A/N: Thanks to all the reviews, you guys are amazing; so here is the next chapter. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the nurse and doctor.
Last time:
The room was silent as Kim finished the last chord in the song. Every person had tears in their eyes and made no move to wipe them. Caroline, deciding she was quiet long enough, spoke softly, but her voice was clear enough to be heard by the entire room.
"I always loved hearing you sing."
….
Kim let out a gasp when she heard the voice. Some of the gang was looking around in confusion, however, their faces soon turned to surprise when they looked at the hospital bed.
"Oh my God," Trini said softly, her hand covering her mouth. Kim closed her eyes before she opened them and slowly looked up. Looking back at her were a familiar pair of brown eyes that belonged to her mother. "Mom?" she called softly.
"Hi sweetie," Caroline called back. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at her daughter. Kim let out a sob before throwing herself in her mother's arms. when she felt them close around her, her tears came harder and she could be heard saying how sorry she was over and over again.
"It's ok baby," Caroline soothed her crying daughter. "It's ok, I'm fine." Kim pulled back to look into her eyes. "I thought I lost you mom."
"You could never lose me," she shook her head. "I'm too stubborn to let go." They both let out a chuckle before Caroline pulled Kim into another hug. "I missed you baby girl, and I'm so sorry about before."
"It's ok mom," Kim said as she continued hugging her. "Everything's going to be ok." Pulling back, she looked in her mom's eyes. Looking away, Caroline looked at all the people in her room. "Hello."
"Hi," the group responded.
"I take it these are your friends?" she questioned. Seeing her daughter nod, she smiled. She was about to ask her something when she saw Pierre moving on the other side of the bed. Turning to him, she gave a watery smile. "Hi baby."
Grabbing her hand, he leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. "Don't ever scare me like that again Cherie."
"I won't," she smiled. "Je t'aime."
"I love you too," he replied before kissing her once more. Kim smiled as she looked at her parents. She looked back at her friends and smiled at them. She the relief as well the love in their eyes and took comfort from it. Her gaze fell to Eric, who was watching the bed in anticipation mixed with fear. Knowing what he wanted, Kim turned to her mom.
"Mom, there's someone here for you to meet." Caroline looked on in confusion and watched as her daughter got up from the bed. She watched as Kim walked over to who she thought was Connor. 'Why would Kim want me to meet Connor? I already know him.' Her eyes widened. 'Oh my God. Can that be….is that Eric?' Coming out of her thoughts, she watched her daughter move back to the bed, holding the guy by his hand. When she stood in her original spot, Kim pulled Eric to stand next to her. She paused for a few seconds before turning to Connor and pulled him next to her, so that all three were standing next to the bed. Satisfied with the results, Kim turned back to her mom.
"Mom, I'd like to officially introduce you to Eric Jordan and Connor Jayden McKnight….your sons." Turning to Connor and Eric, she said, "Connor, Eric I'd like to introduce you to Caroline Erica Dumas….your mother." Everyone held their breath as they observed what was happening. Kim looked back and forth between her mother and her brothers, silently wondering who would make the first move and hoping that everything would turn out okay. Both boys were silent as they looked on at the woman who they just found out was their mother. After a few minute of silence, which felt like hours for the other occupants, Connor was the first to move. He went to where Kim was and watched as she moved. When he got near, he bent down and wrapped Caroline in a gentle hug. "Hi mom." His words, though softly spoken and were words that were used everyday, brought tears to Caroline's eyes as she truly held her son for the first time. Seeing his brother move, Eric shook out of his daze to move to her side as well. When Connor moved back, he moved up. He hesitated for a second before wrapping her in a hug as well.
"I'm glad you're ok mom," he whispered to her. Tears fell even more down her cheeks as she heard his words.
"My boys," Caroline choked out as she pulled Connor into the hug as well. "I've missed you more than you know." Kim moved to Tommy's arms and cried softly at the reunion between mother and sons; a reunion that was years over due. Everyone else as well had tears in the ears at the scene.
"We missed you too mom," Connor replied for the both of them. They pulled back from her and smiled. Caroline reached up and wiped her tears from her eyes. She looked out at the group and smiled at them. Eric pulled the chair that Kim was sitting in close to the bed and sat down as Connor sat on the side. Connor grabbed Caroline's hand in his and smiled at her. "I can't believe I spent two years with you and not know you were my mother."
