Chapter 7- First Day on a Brand New Planet
Author's Note: To all the readers out there, finally we have reach the pinnacle of the entire storyline. Just a head's up on the timeframe of the story from this point on, it is now 10 years later. I'm not going to give away any details of the story right now, but if you read on there will be some things that will just surprise you. You can never know what else might happen in my story. So here it is…the next chapter of the story.
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Ten Years later…
By mid-afternoon, the construction workers at the building site have completed the last of the installments to the structure. The inspection of the project is being inspected by a 27 year old young woman with brown eyes and long brown-camel hair. The head contractor had the young woman fill out the last of the paperwork. After signing her signature, her mobile rang. "Yeah I'll be there. I just finished right now so I'm leaving," the young woman replied as she took off from work and headed for the bus. Luckily she managed to catch it just in the nick of time.
Ten years has passed and as Kimberly Hart stares out the bus window, she was thinking back to everything that has happened in her life. A lot has changed within the past 10 years for her and her friends. After graduation, Kim headed off to Florida with Kat to train for the Pan Global Games. Although she expected to get far and earn a permanent spot on the team, Kim was forced to give up gymnastics after her accident during the Olympic Trials. No one exactly knew what happened the day of Kim's accident, but she still never talked about it afterwards. After 4 years in Florida, Kim decided to pull out from the team and decided to attend college and work on her diploma in Architecture and Design. Kim managed to secure a few jobs with other contracting firms until she was offered a top position at a company called Polaris.
Kim still hangs out with the former Rangers. They are all tight as it is. Zack is now a DJ host at a local radio station while Aisha has opened her own veterinarian clinic. Rocky and Jason opened up their own dojo. She also found it ironic that Aisha and Rocky have been dating for over 3 years as with Billy and Trini. As for Billy and Trini, Billy is now a teacher at Angel Grove High School while Trini landed a job working in a boutique. Adam was funding an internship aboard somewhere in Korea for contracting. It was fortunate that Adam is back in the States, but he now resides in Stone Canyon. Kim hasn't heard from Kat in over 6 years after they parted ways in Florida. Although Kat tried out for the Diving Team on the Pan Global Team, Kat left a year before Kim did. The last she heard from Kat was that she headed to London to study dancing. In the end, everyone remained close with one another. Currently, Kim is sharing an apartment with Aisha. Kim finally got off the bus and headed straight to Rocky and Jason's dojo. She entered as Rocky and Jason finished up with today's class.
"So I see you guys are done for today?" Kim smiled, "How did it go?"
"Same as usual," Rocky replied, "We got a tournament coming up this weekend and we're trying to get the students ready for the tournament."
"It seems like you guys got your hands full," Kim said, "And what about you Mr. Scott? Are you doing your part to help out?"
"Of course," Rocky smiled, "He's the sensei so he has an obligation to his students."
"Alright you can stop trying to shine that spotlight on me Rocky," Jason teased, "If you don't mind Kim and I like a few moments alone? You still need to decide whose going to compete on the weekend. We can't take everyone you know that."
"Fine I'll you two your privacy," Rocky teased as he retreated into the back, "Gosh you two are always in need of some alone time. Why don't you guys get a room or something?" As Rocky retreated in the back, Jason smiled as he walked up to Kim and the two began to makeout.
"I thought he wouldn't leave," Jason smiled as he kissed Kim, "So…another 48 hours left until the day. Are you looking forward to it?"
"Why wouldn't I? We've known each other all of our lives and you have done so much for me within these last 10 years. I don't know what I'd do without my best friend around. I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life without anyone else…but you Jason Lee Scott."
"I know I couldn't spend my life without you Kimberly Ann Hart. Another 48 hours left…until we make our engagement legal. But as you see…we're already married within our hearts. I will say this once and I will say this again…all that matters to me is your happiness. You deserve so much in life right now. I know you've been through a lot but I'm glad you managed to pull through it all."
"I couldn't have done with you Jas," Kim replied, "I can't believe we're going to celebrate our engagement soon. In 48 hours…we're both no longer going to be single."
"That's the scary part," Jason laughed, "After 27 years…I can picture my parents saying this to me now. "Jason Lee Scott…finally you found yourself a decent woman it took you awhile to do so son." What a mouthful I'm going to get from them."
