Power Rangers Zeo
“Trouble in Paradise”
The girl ran back into her house realizing she had forgotten her wallet and that she wasn’t going to get anywhere without it. She was quickly followed by her friend, whom she was heading out with.
“Come on, we’re going to be late!”, exclaimed Jason Lee Scott
“I’m sorry! But you know me.”, Carri Hillard apologized as she went to get some money
Jason sighed. “Women.”, he joked
Carri and Jason were getting ready to leave when the phone rang, and by habit Carri answered it.
“Carri!”, Jason exclaimed
“Hello?”, she asked
“Hello.”, the voice on the other end replied. “Carri?”
“That would be me.”, Carri told the voice
“It’s Kim.”, the person told her
“Hey! Haven’t talked to you in a while. How are you!”, Carri exclaimed
“Doing good. Been busy getting ready for the games.”, Kimberly Heart told her, “And speaking of the games, have you gotten your mail yet?”
“No.”, Carri told her
“Go get it.”, Kim requested
Carri put the phone down and went to get the mail. She came back with a letter in her left hand and the rest of the mail in her right. She threw down the mail, opened the letter and then picked back up the phone.
“Seven plane tickets to Florida.”, Carri said
“Yup. All five rangers, Jason and Emily are invited to see me compete in the Pan Global Games at the beginning of next week.”, Kim told her
“Thanks for the notice. It’s Friday and we leave Monday.”, Carri said
“No problem.”
Carri held the phone away from her ear to talk to Jason. “What are you doing next week?”, she asked
“Nothing. Why?”, asked Jason
“Wanna go to Florida to see Kim?”
“Kim’s on the phone! Let me say hello.”, Jason said
“Did you hear Jason?”, asked Carri
“Yes I did. I’ll talk to him.”, Kim said
“Alright.”, said Carri
“Bye.”, Kim said
“Talk to you later.”, said Carri before she handed the phone over to Jason
“Hey Jason.”, greeted Kim
“Hey! How’s Florida?”, asked Jason
“Hot.”, Kim replied
“Just hot? What about the games?”, asked Jason
“Number one qualifier.”, Kim informed him
“Kim, that’s great!”, exclaimed Jason
“I’m hoping all of you, including Emily can come catch the games.”, Kim said
“Count me in.”, Jason said. Then Jason looked at his watch. “I hate to cut this short, but Carri and I are going to be late as it is.”
“Oh? Where are you going?”, asked Kim
“We’re meeting the others at the fair.”, Jason told her
“Ok. I’ll see you Monday.”, Kim said
“Monday it is.”, said Jason as they hung up the phone
“Are we ready?”, asked Carri
“Let’s hit it.”, Jason said as the two left the house
Jason, Carri, and Adam all ran late and they were greeted by Tommy, Kat, Rocky and Emily.
“And we thought we were going to be late once our classes ran over.”, Rocky DeSantos said motioning to him and Tommy
“Guess who I talked to.”, both Carri and Adam Park said at the same time
“You go first.”, they said to each other
“Slow down.”, ordered Tommy Oliver
“Ok. Ladies first.”, said Adam
“How kind.”, replied Carri. “I just got off the phone with Kim. She wants all of us to go to Florida to see her compete.”
“That’s great!”, Tommy exclaimed
“Are we all going?”, asked Jason
“Count me in.”, Rocky told them
“Me too. This will be great.”, Tommy told everyone
“I’ll be there.”, Katherine Hillard agreed
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”, Adam said
Emily was the last to reply. “I can’t go with you. I have to work all next week.”
“Florida won’t be the same without you.”, Jason told her
“I think I know somebody who I’m sure Kim would love to meet that can come with us since Emily can’t.”, Adam said
“Who?”, asked Kat
“Tanya.”, Adam replied
“But isn’t she in New York?”, asked Tommy
“She’ll be in town for almost two weeks starting tomorrow.”, Adam told him
“That’s great!”, Kat exclaimed
“Oh, she wanted to me to check with you and make sure that her room’s still available.”, Adam said to Kat
“Of course it is! Why wouldn’t we let her stay with us while she’s in town.”, Kat said
“What a week. Tanya’s coming down and we all get to go visit Kim.”, Rocky said
“I finally get to meet Tanya. I’ve heard so much from Adam.”, said Jason
“Yeah, me too.”, agreed Emily
“Well now that all the excitement’s over with, let’s head over and start playing games.”, suggested Carri
“Come on then.”, said Rocky as he and Tommy led the way
The teens spent all Friday night at the fair. Then they all got up Saturday morning to meet Tanya’s plane.
“Which gate is it?”, asked Kat
“5 A. This one right over... here.”, Adam told her as he pointed to a gate and they walked over to it
“I can’t wait to see Tanya again.”, Tommy said
“Me neither.”, Adam agreed
“Flight 106 from New York now arriving.”, announced one of the air line employees
“That’s hers.”, Rocky said
They all stood their anxiously awaiting for the passengers to get off the plane.
“Do you guys see her?”, asked Kat
“Nope. Half of New York must’ve come to Angel Grove today because I couldn’t pick out one person if my life depended on it.”, Carri said
“There she is!”, Adam exclaimed
“Maybe you just weren’t looking hard enough.”, Rocky said teasing Carri
Tanya ran to meet her friends and the first thing she did was go to Adam and give him the hug she had been wanting to give him for a while now. “It’s so good to see you again.”, Tanya Sloan told her boyfriend
Adam gave her a kiss. “It’s good to see you too.”
Tanya then broke away from Adam to greet everyone else.
“Kat!”, exclaimed Tanya
“Tanya!”, exclaimed Kat before the two hugged
“How have things been?”, asked Tanya
“Fine. A little more hectic the last two weeks now that it’s summer time. You know how that is.”, Kat told her
Tanya smiled as she remembered rangering. “I know how that goes.”
“What about you? How’s the record deal going?”, asked Kat
“Well, I’ve almost finished working on my album. I have two more songs I have to record. It will hopefully be out by Christmas.”, Tanya told her
“That’s great!”, Kat exclaimed, “I know you’ll be number one the minute it comes out.”
