[See Part 1 for Disclaimer]
[How the hell did we all forget to set our alarm clocks? Wait a minute! We all said that we hadn't been able to sleep last night! That means that we're all just so . . .] Kim thought as she ran through the Angel Grove airport following Tommy.
"Wait, here it is," Tommy yelled pointing to the hallway as he leaped over a baggage cart.
"This is too close for comfort guys," Kat yelled as she narrowly missed running into a women with a baby.
"You're telling me! This is not the way I wanted to start off our peaceful vacation," Rocky said as he accidentally bumped into a man. "Sorry," he shouted never breaking his speedy pace.
"Adam, you told me you were going to call me and wake me up," Tanya said.
"I know! My clock was set an hour late though. My brother and I got into a fight last night, so he decided to play a practical joke and set my clock ahead. Some joke," Adam yelled as he just missed slipping in some spilt soda.
"There," Kim said and they all ran to the women taking the tickets. All the teens stopped and took their places in line except Kim. She had been the last in their freight train group and had turned around to look at something in the process of tripping. " Whoa," Kim said falling to the ground before being caught by two sturdy arms.
"Hey Speedy, did you think we'd forget you or something," Tommy said smiling and lifting her to her feet.
"Oh no," Kim said, " I thought I had dropped something and . . ." [Deja vu!!! Gee, why did that feel so familiar??? Oh yeah] Kim thought, a smile coming to her face, [The first time Tommy walked me home I tripped and he caught me and then . . .]
Remembering the first time Tommy had caused her to shiver made her do just that. Then she also remembered the monster they had had to face and how Tommy had risked his life to save hers. [ How many times had Tommy done that though] Kim had lost count after the first couple of times he had put his life before hers.
"We . . . I could never forget you," Tommy said bluntly and then slapped his hand over his mouth after he realized what he had just said.
"The feeling is mutual," Kim said blushing. She noticed Rocky staring at them and making a tsk-tsk, motion while nodding his head in the direction of Kat who was staring at them. Kim quickly regained her composure and said, "Really guys, it is actually pretty funny. This is probably going to be the best part of our vacation, and we almost miss the flight. It's so typical of us," Kim said, and they all laughed and agreed.
" I am just glad that," Adam started to say making sure that nobody was around to hear them, "Divatox and her goons are taking a vacation too!"
"Yeah, can you believe that they're on a vacation too," Rocky said.
"I can. It must be very frustrating thinking you're going to win a battle after battle and then being defeated every single time," Tanya said causing them all to burst into laughter, " I'd take a break if I were them too!"
"I'm glad too! They usually end up messing up all of our plans, so at least just this once we'll be able to enjoy ourselves," Kat said.
"Hopefully," Tommy said handing his ticket over to the attendant. Although he hoped for the same thing the gang did, he knew he shouldn't get his hopes up because somehow or other their plans usually ended up getting interrupted.
They all boarded the plane, and the flight attendant showed them their seats.
"Oh yeah baby! I get the windowseat," Rocky said happily plopping into his seat. "Not fair Rocko," Kim said pouting.
"Oh my God, like so fair Kimmie," Rocky said in his best valley-girl imitation.
"Shut up," Kim said as she took her seat next to Rocky.
"Sir, you have the seat next to that young lady. Maam, you have the seat next to his," the flight attendant said to Tommy and Kat.
"Oh," Tommy said in disbelief before taking his seat next to Kim.
"I am so excited," Kat said while taking the aisle seat and grasping Tommy's hand, "Just think, seven glorious days to spend with you, my love, in one of the most romantic places in the world."
"Uh yeah, sounds great," Tommy said smiling at Kat. [I'd rather be spending them with my real love. Why can't I tell you Kim? It's not like I'm afraid! I am Tommy Oliver, leader of the Power Rangers, and I am not afraid of anything. Am I? NO I AM NOT! I'm fearless, and a leader who my friends look up too; I can't be afraid, can I? I . . . I am afraid. For the first in my my life, I am honest to goodness afraid of . . . Kim? No! I'm not afraid of Kim, I am afraid of . . . rejection]
"Tommy, can you see where my seatbelt is," Kim said twisting around to see Tommy peering down at her intently. She stared at him for a moment;both locked in an intense gaze that they were unable to break. However, Tommy finally did.
"Here it is," he said handing it to her.
"Welcome aboard Angel Grove Airlines, flight 247, Angel Grove to Hawaii . . ."
"ALOHA," Rocky yelled.
"Shut up," Kim, Tommy, Kat, Tanya, and Adam yelled.
"As I was saying," the flight attendant continued annoyed, "please buckle your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff."
The six friends buckled up, and the plane took off, soaring into the deep blue sky filled with marshmallow-like clouds. They all took off their seatbelts and made themselves comfortable.
"Seven glorious days with Hawaiian babes," Rocky said grinning.
Kat leaned over so that she could face Rocky and said, " Rocky, women are not referred to as babes, this is the twentieth century not the stone age."
"Fine. Seven glorious days with Hawaiian women."
"Don't you ever think of anything besides women," Kim asked.
"Yeah, I think of food too!"
Kat, Tommy, and Kim laughed at Rocky's truthful answer.
"He really does think of other things," Tommy said, " Things that are way more serious."