When she heard that, a sad smile came across Caroline's face. "I'm so sorry I never told you guys before." She paused as she took a shuddering breath. "After realizing that you were my son, it became so hard to keep it to myself. Even now, I can't think of one reason why I never told you guys the truth."
"Mom, it's ok," Kim said as she moved from her spot in Tommy's arms to stand next to the bed between Connor and Eric. "We know that something had to have happen for you to keep it a secret in the first place and for so long, but right now, we're just happy that you're ok."
"She's right," Eric said. "We have all the time to get everything out…."
"But for now," Connor continued, "Let's just enjoy the fact that you're ok and that we are a family again."
Caroline let out a watery smile. "You guys are amazing, you know that?"
"We've have been called that before," Connor replied cheekily. Everyone laughed at his response. Caroline leaned back against her pillow, which was propped up by Pierre, and directed her gaze to the group. "Ok, since we're going to leave all the heavy stuff for later, how about some introductions?"
"Sure," Jason said, pointing to himself, he continued. "I'm Jason." Caroline let out a laugh and said, "I know that already Mr. Scott….after all, I helped change your diapers." A red flush made its way across Jason's face as he became embarrassed. The others laughed and Zack snickered and pointed at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it quickly when he his own face began to flush at Caroline's words. "I don't know what you're snickering for Zachary, as I seem to recall a little boy that refused to shower and preferred to run naked."
"What?" Angela gasped out in between laughs. The entire room was in full blown laughter mode at the look on both of their faces. The sound of the laughter drew the nurse and doctor to the room.
"What's going on in here?" the doctor asked. He looked at the group in turn before his gaze came to rest on the bed where his patient was looking back at him. His eyes became a little wider and surprise and shock, which echoed in his voice. "Mrs. Dumas….you're awake!"
"Yes I am," Caroline replied. Moving forward into the room, followed closely by the nurse, the doctor walked over to her bedside. He checked her vitals, her breathing and lastly her remaining injuries. Satisfied that everything was ok and that she was well on the road to better, he stood back to address her as well as everyone else. "Well, everything seems ok. Your vitals are good; the swellings are going down, and your injuries are healing nicely."
"So…." Kim asked, impatience coloring her tone. "What does that mean?"
"That means that she is most definitely getting better," the doctor replied. "She'll have to stay in the hospital for the next few days, just to make sure that everything keeps going well. But after that she is to take it easy when she gets out. Not too much moving around and no strenuous activity that will hinder her recovery." At the relief that echoed through the room, the doctor smiled. This part was always the best part of his job. Looking at everyone, he saw the gratitude in their eyes and comfort and relief that Caroline was going to be ok. Shifting his gaze to his patient, he smiled at her. "You have quite the support here."
"I know," she smiled. "And I'm glad for it."
He laughed. "Well since you're in such good hands, I'll check on you later."
"Thank you doctor," Kim said as he passed her.
"Your welcome." And with that, both he and the nurse left. When the doors closed, Connor let out a shout and turned to his mother. "Did you hear that mom? You get to leave in a few days." Caroline smiled. Her heart warmed when she heard him call her mom. 'I never thought that I could get any happier, but hearing him call me mom…hearing them both call me mom and being with my family makes it happen.' Turning back to the group, she smiled. "So, we never finished the introductions earlier."
"That's right," Kira said.
"Why doesn't Tommy do it since he seems to know everyone," Hayley said. She paused for a few seconds and continued. "He's done it so much that it only seems fair."
"Why me?" he sighed. Everyone laughed at the look on his face.
"The sooner you do it handsome, the sooner you'll be done," Kim said as she leaned into him.
"Alright," he nodded. Looking to where Kelly was, he started. "You already know Kelly—
"Kelly? That's you standing over there?" Caroline interrupted him. The girl in question nodded. "Yeah, it's me Aunt Carrie."
"Girl, get over here and give me a hug," Caroline said. Chuckles were heard around the room as Kelly moved to hug her aunt. "I haven't seen you in forever Kels."
"Same here," Kelly replied as she pulled away. "Despite the circumstances, it's really good to be here."
"So how's Carson?" Caroline asked.
"Dad's doing great," Kelly replied. "His car shop in Angel Grove is really thriving."
"Your dad owns a car shop?" Dustin asked. "Man, no wonder you have the surf shop."
"Surf shop? What's that?" Caroline asked.
"It's a bike shop," Kelly said. "I sell bikes and bike parts there, along with surfboards."
