(A.N. After hearing the news yesterday morning, I was devastated. I could not believe that it was true. The passing of Jason David Frank hit hard because it was the first of my childhood idols that was gone while I truly understood the gravity of what it meant. I was first introduced to Power Rangers through the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers movie and that movie is the centre of the first part of my childhood. My brother, our two childhood friends and I all chose a character and we'd pretend to be power rangers - Tommy was my brother's character. My brother and I would pretend to be power rangers through an obstacle course we made up at our grandparents' house. This movie introduced us to the Power Rangers series and it was the one thing we'd always agree on. We'd spend hours watching the DVD sets of the series whether it was Mighty Morphin', Jungle Fury, SPD, RPM, Dino Thunder, Mystic Force, Samurai, Megaforce or countless others including my brother's personal favourite, the Turbo movie. One of my most treasured memories was going out to the video store with my brother and late grandmother where we both got to rent one DVD. My brother picked a different Power Rangers DVD every time but I picked the same one week after week, so much so that she bought it for me. It was The Best of the Power Rangers - The Ultimate Rangers DVD. I loved it because it had a double episode (mostly cross-overs) from Mighty Morphin', In Space, Lost Galaxy, Light-Speed rescue and the Forever Red episode. But I think the one I loved most was the White Light episode, mostly because of Tommy and Kimberly's relationship. They were my first portrayal of love at the age of 6. I know this is an extremely long author's note but it shows this. This is a short version of how JDF and Power Rangers has influenced my life – the life of one person – multiply this by countless other's and you begin to see the true impact that these characters/actors and these series had on generations. Jason David Frank, through Tommy Oliver, you taught me many things – courage, strength, bravery, resilience and never giving up – but I think the one thing that truly shaped me was that I learnt about love. Even though it was a TV show, through Tommy and Kimberly, I got a healthier version of love and relationships than I had ever witnessed in real life and for that I thank you. I thank you for all the lessons you taught me, I thank you for all the times that Power Rangers has gotten me through hard times and I thank you for being my childhood. You are beloved by many people and you will always be missed but never forgotten because once a ranger always a ranger and you will always be our Tommy Oliver, forever and always. And although I have not (and honestly don't) really have the time to be writing, I felt that it was only right to do a little tribute here. In this story, the letter didn't happen and some details are changed so as common with me, it is a Tommy/Kimberly story and I did quote directly from a MMPR scene so credit where credit is due. I hope you enjoy the story. Rest in Peace Jason David Frank and may the power protect you)
Kimberly mustered up the last of her strength and kissed the back of the hand that she gripped in hers. "I love you Handsome, I'm sorry I couldn't save you."
Tears fell from her cheeks just as they had been for the previous hours and though she knew she had to leave, she couldn't bring herself to move from the seat she'd been cemented in. She couldn't bring herself to let go of his hand because she knew that once she did, it would be the last time and he was really gone.
How was she meant to do this? She couldn't handle the news herself, how was she meant to inform everyone and make all the arrangements? The colour fell from her face as she thought about their children. How could she do this, break the hearts of her babies?
Her thoughts were interrupted as a lady walked into the room. "There's a gentleman waiting outside for you Darlin'."
She sighed to herself, the decision had been made for her and it was time to face the music. She stood and kissed his clammy forehead. "I love you Tommy Oliver, and I always will."
She wiped under her eyes but her attempt was in vain. Once she walked out of the room, the person in front of her was simultaneously the best and worst person she could've seen. He was the person that she needed with her more than anything, but his presence also hurt the most. As soon as he saw her, he slowly approached and wrapped her in a hug. He leaned his chin on top of her head and whispered. "I'm so sorry Lil Sis."
Biting her lip, she couldn't bring herself to talk and she tightened her grip around his waist. She tried to calm herself to stop the tears but it was useless so she whimpered. "I don't think I can do this."
