When they arrived back at the house, the four rangers hurried inside with the first load of groceries. The other rangers were laughing and talking in the living room. Jason, Rocky, and Adam went to get another load, leaving Trini in the kitchen.

"You did what to your hair?" Zach exclaimed.

"I didn't do anything," Tommy protested.

"He's right," Hayley said. "He was pretty much passed out drunk at the time."

"Hayley!" Tommy exclaimed.

Carter walked into the kitchen, having heard them pull up.

"Can I help?" he asked.

"Umm… Sure," Trini said, shaking herself. "There are more groceries in the car."

Carter nodded and headed out the door to the car. Trini took a deep breath, leaning against the counter as Jason walked in.

"Ok. That's it!" they heard Tommy exclaim. "If you don't stop telling stories about me, Hayley, I'm going to start sharing embarrassing stories about you."

"Oh, is that so?" Hayley said. "Do you even have any stories about me?"

"How about the time I caught you in—" Tommy's voice cut off mid-sentence as though someone had covered his mouth.

"So what do you think is going on?" Trini said softly. "He's not acting sick."

"I don't know," Jason said, looking toward the living room. "But I kind of want to hear what they're talk—"

"Jason! Focus!" Trini exclaimed. "Tommy's mother made it sound like he's been going to the hospital regularly for treatments. Something has to be wrong."

There was a thump behind them and Trini and Jason turned around to see Carter. They hadn't heard him come in. He was bending down to pick up the packages of meat he had just dropped.

"Are you ok, man?" Jason asked.

Carter jerked up, staring at Jason.

"Huh? Oh! Yes," he said, shaking himself. "I'm fine."

Jason frowned.

"You know something, don't you?" he said. "About Tommy?"

Carter's eyes widened.

"What?" he exclaimed. "No. I don't—"

"Spill," Trini said. "Now."

Trini and Jason both advanced toward Carter. He started backing up.

"Trini," he protested weakly. "I really don't know anything."

"Now, Carter," she hissed.

Rocky and Adam came back in to see Carter being back into a corner.

"What's going on?" Adam asked, setting his bag down.

"He knows something about Tommy!" Trini snapped, not turning around.

Rocky dropped his bag on the counter.

"What?" he said.

"Listen, guys," Carter said. "I don't actually know anything—"
"Hey," Rocky said as he and Adam joined the other two. "He's our teammate. Tell us now."

"I really can't," Carter stammered, looking around for an escape. "I mean, I shouldn't—"

"Carter!" Jason snapped.

Carter was trapped against the wall, the other four rangers surrounding him.

"Ok, ok," Carter said, holding his hands up. "I really don't know anything for sure. But—I may have seen something on the megaship last night. And I don't think I was supposed to from the way Andros was acting all jumpy and with Tommy not telling anyone anything."

The four rangers glared at him, crossing their arms in front of them. Carter took a deep breath, glancing around nervously again.

"Alright," Carter said. "He was in the med bay when I went to get the first aid kit for Cole. I saw him through the window with TJ and Andros. He was hooked up to something. I couldn't really get a good look. But—well—"

"Carter," Trini growled.

"The way he was hooked up," Carter said hesitantly. "It was kind of like some of the kids Dana is working with. The ones who are on chemo."

The room was silent for a moment.

"Tommy could have cancer?" Adam said slowly.

There was another pause as the rangers exchanged looks. Trini whipped around toward the living room.

"TOMMY!" she yelled.

In the living room, Tommy groaned, shaking his head as Hayley started on another story.

"I give up," he muttered, throwing his hands up in the air. "I'm going to help with dinner."

He started heading toward the kitchen, but froze when Trini suddenly screamed his name. Tommy spun around to look back in the living room.

"Andros, TJ, Billy, Hayley," he muttered quickly, running down the list.

His eyes widened.

"Oh crap," he said. "Grocery day—Mom!"

Without pausing, Tommy bolted for the front door. Hayley looked up in confusion when she saw him bolt.

"Where is he?" Trini demanded, storming into the room.

Rocky, Adam, and Jason were right behind her. Wordlessly, Hayley pointed toward the front door. The three guys tore off after him. Carter trailed in behind them and took a seat in the living room. Trini stood in the hallway, glaring in the direction the guys had gone. The rest of the rangers looked around in confusion. A few minutes later Jason and Rocky returned.

"Where is he?" Trini demanded.

"He hopped the fence!" Jason exclaimed.

"Several of them," Rocky added. "As in at least six."

"Where's Adam?" Tanya asked.

"Chasing Tommy," Jason answered. "He was moving the fastest, so we let him take the chase."

Hayley sighed, standing up.

"Come on," she said.

"What?" Jason said.

"If you want to catch him we'd better get in the car," Hayley said. "Or you're going to miss your chance."

She headed toward the door and everyone started following her. But they all stopped when Hayley turned around to look

"No," Hayley said, shaking her head. "You three, come on. The rest of you, wait here."

Hayley pointed at Trini, Jason, and Rocky. They immediately headed out the door.

"What about the rest of us?" Zach exclaimed. "We want to know what's going on."