"Like father like daughter," Caroline teased. Kelly laughed. Turning back to Tommy, Caroline said, "Sorry Tommy, you can continue."
"It's ok," he said. "You needed to catch up. Ok, the guy in green over there, that's Cam. Next to him is Dustin (who waved his hand), Tori, her boyfriend Blake, his older brother Hunter, Marah and Shane. Then we have Taylor, Tori's older sister, her boyfriend Eric, Wes, his girlfriend Jen, Max, Danny, Cole and his girlfriend Alyssa. And finally we have Hayley, Ethan and his girlfriend Caitlin, Trent and his girlfriend Krista, and Kira…Connor's girlfriend. Oh yeah and the girl standing behind Eric is his girlfriend Sally."
"Wow," she said. "That's a lot of people." Looking at them, she smiled before she shifted to Kira and Sally. "So…..you're dating my sons."
"Mom," Eric whined. "Don't start."
"Don't start what?" She asked, an innocent look on her face looking eerily like Kim.
"You know, now I see where Kim got that look from," Tommy said.
"Hey," Kim said as she smacked his arm.
Rubbing the spot, Tommy smiled down at her. "Sorry Beautiful."
"You're forgiven," she smiled up at him. "But only because I love you." Everyone laughed. Caroline looked back at Eric and touched his hand. When she got his attention, she spoke. "Fine, I won't say or ask anything about your girlfriends now," she paused.
"Thank you," Eric and Connor replied.
"But…There's no stopping me once I get out of the hospital," she continued.
"Mom," they whined, drawing laughter from everyone.
"Oh come on guys," Kira said as she leaned against Connor. "She's your mom. It's only fair that she wants to know about us. I mean, I'm sure she did the same to Dr. O when he started dating Kim."
"Dr. O?" Caroline asked. "Tommy, you're a doctor?"
"No I'm not actually," he replied as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm a doctor of Paleontology. I'm a science teacher at Reefside High."
"Wait," she said. "You're teaching science? How did you get into that? If I recall, you hated science in high school."
"Aww man Caroline," Tommy whined. "Not you too." Everyone laughed at the look on his face.
"We were just as shocked when he told us," Billy said.
"I wish everyone would stop picking on me," Tommy sighed.
"Sorry bro," Jason said. "It's just too easy sometimes."
"Yeah whatever," Tommy replied.
"I missed this," Caroline said suddenly. At their looks, she continued. "I missed seeing Kim so relaxed; I miss seeing you guys playing in the backyard or hearing your plans to hang out at the youth center….does Ernie still own it?"
"Yeah he does," Trini replied. "He sold it but ended up buying it back. Said he missed it and home too much."
"Which we were thankful for," Zach said.
"Yeah," Tanya continued. "No one runs the youth center like Ernie does."
"And nobody makes the food like he does either," Rocky said.
"Always thinking with your stomach Rocky?" Billy asked. They laughed when he looked back with a sheepish expression on his face. Pierre settled on the bed, an arm behind Caroline's head. He smiled down at her before bending down to place a kiss on her lips. "I love you," he whispered to her.
"I love you too," she smiled back. They turned their attention back to the group to see everyone laughing and Caroline relaxed and smiled, thinking of how lucky she was.
…
The next few days flew by really fast and before they knew it, it was time for Caroline to go home. It was now Tuesday and everyone was enjoying themselves. Kim, Connor and Eric, along with Pierre were bringing Caroline home, while the others decided to have a little welcome home party for her. Rocky, Hayley, Cam, and Alyssa had been placed in charge of the food while the others decided to decorate the house. As she was helping Trini with the streamers, Kira smiled as she came across a picture of Kim and Connor.
"Hey look at this," she turned to Trini.
"What is it?" Trini asked as she moved towards her. seeing the photo, she started laughing. "Oh I remember, Kim told me about that. Apparently she and Connor were supposed to be helping out with a charity function for a children's hospital…I don't know the details exactly but somehow they ended up getting caught in a food fight, which they started…I think. The hosts were furious but calmed down after they realized that the children had fun."
"They do look alike," Kira said. "I mean, I never noticed it before but now, looking at picture I can tell."
"Yeah, it is a big shock though," Trini said. Kira got quiet as she looked at the picture. Connor had his arms around Kim, with her arm around his waist and even though they were both covered in food and decorations, you could see the laughter in their eyes to go along with the huge smiles they both wore which showed that they did enjoy themselves. Seeing Kira quiet and looking thoughtful, Trini touched her arm. "What is it?"
