A/N: yes…the LONG awaited chapter is here. Over a month you guys had to wait and I'm sorry. So no more talking. On with the reading. Oh before I forget, this chapter is done for Falcon4Crane who thought it would be a good idea to show the group having fun in Paris. hope you like it. thanks to everyone that reviewed or read the story
Disclaimer: I own no one and nothing but Marie-Claude and Cheyenne
Last time on Secrets;
"So it's agreed?" Hayley said. "We're going to spend Thursday and Friday in Paris and leave on Saturday?"
"HELL YEAH!!!" the entire group cheered.
"Well," Caroline said. "It looks like I'm going to have to go shopping." The groups laughter echoed throughout the room.
(Now—Part 1; Fun Time in Paris)
The gang had the best time the last two days in Paris. Kim and Connor had become the unofficial guides to the group and had a lot of fun showing them around. When they got up on Thursday, they got dressed and decided to sight see. Kim took them to the Louvre and to see the Hall of Notre Dame, where they immensely enjoyed themselves. They walked through L'Arc de Triumph and had lunch in a tiny café just a few blocks down. It was now afternoon and Hayley suggested they see at least another museum before going over to the Eiffel Tower. Nodding their agreements, the group finished their lunch and left. When they got there, they looked around and came across a picture of Mona Lisa. The girls, minus Kim, sighed while the guys looked at each other.
"Is this for real?" Eric asked.
"I'm not sure," Shane replied. "Maybe it's a joke." The guys snickered, but unfortunately, the comment was heard by the girls.
"How can you say that Shane?" Kelly asked her boyfriend.
"The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world," Sally said. "It's a masterpiece."
"It's tiny is what it is," Jordan muttered, the other guys nodded in agreement.
"It is," Wes said. "I mean, I appreciate art, but this is just ridiculous. People from all over the world fawn over it, but it's slightly disappointing."
"Wesley!" Jen cried. "The Mona Lisa is very beautiful. It was carefully created and is loved by many."
"We don't mean to step on any toes," Tommy said. "But even I have to agree. The woman is barely smiling and she's not all that beautiful either. The only reason the Mona Lisa is so revered is because it's the last work of Da Vinci and people think that it's actually a self-portrait." He paused. "Though why he wanted to paint himself as a woman, I don't know."
"Maybe he was gay," Kim said. The girls whipped around, thinking it was one of the guys that said it, but were shocked when they realized it was Kim.
"Kimberly!" Trini scolded. "How can you say such a thing?"
Kim rolled her eyes. "Seriously Tri? It wasn't that hard." The boys snickered once more. "I agree with the guys. I didn't like it the first time I saw it and nothing has changed since then. The portrait really is small and she is barely smiling. Now I understand that in those days, women didn't really have as much freedom, but still. No smile was even better." At the looks on their faces she clarified. "OK look, I can see the appeal. I mean, her smile is barely there so it gives off a little bit of mystery…but that's it. That's truly all the appeal that I can see. Other than that, I really don't like the painting."
"Well said Kim," Jason said.
"Let's just agree to disagree," Aisha said. They all agreed and moved on to the next one. They walked around some until they heard Rocky's voice.
"OH MY GOD!" Rocky squealed as he pointed to a portrait. "Look! It's Moulin Rouge."
"Oh my God, where?" Jason asked as he walked over to him. When he got to where Rocky was, he lifted a hand to his forehead. With a soft sigh he spoke. "Oh wow just wow. Rocky, it's like my favorite show; the crying and the romance."
"Oh Jase," Rocky sighed as he grabbed Jason's hands between his. "I didn't know you loved it so much."
"I should Rocky," Jason responded, trying very hard to keep as straight face as the boys chuckled and the girls frowned. "You like totally made me watch it so many times. Like God."
"I am so sorry baby," Rocky sighed. "How can I ever repay you?"
Jason pulled his hand from Rocky's and turned his head with his chin in the air and crossed his arms. "I don't know." By now, the guys were holding on to each other trying to control their laughter. Rocky paused as he thought on what to say. He looked up at Jason and touched his cheek.
