ORDINARY WORLD - PART TWO: REMINISCING
SEQUEL TO: THE REASON
SUMMARY: AU. The last of the finals are collected for the Fall 2004 Semester at Reefside High. Kim and Tommy get ready to head up to Angel Grove where their wedding will be taking place. They reflect on the adventures they had in the city.
DISCLAIMER: Power Rangers is not mine, but the idea of this story is. I own all unrecognizable family members, so keep that in mind.
A/N: This would have been better, if I didn't lose all of my work for it. So, I had to re-do several of the chapters. I have come to the conclusion that computers or computer disks cannot be trusted when it comes to writing stories. I guess it makes sense why it takes me forever to get things posted. It is just not cool. So, my apologies if it doesn't sound right. Just read and reply.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"I never would have imagined that after all these years, things would be so different if we never had such an opportunity as this. It has been a privilege to work with such great people." -Eclyptyk Neo
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
It was finally over for the fall semester at Reefside High of 2004. And no one was any happier than Dr. Oliver. He watched as his last class was finishing off their finals, with relief. It would be over soon, and that's what he wanted and needed. The teens weren't the only ones who had pestered him about his upcoming marriage, but several of his other students as well. He just needed to get away from it all. And as he sent them on their way to their winter break, he felt much of the burden off of his shoulders were lifted.
He didn't want to stay there being bombarded by others. He just needed to get out of there, including Kim.
But even she didn't have to worry much either. Though, she didn't have a last hour class, she still had to show up and finish her grades for the semester.
By the time they had returned home, not much could really be said. They were finishing off their packing as Tommy tossed the last of his things in the jeep. He looked back at the house, the house he had called his and Kim's for months now. And he knew when they would return, it would never be the same.
Kim came out a few minutes later with her own set of things, as her fiancé helped her toss it into the jeep. She turned to look at the house, recalling her own thoughts of the last few months.
Tommy walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. He laid a kiss on her head. "It's gonna be different."
Kim nodded. "It is. I never would have thought that this day would come."
"You're not nervous about this, are you?" Tommy asked slightly shaken and nervous.
Kim turned to look at her fiance and ran a caring hand down the side of his face. She smiled lightly and stood up on her tippy-toes to lay a kiss on his lips. "A little. But I know, we're making the right decision about this. It could be worse."
"Yeah," Tommy sighed sadly. "I just hope that there won't be any surprises in store for us."
"You can't guarantee that," she said with a smile. "You know our lives as rangers will never leave us."
Tommy shook his head. "Sometimes, I wish it would."
"Then our relationship may never had been so unique. C'mon, the sooner we get to Angel Grove, the better off we will be."
Tommy nodded, just as his cell phone rang. He groaned and pulled it out to see who was calling--Jason. Kim jumped into the passenger seat as he answered the phone. "Hey, Jase."
"Just checking in, bro. You guys coming up soon?" Jason asked.
For the entire week, the old crew was already up in Angel Grove setting up for the wedding. As much as the Dino Thunder team had wanted to go up there and help, they could not. They had to finish off school or other things before it. Tommy and Kim could only trust that the crew had done as they had requested.
"We're on our way. We should be up in a few hours. So, don't worry," Tommy reassured his friend. "Have you been keeping up with our plans?"
"Hey, it's me. Just making sure you guys ain't gonna bail on us and decide to get hitched in some Las Vegas chapel."
"Ya know, with all this pestering that doesn't sound like a bad idea." Tommy sighed.
"Less than 24 hours now, bro." Jason couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't start with me, Jason. I'm serious. Not now."
"Aiight. Aiight. I'll stop. I'll see ya when you get in. Drive safe. No need to get into a car accident either. Especially around this weekend. Later, bro."
"See ya, Jase," Tommy hung up the phone. He jumped into the driver's seat and started up the engine.
Kim grabbed his hand as he gripped the clutch. He turned to look at her as she leaned over and gave him a kiss. "Love you."
"Love you, too," he said with a smile. "Ready to go? You got everything you need?"
She nodded. "Everything I could ever need."
He smiled brightly and laid a kiss on her lips. Then, they were on their way. IT was time to head out. The rest of the team would meet them there.
-XXXXXXXXX-
Hours later. Angel Grove.
