Chapter 5

Kimberly looked through her 8 suitcases as they got home after spending a good few hours in the park. Tommy not surprised at the over packing, it was Kimberly, she always had a lot, but he was still surprised. She had all her things with her. There was so much to do, cancel things like her apartment, car and job. Since it was New Year's Eve, the couple decided to wait until tomorrow to deal with the real world. Tonight it was all about them. The happy couple, laid in the bed enjoying each other's nakedness and comfort. It was just 11:35. Tommy had purchased some pink champagne in honor of their new life together with the start of the New Year. And because Kimberly always loved pink. Tommy brought the tv from outside, across from his computer into the bedroom.

"You know what they say?"

"No, what do they say Kimberly?" Tommy asked.

"The person you kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve, is the person you will spend the whole year kissing."

"Just the year?" She smiled.

"Well, in our case, much more." Tommy moaned.

"Much more." Tommy put the champagne on ice as he thought back to their first New Year's Eve. "Of course."

"Of course, what?"

"That's why you made me kiss you on our first New Year's Eve together! I always wondered, we had only been together for a short time and kissed one other time before that. Yet, you were determined to make me kiss you."

"I did not make you! You were happy to!"

"Oh, no lie there. You didn't have to make me do anything. I ached to kiss you again." They kissed.

"Such a silly man." Kimberly touched his face

"Yes, but I'm your man."

"That you are." Tommy moved aside the sheet, as he kissed her to the bed. She moved him right on top of her. Tommy's cock pressed against her wet entrance and with one thrust, Tommy slid inside Kimberly. She moaned against his mouth. Her legs lifted around his waist. Tommy held her hands above her head, as he stroked slowly and deep inside her. Their hands grasped together as their body moved to that great lovers' passion. Tommy looked over at the tv. They had 2 minutes until midnight. Tommy quickly pulled out and sat up between her legs.

"What!" Kimberly hated how quickly he ended, neither of them satisfied.

"Almost 12." He pulled the champagne out the ice bucket to open it. Kimberly grabbed the 2 glasses. Tommy worked on the cork and gasped, as Kimberly laughed when the cork popped off fast into the wall. They both laughed as the champagne started to bubble out. He poured 2 glasses of champagne quickly. Kimberly turned the tv up to the loudest peak for the countdown. Neither Tommy nor Kimberly heard the yell from downstairs. They didn't hear a person rushing up the stairs to the bedroom.

"10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1!"

"Happy New Year!" Kimberly and Tommy cheered and kissed each other before taking a sip.

"Oh, I hope it's not too late!" Tommy had just released Kim's lips as he turned his head to the side. Hayley stood in shock, her mouth open.

"Oh god!"


Tommy gasped and pulled at the sheet to cover Kimberly. Kimberly looked at the door as a woman stood there, unable to move.

"Who's that?"

"Hayley, what are you doing here!"

"When you didn't show up at Joe and Jake's place, I got worried. I see that was a waste!" Tommy pulled at his boxers. "I would have called your phone first, but that was busy and your cell phone was off."

"Yea, we..." Hayley brushed away any tears. She couldn't believe how foolish she was to run across the city to spend the ball dropping with the man she has had a crush on since freshmen year. Hayley never had the nerve to tell him, even when she gave her place to him. He told how great of a friend she was and he was damn lucky to have her in his life. She always hated how Susan treated him. As if he wasn't important. Hayley knew if she got that chance to be with him, she would never let him go.

"I'll leave you two..."

"Hayley, wait!" Tommy went to the door. "Let's talk. I'll be back." Tommy closed the door behind him, leaving Kimberly lying there. "Hayley, I don't understand. Why would you come here?"

"Believe it or not Tommy, tonight was suppose to be the night!"

"The night for what?"

"I tell you, I look you in the eyes and tell you, 'Tommy, I think I am madly in love with you. And I want tonight to be the first night of a many years together'."

