Disclaimer: Well, as usual, I still don't own the Power Rangers. I wish I
did but then again, so do a bunch of you!
AN: Well, I hope everyone has been patient. Had computer problems that slowed down my writing for a while but I'm back on track now. Well, enough mumbo jumbo, here's the next chapter. Read and enjoy! And hopefully review!
AN: The name Conuila is pronounced (Kuh-noo-la)
Something Old, Something New
Billy smiled. "Yes, it was for Mother's Day. Our mom's loved to hear us sing and loved the song. Kim and I put two and two together and took it from there."
"When? I mean it had to be before the accident." Trini saw his eyes cloud over. "What's wrong Billy?"
He shook his head and turned the music off. As he sat down, he reached out for her hand. "It was the year of the accident. My last gift to her was a song that was meant for two people instead of one."
Trini sat beside him and gave him a hug. "So that's why it hurt you so much." When he nodded, she kissed his forehead. "She still loved it. I heard her tell my mom about it. She said it was the most wonderful thing she ever heard."
Billy looked at her. "She really said that?" When she nodded, he smiled. "I'm glad she liked it. I know Kim's mom liked it too. She always loved to hear Kim sing."
Trini smiled and looked at her watch. "Well, it is after nine. Should we watch a movie or something?"
Billy nodded. "We only have time for one. After all, tomorrow is New Year's Eve!"
Trini smiled. "You still plan on celebrating even though we are on Aquitar?"
"Actually, we are going to go home for the night. Then we will have the whole day to do whatever we want with our friends." He saw her frown. "But don't think I won't set aside a time for us to be alone." He winked at her and smiled.
Trini laughed. "Well then, let's get on with the movie! The sooner tomorrow comes, the sooner we can see our friends!" She watched as he got up and placed a disk in his projector. "So what movie are we going to watch?"
"I'm not telling. I'll just say that it is one of my favorites." He smiled as he sat back down and started the movie. "You'll love it."
Trini watched as an arm picked up a gun, badge, and watch from a desk. "This looks familiar." She saw the title pop up on the screen and gasped. "Dick Tracy? I love this movie! I haven't seen it in years."
Billy smiled. "I know. I just wish you could stay here with me until I am done with my treatments." He pulled her closer as they watched the movie.
Trini sighed. "Me too. But it is only for another month." She smiled and looked up at him. "After that, we can have all the time we want."
He kissed her and smiled. " I know. And I have special plans for prom weekend."
"I can't wait." Trini sighed before laying her head back on his shoulder. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too." Billy kissed the top of her head and leaned back. They fell asleep before the movie was over.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Trini opened her eyes and smiled. The strong arms holding her tightened their grip and she looked up. "Good morning."
Billy smiled. "Good morning to you too." He slid a hand through her hair. "I want to head home after meeting the others for breakfast."
Trini smiled. "Sounds good to me." She stood up and headed towards the bedroom to get her clothes. "Okay, race ya to the shower!"
Billy smiled and chased after her. As he got his clothes, he noticed her heading out towards the bathroom. "I don't think so!" He reached the bathroom door handle the same time she did. "Looks like a tie to me!"
Trini smiled as they set their clothes down in the bathroom. "Well then, we either draw for the shower or we go together." She turned the water on and began to get undressed.
"Well, I only see one option." He undressed and walked up to her. "It was a tie getting here so we go in together."
She smiled and stepped into the shower. "I'll do your back if you'll do mine." He smiled as he joined her.
Thirty minutes later, they walked up to their friends. "Hey guys." Billy smiled as they suddenly stopped talking and looked at them. "What's going on?" They quickly ordered their food and continued talking.
"Well, we were just talking about your treatments." Cestria smiled. "How would you like to get done a week or two earlier?"
Trini looked at them in shock. "Can he do that?"
Billy grinned. "Yes I can, and I will. Then I can join you and Zack in Geneva for the rest of the time. Either that or..." He paused as an idea formed in the back of his mind.
