AN: Yeah, wow, 2 weeks since my last update. Dear Lord, I apologize to everyone, it's just been a hectic long, nah, I won't lie... It's fucking Twilight! 4 times now and I'm still going to see it again! But now that I have seen Rob as Edward's sexy self, I think I can concentration on the story again. I plan on finishing up this story within the next few weeks to come, I hope. Just a few more chapters left before another ending to come. Thanks for staying with me and go see Twilight! It's great and it's 2 hours of Robert Pattinson! Enjoy the chappy!

Chapter 26: The Island Explosion

Months later

It was October now. The New Thompson family had finally finished the refurnishing Kim's house back in September before the start of school. There were many changes since the union of Kimberly and Noel. Noel and Kimberly took an extended honeymoon, running 24 days long, instead of just 2 weeks. Noel just couldn't let the blissfulness of the honeymoon end after 2 weeks. Tommy was happy to keep his boys for the extended time, knowing that once he started back up at the Island, he would be limited to weekends and special vacations to see them frequently. Zeke was back to school going to the 3rd grade now, Chuck was in daycare school with Adela since Tim moved in with his sister. Kimberly was back to work at the shop with Kimberly. Noel had gotten a maid for the family, she was there everyday, cooking and cleaning. It took a while for Kimberly to get used to an older woman doing all the things she was meant to do for the family. Noel convinced Kimberly, this way she wouldn't be rushing around to take care of errands, wondering what to do with the children, they always had a babysitter and she was apart of the Thompson family for decades of years now. Aisha joked to Kimberly; it wasn't like the estate over in England would be missing one hand, so now there are only 199 workers left.

Kimberly came into the shop after Rosie dropped the kids off for school. Aisha smiled as Kimberly was carrying several boxes with her. She had stopped by the post office to pick up a few lost boxes. Aisha took a few boxes on top so Kimberly could see better.

"Thanks."

"You know, you can't keep parking that car in front, people are going to wonder what type of shop this is and can they afford it." Kimberly looked out at the window. Kimberly was still getting used to being a Thompson and all the money. Noel's parents had contractors fix over the house while the newlyweds were away on their honeymoon, claiming they wanted all the best for the future grandchildren. Kimberly left a simple house and came back to find this mansion like place now, biggest house in the community. As a wedding present, Noel brought Kimberly a Mercedes S55 in a slick black color to go with the Liberty the maid now uses. There were 2 very new additions to the house. Brand new room for Tim added on the bottom floor along with the attic turned into the playground room for the kids with all their toys, movies, and games. For all these addition, a price and agreement came with it. Noel would have to run the business for the family and give up his idealistic idea of fame and fortune from movies and musical success.

Later that day

Kimberly was attempting to help Chuck with his dinner. Rosie had made this fancy meal yet again. It was a quiet meal with the kids and Kimberly, as it usually is with Noel and Tim not here. Kimberly looked around the huge dining room table to see the empty chair. Zeke was still getting used Rosie. He couldn't get away with not eating his vegetable like he could with Kim. And Zeke was adjusting to life with seeing his father on weekends since he was always at the Island again.

"Mommy, I don't want corn!"

"Charles, if you don't eat, no juice."

"No corn!"

"Fine." Kimberly dropped the corn from his spoon and picked up some potatoes. Chuck took the mouthful and smiled. Kimberly shook her head. Adela was mashing her potatoes. She loves mashed potatoes whipped not cut up like Rosie usually does.

"Adela, baby you are making a mess." Kimberly went to clean up, but Rosie was right there before Kimberly could move.

"I got it Mrs. Thompson." Rosie quickly helped mash the potatoes as Adela mixed her corn with them.

"Rosie, how many times must I tell you to relax during dinner, I got the kids?"

"Sorry ma'am." Rosie smiled.

"And please, please…call me Kimberly or Kim."

"Of course Kimberly." Rosie went back into the kitchen to finish cleaning up. Kimberly shook her head.

Rosie took Chuck and Adela for a wash up and changed for bed as Kimberly was on the phone with Noel.

"I miss you too honey."

"So, when are you coming home?"

"A few days, hopefully less because these contracts need to be signed and I will be able to leave England behind after one more trip in November, then that's it until after the new year."

"Good."

"Give everyone a kiss for me."

"Will do. I love you."

"I love you too." Kimberly hung up the phone.

Zeke was turning off his tv when Kimberly came into his bedroom. He knew it was time for him to be getting to bed. Zeke was good about his curfew and usually never protested when it was time for sleep.

"Well, time for bed."

"Mommy… why is Rosie here?"

"You don't like Rosie?" Kimberly asked covering Zeke up better.

"No, she's great, but…"

"But what baby?" Kimberly asked sitting beside Zeke.

"Nothing." Zeke laid his head on his pillow.

"You know you can tell me anything."

"I just miss us."

"Us?"

"Well, we always used to be together and do stuff now…"

"Honey, I'm always here for you."

"Not like before. We used to talk about school and everything in the car, now we barely speak at dinner whether Noel is here or not."

"I'm sorry baby. You know what… starting tomorrow… I'm picking you up after school everyday."

"Everyday?"

"Yup. Just the 2 of us." Zeke smiled when Kimberly kissed his forehead and moved some hair back. "Don't you worry, things are going to be great again and no more quiet meals, I promise." Kimberly turned off Zeke's light. "Goodnight baby, I love you." Kimberly kissed her son again.

