing he could do that would make her think less of him as a man or person. He was her son and no one could tell her otherwise. Sure she was allowed to be disappointed, but the love between mother and child will never be able to fade.
As disappointed as she was to learn that he wasn't actually dating Kimberly, she couldn't help but wonder what was really happening with her son. Sure Tommy said it was all a lie, but the way they acted towards one another didn't seem like two friends.
"Before I go, what is actually happening between you and Kimberly? You can't honestly tell me that nothing is going on." She dipped her head trying to look at Tommy's eyes. His head was hanging so low.
"I-I honestly don't know, mom. We have a complicated thing going right now. I'm in love with her," he answered honesty. He raised his head at his admission. The corner of his mouth turning upward at his confession, "but I don't think it's going to work out."
A small smile crept up her face. "If you love her, then make it work. Don't let her get away. Trust me." she placed a companionate hand on her sons arm. Janice knew from personal experience that you don't let the love of your life get away. Frank and Janice never shared with Tommy the truth about their relationship. How they came to be and the tribulations that occurred before their marriage. They had agreed that the past was the past and how their relationship formed wasn't important but if it will help out her son then she might as well have Frank have a talk with Tommy once he tells the truth.
"What's going on?" Trini asked as she walked over to Jason with little Allison holding her hand.
The four bridesmaids finished their photo shoot with Elise just moments ago and now it was the groomsmen's turn to take their pictures with Eli. The ladies were instructed to get the gentlemen to their time slot pronto because they were running behind schedule.
Jason, Rocky, and Zack stood huddled where the small disputed had occurred earlier. They watched Tommy and his mother talking on the other side of the lawn. Even though they were far away, you could still feel the anger embedded in Janice.
"Just watching Mrs. O yell at Tommy," zack mumbled as he put a handful of peanuts in his mouth, "Tommy sure does look like a dead man."
"And why is that?" Kim asked as she came to Rockys side. Katherine and Aisha followed behind and took a place next to Zack
"Jason over here talked a little too loud about Holli and she overheard everything," Rocky sighed
"What!" Trini spat out. Her eyes wide in shock. She rapidly turned her eyes to her best friend and saw that she too was in shock.
"Wh-what? Are you serious? Jason I-I what are we going to do?" Kimberly stammered. Her mouth wasn't able to catch up to what her brain was thinking. Instant images of Tommy's parents feeling betrayed flashed through her mind.
"Don't worry about it," waving his hand dismissively. "It looks like Tommy has it all figured out," Rocky answered as he pointed to the mother and son.
The embrace shared by Tommy and Janice slightly settled Kimberly's nerves.
"You can ask Tommy about this later, Kim" Aisha stated. She pulled out her cell phone from her purse to reveal the time. The digital numbers boldly printed on the screen. The allotted time for the groomsmen was nearing and the guys were scattered around. She signaled her blonde friend about the time.
"You boys have to go get your picture taken. The photographer is waiting on you for your solo shots. We'll be there in about 10 minutes to take the group shots," Katherine informed as she gently put a hand behind Rocky and Zack, and guided them to the direction of the photographer.
"What about Tommy," Rocky asked as he walked towards the photographer.
"I got him, man," Zack answered as he lightly jogged over to Tommy.
"Kim," Jason spoke as he slowly approached her. He knew this wasn't the time and place to talk to Kimberly but she had to know. He was going to be breaking some guy codes, but when it came to his sister, those rules didn't apply.
"Hey, you should go join the guys," she answered. She motioned to Zack, Rocky, and Tommy who were nearly to the photographers designated area.
"Yeah, in a sec," his mouth becoming increasingly more dry, "there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Talk? Right now?"
Kimberly shot him a curios look. This was not the time and place to be having a deep conversation. Since Jason would never intentionally jeopardize his parents wedding, she got the feeling that whatever Jason was going to say had to be important.
"Yeah, right now. I have to do it now before it gets too late."
"Jase, your parents are about to get marr-"
"-Kim. Please?"
She shook her head in frustration but obliged. She rested her hands on her hips and she awaited for her dear friend to begin talking.
