Part IV
Where in the world is he taking me? Kim wondered as she struggled to keep her eyes open. The beating she had taken the other day and the shopping trip had taken more out of her than she cared to admit. Wherever it was Tommy was headed sure had to be special if he was willing to drive clear across the city when he was hungry. She did a double take when he finally pulled into a parking lot.
"The Juice Bar?" she queried.
"Sure, why not?"
"Aren't we a little old to be hanging out here these days?" As she recalled, one rarely saw high school grads at the Youth Center.
"I haven't been back here since before graduation. Besides, when we're done here, I want to swing by my house and check on the place," Tommy said.
"You sound like your folks aren't around."
"They're not. Since I'm racing with Uncle John, they decided to do Europe this summer. The last I heard from them, they were in Italy."
Kim's face clouded at the mention of Europe. Tommy caught the shadow.
"You haven't talked to your mother since you fled the gym, have you?"
Kim shook her head and bit back a tear. "They were lucky to survive they Mercytes' attack; I'd only be endangering them further if I tried calling. I found out the hard way with the training center that those sleazebuckets are monitoring phone lines and stuff for folks I'm likely to call. I haven't talked to my mom, dad, or brother in almost a year."
"I bet your mom is going absolutely nuts," Tommy murmured sympathetically.
"She probably thinks I'm dead; after the attack on the gym...."
Tommy simply wrapped his arm around her and held her for a moment. "We'll get your life back, Kim. I promise."
She essayed a wan smile at his bravado as she let him usher her inside.
Just like the other day, the strangeness of the Juice Bar out weighed the familiarity of the surroundings. It wasn't "home" any longer. No more Jason and Tommy teaching kids karate on the mats. No more gymnastics on the equipment. Ernie's round, smiling face wasn't behind the bar, and the gang wasn't at their usual table. Tommy guided her over to "their" table unerringly.
"I think this belongs to the new Rangers now," Kim whispered as he pulled out a chair for her.
"But they're not here, so anyone can sit here," he whispered back with a wink. "You feel up to a salad?"
"A small one," Kim compromised, "and a glass of water."
"Shall I see what the Smoothie flavor of the week is?"
Tommy was trying so hard that Kim didn't have the heart to fight him, so she simply nodded.
While she waited for Tommy to return with their food, Kim surveyed the activity in the Youth Center. It was surprisingly quiet for the middle of the day. Then, a group of little boys and girls in crisp white gis wandered in; their sensei arrived shortly thereafter. Kim smiled as she recalled Tommy leading his students through the warm-ups and stretches.
"Whatcha thinking about, Beautiful?" Tommy asked as he set her plate in front of her.
"I was remembering how much you always enjoyed teaching. Actually, I was really surprised when Justin told me that you were racing full time for your uncle and hadn't taught in a while. I always assumed that you'd open your own school like Rocky did." She studied his expression thoughtfully and realized that he hadn't said one word about getting in any practice, and he had always been meticulous about working on his katas. He never skipped practice for anything. She had the sense that he hadn't worn a gi since the tournament for the shelter. "You've given up martial arts, haven't you? Why? You loved them."
"My heart just wasn't in it anymore," Tommy answered with a heartfelt sigh. "Every time I taught a class here, I'd look out across the juice bar and see what was missing...."
"Or do you mean 'who'?" Kim asked softly.
"Things were never the same for me after you left . . .even before I got that bogus letter. It hurt not being able to see your shining eyes watching me from across the room or being there to cheer me on at a demonstration, but I got by at first because I knew we were still together. After your letter, though . . . the things that once brought me joy didn't anymore--like being a Ranger. I was so proud of being a Ranger, but after you left . . . it was just a duty, something to immerse myself in to hide from the pain. After our first run in with Divatox, Rangering only served to remind of you. I guess I took my uncle's offer to drive for him because I needed something else to keep my mind off how empty I was feeling."
It killed Kim to know that she had caused him so much pain; she found herself hurting for him and all the things he had lost because of her. "I never wanted to hurt you like that, but it was the only way I could keep you safe."
