Disclaimer: I own NOTHING, yet anyway. ;-)
Author's Note: I've decided to try something new. I started this story YEARS ago and I started typing it up a few months ago and realized how truly crappy my writing used to be, so I hit delete and got over it. But then tonight I was sitting around bored with writer's block, TRYING to work on Dreams Of Gold and after a few hours, got nowhere. So I just sat there, staring blankly at my TV while 7th Heaven was on and got the idea to rewrite my old story. I'm really not sure how it used to go, but I'm going to attempt to rewrite it. I've got a lot of great ideas for fixing this story, so I hope you will all bare with me through it. I will continue to update Dreams Of Gold while continuing this one at the same time. Like with Dreams Of Gold, I don't have a title for this story yet, so ideas and suggestions are more than welcome. Thank you to everybody for all the wonderful reviews! You guys are the best, I love you all! Please let me know what you think of this new story. =) It may be out of order in whatever way, but hey, its my story, I get to decide how it goes. ;-) Sorry if it takes a while for me to get it posted, but I've been writing it in whatever time I get between classes and stuff and I'm laptop less so its all scribbled down on paper and I've actually gotta find time to type it all up. But hopefully I'll find enough time somewhere. =) Also, I've decided to make it easier on people to let me know what they think, and give me more ideas of what to write. If you would like, I can be reached via email or Yahoo! messenger at or via AOL instant messenger as PrincessSpzMnky . Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like. =) Happy Reading! =)
Summary: Kim is back from Florida and showed up at Tommy's front door. How will her being back affect Tommy? What about the team? Read on to find out.
Going For The Gold
"We'd better be getting back." Kimberly said when she finally began to let go of Tommy. "You've got a meet to win."
"Are you going to stay to watch?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"Ok." Tommy smiled as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Then when I'm done, I'll go home and shower, then we can go to that place I want to take you."
"Sounds good." Kimberly smiled.
"Let's head back then." Tommy said, starting to get up from where he was couching in the sand. Tommy stood up, then helped Kimberly to her feet, and helped to brush the sand off of her skirt. "You are so beautiful . . . . ."
"Thank you!" Kimberly smiled. "I must look horrible though, my makeup has to be so messed up."
"No . . . You look just as beautiful as the first day I met you. Actually, I take that back . . . You are way more beautiful than the day I first met you."
"So you're saying I was ugly back then?" Kimberly asked, faking anger.
"Kim . . . Beautiful . . . You know what I mean."
"I know, I'm just giving you a hard time."
"Come here you." Tommy said grabbing Kimberly and pulling her into a passionate kiss.
"Ok, Tommy, its all taken care of. You're up next, are you ready?" Billy asked when Tommy walked back into the competition with Kimberly at his side.
"Yeah, let's do it!"
"Kick some butt!" Kimberly said placing a gentle kiss on Tommy's lips before moving away with Billy to watch the rest of the competition.
"You're Kimberly Hart, right?" a voice said from where Kimberly stood in a corner with Billy. "You brought home the gold in the Pan Globals last year."
"Yes, that's me." Kimberly said with a friendly smile as she greeted the person who now stood in front of her.
"Hi, I'm Andrea Koroso, I'm the Assistant President of the National Association of the Martial Arts."
"Oh! Its nice to meet you."
"You too. I was wondering if you're not tool busy, if we could by any chance ask you to present our Grand Prize trophy to today's winner."
"I really don't know, I'm only here to watch my boyfriend compete."
"You should do it Kim." Billy suggested.
"Ms. Hart, it would be great to have such a prestigious trophy presented by someone as prestigious as yourself in the sporting world. I was going to present the trophy myself, but I would much rather see you do it. It will mean more to the winner coming from you than it will from myself."
"Sure, I guess I can present the trophy for you." Kimberly agreed.
"Thank you so much Ms. Hart!" Ms. Koroso said, then turned and walked away.
"Kim, you do realize that you'll be handing that trophy to Tommy." Billy told her.
"Yeah, which is why I agreed to do it."
"Always thinking ahead, aren't you?!"
"Something like that." Kimberly laughed. "Anyway, not to change the subject or anything, but what's up with Kat?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, why was it so easy for me to get Tommy back? Shouldn't she be putting up some kind of fight or something?"