“Thanks.”, Tanya said as she walked over to Tommy
“Well look who’s back.”, Tommy said as he gave her a hug
“I know you missed me.”, said Tanya
“Things were much more normal with you here.”, Tommy told her
“As opposed to what?”, asked Carri
Tommy smiled in her direction to let her know he was teasing her then he turned back to Tanya. “Anyway, we do miss you. Not having you around sure took some getting used to.”
“I’ll bet Rocky got used to the change really fast.”, Tanya said walking over to him
“I saw nothing wrong with change.”, said Rocky as he gave Tanya a hug, “But don’t get me wrong, I missed having you around.”
“Well I missed all of you.”, Tanya told them
Tanya turned to talk to Carri. “How’s it going?”
“Pretty good.”, Carri told her
“Did you enjoy Angel Grove High?”, asked Tanya
“So much more than I would’ve Westside County.”, Carri replied
“Speaking of Westside, I met several of your friends, or should I say people who know you, in New York.”, Tanya told her
“Sheesh. I think I knew everybody at school. So that doesn’t really narrow it down.”, said Carri
“Well we’ll have to talk sometime.”, Tanya said
“Sure thing.”, Carri told her
Tanya looked over at the last remaining teens. “Hello.”, she said to them
“Tanya, I’d like you to meet our friends Jason and Emily.”, Adam said
“Nice to meet you, considering I’ve heard so much about you.”, Jason told her
“All good I hope.”, Tanya said
“Well it came from Adam.”, said Jason
Tanya smiled. “Well in that case.”
“So you’re Tanya.”, Emily said
“That would be me.”, Tanya told her
“You’re no immortal goddess or anything are you?”, asked Emily
Tanya looked confused. “Not last time I checked.”
“Just making sure. Because the way Adam talks you are.”, Emily told her
Adam blushed.
“Aw look, you’re making him blush.”, said Tommy
“Shut up man.”, Adam requested
“Looks like love to me.”, Kat said
Tanya went over and put an arm around Adam. “So what do you have planned?”, she asked him as they started to walk away
“Let’s see. Today we’ll go around as a group, tomorrow is our day and on Monday we leave for Florida for a week.”, Adam told her
“Florida?”, questioned Tanya
“Courtesy of Kimberly Heart and the rest of the gymnastics team.”, Adam said
“That’s right the Pan Global games are this week!”, exclaimed Tanya. “Sounds like fun.”
“Are we all ready to go skating?”, asked Tommy
“Skating? Kat can’t go.”, Tanya said
“Why?”, asked Kat
“Because.”, said Tanya, “You’re a dancer. You’d make us normal uncoordinated people look bad.”
“But she’ll be the odd ball. Because the rest of us will be uncoordinated and she’ll be perfect so she won’t fit in.”, Tommy said
“Tommy!”, Kat exclaimed. “I don’t know whether to kiss you for the compliment or hit you for the odd ball comment.”
“I’d prefer the kiss.”, Tommy told her
Kat then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
Jason turned to look behind him for Emily. Only she was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Carri. “Hang on here a sec guys, we’re missing two.”, Jason said
The group turned around and saw them all the way down at the spot where they had originally met Tanya.
“Hey! We’re over here!”, Rocky yelled
“You’re just now noticing we’re missing!”, Emily yelled. “We’ll catch up.”
Then the group turned and continued walking. “I knew it was too quiet around here.”, Jason said
“So tell me, what interesting stuff did I miss while I was gone?”, asked Tanya
“These two hooked up.”, Rocky said pointing to Tommy and Kat. “Man, you should’ve seen him trying to ask her out.”
“I wasn’t that bad!”, Tommy exclaimed
“Oh really? If you didn’t hurry up and ask her to the Hawaiian party I was going to do it for you.”, Rocky told him
“Come on Rocky, don’t pick on Tommy like that.”, Tanya said
Rocky threw his hands up in the air. “I’m not picking on him.”
“But you are right.”, Jason said
As they approached the top of the escalator they turned around and saw the two girls slowly making their way in that direction. “You guys go ahead. I’ll wait for them.”, Jason said
“Are you sure?”, asked Tommy
“Go before I push you down the stairs.”, Jason said
“Look at that. Jason’s trying to act all tough.”, Adam said before he made sure he was the first one on the escalator, followed by Tanya at his side
“I see how it is. Make fun of me and run. But you can’t hide. I know where you live.”, joked Jason
“Jason.... aw never mind.”, Rocky said as he stepped onto the escalator
“That’s right Rocky. Don’t say anything. Be afraid. Be very afraid.”, Jason told him
“Give it up bro.”, Tommy said as he and Kat stepped arm in arm onto the escalator
Jason looked satisfied. “Now that I’ve scared all of you away.”, he said crossing his arms
“We’ll pretend we didn’t hear that.”, Rocky called up
Jason just smiled as he turned his attention to his girlfriend and his friend, who were both still making there way over. “Hurry up!”, yelled Jason
Neither one of them acknowledged his request. “Don’t you guys know that when I say hurry up you run?”, asked Jason
“Is Jason talking?”, Emily asked
Carri shook her head no.
“Ok. I didn’t think so.”, Emily said
A few minutes later they arrived at the escalator and stepped onto it walking right past Jason. “Hey wait a sec here.”, Jason said hopping on the escalator right behind him
“I think there’s someone behind us who want’s to talk to you.”, Carri told her friend
“Talk to me? I’ve never seen him before in my life.”, Emily joked
“Aw come on.”, Jason said as he wrapped his arms around Emily’s waist and leaned his head on her shoulder
“You two look might cozy for people who don’t know each other.”, Carri pointed out
“Well you know me. Jumping from one loser to the next never really knowing any of them.”, Emily joked
“So that would make me the loser of the day?”, asked Jason
“Actually the minute. And since your minute’s up I’ll see you later.”, Emily said
“I’m glad you love me so much.”, Jason told her
“I know I love you.”, Emily said as she turned around and kissed him
Carri hopped of the escalator. “Come on guys the others are over there.”
The threesome walked to the baggage claim, with Emily and Jason hand in hand, where Tanya was getting the last of her things.
