Hi guys,

as promised, I'm back with the last chapter of this story. Thank you so very much for following and putting up with me. It has been a long road (nearly 9 years), yet you all gave me the push to continue this story, that deep down inside I really needed. I would like to thank my beta SamGreg for the time he dedicated to this story and for the constructive advice. Although not on this platform, I would like to thank my husband for putting up with me and the constant nagging when the words didn't want to stick to the page as I wanted them to.

I won't keep you much longer, so here it is, the last chapter of this story. I hope you like it. Read & enjoy and reviews/feedback are always welcomed.

~Disclaimer~

I don't own the Power Ranger or any of the characters. They are the property of Saban and I'm only borrowing the ;)

xoxo

Jade

Lipstick stained little talks

If Paris embodied sophistication and luxury, then Rome could only be described as the vibrant city, the eternal city. It had been Kim's home for the past couple of months and she loved everything about it, enjoyed every second of it and was quite sure, deep down inside, that Rome was always meant to be her home. Stretching lazily in her queen sized bed, the former gymnast yawned, enjoying the feel of the early morning sunshine peeking through the thin cream curtains. Once in a while a delicate breeze blew through the window and she could distinguish the faint smell of freshly baked bread. Gingerly she let one of her legs swing out of bed, rolling onto her stomach. Her pink tank top slid higher and the former pink ranger enjoyed the way the sheets cooled her warm skin. She looked like a cat, stretching, her hair a mane of wild curls in desperate need of a brush. Half heartedly she climbed out of bed trying to tame her stubborn curls and pulling her tank top down. The soft patter of her feet on the hardwood floor broke the silence of her bedroom. Kim reached the entrance to her aristocratic balcony and grabbed a handful of cream curtains, pulling them, with a strong tug, sunlight blinded her for a split second,yet she broke into a grin, stepping barefoot out onto the balcony to survey the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. The terracotta tiles were cool under her soles, a pleasant contrast to the rising roman heat. Idly she leaned onto the balcony railing, drinking in her borough and its inhabitants.

Ripa, Rome's 12th neighborhood, right off the tourist route, held a charm that won her heart from her very first visit. Basilicas, churches and roman ruins co-existing harmoniously with quaint neighborhoods and lush gardens, all nestled in the fold of the Aventine Hill. Kim loved her apartment with its high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, patches of visible brickwork and her balcony overlooking the Tiber and Ripa harbor. Most of her evenings were spent there, gazing at the passerby, reading or just enjoying a glass of red wine, while listening to the Dominican monks singing their hymns in the Santa Sabina church.

Lifting her elbows from the balcony railing, Kim walked towards her kitchen to grab a cool glass of sparkling water. Closing the fridge, she sipped her water while surveying her spotless kitchen. Many months ago, after Trini's and Jason's wedding she had started her research, looking into the most beautiful and historically rich roman boroughs. The planner had built a mental image of her dream home and together with Giuseppe, her realtor, she had walked the streets of Rome visiting apartment after apartment until finally settling on this one. It came to a shock to her friends that she had decided to buy instead of rent and it was an even bigger surprise when she decided to buy the two bedroom apartment that needed extensive work. However, Kim had been adamant to make her roman apartment the perfect home, no matter the cost. Jason had kept a close eye on her finances over the years and in some way he had been worried that she had poured too much of her resources into something that he had considered a temporary move. Kim on the other hand aimed for perfection,living her dream, leaving the past behind and allowing herself the time and space to mature and part with her Valley girl attitude. Ripa was quiet, with no shopping centers or clubs in its proximity, far away from the tourist crowd and Kim knew right away she had found her home. Her apartment, tastefully decorated in a style that could be called Tuscan chic, represented the perfect escape from her chaotic life as an event planner. Cozy, lavish, yet intimate, the former pink Ranger had spent hours upon hours decorating every inch of her home, taking the time to walk the narrow streets of Rome in search of refurbished furniture and elegant accent pieces.