"Love you too Mommy." Zeke yawned and laid his head back on his pillow.

Kimberly saw the kids and Tommy playing off in the distance. Noel was out of town once again, so it was a perfect chance to have this get together without glares between Noel and Tommy. Zeke and Adela was having fun racing around with Tommy, while Chuck stayed closer to her, always coming back for something. They were enjoying the bright sunny day, having a family picnic and Aisha decided to join them. Aisha and Kimberly are having their lunch, and talking about next spring's fashion line. But they weren't getting much done with all the interruptions from Chuck. Chuck would come over for a sip of water, some fruit, anything. Tommy had tried to keep the children busy knowing though it was family picnic, the women were trying to get some work done. Chuck came over for the 5th time.

"Mommy, play…"

"Sweetie, Auntie and I are working, go play with your father…"

"Mommy please…"

"I have to work baby, go play!"

"Mommy please! Please, please, please…" Chuck pulled on Kim's arm. Kimberly sighed.

"I'll be right back."

"Go ahead," Aisha said flipping through a huge fabric book for colors and textures.

Kimberly played catch with Chuck for a while before Zeke took over for Kimberly, while Tommy was playing bubbles with Adela and Tim. Adela would blow bubbles at Zeke to try and stop him from throwing the ball. Zeke would play along as if the bubbles were working. Every time a bubble hit his body, Zeke would fall down. Adela laughing each time.

"Okay, where were we…"

"So, we were still debating that there will be no floral prints in the spring…"

"I just think, spring, floral, how typical. Let's go another path, we did that last year," Kimberly said putting another red ticket on a floral pattern.

"But if it isn't broke, that was a high selling ticket those floral skirts and dresses you designed." Last year, Kimberly was focused more on her musical career than anything else other than the family, and was barely able to help Aisha with the shop, but did design the whole wildflowers floral designed skirts and dresses. Kimberly was redefining some sketches when Chuck came over and plopped down into Kim's lap. Both Aisha and Kimberly were startled.

"Baby!" Kimberly moved some papers aside that Chuck had his feet on. "Why aren't you playing?"

"I'm tired." Kimberly sighed and turned Chuck against her chest and let him nap. She rocked him to sleep. Aisha shook her head.

"What?" Kimberly asked.

"He is such a big baby." Kimberly smiled.

"Of course he is mama's big baby." Kimberly patted Chuck's hair back.

Tommy wanted to have the boys sleep over his house tonight, but only Zeke wanted to go. They were standing beside their cars in the parking lot. Zeke had already gotten into the front seat with Tommy. Kimberly was trying to convince Chuck to join his brother, because that would be a quiet house with just Adela and Tim. Adela loved to have her Auntie try fabrics against her to get an idea of what color style she likes, and it was funny to see Tim wrapped in drapes of fabrics as well.

"Baby, why don't you want to go with your father?" Kimberly asked as she stood next to the driver's side of the car.

"No!" Kimberly sighed. "Just take Zeke."

"You know, one of these days, you gotta make him do something he doesn't want to," Tommy said getting into the car.

"Do you want a screaming 3 year old all night?" Kimberly asked holding Chuck on her hip.

"He gets over it after an hour."

"He should want to go with you Tommy, not be forced." Kimberly walked to the other side of the car.

"Maybe if you let me take him more it wouldn't be that way."

"Bye baby, be good. I'll pick you up after school." Kimberly kissed Zeke goodbye and walked back over to the driver side. "And I'm trying okay."

"Whatever." Tommy started his jeep. "I'll take Zeke to school tomorrow on time, you don't have to send Rosie."

"Fine. Bye Zeke." Kimberly blew a kiss and waved.

"Bye Mommy!" Zeke yelled.

"Give Daddy a kiss." Tommy lifted his son somewhat from Kimberly and kissed him through the window. Tommy drove off. Aisha was waiting in the other car as Tim was buckling Adela in her car.

That night

Kimberly was closing another fabric booklet as Aisha was on her laptop. Chuck was running around with Adela and Tim.

"Do you think Tommy's right about Charles?" Kimberly asked looking at her son playing. She couldn't help but smile. Charles was an exact duplicate of Tommy much like Zeke is. Aisha looked from the screen.

"He usually isn't…" Kimberly smiled.

"Should I make Charles do something he doesn't want to?"

"If that something means spending more time with his father, then yes," Aisha said.

"But if he doesn't want to…"

"He only doesn't want to leave you."

"That's not true."

"That boy is attached to your hip way more than Zeke ever was at that age and Zeke had reason to you were his only parent."

"He just… a momma's boy. I was a Daddy's little girl for the longest."

"But you still did things with your mother."

"Because she made me, but then again, I did love the things we did. The tea parties, shopping and… just talking. Charles just hasn't found that connection to Tommy yet, he's only 2 about to be 3 next year, sometimes it takes time."

"Zeke immediately found it with Tommy."

"Yeah, but…. It's weird. Charles doesn't like karate, he doesn't like dinosaurs, he's way to young to understand anything with science, what else is there to connect with?"

"Do you want to know what I think?" Aisha asked.

"Of course. You can tell me anything."

"You know why Charles is so close to you, and not to Tommy? Because while you were carrying him, while you were pregnant with Charles, you were often so, so angry with Tommy. And Charles felt that."

"That's silly."

