Wow! I wasn't expecting to get flamed like that – guess some of you are really passionate about Kat. I respect your opinions, but please, remember that this is fan fiction. Don't jump to conclusions about where I am taking this story – it was only the first chapter. If you don't like it, you don't have to read it! If you must criticize, PLEASE don't swear at me!

To my wonderful reviewers:

Ghostwriter, Tom, Jasmine, margieboots, Alana, evarevival107, Dark-Child2, Chelsea, redandblack 4eva, Ryan and PR and especially Genie05:

Thank you all sooooo very much for your encouragement – I got flamed to a crisp by couple of die-hard Kat crusaders (whom I hope are not intending to read further with such a critical view) and very nearly deleted the whole story. Thank you for the kind words and the VERY valid opinions! This chapter wouldn't be here if not for your support!

Chapter 2:

The next day, Tommy and Kimberly headed to the bank and then on to the Youth Centre. When they had gotten to Tommy's house the previous evening, Tommy had returned Kat's phone call while his mother helped Kimberly unpack. Kat said she was delighted to hear of Kim's return but Tommy could hear the inevitable concern in her voice.

"Are you okay?" She had asked.

"Yeah, it's nice to see Kim again," he'd said honestly.

"I'm glad you guys are still friends, especially after the way you split up," Kat said. She sounded sincere.

Tommy knew instantly the reason for her concern. "Kat, Kim and I aren't just friends. She didn't send that letter. We found out at the airport yesterday. She got one just like me."

"Wow." Kat was taken aback and paused for a moment. "Tommy who would do that to you?" Kat gasped.

"I don't know. The postmark was from here, so I'm going to find out."

Kat was silent for a few moments.

"Hello?" Tommy said, "Kat, are you still there?"

"Yeah… sorry," Kat apologised. "So what are you doing tonight?

"I'm not sure yet, I have to go for another meeting with the bank manager this afternoon, and Kim's dying to see everyone."

"Well, maybe you could drop by the Youth Centre later. I'm teaching a ballet class at two then meeting someone, but I'll definitely be free by four. I could call the others and we could have dinner together?"

"Sounds great Kat, thanks!" Tommy said, carefully listening to how Kat had reacted to his news.

Kat seemed pleased. "Hey, maybe you could drop Kim off at Aisha's while you go to the bank. I'm sure they're dying to catch up with each other. Aisha could give Kim a lift later on?" she suggested.

Tommy paused, unsure of what to say. "Yeah…Kim would like that...But I think she should come to the bank with me…"

"Why? Don't you think she'll be a little bored?"

Tommy gave up dancing around the topic. "Kat, Kim and I are opening a business together –a gymnastics and martial arts centre. The meeting with the bank the afternoon is about decreasing the loan I requested."

Kat was silent for a moment. "Wow." She said, "That's quite sudden, don't you think?"

"Yeah, but it's what we both want. We're just gonna take things as they come."

"Then that's great," said Kat, with a little more enthusiasm, "I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks! So I'll see you later?"

"Yes, take care."

"Cheers."

Tommy hung up and frowned. Kat hadn't sounded like her usual cheery self, but it could have just been the shock of Kim's return and their very sudden business agreement.

X

Kimberly's eyes sparkled as they pulled up in front of the Youth Centre and Tommy's heart flushed with warmth. He'd missed that about her.

Kim opened her door and leaned back to pull her Team USA bag from the backseat. "I can't wait to see everyone!" she said, getting out of the car.

"And I know they're dying to see you," Tommy added as he got out with his own bag. He locked the car.

"Has the gang changed a lot while I've been gone?"

Tommy thought for a minute. "Not really. Billy is thinking about moving permanently to Aquitar, but that's about it. The only thing that's really changed is you?"

Kimberly raised an eyebrow, "Me?"

"Yeah, you're more beautiful now than you were then," Tommy winked and Kimberly blushed.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Oliver. I'm a toughie now," Kimberly joked. Tommy put an arm around her and pulled her to him.

"A toughie, huh?"

Kimberley nodded and he couldn't resist. His fingers darted to her middle where she was most ticklish and within seconds she was squealing happily.

"Stop it! I swear Oliver, if you don't stop right now…"

Tommy only laughed, "How tough are you now, huh?" He continued his onslaught.

Kimberly pouted and tried to stop giggling. "C'mon! This isn't fair!"

"I know," Tommy stopped, but didn't release her, "but I love to hear you laugh." He leaned down and kissed her softly. Kimberly paused, then pulled away and looked at her watch.

"We'd better hurry if we want to cram in a workout before meeting the others." She said, matter-of-factly, ignoring his advances. They had decided that some exercise would do them good and so, decided to arrive early.

Tommy sighed. "Well, then in we go," he said as he followed her to the door, feeling grateful that things between them were back to normal.

