Chapter 30

Kimberly gasped and dropped the handful of pills. She gripped the sink top, gasping for air. She held her forehead. Kimberly turned. Her heel slipped on a pill. Kimberly fell to her back. She laid on the cold bathroom floor, looking up at the ceiling and lights. Spots appearing, she closed her eyes to the pain in her head. Tommy came into the apartment.

"Hello? Kim?" Tommy passed the bathroom door and saw legs. He poked his head inside the door. "Kim? Kimberly!" Tommy pushed the door open andwent down on his knees. "KIMBERLY!" He saw the pills all around the floor and bottle of vodka. "Oh god! KIM!" He raised her head. "Kim!"

"Wha..?"

"How many did you take!"

"What?"

"How many pills did you take!"

"None!" Kim sat up with help. "I just slipped."

"Don't lie to me!"

"I'm not!" She looked at him. "I mean, I almost did. I was going to, but I didn't."

"Why?"

"Why didn't I?"

"No, why would you want to!"

"I don't know." She started to cry. "I thought they might help."

"Come on." Tommy helped her stand. "You look exhausted."

"I'm fine."

"Please, let me help you." She nodded. Tommy sat her to the bed. "When was the last night you slept?"

"Wednesday, I think." She laughed, still crying. "I just can't sleep." She covered her face as she cried. Tommy worked on her shoes. He noticed her right heel loose. It broken off with ease in his hand.Tommy saw the boxes still in her room from when he packed up her things.

"Where is something to sleep in?"

"I don't know." Kimberly's head went down. "In one...one... of those boxes...or drawers. I haven't unpacked much since..." She couldn't stop crying. Tommy stood up. He pulled out a blue silk caftan.

"Let's get you some sleep." Tommy pulled at her jeans and tee. Tommy undid her bra clasp and slid the shirt, like dress, over her body.

"I can't seem to find sleep without you."

"I...me too." Tommy laid her to the bed. He watched her lay there a while. Neither knew what to say for the longest. Once Kimberly had finally calmed down enough and stopped crying, Tommy spoke.

"I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

"What?"

"I hurt you, I hurt you so much when I love you. I don't deserved you. Aisha was right. You are too good for me."

"No, I'm the only one that is right for you." They hugged. He cried with her. They kissed through the tears.

"You should really get some sleep," Tommy said pulling away.

"You too. You haven't been sleeping either, right?" Tommy nodded. "Please lay with me." Tommy stood up and stripped down to his boxers. He got under the covers with her. "Don't leave me. I can't wake up again without you." Tommy kissed her forehead and hugged her. She snuggled into him, her face right against his neck. His chin against her forehead.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Beautiful." Kim smiled. For the first time in a while, both Kimberly and Tommy found peaceful sleep in each other's arms. Tommy kissed her often, even in his sleep.

9 pm

"So, Kimberly I got you that new chicken dish at Chilli's, oh..my..god!" Aisha stopped in her tracks in Kim's doorway.

"Shh!" Kimberly laid awake stroking Tommy's head against her chest.

"When did this happen?" She asked whispering finally.

"Like a few hours ago."

"He's really out."

"He hasn't slept much since the bar incident."

"Oh, wow. I'll leave the food here."

"I made a little mess in the bathroom."

"Don't worry about it." Kimberly continued outlining Tommy's face. "You get some rest too, Kim. Bye."

"Bye." Aisha closed the door.

"What's wrong? What's going on in there!"

"SHHH!"

"WHY!"

"He's in there."

"Who?" Katherine said.

"Tommy." Katherine looked up.

"Again! When will she learn, sex is not the answer?" Katherine grabbed some candy from the bowl on the counter.

"Who said anything about sex. They are just sleeping."

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11 pm

A few hours later, Tommy woke to find Kimberly asleep. He went to get up. Kimberly woke up fast.

'"What, where are you...where are you going?"

"No where."

"You were going to leave again."

'No." Kimberly sat up.

"Just go then. I mean, I couldn't take it if you lied just to spare me again.I know I made mistakes, but...I love you so much and to have to lose you all over again, I don't deserve to be strung along, no one does." Tommy took her into his arms. He rubbed her back.

"I'm not going anywhere." He wiped her eyes. "I love you."

"You do?"

"I do." Tommy laughed and held her face. "I love you too so much." They kissed passionately.

"You're not going to leave me?"

