AN: Can you believe it? Christmas is just 3 weeks away! 21 Days! Woohooo! I am finally, FINALLY excited about the holidays, plus I have seen Twilight 6 times now, so I have completed the task Jackson requested for all fans. Hope you enjoy the chapter, hate to say it, but I'm thinking just 3 more chapters to come. I know, sad to imagine, but big things on the horizon! And maybe a few surprises! Enjoy!
Chapter 27: The Affair
Next Day
Kimberly was still cleaning up the kitchen. Noel and Rosie had went out to get more pots, pans and dishes since Thanksgiving was tomorrow and he knew Rosie would need them to cook the fabulous meal Noel and Kimberly decided on. Noel wanted to pick out the style. At first, it was supposed to be Kimberly joining Rosie, but Kimberly wanted Noel to do it since she picked the last set of kitchen supplies. It was his turn to make that choice. Besides, Noel's parents and sisters would be arriving later today to celebrate the holiday tomorrow. It would be the first time the family did such a thing, since they normally wouldn't care about this American holiday.
Once Noel left, Kimberly called Tommy. She knew it would probably be her only chance to talk to him without Noel's knowledge. Kimberly didn't want to use Aisha, Tim or anybody has a middleman to Tommy. Tommy's mother answered telling Kimberly, Tommy was sleeping now thanks to the medication, but she would tell him to call her when he wakes. Kimberly was throwing out some trash from Zeke's room, when her phone rang. Kimberly found it was Tommy's cell phone number on screen.
"Hey, your mother said you were sleeping earlier…"
"I was, but I heard you had called and…I wanted to apologize for last night, Kim."
"How are you feeling?"
"Pills really do numbers on the mind and body."
"You are actually taking medications? You never have before."
"It's hard to say no when your mother shoves them down your throat." Kimberly laughed. "I am sorry Kim, I didn't mean to…"
"I'm sorry about Noel too and last night…"
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Beautiful."
"Tommy…"
"You saved me Kim. I'm not sorry for kissing you. I will never be sorry for showing you how much you mean to me, how much I still love you."
"You need to be Tommy. That can't happen, ever again."
"Kim…"
"No. Look, tomorrow's Thanksgiving and…"
"The boys and I will be there…"
"That's just it."
"What?"
"You can't come around the house anymore."
"Excuse me?"
"Noel demanded that…"
"I don't give a damn what Noel demanded!" Tommy shouted. "It is what you want?"
"It has to be. I can't see you any more and you can't come into the house."
"Are you telling me I can't even come by to drop our children off tomorrow?"
"Yes, Rosie will pick them up and…"
"Is this what you truly want?"
"Tommy…."
"Is this what you want? To never see me again?!"
"I have to Tommy! Noel was so upset, so hurt by that kiss, he talked about divorce and... You two hate each other! For now, it's for the best you two just stay as far away from each other as possible." Noel came back with the bags and saw Kimberly on the phone.
"And our children, what about Zeke and Charles?"
"Rosie will take them to you and pick them up any time you want."
"So, I am never to see you again?"
"Yes," Kimberly whispered.
"Wow, that's just… wow…"
"I'm so sorry Tommy, I wish there could be another way, a way we could just all get along together and… maybe if you moved on, and…"
"And what? Got married again like you?"
"Yes, why haven't you moved on, found someone…?"
"Because I love you!" Tommy shouted. "But it's clear you don't love me anymore."
"Tommy…"
"If you love me, you wouldn't do this."
"Of course I love you Tommy, but I have a husband…."
"A husband that means more to you than me, or our children."
"Nothing means more to me than our children. You don't know how much this is killing me to tell you, I spent most of the night and morning in agony, but I made a promise."
"A promise?"
"Yes, a promise that you are out of my life like that and I… I may be a fool, but it's what I must do now."
"Fine. Rosie can pick up the boys tomorrow…"
"Tommy, I'm sorry."
"Don't. Because the Kimberly I knew, the Kimberly I love, she would never be this selfish. The boys will have Thanksgiving early with me and my parents, but I will make sure they aren't too full for the famous Thompson Family Thanksgiving."
"Tommy…"
"Goodbye Kim. Have a great life." Tommy hung up the phone. Kimberly wiped away some tears as she hung up the phone. Rosie came into the kitchen not seeing Kimberly as she started unloading the bags. Noel brought in the rest. Kimberly quickly wiped her eyes as Rosie finally saw her.
"Mrs. Thompson…"
"Excuse me…" Kimberly quickly rushed upstairs.
"Mrs. Thompson…"
It took the whole next 2 holidays and into the next year for the calm to settle around the house. Tommy was no longer allowed in the house as long as Noel was present. There had been almost a slipup when Tommy had come by early to take Zeke after school before Christmas break. Tommy was sitting in the car, refusing to come near the door, Kimberly stood on the porch, waving goodbye to Zeke and Charles when Noel arrived. Tommy and Noel stared at each other, especially when Tommy got out the car and pretended to help Rosie put Charles into the car. Kimberly was quick to be at Noel's side, pulling him inside the house before any words could be exchanged. Kimberly felt it was for the best that Noel and Tommy stay as far away from each other as possible. Kimberly already had a failed marriage and she was not looking forward to ruining her relationship with Noel. If Noel and Tommy couldn't get along, it was best for the family they just stayed apart. Zeke knew his father was missing his mother. Since that fight, everything had changed. There was no mention of Tommy in the house as long as Noel was present. Kimberly wouldn't even say Tommy's name for fear of a fight. It was a change for the first time Kimberly had to split her holiday with the children, knowing she couldn't just invite Tommy and his family over and have a big get together.
