THE REASON - Part Four: Maybe It's Time
Summary: Tommy goes to the cyber café to try and relay the thoughts about Kim. But was it just a dream? Did he see her on the way home?
Disclaimer: Power Rangers not mine. Wish it was, but never will. ToHoobastank and the inspiration of your song. This story wouldn't be as good with out it, I think. Gotta give you guys credit, so don't sue me,please!
A/N: I'm starting to get somewhere. I know, it's slow. It took fourchapters to do that, but it seems our good ol' doctor seems to have problems about a possible sighting of his first and true love. Or did he?This does tie into "Green With Evil Pt.1", but I had to modify it justbecause I can't remember that far back in time. Enjoy. Read. Review.It'll get better, trust me.
"How do you know when it's time to see the one person that means more to you than anything else in the world?" –Eclyptyk Neo
Hayley's Cyberspace.
The hangout for all teenagers who found an interest in computers, independent musicians or for a drink.
Business ran slow like it always did on a Sunday.
Ethan sat at one of the computer stations playing Intergalactic X to occupy his time on a Sunday. Trent sat at a table conspiring new creations of his original superhero work. Teenagers came and went as the day went by. Hayley was behind the counter cleaning the counter, making sure it was set for new customers.
Ethan leaned closer to his screen display a sense of anxiety running through his veins. He was so close to moving on. Then he jumped to his feet clapping his hands together in happiness and success. "Yes. I finally made it to Level 31. What now, evil space scum? I am the man."
Hayley turned away from the counter, rolling her eyes. "Always the same thing over and over again."
A figure entered the café and took the farthest seat at the counter, away from conversational range. It was Tommy. His head hung low. He appeared preoccupied with something else, and couldn't exactly figure out why he came there. He slowly put his head down.
Hayley leaned over to him, noting his defeated mood. "Hey, Tommy. You all right?"
Tommy brought his head up quickly, her voice sending him back into reality. "Huh? What? Oh, hey, Hayley." He shook his head, as if attempting to rid himself of the loss. It did not. "Yeah, I'm fine."
She turned away, and began to prepare his usual order, a chocolate mochaccino. She placed it in front of him and popped a squat across from him. "Are you sure?" She shook her head in disappointment. "I haven't seen you this upset since you left college. And it seems to me you had a little run in with the wall, again?"
Tommy pulled the cup closer to him, examining the side of the cup as if it was the remains of a dinosaur bone. He didn't have to ignore her last statement. A set of band-aids covered each knuckle from the impact he had made several hours earlier. He usually ended up with cuts and bruises after thinking about Kim. "You know sometimes when you're wanting to push something away, just want to forget about it, it comes back to haunt you at just the wrong moment?"
She nodded, slowly. She knew what was coming next, hoping that she hadn't been the one who started it. "You're thinking about her again, Tommy, aren't you?"
College was hard. He figured he wasn't gonna make it in college, until he met Hayley. She spilled the beans about what she collected over the years about the Power Rangers. He could no longer deny it, and helped complete the puzzle to its past. She was there to ease his pain every time he thought about Kim. And, just as anyone else, couldn't see him look so miserable. She wanted to give Kim a piece of her mind, but figured it wouldn't do much good. She just hoped that issues could be resolved, especially with all the issues sparking up in Reefside.
Now, she was a MIT graduate with a degree in computer programming and science. And without Tommy's help, the café wouldn't have gotten as far as it did, let alone avoiding the recent issues of trying to shut it down.
He let out a disappointing sigh, nodding. "I just don't know, ya know. I mean, I thought I moved on. I hoped that I did. She probably already found someone, anyways, and wouldn't want anything more to do with me. I haven't been much of a friend to her in these past few years since the funeral."
"You can't blame yourself, Tommy." She admitted. "Sometimes, a friend doesn't have to be there physically, but mentally to provide you with some stability. You gotta stop blaming yourself for Trini's death."
He nodded. "I know that. It wasn't my fault. But sometimes, I can' t help but feel responsible. It just made me look at all this, and made me realize I need to keep in contact with the new generations of Power Rangers. With my friends."
