ORDINARY WORLD - PART FOUR: THE WEDDING
SEQUEL TO: THE REASONSUMMARY: It is that time that everyone has been waiting for, the marriage of Thomas Anthony Oliver and Kimberly Ann Hart.
Disclaimer: Power Rangers is not mine, just the concept of this story. So, don't sue me, please!
A/N: I swear, my other one was way better than this one. But after I lost the file, I had to do the whole thing from the top of my head again. I hope you like it either way. Read and reply.
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"It's time to finally complete what we wanted to do from the very moment we met. I just never thought that this would be so hard, but so incredible at the same time." -Eclyptyk Neo
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Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hart
Requests Your Presence of this
Blessed Event at the marriage
of their daughter
Miss Kimberly Ann Hart
to
Mister Thomas Anthony Oliver
December Eighteenth of Two-thousand and Four
at twelve o'clock, noon,
at Angel Grove Park
in Angel Grove, California
The day had finally arrived. The moment of truth was only a few hours away. Tommy stirred after a semi-truck's horn blared in the distance. He groaned looking around the room, slightly confused at how he ended up there. He let out a breath and looked at the mess of papers around. There were lots of paper balls laying on the ground around him, but the one that seemed to stand out was the poem he had hoped to present later in the day.
But it was still early. It was a little after 6:30 in the morning. He figured he couldn't get much sleep so called it and got ready.
Another hour later, Tommy found himself at the very park where he had shared his first kiss with Kimberly. And it was also here where they would begin their new lives together.
The set-up was amazing. There was a nice white runner on the ground sprinkled with white, pink, red and creme rose petals.
The rest of the area was sprinkled with more rose petals. The lawn chairs were all white. There was an arch at the end by the altar with a line of pink and white ribbons and flowers. The altar in itself was also nicely set for a formal mass with the wedding reception. It was set at the edge of the lake only a few feet from where he shared his first kiss with her. It was beautiful. He had yet to see the reception hall, but he trusted that his friends did a good job.
He walked over to the edge of the lake and looked off into the distance, spacing out. He was dressed in a simple black sweat suit, out for a run when he stopped by the park. He let out a breath, but again that sinking feeling came over him.
"I shouldn't be feeling this way. There should be no regrets. So, why do I feel this way?" he said quietly.
"Because you're nervous," a voice replied from behind him.
Tommy turned around to see his best friend standing there. Jason, too, appeared to look like he was out on a run too. He was in a red sweat suit and beads of sweat ran down his face. He greeted his friend in a ranger shake and joined him at the lip of the lake looking out into the distance.
"You knew I was gonna be here?" Tommy asked slightly saddened.
Jason nodded. "C'mon, T, it's me. We're like brothers in everything, but blood."
"So, married man, what can you say about me right now?" Tommy turned to look at his friend.
"Nervous," Jason shrugged and said simply. "How obvious can I say it?"
"I don't know, Jase, all of sudden it's hard for me to say if I made the right decision now. I mean, that proposal came only months after we saw each other in three years. And if you remember, we didn't talk ever since the break-up."
Jason sighed and wrapped an arm around his friend. "Yeah, here you go again. Doubting yourself for doing this. Didn't I tell you that once you found true love you couldn't let it go? So, don't let her go again, all right? I can't afford to see you look miserable for another eight years. I don't think any of us can. And knowing how the teens are, they can't afford to have a gloomy teacher as yourself teaching them."
Tommy shied a smiled, cracking at the joke. He knew that his friend was always telling him right, he just didn't like that he was. "Yeah, I guess so."
"C'mon, admit it, bro. I know. I'm right. And I still never got that 'thank-you' for hooking the two of you up in the first place," Jason said with a bright smile.
Tommy shook his head, chuckling. "So, it's like that?"
"Yeah, it's like that. I still haven't heard that 'thank-you' like I should. And after all that's happened in these past few months deserves more recognition."
"Aiight, man. Okay, I thank-you for dealing with all my shit, but that doesn't mean you get much credit in hooking us up."
"What?!" Jason took a step back, appalled. "Are you kidding me? Trini and me worked our asses off to hook the two of you up. How can you say that? Did you forget I told you a whole lot about Kim before you really asked her out? And then we told the two of you to stop stalling and just date. Everyone told you that."
Tommy sighed, knowing that his friend was right. "Stop it."
"But it is true," Jason said. "And I gotta know are we gonna be seeing any little Tommy's and Kim's running around the house anytime soon?"