Aisha was going over the new spring line that was coming up for sale shortly when Tommy came into the shop. Aisha gasped.
"Tommy!"
"Is she here?"
"Kimberly? No, she's at the studio today with her producer Michael, why?"
"Tell her to call me."
"Tommy, you know I can't do that. Kimberly asked me to not play middleman, middle woman in my case, with you two ever. She doesn't want to talk to you. She doesn't need to talk to you. She said anything you need just say, just tell Rosie and..."
"I need to talk to her."
"Why?"
"I want the gems back."
"Oh."
"Not everything is about her, Aisha. There are more important things than our failed relationship, so could you tell her that I know she changed her number and I obviously cannot just call the house, if she would call me immediately."
"Of course." Tommy turned to leave. "And Tommy…"
"What?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off rude and mean, but…I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I get that, a lot." Tommy walked out the shop.
Kimberly came to the shop after Aisha called. Kimberly was working through some new music, but she was far from making her second album. She barely had any idea of songs, since she barely wrote out 3 songs, and a good album needs at least 12-15 songs.
"What's up?"
"Tommy came by."
"Aisha, I told you…"
"He wants the gems back."
"Oh."
"He knows you changed your number and…"
"Oh, why would he want the gems back? Did he say why?"
"No. Maybe if you call him and find out…"
"I can't call him, Noel will find out and… things are just getting calm around the house. Now when Zeke or Charles ask about Daddy, Noel doesn't glare anymore, this could…"
"Kimberly, this is ranger business. This is more important than Noel's feelings about Tommy. The fate of the world, the universe, is in those gems and Tommy needs them back."
"I know. I had to go to the bank anyways, so…are you okay if I leave for…"
"Sure, go deal with that. That's more important than this shop. I can't have monsters around, trashing up the place. I didn't sign up for that in our insurance plan." Kimberly laughed.
Kimberly called Tommy to meet her at the bank within the hour. They stood alone in the bank vault with the key that would only open Kim's safe deposit box.
"I will leave you two." Kimberly nodded as she went to open her safe. It was the first time Kimberly and Tommy stood face to face in almost 2 months.
"Are you sure Noel has no idea about…"
"This is a private account Tommy. I'm not stupid." Kimberly pulled out the black case and went to hand them over, but pulled back. "Why are you asking for them back?"
"You held them as long as I needed," Tommy said taking the black case.
"What happened on the island?"
"Nothing that concerns or should even matter to you." Tommy put the black case into his briefcase. Kimberly grabbed Tommy's arm so he would look her in the eyes.
"If it concerns you and it means you are in danger, then of course it matters to me, how dare you?"
"How dare I?! You cut me out of your life just at the snap of Noel's fingers! And you question me?!"
"You know that's not how it happened!"
"Thank you for keeping them safe. I don't want to endanger the kids or bother you with these anymore." Tommy walked to leave the vault, but Kimberly rushed passed Tommy and went to the keypad. She hit a couple of keys and the vault automatically closed on them. Tommy grabbed Kimberly to face him.
"What the hell are you doing?" Tommy asked in angry. Kimberly had locked them into the vault just like that.
"What happened on the island?"
"This is the neither the time nor the right place to discuss this."
"I think it's a perfect place. No cameras, no microphones, No Noel, and no one coming in."
"Because we're trapped!"
"Only for a moment, enough time for you tell me what happened."
"It blew up, what else is there to tell?!"
"Why did it blow up Tommy? Don't act like I'm stupid! Just tell me!"
"Crossed machines, I don't know."
"Liar. The bruises you had, broken ribs, could not just be from jumping off a cliff into the ocean."
"Did my mother… who told you I jumped off a cliff?" Tommy asked.
"I saw it. I saw you falling before the explosion. And I felt it too. Now tell me, what happened?"
Tommy confessed to Kimberly the truth about the island. He hadn't told a soul, not even Jason knew the whole story behind why the island blew up. Tommy told Kimberly that the authorities were right to assume Tommy was dead. The last ship did leave off the island that morning and he wasn't on it. Tommy went back because he had to make sure what was created, the evil there was destroyed before he left that island. Tommy went back into the Industry and found most to almost all of the machines set to overload. Tommy fought an evil being; Mesagog as he called himself ordered the tyrandrones to take everything. The security system had been destroyed, meaning it wouldn't be long before everything blew up because with security system destroyed nothing could be stopped, everything was in overload and set to blow. In his escape, Tyrandrones attacked Tommy.
"Wait… Tyrandrones. What's a Tyrandrone?" Kimberly asked interrupting Tommy's story.
"Something I helped create."
"A dinosaur?"
"Not completely. These were dangerous, their control had been altered to fight and kill."
