Chapter 37: It Is What It Is (Part One)
(Reefside, California)
Hayley pulled up to the driveway of Tommy's house to make her routine nightly check ups on the place. It's been over seven months since Tommy left Reefside to relocate to Angel Grove to fight to save the future line of the Power Rangers. However, she noticed during her regular visits to the house she saw the lights on. Parking her car on the driveway immediately she exited and entered the house. To her surprise walking to the house, she heard the stereo playing Lifehouse's It is What It Is blasting in the living room and a despondent Tommy quietly sitting in the living staring out front.
"Tommy? Oh my God what are you doing here?" Hayley asked questionably and suspiciously, "I didn't see...your car out front. When did you get here?"
"Just an hour ago and besides I don't need a car to get to my own house," he sighed tapping his finger to his communicator. "At least it's nice to know that there is still life buzzing around the city of Reefside compared to Angel Grove now suddenly turning into a deserted ghost town. The house was empty so I thought I could crash here, but this is my place after all."
"I heard that Connor and the others are in Angel Grove helping you guys out," Hayley said, "I saw the news with all the reports of everything going on in Angel Grove. Why aren't you there and why are you here instead?"
"What are you also planning to kick me out of my own house too? I'm guessing that's what the cool kids do but I'm used to being kicked out of the house, even if it's not mine," he continued to stare out in the distance, "Angel Grove...it's not the people's city anymore. It's not a place they could call home. It's not safe that's why people are leaving. The city belongs to them now...like how they intended it to be."
"You know I should probably call the others they're maybe worried where you are..." Hayley said but Tommy stopped her.
"It's their fight now...not mine, not anymore they made it clear," he quietly murmured, "They thought it was for the best, so I gave them what they wanted. It's for the best right Hayley? On the bright side at least the house is still in tact, except the lack of stock in the household."
Whatever was going with Tommy, it was evident to Hayley something happened to cause the sudden brooding behavior. She has known Tommy as a friend for years and he was one of those people who never abandon his friends in the middle of a major fight. She stepped into the kitchen as she watched Tommy pour a shot of vodka into a small shot glass. Something was bothering him as Hayley went to retrieve the contact list Tommy left her before he relocated back to Angel Grove, hoping to call somebody with news of Tommy's sudden reappearance in Reefside.
(Angel Grove: The Boarding House)
Meanwhile, a little after Tommy's sudden exit from the house, it was nothing but massive pandemonium in the living room as everyone argued about the group's next plan of attack. The potential Rangers that now that Tommy stepped down as leader there was a return of democracy within the group meaning the people had a say on the matter. Trini argued with Rocky and Adam the repercussions of their friends' confrontation and Kimberly's reaction while Billy and Jason argued about what the next course of action is in regards to dealing with Lokar. There was a disorganize array of conversations going on as everyone continued to talk over one another. However, a loud whistle stopped the argument as everyone quiet down.
"Hey everybody shut up for a second!" Kat yelled giving a loud whistle, "Look I know its been a rough few days so maybe we should at least get some sleep for the night and reconvene in the morning our next plan of attack. If we all haven't noticed we all just systematically driven Tommy out of this house. We just basically told our friend he needed to walk away while we takeover for a bit."
"Do we really have time to waste?" Desmond asked.
"Look I understand you guys are wickedly stressed," Jason suddenly added, "Frankly, our situation blows. We've got to stay cool. That's the only way we're going to get through this. Can everyone handle that?"
"Yeah I think everyone is in need of some relaxation and rest," Penny said, "Given that with the exodus going on in Angel Grove and the city turning into a ghost town it's been an eventful day."
"Penny does have a point, the population of the city is slowly dwindling to the point we're going to be about the only residents left in the city," Aisha replied to the veterans, "As of this moment we're basically left with the ball in our hands. We made our decision and now we got to make best with the situation we're in."
"I believe that's our cue to hit the sack for the night because not one of us haven't gotten any decent sleep for the night," Virgil replied as all of the potentials nodded in agreement. "If it's okay with...which ever one of you is in charge some of us like to catch up with our friend we call sleep."
