Once again, thanks for the support. Onto chapter 3! Enjoy!

Chapter 3: We Can't Be Friends

by: Deborah Cox

Monday
Kimberly stood at her locker, that morning. She hadn't spoken once to Tommy since her birthday night. Classes went long, with another monster attack in the middle of the day. Kimberly always knew those were the bad days, attacks before school was let out. After 3rd period, everyone was going to lunch. Kimberly chose to sit alone away from everyone.

"Why is Kimberly sitting alone?" Adam asked standing next to Tommy in line as they got food.

"She's mad at me."

"Why? What did you do?"

"Nothing."

"Tommy, what did you..."

"Just leave it alone, Adam. Come on, the others have a table waiting." They went to the booth.

"Has anyone seen Kim?" Rocky asked.

"I think she decided to study alone." Katherine looked up and saw Kimberly was alone in a corner. She couldn't help but wonder why, especially after the kiss she saw between Tommy and Kim on Saturday. She wondered if that meant Kim was backing away. Katherine knew she would have to talk to Tanya about this more when they were alone.

A few girls from the girls' gymnastic team came over to Kimberly's table.

"Well, hello stranger."

"Hi. Eve, Becky."

"May we sit?"

"You two, of course! Sit." They put their trays down and sat with Kimberly.

"So Coach Winter wants us to make sure you know that there is still that spot open for you," Eve said.

"I'll bet Jasmine is pleased."

"Oh come on, Ms. Champion. Everyone knows you were the greatest, I mean, why else did you win all those gold medals," Becky said. "And Jasmine knows as well."

Becky always looked up to Kimberly, though they were the same age, Becky being older by even a few weeks. Kimberly always seemed mature for her age when it came to serious matters in life; she would goof like most teenagers, whether that be in practice, with her friends and family. She had to grow up fast being raised in a semi-fighting household. Not with her parents, but watching the fights between her parents made her strong in face of turmoil and distress. Kimberly was always the gracious individual, smart beyond what she put out there. Kimberly would always help Becky along during practices whether that is cheerleading or gymnastic. She was made leader just after freshman year, because of her way to take a team under her wings and lead them. Jasmine, now captain, was the exact opposite. With Kim's extra ranger duties of last year, she shared captain title with Jasmine. Jasmine was the headstrong, hardass and dictator. Daughter of the coaches, she always wanted to outshine and prove she was better than everyone.

"Yea, you were so great," Eve said.

"Only because I fractured my ankle last summer," Jasmine said coming over. "Hello, Kimberly." Kimberly looked up at Jasmine with a smile.

"Speak of the devil. Hello, Jasmine."

"Surprised to see you without your buddies. What's wrong? Lover's spat?"

"No, not anything like that, just have things to do."

"So, tell me, why hasn't our little Olympian once come to me and thanked me personally for all the hard work I did pushing your ass all these years."

"Oh, really!"

"You bet your ass. You wouldn't be half as competitive if it wasn't for me."

"That I will give you."

"So, going tojoin our winning team again under my reign now?"

"Didn't think you would want me back, seeing how great you love having that captain hat."

"Just wanting to see if you lost that edge, but hey, you are allowed to take it easy, I mean, you are reining champion, I guess that stands for something these days."

"Me? Lost the edge! Ha. Not in this lifetime."

"Good, so you will be at practice tomorrow?" Becky asked.

"Oh, I don't know, Bec, I have…"

"Becky, I am pretty sure, Ms. Olympian is well to busy for us now that she has her medals. You shouldn't bother such a celebrity now with the trivial meets we have." Becky's head went down. Kimberly looked at Eve and Becky, and a decision had to be made then. And despite not knowing the true answer, Kimberly spoke before thinking it through.

"You know what, Jasmine. I will stop tomorrow." Jasmine looked at Kimberly. "Maybe even go through a run through against you to see if you have lost that edge." Kim smirked at the girls.

"Wonderful!" Becky said. "That is great!"

"So awesome!"

"Yea, very terrific. Catch you lose...girls later," Jasmine said walking away with her tray.

"Someone is not happy."

"Tough," Becky said. Kimberly and Becky looked at each other and laughed. Eve joined in as Jasmine looked back without a happy face.