"Um, can I speak to Kim alone?" Jason asked the bridesmaids standing around Kimberly. There must be something about women always being in groups. They travel in packs anywhere they go.
Once they departed with Aisha and Katherine shooting looks of confusion to one another, Jason began speaking.
"Um, I don't...you- um," he started.
Kimberly raised her brows. It wasn't like Jason to be so nervous. The last time she remembered him stammering like an idiot was when he was going to propose to Trini.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, sorry, I'm just a little nervous," how exactly do you tell your best friend that the guy she's sleeping with is about to stomp all over her heart?
Kimberly began looking around and silence came between them. Jason was deep in thought and Kimberly was looking around trying to not make eye contact. A sense of awkwardness was building up. Before things got any worse, Kimberly thought about breaking the silence.
"Jase, you know, you really have to get to your photo-"
"-you need to stop seeing Tommy." okay, those were not the right words to say. Jason couldn't think of anything to say that would get point across.
"Excuse me?" She was taken back by Jason's statement.
"Stop seeing Tommy." He clarified. His words were coming out firm. Almost in a leader type voice.
His tone was something Kimberly didn't like. Anger began building up inside her body.
"And I should do that because?"
"Because... I just have my reasons. Trust me, Kim, I wouldn't be saying this to you if I didn't know what I was talking about," in the last moment Jason decided to omit the real reason.
"Are you serious? Jason, Tommy is such a great guy. I will not stop seeing him because you don't think we're right for each other."
At that moment, Jason realized that Kimberly completely misunderstood him. It wasn't because they weren't right for each other, in fact, they had so much in common that it was almost scary how compatible they were.
"No, Kim, it's not because of that. It's just..." The right words escaping him again, "just stop seeing him."
Kimberly looked at Jason like he had grown another head. There were only two things that could piss her off beyond control. The first, someone leaving the toilet seat up, and the second, someone telling her what to do. This was the latter.
She crossed her arms defensively, looked him straight in the eye, and simply said, "no."
She turned on her heels and began to take steps forward on the green lawn.
No? Wha-what? She has no clue what mess she's getting into. Jason quickly collected his thoughts and marched up to her again. He came around her and blocked her from continuing her departure. He placed two hands on both sides of her arms and held her in place.
"W-wait... You have to listen to me. Tommy, he's- he's," Jason wanted to tell Kimberly everything that Tommy had told him earlier but he realized it wasn't his place. He didn't want Kimberly to get hurt but it's going to happen. So he can either do it himself or let Tommy do it and have an actual explanation for her.
"You have to talk to him. Look, I know I shouldn't get involved. ignore everything I said. Just be careful, okay?"
She looked at her life long friend and gave him the dirtiest glare she had ever given anyone before. She removed his hands from her arms in a fluid motion and skirted around him as she made her way to the incoming guests.
A deep exhale escaped his lungs. He lifted up his left wrist to check the time. A few backward steps and an eye roll later, Jason quickly turned around and made his way to the photographer.
4:35PM
Tommy stood next to his best friends in the front of the aisle. His hands firmly together in front of him as they awaited the bridesmaids to make their way up.
He glanced around the large open area where the ceremony was taking place. This was by far the nicest wedding he had ever attended. Although the ceremony was takin place outside, Holli brought out a lot of elements that you could only find inside. The arch stood at a staggering height. it was adorned with sheer white curtains hanging from the top and a mix of white roses, peonies, and hydrangeas.
he watched the seated wedding guests and saw the Smiles plastered on all their faces as they came together to witness the renewal of two people in deep love. Mr. Scott stood tall next to the officiant, he looked excited and a little teary eyed. Even after 30 years, he still saw his wife as his soulmate. Tommy only wished he could one day be so lucky.
Speaking of lucky, the enchanting sound of the string quartet playing canon in D began to play. Damn, string quartet. He looked over at the beginning on the aisle and saw Holli lining up the bridesmaids. Her hand clutching a clipboard and the other trying to readjust her headset and she silently argued with the poor fool on the other end of that conversation. Say what you want, but she definitely knows how to plan a wedding. the bridesmaids lined up one after the other and began to make their way up the white carpeted aisle. Katherine was alluring as she walked up the aisle, a smile painted on his Australian friend. Once she made her way up the aisle , Aisha walked next. she marched gracefully up the aisle and took her place next to the former pink zeo ranger.
