This fanfic takes place right after "A Different Shade of Pink". The lyrics are from Mariah Carey's song "Butterfly". I love the feel of this song so much, I just couldn't resist writing a fanfic to it. Just add this to my collection of Kim/Tommy song fanfics :^)
Its early morning in Angel Grove California, and the dawn sun peeks over the horizon. A young man wakes up with the sun, and stretches. He glances at the clock, and realizes that for once in his life, he's not late. This day has been a long time coming-- its been over a week since she first set her sights on meeting Coach Gunther Schmidt, well aware that he's presently assembling his Pan-Global gymnastics team. Tommy had a funny feeling for the past few days that a big change was just over the horizon. And its happening right now. For now, he's getting ready to drive his love, Kimberly Hart, to the airport. She's going to Florida, and neither of them knows when she's coming back.
When you love someone so deeply
They become your life
It's easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside
Blindly I imagined I could
Keep you under glass
Now I understand to hold you
I must open my hands
And watch you rise
Kim and Tommy have been going out for months now, and it seemed that every day, they were a little closer. They spent so much time together, sometimes doing things, but most of the time doing nothing at all. Just enjoying each other's presence. That's something Tommy is going to miss horribly. He can't spend every waking hour with a woman who lives over three-thousand miles away. As Tommy walks to his white jeep, he stares out at the reddish-orange sun, and sighs.
"Well, I knew this day would come eventually," he said to himself, fishing in his pocket for his car keys, "Its not like she was going to stay here in Angel Grove forever. If she didn't go to Florida now, it would be moving to Paris in a few months. Her mother gave her permission to finish up high school, and then she'd leave, clear across the Atlantic. Maybe this way, we can slowly get used to being apart. At least she'll be in the same country. Man, my next phone bill will be murder!"
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
Tommy pulls out of his driveway, and onto the sleeping streets of Angel Grove. While he drives, he recalls a conversation he had with Kimberly two nights before. It was the night she gave up her Power Coin to Katherine, and decided that she was going to study under Coach Schmidt. That evening, Tommy decided to take Kimberly out to a fancy dinner, to congratulate her, and wish her well. Mostly, he just wanted to spend some time with her, just the two of them, before she left for good.
That night, Kimberly was dressed in a simple short pink tank dress, with her hair lightly kissing her shoulders in soft curls. She looked simply gorgeous that night, and Tommy had to stay strong, to make sure she understands that he's happy for her, even though he's crushed inside. He'd rather do anything than say goodbye to Kimberly. But, its not his decision to make. He couldn't live with himself if he thought he was the reason why she didn't pursue her dreams. She's a mature adult, and this is the chance of a lifetime. No one in her right mind would pass up the opportunity to fulfill this childhood dream, one that she never quite let go of. And Tommy knew that she'd succeed. The only problem was how much he would miss her.
I have learned that beauty
Has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled
Or their spirit dies
You have given me the courage
To be all that I can
And truly feel your heart will
Lead you back to me when you're
Ready to land
The dinner itself went well, with both of them reminiscing the fun times. They remembered when the met, and how awkward they both felt about being in love, but not knowing how to express that. They even spoke about their early days as Power Rangers, back when Trini, Zack, and Jason were on the team. But, they had left Angel Grove, in order to seek out what they wanted out of life. Now its Kimberly's turn.
By the time dessert came, Kimberly had become very quiet and pensive. Tommy could tell immediately something was bothering her, because she's usually the most energetic, talkative person on the planet.
"Kim," he asked, "what's wrong?"
Kimberly looked up into his hazel eyes, and sighed. "Well, I guess... I'm scared. Its so hard saying goodbye to everything and everyone I've ever loved. I... I don't know if I can do this..."
"Kim," said Tommy, reaching across the table and taking her hand, "you are the strongest woman I know. You can do anything you set your mind to. You've done it before, and you can do it again. I mean, just look at your amazing recovery! Who would believe that yesterday, you were in the hospital?"
Kim laughed weakly. "Yeah, I guess it is hard to believe, isn't it."
"You're a survivor, Kimberly. You'll be fine."
"But, how do I know I'm making the right decision? I'm so confused..."
"You want to compete in the Pan-Globals, right?"
"Yes..."
"So, what else is there to think about?"
"You."
Tommy stayed silent, and let go of her hand. Kim looked into his eyes pleadingly, and Tommy could feel his resolve fading.
"Tommy, I love you," she said quietly, but assuredly, "I love you more than anything, including gymnastics. If you tell me to stay, then I'll stay. In a heartbeat."
Tommy remained quiet for a few moments, lost in the golden brown glimmer of Kimberly's eyes. He wanted her to stay with him forever, and never to leave him. But, he couldn't hold her back. This was her chance to fulfill her dreams. She had to go, to live her life to the fullest. No matter how much it hurt them both, it was for their own good. She has the abilities to reach for the stars. Nothing should hold her back. Not even love.
"Kim," he said finally, "you've dreamed about going to the Pan-Globals all your life. You should take advantage of your chance!"
"So, you want me to go," she said woodenly.
Tommy was hurt by her statement. "Never, Kim," he whispered gently, "I'd never want you to leave me. But, just because you're going to Florida, it doesn't mean we can't still be together. I mean, you can always come back, with that gold medal around your neck. I'm going to miss you terribly, but I'm going to be right there beside you, cheering you on."
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
This is the chance of a lifetime, he thought as he drove to the Campbell residence, If she doesn't go now, she'd spend the rest of her life wondering whether or not she was really good enough to compete in an international meet. She'd always wonder whether or not she would've won the gold. And I'd never be able to forgive myself for tying her down. She's gotta be free, and go where destiny will take her. Besides, its not like she can't come back to me.