"Hey, don't...." Tommy said quickly, as she looked away, blinking back guilty tears.
"I'm sorry, Tommy."
"I know you are, and I know you had no choice. Hey, we've lost enough time as it is; let's not waste anymore with tears." The last thing he wanted was for Kim to feel guilty over what happened.
"D-do you think you'll ever go back to teaching?" Kim wondered as she wiped her eyes and fought for control. She hadn't lost it like this in months.
"Someday," he answered but sounded none too sure.
"Oh."
"Why? You sound . . . disappointed."
"I was wondering if maybe you might consider taking on a student."
"You?"
"Uh huh."
It was Tommy's turn to be astonished into speechlessness. "Y-you never asked me to teach you before; I thought you weren't interested."
"With my gymnastics, I never had the time to devote to the martial arts like the rest of you," she explained. "Even though I never asked you to teach me doesn't mean I didn't learn anything from you. I've been lucky so far; I've been able to stay alive using my gymnastics, the smattering of karate and things I picked up from you guys, and stuff I've learned on the street. My luck isn't going to last forever. I could use some proper training . . . I think I've found a reason to keep on fighting." And she took Tommy's hand.
* * *
Tommy pulled into his driveway and glanced over at Kim, who had been uncommonly quiet. A tender smile tugged at his lips when he realized she was sleeping. It wasn't an easy sleep, though. Tension marred her expression; he wanted to kick himself for discussing her lessons. He had just been so excited about the fact that she wanted him to teach her . . . and this was supposed to have been a day when she wasn't to worry about survival. He hated to wake her; she still had to be pretty wiped out, but the car was no place to sleep, and even though she was resting, she wasn't relaxed. Tommy had a good idea how to remedy that.
"Hey, Beautiful, we're here," he said, touching her arm gently. Kim snapped awake and slapped his hand aside as if he had thrown a blow. "Ow!" he rubbed his wrist gingerly.
"Oh God, Tommy, I'm sorry...."
"It's my fault; I should have known better. Well, it tells me you have excellent reflexes," he joked.
"I'd rather have normal reflexes," she said glumly, grasping futilely at the fading images of her dream of a life that should have been instead of the nightmare she was presently living.
"It'll be all right, Kim," Tommy murmured, pulling her into a hug. It was impossible not to notice how rigid her body was. "You have got to relax or these muscles of yours are going to snap, and I think I know just what you need."
"Oh?"
The two entered the Oliver house, and Kimberly could instantly tell that it hadn't been occupied for months. She always liked being at Tommy's place; it always seemed so alive with warmth, happiness, and love, and that same caring had been extended to her once upon a time. It had helped filled the void when her mother had first started dating Adrian seriously and later when she married him. Kim found herself wishing Jan and Thomas were around, but it was probably better that they weren't.
"I'm afraid there's not much in the place at the moment, but help yourself to whatever's here. I gotta run upstairs and check something," Tommy said and quickly bounded up the steps. Kim wandered aimlessly about the familiar living room. Since she and Tommy had started dating, this had become almost a second home to her. She glanced at the pictures on the mantle piece--faces as familiar as her own family's. There were a few new ones: a couple of more recent pictures of Tommy--one from his first race, one of Tommy and another man who looked frighteningly like him . . .That must be David, the brother Jason told me about, she mused. Tommy hadn't said anything about his brother yet; she'd have to ask him about that. She'd like to meet him . . . maybe later, when this nightmare is over.
Kim almost laughed out loud; she had said "when" not "if"; that was a first! Then, she spied a photo that had been shuffled around to the back; it had once occupied a more prominent position on the shelf. One of her and Tommy at the Spring Formal--the last dance they had attended before she left. It made her heartache to see how young she looked--how young both of them looked--and how happy they seemed. Was it possible to be that happy again? Kim found herself hoping so.