"Or what?" Niko saw a glint in Billy's eye. "You're planning something aren't you?"
Billy nodded. "I can go back to Earth and not tell the others. Then I can go shopping and get some totally different clothes and head over to Ernie's or the park and totally act like someone else."
Trini laughed. "I would love to see that!" Billy smiled as the others laughed.
"Well then, I have a better idea!" Billy grinned devilishly. "You, Zack, and I can all go shopping in Geneva and come back and do that without the others knowing any of it."
"I think Zack would love that. But where would you stay in Geneva?" Trini saw his eyes sparkle with amusement.
"Why with Zack of course! He told me that there was nobody to share his room with." He saw Trini smile as their food was placed in front of them. "We can talk about it later. Right now, we have some food to eat." He dug into the food in front of him.
Cestria smiled at Trini as everyone dug into his or her own food. "After this, we will go back to the apartment with you guys."
Trini nodded and finished her breakfast. "Well, I'm done." She looked around as the others finished. They paid for the food, and headed out of the restaurant. "I'm really going to miss this place."
Cestria smiled as she fell into step next to Trini and Billy. "Hey, you are always welcome to come back. The apartment block Billy is staying in is hardly ever used since it is for visitors from other planets. You can even bring your friends."
"Really? That's great! Kim would love to come see the Social Center!" Trini laughed as Billy unlocked the door and let them in. "I know the others would too."
"From what I've heard about the others, I think they would enjoy it up here." Cestria smiled as Billy and Trini retrieved their bags from the bedroom. "I'll talk to you later Trini." She gave her a hug.
Trini smiled as the others gave her a hug as well. "I'll keep in touch and let you know when the coast is clear for Billy to come to Geneva."
Mika smiled. "We want some holo pictures from Geneva when he gets there."
Billy smiled and gave her a hug. "I will do more than that. I will film some of it and send it to you. Then you can hear and see everything I see." He turned towards Orean. "You take care of her until I get back." As the boy nodded, Billy turned to Trini. "Ready?"
She nodded. "As Ready as I'll ever be!" She turned towards Cestria. "I'm sorry I won't be here for your bonding ceremony."
Mikala gasped. "I almost forgot!" She took off her backpack and pulled a bag out. "This is for you since you won't be here for the ceremony."
Trini took the bag and pulled out a pale yellow robe. "It's beautiful!" She looked at Billy and saw a twinkle in his eye. "You knew about this didn't you?"
Cestria laughed as he shrugged. "We gave it to him to give to you but he said we should wait and give it to you ourselves. It is a bonding robe. He has one as well."
Trini smiled and put the robe back in the bag and placed it in her bag. "Thanks you guys. I'll talk to you later."
Billy smiled as they all headed outside and locked the door. Nikolan looked at Billy. "I'll see you back here tomorrow night."
Billy nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow then; and I will bring back something for all of you. Bye" With a final wave, he and Trini disappeared in yellow and blue streaks.
BACK ON EARTH
"Hey Ernie, where do you want this banner?" Zack held up a rainbow colored banner.
"Right across the doorway behind you." Ernie smiled at the rangers. "Thanks again guys. I wish the other teens were as helpful."
"Need a couple of extra hands?" Everyone turned towards the new voice. "What, did you think we would miss the best party of the year?"
Kim smiled and ran over to the newcomers. "You're here!" She gave them each a hug before being spun in a circle by one. She laughed as he set her back down and smacked his arm.
"What was that for?" He smiled. "What's the matter? Falcon got your tongue?"
Tommy laughed. "Not yet!" As Kim turned red, he smiled. "Glad you're back. We could use some brains."
As the others laughed, Tommy blushed. "Don't worry, we know what you meant." Trini smiled. "After all, Zack, Kim, and Jason never would have made it past grade school if it weren't for us!"
Ernie laughed as the three teens turned red. "I'm glad to see that you haven't changed Trini. Come on, I'll find a job for both of you." He handed a bag of balloons to Zack.
