Word Count: 831/3,246

The Meeting
Thursday, Aisha spoke to Billy about what she had decided. He supported her, just like she knew he would. Out of all of them, he best understood the need to do something with your life once you had outgrown the Power.

He agreed to go with her to the Scotts' house. She had briefly met Mr. and Mrs. Scott at the party Kim had organized for Jason, Trini and Zack before they left for Switzerland, but she didn't know them all that well.

Having an old friend of Jason's would help ease the way a little, especially since he was at least semi-acquainted with Jason's cousin.

Friday afternoon, Aisha and Tamika met with Joe Durden and signed the contract. After making plans to be in Los Angeles in two weeks to meet with potential managers, they went their separate ways.

Aisha met up with Billy and they made their way over to the Scotts' house. Atalante Scott opened the door for them. "Oh, hello, Billy. And Aisha, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Aisha said.

"Greetings and salutations, Mrs. Scott," Billy said. "We heard that Jason's cousin was coming to reside with you and Mr. Scott. We took it upon ourselves to come greet Tara and welcome her to Angel Grove."

Tara. A strong name. And perhaps it was just coincidence that the first two letters were the same as Tanya, the other option for the new Yellow Ranger.

"We'd also like to take her around town and introduce her to some of our friends," Aisha said. "I know how difficult it can be when moving to a new town and I wanted to make sure she makes friends. Jason and his friends helped me when I moved to Angel Grove and I'd like to return the favor and do the same for his cousin."

Atalante smiled at them. "That's nice of you. Please. Come in." She stepped back and let the two of them into the house. "Tara is upstairs, unpacking. I have to warn you, she may not want to go out right now, but I'll let her decide."

She went to the stairs and called up to her niece. "Tara, Honey?"

"Yes, Aunt Lanta?"

"Some of Jason's friends are here to meet you. They want to show you around and introduce you to their friends so you have an easier adjustment."

There was a hesitation before Tara finally responded. "I- I'll b- be right d- down," was the stammered reply.

A few minutes later, a petite brunette in a brown skirt and a pale blue blouse entered the room. Aisha was shocked and dismayed to see the black eye and ring of yellowing bruises around Tara's throat. She quickly averted her gaze when she realized that Tara had faltered at her stare.

"Tara, you remember Billy, Right?" Atalanta asked.

"Greetings," Billy said, waving. If he was surprised by the bruising, he did a better job of hiding it than Aisha had.

"H- hey, Billy. H- how are you?"

"I am most excellent. And yourself?"

"I- I'm b- better now."

"Wonderful. Tara, this is Aisha. She moved to Angel Grove approximately eighteen months ago, along with two others we'd like to introduce you to later. Tara, this is Aisha."

"Hey, Tara," Aisha said, offering her a smile and trying her best to ignore the bruising. "It's nice to meet you."

"Y- you as- as well," Tara said, offering a timid smile. "Y- you're a friend o- of Jason's?"

"Sort of. I hung out with him and the others a bit before he left for Switzerland. I've spent more time with Billy, Kim and Tommy, and Kim lived with my family for a few months when her mom moved to France. But I know what it's like moving to a new place and not knowing anyone. Jason and his friends were really helpful in making me feel welcome. I'd like to return the favor."

"Th- thank you."

"Would you like to head over to the Youth Centre so we can introduce you to the rest of our friends? Kim moved to Florida a couple of months ago, but there's four others that we hang out with all the time, including one of Jason's closest friends."

"O- oh?" Tara questioned, glancing at Atalante.

"Tommy Oliver, I presume?" Atalante said, looking at Billy and Aisha.

"Yes, Ma'am," Aisha said. "Tommy considers Jason his best friend."

"Hmm," Atalante said, pursing her lips.

Aisha frowned slightly, but let it go. She knew her parents had a few issues with Tommy because of the long hair and the earring, so she figured Atalante's reaction was for the same reason.

"Tara?" Atalante asked instead, looking back at Tara.

"I- I suppose. May- maybe not f- for t- too long, though. I st- still have some un- unpacking t- to do."

"Great," Aisha said, her grin widening.

"Be back in time for supper, Tara," Atalante said as the three teens headed for the door.

"Yes, Aunt Lanta."