"I'm sorry. I never knew!"

"You never asked!"

"Because I thought we were friends, best friends!"

"No, you always called me that, I always wanted more." Tommy looked back at the bedroom, as the door slightly opened.

"Go to her."

"I want you to come by later on today. We'll all have dinner together. You can meet Kimberly..."

"Kimberly? Kimberly Hart! Your first ex!" Tommy nodded. "Wow, you two didn't waste anytime. I'm happy for you." The door opened all the way. Kimberly stood there with her robe on. "You really are Kimberly Hart."

"Hi."

"Hi. He talked about you a lot."

"He did?" Tommy put his arm around Kim's shoulders. "You did?"

"I did, maybe a little." She pinched his side. "Ow!" They both laughed. Tommy kissed her head.

"Good things, I hope."

"He always had a special sparkle in his eyes when he talked about you. I'm happy for you two. Happy New Year." Hayley stepped down. .

"Hayley, wait." Hayley turned with a smile. "Happy New Year. Come by later, I can make my famous Mexican dinner." Hayley laughed.

"Maybe tomorrow. Today is just for you two to share. I'll call you later."

"Happy New Year Hayley," Kimberly said. Hayley nodded and smiled. She walked down the steps. She stopped at the bottom and looked up at the couple.

"Oh, and for further occasions. Lock your door, Tommy." Tommy saluted her.

"Aye captain." Hayley smiled and left. Once the door closed downstairs, Kimberly looked at Tommy.

"Who is Hayley? A girlfriend?"

"NO! No! We are friends! Just friends! Never dated, never talked about being together, nothing!"

"But she..."

"She wanted more."

"And you?"

"I want you." He held her face and kissed her deeply. "I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered between kisses.


Just a couple of days later, Kimberly had officially given up on returning to New York City, much to her mother's displeasure. Kim's mother felt her daughter was giving up her career to be with a man, which Kimberly dismissed. Kimberly felt, knew deep down, she would be a fashion designer, but right now was taking a well-deserved vacation. Tommy was surprised to come home just a few days after the New Year to see a 62" Plasma TV with Sony Cinema system put it already. Kimberly claimed it to be a belated birthday and late Christmas present, since the only tv Tommy had, was that small 32", they had moved to the bedroom. Tommy loves that TV, with DVD recorder, stereos, and Playstation box with multiple games. They play against each other to decide on dinner, everything, even who cleans up after eating. Kimberly plays constantly, when she's not on the phone or her computer.

Kim's life hasn't been simple since she left Angel Grove for Florida. Her life has been in a tailspin of excitement. Pan Global, Olympics, winning gold, going off to college in NYU. Never taking a break, a chance to breathe in her last 4 years. Kimberly Hart has been in motion, whether she was flying for Roberto around the world, learning all new cultures, with the ultimate goal of being the best not just here, but the worldwide. She wasn't ready to give up that dream, she was however, ready for a break. And time well spent with Tommy.


This past weekend had a bit of scary for the couple. Tommy had a basketball game on, as Kimberly was on top of him, being a distraction. It was a lazy Saturday afternoon, about 2 pm. Tommy was watching UCLA, or attempting to watch the game. Kimberly would turn his face to her, as she kissed him. She was mad he wasn't giving her any attention because the game was on, so she decided to get him back.

"Will you turn that off?"

"Will you get off me!" Kimberly cupped his face and kissed him again.

"Make me."

"Beautiful, I'm trying to watch the game."

"Well, I'm trying to get laid." She grinded in his lap as she was pulling at his shirt.

"After the game."

"If not now, then never." Tommy looked at her.

"Yeah right."

"Try me." Tommy looked at her.

"Fine." Tommy put his hands on her backside, lifting her from his lap and dropping her to the couch beside him. Kimberly huffed and crossed her arms over her chest in anger. Tommy smiled and turned back to the tv.