"You've got to be kidding," Kim said in disbelief.
"No, I am dead serious," Tommy said.
"Well, I don't know about you three, but I think I am going to try to get some shut-eye," Kat said, sleep present in her eyes.
"That's a great idea Kat. I didn't get any sleep last night because I was so excited," Rocky said yawning.
"Me either," Kim said sadly.
"Same here," Tommy said batting his big, brown eyes. He and Kim had a different reason for not getting any sleep though. Both of them had been up the past couple of nights thinking about each other.
"Well, nightie night everyone," Rocky said putting a pillow up on the side of the airplane and laying his head upon it.
"Night Rocky," Kat said, "wait, shouldn't it be nightie morning," Kat said shutting her eyes and pushing herself back into her chair.
"Pleasant dreams," Kim said fighting to keep her eyes open. As she shut her eyes, she did what had always been natural for her and snuggled into Tommy’s shoulder.
"Night beautiful," Tommy said half asleep and kissing Kim's forehead. He layed his head down upon Kim’s head, and they both dozed off, unaware of the rude awakening they were both about to face.
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING," Kat yelled.
"Huh,"Kim asked yawning. Whenever someone tried to wake her she ususally tried to snuggle back under the covers, so she did just that, except into Tommy's arm.
"TOMMY," Kat said.
"Just a minute Mom," Tommy said throwing an arm half-heartedly up into the arm and then letting it drop onto Kim's leg.
"Get off of her," Kat said and yanked Tommy off of Kim causing her to hit the armrest. "Oww," Kim said rubbing her head, "what did you do that for?"
"You know perfectly well you boyfriend-stealer. I'm so glad to see that you and Tommy slept so comfortably," Kat said harshly.
"What do you mean," Tommy said with a look of confusement on his face.
"What do you think I mean? I wake up and find you and Kim snuggled up into each other's arms sleeping very cosily, that's what I mean."
"We were," Kim asked.
"Yes you were, you . . . you," Kat said.
"Kat, if we were I sooo did not mean it. I must have just . . ."
"Well, Kim knows that I snore, and see there's not that much room, so she must have just leaned onto Tommy's shoulder so she could sleep," Rocky said pleased with himself for coming up with such a good excuse.
"Oh shut up! Did I ask for your opinion? No," Kat said.
"Well, excuse me miss priss," Rocky said haughtily.
"Watch it you chauvinist pig. Just butt out! This is between my so-called boyfriend and his ex who wants him back because she finally realized what a good thing she let go," Kat said, her cheeks becoming a bright red.
"I DON'T WANT HIM BACK," Kim screamed causing everyone on the plane to look towards her. "Sorry," Kim said, and everyone went to what they were doing except Tommy.
[My goodness, she really doesn't want me back. Why was I so foolish; how could I think that she could possibly want me back? But, . . . how could she have said it like that? She's had my heart ever since I met her, and now I feel like she's stomped all over it. Kim how could you not . . .] Tommy thought with tears in his eyes.
[Oh no! Why did I say that . . .and why did I say it the way I did?] Kim thought as she looked into Tommy's eyes which were also filled with tears.[Great! Now I've caused him even more pain! Why don't I just tell him how I feel? I can't believe myself. I love him so much, and yet I am so afraid to tell him three little words . . .]
"Whatever Kim. Next time I see you two you'll probably be bedroom buddies," Katherine said coldly.
"Kat . . ."Kim said stunned.
"Don't Kat me you . . .you bitch," Kat said getting up from her seat and walking towards the restroom.
"Kat wait," Tommy said catching Kat's hand and pulling it. She quickly pulled it away from him and stared at him harshly.
"Don't touch me," she said walking away.
Tommy and Kim both looked at each other, their eyes filled with tears and reflecting the same emotions. Kim put her hand on top of Tommy's forearm and whispered, "I'm so sorry."
Tommy recoiled at Kim's touch. He couldn't even stand being around her after what she had just said. He moved over into Kat's seat and wiped the tears from his eyes. He sat there for a moment and then got up and walked away to find Kat.
"What did I do," Kim stated as she began to sobb hysterically.
"Nothing, you did absolutely nothing," Rocky said putting his arm around Kim, "for God's sake, all you did was accidently fall asleep on Tommy's shoulder. Kat acts like you were having sex or something. Geez, I never knew she could be such a possesive bitch."
"No . . ." Kim whispered, "not that, I told Kat and Tommy that I didn't want him anymore, but I do . . ."
"Oh that," Rocky said softly, "I don't know about that. I mean, I think you really should just tell him straight-out. You're going to have to now. You know, I wish you two would just go back to being the happy, loving couple that you were because I can't take this tension anymore."
"Ugh, why does Kat have to always be . . .be"
"In the way? I don't know. However, I know that Tommy loves you more than his own life and that what you said probably tore him up inside. You've got to tell him Kim."
"I know, I know," Kim said.
"Kat, what the hell got into you," Tommy asked his girlfriend.
"I don't know! When I saw her head on your shoulder, I got so jealous, I . . ."
"What happened to the self-confident, strong, independent girl that I was going out with?"
" I don't know."
"Look Kat, you could never, ever compare to Kim . . ."
"What!!!!"