"I know." His hand smoothed circles on her back. "I know it feels that way Kim but it'll be ok. You're going to be ok."
"How? He's gone and he's never coming back. How can I possibly be ok? It's all my fault" Jason gaped at her but she continued. "I should've known, I should've done something. It's my fault that I lost him."
"No absolutely not, you are not thinking like that Kimberly Ann. This is not your fault, do you hear me? If Tommy was here, he would lose his shit if he heard you talking like that." He softened when he saw her eyes water. "Please believe me Kim, I know it's hard, but it's not and it will never be your fault." His hand stilled on her back. "And to answer the rest, you won't for a while... a long while actually and it'll hurt. That doesn't go away, but over time, it gets easier until eventually, it doesn't feel like you're drowning." He pulled away slightly so he could look at her. "I know it feels like you're being ripped apart but you're not alone. You're going to have all of us with you and supporting you, just like you did for me."
Both of their hearts broke a little more as they thought about Trini. Not only had Kim lost her best friend and Jason lost his wife, but now their roles had reversed, she'd lost her husband and he his best friend. "How did you do it? You always had it all together, you didn't lose it like I am."
He shook his head. "I didn't have it together. I was a mess Kim... but I was stubborn. I didn't want you guys to think I was weak so I bottled it up, I pretended to be strong in front of you guys. But I was hurting Kim, and so broken. I never wanted to admit that and I never wanted you guys to see me like that. It wasn't until-" he shook his head with a sad smile. "It wasn't until Tommy burst through our apartment and said I wasn't fooling him. He forced me to let go and I don't think I thanked him enough for that."
"You're his best friend Jase, he loves you."
"No, I was second to you. You were his best friend." The tears returned to her eyes once again. "He loved you so much Kim, more than any of us will ever know. You and those kids were his world."
The statement meant more to her than Jason knew but the mention of her kids broke her heart all over again. "How do I tell them this? They're too young to be dealing with this."
Jason didn't know what to say, his son was only a few years old when Trini passed away and the simple explanations he used for Austin would not work on Kimberly's three children. "You guys shouldn't be alone today. I'll drop you back home so you can talk to them but I'll handle the rest. I'll get the gang together and we'll come 'round. I think the best way for us to handle what happened is to be together and share our stories - the positive memories - we have of Tommy and I think that'll really help the kids."
She nodded slowly and hugged him again. "Thank you Jase, for everything."
He shook his head. "I'm doing exactly what you guys did for me when I lost Trini. We're family and families support each other, we'll always be family."
She leaned her head against his chest as she whispered. "I love you Big Brother."
"I love you too Lil Sis." He pulled back and looked down at her. "Are you ready to go?"
Glancing back at the room she'd just left, she hesitated. Leaving her place here meant leaving behind the love of her life, - the father of her children - once she left, she was alone. She'd be without her Tommy forever. But on the flip side, she thought of her kids. Her three babies that were at home, probably wondering where their parents were and the decision was made for her. If she had to be without her husband, she needed to be with her children. She looked up at Jason as she stood shakily on her feet and nodded slowly.
He placed his hand on her back and guided her out to his car. The drive home was almost silent aside from the low volume of the radio. It was a blur for Kimberly and it was too soon before she arrived back at their house. The first house she and Tommy had bought together, the house they'd raised their kids in and now the house that she'd found and lost the love of her life. She felt Jason's hand on her shoulder. "I'll give you some time with the kids while I get everyone together." She nodded wordlessly. "It'll be ok Kim, I promise. We'll get through it together."
"Thanks, I'll see you soon."
"See you soon Kim."
With a deep breath, she got out of the car and went into the house. All of the memories hit her like a ton of bricks, but mostly of her finding Tommy this morning. She walked upstairs to find that all the kids' doors were still closed so she wouldn't disturb them. It also gave her a few moments to herself so she could collect herself. She walked into her bedroom and sat on her side of the bed, hovering her hand over Tommy's side. She grabbed the photo off the nightstand and a lump formed in her throat. It was their wedding day, a few months before they fell pregnant with their first baby. They looked so happy and in love. 'That feeling never went away,' she reminisced to herself.
