Chapter 52: It's Gotta Be The Good Life

(ICU Unit)

The first thing Kimberly becomes aware after coming to surface from a drug and exhaustion-induced darkness is the quiet. However, it's not silent by any means, as her vision begins to clear up and finds herself tangled in a mist of cords from various monitors attached to her bed. Coming to her senses Kimberly finds herself waking up in a nice private room in the ICU Unit of Angel Grove Hospital. She could feel a slight chill in the room but thankfully she was covered in a heated blanket to keep her warm. Feeling the haze of medication in her system, there's a slight dulling ache sheer through her body and contemplating her current location and how much time she lost she tries to recall the last event that happened. However, she settles back against the pillow body before drifting off to the sounds of various doctors and nurses doing their routine post-op rounds.

The second time Kimberly comes to the surface after another moment of rest her memory starts coming back to her. She remembered the argument she had with Rosaline after overhearing her daughter's proposed intentions of giving up Julliard. She recalled standing in the training room hearing her daughter vent out her frustrations and anguish to the breaking point and how the young teen stormed out of the house. Kimberly then recalled an hour after the little outburst a sheering pain surge through her body before everything went dark. Suddenly, her mind snapped back to reality as she felt a feeling of emptiness surge through her body, something was missing. Carefully lifting her gown Kimberly was beyond belief to see various surgical scars on both her abdomen and chest. A surge of panic and worry overwhelmed her wondering what happened to her.

"Hey Kim, honey take it easy," she heard Kat's voice as she walked over to the small bench in her room where Rosaline and the twins were asleep, "Rosaline, wake up. Your mom's regain consciousness."

"Mom? It's me Rosaline," her daughter replied softly, "I'm here with everyone. Can you hear me?"

"What happened?" Kimberly manages at last, hoarsely. "Where am I? What day is it?"

"Well...surprisingly it's Valentine's Day," Billy added looking at his longtime friend, "You gave us quite a scare there little sis. We almost thought you wouldn't make it. You suffered from a serious placental abruption according to Dana. Jason and the rest of us manage to call the ambulance after you suddenly started bleeding unexpectedly in the living room. They had to deliver your son via emergency c-section but he's doing fine despite being a few weeks premature."

"I have a son?" Kimberly smiled through the bliss of tears streaming her face, "Tommy and me...we'd hope for a boy to balance out the family."

"Yeah mama you and papa Tommy have a little boy," Elena smiled, "And we get a new baby brother."

"That's true you guys," Aisha replied, "Jason pulled through for you and the baby. You almost died on us girl but he saved him despite being put in a tight spot."

"Literally I put my big brother in the position of being my medical proxy since Tommy is out of commission?" Kimberly sighed, "So what happened next after the delivery?"

"Dana said you went into Hypovolemic shock," Adam said, "The surgeon was able to restart your heart, but ran into difficulty to successfully control the bleeding. You basically crashed during the surgery and they had to transfuse four units of blood. However, you were still hemorrhaging faster than they can transfuse. So that's when Dana asked Jason consent for an emergency hysterectomy."

"Jason was in a tight spot because he was worried about the possibility of killing you on the table if he consent to the surgery," Zack added, "We tried to assure him whatever he decided we will stand by him."

"When he asked me what dad would have done in his position I told him that dad will do whatever it take to save your life despite the risk," Rosaline said sincerely looking at her mom, "So he consent to the surgery."

"I owe him a lot and he save my life didn't he?" Kimberly whispered as her friends nodded. "Apart of me and Tommy figured out that in the unlikely situation our lives were in jeopardy and neither one of us wasn't able to make a decision, we know there was one person that will come through for us. That person is Jason and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He saved my life and that's what matters when I put him in a tough spot."

"You're Jason's little sister he loves you like your family," Kat smiled placing a hand on her shoulder, "Remember that and besides it was his job to look out for you."

"I'm grateful for that and this is something I won't forget," Kimberly replied and then turned to Rosaline who tried to look off into the distance. "Rosaline? Sweetie are you alright?"