Billy smiled. "I'm just glad that someone else is blowing up the balloons."
Ernie laughed as he gave Billy a box of streamers. "We couldn't figure out what to do with these so maybe you and Trini can manage to pull off some kind of miracle with them like your mom could."
Billy saw the far away look in Ernie's eyes and smiled. "I'm sure we can manage something Ernie. After all, I HAVE helped her decorate for many parties."
Ernie nodded before leaving them to their task. "I will leave you two alone then to get started."
Trini took a few rolls of streamers and headed towards the nearest corner. "I'll take these three and start over here."
Billy smiled as he headed to the other corner nearby. He set the box down and took three rolls out. He climbed the ladder and began to tape them to the ceiling, twisting them as he did so. Once each one was in place, he climbed down and moved the ladder a few feet away, heading towards the center of the room.
Trini meanwhile was climbing up a ladder herself. I am so glad I am over my fear of heights. She taped her three streamers in place and twisted them. She then began moving the ladder towards the center of the room and every few feet taping the streamers in place. Once at the center of the room, she repositioned the ladder and bumped into someone. "Sorry." She turned around to see Billy positioning his ladder next to hers.
Billy smiled as they climbed their ladders. "Fancy meeting you here!" He took her streamers and placed them on top of his. He then taped them all to the ceiling right above the light in the middle of the room.
Trini gaped as he taped their streamers into place. "How did you know I was going to do that?" They climbed back down and moved their ladders apart.
"I used to help my mom do it and I remember her trying to teach you how to do it." He smiled as he began to walk back to the box of streamers.
"Hey!" As everyone looked, Kim walked to the center of the room. "Did you guys see what you did with the streamers? I mean, look at them and tell me if you notice anything."
Billy and Trini walked over with their new colored streamers and looked at their handy work. "What's wrong with it Kim?" Trini stared blankly at the streamers. Then she realized the resemblance. "Oh wow."
Billy gasped. "Wow, I didn't even notice it either!" He looked at the colors in their hands. "And look at the ones we are getting ready to use."
Ernie smiled. "Looks like you've got most of the colors there guys!"
"What do you mean Ernie?" Amanda stared at him blankly.
Ernie motioned to the twisted streamers. "Well, Trini put up blue, yellow, and pink. Billy put up red, purple, and white." He looked at the streamers in their hands. "And they have other colors yet to put up."
Amanda grinned. "I get it! All we need are black, green, and gray! Then we would have all the ranger colors!"
Ernie smiled as the others laughed. "Come on, let's all get back to work so the dynamic streamer duo can get back to work."
Two hours later, they all stood under the main light fixture in the room. Ernie clapped. "Congratulations guys. Especially to you two on the streamers." The others followed suit in a round of praise as Billy and Trini blushed. All the ranger colors were attached to the main light and stemmed out to all corners and sides of the room.
"Well, it looks like you learned a lot from your mom." The group turned to the new voice in the doorway. "Welcome back you two."
Billy smiled as he and Trini ran over to him and gave him a hug. "Thanks dad." He looked to Trini and leaned closer. "For everything."
Hank smiled and stepped out of the way. "It was from all three of us."
Trini smiled and gave her mom a hug. "Mom, it was so wonderful up there!"
Mia laughed as Trini gave her dad a hug before taking Billy's hand. "Well, I hoped you would like it. From what Billy told Hank, it sounds like something you would have liked."
Kim giggled. "I'd love it from what Trini said about the Social Center!"
Tommy groaned. "Just what we need, another big mall!" He grabbed Kim's arm before she could smack his. "Behave or no New Year's kiss for you!" He winked at Billy. "And I am certain everyone else will be preoccupied."
Kim blushed as she pulled her arm free. "Meanie." As everyone else laughed, Hank pulled his son aside.
"You okay son? You look worried." He saw Billy glance over at Trini. "Did something happen up there?"