"Okay you guys rest up for the night while the rest of us decide what the next course of action is in the morning," Billy said, in a reluctant form of an order. They watched the potentials head upstairs for the night with the exception of Rosaline who continued to stare out the window. Jason came up to her as he put his right hand on her shoulder for comfort.
"I'm worried about dad and what I told him," Rosaline sighed staring out the window, "Have we given any thought about what mom's reaction will be when she finds out?"
"That is something we were mowing over the last hour," Jason answered with reluctance, "Knowing Kimberly she'll throw her two cents at us for what we told Tommy."
"I think mostly...I'll get the short end from her with the total assumption that I basically rallied all of us to full on confront your dad," Billy sighed.
Right on cue two multicolored streaks of light materialized in the living room as the others knew what was going to happen next. Tanya and Kimberly materialized in the room in front of their friends as Kimberly's first reaction when she saw Jason a smile came across her face. She instantly walked up to the person she considered her "big brother" giving him a hug when she saw the reattached hand and that he was safe.
"I'm so glad you're okay big bro," Kimberly smiled hugging Jason, "You almost gave me a scare you know. I see the hand is back in tact hopefully you'll be alright."
"It's good to see you're safe too little sis and sorry for scaring you like that," he replied back, "See, my left hand is back in tact just waiting for a few days to get full function of it back."
"Glad to see Jason is up at arms once again," Tanya replied turning to the others, "You know it's nice to be back in the swing of things. Although I'm not sure if my powers are still in tact I just want to let you all know I'm with you guys shoulder to shoulder. It's good to know that after eight months away some things haven't change. So how are things on the homefront going?" Everyone looked a bit nervous as Kimberly continued.
"So, I think Tanya and I found a lead...something that will help all of us," Kimberly said curiously looking around, "So where's Tommy? You know tall, dark and handsome and the guy I call husband."
"Huh...well huh mom huh..." Rosaline said nervously as everyone looked down guilty, "You see dad's not here right now."
"Okay then when will he get back?" she asked looking a bit confused, "Guys...what's going on?"
"You see huh...while you were gone," Billy said walking up to Kim wringing his glasses, "Okay huh Kim while you were gone, we all got together and started talking about some disagreements we're having. Um...and eventually, after much discussion, Tommy decided that it would be best for all of us if he took a little time off, a little breather."
Kim stares in disbelief at her friends as she pieces together the disagreements Billy and the others referred to. "Uh-huh. I see. Been practicing that little speech long, have you? So, uh, Tommy took some time off right in the middle of the world in peril crisis, and it was his decision? I'm supposing that the disagreement you were all talking about had nothing to do with the thing called leadership? If I was in the room too I suppose you also wanted to question my leadership abilities as well? If you all had something to say in regards to Tommy's role as a leader why did you suddenly wait at last minute and all gang up on him like that? So which one of you was the brains of the plan behind this? Probably it might be Billy because strategic planning is something in your forte Billy? Who made the decision for him?"
"Well, we all decided," Jason sighed twitching his face a bit nervously. "Kimberly..."
"Oh, yeah. You all decided," she chuckles a bit with sarcasm, "You sad, sad, ungrateful traitors. Who do you think you are?"
"We're his friends, as well as yours," Trini tried to reassure, "We just want..."
"Oh, that's ballsy of you. You're his friends, and you betray Tommy like this?" Kim snapped angrily in disbelief, "Never in all our years have we once questioned Tommy's leadership or his decisions. Everything he did was for the sake of the team back then and even now and now suddenly you guys do a complete one eighty on him? Is this the thanks you're giving him? He has saved the lives of all of us and everyone on this Earth again and again that this guy literally will lay his life on the line in a heartbeat!" She turns to Billy and Jason in particular. "You know Billy he could have told you no the first night you and the others showed up in Reefside with the potential Rangers at his house. However, it's not in the nature of Tommy Oliver to refuse helping out his friends. You guys could have doubts about everything Tommy does but if you haven't noticed what he does it's because he has to. He'll put the safety of others first before his own we all know that. I'm gobsmacked you all suddenly would do this to him after everything he's done for us? What were you all thinking?"