X

To Tommy, it felt as if nothing had changed. He was at the circuit, lifting weights, just like the old days. A petite brunette dressed in an American flag came walking towards him and he did a double take, realising who it was.

"Kim? Wow! I didn't recognise you in that leotard," he said. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail with, surprisingly, a red bow.

Kimberly looked around, appearing uncomfortable, "I really don't want to look like I'm showing off but I forgot to pack my practise kit so I'm pretty much stuck in this. Does it really stand out?"

"Truthfully, yes. But you look beautiful in it. And you deserve to flash it."

"I suppose I'll be back later then. The beam's free now, so I guess I'd better seize the opportunity."

"Yep," Tommy said, taking a slug of water from his bottle.

Kimberly looked around, rubbing her arms nervously. "I really wish Ernie was here. I wonder where he is."

"He's probably just gone out for a couple minutes. Don't worry Kim, he'll definitely be here later."

Kimberly smiled and set off to the beam. Tommy watched as she pulled herself up and positioned herself on the very edge of the beam. Slowly, she slid her front leg down into a split and let her head drop so it was resting on her thigh. She held the position for a few seconds then got back up. She flipped forwards onto her hands, naturally falling into her Olympic routine, which had become second nature to her. Kimberly's body moved fluidly along the beam, easily contorting into the flips and twists of the routine and Tommy watched in amazement. He barely noticed the person sit down beside him.

"Hey, what are you staring at?" Aisha asked, squinting at Tommy.

"Huh? Tommy asked, not moving his eyes.

Aisha followed his gaze to the beam. "Wow that's some routine that girl's got going there. Looks like the next Kimberly Hart, eh?"

Tommy frowned. He turned to look at his friend. "Aisha, you don't know about Kim do you?"

"Kim? No. Haven't heard from her in a couple weeks. Has anything happened?"

"You mean Kat didn't tell you why we're all having dinner here tonight?"

"No," Aisha frowned, "Is there something I should know?"

Tommy gestured to the gymnastics beam. "Take a closer look Aisha."

She looked confused but turned back to the girl, who was swiftly flipping backwards with impossible speed.

"Tommy, what exactly am I – Oh. My. God!" Realisation hit Aisha and she turned to Tommy. "It isn't!"

Tommy nodded, "Oh yes it is. She arrived back from Florida yesterday."

Aisha squinted, "That is our Kimmie?"

"Uh huh."

"I can't believe it. She's so…wow. She's so different but she still manages to look like our old Kimberly. I can't wait to say hi! It feels like ages since I saw her." She turned to Tommy, "Why did you tell me she was coming back?"

"I didn't know. I bumped into her by accident at the airport."

"Oh," some of Aisha's enthusiasm died, "It must have been pretty uncomfortable, huh?"

"It was, but we worked things out. As it turns out, we never broke up. You remember the letter?"

"How could I forget it?"

"She didn't write it. Somebody from Angel Grove did. She got one just like mine – a heartless break-up letter from this neighbourhood. That's why she never called."

"Wow. That's some kinda freaky. You got any idea who's responsible?"

Tommy hesitated. "No, not really," he lied.

"So we're gonna have to do some PI, huh?" she winked then turned her gaze back in Kimberly's direction. Tommy followed her eyes.

Kimberly flipped across the beam three times before rounding off with a complicated twist. She landed flawlessly on the mat and put her arms up to steady herself.

Aisha was up in a second, rushing across the room to her friend. Kimberly was totally taken aback at being hugged by some random individual. It was such a surprise that it sent her sprawling to the ground with the person's arms fixed around her neck.

"Hey!" she said indignantly.

Aisha lifted her head. "Hey girl!"

"Aisha?" Kimberly squealed. "Oh my gosh!" Her arms encircled her friend and she hugged her fiercely. Aisha had become her best friend when Trini left and Kimberly had missed her a lot.

After a few moments, the two sat up.

"I can't believe it's you!" Kimberly said happily,

"Me? Look at you, girl!" Aisha said, "Miss professional-gold-medal-winning-gymnast thank you very much!"

"Oh God, it's the leotard isn't it?" Kimberly asked, exasperated, "I look like such a show-off."

"Not at all girl. You look fine. That Florida sun has done your skin a world of good! You're all glowing brown."

"Yeah yeah," Kim waved it away, "So how have you been?

"Oh no, not so fast. I want to know why you didn't tell me you were coming home?"

"I'm sorry. I figured I should wait 'til I was settled until calling you guys, you know? I thought things might be a little uncomfy with me not being a part of the team anymore."

"Nonsense! You should have called me," Aisha said, looking indignant.

Kimberly frowned, "I'm sorry!" she said.

"So where are you staying?"

"With Tommy."

"Oh, now I see your plan. Come back to get your man, eh?" Aisha winked.

"No! Not at all. I never thought I'd see Tommy again! I'm back here because I love Angel Grove and I missed you all too much." Kimberly said, hoping Aisha hadn't gotten the wrong impression.