[Oops!] Tommy thought, although in a way he did mean it because Kim was the only one he could totally, truely, and wholly love with all of his heart. So in a way . . . "Listen Kat, I didn't mean it that way. It's just that you and Kim are so different that you really can't compare. I went out with you . . ."
"You mean you're going out with," Kat said.
"Yeah . . . I mean I am going out with you because I like you for you, okay? I don't want to go out with some girl who gets jealous over the slightest little thing."
"Tommy, you don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to me,"
"Nonsense, stop thanking me, it had to be done!"
"I love you," Kat said kissing him.
Tommy who couldn't bring himself to say the words back replied, "I know you do."
"Well, c'mon, let's go back to our seats," Kat said.
"No, I have to use the restroom, okay," Tommy said.
"Sure," Kat replied and started down the aisle.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Kim said wiping her eyes, "I think I'm going to go to the restroom to freshen up."
"Sure thing," Rocky said as Kim got up and walked down the aisle towards the restroom.
Katherine seeing Kim coming down the aisle immediately stopped her, "Kim wait."
"Why Kat? I'm a bitch right? Dogs can't talk," Kim said smugly.
"I guess I deserved that one," Kat said looking down at her feet, "Kim I'm so sorry about what I said. I have no idea what came over me, I just . . . just got so jealous. I mean, I know how strong and passionate your relationship was with Tommy, and I guess it just scared me to see you two back like that. I know I appear to be very self-confident, but every once in awhile someone or something makes me feel very worthless or not good enough, and I guess that someone was you this time. However, after hearing what you said about Tommy and after talking to him, I feel now that I'm all right with everything. I'm so sorry that I over-reacted and treated you so badly, can you ever forgive me?"
[Great! Now Kat thinks I really don't want Tommy because I opened my big mouth, and so in her little world everything is back to being smiles and sunshine! What am I going to do when I finally tell Tommy? How's Kat going to feel? That's if he's willing to take me back . . .] "Sure I accept your apology; I've never been one to hold a grudge."
"Thanks so much Kim! You don't know how much I appreciate that," Kat said hugging Kim.
"No prob," Kim said and headed towards the restroom as Kat took her seat. Just as she was going to knock on the door she heard crying. She heard someone speaking to themself and instantly knew it was Tommy. Although she knew she shouldn't listen and spy, she couldn't help herself and put her ear up to the door.
"I'm so sorry maam," Tommy said grabbing the woman's shoulders.
"It's all right," Kim said bringing her eyes up to Tommy's face as she carefully touched her forehead.
"Kim, geez, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was there," Tommy said and then realized that Kim had been standing outside and asked, "Kim, you didn't hear anything, did you?"
"No . . .umm, why do you ask,"Kim said.
"No reason, no reason at all," Tommy said looking down at her and noticing that Kim was still rubbing her forehead. He slowly reached his hand out and sensitively stroked her forehead with his thumb,"Are you sure you're all right?"
Kim slowly brought her eyes up to Tommy’s, savoring his gentle touch. "Yeah, it just hurts a little."
"Does this make it feel any better," he said as he bent down and kissed the top of her forehead tenderly.
"Umm," Kim said found herself saying, "yeah it does."
Tommy looked down and smiled at Kim.[I'd forgotten how soft your skin was . . . so velvety and . . . it felt so right underneath my lips. Kim I . . . I] He then glanced down the aisle and reluctantly said, "I better get back to my seat."
"Wait! Tommy I wanted to apologize for what I said. I really didn't mean it that way. It's just that Kat got me so mad; I couldn't believe her accusing us like that ! I mean, we'd never do anything like that ," Kim said looking up at him with her big doe eyes, "would we?"
[I can't believe that just seeing her made me forget about what she had said to me. I was so upset over it , but when I saw her I just completely forgot! It's like subconciously I forgive anything she does to me because I love her so much that it doesn't even matter.]
"Of course . . .not. Listen, I talked everything over with Kat . . ."
"I know, I did too," Kim interuppted.
"You did? Well there shouldn't be any friction beween all of us then."
"Are you sure everything is all right between you and me," Kim asked.
"Of course, we're . . . better than ever . . . right?"
"Yeah sure," Kim said.
"Yeah,"Tommy said, "I better get back to my seat."
"Oh . . . sure . . .of course,"Kim said observing Tommy's stride as he walked back to his seat. [Funny, he always seemed so confident and now . . .] Kim practically skipped into the bathroom. She looked at herself and saw that she had the biggest grin possible on her face.[He’s still in love with me!!!!!! Oh my God, I can't believe he still feels the same way about me as I do about him . . . even after what I did. Oh well, I'm definitely not going to question it now; I guess I should have believed Rocky. Now that I know though,I have to tell him how I feel. It's not like I've never been able to do it before. I mean, I've always been pretty courageous; I totally flirted with Tommy in the beginning to let Tommy know that I was sweet on him too. However, this time I can't be subtle though. Tommy can be so dense sometimes; he might not get what I am up to if I am.] Kim found herself bouncing up and down.[Stop it! Calm down Kim, you're going to have to wait until you're both alone, till it's the perfect moment, and then . . .] Kim smiled at herself in glee. She splashed some water on her face and then returned to her seat. Sitting down next to Tommy was almost to much for her now that she really knew how Tommy felt. However, Kim managed to restrain herself.