Tommy stopped rationalizing as he pulled into the driveway. He knew that, no matter how many great reasons he could list for Kim moving away, it wouldn't in any way lessen the pain he's feeling. Not having Kim in his daily life was going to be something he needed to get used to, although he'd rather not have been faced with this situation. He put on a false smile to hide his burning frustration as the front door opened, and Kimberly and Aisha stepped out, both carrying suitcases. They both waved as Tommy put the car in park, and walked to help them.
"Hi, Tommy," said Kim with a warm smile, standing on her toes to wrap her arms around him. She gently kissed his cheek. Aisha smiled and waved to him.
"You'd better get moving," said Aisha, glancing at her watch, "Your flight is in less than an hour."
"Right," said Kim, handing Tommy a suitcase. The three friends walked to the car, and stuffed all the luggage into the back. Once that was done, Kim turned to Aisha. "I'm going to miss you so much!" she sighed, hugging Aisha tightly, "Tell your folks for me again how grateful I am for them letting me stay with you guys the past few months."
"Its no problem," said Aisha, "I really liked having a sister. Call me!"
"You know I will," Kim said, as Tommy opened the passenger seat for her. Then, Tommy walked around the front of the car to the driver's side.
"Take care, Tommy," said Aisha, "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Aisha," he said, and entered his car. He honked the horn as the jeep pulled out of the driveway, and onto the street. Aisha continued to wave, and once the car was out of sight, she put her hands into the pockets of her yellow robe and went back into her house.
"He's taking this whole thing alot better than I thought he would," she said, "Man, its going to be pretty quiet around here from now on."
I can't pretend these tears
Aren't overflowing steadily
I can't prevent this hurt from
Almost overtaking me
But I will stand and say goodbye
For you'll never be mine
Until you know the way it feels to fly
"So, are you sure you have everything," Tommy joked, glancing at the numerous boxes and suitcases in the back through the rear view mirror. Kimberly giggled.
"Well, I hope so," she said, "If not, I can always come back."
"Right," he said. They remained in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Both of them knew there was much unsaid, but neither knew just how to express all the feelings they've been having recently. Or even if they should. Kimberly looked out the side window, towards the sun.
"The sun rises in the east, right?" she said, breaking the silence.
"Yep," said Tommy, "You're going to have to wake up a few hours earlier in the East Coast. There's a three-hour time difference."
"I'm sure I'll get used to it," she said with a sigh, "Eventually."
Kim continued to stare up at the sun, burning bright in the distance. Tommy stole a glance, and noticed how the yellow-orange light brought out the gold highlights in Kim's caramel hair. He then turned his focus back to the road.
"Its not too late, you know," Kim whispered.
"What do you mean?"
"Say the word, and I'll stay. I mean it. I don't want to leave you..."
"Kim, we've talked about this," said Tommy with a sigh. It was hard enough for him telling her to leave the other night. Telling her again would be doubly hard. Infinitely hard.
"I know, but I've been having second thoughts," Kim continued, "There are a lot of reasons to go to Florida, and I've weighed them against the reasons staying here. The scales are tipped to Florida, but then, I add you to the scale. And it tips again, to staying here."
"If you stay here, just because of me, I'd feel horrible. Like I've held you back. You've got to realize your potential. You've got to take the chance. You're doing this for yourself, and I'm behind you one-hundred percent."
"You're sure?"
"Absolutely."
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
Kimberly took a seat by the gate, where her plane would be boarding in a few minutes. She held onto her carry-on tightly, and looked up to the ceiling. Tommy sat down beside her.
"You don't have to wait with me, you know," she said.
"I know, but every minute counts."
Kim leaned her head on Tommy's shoulder, and closed her eyes. "I'm going to miss this most of all."
"What?"
"Being near you. We can still talk on the phone when I leave, but I won't be able to look deep into those amazing eyes of yours, or touch your hand. I'm going to miss that."
"When will you be able to visit?" asked Tommy.
"I don't know. Whenever Coach Schmidt gives us a few days off, I'll be on the first flight to Angel Grove. I swear it."
"Maybe my parents will let me spend a few days in Miami," suggested Tommy.
"Hopefully Zedd and Rita will give you some time off!" laughed Kim, "Its hard getting away when you're a Power Ranger. But I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore..."
Tommy noticed the hint of sadness in her voice, and touched her hand. "There's always a spot for you on the team, Kim. You'll always be a Power Ranger. And you heard what Zordon said-- when you come back, your experience and training will have increased your skills, making you an even better ranger."
^Flight 530, direct from Angel Grove California to Miami Florida, now boarding at Gate 11,^ said a voice on the intercom. Kimberly rose to her feet.
"Well, that's my flight," she said, "Is this Casablanca, or what?"
"Well, 'here's looking at you, Kid,' " said Tommy, as he leaned over and gently kissed Kim's lips. Kim wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.
"I guess this is goodbye," she whispered into his chest.
"Call me the minute you get in," said Tommy.
"Always so protective, eh?" she said with a smile. They let go, and Kimberly picked up her carry on. She kissed Tommy again on the lips, and boarded the plane.
"Goodbye, Beautiful," he whispered as he watched her disappear inside the plane, "Don't forget me."
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
Tommy watched from the large window of the airport as the 747 Kimberly was on pulled away, and onto the runway. He sighed deeply as the plane pulled off the runway, and rose into the sky. It continued to rise, and Tommy watched it with his eyes as the plane grew smaller and smaller, as it soared eastward, towards Florida. Towards the sun.
So flutter through the sky
Butterfly
Spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
The End