She leaned forward, making him look up to meet her eye-to-eye. "And friends should matter, just as family and those you hold close. But I can't help but look at you and see how miserable you look. And again, I've told you this a million times. Take a break."
He shook his head. "What do you think it means?" She shrugged. "I don't know, Tommy. To tell you honestly, I really don't know. Haven't Jason and the guys told you that you should talk to her? Maybe it wouldn't hurt."
"No." He snapped. "I won't do it. Not now."
"Look at yourself, Tommy. You're a mess. Obviously, I've done what I can to help you out. And so have the guys. But you have told me that she was the only one who understood you the best. And I am telling you this as a friend."
Tommy let out a sigh. Again, use the "I-Am-Telling-You-This-As-A-Friend" bullshit. Damn it. Now, I know I'm at a loss. Every single time I hear that, whether it came from Jason or Kat or Billy or whoever, they were always right. Damn!
"I don't know how else to tell you this, but maybe you should talk to her. I mean, I don't want to see you get hurt again, but I don't want to see you this miserable, either." She looked up, seeing a group of teenagers call for service. "I gotta go. We'll talk later." Hayley excused herself.
Tommy straightened his back, removing his glasses. He rested his head, onto the interlocking bridge of his hands, staring blankly at the distant wall. He saw images of the past run through his mind. Of Kim. Of the times they had spent together.
Ethan headed over to the counter, a satisfying look on his face for another gaming victory. "Hey, Hayley, mind giving me another victorious refill?" Hayley's back was turned, but heard his request. "Sure thing, Ethan. I'll have it out in a bit."
"Thanks, Hayley. You're the best." Ethan clicked his mouth and turned to head back to his computer station, but saw the familiar face of his mentor sitting at the counter. He saw the ghost-like look in his teacher's eyes as he walked over to him. He held out a hand for a greeting, hoping the man would notice the gesture. "Hey, Dr. O, what is up?"
No answer. Dr. Oliver was still in his own little void.
He didn't think so. "Uh...so," he cleared his throat. "A nice day we're having now, aren't we...Tommy?"
He figured that would have done it. He could see his teacher turn into evil goat-sucking vampire for even directing him in that fashion. Not that it was even made such a wrong gesture, but more so over respect. And the guy was his teacher, too. Calling him by his first name wasn't exactly on a comfortable scale with him yet.
Unfortunately, it did not work.
"Yo!" He tapped his teacher on the shoulder, making the man blink. "Hey, Dr. O, you in there? You sorta spaced out."
Tommy looked at the person who disturbed him, then looked away, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, I'm fine, Conner."
Ethan's eyes widened. He scratched his head, and looked around somewhat offended and confused. "Um...I'm not..."
Hayley placed a hand on his shoulder, making him stop. She set his refilled cup into his hand, whispering into his ear. "He's been having a rather rough morning, Ethan. Go easy on him." She looked at Tommy, pointing at Ethan. "Hey, Tommy?"
"Yeah?" He looked up. He groaned, realizing the mistake he had made. "Um...sorry, Ethan. I'm just not thinking, right now."
"Hey, it's cool, Dr. O," Ethan nodded, talking a seat next to his mentor just as Hayley left the two to talk. "I mean, those zombies only possess people who have nothing else to worry about. But you looked really zapped, no offense."
Tommy leaned over his cup again, peering over his shoulder at the door.
Ethan rose an eyebrow. "You expecting someone?"
Tommy shook his head. "Just a little deja vu, Ethan."
Ethan raised his eyebrows again, hoping to expose some laughter. "A glitch in the Matrix?"
But Tommy didn't hear him. He spaced out again. He remembered what had happened right after he got that dreaded letter. He would hang around Ernie's Juice Bar several hours of the day. Skip out of school for reasons other than saving the world. His grades were only getting worse, and his tutor, Billy, was busy manning the Command Center. His skills as the leader of the Zeo Rangers were taking a bad turn, beginning to show in the battles being fought.
Tommy's eyes stayed on the door for some time.
----------
12 years ago.
Angel Grove High School.
