Title: High School Reunion

Author: Bravo45 (Sierra)

Rated: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, and I'm getting absolutely no real profit from this other than I like doing it!

Main Characters: Jason, Emily, Tommy, Kimberly.

Genre: Drama/Romance.

Summary: The year is 2006. Ten years after our group of friends said their tearful goodbyes at graduation and went their separate ways. How has time changed them, and their friendship?

A/N: This is a two-chapter story. The second one should be up shortly after the first one :)

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The soft strands of a mid-90s romance song faded away as the old gym grew more and more crowded with it's former students, hurrying in from the drenching rain that continued to pour outside and across the city of Angel Grove; one woman rushed in with the group, making her way to the juice bar that had been set up and quickly removing her soaked jacket. Her long, blonde hair stuck to her face and neck, she carefully untangled it with her fingers as she ordered a soft drink and sat down at the counter, looking around the familiar place with wistful blue eyes, reminiscing about times gone by.

Had it really been ten years since they had all gathered together and celebrated their graduation? They had been so happy to say goodbye to those four years of their lives, and now, a decade later, she only wished she could take them all back and relive them; her time after moving to Angel Grove had been the best years of her life, she had finally made true friends, and discovered her path in life. From there she had went on to college, majoring in fashion and shortly thereafter moving to the Big Apple, where she started her own line of clothing; she was truly living out her lifelong dream, but there was nothing quite like High School.

"Here you go, kid."

She turned, her face brightening with a smile when she recognized the man that was handing her a glass of soda: "Ernie! Oh my god, how've you been?"

Ernie smiled with her, resting her elbows on the counter and leaning in closer as he spoke: "Well, a few rough years, but we're back on our feet now."

"It's so good to see you again."

She slid off her booth and started walking across the room, glancing around the see if she recognized any faces---there were some, vaguely familiar to her, faces from her past; she waved politely, her eyes traveling to the makeshift stage, where a dark-skinned woman dressed in a snug, yellow dress was stepping up to the microphone. The woman's curly, black hair hung to the middle of her back, her eyebrows were arched above bright eyes, a wide grin lit up her face; she brought up a hand and gripped the microphone without hesitation, walking across the stage as she addressed the crowd.

"I don't remember all of you," she began, "so I'm sure not all of you remember me. But this was my school, too, my home for a few years of my teenage life, a place where I made many, wonderful memories. So I just wanted to sing this song, and dedicate to the Class of 1996!"

With that, she closed her eyes and began to sing in a crisp, clear voice, sending most of the motionless former classmates onto the dance floor, where they paired off according to old friends and lovers; the blonde woman sat to the side, observing the action going on around her. A few minutes passed and the song ended, the young woman stepped off the stage, her face beaming as she made her way over to her, arms outstretched:

"Emily!"

"Tanya." Emily smiled quickly, embracing her friend tenderly for a few seconds before pulling back and looking at her up-and-down. "You look gorgeous."

"I ought to," Tanya said, "this is from your line, after all!" She twirled around, her hair bouncing playfully as she giggled, then took Emily's hands. "So how've you been, girl? It's been so long since we all got together."

"I'm good," Emily said, "college was great, and I'm having a blast in New York. I saw your cd go on sale last month, too." She winked. "I've been waving it around everywhere, bragging to everyone."

"Aww . . . " Tanya took a deep breath. "So have you heard from anyone? I only ever talk to Adam nowadays---" she blushed beneath her dark skin "---he just proposed last week."

"Oh my god!" Emily squealed, "congratulations! Will he be here?"

"Yeah, he'll be a little late though."

As they continued, two men walked in side-by-side, as different as night and day: One with ear-length, black hair and Asian features despite pale skin, he loose-fitting blazer and slacks not quite hiding his toned muscles; the other had dark brown hair fashioned in a carefree style, a constant grin on his face, which was far from ugly but not quite handsome, he wore a sleeveless, red shirt and tight, blue jeans.

"Rocky! Adam!" Emily cried, hurrying forward to embrace both quickly, before stepping aside and letting Tanya plant a smooch on her new fiance.

"Now the party's really getting started!" Rocky said, enthusiastically, slipping an arm around Emily's waist and kissing her cheek teasingly. He hastily tickled her before running off to join the others on the dance floor, Adam and Tanya joined hands, giggling mischievously as they walked away to a dark corner; Emily smiled, watching them disappear, mingling with other friends whom they hadn't spoken to in years.

"Emily?"

His deep voice sent a chill up her spine, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up unexpectedly and she caught her breath in her throat, with that voice came memories of an entirely different life: A handsome young man that had saved her from herself and quickly become her closest friend, and then even more as time went on. She shivered, closing her eyes and imagining him ten years ago, wondering how much he had changed since those days, from the cheerful boy she had known to a grown man; with some apprehension, she turned and faced him.

And there he stood. Still broad in the shoulders, not so lean in the waist, his face older but still reminiscent of the boy he had once been, his eyes darkened from memories he had made since then; without thinking, she found herself looking down at his hands, now calloused from hard work, but once so soft as they ran over her body and cradled her with gentleness he rarely showed to anyone.