After that last comment, Tommy just lost it. He didn't like for anyone to get in his personal life with Kim, and his students were just the same way. He smacked Jason in the back of the head, hard making Jason fall to the ground. "Back off! That is something for me to know and you to find out. How are you gonna get into my personal life when you didn't even tell me that you were dating my ex-girlfriend? And then later tell me you were gonna marry her?"
"But you were cool with it," Jason corrected in a clear voice as he got back to his feet. "My bad, bro. I slipped up and I'm sorry. But you said you were cool with it, aiight?"
Tommy let out a breath slowly. He then nodded. "Okay, you're right. I don't know, man. I just..."
"You're nervous, man. Don't worry about it. Trust me, when you see Kim in her wedding dress all of that stress will go away," Jason reassured him patting him on the shoulder. "You told me the same thing, and from experience, it's right. So, stop worrying, aiight? I could never imagine anyone more perfect for you than Kim. None of us could, okay?"
Tommy nodded again.
"Is Mr. Legendary having his doubts again?" a voice said from behind the two friends.
The two of them turned around to see Zack, Adam and Rocky standing there. They each greeted each other with a ranger handshake, and all proceeded around the lawn chairs to the back where the tents were. Much of the area was either gated off or a tent blocked away for anyone not on the guest list. But, it was clear that something like that could not go unnoticed.
"So, T, what do you think of the set-up? Impressive or what?" Zack commented with a wide smile.
Tommy nodded. "Well, I am impressed. It was something I could imagine, but never pull off."
"It's your wedding day, man. Of course, it's gonna be a big deal," Rocky said.
"Yeah, so don't worry about any of that ranger shit, all right? This is your and Kim's day. Leave all the hard stuff to us. All you guys got to do is say 'I do', pass vows, set the rings, seal with a kiss and grant you guys married." Adam directed, holding out an earpiece for the guys to grab, other than Tommy.
Jason patted Tommy on the shoulder fixing the earpiece in his ear. He was trying to be reassuring, but Tommy still had a sinking feeling. "We got your back, bro. The girls and teens all got one so we can communicate to each other. And if anything goes wrong, we will take care of it."
Tommy dropped his head and then looked up to see the reassuring looks on his friends' faces.
"We got you, man," Zack said. "Don't worry about anything. It's a perfect day. I mean, you know how the weather is here."
Tommy sighed and nodded again. "Thanks, guys."
"Now, come on. You gotta get ready. Zack and I will check out the reception hall," Adam said.
"What?! I thought I was gonna go, " Rocky protested.
"You would eat everything in sight," Jason laughed. "C'mon, let's check out the area."
The five dispersed and went on to do what they had to do.
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Hours later.
In the bride's tent, Aisha, Caroline and Kim were making last minute preparations for the big event. Caroline had done her daughter's hair in an up-do that made her that much more elegant. Both Aisha and Caroline made comments about Kim's simple wedding dress.
It was a white gown-like dress with a unique design across the dress. There was a silver-chain with diamonds on it around the waistline, a present Kim's mother had presented to her for the occasion. It was the same thing she wore on her own wedding day. It made her look like a princess. Jason had presented Kim with a small patch that was significant to Tommy's Native American roots that was sown right above the silver-chain. It was supposed to symbolize the four corners of earth—white pointed to the east, blue to the south, yellow to the west and black to the north.
Aisha's dress was a simple yellow dress that ran just below her knees and hugged against her body comfortable. Of course, this was no ordinary wedding. So, all rangers present had worn their primary color, if not the one that was most significant to them.
"Man, I must say you look great, girl," Aisha commented again as she wiped a set of tears from her eyes. "Tommy will be so surprised."
Kim let out a breath looking herself over in the mirror again. She turned to her mother and fell into her embrace. "Oh, mom."
"You look beautiful, Kimberly. I've been waiting for this day for a long time." Caroline whispered as she wiped the tears from her daughter's eyes.
"No regrets, girl," Aisha reassured her friend as Kim moved to embrace her best friend in a hug. "I know we've all been waiting for this day."
Then the door opened slowly and someone peered into the room.
"Knock. Knock. Can I come in?" Kira asked as she walked in.
The trio turned to see the teen dressed in a simple yellow dress step into the tent. Kim raced over and gave her a hug before introducing her to her mother. And like always, Caroline liked to meet new people and could see much of Kim in the teen. Caroline looked and the line of friends and knew they wanted some time to themselves. She said she would see them all soon.
Kim, Aisha and Kira shared another group hug as Kim's mother left. A trial of tears escaped their eyes. Kim had asked Kira to join her at the altar and Kira just couldn't refuse. They had grown rather close over the last few months. And the two could call each other sister in everything but blood. And Kira had a connection to Aisha through the ranger color.