"But it took you awhile," Kim smiled, "And you finally fished yourself a good catch. Listen why don't you head off to the jewelry store to give the finalize payment for our engagement rings will you? Besides…I need to drop off something at one of our potential contractors. We've been trying to negotiate a contract with them for an upcoming project. If I get this contract…you wouldn't know how much they'll be paying our company for. It can even support us for our wedding. All I'm just hoping is that they sign."
"Of course they'll have to sign Kim. You're one of the top contractors at Polaris. If they don't sign…then they'll regret working with someone as talented as you."
"I still figured out how it happened all of a sudden," Kim said as she looked at her leg, "That is the mysterious thing about life. You…wouldn't know what to expect. I thought I would be spending all my life doing gymnastics…but looking back to what happened 6 years ago in Florida, I realized that it doesn't matter. One dream may fail…but another opens."
"You still…never talked about what happened that day of the Olympic Trials," Jason said.
"Maybe some other time," Kim said as she left, "Anyways I got to head out. Don't forget to pay the jeweler. I'll talk to you later Jas."
"Okay see you Kim," Jason replied as she left out the door, "I know she's happy because I can see it…I know you'll be proud of her bro if you were hear to see it."
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Kimberly later on went by to visit another contracting firm called Mercian. For months, her company Polaris has been trying to negotiate a contract with Mercian to work on an upcoming project with them. Anyways, Kim has been trying to secure a deal with some of the top contractors and project managers of Mercian to fund a project involving renovations to the Northstar Ski Resort up at Lake Tahoe. Luckily for Kim, Mercian was willing to agree to fund the project as part of a joint venture with Polaris…but all they needed was a director from Mercian to oversee the project. Kim arrived and she saw that it seemed like they were moving some furniture into the office. She ran into one of Mercian's Designers, who she was surprised to see was her old friend, Adam Park.
"I see…you've gotten yourself a promotion Mr. Park," Kim smiled, "How's it going?"
"Not so bad… within the last 12 weeks since I got transferred to work here. Sorry about the mess right now," Adam replied, "It's just…we're trying to prepare for the arrival of the new director for the firm. Not only I'm overseeing the Designing Department but the company also has me assisting the new director. Right now I'm handling all the paperwork needed to the upcoming projects. Is that the contract for the Northstar Ski Resort project?"
"Yeah and it's ready," Kim added smiling, "Just call to schedule for the final negotiations. If the Director has any problems with the contract, just give us a call."
"I can do that for you," Adam said, "He's going to be here in a few days. The word has it that this new Director has hand picked by the board of directors to become the new boss for Mercian. He's been living aboard in Europe for nearly most of his life. It's his first time working for an American contracting firm. He's been ranked one of the top best in Europe."
"Have you met this guy yet?" Kim asked.
"Well…I did meet him at a contracting orientation we held in Seoul…but I didn't get a chance to know what his name was," Adam replied, "You'll probably get to meet him in a few days when he is already settled."
"I'm looking forward to it," Kim replied looking at her watch, "Oh shoot I got to head back home before Aisha does something to burns down the place. So are coming tomorrow night?"
"You know I wouldn't miss my best friends' engagement. So I guess…you got another 48 hours left? Are you looking forward to your engagement party?"
"What kind of question is that? I've known Jason all my life and we're finally taking the biggest step in our relationship…marriage. I can't be any happier than I am right now. Everything is going well right now in my life. I got a secure job, a well decent guy like Jason, family and friends. At the moment, I am satisfied with the way things are going for me right now."
After Kim left Mercian, she was walking by some of the movers when she noticed a tiny little puzzle piece on the ground. Not knowing what it's for Kim picked up the puzzle piece and put it into her pocket. As she was walking to the bus stop, she walked passed a guy with light autumn brownish highlighted hair with glasses. For some strange reason, Kim began to feel something inside that she haven't felt in almost ten years when that mysterious guy walked pass her. As she turned around, the guy was out of her sight. "Okay that was strange," Kim thought to herself, "It felt like for a moment…I felt something very familiar near by." After Kim got on the bus, she finally headed back to her loft to find Aisha at home with Rocky and Jason deciding to crash by at her place.