Billy smiled. "I'm not worried; just thinking." He looked at his other friends. "Will we still be this close after high school and college?"
Ernie walked up to them. "Hank, I couldn't help overhearing. Should we talk to him about it?" When Hank nodded, he pulled Billy over to the counter.
"What is it?" He looked back and forth between his dad and Ernie. He began to get curious when Ernie pulled a small box out from under the counter.
"Do you remember what I told you at Christmas?" When Billy nodded, he opened the box and pulled out some pictures. "Look at these and tell me what you see."
Billy looked at them with wide eyes. "You mean to tell me that you and...." He paused when Ernie handed him a paper and looked at his dad. "I..." He shook his head and sat down. "Why?"
"Because I asked him to." Hank looked at his friend. "I told him to keep it a secret until your senior year of high school. I was going to tell you after graduation but so much has happened this year that I told him to keep it until we could sit down and discuss it."
"But why now? Why not when it happened?" Billy was getting furious as his voice rose. "Why not at least tell me something!"
Hank looked up as Trini started walking over. "Keep your voice down William. You need to control yourself."
"You want me to control myself? I find out I've owned something since I was ten and I'm supposed to be happy about finding out about it now?" Billy shook his head. "I need some air."
As Billy stormed out of the room, Trini followed. The rangers looked up to see Hank shake his head. Kim walked over. "Mr. C., is Billy okay?"
"He'll be fine Kim. He just needs some time to think." He turned to Ernie. "If he comes back and wants to know, I am heading home. I'll see you later."
Ernie nodded and watched him leave out a side door. "I sure hope Billy's okay." He was stopped from saying any more when Trini rushed in. "Trini, what's wrong?"
"It's Billy! He ran off." Trini sat down as Kim got her a drink. "I asked him if he was okay and he said he needed to be alone." She shook her head. "He just ran off and I couldn't even begin to think where he was going."
Kim stood by in thought. "I think I know where he may have gone. There is only one place I know of that he goes to when he is this angry." As the others turned to her in surprise, she grabbed Trini's arm. "We will go talk to Billy and meet you all back here for the party."
"What made Billy run out of here like that?" Tommy turned to see Ernie put a box back under the counter. "Was it something to do with that box?"
Ernie sighed. "Yes it is but it is up to him to tell you about it." He glanced towards the door with a worried glance. "Something he has to deal with before telling anyone else."
Jason patted Ernie's shoulder. "If anyone can help him through it, Kim and Trini can."
Ernie nodded. "I hope so. Hank and I should have dealt with the situation long ago." He shook his head. "You guys go home and relax. I'll see you tonight."
The teens nodded and headed home. Jason turned to Zack. "I'll pick you up at nine." Zack nodded and headed home.
ELSEWHERE IN ANGEL GROVE
"Kim, are you sure about this? Why would he come here to think?" Trini looked at the gravestones as they headed towards a secluded area.
"He ran off one time when he and Jason had a fight. It was a summer you and Zack weren't here. I found him crying on his mom's grave." Kim looked up as they rounded a row of trees. "See, there he is."
"He looks like he's talking to someone." Trini looked at the person and noticed it was a girl sitting on a bench. She had a hold of his hand and was looking up at him, saying something. "Who is she?"
As they rounded a curve in the path, the girl stood up and kissed Billy's cheek before giving him a hug. Kim gasped. "I don't believe it!"
The girl turned at the gasp and squealed. "Oh my god! Kim?" When Kim nodded, she ran over and gave Kim a hug. "It's been a long time!"
"Why are you here?" Kim smiled and stepped back. "This is my best friend Trini Kwan"
The girl smiled and shook Trini's hand. "So you're the one who stole his heart." She smiled as Trini blushed. "I'm Billy's cousin Conuila. They call me Connie."
Trini smiled. "Its nice to meet you. Where you from? Your accent sounds familiar."
Connie laughed. "I am from Ireland. That's why my name is weird. It is the name of a Saint who's birthday I share. I'm here on vacation for a week. I just arrived today."