"Is it? I know you didn't mean to do it on purpose, but… I think, Charles felt your need for him to love you, and only you, and not his father. Zeke always longed for a father because you always told him how great of a father he had and that one day he would see that, but you haven't allowed that for Charles. You and Tommy were fighting so much over that job and your marriage and Charles though he was a baby. He sensed the tension, hurt and angry you had and sometimes still have for Tommy on how things ended."

"I have never… ever put our children in middle of our fights."

"Not intentionally of course not Kim. And I'm trying to make you feel bad, because you are a great mother. And you and Tommy have worked very hard to keep your children the most important things in your lives and keep your fights to a minimal now that you are divorced and moved on with Noel. But it's still there. Don't you see, he's 2 and has no bond to his father unlike Zeke. Don't you see how wrong that is?" Aisha got up after patting Kim's leg.

"Maybe if Tommy was here to help raise him…" Aisha shrugged.

"I don't have the solution, honey. You have to figure that one out on your own."

Kimberly was in bed with Charles. She couldn't get what Aisha said out of her head. She was reading him a story as he laid against his mother's chest, turning the pages for her. Chuck sometimes just loved to say a few words of something he recognizes on the page and turn it, without really having to hear the story of the book.

"Baby, you love your father right?"

"Of course I love Daddy Mommy. I love Daddy this much!" Charles held his arms out. Kimberly smiled.

"Good."

"But I love you this much!" Charles's arms spread out just a bit more.

"Why?"

"I just do Mommy!" Kimberly smiled as she held her son tighter.

'Was Aisha right? Was it her fault that her son have no bond to his father?'

After doing some errands, Kimberly stopped by Tommy's unannounced. Tommy was just sliding on his jacket when Kimberly knocked.

"Hey."

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Tommy asked fixing his jacket. "Are the boys okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, are you busy?"

"I was just about to get some lunch and pack."

"Pack? Oh, right, going back to work."

"Yeah, going back to the island for a while."

"Can we talk?"

"Of course, but I'm very hungry, can we talk over lunch?"

"Of course."

"We could go wherever you like," Tommy said closing the door behind him.

"Oh, no, no, wherever you were heading I will be fine."

"I was going to the China Buffet downtown."

"Sounds good. Can I ride with you?"

"Of course."

After getting their tray of food, Tommy and Kimberly were sitting in an uncomfortable silence. Kimberly glanced around often after taking a few bites of her food.

"Kim, what's wrong?" Tommy picked up more lo mein after questioning her body language. "Is something wrong with Noel?"

"No! Why would you even ask that?"

"I don't know, you show up out the blue, the boys are fine, I assumed that…"

"This has nothing to do with Noel. And our marriage is perfectly fine."

"Good."

"Good." Kimberly took a sip of her soda.

"Then why the long face?" Tommy asked drinking some soda as well.

"I was talking with the Aisha the other night after the park," Kimberly started. "And well, we started talking about stuff…" Kimberly sighed. She reached over and took Tommy's free hand. Tommy looked at her. "I'm sorry."

"Okay. There is a lot to be sorry for, but what exactly are you talking about?" Kimberly frowned at that response. "I didn't mean it like that." Tommy squeezed Kim's hand with a smile to make sure she understood he was just playing with her. "But seriously, what are you apologizing for, because I don't think I can recall anything you have done wrong, recently." Kimberly smiled. She shook her head. Her smile faded.

"What I am sorry for… that is what Aisha and I talked about, what I am apologizing to you for is…. Well, Charles."

"Charles?"

"And how selfish I have been with our son."

"You haven't been selfish with the children."

"Yes, I have. Charles clings to me, way more than Zeke ever did at that age. For whatever reason, greatly my fault I fear."

"He's just a baby, Kim. Of course he clings to his mother, you are always there when he wakes up, and the last thing he sees before he falls asleep."

"I just hate I'm not forcing…"

"Forcing is a strong one Kim. And you were right yesterday. He should want to come with me, not be forced."

"But Zeke does…"

"Zeke is old enough to make up his mind, Charles is still a baby."

"But Zeke took to you immediately."

"Zeke was 4 remember, and he always wanted a father. He didn't need one because he had you, but he always wanted. Chuck has never wanted a father, because I was there, maybe not as much as I should have been, but I still was there. In time, don't worry; Chuck will eventually be inseparable from me too but on his own time."

"I just want to… I don't know, help that connection, that bond." Tommy smiled.

"We have a bond, he's my son, he knows that. He's just too young to like Science and dinosaurs like Zeke, and he hasn't taken to anything but Winnie the Pooh… and as much as I love that bear too…" Kimberly smiled.

"He's too young for martial arts," Kimberly said.

"Not really, but… I'll wait because you want to."

"He doesn't like baseball or football."

"We had fun in the pool."

"It's too cold for the pool."

"Maybe not an outside pool, but…why don't when I come back… we take up father-son swimming lessons." Kimberly smiled. She had been wondering when she would start those lessons with Charles. Over the summer they just played in the kiddy pools, Charles just loved to splash in the bathtub. She had started swimming lessons early with Zeke. Tim always said he wanted to take Adela and teach her, maybe this time Tommy would be the parent instead of Kimberly.

"I like it."

"Good, when I come back…" Tommy's cell phone goes off. "Oh, excuse me." Tommy answered his phone since it was Dr. Mercer. Though Kimberly only could truly hear Tommy's side of the conversation, it was apparent that Dr. Mercer was very, very agitated about something. Kimberly watched Tommy as he hung up the phone and put it away.

"Uh, do you mind if we…"

"We have hardly eaten."