With a heavy sigh, she made a mental note to call Jason and ask about her tenants. Speaking to Jason lately had become a pain. Although he had taken it upon himself to put her affairs in New York in order, they were still not in proper speaking terms since she had left New York months ago.

Flashback

"Kim, please, please reconsider. You don't have to do this;" Trini pleaded, while Kim packed the remaining of her books in a large box. She gave her living room another glance, hoping to buy herself some time. She had been over this topic with Jason and Trini for almost two hours now. It did not make matters easy when Tanya came through the door, ready for battle.

"Yes, I do. You know that Trini, hell all of us know that. Apart from the fact that I need to do this, I deserve this;" she fired back, closing the box and picking up some tape to secure it.

"Kim, the way I see it, you and Tommy smoothed things out after all these years. This should count heavily on your decision and I dare say on your wishes; "Jason said, throwing a ball of yarn in his hands.

Over the years Kim had picked up knitting to calm her nerves. Although she did not do it as frequently as she used to, the event planner always kept a spare yarn ball around, in case she needed to keep her hands busy.

"Oh come on Jason! What do you know about my wishes? I have made it clear a million times over that Rome is my dream. Somehow all of you seem to cast that aside the moment Tommy and I cleared the air. My life does not revolve around Tommy. Or at least not anymore;" the former pink ranger rolled her eyes in annoyance. She felt like she had to explain it to a 5 year old.

"Tommy loves you Kim. C'mon, get it in your thick skull;" Tanya added, pretty pissed off. While Kim walked around the room, tossing items in an empty box, which Tanya in turn was busy emptying it out and storing the items in places far from the former gymnasts view.

"Yes, he did say that, but let's face it. This is something that was brewing under the surface for a decade and in the span of ten years people change, I have changed. I cannot and will not approach a potential relationship with Tommy just because we used to be sweethearts in high school;" she added, grabbing a sweater from Tanya' fierce grip.

"That's just stupid Kim and you know it!;" Jason huffed annoyed, grabbing a cushion fiercely.

"Is it? C'mon Jason, tell me, did you date Trini in high school?" she asked angrily.

"No, but…;" the former red ranger began

"No "but", you needed to mature and be ready for Trini and you pursued a relationship when you felt ready and confident it will last and not resting on high-school crushes. Why do I not get the right to have my time and recover the way I see fit? Why am I not allowed to start fresh, take a step forward in my career and in the end lead my life the way I want to?! Tell me Jason, where is it written that the man for me is Tommy? Maybe it's Mateo, or Alberto, or I don't know, somebody else!;" she yelled annoyed, ripping the poster with the map of ancient Rome from her wall.

"Tommy is your falcon;" Jason began, but the fierce look on Kim's features silenced him.

"Jason, I stopped being a Ranger ten years ago. Granted, I still believe in Zordon, the morphing grid, my Ninjetti powers, but I am allowed to live outside of that bubble and I am entitled to leave my past in the past and have a normal life, one that is not defined by me being a ranger, gymnast or cutter;" she spat, closing forcefully another box, securing it with duct tape. She could already feel the impending headache starting to take shape.

"It all comes down to this Kim; you're choosing Europe over us, in spite of the fact that you are a recovering cutter. You got this far because you had a solid support system behind you. Kim, remember the times we meditated together, sparred, shopped, cooked just to make sure that you never go back to the blade;" he explained, grabbing her by the shoulders, gazing into her eyes.

"I know Jason and I am more than thankful to all of you and all that you did for me. Yet, it's time for you guys to have a normal life as well, one not spent with the fear that I might go back to the blade. Tommy and I put the past to rest and I have put the cutting behind me;" she explained, closing up the last box. Her gaze swept one more time over her apartment, the place where her grandmother had watched her take her first step, taught her to read and where she had managed her first backward flip flawlessly. Her gaze fell on her friends, some heartbroken, others angry and her heart mellowed when she saw the way Trini discreetly wiped a tear from her eyes, Jason fought for composer and Tanya stared at her fingers intently, doing her best not to look at the boxes ready for the movers

.