"Kill? Kill you?" Tommy nodded at Kimberly.
"I never ever wished to see those creations made into the monsters I fought."
"So, you were attacked by this Mesagog creature and his goons."
"Yes. I fought my way out the Industry into some woods as the island was blowing up around me. Tyrandrones surrounded me, too many, I almost didn't…" Kimberly gasped. She shook her head not wanting to believe something; anything could ever defeat Tommy in combat. "I just ran and ran. And soon, I found myself at the edge of the cliff."
"Where you jumped." Tommy nodded.
"I don't know how long I floated there, but I heard your voice. And I saw your face…and soon I found the strength and swam enough for a boat to spot me and bring me back to the mainland."
"Do you think this Mesagog survived?"
"I don't know."
"And what ever happened to Dr. Mercer?"
"He went missing right before Mesagog showed up."
"You think this Mesagog killed him?" Tommy nodded answering Kim's question.
"And tried to steal our work…"
"But it all blew up right?" Tommy nodded.
"Nothing could have survived on that island after it exploded," Tommy said.
"You did."
"I wasn't on the island when the total explosion occurred."
"Thankfully."
"So, now you know everything."
"What will you do with the gems?"
"Right now, just keep them safe with me and all the other ranger items I have."
"But where? The Command Center was destroyed by Divatox."
"I have another place."
"I heard from Jason, you are in school again."
"Yeah, I hope earn my master's degree in teaching."
"That's great." All of sudden, the vault opened. The bank manager and 2 guards stood there.
"Oh Mrs. Thompson, I am so sorry, the door should have never closed on you two!"
"It's okay, Mr. White, I accidentally hit the pad."
"Did you get everything you wanted?"
"Yes sir. Thank you." Tommy and Kimberly walked out the bank and to their cars.
"Well, I guess…"
"This is it." Tommy hit the button to unlock his doors.
"Just be careful, please Tommy. We don't know what could have happened to that Mesagog guy? He could be just waiting to attack you."
"If he did survive there is no way he would be waiting this long to attack."
"Maybe… just… remember, your sons, don't do anything that would make them lose you."
"Are you only concerned about the boys missing me?" Tommy asked staring down at Kimberly. They stared for the longest into each other's eyes. Both Kimberly and Tommy were peering into the other's soul, they knew the answer.
"Of course, and…" Kimberly stopped herself. "Don't think I don't miss you, don't ever think I won't miss you." Kimberly got into her car. She drove off as Tommy did the same, going into another directions.
Jason wasn't really a big fan of the bachelor party, knowing that both Zack and Rocky would plan only the best, with tons of strippers and tons of alcohol to boot. And Katherine was not pleased that Jason put the power in the freaks hands. The wedding between Jason and Katherine was set for Valentine's Day in just 3 weeks. Tommy agreed with Adam and Billy, perhaps a ski trip just for the guys would be fun as well and probably safer. Adam was married now to Tanya, so the idea of strippers and alcohol would not fly well with Tanya. But of course Rocky and Zack didn't care. They like Tommy, weren't in a committed relationship. Zack's failed wedding just weeks before the event definitely wouldn't stop him and looking at Zack you would never be able to tell he was heartbroken over Victoria.
The men left California together late Friday night, since they all had jobs and Tommy was back in school. The drive didn't take too long to Las Vegas, and as soon as they got there, they ate a late dinner, had some rounds in the casino before going to sleep, knowing the real fun was Saturday night. The bachelor party started off tamed on Saturday night, there was dinner with sushi rolls, lobster wontons and Kobe beef at the famous Tao Restaurant. It started in a VIP Lounge Club with tons of alcohol bottles passing around. Rocky had gotten some private booths for a little alone time with the strippers downstairs, knowing the real party would be up in the suite later that night.
Jason found Tommy sitting alone at the bar away from the loud VIP Lounge section he left. Jason knew Tommy was sulking, thinking about Kimberly, bumming everyone out.
"Bro, bro, bro, what are you doing over here?" Jason was obviously drunk, as he threw his arm across Tommy's shoulders.
"You seem happy."
"It's my bachelor party! Of course, I'm happy! Now come on! Stop thinking about that pixie! Have a bottle with me! Have some fun!"
"You go, I'll join you shortly."
"You better! Wooooo!" Jason grabbed 2 more bottles of beers and stumbled back to the VIP lounge. Tommy shook his head. Rocky came back from the stage where several strippers had just finished with a funny look on his face. Tommy saw him.
"Hey man," Tommy picked up his beer. "What's wrong?"
"I thought I just saw…" Rocky shook his head, examining the bottle of Tequila he had in his hands. "Nah, why don't you get the boys and we'll head upstairs."
"Do you have more strippers coming?"
"Of course buddy! Now, I think I forgot something by the stage, get the boys together I'll meet ya upstairs."
"Okay."
And then the fun started. Rocky and Zack had 2 strippers show up, a dwarf stripper, and some sexy dancing clowns piled into the confidential penthouse suite in Cesar's Palace Vegas. Zack had a casino poker table brought up into the room, so they could play poker, drink, watch some lovely ladies dancing and just have fun. It wasn't a big party with only 10 guys, just the normal male bonding, loyalty thing. At first, Jason was hesitate, and worried as the dwarf stripper really took a liking to them, thanks to Zack. They knew Jason wouldn't sleep with any other woman but Katherine, but it was a funny sight to see the strong Jason Lee Scott stumbling to get away from a dwarf.