"I know and I'm so sorry. I wish I could have more time, but we gotta end this, so I can get home and pack."

"Still jumping when he says." Kimberly muttered. Tommy looked at her.

"He is my boss. And a mentor."

"I know, I'm sorry again. I didn't mean it." Tommy raised his hand for the check.

"We can talk more over the phone or when I come back about those lessons."

"Just be careful Tommy. As much as I wish those feelings left me about Dr. Mercer, they are still strong, stronger than ever. Don't turn your back on him. Some thing about him, I don't know, I feel like he's dangerous."

"There is nothing dangerous about Dr. Mercer, Kim. I know the man, he's a great man." Kimberly nodded. They stood up after their plates were cleared. "Stop worry okay. You'll get wrinkles." Kimberly laughed. They hugged.

It was November now. Almost time for the Thanksgiving holiday, just a few weeks away. Aisha was driving around LA on errands since she had to leave Kimberly and the other workers to run the store since they had a large shipment of back orders coming in for the after Thanksgiving Winter Holiday sales that would be coming up after shortly. Aisha was putting some bags into her car when she saw Noel following a blonde-haired woman out of a shop. They were clearly holding hands. Aisha did a double take as the couple got into a limo and drove off. Aisha's face went from shock to confusion at the sight of Noel in LA. Aisha could have followed them, but her cell phone broke any thought of that.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?"

"Kim?"

"Yeah, who did you think it was?" Aisha was so stunned by seeing Noel; she hadn't even checked her phone to see who was calling before she answered something Aisha never does.

"Nothing… I just thought I saw…"

"Is something wrong?" Aisha shook her head.

"I don't know, what's up?"

"Coffee machine is down again, can you pick up some?"

"Sure. I'll be there soon." Aisha got into her car, but her mind still on what in the world was Noel doing in LA.

Kimberly was stirring more sugar into her cup and saw Aisha was distracting about something. They had just gotten in that shipment, but were allowing a moment to organize before opening up the massive load.

"What's wrong?"

"You're going to think I'm crazy…"

"I already know you're crazy girl, what's up?" Kimberly asked with a smile taking a tiny sip of her coffee.

"I think I just saw Noel."

"Noel? My Noel?"

"Yeah."

"Where?"

"On Sunset."

"You are crazy," Kimberly said laughing.

"Kim, I'm serious." Kimberly looked at Aisha's face. Aisha looked at her sternly.

"You must have been mistaken, Noel is in England."

"Are you sure?"

"How dare you ask such a thing?" Kimberly snapped.

"I'm just saying, are you sure he's where he's says he is?"

"I don't know what's going on here, but Noel is in England. He's working with some company his father makes deals with to Singapore."

"I know what I saw Kim," Aisha said softly. "And I know I saw Noel."

"Are you saying, I can't trust my husband?"

"I saw Noel, Kimberly."

"No, you must have been mistaken." Aisha shook her head. "You were mistaken." Kimberly picked up her coffee cup and walked away.

That night

After closing up the shop with barely a glance at each other, Aisha and Kimberly went home. They had been quiet to each other since Aisha confessed to seeing Noel in LA. Aisha was happy she left out the blonde-haired woman she saw with him. She knew Kimberly was upset and angry. Kimberly was so angry with Aisha for putting doubt in her mind, doubt about her husband. Kimberly knew she wouldn't be getting any sleep unless she heard Noel's voice. Kimberly was on the phone with Noel. He had finally reached his cell phone.

"Oh, I miss you so much honey," Noel said. "It's just not the same having a bed without you the past few nights."

"So, hey why don't I fly to England and come stay with you. I'm sure Tim or Tommy can watch the kids for a few days and we can…."

"Actually honey, I am really busy, maybe another trip. Besides, I'll be home soon for Thanksgiving."

"Come on, it'll be fun. Like another honeymoon."

"Another time, I promise."

"Noel…"

"Kimberly, I promise, another trip."

Few Days Later

Kimberly called the Thompson estate in England to get Noel's plans. She was wondering how to put her schedule for when Noel returns in a few days. She needed to know when to pick him up from the LAX airport, though Noel just loved to take a limo and save the trip for Kimberly and the children. But Kimberly wanted to surprise him and be waiting at the airport.

"Oh, it's wonderful to hear from you again, Mrs. Thompson, I'm sorry but Mr. Thompson hasn't been to the estate in over a month now, since October actually."

"You must be mistaken, Noel told me he was flying to England…. He has been in England for a week now."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Thompson, but none of the family has been here the past week except for Senior Mr. Thompson, he a business party with some executives, other than that the estate has been quiet." Kimberly hung up the phone breathing hard. Noel had lied to her.

Kimberly bit her bottom lip. Zeke came downstairs for some water while doing his homework.

"Mom? Mom, are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." Kimberly could remember just last week, saying goodbye to Noel on the front steps, he said he was going to England.

"You know I can't wait until your father is able to open another division on this side of America, and you can be home more often. I don't know how much I can take of these trips every month"

"Me too honey. And I know you have gone through this before, and I'm sorry, I'll try harder to make this trip quick." Noel kisses Kimberly on the check. She closes her robe around her and waves Noel off as he gets into his limo.

"Where is Noel going this time Mommy?" Zeke asked.

"Back to England. But luckily this is the last trip of the year."

"Good."

"What's wrong?"

"Remember last week…" Zeke nodded. "Where did I say Noel was?"

"England, of course."