Though, the couple had been up there only weeks ago, they never really realized how much it had really changed in the last few years. Back when they lived in the city, most of the citizens knew each other one way or another. But, now with the increasing numbers there have been more people coming in. There was a lack of monster attacks, which allowed the city to grow. And more and more tourists were now calling it a home rather than just a place to visit. One could mistaken it for the size of Reefside, but that would be in a few years.
"I guess I never really noticed how much this city changed since we were last here," Kim said as she looked at the tall buildings around them.
Tommy shook his head. "Guess not. With as crazy as this whole Ranger thing has hit all these cities, it had to hit Angel Grove the most."
"I guess we have to be prepared for that in Reefside now, huh?" Kim asked looking over at her fiancé.
He turned to look at her and smiled lightly. "I guess so."
"Looks like the ranger thing will never leave you," she laughed.
"Very funny," he sighed. "So, where are we heading to? Your parents' place or my parents'?"
"Mine. I already called up my parents, and they said they wanted us over there once we got in." she instructed.
He didn't have to object as he took a side street that would take them out of the busy streets of the city into the housing district. The housing district seemed to be more peaceful than the life in the city anyways.
They came to a halt at a white two story house. There was plenty of space for a good number of people, and it was clear that there was a good line of people there with the amount of cars around the place.
Tommy got out of the jeep and walked over to the passenger seat to help Kim out. He looked around confused, unsure of why there was a number of cars outside of the house. "Is there a party I should know about?"
Kim looked around, shrugging. "I don't know. My mom didn't tell me anything. C'mon, I know they're waiting for us either way."
Tommy sighed and followed Kim up the driveway to the front door, hand in hand. He had called up his parents, but had not gotten through to them, figuring they were busy making last minute arrangements for the wedding.
Kim rang the doorbell once before pushing her keys into the door, but as she went to turn it, the door opened. And when they realized who was there, Kim squealed with excitement. Kim's mother, Caroline, had answered the door. And they swarmed each other with warm hugs and kisses.
Tommy slowly walked in after them, knowing exactly how close the two of them were. And it was a relief, to see that he could get along with his parents-in-laws with no real problems.
"Kimberly, my baby," Caroline said with a laugh. "I was beginning to get worried. I would have thought you would be here sooner. Or in an ambulance."
"I'm not into racing anymore," Tommy said, chuckling as he walked into the waiting arm's of his mother-in-law. "How are you, Mrs. Hart?"
"Please, Tommy," she kissed him on the cheek, "just call me 'mom'. I thought we went over this already? But I am fine. Come meet the family."
Caroline released the boy and walked down the hall. Kim exchanged a look with Tommy and shrugged.
"Do I really want to?" Tommy asked under his breath.
"They're nice, Tommy," she said as she took his hand and lead him down the hall.
And it was clear that they were as the two were bombarded by hugs, kisses, and too many questions that could not be understood. And as much as Tommy's memory wasn't too bad, names and faces just didn't seem to register with them. He just hopes that he won't screw things up when it comes to naming people.
It was bad enough trying to get his own family straight when his mother's side was big. Lucky for his dad, it only included his Uncle John. But his mother's side was just a whole other thing.
When it was all over and Kim had joined them outside, Tommy had some time to catch his breath. But it was clear that Kim's kid brother, Joey, had an eye on him. Though, he could never really worry about Tommy, there was always that thing with siblings looking after one another.
Joey was around the same height as Tommy, with short-cropped hair slick forward with a wet look. He was very athletic, and was hoping to get involved in some martial arts, considering whom his brother-in-law would be. He was also on the debate team, but it was hard to keep up to some of the standards his sister had left behind during her hhigh school years. And that' what bothered him from time to time. But he was great at making Tommy look bad, and enjoyed to piss him off just for the fun of it.
"So, less than 24 hours now," Joey said as he pat Tommy on the shoulder. "Ya know, I'm gonna have my eye on you. Don't need you hitting my sister or anything."
Tommy sighed and shook his head. "You think I would do that?"
"Well, I do remember when you were the new guy in town. You weren't exactly Mr. Friendly-Down-The-Street as you are now."
Tommy cringed, knowing all about that. And he hated for anyone to bring up his evil past, even if they didn't know the whole truth, but found out from others. "I'm different now. You do realize that people change, right?"