"We'll explain when we get back," Hayley said. "We can't take a caravan with us, she'll get suspicious. And I don't have that many seats in my car."

Leaving the rangers standing in the living room, Hayley hurried out to her car and they took off.

Hayley turned down the street and pulled up in front of the Olivers' house.

"So why do we have to beat Tommy here again?" Rocky asked, looking out the window.

Hayley parked the car and turned it off.

"Because," she said. "If he beats us here, we won't be able to grab him. Once his mom knows he's here, he's safe. She won't let us do anything to him."

"Then let's hope we beat him," Jason said as he climbed out of the car. "Or that Adam caught him."

They walked up toward the house. Adam was sitting on the porch steps. Seeing them approaching, he started shaking his head.

"I couldn't catch him," he said. "He was too fast. Tommy beat me here, got inside, and locked the doors. All of them."

Hayley sighed.

"Well, we have one more chance," she said. "Hope that neither of his parents is home yet. I know where the spare key is—"

The door opened and Tommy stepped out onto the porch.

"Too late," he interrupted. "Mom's just unloading the last of the groceries. Here you go, Adam."

Tommy tossed the other ranger a water bottle and then leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. Adam took it gratefully and took a drink.

"Nice chase," Tommy said. "A little slow, though."

"How did you move that fast?" Adam asked. "It was all I could do to keep you in sight."

Tommy held up one arm and flicked his wrist, calling his Zeo morpher.

"These things give a nice boost in a pinch," Tommy said, smirking.

Jason growled, walking up the steps with one hand reaching to grab him. Tommy didn't move.

"What are you all doing here?" Mrs. Oliver exclaimed from behind Tommy.

Jerking his hand backward, Jason stepped away from Tommy.

"Didn't I just see you at the grocery store, Jason?" she asked, joining them on the porch. "Hayley!"

"Hi, Mrs. Oliver," Hayley said, smiling.

She walked up and gave the older woman a hug. Adam hopped up from his seat on the steps as Rocky and Trini moved to join the rest of them on the porch.

"You did, Mrs. Oliver," Jason said. "We're actually here to get Tommy."

"Oh," she said, looking up at Tommy.

"Don't worry, mom," he said. "I don't need to leave just yet."

"That's wonderful," she said, beaming. "Why don't all of you come inside?"

Not waiting for an answer, Mrs. Oliver turned and headed back into the house. Smirking, Tommy followed her with Hayley right behind him. Grumbling, the four rangers followed. Inside the house, the whole group stopped in the living room. Hayley didn't even pause. She just sat down in one of the reclining chairs and made herself comfortable. Mrs. Oliver hurried out of the room, disappearing down the hallway. The minute she was gone, all four rangers turned glares on Tommy.

"Alright, bro," Jason said. "Spill. What is going on?"

Tommy raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the wall.

"With what?" he asked.

"I don't know," Jason said. "How about the fact that you just ran from my house to yours?"

Tommy shook his head.

"I used to do that all the time," he said. "How is that anything special?"

Hayley was laughing in her chair, shaking her head as the conversation continued.

"For no reason?" Jason snapped. "Out of nowhere?"

"I felt like a workout," Tommy answered, shrugging.

Jason glared at him.

"Oh, is that so?" he said. "You just suddenly felt like a workout right after Trini yelled for you?"

"And felt the need to jump seven fences?" Adam added.

"It seemed like as good of a time as any," Tommy said.

Rocky growled stalking toward Tommy, his hands outstretched to grab him.

"That's it!" he snapped. "You're going to talk. Now. Or I'm going to—"

"Rockford DeSantos!" Mrs. Oliver scolded, walking back into the room.

Rocky froze, staring at her in surprise. Dropping his arms, he took a step backward. Hayley started laughing harder. Tommy just shook his head, smiling, as the other rangers stayed where they were.

"No rough housing inside," she continued. "If you want to start one of your wrestling matches, take it outside. And leave Tommy out of it. He's supposed to be relaxing. I swear. It's like having teenagers in the house all over again."

Hayley nodded, still laughing. She found the whole situation highly entertaining.

"Yes. Yes it is," she agreed.

Mrs. Oliver looked around the room. Hayley was the only one sitting. Everyone else was still standing around.

"Sit down, sit down," Mrs. Oliver said. "There's no need to stand around staring at each other."

Shrugging, the rangers sighed and took seats. Rocky dropped down to sit on the floor where he was sitting. Sighing, Mrs. Oliver shook her head.

"Dear, we do have chairs," she said.

"Oh, right," said Rocky, getting up and moving to the couch. "Sorry."

Tommy and the others laughed. Mrs. Oliver looked over at Tommy, who was still leaning against the wall, and frowned.

"Tommy, sit down," she said.

"Yes, mom," he sighed, sitting down in the other recliner.

"Now," she said. "Would anyone like a snack?"

The rangers started shaking their heads.

"It's alright, Mrs. Oliver," Trini said. "We're going to be going home for dinner soon."

"Ok," she said. "I'll just get some drinks."

Trini started to say something again, but Tommy shook his head.

"Don't argue with her," he said. "It's easier to just let her have her way."

The phone started ringing in the other room.