"Not New York, right?"

"Yeah, you said back to England, why?" Kimberly looked down at Zeke.

"Nothing baby, go finish your homework. I'll take out some pork chops."

"Can you make them tonight?"

"Of course, besides I gave Rosie the day off."

"Good." Zeke smiled and grabbed his bottle of water before rushing upstairs. Kimberly looked at the phone. She debated whether or not to call.

Throughout dinner, Kimberly looked over at the phone. Tim caught her staring at the phone.

"You know, the more you watch the phone, it won't ring." Kimberly looked at Tim. She frowned. "If you are so worried, why don't you call him?"

"Because that would mean I don't trust my husband," Kimberly whispered.

"Aisha wouldn't lie."

"Oh, so my husband must be!" Tim shook his head.

"I didn't say, but the problem won't just disappear unless you confront it. Make him tell you the truth before it eats you up." Kimberly sighed and nodded. "And don't looking at the phone."

Tim offered to clean up Chuck and Adela as Kimberly dealt with her demons. Kimberly paced around the phone before picking it up. She quickly dialed Noel's cell phone. After 4 rings, Noel picked up.

"Hey honey!"

"Hi!"

"I was just about to call you, but I knew you were probably either having dinner or just finishing up."

"Yeah, just finished. I'm sorry to be calling you so late."

"Oh, it's not that late. I'm actually on hold with China"

"So, um… I know you said a week, and it's been a week…"

"Oh, just a few more days honey, I swear."

"Well, I have a few days off, nothing on the schedule, why don't I come and we can fly back together?"

"Oh, honey, I miss you too, but it will only be a few more days!"

"I know, but… come on, just the 2 of us! No kids, we'll have nice time!"

"I will be home in 2 days, it's not worth you flying out all day only to have to fly back home the next day."

"I know you're not in England Noel! So stop lying to me! Tell me where the hell are you?!"

"Sweetie, calm down! Where is all this coming from?"

"How about the fact that my husband is lying to be? Where are you? And this time tell me the truth!"

"I'm in New York okay! Do you know how many times I've been making these trips! I got confused and thought I was heading to England but my father asked me to work in New York with him this week instead of having to fly all the way to England, okay."

"Then why did Aisha say she saw you in LA 2 days ago."

"She must have been mistaken, because I was here in New York."

"Is that Kim?" Noel's father asked in the background.

"Yes Father…"

"Wait, your father is there?" Kimberly heard Noel's father asking him to hurry up and give her the love devotion she needs to clear the line, they still had things to discuss about tomorrow's meeting.

"Kim, look, I'm sorry I messed up and confused you. But that's my father and I have to go."

"No, no, go. I'm the one that is sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you… I should have known…"

"Hey, it's okay. No need to say anything else."

"No, Noel, I'm sorry, I yelled and accused you of lying to me. I should have known you wouldn't do that. I'm so sorry!"

"Just make it up to me when I get home in 2 days." Kimberly smiled.

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too honey."

It was less than a week before the Thanksgiving holiday. Kimberly went to bed with Noel having made love into the wee morning. Kimberly sat up after a nightmare crying out Tommy's name. She was drenched in sweat and not from having sex. She had seen the explosion. Felt the heat of the explosion. The island exploded… everything was gone. But the last images will forever be flashed through Kim's mind. She saw Tommy floating on his stomach in the middle of the ocean. Noel was sitting up with her rubbing her back trying to calm her down. He hated how Kimberly cried out Tommy's name in their bed after they just made love. Kimberly looked at Noel, still breathing hard.

"Tommy…"

"Tommy's not here, Kimberly, it was just a dream." Kimberly shook her head.

"No, no, it wasn't a dream." She rubbed her head. "No, he's hurt! I have to…" Kimberly climbed out of bed, quickly pulling on some clothes.

"Kimberly, stop it! It's 4 o'clock in the morning!"

"I don't a damn what time is! He's hurt Noel! He's out there and he's hurt!" Kimberly immediately searched for her cell phone. She dialed Tommy's parents' number.

"He is your ex husband, why do you care so much?"

"He is the father of my sons, my children! My sons need their father and if something is wrong with Tommy, I have to help him!"

"But why you? He has a mother and father, he has friends..."
"He needs me!"

"You are my wife not his anymore!"

"I will always be in Tommy's life. We share 2 sons! We have shared so much! Why am I even fighting with you, a man is hurt… he could be…no, I have to help him!"

"Fine. Fine!" Noel got up and got dressed. Kimberly couldn't reach Tommy's parents.

"Where, where are you going?! Noel? Noel! Don't go! I have to help him! Noel!" Noel slammed the door as he left. Zeke came into the bedroom followed by Tim with his daughter and Chuck.

"What's going on? I heard yelling?"

"Something wrong with Tommy." Kimberly was frantically calling numbers.

"Dad?" Zeke was quickly on the bed next to his mother.

"I had a dream and…"

"You had a dream?"

"What wrong with Dad, Mom?"

"I can't reach him and I can't reach his parents or the island, something is wrong Tim!"

"Okay, okay, calm down. Let's just all take a breath. Try to make sure you are dialing the right number!"

"I am!"