“It’s nice of you to join us.”, Rocky said
“We had very important issues to discuss.”, Emily told him
“Actually we just didn’t want to be seen in public with you guys.”, Carri said
“You not want to be seen with us? Well what do you know I always thought it was the other way around.”, Tommy said
“Come on guys, let’s get going.”, Adam said as he carried both of Tanya’s big suitcases, and Tanya was beside him carrying her smaller one
“Are we going straight to the skating rink?”, asked Tommy
“Yes. Unless of course you need to go home first.”, Adam said to Tanya
“No, skating’s fine.”, Tanya told him
“Ok so how about Carri, Jason and Emily go with me and Tommy and Kat can go with Adam and Tanya.”, suggested Rocky
“Sounds good to me.”, Kat said
“All right then. Let’s go.”, said Adam
After they went skating the group ventured over to the Youth Center. “Well guys that was fun.”, Tanya said
“Kat made me look bad.’, Carri complained
“Kat made everybody look bad.”, Jason said
“What? Is it because I’m talented and your not?”, questioned Kat
“Yup. That would just about cover it.”, Carri said
Kat smiled as they sat down at a table.
“Tanya! You’re back!”, exclaimed the owner of the Youth Center, Ernie
“Just for a while.”, Tanya said
“How are things in New York?”, Ernie asked
“It’s going good. In fact it’s going better than I expected. The only thing is I miss Angel Grove. And your burgers.”, Tanya said
“That’s right. Because my burgers are sold here and nowhere else. How about one on the house for you.”, Ernie offered
“Thanks.”, said Tanya
“I want one too.”, Rocky said
“Not free.”, Ernie reminded him
“Ya know I have bought so much food here that I should have a special discount. Or get some free food. Or something.”, Rocky said
“Stop complaining.”, Carri ordered, “And I’d like one too.”
“Me too.”, Adam said
“Does everybody want one?”, asked Ernie. Ernie heard a chorus of yes’s. “I’ll be right back out with your food then.”
Ernie left and the teens started chatting.
“I can’t wait to go to Florida and see Kim.”, Carri said
“Me neither.”, agreed Tommy
“You’ve only talked to Kim once.”, Kat pointed out
“Not true. We’ve talked on the phone and we’ve been writing.”, corrected Carri
“Oh.”, Kat said, “I didn’t know that.”
“It’s too bad I won’t be able to meet Kim, again. I worked while she was here and I’ll be working while you go see her.”, Emily complained
Jason put an arm around her. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll drag Kim up here one of these days so you can meet her.”
“Well I’m excited. This will be fun. I’ve never been to Florida before. And I’ve heard so much about Kim.”, Tanya told them
“I’m just glad you could come with us.”, Adam said
“I’m glad I could too.”, agreed Tanya
Ernie then came over and sat their burgers down in front of them. “Enjoy.”, Ernie said as he walked off
It was silent for a few minutes as everyone started eating.
Tommy finished swallowing. “I’ve finally figured out how to get peace and quiet around here. Shove food down everyone’s throat.”
Carri took a sip of her soda. “Rocky always eats. Therefore Rocky is always quiet.”
“I don’t always eat. I do other things.”, Rocky said in his own defense
“Sorry. I left out sleep.”, joked Carri
Rocky got this goofy grin on his face right before he hopped out of his seat and pounced on her back, wrapping his arms around her tightly and leaning in over her close to her face. “Now what were you saying?”, he asked
“I was saying all you do is eat and sleep.”, she told him
He leaned in a little closer and started tickling her.
“Come on Rocky!”, she exclaimed
“Let me try this again. What were you saying?”, he asked. Rocky stopped tickling her so she could regain composure and answer him.
“You are the coolest person I know. And you have a life which doesn’t revolve around eating and sleeping.”, she told him
“That’s all I wanted to hear.”, Rocky said as he sat down
Carri smiled. “I had my fingers crossed.”
Rocky jumped up like he was getting ready to start tickling her again.
“Just kidding!”, she exclaimed
Everyone slowly got up but Jason.“Where are you guys going?”, asked Carri
“While you two lovebirds were fooling around we ate.”, Tanya told her
“So now you and Adam can go fool around.”, Rocky said
Adam turned slightly red.
“Well we already had plans for tonight. We’ll talk to you later.”, Tommy said as he and Kat headed out
“I figured I’d take Tanya home. She’s been on the go all day.”, Adam said
Tanya shook her head in agreement. “I’m ready to lounge around for a little bit.”
“Bye guys.”, Rocky said as the others waved
“And my shift starts in ten minutes.”, Emily said as she headed to the other side of the counter
“I’m just here to watch.”, Jason said
“Jason! You loser.”, teased Carri
Carri and Rocky sat there silently finishing their food while Jason watched Emily work. And when Rocky and Carri left Jason did too so he didn’t look too terribly stupid sitting there alone doing nothing.
Adam arrived at the Hillard’s house around lunch time the next day.
Ding dong!
“I’ll get it!”, exclaimed Carri as she walked to the door
“Hey.”, greeted Adam
Carri turned around. “Tanya your man is here.”
Then she headed up the stairs to here room so she could paint her nails. She was passed by Tanya who was on her way down to meet Adam.
“Hey Adam.”, Tanya said as she walked down the stairs
Adam greeted her by putting his arm around her waist and leading her out the door. “Come on, I have a lot planned.”, Adam told her
“Starting with?”, asked Tanya
“You’ll see.”, Adam said as they left
“Well they look mighty cozy.”, Kat said to the person on the other line as she watched from the kitchen what was going on
“Who? Adam and Tanya?”, Tommy asked
“Those would be the two I’m talking about.”, Kat said with a smile
“Let’s go out this afternoon.”, suggested Tommy
“Out where?”, asked Kat
“I don’t know. I’ll come over and we can go from there.”, said Tommy
“Alright. Sounds good.”
“See you in a few.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”, Tommy said as he hung up the phone
A short while later Tommy arrived and the two left giving the house a quiet appearance.
Right after the sun set on Angel Grove Adam led Tanya down the beach and to a table and two chairs which Ernie had kindly let him borrow. The table had two white candles on it and two places set. Beside the table was a picnic basket full of food. Adam pulled a chair back and let Tanya sit down. Then he got out the food and sat down himself.
“It’s beautiful.”, commented Tanya
“Just like the woman I’m with.”, Adam said
They ate in silence for what seemed to them to be forever before Adam spoke again. “Tanya, we haven’t seen each other in almost a year yet we’re hardly saying two words to each other.”
“It’s just... I’ve got a lot on my mind that’s all.”, Tanya told him
“About what?”