Tommy was coming back from his Monday classes when he saw Rocky waiting outside the house in his car. Tommy was still struggling after Saturday night's party. He had never consumed that much alcohol since the divorce party. All the guys had passed out about 9am, and it was a very hard drive ride back to California on Sunday. And Monday classes were not fun either.
"Hey Ape man, what are you doing here?" Tommy asked.
"It's been too long Winged Lord of the sky." They slapped hands.
"Too long, we just left each other last night?"
"You know what I mean." They went inside the house.
"What do I owe this visit man?" Tommy went to his fridge. "A beer?" Rocky groaned. "Still too soon?"
"Yeah, I think we drank Patron's monthly supply."
"Yeah well, who was it that said we need a case of Patron, not beer."
"Hey, only the best for the second greatest red ranger."
"Second? Jason is before me?"
"Well of course, you are our Rainbow, Christmas Ranger, you weren't red long enough to stand up to our standards." Tommy shook his head. "Hand me a water." Tommy did.
"So, why are you here, slow day at the dojo?"
"Not opening this Monday, not after the weekend. And I wanted to catch you earlier, but something came up. And I just didn't want to say anything Saturday with everyone around."
"Say what?"
"I saw Noel."
"When?"
"He was in Vegas at the strip club we were, and he wasn't alone." Tommy laughed.
"You are kidding right?"
"I wish I was man," Rocky said.
"You're kidding?" Rocky shook his head. "No, no, no man, you cannot tell me that."
"I have a picture." Rocky pulled out his cell phone.
"No! You have the picture, you show Kim then!"
"Bro, this is what you need to win her back!"
"I am not going to win her back with…" Tommy looked at the photo. "That's a messed up picture." Tommy examined it closer. So, it was true, but thanks to the many shots of Patron Tequila the photo Rocky took turned out to be pretty blurry, though Noel's trademark golden locks could be seen as he was running his fingers through it surrounded by 3 blondes.
"Come on, you know you want it."
"No, I can't… I am not even allowed in the house…"
"Then use it! She loves you bro!" Rocky sent Tommy the photo through his cell phone.
"She doesn't want anything to do with me!"
"She will after you show her this. Look, I liked Noel, I thought he was a good guy for Kim, he treated her right, but if he's cheating on Kimberly, she needs to know. If it's true, I'll beat him for you so you won't have to again." Tommy shook his head. His cell phone got the picture in his message.
"I'll keep it and think about it. I can't just go accusing the jerk with just a blurry photo."
"Okay bro."
"Thanks Rocko for the heads up though. I'll be keeping an eye on him just in case." Rocky nodded.
"She loves you man."
"Yeah, I hope that's still true after she finds out about this." Tommy looked at the picture again. He shook his head.
Tommy held the photo of Noel and the 3 blondes for a few more days before he decided to finally confront Kimberly with it. Tommy pulled up a block away from the house. He was still debating whether or not Kimberly would believe him or cuss him out. Tommy sat in the jeep a good 10 minutes before he finally shut the engine and walked to the house. Once Tommy saw Noel's car, he knew this was a bad idea, but didn't change course. He was telling Kimberly the truth tonight.
Kimberly was just about the put away some dishes from the dishwasher when she saw Tommy. She quickly went to the backdoor.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Kimberly looked back into the house after opening her door. Tommy had sneaked around the back door and found Kimberly in the kitchen alone, which was the only reason why he knocked. Noel and Tim were upstairs with Charles and Zeke playing their Playstation basketball game Noel just brought for Zeke. Kimberly had been cleaning up the living room from the attack of Barbie dolls parade with Adela.
"Where's Noel?"
"Upstairs! And you need to be gone!"
"I need to talk to you."
"No!"
"Kimberly…please!"
"I can't and you know that! Is your car out front?!" Kimberly asked very concerned that Noel would see Tommy's jeep and freak out even more.
"I parked around the block."
"Tommy, please get out of here."
"No, listen, give me 5 minutes!"
"2!"
"Fine." Tommy opened his phone and showed Kimberly the photo after stepping through the doorway into the kitchen.
"What the hell is this?" Kimberly asked handing the phone back to Tommy.
"Rocky saw Noel in Vegas this past weekend."
"What?"
"Jason had his bachelor party this past weekend and we went to Vegas."
"And?"
"And Rocky saw Noel, and took this photo of him."
"Noel was in New York this past weekend!"
"Kimberly, this is him!"
"That is not Noel! That is some blurry guy surrounded by women, not Noel!"
"Of course it's Noel!"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Rocky has no reason to lie to me or to you! He saw Noel, he took this picture!"
"Then why are you telling me this and not him?!"
"Because Rocky came to me first!"
"You are just mad I refused to leave my husband and go back with you after the island explosion!" Kimberly couldn't believe how ridiculous of a story Tommy would make up for her to leave Noel and come back to him. Noel would not just deliberately cheat on her in public and get caught.