"It's just…." She sighed before starting again. "They look so close, they are so close. And I know that they care a lot about each other and I care about them too, it's just that a part of me….a part of me—
"Is jealous at how close the two of them because you know that they shared two years of their lives together, two years that you weren't really a part of," Trini finished.
"Yeah," Kira smiled sadly. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"No, it makes you human," Trini said as she hugged her. "I felt the same way at one point."
"You did," Kira was a little shocked. she didn't think that Trini would feel that way.
"So did Aisha," Trini said as she started fixing more decorations. "Kim and Connor went through a few things and he was there for her initially when she found out about Kat. He's closer to her on some level than we are to her, and I think a part of that stems from those letters." She sighed. "When we chose to not confront Kim about them, we lost a part of her trust, we also lost a part of her. And even though we made up back in '01, there was still something that was between us. There was a part of her self that she held back from us and that hurt a lot. It wasn't until the night that Kat left when you guys found out about her being Annabelle and we had that confrontation that I actually felt as close to Kim as I used to. I talked to 'Sha and she told me the same thing. Connor really helped Kim a lot and I'm thankful for that. I think that if he wasn't with her when she found out, if he hadn't helped her to understand that she still had some anger towards us, then we wouldn't have been as close or even closer than we were in high school."
"I guess I could understand that," Kira said softly. "I mean, I don't know what I'd do without Connor, or even Ethan and Trent, you know? And yeah, I was jealous, especially when I had called Connor and hearing him telling Kim that he loved her. I mean, we weren't even together but from the way he talked about her, I could tell that they were really close and that hurt. I thought that he had found someone else. Now I know that they're related, and I'm accepting that they are really close."
"That's good," Trini said. "And hey, look at it this way, you not only gained a boyfriend, but you gained an amazing older sister and you have the chance to get to know her."
"You're right," Kira said. "Thanks for listening to me and for telling me how you felt."
"No problem, especially if it helped you," Trini smiled.
"It did, thanks."
"It's ok," Trini said. "Now let's finish these decorations; Kim and the others should be home soon."
"Ok."
(At the Hospital)
Kim, Connor and Eric walked through the walls of the hospital towards their mom's room. They were excited because she was finally better enough to go home and they couldn't wait.
"Do you think we're going overboard with the homecoming party?" Eric asked.
"Nope," Kim shook her head. "No way. We're having this party, she deserves it."
"Okay," he said. "Just checking." Over the past few days, he and Kim had started talking and hanging out, getting to know each other. And in that time, he had found out that when his sister put her mind to something, it was very hard to get her to change. With her help, both he and Connor had decided to wait a while before getting the full truth about the parentage from Caroline and instead to focus more on spending time with their mom and getting to know her. Kim had gotten the idea to have the party for her, so now there they were; everyone was back at the house getting ready and they were picking her up. Reaching the room, they pushed open the door and saw their mom sitting on the bed already dressed with Pierre standing next to her and the doctor talking to them.
"Hey mom, hey dad," Kim said as she walked over to them. She bent down to kiss her mom.
"Hey sweetie," Caroline answered. Looking over at Connor and Eric, she smiled. "Hey guys."
"Hi mom," they replied. "So what's going on?" Connor asked.
"Just giving her instructions," the doctor replied. "Now Caroline, remember what I told you, not too much stress. Which means, no heavy movement and no sex." At that Caroline and Pierre flushed, while Kim snickered and Eric and Connor pretended to be interested in something else.
"I so did not need to hear that about my parents," Kim smiled. She turned to Connor and Eric. "You guys ok?"
"Huh? What?" Connor said.
"Did you guys say something? I think we blanked out for a while," Eric asked.
"It's ok boys," the doctor chuckled. "I'm done embarrassing your parents and scarring you."
"Thank God," they muttered. Pierre laughed which prompted everyone else to laugh as well.
"Ok, all set," the doctor said as he closed his clipboard. "You're good to go Caroline. And remember what I said; take it easy."
"We'll make sure of it," Kim said. The doctor nodded and turned to leave. When the door closed behind him, Kim turned to her mom. "So, ready to go?"
"Yep," she smiled. "I can't wait to go home."
"Well, let's go then," Eric said. He held the door open, Connor got the bag and Kim helped Pierre with Caroline. The five of them left the hospital with smiles on their faces. When they got out to the car, Kim thought of an excuse to get sometime to call the others. After a few seconds, it came to her. turning to her parents she said, "Could you guys wait a few minutes, I need to use the bathroom."
