Chapter 6
Tommy left in August. He didn't come back but once over a 2 month period. That was their anniversary in September. It was October 2nd now. Mrs. Oliver came to visit Kimberly and help her with housework.
"So, is Tommy coming home soon?"
"He didn't say."
"Are you okay?"
"I just miss him. I don't care about him not coming home for my birthday, but there's Trisha, the twins. Trisha hates this, her Daddy leaving for so long at times. Tommy just doesn't get it." Kimberly lifted Madison after changing her diaper.
"It'll be okay. Tommy understand, it's just as hard on him. His last video was soo sad."
"Yea, ours too."
Kimberly woke up to the see the clock turn to midnight. It was a few days later, October 6th. Trisha asleep beside her. Kimberly got up and went to check the twins. Jack walking behind her. Kim picked him up and carried him downstairs with her. She poured a glass of wine. Just as she went to take a sip, the door unlocked and opened. Tommy placed his keys on the hook and put down his bags. Kimberly turned around slowly and stood there with her mouth dropped.
"Hey, happy birthday." Tommy closed the door and went over to her. He put the glass down and kissed her quickly. Kimberly so shocked too a second to kiss back. She pulled away and started into his eyes.
"Tommy." They kissed again. Tommy lifted her to the island as Kim tugged at his jacket and shirt. He pushed Kim's gown off her shoulders. He picked her up and laid her to the ground. They made love right on the kitchen floor.
"What a way to welcome a guy home," Tommy said into Kim's neck. Kim's legs stayed around his waist.
"I can't believe you are here." Tommy kissed her.
"I wouldn't miss your day for the world." They moved to the couch, making love there as well.
"Why didn't you call and tell me!"
"And miss that look on your face." He kissed her. She laughed and hugged him.
"God, this is so amazing."
"Want to know what else is amazing? We found it, Kim. We're getting a 5 million dollar grant."
"Wow!"
"Yea." Kimberly then frowned and sat up. "What?"
"With this new grant, you'll probably be gone a lot more."
"Not really. We can add more people, more assistance, and I can be able to come home more often."
"It's been hard here without you."
"I know, I'm sorry." Tommy kissed her shoulder. "Look, I promise more visits. And it won't be long before I'm in a museum here in LA working."
"Promise."
"With my heart." They kissed. Kimberly moved back on top of him.
"If we keep this up, the twins will have baby brother or sister soon."
"I'm game."
"Okay." He rolled them over.
"Whatcha bring me?" Tommy smiled and kissed her again. She giggled.
Trisha woke up to find her Daddy holding Kimberly as they slept.
"DADDY? DADDY!" Trisha jumped on them. "DADDY!"
"Good morning, princess."
"DADDY! You home!"
"You're home, sweetie," Kim said correcting her.
"How come?"
"Mommy's birthday is today!"
"Oh, happy birthday Mommy!"
"Thank you."
"How long you stay!"
"A couple of days."
"NO! More!"
"Sorry, princess, but that's all I got this time. Come, let's go get Mommy some breakfast and cake."
"CAKE!"
"And presents!"
"Presents!" Trisha jumped up.
"You stay, we'll be back." Tommy kissed Kimberly and got up. He checked on the twins before heading downstairs. Trisha helped with breakfast. Kimberly ate as Tommy brought up the bags of presents. He handed Trisha her present as well. Kimberly pulled Tommy's shirt down to her. She kissed him.
"Thank you. I love you."
"I love you, Beautiful."
Tommy came back for Halloween, 2 weeks later, then came home for Thanksgiving. Tommy came home again 2 days before Christmas and left the day after January 2nd. Kimberly found herself adjusting a little better when Tommy did come home, she made sure he homecoming was warming filled with many moments spent with his family and friends.
It was about the end of June now, June 20th. Tommy was last home on Trisha's birthday, 3 months ago. Kimberly was cleaning the dog area as Tommy came downstairs after a shower. He just arrived early this morning. The twins were in their walkers as Trisha colored on the couch watching toons. Tommy went over to Kim.
"Man, I miss showers like that."
"Are you hungry?"
"I can make myself something."
"Just tell me, I'll do it."
"I'm still full from the plane, Kim. Come here." He pulled her to him. "I missed you."
"Me too." They kissed.
"God, the girls are getting so big!" Tommy went over to play with them. Kim sighed and smiled, thinking about last night.
Kimberly flashed back to carrying Trisha to her bed around 4 in the morning. The twins finally sleeping. She returned to her bed and laid down. Just as she was drifting off, Tommy stood by her bed smiling. Kim's eyes shot open.
"Tommy?" She sat up.