"Baby, if I could, I would lasso the moon and give it to you."
"JASON HOW COULD YOU?" Zack demanded as he strode over to them. "I gave you my heart and you cheat on me."
"Zack, baby," Jason pleaded looking very much like a deer caught in the headlights. By now, the trio had gathered attention from the other viewers. "It's not what you think."
"Jase," Rocky asked. "What's going on?" he turned to Zack. "Who are you?"
"I'm Zackary of course," Zack gave a sniff of disdain as he looked back at Rocky. "And who are you and what are you doing with my guy?"
"Your guy?" Rocky asked as he snapped his fingers. "Boy, please. Jase, baby, tell this thing that you're with me."
"No, tell him your with me," Zack said. "You know what? Forget this. I will fight you for him."
"OH yeah?" Rocky asked as he stepped over to Zack.
"Yeah," Zack answered. "
"On guard," Rocky said as he held his hand like a sword. Zack took a similar formation and the two mock dueled. By now, everyone observing wasn't even trying to hide their laughter. After a few minutes, both guys stopped.
"Hey wait." Rocky said. "Why are we fighting each other? We should be fighting him."
"You're right," Zack said as they both turned to Jason. Looking at the two with fear, Jason said, "Guys….can't we talk about this?"
"No," they chorused.
Jason's eyes darted around nervously before they landed on Tommy. "Tommy, baby help!"
"Tommy?" Rocky questioned.
"Baby?" Zack said.
"Tommy," Kim asked. "What's going on? Why is that man calling you baby?"
"Uh….uh," Tommy said. "Kim I'm sorry, but it was just a one time thing."
"You and Jason?" she asked.
"I'm sorry," He pleaded. He turned to Jason. "Sorry Jase, but I choose her."
"But I don't choose you," Kim said shocking him. "I'm sorry too Tommy." she wringed her hands nervously. "See, it all happened so fast and I couldn't stop it…not that I wanted to…but now I'm love and I don't want to fight it."
"What?!" he asked. "With who?"
"With me," both Trini and Aisha chorused. The two turned to each other. "Hey, she's with me." Aisha said.
"No," Trini said. "She's with me."
"Actually," Kim said. "I'm with no one. I changed my mind."
"What?!" Trini said. "I put so much into this. Kim….you have to die."
"No, please don't," She said as she backed away. Trini walked over to her and grabbed her around her waist and started tickling her.
"Alright…alright," Kim said between laughter. "I'm sorry."
"How about we all choose each other?" Zack asked. They looked each other and nodded.
"I love you guys," Tommy said as they all came together. When they hugged, the group around them applauded.
"Très magnifique," a young woman said.
"Merci," Kim replied.
"I can't believe you guys did that," Taylor smiled. "You guys are crazy."
"We know," Jason laughed.
"But we had to," Rocky continued. "Do you know how often we watched that movie?"
"The girls liked it too much," Jason added.
"And when I saw the portrait that said 'Moulin Rouge', I just had to do it," Rocky finished.
"It was funny," Jen chuckled. "I don't think the people thought they would see something like that when they came here." The group chuckled as they turned to leave. Their final stop for the day was the Eiffel Tower, and they were all excited, even Kim and Connor who's been there before.
"I can't believe we've been here for almost a week and we are just seeing the Eiffel Tower," Adam said.
"Maybe we were saving the best for last," Cole shrugged.
"But this isn't the best part of Paris," Kim said.
"And it's definitely not the last," Aisha added. The two girls looked at each other with a glint.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Kim asked Aisha.
"If you're both thinking what I think you're thinking," Trini cut in. "Then you are definitely thinking what I'm thinking."
"Huh?" all the guys said.
"So you're definitely thinking…" Aisha started.
"Oh yeah," Kim said. "Though should we?"
"Definitely!" Trini said. "We can't not do it."