Next came Kimberly, Tommy's heart nearly stopped when he saw her walking up the aisle. He had once envisioned waiting for Kimberly to walk up the aisle like she was doing, but under different circumstances. He had never seen a more beautiful bride... Ahem, maid... Bridesmaid.
His eyes were trained on her, and he noticed that she too was staring at him. A bright smile overtook both of them. Jason saw the smiles between his two best friends and playfully nudged Tommy with his shoulder. A light chuckle escaping the three of them. Tommy gazed down to the floor to hide the blush that was building up. She stared at him the whole way up before she took her place next to Aisha.
Trini floated down the aisle perfectly, Jason never taking his eyes off his lovely wife. A small nudge from Tommy was felt on his back. Payback for what he did when Kimberly walked down.
Finally, all guest rose from their seats as they awaited for the last and most important member of the wedding party, the bride-to-be...again. mrs. Scott stood at the beginning of the aisle. Gasps heard from the guests as they took in her flowing dress. She slowly made her way up the aisle. Her eyes only on her teary eyed husband waiting for her. The blushing bride looked so elegant. Her dream wedding finally becoming a reality. After 30 years of marriage, they were getting the overdue wedding they deserved.
Mr. Scott effortlessly held out his hand for his wife to join him at the altar.
With a bright smile the officiant cleared his voice and gestured for guests to take their seats.
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today...
Hotel El Angel
Ballroom 1A
9:18PM
"Woooo! Turn it up!" Zack shouted from the dance floor. He spun Kimberly around as they laughed and had a good time. Zack and Kimberly are and will always be the first and last ones on the dance floor. For the last 10 or so years, every time there was dancing involved, Zack would pull Kimberly out from her seat and become his dance partner. Those two were the only ones physically capable of dancing all night long, not only that, but they were also just natural dancers. So when Tommy and Kimberly began whatever the hell they began, Zack thought he was going to lose his partner to the former leader.
The ceremony was beautiful. Tears were shed throughout as Mr. and Mrs. Scott stood face to face in front of their friends and family, and proclaimed their undying love for one another. Their love was definitely something to admire.
The guest enjoyed a quiet cocktail hour in the lawn as the crew worked on adding the finishing touches in the venue. The photographer and videographer took advantage of these moments to capture candid snapshots of everyone. Including pictures and video of the wedding party winding down from a stressful afternoon.
Once the venue was ready to go, the guest were instructed to enter. Flowers. Flowers. Flowers. They were everywhere. Drapes, chandeliers, candles, strategically placed lights, fountain, you name it! When Tommy and Kimberly stepped foot inside the ballroom, they knew why Holli was so highly requested. Kimberly would even put up with Hollis annoying ass if she could have a wedding this beautiful.
Once the guests made their way to the venue and took their assigned seats, A delicious meal was swiftly served. Laughs and conversations were shared as the wedding party ate together.
A breathtaking dance was done on the dance floor after everyone had finished their meals. Again, not a dry eye in the house. Kimberly's favorite part of a wedding has always been the first dance. Something about the intimacy between two people having their first dance always gave her a warm feeling. As a single tear began to build up in her eye, Kimberly wondered if she would ever get that special moment. She was wearing an engagement ring and it was beautiful, but it wasn't real. Tommy and Kimberly weren't really engaged, and when they fly back to New York in a few days, she would have to give it back. Those thoughts were thrown out when she felt a hand wipe away the tear that was threatening to fall. A startled Kimberly turned around to see who had just done that. What she found was A smiling Tommy offering her a tissue. A light chuckle escaped her lips and she accepted the offering. Quickly dabbing the corner of her eye, Kimberly brought her focus back on the couple. A round of applause echoed throughout the ballroom.