Trini nodded and looked towards Billy. "Will you excuse me for a minute?"
Connie nodded. "Of coarse. He's pretty angry and I don't blame him." She leaned closer as Billy sat down on the bench. "Just be there for him. He needs a listener right now."
Trini nodded and headed over to him. As she sat down beside him, she took his hand. "Talk to me Billy."
"He never told me. He kept it a secret. I don't know what to do." He looked up at her with hurt in his eyes. "Why would he keep something this big from me?" He handed her the paper Ernie had given him.
Trini took the paper and read it with wide eyes. "Billy, I don't know why, but your dad and Ernie must have had a reason for not telling you before now. Neither one of them has ever lied or kept a secret from us unless there was a very good reason." She pulled him up and over to his mother's grave. "What would she say?" She pointed down at his mother's name.
Billy knelt down, brushed his hand over her name, closed his eyes in concentration, and spoke to her spirit. He heard her reply and opened his eyes. "I need to talk to Ernie."
"Then lets go there now." Trini took his hand and they headed over to where Kim was now standing alone. "Back to Ernie's."
Kim nodded and the three headed back to her car and drove off towards the Juice Bar. "Is everything okay Billy?" She pulled into a spot and parked as Ernie headed outside with the net full of balloons.
Ernie looked up as the teens got out of the car. One look at Billy's face and he knew that they needed to talk. "Come inside guys, we need to talk." Once they were inside, he locked the door.
Billy gave Kim the paper as they sat down at the bar. "Why didn't you and dad tell me?"
Ernie sighed and got them each a drink. "Well, it was your mom's idea. She wanted to wait until you were sixteen before having you sign it. When she died, Hank gave her share to me, until you were out of high school and could handle it all."
"But why? I'm seventeen and have always done more than asked." Billy was beginning to get furious.
"Calm down Billy." Kim handed him the paper. "Think about it. What would have happened if everyone found out after the accident?"
"Well, I guess everyone would have played up to me." He looked at Trini. "They would only have wanted to be my friends so they could get free food or something. I would probably have been bullied into it by greed."
"Right, and what about now?" Trini smiled as she saw the recognition in his eyes. "Finding out now does what?"
Billy sighed. "Well, I know who my real friends are. As for the others, they should be more mature now and should respect it no matter what. Even though I know some of them would still play up to me."
Kim huffed. "Yeah, and some will still bully you around."
Ernie laughed. "I think Bulk and Skull will come around with a little help and kindness."
Billy jumped up as an idea came to him. "I have to run an errand and talk to dad. I'll see you guys later." He headed towards the door.
The others got up and followed him out the door. "Where are you going Billy?" Kim saw him sprinting off towards the park. "Oh well, need some help with that net Ernie?"
"Sure." Ernie and the girls set to work rigging up the net of balloons. Twenty minutes later, Ernie waved as they drove off. I sure hope Billy and Hank talk it out.
AN: Well, I hope everyone has been patient. Had computer problems that slowed down my writing for a while but I'm back on track now. Well, enough mumbo jumbo, here's the next chapter. Read and enjoy! And hopefully review!
AN: The name Conuila is pronounced (Kuh-noo-la)
Something Old, Something New
Billy smiled. "Yes, it was for Mother's Day. Our mom's loved to hear us sing and loved the song. Kim and I put two and two together and took it from there."
"When? I mean it had to be before the accident." Trini saw his eyes cloud over. "What's wrong Billy?"
He shook his head and turned the music off. As he sat down, he reached out for her hand. "It was the year of the accident. My last gift to her was a song that was meant for two people instead of one."
Trini sat beside him and gave him a hug. "So that's why it hurt you so much." When he nodded, she kissed his forehead. "She still loved it. I heard her tell my mom about it. She said it was the most wonderful thing she ever heard."
Billy looked at her. "She really said that?" When she nodded, he smiled. "I'm glad she liked it. I know Kim's mom liked it too. She always loved to hear Kim sing."