"Hey guys," Kim greeted as she walked in, "Aisha you didn't tell me that we're cooking dinner for four tonight! It seems like everyday when I come home…we always have to entertain these two muffins!"
"Don't look at me!" Aisha teased as pointed to Rocky, "This one over here said he and Jason didn't have anymore food at their flat so they decided to bum some off of us!"
"And you think I'm only going out with you because I like your cooking?" Rocky laughed.
"Alright stop it!" Jason said as the table was set, "Why don't we all sit down as civilized people and have a nice dinner okay? Besides…it's been a long day and I'm starving." With that in mind, the four of them sat down to eat.
"I ran into Adam at Mercian," Kim replied, "Apparently he's been there for about 12 weeks now after they transferred him from his last company he worked at. He's overseeing the Designing Department for Mercian…plus he's going to be working with Mercian's new director."
"Sounds like Adam's been busy," Jason smiled as he pulled out the engagement ring, "Well here they are. How do you like them?"
"Jas I love it," Kim smiled giving Jason a kiss, "It's so pretty…let me guess is it sapphire?"
"It's only the best. It's about four to six karats. I thought it was an affordable enough ring but I hope…it's suitable."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. What is…your mother going to say about this? You know I'm still worried that your mom still disapproves of me marrying you. She can handle us going out together…but being engaged, it's another story. No offense Jas but…what if your mother hates me or can't contemplate the fact I'm going to become her future daughter-in-law? I feel like she never liked the fact that you and me have been going out for a long time."
"You know my mother Kim she is just looking out for my best interest," Jason said putting a hand on her shoulder, "Don't let my mother's second opinions about our engagement or our relationship in general. She knows that we love each other and she wouldn't stand in the way of our happiness. My mother trusts you…besides she's known you all your life."
"She probably can put up with me for that long," Kim sighed, "Sometimes I get the feeling that your mother…has this idea that I'm not good enough for you. She thinks I'm going to end up hurting you. Look it's important for me to establish a good relationship with my future in-laws including your mother. I want to do this to show that I am worthy of being your wife."
"I know you are Kimberly and I know my mother would come around and realize that. My father knows that you're a kind hearted person and I know my mom will think the same of you. What matters is that I know you're worthy of having me because I love you."
"I love you Jason," Kim smiled, "Thanks for making me feel better."
"All I want is not to have any doubts such as my mother's disapproval to take the spark away from our day tomorrow," Jason said, "And also…I don't want to see my fiancée upset before our big engagement party. This is a time for celebration and besides, you deserve some happiness at the moment. I promised you…I'll always be there for you because I will always be your lifetime fan. Besides you're my best friend for life."
"As you are my lifetime fan and best friend for life," Kim said, "Besides…tomorrow is our day."
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The following day was the night of Jason and Kimberly's engagement party. Everyone came down to the banquet hall at Downtown Angel Grove for the party. Kimberly's entire family including her mother Caroline, her cousin Courtney, her brother Kenny and sister-in-law Demi came. Kenny's kids Nathan, Hailey, and Sonia also came. The others also came for the party and even Jason's parents came. Jason could see the look on his mother's face expressing that she is not fond of being here.
"I don't see why I have to be here," Tiffany Scott moaned, "Jason I still don't trust that girl of yours. I don't see why you want to marry her."
"C'mon mom you got to stop this," Jason replied, "Think about all the good stuff that Kimberly has done for you. At least try to be happy for her sake. She's worried that you don't like her."
"It's not that I don't trust her…it's just I'm worried that she might hurt you."
"I know Kimberly and she wouldn't do anything irrational," Jason said, "Besides…she's happy that you make it today. Anyways Kim is just at the salon getting her hair done. Unfortunately they accidentally booked her half an hour late. But she'll be there."
"At least some things don't change," Tiffany smiled a bit, "For a long time since she was a little girl…I always remembered Kimberly being a bit tardy. I'll give her a chance…but it doesn't change my opinion about your choice of fiancée."
"I can take that as a compliment. Why don't you go say hello to the Harts while I go chat up with my friends and besides dad is chatting with Kimberly's mother."
"Alright then," Tiffany said as she joined her husband Grant Scott to chat with the Harts. In all the while Jason went to join with his friends while they waited in anticipation for Kimberly.
"Kimberly called and said that she's almost done at the salon," Billy said, "She'll be here in a little while. It's just a bit traffic out there."