Aisha chuckled. "No worries, girl. Tommy told me the whole story about the letter. Bad stuff, hey?"

"Yeah. Some person's idea of a prank ripped our lives apart. I'm just really relieved we managed to clear the matter up. I missed him, Aisha, I missed him so much." Kimberly said sincerely, casting a glance in Tommy's direction.

"Hey!" A tall blonde girl in a short pink skirt and white t-shirt had her arms wrapped around Tommy. Kimberly frowned. "Is that Kat?"

Aisha turned to look. "Yep, she must have just finished her class.

Kimberly sniffed. "Are she and Tommy close?"

"They were for a while, after the letter, but lately he's seemed downright annoyed with her. To be fair, she was there for him after he thought he'd lost you, but lately she has been a little bit pushy around him." Aisha shrugged.

"Well, I suppose I'd better go say hi!" Kimberly got up and pulled Aisha from the floor.

"I'm going to head for a shower, see you in a few," Aisha waved to Kimberly, who turned to pick up her water bottle and bag.

"Excuse me?"

"Huh?" Kimberly turned around. A small girl of about 7 was standing behind her. The girl had dark brown hair that was tied in two pigtails, and was dressed in a pink ballet outfit. She was gripping a small piece of paper.

Kimberly leaned down to her. "Hi there?"

The girl smiled. "Are you Kimberly Hart, the famous gymnast?" she asked with wide eyes.

Kimberly smiled back, "Well, I don't know about famous, but I'm definitely Kimberly Hart. What's up?"

"Can I please have your autograph?" The girl held out the piece of paper. "I want to be just like you one day."

Kim's face flushed blood red. "Um…sure." She took the paper. "What's your name?"

"Emma. I'm a gymnast too, you know. Or I was."

"Really? What happened?" Kim asked casually as she dug around in her bag for a pen.

"My coach left. Now I'm doing ballet with her," Emma turned and pointed towards Kat, "but I really want to do gym again."

"Well, keep your eyes open. I've just arrived back in Angel Grove and I'm going to be starting a gymnastics centre very soon. Perhaps I could be your coach? Would you like that Emma?" Kimberly smiled and handed her the piece of paper.

"Like it? I'd love it! Thanks Miss Hart!" Emma smiled and jumped at Kimberly for a hug.

"Wow, that's great sweetie, but please call me Kim." She said, releasing the small girl.

"Ok, thanks Kim! I'm gonna tell all my friends that you're my new gym coach!"

"Well, you'll probably need to speak you your mom first," Kim said.

"I suppose." Emma looked sulkily at the floor.

"Hey!" Kim said, "Don't look so down, I'm sure you mom will say it's fine." Emma kept her head down but cast her eyes up at Kim.

"You think so?"

"Sure." Kim smiled and winked.

"Okay then," Emma smiled back. "Thanks for the autograph!" she said. She gave Kimberly a quick hug.

"Emma!"

Kimberly released the girl and turned to see who had called her. It was Kat. Standing up and taking Emma's hand, she led her towards the pink ranger.

Kimberly smiled. "Hey Kat! How are you?"

Kat pursed her lips and gave a fake smile. "I'm great Kim. Welcome back. How've you been?"

"Good thanks. I see you lost a ballerina?" Kimberly joked, looking down at Emma.

"Yeah, thanks. She just disappeared." Kat said, exasperated. Kim smiled and glanced down at the small girl. She was glaring up at Kat.

"I watch her for an extra half-hour after the ballet class while her mom's at work." Kat continued.

"That's great," Kim smiled. "She seems like a really great kid."

Kat said nothing but smiled.

"Hey!" Emma said, turning to Kimberly, "my mom's not coming for another half-hour. Maybe you could show me some moves? Please!"

Kim smiled. She opened her mouth to reply but Kat spoke first. "Oh, Emma, I don't think Kimberly has time for that today. She must be tired from her flight."

"Actually," Kim spoke up, "I wouldn't mind at all – that is, if you don't mind Kat?"

Emma's eyes darted from Kim to Kat. "Pretty please?"

"Sure," Kat said flatly, "Go ahead then. I'll be sitting over there if you need me." She gestured to Tommy.

"Yay!" Emma yelled. She pulled Kim's hand, "Let's go!"

"Thanks Kat," Kimberly smiled sincerely, and followed the small girl.

When she was out of earshot, Kat snorted and made her way over to Tommy.

"What's Kim doing?" he asked her.

"Emma wants her to show her some of the moves she did at the Pan Globals." Kat sat down and put her arm on Tommy's knee. He shook it off and stood up.

"I think I'm going to have a shower before the others get here, see you later Kat," he picked up his bag and walked off in Kimberly's direction.

Emma was watching with wide eyes and clapping in delight. The sight filled Tommy with warmth. And Kim was the cause of it, he thought to himself.