Disclaimer: Same from previous disclaimer. As of now, I haven't decided if
I'm going to use lyrics in my story. If I do, however, they will be those
from Eve6's C.D. "It's all in your Head."
A/N: If I do indeed use song lyrics in this story, they will be in no particular order. I may also use a simple two lines, if it matches a certain emotion and helps to express it further. Get it? So yeah. Now, the time line for this chapter continues from the last chapter. Only, It takes Tommy about a month until he finally gets a flight to Florida. It's been six months since 'The Letter.' Let's say the gymnastics portion of the Pan Global Games is over, and Kimberly will be studying at the U. Of Florida. Onward, ho!
MORNING CONFRONTATION
September in Florida is very much like September in California. Almost as sunny as the summer days, with just the slightest hint of a breeze wafting in the air, tickling peoples skin. Even so, it was the perfect weather to be outside, and being that it was still early in the morning, only four hours till noon, Kimberly Hart had decided to take a run to clear her mind, and think about her enrollment in the University of Florida.
'Scholarships are a wonderful thing,' she mused, her breathing synchronized with the rhythm of her feet hitting the pavement. 'Sure, mom would have gladly given me access to her bank account, but I like the idea that gymnastics helped me earn my way into college. It would have been more fulfilling if I had really worked for it, but this is better than not going at all.'
The crisp, morning fresh air seeped into her lungs and intoxicated her senses in a way that could put her to sleep. The streets weren't completely empty, what with the light hustle and bustle of people going to work and beginning their daily routines and all. She chose to run the sidewalk that encircled the apartment complex she just recently moved into. She had yet to meet anyone in her vicinity, but she was in no rush. During the day, she would go to a gym and work out and she had her waitressing job in the evening to pay bills and rent. She was content with what she had earned for herself. She had no t.v. so the radio played an important part of updating her with news stories and such, not to mention supplying her with her favorite music stations. She had gas for the stove and small fireplace, and she had electricity of course, for whatever needed to be plugged in to the wall outlets for operation. She hadn't yet made arrangements with a phone company, so her cell phone was her main contact device. And of course, she had her car for means of transportation. She managed to get a good deal on her '92 black BMW, buying it used from an older gentleman who was happy to give it up. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, and there was no reason to suspect that the man was hiding something from her. It was almost in perfect condition, except that the middle seatbelt in the back was missing. No big deal. Her car was her proudest find, and she took very good care of it.
Changing her thoughts from herself to her friends, Kimberly recalled what they had chosen to do after the Games. Renee had moved to San Francisco a month earlier to study law. She hadn't taken her scholarship and chose to apply to the University of SF. with her father's help. One of Renee's better friends moved back to Mississippi to teach kindergarten children with her sister. Trevor took a small vacation to Greece with his parents and older brother two months ago, but had not mentioned when and if he would return. Much of the other people from her gymnastics team had chosen to take their scholarships just as Kimberly had, but many of them decided to live within the compounds of the school. Kim wanted a little more independence, since she had grown accustomed to it after moving away from Angel Grove, and so far, she was happy.
Turning the corner of the block, Kim jogged passed a small chain of stores she would visit every so often. At the corner was the little drug store Kim walked to for snacks and gum. Thai's Dry Cleaning Service was next in line, followed by Judy's Hair and Nail Salon. There was a Deli where Kim sometimes got lunch, and a Smoothie Stop juice bar next to that. At the very end of the chain was The Doughnut Hut, where Kim decided she would stop and pick up a cup of coffee before returning to her new home. Her thoughts were shunt away as a familiar male voice acknowledged her.
"Good morning, Kim." Trevor walked out of the Hut, letting the bell atop the door ring as it closed. He leaned against the outside of the window to the shop, an old fashioned doughnut in his hand. He broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth, a satisfied smile forming on his face. "Fancy meeting you here."
Kim rolled her eyes, and shot him a quick smile of her own. "It's a small world. I didn't know you were coming back here after Greece."
"Yeah, well, I thought I'd take up my scholarship for the ol' U. Of F. I remembered your plan was to do the same. Excited? School starts next month, you know." He took another piece of the doughnut into his mouth.
"Yeah, I know. So, how was it? Greece, I mean." She didn't really feel like small talk, but she hadn't seen anyone she knew over the past two months.
He pushed himself off of the window, and made his way closer to Kim, still eating his morning treat. "Eh, it was alright," he said plainly. Then, stepping directly in front of her, he lifted his free hand to brush away a lose strand of hair in Kim's eye with his first and middle fingers, his ring and pinky holding a crumpled napkin. "I missed you."
Kim stepped to the side, ignoring his second statement. "Sorry to hear it was so disappointing. If you'll excuse me, I need some coffee. I can be very grouchy in the morning without it."