"Look Kim we're sorry but it's just with everything that has been going on lately we didn't intentionally mean for Tommy to suddenly leave like that," Billy justified for the group, "We would never question either you or Tommy in terms of deciding what is best for everybody. In any capacity we never intended to hurt Tommy's feelings but you have to understand that we're in the middle of a major world in peril crisis. The weight of this whole situation is getting the best of us, especially and we as a group thought we could help Tommy relieve the stress of all the responsibility he's taking on. After what happened with the pavilion it's just...there is a lot at stake here and clearly we're all concern about his wellbeing."
"Do you want to know something about Tommy? He's always been put in the position of making hard decisions because no one else has the courage to carrying the burden of the weight of the world on their shoulders. Why did you all decide to doubt him now at a time like this? The pavilion was one incident that resulted in disaster, but we've faced disasters and setbacks like this before, but it didn't stop him or us from fighting. Whatever you all disagreed on with Tommy congratulations...you achieved what you wanted, delivering the ugly truth about thing Tommy doubted all these years. You finally made him question himself if he is truly trustworthy of being a leader. In a time like this Tommy would never runaway from a battle...instead you all just chased him off because you all think he's not capable of leading us. So anyone want to tell me where he went?"
"We...don't know where he went," Zack sighed.
"Figures I suppose you all just stood there and threw him out of the boarding house I own?" she angrily replied heading towards the door, "You know what? Since we're all capable of trying to take point in terms of being in charge it's time for you guys to step up to the plate. As for me, I'm going to do some damage control and hopefully try to knock some sense in all this chaos. I got nothing else to say so go ahead and plan the next course of action, hopefully it won't be a repeat like the pavilion."
"Mom wait!" Rosaline replied as her and Jason followed Kimberly outside. "Please...don't go because of what happened with dad. I'm sorry if I did anything wrong..."
"Kim I know you're mad at us for what happened with Tommy but we can't do this without you either," Jason added.
"It's okay to have doubts sometimes, but it also sucks when the doubts pile up at the wrong time," Kimberly slowly murmured, "Don't worry about me I'll be fine, it's just Tommy I'm worried about that's all. Our situation right now kind of blows at the moment but someone needs to keep an eye on things. I know you guys will be fine for the time being, whatever you decide is the next course of action. Jason...do take care of yourself and look after Rosaline for us. I'm guessing Tommy may have said that before he took off...but I just want to reassure that she'll be in good hands. I know she will be with you guys." she finished as she hit her communicator and teleported away.
"What happens to the rest of us now?" Rosaline asked quietly, "Someone has to take charge...whether you all like or not. So much for giving power back to the people huh? Is it okay to say that maybe you guys should have regretted telling my dad what you told him over an hour ago because I am. We're running out of time and whoever wants to step up and take charge next better come up with a plan that doesn't end up in another body count."
"The only thing we could do is...continue fighting regardless of what is happening," Jason answered, "However, I'm going to hold my promise to your parents and ensure that you're safe no matter what."
"When was the last time any of us felt safe?" Rosaline replied as she silently walked back into the house, "At times like this no one is ever safe."
(Reefside, California)
Hayley spent the entire night trying to get Tommy to open up about his sudden appearance back in Reefside and what happened with his friends. Eventually she managed to get in contact with Kimberly who was notified of her husband's location after spending the entire night looking for him in Angel Grove. In a quick moment, Kimberly teleported herself to Reefside in front of Tommy's house as Hayley waited outside. The teleportation freaked out Hayley a bit learning that they could travel to different locations in a matter of seconds. She then told Hayley about the confrontation between Tommy and their friends that resulted in them bluntly telling him to leave which answered for his reappearance at his house as the two talked.
"Yeah he's been in there all night just sitting and brooding and now I know why," Hayley sighed with some sympathy. "I'm guessing you threw in your two cents at your friends didn't you?"