Tommy clapped as UCLA won the game. He turned the game off and looked to Kimberly. She was in her personal journal.

"What are you doing?" She didn't talk. "Okay. Want something to drink or eat?" Kimberly continued on in her book. "Fine, be a brat." Tommy got up and stretched. He got some chips and soda. Tommy sat down by her. "Art thou upset with me?" Kimberly didn't stop. "Bet I can make you crack." Kimberly looked up at him with an evil glare. "I still can." Kimberly rolled her eyes and went back to her book. "It is easy. I own this game. I always win." Kimberly rolled her eyes again. "Silent treatment, ha! You will crack. So, whatcha doing? What are you drawing?" Tommy smiled as she refused to look up. "Okay. Looks like me?" Tommy tried to ease toward the book, but Kimberly moved it away. She did it again when he got closer. "Won't tell me then, I guess..." Tommy took the book.

"Hey!"

"You can talk!" Tommy jumped up and rushed away.

"Give that back!"

"What is this!" Tommy tried to look at the book, but Kimberly ran after him. They raced around the couch. Tommy laughed as they circled the couch many times.

"Give it back!"

"My nose is not that big!"

"Tommy!"

"Why do I have horns and a tail!"

"Give it!" Kimberly snatched at the book only to have Tommy pull it back.

"You sure made me look bad here."

"Didn't take much!" They fought over the book. Tommy slipping out to the balcony, with Kimberly fighting for the book. The book was tossed off the balcony. Kimberly screamed. "You always have to play games! Gosh, I hate you!" Tommy stoodas the book hit the ground. Kimberly ran back inside. Just as she slipped into her flip flops and opened the door to go downstairs, Tommy grabbed her by the arm. "Don't! I have to get my book!"

"How could you say that to me?"

"Say what?"

"Take it back." Tommy held both her arms.

"What! Let me go! Take what back?"

"What you just said!"

"Can I get my book, Tommy?"

"No. Not until you take back what you said!"

"I don't…" Kimberly gasped. "Oh."

"Yeah, oh."

"Well, you were being an ass!"

"I would never say that to you."

"I was upset, you drove me mad. I didn't mean I actually hated you!"

"You still said it, Beautiful."

"But I could never mean it. I love you. I always will." She cupped his face and kissed him. Tommy lifted Kimberly into his arms and carried her back over to the couch.


Tommy groaned as Kimberly bit his neck before lying to his chest after they came. She giggled as he tickled her sides before settling his hands at her waist.

"See, I told you, I would make you crack."

"Bite me," Kimberly muttered. She raised her head. She rubbed his face with both her hands before combing his hair back. "I'm sorry I said that."

"I'm sorry I was a pain in the ass."

"You can't help it."

"Hey!" Kimberly giggled. They kissed. "This was nice."

"It's always extremely awesome with you." Tommy laughed.

"You make me feel so good, Beautiful."

"Back at you." They kissed. Kimberly laid her head back down. They fell asleep.

A little over an hour later, there was a slight knock at the door, as it was pushed opened.

"Tommy?" With the lights on, the sight before them was unmistakable. Tommy looked up from kissing Kimberly and gasped. His parents stood right there before them. Kimberly gasped as well as she saw Mr. and Mrs. Oliver's mouths dropped.

"Mom? Dad!" Tommy jumped up from the couch as Kimberly sat up. His parents turning around quickly.

"Where's my bra!" Kimberly gasped as she pulled at her pants and shirt from the ground. Mr. Oliver saw the tan bra at his feet. He picked it up and tossed it back. Tommy caught it and handed it over to Kimberly.

"Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?" They turned just as Tommy was pulling down his shirt, as Kimberly zipped her pants.

"Well, we haven't seen you in a while, we thought Sunday dinner would be fun." Kimberly attempted to fix her hair. "You failed to mention your ex was back in town."

"Hi."

"Hello Kimberly."

"I was going to. I just got a bit sidetracked."

"Down her pants, I see."