"Thanks Billy," Jason replied, "You guys did an amazing job on the set up."
"You owe us big time for this Jas," Zack teased, "There should be some cash incentive for paying for your best friend's engagement party and the massive expenses needed to coordinate this party."
"Oh stop it!" Trini and Aisha yelled together smacking Zack on the arm.
"Very funny Zack," Jason replied, "But it's still thoughtful that you kept us on your mind. I'm just hoping Kimberly gets her on time to see the setup for the party. I know she wouldn't miss her engagement party for anything."
Meanwhile, Kimberly was finally finished at the salon getting her hair done. She was dressed in a lavender spaghetti strap mini dress and she was wearing a cotton fleeced autumn dress jacket due to the slight windiness outside. The banquet hall was about a 20 minute walk from the salon. But as Kimberly started walking towards the banquet she suddenly stopped as she felt her eyes water up inside. She felt that same feeling again from yesterday; only accept now this was started bringing back sad memories and heartbreak. With that...just as from yesterday she saw the man with light autumn brownish highlighted hair and glasses. But it wasn't the attraction of the guy that caused her to stop…but the resemblance. Looking at him carefully, Kim was literally in tears as she nearly thought of one person she didn't dare to think about in over ten years. But was it just a ghost or someone that looked liked him?
"It can't be…is it really…him?"
But as she heard her mobile ring, Kimberly looked up but he was gone. She didn't even noticed she dropped her mobile phone as without any reason Kimberly started going after this mysterious guy. Something inside of her made her feel that dark void and emptiness in her heart. However, something inside of Kimberly made her forget about what was happening right now and her priorities at the moment. She was supposed to be at her engagement party to celebrate with Jason and their family and friends. She didn't care if her hair was beginning to get wrecked up from running the Downtown streets. It didn't matter if she was crying at all. All that Kim wanted to do was figure out if what is looking for right now is real or just a figment of her memory from her heart. As Kim continued to run all over Downtown Angel Grove she just let those 10 years worth of emotions finally get the best of her…to the point she was reduced to nothing but tears.
In all the while that Kimberly was out running about Downtown Angel Grove, Jason and the others were still waiting for Kimberly to arrive. They were becoming anxiously worried about Kim's whereabouts, especially Kim's family. The others tried to get in contact by calling her mobile but there was no answer. Jason looked at the clock with anticipation realizing that it's been over 3 hours. "Kimberly where are you?" Jason thought to himself a bit upset yet worried about her, "Why aren't you here yet? What happened to you?" Jason had Zack, Adam, and Billy search for her while the girls anxiously tried to desperately reach Kim. Rocky suggested to Jason that his family and Kim's folks send the guests home, if the possibility that Kim doesn't show up by the end of the night. This was not exactly the engagement party Jason had in neither mind nor his way to celebrate it…especially when the future bride to be isn't here. But he could see the look on his mother's face when he announced to them to send the guests away while they try to get in contact with Kim.
As the engagement party was coming to a short close for the night at the banquet hall, out on the streets of Downtown Angel Grove, Kim continued to chase down the mysterious man with light autumn brownish highlighted hair and glasses. A couple of hours passed and she didn't even know what time it was in the night. Kim must have felt she's been running in circles the streets looking for this guy. The last thing she didn't want was for old wounds of the past to open up again. All she can do right now was just let it all out. After literally ditching her own engagement party to chase someone who might look like a ghost from her past, Kim finally gave up. She quietly decided to walk to the banquet hall to meet up with Jason and the others despite the fact she left them wondering where she was. It didn't matter to Kimberly at that moment if she made the others wonder what happened to her. All she can think about was what made her suddenly forget about everything that happened right now.
"Was I see you again…or was it your ghost or someone...that looked liked you? I feel that emptiness inside again…in my heart. It was the one…I tried to heal for ten years. Are you still there? How is this possible?" Kim thought to herself crying, "Are you calling out to me? I…can't hear you…but I feel you near. Where are you? How do I know? Will…my heart tell me?"
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Back at the banquet hall after the Harts and the Scotts finally sent the last of the party guests home, Jason and others met up in the lobby to see if there have been anymore updates on Kimberly. Jason didn't expect that his engagement party would turn out like this. The guys got back to the lobby with no luck.
