A/N: hey guys. Sorry for the long wait, but here it is: the next chapter. Hope you guys like it. Llee, thanks for the help and I hope it's everything you wanted.
Disclaimer: I own nothing….except the reporters
Last time on Secrets;
Back inside, Ernie sat at a table in the back and talked to Kat; he wanted to know exactly what happened between her and others. Kat was reluctant at first, but soon found herself pouring out the entire story to him. By the time she was done, she was sobbing openly and brokenly. She had told him how she felt about being separated from her friends; how regretful she was for what she had done when they were in high school; how suffocated she used to feel because she used to think that she was being compared to Kim and was scared that she would never measure up or fill the shoes that Kim had left behind; she spared no detail. Even went so far as to tell him about Jean-Luc. Ernie was sympathetic and just listened to her. When she was done, he wiped her tears and gave her is thoughts on the whole thing. Almost an hour after they went to the back room, Kat walked feeling lighter than she had. She felt as if some of the burden had been relieved from her heart. Ernie's words came back to her and it made her determined. She would find a way to repair the damage that she had cause; she had to.
(Now: Part 1—Finding the Place)
After Kim stalked from the youth center, she decided to take a walk to clear her head. The others caught up to her and the group walked through the park. By the time they reached the lake, Kim had gotten her thoughts in order. Now that she had dealt with both Ken and Kat, she could focus on other things; like her ideas for her designs and finding a place for her store.
"Are you ok?" Jason asked, cutting into her thoughts.
"Better than ok," Kim smiled. "I feel more relaxed than I ever was."
"Maybe dealing with Ken and Kat took a weight off your shoulders," Jen suggested.
"I think it did," Kim turned to smile at her.
"So," Ethan smirked. "Now what?" The group of friends couldn't help but to laugh as they remembered his comment about that statement from when they were in Paris.
"Now," Kim looked out at the lake before looking back at her friends. "Now, I can focus on my clothes and my store."
"And we're here to help in any way we can," Alyssa smiled.
"Alright," Rocky clapped his hands. "Let's do this."
Kim laughed, which had everyone following. The friends walked back to their cars and drove back to the house.
…
Saturday morning, three days after her confrontation with Kat, found Kim finally coming out of her room. She had spent the last three days locked in her room working on her designs, while her friends took the initiative and started to look for a place. Hayley, Trent and Krista had gone back to Reefside the day before, while Angela had been called back into work and Danny and Max had headed back home as their boss was short a few people and needed the help. Tommy had stopped by his parents' house and let them know what was going on. Needless to say, they were more than happy to hear that he and Kim were back together. Now, as she walked down the stairs, she smiled as she thought on the amount of work she had gotten done. She headed to the kitchen for a little snack, before going to look for her friends. She heard noise coming from the back, so she followed it. Stepping through the porch door, she saw Rocky, Zack, Wes, Cole, Taylor and Hunter in the backyard. Walking down the steps, she smiled as she called out to them;
"Hey guys."
"Hey Kim," they replied.
"Nice of you to join us sis," Rocky smiled. "I was afraid your room might not let you out."
"Did you really?" she asked.
"Yep," he nodded. "But, you decided to grace us poor peasants with your almighty beauty and grace."
"Go to hell Rocky," Kim laughed, as did the others, when she heard him.
"Only if I can take you with me," he winked at her.
"Aww," Kim feigned sadness. "Sorry baby, but I can't go because hell is afraid I'll take over."
"As they should be," Zack laughed.
"HEY!" Kim exclaimed, as her friends had a laugh at her expense. Taylor walked off from the group and brought over the radio she had placed on the swing on the porch. Making sure it was plugged up, she placed on the table just off the side of the steps and turned the CD player on; it started and Michael Jackson's 'Beat it' came through.
"Oh man," Zack started bouncing to the beat. "That's my song." Soon after, he started dancing, going around and pulling his friends with him. Kim laughed as she watched Wes try to the moonwalk.
"I don't think that works on the grass Wes."
"Come on Kim," Hunter said as he danced over to her. "Dance with us."
"Yeah girl," Zack yelled out. "You know this song as well as I does." Kim shook her head and allowed Hunter to pull into the dance. The seven friends were now dancing and laughing their way around the backyard. After Beat it, they danced through a few more songs and when the rest of the friends came through the door, they were on Thriller.
"What the hell?" Shane laughed.
"Come join us!" Kim yelled out.
"I see Kim was able to leave her room," Jason smirked.
"Come on guys," Cole said. "Don't just stand there."
"No harm no foul," Tommy uttered before he walked out to them.
"Might as well," Adam said. The group looked at their friends before looking at each other. Shrugging in unison, they joined their friends. The friends spent the rest of the afternoon dancing and having fun. Later, they all sat on the porch steps swings and benches surrounding the porch.
"So Kim," Eric said. "I didn't think we'd actually see you so soon."
"Eric," Kim groaned, as the others laughed; though Wes, Zack, Rocky, Cole, Taylor and Hunter laughed for a different reason. "Don't start."
"What?" he asked.
"Rocky was starting to give me crap for that too," she smiled.
"He was?" Ethan asked.
"Yep," Kim shook her head. "Hey, did anyone talk to Hayley?"
"She said everything's ok," Kira answered. "She also said she planned on being back in the next two or so days."
"Ok," Kim nodded. "What about Trent and Krista? Did they meet up with Anton and Michelle yet?"
"Well," Connor said. "Trent was a little nervous about Krista meeting his dad and our former principle and wanted to put it off. Krista thought he was being stupid and refused to do that. She didn't want him to talk his way out of it, so according to Hayley, the moment they got to Reefside, she had him call Anton to set up the meeting."
"Oh my God," Kim laughed. "I'm half expecting you to say she ended up hogtieing him to a chair."
"She might've considered it," Kira laughed.
"Why do you say that?" Cam asked from his position next to Hunter.
"Well," Kira continued. "It turned out that Krista's parents are back in town to visit her, so she decided to turn it into a Mercer-Davis family dinner."