"And they could change back." Joey said.
"Did Jason put you up to this?"
"It's Jason. You know how he is," Joey laughed. "Of course, I'm just kidding with you. I know you wouldn't do that. But you know, you best not be like that. Abusive or whatever."
"I don't think you have to worry about that. So, what's up with you? Glad it's winter break?"
"No doubt about it," Joey relaxed his shoulders. "But since it is winter and everything... what did you get me for Christmas?"
"Ya know, Joey, Christmas isn't all about the presents."
"No, I know. Just a little curious. A hint. Maybe you can hook me up with a girl or something."
"Someone like you asking me to hook you up with a girl? I thought you were a ladies-man?"
"Who said that?" Joey looked at him with confused.
"You did."
"I did not," Joey protested. "But, now that I think about it, what about that ranger promise? I saw that yellow dino thunder ranger in battle. She looks hot. Think you can hook me up with her?"
"You don't even know how she looks under the mask," Tommy shook his head, laughing. That was all Joey had bugged him about. He knew a lot about the rangers, especially the ones Tommy had served on. He just did not know who they were, but with all the questions it pointed Tommy in the direction to think he did know the truth. "You expect me to hook you up with someone you haven't even met. I mean, she might be the most ugliest person you have ever seen. I mean, no one knows who is behind those masks," Tommy sunk his head, not believing he had said that about Kira.
"But you said you had the hook up," Joey said with a nod.
"And you do realize that it is hard to find them. I've been busy with school, ya know. I have a life outside of ranger hunting," he said with a sigh. That was the excuse he came up with to tell people who asked about the Power Rangers. He was apart of an elite team that would search out the Power Rangers and anything he could about them. He also said that he had met the leaders several times, but beyond that said no more. It was believable even to the most skeptic.
"All right, fine. We could talk about this later," Joey directed him out of the door to the back. "But, right now, I need something to eat."
They walked out onto the deck. Tommy let a breath escape his lips as he saw a number of people out there. There were three canopies laid out on the lawn. One of them was set with the food, the other two were for shade. And many of them, Tommy noticed were of family--his and Kim's. He waved a greeting to Kim's father at the BBQ grill.
"Since, when is there a party?" Tommy looked over at Joey.
"The parents' idea. Kinda a little outing before the engaged couple becomes a married couple. Ever heard of that traditional dinner as a family?"
"Yeah, dinner," Tommy followed the teen down the stairs to the food tent. "But not a party."
They walked over to the food table, where Kim was gawking at the food and still trying to figure out what to eat. There was an array of food that could satisfy anyone. And it was a head's up on what they would see tomorrow.
"Well, eat up," Kim passed him a plate. "Your relatives went through all this trouble to do this."
Tommy didn't really want his family to go off and do all this for his wedding day, but they did it either way. They were the group that could never say 'no' and you just couldn't go and break their hearts after all the things they'd do. But that was what most Filipinos do. They were so kind-hearted, even to someone they met that day.
When the trio had filled their plates, they made their way to converse with others. Tommy had introduced a number of his aunts, uncles, and cousins to Kim, and it was clear she couldn't keep them straight. Tommy couldn't blame her when he was the same way. And what he felt bad about was many of them were talking in Tagalog, the Filipino dialect. He was meaning to teach Kim it, but they were just busy. So, he had to translate several things, even if he was a little rough on it too. She knew a little, but not enough to really understand what they said. Most of the conversation was pretty basic. It had to do with how handsome Tommy was, the good choice of picking Kim to be his wife, the teaching, the doctorates' degree, the Olympic games, etc.
The hours passed slow. The line of old crew had showed up and they, too, were confronted about getting their fill to eat. And Rocky didn't have to oppose as he was the first to race over for something to eat. And even as Tommy's mom would pester them about lack of eating, it never did change. She would push a plate to them urging them to eat more, even after they were pretty full.
Tommy and Kim had exchanged a few looks, indicating they wanted some time alone. And they needed to get away for awhile. When they wanted to make a sneak getaway, Tommy's mom caught eye of them and pushed them toward the food tent, again.
"Mom. No. We're cool. We don't need anymore to eat," Tommy protested as his mom grabbed a plate and began to fill it with food.
