Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! Yet anyway. "The Rose" is by Bette Midler, a wonderful singer, and hilarious actress. "Down The Road" however belongs to Amy Jo Johnson and probably Saban Entertainment too. But "Puddle Of Grace", that's purely Amy's. I was lucky enough to meet her last year, and see her in concert. And let me tell you, Amy is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! If you love "Puddle Of Grace", you've gotta hear Amy sing it live. She's REALLY good!!! But then again, we already knew that! ;-) So anyway Amy's songs, with the exception of "Down The Road", belong strictly to Amy Jo Johnson and Sneaky Alligator Productions, Inc.© 2003. And for anyone who's interested, I do have Amy's cd, "The Transamerican Treatment", and I strongly recommend it to everyone! =) You can get it through her website amyjojohnson.com, or by sending a check or money order for $19.00, payable to Amy Jo Johnson, to:

Sneaky Alligator Productions
PO Box 1936 Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-1936
contact: info@amyjojohnson.com

"The Transamerican Treatment" can also be purchased from Amy in person, at any of her shows. Check her website for the schedule. =)

Summary: This 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. =) Happy Reading!

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The Accident

3 hours later, Angel Grove Memorial Hospital

"How's he doing?" Jason asked as a doctor entered the waiting room.

"Your fried is in a coma. He's got a few broken bones, and a couple bruised ribs."

"Is he going to be ok?" Kimberly asked.

"His prognoses looks good, but we can't be sure until he wakes up. There's a pretty big bump on his head."

"Can we see him?" Trini asked.

"Sure. But go one at a time. I'll be in to check on him later."

"Thanks Doctor." Jason said, then turned to face his friends. "Kim, would you like me to go with you?"

"No, I'm ok . . . ."

"Are you sure?" Trini asked.

"Yeah . . . . . I'm gonna go in . . . . ."

"Ok, I'll call Tommy's parents and let them know." Jason told her as Kimberly got up to leave the waiting room.

Kimberly slowly walked down the long hallway to Tommy's room ,pausing at the closed door to take a deep breath, slowly letting it out as she tried to steady herself. Kimberly slowly reached for the handle, hesitating a moment before opening the door to enter the room.

Tommy looked so small laying in the white sterile room, hooked up to the multiple machines. Kimberly stood in the doorway blinking back tears as she gazed at Tommy's still body, and heard the steady beeping of the cardiac machine. Time seemed to stand still as Kimberly stood there, not knowing what to do. Finally she got up enough courage to move across the room to Tommy's side.

"Hey Tommy . . . . ." she said in a voice barely above that of a whisper. Kimberly took another deep breath as she sat down next to him, trying to keep from crying, but the tears came anyway. "Tommy, I'm so sorry! . . . . ." Tears flowed down Kimberly's face a she struggled to wipe them away. "You shouldn't be in here. You're the strong one . . . I hate hospitals! And you know I'm not good with patience . . . . . Tommy, I need you to be ok . . . . . I can't do this without you . . . . ." More tears streamed down her face as she slowly reached out to stroke Tommy's face. Kimberly sniffled as she gently brushed her hand over his cheek, tucking his hair back behind his ear. "Tommy, I"m so sorry. You probably think I'm mad at you . . And I'm not . . . . . I was just so scared . . . . . .Please Tommy, I need you to be ok. I can't live without you . . . . ." More tears streamed out of Kimberly's eyes, slowly rolling down her face as she moved her hand to Tommy's chest, covering his heart a s it beat steadily. " . . . . . Please Tommy. Please be ok . . ." she begged. " . . . . . Tommy . . . . I love you . . . . . . . . ."

" . . . . . Kimberly . . . . ." a soft voice said from the doorway. "How's he doing?"

" . . . . . Jason . . . . ." Kimberly said with a sniffle.

"How's he doing?" Jason repeated, laying a comforting hand on Kimberly's shoulder.

" . . . . . I wish I knew." she said softly as she reached for Tommy's hand.

"Be careful . . . The doctor says he's got a broken collar bone on the left side, and a broken arm to go with it . . ."

"Its not fair . . . . . If anyone deserves to be in here, its me . . . . ."

"Kim, don't say that."

" . . . He thinks I'm mad at hm . . ."

"Come on, don't think that . . . Tommy loves you . . ."

" . . . You don't understand . . . Before we went into battle, something happened . . . . . We left with Tommy thinking I'm mad at him . . . . ."

"Try not to think about it. Tommy knows you love him."

"Its all my fault Jason."