"No."

"Does that mean, we are..."

"Yes." Tommy got up and went to his pants. "Look, you haven't made the mistakes here."

"I went withTyler instead you. You were right, I..."

"That wasn't a mistake. He could have died, because of me. Because of what I did. You were only concerned not just for him, but my well being. I see that now. Your only mistake is falling in love with a guy like me."

"Loving you could never be a mistake."

"I don't deserve you."

"Yea, you do. Who else are we going to find to put up with our stubborn ways. We are the only 2 that truly belong together. No one else could handle us in a relationship." Tommy laughed. He pulled out something. Tommy made Kimberly stand up as he kneel down to the floor before her.

"I kneel before you,filled with nothing but love and I ask.. for you to forgive me. For you to love me again, because I promise I will never stop lovingyou. Say you will marry me again." She smiled and covered her mouth. She held her left hand to him.

"Yes. I forgive you! Of course I will marry you." Tommy came up and kissed her. Her arms went around his neck as they kissed more passionately. Tommy lifted her up and spun them around. She laughed. They fell to the bed kissing again.

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Next day

Aisha came into Kim's room, she was holding the phone.

"Sorry, phone."

"Ok," Kim whispered lifting Tommy's arm from around her and stood up. She took the phone. "Hello?" It was her mother.

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"You two going to pack anytime today?"

"Right. God, I'm soo happy. I don't have to go to Paris now." Aisha laughed.

"Everyone was thinking IHOP this morning."

"I'll wake the lug." Tommy woke as about100 pounds of a fiancé came bouncing on him. "Morning!"

"Morning."

"IHOP, so let's go shower."

"I don't feel like showering."

"We'll be 2 funky people."

"You're right." Tommy lifted her up and carried to the bathroom. Kimberly laughed, as he sucked on her neck and chin. "God, I love you."

"I love you too, tiger," Kimberly said holding his face. "So much." They went and showered.

Kimberly slipped on her grey tank and pink sweat pants.

"I don't have any clothes."

"Check the bottom drawer or closet."

"You didn't burn anything?"

"I'm not all 'Waiting the Exhale psycho woman'. I brought many of your clothes with my money." Tommy smiled. He pulled out some clothes. Kimberly fell to the bed. Tommy turned around.

"What's wrong?"

"Hunger headache, I guess." She slipped into her flip flops. Tommy got down in front of her.

"You sure?" He touched her face.

"Yea. I'm fine. Really."

"Okay." Tommy threw on the shirt and pants.

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9 pm

Kimberly and Tommy laid in bed together. Tommy on his side, Kim on her back, as his hand went up and down the front of the opening to her blue caftan.

"So, you really want to wait until we get married to have sex again?"

"Yea, why not?"

"How long is this wait going to be?"

"Maybe until the summer, maybe next December..."

"A whole year!"

"You know I always wanted to get married right before Christmas!"

"But a whole year, Kim?"

"We went a week."

"That was a hard ass week!" Kim laughed.

"Are you saying you couldn't wait for me?" Tommy was quiet. Kim looked over at him. "Well!"

"Of course, I could, I would wait, if that's what you want to do. I would wait years, if that meant, I could have you forever. Because you are worth it."

"Good, because I want to be married in a garden surrounded by millions of flowers on like a cliff. With the sun setting.."

"Okay."

"In a Vera Wang gown, layers on layers. A train, bouquet of white roses with a red rose in the center. My maid of honor in a lavender and pink gown, brides maids the same."

"Looks like I have my work cut out for me."

"Of course. But I don't want all of that."

"Yea, you do."

"I only need you, oh and a priest," she said smiling. "I love you."

"I love you too." They kissed and went to sleep.

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Next morning

8am

Biology exam started on time. Kimberly and Aisha the only ones breezing through it with ease. Before the lab exam, they went to check on their Dance grades.

"Hey, girls, come in."

"Hi, Professor."

"We just wanted to get our grades.."

"Of course, not the only ones to stop by today. Let's see, Aisha Campbell..." Professor pulled out her folders. "You both were great in my class. 2 of my best students. Many A's this semester, first time in a while."

"That's good," Kim said.

"And the first time, I gave out 3 A+."

"Wow, to whom?"

"You two got my first 2." Kim and Aisha smiled brightly.

"Who else got an A?"

"David, David Jordan."

"David was amazing all semester," Aisha said.