"Oh, so I would lie to win you back?" Tommy shook his head. "How stupid do you think I am?"
"Nothing else worked!"
"You know what, fine. I just thought you should know; just in case…don't say I didn't try to help you. Don't say no one tried to help you. And don't come crying to me when you find out the truth. Your husband is liar and probably having multiple affairs. And I won't be your shoulder to cry on."
"My husband loves me and only me, get out my house. And don't ever come back."
"Fine. Just remember what I said, I won't be there for you when this turns sour."
"Go!"
"I'm gone… for good." Tommy slammed the door behind him. In that very moment, Tommy decided to turn his back on Kimberly for the first time in his life. If she was going to side with Noel and believe his lies, then that's her life. If Kimberly wanted Tommy out of her life, then he was gone, for good. Kimberly sighed. She leaned against the back door, shaking her head. Tommy was gone for good. His words were like a knife to her heart. Kimberly turned, but just as she was about to open the door and go after Tommy, Noel came into the kitchen.
"Oh man! What a game!" Kimberly turned. "Oh hey honey… just getting some water. You okay?"
"Yeah. Just fine." Kimberly walked over to Noel and hugged him. "Everything is just fine."
A Week Later
Kimberly smiled as she looked over at Noel. He was driving. Tim was watching the kids, giving Noel and Kimberly a much needed date night. Noel had gotten them dinner at one of the most expensive French cuisine places in town.
"I am so happy we could get out the house for a night."
"I know baby," Noel took Kim's hand. "I have been working so much, with all these flights back and forth. It's great to just be just us for a change." They kissed at a red light.
Noel and Kimberly were showed to their seat, somewhat private area of the place.
"Man, this place is gorgeous." Noel held Kim's chair out for her. "Thank you."
"It's alright, you are still the most beautiful sight in the world." Kimberly smiled. She reached for Noel's hand. She kissed his palm. Noel ordered the wine to start. Right after their orders were taken, Kimberly looked up and to the side to see Tommy sitting at a table across the room. She groaned.
"What's wrong?" Noel asked. Kim shook her head. She smiled.
"Nothing. I was thinking about my order."
"You want the lamb instead of the seafood, I can ask the…"
"No, no! It's fine! It's okay, really Noel." Kimberly saw Tommy smiling as a woman returned and took a seat at his small table. The woman leaned forward. Kimberly made a face at the red-haired big-boob bombshell sitting with Tommy. She had never seen this woman before.
Kimberly just couldn't enjoy her time with Noel and dinner with Tommy's date laughter that could be heard. Noel finally caught on to what was ailing Kimberly. He saw Tommy with his date of the evening.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Noel threw down his napkin. "I'm going to have to speak to him…"
"Don't Noel, it's obvious he didn't know we were here."
"How the hell could he afford a place like this?"
"I don't know. Let's just eat and get out of here."
"Fine."
Kimberly excused herself to use the bathroom while Noel was paying the bill. Kimberly came from the bathroom and bumped into Tommy.
"Wow, I thought I saw Noel here, I almost amused he…"
"What, was cheating on me again?"
"Pretty much."
"Sorry to disappoint you, but Noel is faithful to me."
"Keep believing that."
"Why should you even care?"
"You're right. I shouldn't. I mean, you kicked me out of your life."
"I didn't…I just… don't. Don't Tommy." Kimberly went to walk away. "Have fun with Red."
"Jealous much."
"Of what?"
"Obviously."
"Don't fool yourself, Tommy. I hope for the best with you two." Tommy laughed.
"Yeah right."
"No, I think it's great you're moving on. I mean, maybe then you can stop obsessing over lies and my relationship with my husband. You need someone to occupy your time, even if she is clearly a hooker."
"Oh, so the only woman I can get is a hooker?"
"It's obvious, she looks like something Rocky would go for." Kimberly let out a laugh at Tommy's face. "Rocky set this up, huh. I knew it."
"Jane's nice. She actually listens to me."
"Well, then she is desperate to listen to your stories."
"You listened."
"Yes, past tense, I don't have to any more."
"Yeah, you would rather listen to Noel's lies." Tommy smiled and walked into the bathroom. Kimberly frowned. She went back to the table.
"You okay?"
"Let's just go."
"Okay." Noel helped Kimberly into her shawl as he picked up his jacket.
It was close to Valentine's Day and Jason and Katherine's wedding just a week away, next Saturday to be exact. Tanya planned the weekend before the wedding for all the ladies in the bridal party and friends to stay at a villa for the weekend with 6 ladies, 2 were Katherine's best friends from the Company and her bridesmaids, Tanya the maid of honor, Aisha and Kimberly of course. They left early Friday morning for the drive to South California. Kimberly left the boys with Tommy for the weekend knowing Noel would want some privacy since he would have to be making some important calls this weekend. Rosie would take them to Tommy's place once school was done that Friday afternoon, so Tommy wouldn't be near Noel while Kimberly was away. Tanya got the ladies this great stay at the South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. Each girl would share a bed in the 3-bedroom villa house for the whole weekend. Aisha and Kimberly got their room together, bride and maid of honor; Tanya and Katherine got the room together, along with Katherine's friends Norah and Anna to have the final room. It was great little house for the ladies to share and the scenery was just breathtaking as well.
