Secrets Chapter 28: Life Moves Forward, a power rangers fanfic

A/N: alright, alright. Here it is….the final chapter and the longest chapter (33 in all). I know, I know; I'm sad to see it end as well, but all good things must come to an end. All thanks will be in the last part of this story, which is the Final Thoughts of me. Anyways, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Last time on Secrets;

Kim sighed as she walked through the park. Yesterday she had opened the store at ten and was bombarded by the amount of people. By the time closing rolled around at eight o'clock, she had made close to three thousand; not bad for a first day. To the dismay of the shoppers, the store wouldn't be open on Sunday, so the group had decided to relax. All the former rangers were staying at the house; some staying in the basement while the rest bunked up with the resident house occupants. With the others at the house, Kim came to the park because of that same call she had gotten Friday night. She sighed once more as she sat down on a park bench. All morning she had argued with herself over whether or not she should show up, but in the end, she had decided to, because if she was truthful a part of her was curious as to what they had to say. She hadn't been sitting for more than ten minutes when she heard her name. She turned and saw the person coming. They stopped a few feet from her, so she stood up and turned to face them.

"Hello Katherine."

(Now)

The two girls looked at each other, noticing the changes from the last time they saw each other a few months ago. Kim noticed that Kat's blond hair was slightly darker and she was a bit thinner than she was, her eyes though captured Kim's attention; in them, she saw that the jealousy from before was gone and in its place was remorse and longing. In that instant she knew that the Kat that wrote the letters was gone and that this was a Kat that she could see herself being friends with; not that she would let her know that…at least, not until she heard what the blonde had to say. Likewise, Kat saw that Kim had only become more mature, more beautiful since they last saw each other. Kim's hair was slightly darker as well, which always happened during the fall and winter months. What shocked her though, was instead of seeing the anger, hatred and disgust in Kim's eyes; she saw slight compassion and the willingness to start fresh. Kim brought up a hand to brush her hair from her face and Kat saw the ring on her finger. A slight smile came on her face and she knew what it meant; she was also happy to see that instead of the usual jealousy whenever she thought Tommy and Kim together, she felt acceptance…she felt happiness for them. Taking a breath, she looked back into in Kim's eyes and gave a slight smile.

"Kimberly," Kat said. "Thanks for agreeing to meet me."

"It was against my better judgment," Kim said. "But part of me is curious to hear what it is that you have to say."

"Can we sit?" Kat gestured to the bench behind them. Kim nodded and the two sat down, slightly facing each other.

"OK," Kat sighed. "Since I was the one to call you, I will go first. Let me start by doing something I should have done a long time ago." Seeing the confused look on Kim's face made Kat's lips twitch. "Apologize; I am so sorry for everything that I did. You were my first friend when I moved here and you welcomed me into your circle of friends. And I repaid you by betraying the trust that you placed in me."

"Why did you Kat?" Kim asked her. "After everything I did for you, why would you do that?"

"What I said in the house that day was only partially true," Kat said. "I was jealous of you Kim; no matter what it is that you did, you were great at it. I've never been treated that way, not even when I was back in Australia. I could see that everyone turned to you whenever they needed cheering up or if they needed someone to talk to. When I took your place as the pink ranger, I felt overwhelmed; but I still wanted to prove myself, I wanted to prove that you didn't make a mistake choosing me to carry on the legacy and for awhile, I felt like I could do it. But then, things change. Soon I felt as if I couldn't do it; I realized that sometimes they would look at me and they wouldn't see me, but they'd see you. During one of our first battles, Tommy called me by your name; I didn't pay any attention because I know that it was a huge adjustment from having worked with you for just over two years. But then after time, things got a little bit worse. They would talk about you and I know that they missed you, but as childish as it sounds, I wanted them to notice me too."

"Kat," Kim started but Kat shook her head.

"I know that you don't think so, but you left some pretty big shoes to fill Kim," Kat gave fleeting, sad smile. "And after awhile, it just became too much too handle. I wanted them to see that I was there; that I deserved their trust and their friendship. And instead of talking things over with Zordon, I let it turn to bitterness and then anger….anger at them and at you. It was so hard to hear them talk about you, about the battles that you guys fought together and what made it worse, was that I had fallen for Tommy. The way he smiled whenever he talked about you or whenever he saw your picture, it hurt more than anything. I became so jealous because I wanted his attention on me….I wanted him to love me."

"But that couldn't happen because he was still with me," Kim said. She was shocked by what she heard, but she also felt sorry for Kat. She never thought that she was feeling that way about everything and for so long.

"Yeah," Kat whispered. She took a breath and let it out on a sigh. "All that jealousy became anger; I became angry at them for still thinking about you, for not seeing that I was there. You know at one point I had started doing things similar to what you would do? Anyways, I let my anger get the better of me until I truly believed that if you weren't in their lives then they would accept me in the way that they accepted you."

"So the idea for the letters was born," Kim said. She was starting to understand why Kat had done what she did.

"Hmm-hmm," Kat nodded. "So I sent the letters out and everything felt as if it was going according to plan; but what I never counted on was the immense guilt that I would feel. When I saw how the others were, especially Tommy, I felt so bad because I knew that they didn't deserve it….you didn't deserve it, but I was so far gone into my jealousy that I felt that it was right. And then, it seemed like everyone was moving on, they began to accept and you were gone from their lives and when I realized that I could finally belong without your shadow over us, all the guilt I felt about doing what I did, was pushed deep inside. Then things started to change in our senior year when you were kidnapped."

"How so?" Kim asked; people might think she was crazy for sitting here and listening to Kat explain why she did what she did or to hear her say the things she was saying, but Kim needed to understand because deep down, she truly wanted to see if there could be a friendship between the two of them. She hated that the rangers were in such discord with one of their own; when she had told her mother that the rangers were a family, she meant it. Families fight, but they never lost sight of what was important, at least not most. The rangers had a deeper bond between than any other group of people and Kim refused to let it alienate one of their own. She knew firsthand how it felt to be an outcast to them and she didn't want anyone to go through what she did….even if it is Kat.

"When Divatox showed that you were one of the captured," Kat said. "And Tommy saw your face on the screen, I knew that I would lose him; he had so much fear and love in his eyes for you. When he saw the fake bodies being dumped into the ocean, he freaked out; he wouldn't let us leave until he was absolutely sure it wasn't you. But the worst of it was when you attacked us on the island. The moment I saw Tommy taking off his helmet to try and reach you, I knew then that despite what happened, Tommy was and will always be in love with you."

"So that's why you clung to him at the tournament afterwards," Kim said as the realization came to her. "You were afraid that something would happen between us and your secrets would be out."

"Yes," Kat looked away on a sigh. It was hard revealing herself like this to Kim, but she knew that she needed to do it. "But then you left; you went back to Florida and we didn't hear from you again. I thought that everything would be fine after that, but the damage was already done. Tommy's actions concerning you at Murianthesis and at the after party for the tournament, the way he kept looking at you, told me that he was not over you and if you had given him a sign that you wanted to work things out, he would have gladly took you back. When you showed up at the house I was terrified; I thought that everything was crashing down around me and everyone would know what I did. But I guess I was lucky because it never happened and Tommy was never told that the letters were a lie."

"And you were safe once again," Kim finished. She was slowly but surely starting to understand why Kat did what she did.