He let her walk inside and order, waiting for her on the sidewalk outside. He grinned sheepishly, picking at his pastry and shaking his head. When she emerged from the place, he followed her as she walked down the path to her complex. "I think about us all the time, you know-"
"What's there to think about?" She asked quickly, keeping her pace and blowing on her coffee through the hole in the lid. "I left you, Trevor. A long time ago. The whole thing was a mistake. There's nothing to think about."
"I only meant that I wished we could have worked things out. Our relationship was so short lived-"
"Relationship? What relationship? There was never anything more than a kiss between us, Trevor..."
"I just want a second chance-"
"At what?" She was getting annoyed. Stopping to finally face him, she allowed her voice to rise a bit, hoping to enstill in him that it was over. "I gave you your chance, Trevor. It took me a while, but I realized that after I sent the letter, you gave me my space and waited. You let ME approach YOU. I figured that had to mean you really cared. I opened up to you, thinking you could do the same, and we could start something. But I was wrong. You only wanted inside of me in more ways than one-"
He chuckled. "Could you blame me for wanting to get in your pants?"
Her eyes narrowed and she glared at him in the fiercest way possible. Her tone was solid and calm. "You disgust me, you know that? I give you a chance at something special, and all you wanted all along was a one night stand kind of relationship." She continued her fast walk back to her apartment. "I can't believe how STUPID I was not to see what it was you were doing! I GAVE myself to you, and you only wanted to treat me like a piece of MEAT! I-"
He stopped her walking, grabbing her arm and turning her around. His expression was serious, but still held some gentleness to it. "Look... I know I haven't exactly been the most romantic guy... " He exhaled heavily. "It's not easy for me to admit this, but I really, REALLY do like you, Kim. I'm ashamed of the way I acted. I shouldn't have pushed you. I'm glad you caught on, I really am. Because when I think about it now, it could have spoiled any second chance I may have with you. I'm sorry. I mean that. You have to believe me-"
"I don't have to believe anything." She yanked her arm away and regained her pace. The thing is, she almost did believe it, but only because she wanted to. She had no one else, and if what Trevor was saying was the truth, then she would take him back... but she was constantly reminding herself of what a pig he was... How could he change that?
"Kim, wait. Please... Just," he jogged at her side. "Just give me a chance." She stopped walking once more, but did not turn to face him. He talked facing her cheek. "When I was in Greece, I saw so many couples there, and wondered what it would be like to walk hand in hand with you, looking at all of the old structures and statues, just admiring the beauty of the city with someone by my side... Someone I cared for, more than I could show..."
She dropped her head, her coffee still in her hand. She didn't know what to say. Should she give him another chance? Or should she just follow her better judgement and walk away... She couldn't decide.
"I really did miss you, Kim. I've never seen someone with such love for another guy. I've never seen a girl give up the man she loved, only to find that he didn't even TRY to contact you for answers... or to confirm your break up. He left you, if you ask me. He accepted the freedom you gave him without a second thought."
She was beginning to feel sick, like she had just ate a bad piece of meat. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She'd never seen this side of Trevor before, but just the fact that it was THERE could make up her mind. Her voice was now rasped and shaky. "If you really mean what you said, about caring for me more than you could show-"
"I do, Kim. I swear," His eyes were pleading with hers. "I screwed up, I know that now. It's just, I've never met someone I had such strong feelings for. I didn't really know how to act upon them... instead, I turned into a jerk."
She gave a slight laugh, and he just looked up at her, eyes still searching for forgiveness. "Trevor, I'll give you a second chance. But if you blow it, I swear-"
"I won't, I promise! You can trust me, Kim." His smile was so enormous, it was beginning to hurt. "I don't even know how to thank you for taking me back..."
"No, Trevor. I'm not taking you back. I'm only letting you start over. I'm giving you a clean slate now. Don't mess with it..." She smiled and the sick feeling left her stomach. No tears had fallen, and she felt that something might just become of this.
Trevor was almost laughing with joy. He never left her gaze, and he lowered his lips to speak. "I want to kiss you... "
She closed her eyes and teased him. "Then do it, already. I need to get home and take a shower... "
He leaned in and covered her mouth with his. Oh, how he wanted this. How he'd waited for this moment. How well he had played her right into his trap... Parting, he lifted a finger across her bottom lip. "Any chance that I might join you?"
Her smile faded into a frown, and she rose her eyebrow.
He shot up his hands as if to surrender from something, and laughed as he recovered, "I was only kidding. How about we meet for lunch?"
She shook her head, easing the frown back into a smile. "Maybe," she said sternly. "Call me at this number in a couple of hours, and we'll work something out." She took a pen from her pocket and wrote her number on his hand. "I've got to get going. I'll talk to you later..." She resumed her walk back to her apartment, coffee still in hand.