She glanced over at the other picture in their room, their last family photo because it was impossible to get three teenagers and pre-teens to get photos with their parents. It had been two years ago and the kids had grown up so much since then. Her eyes flicked between each of her children.
A twelve-year-old Tristan James stood on the end of his siblings. Though he had complained about getting the photos, he actually looked happy in them. The boy had turned into an almost identical version of his father now that he was fourteen, a fact which Kimberly was more than grateful for but in this photo, he did have some of her features.
In the middle was a nine-year-old Katalina Ann between her two brothers. Kimberly always loved that her daughter was her little twin and that hadn't changed even now that she was eleven.
On the other end was a seven-year-old Jayden Thomas. Her youngest - her baby - at nine was the perfect combination of her and Tommy which she loved. Tommy had his twin, she had her twin and their baby was them both.
She sighed as she placed the frame back on the table. At least she had the memories. As her hand grazed across the wood, she saw a piece of paper sticking out. With bated breath, she took it out and sat down to read it.
To my beautiful Kimberly,
If you're reading this, it means I am no longer with you and for that, I am sorry. And I want you to know that it is NOT your fault and I don't want you thinking otherwise.
I love you so much Beautiful, you have been my life since I was fourteen and I'm grateful every day that I get to call you mine. You are the strongest woman I know, I knew it back then and it's still true now. I believe that our journey as rangers cemented our relationship and it only got stronger from there. As dangerous as it was, I never wanted it to be over and I loved every second. You are my beautiful and I will love you with all of my heart forever. I will forever be your Handsome.
And I know this is the hardest thing that you've ever had to do and believe me, I'll hate myself forever for leaving you and the kids. But know that I really do love you all and I have a message for them too.
Kids, I want to start by saying that I love you and I'm so sorry that I'm not there but I'll always be with you. I'll always be watching over you and I'm so proud of the people you have and will become. You guys are my world.
Tristan, I loved getting to come to your football games and I hope you continue as long as that's what you want to do. I know you can be anything you want to be and I will be so proud of you no matter what. I love you TJ even if it's too cool to say it, I love you so much Bud. I love you Tristan James Oliver.
Katie, my princess, I have loved all the time we got to spend together. I loved watching you do gymnastics with Mom and I loved watching you on stage in your dance recitals. I want you to be anything you want to be and I want you to be happy. I'm so proud of you princess and I love you so much. I love you Katalina Ann Oliver
Jayden, my little tiger, I am so proud of you and I've loved watching you learn and love karate as much as I do. I love you so much JT and I'll be proudly watching over you as you grow up. I love you Jayden Thomas Oliver.
I want you kids to know that it's ok. You don't have to be strong and that's ok, it's not weak to show emotion or to cry. I just want you to be ok. I want you to be happy. I have no doubt that you're all going to be fine, Mom's going to take good care of you. She's the greatest woman I've known and she's an even better mother. But I want you guys to look after her too, be good for her and support each other. And know that I'll be looking down, watching over you. You're never on your own. I may not physically be there but I'll always be with you.
Kimberly Ann, you are my universe. You made me the luckiest man on Earth, not only because you gave me our kids but because you loved me. It was the best day of my life when you agreed to be my girl and it was an even better day when you agreed to be my wife and so on. I love you, I've always loved and I always will. You were my most prized possession Beautiful, you were my heart. I'm so sorry that I failed you but I'm never far away. I'll be with you always, by your side for the rest of your days. I love you Kimberly Ann Oliver.