"Hayley said it was funny watching Trent freak out about not only Krista meeting his parents," Ethan laughed. "But him meeting her parents too."
"Poor Trent," Trini smiled.
"I know how he feels," Tommy chuckled; remembering his own feelings of anxiety when meeting Kim's parents.
"I think we all do," Zack said. "Well, except for maybe Jase, Wes and Rocky."
"Why do you say that?" Tori asked.
"Because," Eric said. "Jen's parents live in the future and Mr. Collins got to know her as a ranger before she and Wes started dating."
"And Trini and Aisha's parents have known Jason and Rocky since they were kids," Billy said.
"Oh," Tori said.
"Hey Kim?" Alyssa called. "How are the designs going?"
"Good actually," Kim smiled. "Very good."
"Can we see them?" Kapri asked.
"Nope," Kim shook her head. "Not until they're completely ready."
"Don't feel bad," Aisha smiled. "She's the same way with her songs."
"Understandable," Dustin nodded his head as he squeezed his girlfriend's shoulder. The group relaxed there for the rest of the evening; just talking with each other. On Monday, two days, while the others were at the youth center, Kim, Aisha, Trini and Kira were walking around town. Kim had decided not to have her store in the mall, so she was trying to find an empty space that was near the youth center and the park. They were about two blocks from Ernie's when they found it. Kim was walking in front, Aisha and Kira behind her talking about their red ranger and Trini next to her. Trini turned to say something to Kim but she stopped abruptly; causing Aisha to almost run into her.
"Damn girl," Aisha turned to her best friend. "Give a girl some warning next time."
"Kim?" Trini called when she realized she wasn't paying attention to either of them.
"Look," Kim pointed to an empty building that was boarded up. She turned to her friends. "Let's check it out."
The four girls carefully removed the boards from the door and cautiously made their way inside. They looked around, shocked at the room. Though it was completely messed up, they could see that the place was huge.
"Whoa," Kira said. "This place is huge."
"It's perfect," Kim smiled. She looked around once more before looking back at her friends. "Guys….this is it; this is the place."
"Seriously?" Trini asked.
"Yep," Kim rocked on her heels. "I feel it; this is my store." She glanced around once more before looking back at them. "What do you guys think?"
"Well," Aisha started. "It certainly looks more than big enough; hopefully enough for whatever you have in mind."
"Trini?" Kim turned to her childhood friend.
"You're right," Trini smiled. "It is huge enough; I guess we found your space."
"Yes!" Kim squealed. "Come on, let's go tell the others." The four girls made their way back out and after fixing the boards across the door, hurried to the youth center.
…
Ernie was standing behind the counter watching the group of friends; Tommy was on the sparring mats with Jason, Rocky, Zack, Wes and Cole, while Adam, Eric and Connor were on the weights and the others were crowded around the tables.
'It's funny how even though so many years have gone, they still act the same way they did when they were teens,' he mused to himself. 'All it needs now is Kim rushing through the doors from a shopping trip.' Just as the thought completed itself, Kim and the girls came through the doors. 'Speak of the devil.' He watched as Kim's face seemed to be flushed in excitement. Knowing they'd be thirsty, he made four smoothies (strawberry-kiwi, banana, passion fruit and pineapple) for the girls and walked over towards them; reaching just after they did.
"Hey guys," He smiled.
"Hey Ernie," the all chorused.
"Here you go girls," he held out the tray towards them.
"Thanks Ernie," Trini smiled as she took the pineapple. Kim, Aisha and Kira took the strawberry-kiwi, banana and pineapple smoothies respectively. He turned to go back but was stopped by Kim.
"Ernie wait," she smiled. "I want you to hear this too."
"Alright," he said.
"What's going on?" Jordan asked.
"Yeah," Wes said. "Why is Kim so excited?"
"I'm excited because I found it," Kim said as she bounced on her in excitement.
"Found what?" Shane asked.
"The place," Kim smiled. "I found the perfect place for the store."
"Are you serious?" Tommy looked down at his girlfriend.
"Yep," Kim grinned. "It's so big; more than enough room. And the best part is, it's only like two blocks from here."
"Where exactly is it?" Hunter asked.
"I'll show you," Kim said. "You should come too Ernie, I want you to see it."
"Sure Kim," Ernie smiled. As the group walked towards the doors, Ernie stopped at the counter to let his worker Shanelle know where he was going.
"I'll be back in five minutes," he said to her.
"Ok," she nodded. Kim was all smiles as she led her friends to the place. She truly was excited because something in her told that that was the place for her. As they came up to the barricaded door, she advised them to be careful as they went in. Taking her advice, the group made their way inside and looked around. After a few minutes, Blake turned to look at Kim.
"You're right," he said. "This place is huge."
"What do the rest of you think?" she asked her friends.
"Do you absolutely feel that this is the place for you?" Jason looked at his little sister.
"I do," Kim said, not even hesitating to give her answer.
"Okay then," Tommy smiled. "I guess we finally have something to work with."
"So the first I thing I need to do is go to the bank and see how much they're selling it for," Kim said.
"And you need an inspector out here," Billy said. "I'd offer to do it, but I'd rather someone from the city do it. At least that way, you won't run into any legal problems."
"Uncle Carson told me that when I found my place, to just call him," Kim told him. "He said that he knows a guy."
"I have an idea," Ethan said.
"What is it?" Caitlin asked.
"Well," he started. "What if Billy, Cam and I do the electricity wiring? I mean think about it; Cam did all the technical stuff for the NS team and I helped out Hayley for our team and well, from what I heard from Dr. O, Billy is more than capable as he did all that stuff for you guys."
"That's a good idea," Billy said. "What do you think sis?"
"I trust you with this stuff more than anyone else," Kim shrugged. "And besides, Ethan's right; after everything you did in the Command Center, you are more than capable."
"And I'm sure he picked up a few extra things on Acquitar," Rocky injected.
"So why don't we head back to the house and work out the rest of the details?" Adam said.
