Jason closed the boot, taking one more look at the message sprayed on the car. Kimberly was obviously on edge from what Jason had seen already from her. He didn't want to further add to that by telling her what has just happened. But equally, he knew he couldn't lie to her. He wanted Kim to be able to be as relaxed as possible over this weekend. He knew if she was on edge she wouldn't relax. Jason wanted Kimberly to enjoy her time so that she might think about moving back. Himself, Trini and Zack had all returned to the area now that their time in Switzerland and College had come to an end. Aisha had also returned after her placement in Africa stating that she couldn't handle the hot African days, but secretly they all knew it was because she missed home life too much. Rocky, Tommy and Kat had all stayed local completing College. Hopefully Kim would be okay about Tommy and Kat, but if she agreed to the weekend away with them Jason figured she must be. It was going to be the first time in five years that the whole gang had been together. In that moment Jason decided he would tell Kimberly after the memorial weekend they were going to have for Zordon. He was going to be driving them both there, so there was no need for her to see her car until Tuesday at least. Jason closed the boot of the car and walked back up the path to the house with Kimberly's bags, seemed like one thing Kimberly hadn't lost was her ability to pack lightly. As he closed the front door he could hear the girls catching up and laughed at Kimberly's shock at hearing that Aisha and Rocky had hooked up recently.
The group ate their takeout around the Scott's kitchen table, and then retired in to the living room and spread out over the sofas continuing their catch up. Kimberly began relaxing in to her settings the more the evening went on. She took the last sip of her drink and put her glass down on the coffee table infront of her.
"Sorry to bring the tone down and be all serious, but... I just wanted to say guys, thank you. I'm so sorry for cutting you all off these last few years. I guess I've had some stuff going on that I needed to work through. But, just this evening alone. It's reminded me where home is and how much I've missed you all being in my life. I really am sorry for everything." Kimberly looked round at the room and saw three smiling faces at her.
"Kim, we're sisters. We argue, we love, we fight, but we're always hear for each other. No matter what. Zordon passing really brought that home for me. Life's too short to hold on to the past. Your here now, let's just focus on that," Aisha said as she walked over to Kim's chair and put an arm round her whilst resting on the arm of the chair. Kimberly nodded at that. She had felt the same. After all, that was why she had answered the call when Jason reached out this time and agreed to come home.
Around 11 Trini and Aisha said there goodbyes as they were going to be heading out first thing in the morning so that they could get on the road. The whole gang were planning on spending Friday to Tuesday morning camping in the mountains. Originally they had wanted to do it where the Command Centre had been but new that without shelter from the sun or running water they wouldn't be able to last long. The main thing was that they would be together and could share the memories that they all had with each other.
Kimberly and Jason walked up the stairs of the house, "So what's happening with your parents? I thought they were going to be here tonight. It would have been nice to see them," Kimberly asked.
"They would have wanted too but Dad has a work trip that he couldn't get out of and Mum went to spend the weekend with him as she's never been to San Fransisco before. They should be back by the time we get back so you can see them then." Jason answered. They walked in to what used to be Jason's younger brothers bedroom, who had since moved to New York for College. "Hope you don't mind crashing in Reece's room whilst he's away,".
"Well I'm sure it's more comfortable than the couch" Kimberly laughed.
Jason grabbed some blankets out from the cupboard and put them on the bed. It was the last weekend in August, but seeing Kimberly in a sweater made Jason want to get one out for the small chance that her odd clothing choice was due to feeling the cold.
"How are you feeling about tomorrow?" Jason asked as Kimberly unpacked her overnight bag.
"Better after seeing you three tonight. Thanks for organising that Jase. I know I was hesitant about it, but it's definitely lessened the pressure of seeing everyone else. Hopefully they won't be too annoyed. I mean, I know Tommy will be but I kinda have to accept that."
"You never know, Tommy might surprise you. When I mentioned that you were going to come this weekend he didn't seem annoyed at the idea. He's had time to process what happened between you two.. I think being with Kat might have helped that." Even after all these years Kimberly held a special place in her heart for Tommy. She had never really fallen for someone else. It was just the easier way for her to live away from everyone, but hearing that Tommy was over her. She couldn't lie to herself, that stung.
"Well, we shall see then won't we." Kim replied whilst picking up her toothbrush and made her way to the bathroom.
"Night Kimmie, just down the hall if you need me" and with that Jason headed to his room.
"Night Jase." Kim called from the bathroom. Kimberly turned the shower on whilst she was brushing her teeth to allow it to warm up. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had certainly looked better. She knew she had lost weight, but that was the pressure of working where she did. The unsociable hours she worked meant she slept through the day and she had lost that Valley girl sun-kissed tan that had previously tinged her skin. Running a hand through her hair she undressed and got in the shower.
Feeling the water cascade over her body felt wonderful. She hadn't slept in a bed for the last two nights and she could feel the tension in her shoulders and upper body as a consequence of this. Washing her hair she allowed herself to fantasise at the though that Tommy might actually be happy to see her. Her biggest regret in life, and believe her she has had a few, was ever making that trip down to Florida and leaving behind the best thing she's ever had in her life. She knew they could never get back together, he was happy with Kat now and she wasn't going to ruin that, but she would take being friends. As the last suds of shampoo washed away from her hair she stepped out of the shower. Wiping away the mist on the mirror to look at herself one last time. Tomorrow was going to a big day, Kimberly didn't know just how big.