"You wouldn't have been here in the hospital if it wasn't for me," Rosaline mumbled staring down at the ground. The residual guilt inside of her begins to resurface recalling the last twenty four hours her mother's life was in jeopardy along with her newborn baby brother. She still felt the blunt regret of the words she said to Kimberly. "I'm sorry for what I said to you, mom. It was just months of frustration that built up and I said some things I wish I regretted that it brought some ill fated memories to light. The last twenty four hours have been a blur and I couldn't face the possibility of losing another parent again. It made me realize how much you really mean to me, both you and dad. I'm really sorry for putting you in the hospital and nearly costing you and my little baby brother your lives."

"Come here sweetie," she gestured for Rosaline to move closer. She was afraid for hurting her mom and prolonging her recovery after nearly dying last night. However, she didn't expect for Kimberly to hug her. "You know something had to give eventually. I understand the months of frustration and anguish you were going through. If you've already heard enough people telling you not to blame yourself for what happened to me well tough luck kiddo you're going to hear it one more time. What happened to me was not your fault and if I paid more attention to my stress level and didn't work myself up worrying so much this wouldn't happen. However, one thing for sure is that you're not at fault here do you understand young lady? No matter what you say to me I'll always love you because you're my daughter."

"I still regretted telling you how I wish I never found out about you. If it all ended like that then I didn't want it to be on my conscience that the last thing I said to you was I didn't love you."

"Rosaline it's water under the bridge," she smiled. "I'm here and your brother is safe and I know you didn't believe any of the stuff you said. For the record, we're cool alright?"

"I really love you you know that?" Rosaline started tearing up hugging her, "And mom I'm really glad you're safe. This has turned out to be a really eventful Valentine's Day."

"And how so is it?" Kimberly asked curiously, "I've been knocked out for about a day and wake up on the day of love so is there anything else you want to fill me in on?"

"It's about Tommy," Zack replied as the others ponder a way to tell Kimberly about Tommy knowing that this will be a Valentine's Day to remember. "You wouldn't believe us if we told you."

"Well what about Tommy? Is he alright? Did something happen to him?" she started spilling out questions. "What happen to Tommy? He's not...is he?"

"Far from that we can assure you," Rocky replied smiling, "Tommy woke up last night, while you were in surgery."

"What did you just say?" Kimberly asked too shocked to believe it.

"Tommy woke up last night after six months of being in a coma," Billy smiled seeing Kimberly lie back a bit swallowing the lump in her throat as tears filled her eyes. At first she was thinking this was some sort of joke her friends cleverly played on her but the looks in their faces told a story of surprise and clarity that they spoke the truth. "We all saw him last night like he was good as new. Do you think we lie to you about it?"

"You're meaning to tell me that Tommy is finally awake...after six months of being in a coma?" she asked for reassurance until she saw Hayden smiling.

"Papa Tommy is really nice and it was nice talking to him last night," Hayden replied innocently, "He says he misses you mama Kim."

"Hayden wouldn't lie about anything like this and I know after nine years of experience with the guy," Rosaline added, "Dad is awake but unfortunately knowing the stubborn bloke he is quickly got out of bed and gave Trini a hassle last night to help him out of bed. Even after regaining consciousness for being comatose for six months first impulsive thing he did was come down to the waiting room to ask about you. Dad said he'll basically drag himself out of bed to see you but Trini reluctantly couldn't say no to dad's request. So she wheeled in a wheelchair down to the waiting room and the rest is history."

"Wow this really surreal and knowing typical Tommy in true fashion would refuse to follow orders especially from medical doctors. I'm trying to let this all sink in that I had my son and Tommy finally woke up for it. I got to say this is turning out to be one Valentine's Day I won't forget. Did he look well? How is he doing?"

"Still the same old Tommy after six months," Kat replied, "He went down to see the baby with Trini and Jason in the NICU. He probably guess it was something you wanted him to do."

"Yeah that is something I would definitely have asked him," Kimberly mumbled. "So where is he now?"

"Doctors needed to do some routine check ups with him to monitor his condition," Adam said, "After arguing again but they ordered bed rest for him until he was clear to walkabout again. More than anything Tommy really wants to see you Kim. He'll be up and about later on causing havoc for defying doctor's orders."