"Sounds good," Tommy said.
"I'm going to head back to the gym," Ernie said. "Congrats on finding your space Kim."
"Thanks Ernie," Kim smiled at him. She gave him a hug as he passed to go out. She turned back to her friends. "Before we head home, I want to stop by the bank."
"You're going to go now?" Zack asked.
"Yeah," Kim looked at him. "We didn't see a sign anywhere and I want to know if it's going to be demolished or used for something and if it's not, I need the price."
One by one, the group made their way out of the building. Kim was one of the last ones out and when she neared the door, she looked back; she let her gaze go around the room for a few minutes before she smiled. Shaking her head, she turned and walked away.
…
Kim didn't get in touch with her uncle until Wednesday, two days later. While she was on the phone with him, Billy, Ethan and Cam were huddled together going over their ideas. After a few minutes, she hung up and turned to the others.
"Ok," she said. "Uncle Carson said that the guy can be here on Saturday to inspect the place."
"Alright," Aisha said. "We've got the inspector down and Billy and the other two are working on the technical stuff and you've already talked to the bank."
"Yep," Kim said. The bank teller that she had spoke to had told the space wasn't on the list to be demolished and had given her the price. For professional courtesy, she had given Kim a week to get the money to her after Kim had told her that she would have no problem providing the full money.
"We're done," Ethan said.
"What did you guys do?" Marah asked.
"This is a digital look at how Kim's store is going to set out," Billy said.
"It's only temporary," Cam added. "Because Kim might have some things she'd want to change or add….take a look." He turned the laptop so the group could see. The set-up was amazing. Billy hit the start button and they took a digital tour throughout the store. Entering, they saw the cash register to the front; they saw the different clothes racks and mannequins in the window; at the back were bathrooms and changing rooms. Shelves lined the walls, which were done in three colors; pink, green and white and each wall had the faint design of a crane and falcon on it. The store looked amazing.
"Guys," Kim whispered in awe. "This is amazing."
"So you like it?" Ethan asked.
"I love it," Kim smiled. "I don't think there's anything I'd change." From his position, Wes looked at Kim. He had something he wanted to tell her but he had no idea how to do it. He didn't want to offend her or anything, but it truly was something he wanted to do and after talking with his dad, he just needed to talk to Kim.
"OK," Jordan said. "We have the price for the place down already; now we just need to know the price that everything else is going to be."
"I know," Kim tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "After the inspector is done, I'm going to need to look for the equipments for the store. I think I'll talk to my parents; I have no doubt they'd want to help me."
Wes saw his opening. "So would I." Kim turned to look at him, the others included.
"What?" Kim asked.
"I want to help you with the store," Wes clarified. "Whatever the cost of the equipments, I want to help pay for it."
"Wes," Kim started.
"Kim," he cut her off. "I know you're going to say that I don't have to, and you're right; I don't have to, but I want to. You guys have done so much for the rangers; I mean if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be rangers at all. I want to give something back, you know? And by doing this, I am."
"I don't know what to say," Kim said.
"You said that your new line is dedicated to Zordon and the power rangers, right?" Wes said; when she nodded, he continued. "Everyone else is contributing to it; Billy and the others are doing the tech stuff, the girls are helping with the modeling, Aisha and Trini are helping with the business end and the guys will be helping with the moving stuff."
"So what are you getting?" Eric asked.
"What I'm getting at is that this is my way of helping out," Wes said. "Let me help."
Kim was quiet for a few seconds. She didn't mind the help, not that she wanted it, but she couldn't just let him do this….could she?
"Beautiful," Tommy called. She turned to look at him. "What could it hurt? If I didn't think you'd castrate me, I'd offer to help myself. He's right, all of us are already helping, and this is how he wants to help."
"Are you sure?" Kim turned to Wes. "It could and probably will be expensive."
"I'm sure," Wes smiled. "And besides, I already talked to my dad about it and he agrees."
"OK," Kim smiled. "Thanks."
"You never have to thank me," Wes smiled.
"With all of us working on it," Rocky smiled. "This is turning into one huge ranger mission."
"Boy," Aisha shook her head laughing.
"What?" Rocky turned seemingly innocent eyes at her.
"That don't work on me," Aisha smiled.
"Ok guys," Kim said. "Let's do this; Billy, think you can go online and see how much the needed equipments would cost?"
"Sure thing," Billy nodded.
"We're going to need paints," Kim continued. She continued listing the things that they would need and the approximate price for them. Over the course of the next few days, the group went over ideas. They met with the building inspector and after getting the ok, they proceeded with their plans. Billy, Ethan and Cam went over the room before doing any electrical work, while the others helped cleaned out the place. Over the course of the next few weeks, movement on the store began; they had already cleaned it out and had started painting it. Kim talked to her parents regularly; and knowing that she alone wouldn't be able to get all her clothes done in time, she had sent some of her designs to her friend Antoinette Renoir, the seamstress she had worked with for her store in Paris, so her clothes were coming along perfectly. She already had boxes ready to be shipped over. The other rangers would make trips back and forth to their homes and jobs. Aisha and the others had finalized everything with the apartments and their jobs so that they could dedicate their time with helping Kim. By the end of June, her friends had officially moved into her house. Progress on the store was going along great. They had taken time off for the July 4th celebration, but had gotten right back into it after the weekend was over. By the time the August Monday weekend came, the store was almost complete. With so many people working on it, the former rangers and her Uncle Carson, everything went by smoothly and quickly. It was the second week of August and Kim was sitting on her porch working on a few more designs when Tanya approached her. It was a Wednesday, and they had decided to take a break from working on the store and most of their friends were at the park or downstairs in the basement.
"Hey Kim can I talk to you?" Tanya called out as she approached her.
"Sure Tanya," Kim said before she moved her sketch pad to the side. "What did you want to talk about?"
"It's something I've been thinking about for awhile now," Tanya said as she sat down in the seat next to Kim.
"Ok," Kim turned to look at her. "What is it?"