Now, almost and hour or so later since the first dance, Kimberly and Zack dominated the dance floor. Tommy was never one to have a wild time like Kim, so when Zack asked Tommy to have his dance partner back for a few songs, he was thankful. It was either Zack or Tommy, and Tommy wasn't about to pull a muscle trying to keep up with Kimberly.
He watched Kimberly dancing the night way with his friend and sat in mostly silence with Adam at the table. He was slightly disappointed that he had absolutely no coordination when it came to anything other than martial arts. He looked around the venue and just couldn't believe what Holli had accomplished. His next thought was how much all of this could have possibly cost. It was beautiful alright, but probably extremely expensive. Mr. and Mrs. Scott had probably been saving for the last 30 years.
Two delicate hands were placed on both shoulder and nearly made him jump from his seat. A quiet hum escaped his mouth when he felt the hands kneading his shoulders. Kimberly always had the magic touch he thought to himself as he closed his eyes.
Adam loudly cleared his voice, causing Tommy to open his eyes. He looked at Adam who looked like he was trying to communicate something with his eyes.
Tommy turned to the dance floor and saw Kimberly still dancing with Zack. Which meant that whoever was currently rubbing his shoulders wasn't Kimberly. He turned his head slowly and saw Holli. He stood rapidly from his seat and adjusted his tie. He cleared his voice before he spoke, "Holli."
"Tommy."
"Is there something I can help you with?"
"No, I just saw that you were sitting over here all by yourself. I guess Kimberly ditched you for the first guy she saw already, huh?" She nodded in the direction of the dance floor
"No, she is just dancing with Zack."
"Uh-huh, you know if I were with you, I wouldn't leave your side."
"Don't you have a wedding to plan?" He hissed
"Nope, the wedding is all done. I just have to make sure we stay on schedule, but since it's already 9, and nothing is left for the day, I've decided to let myself enjoy this fabulous wedding I planned."
"You know, Holli, I really hate to
Say this, but you really do know how to throw a wedding."
A bright grin was plastered on her face in the very moment. Wide eyes and all. She almost look psychotic.
Tommy grimaced at the weird face she was making. "ew, don't.. Don't make that face," he said as he reached out and tried to close her open mouth. Her mouth snapped back open without a word ever escaping her. The wide eyes still scaring the life out of Tommy.
"St-stop it," he said as grabbed her upper and lower lip and tried to close them. It was effective until the corners of her mouth began building a smile behind his fingers.
Tommy dropped his hands and looked over at Adam. The former black ranger walked over to the woman and calmly waved a hand in front of her. No blinking, no movement, nothing.
Tommy and Adam looked at each other and just shrugged. They chugged the rest of the wine that was left in the glass and walked over to the dance floor. Leaving Holli still standing like a fool with a giant smile in her face.
Tommy came behind Kimberly and spun her around from her waist. A squeal left her lungs when she felt Tommy's arms.
"I think I'm gonna need my date back," Tommy belted over the loud music to Zack.
Zack gave Tommy a thumbs up in return. Stealing Katherine as his next dance partner from Aisha.
Kimberly and Tommy moved together to the sound of the best. Tommy even surprised himself in how well he was keeping up with her. A few moments later and the song was over.
A bright idea popped into Tommy's head as the music slowed.
"I'll be write back. Just stay right here," he chimed into Kimberly's ear.
Kimberly stood there as the dateless guests began to leave the floor. Then she heard the sweet, sweet voice of Brian McKnight's "The Only One For Me" playing over the loud speaker. A smile and blush instantly on her face. She watched Tommy coming back to the dance floor from the DJs booth with a suave smirk planted on his face.
He extended his hand to her as he came within reach. She didn't even have to ask him, she already knew that this was their song. Her heart fluttered when she realized it was his doing. She gently placed her small hand in his. He tugged her close to his arms, Kimberly releasing a chuckle when his arms went around her slim waist.
Her arms went effortlessly around his neck. She rested her head on his chest and thought about the bittersweet moment when they last danced to this song.
Spring of 1997
Angel Grove youth center Gym and Juice Bar
9:05 PM
"May I have this dance?"