"Hey." She jumped up into his arms. Tommy hugged her and they immediately started kissing. Tommy fell to the bed holding and kissing her. They made love and went to sleep.
"Man, Madison is twice as big," Tommy said breaking her flashback.
"I know. She eats enough." Tommy played with Mackenzie's hands as Madison banged her toy on the walker.
Tommy stayed for the twin's 1st birthday. During the party, the phone went off. Tommy answered it. He found out Anton Mercer moved to another dig to Australia, their new site. Kimberly remembered holding Madison as she watched Tommy walked away. Mackenzie was being held over her cake. Kimberly was saying goodbye to everyone as Tommy was putting the girls to bed.
"So, what's going on?"
"What?"
"You've been out of it since that phone call. What's wrong?"
"We got a new site."
"That's great, right?"
"In Australia."
"Australia? Wow."
"Yea, except that.."
"Except what?"
"I leave tomorrow afternoon. " Kimberly sat on the bed.
"Why so soon?"
"I need to be there to head the new crew." Kimberly closed her eyes to stop the tears. Tommy bent down in front of her. He held her legs. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." She smiled as tears formed in her eyes. "I'm happy, Tommy, really. Let's get you packed."
"Liar. Look at me." He raised her chin. "Talk to me."
"Do I want my husband to leave for months, hell no! But do I want my husband happy? Of course, and I know this makes you happy."
"You make me happy. You, our girls. You all mean the world to me and if you say stay, I will stay."
"No, go. I know you love it and it's a great opportunity."
"Kim, I..."
"I'll help you pack." She kissed his cheek and got his bags.
In the airport, Tommy was holding Trisha as she whined and cried on him.
"Why can't I go!" Tommy's parents were holding the twins.
"Because you have to stay with Mommy." His plane was called. Kimberly pulled Trisha away and held her. "I'll call you when I land." Kim nodded and they kissed. Tommy wiped away the tears rolling down her face. He held her face. She kissed his palm.
"We'll be fine."
"I love you."
"I love you too." Tommy hugged his parents and kissed the twins. Kimberly pulled a box from her bag and handed it to him. "Here, you'll love it."
"Thanks." Trisha looked at her Dad. "Kiss goodbye, princess."
"Bye Daddy."
"Bye." They kissed. "Take care of Mommy and your sisters."
"I will."
"Good girl. I love you."
"I love you." Trisha laid her head back on Kim. Kim smiled and kissed him.
"I love you." Tommy pressed his forehead to hers. They kissed then said goodbye and got on the plane. Tommy opened the box and found a CD with video of him and the girls from the past week. Tommy got Kimberly to agree to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years in Australia. The flight was to leave November 20th. Tommy's parents came to help take Kimberly, the girls and puppies to the airport.
"Trisha eat that sandwich! Gamma and Papa will be here shortly."
"I don't want ham!" Kimberly was putting Ducky on a sweater. Since the area where they put the dogs was in the luggage department and it gets cold down there, Kimberly decided to dress the dogs for the trip. Mrs. Oliver opened the door to hear Trisha scream no. Mr. Oliver closed the door behind him.
"Fine! Go put your shoes on now!" Trisha stomped her way out the kitchen. She stopped when she saw her Mrs. Oliver.
"GAMA!" She ran to her. Mrs. Oliver picked her up and hugged her.
"Now, go put your shoes on for Mommy." She patted her butt and put her down. Trisha ran to the steps.
"SLOW DOWN!" Kimberly shook her head. "Hey."
"Hi. You ready?"
"Yea, could you put the bags in the car, while I put the pups in their carriers?"
"Twins sleeping?"
"Yea, can you believe it?"
"Gonna be a long flight."
"Mommy, can I have juice!"
"No water."
"YUCK! Gamma, can I have juice?"
"Your mother said no. I'll go help her."
"Thanks."
Kimberly sat with Tommy's mother while Mr. Oliver went to get some magazines and juice for Kim. Trisha was making baby faces at the twins. They had to arrive 3 hours before flight to get through traffic, airport security and screening, especially with dogs and 5 suitcases to check in. Madison started crying when Trisha scared her. Kimberly lifted her up and rocked her. The flight was finally called.
"Okay, call us when you arrive."
"I will." Tommy's mother put the bag over her shoulder as Kimberly lifted both girls to her hips. Trisha had her backpack, Gizmo and rolling case with her. "Thanks for everything."
"Of course. You are my darling daughter. And I love you." Mr. Oliver gave Trisha a kiss, then the twins and Kim. Kimberly got help from a stewardess to put the girls in their seats for the long flight.