They arrived and immediately their bags were thrown down and they went to total relaxation as the ladies were rushed to the Serenity massage center for a rub down after the long drive to South California. After that nice hour treat, the ladies were swooped away into the garden for lunch outside with all the wine tasting they would love.
"Oh, just look at this place," Kimberly moaned looking out at the mountains. She was sniffing her glass of wine as Aisha swirled hers around before taking a sip.
"Tomorrow we will go on a history tour through the valleys."
"Oh that sounds great," Aisha said to Tanya.
"Yeah, I can't wait," Anna said sipping on more wine.
"I just hope we can bring many bottles back home," Katherine said.
"See, I told you ladies she wouldn't miss the stripper," Tanya said. Katherine smiled.
"I still say we should have," Norah said.
"Yeah, for me," Aisha said. All the ladies laughed.
Next Morning
The morning sun awakened the ladies early. It was gorgeous day. Perfect day for a walking around. The classic vineyards were created by Jim Carter, would start the foundation of the wonderful surrounding by planting the seeds and watching things grow. The climate was ideal for wine with 40 acres of land.
"Man, this is like that movie, 'A Walk in the Clouds'," Kimberly said. "It's so beautiful!"
"I know, it's like a dream." Tanya saw Katherine wiping her face.
"Kat, you okay?"
"Just a little hot."
"Here, have some water," Anna said. Kat took a sip and seemed better as the tour went along.
Kimberly was plucking a grape when she saw Katherine stumble. Kimberly was fast as she crossed to Katherine and caught her as she passed out.
"Girls!" Kimberly gasped. Katherine was heavier than she looked. "Help!"
"Oh my gosh!" Tanya and Norah were at Kimberly and Katherine's side.
"Is she okay?" Anna asked. Tanya and Norah took the strand off Kim's tiny body.
"Lay her down!" Aisha as a veterinary knew some first aid skills. Aisha checked her pulse. The tour assistance found the 6 ladies.
"Is everything okay?"
"Her pulse is a bit slow."
"Let's get her to a hospital."
"Let me." The tour assistance lifted Katherine with ease with the ladies following closely behind.
Aisha pulled up outside Kim's house a few hours later She had dropped off Norah and Anna first and then Tanya. Jason all but flew down to South California when he heard Katherine had taken ill. He was there to drive her back, but everyone knew they just wanted some alone time.
"Man, so bad Katherine got sick."
"I still can't believe she's not pregnant," Aisha said. "But it was sad to leave that place so soon."
"You just want more wine." Kimberly laughed.
"Say the woman who brought enough for everyone to have a bottle for Christmas."
"You should always start Christmas shopping early."
"Not 10 months early!"
"Whatever!" Kimberly picked up her rolling suitcase and her box of wine.
"I'll drop by later after I stop by the shop."
"When will you learn that it's okay to leave Andre and Bella in charge. You don't have to check up on them."
"When my shop is not a mess at the end of a shift." Kimberly shook her head.
"See ya later girl."
"Bye!"
Kimberly struggled with her door and had to put down the box. Kimberly found the house so dark.
"Hello?" Kimberly put her suitcase at the stairs. Kimberly heard as if something hit the wall upstairs. "Hello? Noel…" Kimberly walked slowly up the stairs. The banging came louder with each step. Kimberly placed her head over her heart as the heavy breathing and sounds loving making rang clear. Kimberly took the slow walk toward her bedroom, her eyes somewhat out of focus, as tears formed.
"Oh … oh… yes baby, right there baby…. Yes, yes…" The sound of pounding of bodies, skins slapping hard against each other made Kimberly sick to her stomach. She knew she wasn't the cause of this. Kimberly's hand shook as she pushed to open her bedroom door. Her breaths come in short intakes. Kimberly tried to hold back the tears as the door slowly opened.
"Noel…" In the middle of the bed, her bed with Noel he lay with another woman, having sex. Kimberly gasped. Noel and the woman immediately stopped. Noel turned his head slowly and saw Kimberly. The woman, a blonde, just lay there smirking back at Kimberly. Kimberly knew the woman; she had just seen her yesterday in the grocery store.
"Kimberly…" Kimberly stood there in total shock. Her husband, the man she loved was having an affair.
Moments passed before anyone moved or even breathed frankly. Kimberly just stood in, tears streaming down her face until the realization occurred. Her husband, this man that has been nothing but a prince to her was cheating on her. Having this sick, nasty affair, the worst type of affair in their bed. Anger boiled deep inside. Fury that has never existed before in Kimberly arose. She was more angry right at this very moment then when Goldar or Rita called her 'Kimmy'. She was angrier than when someone makes a crack at her short height. Kimberly was shaking from her anger. Kim's eyes flashed pink and she knew it.
"You lying piece of shit!" Kimberly screamed throwing her purse straight at them. Noel scrambled to roll out of the blow from her purse, as the woman desperately attempted to cover herself with the blanket. Noel landed on the ground. "How dare you!" Kimberly screamed tossing his pants, his shirt, anything in her path at Noel. "How dare you fuck this woman in my bed, in our bed! You piece of shit! Piece of shit! I hate you! I hate you!"