“About us.”
“What about us? You sound depressed. You don’t want to break up or anything do you?”
“No, nothing like that. Well maybe.”
“Maybe?”
Tanya sighed. “You’re right. We haven’t seen each other in almost a year. Do you know how hard it is to keep a long distance relationship going.”
“Of course I do.”, Adam said
“Sometimes I just feel so bad I want to end it. I love you so much but it tears me apart to be so far a way and never get to see you and hardly get to talk to you.”
“What is this getting at?”, asked a now worried Adam
“I... well... as much as I don’t want to say this I think we either need to find a way to be together or end it.
“End it!”, exclaimed Adam. “But Tanya I love you! I can’t end it.”
“And I love you too. But I think it would be best to do so. Unless you come up with a better solution before I leave.”
“If I only do one thing during the next two weeks it will be to figure out how to keep us together. Because I have never had a relationship that I cherished as much as this one and I refuse to lose it.”
“But Adam I...”
Adam interrupted her. “No buts. Just give me time. I’ll think of something.”
Tanya smiled. “You always do.”
The two continued their meal in silence for the most part, trying to figure out what the future held for them.
“Flight 307 to Florida now boarding.”, boomed a voice over the intercom
“Would that be us?”, asked Tommy
“I sure hope you’re not asking me. Because numbers and words and even my own name don’t quite have meaning yet.”, Carri told him
“Yes that is our flight.”, Jason said
“I can’t believe it’s not even five am yet.”, Kat said
“But if we’re gonna make it in time to get settled and get to the team competition we have to get there around two pm eastern time.”, Jason pointed out
“I got it!”, Carri exclaimed, “We call Rita and Zedd, ask them to attack Orlando around 1:15 then we just hang around for the games. That way I can go home and get to sleep.”
“Ok. You can be the one to talk to Zedd. I’m sure he’d be more that willing to do something for you.”, Rocky said sarcastically
“She’ll be our sacrifice.”, Tommy said
Everyone laughed. Except for Adam and Tanya. They had hardly said two words since their conversation last night.
“Tickets please.”, said the lady at the counter
Carri pulled out the envelop which held 7 plane tickets. “Here you go.”
A few minutes later they were on the plane. The plane was set up so that there was a row of two seats on one side and a row of three on the other. Jason climbed in and sat beside the window. Carri sat beside him then Rocky beside her. Tommy and Kat sat across from them and Adam and Tanya were behind Tommy.
“Welcome to flight 307.”, said the flight attendant as she started to tell them the basics
But before she could ever finish her speech the passengers hand thrown their seats back and were sound asleep.
The teens arrived in Florida a little after two. They got off the plane and looked for Kim.
“Where is...”, Tommy started scanning the crowd
“Kim!”, yelled Carri as she waved
Kim saw them and waved back. Then she and the girl she was with ran to greet them. They came to an abrupt stop once they got within 2 feet of the group. “Oh my gosh it’s so good to see everyone!”, exclaimed Kim
“It’s good to see you too.”, Tommy told her
Kim turned to Carri. “Did you bring the plastic?” Carri held up a credit card. “Good. Because we have got this killer mall I just have to take you to after the games this week.”
“Mall? I’m there.”, Carri said. Then she and Kim hugged. “Hey Kim.”
“Hey.”, she said. Then she moved over and hugged Rocky. “Rocky how’s it going?”
“And hello to you too. It’s going pretty good if I do say so myself.”, Rocky told her
“That’s good.”, she said as she went and hugged Jason. “Hey Jase. Sorry Emily couldn’t make it.”
Jason sighed. “What bad luck. But she says to tell you hello.”
“Well tell her hello back for me.”, Kim said before hugging Kat. “Have you been keeping everybody in check for me?”
“I try my best. But I’m no miracle worker.”, Kat joked
Kim then hugged Tommy. “It’s really good to see you again.”
“Yeah, you too.”, Tommy said
They both stared at each other for a moment. Then Kim quickly went over and hugged Adam.
“Hey Kim.”, greeted Adam
“Hey. So who’s this?”, she asked
“Kim I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Tanya Sloan. She flew in from New York this week. Tanya this is Kimberly Heart.”
“Nice to meet you.”, Kim said extending her hand
Tanya stuck her hand out. “Nice meeting you too.”
“Ah-hem.”, Tommy said looking at Kim’s friend
Kim made a face at Tommy. “I was getting to that. You guys I would like you to meet Kelly Milosovichi, no relation to the Romanian gymnast but she is my roommate and an American gymnast. Kelly this is Carri Hillard, Rocky DeSantos, Jason Lee Scott, Katherine Hillard, Tommy Oliver, Adam Park and Tanya Sloan.”
Kelly raised an eyebrow at the mention of Tommy’s name. “Hello.”, she said
She got a chorus of hello’s in reply.
“Well why are we still here? Some of us have gymnastics practice.”, Kim said grabbed Rocky and Jason’s hands in an attempt to lead the group off
“Excuse me but who do you think you are grabbing my man’s hand?”, questioned Carri in a defensive tone
“Don’t you remember I’m his woman on the side.”, Kim told her
“Oh. Yeah. Sorry about that.”, Carri said
“Wait a second here you’re not gonna fight for me?”, asked Rocky
“No. You’re not worth it.”, teased Carri
“I’ll fight for you. Right here right now.”, said Kim
“Hey you don’t need Rocky. You’ve got me.”, Jason pointed out
“That’s right.”, Kim said then she dropped Rocky’s hand
Rocky then lifted up his other hand and put it around his girlfriend.
“So I’ve heard a lot about you all.”, Kelly told them
“Coming from Kim? We had better watch out. Everything she told you was a lie. Promise.”, Tommy was quick to say
“Listen here Oliver...”, Kim started but she couldn’t think of anything good to finish it with
“Hey. This is a no fighting zone. That means no fighting.”, said Kelly
Kat smiled. “That’s right. So you just stay over on that side of Kelly with Jason and we’ll stay over here with the normal people.”
“Hey!”, exclaimed Rocky, Carri, Jason and Kim
“No offense of course.”, Kat said smiling
Adam and Tanya had remained quiet throughout the walk through the airport. They were holding hands and looking straight forward both in deep thought.