Kimberly gazed at Tommy's extended hand. A small smile slowly making its way up her face. She contemplated for a split second on accepting his offer because she knew it would mean so much to her. She ignored that tiny voice inside her head telling her that this was a bad idea and took his hand. They stood out of sight from the prying eyes of the senior class.
Tommy brought her to his body unsure of how close he should hold her. He placed one hand on her waist and the other on her back. His hand burning with desire when he felt her soft skin beneath his hand. He tried to keep her at a short distance. His eyes turned down at the petite brunette and was reverted back to their happier years. When they only had eyes for each other, when they were their one and only, before everything came crumbling down. Kimberly smiled up at Tommy and became lost when she stared into his eyes. She too remembered life before things became complicated. One hand was respectfully placed on his chest, and the other on his shoulder. They swayed back and forth to the soulful voice on Brian McKnight. The song reflected perfectly what Tommy was feeling, but was afraid to admit.
They stared deep into each others eyes and let the world around them fade away. They felt like they were at a private concert for just the two of them. All guests on the dance floor disappeared one by one. In this moment, it was just the two of them.
Maybe it was something in the air that night, or just the physical pull between the two of them, but Tommy and Kimberly felt themselves coming closer. Without thinking, She wrapped her delicate arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. Hearing his fluttering heartbeat. She still got to him like he got to her.
His hands slowly moved to her lower back, bringing her as close as physically possible to him. The sweet scent of her perfume intoxicating all of his senses. She smelled so divine to him. He knew that holding her like this was extremely inappropriate. Katherine would be very hurt and upset if she were to find out, but something about Kimberly couldn't make him stop. It would take her rejection for him to not hold her like he was.
Kimberly slowly glanced up from her position. Staring deeply into his eyes. The smile on her face was reciprocated by Tommy. He looked at her doe eyes, unsure if he should say exactly what he is thinking. She was going back to Florida in a few days and there would be no better time than this moment. If he waited any longer then he may no longer have the courage to say what's on his mind.
He gently brought his right hand up from her back to gently cup her cheek. His heart felt like it was about to jump right of his chest. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
In a near whisper he gave her the most beautiful words she had ever heard, "I love you, Kim. I have always loved you... And I always will."
She didn't know how to react. His confession was not something she was prepared to hear. Still, she couldn't help the thrill that rippled through her body. She licked her lips awaiting his next step.
He slowly lowered his head to Kimberly. They stood face to face, only an inch apart. Every nerve in his body started sending him red flags. Mental images of Katherine popping in his head went ignored.
Before another signal was able to get through to him, he lowered himself some more. He slowly captured her soft lips with his own. Only for a brief second were they connected again. They parted with their breaths coming at an even pace against their flushed cheeks. They waited to catch their breaths only for a moment before their lips met once again. This time, a deeper more passionate kiss ensued between the two of them. Their lips lapping back and forth. A type of kiss neither had ever shared with each other before. They poured their heart and soul into each other. Tommy clutching Kimberly tighter and closer to him. She did the same, she brought her hands up to his long locks. Bewitched by the taste of Tommy Oliver all over again. As much as they both loved the physical contact they knew they had to stop.
They pulled apart slowly, resting their foreheads together. The ramifications of their actions becoming apparent now. Tommy blinked hard, trying to comprehend what just occurred. Did he really just kiss Kimberly? His ex girlfriend, did he really just confess his undying love for her? All while he has a devoted girlfriend. Guilt quickly began to overtake his body. The look Tommy had in his eyes was not lost with Kimberly. She immediately recognized the look in his eyes. She pulled apart from his embrace. The song that was playing over the speakers was now coming to a close. The world they were living in started to come back. One by one, the student body began to reappear.
Tommy saw the pained look on Kimberly's face and knew she had the wrong idea.
"Kim," he said calmly, "I-I don't regret this. I don't want you to think that."
Yes, he felt guilty about kissing Kimberly and he had a lot of similar feeling building deep within him, but regret was not one of them. Kissing her was something he would never regret. He needed this last kiss, he needed to taste her lips one last time, He needed this final moment with her.