"Oh, Kim. You look so beautiful. Dr. O's gonna love it," Kira commented with a bright smile.
"I just can't believe it's finally happening," Kim squealed with excitement, but nervousness.
"Well, believe it, girl. Because I don't think we could go another eight years to wait for this." Aisha said with a smile.
"I never would have thought this would happen, though. I mean, I've dreamed of my wedding day so many times, but..." she began.
"No!" the yellow rangers shook their heads.
"No regrets. No buts!" Aisha instructed.
"That's the last thing we need, is regrets. You and Dr. O love each other and that's all that matters," Kira said. "You're supposed to be happy."
"I'm agreeing with Kira on that one, Kim," Aisha nodded. "And if you're freaking out as much as Tommy, we got your back." she removed the earpiece from her left ear. "We can communicate to the guys, so if anything goes wrong we'll handle it."
Kira nodded again, revealing her own earpiece. "All you should worry about is making sure you walk down that aisle into Dr. Oliver's arms."
Kim looked at her friends, who had a reassuring look on their faces. She knew they were right. She had been waiting for this moment ever since she laid eyes on Tommy, and now it was finally coming true. A new line of tears fell from her eyes as the three rangers shared another warm hug as the two congratulated the bride again.
Meanwhile, in the groom's tent, Tommy had been standing in front of the mirror for quite some time. For a long time, he had constantly been un-doing and doing his tie. He was still a nervous wreck as Jason looked on from the distance. Jason sighed and shook his head in dismay. He was disappointed to see his best friend in such a nervous state.
Jason was dressed in a nice, simple suit and tie with a red silk dress shirt underneath and a red tie to match it.
Tommy was in an all black tux from head to toe. His silk black shirt was neatly pressed. And for a long time, his tie looked fine, but he still continued to fix it. His short spikes were cleanly set up atop his head. And he kept telling himself to get over his fears, but it only made things worse. Sweat was running down his face.
"Bro, I've lost count of how many times you've fixed your tie. It looked fine the first time you put it on, and it looks fine now. So, relax," Jason sighed.
Tommy looked at his friend through the mirror slipping his tie into place. He let out a breath and turned to look at his best man. "Man, Jase, what if she decided to bail? Maybe we did rush this."
Jason shook his head walking over to him. "Do we have to go through this again? Relax, Tommy. You're fine. You both love each other very much and you want to spend the rest of your lives together. So, stop the stalling." He grabbed his friend to look him straight in the eyes. "Say it to me. You love Kimberly. And you want to spend the rest of your life with her."
Tommy dropped his head, sighing. "I love her, Jase. I do. But, I still think..."
Jason smacked him on the back of the head. "No, buts! Stop! You are sounding just like Kim. No. We cannot have that, aiight? This is your day, Tom. You and Kim's. And this isn't supposed to be how you feel. You're supposed to be happy."
Tommy sighed again and nodded. "Ya know, you're right."
"You know I'm damn right," Jason nodded firmly. "Now, c'mon. Mr. Legendary Ranger/Great Martial Artist you shouldn't be feeling nervous."
"But this isn't like battling 30-story monsters or trying to impress a panel of judges."
Jason smacked him on the head again. "What did I tell you? No, buts!"
Tommy groaned under the impact of that last hit. He rubbed the back of his head. "You know, you keep hitting me like that and it will do damage."
"That's gonna be the point if you continue to flip out," Jason countered.
The door to the tent opened and it was Tommy's father standing there. Jason looked at his watch and knew it was inching close to showtime. He patted his friend on the shoulder and told him he'd see him out on the altar soon enough. He left the father and son to talk before the moment of truth.
Tommy let out a breath and collapsed onto a chair. His father, Robert, walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Tommy groaned and covered his face.
"Nervous?" Robert asked his son.
Tommy nodded. "Petrified!"
"It's completely normal. Every guy gets cold feet on their wedding day. But trust me, son, I don't think you could ever ask anyone better to be your wife than Kimberly."
"Yeah." he turned to look at his father. "Do you think I rushed it?"
"Of course not. You love her, Tommy. That's what really matters. And I know once you see her walk down that aisle in that wedding dress, all that nervousness will leave you."
"You know, that's what Jason told me," Tommy smiled lightly.
"Well, speaking from experience, it's true. I'll tell you this, that first year of marriage is always the roughest. But, if you can make it through the first month than the rest of the year shouldn't be that hard."
