Disclaimer: I don't own the Power Rangers, or the settings where they have taken place. They are owned by Saban. I don't wish to get sued.
Authors Note: Here is the next chapter of a story that I have neglected unfortunately. It will not be neglected any more! Please R&R! I'm hoping for 100 or more!
The Second of Two New Chapters! It's a long one!
The three girls walk back to their rooms and have a bit of a movie night, before heading back to their rooms and going to sleep. Kim had to be at the airport at about 4:30, and Cooper was going to drive her, because he was leaving at the same time. He knocks quietly on her door as she grabs her bags and heads out the door, locking it behind her. Renee wouldn't be up for a few hours still.
"Morning." Cooper says, handing her a cappuccino.
"You are my new best friend." She smiles, taking it.
"You ready to head home?"
"Well, not home, to UCLA."
"You ready for that?"
"God yes. I miss my friends so much. How about you, you ready to head home for a while?"
"Yeah. I need a break from school." He grins. They drive to the airport and go through baggage check and the security check together.
"Thanks for taking me." Kim smiles, hugging him. His gate was two gates down so they hung out. When they heard Kim's flight called, he stands up.
"No problem, be safe and I'll be here to pick you up."
"Alright." She smiles. "See ya soon."
"Yup." He says, as he watches her get on the plane. He then heads to his own gate as Kimberly finds her seat. She was exhausted, but hopefully will be able to sleep on the six hour plane ride. She closes her shade and closes her eyes. The next thing she knew, they were over Texas. It was about four hours into the flight . "Two more to go." She smiles. She couldn't sleep anymore, so she takes out her CD Player and a book, reading and listening to music the rest of the way. At 9:15, California time, she was off the plane and looking for Tommy.
She smiles as she sees her boyfriend and runs up to him, "I missed you." He says, pulling her into his arms.
"I missed you too." She says, smiling. He leans down and gives her a soft kiss on the lips. "You don't look too tired."
"I'm not." He laughs, "Its 9:15, I'm usually awake by now."
"Good." She smiles.
"Let's go get your bag." He smiles, taking her hand. "Are you staying with Jason and I, or with Aisha?"
"Probably both. Aisha will kill me if I don't spend a couple nights with her."
Tommy laughs, "Yeah, she would." They get to his white jeep and put her things into the back, they then make the fifteen minute drive from the airport to the campus.
"So you gonna show me around campus?"
"Yup." He laughs, "You've been around campus before."
"I know, but I don't remember it as much. It's been a few years." She smiles.
"You just want me alone." He teases her.
Kim laughs, but doesn't deny it.
"Are you hungry?"
"Nah, not right now. "
"Ok." He says as they pull into a parking space and head up to the dorm. "I think Jason is still sleeping."
"Good, I'll wake him up." She laughs.
"I'm sure he'll love that."
"Of course he will, it's me." She grins.
Tommy quietly lets them into the room and she immediately runs over and jumps full force on her best friend, "WHAT THE HELL!" Jason asks, sitting up quickly, coming face to face with his best friend, "KIM!" He smiles, hugging her.
"Good morning sunshine. Might I ask what the heck you are doing sleeping while I am here?"
"How long have you been here?"
"Oh god… for a while." She laughs, "At least fifteen seconds."
"Smart ass. Well, welcome to our humble abode." He says sitting up, yawning.
"Thanks." She says, standing up and heading over to Tommy's bed, sitting down.
"You staying with us?"
"Yeah, well, probably between you and Aisha."
"Ok." Jason smiles. "You should probably go wake Aisha up. She's been bouncing off the walls to see you."
"I don't know what room is hers." Kim sighs, shrugging.
"I'll show you." Tommy smiles, taking her hand, "Come on."
"Don't rush back." Jason teases, "I need to get a shower and then get dressed before I'm halfway human."
"Oh honey, I've seen you worse." Kim teases, "In fact, I don't know how Tommy deals with you every morning."
"That hurts Kim." Jason laughs. "See you two in a bit."
"Bye." Tommy says, closing the door behind them. "She lives on the sixth floor." Tommy says, as they walk up the four flights of stairs to her room.
"Hi Tommy." A very attractive girl calls to him.
"Hi Jenny." He says, smiling at her.
"Who's your friend?" She asks, motioning to Kimberly.
"This is my girlfriend Kimberly."
"Oh! I've heard a lot about you." She smiles.
Kim smiles back, "It's nice to meet you."
"Where are you heading Tommy?"
"Aisha's. Do you know if they are up yet?"
"I don't think so." Jenny says, "I didn't hear any noise yet."
"Ok, well, I'll talk to you later then." Tommy says.
"Bye!"
"Bye." Kimberly replies, looking up at Tommy.
"She lives next to Aisha." He smiles, kissing her cheek.
"Which room is Aisha's?"
"639, down at the end, by the bathroom." He says, as they continue walking. "This one."
Kim looks at the name signs and they say Desiree and Aisha. Kim knocks fairly loud on the door and hears, "Who the hell is that."
The door opens and Kim smiles at the girl there, "Hi. You must be Desiree."
"What can I do for you?" She yawns.
"Is Aisha here?"
"She's sleeping."
Kim laughs, "She won't mind me waking her up."
"Oh I bet she will."
"Watch, Aisha Lauren Campbell! Get your ass out of that bed and come say hi to your best friend!"
Aisha turns and sees Kim sitting up very quickly, "HEY!" She smiles, yawning, "Girl, get in here and give me a hug! I haven't seen you in months!"
She goes over to her friend and hugs her, "I've missed you so much!"
"You too girl. You look great! How's the ankle?"
"It's doing a lot better."
"Do you think you can show me your routines?"
"If I can get access to the gym. By the way, I'm Kimberly." She smiles at Desiree.
"So I figured. So this is the infamous girlfriend huh Tommy?"
"Yeah." He smiles proudly.
"Was our fearless leader on time today?" Aisha quips.
"Yeah, surprisingly." She giggles.
"Well done Tommy." Aisha laughs. "Where are you staying?"
"Probably Tommy's tonight, but I'll stay with you for a night or two also."
"Make it two and you have a deal." She smiles, "I've missed ya so much Kimberly."
"You too Aisha. Now, go get a shower and get dressed and meet me back down in Tommy and Jason's room. I have a few more wake up calls to do."
"Oh?" Aisha smiles.
"Yeah. I figured Adam and Rocky would still be sleeping, as well as Zack."
"Rocky and Adam usually have their doors open around this time. One of them has been up already. Zack, I dunno, he may be out for a run." Aisha says, looking at the clock.
"I'll try them anyway."
"Ok, I'll se you guys in like 20 minutes."
"Bye!" Kim says, "Bye Desiree."
"Bye." She says.
"What room's Adam and Rocky's?"
"Two floors down 408."
