Here's the next chapter, just as promised. I'm glad all my reviewers enjoyed their wallpaper, though I still haven't gotten replies from everything that they've received them. To those of you who've been on my mailing list, you all received a one page preview of this chapter as a surprise. I hope you enjoyed it! Anyway, here's the entire chapter 13 and Trini's in this one as well. Enjoy and review!
Chapter 13 Learning to Adjust to a New Lifestyle
Kimberly had been back in her apartment for a few days. Trini had stayed to help her adjust. It was very tough on Kimberly, especially since the apartment was not handicap equipped. This made life for Kimberly even harder. Trini was there to help her if she needed it, but Kimberly simply hated having to rely on others. She was grateful though that she had someone she'd known since childhood to help. It did make things easier.
Kimberly's mother had gone back to Paris the day after Kimberly was released from the hospital. Kimberly had rarely seen her during her visit anyway. She was glad that she didn't have to go back with her mom. Paris was definitely the worst place to be at that moment.
Surprisingly, Kimberly's roommates weren't mad at her still, though they did make her listen to every message Tommy had left on the answering machine. Kimberly could tell that as time passed without a call back, Tommy had become more frantic. Then, the messages just stopped. Kimberly knew they stopped the day he received the letter from her. After she'd listened to the messages, she'd bowed her head, a few tears falling. I'm sorry Tommy, but I had to do it. There was no other way.
Every day was something new for Kimberly. Trini always stuck by her side. One day, they'd go to the gymnastic compound and Kimberly would watch all of her former teammates practicing for Pan Globals. She explained every move to Trini with excitement. Trini noticed how her brown eyes lit up every time she gave an explanation. Another day, the two friends would wander the streets, Kimberly giving a tour. They'd usually end up at the park, sharing a picnic lunch between the two. Kimberly had missed this kind of time with Trini. She had really missed her best friend and once Trini left, Kimberly's life would be empty again. Her roommates would always be away, and she'd have to learn to enjoy life as a party for one.
"Kimberly?" asked Trini softly as she walked into Kimberly's room.
Kimberly turned away from the window and looked at Trini. "Hmm?" She knew what was coming.
"I've drawn the bath water for you. Are you ready?"
"Trini I could have done that by myself you know. It's the rest of it I tend to have trouble with."
"Don't give me that. I wanted to be nice. Now come on," replied Trini.
Kimberly's least favorite part of the day was any time she had to bathe or use the bathroom. She couldn't do it without help and it embarrassed her to no end. Trini had been the one to help her with all of her personal needs, making sure Kimberly was comfortable. As far as Kimberly could tell, Trini didn't mind any of it. For that, Kimberly was grateful. She couldn't think of anyone who would do what Trini had done for her.
Trini grabbed Kimberly's pajamas and followed her friend to the bathroom. Kimberly and she had come up with some agreement to try and cut down on as much of the embarrassment as possible for Kimberly. Trini handed Kimberly a towel, and then turned around. Kimberly would take off her shirt and bra, before covering up. Trini would help her get rid of her undergarments, before lifting Kimberly into the bath tub. She would leave the room while Kimberly bathed, then reenter when Kimberly yelled that she was finished. Kimberly would use the wet towel to cover up again, and Trini would lift her out of the bath tub and back into her wheelchair, handing her a dry towel. Again, she'd turn around as Kimberly dried herself off and dressed her upper half. Trini would help her with the lower half. It was a settled ritual between the two.
That evening after Kimberly's bath, the two returned to her room. Kimberly would flip through the channels on TV while Trini brushed and braided her hair. In a way, the accident had allowed the two to grow closer as friends, cementing the bond they shared. "Ugh, there's nothing good on TV," moaned Kimberly.
"All these channels and still nothing good?" asked Trini, smiling.
"Nothing at all. Even the news is boring. Too bad there are no Power Rangers in Florida. That would be something interesting to see."
"I'm sure it would be," laughed Trini.
Sarah and Lacie were out for the evening, as usual. This time they had gone on double dates with two other guys from the gymnastic compound. Since it was the weekend, and Sunday was the girls' day off, Kimberly knew they wouldn't be in until late so it was safe to talk about Power Rangers without anyone else overhearing.
"Do you ever miss being a Ranger, Trini?" asked Kimberly.
"Yeah… but I get to still try and save the world. Only now it's through peaceful manners and by helping others. I think of it as my new Ranger duties and I don't feel so sad, but sometimes I do miss all the action and working with the gang, you know?"
"Yeah I know what you mean. I wish I could still be a Ranger, but if it were ever undecided before, it's certainly decided now," answered Kimberly, motioning toward her lower half.
"Kimberly, there are other ways to fulfill Ranger duties besides being in uniform and fighting. Simply by helping others and keeping peace between friends is still accomplishing the same goal, though on a smaller scale. Sure, it's not saving the world from a large scale attack, but it still feels good to help out."
"I know… I just can't help thinking that…" trailed Kimberly.
Trini gave her a hug from behind. "Dwelling on thoughts like that doesn't help Kim. You'll find your own way to fulfill Ranger duties, trust me."
"You're right," answered Kimberly. Then she yawned.
"Ready for bed?" asked Trini.
"Yeah I guess so… I'm just worn out."
Trini lifted Kimberly into her bed and made sure she was comfortable before leaving. "I'm going to go take a shower, and then I'm off to bed myself," explained Trini. If you need anything, just yell, okay?"
"Okay."
When Trini returned to Kimberly's room, she found Kimberly had already fallen asleep. The TV was still playing, and Trini noticed that the channel was broadcasting a show called Dinosaurs. She laughed at the antics as she walked over to turn the television off. Then she climbed into bed beside Kimberly and dozed off.