"Normally, I think she would be. But you know, don't tell anyone I said this, but she's a lot like you. You remember when she moved here, right?"
"Of course."
"Well apparently what happened was that when she left Australia, she left behind a boyfriend too. They broke up when Kat moved here because it would have been way too hard on their relationship to have them be so far apart. But like you, when you broke up with Tommy, she still loves him. So after dating Tommy for a while, and trying to move on with someone else, her heart just isn't cooperating. You know how that is . . ."
"I feel bad . . ."
"Don't. Kat is happy right now. They've actually been talking for a couple of weeks now and they're really close friends."
"Do you think that they'll ever get back together?"
"I don't know. Maybe. It's hard to tell, you know."
"You know, I felt really horrible coming back today . . ."
"Hey, this is your home. You belong here."
"It's nice you know. My Mom is moving back too in a couple months, but until she gets here, I'm staying with my Dad, and that's something I haven't done in the longest time!"
"You've never been close to your Dad."
"Exactly! I finally get a chance to get to know my Dad the way that normal kids know their parents. I never thought I would ever get to do that."
"So things are better between your parents then?"
"Sort of. They're at least civil to each other. I mean, remember parents day?"
"Wasn't that the first time they had seen or even spoken to each other since the divorce?"
"Pretty much. I've always had my own phone line, and all communication has gone through me. All the visitation and stuff was always the same. My dad would call and ask me if I wanted to spend the weekend with him, and I would just tell my mom that I'm going to be gone."
"Yeah, I remember that. I'm glad that you're getting a chance to spend some time with your Dad."
"Me too. It'll be good for me, you know?"
"And our final competitor for today will be Angel Grove's current Champion, Thomas Oliver taking a second stab at holding his title." A voice said over the loud speaker.
"YEAH!!!!!!!!!! GO TOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kimberly cheered as everyone in attendance began to cheer and applaud.
"Wow, he's really good!" a girl said from behind Kimberly.
"Yeah he is! And he's totally gorgeous too!" another agreed.
"Do you think he's single?"
"Yeah right! A guy as hot as him, single? You have got to be kidding me!"
"Yeah, but you never know!"
"Should I?" Billy asked, as Kimberly stifled her laughter.
"Go for it."
"He's so hot! I would love a guy that looks half as yummy as he does!" the girls continued.
"Isn't he dating some gymnast or something?" Billy asked, taking a step back to join the girls' conversation.
"He is?" one of the girls asked.
"She's probably super gorgeous too. People like him tend to date other pretty people." the other girl commented.
"I heard she's famous too." Billy added.
"You know who she is, don't you?" the first girl said, turning to look at Billy.
"Who, me? Well . . . I might have met her a really long time ago . . ." he said blushing, before backing out of the conversation again.
"Figures he's taken." the second girl said, rolling her eyes.
"Nice!" Kimberly laughed, nudging Billy in the side.
"Yeah, apparently they don't like me too much right now."
"Yeah well." Kimberly smiled, as Tommy finished up his routine, leaving the whole crowd cheering in awe. Tommy moved to the side of the mats and grabbed a water bottle before heading toward his friends, waiting in the corner.
"Hey Man! Way to go!" Billy said as Tommy joined them.
"Hey, thanks!"
"You did great Babe!" Kimberly said, smiling brightly.
"I have a good coach."
"Coach? You?" Kimberly asked surprised.
"Yeah, Billy has been monitoring my workouts for months. Its actually very helpful."
"I mainly monitor his strength and endurance levels, as well as his heart rate.." Billy explained.
"Sounds good." Kimberly agreed.
"I let Tommy know where his strengths and weaknesses are, which in turn helps him know what he needs to work harder on, as well as what he's already got down."
"Its been really good for me." Tommy agreed. "I'm learning exactly how to push myself for a better work out."
"Geez, where were you while I was in Florida?" Kimberly joked.
"Ms. Hart, can I snag you away?" Ms. Koroso asked, stepping up beside Kimberly again.
"Sure. I'll be back guys." Kimberly said before stepping away.