I love you always,
Tommy Oliver
Kimberly tried to contain her sobs as she read the letter and she hugged it to her chest. It was the last piece of her Tommy and now it was one of her most prized possessions. She carefully folded it back up and hid it safely in her drawer. She tried to get her emotions back in check but before she could, there was a knock at the door. She inhaled and exhaled as she wiped away her tears before she opened the door to be faced with her daughter. Katalina immediately looked at her with concern. "Mom are you ok? Why are you crying?"
"Let's get your brothers, we'll talk downstairs." She nodded hesitantly and it didn't take long before they were all gathered on the lounge in the living room. "Ok guys, I need to tell you something."
Jayden looked up at her curiously. "What's wrong Mom?"
She inhaled sharply before she looked between the three kids. "This is really hard for me to say so I'm just gonna tell you guys the truth. Your dad passed away this morning." She watched the colour drain from all of their faces and brought them into her arms as she told them the truth, they deserved to know the truth. By the end, Katalina and Jayden were openly crying and even Tristan had a few stray tears on his cheeks. "I'm so sorry guys, I'm so sorry. But he loved you guys, so much, more than you'll ever know."
Katalina whispered. "I don't know what to say."
Kimberly tightened her hold on them. "There's a letter upstairs, I can go get it if you want but he wrote a message for each of you. He said that he loved you all and he was so proud of you and that he'd always be with you." She turned her attention to her youngest. "He said that he loved watching you do your karate and he loved that you were his little tiger." She looked over to Katie. "He said that he loved watching you do gymnastics and dance and he was proud of who you were growing up to be. He said that he loved his princess." Finally, she turned to her oldest son. "And he said that he loved going to your football games, he was so proud watching you and he wanted you to be happy. He loved you so much Bud."
Jayden looked up at her cautiously. "What do we do now?"
Kimberly smiled sadly at her son. "Your aunts and uncles will be here soon. Uncle Jase thought it would be a good idea to spend the afternoon talking about your dad so we can remember all the happy times." They all nodded and she couldn't help but sigh. "Why don't you kids go get dressed and freshen up a little, it'll make you feel a bit better." She hugged her two youngest before they walked off and it was only her and Tristan in the living room.
The fifteen-year-old surprised her by hugging her and it didn't take long before she embraced him tightly. Her heart broke for the millionth time that day as he started to cry. "I miss him."
"I miss him too Bud, I miss him too."
He looked up at her guiltily. "I love you Mom, you know that right?"
She moved her hand to stroke his cheek. "Of course I do TJ, I love you so much."
More tears fell from his eyes as he admitted. "I should've told him, I didn't tell him." He shook his head. "At the game the other night, after we finished, he said he loved me and I just shook it off. I thought I was too old to be told that and to say it. I should've said that I loved him and now he'll never know."
"He knows Bud, believe me, your dad knows how much you love him. You never said the words but you always wanted him at your games and you were always excited when you saw he was there. He noticed that and he knew that you loved him." The boy nodded slowly and they heard a car door shut. "Ok, how about you go freshen up and we can come down and share stories." He nodded and turned to walk up the stairs. "And Tristan?" He paused, turning back to her. "Dad and I love you so much Bud and we're so proud of you."
He swallowed and tried to smile. "I love you too Mom."
It didn't take long before there was a knock and Kimberly was faced with the gangs. Aisha immediately embraced her and whispered how sorry she was. They all moved into the living room before she asked. "Where are the kids?"
"They'll be down soon, I think hearing stories about Tommy will help them."
They all nodded and it didn't take long before the kids came back downstairs. Jayden immediately ran to Jason, sitting in his lap. Jason hugged him tightly and whispered that he hoped he was ok and his dad loved him. Katalina placed herself next to Kimberly, the mother wrapping an arm around her daughter. Tristan placed himself between Billy and Rocky, the former placing a hand on his shoulder in silent reassurance. Once everyone was seated, Jason spoke up. "Ok, how about we go around and everyone can share one of their favourite memories of Tommy. 'Sha do you want to start?"