"Kimberly and I are back to together, Mom."

"I see that."

"How about a drink?" Kimberly asked. "Water or…ice tea, maybe some juice?"

"I am fine," Mrs. Oliver said.

"Some ice tea would be nice," Mr. Oliver said.

"Good." Kimberly rushed to the kitchen as Mrs. Oliver's motherly eyes were scaring her.

"Make it 2 teas," Mrs. Oliver said.

"Sure."


Tommy and Kimberly sat at the kitchen table opposite his parents as sipped on their ice teas. Kimberly bit her bottom lip often.

"Why aren't you two using protection?" Kimberly and Tommy choked on their drinks.

"Mom! Is that really any of your business what Kimberly and I do in private?"

"I believe it is! So, is this just physical? Or is there a relationship?" Tommy took Kim's hands.

"Oh, there's a relationship. I love her." Kimberly smiled.

"After what a few days? Because I clearly don't remember you mention this over Christmas."

"It just happened a few days ago," Kimberly said. "And I couldn't be happier."

"I see."

"Why don't we…talk more over dinner," Mr. Oliver said. "The kids have a lot to explain, dear."

"That they do."

"Okay, we will shower and change." Tommy got up quickly, holding Kim's hand. They rushed upstairs. Kimberly gasped as she passed a mirror.

"I look like this when I first see your parents in years!"

"I told you!"

"Well your hair isn't perfect!" Tommy tried to flatten the back.

"Come on, a good shower can only fix this."

"How are we ever going to live this one down?"

"I don't know, Kim."

"Oh! You and your inability to lock doors!"

"Hey! You opened it!" Kimberly rolled her eyes, tossing her shirt at him.


Tommy sighed as Kimberly groaned and tossed another outfit to the floor she disliked.

"Come on, anything will do!"

"I look fat in that!"

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I did." Kimberly put on another dress before pulling it off immediately.

"What is wrong with that one?"

"I look flat-chest!"

"I'm pretty sure my parents won't care if…"

"Well, I do!"

"I don't care what you put on, but I suggest you do it quick, because if I have to look at you in that for any longer, my parents are really going to not like us."

"What?" Kimberly asked. She stood in a green balconet bra and string bikini.

"You know what." Kimberly smiled. Tommy held her by the waist, pulling her close. "I don't think it would be wise to tease me."

"Maybe so, but it would be fun." They kissed. Kimberly pulled his belt undo.

"This is so bad." They fell to the bed.


Kimberly followed Tommy down the stairs after closing the bedroom door behind her. Kimberly came down in a pink print silky kimono inspired dress.

"I know this perfect place for dinner," Tommy said holding Kim's black wrap up for her. They went out for Italian.

"Wow, Milan huh?"

"Yeah, it was beautiful."

"I'll bet. Italy is beautiful in the summer."

"So, you graduated in 3 years, that is impressive, Kimberly."

"Thank you Mr. Oliver. It was hard, but I'm glad I did it."

"And where are going to be working now? New York?"

"Mom! Kimberly doesn't have to think about a job so soon. She's still on vacation."

"But vacations must end, son. Do you have a plan, Kimberly?"

"Uh, I thought I would just wing it."

"Wing it!"

"Oh, I'm sorry! I was just joking, Mrs. Oliver. I plan on getting a job. Very soon."

"Not too soon," Tommy said holding her hand. "You don't have to rush, remember."

"I know."

At the end of dinner, Tommy's parents could see the love in Tommy and Kimberly's eyes for each other. Even Mrs. Oliver couldn't grill them on that.

"Thanks for coming, Mom." Kimberly was hugging Mr. Oliver as Tommy said goodbye to his mother.

"Of course. I miss you. I feel like we hardly talk these days. You couldn't even tell me about Kimberly."

"I was going to, Mom. Honestly, I couldn't keep this from you."

"Just be careful. I want a marriage before I see babies running around."