"Don't be silly," she shook her head and tossed a few BBQ ribs on it. She would slip English a few times, but her accent made it a little difficult to understand. She was more comfortable in her native tongue. "You could never have too much to eat. Look at you. You're so thin."
"Mom, it's all right," Tommy said as he refused to take the plate from her. "We're just gonna go for a walk around town. We'll be back if we get hungry."
"By the time you'll come back it might all be gone," she grabbed another plate.
Tommy looked over at Kim, who couldn't help but giggle. For awhile, the conversation was based off of lack of eating and eating good. Tommy had continued to tell his mother that he had had his fill, as did Kim and they couldn't possible have another bite. But, then again, saying 'no' was hard, especially to your own mother.
"Where's those students of yours you told me about?" she said beyond her thick Filipino accent.
"You mean Conner and them?" Tommy asked as he shrugged. 'I don't know. They should have been here by now. I guess they got a little hung up back in Reefside."
She continued to go on about eating and cooking. She even made Tommy look bad by saying that Kim would do most of the cooking. He had warned them he was accident-prone in the kitchen and refused to cause any problems. And, reluctantly, Tommy had took the 'snack' his mother had packed. He would inform the teens if they were hungry, they could stop by for food once they got in.
They said their good-byes and headed out the door, hoping to avoid anymore confrontations.
-XXXXXXXXX-
The hours passed slow. But that was how they liked it. They would have walked around town, but at the late hour in the afternoon, it would have taken forever to explore the city. During their last stay, they never really got a chance to see the city because their families had kept them busy.
They cruised through the streets of Angel Grove, reminiscing about their times shared with each other and their friends. They stopped by the place where they used to hang out: Ernie's Juice Bar/Youth Center, Angel Grove High, the multiple parks in the city, the restaurants they ate at and the theater they caught a few movies at.
For the most part, nothing had changed about the city. It was, in fact, growing in size. But, it still felt like a nice quiet town.
When they came to a stop at a stoplight, Tommy turned to Kim who hadn't said much in awhile. He reached over and grabbed her hand, bringing her back to reality. Their eyes met, and where no words could be spoken, Tommy knew exactly what she was thinking.
The sun was beginning to set, and there was really only one real place where one could enjoy the sunset. It was on the outskirts of town, where not many people had went to, but held such a significant memory to those that did.
Minutes passed.
Tommy and Kim watched from the hood of the jeep as the sun began to slowly set in the west. It was quite a sight with the unique colors intertwining to create a beautiful scenery. They were atop a ridge, that only so few would dare travel. But they had gotten used to over the years. Kim moved a little closer to Tommy as he wrapped an arm around her, she laid her head on his shoulder.
"It's been a long time since I've seen something so beautiful," Kim whispered as a gentle breezy ran through her hair.
"Yeah," Tommy nodded slowly. "I just never would have expected that this very spot held so many different memories."
Kim sat up and looked around recalling what once stood where they had been, the Command Center. She jumped off the jeep and began to look through the area, coming to a stop by a formation of rocks beyond the lip of the ridge. She saw something engraved into the rock and walked up to it to get a closer look.
"'The legacy began here in the year of 1993 where five teens with attitude were chosen to protect the Earth from an evil sorceress.'" she read slowly, hearing the footsteps of her fiancé walk up to her. She turned to look at him. "Did you do this?"
He kept a neutral face. "Keep reading."
She looked back at the plaque. "'Eventually, our first toughest challenge would become our greatest ally to protect Earth, and one of the best rangers to serve on the team. Through the years, the team would evolve and grow. And will continue to do so until the end of time. To our first mentor, Zordon, you will forever live in our hearts for all that you have done and Sacrificed for the entire universe. To Alpha 5, you always knew how to help out wherever possible. To our second mentor, Dimetria, you showed us even more about being a Power Ranger and to discover ourselves. To Alpha 6, no other robot had an attitude as unique as yours. And to all the Power Rangers, who have and will serve, may the powers protect us all and guide us into a better life. Anything is possible.'"
Tommy sighed quietly as Kim slowly turned to look at him. Tears began to welt in her eyes. She walked over to him as he encased her into a protective hug. "A few years ago, days after Operation: Forever Red, the red rangers of Angel Grove came to this very spot. The debris still remained from the battle with Divatox years ago. We cleared it up and decided to put this plaque up. Eventually, others will find it, we just wanted people to remember where it all began. But you've been the first outside of the red range circle to see it. So, what do you think of it?"