“Hey Adam you look like you’re going to a funeral. Lighten up.”, Kim said
Adam was quickly jerked back into reality. “My mind’s just on other things.”
“Like what?”, asked Rocky
“Nothing.”, Adam replied
Rocky didn’t want to push him to hard in front of all these people. But they were best friends so he knew he had to make him talk later. “Alright.”
“Come on guys let’s head down the escalator and get out of here.”, Tommy said
“Are we all accounted for this time?”, asked Jason as he glared at Carri
“I hope that wasn’t meant for me.”, she said
Jason continued to glare just to get on her nerves. Then they approached the escalator. “Alright. Everyone go down. Now. Because I said so.”, Jason said
Nobody moved. Jason frowned. “It worked last time.”
The Angel Grove crew laughed as they got on the escalator.
“Give it up bro.”, Tommy said as he got on
“Hey I know...”, Jason started
“Yeah we know. You know where we live. Big deal.”, Rocky finished for him as he got on
“No fair.”, Jason said as he was the last to step on
Then the group headed downstairs and got their luggage and left to prepare for the first night’s event.
“Ok here’s the deal. With the games all the hotels were booked. So we split you guys up and put you in rooms with one or two of the gymnasts.”, Kim said as they walked into the lobby of the building where the dorm rooms were
“No problem.”, Tommy told her
“So Carri you’re going to stay with me and Kelly. And Kat, you and Tanya will stay in room 520 which is right down the hall from us. Rocky and Adam, you guys are on the floor below us in room 436 and Tommy and Jason are right down the hall from you in room 445.”, Kim said
“So where’s the gym?”, asked Kat
“The practice gym is adjacent to this building. You take a left, go down the hall and through the door conveniently labeled gym. Then go down the stairs, through the door at the bottom and you’re there.”, Kelly told her. “It’s coach’s way of keeping us in check. For the events it’s a ten minute walk down the street.”
“Too close for comfort.”, Carri said
“Trust me we know.”, Kim assured here. “So we’re going to get you guys settled in then we have to go to practice. So Kelly can take the girls up and I’ll take the guys. Do you want to come with me Carri?”
“Sure. Why not.”, she replied
“Well come on then. Let’s go.”, Rocky said
Kim led her group to the elevator. Once they had gotten in Kelly and her group headed for the next one.
“I’m surprised Kim didn’t ask you to go with her. After all you’ve known her longer.”, Tanya pointed out
Kat frowned. “Yeah I know. But I guess they had one of those instant friendship type things.”
Tanya heard the sadness in the voice of her friend. “Sounds like I hit on something. You know you if you need to talk about this I’m here.”
Kat quickly got defensive. “No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Tanya just shrugged as they got on the elevator.
“So this is the team competition?”, Tommy asked as they all sat down
“Welcome to the Pan Global Games. First up is the team competition.”, said the announcer
Tommy made a face. “Never mind.”
Kat smiled as she put an arm around her boyfriend.
“First we will have the Russians on beam, the Australians on floor, Germans on the bars and French on the vault.”, the announcer said
“Fish girl!”, exclaimed Carri pointing to Russian gymnast Svetlana Khorkina
“What?”, asked a confused Rocky
“With all her makeup on she looks like one of those cartoon fish.”, Carri explained. “I mean come on, look at her.”
Rocky took one long look and then he started to laugh.
“What?”, asked Adam
“Carri’s cartoon fish theory.”, Rocky told him
Adam looked confused. “Um... no comment.”
“Lemme tell ya. That’s my life for ya. No comment.”, Carri said
“What are you talking about?”, asked Jason
“I have no clue what-so-ever.”, admitted Carri
The gang settled down watching and waiting for the Americans turn. After almost two hours and viewing eight teams it was time for the Americans to have their go at it.
“Allow me to introduce to you your all American team, who will be starting the evening on the floor. First up, our team leader and the first qualifier, Kimberly Heart. She is followed by team members Jennie Thompson, Vanessa Atler, Kristen Maloney, Jamie Dantzscher, Dominique Moceanu, and finally Kelly Milosovichi. They will be joined by the Romanians on beam, the Chinese on the bars and the Ukrainians on vault.”
The whole crowd erupted as the Americans walked out and onto the floor.
“Come on Kim!”, Tommy cheered, then he whistled
Kim was first up on the floor. The crowd silenced so she could concentrate. She spent 90 seconds doing a routine to some of the music from a song titled, “That’s the Way I Like It”. As soon as she threw her hands up in the air the crowd erupted. A few moments later her score was announced, a 9.85.
Kim’s score was only the beginning of a strong run for the American team. When it was all said and done they came in first, blowing away second place Romania and third place Russia.
Kim’s friends ran to greet her.
“That was great!”, exclaimed Tommy
“I couldn’t have done better myself.”, said Carri
“Better? You would’ve done worse.”, Jason told her
“Shh. I know that. And you know that. But it’ll be our little secret.”, she said. “But anyway Kim you killed them out there.”
“Thanks guys. But you know we couldn’t have won without everyone else.”, Kim said
“Exactly. That’s why on behalf of the Angel Grove crew I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the event and did their best scoring high enough for the United States of America to be able to outscore everyone else and bring home the gold medal.”, Rocky said finishing his speech
“Are you done now?”, asked Tanya
“Yes I am.”, Rocky told her
“That’s good. Because if you didn’t shut up I would have shut you up.”, teased Tanya
“Well Kim we’re all proud of you. We couldn’t have won without you.”, Kat told her
“Come on, let’s go celebrate.”, Tommy said as he put his arm around her and led her out
“Not so fast. No celebrations just yet. We have practice from 8:00 until 3:00. And then you have to be back here by 5:00 for the individual event finals.”, Kim’s coach called from behind
Tommy frowned. “I guess I’ll just settle for walking you to your room.”
The group then gathered their things and headed out to get some sleep before the next day’s events.
Around one-thirty the next day Adam and Tanya came walking through the gym. They stopped in front of the mat where Kim was practicing.
“So, Adam, have you...”, Tanya started
Knowing where the question was going Adam cut her off. “Not yet.”
Tanya frowned. “Adam I know you said you could think of something but would it not be easier on both of us to just end it now instead of a last minute sloppy break up which would hurt us both?”