Tommy Oliver, the new guy in town, was a freshman. He walked the halls, trying to hide his loss and confusion in the new environment. He was donned in a green apparel, hiding behind the image of being tough. He was. He was a fighter. A martial arts master. But, he was still a soft, sensitive guy underneath all the rebellious side still finding his way in life. He came to a stop at a set of lockers, looking at the piece of scratch paper in his free hand. He fiddled with the lock, opening the half- sized locker to place the textbooks he had received from his first few classes into it. Man, is high school gonna feel this empty. This hard. He thought with some annoyance and sadness. I didn't want to come here, but I couldn't let my parents know that. I mean, they want what is only best for me.
But that was the case, he was blessed with the adoptive, caring family most orphans would have wanted. He could only remember that his biological parents had died in a car accident when he was four years ago. He went into foster care and orphanages for nearly two years, until he found a home with Robert and Julia Oliver. He would go along with changing his last name, having no true preference to what his real last name was. (Until he would meet his long lost brother, David Trueheart, years later.) They were good parents. Supportive in whatever he got involved with, especially martial arts. But he never could get on a personal basis about his past, hoping he could put all that aside or not discuss it at all.
Then someone tapped him on the shoulder, diminishing the thoughts about his biological parents. He peered over his shoulder.
And it was at that moment, his heart stopped. He thought it was one of those bullies, Bulk or Skull, wanting to cause problems, but it wasn't. It was a young, petite girl donned in pink apparel. Her hair bounced lightly, as she moved lightly on her feet. His eyes met the honey-brown eyes of the curious stranger, and got lost in its beauty. He saw charisma. Intelligence. Bravery. He wanted to touch her soft lips with his fingertips. She must have been an angel from up above to lead her guidance to him, because he didn't want to lose sight of her at all. She was just so beautiful. He bit his lip, unsure of what to say, as he felt his breath quicken. It was love at first sight, if this is what it felt like, and it was only his first day of school.
"Hey, I'm Kimberly," she asked in a kind gentle voice, holding out her hand. He took it, and nodded. "You're new here, aren't you?"
"Uh...yeah. It's Tommy," he found his voice, behind the lumpy feeling in his throat. Wow. Most girls wouldn't dare come up to me, because I looked like such a ferocious dragon. But somehow, she doesn't care. But damn, how about you and me head on over to the gym and get lost in each other's throats? – Whoa, slow down, Oliver. You barely know the girl and you're thinking about that already.
She let him hold her hand for another moment longer, giving him a once-over look in the process. She could see the tense contracting of his muscles, telling her he cared much about staying fit. She took mental note about how strong he looked. He was a fighter. She looked into his round, alert tiger eyes, and was caught in a world where only those two existed. Her heart melted when she had saw him earlier in the day, and wanted to learn more about him. Oh, he's just a little lost puppy trying to find his way. There's no harm in making a new friend. Besides, he's really cute. "So, where'd you come from?"
"Um...Anaheim." He blinked. He was too caught up in her beauty to even think about anything else. Thinking was far too hard, especially for it being the first day of high school in a new place. As a freshman. Yet, when he was around her, thinking didn't seem to matter. Just being around her felt like a comfort to him. He thought he may have never gotten through the constant moving around, but knew that she could ease away all the hardship.
She nodded, smiling again. "I hope your first day of school isn't throwing you into too bad of a loop. It must be hard trying to fit in."
That smile is just so beautiful. He could only shrug. "I don't know. I guess. If you're not used to moving around all the time."
BRING!
No. Not the bell. We were really hitting it off. Kimberly kicked herself mentally.
He looked about somewhat confused, but knew he would have to cut their conversation short. "Well, gotta go. Ya know, get to my next class."
"What's your next class?" she asked quickly, walking up beside him.
He pulled out his schedule and scanned it. "Uh..well, let's see. Biology with Mr. Milton."
"Oh." she looked down, saddened. And I was hoping we could finish our conversation in math class. But smiled again. "Actually, no. My friends, Billy and Zack, are in that class. Billy is like some Einstein genius, dressed in blue, and Zack is sort of a jokester styling in black. You can't miss them. Tell them I said 'hi', would ya?"
Tommy nodded, and looked at her to display a bright smile. "Sure. I'll tell them."