"I know right?" Aisha said. "But what about—
"Kim can handle that," Trini cut her off.
"It won't be easy," Kim said.
"That's why you're doing it," Aisha said.
"But what if they—
"Then we just deny—
"Seriously?" Aisha asked.
"Yep," Trini said.
"You think they'll go for it?" Aisha asked again.
"Oh yeah," Kim said. "Do you really think that they'll give—
"You're right," Aisha said. "So, who's going—
"Let Kim do it," Trini said.
"No," Kim said. "How about you, but—
"If they do do that," Trini smiled. "Then you—
"Exactly," Kim cut her off. The three girls smiled at each other before they turned back to the others. Shocked and confused faces greeted them, except for Connor (who was busy watching another painting, but still close enough to hear the conversations), Jason, Rocky, Tommy, Zack, Billy and Adam.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Jordan asked.
"That was Kim, Aisha and Trini," Billy said.
"You guys understood that?" Hunter asked.
"Hell no," Rocky said. Jason and Tommy took one look at the girls and backed away.
"NO!" Jason said forcefully.
"Make that a HELL NO!" Tommy added. "We are NOT doing that."
"You have no choice Handsome…" Kim started.
"You're doing it whether you want to or not…" Trini continued.
"So don't even bother fighting," Aisha finished.
"You can't make us," Jason said crossing his arms. Kim raised an eyebrow and stepped in front of him.
"Do you really want it to come to that?" she asked him. "Because if you do, you know I won't have any mercy on you." At the veiled threat in her words, Jason paled slightly and swallowed, as did Tommy. The two looked at each other before sighing in resignation.
"Fine," Tommy said, "But if we have to they have to as well."
"They are," Aisha said.
"Ok, time out," Eric said. "What just happened?"
Connor, who was still looking at the portrait, answered absentmindedly. "Kim, Aisha and Trini are planning to go shopping; they know we'd put up a fight, so Kim's going to be the one to convince us, because let's face it, all the guys are more afraid of her than their own girlfriends; oh and Dr. O and Jason tried to get out of it, but Kim just threatened them and they gave in, but, deciding that they weren't the only ones that had to suffer, they dragged the rest of us into it." He turned away from the portrait to see the others, minus Kim, looking at him in shock. "What?"
"Dude," Ethan said, "How the hell did you pick that up?"
"Seriously," Krista said. "I'm a girl, and even I didn't get that."
Connor rubbed the back of his neck. "It wasn't hard." Seeing the disbelief on their faces, he rolled his eyes. "I know my sister, so I know that she is the ultimate shopper. And from what I know about Trini and Aisha is that when the two of them get with Kim, they shop. They haven't been on a shopping trip since we got here and I know Kim knows where the major and best shopping stores are and that she wouldn't pass up an opportunity to show them. About the part with Dr. O and Jason, I've heard enough stories from Kim where she and the other girls practically had to force them to go shopping with them when they were in high school." He shrugged. "Besides, they're girls and what's the one thing that girls do that they consider to be the best time of their lives? They shop."
"Think you can teach me how you did that?" Eric asked. When the others laughed, he cried out, "What, you think I'm kidding? Do you know how handy that would be when you girls (referring to Jen, Alyssa and Taylor) get started?"
"He's right," Wes chipped in. "You guys are as bad as they are when you get going. It would be nice to learn how to do that."
"Are we going to stand here all day or are we going to go see the Eiffel Tower?" Tanya asked.
"The only reason you're in such a hurry, is because you want to experience shopping with the queen herself," Rocky said.
"Of course I do," Tanya replied. "Kim is in her element here, so I definitely want to."
"Just so you know," Kim said. "I'm going all out."
"Fine with me," Tanya said.
"What have we gotten ourselves into?" Tommy asked and Jason sighed.
"Power shopping with Kim…" Adam said. "I wished I stayed back at the house." They laughed as the left the museum.
"She's not really that bad?" Blake asked. "Is she?"
"You'll find out," Zack said. The gang quickly made their way to the tower, where they proceeded to the top. As the gazed out at the view, they all sighed in amazement.