"What do you think about me being a teacher?" Tanya asked her friend.
"A teacher?" Kim was shocked. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah," Tanya smiled slightly.
"When did you decide that you wanted to be a teacher?" Kim asked her. "I mean, is this a sudden thing or have you been thinking about this for awhile now?"
"It's not sudden," Tanya shook her head. "It's actually something I've been thinking about for a while now." She was quiet for a moment and Kim let her be. "Back in high school we had to do this play and we had to work with kids. Each of us had our own kid to work with; Kat taught a little girl ballet, Rocky and Adam taught two kids (boy and girl) some martial arts and I had helped a little girl with a song."
"What happened then to make you think of being a teacher now?" Kim asked.
"I love singing," Tanya said. "You know that, I know that, everyone knows that and I know that people expected to be a singer like you. When I sang with you I had so much fun, but the reason why I didn't pursue a singing career is because I realized that I didn't want to be one or rather, I didn't have the drive for it….not like you did. But when I had helped that little girl I realized that I loved it; I loved helping her get to the point where she was confident in her own skin, confident enough to go out on stage and sing."
"And then you realized you wanted to teach," Kim stated.
"Yeah," Tanya smiled. "I want to be a music teacher; maybe elementary."
"But don't you need teaching credentials," Kim asked. "Or a degree of some type in teaching?"
"Already have them," Tanya said, to Kim's shock.
"Seriously?" Kim said.
"Yep," Tanya nodded. "Though I haven't told anyone I took them in college; you're the first."
"Not even Adam?" Kim asked, a little surprised knowing that the two told each other everything.
"No," Tanya shook her head. "I wasn't sure if I'd actually get up the courage to go into teaching and I wasn't sure how he'd take it either."
"You know you're going to have to tell him?" Kim told her.
"Yeah I know," Tanya said.
"Are you sure being a teacher is what you want?" Kim asked, it's not that she was trying to discourage her friend, and even though she knew that she was going to give her support, she still wanted to make sure it was truly what her friend wanted.
"Yes it is," Tanya said. "And I already applied for a job."
"You have?" Kim was shocked again. "Where?"
"Yes," Tanya smiled. "At Angel Grove Elementary. I had applied there last year, but they didn't have an opening, but their music teacher is moving and they called me and asked if I was still interested in the job; I was, so I took it."
"Tanya I am so proud of you," Kim said as she hugged her friend. "I am behind you one hundred percent in this and I know Adam will be too."
"Thanks Kim," Tanya said as she returned the hug.
"So when do you start?" Kim asked as they pulled back from the hug.
"Next month," Tanya chuckled.
"So soon?" Kim looked at her. "But what about lessons plans and whatnots?"
"Well," Tanya placed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Mrs. Bellini, the music teacher that's leaving, was kind enough to ring up plans for the first semester. School starts on the 8th, since Labor Day is the Monday and they use the Tuesday for final preparations, so I have to be there on Tuesday to go over the plans and meet the teachers."
"Wow," Kim smiled. "Teacher Sloan, those kids are going to be so lucky to have you as a teacher."
"I'm so excited about this Kim," Tanya said. "I really can't wait for the first day."
"Me either," Kim said. "But first, you need to tell Adam." Just as she finished speaking, they heard voices in the house, one of them was Adam's. "No time like the present." Tanya laughed.
Kim got up from the couch. "I'll send him out to talk to you."
"Thanks Kim," Tanya smiled. Kim grabbed her sketchpad and headed in. she was almost to the kitchen when she saw Adam.
"Hey Adam," she smiled.
"Hey sis," Adam turned towards her.
"Tanya needs to talk to you," Kim said. "She's out on the porch."
"Alright," Adam nodded his head. "Thanks Kim."
"No problem," Kim smiled as she went off to look for her boyfriend. Kim found Tommy in the kitchen with the others. He was wearing sweats and a tank top and was wiping his neck and forehead with a cloth. "Hey Handsome, had a good workout?"
"Hey Beautiful," Tommy smiled at her before bending down for a kiss. "Yeah I did. Did you get any work done on those sketches?"
"Yes I did," Kim smiled as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "And they are coming along really well."
"That's good to hear," a voice said behind her. She turned only to find Anton and Michelle standing there.
"Anton, Michelle," Kim squealed as she went over to them. "What are you guys doing here?"
Anton laughed as he pulled her into a hug. "We came up to see you, but we can leave if you want."
"Don't be silly," Kim laughed. She pulled away from him and moved over to hug Michelle. "Hey Michelle."
"Hey Kim," Michelle as she returned the hug. "How's everything going?"
"It's going good," Kim smiled. "The store is almost finished and I already have clothes ready to be shipped over."
"That's good to hear," Michelle said. Michelle and Anton had met Kim when she had gone to see Hayley's café and had immediately been taken with her. Her vibrant and bubbly personality had captured them and they had found her a delight; especially Anton as the two had spent time talking business. And as such, despite Kim's protests, had even donated some money for her store. It seemed Rocky's words about it turning into a ranger mission had rung true.
"How's the company going?" Kim asked.
"Mercer Industries is running quite well," Anton answered. He was about to say something else but was interrupted by a scream from outside. Looking at each other, the group hurried back to the front room and was Adam and Tanya walking in.
"What's going?" Trini asked.
"Yeah," Aisha added. "What was that scream about?"
Tanya held out her left hand. "We're getting married!"
"What?" the group shouted. Soon after Tanya was rushed by the girls while the guys congratulated Adam. The rest of the afternoon was spent as an impromptu engagement celebration. Since the store only needed a few more things, it didn't take that long to complete and was finished by the time September 1st had arrived. Kim stood inside the now completed store with her friends around her. She had decided to do a press conference and fashion show as a preview on Friday the 3rd before the store officially opened a week later on Friday the 10th. She knew that it was cutting it short to have the press conference without much of a warning, but knew she could pull it off.