"Jason," she whispered.

"You look great," Jason said, softly, "I saw you on TV a few months back and hardly even recognized you." He flushed. "Not that you weren't always beautiful."

"Thanks," Emily laughed, "you look good, too." But troubled. And definitely changed. What's happened to you since then, Jase? "Where've you been? Kind of lost touch after school."

"Yeah, well . . . I joined the Marines."

"Really?" She blinked in surprise. "I had no idea. How's that working out for you?"

He shifted his weight uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "Uh, good," he said, "the guys are great and all. I got my own section a while ago."

"Good, good." But there's something wrong. With hesitation, she asked: "Were you in Iraq?"

Instantly, she knew the answer and regretted asking the question, for with one word a shadow was cast over his face and took a step back, it took him a moment before he answered: "Yeah, I was. Back when it all started and a couple months ago." He took a short breath. "You know what, I'm gonna call it a night. Take care."

"But you only just got here," Emily protested.

"I don't think this was such a good idea," Jason replied, turning away.

But she caught his arm. "Jason," she said, quickly, "just . . . leave me a number or something, so I can call you. We'll get together and talk sometime. Okay?" She tried to smile, but was afraid her concern was showing through it. "Catch up and talk about old times."

He paused. "All right," he muttered, pulling out a scrap of paper and scribbling on it quickly before thrusting it into her hand. "I'll see you."

Before she could reply, he had hurried back out of the gym, still covered in a cloud of mystery that she couldn't penetrate, and probably never would; she remembered her years as a little girl growing up in Southern California with her discontented parents, her mother a former Women's Rights Activist and her father a Vietnam Vet. He had left for Vietnam before she was born, a young man full of energy and high hopes, but over a year later returned much older, and his smiles few; a few years after his third tour was completed, Emily was born. For years she had tried to get him to talk to her, but he had remained in his own world, haunted by images of the past and actions he had been forced to do, decisions he had to make; he died the year she turned sixteen, having never known his own daughter.

And now Jason had returned, clearly changed from his own experiences overseas, though in what way and how she would never understand; with a quiet sigh, she shook her head and tried to rejoin the party with as much enthusiasm as before. She found Tanya and Adam sitting on a bench and chatting, both looked up, concern spreading across their faces when they saw her:

"What's wrong?" Tanya demanded.

"I . . . " Emily trailed off, unsure what to say, then decided to put it simply. "I just saw Jason."

Tanya fell silent, and Adam nodded with understanding. "I passed around two years ago," he said, "he's different. Tommy always said he wasn't the same after he got deployed the first time, it's hard to believe until you see it for yourself."

"Wonder what happened to him over there," Emily sighed.

"Same thing that happened to everyone that was there," Tanya said, "they killed. They saw friends killed. That's different than any of the stuff Jason did---" she lowered her voice "---as a Ranger. This time, he was taking human lives."

"I know," Emily said, "it's just so hard to see him like this."

"Where is he?" Tanya looked around. "I wanna give him a big ole' hug!"

"He left already," Emily said, "he didn't look too comfortable." She looked down at the crumpled paper in the palm of her hand, staring at the sloppy numbers: "He left a number. I'll call him later and check on him."

"Let me know how things turn out," Tanya said, taking Adam's hand again and rising.

"I will," Emily assured her.

"Well . . . " Tanya looked up at Adam, "shall we dance?"

He smiled his answer and was led away, where Rocky was still dancing energetically with a pretty redhead, Emily sank down onto the bench, hugging herself despite the warmth of the crowded building; she leaned back, trying to forget about Jason's haunted expression, but knowing she couldn't.

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Tommy Oliver stepped into the gym, pausing in the doorway to look around before he went further, he hadn't been home in as many years as graduation itself; once his time as a Ranger had ended, he went onto college and into archeaology, a surprising field for him, even he had to admit. He and Kat had dated for a little while, but had grown apart once she moved to England to dance and he continued with his education, the separation was too much for both of them, and last he had heard she was married to a lawyer and living in London.

He caught sight of a familiar face and called out the name with excitement: "Zack!"

Zack stopped quickly and turned to the sound, his grin seemed to extend from ear-to-ear and he nearly ran over to embrace Tommy, pumping him on the back. "Aw, man, it's good to see you!" he laughed, "how long has it been?"

"Almost twelve years." Tommy shook his head. "I'm surprised to see you."

"Yeah, well, I figured I'd stop in a find some friends," Zack explained, "even though I didn't actually graduate with y'all. God, I can't even believe it's been so long! You look good, man."

"You, too." Tommy's smile got even bigger when he recognized the woman coming up behind Zack and kissing him on the cheek before he noticed her. "I see you and Angela finally resolved your . . . uh, issues."

"You could say that," Angela laughed, waving her left hand at him, showing off the gleaming diamond. "We got married last winter. Finally."

"I didn't want to propose till I could afford a nice ring," Zack said, "and that wasn't till last year."

