Disclaimer: I own ONLY AnneMarie, Fabiola, Madam Velosomikh, Madamé Císerosa, K.C. Anderson, Amelia Herrington, and baby Mariah.
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. =) Also, I've decided to make it easier on people to let me know what they think, and give me more ideas of what to write. If you would like, I can be reached via email or Yahoo! messenger at or via AOL instant messenger as PrincessSpzMnky . Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like. =) Happy Reading! =)
Hi Everyone! Here's a brand new chapter for your enjoyment! =) I had a lot of fun with this one, so be sure to let me know what you think. And for those of you saying "Hat!?! GROSS!!!" have you seen the picture of JDF's dojo's website??? If you've seen the picture of the jeans and shirt with the black hat, you'll totally understand! ;-) Tehehe. LT, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about! LOL Gotta love me! =D For those of you who haven't seen the picture, go to and click on the link to the Rising Sun Karate School, then on pictures. Its in one of the galleries. I think it's the ninja night sleep over or something. There are some really great pictures on that site, including some of Jason's new wife. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter! =)
DreamsOfGold
Words
2 Weeks Later . . .
"Hey Tommy, how was school?" Jason asked as Tommy walked into the dojo and dropped his duffle bag on the desk.
"You have no idea Bro! Remind me to kill whoever gave me such a stupid idea!" he answered in a frustrated voice.
"What happened?"
"Its not school, so much as the schedule. I actually kind of enjoy going back. But its killing me to go to school all day, then come here for 3-4 hours, then go home for dinner to help AnneMarie with her homework for 2 to 3 hours before even getting a chance to go anywhere near mine. Then there's Kim and Mariah . . ."
"Kimberly's cast comes off next week, right?"
"Hopefully . . . But her memory still isn't back, so its still kind of hard to deal with all the everyday stuff. And the little bits that Kimberly actually can remember, just end up confusing and frustrating her."
"And you get to handle it all! Lucky you!"
"Yeah . . . The good part is that its been quieter around the house since Darlene went back to Paris last week. So at least some of the stress is gone."
"I know what you mean. Darlene can be pretty tough to deal with at times."
"That's an understatement if I ever heard one!" Tommy said sarcastically.
"Ok, she makes tough situations a little tougher. Happy?"
"Not really . . ."
"It will get better Bro. It always does."
"I know. I just keep on telling myself that . . . . ."
"You know that Kimberly loves you, and that she's trying to get better for you. Its just taking a lot of time."
"I know, and I hate it. I want my wife back! Do you know how hard it is to say 'I love you' and get an 'I know' back? Its killing me Jase!"
"I can tell. But at least she remembers things that have happened since she woke up in the hospital."
"I just wish she remembered at least back to our wedding . . . I really hate this waiting thing. I feel bad just touching her. And kissing her, or sleeping next to her . . . It just feels wrong."
"Just hang in there Bro. It will all be better soon."
"I sure hope so. And sooner is definitely better than later! Its really hard to deal with these days. I love Kimberly so much, but I want the old Kimberly back. I really don't like this shell very much anymore."
"Just take it easy Tom. Kim waited for your memory to come back, back in high school. You're just repaying the favor." Jason said as David walked into the room.
"Hey Tom, you mom is looking for you. She wants you to call her."
"Ok . . . Have either of you heard from Kim at all today?" Tommy asked.
"Nope. Isn't Aisha with her?" David asked.
"Last I heard she was . . . I'm gonna go call my mom, then check in at home before classes start."
"Tell everyone I said hi." Jason said as Tommy reached for his duffle bag.
"I will." Tommy answered, then walked away, toward his office.
3 hours later Tommy walked in the door from work to find a completely silent house.
"Hello?" he called. "Kim? . . . AnneMarie? . . . . . Anybody home? . . . . ." Tommy set his duffle bag in a corner, then walked through the house to see if anybody was there. No body was anywhere to be seen on the main floor, so Tommy headed upstairs to check the bedrooms. Still not finding anybody, Tommy headed back down the stairs, then down to the basement to check AnneMarie's room. "AnneMarie? . . . Are you here?" Tommy called as he opened the basement door, and headed down the stairs. Once Tommy got to the bottom of the stairs, he heard music coming from behind AnneMarie's closed door. "AnneMarie? . . . Are you in there?" Tommy called as he knocked loudly on the door. "AnneMarie!?"