(The Press Conference—Revealing All)
Kim paced the floor in Ernie's office at the youth center. He had given her consent to hold the press conference and fashion show at the gym and she was grateful for it. Earlier she had made the decision to reveal who she really was and it was a little terrifying to her. Right now, Tommy, Jason, Wes, Eric, Taylor and Alyssa were with Kim while Trini, Aisha, Tori, Kelly and Tanya were back checking everything; Kira, Krista, Caitlin, Sally, Marah and Kapri were getting ready for the show as were Connor, Jordan, Trent, Hunter, Dustin and Blake; and Hayley, Billy, Ethan, Cam and Danny were going over the technical stuff making sure that there was no problems. Zack, Cole, Adam, Rocky, Max and Shane were hanging out with Ernie helping with the food. The citizens of Angel Grove, having been curious about the construction on the store, had turned up to see exactly what was going on. The rumor mill running around the town was that it was a new shopping store and that it may be Annabelle's but no one knew for sure. And when one of their own announced she was having a press conference, it drew them even more as their curiosity doubled.
"Kim," Jason said. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yeah," Kim said. "I mean, I'm only telling the world that I'm TCrane and Annabelle. Oh God, what am I doing?"
"Everything's going to be fine Beautiful," Tommy said as he rubbed her arms.
"He's right Kim," Taylor added. "You can do this; plus, we're with you every step of the way."
"And, this is kind of a big deal," Alyssa said. "So we understand if you are a little nervous."
"You're right," Kim said. "It's a huge deal, I know, but this is something I feel I have to do. It's time to bring all three of my selves back together." She sighed. "Dear God I sound like a mental patient with DID."
"Yes," Wes smiled. "You do."
"Shut up Wes," Kim chuckled, as did the others.
"What time is this starting again?" Eric asked.
"In ten minutes," Jason said looking at his watch.
"Ok," Kim said. "This is really happening."
"Yes it is," Tommy smiled at her. "And I'm proud of you."
"All of us are," Eric said. Ten minutes later, Jason looked at his watch again.
"It's time," he said.
"Ok," Kim took a deep breath and released it. "Let's do this." The group walked out from Ernie's office to flashbulbs and Kim, without pause, walked directly over to the podium with Tommy and Jason standing off to the left of her while the others found the rest of their friends in the back.
"Good afternoon," Kim said. "I would like to welcome you to this press conference and the following fashion show. I know that most, if not all, of you are wondering what exactly is going and I'm here to tell you. But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Kimberly Hart. I was born and raised here in Angel Grove until I moved to Florida in my junior year of high school. I trained with Coach Gunther Schmidt and competed in the Pan Globals and winning, before going on to compete in the 1996 Olympics where I won and became the all around Olympic Gold Medal Winner and was dubbed America's Sweetheart. Then in college, I majored in fashion and business; during and after that time, I also got into another hobby of mine; singing. So, I pursued a career in it and in 1999 brought out my first album which went number one. The albums following proceeded to number one as well. After quitting in 2001, I moved to Paris and focused on having a career in fashion. That was a good idea, as I soon started working with top designers and soon became one myself. Now I am one of the most sought after designers. Who am I you ask? While in the sports world I am known as Kimberly Hart, Olympic winner, in the music world I was known as TCrane." Here, she had to pause for the exclamations of shock, surprise and disbelief. She smiled as she knew that her next reveal would leave them even more shocked. "And, in the fashion world, you know me as Annabelle." She was not disappointed. The reporters and locals were shocked and excited about the reveal, as were the ones watching. Unbeknownst to the others, the other former rangers were watching the conference and could only look on in shock at the revealing identities of one of their own.
"Kimberly," one reporter called. When she nodded to him, he continued. "For a young woman of only twenty-seven, you have achieved a lot of success; first as a gymnast, then a singer and now a fashion designer. You have a lot of talent. It seemed as if your very good at no matter what it is you do."
"Thank you," Kim smiled.
"My question is this," the reporter continued. "Could you explain to us just what the new store is all about? And why here?"
"Well," Kim started. "As I've said, I grew up in Angel Grove; it's my home town, and I always said that if I made a career in fashion, then I would definitely have my own store in the place where I came from. The press conference tonight is to promote the opening of a new branch to Annabelle right here in Angel Grove; and the fashion show right after this is to promote the new line."
"What's the new line all about?" a female reporter asked.
"I'm glad you asked," Kim smiled. "Everyone here knows of the power rangers, but what most people don't know or realize is that Angel Grove is where the first set of rangers came from and we owe a lot to them. I'm sure the citizens agree with me when I say that if it wasn't for the rangers and their willingness to defend our town, and ultimately our planet, from the evil villain Zedd or the Machine Empire, then we would not be here. So, my line is a dedication to the rangers; it's my way of saying thank you for everything that they did for us. The line will be based on the designs of some of the ranger suits; it will consist of evening-wear, sports-wear, night-out-on-the-town-wear and comfy wear."
"Do you think any of the rangers will show up?" another female reporter asked. "And do you think that they would appreciate what you're doing?"
"I don't think any rangers will show up; although that would be cool," Kim laughed, as did everyone else. "It's been thirteen years since the original rangers first came to us and while I can't say for sure, I'd like to think that they would appreciate what I'm doing." She could see most of her friends in the back and saw that they were all smiling and nodding towards her. She didn't have to look to the left of her to know that Tommy and Jason had the same expression on their faces.
"Can you tell us more about the fashion show Kimberly?" a male reporter in the back asked.
"Like I said earlier," Kim said. "The fashion is to promote the new line; but it will also feature some earlier clothes as well. The show is basically a preview, a look into what the store will have when it opens next Friday. Now, I could stand here and explain the show, but I think you'd have a better idea and a better time, by watching it. The models that you'll see tonight are some of my closest friends. They are Kira Ford (fans in the audience gasped as they recognized the name of the popular singer), Trent Fernandez, Krista Davis, Marah and Kapri Watannabe, Blake and Hunter Bradley, Connor and Jordan McKnight, Dustin Brooks, Sally Daniels and Caitlin Johnson, as well as myself. The show starts in just twenty minutes, so relax and enjoy the food that we have prepared for you. Thank you." Kim gave a slight bow and walked off the podium to applause. She headed directly to Tommy and Jason.