"Has there been any luck?" Jason asked anxiously.
"Nothing," the guys replied, "No sign of Kimberly anywhere."
"We…could try to call the police to file a missing person report," Trini insisted.
"Okay…we'll do that then," Jason said, "Someone give me a phone I can use."
"Here use mine Jas," Rocky replied.
"Thanks bro," Jason replied as he started dialing, "I hope…she's okay." Just as Jason and Kimberly's families meet in the lobby, everyone stops to see an exhausted Kimberly walk into the lobby. Everyone looked on at Kimberly in shock. It looked like she was completely worn out and her eyes were red. Kimberly tried to catch her breath, but literally had a lot of questions as to where Kim was for half the night.
"Kimberly!" Everybody replied surprised, "Oh my goodness Kim!"
"Kimberly!" the Harts replied in unison, "Where have you been?"
"Are you okay girl?" Aisha asked in a worried voice, "Kimberly?"
"What happened to you tonight?" Jason asked, "Are you hurt? Are you alright Kim?"
"I'm…okay…nothing's wrong," Kim replied catching her breath, "I'm…well."
"So we'd worried ourselves for nothing?" Mrs. Scott sneered, "We wasted half the night worrying for nothing. Grant I like to go home now."
"Okay dear," Mr. Scott replied, "Jason…can you drive your mother home? The others will look after Kimberly for you okay?"
"Sure thing dad," Jason said as he escorted his mom out, "I'll come by later on Kim."
"Oh…okay then," Kim sighed as she looked like she was in a trance, "I'll see you."
"Kimberly Ann Hart!" Kim's mom yelled, "What happened to you tonight? Were the hell were you? Do you have any idea how worried we were about you? What happened to you?"
"I…don't know," Kim sighed, "I…can't explain…I'm really…" But before Kimberly could finish she fainted from exhaustion. Everyone panic as they surrounded Kimberly with worry.
"Kimberly! Kimberly!" everyone yelled in worry, "Are you alright?"
"Caroline it's best you take her home," Mr. Scott suggested, "She just fainted from exhaustion that's all. Don't worry about Kimberly she'll be fine."
The others decided to leave for the night after cleaning up the banquet hall. Rocky, Zack and Aisha accompanied Mrs. Hart on taking Kimberly back to the loft. The guys carried Kimberly to her bed and Mrs. Hart kept watch on her daughter while she rested. Aisha called Jason over a little while after and while they were waiting on the news of Kimberly's condition, Mrs. Hart was overlooking her daughter in bed. What was going through the minds of everyone was what was going on with Kimberly? It wasn't like her to act irrational to do something like not show up to your own engagement party without a reason. A few hours later, Kimberly woke up to find her mother sitting next to her bed.
"Oh honey you're awake," Mrs. Hart replied, "Are you feeling better? Are you alright?"
"I'm okay mom," Kim said, "I'm just a bit tired."
"Do you want anything to drink?"
"I'll be fine mother. All I just needed was a bit of rest."
"I am glad of that," Mrs. Hart replied as she looked at her daughter, "Kimberly…what is going on with you? What were you thinking doing that to Jason?" But Kim just sat there and stared into space.
"Why can't you answer me? What is going on Kimberly? Do you not realize the hurt you causing Jason, your family and friends? You had us worried! Where did you go?"
"I…don't know mother," Kim quietly sighed, "I…don't know what happened…I can't explain it."
"Then talk to me then! What is going on?"
"I'm…sorry mother…I don't know what to say. You…wouldn't understand." Upset with the fact that her daughter couldn't give a valid explanation for what happened, Mrs. Hart just left the room upset and confused by her daughter's behavior. Kim was still raveled in tears of the fact she couldn't come to grips with what she witness tonight, "Why does…it hurt so much?" she thought to herself.
After a short while, Kim got up from her bed and she quietly pulled out her cassette tape that Tommy gave her on Valentine's Day. As she quietly listened to it she couldn't help but wonder if it was him Kimberly saw? She couldn't verbally think out but she found a notebook and she quietly put her thoughts down on paper.