"Ok." She grins widely. She missed everyone so much. They quickly make their way downstairs and open the door into a dark room. She sees forms under the covers and decides to go for Adam first. She jumps on him getting and "OOF" and then quickly runs and does the same to Rocky, getting a "WHAT THE HELL!"
"Ya know, that must be a red thing, because I did the same to Jason and got the same response." Kim giggles.
"Kim! You're here already!"
"Course I am, it's almost 10:00. Now, get up, get dressed, get a shower and get your asses down to Jason and Tommy's." She smiles, hugging the two.
"It's good to see you." Adam smiles.
"You guys too. Now hurry up, or I'll bring Aisha in next time."
"We're up." Rocky groans.
"Good." She laughs, turning the light on and closing the door. "If they aren't down to your room in twenty minutes, I'm going back after them."
"You may get an unwelcome surprise." He laughs.
Kim laughs, and takes his hand, "I've missed you."
"You too."
"So, this is your dorm."
"Good observation Kim." He laughs, "Yeah, this is home for the time being. Next year we are probably all gonna get a place off campus, well, Aisha may not, but the guys are."
They walk down stairs and run smack dab into Zack, "KIM!" He laughs, picking her up, spinning her around in a tight embrace, "It's good to see you girl!"
"Hey Zack." She laughs.
"How are ya?"
"Great, you?"
"Great. I was heading up to see if my girl was awake."
"She is, but I think she's jumping into the shower now."
"Hmm, I'll do the same. We meeting in your room?"
"Yeah." Tommy says, "Then who the hell knows what."
"Solid. I'll catch you two in twenty."
"See ya then."
Kim and Tommy head back down to his room and await everyone. Kim lies to Tommy's bed as he fools around with his computer for a bit. She watches the TV, occasionally glancing over at him, "Whatcha doin?"
"E-mailing this assignment to my professor. It's due by noon, and I forgot to e-mail him with it last night like I planned."
"Ah." She smiles, turning onto her stomach to watch him.
She looks over at him again, "What?" He asks.
"I haven't seen you in ages." She laughs.
He smiles, "Yeah, its weird not seeing your screen name on." After a few more key strokes he's finished and lies behind Kimberly, wrapping his arms around her waste, "Is this better?"
"Much." She laughs, kissing his cheek.
"What are we watching?"
"What ever Jason had on before he left."
"So nothing?"
"Basically." She smiles.
They lie together until Jason comes back in, "What ever you two are doing stop, I'm coming in." He calls with a smile.
"What would we be doing?" Kim laughs.
"Yeah, especially with a roommate that won't stay out for more than fifteen minutes." He winks at Jase, getting elbowed by Kim. She tries to sit up, but is pulled back down by her boyfriend.
"We are gonna have visitors a bit later." Jason smiles, "The guys were asking about Kimberly when I was heading to the shower."
"Ah."
"The guys I talked to when they took your cell phone?" Kim questions Tommy.
"I guess so." He shrugs.
"Yeah, Drew, Dominick, Tim and Jake." Jason snickers, "They wanna make sure Kim is real."
Kim rolls her eyes, "Ugh."
"They are really good guys. I think you'll like them." Jason says.
"Probably." Kim agrees.
At 10:00 everyone gathers in Tommy and Jason's room.
"What do you say, breakfast?" Adam suggests.
"Yeah, that sounds good." Rocky agrees.
"I am always up for food." Aisha laughs, looking at Kim.
"I'm in. I just wanna be anywhere with you six." She smiles.
"Alright, food it is." Rocky says, as they all walk out the door.
"Where you guys off to?" They hear a voice call.
"Breakfast, you wanna come?" Rocky calls back.
"Yeah sure, give me a few seconds."
"Is Des coming?" Adam asks Aisha.
"Yeah, she'll meet us downstairs. I'm also assuming since Jake is coming so is Drew."
"Probably." Jason replies, "You get to meet the dynamic duo Kim."
She smiles, "Can't wait."
"Where's this girlfriend of yours Tom?" A loud voice calls down the hall.
Kim laughs, "Hi, I'm Kimberly, you are?"
"Your voice of reason on the other end of the stolen cell phone." Drew says, smiling at the short girl, "What is a gorgeous girl like you doing with a weak long-haired punk like him?" He teases.
Kim laughs, "I wonder that myself sometimes."
"HEY!" Tommy says in mock hurt, getting a wink and a kiss from Kimberly. "I'll show you weak boy. Today, on the mats."
"That's ok, you already showed me." Drew laughs. "So Breakfast?"
"Yeah, up to the caf." Rocky says.
"Aisha, you and Desiree aren't gonna be the only girls this time."
Aisha laughs, "Trust me, growing up with these two, I am use to being the only girl in the group." She says, pointing to Rocky and Adam. "There was for a while only two girls at a time in our group of friends."
"Then we caught up a bit and had four of us." Kim giggles.
"Who knows what we will end up with if these characters ever get a girl."
Rocky gets her into a headlock, "Aisha, you are the only girl for me and I will not REST until you are mine. I envy Zack for having a babe who is a pain in the ass from the time she wakes up to the time she OUCH!" He jumps and let's go of her head, rubbing his sore shin.
"Serves you right." Kimberly laughs.
"Rocko when are you ever gonna learn?" Aisha laughs.
"I think he's beyond hope." Kim replies giggling, getting elbowed by her friend.
Tommy takes her hand in his and says, "What do you say we head downstairs, pick up Desiree and head up to eat?"
"Sounds good oh fearless leader." Zack says teasingly.
"Keep it up." Tommy says, rolling his eyes.
They head up to the cafeteria, and Aisha starts pressing Kim to show her all of her routines, "Aisha, I don't even know if I can get access to the gym. I am NOT a student here, and the gymnasts may have practice."
"They practice from like 6-10 at night." Desiree informs her.
"They do?"
"Yeah, my sister Callie is a gymnast on the UCLA team. I can talk to her about getting you practice time. I'm sure they wouldn't mind a medallist coming in." She laughs.
Kim blushes, "That would be great."
"I'll ask her when I see her, or Aisha, you can if you see her before me."
"I'll keep my eye out for her."
"When are Trials Kim?" Adam asks.
"January 10th."
"Nervous?" Drew asks.
"Not as much as I will be, but I have four teammates competing with me, so it won't be so bad."
"Who?" Aisha asks.
"Renee, Lindsey, Cooper, and Shawn."
"Cool!"
"I know I'm definitely gonna try and get there." Tommy smiles.
"I think that goes for all of us." Jason grins.
"Thanks guys." Kim grins, "That means a lot."
"Where are they?"
"Atlanta."
"Well I'll try and be there with a big old sign and a megaphone cheering you on." Aisha smiles.
"You break my concentration I'll kill ya." Kim winks.
"No one can when you are in the zone girl."