"Yeah," Kat tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "But I was hurt again. Tanya had never met you before, but after the air was cleared, she started referring to you as her little sister. And that hurt more than anything. I knew her longer and I was her best friend, but suddenly you were her little sister and I got jealous. When we met up in England, I pushed that jealousy and anger away. For the first time, I genuinely wanted to be your friend; I wanted you to like….to be my friend….for the first time I wished that I had never done what I did."

"If that's true Kat," Kim looked at her. "Then why did you go after Jean-Luc? If you truly wished you had never hurt us…hurt me like you did, why would you sleep with my boyfriend? Why would you put me through that pain again?" at the end of her question, Kim's voice had become tinged with agony.

"I don't know," Kat whispered. Hearing the pain in Kim's voice had brought tears to her eyes. She truly wished that she could do everything all over again, but she couldn't. All she could do now was try to fix the damage that she had created. "I honestly don't know. And it doesn't matter how much times I say 'I'm sorry' it's not going to change that I did do that."

"I don't get it Kat," Kim shook her head, tears running down her cheeks.

"I know," Kat said. "But let me finish….please?" Kim nodded, although a bit reluctant and Kat heaved a sigh before continuing. "When I came back home, I tried to push what had happened in England to the back of my mind. I never told anyone and I wasn't sure I was ever going to. When I met back up with Tommy, it wasn't really in my thoughts to try and have another relationship with him. But I did anyways and for awhile, I was happy. But then the guilt started creeping out. Sometimes I couldn't sleep because all I kept seeing was the look in your eyes when you found out that I was the one behind everything. It had hurt more than I thought possible and I felt shame for doing what I did. When Connor came home, I was forcing myself to forget about it….about everything and it almost worked; until I realized that he knew and he knew everything. After that, it's like I was determined that Tommy stayed mine; but then you came home and things went from bad to worse. I thought that you would've told them everything right away, but you didn't. You didn't care about it, it was like all you cared about was seeing everyone again; all you were happy about was being home with your friends. I prayed and hoped that nothing would change, but they did. The moment Tommy saw you, I knew things had changed; it was just like Murianthesis all over again."

"You realized that he was still in love with me," Kim whispered, her tears had stopped when Kat was talking.

"Yes," Kat nodded. "Do you remember that night in the kitchen? After we got back from the club? (Kim nodded) Everything you said that night was true; I was afraid that Tommy would leave me and go back with you. I knew that the only reason he stayed with me was because he felt honor bound; he is the noblest person I have ever met and I knew that if he wasn't, he wouldn't have taken that long to end things. The jealousy that he showed in the club when that guy was dancing with you, he has never reacted that way with me…in fact, back in high school, he barely showed any reaction if another guy would flirt with me. But with you, that was different….you were different. It may have taken me awhile to get it but I do. You and Tommy were meant to be together; you fit together like the perfect puzzle. I never should've let my crush turn into love and I never should've let it get in the way of my friendship with everyone and with you. The thing is, I knew that Tommy and I would never last, but I wouldn't listen….I didn't care. I wanted him and in the process of getting him, I hurt all my friends and I am so sorry for that."

"Can I ask you something?" Kim turned to look at her.

"Anything," Kat said, inside she hoped beyond hope that Kimberly would understand what she said today and would accept her as a friend once more.

"What did you decide to seek me out and tell me this?" Kim asked her. "I mean, from everything you've just said, it seemed as if even though you were sorry, you still couldn't bring yourself to come right out and say it. So why now? What brought on this change of heart?"

"It was you," Kat smiled at the surprised look on her face. "You and Ernie; that day at the youth center when you punched me, you told me that you were tired of my petty jealousness and that it was old and unneeded. You also said that I should start talking responsibility for why I didn't have any friends and you right. When you left, Ernie took me to his office and we talked. He listened as I told him the whole story, no lies and no embellishments and then he told me that he was disappointed in the way I treated everyone, especially you. He reminded me that you were my first friend…the first one to go out of her way to make me feel welcome….and that it's because of you why I became friends with the others….it's because of you why I was a ranger in the first place. I truly am sorry for everything I did to hurt you Kim. I wish I could go back and change things, but I can't. All I can do is ask if could ever find it your heart to forgive me and to possibly give me another chance to be your friend?"

"Kat," Kim said as she moved to her feet. She paced a bit before turning to look at the blonde. "I don't think you really understand just how much you hurt me; and not just me, but the others as well. I trusted you with my powers, with my friends and with my boyfriend and you betrayed that. When I chose you to become the next pink ranger, it wasn't because I was looking to replace me; it was because I believed that you yourself would be good. I was inviting you to bring your own talents to the field, to be your own person. I'm sorry if you felt that you had to live up to my standards, I never wanted you to feel that way. But Kat, that was no excuse to do what you did. When I got that letter about Tommy, I felt like my entire world had come crashing down on me. The thing is Kat; because of my childhood I found it very hard to trust others. Jason, Trini, Zack and Billy were exceptions because I knew them for as long as I can remember. When I met Tommy, I knew right away that he was different from other guys that were interested in me; he was something special and he was mine. I trusted him with everything I had and I knew that he would never hurt me…he would die before he let that happen. But then I got the letter saying he was with you and it literally felt as if my heart was breaking in my chest."

As Kim talked, Kat closed her eyes in despair. She truly never thought that her actions had damaged Kim so much.

"I felt like I was dying," Kim continued. "And then when the letters from everyone else came, it felt like nails on my coffin. I was destroyed; everything I ever believed was gone. After that, it became even harder to trust anyone and I had to relearn to trust myself. I went through so much and I needed my friends with me but they won't there and that was because of you. I know what you're asking for Kat, but I need to think about it. You really hurt me with what you did and now that I know why you did it, I have to think about it."

"I understand," Kat said as she wiped her tears from her cheeks. Kim didn't give her an outright 'no' and even if it was what she deserved, and for that she was thankful. Kim needing to think about it, meant that she was, at the very least, considering forgiving her.

"Ok," Kim nodded. "I truly do appreciate you telling me. Not too be rude or anything, but I have to go."

"Alright," Kat said.

"I'll see you Kat," Kim said before she turned and walked away.

"Hey Kim?" Kat called out before she got too far. When Kim turned, she continued. "Thanks for meeting me and I really am sorry."

"I know Kat," Kim gave a tiny smile. "And I know. Bye."

"Bye," Kat replied and watched as she walked away. She closed her eyes and let her body relax against the bench. "If I get a second chance, I am not messing it up." With that, she got up and headed home, all the while praying that she would get the chance to be friends with the others once more.

…

It's been about three months since Kim had talked with Kat. She hadn't told anyone about it because she had wanted to make a decision on her own without her friends' influence. During that time, Kim and Carter had gotten to know each other; while he didn't know her as well as Jason or Tommy or Connor, he was coming along pretty well. Professional wise, Kim's store was going good, and so was Tanya's teaching. Both Kim and Tommy had decided that they didn't want a long engagement, and had chosen to get married in April of the next year during the spring vacation. She had suggested that it be a double wedding with Tanya and Adam but Tanya had declined after explaining to her that this was the biggest celebration in the ranger world and it should stay as the wedding of Zordon's best rangers, the longest serving male and female. Caroline and Pierre had gone back to Paris, but that didn't stop her from calling Kim to help with the wedding preparations; even Tommy's parents, James and Melissa, stopped by occasionally; Melissa, because she wanted to help also and James because he was intrigued with the rest of the former rangers. Now though, it was about a week before Christmas and the wedding preparations had been put on hold so that the group of friends could celebrate the holiday with their friends and family. Since almost all the rangers didn't have family, they had decided to celebrate the holiday together. The girls went out and bought decorations while the guys stayed home and grilled some food. After about three hours of shopping, the girls made their way back to the house.