"So, did you work everything out with Tommy and Kat," Rocky asked.
"Yeah, Kat apologized and Tommy . . ."
"Kimmie, what's that mischievous grin on your face for?"
"Well," she said making sure that Kat and Tommy weren't listening, "I was standing outside the door, and he was in there talking to himself, and I know I shouldn't have, but I I stood outside and listened to him."
"Kimmie, I am so surprised by you; I'm supposed to be the only one that does that!"
"Hah! Anyways, I really know now the way that Tommy feels about me."
"I all ready told you that dear. So are you going to get off your freakin high horse now and tell him how you feel?"
"Huh?"
"Sometimes you and Tommy are so dense about things it scares me. Listen, you two have way too much pride which is causing you to both be afraid of telling each other how you feel. You're both so afraid of being rejected it's silly."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. Kim, you better make a move, and soon."
"I will," Kim said, "Tommy was right about you being able to give good, serious advice."
"Yeah, but don't let it get out! I don't want to ruin my macho-stud image!"
"Rocky, sorry to inform you, but you have never had that image."
"Really," Rocky asked.
"Yep."
"Well go figure!"
"So do you think they have those Hawaiin girls that greet you and put leis around your neck here," Rocky asked as the teens were getting off the plane.
"No way Rocky, that's only in the movies," Kim said.
"Oh no it isn't. Look," Rocky said pointing to some native Hawaiin women dressed in bikini tops and hula skirts. Rocky skipped down the last couple of steps and did a flip off the second from the bottom. He ran towards them and EVERYONE could here him scream, "Man, I love this state!" The group of friends struggled to keep up with him, and when they finally did catch up with him they heard him saying, "Hello beautiful Hawaiin women! Which one of you gets the pleasure of kissing me?"
After being pushed up by one of her friends, a woman walked up, put a lei around his neck, kissed him, and said, "Aloha."
"Aloha to you too," Rocky said.
"Cool your jets Romeo. We've still got to clam our luggage and find the guy my uncle Eric sent to pick us up," Tommy stated.
"Fine . . .you know, you guys always spoil my fun," Rocky said stamping his foot. The group laughed and went inside the airport.
"Do you see anyone," Tommy asked.
"Nope, Tommy are you sure your uncle sent someone to pick us up," Kim asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Then again, maybe I . . ."
"Forgot," Kim said laughing.
"Oh quit it you," Tommy said poking her in the side which caused Kim to immediately look up at him. They stared at each other for a moment and then a man in a black uniform walked up.
"Excuse me sir, are you Tommy Oliver?"
"Yeah."
"Your uncle told me to come and get you and your friends. If you would follow me sir?"
"Sure," Tommy replied as he and his friends followed the driver out to the airport.
"Whoa! I guess we're going to be stylin," Rocky exclaimed as he saw the black limo awaiting them.
"Geez, I knew my uncle's hotel was doing good, but I never expected this!"
"Actually sir, your uncle's hotel is the most popular on the island. After you," the driver said as he opened the door for them. They all climbed in, and the driver pulled onto a road that followed along the coast.
"Tommy, I don't want to sound harsh but , okay, I can understand your uncle paying for you to come out here and everything, but why the rest of us," Kim asked.
"He knew I wanted to come out here, and I've told him how close I am with my friends, so he just sent the tickets over with a note saying that he wanted us to enjoy ourselves."
"Then how come he sent one for me," Kim asked quietly.
"Kim, I knew you were coming back . . . you know I would never leave you out," Tommy said patting her leg gently. Kim sat there quietly not knowing what to say. She didn't want to say anything that would bring attention to herself and Tommy, or make Kat look up. So, she just sat there.
"All right, we've got to have some tunes," Rocky said flipping on the radio. "Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me" came on and Rocky said, "Now I'm going to open the sunroof and stick my head out so that I'll look like one of those really important people in the movies."
Rocky stuck himself half out of the car and started singing and dancing to everyone's dismay.
"Rocky, your butt is in my face! Move," Kim said as she shoved herself back up against the seat as far as she could.
"Hey Kim, I know something that will shut Rocky up," Adam said.
"What?"
"This," Adam said with a mischievous gleam in his eye as he pushed the button to close the sunroof trapping Rocky in the process.
"Guys," they could hear him say as Rocky pounded on the roof of the limo.
"You promise not to torture us with that dreadful singing anymore," Tanya asked.
"Hey, my singing is not bad . . ."
"Fine," Tanya said as she pushed the button again making it even tighter for Rocky.
"Okay, okay, anything,just please open it up!"
"Okay,open it Adam," Tanya said.
"Do I have to," Adam asked.
"Yes, the poor boy is probably suffocating by now," Tanya said as she pushed the button opening the sunroof. Rocky dropped to the floor rubbing his stomach.
"Geez,"Rocky said gasping for breath, "what did you do that for?"
"To stop the gyrations of your butt that were shoved in my face," Kim said.
"Kim, I thought you said my rear was cute."
"It is, just not when it is shoved in my face.
"I'm sure I can find somebody who can appreciate it for all that it is then."
"Good luck," Kim said causing everyone to burst into laughter.
"Hey, I thought I was supposed to be the one that bagged on everyone."