That night

Tommy was in his room reading for his class. Kim's music could be heard slightly. They had eaten dinner in silence as other meals before. Tommy gave up reading to tell Kimberly to turn down her music. Kimberly was on her floor, her legs up on her bed, as she talked on her cell phone. Her laptop by her head, with some notes all around.

"KIM!" Tommy knocked once again after getting no response the first time. Kimberly got up and flung her door open.

"May I help you?"

"Could you turn your music down, please?" She slammed the door in his face. The music stayed the same volume. "Guess that is a no." Tommy opened the door. Kimberly was about to lie down on the floor.

"HELLO! MY ROOM!" Kimberly sat up. "Sha, hold on. What do you want?"

"Have some courtesy." He walked over to the stereo and turned it down. Kimberly picked up her remote and turned it up more. They did it for about a minute, before Tommy simply unplugged it and took the line with him on his way out. "Goodnight." Tommy slammed the door behind him.

"Jerk!" Kimberly picked up her cell phone. "No, I am not being a child! He is! Oh, don't you take his side," Kimberly said to Aisha. "No! We can't be friends! Not now!"

Next morning
At the breakfast table, Kimberly and Tommy sat opposite, heated glances often exchanged between the two at they ate.

"So how long should we expect these silence get together? All year?"

"Ask her," Tommy said getting more juice. Kimberly glared at him. Totally disgusted with his response she wiped her mouth with the cloth and got up.

"Thanks Mrs. Oliver for the wonderful breakfast, but seeing that I have lost my appetite. I'll see you after I stop by the gym after school." She picked up her bookbag and guitar case and left.

"Son, you need to apologize."

"Dad, come on! I have! Come on!"

"No, Tommy, you need to do more than a simply apology," Mrs. Oliver said taking away Kim's plate.

"I wish I never kissed her."

"That you shouldn't have, but you did, and now you really need to fix this"

"She is the one that said everything was fine!"

"And you know better to believe that," Mr. Oliver said getting up. "I'll see you all later. Have a nice day at school, son. And come up with a way to apology and fast."

"Goodbye, honey," Mrs. Oliver said handing him a mug of coffee. They kiss and Mr. Oliver left. "Hurry up, Tommy. You'll be late."

"She said she was fine, Mom and now won't even talk to me. There isn't anything I can do. She's the one acting immature."

"Tommy, there is something you can do more and you know it. She may be stubborn, but you are just as much. Both of you need to sit down and get all of this worked out. I will not have another meal like this, nor will I pass by her room and hear crying."

"Crying?"

"Yes, crying."

That afternoon

Kimberly went by the gymnastic center after school. Coach Winter was in her office, her husband, helping some girls on bars. Kimberly went into the office, not the bother the girls warming up. Coach Winters, Heather Winters, was on the phone and smiled as Kim's came inside.

"Oh, I was wondering when you would stop by."

"I just wanted to say hello and you know thanks. I should have came by earlier."

"That's okay. Any new decision you want to tell me?"

"No, I am sorry, but I still don't know if I want to come back and compete again."

"Hey, understandable, Ms. Olympian. It has been a long pass 8 months. Hard to come down from such a high. I will still hope and hold open a spot for you." Coach Winters got up and hugged Kimberly. "I am so proud of you."

"Thanks."

"You did us so proud in Atlanta."

"Thanks." Mrs. Winters put her arm around Kimberly as they left the office.

"Kimberly! Continue warming up girls!"

"Coach Thorne, hey!" Kimberly smiled and went over to him. They hugged tightly. Coaches were married and went into coach gymnastics together nearly 20 years ago. They saw Kimberly when she was just 4 years old and saw something very special with her.

"Great to see you in here again! How about a little go through with the girls?"

"I didn't bring anything to work out in."

"I'm sure I can find a shirt and shorts in the shop for you, come on. I'm not asking for anything spectacular and serious." He put his arm around her and led her toward the shop.

"But you always said, don't practice unless you are serious."

"That is true, but just this once, I'll let it slid." Kimberly smiled. She got the clothes and went into the bathroom to change.

"Well, well, look who came," Jasmine said coming from the bathroom as Kimberly stood stretching. Jasmine was the Coaches' only daughter, having 3 older brothers all athletes.

"So, what are we in the conference?" Kimberly said following Jasmine out the lockers.

"First meet is not for another week. Right now we are still in preseason, and are 1-3. Preseason standings made us fourth. Lowest ever in 3 years. Guessing they don't we are strong without you."