"What's that about?" Tommy asked as he watched Kimberly leave.
"Apparently that lady is the Assistant President of the National Martial Arts Association." Billy explained. "She asked Kimberly to present the grand prize trophy."
"Oh really."
"You gonna kiss her?" Billy asked, playfully elbowing Tommy in the ribs.
"I don't even know my score yet." Tommy laughed.
"Oh please!" Billy said stifling a laugh. "You know you swept this thing again!"
"No I don't. Especially considering you had to beg them to give me a second chance. I highly doubt I even medaled."
"Oh come on Tommy, give yourself a beak." Rocky said joining the duo in the corner. "You were more than ready for this thing."
"Well its not over yet. I could still lose." Tommy said, trying to reign his friends in.
"Whatever Tomboy!" Rocky laughed. "But do tell, what's up with you and that hot little Mama over there?"
"You better not ever call her that again, if you know what's good for you!" Tommy threatened him.
"You guys back together?"
"Would he be this happy if they weren't?" Billy asked as they watched Tommy, watching Kimberly from across the room.
"She looks GREAT!" Rocky said, admiring their friend.
"Kimberly has always looked great." Billy agreed.
"Even the day she got caught in the rain storm." Tommy added. "She's so beautiful."
"Man you've got it bad!" Rocky laughed. "You'd better make sure it works out this time, cause if you don't, I'm stealing her away!"
"Yeah, you try that one Rocko!" Tommy laughed. "You haven't got a chance under the sun!"
"Sorry Rocky, I've gotta agree with him." Billy said, as they saw Kimberly wink at them, her smile burning a hole through the room.
"So, Tommy, what do you think is the biggest change in Kimberly, now that she's back?" Billy asked as they stood in the corner with Rocky, waiting on the results of the competition.
"I haven't noticed any yet. She's only been back a few hours, and I haven't exactly had any time to talk to her yet.."
"She looks a little different." Rocky told him. "I think she's tanner than me now."
"Even I'm tanner than you Rocky!" Tommy told him.
"Yeah Rocky. I'm the only person who's whiter than you. Well, me and Kat. But Kat is ghost white."
"Well Kimberly is probably about as dark as Tommy."
"Tommy is Native American, Genius! He's supposed to be tan!"
"I know that. But Kimberly is full on white, and somehow managed to get tan. Heck, I'm half Mexican and I'm still really white!"
"You're just cursed." Tommy laughed.
"Anyway! This isn't about who's tanner." Billy reprimanded them. "Tommy, don't you think Kimberly's hair is a little different?"
"It's a little longer than it used to be, if that's what you're asking."
"Its also streaked." Rocky added.
"She's still just as beautiful as the day she left." Tommy told them.
"Kimberly has always been super pretty." Billy agreed. "It'll be interesting to see what happens, now that she's living with her Dad."
"She is?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah. We were talking a little while ago and Kimberly said that her Mom is moving back to Angel Grove in a couple months, but until she gets here, Kimberly is going to be staying with her Dad."
"But isn't her Dad in Stone Canyon?"
"Last time I checked he was."
"Great, so she won't even be going to school with us."
"Well considering I live in Stone Canyon too!" Rocky injected.
"So does Adam." Billy agreed. "It's not entirely impossible for Kimberly to get an inner district transfer. She can still go to school with us if she wants to. But it is entirely up to both Kimberly and her parents."
"Kimberly is going to want to go back to Angel Grove High. It's her home." Tommy told them.
"It's still up to her parents."
"No, you don't know Kimberly. She's going to be going to Angel Grove with us. There is no way she's going to want to go to Stone Canyon High School. They've always been our rivals. She won't want to be one of them too."
"I don't know Tommy, it could be kind of fun." Billy told him.
"No, it won't."
"Just think Tommy," Adam said joining the group in the corner. "You could end up going to 2 homecomings, 2 winder formals, and 2 proms."
"Yeah, and Kimberly will have to spend twice as much on fancy clothes. Do you want to be the one she drags shopping?" Tommy asked.
"Point taken!" Rocky laughed.
"Besides, with all of us playing football this year, I don't want to have to choose between my girlfriend and a game or party or whatever. I've already missed two years, it's not fair of me to miss more."