"Yeah, well you have been replaced," Kim said and then stuck her tongue out at Rocky.
"Oh yeah," Rocky said and started tickling Kim which caused a tickling fight to break out.
The kids spent most of the day driving along the coast and just trying to take in the ravishing scenary around them. The plants were all so green, and there were beautiful, tropical flowers in bloom all around them. A pure, creamy color was the color of the unlittered beaches as the crystal blue unpolluted waves splashed up on the shore. Kim noticed that Hawaii almost reminded her of Angel Grove because it was hardly polluted, but she had to admit that because of the beautiful plants, Hawaii was by far prettier. Then she looked up and saw that the driver was not pulling in where he was supposed to be.
"Umm Tommy, have you noticed that the driver is not pulling into the the parking lot of a hotel?"
"Yeah. Maybe he's some kind of pyschomaniac that is going to chop us up or like tie us to cement blocks and watch us sink to the bottom of the ocean," Rocky said.
"Get real Rocky, like Tommy’s uncle would send someone he didn't trust," Tanya said.
"Hey, you never know. After watching Unsolved Mysteries . . ."
"Shut up Rocky. Excuse me sir," Tommy said scooting up to the window that seperated the kids from the driver, "aren't you supposed to be taking us to the hotel?"
"No sir. Your uncle instructed me to take you kids around whererever you wanted to go and then to drop you off at this harbor. You guys are supposed to board the Rio at dock 29, and the captain of the ship will then take you to the hotel."
"No way," Kat said in disbelief.
"I can't believe that your uncle went to this much trouble for us," Adam said.
"Neither can I ," Tommy said, "he did say though that he wanted us to have a good time."
"Well thanks to his planning we will be. I can't believe this, it's so cool," Kim said.
The driver pulled into the parking lot and the kids got out.
"Hey, were's our luggage," Tommy asked, his eyes open wide in surprise.
"Don't you remember? We gave our luggage to the man with the van that was transporting luggage back to the hotel," Tanya said.
"Oh, I must have . . ."
"Forgotten, what a surprise," Rocky said jokingly having to duck a puch Tommy threw.
They all walked along the harbor until they foung dock 29 and stared in astonishment at the boat they were about to board. It was so white it was sparkling, and the name Rio was painted in bright blue on the side.
"Whoo-hoo," Rocky said as he ran up the gang-plank. They all followed him, just as excited.
"Hey you kids ready to go," the captain asked.
"You bet. Let's get going because I feel the need . . ." Tommy started to say as Rocky and Adam joined in, "the need for SPEED!" The boys then all gave each other high-fives as the girls watched and laughed at them.
"I can just guess how the guys must love those turbo cars now," Kim said.
"Girl, you wouldn't believe them. They get into to it so much sometimes that they start racing each other forgetting all about whatever nasty monster we are fighting. Kat and I usually end up having to scold or ram them with our cars to get their attention, Tanya said.
"Dimetria caught them the last time though, so I don't think they'll be doing it anymore, not after the lecture she gave them," Kat added.
"I still can't believe that Zordon has gone back to his home planet. I mean, not that I'm mad, I'm happy he's back with his family. It's just that of all the people I would expect to eventually leave it wouldn’t be him. So what's this Dimetria like anyway," Kim asked.
"Well, the women never says a statement; she's always answering our questions in questions of her own. Sometimes it can be pretty annoying, but I have to admit that she has made us think for ourselves more," Tanya said.
"You know, I wish that whole need for speed thing ends soon. I'm so tired of Tommy spending all of his time at that race track," Kat said changing the subject. "I'm sure it will Kat,"Kim said patting her back and then going to stand up at the very front of the bow.[Actually, I'm sort of glad that Tommy hasn't been spending that much time with you.] Kim thought as a guilty blush crept up onto her cheeks.
"Hey guys, you know what this reminds me of," Rocky asked as the boat skimmed over the crystal blue water.
"What," they all said dully; all having some idea of what he was going to say next. "Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateul trip, that started on this tropic . . ."
"Rocky, shut up," they all said at once.
"Fine, since you obviously don't like my delightful singing, I'll ask the captain if there's a radio on this thing," Rocky said as he walked up to the top deck where the steering wheel and captain were located. "Does this thing have a radio?"
"Of course it does! Flip that switch over there."
Rocky did and the song "Rio" came blaring through the speakers. "Hey guys, this is that 80s song "Rio" by Duran Duran, and we are on the Rio. What are the chances of that?"
"Actually kid that's the only song that that radio station really plays."
"Why is everyone trying to spoil my fun,"Rocky said throwing his hands up into the air and climbing back down to the lower deck.
"Oh, I love this song," Kim said as she undid her blouse and took it off revealing the bikini top she had on underneath. She held the blouse above her head and watched it billow in the wind as she started swaying back and forth to the music.
"Me too," Kat said as she also started to dance.
[Wow. She's looks so beautiful when she dances, although I like it better when I'm dancing with her.]Tommy thought as he watched Kim dance.[Look at her! She's never had a dance lesson in her life, but she's matching Kat move for move and just as gracefully, but with something extra. Kim’s always had that; I don't know what you call it, but I sure love it]
"Hey guys, I'm going to be just like that lead singer of the group in the video for this song. Watch," Rocky said as he perched himself on a pole that hung over the top of the boat. Just as he did though the boat suddenly dipped causing Rocky to fall off and hang on by his legs.
