Here's the new chapter!
"We finally did it, Handsome!" Kim grinned as she looked up and kissed him.
"Yes, we did." Tommy agreed, laughing.
Jason looked at the two and nodded. They, along with the rest of the wedding party, were all waiting for their introduction before entering the reception.
"Ms. Kira Ford escorted by Mr. Zachary Taylor." The two of them walked onto the dance floor, grinning at everyone. Zack winked at a fully recovered Ernie, who was serving as the emcee for the reception.
"Next is Ms. Amy Williams escorted by Mr. Adam Park." They followed the same path that Kira and Zack took earlier.
"Now we have Ms. Hayley Ziktor escorted by Mr. Billy Cranston." They also walked onto the dance floor.
"We also have Mrs. Aisha DeSantos escorted by Mr. Rocky DeSantos." Aisha and Rocky followed the same way of Hayley and Billy.
"Now we have the matron of honor, Mrs. Trini Scott, escorted by the best man, Mr. Jason Scott." The two of them joined their friends on the dance floor.
"And finally, if I could ask us all to stand and raise our glasses to the newly wedded Dr. and Mrs. Tommy Oliver!" Kim and Tommy walked out onto the dance floor, amidst cheers, catcalls, and the sound of clinking glasses. The two of them grinned at each other and kissed. "Now, before we get started," Ernie continued, "we have a little surprise for you." He waited for everyone to settle down a bit. "The new Mrs. Kimberly Oliver would like to sing a song." Ernie nodded towards Kim.
"What...?" Tommy asked Kim as she started to walk away. "I thought today was a work-free zone-day."
Kim giggled a bit as she headed towards the stage and looked at Adam. He followed her and sat at the piano as Kim picked up the microphone that Ernie had been using. Tommy stood in the middle of the dance floor, while his friends headed towards their table.
Kim cleared her throat. "First of all, I would like to thank everyone for sharing this very special day with me and Tommy." She looked around at some of the people that she had not seen in a long time. She locked eyes with Katherine and smiled at her, glad that she was able to make it to the wedding. Conner, who had also made a full recovery was sitting with Ethan and Trent at one table, along with Tori, Shane, Cam, and Dustin. Kim saw Hunter and Blake talking to Andros, Zhane and TJ, while Ashley, Cassie, and Karone were chatting amongst themselves. Mack, Lucas, and Wes seemed to be enjoying the benefits of an open bar. Kim smiled at the sight around her and was happy to see the former rangers with her on this special day. Except for one group that she had grown particularly close to, but knew they could not return just because they wanted to.
"This song..." Kim looked at Tommy and stared deep into his eyes. "It's all for you, Handsome." She looked at Adam, who nodded and started playing the piano. Kim took a deep breath and started to sing.
Ever since I was a baby girl, I had a dream
A Cinderella theme, crazy as it seemsAlways knew that deep inside that there would come that day
But I would have to wait, make so many mistakes
I couldn't comprehend as I watched it unfold
This classic story told, I left it in the cold
Walking through unopened doors that led me back to you
Each one unlocking more of the truth
For the second time that day, Kim thought back to that LA show. The infamous LA show. The best show she had ever performed. She got reacquainted with two of her best friends that she had known since her childhood, met a new friend who turned out to be one of her closest, and fell in love, all over again, with the only man she had ever given her heart to.
I finally stopped tripping on my youth
I finally got lost inside of you
I finally know, I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul
Tommy stood, still locked in the middle of the dance floor staring at his new wife on the stage. 'Amazing,' he thought. He grinned at her as he, too, thought of the LA show that brought them back together. He remembered his surprise when he realized that Kim was performing on stage in front of her. His surprise at the sight of the rest of his friends sitting just one row in front of him. His jealously of Adam, seeing how close he and Kim had gotten. He laughed it off now.
Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever head
Give my love to him finally
Kim paused as Adam began playing a solo on the piano. Kira walked forward, onto the stage at Adam's cue. She grinned at Kim as she took the microphone from her and nodded down towards Tommy who was still on the dance floor by himself.
"Dr. and Mrs. Oliver, everyone!" Kira announced into the microphone to everyone's applause.
Kim walked off the stage, right towards Tommy. He grinned at her, stretching his arm out to her. "May I have this dance, Beautiful?" echoing words that he said to her when they were still teenagers.