"Kimberly!"
The woman screamed as Kimberly, this tiny woman she was, was able to lift the mattress, making her fall to the ground.
"Get the hell out of my bed!" The woman hit the ground hard. Kimberly didn't care. She was having sex with her husband. The woman was lucky she didn't attack her. Kimberly started throwing anything and everything in that bedroom at Noel she could grab. Kimberly crossed the room toward Noel, as he fell down a lot to get away from Kimberly and the items. "Get out!" Noel stumbled downstairs, struggling to slid on some boxers as the woman was desperately covering herself with the sheets. "Don't you dare!" Kimberly ripped the sheet from her. "Get the hell out!" Noel grabbed the woman, shoving her out the bedroom before him.
"She's crazy!"
"Crazy!" Kimberly shoved Noel out her bedroom to his ass, he fell into the woman. Both desperate to put on their clothes. Kimberly didn't care that they were naked. They were fucking in her bed, having an affair. The woman went the wrong way to escape from Kimberly, taking the back stairs. Kimberly shouted at Noel, shoving and kicking him toward the stairs. She wanted him out the house.
Rosie was hesitant to come into the house with the boys when she saw the rush of a woman racing out the kitchen Tim had taken Adela to the mall to buy that teddy bear she wanted. Rosie had offered to do it since she had the boys until Kim gets home, but Tim wanted to spend some time with his daughter
"Kimberly, if you could calm down!" Kimberly threw a glass vase at Noel after she tossed the bouquet of flowers at the woman and Noel.
"Calm down! You're fucking another woman!" Noel ducked as Kimberly threw a plate. Noel crossed the kitchen, grabbing Kimberly's arms and shaking her.
"This is madness! Let me explain!"
"Mom!" Zeke yelled. Kimberly looked up to see Rosie, Charles in her arms, with Zeke standing there staring at them.
"Take them out the house!" Kimberly yelled at Rosie yelled. "Get off of me!" Kimberly threw Noel's hands off her and went to hit in with a pot. But Noel was quickly enough to duck and grabbed Kim's arm to stop her. "You piece of shit!"
"Let me explain!" Noel was kicked backwards and Kimberly picked up more stuff to throw at Noel.
Tommy was sitting in the library when his cell phone goes off. He was sitting with a group for a tutoring session on Saturday. Tommy knew he forgot to put his phone on vibrate.
"Tommy, could you please…"
"Sorry." Tommy always forgot to sent his phone to silent in the library, usually it was Rocky bothering him on Saturdays to do something. Tommy had gone back to school to earn his teacher's license where he hoped to be teaching Science shortly. Tommy immediately got up and excused himself from the group. Tommy saw it was Rosie's number. Rosie was keeping the kids for a few hours while Tommy was at the group session, but when Kimberly called to say the weekend stay ended shortly, Tommy just told Rosie to take them back to the house and he'll see them next week.
"Hello?"
"Dad! Mom needs you! Noel and Mommy are fighting!"
"What, slow down Zeke! What are you saying?"
"It's really bad Dad! Come now!" Tommy could hear Kim's screams through the phone.
"I'll be right there!" Tommy closed his phone and rushed back to get his things.
"Tommy, where are you going?"
"I'm sorry, I have to go."
"But you have the new research and the re-defined summary." Tommy quickly pulled out the folder.
"That was son, something bad…"
"Your son?" A girl asked. She didn't know Tommy had a kid.
"Here, take the folder. I think I have another copy. I'm sorry." Tommy rushed out the library.
After destroying the bedroom and basically the kitchen, the fight had moved into the living room. Rosie had the children in the car. The woman that left, came back, she left her purse. Kimberly and the woman fought when she tried to go back upstairs to get her fallen purse.
"You will not step any farther into my house!"
"Hey, it's not my fault you didn't please your husband enough that he came to me!"
"How dare you, you bitch!" Kimberly grabbed the woman by the hair and arm, tossing her backwards. Noel quickly was there to step between the women, slightly pushing Kimberly back. "You dare speak to me like that after trying to be my friend in the store!"
"At least I know how the please a man!"
"You're just a worthless slut!"
"Oh yeah! Is that why your husband has been seeing me for months now!" Kimberly and Noel exchanged a look.
"Months?" Kimberly held her hands up in disbelief. "Months." Kimberly lifted the blue bowl on a small table. "Months!" Kimberly threw the bowl at Noel and the woman. Lucky for them, it missed.
"That barely missed!"
"Oh, what a shame and I was aiming for your head!"
"Don't you think you have acted childish enough!"
"Oh, this is not an act!" Kimberly went over to Noel's prized plasma tv. He loved that tv, it was sickening when he brought it into the house. Noel was practically drooling over it.
"Don't you dare!" Kimberly shoved it over.
"You bitch!"
Zeke had enough of waiting in the car. He opened the door and rushed back into the house.
"Zeke!" Rosie cried out. Zeke walked into the living room just as Kimberly stood before the mess of the plasma tv. Noel had Kimberly by the arms, shaking her violently.