"Who are they?" Kimberly said pointing to some new girls stretching.

"Sorry walk-ons. Replacements, Bridget Lake, Kelly Paulus, and Lola Morris. Fresh meat." Kimberly smiled at that. She remembers how the seniors took her joining the squad. "They crack under pressure way too easily."

"They'll get stronger with each meet."

"They better."

"Glad to see, Becky, Eve and Sarah still on the team. That is great"

"Yea, probably would be 0-4, if not for them, and ME of course."

"But of course."

"Want to show me that spectacular beam?"

"It will amaze you."

"Get on the beam." Kimberly laughed as Jasmine pushed her ahead. They walked over to beam.

Kimberly pulled up to the house around 9pm. She had stayed way longer than expected. She tried to sneak inside the house, but was met by Mrs. Oliver turning on the light after she locked the door.

"Explain yourself."

"I am soo sorry that I am late!" Kimberly had called and left a message saying she was at the gym and would be home around 7, 8 at the latest. "I am soo sorry!"

"You said 8."

"Yea, but I was evaluating the other girls' programs and they wanted help with new skills and then we went out for dinner and talked ..."

"Well, there is some dessert for you."

"I am sorry."

"I know. I am your slight guardian while you are staying here so..."

"I promise never again. What can I do to make up for it?"

"You are grounded, cleaning chores this weekend."

"Oh, okay. But can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Can I still go to the gym?"

"Of course. But why, do you have something to tell me?"

"Yea, well, I sort of, well, I am back on the team."

"That's wonderful, Kim!" They hugged. "I knew you would after just one trip to the gym. It's in your blood."

"Thanks. Yea, but that was the easy part, training to get back in shape is going to be a great test."

"A test I am sure you will pass. Come, tell me about everything." They sat down in the living room.

Kimberly went into the kitchen after saying goodnight to Mrs. Oliver. Tommy was doing dishes, as she went to the freezer and found an icepack. She applied it to her shoulder. She had fallen from bars after a simple release move. Tommy watched her picking at the dessert on the island. He could see the bruise on the back of her shoulder forming. Tommy flashbacked to when he hurt his shoulder.

Flashback

"Are you sure you don't want a doctor?"

"Yes, I just need a little ice." Kimberly cracked the pack and lifted his shirt up and over his right side. She sat behind him applying the icepack.

"Is this okay?"

"Yes." Kimberly sat behind him holding it against his shoulder. She was a little upset at Tommy for getting hit to protect her.

"You know I was fine"

"I know."
"And I can take care of myself."

"I know."

"Then why did you jump in front of me!"

"It was instincts!"

"Tommy, you are not at full strength! As green ranger you can't do that!"

"Are you mad at me?"

"YES! I am not some helpless girl! I was a ranger before you, I can take my hits!"

"I know. Sorry." Tommy turned his head to her. She leaned forward with a smile. They kissed. Tommy found a way to make sure she wasn't angry anymore that night.

Flashback end

Kimberly looked up and saw Tommy staring off. She smiled and opened the door again, this time she slammed it. Tommy jumped, dropping some spoons.

"Darn, you are alive." She walked out. Tommy sighed, a little anger building with each encounter between the two. Kimberly went to do some homework.

Next morning
Tommy stood outside the bathroom, banging on the door. Kimberly, on purpose, was taking an extremely long time. She ran the hot water as she painted her toe nails. She was dressed and smiled as Tommy banged harder.

"OH COME ON!" Kimberly used her hairdryer to dry them quickly. "KIMBERLY!" After another 10 minutes, she opened the door.

"So impatience! Golly!"

"45 MINUTES!" Kimberly just walked by smiling. Kimberly got her bookbag and went downstairs.

Mrs. Oliver handed her a plate of eggs and toast as she sat down at the table with a smile.

"You know all this torture to my son has to stop."

"But it's so much fun!" Kimberly buttered her toast.

"I see that, Kimberly. But this bad."

"Like he hasn't done to me."

"Not purposely, Kimberly. He loves you, always will, and I know you love him too. And to purposely hurt another to make you feel better is the worst thing you can do. I know you know that"

"I don't love him. I'm not letting myself get hurt anymore, not after losing…."

"What happened in Florida?"

"I might be late. I better go to school," Kimberly said getting up. "Goodbye."

"Kimberly..."

"Really, I need to go."