She grinned at the familiarity of the words. She thought about the first time he had ever said them to her: their first date at Angel Grove Park and they were attacked by putties. 'Now that's a story for the grandkids,' she thought, smiling.
They began to dance as Kira continued to sing Kim's song.
I remember the beginning, you already knew
I acted like a fool, just trying to be cool
Frontin' like it didn't matter, I just ran way
"Great song," Tommy whispered as he spun her around him. "As always."
Put on another face, was lost in my own space
Found out what it's like to hurt selfishly
So scared to give up me, afraid to just believe
I was in a jealous, insecure pathetic place
Stumbled though the mess that I have made
"That was a really big mess," Tommy whispered again.
"Oh, shut up." Kim grinned and playfully hit him.
Tommy grinned. He was glad they could joke about that period of their lives when they were apart. Kim leaned up and kissed him.
I finally got out of my own way
I finally started living for today
I finally know, I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul
Kim and Tommy grinned as their friends joined them on the dance floor. Trini and Jason grinned at Kim and Tommy as they passed them. Rocky and Aisha were whispering to each other as Billy and Hayley danced near them. Since their respective partners were onstage, Zack and Amy were dancing with one another as Kira continued to sing.
Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally.
The night continued on and Kim was in awe of the entire night. She loved every minute of it and just didn't want the night to end.
"Aisha!" Kim called. She grabbed Aisha's arm, pulling her into a tight hug. "Thank you, everything has been absolutely perfect. I love you."
"I love you, too," replied Aisha, returning Kim's hug. "I'm glad the night has been perfect for you. Mine was for me." She grinned. "Except for the part when Adam dipped out and got his powers back."
Kim and Aisha immediately looked toward the stage.
"Oh, he's over there," said Aisha, pointing. "At the table, talking to Amy and Rocky."
"Good, if he had left..." She and Aisha started laughing.
"Ladies," Trini said, putting her arms around Kim and Aisha. "How are we doing?"
"Great," answered Kim. "I'm so glad you two are here. My two best friends. I have no idea where I would be today if it weren't for either one of you or...them." She nodded toward the head table, where the majority of their other friends were sitting. "I love you guys." She hugged each of them tightly.
"Aww," said Trini, hugging them tight, also. "It's been...a great ride."
"And we're only just beginning," said Aisha. "I need to tell you both something. But I don't want it out, yet. At least not until things have settled down."
"What's wrong?" asked Kim, looking worried.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong...I just..." Aisha looked around before dropping her voice. "I might be pregnant," she whispered.
Trini and Kim squealed at the news.
"I'm so happy for you!" exclaimed Kim, hugging Trini and Aisha even more tight.
"Is this why you've been so crankly, lately?" Trini asked, teasingly. "I'm glad for you, though." She grinned.
"I'm not sure if I am, though," said Aisha. "But once I know for sure, you two will be the first I tell."
"How many tests have you taken?"
"Just one. Last night."
"And?" asked Kim.
"And it ended up being positive...but I heard that these things aren't always a hundred percent right."
"Then let's find out. We'll go and grab another test for you."
Trini playfully hit Kim. "You can't go, Kim. This is your reception."
"Well, you're the maid of honor."
"It's okay, guys," said Aisha. "This can wait until tomorrow."
"No, it's cool," said Trini. She looked at her two friends. "I'll go and grab one. I know I saw a drug store down the street." She gave them each another hug. "I'll be right back."
"Make sure you're back by the cake-cutting!" warned Aisha. "The night's going perfectly. You can't mess it up by being late for your speech."
Kim and Trini looked at each other and smiled. "Hurry back!" said Kim as Trini sought out Jason for car keys. She turned back to Aisha. "So...how do you feel about it?"
Aisha shrugged. "Not sure...I mean, I'm happy, of course and...but...I don't know. Is it even the right time? I mean, I know Rocky'll be a great dad, but...I don't know...I'm scared...we just...there's so much out there and I don't know."
"Aisha. You'll be a great mother and Rocky will be a great father. You have nothing to worry about. Besides, you have all of us here to help out."
"I just want to think about something else right now."
"You did hide it pretty well. I couldn't tell anything was on your mind today."