The girl nodded. "Geez, where do I even start with Tommy? I think one of the ones that stand out would be when Ivan almost destroyed Zordon and we lost our powers. It was tough but he stayed so in control and he was watching out for everyone. But I think my favourite part about all of it was after we defeated Ivan and we had our celebration, he pulled me aside and in true Tommy spirit said that he'd make sure to never get on my bad side after seeing the move I pulled."
The group laughed after remembering the move that defeated Ivan Ooze and Rocky agreed. "I'm pretty sure we all made sure that we never got on your bad side for that reason." She leaned over and shoved her husband in good nature. He looked over at Jason. "You're next Dude."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah like 'sha said, there's so many to choose from but the one that's sticking with me at the moment is the day he got the white ranger powers." He looked around at the children as he felt this was an important story for them to hear, so they'd get a peak at just how in love their parents were. "Zordon and Alpha had disappeared and Billy found out that they had designed new ranger powers after the green powers were destroyed. We were called into the command centre where they brought in the new ranger standing in his suit. As soon as he took off his helmet, Kim faints." Everyone laughed and Kimberly turned as pink as her old uniform. "Obviously we didn't know that at the time so Zack, Billy, Tri and I are all talking to Tommy and something was said along the lines of that we'd all been hoping he'd be the new ranger, especially Kim and then-" he looked over at Zack. "Care to help me out with this one?" The former black ranger nodded and Jason set Jayden on the floor before he and Zack re-enacted what happened in the command centre with Jason as Tommy and Zack as Kimberly. "I think it was something along the lines of 'hey beautiful, it's time to wake up.'"
Zack looked up at Jason with heart eyes. "'I don't believe, I must be dreaming. Is it really you?'"
"'In the flesh.'" Then Zack leant up and hugged him. The rest of the group was barely breathing from laughing so hard and Kimberly couldn't believe how accurate their portrayal was. As she looked at all her kids, she truly smiled as she saw how happy they were to hear stories about their dad.
The boys went back to the places and Jayden put himself back in Jason's lap, completely accepted by the former red ranger. He looked down at the boy. "How about you JT, are you ready to share a memory of your dad or do you want us to come back to you?"
He shook his head. "I want to go now." He was quiet for a few seconds. "I always loved spending time with Dad and I really loved when we'd do karate together or he'd come watch my tournaments but I think my favourite memory was when I got my green belt. He said he was really proud of me and we got ice cream after to celebrate." The boy looked down sadly. "He won't get to see me get my blue belt in a few weeks."
Jason squeezed his shoulder as Adam spoke up. "We'll come JT, I know it's not as good as having your dad there but we'll all be there."
The boy smiled. "Thanks Uncle Adam."
After a few moments of silence, Zack spoke up. "I guess it's my turn, my favourite memory of Tommy or at least, the one coming to me now is when Tommy was losing his powers and Kim and I wrote that song."
Kimberly smiled. "Down the road."
Zack returned the gesture. "Seeing his reaction and how he fought against Rita and coming back as the white ranger, I'll always remember him like that. He was probably the strongest of us all, which was a disadvantage when the green ranger first appeared but once he was on our side, it was awesome. He never gave up and he was there for all of us."
The mention of Tommy's evil green ranger days brought a frown to the pink ninjetti's face, it reminded her of the demons he was facing - the demons she didn't know he was facing. Seeing this, Katherine started her memory. "If I have to choose one, I'd probably say the day I first met Tommy. With everything Rita did and being trapped in the other dimension together, even though he didn't know me, he was a true ranger. He was kind and caring and he looked out for me. He never treated me differently because of it and he helped me get over all of the bad things I did under Rita's control, especially what I did to you." She said, looking at Kimberly before she continued. "It just showed the type of guy Tommy is, the way he's always been."
Billy placed a hand on her knee, squeezing it before he spoke up. "My favourite memory of Tommy would be Parents' Day when Tommy faced Goldar to get our power coins back even with the problems that green powers had at the time. He was always willing to put himself on the line without thinking about himself, he was always concerned about the team."
