Disclaimer: the usual....
CHAPTER 38 One Year Later
Tommy sighed as he looked into the mirror. Never in his life had he felt so old and he wasn't even thirty years old yet.
"Need some help handsome?" came a familiar female voice. Tommy turned to see Kimberly standing in the doorway of his classroom. He smiled at her as she approached.
"Yea, why not?" he said. Kimberly adjusted the graduation ceremony gown on him properly, zipping it up. Shortly after things had settled down with the ranger business, Tommy was asked to become principal of Reefside High. He agreed but wanted to continue teaching. Trent, Devin, Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Leila only improved as people overall. Their friendships with each other and the Storm Rangers, as well as the past rangers, never ceased. They only grew closer overtime. Katherine and Jason had moved closer to Reefside, finding that having Tommy back in their life was better for them. Kimberly found an apartment in close proximity to the school, Tommy's house, and the Cyber Café. She used her past experience as a gymnast and Katherine's as a dancer to open up a school near the café. Trent, although good friends with Conner, Ethan, Devin, and Tommy, became the best of friends with Hunter and Blake. He and Leila were closer than ever. Anton made peace with Laura. Trent became close to Leila's side of the family and visited the Thunder Academy on weekends Leila went.
Tori and Blake had announced their engagement only a few weeks prior, but didn't want plans to be in full swing until Leila and Kira were free for the summer, seeing as they were asked to be the maids of honor in the ceremony. Leila and Hunter, as well as Kira and Trent had strong relationships with each other. Everyone was betting with their engagements would pop up. Kimberly finished adjusting the gown and placing the cap on Tommy's head. He turned around and sighed, smiling down at her.
"Tommy Oliver, are you tearing up?" she asked teasingly.
"I just might soon enough," Tommy said, trying not to. Kimberly laughed at him and embraced him in a comforting hug.
"Let's go handsome," she said. Tommy walked out of the school with his arm around her. The football field was erupting with cheers of friends and family. None more noticeable to Tommy than his fellow rangers. Jason, Aisha, Billy, Kimberly, Zack, Billy, Katherine, Rocky, and Adam all crowded one corner. On one side of them were the Storm rangers, Anton, Laura, LeeAnn, Sensei Watanabe, and Sensei Omano stood proudly. On the other side of the vet rangers stood Wes and Eric with the Lightspeed Rangers. Tommy sat down at his seat on stage with the respective alumni. He looked out on the graduates. Trent, Devin, and Kira all sat together smiling at their mentor, teacher, fellow ranger, and above all friend. Ethan sat directly behind them while Conner was in the middle of the row behind Ethan, with Leila at the very end. The cheering died down and Tommy got up to say his speech. His cleared his throat and took a deep breath, feeling so much emotion coming over him that he had to use more strength than he ever had not to tear up. He looked up at the graduates.
"When I started here at Reefside, you all were juniors. I did not know you as well as some alumni here did. But I quickly learned that you were not just our students. You were teachers as well. I will tell you all now what you taught me. Lessons that I have not remember in a long time. The happiness I saw each of you seek in your hobbies outside of school showed me that life is too short to get completely wrapped up in work. You lose track of friendships, family, and most importantly of yourself. The world you are about to enter is a long and challenging one, filled with obstacles. If you remember this lesson that you have taught me, to lose sight of yourself and your friends and family, there is no end to what each and every one of you can accomplish. Congratulations Class of 2005, I can't tell you how proud I am of you," Tommy said, feeling small tears fall from his eyes as the graduates and families erupted in cheers of excitement. Tommy smiled at each of his graduating rangers, who smiled up at him. He took his seat and allowed the other speakers their time. His heart pounded as the moment he wasn't ready for approached. The moment where he would hand each graduate their diplomas.
"Trent Fernandez," said the vice-principal. Trent walked up to Tommy and stopped. Rather than simply shaking hands and saying congratulations and thank yous, the two embraced in a silent hug. No one made comments to this, for they knew the relationship Tommy had with the ranger students was different than any others he had. Trent shook Tommy's hand, took his diploma, and moved off stage.
