Title: A Love Story
Author: Mykkila09
Chapter: 1 of 4
Chapter Title: Second Chance
Setting: ZEO era; after the letter but before Jason joins the team as the Gold ranger.
Story Summary: Both Kim and Tommy get advice from a friend, who help them realize that they should stop living life to make others happy and should start living to make themselves. It's basically one of the ways I thought the show could've gone after that abominable and totally out of character letter.
Chapter Word Count: 4570

A/N: hey guys, this is yet another Tommy/Kim story, but I hope you guys like it. It's a short story about T/K getting back together and it's already pre-written, so updates will be quick. Each chapter is based on a song. Enjoy.

A/N 2: this chapter is based on the song Second Chance by Shinedown; this chapter is about Kim.

Disclaimer: Power Rangers and all its affiliates belong to Haim Saban. I am not making any money from this fic.

*Sometimes saying goodbye can lead to second chances*

She sighed as she executed a back flip off the beam to land in a perfect stance.

"That was very good Kimberly." Her coach praised her but all she felt was hollowness inside of her. Pasting a smile on her face, she turned to face him.

"Thanks coach," she said and even to her own ears, her voice sounded defeated; couldn't they tell that she wasn't the same cheerful girl that first showed up? She knew that if she looked in a mirror, her eyes would lack their usual luster, their usual brightness, and some part of her was irritated that no one noticed.

She felt like Rose in Titanic; like she was screaming at the top of her lungs and no one noticed because no one was looking up. She was tired of being in the gym and doing her routines; she was tired of doing what everyone wanted for her. She only wanted to do what she wanted, but, after so many years of sacrificing her happiness for someone else, it was hard to let go of the habit.

As she walked from the beam to where her gym bag was laying against the chairs, she reflected on everything that happened since she moved to Florida.

Being a top gymnast was something she had thought she had always wanted; all the meets, the practices, pushing herself to be better, but now looking at her childhood and life now, she realized that all she wanted was to just be a gymnast. She had picked it up because she curious about it and the first time she had flipped through the air, she had felt a freedom she had never experienced before…a freedom that had caused her to fall in love with the sport. Now though, she couldn't feel that freedom anymore; now, she had all this pressure on her, from her coach and her mom and it had slowly turned the sport from enjoyable to a chore.

With a sigh, Kim looked around the gym; she had made some good friends when she moved to Florida, friends that had stuck by her with everything she went through since she got here, but even still, she knew it changed nothing. She was losing her love for the sport and she was wondering why she was still there doing something she didn't want to do.

She stood up, grabbing her bag, before leaving the gym. She headed to the dorms which were a short ten minute walk; she got inside and took the stairs two at time before she got to her room. Pulling out her key, she unlocked the door and walked inside, dropping the keys on the coffee table and her bag by the door before collapsing on the couch. She leaned her head back to rest on the top of the couch and closed her eyes.

"Hey Bella." The voice had her opening her eyes. She lifted her head and turned and saw her closest friend and roommate, Isabel Caines.

"Hi Izzy," Kim smiled up at her; Isabel was someone she knew she could definitely count on. Izzy was five feet 6 inches, with brown skim, dark brown eyes, jet black hair and a slim body. She was beautiful, both inside and out, and was a really good friend.

"What's wrong Bella?" Izzy asked as she sat down next to her friend.

Another thing about the girl that Kim liked was that she seemed to have this uncanny ability to know when something was wrong with her or when she needed to talk as she always showed up at the right time.

"You know," Kim shook her head with a smile. "I should be the one to call you that, considering what your name is."

"True," Izzy smiled. "But it is your nickname."

And it truly was; Bella was the Italian and Spanish word for Beautiful…her nickname from Tommy.

"I know," Kim sighed as she looked down.

"Talk to me Kim," Izzy reached out to grab her hands. "Please, tell me what's wrong."

"It's just…," Kim started before she got slightly frustrated and sighed. She tugged on her hair, pulling it out of the ponytail before looking at her friend. "I should be happy…being a top gymnast, competing in the Pan Global, practicing for meets…it's what I've wanted since I was a kid."

"But you're not happy," Izzy said. "And you're not a kid anymore; your dreams have changed since then Kim."

"I know," Kim whispered as she looked down. "I know that, I really do."

"Then why are you still here?" Izzy asked. "I know you Kim; you're not happy being here anymore, not like when you first got here just over a year ago. I don't see any joy in your routines or any passion…any true passion. You have to ask yourself this Kim; who are you really staying here for? Because I know it's no longer you."