It crushed Kimberly inside. He has a nice smile. Oh, what I wouldn't give to have his arms around my waist, protectively. He would be the perfect boyfriend. She blinked, getting shot back into reality. Whoa, slow down, Kim. You just met the guy. Just get to know him first before you jump to the conclusion about calling him your boyfriend. She came up in front of him, and held out her hand. "Well, it was glad to meet you, Tommy..."
"Oh...Oliver," he finished, figuring she was searching for his last name. He took her hand, and shook it firmly. "Glad to meet you too, Kimberly..."
"Hart." she said with no hesitation, displaying another big smile of pearly whites. "So, hey, I'll see you around?"
He nodded, slowing letting her hand go. "Sure. I'd like that."
She turned and headed into the classroom. She looked back quickly, and gave him another smile. He had to turn away to hide away his blushing red face. He scurried up the hall, to his next class. But couldn't get the image of Kim out of his mind. He knew so little about her, but her beauty said it all. He wouldn't give up until he could claim her as his girlfriend.
Ease up, Tommy. He told himself, as he barely cleared the door before the tardy bell. You just met her, and it's likely that she could already have a boyfriend. But that doesn't mean, that I didn't have a chance with her. I could probably win her over.
---
After school.
Bulk and Skull were just knocked out by Tommy's kind, concerning ego for teasing Kim. She looked away, hiding her embarrassment for needing to get rescued from their teasing. She knew the two for some time, and it was beginning to grow old. But somehow, today she could not get rid of them.
Tommy looked at her with some concern, relaxing a little to realize they hadn't done any physical damage to her. "You all right?" he asked in his best prince-charming voice.
She glanced at him, then brushed a piece of hair behind her ear before averting her attention to her locker. "I'm fine. Thanks."
"Hey, it's no problem. Those guys have been trying to give me a hard time the whole day."
"Yeah, well, that's how they are," she ignored making any eye contact with him. "You hate them for being such bullies, but love them for their jokes."
Tommy shrugged, making a mental conclusion about the two. "Always wanting to be the center of attention."
The halls of the school were nearly empty, except for the occasional loose papers on the ground. They were the only two students left in the building.
A silence fell over the two, as Tommy eased a little closer to Kim.
She grew nervous, but hid it away, as she turned to look at him.
He stepped back, startled at the sudden contact he made with her eyes. Man, she's so beautiful.
"So, I hear you're into martial arts," she said with some excitement.
He looked down, releasing a sheepish chuckle. "Yeah, I guess you heard about my little run in at lunch." He had gotten into a little spot of trouble with some seniors, and ended up sending them to the showers, rather than they sending him.
"I did." she looked away again. "But, ya know, there's this martial arts competition down at the local youth center today, and if you're not too busy..."
He shrugged. "Sure."
"Great. You'll get to meet my other friends. And my friend Jason. He's really good at martial arts, too. Maybe the two of you can partake in a little friendly competition."
He smiled. "Sounds like you're putting up the challenge for him."
"So, can you come?"
"Yeah. Yeah." He nodded. "But I just got to get home and change..."
"Well, that's fine." she cut him off and took out a piece of paper, scribbling something down. "Here's the address. And if you get lost, just call Ernie. He owns the place, and can tell you how to get there if you get lost."
Tommy took the paper, nodding again. "So, I guess I'll see you there?"
She smiled brightly. "See you there."
Kim closed her locker, waved good-bye and walked off. Tommy watched her go, and turned the other way, another smile on his face.
----------
But when I showed up things changed. I was under the dark spell. Before I came to that competition, I had destroyed the command center. Nearly killed Zordon. Placed a virus in Alpha. Met an enemy, which was suppose to be a friend. At that moment, in space and time, I was the evil green ranger. "Ease up, Oliver." Tommy told himself, as he looked away from the door. "Just ease up. It's nothing. Just stop thinking about her, damn it."
Ethan whistled, waving his hand quickly across his mentor's face. "Yo, Dr O, ya there? Attention, Dr. O, please, return to earth, over."
Tommy blinked slowly, and looked at his student/ranger counterpart. He tried to hide away his loss and confusion, but figured that Ethan could sense it either way. "I'm here, Ethan. Just having it a little rough right now."