"Man, you've so got it bad!" Adam said, patting Tommy's shoulder.
"Tommy, you have met Kimberly's Dad, haven't you?" Billy asked.
"Yeah, I met him at Parents Day a few years ago. He seemed nice enough."
"He's pretty cool. Very protective of his daughter though. He's worse than Jason."
"Considering I've gotten the death threat from Jason, I really don't see how Mr. Hart can possibly be any worse."
"Oh, trust me!" Billy laughed. "Jason, Zack and I have all gotten the death threat from Mr. Hart. Let's just say that the term "Sir" comes in pretty handy with him."
"He's that strict?"
"Not really strict, so much as over protective. Kimberly is his baby, and Mr. Hart would literally kill for her. She's a total Daddy's girl!"
"Well considering her Dad has always paid for all of her credit cards."
"Exactly! Kimberly is VERY well taken care of. And Mr. Hart will expect you to not only take just as good care of his daughter, but BETTER!"
"You guys know I would give my life for Kimberly."
"But Mr. Hart doesn't." Billy reminded him. "You're going to have to convince Kimberly's Dad that you're worthy of his daughter. And trust me, he's not going to make it very easy on you."
"So then what do you think I should do?" Tommy asked.
"I probably wouldn't touch Kimberly when you're around her Dad. He may freak out and take it the wrong way."
"Oh come on Billy, he can't possibly be that bad!"
"You wanna bet?"
"Ok, I'll take your word for it."
"Probably a good idea." Billy agreed as they heard saw the head judge heading toward the middle of the room, with a microphone in his hand.
The group of friends watched as all the awards were handed out, applauding for all the winners in each category. Several trophies were handed out for each level of expertise, as the judges made they way through the recap of the day's meet, until the only trophy left was that of the Grand Prize, which came with the prestigious title of County Champion.
"Today we are privileged to have a very special guest in attendance, who has graciously agreed to present our Grand Prize trophy to the winner of today's competition. With this trophy comes the prestigious title of County Champion, and the opportunity to freely compete in any competition through out the state, including the state Championships, which will be held in Sacramento this year. So to present such a prestigious award, I would like to introduce everyone to someone who has just as much prestige as the award itself. Please welcome Pan Global Gold Medalist, Olympic hopeful and Angel Grove native, Kimberly Hart!" The crowd applauded and cheered as Kimberly joined the judge in the center of the room. "Hi Kimberly, its great to have you here."
"Thank you! Its great to be here!" Kimberly said cheerfully.
"Kimberly, we love you!!!!!!!!!" some people yelled from the stands.
"Thank you, I love you guys too!"
"Kimberly, before you present this award to today's winner, can we ask what you're doing back here in Angel Grove now that the Pan Global Games are over?"
"Sure! I'm actually here because this is my home, and I really missed it. My family and friends are here, so it's the one place in the world that I always like to be."
"What about the Olympics? Shouldn't you be in training for next year's summer games?"
"Yeah . . ." Kimberly laughed. "I really should be. But you know, sometimes things happen that really make you think about life and what's most important to you. Yeah, I have a great shot at the gold next summer, and as great as bringing it home would be, its just not that big of a deal to me. I've spent the last 2 years representing our country allover the world, in all kinds of meets, and I've brought home the gold several different times. And although going to the Olympics has always been my dream, I have other bigger dreams for myself that I need to achieve first. And right now, what matters most to me, is my friends and family. I'm back in Angel Grove because I'm 17 years old, and I for the first time in my life, I just want to be a kid again. I want to graduate from High School with my friends, then move on to college, get married and have a family. I can win a gold medal any time, but being a kid is something that you can only do once. Just like a lot of child actors give up their careers to finish high school or to go away to college, I'm giving mine up to just have one more year of childhood while I still can."
"Have you ever regretted that decision?"
"You know, I thought I would. But right now, its actually what's best for me. I gave up a lot when I moved to Florida 2 years ago. I lost everything I ever had, including the one thing that I hold closest to my heart, and that's what I regret. I regret having given up so much." Kimberly said, looking directly at Tommy. "But now that I'm home again, I've got everything I could ever want. I got back everything that I lost when I moved, and I'm happier just today, than I've been in months! So no, I don't regret giving up my career. Besides, I'll always have my fan club behind me." she said with a wink.