"Come in!" AnneMarie called back after a minute, as she turned the music down. "Oh! Hey Tommy! When did you get home?" she asked as her door opened, and Tommy stepped into the room.
"About 5 minutes ago. Where are Kim and Mariah? Are you the only one home?"
"Yeah . . . Kim is out with Aisha and Nana, and I think Papá has Mariah. I got out of practice early, so I had Nana bring me home to get some of my homework done. I'm not sure when anybody will be back though. But Nana said to just order pizza or something if I got hungry. But I'll make dinner if you'd like."
"That's ok. I'll find something in the fridge. Are you hungry?"
"Actually I already ate. I made a sandwich when I got home."
"Oh, ok . . . What are you working on?"
"Stupid essay for English. Its supposed to be 5 pages on some historical figure from the American Revolution."
"I guess they're trying to tie English and History together . . ."
"Something like that."
"Who are you doing?"
"Some guy who served in the British militia."
"Oh, sounds mildly entertaining . . ."
"I've only got another page and a half to go."
"Do you need any help?"
"No, I think I'm ok. But thanks for the offer."
"Ok. Well I'm going to go back upstairs and start on my own homework. Call me on the intercom if you need anything."
"Ok. Thanks Tommy."
"Good Luck!"
"You too!" AnneMarie said with a smile, as her brother left the room.
"Hey Tommy!" a friendly voice said a couple house later.
"Hey Aisha! How are you?"
"I'd be better knowing my credit cards weren't just maxed out."
"Well then you will be happy to know that we weren't at the mall at all today."
"Oh really? Then where might you have been?"
"Why don't you go ask your wife . . ."
"I'm afraid . . ."
"You big baby! Don't you trust us?"
"Her, of course! You though, I'm not so sure . . . . ."
"Haha!"
"Where is Kimberly?"
"She's in the livingroom. I'm going to go help your mom get Mariah ready for bed, then I'm going to head home for the night."
"Ok, thanks Aisha."
"Yep! See ya later!" she said cheerfully as Tommy closed his books, then started to get up to leave the room.
"Hey Kim! How was your day?" Tommy asked as he walked into the livingroom to see his wife sitting on the couch, sorting through a stack of papers.
"Hey Honey!" Kimberly answered happily. "Sorry I didn't tell you we're home, but I didn't want to disrupt your studying."
"That's ok. I needed a break anyway. Are you hungry or anything?"
"No thanks, we ate at the mall."
"So you did go to the mall . . ."
"Only for about an hour. I wanted to get some design ideas."
"Oh . . . Just don't push yourself too hard. I don't want you jeopardizing your recovery."
"Tommy, I'm fine. Doctor Meyers said I'm doing much better than expected in such a short amount of time . .. In fact, did you notice I got my cast off?" Kimberly asked, removing the blanket that covered her legs.
"Excellent! You should have called me, I would have gone with you."
"Tommy . . . . ."
"Kim . . . . . You know I support you in everything you do. And I want to be there for you through everything . . ."
"Honey, I know you worry about me, and I know that you do it because you love me. But after 8 years, don't you think you could lighten up a little? I love you, and I love that you worry about me so much but really . . . . .Tommy, I'm fine."
"Kim . . . . ."
"Tommy . . . . . . . . . You've got studying to do, and I've taken way too much time off work, so I really need to get some designs done. Aisha and I have an unveiling meeting to attend next week, and thanks to the accident, I've got nothing done! So stop worrying about me and go study."
"Kim, I don't know if you're ready to be working again so soon . . . Maybe you should wait a few more weeks . . . . ."
"Why? Tommy, I've been doing this for a year and a half. I think I can handle it. You really don't need to worry about me. Mariah is asleep, and your Mom is putting her to bed for us. Go study so you can get to bed at a decent hour. You're grouchy if you don't get enough sleep."
"Honey?" Tommy started as Kimberly went back to her pile of paper.