"Devin Fong." Devin walked up to Tommy. The same actions were repeated.
"Kira Ford." Kira walked up to Tommy and he smirked at her, for tears had already fallen from her face. She smiled up at the man she admired so much. He gave her a fatherly/brotherly kiss on the cheek and gave her a big hug. Tommy had time to recover as more names were called.
"Ethan James, valedictorian." Ethan gave a playful smile at his teacher and embraced him in an excited hug. Tommy laughed at Ethan, he was so proud of him for stepping it up his senior year. It did not take much effort for Ethan to raise his GPA enough to receive the honor. .
"Conner McKnight." Tommy rolled his eyes as the Dino Thunder Red Ranger walked smugly up to him. Tommy handed him his diploma, which he gladly accepted. He watched Tommy put his hand out to shake. Conner smirked at him and embraced his teacher, friend, and fellow leader in a respectful hug of friendship. Conner took his turn down the ramp and back to his seat.
"Leila Omano." Tommy again felt himself tearing up as Leila walked across the stage. He smiled when he heard Hunter hollering a little above the rest of the crowd. He handed Leila her high school diploma and embraced her in a hug much like the one he had given Kira, with a friendly, congratulatory kiss on the cheek. Leila wiped a tear from her eye and walked off the stage. Tommy relaxed a little as the remaining names were called and diplomas were handed out. The vice-principal stepped aside and allowed Tommy to step back up to the mike.
"Ladies and gentleman, friends and family, I present to you the Class of 2005!" Tommy declared happily. The place erupted in cheers and excitement. The graduates stood up, cheering. They threw their hats in the air in the traditional manner. Tommy stepped off the stage and watched as the rangers all gathered around him. They embraced in a congratulatory group hug. Their friends and family watched with awe filled eyes. Less than an hour later, they were all gathered at Hayley's for a private graduation party.
"So what are all of your plans now?" Tori asked of her friends.
"Well, I got a full engineering scholarship to Reefside Tech. They've got the best computer engineering program around," Ethan said.
"Yea, I've got a soccer scholarship to the Community College. I'm not sure what I'm going to major in yet," Conner said.
"I'm headed to film school a couple of towns over," said Devin.
"Well, I've decided to take a little time off before I start school. I'm going to work a little a while and get a hang of my own art style before I apply to an art school," Trent explained.
"I'm not putting college completely off but I'm very ready to get back to Thunder Academy and start teaching again," Leila said. Hunter smiled and put his arm around her, pulling her in for a kiss. Kira hesitated a minute. She was excited about her news but skeptical to tell them.
"What about you Kira?" Blake asked.
"I got a record deal," she said suddenly. Everybody spit out their punch in shock.
"You did?!" Shane asked, a smile across his face.
"Yea," Kira said, smiling and nodding with a little embarrassment.
"Kira that's awesome!" Dustin declared. Leila and Tori hugged her in congratulations. Kira glanced up at Trent who was still in shock.
"Trent, what do you think?" she asked, a little worried. She bit her lip in anticipation. Trent looked at her and smiled.
"I am so happy for you," he said. Kira smiled in relief and embraced him in a hug. They kissed tenderly. Kimberly and Tommy watched this from a distance.
"Ah, memories," Kimberly said sarcastically. Tommy laughed.
"Good times," he said.
"I liked what you said. How we shouldn't get so wrapped up in something and not lose sight of ourselves and other," Kimberly said. Tommy put his drink down and hesitated for a moment.
"Well, I'm about to live up to that," he said, reaching into his pants pocket, pulling something out. Kimberly was not sure what he was doing until he got down on one knee and opened up the ring box.
"Kimberly Hart, my life has been nothing but better each and every day since you came back into my life a year ago. You would make me the happiest man in the world if you would be wife. Will you marry me?" he asked. Kimberly smiled, small tears flowing from her eyes.
"Yes!" she said. The café erupted in applause as the ring was slipped onto Kimberly's finger and the newly engaged couple embraced in a passionate kiss.
HA! HA! Not done yet. I should have at the least, one or two more chapters before I begin my spin off stories. Next chapter 39: The Wedding(s).