"Don't say that Kimberly. Nothing is your fault. Come here . . . he said wrapping his arms around her, as more tears streamed down her face.

"I can't do this Jason . . . ." Kimberly cried. "Tommy is the strong one. I can't live without him . . ."

"Oh Kim . . . . ." Trini said walking into the room, and wrapping her arms around her best friend. "Its gonna be ok."

**************2 Days Later**************

"Hey . . . . ." Trini said softly as she entered Tommy's hospital room to see Kimberly curled up next to him on the bed, with Tommy's arm draped around her. "How's he doing? Any changes?"

"I wish . . ." Kimberly said softly.

"I brought you some food."

"Thanks."

"You know Tommy would want you to eat."

"I know . . . But it doesn't bring back my appetite."

"I know, but you still need to eat."

"Maybe later."

"Have you talked to Tommy's parents?" Trini asked, changing the subject.

"Billy talked to them yesterday."

"And?"

"They'll be home tomorrow."

"Oh . . . . . Has Tommy's bump gotten any smaller?"

"A little."

"That's good. Maybe he'll wake up today."

"Maybe . . ."

"Kim, come on. Think positive."

"I can't. I'm so scared Trini! What if he does thinking I'm mad at him?" Kimberly asked as tears streamed out of her eyes.

"Don't say that. Tommy isn't going to die. You love him, and he knows that. Just try to be positive. Tommy wouldn't want you upset like this." Trini said softly, hugging her best friend ask she cried.

"Kim, why don't you go home. Take a hot shower, and get something to eat." Jason said, walking into the room a few minutes later.

"I can't. I don't want to leave Tommy alone."

"I'll stay with Tommy." Trini offered.

"Come on Kim. Let me take you home. I'll bring you right back. I promise!"

"Kim, you need a break. You've been here for 2 days straight. You've hardly eaten. And it doesn't look like you've slept much either . . ." Trini told her. "You're not helping Tommy by killing yourself. Let Jason take you home. A shower, nap and food will do you some good."

"Yeah. Come on Kimberly, we'll come back in a couple hours."

"You're not gonna let me say no, are you?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Not this time. Come on, let's go home."

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"Hey . . . ." Trini said a few hours later as Kimberly and Jason walked back into Tommy's room. "You feeling any better?"

"A little." Kimberly said softly, moving quickly toward Tommy's bed. She gently stroked his face, and placed a kiss on his lips.

"The doctor came in while you were gone."

"And?"

"He said the bump is getting smaller."

"That's good." Jason said as he sat down next to Trini.

"He may only have a concussion when he wakes up . .. "

"Yesterday they added memory loss." Kimberly mumbled.

"Tommy already has memory loss." Jason commented to Trini.

"That's man Jase! This is serious!" Trini scolded him.

"I wish he'd wake up . . ." Kimberly said as she combed her fingers through his silky hair. "I hate hospitals . . ."

"He'll wake up soon." Jason told her. "And he'll be really happy to see you."

"If he remembers me . . . 95% of comatose patients have significant memory loss."

"Try to think positive. Tommy will be happy you're here. And even if he doesn't remember us at first, I'm sure he'll still love you just as much." Trini added.

"Its not the same. I don't want him learning to love me, or pretending like he does because he feels bad, and thinks its what I ant. I want Tommy to love me like he used to. Otherwise, its not fair." Kimberly told them.

"Or, you can think of it this way . . " Jason suggested. "You and Tommy can fall in love all over again! How romantic would that be?"

"NO! I don't want to fall in love all over again! I'm not starting over! I want Tommy back just the way he was 3 days ago, and not any different! I love all his quirks, and everything else about him. Tommy isn't perfect, but I love him anyway!"

"Kimberly, I don't mean to be a downer or anything, but what if Tommy doesn't remember us?" Jason asked. "What then?"

"I don't know . . . But I guess we'll figure it out. Its not like we've got much of a choice."

"Hey guys!" Zack said cheerfully, as he entered the room with Billy. "We brought food!"

"How's Tommy doing?" Billy asked.

"Same as before." Trini told him. "But his bump is shrinking."

"Knock Knock." a friendly voice said from the door.

"Hey Mrs. Hart!" Zack said stepping aside so she could enter the room.

"Hey you guys! I didn't expect to see you all here!"

"Actually, I've gotta get going. Jase and I came by a few hours ago, and I stayed with Tommy while Jason took Kimberly home for a shower and relaxation." Trini told her.

"Oh! Well thank you guys!"

"Hey Mom." Kimberly said with a forced smile.

"Hi Sweetie! You look chipper!"