"You stupid, stupid woman! That cost a fortune!"
"Let go of my Mommy!" Zeke rushed to hit Noel in the back, but Noel's woman was quick, grabbing Noel.
"Get your slut hands off my son!" Kimberly went to the woman, but Noel shoved Kimberly backwards into the wall. He grabbed the woman.
"Don't you touch him!" Noel pulled the woman away. Zeke punched Noel in the stomach.
"Zeke!" Noel simply wanted to push Zeke away from the mess, but Zeke tripped, falling into the broken plasma tv. Kimberly was at his side immediately. He was unharmed, thankfully.
"Kimberly, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.." Kimberly shoved Noel away.
"Get out of my house!"
"Fine by me." The woman went to go upstairs to get her purse.
"Do not let that woman upstairs in my house!"
"Oh, I'll be 2 seconds…"
Tommy came into the front door at the exact moment to see Kimberly laying on the ground at the bottom of the stairs with Noel kneeling next to her, checking her. Noel was getting some things, but Kimberly wanted him out the house immediately. They were yelling and cursing at each other. When Kimberly went to slap Noel for calling her a hypocrite with her affair with Tommy, Noel blocked it and only meant to push Kimberly backwards a bit, but they were too close to the stairs. Kimberly protected herself for the most part, but still fell down the stairs. In a rage, Tommy rushed and tackled Noel straight into the entertainment center with the DVD collection.
"Tommy!" Kimberly screamed as she sat up and saw the two fighting.
The police arrived. Rosie had called them once she saw Kim's ex husband arrive. The police brought up the fight between Tommy and Noel. The back of Kim's head needed some stitches thanks to her tumble down the stairs.
"Officer, arrest that man! I'm filing assault charges!" Noel yelled. Tommy was about to be put in handcuffs.
"No!" Kimberly yelled. "Officer please…" Kimberly stood up. "It's not how it seems."
"Then Mrs. Thompson would you then please explain the destruction of this house."
"My husband, that man over there, Noel…" Kimberly pointed harshly. "Was sleeping with another woman in our bed. I may have slightly over-reacted. I broke a fair few things around the house."
"A fair few things…" The officer looked around. "I would say a lot more than a fair few, Mrs. Thompson."
"Okay. Who is this man then?" The other officer asked.
"My ex-husband, Tommy. He must have came in right when I fell down the stairs and assumed Noel…"
"Okay, wait… you fell down the stairs?"
"Noel and I were arguing upstairs because he refused to leave when I asked. One thing led to another and I stumbled on the steps and fell."
"So, we are here for just a martial spat?" Kimberly nodded and hissed.
"Are you okay?" Tommy asked finally once the officer let him go. Tommy was quickly at her side. He checked her head.
"I'm fine Tommy, I just fell the stairs."
"That is still my wife!" Tommy glared at Noel.
"Get a paramedic over here, that's a bad cut and it's bleeding," Tommy said.
After a few quiet moments, the paramedics arrived and checked on Kim's head
"Well, since this was a simple fight, unless either of you want to file charges, we will be going then"
"No, I want to press charges, that man attacked me!"
"Because he thought you pushed me down the stairs, which I am still not truly convinced you didn't!"
"Kimberly!"
"Ma'am, do you want to file a charge against your husband?"
"I won't, if you won't." Kimberly looked at Noel. Noel picked up his bag and rushed out the house. "I guess that's your answer officer."
"Next time, just walk away," the officer said. "In the end, it's the best solution than all of this." Kimberly looked at the two officers before simply nodding.
Tommy helped Kimberly to sit on the stairs. She looked around the mess of her house and buried her face in her hands. She finally let out the sob she had been holding back since she first saw Noel and his mistress. Rosie had taken the children to Tommy's place for the night. Tommy felt they shouldn't be around the destruction of the house. Tommy put his hand on Kim's shoulder and squeezed. He knew she hated crying over this. She had every right to be angry and want to hurt Noel, not sitting here crying.
"How could I be so stupid Tommy?" Kimberly let out a laugh though wiping away her tears. She was still in some disbelief that Noel was cheating on her. The signs were just not there. There were incidents, Aisha's sighting of Noel when he was supposed to be in London, and Rocky's photo, but those weren't enough proof.
"It's not your fault, what he did… he wasn't good enough for you."
"Maybe it was the opposite. Maybe I wasn't enough for him."
"That's ridiculous Kim. And you know it. He had no right to cheat on you, you're perfect. And he wasn't enough."
"That's just it, to me, he was. He treated me so… like a princess and I… I believe it all. I was a fool, blinded by the gifts and words of devotion, I didn't see that…I didn't believe you… and I'm so sorry."
"Let's go."
"Where?"
"Home?"
"I am home."
"This was never your home. Not your real home." Tommy held his hand out for Kimberly. Kimberly hesitated, looking at Tommy's hand. "Come. With me." Kimberly's hand slowly rose up and she grasped Tommy's hand. He pulled her up and she went straight into his chest. Now that felt like home.
AN: Thanks mucho everybody! Reviews always welcomed and appreciated! Next installment: Third Times A Charm, with a marriage is over, will our happy couple finally have that fairytale ending? Tune in to find out!