"I would say I wouldn't have it any other way," Kimberly smiled thinking how life was suddenly starting to turn out good for her. "More than anything I really would like to see him."

(Later On)

For the next few hours, Kimberly was visited by various nurses and doctors doing their routine post-op check up and charts to monitor Kimberly's condition. Dana came in to check on Kimberly's recovery although it frustrated her to be confined to her bed due to her stitches and post operation surgical cuts to heal up. Her hospital room was already filled with a lot of flowers and presents her friends bought from the gift shop for her and the baby. The others opted to take Rosaline and the twins to the mall because they wanted to buy their new brother a nice present and also get something nice for Valentine's Day for their mom.

Between the interval moments of rest she had throughout the day there were two things that she wanted for Valentine's Day: to see Tommy and their new son. A little while later, there was a knock on her door as she woke up. Kimberly smiled seeing Jason walk into the room walking into the the room taking a seat in the chair next to her bed.

"I was hoping when you pop in for a visit," Kimberly smiled seeing Jason, "I got quickie visits from Trini despite running around during her shift today. How are you holding up big brother?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question sis? You're asking me how I'm doing?" he slightly mumbled.

"Believe me I already had eight of my friends and three of my children asking me how I'm doing why can't I ask my brother that question?" she smiled back, "I know you pull through for me and I owe you for saving my life and my son's."

"You almost died last night and it scared me," Jason sighed, "When I learned that you made me your medical proxy I didn't know if I could come through for you. This is something Tommy should do, not me but he wasn't around. I couldn't live with myself if something happened and then there was the kids to think about."

"Jason I'm alive because of you and I knew deep down you will always find a way to come through. You're my big brother and I know you'll always be looking out for me and Tommy. You can't imagine how important you are in our lives and how much we love you. Those kids understand what you needed to do and they trusted you as well as our friends with whatever you decided."

"But realizing that I consented to a high risk surgery I couldn't live with being responsible if something happen to you."

"You saved my life, that is all that matters," Kimberly repeated. "There is nothing to feel bad about anymore it's all over and I'm still here with my kids and my son is here also. So thank you and let's just leave it there."

"I love you sis you know that right?" Jason smiled giving her a hug as she nodded smiling back. "And I'm glad to see you awake."

"Same to you big bro I love you too." He stared at the table and noticed all the flowers and presents she received from their friends wishing her a speedy recovery and small little baby presents for her son. "You know it's kind of nice being the flower lady today and gift girl with the gang filling my table with all this stuff. I guess I'm their Valentine for today."

"Well sorry for coming by empty handed. Usually I would come baring presents for someone who is sick but I think I've got you something better. Hopefully you're still up for receiving more Valentine's Day gifts because this one was a hassle to get you."

"Hey Beautiful," she heard the familiar voice that brought tears of joy to her eyes, "Special Valentine's Day delivery."

Kimberly didn't know if this was all just a dream or wonder if she was still under the influence of the heavy medication prescribed for her post-op surgery. She questioned herself what happen during the last twenty four hours seeing Trini wheel in a very much conscious Tommy into her room. How many nights for the last six months did she pray to see his chocolate brown eyes smile at her or hear him call her Beautiful? Though technically he wasn't standing up, he was physically awake and present right before her eyes. Last night she almost died from severe placental abruption and delivered their son a few weeks prematurely. The minute Tommy's hand reach out for hers gently placing it on top of hers her emotions got the best of her trying to let it all sink in.

Reality started sinking in coming to the realization that Tommy very much is awake and here with all once again. The moment she felt his touch the reunion was more than surreal. Jason and Trini stood outside Kimberly's hospital room giving them a moment of privacy. Six months of watching him lie asleep in the hospital was an overwhelming experience and the toll it took on her throughout her pregnancy. It started flooding back to her six months ago beneath the cavern, watching Tommy drive the sword and splitting the source of Lokar's power into pieces. She remember witnessing him pour his entire life and his power into that one attack knowing it will kill him. She recalled in the aftermath of the battle holding her nearly lifeless husband in her arms before lapsing into a coma.

"You're here, is it really you?" she whispered recalling the first time he returned as the White Ranger.

"In the flesh," Tommy smiled sincerely.