"Sure thing sweetie," her dad said. "But hurry up."
"Alright," she said before she went out of sight. Making sure that she couldn't be seen or heard, she pulled out her phone. She heard the phone ring and waited until someone picked up. "Hello?"
"Hi it's me," Kim said. "Who exactly am I talking to?"
"Oh hey Kim, it's Wes."
"Hey Wes," she said. "Is everything ready? We're on our way home."
"Really? That's good," he said. "And yeah, everything's good. Rocky, Cam, Hayley and Alyssa were doing the food and they're done and we finished setting up everything else."
"Ok good," she let out a sigh. "We should be home in 20 minutes."
"Alright, we'll see you then," he said. "Bye Kim."
"See you soon." She hung up, waited a few minutes before she made her way back to the car. "Hey, sorry about that."
"It's ok," Pierre said. "So, you ready?"
"Yep," Caroline said. "Let's go home."
(Back at the house)
After he hung up the phone, Wes turned to the others. "Hey guys, that was Kim."
"What'd she say?" Tommy asked.
"They're on there way," he answered. "She said they should be here in 20 minutes."
"Alright guys," Tommy said. "Now that everything's done, why don't we all go get cleaned up." Twenty minutes later, everyone made their way back downstairs.
"So when are they going to be here?" Max asked. Before anyone could answer, they heard they car pulling into the drive. "Well that answers my question."
"Everyone get ready," Jason said. "And remember, not too much, she can't over do it." Seconds later, they heard the key in the lock and the door open. They saw Kim come through and waited until she passed and they saw Caroline to shout, "SURPRISE!!"
"Oh my God," Caroline said as her hand flew to her mouth. She looked around and saw the 'Welcome Home' banner and all the decorations. She saw the tables covered with food and felt warmth spread through her. Tears filled her eyes as she saw just what her children's friends did for her.
"Welcome home Mrs. D," Dustin said.
"You guys did all this?" she asked as she walked into her house. Her French accent becoming more pronounced.
"Well, we did do everything," Rocky said. "But it was Kim's idea."
Turning to her daughter, she grabbed her hand and said, "Thank you baby. I love it."
"No problem mom," Kim smiled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"And you guys," she turned back to the group. "Thank you too."
"You're welcome," Aisha said.
"Well, let's get started then," Caroline said. "I'm really starving." The group laughed and they proceeded to the tables. They talked and laughed as the food was passed, everyone having a good time. After the dishes were cleared away, and the kitchen cleaned up, everyone moved to the living room to relax.
"Well now what?" Caroline said. "I mean, if I know anything about my daughter, then I know that there's more."
"Well you do know her," Tommy said. Caroline laughed while Kim ducked her head.
"So what are we doing?" Danny asked, as he didn't really know what Kim had planned.
"Well," Kim started. "I thought that since it's been a while since I've sung for my mom, that it'd be a good idea to have kind of a mini concert." Cheers were heard from the originals and DT gang. The others looked intrigued at the idea.
"That's great sweetie," Pierre said.
"Well I'm not the only one singing," Kim said, to the surprise of most.
"Who else?" Blake asked.
"Kira and Connor as well," Kim replied.
"So Connor finally decided to let everyone know that he can sing, huh?" Eric said.
"Yep," he replied.
"Alright, well let's do this," Zack said. Everyone got themselves settled while Kim got her guitar and Kira's guitar.
"My guitar," Kira said when she saw it. "But…how did you…?"
"Connor grabbed it," Kim said.
"Connor?" Kira looked at her boyfriend.
"Since the first day I saw you, you've always had your guitar with you," he shrugged. "I thought you might need it."
"Thank you so much," she leaned up and kissed softly. When she pulled back, she whispered against his lips, "I love you."
"Love you too."
"If you two are quite finished making out," Caroline said, relishing the idea of teasing them like she did Kim and Tommy and seeing the blush on their faces. "I'd really like to hear you guys sing."
"Sorry mom," Connor said as he blushed and ducked his head.
"It's ok," Caroline said. "Anyways, I do believe we have some singing to hear."
"Alright," Kim said. "Why don't we get comfortable?" Everyone smiled and relaxed even more. Kim sat down and pulled her guitar on her lap. "So what do you guys want to hear?"
"Why don't you sing that song that was done for Tommy and Kira?" Trini said. "The one that you and Connor did together."
"Yeah, that's a really good song," Caitlin said.