"ROCKY," Kim screamed.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Rocky said as he swung himself up onto the ship. "I think I'll just stay on the deck though."
"You'll really impress the girls if you do that again when we sail up to the hotel," Adam said busting up laughing.
" Shut up you frog," Rocky said as he chased Adam around on the deck.
"At least I wasn't an ape," Adam said screeching like an ape.
"Hey kids, we're coming up on some hotels. Guess which one is your uncle's," the captain said slowing the boat down just a bit.
"Umm," Tommy said as he looked at the hotels. Most of them were white, but there was one that definitely stood out from the rest. It was a bright blue trimmed in white and was at least 40 stories tall.It looked exactly like the beach house from The Real World Miami except on a much marger scale. Palm trees stood on all sides, and there were beautiful pink and purple flowers in bloom all around it. Tommy could see a humongous pool that had a rock formation built in on three sides, and built into the rocks were slides that snaked all around it and spilled into the pool. Off to one side off the hotel was a huge disco floor that had lights built into it underneath, and there was a huge stage in front of that where bands could play. In front of the stage was a huge electric blue arch that had a disco ball hanging from the highest point of it.
"That blue one, it's got to be," Tommy said.
"Bingo. You kids are really lucky. Word has spread about this place, and its been booked solid for 6 months straight.
"Ohh," Kim squealed in delight as the boat pulled up to the dock.
"Have a good time," the captain said as they all ran, in fact pratically leaping off the boat.
"Thanks, we will," Adam said. The group walked up onto the beach and followed a pathway which led into the lobby.
"Okay, we've got to sign in and then I've go to meet my uncle," Tommy said as they walked through the enormous lobby with plush white carpet. All along the walls were posters, pictures, and clothing signed by famous celebrities or music groups that had stayed there. Then Kim caught sight off a sign.
"Oh my God! Savage Garden is going to be playing here tomorrow night!!!"
"NO WAY," Tanya exclaimed, " I love them."
"Come on girls," Tommy said as they went up to the front desk.
"Hi, I'm Tommy Oliver and I have reservations for six rooms here."
"Oh, you're Eric Oliver’s nephew! He's been waiting all day for you," the desk attendant said. "Let me buzz him to let him know that you are here," the attendant said speaking into a intercom. " Mr.Oliver, your nephew is here."
"Great, have him wait there until I come out."
"Sure thing Mr. Oliver."
"Thanks Kay."
"How about all of you signing in while we wait for your uncle Tommy?" "Sure." They all signed in, and just as the clerk was handing over the last set of keys Tommy's uncle came out.
"Now where is that clumsy, lanky boy with the punk hair-do?'
"Now where is that bald, overweight man with half a brain?"
"Tommy!"
"Uncle Eric!"
The two embraced and held each other for a long time. Eric hadn't been able to see Tommy for 8 years because he had been busy trying to get investors to buy into his hotel and get it up and running. He had regretted deeply not being able to adopt Tommy after his parents' deaths, but Tommy had known even at such a young age what his uncle's dream meant to him, and Tommy had been lucky enough to be adopted by two loving parents who treated him as if he were their own. They both stepped back to wipe the tears for their eyes and then laughed. Tommy's uncle had black, wavy hair that was down to his neck, a muscular build, chisled features, and was wearing a pair of khaki slacks with a white tank top.
"Do good looks run in this family or what,"Kim whispered to Kat.
"I'll say," she whispered back.
"Now let me try to guess who each of you are,"Eric said looking around at all of them.
"Umm Mr.Oliver,"Rocky asked.
"Call me Eric; Mr.Oliver makes me sound like I'm some old fogie."
"Okay Eric, where are all of the girls?"
Eric burst out laughing and said, "You must be Rocky. Most of the girls are out by the pool."
"Well, if you guys don't mind . . ."
"Go ahead Rocky, we all know that there's no stopping you," Tommy said.
"All right. It was nice meeting you Eric,"Rocky said shaking his hand, "later guys." As soon as he had walked off Eric said, "What a bonehead?" Everybody started laughing and then he said, "Actually, he reminds me a lot of myself when I was his age. So . ." he said looking around and then stopping at Adam, "you must be Adam. I've heard a lot about you. I'm so glad to see that my nephew made such caring friends."
"Yeah, well Tommy's a great guy. His friendship means a lot to me. I want to thank you again for doing all of this for us," Adam said.
"Hey, it's my pleasure. Now you must be Tanya," He said shaking her hand, "so how does Hawaii compare to Africa?"
"Well I didn't think any place could ever compare to Africa, but I have to say that I think Hawaii might top it."
"I think so too. And you must be the sweetheart of Surrey Hill. You're just as beautiful as Tommy said you were; I'm glad to see he's found such a lovely woman."
"Thank you so much," Kat said blushing, "and you're just as thoughtful as Tommy said you were."
" Aww shucks. Well, last but not least, you must be Kim."
"Yeah, I guess so," Kim said feeling very uncomfortable.
"You're just as stunning as Tommy described you in the last letter he wrote to me."
[Last letter . . .] "Eric, could I speak to you for a minute," Kim asked.