“I... I know you’re right. But I strongly believe I can come up with the answer.”, Adam told her
“But I want to be friends Adam. And I’m afraid that if we wait that won’t happen. Can’t you see the awkward silences between us now that never used to occur between us that are happening now. And it’s because I’m too far away from you.”
“I don’t want friends. I want lovers. I want to be with you.”
“We had this conversation the other night Adam. I want to be with you too. I want to be able to be close to you. I want you. It’s just, well I’m not sure how much longer we’ll last if it continues like this.”
Adam was greatly upset by the situation at hand. “We have to make it last. I have to find a way to make it last. This just isn’t fair.”
“I know.”, agreed Tanya, “Believe me I know.”
A few minutes of standing in silence went by before Adam started to head out the door. “Where are you going?”, asked Tanya
“I need some fresh air.”, Adam told her
Tanya leaned over and kissed him. “I’ll be in my room if you want to talk.”
A few minutes after Adam left Kim took a break. She went over to one of the benches and grabbed her water bottle and a towel.
“Hey beautiful.”, someone called from behind
Kim turned around. “Tommy! Hey.”
“How’s practice going?”, he asked
“Pretty good.”, Kim told him
“That’s good.”, Tommy said. Then he started to sound nervous as he continued. “So, um, well, ok I’ll just come out and ask you. Which one is he?”
“What are you talking about?”, asked Kim
“The guy you dumped me for.”, Tommy replied
Kim got embarrassed as she turned around.
“What’s wrong?”, Tommy asked as he walked over and put a hand on her shoulder
Kim turned back around and right into his arms. Then she sighed. “Tommy there was no other man.”
“What? But in the letter you said...”, Tommy started
“I just said that as an excuse to break up with you.”, Kim said as she stepped away from Tommy
“But why? I thought we had a great relationship.”, Tommy told her
“Because... well because after everything that happened with Kat while I was there I figured you two would be getting closer. And I didn’t want to be in your way. Or to have you feel guilty for cheating on me. So I figured it was best if we broke up.”
“I won’t lie and say I never once thought about Kat, or about being with Kat while we were together, but Kim I love you and I would never have cheated on you. You are the one I think about growing old with. But that’s all in the past now.”
“You talk like it’s the here and now, not the past.”
Tommy turned to leave. “I shouldn’t be here.”
Kim grabbed his arm and turned him around. “Tommy don’t go.”
“Look at me. I’m telling you how I feel, interrupting your practice, and now I feel like an idiot because I just wasted your time by telling you how I feel.”
“Tommy don’t be so hard on yourself. I feel the same way. I hated myself forever after the letter. And I think I should get back to practice. Look at me, I’m agreeing with you and ruining your relationship all at the same time.”
A tear started to run down Kim’s face. Tommy wiped it away, then he leaned in and kissed her. Both of them were suddenly lost in each other. So lost that neither one of them noticed Kat walk in, cover her mouth in shock and run off again.
Tommy pulled back. “I shouldn’t be doing this. I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“I really need to get back to practice.”, Kim said as she rushed off
Then Tommy went to sit on the stairs as he watched Kim practice from the side, trying to get his thoughts in order.
Carri was walking down the hallway when she ran into Kat. “Kat, hey, I was just going down to watch the end of practice then me and Kim were going to grab a bite to eat. Care to join us?”, Carri asked
“What is this a pitty invitation? No, why would I come bust in on yours and Kim’s fun. You guys wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me anyway.”, Kat said
“What are you talking about?”, Carri asked as tears started to form in Kat’s eyes and she ran off. “Kat wait!”
Carri’s first impulse was to run after her but something told her to leave it be this time. It sounded to her that Kat really didn’t want to have anything to do with her at that moment anyway.
Continuing on down the elevator, through the halls and finally down the stairs she found herself almost tripping over Tommy. She took a seat beside him. “So Tommy what’s up? Any reason you’re in here instead of out there?”
Tommy looked like he snapped out of a deep trance. “I kissed her.”, he said flat out. “I told her I still loved her, she said she still loved me and we kissed.”
“And that’s what made Kat so upset.”, stated Carri
Tommy got a horrified look on his face. “You mean she saw us?”, asked Tommy
“Did you not see her?”, asked Carri. “Look all I know is I saw her running through the hall in tears and at the mention of Kim’s name she went off on me.”
Tommy scrunched down low and put his head in his hands. “I screwed up. I screwed it all up.”
Carri put an arm around him. “I know this all looks bad now. But Tommy you need time to think. Kim needs time to think. And so does Kat. And most importantly once Kat cools down you need time to talk to her.”
“And I need to do it before we leave.”, Tommy said groaning
“I believe this is one of those things that is going to take a while to figure out. You’re going to need space and you’re going to need time.”
“I need to think. I’m going up to my room. I’ll talk to you later.”, Tommy said
“Bye.”, said Carri as she walked over to the stands and sat down
Carri sat down and watched practice. She noticed that Kim was a little shaken. And she wasn’t paying a lot of attention to what she was doing. Someone came and put an arm on Carri’s shoulder and sat down beside her.
“Hey you.”, greeted Rocky
“Hey.”, she said as she slid her arm around him. Then she sighed.
“What?”, he asked
Carri stayed silent for a moment before answering. “I have this belief that there is one person for everyone. And when you meet this person you know they’re the one. And if you’re separated from this person, and you think you have found someone else to love, you will one day run into your true love again and you’ll still love them no matter what. Even if you don’t think it can work out you’ll love them.”
“May I ask what brought that on?”, Rocky asked
“You’ll find out soon enough.”, Carri said glancing over at Kim
Rocky followed her glance. “Wait a minute, Kim and Tommy... together?”
“Something like that.”
“But what about Kat?”
“Tommy’s got a lot of things he needs to work out before we can say anything about anybody.”
They heard the coach call and end to practice. “Well I’d hate to impose so I’ll talk to you later.”, Rocky said as the both stood up
“Later it is then.”
Rocky and Carri kissed then Carri walked off the bleachers and waited for Kim to get out of the locker room. “Are you ready to go?”, Carri asked
“Yes.”, Kim said before they walked out
“So what’s bothering you?”, asked Carri even though she knew the answer
“It’s... well nothing really.”, Kim lied
“Look Kim I know, I mean I saw Tommy on my way to the gym and we talked.”