"Are you guys sure?" she asked. "I mean, you have heard already."
"yeah, but we haven't," Taylor said. "And from the way that these guys are acting, it seemed as if it's a pretty good song."
"It really is," Krista said.
"Connor, you know I'm going to need your help again," Kim said.
He shrugged then smiled. "Sure, no problem."
"You guys ready?" Kim asked.
"Yeah," was the resounding reply from the group.
"Ok, here goes."
(Kim)
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
(Connor)
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start
(Chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(Verse 2)
We were strangers (Kim)
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming (Connor)
How our dreams would come true
Now here we stand (both)
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
(Chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(bridge--both)
I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
(chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(yeah-ah-ah) --Connor
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey (Kim)
Life is a road and I wanna going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you.
"Wow," Alyssa said. "That was amazing."
"That song was really beautiful," Marah said.
"I always knew you were a really good singer Kim," Kelly said.
"This might sound strange," Tori said, "But, has anyone ever told you that you sound exactly like the singer TCrane?" Kim and the others all exchanged smiles.
"I've heard it before," she smiled. "Another one?"
"Yes!"
"OK," she laughed. "This one is one of my favorite songs and it was pretty popular as well. I really love it because it reminds me of everything I tried to do and every doubt I had before I tried it. I had a lot of fun writing it. So here goes."
(Verse 1)
I can almost see it.
That dream I'm dreaming, but
There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm takin'
Every move I make
Feels lost with no direction,
My faith is shakin'
But I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high
(Chorus)
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb
(Verse 2)
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it, but
These are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most
I've just gotta keep goin', and
I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on, but
(Chorus)
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb
Keep on movin'
Keep climbin'
Keep the faith baby
It's all about, it's all about
The climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
"Kimberly," Alyssa spoke, "That's a really good song."
"Thank you."
"I've heard it before though," Tori said.
"Really?" Tanya asked, a smile building on her face.
"Where have you heard it?" Angela asked, also smiling.
"It's a song I heard a few years ago," Tori said. "It's by TCrane."
"So, do you like TCrane?" Jason asked.
"I love her," she replied. "She's an amazing singer."
"She really is," Taylor said. Eric and the others looked at her. "What?"
"Never pegged you as the type to listen to her," Eric said. "You always seemed to hate girls that liked pop."
"That may be so," Taylor answered. "But she's the exception. Her music is different. When you hear it, you actually feel as if the song was about you. It's not hard to like…no wonder she was really popular. I always said I'd like to meet her someday."
"Same here," Alyssa, Tori, and Kelly echoed.
"Well, you guys are in luck," Adam said.
"Why is that?" Kelly asked.
"Because we can make that happen," Zach said.
"Wait," Cole said. "You guys know TCrane?"
"Yes," Billy said. "Were you serious about wanting to meet her?"
"Yes!" the girls chorused. Kim, who was silent and smiling, got up and walked over to them. "Hello, my name is TCrane, it's nice to meet such huge fans." At the shocked look on their faces, she collapsed to the floor laughing. The others joined in as well.
"Is this a joke?" Tori asked. Getting herself under control, Kim rolled to her knees. "No, it's not a joke. I'm really TCrane. Ask these guys, they'll tell you."
"Is this true?" Sally asked.
"Yeah it is," Trent replied. "We found out last week."
"So you're really TCrane?" Taylor asked.
"Yep," Kim said. She had barely gotten the word out when Tori let out a high pitched scream.
"OH MY GOD! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, YOU'RE TCRANE!"
"Can you scream any louder Tor?" Shane asked as he rubbed his ears.
"Sorry," she smiled sheepishly. "It's just…..she's TCrane."
"In the flesh," Kim giggled.
"We know TCrane," Taylor said, her voice soft almost as if she was in a daze.
"Taylor you ok?" Eric asked his girlfriend.
"Yeah I'm fine," she waved him away. "It's still sinking in."
"How did you guys react when you found out?" Caroline asked as she watched them.
"Well, we kinda screamed," Ethan said. "Though it was Kira that figured it out."
"How?" Sally asked.
"They were singing for us," she replied. "Like they're doing now and it hit me. After I figured it out, Kim confirmed it."
"Wow," Cole said. "I never would've expected that."
"Ranger turned singer," Wes shook his head. "What will we do next?"
"Ranger?" Caroline said. "What do you mean 'ranger'?"
"Uh oh," Wes muttered.