Tristan turned to look at Billy. "I've heard heaps of stories about Dad but I didn't realise how much you guys went through as rangers. Was he really like you're saying?"
Tanya smiled at the boy. "Your dad was a great man TJ, he was one of the best rangers and leaders. No one is exaggerating their stories or how much he meant to us."
The fifteen-year-old smiled. "I guess it's my turn now." The rangers smiled at him. "I guess my favourite memory of Dad is minor. I know he remembers coming to my football games and all that but my favourite is when I was about eight and he watched Kickin' It with me. I know it wasn't he wasn't keen on it, even though it was about karate, he thought it was cringy. But even still, he sat with me and watched every episode with me. All four seasons. He pretended to like it for me and I guess I always loved that it was something we had together, just the two of us."
Jayden got up and moved over to his brother, hugging him. Tristan returned the gesture and set his little brother in his lap. "Will you do karate with me TJ?"
The boy nodded. "Of course, we can do it for Dad." Jayden agreed and the older boy looked across at Rocky. "What about you Uncle Rocky, what's your favourite memory of our dad."
"Well I'd say, like yours, mine is quite minor too but my favourite memory of Tommy is when we were sparring together at Ernie's. Obviously we were fighting a lot when we were rangers but it was cool to be able to do what we loved without the pressure of saving the world. It was just fun for us then and yeah it's simple and may not seem like much but I think I'll always remember those times with Tommy."
Tristan patted the red ninjetti on the back and Adam spoke up next. "I guess I'm up next, there's one that's coming to my head and I think it's because I think the kids should hear it." He turned his attention to the Oliver children. "Now I know you probably don't want to hear anything gushy about your parents, but they were so in love, even at your age Teej. I don't think any of us have ever seen a relationship like theirs in high school. But anyway, the one that's coming to me is the day that Kim got transported back to the Wild West or something. Even at the start of the day, he bought her a cactus." He and Rocky laughed and Adam copped a smack to the shoulder from Tanya. "I'm sorry, it was cute. Anyway, Kim got sucked into a time hole and went back to the 1800s. We were all worried, but Tommy was a whole other level. He did everything he could to get her back, tried to think of every plan and he was so happy whenever we were able to get a glimpse of her on the viewing globe." He shrugged to himself. "I know I'm gonna get crap for this but I guess it was nice to see a relationship like that and to know what I wanted in the future." He moved his hand to place it on Tanya's knee, looking at his girl. "And I'm glad I waited for her."
"Whipped." Rocky hollered and Aisha once again leaned over to shove her husband again but Adam took it in good nature.
Aisha looked sternly at the red ninjetti. "I think it's nice that Adam feels that way about Tanya, don't you think Rocky?"
He looked like a deer in the headlights. "Yes 'sha it's very sweet and I love you too, I'm lucky to have you."
Adam rolled his eyes. "Who's whipped now?" Rocky knocked into him but the black ninjetti continued. "Either way, I think we all learned something from their relationship and that's how we each found our person. Even though we were young, it was just nice to have around. They were sickly cute sometimes but we couldn't have imagined it any other way."
Kimberly had tears in her eyes from the story as she looked at her former teammate. "I didn't know all that."
He shrugged. "I don't think he realised that we noticed anything. Back then, he was only observant when it came to you."
She smiled through her tears and moved to give him a hug before returning to her seat. Tanya started hesitantly after some silence. "I think it's my turn, I'd have to say that the memory that sums up Tommy best for me was when Jason and Kim were kidnapped by Divatox. He was always concerned about all of us, but seeing them on the screen trapped by her was a whole different level. He was willing to do anything to get you guys back. He even took his helmet off to try and break the evil spell on Kim, that took guts that I don't think I could even pretend to have." She shrugged slightly. "He cared about all of us so much that he always looked out for us and tried to protect us, he made it clear that he loved us all."