"True." She laughs.
They all hang out as a group till around 3:00, when Tommy and Kim head out by themselves. Even though they didn't have classes for the next few days, they still had some work to do. Aisha had a study group meeting; Jason had a group project meeting with Adam, Rocky and a few others; Zack had to go tutor someone in history. Tommy and Kim decided that was a chance to get out of the room and go walk around for a while. Tommy and Kim jump into his jeep and drive the short 3 minutes to the beach. It was a nice and warm sunny day, perfect to just walk around. Kim takes off her sandals and keeps them in his jeep, Tommy doing the same. They walk down to the waters edge and just talk, with the water lapping at their ankles.
"So, everything down in Florida is going well?" Tommy asks, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they walk.
"Everything is going perfectly. I love school. I'm going for physical education, so I can coach if I choose after I retire from gymnastics, or I can work in the schools, which would be just as cool."
"How's gymnastics?"
"Amazing. My routines are really coming together. My ankle doesn't hurt any more, which I am thrilled about, and I am back to my normal abilities. There is just one thing wrong with being down in Florida." She sighs.
"What's that?" Tommy asks, looking down at her.
"I'm not with you."
He smiles, kissing the side of her head, "It's only a few years, and besides we have all summer, all breaks, and all the times when we just fly in for a few days."
"I know, but it's not the same." She sighs, "I miss just being with you."
"I miss it too."
"I miss being with everyone else also."
"Kim, it's your dream. I mean, you have the chance to become an USA Olympic Team Gymnast!"
She smiles, "I know, and I can't wait till Trials, but it's still nerve-wracking being away from the people you love so much."
"Hey, it's only a few more years, and then we'll be together. I love you more than anything in the world Kimberly, and in a few years, we can be together forever."
Kimberly smiles, "Yeah."
"I want to marry you." He says to her.
Kimberly looks up at him, eyes wide, "What?"
"I want to marry you one day. I want to spend the rest of our lives together."
"Is this a proposal?"
He smiles, "No, more like a promise. When I propose, it's gonna be done right."
"Oh? And when do you think you are going to propose?"
"Well, if I told you that, I'd have to kill ya." He winks at her. "What would you say if I did?"
"Well, I'd probably have to see exactly how big the ring is, because you know that is all I ever look at, and then I'd have to think about it, look around, make sure there aren't any different guys for me, because YOU had your fun with another. I never did." She teases him, "Maybe I need to look around a bit." She quips.
"Oh, I'll help you look around." He says, picking her up, wading deeper into the water.
"TOMMY! Don't You DARE!" She squeals.
"How's this for looking around?"
"Don't you dare." She says, clinging to his neck. "If you drop me, so help me god, I will get you back Tommy Oliver."
"Why Miss Kimmy, I believe you are actually enjoying this." He laughs, watching her smile.
"I won't if I'm all wet." She groans. He walks back to the shore and puts her down, "You are SUCH A JERK!" She smiles, kicking water up at him.
"You play with fire Kim, you're gonna get burned." He grins, kicking water back at her.
"Yeah, ok Adam." She grins remembering his famous line against Ivan.
After a few minutes of water fight, they call truce and are once again joined at the hip.
"So, do you have any work to do tonight?"
"Yeah, I have a meeting with a friend at like 9:00 to study for a bit, but I can change it."
"No you can't!" Kim says, forcefully, "You are gonna go, because I don't want you failing because I am here."
"Yes Ma'am." He snickers at his girlfriend.
"Who are you studying with?"
"Her name's Hayley."
"Hayley? Ugh, another "H"." She laughs.
"It's not like that." He smiles. "She's good at the whole paleontology thing."
"Well, good thing she's in the major then." Kim grins.
Tommy stops her, and sits in the sand. They had walked quite far, so he decides it's time for a break. He pulls her onto his lap, "Dolphins usually are swimming out there around this time." He says, kissing the nape of her neck.
"You know what I've missed the most?" Kim asks.
"What?"
"This." She sighs, leaning back on him, feeling his arms wrap around her waste, "Just sitting with you."
"I've missed it too." He says, running his fingers over her soft hair. She looks up at him, and Tommy takes this opportunity to give her a soft kiss on the lips, which she gratefully returned. "I'm gonna marry you one of these days." He smiles down.
"You better." She says, smiling up at him.
They sit in the sand together talking and just keeping each other company, until Tommy's cell phone rings. He looks at the number, "Hello?"
"Where you two at?" Rocky asks.
"The beach."
"Who is it?" Kim asks.
"Rocky." He smiles, causing Kim to shake her head and smile, "What's up?"
"It's almost five thirty, and we are wondering if you guys wanna go get food?"
"You hungry Kim?"
"Yeah." She smiles.
"Sure, where we meeting?"
"We figured we'd grab something from the grill down the road."
"Alright, we'll be back up to campus in a bit. Tell everyone six ok?"
"Six, so I'll tell them six thirty." He laughs.
"Yeah, keep it up Rocko." Tommy laughs. "See ya all soon."
"Yup, see ya soon."
"Come on, we've gotta head back." He smiles, standing up.
"I have to get changed anyway. Too much sand."
"You'll probably have enough time to get a shower too if ya wanted to."
"I may just have too." She smiles, "I'll run up to Aisha's floor as soon as I get in. I don't need my hair washed, so it won't take me forever."
"Alright. Do you wanna call her?"
"Nah, I'll just run up." Kim smiles.
"Ok."
They get back to his car and then head up to campus. Kim grabs clothes and bath stuff from her suitcase in the guys room and runs upstairs. She opens up Aisha's door and says, "I'm gonna grab a shower ok?"
"Yeah sure." Aisha smiles at her best friend, "Do you need shampoo or anything?"
"No." Kim smiles, placing her stuff down on Aisha's bed. "Just to change in your room."
"You got it. Why the hell are you so sandy?"
"Tommy and I went down to the beach for a while. We took a walk."
"That explains it." Aisha grins, "Hurry up!"
"I am. I have till six anyway, which gives me a half an hour." She laughs, closing the door behind her.
Desiree looks up at her roommate, "Where are you guys going?"
"Out to dinner." She smiles.
"Oh, where?"
"The Grill downtown, at least that's what Rocky tells me."
"Oh."
"Do you want to come?" Aisha asks, sensing that's what Des was getting at.
"No, I don't want to be a third wheel."
"Third wheel? There are seven of us going." Aisha laughs.
"Do you mind?"
"Of course not, if you don't mind us talking about things you have no clue about." She smiles.
"Ok, I'll go."
"Damn girl!" Aisha says looking at her friend who walked in, "That shower was a record for you!"
Kimberly laughs, "Hey, I can take quick showers, and this one was about seven minutes."
"What are you wearing?"
"This." She says, holding up her outfit, "My turquoise floor length skirt with my matching shirt.