"Wanna talk about it?" Ethan leaned in closer, hoping to have his teacher get something off of his chest. He fought so badly to get Dr. O to say something – anything – about his past, beyond his work as a ranger, but he didn't seem to budge on the offer in letting his teammates in on that part of his life. Not that Ethan had a good idea about it. Dr. O would call him up about helping out more in the lab, when Hayley was too busy at the café, and Ethan would see a more laid-back, open mentor that wouldn't come close to spill the beans of his past to a group of people, but an individual."Ya know, I'm all ears."
Tommy shook his head. "Maybe some other time, Ethan." He got to his feet and headed toward the door. "Don't you have a paper to finish?" Ethan looked away, knowing exactly what his mentor was talking about. Dr. O had assigned the class some huge research project on the geological time scale of earth three weeks ago, and he was only half-way done with it. "Yeah, about that paper..." he placed a hand around his teacher, in a friendly matter.
Tommy gently brushed it away. "I am not giving you an extension, Ethan. You've had three weeks to work on it. And I gave you plenty of research time in class to collect your data. Besides, I can't pamper you, or Conner, or Kira with these extensions."
"Well, as our "extra-curricular advisor", can't you make the exception?"
Tommy shook his head. "I told you that as much as I can bail you out of getting dismissed from class, I cannot help your grades. That's on you." He wrapped an arm around his student. "And I know exactly where you're coming from, but you just got to deal. Life isn't fair."
Ethan surrendered a sigh. He really wasn't the best candidate in persuading and bending a teacher to his whim. Let alone, doing such big projects that really didn't interest him in the end. "Okay, fine. You win."
Tommy patted him on the back, then left without saying another word. Ethan turned and headed back to his computer station, when he noticed something on the counter next to his drink. He clapped his hands together and let out a mischievous smile, taking the prize of Dr. O's glasses in his hand. He returned to his workstation, collapsing on his chair, trying to figure out how he could use his prize to his advantage.
----------
Tommy relaxed in the driver's seat of his jeep, as he shifted gears down, waiting at the red arrow. He covered his eyes, trying to figure out why he couldn't get the images of Kim out of his mind. Did I miss her this much? And why now?
He peered at the empty passenger seat, seeing that his cell phone was laying on it. He picked it up, flipping it open as a piece of paper.
It read: "Call me. (954) 569-6456 --Kim."
He punched the wheel with frustration. "Damn it, Jason. Why did you have to leave that text on my phone with her number on it? You damn bastard, sometimes you know how to leave me swimming in the gutter, don't you?"
Yet, he didn't know why he even wrote down her number when he had already programmed it into his phone. It wasn't like he'd use it any time soon. But the constant badgering from the guys was driving him insane. He knew he had to talk to someone else about his problems, but who?
Oh god, don't tell me, it's Kim. He shook his head in angered dismay. Didn't I say I wanted to get rid of that part of my life? Things happen. People change. They drift apart. Come and go as time goes by. And I'm sure she was better off with that piece of shit Carl–or whatever--anyways. He let his hand rest on the side of the door, and tilted his head to look to his left.
That's when his heart stopped. That's when he saw it. That's when he saw her.
His eyes followed the red convertible drive off, clear the turning lane, and passed him by on the other side of the median. The license plate was from Florida, the only place he knew she'd be. Time slowed. His heart skipped a beat. He knew that face from anywhere. He could pick it out of the crowd with no hesitation. It was Kimberly. And he knew he wasn't dreaming. He couldn't have. Because he felt that pang of happiness he had anytime he had sight of her. He kept his eye on the car as it disappeared out of his sight.
He looked forward, down at the wheel, absently, catching his breath. No. No way. It couldn't have been. It was just a dream.
HONK! HONK!
He blinked, became alert and looked up at the light. Green arrow. He punched the gas pedal, felt the sudden jerk in the jeep, knew he stalled, but had to get out of there and quickly. "Shit! C'mon, Tommy. It was just a dream. That's all. You've had a rough day."
He veered into the next street that would take him to his lone, isolated home in the woods.
tbc...
A/N: Uh-oh. Seems like Tommy is having some problems. Or was it really areality? Did he see Kim? Stay tuned in.