"You know," Kim said as she leant back against Tommy, who responded by wrapping his arms around her waist. "No matter how many times I see this, it still has the power to amaze me."
"I know what you mean," Connor said as he rested his head against Kira's shoulder.
"It's beautiful," Kira breathed. She shuddered when Connor placed a small kiss on neck and a shiver went through her body when he whispered in her ear;
"Not as much as you," he placed a kiss on her ear. "I love you."
"I love you too," she turned her head to kiss him. They pulled back after a few seconds and turned back to the view.
"What are you thinking?" Eric whispered to Taylor.
"How beautiful this place is," she answered back. "I can see why they call it the most romantic city in the world."
"I agree," Angela said from her place in Zack's arms. the group stayed for another ten minutes, before Kim reminded them of the shopping trip. The guys all groaned, while the girls got excited. A group of forlorn looking guys followed their excited girlfriends down the tower and out to the limos. Five hours later, the group exited their last store. They found a couple of tables outside of the store and sat down. The girls were busy talking, while the guys were grumbling under their breath as they held the shopping bags.
"You guys realize we're just pack mules to them?" Justin asked, as they sat at a table behind the girls.
"So many stores," Blake shuddered. "So many clothes."
"You ok buddy?" Shane asked him.
"He'll be fine," Zack said. "He's just going through the aftershocks of Kim's shopping."
"My feet are killing me," Billy moaned.
"Hey Billy?" Rocky called out. "Next time, can't you build something that helps with the bags? Or at least something to ease our aching muscles."
"That would most definitely be something that I could look into," Billy replied. The guys all rested their heads, either on the table or they leaned against each other. They looked over at the girls in disbelief as they chatted away.
"How can they do this and not be tired?" Trent asked his voice a little muffled as he had his head on the table.
"I don't know," Wes said.
"It's like they draw energy from the shopping," Cole said.
"More than likely they draw it from us," Max retorted.
"You might be onto something," Danny said. "We get tired and they keep going." He waited a few seconds to think on it. "Yep, they draw their energy from us." The guys snickered.
"If I never see another store again in my life," Eric said. "I'd die a happy man." Tommy, Connor and Jason laughed at them.
"I don't see how you guys can laugh Dr. O," Ethan moaned. "You guys went through what we did."
"Yeah," Tommy said. "But we have more experience than all of you."
"Especially Tommy," Jason added. "But seriously though, we are used to it."
"Nah," Tommy said. "It's more like we ignore everything and just be there."
"How can you laugh Connor?" Jordan asked his brother. "Man, even muscles I didn't know I had are aching."
"That's Kim for you," Connor smiled. "And like Dr. O and Jason, I'm used to it. Besides, they're lucky, don't you think Dr. O?"
"I think so," Tommy said. "Don't you Jase?"
"Yep," Jason agreed. "They're a bunch of lucky bastards."
"Lucky?" Blake cried. "How are we lucky? The girl is a shopping demon."
"You're lucky…" Connor started.
"Because you have NEVER…." Jason continued.
"Shop with Kim when she's working off her anger," Tommy finished.
"She is ten times worse than she was today," Connor said.
"You think five hours is bad?" Tommy asked. "I remember in high school, we spent the entire day shopping at the mall. Why? A guy pissed Kim off real bad and instead of beating him up; she directed all her energy into something else; shopping."
"When I learned about that," Jason said. "I knew never to go shopping with a pissed off Kim."
"Guys let's go," Kim called out to them.
"Go where?" Rocky asked her.
"We have one more store to see," Trini said.
"After that," Kira said. "We can go home."
"Just one more?" Cam asked.
"Yes," Kim said. "I promise."
"Alright," Tommy said. "Let's go." The group got into the limos, and Kim gave the drivers the directions to the store. After about fifteen minutes of driving, the limos pulled up in front of a store. They all piled out and the original rangers and the DT smiled when they saw the name.