"You did good sis," Jason smiled as he pulled her into a hug.
"Thanks Jase," Kim said as she hugged him back.
"I'm proud of you Beautiful," Tommy smiled at his girlfriend before leaning down for a kiss.
"I'm proud of me too," Kim smiled as she pulled back from the kiss. The trio then moved to join their friends. "Hey guys."
"Hey," they answered.
"You did good Kim," Tori smiled at her.
"Thanks Tori," Kim said. "Now all I have to do is get through the show."
"Don't worry," Hayley smiled. "It's going to be great."
"Thanks Hales," Kim returned her smile. Informing her friends where she was going, Kim walked over to where her "models" were.
"Hey guys," she smiled at them.
"Hey Kim," they answered.
"Are you guys nervous?" she asked.
"Just a little bit," Trent said. Kim smiled in sympathy knowing that the comic book artist was a little shy.
"Don't worry about it," she reassured him. "Besides, I'll be with you guys as well and you're not doing it solo; it'll be done in pairs."
"That's good to know," Trent smiled.
"I'm excited," Kira said. "Because I'm helping you do this and it means that after this, the store will actually be opening soon; so I can't wait."
"Me either," Connor smiled. "I'm glad for you Kim."
"Alright guys," Kim said. "We have twenty minutes, so let's get ready." With that, the group went through the pre-show routine. They checked over the clothes and the order in which they would go. The only thing left was what music would be playing; a problem that Billy brought up to Kim.
"Kim," he said. "What music will be playing?"
"Oh," Kim said. "I'll be using a song I wrote."
"Is it the song you've been writing for the past few weeks?" Caitlin asked. Even though Kim was working on her designs, she had also spent time in her recording booth in her basement; she had told them that words kept popping up in her mind but wouldn't let her rest until she took them on pen and paper. It had only taken her a few days to complete the song and then she had locked herself in the booth until she got the words to music.
"Yes it is," Kim smiled.
"So we finally get to hear what you've been working on?" Jordan asked his sister.
"Well, not really," Kim said.
"What do you mean?" Hunter asked.
"Well," Kim explained. "It's only the instrumental version to the song; I figured I'd play the actual song when we get back home, kind of like a celebratory party for tonight."
"Sounds good," Blake said. "Even so, I'm still curious to hear the music."
"Same here," Krista smiled. The others echoed her words and they continued getting ready. Soon after, Aisha came and told them it was time. They had convened in the locker rooms and Aisha and the others had erected a screen that separated the pathway from the lockers to the start of the runway; so as it is, when they stepped out slightly moved the sheen and were in slight awe and nervousness as they saw the runway and the amount of people sitting along the length of it.
"Ready guys?" Trini asked as she walked over to them.
"It's now or never," Dustin said. "Let's do this."
"Alright," Trini smiled. She then turned to Kim. "We're going to need the music."
"Alright," Kim nodded. "I'll go give it to Zack." She walked out of the locker room careful to stay behind the screen and walked towards Ernie's office where her bag was. Finding it on the desk, she searched through it for her CD. Grabbing it, she walked back out and over to where Zack was.
"Hey sis," he called out when he saw her coming.
"Hey Zack," Kim smiled.
"Whatcha got there?" he asked, jerking his head in the direction of her hand.
"The song for us to walk down the runway," Kim said. "It's the song I've been working on….well actually it's just the music, no words."
"Sweet," Zack smiled. "Can't wait to hear it."
"You and everybody else," Kim laughed. Kim went back to her other friends and they waited patiently until it was time to start. Finally, five minutes later, they heard their cue; Zack had just started the CD and the music started, while Trini was describing what each couple was wearing.
Kira was the first out along with Connor and they were both wearing clothes from the Night On the Town section of the line. They both wore jeans, while Kira was wearing an off the shoulder yellow and red top with a river design and Connor was wearing a white tank top with jungle design that had the faint outline of a wolf looking out. The two walked down the runway to cheers and applause. Following them, were Krista and Trent who wore clothes from the Evening section; Krista was wearing a strapless pale pink dress that had a design of a falcon whose wings were extended and stretched from the top of the dress and went around to end up at the end of the dress in the front giving it a sarong-like look and Trent was wearing a black and white tuxedo with a white undershirt; when he moved, the faint grass design looked like it was blowing in the breeze. Blake and Caitlin were next and they wore clothes from the sports line; Blake was wearing a blue track pants with a white line running down the sides of it and had the name Annabelle written into the white in green and a white vest; Caitlin was wearing pink shorts that had the name Annabelle written in green on the bottom of the right leg, a white spaghetti strap tank top with the pink unzipped jacket over it; the jacket had the design of an ape on the back standing on its legs with its hands in the air. They too walked off the runway to cheers and applause. Next up was Jordan and Sally and they wore clothes from Comfy section (which could be a cross between sports and night out); Jordan was wearing a black t-shirt that had the words "T-Rex: King of the Dinos" in red on the front with a pterodactyl, triceratops, saber-tooth tiger, and mastodon beneath it and on the back was a picture of a Tyrannosaurus, its mouth open in a roar and knee-length kaki shorts; Sally was wearing a jean skirt with a yellow star design and a yellow short-sleeved tank top with a picture of the original six rangers helmets on the front. Following them were Hunter and Kapri and they were wearing clothes from the Evening section as well; Hunter was wearing a black tux with thin red vertical stripes and a red undershirt and Kapri was wearing a silver knee-length dress with a gold sash going around its waist, the bottom of the dress was a jungle scene and had gold bears in it and she was wearing 2-inch silver heels; the final couple was Dustin and Marah and they were wearing clothes from the Comfy section as well; Dustin was wearing green sweatpants and green vest that had a lightning bolt on it while Marah was wearing a black sweatshirt that had a yellow saber-tooth tiger on the back and black sweatpants that had the word Tiger across the bottom. Mara being who she was did a little twirl and a wave before walking back down the runway. Kim was the final person out and she had on the same outfit that she had worn to the club; form-fitting pair of dark blue jeans that had the pink design of a pond with a frog lounging on a lily pad and a silver belt that glittered as she moved, a pink halter top and the matching jacket which had the words 'Have you seen my Prince?' done in pink on the back. When she got to the end of the runway, the crowd rose to its feet as they applauded her. She gave a bow and called out the others and they all bowed to the cheers.