"I can't hate them but I'm upset and still it's unbelievable what they did to him and what they said," Kimberly added, "At a time like this...our friends weren't the best when it came on timing things. This wasn't one of them."
"Well if there's anyone who can get Tommy Oliver out of his brooding mode it has to you Kimberly. No matter how many years have passed since you last seen each other you'll always have that effect on him. After hearing what your friends did to him I can understand why but they know they need him and also you in this fight," Hayley said as they walked into the house, "Tommy is not the type of person to abandon his friends in a time of need."
"Thanks for calling me Hayley...I really appreciate it," she replied as Hayley made her way out, "Hey Hayley? If it's not too much to ask we could sure use some brain knowledge and consultation in Angel Grove unless..."
"I know you'll find a way back home before I even touch base in Angel Grove but my schedule is clear for now," Hayley said leaving, "I best hit the road it's a long drive to Angel Grove, but probably a quick one after seeing the news. It's good to know that Connor, Ethan, Trent and Kira are helping out. Tommy appreciates it even though right now he's not saying anything. I have the address to the boarding house so I'll be fine making it down there. I hope the two of you take care."
I was only looking for a shortcut home
But it's complicated
So complicated
Somewhere in this city is a road I know
Where we could make it
But maybe there's no making it now
Too long we've been denying
Now we're both tired of trying
We hit a wall and we can't get over it
Nothing to relive
It's water under the bridge
You said it, I get it
I guess it is what it is
Kimberly walked into the living room as Tommy continued to stare off into the corner after taking his third shot of vodka. He could feel his wife's presence in the room but reluctantly continues to stare off in the distance. The sound of the music still fills the room as he quietly turns down the volume a bit. "This is about the last place I expected to find you Handsome," Kimberly said walking up to Tommy and taking a seat next to him on the couch, "I heard what Billy said to you. It's unbelievable to suddenly say that to you and for them to pick the worst time possible to bring it up. I'm in total shock and disbelief for the first time in years that Billy..."
"It wasn't just Billy, it was all of them," Tommy sighed still staring straight ahead, "It's not like they were wrong...I got nothing to hide anymore. Everything is out in the open like it should be?"
"You know I spent the whole night searching for you because I got news for you, something that will get you excited," she continues trying to sound optimistic. "You were right. Lokar and his goon squad are protecting something from us, actually in particular from you. Even after taking off like that with Tanya for the day it proves that you were right on the spot. My guess is that there is something at the pavilion so you were right? Tommy?"
"At this moment I don't feel right," he sighed with dejection.
"You're not fooling me Thomas James Oliver!" she said with determination, "You're no quitter, not by a long shot. You're the leader no matter what they say. Never in all my years I've known you that you suddenly just walk out on a battle and abandon our friends at a time when they need you. This isn't something you gave up, it's something they took from you and you could get it back."
"Oh yeah...well watch me quit," Tommy said looking at her, "What difference does it make Beautiful? I'm tired of trying to make them see, convincing them that they could trust me and put their lives in my hands to protect. It's proven that if I'm in the role as leader I say the word, one teenager dies...every time. It was my job to protect them, preserve the line and legacy we started and now look where it's gotten us. Someone needed to tell me the truth and for the satisfaction of it at least I heard it from the people I've known all these years instead of some random stranger."
"There will always be casualties in war and in battles...but you shouldn't be claiming yourself the responsible one for it. We're a team and as a team we all triumph and we all face failure together. In every team there is a leader, someone who needs to the voice of reason and make all the hard choices. Do you think everything we've worked for together as a team was for nothing? Do you think those teenagers were forced to fight against their will in a life or death situation? One thing for certain is that we've all made a choice together as a team to fight, not just as a duty, but because we were fighting for a cause, something we hold dear to us. Those teenagers could have walked away and headed home but they knew it would only be a matter of time before the enemy found them and finished them off. There is one thing you should be certain of Tommy, you gave them the strength and guidance to face their fears. Like you said we're not going to runaway from our fears, instead we're seeking them out and confronting them. They are times where we do have to face certain things alone, but most times a team needs someone to point the way for them...that's you."