"It's perfect," she nodded with a smile and laid a gentle kiss on his lips.
"We were debating about putting our names down, but we might skip that process altogether, just for pavorazzi reasons," Tommy said.
"Yeah, I think we're all still having a little sinking feeling about revealing who we are." a voice said beyond the shadows.
Tommy and Kim jumped into fighter mode as they fell into a fighter stance, waiting. Tommy called out to the person, but there was no reply. He instructed for Kim to stay back while he scouted the area.
He disappeared into the brush pushing through. He called out again, but there was no reply. He continued through the area, then came to a stop when he heard rustling beyond some bushes. He pulled back the bushes and let out a 'hi-ya', as the figure jumped back startled.
"Whoa! Relax, it's just me, Tom," the figure said as he slowly got to his feet.
Tommy furrowed his eyebrows and looked at the person. Then he smiled brightly and pulled the man into a tight bear hug. It was Billy. Dressed from head to toe in a black jumpsuit, holding the ranks of service he had on the planet of Aquitar. He didn't seem to change a bit from years ago, and Tommy's only conclusion was the water of Aquitar.
"Oh, man. I didn't think you got my message. Lemme take a look at you," Tommy pushed his friend back to get a better look at him, laughing. "You haven't changed one bit."
"Yeah, well. I would have been down earlier, but they had me busy on Aquitar," Billy shrugged. He was sorta like the ambassador for Aquitar to monitor activity on Earth. He was also in charge of creating new inventions using the technology on Aquitar.
"No. What matters is that you're finally here. Man, do I have a lot to tell you. But first, I know there is someone else who wants to see you," Tommy directed his friend out of the bushes back to the lip of the ridge.
Kim was leaning against the jeep waiting for her fiance to return. When she heard voices, she grew confused. And when she saw the two figures emerge, she raced over. She stopped for a moment when she saw who Tommy had brought, but squealed with delight to see her childhood friend. She raced over to give him a hug.
"Oh my god," Kim breathed as tears fell. "It's been so long, Billy. How are you?"
"Actually, I am quite good," he said wrapping his arms around her. "It seems the two of you have resolved your differences. I'm glad that you did. I hear it's been a rough eight years."
Tommy nodded. "It's been quite a trip either way. I never would have thought to be back in the suit. After all these years."
Billy and Kim broke the embrace as Kim fell into her fiance's side. "You could never keep a good ranger down," Billy chuckled as he patted his former leader on the shoulder. "Congratulations, you two. So, I hear that Jason and Kat got married a few months ago, too?"
The couple nodded in turn. And as they exchanged a look, they knew they had to bring their friend back up to date with this entire thing. So, they sat him down on a ledge and began to file out the last eight years of their life.
Hours passed. But it was well worth it, and Billy was relieved that he was now a little more up-to-date with what has been going on. He couldn't wait until tomorrow to meet the rest of the rangers that have come to pass, and to witness an epic wedding with two of his close friends.
But with the long conversation, also had to call in the night. It was time to get some sleep and prep up for tomorrow's festivities.
Billy said he would be around for awhile, if lucky come back to Earth for good. But he had yet to decide if he would. He had hid the space ship he came in not too far from where the Command Center once stood. He had found a place to stay at a hotel since his family was no longer in town.
Tommy had dropped off Kim at her parents' house, sharing one last passionate kiss before they would make their love official.
Kim got out of the jeep and turned to look at him. She leaned over and kissed him again. "Love you, Handsome."
"Love you, too, Beautiful," he smiled. "Sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I will. Drive safe. And try to get some sleep to. I know how excited you are about this," she instructed.
Tommy nodded, obdiently. "I'll try. Bye, baby."
She leaned over and laid another kiss on his lips. "See you tomorrow."
Kim took a step back, indicated it was time for him to go. Reluctantly, Tommy followed and left, heading off to his own parents' house to get some rest.
It was a busy day, but it was well worth more memories to cling on to. Only hours remained and the circle would become a heart forever.
to be continued...
A/N: Okay, so it's a little long. My apologizes, but just read on. I swear, the wedding is coming up soon. In chapter four. So, I'll see you when I do. May the Powers Always Protect You.