"Oh!" Mrs. Oliver exclaimed. "I'd better answer that. I'll be back to see what you want in a few minutes."

Shaking her head, Mrs. Oliver hurried out of the room. The rangers all turned to glare at Tommy again. No one spoke this time.

"Mmm…" Tommy said after a moment, glancing over at Hayley. "This is awkward."

Hayley just shook her head.

"Do you realize how much trouble you're in?" Jason asked, glaring at him.

"For what?" Tommy asked, trying to look innocent.

Trini growled, her eyes narrowing.

"Why didn't you tell us you have cancer?" Rocky burst out.

Everyone froze, Tommy and Hayley staring at the four rangers in surprise.

"What?" they both exclaimed.

"What do you mean, 'what'?" Jason said. "You're the one who needs to explain."

"Ok, wait a minute," Tommy said, putting up a hand. "I—I really don't know how to respond to that. Why do you think I have cancer?"

The other four rangers exchanged glances.

"Well, your mom said something about hospital visits when we ran into her at the grocery store," Trini said. "Kind of like you were getting treatments."

"And Carter saw you hooked up to something in the med bay on the megaship," Jason added. "He said he'd seen similar things around Dana's work."

Tommy groaned, rubbing a hand across his face.

"Great," he muttered. "Guys, I don't have cancer."

"You'd better not," Hayley scoffed.

Tommy sighed.

"I don't," he said. "And if I did, you would know."

"Would I?" Hayley said.

"Like I can keep anything from you for long," Tommy said.

Hayley smirked, nodding in agreement.

"True," she said. "Just making sure."

The other four rangers were looking at them. They didn't know what else to say.

"Guys," Tommy said again. "I really don't have cancer."

"Then what's going on?" Adam asked.

Groaning, Tommy leaned back in the recliner, studying them. Hayley watched him, waiting for him to say something.

"Alright," Tommy said, leaning forward suddenly. "We don't have a lot of time. Here's the deal. I only want to explain what's going on once. So, I will go back to the house with you and explain it to everyone at once."

"Good," Jason said. "Let's go."

Tommy smirked, shaking his head.

"Wait a minute, bro," he said. "I'm not finished yet. I will only go with you on a few conditions."

"What conditions?" Adam asked.

"First, no one may kill or hurt me in any way," Tommy said. "And I mean anyone. Secondly, no interruptions. Like I said, I'm not explaining twice. You miss it, your problem. Finally, I reserve the right to refuse to answer questions as I see fit. Those are my terms, so take it or leave it."

The rangers were silent for a moment. Tommy just waited for an answer.

"And why would we agree to those?" Rocky asked. "We can just carry you out of here."

Hayley sighed, shaking her head.

"Give it up, Rocky," she said. "You can't drag him out of here with his mom watching. Plus, he can stay fortified in here for months. His mom will get him anything he needs and drive him, since he doesn't have his car. He doesn't even have to leave for school or work since just about everything is on the computer."

"Wow, Tommy," Rocky said. "Talk about overprotective mother."

Tommy shrugged.

"One of the benefits of being adopted," he said. "And I'm not afraid to call her when I need to."

Grumbling, Jason stood up and walked over to Tommy. He stuck his hand out.

"Deal," he said.

Tommy didn't take his hand right away.

"Just want to make sure you understand, Jase," he said. "You're speaking for the rangers. All of them, including the two pinks. If anyone, and I mean anyone, breaks any of my terms the deal is off. And don't think Hayley will tell you anything. She can't."

Jason looked over at Hayley, who shrugged in response.

"Deal," Jason said reluctantly.

Tommy and Jason shook hands as Mrs. Oliver came back into the room. Looking around, Tommy nodded and stood up.

"Hey mom," he said. "I think it's time we got going. Some of the others are waiting on us for dinner."

He leaned over and gave her a hug and a kiss. She hugged him back tightly, not letting go for a moment.

"I promise I'll stop by again before I leave town though," Tommy said, smiling as she continued to hug him.

"You'd better," Mrs. Oliver said, letting go. "Your father will be angry if you don't see him before you leave."

"I'll be back," Tommy said.

Nodding to the others, Tommy led the way out of the house. Outside, Hayley unlocked the car and climbed into the driver's seat. The others started climbing in the car and realized there weren't enough seats for all of them.

"Hmm…" Tommy said, starting to turn back toward the house. "Guess there's no room."

Jason grabbed the back of his shirt and propelled him toward the front seat.

"Get in," he growled.

Before Tommy could protest, Jason climbed into the backseat with Rocky and Adam. Reaching out of the car, he grabbed Trini around the waist and pulled her into his lap. Sighing, Tommy shook his head and climbed in.

"That would have worked if Zach were here instead of Trini," he muttered.

"Nope," Rocky said. "We would have sat on each other's laps if we had to."

Tommy turned his head to look in the backseat, raising an eyebrow at Rocky.

"You do realize how weird that sounds, right?" Tommy said.

Rocky shrugged. Hayley started the car, shaking her head at them.

"Let's get back," she said.

"Yep," Tommy sighed, leaning back against the seat. "Time to get this over with."