After failing to reach Tommy, Dr. Mercer, any of the other workers on the island, the police, anyone, Kimberly was downstairs pacing in her living room. Zeke was asleep, with Chuck at the other end asleep as well. Tim was in the kitchen with Adela trying to fix some breakfast knowing he needed to do something to help calm Kimberly down. Kimberly called the police to call her immediately once any information was located, but that was an hour ago. The sun was up, it was clearly morning. Kimberly was just about to make another call to Tommy's parents, when the doorbell rung. She couldn't believe with all the messages she had left and still nothing from them. Kimberly dropped the phone and rushed to answer the door.

"Tommy!" Kimberly opened the door and found a few cops and Tommy's parents standing there. Zeke woke up, rubbing his eyes. Kimberly took a step back, shaking her head. "Umm, Mom, Dad, I have been calling and calling…"

"Kimberly, sweetie…"

"No… no…" Kimberly shook her head, stepping backwards again. She kept shaking her head, tears forming in her eyes.

"Kimberly, you need to sit down."

"No."

"Kimberly..."

"He's not dead!"

"Kimberly, early this morning, the island... The island exploded dear, Tommy is gone."

"NO!" Kimberly screamed. The cops were quick to catch her as she passed out.

"Mommy!"

Kimberly was lying on her bed now. Zeke wouldn't accept his father was dead either. He yelled at his grandparents calling them liars along to the police. He pounded his fist against Tim when he tried to hug him. Zeke knew his father could survive anything. Nothing could kill his father. Tim hugged his nephew tight as Zeke cried.

Kimberly at first was just a stone after passing out. The cops had settled her on the couch, and once she woke up, she just sat there on the couch as Zeke begged and begged her to say something.

"Where is Dad, Mom? Where is he?" Zeke pulled on Kim's arms but she didn't move. "Mom, you said you could help him! Help Dad! Mom, do something! Mom!" Kimberly just couldn't, she couldn't think, she could hardly breathe to image a world, the world without Tommy. A world where the greatest man alive was dead.

Mrs. Oliver came into the bedroom and sat a tray of soup and bread for dinner at the foot of the bed. Kimberly had been in bed since this morning when she just got up and walked away from Zeke's pleading cry. Kimberly was just lying there softly crying as she held some silver box in her hand. Mrs. Oliver had talked with Tim to take the children since Kimberly was not in the right state of mind to care for them. Tim agreed, thinking it was for the best. He could probably help Kimberly more alone without the children.

"Kimberly… here's dinner, you should try to eat something." They had tried to get her to eat something all day, but Kimberly just didn't move after she laid down. Mrs. Oliver came up to look at Kimberly. "Kimberly… did you hear me?" Mrs. Oliver brushed some hair from her face.

"Take them." Kimberly whispered.

"What?"

"Take the boys, take the children now, I can't… I can't, not right now. I don't want to see them. They can't see me like this." Kimberly cried again.

"Okay, okay Kimberly, I'm gonna take the boys and Adela for a few days to house, we won't go back home to Angel Grove, we'll stay at Tommy's place until... Tim is still here if you need anything else."

"Just go." Kimberly was holding the heart-shaped trinket box with "Mrs. Kimberly Oliver" across it. She rubs it against her cheek. It was cold, but it reminded her of their wedding day that just seemed not to be so long ago, though it was more than 3 years ago now. Mrs. Oliver rubbed Kim's head and patted her leg before she got up and walked out the bedroom.

Later that night, Tim rushed into the bedroom since Kimberly was screaming from her nightmare. Kimberly had tried to get the vision of Tommy out of her head, but she couldn't. He was floating on top of the ocean, his lifeless face. It was haunting her and there was nothing more she could do.

"NOO! Tommy!"

"Hey, hey! Hey!" Tim shook Kimberly.

"You can't be gone. You just can't! Tommy, you can't be gone!" Tim hugged his baby sister. It took a while to settle her down.

"Are you okay?"

"Can you please ask me something else, something other than that?"

"Sorry."

"Of course I'm not fine! Tommy's missing, my husband is missing, how did all this happen?" Tim shrugged.

"How about this, I'll go to MacDonalds, get you a sundae."

"Oh yes, that's going to make everything so much better!"

"I know it won't change a thing, but at least it'll be something in your system."

"Fine. Go. Just go!" Kimberly pushed away from Tim and laid back down, covering her face with her arms. "Make sure it has strawberry and chocolate on it." Tim smiled and nodded.

Kimberly was in a rage to find Tommy. After Tim left her, something clicked. Something in her mind told her she could find Tommy. She needed to get up, stop crying and find the love of her life. Kimberly started packing some clothes. She found her passport and immediately found the number for the airlines. She was on her laptop searching for flights, any flight near the island. Just as Kimberly was about to set up a plane ticket, since no new news has been found about Tommy all day, a shiver runs up her back, causing goosebumps to form on her arms. The operator was asking for Kim's credit card number when Kimberly looked to the door. There was a knock on the front door. Kimberly gasped, dropping her phone and rushes to open the door.

"Tommy!"

"Kim!"

"Oh! Tommy!" Kimberly threw her arms around his neck as she hugged him. "They said you were dead! They said the last boat took off last night and... you weren't on it, so..." Tommy wiped Kim's face as tears flowed freely.

"Hey, I'm okay." They kissed softly.

"I was so scared..."

"Oh Kimberly." Tommy went to kiss her again, but Kimberly pulled back. She walked a bit away from Tommy, pushing some hair aside.

"I need to call your mother and father and..." Kimberly opened her cell phone and clicked to Tommy's parent's number immediately.