"You're only saying that just to deny the truth about me and what I'm capable of. I know you're only saying this because you're my wife and it's your job to cheer me up. I admit I always got stuck making the hard choices, putting people in the position to make life or death situation choices. It happened before...especially when your life was put in danger and they make me choose between the fate of the world or my heart. Sometimes it scares me to wonder why people turn to me for guidance and it makes me wonder if I'm worthy. How could I preach about being a good leader and leading by example to our friends and a bunch of teenagers when I can't? Why are you the only blind fool that is willing to follow me regardless of all the fatal mistakes I've made in the past? They were right about what they said, clearly my judgment to make the right choices will endanger their lives."
"Are you seriously trying to throw yourself a self-pity party here?" Kimberly asked looking concerned.
"I think I had a hidden talent for that," he added, a bit with sarcasm and dejection, "I used to be a one man party machine because I can't name one thing I'm certain of in my life."
"Oh, no, no. Let's hold on here. I'm hummed along to your pity-ditty, and I think I should have the mic for a bit," she added getting up and pacing around, "There is no way I'm letting you do this to yourself."
"Fine by me, the stage is yours," he sighed, "Cheer me up."
"You listen to me carefully Thomas James Oliver," Kim continues kneeling in front of him, "I've been alive as long as you have, and also had my share of trauma in my life than you could imagine. I've seen things you couldn't imagine, and done things I prefer to have taken back over the years. I don't exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. I follow my gut, which doesn't exactly rush in the direction of my brain. So I make a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls and I'm not a perfect person, no one is born perfect. If you can't think of one thing certain in your life it's okay, but I could tell you of the one thing I've ever been sure of all this time: you. Hey, look at me Tommy. In all the years I've known you I have seen the man you become that you let people see you for the person you are. When I say, "I love you," it's more than my feelings for you, it accounts for everything else too. Do you know what it means when me or anyone tells you I love you? I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you through the good and bad. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You're a hell of a man. You're the one, Tommy and always will be."
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't the one," he says quietly.
"I didn't ask be good looking and athletic as a gymnast back in the day," she slightly smiles with a hint of sarcasm, "We all have crosses to bear. The choice is yours how you want to bear it...but know that you're never alone."
"It's just like back in the day me being the brooding lone warrior who needed to be drawn out from the shadows and you the optimistic one to bring light to my shadow," he slightly smiled taking a hold of her hand, "You know I'm forgetful and terminally tardy; and I could be as full of myself as anyone. You know I had a temper, I'm moody and stubborn . . . but I'm also steadfast and loyal, generous, warm and caring. I could make you laugh and make you feel things no one else ever could. However, somewhere along the way, we've had become a part of each other. We couldn't even say when it happened, but when I'm hurt, you're hurt. When I'm dark and moody, you're light and cheerful. When you felt despaired and felt fear, I brought you hope and courage. We hadn't even realized it until we had let each other go and we've had torn out a part of ourselves-the very thing that had made life worth living to leave behind an empty shell. How had either of us survived that cold, lonely half-life? I don't know how to bear the crosses I carry, but I know of one certainty in my life I can't forget or trade for anything: that's you Kimberly. The world could turn could it's back on me but not you because if it happened, then I don't know what else I got left."
"I could never turn my back on you even when everyone else has not ever," she quietly answered, "However, Tommy Oliver doesn't turn his back against the world. What do you do now?"
"Could...you stay with me Beautiful?" Tommy asked as Kimberly nods yes sitting on the couch beside him and putting her arms around her husband. She curls up on him, cuddling up to his chest as Tommy puts his arm around her shoulder, holding her head with his hand, pondering their next move. "Knowing you I know you're the one person who will always find me."
"It's my nature, bringing light to the shadow of my brooding lone warrior," she quietly smiled as he continued to sit quietly holding her. "I know in my heart you'll do the right thing."