"Tommy's favorite." Aisha laughs.
"No it's not. He likes the shirt I wore to Phad… Philadelphia." Kim covers fairly quick when she sees Desiree in the room. "What about you?"
"Oh yeah, that shirt was way cute. Do you have that yellow skirt, one of the ones I borrowed down in Hawaii?" Aisha says, giving her a look for the almost Phados comment, and mouthing 'good save'.
"Yeah, it's down in the guy's room though."
"Can I borrow it?"
"Of course you can." Kim smiles, "Go get it."
"Cool." Aisha says, running out.
Kim and Desiree barely talk. Kimberly was getting some bad vibes from her, but decided it was nothing, "Where you from?" She asks Desiree, as she pulls on her outfit.
"Seattle."
"Awesome." Kim says, looking down for her sandals. "Shoot." She says jumping onto Aisha's computer.
"She doesn't like other people messing with her computer." Desiree says to the girl.
"I'm just messaging either Jason or Tommy so they can ship my sandals up with her. She won't mind."
Desiree looks at her, "I bet she will."
Kim looks back at Desiree briefly before messaging her best friend. He was the first one she found. She then proceeds to check her e-mail as Aisha comes back up to the room, "Here. Are these the ones you wanted?" She asks, handing her a pair of white sandals with a three inch heel.
"Perfect, thanks." She smiles, continuing to check her e-mail.
"Anyone interesting?" Aisha asks.
"Renee. She was worried that I didn't get down there because she hasn't talked to me at all."
Aisha laughs, "Tell her I said hi."
"You don't mind me using this do you?" Kim asks her best friend.
"God no, I don't care what you use in this your. What on earth would have given you that idea?" Aisha asks, shocked that she would even ask.
"Desiree told me that you hate people using your computer without permission."
"Yeah, well, you aren't just anyone, you're my sister." Aisha smiles, "I don't mind the guys getting on my pc either."
Desiree looks up, "I didn't mean anything by it Kimberly, I just didn't think Aisha would appreciate someone going on her computer without her okay."
"Anything of mine is Kim's Des, ok?" Aisha smiles.
"Sure." Desiree sighs.
"How does this look?" Aisha asks.
"Great!" Kimberly smiles, standing up, "Are you wearing your yellow sandals?"
"Of COURSE!"
"Good."
"What do you think Desiree?"
"I like it." She smiles at her friend.
"Ladies Ladies Ladies." Zack calls, knocking on the door.
"Come on in Zack." Kim laughs, getting a glance shot from Desiree.
"How are my favorite girls doing?" He asks, hugging both ex-rangers.
"Great. You ready for something to eat?" Aisha asks.
"Babe, you know it. Let's bounce." He smiles, "You coming Desiree?"
"Yeah. Aisha invited me."
"Cool." Zack smiles.
"Aisha, what color?" Kim asks, holding up two shades of lipstick.
"The pinkish one." She says, studying the shades, "What about me?"
"How about the mocha? I like that color on you." Desiree says.
"Not with what she's wearing." Kim says, "I say go for the honey color. It will bring out the color in the outfit."
"Honey it is." Aisha smiles.
"Alright ladies, lets move it out, because it is 5:55, and I am not being like your boyfriend here, always late." Zack smiles, wrapping his arms around both Aisha's and Kimberly's shoulder.
They get into the stairwell and hear the very familiar voice coming from above them, "YO ROCKY MAN!"
"What?"
"Hurry up." Zack finishes, "You too Adam."
"We're coming." They say, quickening their pace as they reach the gang.
"You're going too Desiree?" Rocky says.
"Um, yeah, that a problem?"
"Of course not." Adam says, smiling.
"The more the merrier." Rocky smiles.
They head down the hallway to Tommy's room and Rocky Bursts in, "I found a beautiful brunette in the hallway, and was wondering if I could have her?" He laughs.
"Sure, I don't want her anymore." Tommy smiles.
"Yeah, ok." Kim replies, "I'll go with Rocky then. Rocky, you have room in that car of yours don't you?"
"Of course."
"Save it Rocko." Tommy laughs, kissing his girlfriend, "You look great."
"Thanks." She smiles.
"Let's go, I'm starving." Adam laughs.
"Yeah ok Rocko… I mean Adam." Jason teases, getting elbowed.
"I have never heard you called Rocko so frequently." Desiree says.
"Rocko? I'm always called that by these jokers." Rocky says, "Almost as frequent as Rocky."
"I guess you don't listen closely." Kim laughs.
"I listen." Desiree says in defense, causing Kimberly to look back at her in question.
"She's kidding Des." Zack says, "Chill."
"Whatever." Desiree sighs.
"Alright, who's going in what car? Who's driving?"
"We can fit six in my car." Rocky smiles.
"Ok, so Tommy will have to drive alone." Kimberly snickers.
"I can hold five." Tommy smiles, "So I'll take Kim…"
"Maybe I wanna go with Rocky." She smiles innocently at her boyfriend. He taps her on the nose.
"Ok, how about this. We can always switch later. Jason, Adam, Kim, and Tommy go in one, Aisha, Zack, Des and I will go in my car. Sound good?"
"Sounds fine." Adam says, as they load up in the car.
"Who wants front?" Kim asks.
"Why don't you take it?" Adam says.
"Oh come on, I am so much shorter than you two. Jase, you are the tallest of us, you want shotgun?"
"Yeah sure." He says. Kim climbs in behind Tommy and Adam behind Jason as they start off to the grill.
In Rocky's car, Desiree had some concerns about the new girl. "I don't know about her Aisha."
"Who?"
"Kim."
"KIM! What don't you know about her?"
"She comes in and all of the sudden, everyone is all into her."
"We haven't seen her in ages." Rocky says.
"Yeah, but come on, I mean, it was her choice to go down to Florida. She walks into our room without knocking, she uses our things, your computer, takes over our room."
"Hold up. I told Kim to just walk in, I don't care if she uses MY things, because most of the thins in our room are mine, and you were FINE with her coming up when I told you about this three weeks ago."
"Maybe I just don't see what the big deal is about her." Desiree shrugs.
"The big deal is she is our best friend. She is MY sister. What did she do to you?"
"Nothing."
"You're right, nothing. She has tried to be nice to you…"
"Too nice." Desiree shrugs, "I mean, we haven't hung out a second since Kim has been here."
"It's only been a day. You are hanging out with us now too. Desiree, I haven't seen Kimberly since August, I see you every day and night."
"I just don't know…"
"Well, you don't have to know, but she IS my friend, and she WILL be up in our room occasionally."
"Kim's really a great person if you get to know her." Rocky says.
"Yeah, she is." Zack replies.
"Well…" Desiree sighs.
"Try and get to know her, because I know you'll love her." Aisha says, smiling.
Desiree sighs, "Alright."