"God that was amazing," Tanya sighed. "Shopping is always so relaxing."

"I know," Kim laughed. "That's why I do it so often."

"What are you girls talking about?" Eric asked as he passed through the living room and saw them.

"Shopping," they replied as one.

"Oh God," Eric moaned. "Please stop."

"Oh behave," Taylor laughed at her boyfriend. "It was a good kind of shopping….one that we can all enjoy."

"What kind of shopping can the guys enjoy as well as the girls?" he asked as he went over to help them with the bags.

"Christmas shopping," Jen smiled. "You guys are helping us decorate, so therefore you get to enjoy the fruits of the shopping as much as we do."

"Ok," Eric laughed. "If you say so."

"We do," Kira smiled.

"Come on guys," Hayley said as she placed the bags in her hands on one of the couches. "Let's start decorating." The girls cheered and the boys pretended to be upset while they left what they were doing and went to help. Tommy, Jason and Rocky stayed outside with the grill and laughed at the other guys that had to help the girls. A few days later, on Christmas Eve, the girls were busy decorating the Christmas tree. Because they had spent the past few days decorating the rest of the house and cooking, Kim had decided to leave the Christmas tree for last. In terms of the cooking, all they had left to do were some crescent and cinnamon rolls. By seven o'clock that night, the Christmas tree was finished and everyone was sitting around it, talking quietly and sipping on hot chocolate.

"It's so beautiful," Caitlin said; her gaze kept going over the tree.

"It is," Kim nodded. "I think that this is going to be the best Christmas ever."

"I agree," Tanya smiled, the others nodding in agreement as well. The group stayed there talking for a few more hours before heading off to bed.

The next morning saw Rocky, Trini, Kim, Connor and Jen up earlier than the others in the kitchen finishing off the rest of the food and making breakfast. At about a quarter after eight, the others made their way into the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas," Kim smiled when she saw them.

"Merry Christmas," the group replied back.

"How early did you guys get up?" Taylor asked as she sat in one of the chairs.

"Hmmm," Trini said. "About six I think."

"That early?" Eric asked as he leaned against Taylor's chair.

"Yeah," Rocky said. "We had to finish up the rest of the food and make breakfast…..which you're no doubt happy about."

"No doubt," Adam chuckled. The others found seats around the tables and it wasn't long before they were eating and talking. The radio was on, Christmas songs playing out of it, and the atmosphere was relaxed. When they were done with breakfast, they cleaned up and made their way into the living room to exchange gifts. Since they had so many people, they had decided that the exchange would be kept to each team with the exception of two; LG would team with the Space rangers, while the three TF would team up with the WF rangers. The groups were more than happy with their gifts and they spent the rest of the morning singing songs and having a good time. Later in the afternoon, the food was set out and everyone went to get ready. By four o'clock, everyone was seated at the table and food was passed around.

"So Kim," Maddie looked over to where she was. "Are you going to be designing your own dress or are you going to buy it?"

"Design," Kim smiled. "It's almost complete. I wanted it simple, but still a little traditional."

"I can't wait to see how it looks," Rose smiled. "Hey what about the bridesmaids….have you figured out who they will be?"

"Well," Kim swallowed before she continued. "I decided that since I couldn't choose between Trini and Aisha, they would have to choose between themselves and figure out who would be the maid of honor, whichever one they choose, the other would be a bridesmaid; as for the rest of the bridesmaids, it'll be Tanya, Kira, Kelly, Angela, Hayley and Dana."

"And the bridegrooms?" Dustin asked.

"They will be Rocky, Adam, Zack, Billy, Connor, Jordan and Carter," Tommy answered. "Jason's the best man."

"Will you be designing the girls' dresses as well?" Ronny asked.

"No," it was Tanya who answered. "As much as we would like it, we decided that Kim should concentrate on her own dress and we will buy our own."

"That doesn't mean that I won't help," Kim said. "Your dresses still have to match mine."

"What's the color?" Will asked. "I mean, from what I've heard about you, you like pink a lot…so will it be the traditional white or will you go ranger?"

"Well," Kim tucked a hair behind her ear. "The colors of the wedding are pink, green and white; my wedding dress will be all three colors whereas the girls' dresses will be either pink or white or both."

"Ok," they nodded.

They talk died down for awhile and everyone enjoyed the food. When they were done, the tables were cleaned up and they retreated to the back porch to relax. All in all, it was one of the best Christmases ever.

…

It was now April and Kim and Tommy's wedding was in one week. The rangers were all excited about it, though none more so than the originals, because they were going to witness the two longest and best rangers commit to each other and start their lives together. Kim's dress was complete, and she still hadn't let anyone see it. The girls had gone shopping and had finally found the bridesmaids dresses that they liked and Kim approved of. When Ernie had been told about the engagement, he had offered up the youth center for the reception and Kim was thrilled about it. She had planned to ask him, and there was no way she would have planned to have it anywhere else as Ernie had been a part of their lives for so long and was practically a surrogate father to the original rangers, though more so the original five as they had known him since they were kids. Trini and Aisha had decided between them and had agreed that Trini would be Kim's maid of honor. That way, when Aisha got married, then Kim will be hers, Aisha will be Tanya's and Tanya would be Trini's; it was a solution that they were all happy with. The group of friends was out right now and Kim was sitting on the swing on the back porch going over some last minute details for the wedding, she also had her sketchpad with her to touch up on some of the designs she had completed. She had her iPod on, the headphones in her ear, so she didn't hear the person knock on the side of the door and jumped a little when she felt a touch on her arm.

"OH!" she looked over and saw Melissa Oliver. "Mom, you scared me."

"Sorry sweetie," Melissa chuckled lightly. "But you were so into whatever you're doing that you didn't hear me knocking."

"Oh, sorry about that," Kim smiled even as she moved her stuff so Melissa could sit down. "I'm just going over some last minute details for the wedding and for some designs."

"How are they coming along?" Melissa asked as she shifted her body to face Kim.

"Really good," Kim nodded. "I send the designs off to Paris and I can't to see how they come out."

"They'll be amazing as always," Melissa smiled at her.

"Thanks mom," Kim smiled.

"So where's that son of mine?" Melissa asked her.

"He and Jase went down to the church to make sure everything was ok for next week," Kim told her. "Well, more like Jase actually dragged him down there because he himself wanted to make sure everything was ok."

"Jason did that?" Melissa laughed.

"Yeah," Kim laughed along with her. "I think he's more excited about this wedding than Tommy and I are."

"I have noticed that," Melissa smiled. "So how are you feeling about next week?"

"I should be nervous, but I'm not," Kim said. "From the moment I met Tommy, I knew that he was something special and the more I got to know him, the more I realized that it was; the moment I fell in love with him, I knew that he was the only one I wanted to spend my life with. I love him so much and I can't wait to be Mrs. Tommy Oliver. I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

"So have I," Melissa said. "And I know Tommy feels the same way. From the moment he met you, I knew you were someone special; he couldn't stop talking about you. Do you know that he was excited to start school all because he had seen you at the martial arts tournament?"

"I never knew that," Kim shook her head.

"Well it's true," Melissa smiled. "He talked about you so much and since he had never done that before, I wanted to meet you. When I did, I saw why he was so enamored with you. You're a beautiful person Kim, inside and out."

"Thank you," Kim looked over at her. "He makes me feel that way."