"Fine, but we are talking soon."

"Nothing to talk about. It's the past. Past should just stay there."

At school

Tommy was walking down the hall as Kimberly was at her locker. She pulled out a book and some papers fell.

"Damn!" Tommy went over and helped her. "I don't need your help."

"I think you do."

"I don't care what you think." She pulled her papers away. "Leave me alone, your girlfriend might see."

"When did you become such a..."

"A what...a bitch!"

"No, I wasn't going to say that!"

"Yea you were! Guess what, I became a bitch when became an ass." She slammed her locker. Tommy grabbed her arm. "Let me go."

"Or what?" She went to slap him, but he caught her wrist.

"Let me go."

"Or what Kimberly?" Tommy watched her begin to get so mad, that tears formed in her eyes. Tommy slowly pressed her to the lockers. "What is going on, Beautiful?"

"God, I hate you." Tommy let go of her wrist, still holding her other arm. "I hate you! I hate you!" She started hitting him, as she kept saying it. "God, I hate you," she finally said, as Tommy held her arms tighter, to prevent anymore hits. Tommy and Kimberly looked at each other and leaned down to kiss, when the bell rung, breaking their trance. Kimberly pulled away and picked up her bag and papers. She rushed away from Tommy.

Kimberly sat in her walk-in closet after school. She had avoided Tommy ever since they tried to kiss before 4th period. There was a knock at the door. Kimberly clicked off her stereo and went to the door.

"Who is it?"

"Me."

"Go away." Kimberly walked away, as Tommy opened the door. Kimberly turned. "I said..."

"We need to talk."

"No, we need to do nothing."

"Have you been drinking!" Tommy smelled a hint of alcohol in her presence.

"Of course not! Drinking, me! Ha. Get out."

"Sorry, look, about..."

"I don't care. And I don't care about you, just leave me alone!"

"I think you do."

"No, I don't. You are such an ass! I can't believe the nerve! What would Katherine say!"

"Katherine and I will talk after we do."

"We have nothing to say to each other! We may work together as rangers, but we are not friends!"

"How can you say that after everything we are and had?"

"Because it's best this way."

"Best for whom? Not me or you."

"Everyone."

"Not me."

"What?"

"Do I have to show you?"

"What?" Kimberly was quieted as Tommy's cupped her face and kissed her. Mr. Oliver was going to check on the arguing he heard downstairs, when he heard a crash from Kim's room. He poked his head through the door and found Tommy on top of Kimberly on the ground, both kissing away. Mr. Oliver shook his head and closed the door. Tommy pulled away from Kimberly.

"Did you just hear that?"

"Yea, get away from me!"

"What?" She pushed him away.

"I am not doing this okay."

"Doing what!"

"Get out!"

"Then tell me you don't love me and I'll go." Kimberly looked at him and sighed. She went and opened her door. Tommy sighed. "Tell me you don't love me and it all ends." She simply leaned up against the door as she sighed again, not looking at him. "Fine, I'll go, but I am here when you are ready." She closed the door behind him. They both leaned up against the door. Their backs pressed against it. Kimberly looked at the door and stepped away.

That night

After everyone had gone to be, Kimberly sneaked out once again. Tommy caught her leaving in a sexy top, mini and knee-high boots. She didn't come back for many hours. Tommy sat up in Kim's bed, as she fell through her window, nearly 3 in the morning. She laughed and stood up, only to stop when she noticed Tommy.

"What are you doing here?"

"Where were you? Sneaking out Kimberly? Are you drunk?" Kimberly laughed and pulled her jacket off. "You are."

"Get out!" Tommy stood up before her.

"When did you start drinking!" Kimberly wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Why couldn't we ever be friends?"

"Why are you drunk? Did you drive home drunk!"

"I had one drink."

"Why?"

"Get out! You're screwing with my head!"

"You were always on my mind."

"Get out!" Tommy sighed. Kimberly fell to her bed. "Please go away. Go, be happy with Katherine, she deserved you more."

"I was happy with Katherine."

"NO! Go! Be happy now! She needs you more than I will ever."

"Goodnight, Beautiful."

"Don't call me beautiful. I am not beautiful." She pulled her covers over her body and sniffed a little. Tommy closed the door behind him as he left. Kimberly closed her eyes to the tears in her eyes.

TBC

one more semi-chapter before holiday break for me! YAY ME!