Trevor looked at the ink on his hand, and laughed with satisfaction. "Yeah, later," he said, turning in the opposite direction and walking off.
A/N: If I do indeed use song lyrics in this story, they will be in no particular order. I may also use a simple two lines, if it matches a certain emotion and helps to express it further. Get it? So yeah. Now, the time line for this chapter continues from the last chapter. Only, It takes Tommy about a month until he finally gets a flight to Florida. It's been six months since 'The Letter.' Let's say the gymnastics portion of the Pan Global Games is over, and Kimberly will be studying at the U. Of Florida. Onward, ho!
MORNING CONFRONTATION
September in Florida is very much like September in California. Almost as sunny as the summer days, with just the slightest hint of a breeze wafting in the air, tickling peoples skin. Even so, it was the perfect weather to be outside, and being that it was still early in the morning, only four hours till noon, Kimberly Hart had decided to take a run to clear her mind, and think about her enrollment in the University of Florida.
'Scholarships are a wonderful thing,' she mused, her breathing synchronized with the rhythm of her feet hitting the pavement. 'Sure, mom would have gladly given me access to her bank account, but I like the idea that gymnastics helped me earn my way into college. It would have been more fulfilling if I had really worked for it, but this is better than not going at all.'
The crisp, morning fresh air seeped into her lungs and intoxicated her senses in a way that could put her to sleep. The streets weren't completely empty, what with the light hustle and bustle of people going to work and beginning their daily routines and all. She chose to run the sidewalk that encircled the apartment complex she just recently moved into. She had yet to meet anyone in her vicinity, but she was in no rush. During the day, she would go to a gym and work out and she had her waitressing job in the evening to pay bills and rent. She was content with what she had earned for herself. She had no t.v. so the radio played an important part of updating her with news stories and such, not to mention supplying her with her favorite music stations. She had gas for the stove and small fireplace, and she had electricity of course, for whatever needed to be plugged in to the wall outlets for operation. She hadn't yet made arrangements with a phone company, so her cell phone was her main contact device. And of course, she had her car for means of transportation. She managed to get a good deal on her '92 black BMW, buying it used from an older gentleman who was happy to give it up. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, and there was no reason to suspect that the man was hiding something from her. It was almost in perfect condition, except that the middle seatbelt in the back was missing. No big deal. Her car was her proudest find, and she took very good care of it.
Changing her thoughts from herself to her friends, Kimberly recalled what they had chosen to do after the Games. Renee had moved to San Francisco a month earlier to study law. She hadn't taken her scholarship and chose to apply to the University of SF. with her father's help. One of Renee's better friends moved back to Mississippi to teach kindergarten children with her sister. Trevor took a small vacation to Greece with his parents and older brother two months ago, but had not mentioned when and if he would return. Much of the other people from her gymnastics team had chosen to take their scholarships just as Kimberly had, but many of them decided to live within the compounds of the school. Kim wanted a little more independence, since she had grown accustomed to it after moving away from Angel Grove, and so far, she was happy.
Turning the corner of the block, Kim jogged passed a small chain of stores she would visit every so often. At the corner was the little drug store Kim walked to for snacks and gum. Thai's Dry Cleaning Service was next in line, followed by Judy's Hair and Nail Salon. There was a Deli where Kim sometimes got lunch, and a Smoothie Stop juice bar next to that. At the very end of the chain was The Doughnut Hut, where Kim decided she would stop and pick up a cup of coffee before returning to her new home. Her thoughts were shunt away as a familiar male voice acknowledged her.
"Good morning, Kim." Trevor walked out of the Hut, letting the bell atop the door ring as it closed. He leaned against the outside of the window to the shop, an old fashioned doughnut in his hand. He broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth, a satisfied smile forming on his face. "Fancy meeting you here."
Kim rolled her eyes, and shot him a quick smile of her own. "It's a small world. I didn't know you were coming back here after Greece."
"Yeah, well, I thought I'd take up my scholarship for the ol' U. Of F. I remembered your plan was to do the same. Excited? School starts next month, you know." He took another piece of the doughnut into his mouth.
"Yeah, I know. So, how was it? Greece, I mean." She didn't really feel like small talk, but she hadn't seen anyone she knew over the past two months.
He pushed himself off of the window, and made his way closer to Kim, still eating his morning treat. "Eh, it was alright," he said plainly. Then, stepping directly in front of her, he lifted his free hand to brush away a lose strand of hair in Kim's eye with his first and middle fingers, his ring and pinky holding a crumpled napkin. "I missed you."
Kim stepped to the side, ignoring his second statement. "Sorry to hear it was so disappointing. If you'll excuse me, I need some coffee. I can be very grouchy in the morning without it."