Aisha looked at Kim sternly. "I said I want to think about something else today. Besides, it was easy to push it from my mind...what with the wedding of the century going on around me."
"Wedding of the century?" Rocky said as he approached Aisha and Kim, hooking his arm through both of theirs. "Yeah, this is. THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY!" he bellowed.
Aisha elbowed him. "Rocky...I think you've had a little too much to drink tonight."
"Aw, come on, 'Sha. The night's still early."
Kim bit back her smile. "It is, 'Sha. Come on, let's just have fun tonight. Look, there's Lucas and Trent."
"Yeah," agreed Rocky. "Come on, 'Sha, let's go say hi to Lucas and the rest of the guys."
Kim raised an eyebrow as Aisha glared at her, being led away by Rocky toward the loud, raucous table of Lucas, Trent, Conner, Will, Wes, and Eric. She laughed as Aisha looked at the guys in front of her who were slowly growing more and more drunk as the night continued on. Kim looked around the room and saw everyone smiling and having fun. She grinned at the sight and caught the eye of Taylor, who waved at Kim. Kim waved back and pointed to Aisha, the only female amongst a group of male former rangers. Taylor nodded and pulled Cassie, Ashley, and Kira over to the table. Kim smiled, happy that Aisha wouldn't be the only one putting up with the guys. She winked across the room at Tommy, who smiled at her while he was in the middle of talking to Jason's parents.
"Hey. Still have time for me, friend?"
Kim looked over and saw Adam smiling next to her. "Always, Adam. Always." She hooked her arm into his and rested her head on his shoulder.
"How you feeling?"
"The best."
"You look happy. I like that."
"I'm just glad that you and Kira didn't run off to save the world."
Adam smirked and put his arm around Kim. "Well, when we do, I'll be sure to tell you."
"When?"
"We'd have to keep it a secret from your husband, though. You know he always loves getting in on the action."
Kim laughed. "He'd probably be the blue ranger or something."
Adam smiled. He looked at Kim and stuck out his hand. "You wanna dance?"
"Sure."
Adam led Kim out to the dance floor and for the first few seconds, neither of them spoke, just listening to the music play. Others followed their lead and made their way to the dance floor, also.
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high and life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
"I love you and I love Tommy," said Adam. "But it's gonna be a little weird. I'm gonna some kind of a miss you."
"Oh, Adam," replied Kim. "I'm not going anywhere. You're still stuck with me." She smiled and laughed. "But, no, I know what you mean. It'll be the same, but different."
Adam nodded. "Good different."
"And it's a good weird." She smiled as they glided across the dance floor. "Besides, we're probably going to be having this same conversation at yours and Amy's wedding."
"Oh, sweetie, let's not go there."
Kim laughed. "Come on, Adam...we're all doing it. Me, Tommy, Aisha, Rocky, Trini, Jason. And then, pretty soon, there'll be a lot of mini-rangers running around."
Adam shook his head. "If it were any other guy...I would be so against this!"
"Stop trying to change the subject, commitment-phobe."
"I'm not doing anything."
"I'll let it slide for now."
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted
"So, have all your dreams come true?" Adam asked as he twirled Kim.
"Almost." Kim smiled. "You know I'm always coming up with new ones."
Adam smiled. "It seems like everything is falling into place now, huh. Years of...not knowing or whatever you'd call it. The puzzle's solved." They danced around some more. "Do you ever think about gymnastics? Random, I know. But...listening to this song from Les Mis kinda got me thinking about it. The dream that brought you to Florida."
"Oh, you mean how those particular dreams of mine were made and used and wasted?" Kim shrugged. "I'm glad I didn't continue in it. I think I can really say that today I have no regrets. None at all. Leaving Angel Grove. Writing that letter. Quitting gymnastics. Taking up music. All of it. I don't regret any of it. All of it is what brought me to who I am today."
Adam nodded and kissed her cheek. "And I love that person you've become. I'm glad we got close."
"Me too. I know you kind of flew under the radar a bit when we were teenagers."
Adam shrugged. "That usually happens. Especially back then."