They get to the grill and talk about anything and everything. Desiree was warned by Aisha that she wouldn't know half the things they were talking about, nor half the people, but she insisted on going anyway.
"Has anyone talked to Trini?" Aisha asks.
"I talked to her the other day." Kimberly smiles.
"Trini?" Desiree asks.
"Trini's another one of our group. She has been my friend since sixth grade."
"Mine since second." Jason teases.
"Mine since first." Zack grins.
"Oh yeah? Mine since eleventh grade, and I only knew her about a year total." Rocky laughs, "I win."
"Ok, I get the picture." Desiree says.
"Well, she is over in Yale."
"YALE! Smart girl eh?"
"Very, along with Billy, our other friend who is in Harvard."
"Don't forget Kat in England, dancing." Jason smiles.
"Who could forget Kat?" Adam laughs.
"Kat?"
"Katherine Hillard, Kat, amazing dancer, great person, my girlfriend." Jason laughs.
"He's a bit bias." Zack laughs, getting punched in the arm.
"So, now that we had a very boring glimpse into our social lives, lets get back to food." Rocky smiles.
They order their food, and are served quite quickly, "Here, Rocky, you wanna try this?" Aisha asks him.
"Yeah sure." He smiles, grabbing a piece of fish off her plate, "Not bad. I like mine better."
Aisha tries his, "Nah, I am not a fan of red meat."
Desiree looks at them like they are crazy, "What?" Rocky laughs.
"Aren't you afraid of germs?"
Kim starts to laugh, "When you are this close, sharing every waking moment together, you don't care. When one of us gets something, we all get it. Hell, there was one time I got the flu down Florida, right after three of my friends got it up here. Explain that one to me."
"You must have seen them…"
"Three months before." She laughs.
"Yeah, we don't mind sharing." Rocky smiles.
"Ok…" Desiree says, smiling a bit.
They finish eating and head back to the dorm. They stay in the lobby for a bit, "What are you guys doing?"
"I have to meet Hayley to work on a project at nine, so I'm out for anything tonight." Tommy says.
"Did you hear that Kim?" Zack teases, getting a slap from Aisha.
"What do you feel like doing Kimberly?" Adam asks.
"I am actually exhausted." She says, yawning. "It's midnight back home, so I think I'm gonna crash."
"You coming up to my room?" Aisha asks.
"Nah, I'll stay with the guys tonight."
"Sounds good. I think I'm gonna go up and study a bit. I have a killer midterm on Monday."
"What subject?" Adam asks.
"Same as yours, philosophy."
"I'll study with you."
"Great!" She smiles. "Meet me in the study lounge in ten ok?"
"You got it."
"I hate having to do work when I am suppose to be on vacation." Aisha sighs, "Good night everyone."
"Night Aisha." Jason smiles.
"Night Sha. I'll stay with you when I am more awake, like tomorrow." Kim smiles at her best friend.
"You got it. You coming up Des?"
"Yeah, nice meeting you Kim, I'll see you tomorrow."
"You too." Kim smiles.
The rest go their separate way, most studying or just resting. Kimberly, Jason, and Tommy head to the guys room. Kim runs upstairs and does her nightly routine, before coming back down and laying in Tommy's bed.
"You wanna put in a movie?" Jason asks.
"Go for it." Kim smiles, "Anything works for me."
"Ok." He says, "Where are you doing your project at?"
"Our floor's study lounge. I shouldn't be too long." He says smiling at his girlfriend.
"No problem, I'm really tired anyway." She says.
"Alright, that makes me feel a bit better." He says, hearing the knock on his door. He opens the door and smiles at his friend, "Hey Hayley."
"Hi Tommy, hi Jason." She smiles, turning her attention to the girl sitting on Tommy's bed, "I don't think I've had the pleasure."
"Oh, hi I'm Kimberly."
"So you are the famous Kimberly, the one who has taken Tommy permanently off the market?" She laughs, "Nice to finally meet you. I've heard a TON about you."
"All lies." She smiles, shaking the girls extended hand.
"You ready Tom?"
"Yeah, lets go."
"Alright."
"I'll be back." He says, kissing Kim softly.
"I'll be here."
"SO will I." Jason laughs.
"Night." Hayley says, as they walk out and down to the lounge.
"I don't want this to take forever, so let's get cracking and finish it up." Tommy says.
"So I figured. You know, we could have put this off another couple of days, if you would rather spend the time Kimberly has here with her."
"Don't worry about it. I wanna get it over with and sent to Professor Davis. This project has been on my mind for a while."
"Me too. Ok, so we know that this is the Jurassic period…" Hayley begins.
By twelve, they finished their entire project and Tommy heads back to his room. Kimberly was sound asleep on his bed as was Jason on his. He turns off the TV and light then changes and crawls into bed next to Kim. She immediately curls up against him, laying her head on his chest. He kisses the top of her head and takes a deep breath. He missed this so much and quickly falls asleep with her in his arms the entire night. They all sleep in a bit the next morning. It was ten before anyone wakes up. Kim was the first one to open her eyes. She smiles when she looks up at her sleeping boyfriend. She didn't even remember him coming in last night. She gently squirms out of his grasp, trying not to wake him and head's up to see if Aisha is awake yet, so she could get her shower stuff from their room. She knocks quietly on the door and opens it.
"Hey girl." Aisha says, smiling at her best friend.
"Hey. I need my shower stuff." Kim smiles.
"I'm on my way there too." Aisha laughs, "The boys still sleeping?"
"Yeah. Where's Desiree?"
"Breakfast with her sister."
"Cool" Kim smiles.
"Oh, Callie says that the coach will be fine with you coming down and working out a bit. He knows Coach Schmidt very well and says you are more than welcome."
"Really! Awesome!" She smiles.
"Yeah, so I expect us to be heading down to the gym in the next couple of hours."
"You got it." She smiles.
Before too long, it was time for Kim to head home. Tommy drops her back off at the airport and gives her a kiss goodbye.
"I'll see you Christmas ok?"
Kim smiles, "Yeah, Christmas."
"What about Thanksgiving?"
"I'm in France." She sighs, "That is, if I can even get a break."
"So Christmas." He smiles.
"Yeah. I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
"Final Boarding Call for flight 341 to Orlando." The announcement calls.
"I guess that's me." She smiles up at him.
"Yeah." He says, tilting her chin to give her a kiss, "I love you Kimberly."
"I love you too Tommy."
"Call me to let me know you got down there ok."
"I will." She says, kissing him quick. "Bye."
"Bye beautiful." He says, as she picks up her carry on bag and heads towards the plane. She turns around one more time and waves at him, smiles and goes to her seat. She waves borderline tears the entire day, but managed to keep them at bay.
He turns and heads out of the airport once they close the gate, sighing. He touches the small jewelry box in his back pocket, which he had planned on giving her today, however, he couldn't find the time to ask her.
