A/N: I've been a huge MMPR fan since I was a kid. Decided to take a break from my current story (to be on FictionPress soon) and write a fan fic. But, I do include an original character. Since, there's never anything in the show about the Rangers' families, I took some creative liberties. And she has a secret of her own.
It was a typical day at the Angel Grove Youth Center. Kimberly sat at a table looking at some magazines and watching Tommy and Trini lead a Tai Chi class. She felt a hand on her shoulder as Billy sat down beside her.
"I'm so glad it's spring break," Kim said. "I'm going to spend lots of time at the beach."
Billy smiled. "That does sound refreshing. We should get everyone and make a day of it."
Behind them, they heard a voice ask, "Excuse me. Is Tommy Oliver here?" Curious, they turned to see a tall, pretty girl with very red hair talking to Ernie. He pointed toward the class, she thanked him and hopped down the stairs and stood at the edge of the mats. She waved and bounced on the balls of her feet, trying to attract attention.
When Tommy turned, a huge smile spread across his face. He whispered to Trini then ran over and hugged the girl, lifting her off her feet and whirling her around, both of them laughing.
Billy looked confused. Kimberly felt a twinge in her chest. "Who is she?" asked Billy.
"I don't know," said Kim, trying to sound normal. "But he seems to know her pretty well."
At that moment, Tommy led the girl over to them. "Guys, this is Tara. She's my cousin from Ohio."
"Hi," said Tara, smiling. "Billy and Kimberly, right?"
Kimberly looked shocked. "How did you…?"
"Tommy writes to me all the time," explained Tara.
Tommy shrugged. "Happens when you live 2500 miles away."
"Well, a visit wouldn't kill you," Tara said, nudging him. Tommy just pulled her off her feet again. Tara shrieked with laugher. "Put me down, goof!"
"Want a drink?" he said, setting his cousin down again. "Then we'll catch up."
"Sure. One of those smoothies sounds good." She turned toward Billy and Kimberly. "Mind if I join you?" Billy smiled and pulled out a chair. Tara sat, noticed the look on Kimberly's face and let out a laugh.
"What?" asked Kim.
"Nothing, I'm sorry to laugh," Tara said, with a smile. "You thought me and Tommy were…" she trailed off.
"No!" argued Kim. Then she sighed. "Maybe a little." She smiled, slightly embarrassed. Billy chuckled a little. "Well, my cousins never greet me like that. I may have jumped to conclusions."
"No need to worry," said Tara. "I love Tommy and we're really close but eew!"
Tommy returned with four smoothies and sat down. "She hasn't been telling tall tales, has she?"
"Not yet," replied Tara. "But, thanks for the idea. Gotta think of a real whopper now."
Tommy laughed and shook his head. "Oh, great."
"So, how are you cousins?" asked Billy.
"Her mom and my dad are siblings," said Tommy.
"I'm older by 4 years," added Tara. "I'm 21. But, he outgrew me when he was 7. He's my big little cousin."
"What do you do in Ohio?" asked Kimberly.
"Typical college girl," said Tara. "I moved in with my grandmother during the summer. She's my dad's mom."
"Speaking of, have you got a place to stay?" asked Tommy.
"I was about to head to the hotel when I decided to surprise you, first."
"No chance," said Tommy. "You're staying with me. I'll catch you guys later." He grabbed Tara's bag and the pair headed out.