"Of course. I love you, Mom."

"I love you too baby!" They hugged.

"Pa…"

"I told you never to call me Pa!"

"Sorry old man." Kimberly stood before Mrs. Oliver.

"You hate me huh?" Mrs. Oliver laughed and held Kim's face.

"You make my son so happy, how could I possible not love that."

"But we are back together so suddenly, I'm sorry for the surprise."

"Don't be. This is a happy surprise. You have always made my son happy. Things may have ended sour before, but I am pleased to see this. You two are perfect for each other."

"I feel that way too."

"And if you need help with anything, a job or whatever, don't hesitate to call me."

"I won't, thanks." They hugged.

"Take care of my son."

"I will." They hugged again. Tommy and Kimberly waved them off before looking at each other. Tommy put his arm around Kimberly.

"Great night, huh?"

"Of course." He kissed her forehead.

"Now, time for dessert."

"You had cheesecake!" Kimberly gasped as Tommy lifted her with ease into his arms. Her arms went around his neck. "And ice cream!"

"I want my Kimberly special." They kissed.


Tommy came back from classes to find Kimberly arguing over the phone. It was just January 16th, a Monday. He had just gotten out of a hard TA class, giving himself a headache. A few of students in his class was pulling him in so many directions with tutoring and helping with their before spring break presentations and papers. Tommy hung up his keys and cringed at Kim's scream.

"No, that is not fair! I have apologized, Mr. Klein! I cannot say how sorry I am for that. I didn't expect my life to be drawn here, but now it is, and I'm not going to leave anytime soon. Of course, I appreciated everything you have done for me!...wha...no, I love working with you! I am not being ungrateful! Don't...wait...No, no, everything was perfect, the job, the city, the pay, you, everything was just fine. No, okay. Fine! Thank you! Yes, we will talk soon. Babye…yea, okay. I will. I promise. Babye." She closed the top to her cell phone. "Son of a bitch!" She went to throw it when Tommy's hand stopped her. Kimberly was startled, she didn't even see or hear him come in. "Tommy!"

"You don't want to do that. You just paid that bill, and I'm not buying you a new phone." Kimberly laughed.

"Gosh, I need a job. I can't believe that man. I am ungrateful, please."

"You don't need to find a job so quickly, just relax."

"Tommy, I have been sitting around this place for nearly 2 weeks. It's been a bit of a bore."

"A bore? You call going out shopping every other day, on money you keep saying you want to save up a bore?"

"Well, it's my money! I should be able to spurge once and a while." Kimberly stood up. "But I really need to work."

Tommy looked around his apartment living room to see the dozen of white boards with clothing designs on each one. On her strawberry laptop, she had her fashion program showing a repeated scroll of designs she already scanned into her laptop.

"These are really good, Kim," Tommy said putting down some boards.

"Thanks."

"Ever think about going at it alone?"

"Like opening my own shop?"

"Yes?"

"Yea right." Kimberly laughed. "That's definitely a lot of money I don't have."

"But, these are so good."

"These are just silly imagined things, nothing too special. To have my own shop, I need fabric, workers to make the outfits, workers to manage and to sell it. No way, I can't do that by myself. I cannot be my own boss. So, I was thinking Chinese food for dinna. That okay?"

"Whatever you want is always fine by me."

"I did beat ya at Super Mario."

"Well, I haven't played in a while, just give me time," Tommy said as he got some juice from the fridge. Kimberly sighed, as she watched Tommy walk away. His eyes looked tired. She knew some students were pulling at him for his help since Winter break was over with. Kimberly came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, with her head nestled in his back.

"What is it?" Kimberly asked.

"Nothing." Tommy turned in her arms. He kissed her forehead, before wrapping his arms around her as well, as he kissed her neck. Kimberly pulled away and lifted his juice to drink.