“So then I guess you do know. Well it’s all, kind of complicated. I know you know a little of what happened before you came but, ok here’s the story. So Kat moves to town and is put under a spell by Rita. And then she started to get close to Tommy. And that kind of made me jealous. And I started working hard on the gymnastics, and Kat became good, I went to Florida, and Kat took my place. So I came to Florida and I realized that Kat and Tommy would probably try to hook up. So I figured it would be easier on everyone if I just broke up with Tommy, so I wrote him a letter telling him I had someone else even though I didn’t and I broke up with him in the letter and today he confronted me about it and he said he still loved me and I said I still loved him and we still loved each other and we kissed, ohmygosh we kissed and we shouldn’t...”
“Kim calm down!”, exclaimed Carri. “Now let’s talk about this rationally. So you and Tommy kissed. Why?”
“Because, well because we still love each other.”, Kim told her. Then before Carri could say anything Kim started up again. “It’s not fair. Not fair to me, or to Tommy, or especially not to Kat.”
“So do you want to hook back up with Tommy?”, asked Carri
“Yes I do. And I know he wants it. But then there’s Kat.”
“Kat’s my cousin, and I want her to be happy, but I think you and Tommy were meant to be together.”
“Oh I don’t know what I’m going to do!”, exclaimed Kim
“Well I trust that Tommy is coming up with a really good idea as we speak.”
“This may sound selfish but I hope it puts me and him together.”
“Well we all put our own needs first sometimes.”
Kim smiled as she opened the door to Jersey Mikes, the local sub shop. “Hey I’m Americas best gymnast. My needs always come first.”
Carri laughed at her friend as they both when in to get a quick bite to eat before the individual event finals later that night.
Jason, Carri and Rocky were the last three from the group to arrive at the event finals that night. They saw Adam and Tanya sitting there together. They looked like glass dolls, and if they moved at all they’d break. And neither one of them was talking. But still they were doing better than Tommy and Kat. Kat was sitting on the right of Tanya, and Adam was on the other side of her. Then there were three saved spaces before they saw Tommy, all the way at the other end of Kat.
“Hey bro how’s it going?”, asked Jason as he sat down beside Tommy
“I’m afraid it stopped.”, Tommy told him
Carri sat down beside Jason and Rocky filled the last seat. “Look we’re just in time.”, Rocky said as they began the evening with the floor
Unlike the day before, Kim’s performances were not up to par. The floor exercise was just the beginning of a long night with a hard struggle to get any medals. She managed to get a silver medal on the beam. And she got bronzes on both the floor and the bars. However on the vault she didn’t even medal at all.
After the last event Tommy flew out to go back to his room to avoid confrontation with Kim and Kat. Kat stuck around until everyone went down to talk to Kim. “It was bad enough I had to watch her.”, Kat muttered
“What?”, Tanya asked trying to get Kat to repeat herself
“Nothing.”, Kat said before she went took off as well.
Kim had a frown on her face.
“It’s alright. Tomorrow is a new day. I know that you’ll blow everyone else away and take the gold medal.”, Jason told her
“Thanks Jase.”, she said
“I really need to get some sleep. So tonight instead of hang around and talk I’d prefer that we’d go to our rooms if you don’t mind.”, Kim said
“Sure Kim no problem.”, Rocky told her
“Thanks guys.”, Kim said
Then Kim silently led the group out of the gym and back to the dorms. For once hardly anyone said two words during the trip. Adam and Tanya were still torn up, Jason couldn’t help but worry about Kim’s sudden change of mind, and Rocky and Carri were wondering how it would all turn out.
When they went past the guys floor Kim whispered good-night. And while Tanya and Carri were wishing the guys good-night Kim silently slipped up to their floor where she slipped into the room and went to sleep.
At 11:30 the next day Tanya went to wake Kat up. She was worried, her friend and never slept in that late unless she was sick. “Kat?”, she asked as she shook her
Kat’s eyes fluttered open and she looked up at her friend. “Leave me alone please.”, requested Kat as she turned over onto her side
“What’s wrong?”, asked Tanya, “Are you sick?”
“I wish it was that simple.”, said Kat as a tear slid down her cheek
“I’ve always thought of myself as one of your best friends, so I would hope that you can tell me what’s going on.”
Kat sat up in her bed and looked at Tanya. “It’s so hard to talk about.”, she said before she burst out in tears
Tanya put an arm around her friend. “You can talk to me. I’m here for you.”
Kat continued to cry for a few minutes. Then once her cries turned into sniffles she was able to tell Tanya her story. “Do you remember when I told you Kim came to Angel Grove?”, asked Kat
“Vaguely.”, Tanya said
“Well what I didn’t tell you was that almost everything went wrong in those few days. I was captured by tengas and held captive by Rita and Zedd. The others lost their powers and they had to go on a quest. Since I wasn’t there Kim took my place on the quest and she went to gather the pink power and she received the pink crystal necklace thing. The crystal necklace that would only glow for her. In fact because the stupid crystals would only glow for six people in the whole entire world Tommy gave Kim his piece, you do know what necklace I’m talking about she had it on a few times and Carri had hers on but it’s blue and yellow, and it now seems like I’m the only one without one, but anyway so now she has the pink and red pieces which is like putting her and Tommy together which is like...”
“I hate to interrupt your tangent here but it sounds to me like you veered off topic there.”, Tanya said
Kat took a deep breath before continuing. “So the temporary ranger team, which included Tommy and Kim together, went on this quest. And as a result Kim got to be the pink zeo ranger. And Tommy and Kim got to be together a lot. But afterwards Tommy assured me that he loved me. He promised me he loved me.”
“But he does love you.”, Tanya said
“Then how come when I went to be with Tommy yesterday and check out practice I saw Tommy and Kim kissing as if I didn’t even exist?”
Tanya didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry.”, is what she finally came up with. “So are you going to let the two of them get back together?”
“I... I...”, Kat started through her sniffles. Then she suddenly got very quiet, wiping the tears from her eyes. “I won’t let it happen. I can’t. She dumped him and he asked me out therefore he is my boyfriend now.”
Tanya smiled. “That’s the attitude.”
“Come on Tanya. Let’s go somewhere.”
“Where?”
“Wherever the day takes us. I’m going to get dressed and then we’re leaving.”, Kat said
“I’m all for it.”, Tanya said
Kat hopped out of bed and went to get changed so she and Tanya could go out that afternoon.