CHAPTER 38 One Year Later
Tommy sighed as he looked into the mirror. Never in his life had he felt so old and he wasn't even thirty years old yet.
"Need some help handsome?" came a familiar female voice. Tommy turned to see Kimberly standing in the doorway of his classroom. He smiled at her as she approached.
"Yea, why not?" he said. Kimberly adjusted the graduation ceremony gown on him properly, zipping it up. Shortly after things had settled down with the ranger business, Tommy was asked to become principal of Reefside High. He agreed but wanted to continue teaching. Trent, Devin, Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Leila only improved as people overall. Their friendships with each other and the Storm Rangers, as well as the past rangers, never ceased. They only grew closer overtime. Katherine and Jason had moved closer to Reefside, finding that having Tommy back in their life was better for them. Kimberly found an apartment in close proximity to the school, Tommy's house, and the Cyber Café. She used her past experience as a gymnast and Katherine's as a dancer to open up a school near the café. Trent, although good friends with Conner, Ethan, Devin, and Tommy, became the best of friends with Hunter and Blake. He and Leila were closer than ever. Anton made peace with Laura. Trent became close to Leila's side of the family and visited the Thunder Academy on weekends Leila went.
Tori and Blake had announced their engagement only a few weeks prior, but didn't want plans to be in full swing until Leila and Kira were free for the summer, seeing as they were asked to be the maids of honor in the ceremony. Leila and Hunter, as well as Kira and Trent had strong relationships with each other. Everyone was betting with their engagements would pop up. Kimberly finished adjusting the gown and placing the cap on Tommy's head. He turned around and sighed, smiling down at her.
"Tommy Oliver, are you tearing up?" she asked teasingly.
"I just might soon enough," Tommy said, trying not to. Kimberly laughed at him and embraced him in a comforting hug.
"Let's go handsome," she said. Tommy walked out of the school with his arm around her. The football field was erupting with cheers of friends and family. None more noticeable to Tommy than his fellow rangers. Jason, Aisha, Billy, Kimberly, Zack, Billy, Katherine, Rocky, and Adam all crowded one corner. On one side of them were the Storm rangers, Anton, Laura, LeeAnn, Sensei Watanabe, and Sensei Omano stood proudly. On the other side of the vet rangers stood Wes and Eric with the Lightspeed Rangers. Tommy sat down at his seat on stage with the respective alumni. He looked out on the graduates. Trent, Devin, and Kira all sat together smiling at their mentor, teacher, fellow ranger, and above all friend. Ethan sat directly behind them while Conner was in the middle of the row behind Ethan, with Leila at the very end. The cheering died down and Tommy got up to say his speech. His cleared his throat and took a deep breath, feeling so much emotion coming over him that he had to use more strength than he ever had not to tear up. He looked up at the graduates.
"When I started here at Reefside, you all were juniors. I did not know you as well as some alumni here did. But I quickly learned that you were not just our students. You were teachers as well. I will tell you all now what you taught me. Lessons that I have not remember in a long time. The happiness I saw each of you seek in your hobbies outside of school showed me that life is too short to get completely wrapped up in work. You lose track of friendships, family, and most importantly of yourself. The world you are about to enter is a long and challenging one, filled with obstacles. If you remember this lesson that you have taught me, to lose sight of yourself and your friends and family, there is no end to what each and every one of you can accomplish. Congratulations Class of 2005, I can't tell you how proud I am of you," Tommy said, feeling small tears fall from his eyes as the graduates and families erupted in cheers of excitement. Tommy smiled at each of his graduating rangers, who smiled up at him. He took his seat and allowed the other speakers their time. His heart pounded as the moment he wasn't ready for approached. The moment where he would hand each graduate their diplomas.
"Trent Fernandez," said the vice-principal. Trent walked up to Tommy and stopped. Rather than simply shaking hands and saying congratulations and thank yous, the two embraced in a silent hug. No one made comments to this, for they knew the relationship Tommy had with the ranger students was different than any others he had. Trent shook Tommy's hand, took his diploma, and moved off stage.