A sense of relief washed over her. He didn't regret anything, he still loved her, and he had forgiven her for her betrayal. How could she be so lucky?
"I don't regret it either," she replied with a small smile on her face. He didn't regret anything but that still doesn't mean that they would have a relationship. Like Tommy had told Kimberly earlier, he did have love for Katherine. And he was going to try and make a relationship work with the new pink ranger no matter what. This realization caused a chip in Kimberly's slowly healing heart. The realization that the man that you love more than anything loves someone else now too. The most heartbreaking aspect of that is that you were the one that pushed him into the arms of another woman.
"I should get going. I'm sure you want to get back to everyone celebrating your win with you," she took a few backward steps before turning around.
"Kim," he called to her as she began to walk away. She stopped mid step at the sound of her name. She turned her head slowly to look at him.
He gently took her hand in his. slowly brought it over to his soft lips and planted a tender kiss. "Thank you for the dance."
A blush began erupting on her face. She simply nodded and continued walking. Her hand delicately escaping his grasp.
They never once spoke about that night again. They kept that moment to themselves as a special something that happened between them. The kiss they shared, although amazing and revolutionary, changed nothing about their romantic lives. Tommy was still going to be dating Katherine and Kimberly was going to continue to admire Tommy from afar. That is the consequence you have to live for your poorly made actions.
As the song began to fade, Kimberly looked up from the muscular spot her head had been resting. She met Tommy's deep brown eyes for a split second. The realization that she couldn't think of a more perfect day or any where in the world she'd rather be than in Tommy's arms. She longed for the music to never end and to live in this moment for all eternity.
As his head slowly descended, their lips met for a brief but intoxicating kiss. If anyone were to see them, they would think that Tommy and Kimberly were a happily engaged couple. Their actions never indicated that they truly had a really strange arrangement going on behind closed doors. They stayed in their arms even moments after the song was no longer playing.
Tommy looked down at the beautiful woman in his arms and thought about saying what was exactly on his mind. He opened his mouth slightly, "I..."
He wanted to tell her what he was truly feeling, that he loved her and he wanted to try and make a relationship work with her, but he froze.
"...I think we should go upstairs and talk now."
As the night became coming to an end, Tommy knew he had to speak up. He had to talk to Kimberly and either break things off for good or start a relationship with her again. Both outcomes were truly terrifying to Tommy.
She nodded at his statement and led him off the dance floor as she held his hand. They walked over to their group of friends and excused themselves. They said their goodbyes for the night to some of the other guests they knew and of course the renewed bride and groom.
Room 820
10:15PM
Kimberly had so many feeling at the moment. She was about to have a conversation with Tommy about what was going to happen with their future. She knew what she wanted. She wanted to be with Tommy, that was a question she no longer had. After the crazy and unexpected week they had, Kimberly never anticipated she would be having this conversation with him.
Tommy could tell that Kimberly was nervous. She had been so quiet on their way back to their room. She looked deep in thought. He was pacing the room back and forth, Almost like he was trying to convince himself of something. The last thing she wanted was to make him go into a relationship when he wasn't ready. She sat on the edge of the bed and let out a huge sigh. She mustered as much courage as she could.
"We don't have to talk about anything, you know."
"I'm sorry, what was that?" He was too deep into her own thoughts
She smiled and bowed her head, "we don't have to talk. If you're unsure, we can wait."
"Oh, Kim, I'm not unsu.. I mean, this is hard for me. I wasn't expecting this week to turn out like it did."
"I know what you mean, At the beginning of this week, I thought I was going to spend a romantic week with Spencer. And now, he's not here and.. You are. I'm just.. My thoughts are all over the place too and I don't know."
"Are you still in love with Spencer?"
"What? No... Honestly, I haven't even thought about him this whole trip. I've been so confused this entire weekend, but I'm not anymore. I'm tired of fighting what I want. I know in my heart what I'm feeling."
"Kim, there's so much I want to say, but I just don't know where to begin."
