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! )
Changing Times
A Couple Years Later . . . . .
"AnneMarie, you look absolutely gorgeous!" Christine said as AnneMarie gracefully floated down the staircase in her prom gown.
"Wow!" Tommy said, staring in awe at his younger sister.
"Kim, you designed that dress?" Christine asked.
"Yep! All those shopping trips really payed off! AnneMarie showed me the different dresses she liked, then helped me design one especially for her. I think it turned out pretty well too!"
"It's gorgeous! But how in the world did you get it done so quickly?"
"I called in a favor." Kimberly laughed. "It's good to be loved!"
"AnneMarie . . . . . You look . . . . . . . Incredible!" her date said in awe, as AnneMarie reached the bottom of the staircase.
"Thank you Paul! You look great yourself!" AnneMarie said, beaming with happiness.
"AnneMarie, you look totally gorgeous!" Aisha beamed. "We sure did good on you!"
"You look beautiful Kiddo!" David agreed.
"Thanks guys! You're so sweet! Kim . . . . . Thank you soooooooooooo much!"
"Hey, you helped!" Kimberly said hugging her sister in-law.
"AnneMarie, I should never let you leave this house looking that great!" Tommy told her. "Your parents would kill me! You really need to go change, I'm sorry."
"Tommy!" Kimberly said, playfully slugging him.
"Kim, if it were you, I wouldn't even trust myself . . . . ."
"So trust your sister." Kimberly told him.
"Paul, you are one lucky guy!" Tommy told his sister's date.
"You hurt her man, and we'll both hunt you down and kill you!" David threatened. "So keep your grimy paws off, got it?"
"Guys, cut it out . . ." AnneMarie said stepping past her brothers.
"Ammey!" Marie said running into the room. "You look pretty Auntie Ammey!"
"Thank you Mariah!"
"Mommy, can I dress up too?"
"You're not going to the Prom Munchkin." David told her. "You're going to stay here and play with me."
"Tell Uncle David you want McDonalds . . ."AnneMarie told her.
"Unca David, we go McDonald? And Icream?" Mariah asked.
"Don't forget the toy store." Aisha added.
"You bring me toys!?!" Mariah asked excitedly.
"Who do I look like to you? Santa?"
"You're Uncle David!" AnneMarie told him. "You buy little girls presents!"
"Pwease Unca David!" Mariah begged.
"Nice guys, very nice!" David said, scooping his niece up off the floor.
"Come on outside AnneMarie, we need lots of pictures!" Christine said holding her arm out toward the door as the doorbell rang.
"That's probably Sarah." AnneMarie said as Tommy headed to answer the door.
"Hey Sarah!" Tommy said greeting their new guests. "Hi Sara's date! Come on in!"
"Hey Sarah, hey Brad!" AnneMarie said as her friends came inside.
"AnneMarie, you look fabulous!" Sarah said, looking in awe at her best friend.
"Thank you! You look awesome too! I love your dress!"
"You should, you picked it out!"
"It looks great on you!"
"Thank you! Oh, Brad, these are AnneMarie's family members. Well, kind of. Everybody, this is Brad."
"Hey Brad, it's nice to meet you." Kimberly said shaking Brad's hand. "I'm Kimberly, AnneMarie's sister in-law."
"Kimberly Hart, right? My sister loves you! My family is a huge fan! I didn't know AnneMarie knew you."
"She's known me for years!" Kimberly laughed.
"Yeah, she's been with my brother for like forever!" AnneMarie agreed.
"I'm still kind of new in town. I had no idea." Brad explained.
"Well Brad, I'm David, AnneMarie's oldest and best brother. That ugly guy right there is my baby brother Tommy, who's wrongfully married to gorgeous Kimberly, and this little Munchkin right here, is their adorable little Mariah!"
"Hi, it's nice to meet you all."
"You too. I'm Aisha, I'm Kimberly's business partner."
"And I'm Christine, AnneMarie's . . ."
"AnneMarie's Mom, it's nice to meet you Mrs. Payton." Brad said cutting her off.
"Actually, she's my mom." Tommy corrected him.
"My mom died when I was little . . ." AnneMarie said sadly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I had no idea!" Brad quickly apologized.
"It's ok . . ." David said, putting an arm around his sister. "We've all been parents to AnneMarie since she moved to Angle Grove. She'll always be out little girl."
