Well it's been longer than I had thought before I updated. I was going to update last night, but I wanted to get more done on chapter 15, which still isn't finished yet, but it's halfway done. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. This begins part two of my fic. The chapter recaps what happened after Trini left up until Kimberly returns home. I have no idea when 15 will be up. Hopefully by Friday is what I'm anticipating. Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 14 The Homecoming

It was February when Kimberly finally decided to return home. The Pan Global games had come and gone. Sarah and Lacie's training had both paid off—they had been taken under Coach Blair's wings and were moving to Oregon to train with him. As Kimberly watched the gymnastic part of the games, she sobbed to herself. She should have been there competing with her friends. She should have been able to win and then train under Coach Blair. She should have gotten the chance to train with Leslie Reynolds. She should have, she should have. Those thoughts had clouded her mind for weeks after the games. She really was happy for her roommates; she just wished that she could be sharing it with them.

Kimberly celebrated her 18th birthday surrounded by all the girls from the gym. They wished her well and gave her items to furnish her new apartment with. The apartment was truly a joy to Kimberly; her mother had been able to pull a few strings to get Kimberly an apartment that was handicap accessible. It was equipped with everything that Kimberly needed to live comfortably in a wheelchair; the entire apartment complex was meant for handicapped persons. This allowed Kimberly to live on her own without having to have anyone to aid her. She loved the independence and thanked her mom over and over for her kindness.

At first, her mom had been reluctant to let her live by herself in Angel Grove. She would have rather Kimberly had stayed with friends, or even Tommy. Kimberly had never told her mother that she'd broken up with Tommy. Instead Kimberly tried to beat around the subject, and it'd worked. It took Kimberly awhile to convince her mom to allow her to live on her own and Kimberly had to research every apartment she looked at. When she found the handicapped complex, her mother was relieved and even offered to pay the rent on it until Kimberly could find a job. Secretly Kimberly was glad because it wasn't near the neighborhoods of her friends. Unfortunately, it was two blocks from the Juice Bar, but Kimberly decided to just deal with that.

It had been decided that Sarah and Lacie would help Kimberly move everything in, and help her buy any supplies she'd need. Then the two of them would catch another flight to Oregon the next day. Kimberly was truly grateful to her roommates for sticking by her until the end. They were more than happy to help. As Sarah had put it, "just more days off for us."

The final night in the apartment was spent together. It was the first time in a long time that Sarah and Lacie had stayed home after they'd finished with gymnastics for the day. The girls decided to throw a pajama bash with whatever hadn't already been packed or shipped off to new destinations. The girls enjoyed rounds of popcorn and pizza, with plenty of make-overs. Sarah was the most fun, simply because she refused to wear makeup anytime besides a gymnastic competition. Lacie had to practically sit on her before they could do anything. The girls finally fell asleep after 1 AM to the sound of the television blaring old reruns of "I Love Lucy".

The flight the next morning brought an unusual silence for the girls. They were so tired from their party the night before, that they slept most of the way to Angel Grove. Kimberly was startled away by Sarah, who had been woken up by a flight attendant. Sarah had been telling the woman that she didn't need an alarm clock to wake up, which made no sense to Kimberly. Then again, Kimberly was too groggy to care about anything right then. She was just glad to be getting home, even though this time she was alone. The feeling of coming back to your hometown brought on a euphoria that Kimberly was more than happy to indulge in.

The girls easily found their luggage and hailed a cab to Maine's Haven, the apartment complex where Kimberly would be living. As Sarah placed Kimberly back in her wheelchair, the girls stood on the sidewalk, glancing at the complex. The building was made entirely of brick, and in a C shape. The courtyard in front of the building had tables and umbrellas set up, as well as a garden full of a variety to of flowers. The girls could tell that each apartment had a small balcony. "Well, this is it guys," said Kimberly as they began making their way to the front entrance.

Once inside, Kimberly wheeled herself to the front desk, her friends not far behind. There sat a receptionist in her middle forties, with black hair and small wire framed glasses. She looked up at Kimberly and smiled. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm Kimberly Hart and I'm supposed to be moving in to apartment 205. My things have already been left in my apartment; I just need the key to it."