"I just want you to know that I never believed that letter," Melissa told her as she took her hands in hers. "I saw how much you loved Tommy and I knew that you wouldn't have cheated on him….no matter what that letter said. And I was right too."

Kim looked over at her and smiled. She and Tommy had told his parents the truth about the letters, including Kat's involvement, and they were shocked. Melissa had wanted to find the blonde immediately and have a few words with her, but Kim had dissuaded her.

"Thanks for that," Kim said, as she let out a wry chuckle.

"What is it?" Melissa looked at her.

"Nothing," Kim shook her head. "It's just that, my friends did the opposite….they had actually believed them, so to hear that you never did…."

"Are you angry at them for that?" Melissa looked at her closely.

"I was," Kim looked over at her. "Even after we had made up back in '01, I still felt resentment towards them for believing the letters without a doubt when I did the opposite and questioned them. I never believed the letters until after I found out that they did."

"So what happened?" Melissa asked.

"Connor," Kim smiled as she thought of her little brother. "After the whole fiasco in England with Kat, he helped me realized that I still had anger towards my friends and that I did deserve to feel that. And then, after the fiasco here, with Kat again, I kinda went off on my friends."

"How so?" Melissa asked again, she was trying to understand what happened between the friends.

"Well," Kim tucked some hair back. "It was the same night that Kat left and we were all just trying to move on from what happened. Caitlin was looking through stuff when she found a DVD. I knew what was on it and I tried to get them not to play it, but they wanted to see what it was about."

"What was it about?"

"Them," Kim looked out over the yard. "It was about them and how I felt about them."

"Explain a bit," Melissa said.

"Well," Kim said. "I had made a tape of how much I missed them…a tape I made before I got the first letter."

"Oh my," Melissa said softly. "So how does the tape play into them finding out about you still being angry at them?"

"Well," Kim said. "Like I said, Caitlin was going through some stuff….

Flashback

After Kat left, the gang decided to head outside and sit under the stars. Since it was nice out, they decided to have a small party. When Rocky decided to pop popcorn, they realized that they needed music. Trent brought out the radio while Caitlin decided to look through Kim's CD shelf for some music. She was going through the titles when she came across a DVD titled Feelings, curious, Caitlin grabbed the DVD and went in search of Kim. She stepped out on the porch and saw her standing next to Tommy talking with Hayley and Kira.

"Hey Kim?" She called out as she walked towards her.

"What's up Cait?" Kim asked as the girl came closer.

"What is it?" Caitlin held up the DVD for Kim to see. "It was on the shelf between your music."

Kim's eyes widened when she saw the title on the cover. "It's nothing; just give it to me and I'll put it in my room." She reached out to take it, but was intercepted by Jason. "Jase, give it to me."

"Nah," Jason smiled. "I want to know what it is….if only because of your reaction."

"Jason," Kim said as she walked closer to him. "Trust me; you don't want to see it."

"I do," Jason smiled. "Oh come on Kim; are you drunk on here of something?"

"No," Kim shook her head. "It's nothing like that. It's not even anything funny or worth seeing."

"Now my curiosity is even bigger," Jason smirked. "I really want to know what's on it." with that, he headed into the house.

"Curiosity killed the cat Jason," Kim said as she started after him. "Please give it back."

"Is there something bad on it Kim?" Trini asked.

"Not really," Kim said. She saw that Jason was opening up the DVD player and walked over to try and stop him. She knew that what was on the tape would make them feel even worse….especially with what just happened earlier.

"We won't tease you if that's what you're worried about," Rocky smiled. "I bet it's really funny."

"You won't think that when you see it," She whispered, though only Connor and Kira heard her, the latter giving her a funny look. Connor had figured out what the DVD was and understood Kim's whispered words.

"Guys," Connor spoke up. "Maybe we shouldn't see what's on it."

"Not you too," Rocky said. "Now I'm eager to see what's so bad about this that both you and Kim are trying to stop us from watching."

Kim knew that she couldn't stop them since they were this determined to watch it, so she closed her eyes briefly before letting out a sigh filled with resignation. 'This is going to be bad.' She thought to herself. She heard the laughter before she saw anyone and despite the situation, she couldn't help but to smile. Soon after, two girls popped up on the screen, a huge smile on each of their faces.

"Hi all," one of the girls spoke. She was brown-skinned with shoulder length jet-black hair, chocolate brown eyes and kissable lips (according to her friends). "I bet you're wondering who we are and what's going on. Well we'll tell you; my name is Isabel Caines."

"And I'm Renee Francois," the other girl spoke. She was light-skinned with hazel eyes and brown hair that was cut short (think Demi Moore in Ghost). "And this is a video from our friend and roommate Kimberly Hart to her friends back home in Angel Grove."

The camera moved around and they could see a few other people around the room. The camera focused on Kim who was wearing pink shorts over her pink leotard with her hair up in a pony tail. It continued around the room before coming back on the two girls.

"Ok," Renee said. "The reason we're doing this is because Kim missed you guys and was moping around…"

"I was not!" Kim's voice could be heard in the background.

"Ignore her," Isabel smiled. "She was."

"Like I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," Renee looked back at Kim before turning back to the camera. "We, Izzy and I, came up with the idea of having Kim do kind of a video tribute to you guys to show what you mean to her and just how much she missed you."

"But before we do that," Izzy said. "Let's introduce everyone else. Behind me over to the right, is Jesse Michaels; next to him is Ami Bellini, my best friend; and over there is Ami's brother Luc Bellini; gorgeous isn't he? Well back off ladies, he's all mine."

"Now that we have everybody," Renee smiled. "Let's get this show on the road."

"Ok Kim," Izzy spoke. "You're up."

"Thanks guys," Kim smiled. "Hi guys. How are you? This maybe one of the most stupid things I've ever done, but oh, well. These guys convinced me to do it." Before she could continue, a guy ran over to her and fell to his knees.

"Kim," the guy clasped his hands together and looked up at her. "Don't do it. I love you baby and I want to be with you." Seconds later, the guy flinched when he felt someone smack him across his head. He looked up at who it was.

"What the hell are you doing?" Renee asked with her hands on her hips.

"Nee baby," the guy turned to her. "It's not what it looks like."

"Oh really?" Renee brought her hands up and crossed them in front of her. "Explain then, why my boyfriend is on his knees in front of my roommate and friend."

In the background, Kim had her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter, as did everyone else.

"It was just a joke Nee," the guy chuckled nervously. "I was just messing with Kim."

"Uh huh," Renee said. She looked at him for a few seconds more before turning away.

"Renee," the guy got of his knees and followed his girlfriend. "Come on, it's not even my fault. Luc put me up to it."

"Luc did what?" the camera turned to Luc, who looked around nervously.

"I have no idea what he's talking about," Luc told her. "I never told Johnny to do that to Kim….I'm not that stupid."

"That better be true," Izzy replied.

"It's not," Johnny said. "He did tell me."

"Luc wouldn't do something like that," Izzy said. "'Cause he knows if he did I'd cut him off."

"I swear I didn't," Luc said. "It was all Johnny."

"I thought I was making a video for my friends?" Kim asked. She looked over at her friends and shook her head.

"You are," Renee said. "So, let's start over. Kim?"