"Well?" Pierre asked. "What did he mean by ranger?" the group looked at each other before looking back at him. No one said anything for a few minutes as they all tried to figure out a way out of it. Finally the silence was broken by Kim. "Guys, we have to tell them."
"What?"
"She's right," Tommy said. "There's no way out of this one. You guys don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
"NO," Taylor said. "We're in this together. After all, that's what being a ranger was about; teamwork."
"So we're doing this?" Wes asked.
"Yes," Jen answered.
"Mom, dad what Wes meant is that at one point," she took a breath and let it out. "At one point most of us were Power Rangers."
"Oh my God," Caroline said.
"What do you mean 'most of you'?" Pierre asked. "Who wasn't a Power Ranger?" At that, Krista, Caitlin, Hayley, Angela, Eric, Sally, Marah and Kelly all raised their hands.
"The rest of you were rangers?" Caroline asked. When they shook their heads yes, she let out a breath. "My god."
"But how could all of you be rangers?" Pierre asked.
"We weren't all rangers at the same time," Connor said. "Between the group here; me, Trent, Kira, Ethan and Dr. O were the latest group."
"We were the Dino Thunder Rangers," Ethan said. "And Hayley was our tech advisor."
"Meaning, she helped Dr. O with everything," Kira said. She paused before she continued. "So technically, she was our co-mentor."
"Me, Shane, Cam, Hunter, Blake and Dustin were before them," Tori said. "We were the Ninja Storm Rangers."
"And we were based in Blue Bay Harbor," Hunter continued.
"Before them was us; the Wild Force team," Cole said. "Which is me, Alyssa, Taylor, Max and Danny, and just before us was the Time Force team—
"Which is us," Wes interrupted, pointing to him, Eric and Jen.
"And you guys were before them?" Pierre asked, referring to Kim and the rest.
"Not exactly," Trini said.
"Well, in some way, that is true," Kim said. "We were before them, but not the team before them."
"We were the original Power Rangers," Rocky said.
"Well, technically," Adam said. "Me, Aisha, Tanya and Rocky were more like second and third generation rangers. Whereas Tommy, Zack, Kim, Billy, Trini and Jason were the original Power Rangers."
Turning to her daughter, Caroline was shocked. "You were the original rangers?"
"Yes," Kim answered. "I was the pink, Jason red, Zack black, Trini yellow, Billy blue and Tommy was the green, followed by white then red then finally black."
"Four Colors?" Pierre asked. "You loved it too much?" everyone laughed at that.
"Wait, so that's you were always running off, or why you missed curfew so much," Caroline said.
"It was why we used to fall asleep in school, why we lied so much about where we were, and why we wore those "special" watches," Trini said. Caroline was silent as she thought about what she was just told.
"Mom, are you ok?" Kim asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said. "I just can't believe my daughter was a power ranger. Wait hang on, the power rangers didn't show up until your freshman year of high school. So that means that you were just fourteen when you became a ranger."
"Yeah," Kim said sheepishly.
"Kimberly…"
"Mom, look, I understand that you're probably upset, but it's been years," Kim interrupted her. "And we couldn't say anything because our identities were to be kept secret. If anyone knew we were rangers, do you know what our lives would've been like? I'm not proud that I kept it from you, but at the time it was what was best."
"Mrs. Dumas," Zack said. "I know you probably have questions or whatnot, but do you think you could wait until you're much better before you start asking them?"
"Please mom?" Connor asked.
"Fine," she sighed. "I'll let it go for now."
"Thank you mom," Kim said. "Now let's get back to our concert. Since everybody has heard a song I did about Tommy, I think it's only fair that we hear what Connor wrote about Kira." Connor blushed when everyone started cheering. "You're mean Kim."
"Nope," she smiled. "But for that I think you should sing the one in the notebook." Connor's blushed deepened as he knew what she was talking about. "I'm sure no one wants to hear that."
"Actually," Ethan said. "We do."
"Do I have to?" he asked.
"Well, if you wrote it for me," Kira said. "Then I'd like to hear it…please?" looking at his girlfriend, Connor found he couldn't say no so he sighed and said. "Alright I'll sing it." Cheers went up around the room. Kim got up and moved to the piano that was there and Connor followed her. "Just so you know, I wrote this when I first realized that I had feelings for Kira."
"Aww," the girls chorused while Kira blushed.
"Here goes nothing," Connor said. He waited for Kim to start, and when she did, he let the words flow from memory.