They all smiled and Kimberly tightened her grip on her daughter. "Are you ready to share Katie?" The girl nodded shyly. "Alright, we're all ears."
"Well, I guess everything's coming all at once and it's hard to think clearly umm I think my favourite memory of dad was when he took me to the father-daughter dance at school last year. I know it wasn't his thing and he'd probably rather have been anywhere else than at a school dance but he came anyway. I never told him but it was nice to have a night when it was just the two of us. We talked and we had dinner with my friends and their dads, he even danced with me a couple times. After dinner, he took me out for ice cream - which I guess was his thing with us - but we sat there for a while and he told me stories about all of you guys when you were rangers and it was nice. It made me want to be a ranger when I was older too."
Jayden nodded. "Me too."
Tristan also agreed. "His stories made me want to be a ranger too." He looked at all the former rangers around him. "Like you guys." All the rangers looked at each other proudly, they wanted to say that although the stories were wonderful, being a ranger was a bigger responsibility than any of the kids were aware of. But as they saw how proud the kids were of their feelings and wanting to be a ranger, just like them and their dad, they let them have it. Tristan turned to Kimberly. "So Mom, what's your favourite memory of Dad?"
She shook her head slowly. "I wouldn't even know where to begin, it's impossible to choose." Her brain flicked through all of the important memories of their lives together: the day she first saw him, the day they met, their first kiss, when he asked her out, their first Christmas and birthdays together, their anniversaries, when he proposed and when each of their children were born. The tears came to her eyes. "I-I really don't know where to start."
Aisha placed her hand on Kimberly's knee. "How about when Tommy asked you to the dance? I love that story."
Kimberly smiled - she loved that story too. "Well, I was told by these guys that it took him a lot of nerve and he was really anxious to do it. It had been tough with Tommy constantly being threatened with losing his powers and it was hard on all of us, but especially him." Kimberly fell back into her memory of the day - she could remember it word for word.
She walked through the park to find Tommy practising his katas on a rock by the lake. The butterflies were fluttering in her stomach and she paused for a few seconds, just to watch him. After a few seconds and willing herself to build up her nerve, she approached him. He turned to face her with a smile that made her giddy and she felt the grin that dawned her face. She fiddled with her fingers as she said. "They said back at the gym I'd find you here."
"Yeah." He hopped down from the rock and moved to stand in front of her, his hands placed casually on his hips. "I like practising outside sometimes. Smell the fresh air."
She looked at him empathetically. "How are you doing?"
"I'm hanging." He nodded to himself. "I've been working on my karate, focusing on my school work. I'm just trying to keep busy, you know?"
Guilt filled her, knowing how much he was hurting. "We miss you."
He was quiet for a few seconds before he spoke. "Yeah but you guys were a team long before I showed up. It'll all be back to normal before you know it."
She was shaking her head before he could even finish his statement. She built up the nerves to tell him. "I miss you."
He looked down and smiled to himself before he reached his right hand out to grip her left. She looked down as his thumb stroked over the back of her hand before she looked into his eyes. He leaned down and kissed her for the first time and the butterflies erupted in her stomach. He pulled back and sighed with a grin. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
Kimberly mirrored his expression and giggled. "Me too."
He exhaled again, the smile not leaving his face. "Now that's over with, I guess my next question's a piece of cake."
Deep down a part of her knew he was asking one of two questions and either way, she was excited. She smiled as she asked. "What's that?"
"Kimberly, will you be my date for the dance Saturday night?" She couldn't help herself as she pulled away from him and turned around with the cheekiest smile on her face. She wasn't going to let it be that easy for him, she wanted him to stew a little bit too. She didn't answer him for a good few seconds and she could both hear and feel him getting nervous. "Well... Kimberly?"
She turned around with a laugh and playfully nudged him on the shoulder. "I didn't wanna make it too easy for you. Of course I'll be your date to the dance."