"Guys, I will be in the States quite often; my job is a constant link to New York;" she said, hoping to catch their eye, yet all of them avoided looking at her.

"Pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance she went on. "Not to mention that our Ninjetti powers will keep us all close connected;"

"It won't be the same and you know that too!" Jason exclaimed, breaking away from the cabinet he was leaning on.

"You're running away from us and you're running away from Tommy. In my eyes this makes you a coward;" The anger and hurt raw in his voice and features, Jason stalked out of the room, leaving his wife and little sister in a stupor behind.

Feeling her anger rise, Tanya decided to forgo an argument and left the room a few moments after Jason.

End Flashback

Since that final argument to say that the relationship between the former two rangers was strained was an understatement. Every time Kim called, Jason would go down to business never diving into the playful banter they had once enjoyed. It hurt Kim to no end and she suspected that he wasn't doing any better either. Trini had mentioned a few times that her husband was missing his little sister and had pestered Kim to return on a short visit to New York and mend the broken bond. The opportunity to return state side had not arisen yet and in a way Kim was dreading the moment she would need to have a heart to heart with her friend. His words had hurt her deeply, but on a level she would never admit out loud, he had a point. She had run away from Tommy because part of her was scared of taking in the implications of his confessed feelings.

Grabbing a cookie from the cookie jar she made her way back to the balcony and leaned against the railing once more. Munching away at her cookie she observed the way the merchants were setting up shop and smelled the wonderful aroma from the coffee shop, her keen reminder of a good morning. The baker across the street, a chubby man in his early sixties wearing an apron with flour in his bushy mustache and slick black hair, blew her a kiss and she couldn't stop herself from smiling and waving at him. When she had started renovating the apartment the locals had been skeptical of allowing a foreigner in their mids, but with time she had won them over one by one. Now, almost half a year after her permanent move, they were on a first name basis, with them always gifting her with cookies or a fresh bouquet of flowers. For them she was no longer the American that had moved to their neighborhood, but a local. Finishing her cookie, she walked back to her bedroom, shedding the nightwear easily and making her way towards the bathroom and her lukewarm shower. Through the years she had acquired the habit of waking up early, even during the weekends and she considered it her time to meditate, read or just enjoy a steaming cup of coffee. Letting the water massage the week out of her, she lingered longer in the shower, her thoughts on the day ahead. Deciding to call Trini later on, she turned the faucet off and dried off with her towel and applying jasmine scented lotion on her body.

Back in her bedroom she dressed carefully, picking out an emerald summer dress that always brought out her sun kissed features. Putting her hair up in a ponytail and applying a hint of mascara and perfume, she walked to her enormous bookcase. Since her university years, the former ranger had become a real bookworm, her purse never void of a good novel. Picking up a hefty volume, she let it slip into her handbag, threw on the most comfortable pair of flats and made her way out of her apartment.

Once outside of her building, the baker greeted her, trying to persuade her to join him for an espresso, but she declined, promising to take him on his offer later on. The sad expression on his face was soon banished when Kim leaned in and placed a kiss on his chubby cheek.

With a spring in her step, Kim hummed a tune and made her way towards the bells of Santa Sabina. Chiming heavily, announcing the eight hour of the day, recognition dawned on Kim's features. This meant that the Savello park, her favorite, was opened to the public and she could walk through the archways made up by the countless bitter orange trees.

Passing the old roman mask, the last remaining piece of an old fountain, she made her way through the Nino Manfredi central avenue, taking in the smell of fresh oranges. Along the promenade, close to the belvedere, a place where Rome was visible from above in all its might, stood stone benches. Lazily she passed a young couple, deeply engrossed in affectionate kisses and she smiled slightly, picking up the pace. The former gymnast, wanted to give them the privacy they needed before the gardens became overpopulated with locals and tourists alike. Il Giardino degli Aranci provided a welcome relief from the heavy heat of the roman summer.