"Sure," he replied with a puzzled expression on his face as he walked over to Kim so they could be alone .
"Umm . . . why did you invite me? I know how close you and Tommy are, so you must know . . ." Kim said at a loss for words as she spoke the last couple of words.
"Obviously you don't know how much you mean to Tommy," he said with a knowing look on his face. He turned around and walked back over to the group leaving Kim with her mouth hanging wide open.
"Listen Tommy, I have to go to some crummy board meeting, but tomorrow morning I thought we could go practice some katas and talk or something."
"That sounds great."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot," he said pulling out a pair of keys, "there's this great spot down the road about 15 miles, the turnoff is called El Sol. Anyway, you wade out in the ocean and climb up on this big rock. It's a great place to watch the sunset, and I thought you and Kat might want to ride my new Harely over there and check it out."
"Really? That sounds great!"
"All right, catch you later," he said walking off.
"Tommy, your uncle is so nice," Kat said.
"Yeah, it's like he’s a teen too," Adam said.
"He is really cool," Tanya said.
"Yeah, I think so too! So what are you guys going to do," Tommy asked his friends.
"Well, Tanya and I are going to go check out this hotel. It's humongous," Adam exclaimed.
"Yeah, I figure we better start now because I know we won't even finish seeing all of it tonight," Tanya said as she took Adam’s hand.
"Cool."
"Later guys," Kim said as they watched the two lovebirds go off exploring.
"So Kat, want to go catch the sunset?"
"As much as I would love go watch it with you Tommy, I'm just totally wiped. I think I'm going to go try and get some sleep so I'll be ready for tomorrow," Kat said.
"Oh okay," Tommy said.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, okay," Kat said kissing him slowly on the lips.
"Of course, night."
"Night, night Kim," Kat said as she wandered towards the elevator.
"So . . ."
"So . . ."
"I'll go with you Tommy . . . I mean, if it's all right with you. I know I'm not going to be getting any sleep tonight anyway, and I figure I better try to enjoy every minute I'm here," Kim said shyly.
"Sure," Tommy said as he gulped loudly, and blushed.[What are the chances that such an opportunity like this will come up again? Maybe I'll tell her . . .] "The parking lot is this way," Tommy said as they both headed out. Little did they know that Eric had been hiding behind a corner watching the whole conversation.
"I knew that would happen," he said to himself as he smiled and headed back to his office.
"No, you go ahead," Kim said as she struggled with her buckle.
"Having trouble," Tommy asked smiling.
"Yes," Kim said reluctantly feeling like an idiot. "Would you . . ."
"Sure," Tommy said as he bent over and fastened her buckle. Tommy's fingers grazed Kim's neck ever so slightly and Kim shivered.
[Tommy's hands are always so smooth and warm . . . I wish that would have lasted longer.]
"Here,"Tommy said holding onto the bike allowing Kim to get on. She swung her leg over and barely managed to get on. Tommy sat down in front and started up the bike. It rumbled to life and sounded so smooth; Tommy was glad his uncle had given him the chance to ride it. He kicked the kickstand up and said, "Hold on."
"With pleasure," Kim whispered. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and squeezed her legs around Tommy's own muscular ones. "Umm," Kim said as he peeled out of the parking lot and onto the highway. The bike blasted down the road and both savored the soft touch off the wind as it blew past them. Kim opened her eyes and watched the coast sail past them.[This is great! I feel bad about thinking this, but I'm so glad Kat decided she didn't want to come. It feels so nice having Tommy pressed up against me again; I've missed the strength and warmth he possesses so much.]
Tommy pulled the bike of the highway and followed El Sol until the road stopped at the edge of the beach. He stopped the bike, pulled out the key, and reluctantly called out, "Here we are."[God, Kim's arms wrapped so tightly around me felt so good, I almost forgot to turn off the highway. Now that we are here though . . .]
"They both climbed off the bike, and took off their helmets and shoes.
"Ohh, Tommy look," Kim pointed at the sun which was daringly close to the horizon. "C'mon," she said as she took his hand. They ran across the beach and wadded into the ocean towards the rock barrier. Kim squealed in delight as a wave splashed her, almost knocking her over. They both reached the barrier, and Kim found herself for once struggling to climb up a wall. The sides of the rock were so slippery that she kept falling down.
"Need some help?"
"Yeah," Kim admitted.
"All right, on three. One . . .two . . .three," Tommy said lifting Kim up as if he were putting a book on a shelf. Kim scrambled up and then gave him a hand to help hoist him up. They both turned around and sighed in contentment. The sun was at the tip off the horizon and gleaming a brillant gold. The sky was a rozy pink color and the ocean was sparkling. Kim stood there smiling and trying to take in the wonderful view around them as the waves crashed against the rock barrier spraying them slightly while Tommy found himself staring at a sight he found much more beautiful then the sunset:Kim. Her hair was flying up around her gently in the breeze, and he noticed that she was all ready starting to get some color back in her face because her cheeks and lips were a soft, pale pink color. Kim felt Tommy staring at her, so she looked up at him and said, "You're going to miss the sunset silly," as she gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear. As she was bringing her hand down Tommy caught it and held it in his own.
"So . . ."
