A/N: To KLR- yeah, I thought about having her demand more of an explanation. Not that it would have done any good seeing as he's sworn to secrecy. I just left her thinking he'd tell her in his own time. Glad you've enjoyed so far!

The next day, Tommy and Tara drove to the beach. They parked near a small group of teens. Tara recognized Billy and Kimberly from the day before and was introduced to Jason, Trini and Zack. Tommy had described them all in his letters. They all walked to the beach and set up a spot.

Tara stood in ankle deep water and snapped a few pictures of Tommy in the waves, the scenery and even posed for a few herself with Kimberly's help. This was good because as Kim held the camera, Tommy grabbed Tara and dragged her into deeper water. She kicked and shrieked with laughter until *splash!* Tara came up sputtering and choking, her eyes burned from the salt water.

"You're such a jerk!" She couldn't say it without laughing and Tommy knew it because he replied with "Love you, too, cuz!"

Tara walked back to where Kimberly and Trini sat and joined them. "Some things never change."

"Why does he pick on you like that?" asked Trini.

"It's okay," said Tara. "It's all in fun. Sort of an odd way we show affection. Ever since we were little and he outgrew me. He's a sweetheart, really. And very protective." The girls waited for her to continue. "I was a quiet kid and got bullied for it. Quiet meant week, I guess. He was visiting one time and the neighborhood creep started messing with me. Tommy came to the rescue." She smiled. "He'd never hurt a flea, until his family is threatened. Then, boy, look out."

The girls exchanged knowing looks. "You're right," said Kimberly. "Some things never change." She told the story of when they met in school and he scared off Bulk and Skull.

"Oh, I've heard of those two," said Tara. "Every school has a pair like that. They go away in college… usually because they don't go. But, still."

Tara looked around the beach. Suddenly her head felt dizzy and she heard a voice whispering her name. She shut her eyes and shook her head and it stopped just as suddenly. Kimberly and Trini were watching in concern.

"Are you alright?" asked Trini.

"Yeah," said Tara, trying to smile. "Jet lag, I guess. Must have zoned out. Ooh!" She jumped up. "Ice cream stand. Milk shakes on me. Be right back." She ran to the edge of the water and shouted, "Hey, little cousin!" Tommy paused, holding an old football he had been passing to the other 3 guys. "Getting milkshakes for everyone. Need an extra pair of hands!" He waved in reply and she headed toward the ice cream stand.

Bulk and Skull were at the stand, inhaling their ice cream when she walked up. Tara could recognize them from Tommy's description. Plus, only those two boneheads would wear that much leather to the beach in sunny Southern California. She ordered 7 milkshakes as they spotted her and walked over.

"What's up, babe?" Bulk said, with a goofy grin.

"What do you want?"

"Just your phone number," he said.

"Yeah," said Skull. "And a kiss."

They were on either side of her now, inching closer. "You better back off," Tara warned. "I'm going to count to 3 and you won't like the result." They just laughed and continued closer. "1… 2… 3…"

Both boys jumped back as if they had been shocked by something and ran right into Jason, Tommy, and Zack. Tommy was glaring at them. "Keep away from my cousin," he said, menacingly.

"No problem," squeaked Bulk. "We're gone." And away they went.

Tara handed the milkshakes off and paid for them. Tommy whispered, "Did you pull a…" he wrinkled his nose, trying to imitate Samantha on Bewitched.

Tara feigned shock. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Liar," he said with a laugh as they walked back to join the others.

The day passed without another incident. Tara told stories and talked about life in the Mid West. And the group told her (just about) everything about their lives in Angel Grove. It was perfect.

It was also too good to last.

A/N: Okay, now the action begins. This might take me a little longer to post because I want it to be good and get all the bugs out.