Finding a sheltered stone bench, she sat down and contemplated the dome of St Peter's basilica. It had been one of the first sights she had visited after moving to Rome and it left a lasting impression on her. Although not a religious person, Kim had felt closer to God for the first time in her life and she had prayed and given thanks to the powers beyond for all that she has been given in life and that she was alive. Once again her thoughts wandered to her friends and mostly to Trini. Her yellow counterpart went through a rough patch before she left New York and it pained her to know that she still had not moved on.

Flashback

"Will you tell me what the doctor said?;" Kim had said, looking at her best friend. Sitting in Central Park on a wooden bench, Trini shivered when a gash of November wind past them.

"There is nothing to say. The doctor had been very clear on this matter. My uterus cannot accommodate a pregnancy;" she whispered fighting the tears threatening to spill.

"Have you considered seeing another doctor? Maybe there is some other form of treatment out there;" Kim inquired, her gloved hand resting on Trimi's caramel colored coat.

"Huh, I guess there is only so much ranger pounding one can take. Should have thought about that while I was on active duty, but at 17 you don't really think about babies or that being thrown out of a zord will cause damage to your reproductive system;" she went on, not taking into consideration Kimberly's words.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, startling the psychologist, "Look at me!"

"You have not exhausted all alternatives yet. There is always the possibility to adopt or have a surrogate. We live in an age where everything is possible. Don't beat yourself up!" her words spilling passionately, bringing a small smile unto Trini's pained features/

"I doubt Jason will be too thrilled to consider adoption. He has been gushing about wanting to start a family months before the wedding. I went to the doctor for a check up, because now I do feel ready for a baby;" Trini said, bitterness and sadness deep in the timber of her voice.

"Jason is no fool. He is aware that our exposure to the morphing grid and our battles have had lasting effects on our bodies. Trust me, he would not mind adoption;" the former pink ranger went on, rubbing Trini's back soothingly.

"Yes, but it's not the same you see. I feel such a failure that I can't carry a pregnancy to term;" Trini cried out, frustration, anger and pain more pronounced.

"It's all in your head. What difference does it make if it's biological or not. The important thing is that you will have a family and I am sure the two of you will love that child no matter the way it has come into this world;"

Kimberly could see the anger bubbling behind her friend's eyes, but she wasn't ready for the torrent of words shooting out of the former yellow ranger.

"It's easy for you to say. You were once pregnant and you know the feeling of having life grow inside of you. Then you went on practicing and fell and there was no baby for you anymore, but you can have another one if you want. I don't have that luxury. So don't you go giving me advice on this, because you have no clue how it feels to know you're never going to be a mother;" Trini yelled, yet the moment the words flew out of her mouth and saw Kim's pain expression she regretted them.

"I'm...I'm.. I'm sorry Kim. I didn't mean to...I was out of line." she apologized looking intently at her former teammate.

Kim on the other hand looked straight ahead, nervously chewing her bottom lip, her thoughts furious. She didn't dare speak yet, so she took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible. Not looking at Trini, in an even voice she, finally, retort.

"It's true and you are right; I don't know how it feels not to be able to have a pregnancy not go through full term, yet I can assure you my past actions have left a deep impression on me. I live with the guilt of what happened a decade ago every day. Practicing and falling off the beam was my fault and not a day goes by when I don't think about my little boy or girl and what they could be doing at this age. When I look at other children running or jumping, or just plaing, sometimes I imagine how my child would have done the same. Yet, I will never know, just like I never had the chance of meeting him or her. The worst part is that I am scared that I will never get the chance of finding somebody as wonderful and worthy, as you have found Jason, to be the father of my child." Turning she went on "So you see, you and I are not that different, but I have not given up hope on having a child one day and I'm fighting through my fears everyday. I'm not saying I have it all figured out, but you should not lose hope. There are plenty of doctors our there and there are plenty of methods to be a mother;." she finished, stroking Trini's hand gently.

The moment of silence stretched until Trini mustered up the courage to speak once more.