"For a moment I thought I'm still under the influence of the medication they gave me because there is no way I just saw my best friend wheel in my husband into my hospital room."

"Well I can say for someone who survived a severe placental abruption and an emergency c-section you're still beautiful than ever after six months," he replied staring at her, "And for the record I've wide awake for least a day and I know today is Valentine's Day and you my dear are the lucky Valentine. So I say by now the drugs already worn off and you're wide awake talking to your white falcon, your one and only true white knight."

"Oh God it's not a dream," she smiled through the tears, "You're really here Handsome! After six months I just want a moment to bask and let it all sink in." As much as she wanted to reach over and embrace him the restraints of her post op stitches and physical bodily strain prevented that. The last thing she couldn't risk was her stitches ripping open again after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy after hearing the accounts of her diagnosis last night. They settled with the hand to hand touch contact to feel the sense of being close to each other after six months. "Okay I'm done basking. It's surreal feeling you touch me again and though I can't really get out of this bed I'm going to keep on basking despite it all."

"I wish I could simply just walk out of this wheelchair but I can't. The doctors says I need to let my limbs regain full function after being stiff for six months." Tommy replied, "But you know me I'm hardcore and I literally gave Dr. Pearson a hard time the minute I regain consciousness. They were against me trying to see you but Trini is a good negotiator. You couldn't imagine how badly I wanted to be close to you."

"All those months I spent watching you lie asleep and pray whether you were going to wake up any day soon. It was hard doing the whole living thing, trying to be strong for the kids. I always thought back what happened if things played out differently six months ago. I didn't know back then if we did the right thing and then I understand why you did what you did. It was because it was our duty and it was our destiny and fate for the greater good. I understand the whole no victory without sacrifice motto but afterward it felt like things got crappy and I couldn't hold it together," Kimberly sighed clutching her blanket.

"I'm sorry you had to go through this alone and I wasn't here to help you through it," Tommy replied, "However, deep down I knew in spite of how bad things were you still manage to keep on doing the one hard thing we have trouble doing, living. You couldn't imagine how much I longed to feel you, hear your voice, your kiss, or your touch. Whatever happened to me after the fight deep down I did everything I can to find my way back to you. I couldn't give up on us, not by a long shot."

"I know you're no quitter because Tommy Oliver is a fighter," she replied, "I didn't want to give up on you because I know you wouldn't give up on us, not by a long shot."

"All we really need to survive is just one person and you have her." Tommy murmured, "As long as it takes I will wait for you always. I love you forever and eternally I'm yours."

"What?" asks Kimberly distractedly.

"You said that the night before the battle at the Seal. I felt a touch here and there and the fluttering kicks of our kid."

Kimberly leans back quickly on the bed and stares into his eyes disbelievingly. "You – you knew I was – you heard me?"

"I don't know, I mean – I remember bits and pieces. I remember knowing you placed my hand on your stomach, and hearing the voices of the kids…" He drifts off quietly, looking over her shoulder and smiling softly. "I felt our son kick I can't explain how."

"It doesn't matter," she whispers, looking up again and smiling confidently. "What else do you remember? What…was it like? The coma, I mean."

"It was," Tommy pauses, inhaling slowly and deeply, attempting to gather his thoughts. "I don't know how to describe it. Everything is still kind of fuzzy, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. We're both still healing," Kimberly reassures him with a sweet smile. "Just…tell me anything you can remember. I just want to hear your voice."

"It was… incredible." Tommy watches her for a reaction, but continues carefully when she makes no movement to question his usage of that descriptor. "I felt so peaceful, you know? And there were times when I could swear it was like I was actually experiencing the afterlife. I've always been curious about Heaven, and whether or not people actually get glimpses of God during near-death experiences, but – but now I know. They do. I did. There were times when I think I was aware of you and the kids being here, talking to me, and I think – I think maybe…"

"What?" Kimberly interjects when he fails to complete his thought after several seconds.

"You'll think it's ridiculous," he tells her, giving her a look that says he knows her better than she believes.

"Tell me. Please?"