"Devin Fong." Devin walked up to Tommy. The same actions were repeated.
"Kira Ford." Kira walked up to Tommy and he smirked at her, for tears had already fallen from her face. She smiled up at the man she admired so much. He gave her a fatherly/brotherly kiss on the cheek and gave her a big hug. Tommy had time to recover as more names were called.
"Ethan James, valedictorian." Ethan gave a playful smile at his teacher and embraced him in an excited hug. Tommy laughed at Ethan, he was so proud of him for stepping it up his senior year. It did not take much effort for Ethan to raise his GPA enough to receive the honor. .
"Conner McKnight." Tommy rolled his eyes as the Dino Thunder Red Ranger walked smugly up to him. Tommy handed him his diploma, which he gladly accepted. He watched Tommy put his hand out to shake. Conner smirked at him and embraced his teacher, friend, and fellow leader in a respectful hug of friendship. Conner took his turn down the ramp and back to his seat.
"Leila Omano." Tommy again felt himself tearing up as Leila walked across the stage. He smiled when he heard Hunter hollering a little above the rest of the crowd. He handed Leila her high school diploma and embraced her in a hug much like the one he had given Kira, with a friendly, congratulatory kiss on the cheek. Leila wiped a tear from her eye and walked off the stage. Tommy relaxed a little as the remaining names were called and diplomas were handed out. The vice-principal stepped aside and allowed Tommy to step back up to the mike.
"Ladies and gentleman, friends and family, I present to you the Class of 2005!" Tommy declared happily. The place erupted in cheers and excitement. The graduates stood up, cheering. They threw their hats in the air in the traditional manner. Tommy stepped off the stage and watched as the rangers all gathered around him. They embraced in a congratulatory group hug. Their friends and family watched with awe filled eyes. Less than an hour later, they were all gathered at Hayley's for a private graduation party.
"So what are all of your plans now?" Tori asked of her friends.
"Well, I got a full engineering scholarship to Reefside Tech. They've got the best computer engineering program around," Ethan said.
"Yea, I've got a soccer scholarship to the Community College. I'm not sure what I'm going to major in yet," Conner said.
"I'm headed to film school a couple of towns over," said Devin.
"Well, I've decided to take a little time off before I start school. I'm going to work a little a while and get a hang of my own art style before I apply to an art school," Trent explained.
"I'm not putting college completely off but I'm very ready to get back to Thunder Academy and start teaching again," Leila said. Hunter smiled and put his arm around her, pulling her in for a kiss. Kira hesitated a minute. She was excited about her news but skeptical to tell them.
"What about you Kira?" Blake asked.
"I got a record deal," she said suddenly. Everybody spit out their punch in shock.
"You did?!" Shane asked, a smile across his face.
"Yea," Kira said, smiling and nodding with a little embarrassment.
"Kira that's awesome!" Dustin declared. Leila and Tori hugged her in congratulations. Kira glanced up at Trent who was still in shock.
"Trent, what do you think?" she asked, a little worried. She bit her lip in anticipation. Trent looked at her and smiled.
"I am so happy for you," he said. Kira smiled in relief and embraced him in a hug. They kissed tenderly. Kimberly and Tommy watched this from a distance.
"Ah, memories," Kimberly said sarcastically. Tommy laughed.
"Good times," he said.
"I liked what you said. How we shouldn't get so wrapped up in something and not lose sight of ourselves and other," Kimberly said. Tommy put his drink down and hesitated for a moment.
"Well, I'm about to live up to that," he said, reaching into his pants pocket, pulling something out. Kimberly was not sure what he was doing until he got down on one knee and opened up the ring box.
"Kimberly Hart, my life has been nothing but better each and every day since you came back into my life a year ago. You would make me the happiest man in the world if you would be wife. Will you marry me?" he asked. Kimberly smiled, small tears flowing from her eyes.
"Yes!" she said. The café erupted in applause as the ring was slipped onto Kimberly's finger and the newly engaged couple embraced in a passionate kiss.
HA! HA! Not done yet. I should have at the least, one or two more chapters before I begin my spin off stories. Next chapter 39: The Wedding(s).