Trini smiled and looked at her watch. "Well, it is after nine. Should we watch a movie or something?"
Billy nodded. "We only have time for one. After all, tomorrow is New Year's Eve!"
Trini smiled. "You still plan on celebrating even though we are on Aquitar?"
"Actually, we are going to go home for the night. Then we will have the whole day to do whatever we want with our friends." He saw her frown. "But don't think I won't set aside a time for us to be alone." He winked at her and smiled.
Trini laughed. "Well then, let's get on with the movie! The sooner tomorrow comes, the sooner we can see our friends!" She watched as he got up and placed a disk in his projector. "So what movie are we going to watch?"
"I'm not telling. I'll just say that it is one of my favorites." He smiled as he sat back down and started the movie. "You'll love it."
Trini watched as an arm picked up a gun, badge, and watch from a desk. "This looks familiar." She saw the title pop up on the screen and gasped. "Dick Tracy? I love this movie! I haven't seen it in years."
Billy smiled. "I know. I just wish you could stay here with me until I am done with my treatments." He pulled her closer as they watched the movie.
Trini sighed. "Me too. But it is only for another month." She smiled and looked up at him. "After that, we can have all the time we want."
He kissed her and smiled. " I know. And I have special plans for prom weekend."
"I can't wait." Trini sighed before laying her head back on his shoulder. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too." Billy kissed the top of her head and leaned back. They fell asleep before the movie was over.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Trini opened her eyes and smiled. The strong arms holding her tightened their grip and she looked up. "Good morning."
Billy smiled. "Good morning to you too." He slid a hand through her hair. "I want to head home after meeting the others for breakfast."
Trini smiled. "Sounds good to me." She stood up and headed towards the bedroom to get her clothes. "Okay, race ya to the shower!"
Billy smiled and chased after her. As he got his clothes, he noticed her heading out towards the bathroom. "I don't think so!" He reached the bathroom door handle the same time she did. "Looks like a tie to me!"
Trini smiled as they set their clothes down in the bathroom. "Well then, we either draw for the shower or we go together." She turned the water on and began to get undressed.
"Well, I only see one option." He undressed and walked up to her. "It was a tie getting here so we go in together."
She smiled and stepped into the shower. "I'll do your back if you'll do mine." He smiled as he joined her.
Thirty minutes later, they walked up to their friends. "Hey guys." Billy smiled as they suddenly stopped talking and looked at them. "What's going on?" They quickly ordered their food and continued talking.
"Well, we were just talking about your treatments." Cestria smiled. "How would you like to get done a week or two earlier?"
Trini looked at them in shock. "Can he do that?"
Billy grinned. "Yes I can, and I will. Then I can join you and Zack in Geneva for the rest of the time. Either that or..." He paused as an idea formed in the back of his mind.
"Or what?" Niko saw a glint in Billy's eye. "You're planning something aren't you?"
Billy nodded. "I can go back to Earth and not tell the others. Then I can go shopping and get some totally different clothes and head over to Ernie's or the park and totally act like someone else."
Trini laughed. "I would love to see that!" Billy smiled as the others laughed.
"Well then, I have a better idea!" Billy grinned devilishly. "You, Zack, and I can all go shopping in Geneva and come back and do that without the others knowing any of it."
"I think Zack would love that. But where would you stay in Geneva?" Trini saw his eyes sparkle with amusement.
"Why with Zack of course! He told me that there was nobody to share his room with." He saw Trini smile as their food was placed in front of them. "We can talk about it later. Right now, we have some food to eat." He dug into the food in front of him.
Cestria smiled at Trini as everyone dug into his or her own food. "After this, we will go back to the apartment with you guys."
Trini nodded and finished her breakfast. "Well, I'm done." She looked around as the others finished. They paid for the food, and headed out of the restaurant. "I'm really going to miss this place."