"Yeah?" she answered, without taking her eyes off her work.
"When is the anniversary of your first date?"
"About a week after our first kiss, which is next week. So I guess its in 2 weeks."
"Are you sure?"
"March 19th, right?"
"Yeah . . . . . And your brother's birthday is in August, right?"
"September 3rd."
"And my brother's birthday?"
"Isn't it April 21st? . . . Tommy, why so many questions?"
"When did you memory come back?"
"What?" Kimberly asked in a confused voice, finally looking up from her papers.
"Your memory is back! Kim, that's so great!" Tommy said excitedly.
"Honey, are you feeling ok? What are you suddenly so excited about?"
"Kimberly . . . . . Your car accident . . . . . You lost your memory for weeks! And its suddenly back! I've finally got my wife completely back!"
"Tommy, I really don't have a single clue what you're talking about. I remember being in an accident . . . But that's about it . . . . . But I've got a lot of work to get done, considering the unveiling I have coming up, and all the time I took off because of my injuries . . . . ."
"You don't remember being in the hospital for weeks, and having a broken leg and reconstructive surgery on your knee?"
"I remember the broken leg considering the cast just came off, but this memory thing? . . . . . What are you talking about?"
"You really don't remember?"
"Care to enlighten me?"
"Honey, you woke up in the hospital with no memory at all, and its been gone for about a month."
"Oh really?"
"Kim . . . . . You have no idea how happy I am to have you back!" Tommy said plopping own on the couch next to her, and throwing his arms around her.
"Honey . . . . . I love you, but really, I have work to do, and so do you. Can we do this a little later?" Kimberly asked as Tommy hugged her tight.
"Of course . . ." Tommy answered as he slowly began to pull away. "I love you so much Kim!"
"I love you too Tommy!"
"I'm going to go finish studying for the night. Let me know if you need anything."
"I will."
"I love you Honey."
"I love you too." Kimberly said giving Tommy a gentle smile. Tommy gave his wife a quick kiss, then got up and headed back to the kitchen, and his homework.
"But Kim, call me in the morning." Aisha said, walking through the livingroom a few minutes later.
"Bye Aisha. Thanks for all the help today."
"Any time! See you tomorrow!"
"Bye Kim, I'm heading out too. Mariah is sound asleep." Christine told her.
"Thank you so much Christine! I really appreciate all the help!"
"No problem. Call me if you need anything else."
"I will. Thanks again!"
"No problem, you know I enjoy it. I'll see you later." Christine said cheerfully as she headed out of the room. "Good night Honey."
"Good night Mom." Tommy said as Christine stopped in the kitchen on her way out.
"I love you Sweetie. Have a good night. And don't' stay up too late studying. You need your sleep too."
"I love you too. I'll go to bed soon, I promise."
"Ok. Good night Sweetie." Christine said kissing her son's cheek, then heading out of the room.
"Hey Mom?" Tommy started as Christine stepped out of the kitchen.
"Yeah?"
"Did you know Kimberly's memory is back?"
"Of course! You didn't?"
"No . . . When did it come back?"
"Its been back all day. I thought you knew . . ."
"Not until about 5 minutes ago . . ."
"Oh Honey, I'm so sorry! I had no idea! I really through you knew!"
"Its ok Mom . . . . . I guess I've just been a little less focused on things than I should have been."
"Tommy . . . . . Come on, don't go beating yourself up over this. You've taken better care of Kimberly and this family, than anybody ever could. I think you just need a vacation. It will do both of you a world of good!"
"I feel bad Mom . . . I'm her husband, I should have been the first to know . . . . ."
"Tommy . . . Stop stressing out over it. Your life is finally back to normal! Go try to enjoy it for once! Quit worrying about things that don't matter!"
" . . . . . I just wish I had known . . . . ."
"Tommy . . . . You really need to relax . . . . ."
" . . . . . I'll try . . ."
"Good! Now I'm going to head home to bed. You get some rest too."
"Ok. I love you Mom. Thanks for helping out all the time. We really appreciate it."
"I love you too Sweetie. Get some rest."
"I will. Good night Mom/"
"Good night Honey. Say good night to your sister for me." Christine told him, then turned and left.