"Well, you two have a great winter break. I hope to see you two in my advance classes soon."

"Of course. Bye."

"Bye."

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5:30 pm

After lab exam, Kimberly stood packing. She got the puppies things into her car first. Tommy came by with his bags and loaded them after he finished his last exam.

"Are you packed?"

"Hush! Slowly, but it's coming. I gotta clean out my room, along with the kitchen and living room before we go. It was my week to clean."

"Okay, let's try this. Why don't you hurry and pack, I can take out the trash and clean out the kitchen."

"And vacuum the living room?"

"Sure."

"Be sure to clean the fridge of anything and everything that could spoil over the month. Gosh, when we came back from the snow trip, some eggs and cottage cheese went bad. It was disgusting."

"Try Rocky's special bag lunches. We barely could get that door opened after Thanksgiving. Nearly killed Jason when he opened the door." Kimberly laughed

"So that's what was stinking so bad?"

"Yep, now go pack."

"Yeah, yea!" Kimberly rolled her eyes and left.

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9pm

Tommy had tried to convince Kimberly to stay in the loft again with him all alone, but she refused and they were on the road to Tommy's house. Mrs. Oliver opened the door as the couple pulled up. Kimberly jumped out her car, puppies in her arms and hugged her quickly.

"Oh, I am soo happy to see you!"

"Gee thanks, Mom! Feeling no love here."

"Oh hush! How was the trip? Did you two have dinner, I made your favorites, just in case. I am soo glad my son came to his senses finally."

"Took him long enough." Mr. Oliver came out and hugged Kimberly, before going to help Tommy with unloading.

"Wow, that cannot be Dash and Napoleon! They are huge!" Mrs. Oliver took Napoleon first.

"Tommy feeds them too much."

"I DO NOT!"

"He wants a fat Napoleon."

"Napoleon was always fat!" Tommy handed his father the dog carriers. Mrs. Oliver led Kimberly inside. "Hello?"

"Wha..I'm hungry!"

"I told you to eat before we left!"

"The stuff you wanted to throw away!"

"So, still food."

"Whatever." Kim smiled and went inside. Mrs. Oliver made Kim a plate.

"So, let me see it." Kimberly held her left hand out with the diamond ring. "I can't believe he did it, again!"

"Why?" Kim put the puppies down to run around. Tommy and his father dealing with the bags.

"I thought I had a little more time, to organize a party for him, set the mood. Give the mother talk!" Kim laughed.

"Oh, he set the mood alright."

"Well at least a party to celebrate."

"We don't need a party."

"I know. But still, I would have loved to do one. You know, I have always loved how you made Tommy so happy."

"He has made me soo happy as well."

"Come, eat." Kimberly smiled and took the fork.

Tommy pulled the covers back as Kimberly came out after brushing her teeth.

"So, I was thinking a little last minute shopping in the morning. Your parents have the house soo filled with Christmas spirit, it's amazing."

"I can't believe Dad didn't wait for me."

"You twodid a lot while you were here over Thanksgiving break."

"So, I always pick out the tree." Kim giggled and got in the bed. She laid to Tommy's chest.

"My baby," Kim said kissing him.

"Shopping sounds good."

"Are you okay?" Kim felt his forehead.

"Yea, why?"

"You agreed to shopping, with me, willingly. It's a bit of a surprise."

"Haha, come, let's sleep." Tommy turned the lamp off. Kim laid her head to his chest.

"Did you block Dash and Nappy from the living room?"

"Of course. Dad made a cage for them."

"Good." Kim yawned. Tommy covered her up more. "I love you, Tommy. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Beautiful. I love you too." They kissed before falling asleep in each other's arms.

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Next day

7am

Tommy woke pretty earlier. Kimberly groaned and tried to keep the covers over her.
"No, no. Come on, Beautiful." Tommy pulled her arms. He lifted her over his shoulders, as she groaned and pouted.

"TOMMY!" He started the shower. Kimberly pulled her nightshirt off and got in. Tommy barely got his boxers to the ground, as Kim pulled him inside. They kissed long and passionate, as the showerhead poured down on them. Kimberly put on her navy ringer tee, dark blue denim jeans with pink striped flip flops. They went to the mall.

7pm

Kimberly put her wrapped gifts under the huge Christmas tree. Tommy came up behind her as she stood up. His arms went around her waist.

"So, whatcha thinking about?"