"I have it right here. Your mother called a few days ago to let us know of your arrival and make sure everything was ready," replied the secretary as she handed Kimberly a small red rectangular envelope.

"Thank you very much," said Kimberly.

"You're welcome. Enjoy your stay at Maine's Haven, and if there's anything wrong, let me know and I will get in contact with the landlord for you. Payment is due at the beginning of each month, but according to your contract, your mother will be taking care of that aspect, correct?"

"Yes, that's right. Eventually I will take over payments, but she is the one doing so for now."

"Well then I believe you're all set. There's a welcome packet in your room that will explain the rules and regulations, as well as provide you a guide to our building. If you have anymore questions, just ask me, and I'll be more than happy to answer them," answered the secretary.

Kimberly thanked her again and then turned around. Sarah, Lacie, and Kimberly made their way to the elevator, which was wider than most to include wheelchair access. As Sarah pressed the button for the second floor, Kimberly couldn't help but be excited. She was finally getting her own place and would be able to do whatever she liked. She loved the company of roommates, but sometimes she just wanted to be alone too. The elevator doors opened, and Kimberly looked for any sign of direction. The signs posted on the wall pointed her to the right.

The moment Kimberly pushed open the door to her new apartment, she felt right at home. From what she could see, everything was normal. She could be normal. She knew that much of the special equipment was tucked away in the bedroom and bathroom.

"Nice place," commented Sarah.

"This is nicer than the place we had in Florida," added Lacie.

"That's what happens when you don't live in a big city," mumbled Sarah.

Kimberly laughed. "Come on guys, let's get this stuff unpacked."

Later that evening, the girls were all collapsed, Lacie and Sarah on the couch and Kimberly in her wheelchair. "Damn Kim, I never knew you had so much stuff," stated Sarah.

"Honestly, I didn't either," replied Lacie.

"And may I ask why the hell you have so much pink stuff?" asked Sarah.

"Well… it's my favorite color…." Trailed Kimberly.

"Yeah, but a whole closet of pink? Go overboard much?"

"I can't help but love shopping," laughed Kimberly.

Sarah shook her head. "So what are we doing for dinner?"

"I'm not cooking," said Kimberly.

"Don't worry, we won't let you while we're here," joked Lacie.

"Hey!"

"Good one Lacie!"

"I am much better at cooking now."

"Yeah thanks to Sarah's Cooking School Elite," muttered Sarah.

Trying to avoid going into more detail about her cooking, Kimberly spoke up. "What about takeout?"

"As long as it's not pizza, I'm good," said Sarah.

"Chinese then?" suggested Lacie.

Two yes's brought boxes of Chinese to the dinner table that night. Sarah and Lacie treated because they wanted Kimberly's first evening to be carefree and pleasant. They were also guessing that they wouldn't be seeing Kimberly for a very long time, but they didn't let the tinge of sadness ruin the evening.

"So what's Angel Grove got to offer in the way of entertainment?" asked Sarah.

"Well, the major hangout here for teens is the Juice Bar. I always hung out there when I was here before."

"Why don't we go there?" asked Lacie. "I'd like to see a little of the town…"

Kimberly had to think of a way out of this, and fast. She knew that if she and the girls went to the Juice Bar, her old gang would most likely be there. There would be confrontations, and questions and… Tommy. She couldn't face him, not after all of these months even. "You two can go out if you want. I'm really beat from today."

"We don't want to leave you here by yourself," replied Lacie.

"I'm fine," answered Kimberly. "You'll never get to see Angel Grove otherwise. Go have fun. You know that once you get to working with Coach Blair you'll have even less time to go out dancing."

"All right… if you're sure," answered Sarah.

"I am. You two go have some fun. I'll still be here when you return."