Over the next month Trini helped Kimberly learn to live with a new lifestyle. She tried to give her hints and tips for coping as the time passed, and Kimberly seemed to make the adjustment quite well. Kimberly's upper body strength from gymnastics came in handy. It was how she learned to transfer herself to a regular chair and back to her wheelchair again. Trini was her coach and always gave her positive encouragement to help her through each day. The time came though, when Trini finally had to return to college for the second summer session. Her parents had insisted she at least take classes one session so that she could still get ahead. Neither Trini nor Kimberly wanted to part ways after the time they'd spent together, but they had no choice.
Kimberly and Trini went to the airport together to say their goodbyes. Trini hadn't wanted Kimberly going back home by herself, but Kimberly had insisted on seeing her best friend off properly. Trini had no choice but to give in because Kimberly was going to get her way no matter what this time.
As Trini's flight was called, neither girl could help the tears that flowed between them. Kimberly felt like she was losing her last lifeline. "Trini, I don't want to do this alone," she sobbed.
"Kim, I know you can do this. You're strong. I've already talked to your roommates and they've promised they'll take good care of you. Don't let my leaving ruin your life. I promise I will come back to visit when I can, all right?"
Kimberly nodded. "I'll try my best, but everything is going to be very hard without someone to help me along."
"I have faith in your ability Kimberly. And like I said, your roommates will see to it that you are taken care of. They aren't going to abandon you, just like I didn't abandon you."
Kimberly hugged Trini tightly. "Bye Trini. Call me when you get in, okay?"
"Don't worry Kimberly, I will. Leave a message for me that you got home safely, all right?"
"I will, I will."
The two friends exchanged a final hug as the final boarding call was announced for Trini's flight. Kimberly wiped away her tears as she waved goodbye to Trini. She waited until Trini had disappeared among the crowd before turning around to head home. The past month had been the best time Kimberly had had since arriving in Florida. Truly it was like being with a sister.
Kimberly arrived home to an empty apartment. Sarah and Lacie were still at practice, and Kimberly debated with herself on whether or not to go and watch her friends. It was either that or sit alone in an empty apartment, which Kimberly really didn't want to do. She sighed, and headed back out the door and down to the gymnastic compound.
She found both of her friends on break, and rolled over to see them. "Hey guys," she called.
"Hey Kim," greeted Lacie. "Did Trini's flight come on time?"
"Yeah it did. She's on her way back to school now," answered Kimberly sadly.
"Don't worry Kimberly. She's given us plenty of instructions on caring for you," replied Lacie.
"Yeah she certainly did. I felt like she was my mother giving me instructions on how to care for the family pet," added Sarah.
"Sarah!" gasped Lacie.
"What? It's true!"
Kimberly giggled. The two of them were still the same as ever. "It's all right Lacie. Knowing Trini, that's probably what it was like."
"See?" said Sarah.
"Fine, fine," sighed Lacie.
"What time will you be home tonight?" asked Kimberly.
"Probably around 10," answered Lacie. "I think coach is letting us go a little early tonight."
"You guys heading out clubbing again?"
"Probably, but not until you are taken care of," grinned Sarah evilly.
"Stop scaring her Sarah."
"I was only joking."
"That was not a joking grin."
"No, it was an evil grin."
"I give up!" said Lacie as she threw her hands in the air.
"You two are terrible!" laughed Kimberly.
"I try," said Sarah.
"Yeah and I try to keep her in line, but look at the good that does," replied Lacie.
The tinny sound of Coach Schmidt's whistle broke through the girls' conversation. "All right ladies, back to work. Same routines as before, five times through and then we'll switch around on the equipment."
"Well that's my cue," said Sarah as she took one last swig of her water bottle before heading back over to the gym mats to work on her floor routine.
"Same here," sighed Lacie. "I'll see you at home tonight, Kimberly. Don't you disappear on us. Trini would kill us otherwise."
"She wouldn't do that."
"That's not what she told us," replied Lacie, smiling. "Anyway, I'll see you later."
"Later," answered Kimberly. Then it hit her. Oh crap… I forgot to call Trini and let her know I got home safely. Two to one she'll think a mugger got me if I don't call as soon as I get home. Kimberly made sure to leave a long message on Trini's machine about how she'd gotten home safely and how Sarah and Lacie had reacted to Trini's telling of instructions. Kimberly had to admit that it was pretty funny.
Dinner consisted of leftover pizza from the refrigerator. Kimberly made a note to herself to go to the store and buy some items for quick and easy dinners. She knew there was a cookbook around the kitchen somewhere that specialized in that area. The girls had rarely used it, but it did come in handy. For now, cold pizza wasn't too bad, though not the healthiest option. Kimberly knew she had to continue her healthy diet just as if she were still in gymnastics now that she really couldn't exercise. She was thankful that she still had a fast metabolism. It had always come in handy, but now more so than ever.
Kimberly reflected on her new lifestyle. It wasn't too bad, but tough to adjust to. Kimberly hated the showers and using the bathroom most. They were the times that she was reminded more than ever that she was stuck in a wheelchair for life. If she could ignore those aspects, she was fine. Even though she was adjusting, she still knew that she didn't want Tommy knowing or have him dealing with her. She could never do that to him. Ever.
I figured that this would be a nice transition chapter before I began the second part. This is officially the last chapter of part one. Next will begin part two and a lot of good stuff will happen there!
Next time on Windmill into the Fall: Kimberly's finally returning home. It's time for she and her roommates to part ways on their journeys in life. Will Kimberly fall into Rita's plan and begin her path to destruction? Find out next time!