"So!" Jason says, as he walks into their room. "Did she say yes?"
"No."
"WHAT!"
"She didn't say anything because I didn't ask her."
"What do you mean you didn't ask her! You have got to be kidding me." He says, smiling.
"It just didn't seem like the right time, her leaving, ya know? I don't want her memory of me proposing when she is leaving on a plane for Florida. It just seems so, desperate… like I am trying to keep her here or something."
"You chickened out." Jason says.
"I DID NOT!"
"You did to." He smiles.
"I didn't think it was the right time. I've got the ring, I'm gonna do it. I just have to pick the right time."
"And the four days she was here wasn't good?" He laughs, "I can't believe you."
"Who can't we believe?" Rocky asks, walking through their open door.
"Tommy."
"Why?"
"He didn't ask Kim to marry him."
"WHY THE HELL NOT!" Rocky says.
"Hey, I don't see you asking Kat to marry you." Tommy directs at Jason.
"We haven't even talked about that." He laughs.
"I suggest you fly down there and ask her." Rocky says.
"When will I have time to do that?"
"Two Friday's from now we don't have classes, you could go then."
Tommy thinks hard, "We'll see."
"I don't think I've seen the ring yet." Rocky says.
"You haven't!" Jason says, a bit shocked.
"No, I don't think so, let me see it Tommy."
"I don't know how you haven't seen it yet. He's had it since like two or three months before Renee and her got into that accident." Jason continues.
Tommy pulls it out of his pocket and tosses it to Rocky. He looks over the ring, seeing that it has a large diamond in the center and two smaller ones on each side. The one in the center is a teardrop shaped stone with rectangular shaped stones on each side. "Not too bad." He smiles, "She would have loved this... if you actually had the balls to ask her."
"Yeah, yeah, shut up." He smiles.
"WELL!" Aisha says, coming into the room with Adam, "Did you ask her!"
"NO!" he says getting irritated.
"Why the hell not!"
"He didn't feel it was the right time." Jason says.
"I can see that."
"YOU CAN!" The guys say at once.
"Yeah. If I were Kim, I would think it was an attempt to keep her around."
"EXACTLY!" Tommy replies, "See!"
"Ok, you're off the hook, for now." Rocky smiles, handing him the ring back.
"So when then, Christmas?" Aisha questions him.
"Nah. I don't like the whole 'holiday proposal' thing. I'll probably head down there and visit her sometime sooner than Christmas and ask her."
"That would be totally cool." She smiles.
"ANYWAY." Tommy says, changing the subject, "I am gonna go and work out for a while, any takers?"
"I'll go." Rocky says, "Just give me a few minutes to change."
"Yeah same here." Adam says.
"I'll go too." Aisha grins.
"We may as well all go." Zack laughs.
Three weeks later was when Tommy decided to head down to Florida and see Kimberly. She had no idea he was coming down. He knew she would be busy with the gym and school work, but he figured he'd surprise her anyway. Two days ago, they talked on the phone and she sounded exhausted. She told him that she is stressed to the max, and can't wait till Christmas when she could get home and see him and the rest of the gang.
"Don't chicken out." Was Jason's good bye to him.
"I won't." Tommy laughs, "See ya in a few days."
His flight left in the early afternoon, 12:00 to be exact, so he could make his last Thursday class. He has his bag and everything in his car so he can leave directly from class. He has a small duffle bag and his book bag with homework as his carry on. What else would he have to do on a six hour plane ride?
He arrives at Kimberly's dorm at 9:00 and walks up the steps to their room number. He knocks on the door and Renee opens it, "What the hell are you doing here!" She asks, smiling at her roommate's boyfriend.
"I came down to see you girls." He smiles.
"Well it's great to see you!" Renee says, hugging Tommy. "It's about time you got down here Tommy Oliver. I haven't seen you since the hospital." She laughs. "Come in!"
"Yeah, it's nice to see you not in any pain."
"Kim didn't tell me you were coming down."
"That's because Kim doesn't know." He says slyly.
"She is gonna FLIP." Renee smiles, "She has been counting down the days till winter break."
"Where is she?"
"She's late tonight at the gym, till 10:00."
"And you're not?"
"Obviously." Renee laughs, "I was in at six in the morning. Kim had class at eight, so that screwed that plan."
"Is she at the complex or the university gym?"
"Um… I think down to the complex. Hang on, Kelsey had dinner with her, let me ask her." She says, walking across the hall. "Kels?"
"Yeah Nee?" She says, coming to the door, seeing the tall boy in her room.
"Where is Kim practicing at?"
"Down with Coach Schmidt." She smiles, "Who's that?"
"Tommy." Renee says. "Tommy, this is Kelsey, Kelsey White, Tommy Oliver."
"Tommy Oliver, Kim's Tommy?"
Renee and Tommy laugh, "Is that what I am called now a days?" He asks.
"You gotta understand, no one up here has ever met you… besides the gymnasts."
"Ok then, yeah I'm Tommy, Kimberly's boyfriend."
"Nice to finally meet you." She smiles.
"You too." He smiles. "So Kimberly's off at ten?"
"Yeah, you hungry or anything?"
"Nah, I ate already." He smiles.
"Well, you can hang here, unless you want to go down to the gym and watch Kimberly practice a bit."
"I think I'll do that, watch her that is."
"Well, I'll walk with you. I wanna see Kim's face when you walk in."
"Me too!" Kelsey smiles, "Do you mind if I come along?"
"Nah." Renee smiles at her friend. "Let's go."
They get down to the gym within ten minutes, and Renee spots Kim right away, with Danielle, the assistant coach, "She's over on the beam." Renee says.
Danielle waves to Renee and then turns her attention back to Kimberly, "Good Kim, watch your footing." Kim was oblivious to the world when she was on an apparatus. It wasn't until the end when she would be aware of who was around them. "Perfect! Don't hold back on this dismount."
Kim waits and gets her bearings for a second before beginning her dismount. She completes her entire routine perfectly. She hears clapping coming from behind her and turns, seeing her boyfriend. Her mouth drops open and she blinks to see if he's really there, "Oh my gosh!" She says, running over to him, full force. He braces himself for the 5'2, 110 pound ball of energy running at him and picks her up in a tight embrace. He puts her down and kisses her softly, "What… what are you doing here!" She asks him.
"To see you." He smiles, brushing a tear away from her cheek.
"I can't believe you're here." She says, hugging him again, before slapping him.
"Ouch, what was that for?" He asks, laughing.
"For being such a JERK and not telling me you were coming!" She says.
"Kimberly!" Danielle calls, "Come on, social hour can be later."
"Coming!" She calls, turning to her boyfriend, "I'll be done in like 40 minutes, you guys gonna hang here?"
"Yeah." Renee says, answering for them.