"But I can't just leave Izzy," Kim said. "I can't just bail on everything; my mom and the coach would be disappointed…they want this so much for me."

"Kimberly, listen to me," Izzy said. "You cannot spend your entire life pleasing everyone else. You have to be selfish once in a while and do something for you and you alone. Who cares what your mother or the coach wants? This is not their life, it's yours."

Seeing that her friend was still torn, Izzy continued. "You said they wanted it so much for you…tell the truth Kim, is this something you still want?"

Kim was quiet as she turned her friend's words over in her head; 'is this truly what I want? Will I really be happy if I continue doing this? No…I won't; she's right. I'm doing this because it's what my mom and my coach wants, but it's not what I want…not anymore.'

"You're right," Kim turned to look at Izzy. "I'm not happy doing this anymore and I can't keep doing it just to keep my mom and the coach happy. It's time I start living my life for me and no one else."

"Good girl," Izzy smiled. "And the first thing you do is tell the coach that you're quitting and then, you're getting on a plane and you're going to go back to Angel Grove and you're going to get your man back."

"Wait," Kim held up her hand. "I agree with you about everything else, but I'm not sure on the Angel Grove part, especially the getting my man back part; Tommy isn't mine anymore, we're over."

"Kim," Izzy grabbed Kim's hands in hers. "You and I both know you didn't want to write that letter and if it wasn't for the pressure from your mother and the coach, you never would've written it in the first place. I see the way you look at his picture; you still love him Kim and I think you should fight for him."

"He's moved on Izzy," Kim said as she pulled her hands from her friend and moved to her feet to start pacing. "He has a girlfriend now and besides, if he had really loved me, then he would've fought for me…but he didn't; he didn't even call to get an explanation or something; he just let it go."

"I understand that you're mad and hurt he did that," Izzy said. "But Tommy is a guy and didn't you tell me that he was the most shy and considerate guy you'd ever met? I know he loves you Kim; after hearing of the things he did for you leaves no doubt in my mind about that. I'm not saying he shouldn't have at least called, but did you ever think that he didn't call because he was trying to make you happy?"

"What do you mean?" Kim turned towards her, a puzzled look on her face.

"I mean," Izzy said. "In your letter, you told Tommy you were happy; now, from what you've told me of him, he was a guy that always did everything in his power to make sure you were happy. When he got your letter, even if he wanted to question you, he wouldn't, simply because he thought that you were truly happy and if he had questioned you, then it would've hurt you and he didn't want that."

"I know," Kim sighed. "You're right; I know Tommy and that is what he would do…it's one of the reasons I love him so much. But I still can't go home and do what you said."

"And why not?" Izzy raised an eyebrow in her direction.

"Because it wouldn't be fair," Kim said. "Not to him or Kat."

"Kimberly," Izzy stood up in front of her friend. "Forgive me for this, but I don't give a fuck about Kat; I care about you. You're still in love with Tommy and if there's the slightest possibility that he still has feelings for you as well, then you should find out. Take the chance Kim, take the chance and fight for him. Show him that you made a mistake and you want to be with him again."

"I don't know if I can," Kim whispered; she was terrified of what her friend was saying because deep down, she knew that that was what she wanted as well.

"You can do this," Izzy said. "I know you can; you're strong enough." Izzy was slightly frustrated with her roommate and friend; she knew that Kim was still in love with Tommy, but she also knew that she truly was terrified of doing anything and for that, she blamed their coach and Kim's mother. They placed so many expectations on her to do well and the pressure to drop everything for gymnastics without even realizing or caring that they were destroying her.

She wanted her to be happy and she knew that for that to happen, Kim had to quit gymnastics and leave Florida; she had to go back to Angel Grove…back to Tommy.

"Ok," Izzy sighed. "Why don't you take a few days to think things over before you make a decision?"

"Alright," Kim nodded; what Izzy said made sense, she would think things over before making her decision. "I'll think about everything."

"Good," Izzy smiled. "Now that we're done with all the serious drama, let's go out."

"Izzy," Kim couldn't help the smile that came on her face; Izzy was always up for going out.

"No Kim," Izzy shook her head. "We need to go out. We just finished with a grueling practice, so it's time to wine down and what better way to do that than to go out and check out, and by that I mean flirt, with some cute guys."

"Does Luc know what you're planning?" Kim raised an eyebrow at her friend.

"Luc is my boyfriend," Izzy smiled. "Not my keeper; what Luc doesn't know, can't hurt him."

"What can't hurt Luc?" a male voice asked from the door.