But the tigers come at night
With their voice as soft as thunder
As they turn your hope apart
As they turn your dreams to shame
Adam furrowed his brow, listening to the lyrics of the song. He thought for a bit. "Why'd you pick this song, Kim?" he asked, teasingly. "It's not good to play at a wedding!" He laughed.
Kim shrugged. "It sounds nice, doesn't it? I didn't even think to listen to the lyrics." The two of them laughed. "I just remember going through my music library and hearing the opening chords and verse and liked it." The two were silent, listening to the song. "It is kind of horrible, though, right?"
Adam raised an eyebrow, in agreement. He motioned for the DJ to change the song. "There. This is better. But it's so much more applicable to your husband." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Kim. You're my best friend and I'm so glad that you're so happy and have found Tommy. I'm glad the two of you are together and I wish the both of you all the best in this life. And I will be right here for you or him, whenever and wherever you need me." He looked over at Tommy and motioned for him to come over. "Take care of her, Tommy." He grinned at the two of them, clapping a hand on Tommy's back as he retreated off the dance floor.
Tommy looked back at Adam before taking his place, dancing with Kim. "What was that about, Beautiful?"
Kim shrugged. "It's about you and me." She leaned into Tommy and rested her head on his chest as they danced to the music.
Highway run to the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
You're on my mind
Restless hearts sleep alone tonight
Sending all my love along the wire
"Baby, let's dance," Rocky said, abruptly cutting off his conversation with Wes and Aisha's with Taylor's.
She smiled apologetically at Taylor. "There's no better idea." She led Rocky onto the dance floor.
As the two of them danced near Tommy and Kim, Rocky raised a hand and yelled, "Let's hear it for the two: Tommy and Kim, making it the wedding of the century!" Everyone started cheering and catcalling and the sounds of utensils hitting the glasses filled the air. Tommy and Kim obliged to the crowd and shared a long kiss. "All right, Tommy. Save it for later."
"Rocky...I..." started Aisha.
"What's up?"
Aisha looked up at him and smiled. "Nothing. I'm glad this day's finally here, though."
"Yeah, but what are you gonna plan next? You've been at Kim's wedding for ages."
Aisha smiled. "Who knows what might come our way."
"Yeah," agreed Rocky. "Like another ranger mission! I wonder if I could switch colors. Do you mind if I took yellow? That could be a boy color, too, right? Yellow's aren't always ladies, are they?"
Aisha gave Rocky a confused look. "I don't know," she replied and started laughing. "If you were yellow, what color would I take?"
"Oh, baby, we'd all change colors. If I'm yellow, then you could be red."
"I think I like that."
"Then that means that Tommy's pink!" The two of them started laughing. "And what should Kim be? Black, red, white, or green?"
"I think she'd prefer the white. That was when they were together and he wasn't evil."
"All right, I guess she could be white. We should make Amy a ranger, too! She could be a new color, like purple or something."
Aisha rolled her eyes and smiled. She had to hand it to her husband. He could take her mind off of anything.
They say that the road is no place to start a family
Right down the line it's been you and me
Loving a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be
Girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully
"Do you ever think about kids?" Aisha asked Rocky.
"All the time," he answered. "I think about how much they've learned and what our next lesson plan is. I love kids. I love teaching."
Aisha nodded. "What if you were teaching...like your own child."
Rocky shrugged, nonchalantly. "I'd love that even more. But only if it happened in a few years. Maybe six or seven. Then we could have a whole freakin' football team. But, I'm enjoying it just being the two of us, 'Sha." He leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Circus life under the big top world
We all need the clowns to make us smile
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am
Lost without you
"I've been thinking," Hayley said, taking a seat next to Billy.
"About what?" he responded.
"About moving from Reefside to come here. I mean, all of our friends are here. It would be easy to open up another cafe, especially near Tommy's high school and you could easily find a job here, as well."
Billy furrowed his brow. "I've been thinking about that, too. But...I just don't want to leave Zack out there by himself in LA. We've been the only ones he's been close, too."
"You're right. I guess we could just continue to talk and think this through."
"It's a big decision, Hayles. I would love to move here, but at the moment, home is Reefside."
And being apart ain't always easy on this love affair
Two strangers learning to fall in love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you
"How you doing, father of the bride slash best man?" Adam asked, taking a seat next to Jason. He leaned down to kiss Amy, who was talking to Jason.