"Rosaline said something one time about the Bible teaching a lot about the power of faith, and that those who believe will be rewarded in miraculous ways. What I went through – everything that happened to us since that day at the sea? I shouldn't be here, Kim. It's a miracle that I survived. That I woke up. And I think maybe it was–because I still have more to accomplish… with my kids, my friends, with my life, and with you…"

"It's like maybe God planned all of this," Tommy continues quietly. "Like maybe you're my guardian angel. I think the powers that be upstairs have bigger plans for us. For some reason I thought I already accomplished and accepted my fate and destiny when I destroyed the egg. We wonder sometimes if the hand of fate is a fickle thing. I understand now that you and me, we're meant to be together. You're my miracle and for that I'm thankful to be here once again with you."

"I knew deep down you weren't going to give up on me or this family," Kimberly smiled, "Besides, we got a lot more to live for."

(Evening)

By the evening everyone returns to visit Kimberly in the hospital. Rosaline and the twins smiled seeing their parents together after six months apart. It was like the good life was finally coming back to them. The two of them spent the entire day in the room making up for lost time but they did enjoy the company of their friends and family.

"Gosh did you guys raid a toy store or something?" Tommy smiled looking at the basket Rosaline and the twins bought.

"Happy Valentine's day," Rosaline replied hugging both her parents, "And now it's our little brother's birthday."

"So the guys said that you went to go see the baby." Kimberly shifts against the pillows.

"I did." Tommy swallows, feeling his throat tighten again at the memory of tiny fingers clinging to his hand. "He's perfect."

"I'm glad," whispers Kimberly, sounding truly emotional. "I was so afraid he wouldn't make it. I shouldn't have kept stressing myself out. Not after—everything."

"Gabriel's doing great," Tommy says quickly. "Really healthy. And we can't know what caused this. Don't blame yourself. You've been anything but irresponsible."

"You named him Gabriel?" Kimberly asked sincerely. "I love it and I remember it was the name we wanted for him."

"I made you a promise that if we had a boy the first name we give him will be that," he smiled, "I don't tend to break it."

"I want to see him," says Kimberly, her voice firmer now, more purposeful. She is not going to dwell on blame right now, and as Tommy pointed out some things happen for a reason they can't explain. "Tommy...thank you for being there for him." Their thoughts were interrupted when a light knock on the door gets their attention.

"We'll see if we can get one of the nurses to bring him down here," he suggested taking a hold of his hand.

"Can we come in?" Dana asked from the doorway.

It takes Tommy and Kimberly a moment to realize that she has the baby in her arms, almost as if she's read their mind. He nods immediately. "Please come in."

"I thought you could use a visit," Dana said, laying Gabriel in Kimberly's arms. "It's good to see both you making a speedy recovery Kimberly. So far everything is looking good but we'll still need to keep you for a few more days here."

"Thank you Dana," Kimberly replied silent for a long moment, tears streaming down her cheeks. This is the first time she is finally holding her son as Rosaline and the twins get a first look at their new brother. They see Gabriel nestles against her chest, instinct still more powerful than anything she felt. Everything was looking up for her now that their family was whole once again and together. The feeling of tranquility washing over them that the good life was here and no illusion.

"Wow he really is cute," Rosaline smiled staring at her brother, "I can see he'll turn out to look like dad when he gets big."

"He sounds like he's named after an angel," Elena replied, "Daddy's middle name was Gabriel."

"But his first name was Patrick right Rosie?" Hayden asked recalling the memory of her adopted parents.

"Yeah bud that was dad's name," Rosaline said rubbing her brother's head.

"Pretty much we balanced out the family didn't we?" Tommy replied, "Our little miracle boy."

"That's why it's the perfect name," Kimberly smiled looking at Tommy as he nodded his head. "Your dad and I months ago figured out what we wanted to call him...if you guys are okay with it?"

"We know that it must be hard still missing your dad guys so we felt that we wanted to pay homage to a guy who brought up three wonderful children and help give us a chance at raising a family," Tommy replied.

"So guys I want you present your new baby brother, Gabriel Patrick Oliver," she smiled staring at Rosaline. "So what do you think? Rosaline? Elena? Hayden?"

"I think it's a perfect name that completes our family," Rosaline said, "Welcome to family, Gabriel Patrick Oliver. You're now officially a member of the Oliver family."