* * *
Tommy headed through his parents' bedroom to the master bath. Whistling to himself, he turned on the water in the large sunken tub then went rooting around his mother's collection of bubble baths and bath oils. A nice, long soak in a hot tub, Tommy mused. His mom said it was the most sinfully indulgent luxury she could think of. Considering that the extra-large tub and redecorated bathroom had been her Christmas present a while back, there had to be something to her opinion. He seriously doubted Kim had had the time to do more than grab an occasional quick shower.
Steam rose from the rapidly rising water as Tommy read over the various labels He finally settled on a lilac scented oil and poured some in. Next, he added a generous portion of bubble bath, creating frothy suds. He smiled to himself, thinking how surprised Kim would be. He hoped she liked it. Once the tub was set, he looked about, scanning for anything else that might help the mood a little.
Soft music and candlelight.
As he figured, his folks had a CD player available, but no candles. He'd have to save that for next time. He perused the collection of discs, looking for something soft and relaxing, and found a case that was well scuffed--indicating that it was one that had been often used by his parents. It was some light jazz; he didn't know if Kim would like it or not, but it seemed to fit the mood he wanted to create.
And dad thinks I never paid attention whenever he was pampering mom, Tommy mused, grinning as he slipped the disc in. Most guys learned how to play ball or fix cars with their fathers. Not Tommy. He had his uncle John to thank for his interest in the martial arts and racing. His dad wasn't a sportsman; he was an incurable romantic. He definitely knew how to treat a lady right--judging by how much his mother loved the attention his dad lavished on her. Tommy only hoped he could do half so well.
Satisfied that everything was perfect, he went down to fetch Kim.
*
Kim set the photograph back in its place, and her eyes wandered back to Tommy's senior portrait. Such a difference, she thought. There was only six months between the two pictures, and at a casual glance, he didn't look any different. But upon looking closer inspection, one could see that he seemed so much older and mature in the portrait. He was smiling that same heart-melting smile, but the picture didn't capture the warmth. That's because it isn't there. His smile never reached his eyes . . . those beautiful, expressive eyes. She had always loved how she could look into his eyes and know exactly what Tommy was feeling; the emptiness in his eyes in the photo was chilling. She would give anything to bring that warmth back.
Suddenly, she felt Tommy's presence. Turning, she found him standing on the stairs watching her silently. A wistful smile tugged at his lips, and she was pleased to see that it glowed in his eyes as well. A bubble happiness swelled within her; the warmth was there again.
"What is it, Beautiful?" Tommy wondered, taken aback by the light that beamed in her face.
"Nothing," she murmured. Maybe coming back was not such a mistake after all.
Tommy let her have her happy little secret for the moment. "I need you to come upstairs with me; there's something I want you to see."
"Sure." She accepted the hand he held out to her.
"You have to close your eyes."
"Why?"
"It's a surprise."
"I'm not sure I can handle anymore surprises today," Kim said warily as Tommy caught her other hand.
"Just trust me."
"With my life," she whispered as she closed her eyes.
She looked so cute standing there that Tommy couldn't resist the urge to slip her a quick kiss. Then, he lead her up the stairs.
*
"Okay, you can open 'em now," Tommy directed. He stepped behind Kim so she could see what awaited.
"What's all this?" Kim wondered. She had heard the music and smelled the lilacs before he ever lead her through the doorway.
"A bath to soak your cares away, milady," Tommy claimed with a sweeping bow.
The tub indeed looked tempting. Kim chewed on her lower lip; a bath would feel so wonderful....
"The towels are right over...." Tommy paused upon finding the towel shelf empty. Then he remembered that they were all still downstairs from the last time he had done the laundry after his folks had left. "Tell you what, I'll go down and bring up some warm towels while you settle in. Then, I'll leave you to soak in peace."
"You are spoiling me rotten, you know that?" Kim said as she enveloped Tommy in a hug.
His fingers gently lifted her chin so he could look her in the eyes.
"I always wanted to. I hope I do it right."
"You're off to an incredible start. Thank you."
Tommy kissed her on the tip of her nose and reluctantly backed his way out of the bathroom. Then, he hustled downstairs.