The two girls looked up and saw said guy standing there.

"Luc!" Izzy cried as she rushed over to her boyfriend; she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.

Kim laughed as she looked at them. "Really? I'm right here, you know?"

"Hi Kim," Luc pulled away from Izzy to smile over at her.

"Hi Luc," Kim smiled back; Luc, or Luciano Giovanni, was six foot one and Italian. He had stormy gray eyes, jet black hair and a tanned complexion. He was also the future owner of Giovanni Enterprises.

"So, what are you two planning?" Luc's gaze shifted between his girlfriend and his friend.

"I'm taking Kim out to cheer her up," Izzy said. "We had a slightly somber talk, so now I want to put her in a happy mood."

"Should I be worried?" Luc looked at his girlfriend.

"Why would you be?" Izzy asked as she placed an innocent look on her face.

"You know that doesn't fool me," Luc smiled. "So stop it; and please don't put some guy's life in jeopardy because you decided to check out any of them."

"Luc," Izzy started. "You know me better than that."

"I do know you," Luc chuckled, "hence the warning."

"Alright fine," Izzy sighed. "I won't flirt with any guys or give them the wrong impression."

"Thank you," Luc kissed her before turning to Kim. "Watch out for her will you please?"

"You know it," Kim nodded.

"Alright," Luc turned back to Izzy. "I have to go. The reason I came up here was to tell you that I'll be going out of town for a few days…a week at the most."

"Business?" Izzy asked; she knew that he left town now and again for business meetings dealing with Giovanni Enterprises.

"Yeah," Luc nodded.

"Ok," Izzy smiled. "I'll see you when you get back then."

"I'll call you," Luc said before he kissed her. "I love you."

"Love you too," Izzy replied. "See ya."

"Bye Kim," Luc said as he walked out the door.

"Bye." Kim waved before sitting back down on the couch.

"What are you doing?" Izzy asked. "Get up and go get ready."

Kim could only laugh as she did as she was told.

~…~

About an hour later, the two girls were ready.

"We look so good," Izzy said as she stood by Kim's side in front of the mirror.

"You're not vain at all," Kim laughed, though she had to admit her friend was right, they did look good. Kim herself was wearing a pair of knee-length jeans with pumps and a pink spaghetti strap shirt with a jean jacket over it; Izzy was wearing a pair of skinny jeans with two-inch heels and a green strapless top with the jacket over her arm.

"Let's go babe," Izzy smiled at Kim before walking out the room and to the door.

Kim shook her head with a smile and followed her. That night, the girls did enjoy themselves and Kim forgot about her problems and truly relaxed for the first time in weeks.

Over the next few days, though Kim kept up with her training, her thoughts kept straying to Izzy's words and she found herself doing her routines on autopilot as her mind kept going over her choices.

'Can I really do this though? Can I tell off my mom and the coach and can I go back to Angel Grove to try and win Tommy back? Can I really do all that?' she sighed as she flipped off the beam, landing with her legs closed and her arms out. She straightened up and walked over to her seat, grabbing the towel from the back of the chair and wiping her neck.

"Hey Kim," Izzy called out to her as she walked over. "So, have you thought more on what we talked about?"

"It's all I can think about," Kim admitted softly.

"And?" Izzy prodded, "what did you decide?"

"I'm really not sure I can do this," Kim sighed.

"Kim," Izzy grabbed her friend's shoulder. "What is your heart telling you?"

"To do it," Kim smiled, "to quit the gymnastics and to go back home."

"Then do it," Izzy said, "nothing is stopping you except for your fear. I told you before Kim, you're not happy. You're heart isn't in gymnastics anymore, and you shouldn't be either. Stop trying to make others happy and make yourself happy."

Kim was quiet. "I'll think about it some more tonight and then I'll make a decision."

"Good," Izzy nodded, "I hope it's the right one."

~…~

Later that night, Kim sat on her bed, her suitcase open in front of her. She had made her decision. She had called her mom earlier, hoping to talk to her, only to find out that her mother was on her way to the gym tomorrow to make sure she was staying focused; not once during the conversation did Caroline Dumas ask her daughter if she was doing ok…all she wanted to know was if her routines were on point. That more than anything solidify her decision; she was going home.

"Does that mean what I think it means?" Izzy asked from her doorway.

"Yes," Kim nodded, "I've decided to quit gymnastics and to go home."

"Finally!" Izzy squealed and launched herself at the bed and her friend. "Thank God you came to your senses."

"Help me find a cheap ticket home?" Kim asked.