"We can do that later, first I have to..." Tommy pulled Kimberly to him and kissed her again causing Kimberly to drop the phone from her hand. Kimberly moaned, as Tommy's kisses broke her concentration. Tommy held Kimberly tight again him. Mrs. Oliver picked up the phone and could hear kissing on the other line. Kimberly pulled away.

"Kimberly?"

"Are you okay Tommy? I mean it, I saw the island explosion, I felt it."

"I'm fine Kim."

"Tommy? Tommy's there? Kimberly? Kimberly!"

"But the explosion, you were floating on top of the water… but… you don't seem to have any big injuries or...."

"A few broken ribs, sprained ankle, bruises here and there, but nothing major. Where, where are my boys?"

"Your mother has them. Your parents took them earlier to your place. She felt that I… I just couldn't handle them after… Your mother felt you would come to your place first."

"Why would she...never mind..." Tommy touched Kim's face.

"I'm so happy you're alive and ok." Kimberly wrapped her arms around Tommy's neck as she hugged him tight. Tommy groaned, but kept holding Kimberly tight. "I'm so happy." Tommy bent down to kiss Kimberly again. "Tommy, no... we can't..."

"And why not?"

"Because I'm married!"

"Right, right. Where is your husband?"

"He…that's not the point here! We were all so scared for you, and now you are here. We have call the police and your parents, tell them that you are okay and…"

"We can do that after…"

"No! Tommy, I'm very happy, you don't know how happy I am that you are alive, and here…" Kimberly rubbed Tommy's chest. "But, but… but that kiss can't happen again." Kimberly went to pick up her cell phone. Tommy took that phone and tossed it aside. "You want to know what saved me? You want to know what I fought for? You! You Kimberly! You saved me Kimberly. Knowing I might not see you or the boys again, made me fight, fight harder to survive, fight to swim and make it back to you." Tommy cupped Kimberly's face. Tears were streaming down her face. They kissed again. Kimberly gasped and stepped back not allowing their passions to get the best of her. Both of them didn't see Noel had returned and had seen that kiss from the window.

"I can't... I can't do this!" Kimberly rushed into the kitchen to get away from Tommy. Tommy followed.

Kimberly pulled away but Tommy grabbed her arm in the kitchen. He had to make her see how truly they belonged together. He was going to kiss her until her heart bursts with memories of their love and how much their love was stronger than any other love.

"You can't do this!"

"Of course I can! I love you! You love me!"

"I love Noel! You can't be here! Not like this!"

"I came here because I love you! Because you are my strength! You and our boys! We are a family!"

"Tommy, I'm married!"

"I don't care! You love me too!"

"I am married!"

"I love you Kimberly, you are the only woman in my heart, the only woman I will ever love... please, come back to me. I know you still love me, I know it in that kiss."

"Tommy, I..." Tommy and Kimberly stood in the kitchen staring at each other when Noel pushed the door opened. Tommy cupped Kimberly's face and kissed her again. Kimberly saw Noel standing there as she pulled away.

"Noel!"

"Get the fuck out of my house." Tommy turned and faced him.

"Last time I check, this was Kimberly's house first..."

"I said..."

"Noel, please..." Kimberly quickly stepped between the 2 men, knowing a fight was about to happen. "It's okay, he was just leaving… Noel, just both of you stay calm, it's okay."

"He kisses you! You kiss my wife and I am supposed to be calm!"

"Noel!" Tommy pulled Kimberly aside as he saw when Noel charged him. Tim came into the house with MacDonalds. He heard the scrambled and rushed into the kitchen.

"What's going on…"

"Help!" Kimberly screamed trying to stop the 2 grown men from killing each other. Tim immediately dropped everything to rush and help Kimberly stop the fight. Kimberly was shoved aside by Noel, as he punched Tim for stepping between him and Tommy. Tim groaned on the ground after receiving the massive blow to the head, and the kick that was meant for Noel sent him flying into the island. Kimberly went to help her brother, getting him out of the way of Tommy and Noel's blows.

Mr. And Mrs. Oliver came rushing over with children. They all stood there watching Tommy and Noel fighting with Kimberly trying to stop them, Tim in the background, holding his side.

"Daddy!"

"Stay back!" Kimberly yelled. Mrs. Oliver held her grandsons back away from the fight. Mr. Oliver went to help Kimberly.

"Son, stop this!"

"Stay back Dad!" Tommy yelled. Noel and Tommy were locked together, shoving each other into the island, the fridge, stove and cabinets.

"Leave my Daddy alone!" Charles and Zeke yelled. Charles broke free and went to hit Noel, but Tommy was quick, and picked up his son to protect, getting the full blow of Noel's punch.

"Tommy!"

Noel ended up punching Tommy in the back. Tommy crumbled to the ground, sliding Charles away from the fight. Tommy's father picked up Charles. Tommy was more injured than he let on because he should have been able to handle this fight without this much damage to the kitchen. Tommy laid on the ground trying to get up, but this gave Noel the opportunity to kick Tommy's side. This brought Tommy off his knees to laying on the ground.

"NO!" Kimberly screamed. She quickly flew to the ground and was able to cover Tommy to stop any more damage him. Tim finally grabbed Noel into a headlock.

"Daddy!" Zeke shoved away from his grandmother as Charles followed his mother to shield his father.

"Stay away from my Daddy!" Zeke stood up in front of Noel and Tim. Zeke kicked Noel, but Tim was quick to hold him, knowing Noel was still in a rage and might do something he would really regret. And Tim knew he would have to kill Kim's husband if he ever touched his nephews.