Kim smiled at them. "Welcome to Annabelle's."
"You mean?" Kira started.
"Yep," Kim said. "Come on, let's go in." the group followed her inside. There was a young woman at the counter reading a magazine, while customers walked around looking at and trying on clothes.
"Wow," Jen said. "This place is amazing."
"How come we didn't shop here?" Marah asked. "These clothes are absolutely fabulous." Before Kim could answer, a young woman came out from the back.
"Bonjour," she said. "Bienvenue en Annabelle." Kim's back was to her, so she didn't see her. When Kim turned around, a smile made its way across the woman's face. "Mon dieu! Is that you Belle?"
"Hello Marie-Claude," Kim smiled. The woman let out a squeal of joy and launched herself at Kim. The two met in amidst hugs and laughter. Marie-Claude pulled back from the hug and looked at Kim.
"Belle girl," Marie-Claude said. "You look good."
"Thanks," Kim answered. "So do you."
"What are you doing back here?" Marie-Claude asked her. "You left for America almost two weeks ago. What brought you back?"
"My mom got into an accident last week," Kim said. "I came back to be with her. I'm actually going back on Saturday."
"Ok," Mari-Claude said. "Not that I'm not glad you're here, but what brings you by?"
"I actually need to talk to you," Kim said. The young woman that was behind the counter came out when she saw her boss talking to the group, more specifically, the young woman.
"Marie," the girl asked. "Who's that?"
"This Cheyenne," Marie-Claude said. "Is my boss and the owner of this store, Kimberly Hart also known as Belle."
"Wait," Cheyenne said, "Belle? You're Annabelle?"
"Please to meet you," Kim said.
"Kim," Taylor looked at her in shock. "You're the one that designed all these clothes?"
"Yes," Kim laughed. "Designing must be in my blood, because my mom is an interior designer, uncle Carson designs cars, and Kelly runs a surf shop where she designs some of the boards."
"You've had one busy life," Eric said.
"I know," Kim said. "Why don't you guys check out the store, I'm sure Cheyenne can show you some of the latest designs. I'm going to talk with Marie-Claude."
"Alright," the group said. Kim and Marie-Claude made their way through the back to the office. Kim sat in front of the computer and turned it on. She pulled up the inventory and the sales and was pleased to see the store was doing well. She also checked their website and was happy with what she saw. Seeing the smile on her boss and friend's face, Marie-Claude smiled.
"Everyday the store is filled with customers," she said. "People loves the designs and the clothes. Our online catalogue and the store catalogue are used very often."
"I'm glad to hear that," Kim said. "I'm working on some designs. Do you remember the idea I had?"
"The animal line?" Marie-Claude asked. When Kim nodded, she continued. "The sample you designed and did look amazing."
"What about the samples that I left?" Kim asked.
"We have them on display here in the store," Marie-Claude replied.
"Seriously?" Kim was a little surprised as she hadn't seen them.
"Yes," Marie-Claude smiled. "And we've already gotten questions as to when that line will be out."
"It will be a while yet," Kim said. "But I really do need to talk to you about that line and about the store."
"What is it?" Marie-Claude asked.
"How would you like to completely and officially run this store?"
"What?!" Marie-Claude asked.
"MC," Kim said, using her nickname for her. "You've been doing it since I left, so it won't be any different. I'll still be your boss, but I just won't be here. All shipment and everything will go through you, employee hiring and what's not will be your decision. The only thing is that you will need to send me a regular update of the store and catalogue sales as well as the inventory."
"Why?" MC asked.
"I'm planning on opening a store in my hometown Angel Grove," Kim said. "And I need someone I trust to oversee everything here. And I trust you. You'll get a pay increase of course, and higher benefits." Kim paused to allow everything to sink in. "So…what do you say?"
"I say you're crazy Cherie," MC said. "But I must be crazier. I'll do it."
"Thank you so much," Kim said as she stood to give her a hug.
"No, thank you for trusting me so much," MC said. "Now that business is out of the way, which one of those guys is yours and which one can you hook me up with?"