Tommy nodded slowly. He was glad to have such inspiring words come from his father. And he knew all of his other friends were the same way. They were all looking out for him. They had his back. And that's what real family and friends did for each other. "You'd better be right about that."
"I've been married for how long now, Tommy?" Robert said with a chuckle. "I think I should know."
Tommy smiled and pulled his father into a hug. "Thanks, dad. For everything."
Robert patted his son on the back. "I know your parents and brother are proud. Congratulations, Tommy."
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It was time to begin the procession. All the guests were getting situated into their places. It was a good turn out. A long line of family from both sides of the family, friends, and the rangers that have come to pass.
All of the rangers were donned in their given color. Others were classier than others were but many kept it simple. If anything came up, they were all ready to contribute what help they could.
Adam, Rocky, Conner, Ethan and Trent were situated beyond the chair arrangement-keeping eye of anything suspicious. Zack sat among the rest of the ranger guys keeping watch from his place. Kat and Tanya were among the ranger girls informing them of the situation.
But nothing bad had happened at all that day. The sun shined brightly above them as if all its energy shined down on that spot for the momentous occasion.
Adam gave the signal for the okay. And Jason made the motion to start the music.
The first to emerge from beyond the tents was Kira. She looked around the area surprised to see such a big turn out--moreso, rangers. She looked over at her other friends, who all gawked at her in surprise. It was clear that it was the first time any of them had seen her look so beautiful. She smiled widely at them, winking.
Ethan shook his head as he looked at his friends. He whistled quietly, knowing that the love triangle had yet to be determined. "Man, do I really want to know where this is gonna end?"
Conner couldn't find his breath as he tried to wet his dry lips. It was definitely one side of Kira he had not seen. And though she never liked the idea of a nice dress-up, she pulled it off well. "Wow!"
Trent couldn't help but smile as Kira made eye contact with him as she continued down the aisle. He didn't want to judge where this was going, and didn't want to jeopardize any friendship if Kira ever decided whom to date. But he really liked that dress. "She looks beautiful."
Kira turned her head toward the altar and made eye contact with the best man. Each exchanged a wink as she turned to look at her science teacher/mentor.
Tommy could see the shock on his other students' faces for Kira's appearance. And he could only smile brightly as she returned it. He couldn't agree more about Kim choosing to join her at her side at the altar. She was like a young Kim.
Kira slowly turned and took her place. Moments later, Aisha had followed. She had her own fair share of smiles toward her line of friends both old and new.
Then the music changed and everyone turned to the back. And slowly, Kimberly Ann Hart emerged from beyond the tents escorted by her father. She let out a breath as she nodded to allow her father to continue. And as they walked down the aisle, she looked at everyone that had come to this momentous occasion. To her family, friends, rangers, and finally to the front where her future husband stood. A smile passed her face as their eyes locked and she knew she was no longer nervous.
Tommy could feel the burden raise from his shoulders as they got closer. She did look beautiful and elegant. She really looked like an angel from the heavens above, and he knew that he made the right choice. He couldn't help but smile again.
Kim's father shared one final hug with his daughter before letting her go. He looked over at Tommy and nodded his approval for him. He took his place in the front row as Kim handed her bouquet to Aisha. Tommy held out his hand to escort her up to the altar in front of the priest. And the music faded out.
"I would like to thank all of you for coming," the priest declared. "We are here today on this beautiful day to join this man with this woman. If anyone should oppose and give reason for why these two should not be wed, may they speak now or forever hold their peace."
Tommy and Kim looked at each other again and smiled. And they got lost in each other's eyes--the falcon and the crane. It felt like no one else was around but them and the priest. There was a silence among the crowd. There were no objections. Of course not! They were meant for each other.
"Well, then let's continue," the priest smiled at the couple. "I have a story I would like to share with you today. I was told that it was on this very spot where Thomas and Kimberly had sealed their true love with one another. I was also told it would be the perfect place for them to begin a new chapter in their lives, and I could not agree more. This is where they committed to each other all those years ago, and this is where they wish to make it official," the priest turned to the groom. "Thomas, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and hold, cherish and protect through sickness and health until death do you part?"
Tommy nodded firmly. "I do."
The priest smiled and turned to the bride. "Kimberly, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and hold, cherish and protect through sickness and health until death do you part?"
Kim looked over at Tommy, smiled and nodded. "I do."
After the formal mass, the procession had continued with a direction toward the vows.
"I have been told the two of you have prepared your own set of vows to present to each other," the priest announced as they nodded. "Kimberly, I ask that you turn to Thomas and present your vows."