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you're doing. I thought maybe we could talk. How's Tommy?"

"Same as 3 days ago."

"But the bump is getting smaller." Trini added. "The doctors said he may wake up soon, but he may have a concussion and amnesia."

"You know what, I think maybe we should go . . ." Jason said leaving his seat. "Come on guys. Kim, we'll stop by in the morning. Call us if you need anything."

"Thanks Jase." Kimberly said hugging him tight.

"Call me, ok?"

"I will. Thank you for today."

"No problem."

"Bye Kim." Trini said hugging her best friend before stepping back for the others.

"Take it easy." Billy said as he hugged her before letting Zack have a turn.

"Love you girl." Zack said kissing her cheek as they hugged.

"I love you too. All of you. Thanks for everything!"

"You're welcome! See you tomorrow." Trini said hugging her again before following the guys out of the room.

"Sweetie, how are you?" Mrs. Hart asked as she closed the door and turned to face her daughter.

"I'm ok . . . Hanging in there. Jason and Trini made me leave for a while. I went home for a shower and a 2 hour nap, and Jason made me eat."

"Good, I'm glad. I don't want you risking your health."

"What are you doing home? I didn't expect you back till next Wednesday."

"Trini called me yesterday and told me what happened. I thought you could use a friend, so I canceled some meetings and come home."

"Mom, you didn't have to do that."

"Yes I did. . . . Where are Tommy's parents?"

"Ohio. They'll be here in the morning. . . . . His mom will probably kick me out of here, so she can stay with him."

"I don't it. I think she'll understand how you feel. Although, I think a break could do you some good."

"I don't wanna leave . . ."

"I know. . . . Tommy means a lot to you. . . . . You love Tommy, and leaving will only make you worry."

" . . . . . I'm so scared Mom . . . . ." Kimberly said in a shaky voice.

"Come here Honey." Mrs. Hard said pulling her daughter into a tight hug as tears began to flow down her face. "Its ok Sweetie. Let it all out . . . . ."

"Mom, I'm so scared that Tommy is going to wake up and not remember anything. . . . . . I feel like I'm losing him." Kimberly cried into her mother's shoulder.

"Oh Honey . . . . . Even if Tommy wakes up with amnesia and doesn't remember anything, I'm sure he'll still love you. . . . Maybe not at first, but eventually. How could he not? You're the best thing that's ever happened to that boy! I'm sure he'll figure it out. Tommy is a smart young man."

"I don't know Mom . . . I don't want him to learn to love me, or pretend like he does. . . . I don't think I can handle it."

"Kimberly, you can handle anything you put your mind to. And even if Tommy doesn't remember you at fist, if you just love him through this, he'll love you even more when he does remember again. You've just gotta hand in there.

"I don't know mom . . . . ." Kimberly said pulling away and running her hands through her hair. I've been on the verge of tears for 3 days. And we all know that the longer Tommy is out, the more dangerous it is for him."

"I know Honey. But you need to think positively. Don't think about what might happen. Just concentrate on being here for Tommy, and love him through this. He needs you to be strong."

"I'm trying Mom, I really am/"

"Just hang in there a little longer. It'll be over soon, and everything will be back to normal."

"I wish I could believe that."

"You know what, I brought you something that I thought might help." Mrs. hart said moving back toward the door. "I know this helps you think, so I figured you could probably use it right about now . . ."

" . . . . . My guitar . . . . ." Kimberly said softly as her mom held the case out toward her.

"And your journal is in there too."

"Mom . . . . . Thank you . . . . ."

"I've gotta get going. Visiting hours are almost over anyway. But I want you to call me if you need anything. I love you Sweetie!"

"I love you too Mom." Kimberly said hugging her mother tight. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome Sweetie. I'll see you later."

"Bye Mom." Kimberly watched her mom leave, then turned to look at Tommy, wishing he'd wake up. After a few minutes of watching hm sleep, Kimberly sat down in the chair next to Tommy's bed, picked up her guitar, and started to play.





**************9 Days Later**************

Kimberly sighed as she set her guitar down, and walked across the room to look out the window. She had been sitting in the hospital with Tommy for 12 days, trying not to go crazy, while pretending she was strong, through visitor after visitor. It wasn't easy having Tommy in a coma. And with every day that passed, the prognoses for his recovery became more and more vague. Kimberly sighed as she looked at her watch. School would be out in a few hours, which meant the other rangers would be stopping in for their afternoon visit. As usual, there would be nothing to report, and everyone would sit around pretending things were ok.