"I'll do you one better," Izzy grinned, "Luc's taking you back to California or rather, his plane is."

"What?" Kim was shocked.

"Yeah," Izzy smiled, "he's lending out the private plane and letting it take you back to Angel Grove. It leaves tomorrow afternoon around six."

"But?" a slow smiled built on Kim's face. "How did—

"I knew you'd change your mind," Izzy smiled, "So I gave Luc the heads up and he offered like days ago."

"Days ago?" Kim stared at her.

"Like I said," Izzy smiled, "I knew you'd change your mind. Now come on, let me help you pack and then, we're going to go and tell the coach you're leaving."

"My mom's going to be here tomorrow morning," Kim murmured.

"Really?" Izzy grinned, "that's even better; we'll kill two birds with one stone. We'll tell off the coach and your mom."

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Kim fell back on her bed with a groan.

"Believe it sweetie," Izzy patted her knee. "Everyone deserves a second chance at love and you're getting yours."

"Let's pack," Kim looked at her friend and smiled.

~…~

The next morning, Izzy stood near the water fountain, watching the gym in interest; today, her best friend was finally going to do what she wanted her to…she was going to stand up to her mother and their coach. Izzy saw Caroline come through the doors and she smiled.

"Let the games begin," Izzy murmured as she moved to the beam where Kim was.

"Hey," Kim turned to her with a smile. "What's up?"

"You mother's here," Izzy gestured to where Caroline was. "It's now or never."

"I know," Kim took a deep breath before walking to where her mother was, Izzy in tow.

"Kimberly," Caroline looked at her daughter. "Isabel."

"Mom," Kim smiled tightly, "I need to talk to you."

"After," Caroline waved her words away, "right now, you need to show me your routines so I can see what you're up to."

"No mom," Kim shook her head, her voice strong. "We're talking now."

"Excuse me?" Caroline turned narrowed eyes on her daughter.

Next to them, Izzy moved to a chair and grinned; it was going to be good.

"If we put it off," Kim sighed, "then, you're never gonna let me say what I want to, so we're talking now."

"Fine," Caroline said, "what do you want to talk about?"

"Gymnastics," Kim paused before she took a deep breath and released it. "And my quitting it."

"WHAT?" Caroline's shriek echoed throughout the gym and everyone turned to the two. "Kimberly, you are not serious."

"I'm dead serious mom," Kim looked her mother in the eyes. Gymnastics used to be something that made me happy, it used to be fun, but now…now it's not. Over time, I slowly started lose interest and then I realized that I was no longer doing gymnastics because it made me happy, I was doing because it made you happy. I haven't been happy in months but I stayed because it was what you wanted, you and coach."

"Enough of this Kimberly," Caroline dismissed her daughter's words. "You're just in a funk and you will get over it soon enough."

Izzy glared at Caroline when she heard the condescending tone in her voice. She hoped Kim wasn't going to back down like she always did; chancing a look at her friend, she saw that Kim's eyes had narrowed in anger and she smiled.

"No mother," Kim's voice went cold and it stopped Caroline from walking away. "I will not get over it. I'm sick and tired of doing something that I don't love…not anymore. I gave up everything to do this and I have nothing to show for it."

"You gave up all distractions," Caroline glared at her daughter, willing her to obey and listen. "Especially that Tommy boy and it has been good; you never would have been at this level of skill if you had stayed with him."

"Being with Tommy didn't stop me from being a gymnast," Kim said, "being with him gave me the drive to do this; he gave me the strength to fly clear across the country, leaving everything I've ever known behind. Tommy was my rock and because I was foolish and I listened to you, I lost him. Without him supporting me, I lost my drive…my passion."

"What are you saying?" Caroline asked.

"I'm saying that I'm done," Kim sighed, "I've done the best I can mom, but it's not enough anymore. This is my life, not yours and not the coaches. You know what? I'm not even angry anymore over the fact that I listened to you and lost Tommy, but I just want you to understand."

"What is going on here?" Coach Schmidt asked as he walked up to the two.

"Maybe you can talk some sense into her," Caroline gestured towards her daughter.

"Kimberly?" Coach Schmidt turned to Kim.

"I'm done coach," Kim smiled, "I'm quitting gymnastics and leaving the gym. Like I told mom, this isn't working out anymore. I can't be the best if I'm not happy and I'm not. I did everything you guys asked, including giving up Tommy, and I regret that with my whole heart. It's my life, not yours, and it's time I started living it for me and no one else."

"Are you sure about this?" Schmidt was sad that she had made that decision, but he could understand it. He had seen the change in her over the last few months and a part of him was expecting something like this.