"Okay then, if you don't know what to say then let me tell you what I'm feeling first," she stood up and walked over to him. She took his hands in hers, "Friday night was the first night where I felt like I do anything. I wasn't afraid or unsure of anything. I didn't want to leave your side. I can honestly say that ten years ago, I never would have thought we would be in this situation. I didn't even think our friendship would recover-"
"-Kim-"
She cupped his cheek, "-I've been cheated on more times than I can count, something I didn't know deeply affected me until recently. I've dated the wrong men nine times out of ten, I've been used-"
"-Kim-"
"-and I've never felt anything more real than when I'm with you. I'm willing to put in the effort to make a relationship work with you.. That's if you want. I want to stay in New York and be with you. I-I want to see where we go from now. One thing I realized Friday and spending the entire week with you today was that I want to be with you. I.. I didn't know it before, but now I can't believe I was so blind by what was right in front of me."
He took a few steps back as her hand fell from his face. He turned around and walked to the French doors and looked out the window. He crossed his arms as he let out a deep breath. Here she was openly admitting her feelings, She wanted a relationship with him. He wasn't expecting her to say that at all. He was almost hoping she said that she didn't want a relationship.
Kimberly watched Tommy from a few feet away. She knew that once she confessed what she was truly feeling that he might not respond well, but she had to take the chance.
"Tommy?" Her voice was soft
He closed his eyes at the sound of her voice.
"Let me just ask you one thing, Tommy. How do you feel about me?"
He rested his left hand in the window and looked around the room. He didn't know what to say. He nodded his head side to side as he tried to find the words. He didn't know how to tell her.
"I don't know," he answered softly. He turned around to face her, "you've always been in heart, that has never changed. You've always been my friend, that has never changed. You know I care about you, that has never changed."
Kimberly smiled brightly as she began to walk towards him. Her goal was to wrap her arms around him and kiss him until neither could think straight.
He put his hand up to stop her before she was able to reach him, "But I don't want to be with you... and that has changed." He said in a slow whisper.
He had been trying to find the words to tell her. He didn't want to hold her back from a bright future. Kimberly had been working so hard for a promotion and he was not going to stand in her way. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her. In truth, he loved her. Tommy wanted nothing more in this world that to tell her that he was incomplete without her and that he had never stopped loving her. That he wanted to be with her, but his fear of long distance relationships was getting in the way. He vowed long ago that a long distance relationship was never going to happen again. He had to push her away. The only way that Kimberly would go to Los Angeles was if he gave her no other reason to stay in New York. Even if there was no romantic relationship with each other, Kimberly would not leave New York if Tommy was still there. She had to not want to be anywhere near him. That was his new goal. This entire time he had been contemplating how he was going to break her heart along with his.
Kimberly's smile was quickly wiped away. "Y-You don't?"
"I don't," he repeated slowly
"Wow, um..," she half smiled. She was a disappointed by his admission. "I'm sorry, I kind of assumed that you would feel something for me too. I... It just felt right being with you."
"I'm sorry... I just.. I don't see a future between us."
"A-are you sure? I just.. Do you have a better answer for me?"
Her eyes pleading for an answer.
"I just don't want to have a relationship with you. Why is it that hard to understand," his voice trailed off as he refused to look at her.
"Wow... Um, I can respect that. Truly. But that's not giving me a fair answer. There has to be more than that."
"Because I can't be with someone I cant trust," he lied
Kimberly was in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she just heard coming from his mouth. There was part of her that knew there was a possibility that Tommy might not want a relationship with her. She wasn't an idiot and prepared for that heartbreak, but for him to blatantly lie to her face and tell her that he had no regrets the night before when he did, was hurtful. She had not prepared for that.
"You can't trust me?" Her voice in a near quiver, "we've been friends for years. We've always been able to trust each other. What changed?"
"Nothing changed," He said. His voice was flat. It was like he wasn't affected by all of this at all.
A shiver was sent down Kimberly's spine. She didn't recognize the man she was speaking to at all
"Tommy..." She said as she held back tears. Her throat burned as a lump began to build in her throat.
"Don't you see that you emotionally cheating on me affected me more than you think? How am I supposed to be with you when I can't trust you to leave me for the next guy that becomes available?" He was lying. All lies. The truth was he would say anything at this point so that she could hate him.