"Calm down! Come on man," Tim said pulling Noel back away from everyone and toward the back door. Kimberly stood up after examining Tommy's face and side. He just groaned.

"How dare you?" Noel looked at Kimberly. He couldn't believe his own wife was tending to the man that just kissed her.

"You dare question me, after watching two try to kill one another?!"

"You are my wife, not his!"

"He just was happy to see me, he survived and it meant nothing! You know our history!"

"He shouldn't have kissed you!"

"And you shouldn't have fought him! He's hurt! He was very hurt!"

"Not that hurt." Noel rubbed his jaw. "Now, get him the hell out of our house before I finish what I should have," Noel said. Kimberly looked up at Noel. She shook her head.

Noel and Tommy exchanged glares as Tommy sat up, wiping his bloody lip. Noel was sporting one as well. Tommy groaned, grabbing his side as Kimberly was kneeling at Tommy's side.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Kimberly went to help Tommy stand, but he pulled away. Tommy stood staring at Noel. Kimberly stood before him, her hands on his chest.

"Don't, haven't you two done enough damage for one night." Tommy tore his eyes from Noel, who was wiping his mouth with his shirt. "You should go to the hospital and…" Tommy looked down at Kimberly. She was really going to make him leave before…

"Kimberly…"

"She's right. Come on Tommy," Mrs. Oliver said pulling on Tommy's arms.

"Wait, Kimberly…"

"You need to go to the hospital Tommy."

"I am fine. I already saw a doctor."

"You need to see a doctor again, Tommy!" Kimberly shouted.

"I'm fine!" Tommy fired back.

"No, you are seeing a doctor young man."

"I want to come!" Zeke said.

"Me too!" Charles yelled.

"No, Zeke, take Charles and Adela upstairs and get them into bed."

"No! My sons are not staying here with that madman!"

"That madman is my husband."

"I don't care!"

"Tommy!"

"They are coming with me." Kimberly closed her eyes.

"Fine, only if you go to the hospital to get checked out again."

"Fine. Let's go boys."

"Tommy..."

"My sons are not gonna be around that man as long as I..."

"Tommy, please... just go get checked out. We will talk later." Tommy followed his parents, putting his hand on Zeke's back. Adela ran to Kimberly. Kimberly picked her up.

"It's okay. It's okay." Noel made sure everyone left. He locked the door behind them.

Tim groaned, rubbing his head as Kimberly surveyed the mess of the kitchen. She lifted Adela to her hip after Tim groaned again.

"Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"I'm fine. Your husbands pack a mean punch." Kimberly rolled her eyes. Noel came back into the kitchen.

"Give her to me, you two need to have…" Tim pointed to Noel and Kimberly. Kimberly handled over Adela. She knew the poor little girl would have nightmare of her uncle Tommy and Noel fighting. Kimberly went to clean up the broken pots, and glass. Noel went to get a broom and dustpan.

"So what, I get the silent treatment until I apologize…"

"What exactly do you want me to say?" Kimberly asked.

"How about something, other than this!"

"Okay, how about how foolish you looked!"

"He shouldn't have kissed you."

"It's Tommy! It's not like he hasn't tried it before!"

"Which is my point! You let him!"

"I don't…"

"He kisses you, attempts to steal you from me all the time and you do nothing to him!"

"I'm with you aren't I?"

"Thanks. So what, this is your punishment?"

"I didn't mean it like you and you know it!"

"What am I supposed to think? I come home and find you two lip locked together as if…"

"He kissed me! It meant nothing!"

"How was I supposed to know that this time?! You always talk about how much you love him…you fucking knew he was in trouble before anyone else! Your connection to him is so strong and your love…"

"Of course I love him, he was my husband, we share 2 beautiful boys but that doesn't mean I am in love with him! We had our chance! We have had plenty of chances! Tommy and I are divorced now and…"

"Just because you are divorced from him doesn't mean you those feelings can't just come back and where will I be left?"

"I love you Noel!"

"Do you? Do you love me more than him?!"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't love you."

"That's not what I want to hear."

"Then what?"

"Tell me you don't love him, tell me, he's not in your heart!" Kimberly looked at Noel.

"I can't," Kimberly whispered.

"Exactly."

"Noel…"

"If you want to divorce me and…"

"No! I don't want to divorce you! I can't tell you that, because I don't want to lie to you. And I will not divorce you over something as stupid as this! I love our marriage, I love our home, I love everything we share!" Kimberly took Noel by his hands. "Just because I have this love for Tommy doesn't mean I don't love you too. He is the past. You are my present and future!"

"Then let him go."

"I have!"

"No, completely. Let him go."

"What are you saying?"

"He can't come here anymore. Not into this house, our home. He just can't… He can't be alone with you anymore, in this house, or anywhere else. After tonight, he can't step one foot in our home, at your job, nowhere you are."

"The children…"

"Rosie can drop them off at his place and she can pick them up for you. I don't want to ever see him again. And I don't want you to ever see him again."

"Noel…"

"Make that promise to me. Make that promise that Tommy is out of our lives right now, or I'm gone." Kimberly shook her head. She pulled Noel to her and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Tell me, he's gone. Tell me he's out of lives now."

"He's gone."

AN: Thanks everybody for staying with me through my absent and neglect thanks to my Twilight and Robert Pattinson obsession! Don't forget to review! Next chapter: The Affair, will Kimberly listen to reason or will seeing the truth still not be enough?