1 Hour Later . . . . .
"What are you studying?" Kimberly asked, slowly sliding her arms around Tommy's neck.
"Just some boring science stuff . . . I thought you were working on designs or something . . . . ."
"I was. But I got a little bored, so I thought I'd come see what you're doing."
"I'm just finishing up."
"You hungry or anything?"
"Shouldn't you be resting?"
"No, I'm perfectly fine. You want a snack? I saw those girl scout cookies you like so much, in the cupboard this morning."
"Thanks, but I'm ok . . ." Tommy said as Kimberly gently began to massage his shoulders.
"Ok . . . You want any help with all that work?"
"Actually, I'm thinking sleep sounds pretty good right about now . . . .. You interested?"
"Sounds tempting . . ."
"Let's get out of here . . ." Tommy said softly as he closed his books, and turned to face his wife. "You're beautiful, you know that?"
"I've heard that somewhere before." Kimberly answered flirtatiously.
"I love you so much Kim. I don't know what I would do without you."
"I love you too Sweetie." Kimberly said, smiling brightly. "Are you ready for bed?"
"Whenever you are." Tommy answered as he stood up. "Would you like some help up the stairs?"
"If you wouldn't mind. Crutches are a little tough with stairs."
"Its my pleasure." Tommy beamed as he carefully lifted Kimberly off the floor, placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then carried her up the stairs to bed.
"Honey, did you lock up the house?" Kimberly asked as Tommy gently placed her on their bed.
"I will right now. I'm going to go say good night to AnneMarie while I'm down there."
"Will you bring my crutches back up with you?"
"Sure. Anything else you'd like me to grab while I'm down there?"
"No, I'm good."
"Ok, I'll be back up in a few minutes."
"Ok. Say good night to AnneMarie for me." Kimberly said as Tommy headed out of the room.
That Weekend . . . . .
"Hey Honey? Are you almost done out there?" Kimberly asked, poling her head out the front door, where Tommy was busy mowing the lawn.
"Almost. Do you need me to do something for you?" Tommy asked, shutting off the lawn mower for a short break.
"No, I'm just trying to decide what to do today."
"Well, I was thinking we could go buy you that new car."
"Yeah, we could do that. I was thinking the new Mercedes convertible looked cute."
"Or the Mercedes SUV."
"Tommy . . ."
"Kim, the convertible crumbles in an accident. I don't' want to risk you getting hurt again."
"Honey . . ."
"Kim, really. I know you loved that convertible, but its crumbled in the accident. I just want you safe. Plus, having an SUV is easier with kids, and with hauling boxes of clothes."
"Jason has a truck. And I can always borrow your Jeep. Besides, you have a little car."
"Which I've been talking about selling for months."
"Tommy . . ."
"Why don't we go look. Maybe you'll find something you like even better."
"I really liked my little convertible."
"I know Honey. You loved that little car. But now its time to buy a new one, so let's go look and see what we can find. Maybe we can even get you a Hummer."
"Tommy, I don't want a Hummer."
"Why not? They're huge, and made of the strongest metal there is. Get in an accident with one of those, and you'll only end up with a small scratch on your bumper."
"Tommy, you're impossible, you know that!?"
"But for some very odd reason, you still love me anyway!"
"And sometimes I really begin to wonder why." Kimberly said with a laugh.
"Haha! I'll be done in a few minutes, then I'll take a shower so we can go." Tommy said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, using his shirt.
"You know Tom, I really don't see why you enjoy making me do so much laundry. Is it really necessary to get a shirt all sweaty and smelly, just to mow the lawn?"
"Are you trying to tell me to go topless?"
"No, but you're about to be the laundry king!"
"Whatever you say dear!" Tommy said pulling his shirt off, and handing it to Kimberly, with a quick kiss.
"Hurry and finish!" Kimberly said, quickly snapping Tommy's rear end with his shirt.
"Yes Mother!" Tommy jokes as he turned the mower on and went back to work.
"Dang AnneMarie! Your brother is HOT!" AnneMarie's friend said, as Tommy walked in the door 15 minutes later.
"Sarah, he's married!"
"I know, but I can still look, right?"