"If you felt like this the whole time, why didn't you tell me? You let me believe that there was something going on this entire time."
"You saw what you wanted to see," he lied again. His heart was slowly shattering at the words coming out of his mouth. He had never once spoken to Kimberly in this way. He wished he could snatch the words coming out of his mouth with his hands.
"I see," she said softly. Her heart aching with every word Tommy said to her.
"Don't be so sad, Kim, you were a lot of fun."
She couldn't believe her ears. She brought her hand over her mouth. She narrowed her eyes, "excuse me?"
Tommy wincing at what he just said. That was something he instantly regretted. He didn't want her to think that she was just a booty call or think any less of herself.
"So I was just some game to you? Was Holli just another one of your games too? Did you get a thrill out of pitting us against each other, huh? Did you like us fighting over you?"
Tommy looked down at his feet, unable to answer her.
"why are you being like this? This isn't like you." Her eyes began to pool up tears. She couldn't understand why he would be speaking to her in that way.
"You don't know me... You don't know me! You might think you do, but you don't." He had to look away from her. He couldn't stand lying straight to her face. He held back tears as he broke his own heart. She would never forgive him.
Kimberly was no longer fighting the tears as they began to run down her cheeks. "So what, you just tell everyone that you don't regret anything and that you care so much about them," she sniffled. "That they mean the world to you. Damn it, Tommy, how many times have you rehearsed that speech? I can't believe you had me believing all your lies. Jason was right about you this entire time and I didn't want to believe it. I defended you. I was so stupid. I trusted you.. With everything.
Tommy couldn't stand to hear her cry, but she had to hate him. She had to. He turned to face her as he saw her mascara running down her face. It took everything in him to not pull her into his arms. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her, but there was no turning back now. Even if he did tell her the truth, she would probably never forgive him. "Well that was your mistake. Now you can go on and live your life happily without me. But not too happy because we both know you're going to get cheated on agai-"
The only thing Tommy heard was the powerful contact between Kimberly's right hand to his cheek. He brought his left hand up to his face as he felt the heat on his cheek from her slap. He was expecting that. He was also expecting for Kimberly to run out the door screaming at him that she never wanted to see him again, but what he got was much worse.
She looked down at her feet as she tried to process everything that had just happened. In a firm voice she said, "I can't believe you would say that to me."
She lifted to head and looked at him with tears in her eyes. She sniffled as she tried to compose herself. "I'm in love with you."
She loves him? He was definitely not expecting that. All this time he never realized that her feeling for him were that deep. His eyes began to water as he heard her say those words. He did the first thing anyone in that situation would do. He reached his arm to touch her. To have any form of contact with her, "...Kim"
When his arm touch her Kimberly quickly pulled away. She pushed his arm from her, "Don't!" She managed to yell at him. She took a few steps back. Tears dripping from her eyes. Her nose and cheeks flushed red. She wiped the tears on her cheeks with her wrist, "...Don't touch me!"
She walked backward until the front door touched her back. She turned around and rested her forehead on the door with her eyes closed. She had her right hand on the handle and the other on the face of the door for support. She took a few deep breaths. Still with her back towards him as she let a few tears fall from her face. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Tommy's grandmothers engagement ring being illuminated by the moonlight.
"In spite of everything, I still don't regret you," her voice was brittle.
She quickly took her right hand and removed the engagement ring from her left. She gently placed it on the counter a few feet away and ran out the door. The bright light from the hall nearly blinding Tommy when she opened it.
Author note: Is it okay to peek from my computer screen? What did everyone think of this new chapter? I know that some of you may get a little upset about how I ended things between our beloved couple, but I wanted to create some drama. This story is nowhere near over. So I want you all to sit back and enjoy the upcoming chapters I'm gonna be throwing at you. Feedback is always appreciated. I have the outline of how the rest of the story is going to play out and all I have to do now is write it out. Thank you all for being patient with me. Also, I updated the summary to this story because I decided to go in a slightly different direction than I originally thought. Anyway, let me know what you think of this one.