"Sorry," Kim laughed. "They're all taken, and I can introduce you."
"Damn," MC said. "Just my luck." Kim laughed as the two walked back to the front of the store. She saw Tommy at the counter with Jason and pointed him out.
"You see those two guys by the counter?"
"Yes?"
"The one in white is my boyfriend," Kim said. "The other is like my surrogate big brother."
"Damn girl," Marie-Claude said. "You have really good taste. The guy is gorgeous."
"Yep," Kim smirked. "And he's all mine."
"Hold onto him," Marie-Claude said.
"I have no intention of letting him go," Kim said as the two girls walked over to the where Tommy and Jason was standing.
"Hey Beautiful," Tommy said as she was close. "Everything go ok?"
"Yep," Kim answered. "So...what do you guys think of the store?"
"It's amazing," Krista said as the others joined them. Some of the girls had some clothes in their arms.
"I can't believe this is your store," Taylor said.
"Yeah," Alyssa said. "Or the fact that you're Annabelle."
"You're an amazing designer," Jen said.
"Thanks," Kim said. "So are you guys ready to leave?"
"Sure," Krista said.
"We just have to pay for a few stuff," Caitlin added. The girls went to the counter to pay and with a final word to Marie-Claude from Kim promising to call with more details, the group left the store. Cheyenne walked up to Marie-Claude.
"Was that really Annabelle?" she asked.
"Yes," Marie-Claude replied.
"She's different than what I expected."
"She's very friendly," Marie-Claude said. "She's also a really good friend. Come on, let's go back to work.
…
It was a very tired and happy group that greeted Pierre and Caroline as they entered the house. Seeing all the bags, Caroline raised an eyebrow.
"Did my daughter make you buy out the store?" she asked.
"No mom," Kim said. "I didn't. But we did have fun though."
"Fun?!" Cam said. "It most certainly wasn't fun for us. We're the ones that had to hold the bags. All you girls did was giggle and shop." He sighed as Caroline and Pierre laughed. "I knew I should've stayed with my computer."
"Kimberly!" Caroline scolded her daughter. "Why did you treat the poor guys like that? You know they are not used to your shopping."
"You could've gone easy on them, mon petite croissant," Pierre said.
"But dad," Kim said. "I wasn't even that hard on them. I mean, Tommy has been through worse, so has Connor."
"Thank God you weren't angry," Caroline said.
"Yeah," Pierre added. "Then they would seriously be in pain."
"You know," Eric said. "Tommy said the same thing."
"What else did you guys do?" Caroline asked as they moved into the living room.
"We saw a lot of places," Trini said. "We spent some time at the top of the Eiffel Tower; which was amazing."
"And then we stopped by Annabelle," Kim said. "I had to talk to Marie-Claude."
"About what sweetie?" Caroline asked.
"About her running the store since I'm moving back home for good and I'm thinking of opening a store there," Kim said.
"Are you sure about this?" Pierre asked his daughter.
"Positive," Kim said. "The guys agreed to help me with the fixing up and moving in when I find a space and the girls agreed to be a model when and if I have a show to showcase some of the clothes."
"Really?" Tori asked. "Do you need anymore?"
"If you guys want to," Kim said. "The more the merrier."
"Cool," Tori replied.
"So how are you guys going to spend the last day here?" Pierre asked.
"We're going to stay home," Hayley said. "We have a lot of packing to do what with everything we bought today."
"Alright," Caroline said.
"Well what about you dad?" Kim asked.
"I'm staying home," Pierre answered. "Caroline will need the company."
"Don't you think you should take your bags to your rooms?" Caroline asked the group.
"Too tired to move," they replied. She just shook her head and smiled as she leaned back against Pierre. True to their word, the next day was spent at home. They had gotten their stuff packed in the early so that they could have the rest of the day to themselves. They spent the day talking and enjoying each others company. Caroline and Pierre were happy with the group and felt lucky to get to know the rest of them. Early Saturday morning, just after dawn, the group woke up. They got showered before they made their way to the kitchen to make breakfast. To their surprise, they saw that Caroline and Pierre were already up and had made breakfast for all of them.