"That's right!" Christine agreed. "Now let's go get these pictures taken, so we can get you four youngins to the prom."
2 Weeks Later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Ready? Ok! G-O Let me hear you soy Go! GO! That's right, now let me hear you say Fight! FIGHT! W-I-N, now let me hear you say Win! WIN! Now together again, let's hear it, GO, FIGHT WIN!!! Let'S hear it! GO, FIGHT, WIN!!!!!!! Go, fight, win tonight, boogie on down, alright, alright, go, fight, win tonight, boogie on down, alright, ALRIGHT!!!" AnneMarie cheered as strong as she cold at the cheer tryouts. "Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo, Catch a tiger by the toe, when we hollar, he will know, Eenie meenie, miney, mo! AHS, YEAH, AHS YEAH, TIGERS, RIGHT! AHS YEAH, AHS YEAH, AHS YEAH, TIGERS, TIGHT!!!!!!!"
"Yes!" Kimberly cheered as AnneMarie successfully completed a backwards flip, then landed in a perfect split.
"That's our girl!" Aisha agreed as AnneMarie shouted her final cheer, completing her audition.
"She's good!" one parent commented from behind Kimberly.
"Yeah, well she lives with a gold medal gymnast. She probably trains professionally." another added.
"Isn't she related to designer Kimberly Hart?"
"Sure is! You can't tell by the outfit?"
"Why is she auditioning then, when she can just buy herself a place on the squad?"
"Kim, don't!" Aisha said, grabbing Kimberly's arm. "Let it go, they're just jealous."
"That's so unfair to AnneMarie! I hate people like that!"
"We all do. But you've gotta let it go . . ."
"Fine, let's get out of here . . ." Kimberly said in an annoyed voice.
2 hours later . . . . .
"Ammey, when is Daddy coming home?" Mariah asked as the phone began to ring.
"In a few days. He's on a trip for school Sweetie."
"I miss him . . ."
"Hey Honey! How's your trip?" Kimberly asked as she walked into the room with the phone.
He called her on the road
from a lonely cold hotel room
just to hear her say I love you one more time
"Mommy, can I talk?" Mariah asked, bouncing off the couch and running across the room.
"Hold on Sweetie, give me a minute."
And when he heard the sound
Of the kids laughing in the background
He had to wipe away a tear from his eye
"Mommy please! I wanna talk to Daddy!" Mariah begged.
"Tom, Mariah wants to say hi." Kimberly said, then handed the phone to their daughter. "Ok Mariah, say hi to Daddy."
A little voice came on the phone
And said "Daddy when you coming home"
He said the first thing that came to his mind
"Hi Daddy!"
"Hey Princess! How are you?"
"Good."
"Are you being good for Mommy and AnneMarie?"
"Yes."
"Good, I'm glad to hear that."
"Daddy, when are you coming home?" Tommy brushed a tear from his face as Mariah spoke. "I miss you."
"I miss you too Sweetie. But you know what? I'm already there . . ."
"You are?" Mariah asked excitedly.
I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
I'm your imaginary friend
And I know I'm in your prayers
Oh I'm already there
"Im in all the pictures in the house Sweetie. Like the one we put next to your bed before I left. Ant the one of top of the TV. And I'm in your heart . . ."
"I love you Daddy."
"I love you too Sweetie. Keep being good, ok?"
"Ok . . ."
"I'll be home soon, I promise! And I'm bringing presents."
"Cool!"
"Can you give the phone back to Mommy for me?"
"Ok. Bye Daddy."
"Bye Princess. I love you."
"I love you too."
"Hey Tommy!" AnneMarie said as Mariah handed her the phone.
"Hey AnneMarie! How did your tryouts go today?"
"I made Varsity!"
"Excellent! Congratulations! We'll go celebrate next week, when I get home."
"Cool! You're the best!"
"I try to be. How are things going lately?"
"They're good! Kim and Aisha worked me to death on cheering, but I made varsity, so it's all good! And I've been helping out in the store the last few days. Kim got a big shipment in, so we've been busy getting ready to put out the fall line."
"Very cool! I'm sure Kim and Aisha are really excited about that, they've been working super hard!"
"Oh, I know! I went over after school yesterday, and I was there with Kim till after 10!"