Kim looked down for a second as she turned to look at Tommy. She squeezed Tommy's hand and smiled. "From the moment I met you, I had dreamed of having you in my arms forever. When we were together, I tried to imagine a world without you. And I never could. But only eight years ago, it happened and I felt my world came crashing down on me. I could not believe that I did that. And even now it is hard to forgive myself for doing that. I never wanted that to happen. And I know no one is perfect, but I promise you this time I don't plan on running away. What I found in you is beyond words and I want to thank you for everything that you've done to change my life. I could never ask for a better man to be with other than you. You are my true love, my soulmate and my friend. I have always loved you and I will continue to love you forever, my falcon. I'll never leave you again."
Tommy smiled as he tried to push his tears back, but a line of them escaped from his eyes. Those words sounded so perfect and pure. They held a meaning that hit him hard, and he knew things were gonna be okay.
"Thomas, now, I ask that you turn to Kimberly and present your own vows," the priest instructed with a nod.
Tommy squeezed Kim's hands and smiled. Then he dug into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "Last night, I couldn't sleep because all I thought about was you. So, I wrote you a poem. 'The day is finally here. When we will become something even more. I cannot believe it is finally happening. The day starts anew. I have waited far too long to do this. I do not want anything to break us apart. It is that time for our dreams to come true. I always wanted you to be my wife. I will be your man, forever boo. Let me guide you into a whole new life. I am your knight in shining black armor. Your lead bird in the sky. The world is perfect for you and me. You know that we were truly meant to be. I am your one and only top guy. I will never hurt you. Or want to leave you again. I did it once before, I do not wish to do it again. Let the past leave us now. You mean so much to me. I will do anything for you. Tell me you feel the same for me. I cannot afford to lose you, even as a friend. You changed my world. Now, take my hand. Our journey is about to begin as we seal our love with a memorable kiss. I am yours forever.'" Tommy took a breath as he cleared his eyes and looked back at Kim. "From the moment I met you, I could never imagine a day without you. And then it did happen and I thought I might never see you again. But true love has brought us back into each other's arms. I could never ask anyone else to spend the rest my life with but you. You were an angel from above and you continue to guide me as we move into a new chapter of our lives. Thank you. You will always be my true love, my soulmate and my friend. I have always loved you and I will continue to love you forever, my crane. And I'll never leave you again."
Kim looked into his chocolate falcon eyes and felt the tears fall from her eyes. Those words could never be more perfect, and that poem topped it up. She knew how protective he was about his writing, but that hit everything that meant so much to her.
The priest smiled giving the two a moment to savor the message behind their vows. "Now, the rings."
The two briefly turned away and retrieved the rings from Jason and Aisha. Then they turned back and locked hands again.
"Thomas, repeat after me. 'With this ring, I seal my love, life, protection, and commitment to you until the end of time.'"
"'With this ring, I seal my love, life, protection, and commitment to you until the end of time,'" Tommy repeated as he placed the ring on her left ring finger to meet with its mate.
"Now, Kimberly, repeat after me. 'With this ring, I seal my love, life, protection, and commitment to you until the end of time,'" the priest instructed.
"'With this ring, I seal my love, life, protection, and commitment to you until the end of time,'" Kim said as she placed the ring on Tommy's left ring finger.
The priest smiled brightly, knowing that these two would make it. They would be all right. A line of silence fell over the two of them. The two gripped each other's hands tightly letting out a breath, relaxing.
"By the powers invested in me, and on behalf of the city of Angel Grove and the state of California, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the priest said.
Tommy pulled the veil over Kim's head as a smile passed her face. And he didn't make any hesitation to lay that memorable kiss on her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer as the guests roared into cheers and applause.
"I love you, Kimberly," Tommy whispered against her lips.
"I love you too, Tommy," Kim said as he kissed her again.
Then they turned to face the guests as Aisha handed over the bouquet. The crowd grew louder as they all got to their feet. Whistling, cheering, applause erupted from the guests. Doves were released into the sky as a sign of happiness, prosperity and good luck.
"I would like to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oliver," the priest announced over the loud applause.
The couple raced down the aisle hand in hand as rose petals rained down on them. The roaring applause and cheering continued to go on as they disappeared beyond the tents to the parked cars. Everyone raced to watch them go.
And it was the beginning to a new life. A happy ending to the past and it was gonna be all right. No matter what, true love will always find its way to anyone who believes in it. And everyone there knew it was possible.
to be continued...
A/N: Well, there you have it. I hope you like it. You know I couldn't do anything bad. That's not gonna come until the sequel. So, what's next? The reception! I'll see you next chapter. May the Powers Always Protect You.