"Mom?" Kim asked as she walked into the kitchen. "What are you guys doing up so early. It's barely six."
"You think I wouldn't get up to see my kids and their friends off?" She asked.
"Besides," Pierre said. "You guys made a huge breakfast for us and everyone; it's only fair that we return the favor."
"But mom," Jordan said. "I thought the doctor told you to take it easy?"
"He told me not to overdo it," Caroline said. "And making breakfast is not overdoing it."
"Ok mom," Jordan said.
"Eat," Pierre said. "You guys have a drive to the airport." They agreed and they all grabbed a plate. By 6:30, they were all done and ready to go. When they got to the door, they saw Caroline and Pierre dressed and waiting.
"You're coming?" Connor asked.
"Of course," Caroline said. "Now let's go." They nodded and grabbed their bags. They all piled into the limos and started off for the airport. Almost twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the entrance. They checked their bags and made their way out to the waiting area. The plane was being stocked and refueled for their trip. Ten minutes later, they got the ok and made their way to the exit doors. The others said good bye and left, leaving Caroline and Pierre to talk with their kids and their significant others.
"Call me when you get home, ok?" Caroline said as she grabbed Kim, Connor and Jordan in a hug.
"We will mom," Jordan said. She pulled back from them and turned to the girls.
"It was so nice meeting you two," she said to Kira and Sally. "I'm glad that my sons are dating two wonderful girls. Their lucky."
"We're the lucky ones Caroline," Kira said. Sally nodded her head in agreement. "I'm just glad I got a chance to tell Connor how I felt."
"So am I," Sally said. "I'm glad Eric and I are together. I love him."
"I'm happy to hear that," Caroline said. She hugged them once more before turning to Tommy. "I must say that I'm happy that you and Kim found your way back to each other. I'm thankful for you because my daughter has never been happier than when she's with you."
"She makes me happy as well," Tommy replied.
"Take care of her," Caroline said.
"I will," Tommy said. "You have my word." Caroline smiled as she turned back to her daughter.
"I am so proud of you," she said to Kim. "From being a ranger to your gymnastics to being a singer and now a top designer who owns her own store…you are amazing. I'm also happy that you finally found happiness with Tommy again."
"So am I mom," Kim said. She turned to look at Tommy and gave him a soft smile, before she turned back to her mom. "For the first time in my life, I'm completely happy. And I have no intention of letting anything or anyone destroy it again."
"I love you guys," Caroline said. "All of you."
"We love you too," they replied. "We should go," Sally said. As they turned to leave, Connor turned to Pierre.
"You've been there for me for the two years I've known you," he said. "You didn't have to be, but you were and I just want to say thank you….dad." Tears came into Pierre's eyes when he heard that. He had no kids of his own, and had fell in love with Kim when he had first met her as a teenager. He had wanted the then teen Kim to like him and potentially see him as a father figure for her. He never felt like he had accomplished that until after the Olympics when Kim had called him 'dad' for the first time. And now, here was another of his wife's kids calling him 'dad'. He had always thought of Connor as the son he never had and was ecstatic that Connor saw him as a dad. Grabbing him in hug, Pierre spoke. "You never have to thank me son. I love you just as much as I love Kim and if you were my own son." He turned to Tommy and Jordan. "I may not know you two as well as my daughter or my wife does, but I love you both. And i wouldn't mind being called 'dad' by either of you, but only if your comfortable."
"Maybe not yet," Jordan said. "But, given time, I might be."
"Caroline already asked me to call her 'mom' and who am I to refuse her?" Tommy smiled. "Though, like Jordan said, it might take a while to call you 'dad'."
"I have no problem with that," Pierre replied. "I'll miss you guys, especially you croissant."
"I'll miss you too dad," Kim said as she hugged. After a final hug to her mom, she said goodbye and walked away with the others.