"How wonderful this Christmas is going to be. Now that I'm with you again." She turned his arms and hugged him. Tommy kissed her head.

"I feel the same, Beautiful. Let's go out tonight. On a drive."

"In my car?"

"No, Dad still have my bike in the garage."

"I'm game. Can we get pizza?"

"Of course."

"With black olives?"

"Half."

"Pepperoni?"

"If that's what my baby wants."

"Thick, Chicago kind."

"Half your way, half no black olives." Kimberly rubbed his back and felt something press against her.

"What is that?"

"Nothing." Kimberly touched his pocket. Tommy pulled away. "Nothing, let's go."

Kimberly stood beside Tommy's motorcycle. Tommy was already sitting on it.

"Coming?"

"I've never rode a bike, other than those cycles Zordon made for us from that shark bone."

"It's nothing to be afraid of. I'll take good care of you."

"I know." Kimberly bit her lip. Tommy tugged at her blue marled yarn sweater. She change into a more dressy outfit for the drive and dinner. She took the helmet and got on behind him.

"Hold on tight." Tommy started it. They went to Pizza Palace, order their pizza and played in the arcade. Tommy then drove them to Angel Grove Cliffs.

"Marry me," Tommy said. He and Kimberly standing on the cliffs. The moon light shining down on them, hugging and swaying together.

"What?"

"Marry me."

"I already said I would."

"Would you marry me tomorrow?"

"Of course. Any day you want to." Kim held his face and kissed him. "I love you." Tommy smiled.

"Love you." They kissed and went home.

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11pm

"You were just being silly at the cliffs right? I mean, you didn't really mean tomorrow?"

"Yea, I did." Kimberly stopped at the bed, as Tommy got under the covers. Tommy patted the bed. Kim, numbly, moved to the bed and into his lap.

"How could we possibly get married tomorrow! We haven't planned anything! You were just joking, right?"

"No."

"Wha..."

"We can get a marriage license tomorrow, drive to Vegas and be married by this time tomorrow." Kimberly adjusted her caftan.

"Are you nuts?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty much. Will you marry me tomorrow?"

"What about our parents, friends! They would kill us if we got married without them!"

"We can always have that big ceremony later, right now, I just want us, you and me, and a priest surrounded by roses." Kim smiled. "Don't you?"

"Yes, yea, I do." Tommy held her face and kissed her. "This is crazy! Aisha would kill me! Jason would murder you!"

"They can have their wedding. I just want us. I just need you." They kissed.

"I want you too."

"Good. Now, with no doubts or complaints. Will you marry me tomorrow?" Kimberly sat back. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Kim smiled and opened her eyes.

"I will." They kissed.

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Next morning

7:30 am

Tommy got up early so they could go to the courthouse to get a marriage certificate. He got together all of Kim's and his papers. Kimberly was packing a small overnight bag.

"Where are you going?"

"A small trip."

"Christmas is a few days away! Where..?"

"Nowhere in particular." Tommy came into his room.

"Morning, Mom."

"Morning. Where did are you going?"

"Just have to get some things. Uh, Kim, ready?"

"We'll be back soon." They left.

They went to the courthouse.

"So, just sign here and here." Kimberly did with Tommy.

"Is that it?"

"Yes. Here is your license for Las Vegas."

"Wow, that didn't take long."

"These things are simple, my dear. Just the 'I dos' that take the longest. So, good luck and congratulations."

"Thanks." Tommy took the paper after it was stamped for approval. Tommy smiled and put his arms around her.

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10 am

Tommy and Kimberly walked into the house to find his parents waiting.

"Why are you two going to Las Vegas?" Tommy's mother showed the papers.

"How did you..."

"Pamphlets to Vegas! What is going on here, son!"

"Kimberly and I are heading on a short trip."

"To get married!"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Why not, Mom?"

"Why do you two need to get married today!"

"We love each other."

"Tommy, you have to see this rational," Mr. Oliver said. "Marriage is not something to go lightly into!"

"We aren't!"

"Then wait! The summer, in a year or 2...NOT NOW!"

"Mom, you can't stop this. We are getting married tonight."

"NO! Not today, you are not getting married!" Tommy took Kim's hand. "I forbid you! I forbid you do this! You cannot do this!" Tommy led Kim upstairs.Tommy slammed his door hard...

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will they do it, should they do it..tune in until next time