In the basement, he pulled several large towels from the laundry basket and tossed them in the dryer. Just a few minutes to warm them up . . . nothing felt like getting out of the tub and wrapping up in a warmed towel. Next, he headed to the kitchen. Searching the refrigerator, he found nothing cold to drink except wine, and he wasn't sure if Kim liked it or not. He didn't particularly care for it. In the pantry, he found an unopened bottle of sparkling white grape juice. That wouldn't do, either--at least, not until it was well chilled. Then, he glimpsed the box of instant hot chocolate. His mom was fond of drinking hot chocolate all year round, and she had introduced Kim to her favorite flavor: chocolate raspberry royale.
By the time Tommy had the chocolate ready, the towels were done. He collected Kim's treats and wandered upstairs.
"Special delivery!" he called as he tapped on the bathroom door. He heard a sleepy "Mmm!" and smiled. He pushed the door open. "Towels and a beverage for...."
The words stuck in his throat as he spotted Kim amid the profusion of bubbles. She had piled her hair on top of her head and leaned her head back against the side of the tub, a smile of pure bliss lighting her face. It was something in the line of her body that caught his eye . . . perhaps the trickle of water that caressed her neck and slipped down to the swell of her breasts which gently rounded over the crest of the concealing froth. Tommy had never seen Kim like this before--so vulnerable, so inviting. It was all he could do to keep from wading into the tub with her and taking her into his arms.
Tommy tried to shake off the powerful grip of his feelings. He had drooled over Kim before; he had seen her in clothes that covered less than the soap suds, but this was different. This was more than mere teenage lust; it was a yearning deeper than anything he had ever known. The sight of Kim's fragility and desirability stirred more than just his hormones; it stirred his heart as well.
"Are you okay?" Kim queried softly, and Tommy realized he was staring.
"Sorry, it's just that you look so...." he murmured huskily. With a blush he tried to master himself. "Here are the towel and a little treat for you."
Taking the mug, Kim took a sip. "Your mom's hot chocolate!"
"She won't mind sharing," He assured her. Tommy knew he should leave; if he stayed he was liable to do something he'd regret, yet he couldn't shake the spell Kim had over him.
"Was there something else you wanted?" Kim questioned gently, favoring him with a smile that threatened to rob him of all control.
"I was wondering...." For a moment, his mind went blank. Then, he thought of something else that she might like. " . . . would you like me to wash your hair?"
Tommy loved having his hair washed. It was the reason he was willing to pay the prices in regular salons. He enjoyed the feel of someone running fingers through his hair and massaging his scalp. He didn't know how many times he had nearly fallen asleep while the beautician washed his hair because he was so relaxed.
"Y--you really want to?"
"If you'd like me to."
Kim pulled out the hair clip in answer.
Tommy collected the shampoo and the decorative pitcher off the vanity and knelt down on the tiles behind Kim. He could have used the spray attachment, but he preferred to leisurely douse her hair with pitchers full of water. Kim didn't seem to mind; she let out a contented sigh as the water cascaded over her. Slowly, he massaged the pearly liquid into Kim's caramel colored locks.
Kim melted back against the side of the tub and nearly slid under the water in a state of perfect relaxation. Tommy's fingers felt so incredible as they massaged her scalp and combed through her tresses. Tommy played with her hair, piling it on top of her head, twisting it into shapes like a little kid would. She nearly giggled. She never imagined Tommy ever doing anything like this! She leaned forward as his rubdown wandered to the back of her neck. That felt good, too. Her neck was really sensitive . . . she wondered if he remembered. His hands felt so good . . . and then she realized that they were shaking. Why? What was there for him to be nervous about? After all, he was only washing her hair . . . however, she also recognized the intimacy of their situation: her naked in the tub, having the whole house to themselves, old desires surfacing... she had seen the look in his eyes as he stood there with the towels. It was a lot stronger than anything she ever remembered seeing in him before.