"Was Jason around? Kim promised me she would never be there alone late at night."
"No, but David came down around 6."
"Oh, ok, that's cool. I really worry about you guys."
"I know. But we're fine. Just keeping busy, so we don't miss you so much."
"That's good. I'm glad you're having fun."
"Hurry home soon, ok?"
"I will. I love you AnneMarie. Give Mariah a hug and kiss for me."
"I will. I love you too." she said, then handed the phone back to Kimberly.
"Hey Honey." Kimberly said taking the phone again.
She got back on the phone
Said I really miss you darling
Don't worry about the kids they'll be alright
Wish I was in your arms
Lying right there beside you
But I know that I'll be in your dreams tonight
And I'll gently kiss your lips
Touch you with my fingertips
So turn out the light and close your eyes
"Sounds like you've been pretty busy lately."
"Just busy enough to not miss you so much. I'm going crazy without you!"
"I know, I really miss you too. But I'll be home soon. And like I told Mariah, you have all those pictures of me to look at."
"No use, it makes me miss you even more." Kimberly said as she walked into her office, and plopped down on the couch.
"I know what you mean. I wish you could be here with me. I really hate being away from you."
"How's the dig going?"
"It's ok. Not really too interesting. It's mostly a lot of dirt."
"Find any cool stuff?"
"Not really. We're mostly just studying what's already been found, and doing a lot of research. It's just mildly interesting enough to get my mind off of you . . . It kind of reminds me of the ninja quest we went on . . ."
"Those were some really good times." Kimberly smiled.
"Yeah they were. I can't wait to come home . . ."
"Neither can I. Do you realize that since I moved back from Milan, we've never been away from each other for more than 12 or 14 hours?"
"Which is probably why this is so hard on us. Even when you were in the hospital, I was there almost every second."
"You do realize that I'm never going to let you leave again, right?"
"And you do realize that I'm going to hold you to that promise, right?"
"I hope you do!"
"I love you so much Kim!"
"I love you too Tommy."
"So, has anything interesting happened lately?"
"We got the new fall line in at the store, and I'm paying your sister to help me get it ready to hit the floor by next week. She's amazing Honey! I'm starting to think that AnneMarie knows more about fashion than I do!"
"Well, you trained her!"
"Obviously too well! But you know, I've been thinking . . . . . I know we agreed to never make AnneMarie have a job while she's in high school or college. But she's so talented, and I could really use the help in the store. So I as thinking that if it's ok with you and David, an dof course your parents, if AnneMarie would like something to do, I could hire her as my personal assistant."
"What about Aisha? Isn't that her job?"
"Yeah, but having AnneMarie around will take a lot of pressure off both of us. Honey, the company is growing so fast and I know I can trust AnneMarie. I would rather bring her to the team, than someone I've never met."
"I know Kim, and I agree. But I don't' want AnneMarie's education to suffer, and I don't want her under a lot of pressure either."
"What if she got unlimited flexibility? She can work when she wants to, and do as much as she wants to. If she decides she doesn't want to work, then she doesn't have to. And if her grades or social life start to suffer, or she gets stressed or upset, I'll fire her."
"Ok . . . But can we wait until I get home before talking to AnneMarie?"
"Whatever you'd like."
"Ok. Thanks Kim."
"Me? No, she's your sister. I should be the one thanking you!"
"Well then you're very welcome!"
"And so are you!" Kimberly said with a cheerful smile.
"Gosh I miss you. I miss just seeing your smile."
I'm already there
Don't make a sound
I'm the beat in your heart
I'm the moonlight shining down
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there
"Tommy, it's late there. You should go get some sleep."
"You too. I love you so much Kim! I can't wait to see you again."
"Me too. Hurry and come home."
"I will. I'll meet you in Dream Land."
"Ok, I'll be there soon. I love you."
"I love you too. Tell the girls I love them and give them hugs and kisses for me."
"I will. Sweet dreams Tommy."
"You too. Good night Kim. I'll see you soon." Tommy said, then hung up.
We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are
I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there
Oh I'm already
There
The next week seemed to go by super slow for both Tommy and Kimberly, but they were super excited when it was finally over. Kimberly stood in the airport with AnneMarie and Mariah, waiting as patiently (or not) as she could, for Tommy's plane to arrive.