"Ok." She smiles, running back to the beam.
Coach Schmidt comes out of his office and sees Tommy, "Tommy, how are you?" He asks, shaking his hand.
"I'm good Coach, how are you?"
"Well. I was not aware that you were coming for a visit."
"It was spur of the moment, but I will not interfere with her practice schedule."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm not worried about her at all, nor any of the other gymnasts trying for the trials." The coach says, watching Tommy's line of vision, "She's outstanding isn't she?"
"She's better than I have ever seen her." He smiles.
"Well, I expect to see you tomorrow also, but I'll be sure to give her some time off." Schmidt says.
Tommy smiles, 'I'd appreciate that, and I am sure she would too.'
"She deserves it. They all do." He smiles.
Tommy, Renee, and Kelsey continue watching the gymnasts until 9:50, when they were released.
"You are amazing out there." He says, smiling at her.
Kim blushes, "Thanks. I'm feeling really good about my routines. You'll get to see them all tomorrow, if you come down to the gym." She smiles.
"I'll be here."
"I have to go grab my things, I'll be out in a few minutes."
He smile and nods, hearing Renee says, "I'm going with you."
Kelsey and Tommy stay outside as the girls run to get their things.
"I can't believe he came!" Kim says, shocked.
"I know! I was so surprised when he knocked on the door. I had to come and see your face."
"I'm so glad to see him. God Renee, I've missed him so much."
"I know." She winks, "Hurry up, don't leave your man waiting."
"You don't mind him being here, do you? I mean, we could get a hotel…"
"I don't care that he's here. If I did, I wouldn't have brought him down to see you, I would have let him go himself."
"Thanks Renee." Kim says, hugging her best friend.
" No problem, let's go."
The girls grab what they need and head out of the locker room."
"Renee and Kimberly." The coach calls.
"Yeah?" They say.
"I will see you both from six until nine."
"That's it!" Kim says, a bit shocked.
"Yes." He smiles, "You two deserve a bit of a break."
"Thanks!" Renee smiles.
He nods, "Have a good night." He smiles, walking out of the complex, and locking it behind them.
Tommy takes her bag from her, and her hand as they walk back to the dorm. She smiles up at him, "You sir, shocked the hell out of me."
"Yeah? Would you like me to go home now?"
"Don't you dare." She smiles, "You're missing school though…"
"No I'm not. We don't have it until Tuesday."
"So you're staying how long?"
He smiles, "Monday at six is my flight home."
"In the morning?"
"Yes."
"Ok." She says.
They head up to the dorm room and Kim jumps into the shower quickly. When she comes back Tommy was on his phone talking to Jason. "No, I haven't. She was at practice."
"Who are you talking too?" She asks.
"Jason."
"Hi Jason." She smiles, sitting on her bed, next to Tommy.
"He says hi." He smiles, "Hey Jase, I'm gonna go. I'll talk to you later ok? Yeah, I will. Bye." And he hangs up.
"You wanna go for a walk?" She asks, looking at him.
"Yeah sure."
"We'll be back." Kim smiles at Renee.
"Have fun." She smiles, waving.
They head out the doors and see Cooper, "Hey Kim… Tommy! What the hell are you doing here!"
Tommy laughs, "that's the question of the night."
"How are ya?" He asks, shaking his hand.
"Good, how about you?"
"Fine. Why are you here?"
"I wanted to see Kimberly." He laughs.
"No one wants to see her, OUCH!" He says, rubbing his arm, as Kim slaps him.
"Thanks a lot Cooper."
"Where are you two off too?"
"Just for a walk." Kim says all smiles.
"Alright, I'll see you at practice tomorrow?"
"If you are there from six till nine."
"I am."
"See ya then."
"Night guys."
"Night Cooper." Tommy says, wrapping his arm around Kim's shoulders, as she links her arm around his waste, "Where too?"
"Let's head down town and just walk for a bit."
"Ok." He smiles, kissing the top of her head.
"I am so glad to see you."
"You too beautiful. I've missed you."
"Missed you too." She says.
"So, what time are your classes tomorrow?"
"I have a 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00. Then I am done for the day."
"What classes?"
"Teaching gymnastics 1, English Literature, and Calculus ."
"Sounds like an easy day, especially with Teaching Gymnastics." He laughs, "You've done that since you were thirteen."
"Fifteen." She giggles. "It's fun though, it's pretty much practice, and an easy A."
"That's great."
"Yeah. I have a calc test next week, Friday, which sucks, but I'll live. I hated Calc when I took it in High School, College, it is just worse."
"So are you happy with your major decision?"
"Yeah, I think I'll like Phys Ed. I mean, I can teach any grade or coach any level. It will be fine."
"You'll have fun."
"So how's your classes going?"
"Great. I think what I'll end up doing is go in for a paleontology doctorate. I think I wanna teach it."
"So, no more Karate Studio?"
"Who says that? Adam, Jason, Rocky and I still plan on opening the studio. Hell, if you are serious about coaching, you can open a gymnastic studio in there."
"What are we gonna call it, Secret Ninja Gym!" She laughs.
"That's pretty good actually, I'll run it by the guys." He winks.
She giggles, "You hungry?"
"I can always eat."
"Let's go grab ice cream. I know a really good place."
"Alright. My treat."
"I'm not arguing that." She laughs. "Come on."
By eleven thirty, they are heading back to the dorm. They decided that tomorrow, he would hang out in the dorm until she was done her classes. Renee was done around 11:00, so he would have some company at that time.
"You'll be sleeping anyway." Kim says, laughing.
"Probably." He winks.
They would spend the afternoon together and at six, she would have practice.
The next morning, Kimberly's alarm goes off at eight. She hits the snooze once and then uncoils herself from her boyfriend's grips. She gets dressed and heads out for the start of her class. She was on cloud nine the entire morning. Having her boyfriend surprise her was the best thing ever. When she gets back from classes, Tommy, Renee and Kim go and get lunch. Then, Kim and Tommy spend the afternoon just spending the time they have together.
When 4:45 comes, Kimberly and Tommy head out to eat. They go to the local diner.
"What are you getting Kim?"
"Just a salad."
"Are you kidding me?"
"Have you ever tried to do gymnastics after eating anything more? I've been living on salads and yogurt." She laughs. "I mean, I eat breakfast and a healthy dinner, usually, but when I have practice at six, it's a light meal."
They eat and head right over to the complex. She gives Tommy a quick kiss and heads to stretch. The complex was full. There were a ton of gymnasts working out, some younger than others.
"Hey Squirt." Cooper smiles at his friend.
"Hey."
"How's your day been?"
"Wonderful." She beams.
"Good. Your head better be in practice now."
"Believe me Cooper, it is. Having Tommy here is an added bonus. I am use to having him at one end of the beam watching me."