"All my life I wondered if I was good enough to make it to the Olympics," Kim said, "and then, you came to Angel Grove and you told me I was. You said you could help me get there and you almost did. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself…I lost my passion and my joy for doing this and that's not the makings of an Olympic winner. I can't be one when my heart and soul is no longer in gymnastics. I'm saying goodbye to this gym and that dream."

"If you are sure," Schmidt nodded, "then you can leave."

"I am," Kim nodded.

"Tell her she can't!" Caroline demanded, "she's giving up her dream."

"No mom," Kim shook her head, "it's not my dream, at least, not anymore."

"And Tommy is?" Caroline sneered.

"I believe so," Kim smiled, "I won't know until I go home."

"You're doing this on a whim?" Caroline asked. "You're saying goodbye for something you're not even sure will work out."

"I know," Kim nodded, "but you know what? Sometimes saying goodbye can lead to second chances. And this is mine; saying goodbye to this gym and this dream will lead me to having a second chance with Tommy."

"I can't believe this," Caroline shook her head.

"Well believe it," Kim said, "nothing you can say will change how I feel…nothing you say will change my mind."

"You're making a mistake," Caroline said.

"Be that as it may," Kim smiled, "it's my mistake to make." With that, she turned and walked away, the girls staring after her.

Izzy got up from her seat with a huge grin.

"You put her up to this," Caroline hissed.

"So?" Izzy shrugged, "I'm glad I did. You couldn't see past your own delusions to see what was really going on with your daughter. I did the one thing you didn't; I listened, I saw and then, I talked. Kim did the rest and I must say I'm happy with the decision she made. And now, now I'm gonna go help her pack. Ta ta."

~…~

"How do you feel?" Izzy asked as she walked into Kim's bedroom.

"Free," Kim said, "like a weight has been lifted off of me."

"Good," Izzy smiled, "I'm glad." She moved to the bed and helped Kim fold her clothes. The two girls talked quietly as they packed Kim's bags and in no time, they were finished. Moving the bags from the bedroom, they placed them near the couch.

"You ready?" Izzy asked as she looked over at her friend who was looking around the room.

"Yeah," Kim looked at her with a smile, "I'm ready."

"Let's go," Izzy grabbed two of Kim's bags while Kim grabbed two more and her purse. They were about to leave when the door opened and Luc walked in.

"You guys ready?" Luc asked; he had returned from his business this morning. It was earlier than he predicted, but neither he nor Izzy minded.

"Yeah," Izzy smiled, "babe, can you grab that bag near Kim's door? It's the last one."

"Sure," Luc walked over to where the bag was and picked it up. "Alright girls, let's go."

The trio walked out the room, locking the door behind them, and walked down the hallway. They passed other gymnasts on their way, who had stopped and stared, most unable to believe that Kim was actually going to go through it, but they ignored them.

They left the building, after one final goodbye from the coach and headed to Luc's car. After throwing the bags in the trunk, they trio got it and headed to the airport; as the car pulled away from the compound, Kim looked back at the building. She smiled as she remembered her times there and though a part of her was sad to see her how her dream had ended, she knew she was doing the right thing.

Smiling again, she turned away from the gym and smiled.

~…~

"So call me when you get to Angel Grove," Izzy said as she stood in front of her friend.

"I will," Kim nodded, "you can count on that."

"I want updates on how things are going for you," Izzy hugged her. "I'm so proud of you, you know that?"

"I do," Kim laughed. "I'm proud of myself too."

"Go get him Kim," Izzy smiled, "it's time you had your second chance."

"Wish me luck," Kim smiled.

"You don't need luck," Izzy shook her head. "All you need is to follow your heart."

"Plane's ready to go," Luc said as he walked back over to the two girls. "Are you ready Kim?"

"Yeah," Kim nodded, "I'm ready. I'm finally ready."

"That's my girl," Izzy smiled and hugged Kim once more.

"Thanks for everything Izzy," Kim whispered and tightened the hug for a few seconds before letting go.

"You're welcome," Izzy said, "now go."

"Bye," Kim waved and she grabbed her carryon bag before heading to the check out. She cleared and walked to the door to go out to the plane; she paused when she got and turned back to look at her friends. She was thankful for them, especially Izzy, as she knew she wouldn't have been able to do this without her support. She smiled and turned to walk out the door. It was time for her second chance.

Tell my mother, tell my father, I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying...
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

A/N 3: so, how did you guys like this? Read and review and let me know what you think.