"Ms. Hart?" a nurse said, popping her head in the door. "I'm going on a lunch run. Would you like me to get you anything?"

"Thanks, but I'm ok."

"Alright. You know where I am, if you need anything."

"Thank you!" Kimberly said as she moved away from the window, and sat down next to Tommy. Except for the steady beeping of the cardiac monitor, the room was silent. Kimberly sat quietly for a few moment, enjoying the silence, before picking up her guitar again, and starting to play.

"Down the road

we never know

what life may have in store

winds of change

will rearrange

or lives more than before

but you'll never stand alone my friend

the memories

they'll never die

and in our hearts they'll always live

and never say goodbye . . . . .

Have you seen yourself today

could you recognize your face

can you tell me what to say

mine's lost without a trace

mama can you help me please

my hero just stabbed me

with a knife that I did lend

oh mama

who's my friend

tell me tell me where do you go when all the diamonds have run dry

tell me tell me how do you feel after bitter sweet goodbyes

I had almost found my faith

I was almost me

but my pride couldn't swallow what I ate

boy I hope you're happy

tell me tell me where do you go when all the diamonds have run dry

tell me tell me how do you feel after bitter sweet goodbyes

how do you feel when all the diamonds have run dry

how do you feel after bitter sweet goodbyes

today I found my face

floating in a puddle of grace

a porcelain doll with cracks to mend

oh mama

I've found a friend

oh mama

I've found a friend

oh mama

I've found a friend . . . . ."

Kimberly sang and played her guitar, trying to clear her head of everything that was flowing through it.

"Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you its only seed.

It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been to long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose . . . . . . ."

Kimberly's voice trailed off as she looked up and saw the cardiac monitor. Tears slowly began to slip down her face as the machine beeped steadily. Kimberly slowly set her guitar down and wiped her tears away, then slowly moved to sit on the bed next to Tommy.

Kimberly watched him breathe for a moment, then slowly laid down next to him, closing her eyes as she laid her head on Tommy's chest and gently placed her right hand over his heart. She silently listened to the steady beating, wishing Tommy was holding her; making her feel better. After a few moments, Kimberly opened her eyes and propped herself up so she could see Tommy's face. He looked so peaceful as he slept. His tanned face and dark hair against the pillow. "He needs to shave . . . . ." Kimberly thought to herself as she gently caressed his stubbily face with her hand. Jason had been really good about helping out with Tommy over Spring Break. But once school started again, no one had a lot of time. Kimberly thought about the week they'd missed, and sighed. "So much for the best Spring Break ever . . ." she mumbled. "But at least we weren't alone . . . I just wish things were different . . " Kimberly gently brushed her lips across Tommy's forehead, then leaned in and placed a gently kiss on his lips before laying back down next to him, resting her head on Tommy's chest as she fell asleep.

Kimberly dreamed about being with Tommy again. She dreamed about laying on the couch with him, watching TV, and falling asleep in his arms. She could see his handsome face with it s perfectly chiseled features, and his deep brown eyes, surrounded by those thick lashes. Kimberly smiled at his voice in her ears, and his hands gently stroking her arms and back, then moving through her hair. She missed being with Tommy so much. Yeah they were in the hospital together, but Tommy had been in a coma for 12 days. 12 days of sheer torture. Kimberly missed being lost in Tommy's eyes and feeling his lips on her's. She missed hearing his voice and how he always held her in his arms. How just getting a simple hug always made her feel so much better. She missed Tommy, more than she ever thought possible.

Kimberly felt a hand on her arm, and opened her eyes, turning to see who had come to visit. She looked around the room, but there was no one there. Maybe she had just imagined it, but it felt so real. She signed and looked back at Tommy's peaceful face. Kimberly gently stroked his cheek when she felt the hand on her arm again, but when she looked up, there was no one there.

To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note: If you love "Down The Road" and/or "Puddle Of Grace", you've gotta hear Amy sing live. She's REALLY good!!! But then again, we already knew that! =) So anyway Amy's songs, with the exception of "Down The Road", belong strictly to Amy Jo Johnson and Sneaky Alligator Productions, Inc.© 2003. And for anyone who's interested, I strongly recommend Amy's cd, "The Transamerican Treatment", to everyone! =) You can get it through her website , or by sending a check or money order for $19.00, payable to Amy Jo Johnson, to:

Sneaky Alligator Productions
PO Box 1936 Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-1936
contact: info@amyjojohnson.com

"The Transamerican Treatment" can also be purchased from Amy in person, at any of her shows. Check her website for the schedule. =)