"Ok," Kim smiled at the camera. "Now that all that craziness is over with; the point for this is because I do miss you guys…a lot and they thought that this would be a good idea and I agreed. So here it is; I miss you guys, more than I thought I would. I miss hanging out at the youth center, shopping with Sha and Tri, hanging out at the park, at the lake and I miss sparring with you Tommy...I miss just being with you. I know that with your extracurricular activities, you guys are really busy, but I do hope you miss me as much as I miss you. And that Kat hasn't replaced me in your eyes." Tommy and the others winced when they heard that. They chanced a look at Kim and saw the pain there, and somehow they knew that it would get worse, yet they couldn't bring themselves to stop the tape…it was as if they needed to see what was on it to further repair the damage that Kat and themselves had caught. "So, I wrote two songs to let you guys know just how much my friendship with each of you meant to me. The first song is called 'Count on Me' and it's basically me saying that you guys can always count on me to be there for you and I know that I can always count on you to be there for me."

The group listened to the song and couldn't help the tears that came into their eyes; to hear just how much they meant to Kim and how much she valued them made them feel like the richest people on the planet. When the song was finished, the Kim on camera wiped the tears from her eyes, as did everyone else, even those watching the tape. They looked back at Kim, but she kept her gaze on the TV knowing that it would only be painful for them later on. They turned back, just in time to hear the Kim on camera talk.

"Ok," she smiled. "This song is for you Tommy. It's a really simple song, but it conveys exactly how I feel about you. I love you Thomas James Oliver, more than anything else. I have never felt this way about anybody before and I never will about anyone else; you're it for me Tommy."

Jason and the others couldn't help but to let out a round of catcalls to Tommy. Said guy, looked over at his girlfriend and smiled at her. She smiled back and he mouthed the words 'I love you' to her and she said them back.

"The song is called 'Stick with you'," on-screen Kim smiled."And I hope you like it."

I don't wanna go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
Seems like, everybody's breaking up
and throwing their love away
but I know I got a good thing right here
that's why I say

(Chorus)
Nobody gonna love me better
I'm a stick with you forever
Nobody's gonna take me higher
I'm a stick with you
You know how to 'preciate me
I'm a stick with you my baby
'Cause nobody ever made me feel this way
I'm a stick with you

(V-2)
I don't wanna go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
See, the way we ride in our private lives
aint nobody getting in between
I want to you to know that you're the only one for me
that's why I say

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
And now, aint nothing else I could need
And now, I'm singing 'cause you're so, so into me
I got you-ou-ou-ou
We'll be making love endlessly
I'm with you, baby with me hey yeah

So don't you worry about people hanging around
they aint bringing us down
I know you and you know me and that's all that counts
So don't you worry about people hanging around
they aint bringing us down
I know you and you know me and that's, that's why I say hey

(Chorus—X2)

"So there you have it," Kim smiled at the camera. "That's how I feel about you guys. I miss you guys, and I love you. Like the lyrics to the songs, I know that I can always count on you to be there for me and you can do the same. And I hope that that never changes. See ya guys."

Kim grabbed the remote for the DVD player and paused it; then she looked over at her friends, most of them had tears in their eyes, while Tommy was giving her a love-filled smile.

"How come we never saw this Kim?" Adam asked.

"Why didn't you want us to see it?" Jason asked her. "It was amazing Kim."

"Because of this," Kim said as she pressed play on the remote.

"Well there you people have it," Renee said. "I hope you guys appreciate this gesture and you know how much you mean to Kim."

"Ok, I am so happy," Izzy said. "Today is Thursday February 25th and we have just helped our friend and roommate Kim, make a video for her friends."

Izzy smiled at Kim before turning back to the camera. "Like Renee said, we hope you guys liked this. Ciao bellas." And with that, the camera went dark. The others looked at the TV for a few seconds before turning back to look at Kim.

"I don't understand," Zack said.

"It's simple really," Kim said. "Like Izzy said on the tape, we did that on February 25th….and I got the first letter one week later on March 4th."

"Oh my God," Trini's hand flew to her mouth. "Kimberly…"

The others could only look at her. They were beginning to understand why Kim had wanted nothing to do with them when they had found her a few years ago; to do that video and then to get a letter saying her boyfriend was cheating on her, they couldn't imagine the betrayal she felt.

"Kimberly," Billy said. "We are so sorry."

"Just forget about it," Kim waved his words away. She walked over to the DVD player and took out the DVD before putting it back in its case. She had to get out of the room because if she stayed, she would get angry and she didn't really want that.

"We can't just forget about it," Tanya said. "Kim, talk to us."

"I have nothing to say," Kim said as she started walking out of the room. "Just let it go."

"Kim please," Aisha turned to her best friend.

"Please what?" Kim turned to her. "You want to talk? Fine. Let's talk about how I felt like such a fool; I did that video because I missed you guys and then I get this letter saying my boyfriend was cheating on me and that none of my friends cared enough about me to tell. I felt so humiliated and hurt when I read those letters."

"Kim," Rocky started, neither he nor the others could stand to hear the pain in her voice and they flinched at the anger that was starting to take over.

"Or we can talk about the fact that I was stupid enough to try and find out what was going on while the rest of you were perfectly happy to just believe the letters and leave it at that," Kim said. "Is that what you want to talk about?"

"Kimberly," Adam started.

"Or," Kim cut him off. "We could Talk about how much I hated you after I got those letters…how much I wished that I had never met anyone one of you."

When they heard that, they flinched and they couldn't hide the pain in their eyes from her; they couldn't imagine living their lives without having met Kim.

"Kim," Aisha spoke. "You don't mean that."

"That hurts doesn't?" She asked. "When you found me back in '01, I was scared because I didn't want to be hurt again and then when we found out the truth about the letters, I was relieved because that meant I couldn't hate you anymore….you didn't deserve it. But then, I found out the entire truth and Kat's betrayal was so huge that it felt like I was getting the letters all over again. And even though I had already forgiven you guys, the hatred and anger that I had felt for you back in high school came back. I just don't get it; why did you believe them? why was I the only one that tried to find out what went wrong? Why didn't you? You didn't fight for me and you allowed the person that I chose to be the replacement, to replace me in every single way. Do you know how that felt?"

"We are so sorry," Trini cried; tears were streaming down her face but she didn't care. The pain in Kim's voice hurt her more than anything. She moved forward and grabbed Kim's hands in hers. "You mean so much to me….to us and we regret with our whole hearts and soul that we never questioned the letters."

"Tri," Kim started, her eyes were full of tears as she looked at her best friend.

"No Kim," Aisha said as she came forward; like Trini, she too had tears running down her cheeks. "She's right. We should've questioned those letters, and we never should've let our friendship with you dissolve that easily. Connor was right when he said that you were the only one that wasn't to blame; unlike us, you did try to find out what was going on and you only gave up on us when you thought that we had. I know that no matter how many times we say 'I'm sorry' it won't change what happened, but we do mean it. Please, please tell me we can get through this….that we won't lose our best friend?"

"You won't," Kim said as she pulled both girls into a hug. "I missed you too much and I'm not letting go. Just don't ever give up on me again."

"We won't," Trini whispered into her hair. "That's a promise."

"Good," Kim said. Her arms tightened around the two girls and they in turn tightened their arms around her. All three girls gave a start when they felt the others join the hug. "I love you guys."

"We love you too Kim," Rocky said. "And we will never forget that or how much you mean to us."

"Never," Adam echoed.

End flashback

"After that," Kim said. "We talked a bit more and now, we're closer than ever."

"I can see that," Melissa smiled. "I'm happy for you guys. I hated it when you weren't talking to each other, but I just like I never gave up hope that you and Tommy would be back together, I never gave up hope that your friendship would be reconciled."

"Thank you," Kim smiled. "Because I have to confess that a part of me had given up hope."