Afterwards, Kim was standing with Tommy, his arm around her waist, as she talked to the press.
"Kimberly," A female reporter spoke. "I must say, you're fashion show was success."
"Thank you," Kim smiled. "It took time to get everything done, but none of it would have been possible without the help of my friends and for Ernie for letting me use the youth center; I'm thankful for them and happy that everything went well."
"Congratulations on the show and good luck on the opening of your store," the same reporter said.
"Thank you," Kim said before turning away with Tommy.
"Well there you have it folks," the reporter said. "A successful show put on by a successful woman. Fans were no doubt surprised by the revealing of exactly who she was in the world; from World Gymnast to popular music singer to successful designer, Kimberly Hart has done it all and I have no doubt in my mind that this next venture will be as successful as her others."
"Great show Kim," Ernie smiled at her as she and Tommy walked over.
"Thanks Ernie," Kim said. "And thanks for letting us use the youth center; I couldn't have done it without you."
"No problem Kim," Ernie said. "I was happy to help out."
"Now all that's left is the store opening," Eric said.
"I know," Kim smiled. "And I can't wait."
"Let's go back to the house," Zack said. "I want to hear the words to the song that was played."
"Yeah," Kira smiled. "Me too."
"Alright," Kim nodded. "Let's go. We'll see you Ernie."
"Ernie," Jason said. "We'll stop by tomorrow to help clean up."
"That's ok," Ernie smiled. "See you tomorrow guys, and Kim, once again congratulations."
"Bye Ernie," The group said as they left.
(Back at the house)
"That was an exciting night," Kim sighed as she opened the door.
"I hear you," Tommy said. "But you're still happy about it."
"Yep," She smiled. She and the others made their way into the front room. Kim walked over to the piano and ran her fingers across the top of it. "You guys really want to hear the song?"
"Yes," they answered. Before she could sit down, Tommy's cell phone rang.
"Don't you dare start without me," He said to Kim. He walked to the doorway. "Hello?"
"Tommy?" a voice said. "It's me, Ryan Mitchell from LSR."
"Ryan!" Tommy was surprised. "Hey, what's up?"
"What's up?" Ryan asked. "What's up is that you forgot to mention something about a certain pink ranger."
"Huh?" Tommy was a little confused.
"Me and the others were sitting around watching TV," Ryan said. "Imagine our surprise when a press conference comes on and we see none other than the former pink ranger revealing that she was very popular in the world."
"You guys saw the press conference," Tommy said.
"Yes we did," Ryan said. "We were shocked; former pink ranger turns out to be America's Sweetheart in Gymnast, famous singer and popular designer, I guess the only thing I can say is thank God they don't know of her ranger past."
"Same here," Tommy smiled. "Not to offend you or anything, but why did you call?"
"Well," Ryan said. "After the conference, the other LSR rangers and I talked and we got in touch with some of the former rangers, when we told them about the conference they were shocked. When we told them about the store opening, all of us decided that since we missed the conference, we'd show up as a surprise at the store opening."
"Seriously?" Tommy asked. "Wait, which former rangers did you guys got in contact with?"
"Well," Ryan said. "We couldn't get the alien rangers but we got the Astro rangers and the Lost Galaxy rangers. So what do you think?"
"I think that'd be the perfect surprise for Kim," Tommy said. "We had decided at the start of summer to have a mini reunion but with all the other former rangers, it can be a full ranger reunion."
"Sounds good," Ryan said. "I'll let everyone know."
"I'll tell Jason," Tommy said. "See you guys until then."
"Alright," Ryan said. "See you."
Tommy had just hung up his phone when Jason walked over to him. "What's up?"
"That was Ryan from LSR," Tommy said.
"What did he want?" Jason asked.
"He and the other rangers saw the press conference and they decided to come down next week for the opening and to have a ranger reunion."
"That sounds good and all," Jason said. "But if it is to be a full ranger reunion, what about the Mystic and Overdrive teams?"
"I forgot about those guys," Tommy said. "Alright, how about this? You contact the Mystic Force and I'll contact the Overdrive team."
"Sounds good," Jason said. The two went into the kitchen and made the calls; after talking with each team for about ten minutes, they could confirm that they were going to be there.
"That's done," Jason smiled.
"This will be the best surprise ever," Tommy said. "Come on, let's go back in. I want to hear the song from Kim." The two smiled as they walked back in to where the others were.
"There you guys are," Trini said. "I was wondering what was keeping you two."
"Nothing," Jason said. "Now, Kim, you owe us a song."
"Wow," Michelle said from her position in Anton's arms. "You guys are really excited to hear her sing; to hear this song."
"Yes we are," Trent turned to his adoptive mother. "Just wait until you hear her sing, then you'll feel the same way."
"Alright," Kim smiled as she sat down on the piano bench. "When I was writing this, I was thinking about all of us; I noticed that most, if not all, of the guys had brown eyes and I asked the girls how they could tell how their guys felt about them—
"You mean that was the real reason you asked all those questions?" Jen asked.
"Yep," Kim smiled. "And I realized that it's pretty much the way I know Tommy feels about me, so I wrote the song for it. The song is called "Brown Eyes" and it's for all of us girls."
(Verse 1)
Remember the first day when I saw your face
Remember the first day when you smiled at me
You stepped to me and then you said to me
I was the woman you dreamed about
Remember the first day when you called my house
Remember the first day when you took me out
we had butterflies although we tried to hide
and we both had a beautiful night
Each couple smiled as the words caused them to think about their own first date and how they had felt; the nervousness and the excitement.