"Is there anything that you would like to say to all your fans as well as all of the competitors and those here who are striving to achieve their dreams the way that you have?"
"To my fans, I'd just like to say thank you for all of your endless generosity, love and support. I really wouldn't be here without all of you. I have a lot of friends here today so the same goes for all of you, I love you guys! To my parents who actually aren't here except in spirit, thank you for always believing in me. And to everybody else, I guess, just keep on working as hard as you can and never give up. In the words of my best friend in this world, 'Anything is possible!' You just need to believe. Keep on working and being all that you can. Always aim high and shoot for the moon. And you know, even if you miss it, you will still land among the stars."
"Anything else?" the judge asked.
"Um . . . . . I love you all!" Kimberly said with a bright smile.
"Thank you Kimberly! Congratulations on your medal, and welcome home!"
"Thank you so much!"
"Now, for our final award for the day."
"Here you go Tommy. Time to go kiss that super hot gymnast up there!" Rocky said, taunting his friend.
"Yeah, cause you know, if you don't, we just might have to!"
"Very funny guys!" Tommy joked back.
"With an all around score of 9.837, the Grand Prize winner and title of County Champion goes to . . ." There was dead silence in the room as the large trophy was handed to Kimberly, along with a black karate belt. "Kimberly, would you like to do the honors?"
"I would love to! The new County Champion is someone who will be looked up to, well they already are, and someone who will represent Angel Grove, Stone Canyon and all the surrounding communities at various meets and events all over the state. They will hold their title as reigning County Champion for a full year, before competing again in next year's County Championship Competition. So, this year's County Champion who will be heading to the state finals in Sacramento, for a third time . . . Thomas Oliver!"
"YES!!!!!!!!!" Kat and Tanya cheered from the stands. "GO TOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Go for it!" Billy said, pushing his friend toward the center of the room. Kimberly beamed with pride as Tommy joined her in the center of the room, and she presented him with his new belt and trophy.
"Congratulations Tommy! I knew you could do it!" Kimberly said happily as Tommy just smiled.
"Thank you Kim." he said, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I love you. Welcome home." he whispered.
"I love you too." she whispered back, before letting go and turning to hand the microphone she was holding, back to the head judge.
"Kim, this is yours." Tommy said handing her back the trophy. "I couldn't have done it without you."
" . . . Tommy . . ."
"All I've been thinking about all day, since even before you showed up at my house . . . I've really missed you! I'm so glad you're home!" Tommy said leaning in to kiss her as they were bombarded by the rest of their friends.
"Tommy, my man, congrats!" Rocky said, slapping his best friend on the back.
"Thank you!"
"Way to go Tommy! You did great!" Tanya said giving him a friendly hug.
"Tanya, have you met Kimberly?" Tommy asked, reaching for Kimberly's hand.
"Yeah, I met her a little earlier. Hi Kimberly. You looked great up there!"
"Thank you! I was shocked anybody even knew who I was!"
"How could they forget? You're a hero here!" Kat told her.
"Although I really don't know why . . ." Kimberly laughed. "Oh Kat, Thank you."
"For what?" Kimberly simply glanced to Tommy, then looked back to Kat.
"Oh yeah. Don't mention it. Just be happy. You both deserve it."
"Thank you! I really mean it."
"Yeah Kat." Tommy agreed. "You deserve to be happy too."
"I am." she said with a gracious smile. "I've gotta go though, I've got some things to do."
"Ok, we'll catch up with you later then." Rocky told her.
"I'm gonna go too. See ya guys!" Tanya said, then followed Kat as she walked away.
"I've gotta get going too." Kimberly said reluctantly. "I promised my Dad I wouldn't be gone too long. I need to go take his car back."
"And she's my ride!" Tommy said sliding his arm around Kimberly. "We'll see you guys later!"
"Ok! Call if you need anything." Billy told them. "Kim, don't you dare be a stranger!"
"I won't. Bye guys." she said, turned and headed for the exit with Tommy.
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . .