Second Chances

Kira Ford parked her yellow convertible and rummaged through her black and yellow purse for her cell phone. Pulling out the slim silver phone, Kira flipped it open and dialed a familiar number.

Up in the house, Conner McKnight rolled out of his bed, scrambling to find his cell phone. The Crazy Frog theme was ringing away cheerfully, and it was irritating. He found his phone under a pile of dirty laundry and examined the screen. "Hi, Kir," said Conner once he'd checked the ID. He plopped down on his red beanbag chair. "What's up with you?"

Kira could feel the smile in her friend's voice. "Guess who's sitting outside of your house?"

The red curtains in the upstairs window parted and she saw Conner's shaggy brown head appear. He lit up upon seeing her out on the street. She waved.

"Be right there," promised Conner. Kira saw him run a hand through his chocolate locks and then he disappeared. A moment later, the door to the McKnight home opened and her old friend came running out. The former yellow ranger climbed out of her car and ran into Conner's open arms.

"I missed you, Con," she told him. "How've you been?"

"I'm fine. You look great, Kira," replied Conner, twirling her around. "I heard you on the radio this morning. I was so proud of you." He pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, earning him a gentle smack and a shy smile from Kira.

"Thanks Conner. You look great, too. Are you free right now?"

He nodded. "It's summer vacation. I'm free until the end of August."

Kira chuckled. "Get in. We'll go to Hayley's."

Conner grinned and went around the car to the passenger side. "Hey Kir," he said as the two buckled themselves in, "Where's Trent?"

"I'm home for the summer," Kira replied, focusing on the road. The stiff change of subject told Conner that something was definitely wrong with his two friends' romantic relationship. He knew he shouldn't, but he was actually happy at this news. He'd always thought Kira could have done way better than the former white ranger.

Conner held the door open for Kira in a very gentlemanly manner as the two went into Hayley's Cyberspace. Kira smiled to herself at that action; Conner seemed to sense that she needed a good friend right now.

"Kira's home!" cried the redheaded proprietor. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Hayley," replied Kira. "I really miss your smoothies, though," she added, her eyes wide and innocent. Hayley laughed and started preparing a strawberry smoothie for the younger woman.

"We've been hearing you on the radio lately, Kira," Hayley said. "I always knew you had a ton of talent. Good for you. Make sure to send me a copy of your CD when it comes out." She pushed a cup across the counter. Kira accepted her drink and slurped at it, waiting while Conner put in his own order.

The former red and yellow rangers found themselves a table for two and started catching up. Conner told Kira about the championship winning goal he'd made during the last soccer game of the season, and Kira talked about her upcoming music video for her new single. "No funky hairdos, either," she finished with a laugh.

And then came a lull in their anecdotes. "Kira," Conner said, "Where's Trent? Why didn't he come home too?"

Kira's warm brown gaze turned away from Conner's face. "We had a fight," she mumbled into her smoothie cup. "He wanted more…I don't know…freedom. Apparently there was some beautiful starving artist type that he wanted to pursue. And quite frankly, I have better things to do then wait around for Trent to figure out who he likes better."

"I'm sorry, Kira," Conner said softly, reaching across the table for her hand. He meant his words of sympathy, but at the same time he couldn't help but think he now had a second chance with Kira Ford.

She nodded. "I know you are."

And then silence again. A moment later, the front door opened again and in walked a mother with a baby on her hip and a little girl tugging at her hand.

"I want a soda, Mommy," whined the little girl. She blew her chestnut brown hair from her eyes and frowned.

"I know, Macy. Shh, Natie," she cooed to her baby. The woman leaned down to the little girl. "Baby, would you hold your brother for just a minute? Your shoe is untied."

Macy nodded and wrapped her tiny arms around her brother tightly. The mother managed a weak smile and tied her daughter's shoe for her. Straightening up, the brunette dug into her purse, fishing for her wallet. Kira watched intently as the woman ordered two sodas from Hayley and ushered her children over to a table. The poor girl looked completely exhausted and on the verge of tears.

"Do you know her, Kira?" questioned Conner.

"I think I've seen her before. I just can't remember where. She looks so familiar and I can't put my finger on it."

But then Macy took a piece of ice out of her soda cup and discreetly stuck it down Nate's T-shirt. As Nate burst into tears and the woman scooped her son up, Kira remembered.

"That's Dr. O's ex girlfriend. Kim Hart."

Conner's eyes widened. "The infamous letter and all," he whispered, and Kira nodded.

"She married his best friend."

Conner and Kira looked over at the table again, watching Kimberly soothe her son and scold her daughter. "She looks so sad," remarked Conner.

And indeed she did. Kira was sure she was about to wail as loudly as her son was.

The door to the café opened for the third time and in walked Dr. Tommy Oliver. "Hey Hayley," he called, "Can you help-" His voice trailed off as he saw Kimberly Scott sitting in the café with her two screaming children.

"Uncle Tommy!" shouted Macy, and all he could do was pick her up and stare at Kim.

"I have to talk to you," said Kim. "Can we stay with you for awhile?"