Cestria smiled as she fell into step next to Trini and Billy. "Hey, you are always welcome to come back. The apartment block Billy is staying in is hardly ever used since it is for visitors from other planets. You can even bring your friends."
"Really? That's great! Kim would love to come see the Social Center!" Trini laughed as Billy unlocked the door and let them in. "I know the others would too."
"From what I've heard about the others, I think they would enjoy it up here." Cestria smiled as Billy and Trini retrieved their bags from the bedroom. "I'll talk to you later Trini." She gave her a hug.
Trini smiled as the others gave her a hug as well. "I'll keep in touch and let you know when the coast is clear for Billy to come to Geneva."
Mika smiled. "We want some holo pictures from Geneva when he gets there."
Billy smiled and gave her a hug. "I will do more than that. I will film some of it and send it to you. Then you can hear and see everything I see." He turned towards Orean. "You take care of her until I get back." As the boy nodded, Billy turned to Trini. "Ready?"
She nodded. "As Ready as I'll ever be!" She turned towards Cestria. "I'm sorry I won't be here for your bonding ceremony."
Mikala gasped. "I almost forgot!" She took off her backpack and pulled a bag out. "This is for you since you won't be here for the ceremony."
Trini took the bag and pulled out a pale yellow robe. "It's beautiful!" She looked at Billy and saw a twinkle in his eye. "You knew about this didn't you?"
Cestria laughed as he shrugged. "We gave it to him to give to you but he said we should wait and give it to you ourselves. It is a bonding robe. He has one as well."
Trini smiled and put the robe back in the bag and placed it in her bag. "Thanks you guys. I'll talk to you later."
Billy smiled as they all headed outside and locked the door. Nikolan looked at Billy. "I'll see you back here tomorrow night."
Billy nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow then; and I will bring back something for all of you. Bye" With a final wave, he and Trini disappeared in yellow and blue streaks.
BACK ON EARTH
"Hey Ernie, where do you want this banner?" Zack held up a rainbow colored banner.
"Right across the doorway behind you." Ernie smiled at the rangers. "Thanks again guys. I wish the other teens were as helpful."
"Need a couple of extra hands?" Everyone turned towards the new voice. "What, did you think we would miss the best party of the year?"
Kim smiled and ran over to the newcomers. "You're here!" She gave them each a hug before being spun in a circle by one. She laughed as he set her back down and smacked his arm.
"What was that for?" He smiled. "What's the matter? Falcon got your tongue?"
Tommy laughed. "Not yet!" As Kim turned red, he smiled. "Glad you're back. We could use some brains."
As the others laughed, Tommy blushed. "Don't worry, we know what you meant." Trini smiled. "After all, Zack, Kim, and Jason never would have made it past grade school if it weren't for us!"
Ernie laughed as the three teens turned red. "I'm glad to see that you haven't changed Trini. Come on, I'll find a job for both of you." He handed a bag of balloons to Zack.
Billy smiled. "I'm just glad that someone else is blowing up the balloons."
Ernie laughed as he gave Billy a box of streamers. "We couldn't figure out what to do with these so maybe you and Trini can manage to pull off some kind of miracle with them like your mom could."
Billy saw the far away look in Ernie's eyes and smiled. "I'm sure we can manage something Ernie. After all, I HAVE helped her decorate for many parties."
Ernie nodded before leaving them to their task. "I will leave you two alone then to get started."
Trini took a few rolls of streamers and headed towards the nearest corner. "I'll take these three and start over here."
Billy smiled as he headed to the other corner nearby. He set the box down and took three rolls out. He climbed the ladder and began to tape them to the ceiling, twisting them as he did so. Once each one was in place, he climbed down and moved the ladder a few feet away, heading towards the center of the room.
Trini meanwhile was climbing up a ladder herself. I am so glad I am over my fear of heights. She taped her three streamers in place and twisted them. She then began moving the ladder towards the center of the room and every few feet taping the streamers in place. Once at the center of the room, she repositioned the ladder and bumped into someone. "Sorry." She turned around to see Billy positioning his ladder next to hers.