"Look all you want Sarah, but that sweaty hunk of muscles is all mine!" Kimberly said, as she passed through the room.
"How do you just live here with him, like he's really no big deal?" Sarah asked.
"Probably because he's my brother!"
"You're so lucky!"
"You all done?" Kimberly asked, joining Tommy in the kitchen where he was drinking a glass of ice cold water.
"Yep! Give me 15 minutes to get a shower and get ready, then we can go!"
"You've got yourself a deal there Mr. Oliver!"
"Sounds great to me Mrs. Oliver!" Tommy said with a bright smile.
"Get going, you've got 15 minutes!" Kimberly said kissing her husband, before watching hm head for the stairs to go shower. "Hey AnneMarie, you guys busy ?" she called to the girls in the livingroom.
"Not very, why, what's up?" AnneMarie answered as Kimberly headed back into the room.
"Your brother is going to buy me that new car I've been looking at. Would you mind watching Mariah for a while?"
"No, not at all Are you going to get the Z3?"
"I don't know, we're going to go look. But Tommy suddenly has a thing for Hummers."
"Yeah, you gotta love him for being so over protective!"
"You're telling me!"
"Don't worry, we'll take good care of Mariah. You enjoy my brother!"
"Oh, you know I do!" Kimberly said smiling brightly as she turned to leave the room. "Hey Tommy?" Kimberly said walking into their room a few minutes later. "Honey?" she called again when she didn't get an answer. When she still didn't get an answer, Kimberly headed to the bathroom where she heard th shower running. "Honey, are you busy?"
"Sort of." Tommy answered from the shower as Kimberly walked in the door.
"Well, I was thinking that we could go down to the BMW dealer and look at the new Z3 that I saw on TV."
"Its not big enough/"
"Well how about a Porsche?"
"How about an H1?"
"Tommy, I'm not even tall enough to be able to get into an H1 without a step stool!"
"Well then we can buy you a step stool too!"
"Tommy, come on!"
"Kim, we've already had this discussion." Tommy said shutting off the water.
"Honey, I really want another sports car."
"I know you do Sweetie, but I want you safe. You almost died after that accident Kim. And I'm sorry, but I love you way too much to ever be able to live without you. Kim, I do want you to be happy, and i want to be the one who makes you happy. But Honey, I would rather you got a bigger car . . ." Tommy said as he wrapped himself in a towel, then stepped out of the shower.
"Tommy . . . . ."
"Kim . . . In all Honesty, I really don't know what I would do without you. And you didn't almost die just once, but twice! I didn't know if I would ever even see you again. And frankly, that completely scared me to death! I want you to be happy Honey, but I care a lot more about your safety than some cute little car. And you know that I'm the last person to ever hate a sports car. But Kim, as cute as that car is, you're way cuter! And I can't live without you . . . . . So I would really like it if you would consider getting a bigger car."
"Tommy, I really want a cute little sports car."
"I know you do Kim. But I'll make you a deal . . . . . If you get an SUV, you can have all the options you want on it. Anything at all. You can have the tinted windows, moon roof, cd changer, anything you'd like!"
"Tommy . . . . ."
"Kim . . . . ."
"Fine . . . . . How big does it have to be?"
"You can have a Rav4.
"The 4 Runner is better."
"Then get it! Or the Mercedes or BMW SUV. Any SUV you'd like!"
"Can I have an Escalade?"
"Would you like one?"
"Maybe . . . . ."
"You can have any SUV you'd like. I promise!"
"Did I tell you I love you?"
"I love you too Sweetie! Now can I go get dressed?"
"I guess so." Kimberly said giving him a smile.
"I'll be ready in a few minutes." Tommy said kissing her before heading out of the bathroom to go get dressed.
"Oh, Honey?" Kimberly began, as she followed Tommy into their bedroom.
"Yeah . . ."
"You wouldn't believe what AnneMarie's friend has been saying."
"Ok?"
"She thinks you're really hot!"
"Well, I haven't heard any arguments on that one!"
"I just think its amusing."
"Considering she's only 14."
"Yeah really."
"So you agree with her?"
"Would I be with you if I didn't?"