"It's the reason we came here though, and I've heard that if you watch it just before it sets you can see a flash of green before it disappears," Kim said pointing out to the horizon.
Tommy could feel his heart pounding in his chest rapidly as he watched her stare out to sea. [I've got to do or say something . . .it's now or never. I can't wait any longer!]
"Look, quick Tommy, there it is!"
Tommy spun Kim around quickly to her surprise and carefully cupped the side of her face in his hand. "Kim," he said throatily before bending over and gently laying his lips down upon hers.
"Umph," Kim mumbled as Tommy did so. She was very stiff at first, it had been so long! However, Kimberly quickly melted into Tommy’s arms and mouth and she felt her knees buckle as they always did whenever she kissed Tommy. She brought her hands up to his head and began running her hands through his long, luxiorous hair. Kim felt Tommy shiver as she did; she knew how Tommy lost himself whenever she played with his hair.[Oh God! I . . .I can’t believe this! It feels so good; I’ve missed you, your kisses, your hands so much. Oh ]Kim thought as she felt tears trickle down her face[You still love me, and I know you do as much as I do. I thought I had lost you too, but now . . . no wait!!!!! This isn't right! You're still going out with Kat.] Kim felt a shiver of revulsion shake through her. [Tommy I love you, but we can't be doing this while you're still going out with Kat. I feel like the other woman, like a slut knowing your still going out with Kat. I just can't . . . not this way.] Kim thought as she pushed Tommy off of her. She saw a look of confusement on him and then saw a smile come over him as he looked down at her.
"Tommy, that was soo wrong. We shouldn't have done that. I can't believe you actually did that . . ."
"Ohh," Tommy whispered as tears began pouring down the sides of his face, " I see."
"Tommy wait! Let me explain."
"Stupid me. You know for some obviously not mutual feeling I thought you still might love me as much as I love you. I mean after all we've been through and shared, I just thought that maybe something would still be there. So I took a chance . . . evidently I was wrong once again in my life . I don't know why I thought you wanted me back, after all, you're the one who broke up with me. Guess it was just these stupid emotions. Oh . . . well . . . I know now how you feel though. I promise I won't ever do it again, I'm sorry," Tommy said as he leapt off the rock.
"Tommy no! You didn't let me . . ."Kim started to say but then doubled over in pain as a painful heat consumed her stomach. [Why did I do that again? You'd think I'd learn to keep my big mouth shut but . . . ] "OHH," Kim whimpered as she began crying uncontrollably. [Why am I so stupid? Why did I stop him? Why didn't I just tell him how I felt? Ugh, I can't stand myself right now!! Why am I so weak about this?] Suddenly she heard some music come wavering over to her ears:
The moonlight . . .
Shines down interstellar beams
And the groove tonight
Is something more than you've ever seen
The stars and planets taking shape
A stolen kiss has come too late
In the moonlight
Carry on, keep romancing
Carry on, carry on dancing
"Carry on my ass," Kim heard Tommy saying as he also cried, "I tried, there's no way I am going to carry on."
[Ohh. Tommy tried and took the initiative, and I pushed him away. He made the first move just like he did the first time we kissed . . . except this time I pushed him away. I've probably lost him for good now! Why can't I tell you that I love you??????]
"Kim, we better get back now," she heard Tommy say.
"Yeah," she said wiping her eyes. She gave the ocean once last glance and hoped off the rock. As she walked to the shore she thought[ Damm it, you're going to tell him now! If you don't . . .] Kim tried hard not to think about that as she walked towards the bike. She put on her shoes and helmet, and then turned around to face Tommy. "Tommy . . ."
"What?"
"I . . . I ," Kim said stuggling to speak. She felt like she had lost her voice.[Speak!!!!] "It's . . . ugh, my turn to drive."
"Sure," he said dully. They both climbed on and Kim turned onto the highway back to the hotel.
[What's wrong with me? Why can't I tell him?]
[How could I have actually thought that she would want me back? I'm either really stupid or conceited or too freakin lovesick to consider any other possibilities. She probably can't stand me now. I know I wouldn't if I was her. Well, at least I tried. I know there is no hope of us being together now . . .so I guess there's nothing left that I can do.] Tommy thought as they pulled into the parking lot, took off their helmets, and walked into the lobby. Tommy headed off in a completely different direction when he heard Kim call his name. "Tommy?"
"What," Tommy said dully,almost not turning around because he didn't know if his heart could stand anymore pain that night.
[Say it this time!] "I . . I . . ." She said again unable to speak the words she wanted to so badly. Tommy shook his head and looked up at the ceiling trying to blink back the tears that were forming. His efforts failed , however, and he turned to Kim with tears streaming down his face and said, "Forget it Kim." He turned away, walked over to the elevator, got on one and closed the door.
"I love you," Kim said strongly as the doors closed. She numbly walked over to a couch, sat down,and curled herself into a ball. [There's no chance for us now! I'm such a loser. I don't deserve someone like Tommy; it's better off that he's with Kat. At least she can tell him that she loves him . . .] Kim thought as she began crying softly over the fact that she had messed up telling him once again and how he would never take her back now. Or at least she thought so . . .
Side note:lyrics from the song Carry On Dancing by Savage Garden were used without permission. They’re copyrighted by Sony Music Entertainment Inc. 1997