It was the happiest she had ever seen him as he cheered. "Yes!" Before she knew what was happening, his hands gripped her around her ribs and lifted her up in the air, spinning her around as he cheered again. Kimberly herself let out a 'whoo' before he placed her back on the ground and they laughed together.
The tears were falling down her cheeks as she concluded the story. "And that was the start of it, that was when I started falling in love with him."
Aisha hugged Kimberly tightly. "He loved you so so much Kim, I mean, we could all see it but it was so much more than any of us knew."
She wiped under her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry. These are happy memories." She looked down at the wedding ring on her fourth finger, twisting it with her thumb. "He was the greatest person I ever knew."
Jason looked at her sympathetically. "He'll always be with us Kim, he's part of the great power after all. He's with Trini and they're always with us."
The girl got up and hugged her big brother in response. She looked around at the group in front of her: her children and her friends that could no longer be called anything but her family. "I love you all so much and I know Tommy did too, he'd be happy we're all together. I just - I don't think I tell you guys enough."
They all smiled at her and Adam spoke on their behalf. "We love you too Kim, so much. We're all family, we always have been and we always will be."
Later that night, after everyone had left and the children were asleep, Kimberly sat by the window in her bedroom looking out at the stars. She looked up at the expanse and thought of all the adventures they'd had out there as well as all the peaceful times she'd shared with Tommy and their kids just looking out at the stars. The twinkling lights brought her peace somehow as they sparkled in the colour she most thought of Tommy in. The hurt she felt was still overbearing and she still felt like she was drowning but the only thing that mended a small piece of her broken heart was that Tommy was safe. He was with Trini and Zordon now, and as Jason said, they'd always be with them. She looked up and saw the three brightest stars, they were Tommy, Trini and Zordon and she looked at the brightest one. Her Tommy, her Angel, her white knight. The only man she'd ever love aside from her boys. She pulled his letter out of the drawer and read it once more. The love she had for this man was overpowering and all-encompassing, and she knew that she would never love anyone as much as she loved him and she refused to. Tommy was it for her.
She picked up the frame from the nightstand and moved to stand back at the window, looking back up at the brightest star. She kissed the photo of her husband in the frame before looking back out. "You're my Handsome forever Thomas James Oliver and I will love you for the rest of my life. I will always miss you but I know you're with me, I can feel it." She exhaled softly. "Say hi to Trini and Zordon for me and tell them I miss them – that we all miss them – and we love them. We love you all so much. You were my hero Tommy and you were everything I could've dreamed of and everything I never thought possible. I was the luckiest woman alive to have you and I'll forever be grateful for the time we had together. You are my Angel Handsome and you're it for me." She stayed silent for a few moments. "I spoke to the kids tonight, they're being so strong but I know they're hurting. They're just trying to remember the happy times. All three want to be rangers which I don't think I could ever bring myself to let them do but I admire their courage. Tristan was so proud hearing all of the gang's memories about you and he wants you to know that he loves you, but I know you already do. Jayden said he wants to be just like you when he grows up and I know Tristan didn't say it out loud but I know he wants the same. And Katie, she loved hearing the stories about us and she asked me if she'd ever meet a guy like you and she hopes she will. You have treated her like a princess and I have no doubt she will find a guy that loves her almost as much as you do, because I don't think there's anyone else like you out there that could come close. You're one of a kind Handsome."
The exhaustion overcame her and she rubbed her eyes, looking back up at the sky. "I'm sorry Handsome but I've gotta go bed so I can be up for the kids. I'll talk to you tomorrow night, I'll talk to you every night. Good night Handsome and sweet dreams, I'll be dreaming of you." She almost wanted to cringe to herself but she knew everything she was saying was true and was what her heart felt. She hugged the frame to her chest and kissed Tommy's picture one last time. "I love you always Tommy Oliver."