Kim was taking a water break when Tommy slipped into the gym. “Kim do you have a minute?”, asked Tommy
“Tonight’s a big night and I really need to practice so...”, Kim started
“This won’t take long I promise.”, Tommy said
Kim sighed before she walked over to join him.
“I did a lot of thinking last night. I wanted badly to figure something out for today so you wouldn’t do poorly again and so I’d have something to tell Kat one way or the other.”, Tommy told her
“And?”, prompted Kim
“And I decided that as much as I want to, and believe me it’s a lot, that as long as you’re in Florida we shouldn’t have a relationship.”
Kim frowned and turned around for a second, then she turned back to face Tommy. “I supposed you’re right. After all that is what prompted me to write the letter. But I.. I still love you Tommy.”
“I love you too Kim. But I just don’t want to be forced into the same situation. And as long as your in Florida that’s where our relationship will be.”
“What about Kat? Are you going to get back together with her?”, questioned Kim
“I’m going to try. But I’m going to tell her that I don’t want a serious relationship. Because I see a future with you Kim, and I don’t want to hurt Kat. And I’m afraid if we get as serious as we were I could really hurt her. But Kim I want you to know that I will never stop loving you.”
“I can accept it, I see the reasons, I understand, just as long as you know that there’s no one in Florida that I love, just you.”
“One day Kim. One day you and I will be able to be together. There won’t be any distance separating us, or anybody including Kat and imaginary boyfriends,” Kim smiled at that comment, “it will just be you and me.”
“I’m waiting for that day Tommy.”, Kim said. Then she kissed him on the cheek and went back to practice.
Tommy walked outside and ran into Kat and Tanya. “Kat, hi.”, Tommy greeted
“Hello Tommy.”, said Kat
“Kat we need to talk.”, Tommy told her
“I’ll be heading to my room now. I’ll talk to you later.”, Tanya said as she left them
Tommy and Kat started walking. “I know I must have hurt you a lot when I kissed Kim.”, Tommy started
“Yes, yes you did. Tommy you hurt me more than a lot. You told me once that what you and Kim had was done, was over with.”
“I know I did. Then I came here and found out that the letter was a fake and that Kim still loved me.”
“Do you still love her?”, asked Kat
Tommy hesitated before answering. “I can’t lie to you Kat, I do love her still.”
Kat looked down at the ground. “So I guess that means you’re going to be with her.”
“I want to be with her but she’s here and I’m in Angel Grove, and that’s what started this all. We both know that it can’t happen while she’s in Florida. Which is why I want to try to patch it up with you.”
“What is this? You can’t be with Kim so what the hell, come on back to little old me until Kim becomes available.”
Tommy kicked a rock when he realized how he sounded. “I don’t mean it like that! Kat I love you too, it’s just that...”
“Kim was your first love therefore she’s the one you love more.”, Kat finished
Tommy nodded his head. “I still want to date you, but I don’t want anything serious. Because I’m afraid that Kim would come back into my life and I’d end up hurting you. And I don’t want to hurt you. But I still want to try and be with you. Only if you want it too.”
Kat sighed. “Tommy I understand, I think. I want to be friends, but if we get serious and then something happens between you and Kim that won’t happen. But I still want more than that friendship. I still love you even though I know you love Kim more. In fact I’ve known it from the beginning. Why someone like you would love someone like me more than someone like Kim is beyond me.”
“No Kat hold on a second. If I had never asked Kim out in the first place we wouldn’t be in this situation and there would be no one who could hold a candle to you in my heart.”
“So this whole thing is your fault? Tommy Oliver you just mess up everything.”, Kat said then she smiled for the first time since they got there
“What do you say?”, asked Tommy
“I guess I’ll try to have something. After all, something is better than nothing.”, Kat told him
Tommy smiled. “That’s the spirit.” Then he stopped her and hugged her, giving her a kiss on her cheek. Then the two continued on their walk, ending up back at the gym just in time to freshen up before the games.
“This is close.”, Carri said
“Come on Kim!”, yelled Jason
“It’s down to the last event.”, Adam pointed out
“I know Kim can do it.”, Kat said
Rocky and Carri glanced at Kat, who was sitting beside Tommy that night. Carri made a face as she leaned in to whisper to Rocky. “I don’t know what happened yet but I do know that nothing is over. As long as Kim and Tommy are both alive it will never truly be over.”
Rocky nodded his head in agreement before he jumped up and started yelling and clapping. Kim had just jumped of the beam, completing a nearly flawless routine.
“It’s all up to the judges now.”, Tanya said
“Wait here it comes.”, said Jason
“I don’t believe it!”, exclaimed Carri
“She won by a tenth of a point!”, Tommy exclaimed
After the presentation of the medals Kim’s friends swarmed around her. “First place in the all around. Way to go Kim.”, Jason said
“We all had faith in you.”, Kat said
Kim glanced at Kat then she glanced at Tommy, and Tommy nodded at her as if to answer her unasked question. “Tonight we celebrate.”, Tommy said
“Yes. No practice tomorrow so we can celebrate now. Then me and Carri are gonna go celebrate at the mall tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after. Well maybe not all those days but it’ll be a big party.”, Kim said
Carri nodded. “A big expensive party.”, she added
“You guys, I hate to be the one to tell you, but you can’t spend Monopoly money at the mall.”, Rocky told them
Kim and Carri looked at each other and frowned. “We can’t?”, asked Kim
“Aw man. But that’s why Rocky was going to give us money.”, Carri said as she reached into his pocket
Rocky pulled her hand out. “Oh no you don’t.”
“I can and I will.”, she joked
“Don’t make me start tickling you again.”, threatened Rocky
“Ok then I can’t and I won’t.”, she said
“Come on guys. I hear a party calling our name.”, Jason said
“Wow bro you’ve got pretty good hearing then.”, Tommy said
“I hope we’re all in high spirits tonight.”, Kim said
Everyone smiled. Even Tanya and Adam managed a fake smile.
“Good then. Give me two minutes to change and then it’s off to the party.”, announced Kim
Everyone cheered for the idea of a party. Kim quickly ran back and got changed. “And we’re off.”, she said when she returned
With that they capped off their first three days in Florida with an all night party.