(Verse 1)
I hung up the phone tonight
Something happened for the first time
Deep inside
It was a rush
What a rush
'Cause the possibility
That you would ever feel the same way
About me
It's just too much
Just too much
(Pre-Chorus)
Why do I keep running from the truth
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized
So mesmerized
And I've just got to know
(Chorus)
Do you ever think
When you're all alone
All that we could be?
Where this thing could go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath
When I look at you?
Are you holding back
Like the way I do?
'Cause I'm trying, trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain't going
Away
Going away
(Verse 2)
Has it ever crossed your mind
When we're hanging,
Spending time, girl, are we just friends
Is there more
Is there more
See it's a chance we've gotta take
'Cause I believe that we can make this
Into something that'll last
Last forever
Forever
(Pre-chorus)
Why do I keep running from the truth
(Why do I keep running)
All I ever think about is you
(All I ever think about)
You got me hypnotized
(Hypnotized)
So mesmerized
(mesmerized)
And I've just got to know
(Chorus)
Going away
Going away
"Dude," Ethan said. "You really wrote that?"
"Yeah," Connor answered. "I was a little confused about how I felt, so I decided to write it down on paper. After I met Kim, she found it and helped me put music to it." With that he turned to Kira. "Kira?" everyone's attention turned to her. she was quiet, not saying anything only looking at Connor. After a few seconds, she got up and moved towards him. When she got there she pulled him into a kiss. She pulled back after a few seconds and said. "I love you and I can't believe you liked me so much that you wrote a song for me."
"So, does that mean you liked it?" he asked. She kissed him again. "No, it means I love it." Everyone cheered and Kira blushed as she moved back to her seat. The guys kept throwing out teasing remarks to Connor who just laughed them off. Caroline, relaxed in the arms of her husband, smiled as she looked at her kids and their friends. She was very happy that they had such a strong group of friends because she knew that they would need it, especially Connor and Eric. She wasn't looking forward to telling them about what really happened all those years ago, but she knew that they deserved to know. For a second, she felt sympathy for Sandra but it was gone just as quick as it came. 'Sandra deserves everything that's coming to her. because of her selfishness she will be cut completely out of their lives, especially if either one of them is anything like their sister.' Switching her gaze to Kim, she let out a sigh as she thought on Ken. She knew that Kim had cut him from her life when she was a teen as her dad had disappointed her one too many times. Kim was skeptical, to say the least, when Caroline had married Pierre, but had warmed up to him. So much so, that she started calling him dad, something that had brought tears to both hers and Pierre's eyes the first time it happened. Looking at her kids, she knew that this happiness was just the proverbial calm before the storm.
"What are you thinking about Cherie?" Pierre asked his wife.
"I'm thinking about what's going to happen when I tell them the complete truth," she said softly. "I know that it's going to hurt them. Kim's already cut Ken from her life, but this will make it even worse….and as for Connor and Eric….if their anything like Kim, then Sandra will be cut from their lives as well. I'm just worried because I don't want to put them through the hurt that will come with it."
"I know Cherie," he said. "But you have to have faith. Your kids are strong, just like their mom. And with all their friends helping them, they will get through it. But enough worrying about what hasn't happened yet. Let's just enjoy this time with them."
"You're right," she sighed. They listened as Kira started singing her song. "What's the name of this song?"
"Patiently," he replied. "Your kids are in good hands."
"I know." Looking at them, she smiled. Though she didn't have a hand in raising Eric and Connor, she was proud of the men that they became. She sighed again as she knew that this happiness would soon be broken and she wished with all her heart that it didn't have to happen but knew it was inevitable. She would have to tell them the truth and they would all have to deal with the consequences that followed. Hearing the cheers and applause, seeing the laughter and joy on their faces, she knew that they would be able to handle it.
A/N: this chapter was not that heavy. I know that most if not all of you wanted her to tell them, but I just thought they should relax before Caroline spills the beans. But they did find out about them being rangers though. Just think of this as the calm before the storm. Confrontations are still to come.
To:
JasonLeeScottFan: the song was 'Keep Holding On' by Avril Lavigne. It happens to be one of my favorite songs, so I'm glad you like it.
Vampuric Spider: yes, Kat will come back, though not anytime soon. A few things need to be sorted out first before she can
Songs: At the Beginning—Anastasia Soundtrack; The Climb—Miley Cyrus; Crush—David Archuleta; Patiently—Emma Lahana.