"You're welcome sweetie," Melissa smiled. "And that's understandable."

The two talked until Melissa had to leave and the others came home. Over the course of the next two days, Kim checked in with her stores while going over what her wedding vows would be. Both she and Tommy had decided to write their own rather than go with the traditional vows that the pastor would read out. She had an idea of what she wanted to say, but it wasn't a definite thing. Along with her vows, she was also working on a song for the wedding. She was going against the traditional wedding march and wanted something different to walk down the aisle to….something that spoke about she felt for Tommy. She spent days in her studio working on the words and the song was coming along perfectly. About four days before the wedding, they went through the rehearsal and two nights later, the group decided to throw both Kim and Tommy their bachelorette/bachelor party. Keeping with traditions, both parties had strippers and the entire group had fun.

(The Wedding)

It was early morning; the sunlight was peaking over the tree tops as the sun rose in the sky. In the master bedroom, Kim woke up with a yawn as she stretched out on her bed. She looked over at the clock on the bedside table and saw that it was a little after eight. Her gaze then caught the picture of her and Tommy and she couldn't help the smile that blossomed on her face. She picked up the picture and traced Tommy's face with a finger.

"Today is the day I become your wife," she said to the photo. "The day I finally become Mrs. Tommy Oliver."

She fell back on the bed with a squeal as she clutched the picture close. "I'm getting married today."

She replaced the picture before jumping from the bed and running to the bathroom. After taking care of her morning necessities, she headed downstairs to the kitchen. When she got there, she was surprised to see the rest of the girls already up and making breakfast.

"What's going on?" Kim asked as she walked over to a chair.

"Well," Jen smiled at her. "It's your wedding day today, so you missy, are not going to do anything but to relax and spend the morning preparing for it."

"As you can see, we made breakfast," Aisha said. "So eat, because after this, we're going to get our nails done and then our hair."

"Thanks you guys," Kim said as she took the offered plate from Caitlin. "Are the guys at Tommy's parents or what?"

"Yeah," Kira said as she sat down next to Kim. "Connor called me earlier and said that they would meet us at the church."

"Aunt Carrie and Melissa called and said that they would meet us at the salon," Kelly told her. Kim's parents had flown in last night and had decided to stay with the Oliver's while they were in town.

"So how are you feeling?" Tori asked. "Nervous?"

"Honestly?" Kim said as she took a bite of her omelet. "No I'm not. I'm excited because I've been waiting for this day since I was a teen. I'm marrying the guy of my dreams and I really can't wait to say 'I do'."

"I hear you," Aisha smiled at her. "And I am so happy for you….we all are."

"You and Tommy were meant to be," Hayley said.

"I for one am happy that I'm getting the chance to witness this," Maddie smiled. "It's like the biggest thing to happen in the ranger world, you know? It's like we're all invested in this."

"Oh Maddie," Kim turned to her. "I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure," Maddie turned to her, wondering what she wanted to know.

"Well," Kim started. "Nick told me that you're very good with a camera."

"She is," Vida injected. "She's the best."

"V," Maddie blushed at the praise from her sister and the looks she was getting from the other females.

"That's good," Kim said. "Because I was wondering if you would mind doing the wedding?"

"Are you serious?" Maddie looked over at Kim with a stunned expression on her face. "You want me to video your wedding?"

"Yes," Kim nodded. "You seem really good at it, according to your sister and boyfriend, and everyone else already helped out….just think of it as your contribution to a ranger mission."

"Wow," Maddie's eyes were slightly wide as she thought about it. "I don't know what to say."

"Just say you'll do it," Kim clasped her hands together. "Please?"

"Ok," Maddie nodded as a smile made its way across her face. "Yeah, I'll do it."

"Oh thank you," Kim said as she jumped up from her seat to pull her into a hug. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome," Maddie smiled at her. "And I should be the one thanking you."

"Alright," Taylor clapped her hands. "Let's clear away the dishes and be on our way. We need to have Kim at the church at 3 o'clock."

"Let's do this," Kira said. The girls cheered; with all of them helping, the kitchen was cleaned in a short time and they headed upstairs to grab their bags before heading out. In no time at all, the girls were out of the house. They went directly to AG: Nails; all the girls got their nails done in the French manicure while Kim went a step further and had two thin green lines running from the bottom left corner to the top right corner of each nail. After leaving the nail place, the girls stopped off at Ernie's for a snack before heading over to the hair salon where they met up with Caroline and Melissa.

"Hey sweetie," Caroline smiled as she walked over to the group. "Hey girls."

"Hi mom," Kim smiled back at her before looking at Melissa. "Hi mom."

"Hi Caroline," the girls replied as one. "Hi Melissa."

"Hi girls," Melissa said. "Hi sweetie; so are you guys all excited to get your hair done?"

"Yes!" the girls all cried.

"Well let's go then," Caroline laughed. The girls entered the salon and were immediately taken to the waiting stations. They got their hair washed before getting them styled. The hours that the girls were in the salon were spent talking about the wedding and things that had being going on in their lives. Kim still hadn't told anyone about the talk she had had with Kat back in September, which felt a little strange as she rarely kept anything from Tommy or Aisha, Trini, Jason or Connor, but she knew that she had needed to do that to have a clear head for whatever decision she had finally reached. Before the girls knew it, they were finished with their hair and it was 1 o'clock. They headed back to the house to shower and pick up their dresses and the bouquet; by 1:45, they were finished up at the house and were making their way back to the church. They got to the bride's room and placed the dresses down.

"This is it," Kim smiled at them. "In one hour I'll be getting ready to walk down the aisle to marry Tommy; I can't wait."

"Well you're going to have to," Trini cut in. "Unless we start working on your make-up."

"Oh yeah," Kim laughed as well as the others. They had decided to not do that at the house, choosing to wait instead until they got to the church. "Ok, let's do this."

After that, it was a flurry of activities; the girls got their make-ups done and were into their dresses by the time 2:30 rolled around. The girls that weren't in the wedding left with smiles as they headed out to the church to find their seats. Trini and Aisha did Kim's make-up while Tanya found her clothes that she would have on under the wedding dress. At 2:45, Kim was ready; when she stepped out of the mini-changing room, the others let out loud gasps at how she looked.

"Oh my," Caroline smiled softly. "Sweetheart you look so beautiful."

"Thank you," Kim smiled.

"Tommy's going to in shock when he sees you," Melissa told her. "I know I said it before, but I am so happy that the two of you are getting married; now you'll officially be a part of the family."

"You're going to make me cry," Kim chuckled. "And I don't want to ruin my make-up."

"You don't have to worry about that," Aisha smiled. When Kim looked at her, she held up her hand showing her the label on the mascara and continued. "The joys of water-proof mascara; can survive through anything….even a crying jag."

"OK," Kim laughed. "Well, let's go get married."

"Wait," Jen said. "You can't go out yet."

"Why not?" Kira asked.

"Tradition," Jen smiled. "Something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue; you can't do a wedding without that."

"She's right," Caroline said. "And I have you're something old right here." She got her bag and searched through it until she found what she was looking for. She got it out and turned back to her daughter. "This was your grandmother's; it was a gift that she got from your grandfather when they first started dating and she's kept it ever since. A week before she died, she gave it to me and told me that I could wear it and to pass it on to my daughter when it was time. I never wore it because I never felt like I should. But now, I'm passing it to you because I know that it's yours."