"I am sorry for lashing out. It was out of line and crude; I don't understand what came over me. Yeah, you have a point, there is a chance and options out there for me to be a mum. Right now, this," Trini made a circular motion with her gloved hand highlighting her stomach and both her and Kim, "it's just a bit too much, you know. First you leaving and now this. I feel like my life is falling apart;" The former yellow ranger went on shivering once again when the wind cut at her roughly.

"You know I am just one call away and if you need me I am on the first plane here."

"Still not the same. We've been friends since kindergarten and I always imagined we would grow old together. I'm just going to miss you so much;" the former yellow ranger whispered.

"I know Tri, I'm gonna miss you too. But please, understand that I need this. I want to be happy, really happy;" Kim pleaded, relief washing over her when she saw Trini smile for the first time in the last hour.

"C'mon, let's go get warm with a mimosa or six. The first round is on me and then you pay. As small punishment for leaving me here all alone in windy New York while you bathe in the glow of the Italian sun;" she went on, standing from the bench and stretching out her hand.

"Deal! Let's go;" Kim laughed, pulling herself off the bench and was about to walk, when Trini stopped her.

"Kim, I'm really sorry for what I said earlier. Friends?" she inquired, a worried look on her face.

"No!" Kim said her voice harsher than intended. She saw Trini's face loose it's color and the former pink ranger let out a chuckle. "Sisters, you silly goose;" They both burst into fits of giggles, linking their arms together. In the gloomy November afternoon, Trini and Kim strode out of Central Park laughing, talking and turning heads, just like they used to when they were teenagers.

End Flashback

It had been a painful and difficult moment in their friendship, but they had managed to overcome it, however Trini's demons were still very much alive. Her frustration with the fact that she could not get pregnant was a constant cloud hovering over her head, especially since Zack's and Angela's baby. Trini had been delighted with the new addition to the ranger family, but there was so much longing in her features that it had become a constant thorn in her side. After speaking briefly with Aisha, she had decided to seek out a well renowned specialist in Rome and book an appointment for Trini. She would drag Trini kicking and screaming if she had to, all the way to Rome. Her best friend might have given up hope, but she had not.

The annoyed grumble of her stomach told her it was high time to be on the move again and in search for breakfast. Walking down the Aventine hill, Kim began to hum once more in anticipation of the delights that awaited her. Walking along the banks of the river Tiber, she stopped from time to time to take in the view. Since moving to Rome she had slowed down the pace of her life and had learned to put aside her phone and connect with the world around her. Stopping on the Ponte Palatino, she drank in the breathtaking view. The water of the Tiber river shone a bright silver, reflecting on the metal top surface and creating small tiny diamond patterns on Kim's forearm. She traced them lazily with her finger before letting her gaze wonder to the last remaining arch of the ancient bridge. The masonry was impressive and she could not stop herself from marveling at the craftsmanship of the arch and the details still visible after more than 2000 years.

Crossing the bridge she turned into the Trastevere quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and her eyes immediately took in the cafes that were already setting up their pristine tablecloths. All around her she could hear cafe waiters greeting her and inviting her to have a seat and enjoy a cup of strong Italian coffee. She turned into another small street passing the first synagogue in Rome. Touching her ancient walls, she remembered Zordon's kind voice before every battle "May the power protect you." As she walked she could see the small souvenir shops huddled together with all its trinkets exposed to all passersby. The road opened into a larger piazza and she noticed the large flea market crowded with people, all early risers like her. Browsing through different stands she picked up one item at a time, studying it closely and in the end deciding on an elegant hand mirror and brush set. Since moving her she had acquired the habit of bargaining and after 20 minutes she left the old woman satisfied to have purchased two exquisite pieces at an acceptable price. Walking slowly through the bustling crowd she noticed another stand that exhibited a peculiar and rather large jade statue of a frog. Closing her eyes briefly she allowed herself to rattle the Ninjetti link just a little bit. A satisfied grin bloomed when Adam rattled the link back. She could feel Adam, his tiredness oozing through their link and she knew he was busy working.

Flashback

"Stop giving me sideways glances;" Kim spoke, her eyes never leaving the road, tapping her foot impatiently - an old habit of hers.