"Nice answer!" Tommy said with a flirtatious wink.
"Ok, new subject. How's school going?"
"Its pretty good actually! And you wanna hear weird? I actually really like my paleontology class!"
"That is weird! You've never really liked science; its always been more of Billy's thing."
"I know! But its actually pretty interesting."
"I could never get into science."
"Me either. But I'm actually sort of enjoying it."
"Well I'm glad you like school. Its actually good for you."
"I know. Its funny how things work out. I mean, I absolutely love my job! Teaching martial arts is awesome! Its amazing how doing so little helps other people do so much. I never really realized just how much influence I have over so many lives."
"Your students really look up to you."
"Which is why I've been thinking of becoming a teacher . . ."
"Really?"
"I love being an inspiration for kids. Its been amazing to see the difference I've; well that we've both made, in AnneMarie's life . . . . .And then in the lives of all my students . . . . . Just knowing that I've made a tiny difference in just one life, means so much to me!"
"Honey, you don't have to convince me, I know exactly how you feel. Being a ranger gave that to all of us!"
"I know. Its just . . . . . Talking to AnneMarie, and seeing how much we've changed her life . . . . . I love feeling like that! And we're so lucky to have a daughter of our own . . ."
"So you really want to teach?"
"I think it will be good for me. I enjoy being a positive influence on kids."
"You always have."
"So have you/"
"Well I think you will make an excellent teacher! You always have!"
"So you really don't mind me being a teacher?"
"No, of course not! I'm very proud of you Honey! And I'll always support you."
"Thank you Kim! That means a lot coming from you."
"You know I'll always support you, exactly the way you've always supported me."
"I do it because I love you."
"And I love you too Tommy."
"So are you ready to go buy that SUV?"
"As soon as you do your hair/"
"Hand me my black hat over there and we can go."
"You're not going to save that scruffy stuff off your chin?"
"Naw, I kind of like it."
"Please?"
"Hey, I promised you wouldn't have to eat it when you kiss me, and I've kept my promise . . ."
"Tommy . . ."
"I like it."
"Fine . . . . ."
"Thank you!" Tommy said as Kimberly handed him his hat.
"Let's go buy that car!"
"Lead the way Little Lady!" Tommy said holding his arm out toward the door.
"Oh my gosh, Tommy is wearing a hat!" AnneMarie said sarcastically as Tommy and Kim entered the livingroom with Mariah. "And you didn't even make him shave! Kim, you're slipping!"
"Yeah, but he's buying me an expensive new toy, so I'll complain later."
"I like your chin puke!" Sarah told him.
"Don't encourage him . . ." AnneMarie warned her.
"Thank you Sarah!" Tommy said proudly.
"Oh please!" Kimberly said rolling her eyes. "We're going to get out of here. Mariah just woke up from a nap, so she should be good for a while. Just call us if you need anything.
"Come here Munchkin!" AnneMarie said holding her arms out toward her niece.
"Dada!" Mariah protested, latching onto Tommy's shirt.
"Tommy! Did you hear her?!?" Kimberly asked in a shocked voice. "Mariah talked! She called you Dada!"
"Princess, you can talk!" Tommy said hugging her tight.
"I can't believe she talked!" Kimberly told them. "My baby girl said her first word!"
"She's growing up fast." Tommy agreed.
"Mariah, can you say Mamma?" Kimberly asked her. "Will you say Mamma for me? Please?" Mariah just laid her head on Tommy's shoulder and sucked on her pacifier. "Ok, we'll settle for Dada this time. But I want you to say Mamma too, ok?"
"How about she says AnneMarie instead." AnneMarie suggested.
"Good Luck!" Tommy laughed. "But I think my little girl likes her Dada better!"
"Mariah, come give Mommy a kiss." Kimberly said taking her daughter from Tommy. "I love you Baby Girl! You be good for AnneMarie and Sarah!"
"I love you too Princess." Tommy said kissing his daughter before she was passed to AnneMarie. "We'll see you soon."
"Say bye bye to Mommy and Daddy!" AnneMarie said, gently waving Mariah's hand to say goodbye as Kim and Tommy headed out of the room.
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .