Disclaimer: The power rangers are not mine. But, life isn't fair anyway.
A/N: This chapter takes place the next day. Everyone is at the youth center, helping Ernie get it back in order after the party the night before. Hope you like it!
Jason and Tommy lifted one of the tables, moving it back to the place Ernie wanted it. They had been helping him rearrange the tables and chairs, while Rocky, Adam and Billy had helped to move the athletic equipment back into the gym area.
Tommy smiled as he watched Amanda helping to take the decorations down.
Jason waved his hand in front of Tommy's face, making him frown. Jason grinned as Tommy turned to him. "We've only got three more tables, bro," Jason said, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice. "You can stare at your girlfriend after that, okay?"
Tommy rolled his eyes, blushing slightly. "I wasn't staring," he said.
Jason chuckled. "Okay, bro," he said. "Whatever you say."
Tommy just shook his head as he followed Jason over to the next table, helping him lift it. They moved the last three tables into place, put the chairs back and then walked over to the juice bar.
Ernie smiled at them as they sat in seats at the bar. "Thanks for all the help, guys," he said. He heard some people come in the entrance and his smile faded. Two policemen had walked in, looking around the youth center.
The policemen saw Ernie behind the bar and walked up to it. The older of the two policemen nodded at Ernie.
Ernie smiled at them. "Is there something I can do for you officers," he asked.
The younger one nodded, neither of them smiling. "We were hoping you could help us find someone," he said. "We're looking for Jason Scott."
Jason looked at them at the mention of his name. "I'm Jason Scott," he said. "Can I help you?"
The older one looked at Jason, his face nervous. "Are you the son of Michael and Karen Scott," he asked.
Jason felt a twinge of nervousness at the question, a bad feeling beginning to creep into him. "Yes," he said. "Why? Is there something wrong?"
The younger officer sighed, hesitating before answering Jason. He took a deep breath and looked at Jason. "We were contacted by the Virginia State Police," he said. "I'm sorry to tell you that your parents were in a bad car accident. They are currently in Richmond General Hospital. On life support."
Jason's face went pale. He sat there in shock, not knowing how to respond.
Tommy turned to the two officers, putting a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Are you sure," he asked. "There isn't any mistake?"
The older officer shook his head, not liking this part of his job. "I'm sorry," he said. "There is no mistake. They had Jason's current address. When we couldn't find him at his apartment, one of his neighbors told us to check here. It's them."
Jason sat in silence, trying to absorb the words he had just heard. He turned to the two officers after gathering himself for a few minutes. "Thank you for letting me know," he said, his voice strained. "I know that wasn't easy for you." He turned to Ernie. "Could I use your phone in the office, Ernie," he asked. "I need to make a few calls."
Ernie nodded. "Take all the time you need Jason," he said.
Jason got up and headed for Ernie's office without another word.
Tommy looked at the two officers. "Thanks for letting us know," he said. "Excuse me." He headed away from the bar, making a beeline for Kim, who was across the room, helping with the decorations.
Kim looked at Tommy, saw the look on his face and felt her heart drop. "What's wrong," she asked. Tommy told her quietly what had happened. She paled and dropped the decorations in her hands. She headed for Ernie's office, almost running to get there.
The rangers saw Kim head off and they all converged on Tommy, wanting to know what was going on.
Jason was on the phone, talking to the doctor at the hospital, when Kim came into the office. Kim walked up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, not saying a word as she listened to his side of the conversation. "How long have they been there," he asked. He listened to the response, shaking his head. "Don't do anything until I can get there," he said. "I want to be there when any decisions are made." He listened to the answer, his arm going around Kim and hugging her tightly. "Thank you, doctor," he said. "I'll get there as soon as I can." He hung up the phone and put his other arm around Kim. He held her for a few minutes, not saying a word, trying to fight down the grief that threatened to overwhelm him. He let go of her and picked up the phone, calling the airport. He needed to get a flight to Virginia as soon as possible.
Kim stood back, finding a pen and a piece of paper for him.
Jason wrote down the information for the flight and hung up the phone. He pulled Kim to him before she could say a word. "I've got a flight in two hours," he said, his voice low with emotion. "I've got to get home and get some things together."
Kim looked up at him. "I'll drive you," she said. "Just let me tell Tommy and the others." She gave him a kiss on the cheek, then turned and left the office.
Jason picked up the piece of paper with his flight information. He shoved it in his pocket and left the office.
Tommy and the others met him near the front door. "Let us know if there's anything we can do, Jase," he said. "And don't worry about things here. I've got my spare key to your apartment. I'll make sure to get your mail everyday. Just take care of things on your end."
Billy put his hand on Jason's shoulder. "Make sure you call when you get there," he said. "And let us know what's going on, okay?"
Jason gave him a small smile. "I will, Billy," he said. "Thanks." Jason walked out of the youth center heading to his car where Kim was waiting for him.
She drove them off without a word, getting him to his apartment as quickly as possible.
Jason packed his suitcase, putting enough clothes in it to last for a while. He closed it and got a carry on, filling it with things to do on the plane.
Kim had stood back, helping when he asked her a question, but staying out of his way. She knew that, if he kept busy, he wouldn't dwell on what had happened.
Jason closed his carry on and pulled a jacket out of his closet. It was warm here in Angel Grove, but, Virginia in May could get chilly. He draped the jacket over his left arm, picked up his suitcase and turned to Kim.
Kim grabbed his carry on without a word, following Jason out of his bedroom.
Jason made sure that he had his credit card, and debit card in his wallet. He grabbed his keys and headed for the door, opening it and letting Kim exit first. He closed the door, locked it and followed Kim out of the building.
Kim drove Jason to the airport, neither saying much. She found a parking spot and walked with him into the terminal.
Jason got his luggage checked in, picked up his ticket and boarding pass and walked with Kim towards the terminal his plane would be leaving from. He still had about forty five minutes until his flight was to leave. He and Kim found two chairs and sat down, waiting for his boarding call.
Kim held his hand, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Jason sat quietly, lost in this thoughts.
Kim didn't try to break the silence, just sat there with him, giving him her support without saying a word.
Jason was worried. The news the doctor had given him was not positive in any way. The accident had been severe, and both his mom and dad had sustained multiple internal injuries.
Time seemed to fly by for Kim. Before she knew it, Jason's flight was called for boarding.
Jason stood up, Kim standing with him. He picked up his carry on and jacket and turned to her, still holding her hand.
Kim gave him a small smile, reaching up to touch his cheek. "Call me when you get there," she said. "And anytime you need to talk to someone. I don't care what time of day or night, okay?"
Jason gave her a small, quick smile. "Okay," he said. He leaned down and gave her a deep kiss. He pulled back as the second call came for him to board. "Talk to you later, Kim," he said. He turned and walked up to the loading gate, giving Kim once last glance before walking into the tunnel that led to his plane.
Kim walked over to the window, staying there watching until the plane backed away from the terminal. She waited until it was out of sight, then turned and headed back to the parking lot, her thoughts only on Jason. She got to the car and soon, she was leaving the airport, headed back to her home.
Jason sat in his seat on the plane, near the window. He fastened his seat belt and settled back, staring out the window. He felt someone settle into the seat next to him, but didn't look around. He kept looking out the window as the plane backed away from the terminal and made it's way to the runway.
The elderly gentlemen who sat next to Jason glanced at him. He saw that the young man was deep in his thoughts, so, he remained silent. He tried to get as comfortable as possible in the seat and settled back, ready for take off.
Jason felt the man beside him grab at the arms of the seat as the plane took off. He glanced at the man. "Are you okay," Jason asked him.
The elderly man smiled at him. "Fine," he said. "I've just never gotten used to takeoffs. Sorry if I bothered you."
Jason gave him a small smile. "You didn't bother me," he said. "I've just got a lot on my mind at the moment. I didn't mean to be rude." He held out his hand. "I'm Jason."
The man shook his hand and smiled. "Nice to meet you Jason," he said. "I'm Harold."
Jason gave him a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Harold," he said.
Harold took a good look at Jason, noticing the worry in his eyes. "Are you okay," he asked, then held up his hand before Jason could say anything. "Sorry," he said. "That's none of my business. My daughter says I'm entirely too nosy for my own good. Just ignore me." He shifted in his seat, looking around nervously. "I just get so nervous when I fly. If my granddaughter wasn't getting married, I'd have never put a foot on this plane."
Jason gave him a little smile again and leaned back in his seat. "I'm going to see my parents," he said. "They were in a car accident and are now in the hospital."
Harold put his hand on Jason's arm. "I'm sorry," he said. "Is it bad?"
Jason nodded, turning his head to look out the window. "They're on life support," he said quietly. "It doesn't sound good."
Harold let his breath out in a long sigh. "And here I was, going on about my nerves and flying," he said, regret in his voice. "I'm sorry. If you want, I'll move to another seat. Give you some privacy."
Jason looked at him and shook his head. "No, don't leave," he said. "I'd actually like someone to talk to. Try to keep my mind off other things for a while."
Harold's smile seemed to light up his face. "Well, my family has always said that if you want a mindless conversation, just come and find me," he said. "They say I'm quite good at it."
Jason gave a little laugh. "That's exactly what I need right now," he said, amusement in his voice. "What do you want to talk about?"
The rest of the flight flew by for Jason as he talked to Harold about anything and everything. Before he knew it, the pilot was announcing their approach to Richmond International Airport.
Jason watched as Harold's daughter and granddaughter greeted him as he got off the plane. He smiled as Harold turned back around to face him.
Harold pulled Jason into a hug. "You hang in there, Jason," he said. "I'll keep you and your parents in my prayers." He let Jason go and stepped back. "And thank you for letting me bend your ear," he said. "I hope I didn't bore you too much."
Jason smiled at him. "Actually, you made this trip much more bearable," he said. "Thanks."
Harold smiled at him warmly. He gave Jason a piece of paper with a phone number on it. "In case you need anymore mindless conversation," he said. "Just give me a call."
Jason took the paper and tucked it into his shirt pocket. "I'll remember that," he said with a small smile. "Take care of yourself, Harold."
"You too, Jason," Harold said. He turned and walked off with his family.
Jason turned to head for the baggage claim. He got his suitcase and went to find a cab, heading straight for the hospital.
A/N: This was very hard to write. The next one is not much better. Thanks for reading. See ya!