She held out her hand and a necklace fell out; it was a heart shaped necklace that had the words 'To my beautiful love….always and forever' in French. Kim turned around and allowed her mother to fasten the necklace around her neck. She turned back and held it up in her hand.

"Mom," she whispered. "This is beautiful. Thank you."

"You're welcome honey," Caroline smiled as she kissed her on her cheeks.

"This is your something new," Melissa said. In her hand she held a tiara that had the word Belle across the front. "I saw it in a store and I knew that it was perfect for you."

She walked over to Kim and fixed the tiara on her head. She stepped back and smiled at her. "It really does suit you."

"And that goes perfect with your something borrowed," Trini smiled. "My mom gave me the veil that she wore to her wedding; she wanted you to wear it."

She stepped up to Kim and fixed the veil over the tiara. "You look amazing sis….Tommy's never going to know what hit him."

The girls shared a chuckle and a hug. "Thanks Tri."

"You're welcome," Trini smiled as she pulled back from the hug.

"And finally," Aisha said. "You're something blue." In her hand was a baby blue garter. Kim sat down on the chair while Aisha placed the garter on her leg.

"Thanks 'Sha," Kim smiled at her best friend before pulling her into a hug.

"You're welcome sweetie," Aisha smiled back. "Ok, so it's now 2:50; I think we should go get into our positions."

"You really do look beautiful Kim," Krista smiled at her.

"Thank you," Kim smiled. The bridesmaids got their bouquets and made their way out of the room. They passed Pierre and smiled at him while they showed him where to go. When Pierre stepped into the room, tears came to his eyes as he saw Kim standing in front of the mirror fixing her dress.

"Oh my," He smiled. "Kimberly you look so beautiful."

"Thanks dad," Kim smiled. "Is it time?"

"Just about," he nodded.

"Ok," Trini smiled. She was the only girl left inside as she was the maid of honor. "I'll see you out there Kim."

"See you Trini," Kim smiled at her.

"Hold Trini," Caroline said. "Alright honey; I am so proud of you and I'll see you out there as well."

"Alright mom," Kim hugged her. "I love you."

"Love you too sweetie," Caroline smiled as she hugged her daughter.

"I love you as well," Melissa smiled. "And I am beyond happy that it's you that Tommy is marrying."

"So am I," Kim laughed.

"Alright," Melissa said. "I'm gonna go; no doubt Tommy is out there pacing a little, so I better go calm him down."

"Tell him I love him," Kim said.

"Will do," Melissa nodded. She met Trini and Caroline by the door and the three ladies walked out.

"You ready darling?" Pierre turned to Kim.

"More than ever," Kim smiled as she picked up her bouquet. Pierre walked over and fixed the veil over her face.

"Come on," Pierre smiled. "Let's get you to that groom of yours and get you married."

"Ok papa," Kim laughed. She hooker her arm through his and the two made their way out of the room. They met the other girls standing outside of the church doors with their male counter parts.

"Whoa sis," Rocky's mouth dropped open when he saw her. "I thought the other girls looked amazing, but you….you take the cake."

"As she should," Hayley smiled.

Before anything else could be said, it was time for them to go in.

"It's time," Billy smiled. Jordan and Kelly were first and they were followed by Zack and Angela.

"See you out there sis," Carter smiled at Kim before he led Dana down the aisle; they were followed by Billy and Hayley.

Connor and Kira were next and they were followed by Rocky and Aisha.

"Our turn," Jason smiled at Kim. "And then you. I'm happy for you Kim….for both of you."

"Thanks Jase," Kim smiled at him. When the two were gone, Kim turned to Pierre.

"Ok," she smiled at him as she took a deep, calming breath. The music started, the same song she was working on, and Pierre took Kim's hands before leading her through the doors. Everyone stood when she came in, but Kim wasn't paying attention; her eyes were completely focused on the man standing at the end of the aisle waiting for her. As they walked down the aisle, the song could be heard in the background.

If the heart is always searching,
Can you ever find a home?
I've been looking for that someone,
I'll never make it on my own
Dreams can't take the place of loving you,
There's gotta be a million reasons why it's true.

Tommy's breath caught in his throat as he looked down the aisle and saw Kim; she was wearing a white strapless gown that hugged her upper body and flared out when it got to her hips; the bottom part of the dress had green laces looping around it and pink flowers where the loops met each other; her bouquet was a combination of all three colors, pink, green and white. Tommy always thought Kim was beautiful, but seeing her coming down the aisle in her wedding dress made her breathtaking. Before he knew it, she was standing in front of him and Pierre was handing her over.

"Take care of her," Pierre said to him.

"I will," Tommy nodded. He took Kim's hand in his and the two turned towards the preacher. They said a prayer before starting and the wedding was underway. To Kim and Tommy, it was like a blur because they paid no attention to anything except each other. Before they knew it, it was almost time for their vows.

When you look me in the eyes,
and tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright,
when you're right here by my side.
When you look me in the eyes,
I catch a glimpse of heaven.
I find my paradise,
when you look me in the eyes.

"If anyone has any reason as to why these two should not be married," the preacher looked out at the congregation. "Let them speak now or forever hold their piece."

Both Kim and Tommy looked out, as did their friends, the looks daring anyone to speak up. Kim's gaze traveled over the crowd and she saw a familiar person sitting in the back. As she looked at them, she knew what she had to do. It's been months since they last spoke and it was time they knew of her decision. She turned back just in time to hear the preacher continue.

"Wait," She spoke up, drawing looks from everyone. "I can't do this."

"Kim," Tommy squeezed her hand, fear and disbelief shining in his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I love you," she looked up at him. "More than anything, and I refuse to enter into a marriage with you with anything hanging over our heads. If I don't do this, then I wouldn't be the woman you fell in love with."

"I don't understand," Tommy looked at her, confusion in his eyes and voice.

"I know," Kim leaned up to kiss his cheek. "But just trust me."

"I do," he answered.

"Good," Kim smiled before pulling her hand from his and making her way down the aisle. Tommy looked at Jason, who had tapped him on his shoulder, shaking his head and dropping to sit on the steps, his gaze following Kim.

Kim walked down the aisle and stopped at the second to last bench, holding out her hand to the person sitting there. When they person stood up, Tommy and the others tensed in anger and disbelief. Kim could make out Tanya's voice asking what they were doing there.

"Hi Kat," Kim said.

"Kimberly," Katherine looked at her, before looking around. She saw confused looks on most of the guests' faces, but anger on not only the former rangers' faces, but Kim and Tommy's parents as well. "What are you doing?"

"A few months ago you came to me," Kim spoke, her voice soft, her words for Kat alone. "You explained to me everything that was going on and I told you that I needed time to think things through. Well I did."

"Kim," Kat started.

"Let me finish," Kim held up her hand. "At first, I didn't want to forgive you, but then I realized that doing that would make me a hypocrite as I would be refusing to let go of the past and what happened. Life is short Kat and I learned that the hard way. Last May, my mom was in accident and she almost lost her life and that woke me up, but I still couldn't let go of the anger from what you put me through, but I have. I forgive you Kat, for everything. And I'd like us to start over."

"What?" Kat's hands flew to her mouth as her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm giving you a second chance Kat," Kim smiled at her. "A chance to truly be my friend; now I'm not saying it will be easy because you will have to work to regain my trust…to regain everyone's trust, but I have faith in you Kat and I believe that you can do it. You can handle this and you can make it work….if I never did, I never would've chosen you in the first place. So what do you say? Do you think you could do it?"

