Disclaimer: I don't own the Power Rangers. I do own Jeff Carter, Emily Oliver, and James Park. Also, I don't know for a fact that September 24, 2000 fell on a Saturday. So don't go criticizing me, telling me I have the day wrong, which I more than likely do.

Chapter 16 Emily's First Birthday

September 24, 2000

Kim walked into the kitchen where Tommy was getting his cup of coffee. It was eight in the morning on Saturday.

"Can you believe it has been a year since I had Emily," Kim asked as she wrapped her arm around her husband's waist.

"And what a year it has been," Tommy said.

He turned himself around and pulled his wife to his lips.

"I told everyone to be here around noon," Kim said.

She broke Tommy's embrace to pour herself her glass of coffee. Emily was still sleeping, which was a rare blessing for Tommy and Kim. Emily never seemed to want to go asleep. She was up at all hours of the night crying for either parent to hold her.

"Alright, I'll get the cake in an hour," Tommy said.

He was still in his boxers, needing to take his shower before going to pick up the cake. Then Kim got a look in her eyes that Tommy had never seen.

"What's that look for," Tommy asked.

"Thank you," Kim smiled.

"For what," Tommy asked.

He had no clue what she meant.

"For letting me have time to cope with everything. Now that I'm thinking about it, I really don't know what I would've said if you would've asked me to marry you sooner," Kim said.

Kim made her way into Emily's room after they shared a tender kiss.

"Hey," Tommy whispered as he followed her in, "when did you want to open your studio?"

"Oh, sometime in July. If not sooner," Kim responded.

xxx

Jeff tossed and turned. His bed seemed to be more uncomfortable than usual. When his eyes opened, he found himself lying in grass. He quickly got up, looking at his surroundings.

"What's going on here," Jeff asked out loud.

"Come with me," hissed a voice.

Jeff gasped as her turned to find Mesogog behind him.

"Give me one reason why I should," he said.

Jeff turned again to find Elsa behind him.

"W…Who are you," he asked.

"Call me Elsa," she said.

He checked her out for a second before turning his attention back to Mesogog.

"You want Kimberly Oliver. I can help you get her," Mesogog said.

"I can't have her now. She married Tommy and had his kid," Jeff sighed.

He had been seriously thinking about calling it quits. Every time he thought he was getting close, he found himself backing off, telling himself to wait a little longer.

"Tommy can easily be cut out of the picture permanently," Mesogog said.

Jeff screamed as the three of them disappeared.

xxx

It was around three and Kim had begun opening up Emily's gifts.

"These clothes are so cute," Kim cooed.

She reached over and gave Aisha a hug. Everyone but Adam, Rocky, and Billy were there. Rocky and Adam had classes at the Dojo to teach, and Billy had a job interview to go to.

"I'm glad you like them," Aisha smiled.

Tommy nudged Jason, who was standing next to him. He was really glad Jason, Zack, and Kat could make it. It was up in the air until a week before the party. Being the only man there were be uncomfortable.

"I think Kim's enjoying opening the presents more than Emily," Tommy said.

The two started laughing. Kim looked over at them and shook her head.

"I heard that," she said.

Jason and Tommy looked at each other at the same time and started laughing again

xxx

A thirteen year old Trent opened the door after he heard it knock. He had gone to visit his dad every day since he found out he was alive. Some days were better than others. A couple of times Anton never even opened his eyes when Trent was there. The doctors never told Trent when Anton would be able to go home. When he had come to visit him after school yesterday, even Anton hadn't said when he was going to be released. Trent had to admit his father was looking great.

"Dad," the thirteen year old yelled.

Tears ran down his face as he embraced him. Of course he had seen him in the hospital, but he never really knew if his father would ever make it out of there. The fact that knowing he might have to live with people he didn't know scared him to death. When his parents died, Mercer, who he had known since birth, immediately took the role as father.

"I wanted me getting out of the hospital to be a surprise," Anton said.

"When Tommy said…" Trent began.

Anton hushed him down and patted the top of Trent's head. Trent would never forget the day Tommy had called him saying there was a chance his father hadn't made it out of the island in time.

"We were both lucky," Anton said.

"I thought I had lost you," Trent sobbed.

"What's today," Anton asked.

"It's September 24, 2000," Trent said.

Anton's mouth dropped to the floor.

"I can't believe I've been in hospital for six months," he said.

"You don't remember anything," Trent asked.

"I wish I could," Anton said.

xxx

David and Ben came over after they visited the mountains.

"Tommy, can I speak with you in private," David asked.

"Sure, David," he said.

Tommy and his brother walked into the kitchen, leaving Ben playing with Emily.

"How old is Ben now," Tommy asked.

"He's eight," David said.

He looked down and cleared his throat.

"Tommy, this might sound a bit odd, but I want you and Kim to be his God-parents," David said.

"Are you sure," Tommy asked.

"Yes, I know I'm not Emily's God-father, and I understand why. If anything happens to me, I would really feel better knowing he was with you," David said.

AN:

Chapter 17 coming soon.