"Hey!" She teased him with the bottle. Tommy chased her around. She ran around the couch a lot, before Tommy cleared it with a jump. Kimberly screamed and ran upstairs. She was tackled to the bed by Tommy. He tickled her to tears. Tommy got on his knees before her undoing his shirt buttons. Kimberly placed her bare feet to his bare chest. Tommy took one foot and kissed the sole. Tommy did the other foot, then kissed each ankle, as he moved up. Tommy reached down under Kim's miniskirt and pulled the string thong down and held up the lacey piece.

"How do you women wear these?"

"With style and grace." Tommy smiled and tossed them aside. Kimberly groaned. Tommy kicked off his shoes. Kimberly sat up quickly and shoved his khakis and boxers down in a flash. She pulled Tommy down on her. Tommy pulled her double tank to off and tossed it aside with her skirt. He slid into her, into his heaven on Earth, as Kimberly wrapped her arms and legs around him. Tommy rubbed his face into her neck, nuzzling and sucking the skin there, as he made love to her.


About a few hours later, the couple was enjoying the tv with their delivered Chinese food. Tommy was going over some homework with help from Kimberly with the grading. Kimberly's laughing broke Tommy's concentration on a student's homework. He looked up and smiled. She was so carefree. Her hair up in a high messy ponytail, no make-up, her face in night mask, and one of his old tee-shirt, and his socks. She was watching a comedy movie. To Tommy she had never looked more beautiful. Tommy closed his stack as Kimberly returned after washing her face. She crawled over him to her side, instead of just simply walking around to her side and getting into bed.

"I love you," Tommy said pulling her to his chest. He hugged her tightly.

"I love you too." Kimberly smiled. They kissed.

"I also love that you are staying here, when you don't have to."

"I want to stay here and be with you."

"But you are giving up so much to be with me."

"Fashion will always be there."

"But your job might not be."

"There is always a job out there for me, Tommy. Don't worry. I'll find one, and everything will be fine. You'll have your thing, and I'll have mine. Don't think I'm giving up everything, because having you in my life. That is everything." They kissed again. "And so much more."


Next morning

Tommy came downstairs after a shower to find Kimberly making him breakfast. She placed the finishing touches on his plate.
"Tada!" Tommy sat down and she put the plate in front of him.

"Oh, wow, thanks baby." Kimberly bent down and kissed him. Tommy saw her drawings were missing. "Where are your designs?"

"The door."

"Why are they at the door?" Tommy asked tearing into his waffles and eggs, just the way he loves them.

"You can take them down to the trash when you leave for school."

"Why?"

"I already scanned them into Berry. I don't need them cluttering up the place, besides they suck." Kimberly poured herself more coffee. They ate in silence again. Tommy only had one class to TA, which was surprising he was heading out so early. He told Kimberly he wanted to set up some tutoring sessions for an upcoming exam. Tommy went through Kim's portfolio briefcase, as she was cleaning up. He ran across a resume and profile. Tommy took them and placed them in his bag. He picked up her many boards.

"I'll take these down for you."

"Thanks," Kimberly yelled over the dishwasher.

"I might be a little late, I need to do some copying for my professors."

"Okay. Maybe, I'll cook up some steaks, something special instead of take-out again."

"Don't burn the house down," Tommy teased.

"Hey! That was one time mister!" Kimberly was making chicken and ended up smoking the house up, but not by the food as you might think. She got distracted by her phone call with her mother, yelling and arguing, not watching the fact that her glove was near the pot of rice and it caught on fire. Tommy can't help but laugh at the sight of Kimberly throwing water at the fire on the stove, since she couldn't find the fire extinguisher. Tommy put the fire out, Kimberly crying on his chest about nearly burning his placed down. She had been there just 2 days.

"Just saying, when you cook, no talking on the phone."

"Ha ha! Go!" Tommy picked up her boards. They kissed. Kimberly opened the door.

"Bye, I love you."

"Love you too," Tommy said kissing her on the cheek. "Bye." Kimberly closed the door behind him.