Kimberly breathed a sigh of relief when the two closed the door behind them. Thinking of the Juice Bar brought up thoughts of Tommy. She knew that by now he'd probably gotten over her and moved on with his life. Now that Jason was back in Angel Grove, Trini was receiving updates through him. However, Jason always skipped around Tommy's personal life. At least, that's what Trini had told Kimberly. Kimberly realized that she could also be keeping it from Kimberly.

Reflecting back on what she'd done in the hospital, Kimberly knew sending the letter had been a very stupid move. She understood what her mind had been going through and the depression that had over taken her, but still. She shouldn't have hurt Tommy like that, not impersonally through a letter, but she didn't have the guts to call him, not back then.

A single tear fell and drifted down her cheek. I wish I could tell you how sorry I am, Tommy. God knows how much you must hate me now. You've probably moved on with your dating life and tell all your new girlfriends what a bitch of an ex-girlfriend you used to date. I'm sure they laugh at that. The truth is, I wish I could have stopped myself from sending that letter. I wish I wouldn't have broken your heart and kept you and everyone else out of my life. I can't change any of that now and I must live with myself for doing such terrible things.

Kimberly rolled herself onto the balcony and breathed the fresh air in deeply. How much it smelled like home. She looked down into the courtyard and saw a few of the residents meandering about the grounds. As she looked beyond into the city, she couldn't help but realize how busy it was at night. She'd never been in the downtown vicinity too much at night, unless she was shopping at the mall. How little had changed since she'd been gone. She bet not too much. She wondered how much freedom she'd truly have now—school was finished with for her. A private tutor had helped her finish high school last December so that she wouldn't have to worry about transferring to a new school by the time February rolled around. It took a lot of the stress off. Kimberly also knew she wouldn't have to see her friends this way. She wanted to see them, but just not yet. It was too soon, and she wanted to adjust before telling them of why she had kicked everyone but Trini out of her life.

Lacie and Sarah returned around ten that evening. "You were right Kim—the Juice Bar was packed!" declared Sarah.

"Yeah, there was some karate tournament for children going on. Two guys were in charge of it," said Lacie.

"That one in black I wouldn't mind having," added Sarah. Kimberly had a strange feeling that Sarah was talking about Jason.

"Well that one in blue was fine too you know," added Lacie.

It has to be Rocky thought Kimberly. "So I take it you both liked my old hang out?"

"Yeah it was pretty cool," said Sarah.

"And they have the best strawberry smoothies," mentioned Lacie.

The next morning brought a sad silence. It was time for the girls to all say goodbye to friendships that had become close bonds. They weren't too far apart, but it would be rare that they'd be together again. Instead, phone calls and letters would have to suffice. Kimberly hugged each of the girls tightly; she was grateful to them for sticking by her side when things got rough and caring for her in her crazy depression.

Tears were coming from all sides. Even Sarah couldn't help crying. Here ended the part of their journey together; the journey they'd taken as amateur gymnasts to two of them heading down the path for an Olympic challenge. Kimberly had a challenge of her own to take care of, and she promised herself that she would in due time. No longer could she keep everything a secret, everything bottled up inside. It had hurt not only her, but those she cared about. Most of all, she knew it had hurt Tommy, and he didn't even know the full story.

"Guys, I have something to say," spoke Kimberly. Both girls looked at her in anticipation. "I'm going to try to make things right. Maybe not tomorrow, but I will within the next few months."

"Kim, that's all we've ever wanted you to do," replied Lacie.

"Yeah, and once you do that, you'll feel much better. It'll be like you're soul being set free," added Sarah.

"Did you by chance go and read philosophy again?" asked Lacie.

"No, why?" asked Sarah.

"Nevermind," answered Lacie.

The girls bid adieu in Kimberly's doorway. Hugs were given one last time, and promises made to keep in touch. Kimberly knew she'd never forget the girls, and she hoped they'd never forget her either. She wished them luck in their Olympic journey, and hoped they would succeed like they wanted to. They had the chance of a lifetime. Kimberly realized that she did too, though on a much smaller scale. Things were definitely going to change.

Next time on Windmill into the Fall: Kimberly makes an important decision, and Rita pounces on it like a cat on a mouse. Throw the dice and the plan falls into motion.