"Only the best for you," Tommy said to Angela, giving her a quick hug. "Congrats, you two. Have you heard from Trini?" he asked as an afterthought.

"Oh yeah," Zack chuckled, "she and Jase hooked a few years back, but I guess she couldn't handle being a military man's girl so she left him and got together with Rich again. They're married---" he looked at Angela "---how many kids now? Three?"

"They had their fourth two weeks ago," Angela said, "twins the first time, a couple months before they got married six years ago. They're both around here somewhere, but I know they don't wanna stay long, with the newborn an' all."

"I hope I get a chance to see them," Tommy commented.

"What about Billy?" Zack asked, "I mean, how're things with him and is 'lady friend'?" He kept his questions vague in light of his new wife standing at his side, Tommy understood and answered just as casually:

"They're still together. Last I heard, he opened a new school for the kids there."

"Really? That's awesome."

"Yeah," Tommy agreed, "hey, listen, man, I'm gonna scope around and see who else I run into. See ya' later." He went on his way as Zack and Angela wrapped their arms around one another and kissed romantically before beginning to dance slowly amidst the other couples; Tommy grabbed a quick drink, then headed outside to the parking lot, catching some fresh air and a break from the atmosphere. He leaned against the railing erected around the gym, sipping at his drink and gazing out into the night sky, filled with tiny stars shining down at him; suddenly, he was transported back in time to his teenage years, when he was constantly surrounded by close friends and bombarded with pop quizzes from his teachers---not to mention Rita Repulsa's never-ending supply of monsters. Good old days.

A sudden movement in the dark parking lot caught his eye, and he looked closer to try to make out what the slim figure was: It got caught in the moonlight long enough for him to see a knee-length, white dress clinging to a small frame that twirled around in slow circles to the quiet music coming inside. He couldn't recognize her, but something about the way she moved seemed familiar to him, in a way he couldn't quite place; the way her dark hair brushed against her shoulders, how her long legs contrasted with her shortness, the way she seemed to feel rather than hear the music. She continued dancing aimlessly, not noticing him as he stared in wonder at her unimposing beauty, so appealing during times when it seemed everything in the world was fake and overplayed; but then, suddenly, she stopped and turned, as if sensing him there. When she spoke, he wanted to cry out in surprise, for her voice jolted him to a painful memory, overwhelming all the good ones they had made togeth er:

"Who is that?" she demanded.

He swallowed hard, his voice shaking: "K-Kimberly?"

She stepped into the light again, and now he was certain, for her face had hardly changed even after so many years, she still looked like the teenager he remembered; her light brown eyes widened, she fiddled with her hands uncomfortably, her long skirt swirling around her legs, bare beneath it. "Tommy," she whispered.

He hurried around the railing to be closer to her, wanting desperately . . . to what? he asked himself, hold her or shake her? Kiss her or scream at her? It seemed all High School flings had to end one way or another, but somehow he had never expected their's to, and that letter had left a scar deeper than he would ever let anyone know, especially her; he glanced at her hands, noting the bare finger on her left hand. Why bother looking? It doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter.

"Welcome home," Kimberly said, her voice as unsure as his.

"You've been here . . . all these years?"

"I moved back," she answered, "I missed it. The places. The people." She bit her lower lip, chewing on it for a moment before she caught herself and blushed with embarrassment. "I, uh, talked to Kat. She said you were going to college when she heard from you last."

"Yeah," Tommy said, "I finished a few years back . . . when did you two talk?"

She shrugged. "I guess it was around five or six months ago," she said, "she was pregnant at the time, so by now she would've had the baby. She sounded happy."

"That's good to hear," Tommy said, truthfully. He had only ever wished Katherine the best of luck in everything she pursued, dancing, marriage, and now motherhood, their relationship was never meant to last, something he had known from the beginning but didn't want to believe. "What about you? Um, that guy . . . " the guy you left me for, remember?

"Oh . . . Nathan." She shook her head, suddenly lowering her eyes. "Things didn't work out with us. We were engaged for about two months, before I caught him in bed with someone else." Her voice held more anger than pain, and Tommy immediately felt his own anger burning against this unknown man: How dare he hurt Kimberly that way?

"I'm sorry," was all he could think to say.

"It's okay. History." She paused, obviously curious but afraid to press the subject.

He didn't make her. "I was seeing a girl for awhile," he said, "but we broke it off after a year, it just wasn't working." He shrugged, he and Hailey had remained close friends even after the break-up, something he was grateful for. "Why don't we go inside? Talk a little while."

She seemed relieved to hear his suggestion. "Sure," she said, "let's go. I'd like to see some people anyway."

Tommy nodded, letting her go in first before he followed her warily, his heart pounding and throat dry, his mind racing with questions left unanswered since that day over ten years ago when he got a letter that had sent his world crumbling down around him; those fateful words he had read with confusion and hurt: Tommy, I've met someone else . . . I think I've found the person I'm meant to be with.

We'll see, Kimberly, he said, silently, watching her retreating back. I'm gonna find out the truth.

TBC