"I wasn't doing anything;" Adam defended himself, pushing the gas pedal a little bit more.

Silence had engulfed Adam's Prius five minutes into the car ride. Kimberly was sure that once they got going Adam would approach this subject somehow. Over the past week, she had said goodbye to coworkers, friends and even family, preparing herself mentally to take the big plunge and move across the globe.

All of them, except her boss, had tried to change her mind and even begged her to stay. Her mother had cried Kim had chosen Rome instead of Paris, her brother had been pissed that he would have to shoulder their father's failing health and her friends were either given her the silent treatment or pestering her to reconsider.

From all of the people that she had said goodbye to, Adam was the only one that had not lectured her. Now, here they were, driving towards JFK and the green Ninjetti kept his mouth shut, yet their connection vibrated violently. Through the years she had gotten to know Adam pretty well. He rarely spoke his feelings out loud, yet what he lacked in verbal communication he made up for with a tumult of emotions rattling the Ninjetti link.

When Tanya's brother passed away, Adam, although out of the country, had shared his profound grief with all of his former team-mates. Concerned for Tanya's well being, he learned to block her out, but as a consequence all of the hurt hit Kim like a speeding truck. Every evening, Kim used to call Adam and give him an update about Tanya, the funeral and herself, yet when she asked Adam how he was doing he simply replied "Fine".

It took time and patience for Adam to learn how to verbalise his emotions and even now he took his sweet time in explaining what goes on it that soft heart of his.

"We can always turn back;" Adam muttered under his breath.

Kim just rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest and looked out the window and the spreading landscape of the highway.

"I'm just saying, Pinkey, it's not too late. You can always resume your life here; everybody would be thrilled to have you here;"

"Adam, please, don't make it any harder than it already is. I've been over this a million times before and my mind is made up. I'm doing this and I would like to have, at least your support;" the former Pink ranger turned to him, her expression deep of hurt.

"I think you're asking a bit much of me Kim. I mean, we've been through a lot together, as team-mates and as friends. You've always had my back as I had yours. Now, all of sudden, you decide to move across the globe and I'm supposed to just be fine with it. I hardly see that as fair;" Adam said, squeezing the steering wheel a little harder.

A soft, petite hand, rested on his arm and Adam allowed himself to briefly glance towards her. He saw so many emotions painted across her lovely features, but what he saw predominantly was care.

"I'll always have your back, even if I am in Rome or God knows where. This, I have to do. It's what I always wanted and it's time for me to heal and start fresh. Please understand. I want to break away from my past and all that has happened;"

"Even being a ranger?" he asked.

"No. That I cannot and will not escape;" she answered, playing with a caramel colored strand.

"Did you ever want to escape it?" the former green ranger asked stunned. He could not believe that this woman, one of his closest friends, a warrior that he deeply admired, would want to forget those forming years. For him it had been one of the best times of his life. Being a ranger meant everything to him and he would gladly do it all over again.

"Yes and no. Part of me wants to forget that period when I stopped being a teenager and became Earth's warrior and savior, but part of me will always cherish that time. Don't you understand? Being a Ranger meant that I met you guys, basically, for the first time I had a family and we kicked alien butt. It was fun, it was crazy and we were all in it together. The sneaking around, the zords, Alpha, Zordon, going to the moon, it was wonderful and exhilarating. At the same time I wanted to be a teenager, a proper one, especially when I met Tommy. Uninterrupted dates or shopping sprees where what I longed for. Going to Earnie's to practice a full routine and not fight putties was what I prayed for on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, being a ranger gave me an unimaginable high and my sense of duty never left me, but somehow, being a ranger, aspiring to be an Olympic gymnast and being a girlfriend did not go well together. In the end it all went downhill and left a bitter taste, one that I cannot always wash off with a hefty cup of coffee;' her chuckle dryer than expected, brushing a fictive dust bunny from her capri pants.

"There were good times too, Kim. Why do you still zero in on all the bad instead of remembering how much fun we had;" Adam inquired, glancing in the rear view mirror, before switching lanes.