"Kim, that's them." AnneMarie said pointing down the long corridor at exiting passengers.
"Looks that way. Are you ok with Mariah?"
"Go, you know you want to."
"You're the best AnneMarie, you know that?"
"Yep! Now go!" AnneMarie said with a laugh as Kimberly moved to get as close as she cold to the exiting passengers.
"Tommy!" Kimberly shouted when he saw Tommy toward the end of the crowd.
"Kim . . . . ." Tommy said to himself when he heard his name. Tommy began walking faster with each step, carefully pushing his way through the crowd to get to his wife.
"Tommy!" Kimberly squealed as soon as Tommy got within 10 feet.
"Kim!" Tommy said as his wife eagerly leapt into his arms. "Kim, I've missed you so much!"
"I've really missed you too!" Kimberly said, hugging him as tight as she could. "Tommy, I'm never letting you ever leave again!"
"You better not!" Tommy said as he pulled away just enough to place a passionate kiss on his wife's lips.
"Hey Tom, are you heading home" a redheaded woman asked from behind him.
"Oh hey Hayley!" Tommy said as he started to turn around.
"Hi. Oh, I'm sorry, this must be your wife. HI, I'm Hayley. Your husband and I are classmates." Hayley said holding her hand out for Kimberly.
"Hi Hayley, it's nice to meet you, I'm Kimberly." Kimberly said, politely shaking her hand.
"Hey Tom, a bunch of us were going to go grab a bite to eat and maybe talk about the trip. You guys should come."
"Daddy!!!" Mariah shrieked, hurrying over toward her parents and quickly latching onto Tommy's legs.
"Oh my goodness! Hey Mariah!" Tommy said happily scooping his daughter up into his arms. "I've missed you Princess!"
"I love you Daddy!"
"Oh, I love you too Sweetie!"
"Tommy, welcome back!" AnneMarie said stepping up to her brother.
"Hey AnneMarie! I've missed you! You guys, this is Hayley, she's a friend of mine from school. Hayley, this is my sister AnneMarie, and my daughter Mariah."
"Hi AnneMarie, Mariah, it's very nice to meet you." Hayley said cheerfully.
"It's nice to meet you too." AnneMarie said graciously.
"Mariah, can you say hi to Hayley?" Tommy asked.
"Hi Halle." Mariah said shyly as she laid her head on Tommy's shoulder.
"Oh, she's completely adorable!" Hayley said with a bright smile, and gentle laugh.
"Thank you!" Tommy said proudly, kissing the side of Mariah's small head. "You know Hayley, I don't think I'm going to make it tonight. I've been away fro my family for two weeks, and I kind of owe them some attention right now. Maybe I'll be able to make it next time. But tonight just isn't the best time. I'm really sorry. I've just never been away from them."
"Don't worry about it, I totally understand. It's hard to leave your family. You guys go home and enjoy having Tommy back. We'll just see you back at school next week."
"Thanks Hayley." Tommy said, flashing her a friendly smile. "Have a good weekend."
"Yeah, you too. It was nice meeting you guys."
"You too." Kimberly said politely as Hayley turned and walked away.
"So . . ." Tommy started, as he turned back to his family. "You guys hungry?"
"Starving!" AnneMarie told him.
"Why don't we go out to eat. My treat."
"Whatever you'd like." Kimberly told him.
"Well, I was thinking we could maybe hit the old juice bar. I heard Ernie is back in town."
"Really? Cause I heard that too." Kimberly told him.
"Considering I'm the one who told both of you that!" AnneMarie told them. "He was asking about you guys last week too."
"Well then let's go visit!" Tommy told them.
"Tommy, how was your flight?" Kimberly asked as they headed out of the airport to the car.
"It was ok. King of long. I slept most of the way though."
"That's good, I'm glad you got some rest."
"I'm just really glad to be home. I really missed you guys!"
"We missed you too Honey." Kimberly said as they reached the car.
30 Minutes later the Oliver family entered the Angel Grove Gym and Juice Bar, and found themselves a table.
"Well, hello Oliver family!" Ernie said happily as he approached their table.
"Hey Ernie! Long time, no see!" Tommy said with a smile. "You're lookin' good!"
"Thank you! So are you guys! And I see you have an adorable little girl with you. Hi Sweetie Pie! What's your name?"