Tommy had to stop. He had to regain control of himself. It was just so tempting to let his hands slip lower and lower down Kim's body. He had never done anything like this before; he couldn't believe how erotic giving Kim a bath was turning out to be. However, this wasn't the time to give in to his desires. Kim had placed herself in his hands . . . she had put her trust in him. He couldn't abuse it. There would be a time to explore his feelings, but this wasn't it. It wasn't until he took the pitcher up once again that Tommy realized his hands were trembling. He hoped Kim hadn't noticed; he wasn't sure he could explain it to her. Getting a hold of himself, Tommy started rinsing her hair out.
"How was that?" he asked, the scent of lilacs filling his senses as he leaned close to her.
Kim shivered as his breath exploded hotly against her neck. "That was absolutely yummy," she purred.
"Good. It was supposed to be," Tommy answered, pleased that she had enjoyed it so much. "Now, I'll leave you alone."
"Tommy, why are you doing this?" Kim wondered, twisting around to look up at him.
"Because you deserve it." He placed a finger across her lips to silence her protest. "When you're done, don't get dressed right away. Just wrap up in a towel and meet me in my folks' room."
"There's more?"
"Lots more, Beautiful. Lots more."
*
". . . thanks, man, I really appreciate it."
"No problem, but why does it have to be so early? You're gonna owe me big time for this!"
"You name the favor; this means a lot to me . . ." Tommy heard movement behind the bathroom door. "Look, I gotta go. I'll see you in the morning." He hung up the phone just as Kim opened the door. As he had requested, she was wrapped in one of the huge bath towels, and she seemed to be glowing. "How do you feel?" he queried.
"Like an overcooked prune!" Kim laughed. Standing on tiptoe, she pecked him on the cheek. "It was wonderful. Thanks so much for doing all this."
"And I've only just begun," he declared with bravado. "If you will take a seat on the edge of the bed, we'll get on to the next little treat." He took her hand and guided her over to the queen-sized bed with its downy comforters. He unwrapped the towel on her head and spread it out over her shoulders. Next, he took up her hairbrush. He smiled at Kim's wide-eyed expression as he slipped around behind her on the bed and ran the brush through the wet tangles. He loved playing with Kim's hair, especially when it was dry--it was so soft and silky. Kim moaned her appreciation as the plastic teeth worked through her damp locks. Her response made Tommy feel good . . . he liked knowing he could make her feel good.
The longer he brushed, the more slumped Kim's shoulders became, almost as if she couldn't keep herself upright. Even after the last of the snarls was gone, Tommy continued playing with her hair until he felt Kimberly's head dropping forward and bobbing back.
"Lay down," he instructed, moving off the bed.
"Now what?" Kim wondered drowsily as she lay back where she sat.
"You'll see. Scoot up and roll over."
"Do you want me to sit up and beg, too?" she quipped. Tommy popped her with one of the pillows then pulled it out the sham and tucked it under her head. Once she was settled, he began kneading her shoulders.
"You're going to give me a shoulder rub?"
"For a change. What do I owe you, like a thousand of them or so?"
"Something like that, but who's counting," Kim answered around a yawn. To Tommy's immense surprise, she tugged at the towel, pulling it loose, and folded it down to her waist. "Make it a full blown back rub, and we'll call it even."
"You got it, Beautiful."
Tommy alternated between deep, penetrating strokes and lighter caresses. In short order, his fingers had worked their magic on Kim's taut muscles, and he was rewarded to feel her tension ease. Once that happened, he abandoned the harder rub in favor of the softer, gentler strokes. He worked on Kim's back, letting his mind drift through memories of happier days. He had never felt closer to Kimberly than he did right at this moment. It was with some surprise that he discovered Kim was sound asleep. However, although he continued caressing her shoulders and back, his fingers occasionally wandering into her hair; he wanted nothing more than to simply sit with her as she slept. Reluctantly, he forced himself to stop. There were things he needed to do. Grabbing a quilt from the rack, Tommy tucked it around her.
"Sleep well, Kim," he whispered, placing a kiss on her brow. With a heavy sigh, Tommy went off in search of his father's spare cellular phone and his old communicator. He had a phone call to make.