"We did, but it left some nasty bruises;" she laughed, her tone not fully humorous.

"This thing, Rome - she gestured towards the window and in the direction of the airport- "is my chance of having a normal life. Ranger, gymnast, cutter and a fast paced life have defined me. I just want to be Kimberly. Somehow you all got the chance to be you and it hurts to know that you all deny me this;``she breathed, her face turned away from him.

"Ok. Be you and be in Rome, but promise me to keep in touch. Promise me that you won't forget that you have friends her who love and miss you. Most importantly promise me you won't forget to turn to us when you need it;" Adam said, resignation visible on his features.

"I promise;" she stated simply, grabbing his hand and giving it a tight squeeze.

End Flashback

Half an hour later, out of breath and sweaty Kimberly plopped herself on the cozy chairs of the rustic terrace. Wiping the sweat off her brow she searched for the waiter, while getting her book out of the bag. Bella Fontana, a small family bakery with a lovely terrace, was her favourite go to coffee place in Rome. She had discovered it accidently, while walking through the narrow streets of Trastevere. It was here that Marco, the owner's son, had given her a crash course in Italian pastries and coffee culture and by now she knew the menu by heart and Marco knew her preferences at the top of his head.

"Buoungiorno seniorina Hart. Como stai oggi?" Marco greeted, his full face smiling brightly.

"Buoungiorno Marco. Sto bene, grazie. Tu?" she replied, thanking the starts for the millionth time in the last few months that she had decided during college to study Italian.

Marco smiled brightly and chatted away happily and Kim was once again made aware that the charming waiter took a liking to her. Their conversation always lingered on the borders of flirty and polite, yet she could not see past his cheeky exterior. He wasn't handsome, but he was kind and made her laugh. At times Marco would tell her of his family in Pisa, his parents and grandparents sharing a large Tuscan country house, his four sisters, all married with children.

Every time he spoke of his nieces and nephews he would tell her how much he wished he could find a woman to take back to Tuscany, build a farm there and raise his flock of children with her. Somehow Kim knew that his eye was on her, but she always managed to brush it off and Marco would leave her table with a sad smile. After such conversation she would stop dropping by for a while and Marco would miss her enough not to mention it afterwards, when she came back for her favourite coffee or a nice gelato.

"Solo un momento. Porterò il tuo ordine;" he chimed and she opened her book, reading the first few lines of Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita. Not many people could understand her fascination with Russian literature but the former pink ranger had always had a soft spot for tormented and tormenting Russian authors. It was her believe that they showed the world at its gloomiest so it had come easier for her to enjoy her stressful life after finishing such a novel.

Marco returned with a caffe latte, two cinnamon rolls and a bottle of sparkling water. She thanked him and he retreated to his kitchen. Taking a bit of her roll and a sip of coffee, the former Mighty Morphin Power Ranger immersed herself in her book, forgetting the world around her. The street was quiet,secluded from the hustle and bustle of main Trastevere, and she appreciated the tranquility, the breeze and the warmth of the sun.

Turning page after page and sipping her coffee she never took notice of the people approaching or departing the vicinity of her table, so it took her by surprise when she didn't find her cup. The first thing that came to her mind was that Marco had probably taken her cup away once she finished her latte. Furrowing her brought she tried to remember, if he had approached her in the past half an hour. Without lifting her gaze she searched for the cup once more, her frustration mounting. Finally she lifted her eyes from her book. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the handsome man sitting across from her smiling coyly and taking a sip from her coffee.

"You're a very hard to find person miss Hart," he said, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Well, I'll be damned. If it isn't Doctor Oliver himself;" She replied in awe, amusement staining her pink lips.

Dictionary

Buoungiorno seniorina Hart. Como stai oggi? - Good morning miss Hart. How are you today?

Buoungiorno Marco. Sto bene, grazie. Tu? - Good morning Marco. I'm good, thank you. You?

Solo un momento. Porterò il tuo ordine. - Just one moment. I'll bring you're order

Il Giardino degli Aranci - The orange garden