(Pre-Chorus)
The way we held each other's hand,
the way we talked, the way we laughed
it felt so good to find true love
I knew right then and there you were the one
ohhhhhh,
(Chorus)
I know that he loves me cause told me so
I know that he loves me cause his feelings show
When he stares at me you see he cares for me
You see how he is so deep in love
I know that he loves me cause it's obvious
I know that he loves me cause it's me he trust
and he's missing me if he's not kissing me
and when he looks at me his brown eyes tell it so
The group looked on in awe; Kim had captured their feelings for their respective others perfectly. The guys tightened their arms around their girls, some kissed their cheeks, while the others whispered 'I love you' in their ears. Tommy looked at Kim with love in his eyes, silently thanking God and Jason, that he had another chance with her.
(Verse 2)
Remember the first day, the first day we kissed
Remember the first day we had an argument
we apologized and then we compromised
and we've haven't argued since
Remember the first day we stopped playing games
Remember the first day you fell in love with me
it felt so good for you to say those words
cause I felt the same way too
Tommy's mind flashbacked to that day at the lake; the first time he and Kim had kissed. It was perfect and to this day, it remains one of the best days in his entire life. He also remembered when he was the green ranger, when he and Kim had fought against each other before joining forces and when they had been put under a spell when they had ran for class president; that was the last time the two of them had had any arguments like that.
(Pre-chorus)
The way we held each other's hands,
the way we talked, the way we laughed
it felt so good to fall in love
and I knew right there and then you were the one
(Chorus)
I know that he loves cause he told me so
I know that he loves me cause his feelings show
When he stares at me you see he cares for me
You see how he is so deep in love
I know that he loves me cause it's obvious
I know that he loves me cause it's me he trust
and he's missing me if he's not kissing me
and when he looks at me his brown eyes tell it so
(Bridge)
I'm so happy, so happy that you're in my life
and baby now that your apart of me
you've showed me
showed me the true meaning of love (the true meaning of love)
and I know he loves me
As she sang the words, Kim couldn't help but to look over at Tommy. She truly was happy that she and Tommy were back together again; her mom was right, she was happier with him than she ever had been. When they had first met, while she had feelings for him, her childhood with her parents had left her a little weary of guys, but throughout their time together, he had shown her that he was different from other guys; he showed her of how love was supposed to be between two people and she was thankful for him.
(Chorus)
I know that he loves me cause he told me so
I know that he loves me cause his feelings show
When he stares at me you see he cares for me
You see how he is so deep in love
I know that he loves me cause it's obvious
I know that he loves me cause it's me he trust
and he's missing me if he's not kissing me
and when he looks at me his brown eyes tell it so
He looks at me and his brown eyes tell it…….so
The group of friend cheered when Kim was finished; most of the girls had tears in their eyes at the emotion in the song; the amount of love that Kim had put it in. Tommy got up and walked over to his girlfriend; bending down, he captured her lips in a sensual and slightly passionate kiss. When he pulled back, he whispered against her lips;
"I love you Beautiful."
"Feeling's mutual," Kim smiled.
"That was amazing," Michelle said, her voice awed. "I can definitely see why they love hearing you sing and why you were so popular as a singer; you're amazing."
"Thanks," Kim smiled. "So, I take it you guys loved it?" she had directed her question to the girls.
"Absolutely Kim," Alyssa smiled. "I think you captured exactly what we felt."
"Seriously," Kelly said. "Did you have any doubts cuz?"
"It was really good Kim," Taylor said. "Hey, you know what I just realized? I'm hungry."
"Me too," Krista said.
"Same here," the others nodded.
"So," Jason said. "Cooking out takeout?"
The group looked at each other. "Takeout!"
"Takeout it is," Jason said. "What do you guys want?"
"How about pizza?" Kim suggested
"Pizza sounds good," Rocky said.
"Pizza it is," Jason asked. "Now what does everybody want?"
Half the group yelled out pepperoni while the other half yelled cheese. Jason chuckled as he went to the phone to dial Pizza Hut; the guy on the phone was shocked to get an order for two large pepperoni pizzas, two large cheese pizzas and one large half cheese half pepperoni pizza. Twenty minutes after placing the call, the doorbell rang.
"My purse is on the kitchen counter Jase," Kim said. "I'm paying, so no arguments." Nodding his head, Jason went to her purse before going to the door; paying the guy, he took the pizzas and walked back in. The group gathered around and after Kim and Trini had gone to the kitchen for the drinks, the group sat down to eat and talk. They were happy that the night was such a success and they couldn't wait for next week; it was Tanya's first week of teaching, Kim's store opening and unbeknownst to the others, the arrival of the rest of the former rangers.
(Mariner Bay)
Ryan smiled as he hung up from Tommy. The very first ranger reunion and he couldn't wait.
"So what did Tommy say?" Kelsey asked.
"He said it was a good idea and that it'd be a good surprise for Kim and the others," Ryan told her. "So he'll see us next week."
"Sounds good," Carter said.
"I still can't believe that Kim," Dana said. "The very first pink ranger, is actually TCrane and Annabelle."
"No offense," Joel said. "But I didn't think you followed fashion or music that much."
"I don't really," Dana said. "But her clothes are amazing and so is her music."
"I agree," Angela said.
"A ranger reunion," Captain Mitchell said. "It's about time for one of those."
"I can't wait," Kelsey said.
"Me either," Dana smiled. The group smiled as they turned to walk out of their former command center. He stood still as he watched his friends; thinking about the upcoming reunion, he whispered.
"I finally get to meet my sister."
"Hey you coming?" Dana smiled over at him.
"Yeah," he smiled as he jogged over to his friends, anticipation coursing through him for the upcoming meeting.
A/N 2: so how did u guys like it? I had fun writing it. just one more chapter to go and then the epilogue. So, read and review, and tell me what you think.
Song: Brown Eyes—Destiny's Child