"I miss them already," Caroline said as she watched them board the plane.
"So do I," Pierre said. "Come on, let's go home."
(On the plane)
"Hey Kim?" Connor called out.
"Yeah?"
"I think that we should get everything with Ken and Sandra over with," he said. "What about you?"
"I agree," Kim replied.
"Are you sure?" Angela asked. Kim turned to her.
"It's best we do it now and then concentrate on the rest of this mini vacation," Kim said. "I'd like to get started on my plans for the store without all this stuff hanging over my head."
"That's a good idea," Danny said. "Do you want us with you guys when you do it?" Kim smiled at him.
"Thanks for the offer Danny," she said. "But I think that this is something that Connor, Jordan and I have to do by ourselves."
"Your welcome and no problem," he smiled.
"So how are you guys going to do it?" Cole asked.
"We can call them from here and set up a meeting," Jordan suggested. "Would that be work?"
"That's a great idea," Aisha said. "The question is; where would you arrange the meeting to take place?"
"My place is out," Kim said. "I don't want either of them there."
"How about Ernie's?" Rocky suggested.
"Do you think he'll go for it?" Adam asked.
"I foresee no difficulties with that solution," Billy said. "Ernie has been like a second father to us and he is quite generous and understanding about letting us use the center for personal needs."
"Ok," Tommy said. "Beautiful why don't you call Ken and ask him to meet you, Connor or Jordan can call Sandra and I'll call Ernie and ask if we can use his place."
"Sounds good," Kim said.
"When though?" Jason asked.
"How about tomorrow afternoon?" Kim replied. "The sooner the better."
"Let's do it," Jordan said. With that, the three placed the calls. Tommy gave them thumbs up to indicate that he had cleared it with Ernie and so did Jordan. Kim had a bit more difficulty but in the end, had managed to get Ken to agree. After they hung up, the group relaxed and settled in for the flight back home. Hours later, they arrived at the airport; it was now late afternoon. After grabbing their luggage, they headed out to their cars; which they had left in the parking lot. The group made their way back to Kim's place, where they spent the rest of the night unpacking and sitting out in the backyard.
(Part 2—Destroying the Bridge)
The next day, a woman in her thirties made her way into the empty youth center. She was surprised that her son had wanted to meet her here, especially when she thought that he was in Blue Bay Harbor. Ten minutes after she arrived, someone else showed up. Surprise was evident on both faces as they looked at each other. The woman spoke first.
"Ken?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing Sandra," Ken replied, clearly stunned to see her. "I haven't seen you in years."
"Nineteen to be exact," a voice behind them said. Turning, they saw Kim, Connor and Eric (He's back to Eric just for this 'meeting') standing there.
"Kimberly," Ken said. "What are you doing here? And how do you know those boys?" Kim didn't reply.
"Connor, Eric," Sandra said. "What's going on here? Why are we here?"
"We're here to talk," Kim said.
"Talk about what?" Ken asked.
"About what happened nineteen years ago between the two of you and our mother," Kim said. The two paled at that. There was only one thought running through their heads, 'How did they find out?'
TBC
A/N 2: so, everyone had fun in Paris. But now it's time to get to the serious matters. Connor, Kim and Eric finally come face to face with the two responsible for separating them. It's about time they get what's coming to them. You know words are going to fly.
A/N 3: the whole Moulin Rouge and Mona Lisa thing, I have no idea if the movie is based off the painting or if they're anything alike, and as for the Mona Lisa, a friend of mine was actually the one to tell me what she thought about it....so it's based on her thoughts, though the feelings are mine. So if I stepped on any toes, especially Kim's crack about Da Vinci being gay, I'm truly sorry. (Llee, you probably laughed when you read that scene--lol) Now for the sad part…this story only has a couple more chapters to go. I know…I too I'm sad to see it end. But you do know the saying: all good things must come to an end
Read and review and let me know what you think. And once again, I am sorry for the long wait.
Kila