He let her walk inside and order, waiting for her on the sidewalk outside. He grinned sheepishly, picking at his pastry and shaking his head. When she emerged from the place, he followed her as she walked down the path to her complex. "I think about us all the time, you know-"
"What's there to think about?" She asked quickly, keeping her pace and blowing on her coffee through the hole in the lid. "I left you, Trevor. A long time ago. The whole thing was a mistake. There's nothing to think about."
"I only meant that I wished we could have worked things out. Our relationship was so short lived-"
"Relationship? What relationship? There was never anything more than a kiss between us, Trevor..."
"I just want a second chance-"
"At what?" She was getting annoyed. Stopping to finally face him, she allowed her voice to rise a bit, hoping to enstill in him that it was over. "I gave you your chance, Trevor. It took me a while, but I realized that after I sent the letter, you gave me my space and waited. You let ME approach YOU. I figured that had to mean you really cared. I opened up to you, thinking you could do the same, and we could start something. But I was wrong. You only wanted inside of me in more ways than one-"
He chuckled. "Could you blame me for wanting to get in your pants?"
Her eyes narrowed and she glared at him in the fiercest way possible. Her tone was solid and calm. "You disgust me, you know that? I give you a chance at something special, and all you wanted all along was a one night stand kind of relationship." She continued her fast walk back to her apartment. "I can't believe how STUPID I was not to see what it was you were doing! I GAVE myself to you, and you only wanted to treat me like a piece of MEAT! I-"
He stopped her walking, grabbing her arm and turning her around. His expression was serious, but still held some gentleness to it. "Look... I know I haven't exactly been the most romantic guy... " He exhaled heavily. "It's not easy for me to admit this, but I really, REALLY do like you, Kim. I'm ashamed of the way I acted. I shouldn't have pushed you. I'm glad you caught on, I really am. Because when I think about it now, it could have spoiled any second chance I may have with you. I'm sorry. I mean that. You have to believe me-"
"I don't have to believe anything." She yanked her arm away and regained her pace. The thing is, she almost did believe it, but only because she wanted to. She had no one else, and if what Trevor was saying was the truth, then she would take him back... but she was constantly reminding herself of what a pig he was... How could he change that?
"Kim, wait. Please... Just," he jogged at her side. "Just give me a chance." She stopped walking once more, but did not turn to face him. He talked facing her cheek. "When I was in Greece, I saw so many couples there, and wondered what it would be like to walk hand in hand with you, looking at all of the old structures and statues, just admiring the beauty of the city with someone by my side... Someone I cared for, more than I could show..."
She dropped her head, her coffee still in her hand. She didn't know what to say. Should she give him another chance? Or should she just follow her better judgement and walk away... She couldn't decide.
"I really did miss you, Kim. I've never seen someone with such love for another guy. I've never seen a girl give up the man she loved, only to find that he didn't even TRY to contact you for answers... or to confirm your break up. He left you, if you ask me. He accepted the freedom you gave him without a second thought."
She was beginning to feel sick, like she had just ate a bad piece of meat. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She'd never seen this side of Trevor before, but just the fact that it was THERE could make up her mind. Her voice was now rasped and shaky. "If you really mean what you said, about caring for me more than you could show-"
"I do, Kim. I swear," His eyes were pleading with hers. "I screwed up, I know that now. It's just, I've never met someone I had such strong feelings for. I didn't really know how to act upon them... instead, I turned into a jerk."
She gave a slight laugh, and he just looked up at her, eyes still searching for forgiveness. "Trevor, I'll give you a second chance. But if you blow it, I swear-"
"I won't, I promise! You can trust me, Kim." His smile was so enormous, it was beginning to hurt. "I don't even know how to thank you for taking me back..."
"No, Trevor. I'm not taking you back. I'm only letting you start over. I'm giving you a clean slate now. Don't mess with it..." She smiled and the sick feeling left her stomach. No tears had fallen, and she felt that something might just become of this.
Trevor was almost laughing with joy. He never left her gaze, and he lowered his lips to speak. "I want to kiss you... "
She closed her eyes and teased him. "Then do it, already. I need to get home and take a shower... "
He leaned in and covered her mouth with his. Oh, how he wanted this. How he'd waited for this moment. How well he had played her right into his trap... Parting, he lifted a finger across her bottom lip. "Any chance that I might join you?"
Her smile faded into a frown, and she rose her eyebrow.
He shot up his hands as if to surrender from something, and laughed as he recovered, "I was only kidding. How about we meet for lunch?"
She shook her head, easing the frown back into a smile. "Maybe," she said sternly. "Call me at this number in a couple of hours, and we'll work something out." She took a pen from her pocket and wrote her number on his hand. "I've got to get going. I'll talk to you later..." She resumed her walk back to her apartment, coffee still in hand.
Trevor looked at the ink on his hand, and laughed with satisfaction. "Yeah, later," he said, turning in the opposite direction and walking off.