"Well, thanks for interrupting!" Amy exclaimed, playfully hitting Adam.
"Sorry, guys. What's going on?"
"Well, the father of the bride slash best man is doing as fine as can be," replied Jason. "Although it seems that I have lost my better half. Any sign of Trini?"
Adam and Amy looked around and shook their heads.
"Maybe she's preparing for her big speech," said Amy. "How's yours coming along?"
Jason shrugged. "I don't agree with these useless traditions. Meaning, I have nothing to go on." The three laughed. "Adam, you want to make that speech for me?"
"Yeah right, heck no."
"You know, I was thinking."
"That's a first," Adam said automatically.
Jason glared at him and continued. "What I was thinking about...and don't call me mushy, this stays between us, all right."
"I'm intrigued, Jason," said Amy. "Do tell."
"Well, you know, Tommy and Kim. High school sweethearts and whatnot. Drifted apart and you know, found their own paths in life. Kim with her music and Tommy with his...latest ranger color." They laughed. "No, but seriously, Kim with her music and Tommy becoming a teacher."
"A doctor," Adam pointed out.
"Yeah, a doctor. Of paleontology, can you believe that?"
"Let's get back to the motion at hand, here," said Amy.
"Oh, right. Well, you know, I was thinking about the two of them and how they grew up and matured, but they always held a part of each other. And then when they first saw each other again, there was just so much that's happened that it was almost as if they were strangers. And then they rediscovered their love for each other and just fell hard for each other."
Adam nodded slowly. "You're right, that is mushy."
"Aw, but I think you got your speech," said Amy. "Just think about that and you've got it. Just speak from your heart about those two. From what I've heard, you're probably the best person to talk about Kim and Tommy. You've known both of them for a long time and you've pretty much seen their love story begin and grow."
Jason nodded. "I think it's the whole speaking in public that's getting to me."
"Oh, come on. A former red ranger like you?"
"Hey-fighting evil monsters and public speaking are two completely different things."
"Agreed," said Adam. "That's why I like the back seat. Kim, Kira can say whatever they want. I'll just tell them what to do."
Oh girl
You stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully
"Have I told you that I love you, lately, Kim?"
"Oh, I don't think I heard it in the last 15 seconds." She laughed. "But I love hearing you say it."
"Then I love you." He laughed. "When did we turn into this?"
"Hey, it's our wedding day, we're allowed this today!" She grinned at him. "I'm happy."
"That's the only thing I want for you." He kissed her. "And I'm happy, too."
She smiled, hugging him closer. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Trini, holding a brown paper bag. "Ooh, there's Trini. Hang on a second." She let go of Tommy and ran over to Aisha and Rocky. She pulled Aisha towards to Trini and the three of them headed to the nearest bathroom.
"Our girls left us, Tommy!" Rocky exclaimed. He put his arm around Tommy. "Guess it's just you and me, huh?"
Tommy nodded, pulling Rocky's arm off of him. "But we won't be dancing." He led Rocky off the dance floor and sat him down next to Amy. "Where'd the girls go?"
"Which ones?" asked Jason.
"Our wives."
"You saw Trini? Where'd she go?"
Tommy shrugged.
"I think a couple more minutes," Trini said. She, Aisha, and Kim were in the bathroom.
The door opened and the three of them turned towards the direction and yelled, "NO!"
"Sorry!" Whoever accidently walked in said as she ran backwards.
Trini started counting down the seconds on her watch. "It's just about time..." She motioned to the pregnancy test on the counter. "Aisha..."
Aisha moved to pick it up, but quickly pulled her arm back. "I can't do it. What if...what if it's positive and Rocky doesn't even want a baby right now, he said he wants to wait a few years and I kinda have to agree with him, it just does not fit into our plans at the moment, you know."
Trini and Kim waited for Aisha to stop. "Do you want me to look at it?" asked Kim. Aisha bit her lip and nodded. Trini put her arm around Aisha as Kim carefully picked up the pregnancy test. She looked at it closely, but didn't say anything.
"Well?" asked Trini.
"It's negative," Kim answered.
There's that chapter! Please review and let me know what you think!
Songs are: "Finally" by Fergie; "I Dreamed A Dream" by Les Miserables; "Faithfully" by Journey