"This is our little Mariah." Kimberly said proudly as she lifted Mariah onto our lap. "Mariah, this is Ernie. He's an old friend of Mommy and Daddy's."
"Hey Mariah, how old are you?" Ernie asked, smiling down at the little girl.
"Three." Mariah answered softly.
"You're three?! Wow! You're all grown up now, aren't you?" Mariah just smiled and nodded her head. "So, what would you guys like tody? I can whip up your usual, if you'd like."
"You know what, that sounds really perfect right about now." Tommy told him.
"Ok, and how about some apple juice for the little Cutie?"
"She would love some." Kimberly agreed. "Mariah, would you like some apple juice?"
"Yeah!" Mariah cheered excitedly.
"Alright then, 3 usuals and an apple juice coming right up. What would you like me to bring over for Mariah?"
"How about a yummy grilled cheese sandwich." Kimberly suggested.
"Coming right up. Smoothies are on the house."
"Thanks Ernie!" Tommy said as the older gentleman walked away to fill their order.
"So Tommy, Hayley seemed pretty nice." Kimberly said as they sat waiting for their order.
"Yeah, she's pretty cool. She's a lot like Billy."
"So she's the brainy type?"
"Yep."
"That's cool. A little scary, but cool."
"Yeah. Well, Hayley lives over in Reefside."
"Really? Where's that?"
"About 2½ hours from here."
"And she goes to AGU with you?"
"Kind of. She's actually a friend of some of the other students, so she's around a lot. Plus, she's pretty close with our paleontology teacher."
"Kiss up." Kimberly laughed.
"Yeah, kind of."
"She at least seems nice enough."
"Yeah, she's pretty cool to have around. Comes in handy at times. She's basically Billy, minus the technobabble."
"Well at least you can understand her."
"Yeah really."
"So you enjoyed your trip?"
"Most of it. Parts of it were interesting, but then there were others that I could have definitely lived without."
"Just be sure you're enjoying yourself, and not just pretending to."
"I am. I would tell you if I wasn't. Infact, one of the guys over the digs that we were doing actually invited a few of us to do an internship with him. And with the work that we would be doing, it counts toward a doctorate degree."
"Are you thinking about doing it?"
"I'm not sure . . . I could have my doctorate in 2 years if I do, or 4 years doing all the work traditionally. So it's a great opportunity, but I never thought about getting my doctorate."
"You would be making more money doing something you love, and you wold have a cool title that not many other people have. It makes you sound so much more impressive."
"I really don't know Kim. It's a full-time internship. So with school, I really wouldn't have time for working at the dojo."
"You could still teach weekend classes though."
"I'm not sure I could though.
"Honey, its your decision. I know how much you love your dojo. But getting your doctorate . . . Tommy, that's something that a lot of people will never get the chance at . . . I think you should at least think about it."
"I don't know Kim. It's a lot of work."
"I know, but don't you think it's worth it?"
"I just don't want to take myself away from my family anymore than I have to."
"Honey, try thinking of it this way; once you start teaching, you'll have 3 whole months off for summer. Plus, you'll have Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break to spend with us. You'll be with us all the time. Plus, you will only be out of the house for about 7 hours a day, if even that. It'll be great."
"You really think so?"
"Tommy, I know so. And I think that deep down inside, you know it too."
"So you think I should go for it?"
"Only if you're sure it's what you want."
"Ok, I'll think about it. I'm just really not sure if I'm up to all that work."
"At least think about it."
"I will."
"So . . ." Ernie said rejoining the table with a round of smoothies and juice. "How has the Oliver family been lately?"
"We're great!" Kimberly answered cheerfully. "Tommy is back from his school trip, and life is great!"
"Sounds pretty good! How's school going Tommy?"
"It's pretty good! I'm actually really enjoying it."
"That's good! Im really proud of you! Kimberly, I see your store is flourishing."
"Yes it is! It's growing rapidly! I am really amazed. I actually never thought it would get this big!"
"Oh, give yourself some credit. You know how great you are."
"I'm just surprised. I never dreamt it would get this big."
"Dreams do come true, you know."
"Yeah. And I've already got my main one taken care of."
"You'll get the others too. You always do."
"I try to." Kimberly agreed with a smile.
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"I'm Already There"
© Lonestar
I'm Already There, 2001