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It's been a few days since the incident of the engagement party. Kimberly tried to apologize to Jason's mother for missing the engagement party. But knowing that she literally disrespected her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Scott refused to talk to Kimberly, despite Jason and Mr. Scott's pleads to forgive Kimberly. Meanwhile, the others planned to help Jason and Kimberly celebrate their engagement. Jason eventually wanted to forget about the incident of the party and he wasn't entirely mad about it. The only thing that bothered him was he couldn't get Kimberly to open up about what caused her to forget about their engagement party? Jason thought that Kim wasn't herself as of lately after that night. He knew that something was wrong with her, but he didn't want to make it light to her he could see it. Jason was at the loft waiting for Kimberly and he decided to keep Aisha and Rocky company.
"She'll be here in a little while," Aisha replied, "Just keep yourself occupied for awhile."
"I suppose you two would want some quiet time?" Jason teased both Rocky and Aisha.
"Oh save it Jas!" Rocky laughed, "C'mon I deserve some time with my favorite girl!"
"Suit yourself," Jason smiled, "I'll wait in Kim's room." Jason looked around Kimberly's room and he saw it very neat and tidy. He headed to her desk and just glanced at the things she had on her desk. Jason noticed there was a notebook on Kim's desk opened. His curiosity got the best of him and he looked at the scribbles Kim wrote. But what he read made him realize something…the reason of why Kimberly didn't show up to the engagement party. The words in the notebook got to him:
"Was it really you I saw? Or was it your ghost?
I felt my heartache again when I saw you on the street. It was like I felt myself being taken back ten years ago. Everyday for the last ten years I felt that void in my heart. The emptiness of you not being here with me…it felt like my heart wasn't whole without you in my life. All I wished was to go back to the days when we would be down by the lake and playing hooky. My memories of you are all I have to remember you by. I always dreamt about you every night and how I longed to be with you again. I felt my heart calling out to you waiting for you to hear me. I remembered the promises we made to each other. I promised you...if you were dark and moody, I would always bring light to your day. You promised you would never let me fall and you would be there to catch me.
I waited for ten years…now I feel like my dream is coming true, or is it just a fantasy created from my heart? How do I know you're alive? Or was it your spirit I saw that night saying goodbye to me? I didn't want you to part from me...I needed you more than ever. I felt so afraid to say your name. Your name still aches everytime I say it. Sometimes when I look up at the sky at night, I feel you calling out to me looking down on me. I still think back to that night ten years ago where everything changed. I know in my heart, you are the only one that holds a place in my heart. The emptiness that is within my heart is that of you not being here with me. My first love…Tommy…Tommy…Tommy…how I longed to say your name. Tommy…Tommy…where are you?"
"Did…you read enough to know why?" Kim asked as she appeared at the door, "I knew…I would expect this from you. I understand Jason if you're mad at me and…"
"Kimberly…you could have told me," Jason replied, "I would have waited for you. It hurts everyday does it? I understand Kim…I miss Tommy too. Not a day goes by and I wonder what life would have been like if he were still alive. I know…why you missed the party that night."
"It's not about that Jas. It's too…complicated to explain it. I don't know how to explain what I did that night…but my heart felt like something was calling me. You didn't…know the connection Tommy and I had ten years ago. It wasn't puppy love Jason…it was real love. But no matter what…Tommy will always be my first love…but I'm afraid."
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid…I can't feel that love I felt ten years ago. I want to let you of the past because it breaks my heart everyday I linger onto it. I want to move on and feel that love again…but I can't do it without you. I need you more than ever Jason Lee Scott."
"I'll always be there for you Kimberly Ann Hart because I love you," Jason smiled giving her a kiss, "I promise you…that you will feel that love you had again in ten folds. All I want from you is to see you smile again. If you feel pain, let me feel that pain too to help you heal. I will see you through this. I will help you…stop the pain of your heartache. From now on, all you will have in your life is joy and happiness for all the days through. This is my vow to you."
"I promise to love you back Jason," Kim smiled, "My soul protector and my number one lifetime fan. Together we'll be there for each other. I wouldn't imagine my life without you and I am sorry for everything I put you through. I truly am sorry. Do you think the pain will go away anytime soon Jason? Will my heart heal itself?"
"Only time can tell Kimberly," Jason replied, "You know I will always love you. The healing process will entirely depend on you Kimberly. But I promise I won't let you go through this alone okay? We're in this together."