"Alright, get on the bars." He teases her.
"I'm going, get on the rings." She says to her friend.
They split up and each have a coach at their section. Tommy watches his girlfriend with extreme interest. When she has a fifteen minute break, she goes over and talks to him until she is called back to the floor.
When nine hits, they are dismissed. Kim runs to get her things and comes out.
"So, what do you think about your girlfriend?" Cooper smiles.
"She is absolutely amazing." Tommy smiles, causing her to blush. He loves to make her blush.
"She'll be the talk of trials." Renee laughs.
"Along with all of us of course." Cooper smiles, "You gonna be there cheering her on?" He asks Tommy.
"Yeah, I definitely will, but" He starts taking a deep breath, "I hope I won't be cheering on a girlfriend."
"What?" Kim says, looking at him with the utmost confusion.
"I hope that I would be cheering on my fiancée." Tommy smiles, watching his girlfriend and her roommates eyes widen, "There is a reason I came to see you this weekend." He begins, pulling out the small box from his jacket pocket, watching her gasp a bit, he smiles and continues, "We've been through a lot together the past three years, probably more than anyone could ever imagine. I love you Kimberly, more than I have ever loved anyone before. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" He asks, holding the ring out to her.
Kim looks at him and the ring, completely unaware of the other gymnasts standing around waiting for her answer, "Yes, oh my god yes." She smiles, as he slips the ring on her left hand. She pulls him up off his knee and kisses him, getting a round of applause from the gymnasts and coaches standing around them. "I can't believe you." She says, smiling.
"What!" He says, laughing.
"You had this planned all a long?"
"Actually, I was gonna ask you before the accident, and then in October, but I didn't think it was the right time. Jason and Rocky were…"
"They all knew?"
"Yeah, they knew." He laughs.
She admires the ring, "I love my ring." She smiles, "It's perfect. Did you pick it out?"
"I had two picked out. I had a little trouble deciding which one to pick, so I brought in the reinforcements." He grins.
"Aisha?"
"Aisha." He smiles, "This was the ring I was gonna get, but I wanted a second opinion."
"It's perfect." She beams.
"Let me see it!" Renee says, inspecting the ring, "Wow, it's gorgeous."
"It's amazing." Lindsey smiles.
"Your boyfr… fiancée has impeccable taste!" Shauna smiles.
"Congratulations Kimberly and Tommy." The coach says, smiling. "I'm happy for you both."
Cooper smiles, "Tommy, bro, now, what would have happened if she said no?"
"Well then, I would have made a fool out of myself in front of all the people in the gym." He laughs, "I knew she would, especially after the hard time she gave me when I first asked her out."
Kimberly laughs, "You so deserved it."
"What did you do Kimberly?" Renee says, in mock horror.
"He kissed me, told me the next part would be easy and asked me out. I proceeded to turn my back on him and make him wonder if I really liked him. After getting my name called a few times, I gladly consented to go to the dance with him. I just didn't want to make it too easy for him." She winks.
"Too cruel." Renee laughs.
"You sure you want this girls!" Cooper says in mock disgust.
"Yeah, I'm sure." He says, smiling down at her. "
"I had no idea a macho guy like Tommy has such a soft side." Lindsey teases.
"Why do you think I love him so much?" She asks, taking his hand.
"Well, I'm ready to get out of sight for the night, now that the excitement is over." Renee smiles, "Are you coming right back to the room?"
"Um, I don't know, are we?" Kim asks.
"I think we'll go for a walk, let this sink in." He smiles.
"Alright, I'll take your stuff back…"
"No, I'll just lock it in my locker." She smiles.
They walk to the nearby park, which was extremely well lit. There were running tracks, and runners were on them all times of the day. Tommy and Kimberly walk hand in hand around the lake before sitting in the cool Miami night air.
"I don't believe this." Kim smiles, looking at the ring shinning in the light.
"Are you surprised?"
"Oh my god, more than you can ever imagine. I mean, we have talked about it briefly, and now we're engaged."
"Yeah and we'll be married one day."
"After college?" Kim asks him.
"That sounds good." He smiles, kissing her.
"I'm gonna kill Aisha."
"Why?"
"She tells me EVERYTHING!"
He laughs, "Well, not anymore."
Kim smiles, "I love you, so much."
"I love you too." He smiles back at her, kissing her yet again, softly, "I'm gonna have a few phone calls to make when we get back to the dorm."
"To who?"
"My mother, because she has been bugging me for the past few months, and of course the gang."
"I guess so. We can head back now, if you want."
"No. You are fine right where you are." He smiles, as she leans against his chest, sighing.
"The ring is perfect."
"I'm so glad you like it."
"I didn't need a ring."
"Yes, you did. You deserve the best, and I wanted to give you everything you could possibly want, which is why I drug Aisha with me to purchase it."
"It's just what I want. This is the best night, the best visit. Now, how am I suppose to top this the next time I visit!"
"Just by being you." He says, "I can't tell you enough, how much I love you Beautiful."
"I love you too Handsome." She says as they share another kiss.
Tommy calls who he needs to once they get home, and they are all thrilled to hear the announcement. Kim and Tommy spend the next two days together, before he heads back to college.
"I'll see you in a month ok?" He smiles, kissing her.
"Yup, I'll see you for Christmas. I can't wait. Call me when you get there ok?"
"I will." He says, kissing her lips softly, "I love you Kimberly.
"I love you too Tommy. I'll see you in a month."
He smiles, kisses her again and then heads onto the plane. With a final wave, they are split up again by 3,000 miles. She sighs, and heads back to the campus. She was still on cloud nine. She couldn't stop staring at the ring on her finger, "I'm engaged." She smiles.
Kimberly was busy with final exams and trials coming up. Christmas seems so close, which she was glad about, but also nervous because Trials were right after the break. This was her big chance, and she still felt rusty, even though she was perfect. She couldn't wait to go home for a while, and that would be happening in a little under three weeks. She misses her friends, and her fiancée, but she just keeps telling herself, "Two and a half more weeks." Tommy was counting down the days too. Talking on the phone and on the computer really helped ease his anxiousness, but he wants her home. He is sick of being away from her for months at a time, and can't wait till she is home even if it is only for a few weeks.
Their lives were changing rapidly, this time together instead of apart, like what happened a year and a half ago. They were changing with each other, at the same pace, and no one felt rushed or left out. This is how the group always was and always will be. Christmas, they will all be together, the first time in almost five months. It will be a wonderful holiday, they all just knew it.
TBC….
I hope you all enjoyed it! Please read and Review… they have really been great and I appreciate them greatly! I'm hoping to get 100 reviews this time!
The next chapter will be coming very soon!
Check out "The Diary" Too if you get a chance and Review too please! Another T/K in the process.
I'll be posting another chapter very very soon, I promise.
Thanks!
LUNA