"Yes," Kat smiled. "At least, I'll be willing to try. I miss my friends…more than anything else and I do regret everything I did."

"I know," Kim said. "Remember, this is your last chance, so don't blow it."

"I won't," Kat laughed as she wiped her tears.

"OK," Kim smiled. "I'll see you at the reception."

"OK," Kat nodded. "Kim?"

"Yeah?" Kim looked at her.

"Thanks for inviting me," Kat said.

"You're welcome," Kim smiled before turning to go back up the aisle. She stopped a few feet away before turning back to Kat who was just about to reclaim her seat. Kim stopped in front of and once more, she held out her hand. "Come on."

"What are you doing?" Kat asked even as she placed her hand in hers. She allowed Kim to pull her from the bench to stand next to her. Kim smiled at her before walking back up the aisle. "Kim?"

"If you're going to try again," Kim smiled over at her. "Then you need to be down here."

Once again, Kat's eyes filled with tears. She allowed Kim to lead her down the aisle, ignoring the looks from everyone's faces. Kim placed in the second row while Trini and the others came closer. Aisha opened her mouth to speak, but Kim cut her off.

"I wanted her here," Kim told them. "I forgave her for what she did and you should too. I was the one that was hurt most by it and if I could move past it, then so should you. I'm giving her a second chance because I truly believe that she is sincerely regretful for what she did and because she deserves it."

"Are you sure Beautiful?" Tommy looked at her.

"Positive," Kim nodded. "Like I said, I wouldn't be the woman you fell in love with if I didn't. Now, let's continue with this wedding shall we?"

"If you're sure," Tommy said, referring not to the wedding but to Kat.

"More than anything," Kim smiled at him. "So let's go make me Mrs. Tommy Oliver."

How long will I be waiting,
to be with you again
Gonna tell you that I love you,
in the best way that I can.
I can't take a day without you here;
you're the light that makes my darkness disappear

"Ok," he held out his hand for her to take and they assumed their positions. Their friends could do nothing but to trust that she knew what she was doing and they followed her lead. The wedding was once again underway and when it came to the vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the church; to hear the love and commitment and trials that they went through left no doubt in anyone's mind that they belonged together.

When the preacher declared them husband and wife, the entire church rose to its feet and gave a tremendous applause. Kat smiled as she was thankful that she was given the chance to experience it. As she looked over at Kim and Tommy, who were making their way back down the aisle, she knew that she wouldn't do anything that would jeopardize the second chance that she had been given.

Epilogue

It's been an exciting three years for the group of friends. Months after The Wedding, Kim had approached Connor with an idea for his Soccer Camp. She had already talked with Trent and Kira and the two had liked what she had presented. She explained to Connor about her idea, which was instead of making the camp purely about soccer, to turn it into a combination Camp; a camp where you could learn not only soccer, but martial arts, music, gymnastics and drawing as well. He had immediately liked the idea and the four had put their heads together to expand on the idea. By then end of the summer, they had found the perfect place to have the camp. While driving to Angel Grove from Reefside, Kim had spotted the ideal location. Situated between the two towns, was enough space to hold the camp. It was big enough for the ideas that they had in mind and was only about two hours away from both AG and Reefside. Like with Kim's store, the former rangers had all pitched in to help and by Summer 2008, the camp, which was named Camp Eltar: Soccer, Gymnastics, Arts and Music, was up and running. Connor had chosen that name as a tribute to Zordon, the one who started it all and who brought them together. That same year, Kim gave birth to twins. On her birthday earlier in the year, she had found out that she was about three months pregnant. Though the pregnancy was unexpected, it was not an unpleasant surprise and everyone was happy for the parents-to-be. On August 28th 2008, Kim and Tommy, along with their friends and family, welcomed Alexander James and Annalisa Jasmine Oliver into the world. Aisha and Tanya had a double wedding (Rocky had proposed Kim and Tommy's reception) three months later on Halloween while Trini had hers on Christmas Day (Jason had proposed the night the Camp was opened officially).

It was now 2009 and things couldn't be better; it was the twins first birthday and everyone was at Kim's house. The place was filled with music, talking, and laughter and she couldn't be happier. She made her way out to the porch and stood there watching her friends. Her gaze traveled over them and she smiled when she saw them mingling with each other…especially the new guys. The rangers had added on two new teams, Jungle Fury and RPM, and the group of friends, or family as they'd come to think of each other, had come together once more to not only celebrate the twins first birthday, but to celebrate their addition. Camp Eltar was well received and had become a huge success; Kim's stores were still successful and she was in talks to have another store in either New York or Los Angeles. As her gaze continued on her friends, she found herself stopping on Kat. The Australian blonde had successfully rejoined the group with warnings that it was her last chance; Kat however had learned from the past and had told them that she had absolutely no intention of messing up again…and she hadn't. It was tough at first, but she was able to re-forge the friendships that she had made as a teen and also make new ones, and Kim couldn't have been more proud of her. Finally her gaze landed on her husband; Tommy was at the swings with the twins, along with most of the original rangers and Connor, Kira and Hayley. She was beyond happy that they were finally married and she was happy about their kids as well. She really was speaking the truth when she had told Melissa that she had given hope of being with Tommy again, but now, looking at the group in the backyard, she shook her head as she realized that it was a silly thing to do. They were back together and they were stronger than ever.

"Kim," Aisha's voice jerked her out of her thoughts. "Stop standing on the porch and get over here. We can't celebrate these two cuties birthday without their momma, now can we?"

"I suppose not," She laughed. She walked off the porch and headed over to swings. When got close, she lifted her daughter from the swing and kissed her on the cheek. "Happy birthday Anna darling." Annalisa, or Anna, looked just like her mother, except she had her father's chocolate brown eyes, dark mahogany locks and his shy smile and they knew that like her mom, she would be a heartbreaker when she grew up.

The little girl laughed as her mother kissed her again. "Love you mommy."

"Love you too sweetie," Kim smiled. She turned to Tommy who had picked up Alex, and she leaned over and kissed him. "Love you Alex."

"Love you mommy," Alex giggled as he kissed his mother. Alexander, or Alex, was the opposite of Anna; he looked more like his father but with his mother's doe-brown eyes, her caramel colored hair and her smile and Kim knew, including the rest of the girls, that like his father, he would break his fair share of hearts as well.

"That's sweet," Carter smiled. "I think we're going to have to keep an eye on him; he's too cute for his own good….both of them are."

"Blame their parents," Tanya laughed.

"Leave my kids alone," Kim laughed. Tommy shifted to wrap an arm around her shoulders and Kim looked up at him. "Love you Handsome."

"Love you too Beautiful," Tommy smiled as he answered her.

The group turned and headed to the center of the yard where Melissa was placing the birthday cake on the table. As the celebrations continued, Kim looked out at her friends once more; friends that she wouldn't give up for anything in the world. Her mind went over the things that they had been through and she knew they were stronger because of it. She shook her head, pulling herself from the past, and focused on the here and now. Zordon's legacy was broken apart, but now it's mended; they were back together. And as Kim and the others enjoyed the day, they knew that life would keep moving forward and they would as well.

Up in the sky, Zordon of Eltar looked down on the gathering with a smile; his children were together once again. He knew of the trials that they had gone through, but unlike his rangers, he knew that they would get through it and that they would find their way back to each other. A secret broke them apart and a secret brought them back together.

A/N 2: so how was it? hope you guys enjoyed it. so I guess that's the Secrets is finally over. As always, read and review and tell me what you think.

Song: When you look me in the eyes—The Jonas Brothers