Billy smiled as they climbed their ladders. "Fancy meeting you here!" He took her streamers and placed them on top of his. He then taped them all to the ceiling right above the light in the middle of the room.
Trini gaped as he taped their streamers into place. "How did you know I was going to do that?" They climbed back down and moved their ladders apart.
"I used to help my mom do it and I remember her trying to teach you how to do it." He smiled as he began to walk back to the box of streamers.
"Hey!" As everyone looked, Kim walked to the center of the room. "Did you guys see what you did with the streamers? I mean, look at them and tell me if you notice anything."
Billy and Trini walked over with their new colored streamers and looked at their handy work. "What's wrong with it Kim?" Trini stared blankly at the streamers. Then she realized the resemblance. "Oh wow."
Billy gasped. "Wow, I didn't even notice it either!" He looked at the colors in their hands. "And look at the ones we are getting ready to use."
Ernie smiled. "Looks like you've got most of the colors there guys!"
"What do you mean Ernie?" Amanda stared at him blankly.
Ernie motioned to the twisted streamers. "Well, Trini put up blue, yellow, and pink. Billy put up red, purple, and white." He looked at the streamers in their hands. "And they have other colors yet to put up."
Amanda grinned. "I get it! All we need are black, green, and gray! Then we would have all the ranger colors!"
Ernie smiled as the others laughed. "Come on, let's all get back to work so the dynamic streamer duo can get back to work."
Two hours later, they all stood under the main light fixture in the room. Ernie clapped. "Congratulations guys. Especially to you two on the streamers." The others followed suit in a round of praise as Billy and Trini blushed. All the ranger colors were attached to the main light and stemmed out to all corners and sides of the room.
"Well, it looks like you learned a lot from your mom." The group turned to the new voice in the doorway. "Welcome back you two."
Billy smiled as he and Trini ran over to him and gave him a hug. "Thanks dad." He looked to Trini and leaned closer. "For everything."
Hank smiled and stepped out of the way. "It was from all three of us."
Trini smiled and gave her mom a hug. "Mom, it was so wonderful up there!"
Mia laughed as Trini gave her dad a hug before taking Billy's hand. "Well, I hoped you would like it. From what Billy told Hank, it sounds like something you would have liked."
Kim giggled. "I'd love it from what Trini said about the Social Center!"
Tommy groaned. "Just what we need, another big mall!" He grabbed Kim's arm before she could smack his. "Behave or no New Year's kiss for you!" He winked at Billy. "And I am certain everyone else will be preoccupied."
Kim blushed as she pulled her arm free. "Meanie." As everyone else laughed, Hank pulled his son aside.
"You okay son? You look worried." He saw Billy glance over at Trini. "Did something happen up there?"
Billy smiled. "I'm not worried; just thinking." He looked at his other friends. "Will we still be this close after high school and college?"
Ernie walked up to them. "Hank, I couldn't help overhearing. Should we talk to him about it?" When Hank nodded, he pulled Billy over to the counter.
"What is it?" He looked back and forth between his dad and Ernie. He began to get curious when Ernie pulled a small box out from under the counter.
"Do you remember what I told you at Christmas?" When Billy nodded, he opened the box and pulled out some pictures. "Look at these and tell me what you see."
Billy looked at them with wide eyes. "You mean to tell me that you and...." He paused when Ernie handed him a paper and looked at his dad. "I..." He shook his head and sat down. "Why?"
"Because I asked him to." Hank looked at his friend. "I told him to keep it a secret until your senior year of high school. I was going to tell you after graduation but so much has happened this year that I told him to keep it until we could sit down and discuss it."
"But why now? Why not when it happened?" Billy was getting furious as his voice rose. "Why not at least tell me something!"
Hank looked up as Trini started walking over. "Keep your voice down William. You need to control yourself."
"You want me to control myself? I find out I've owned something since I was ten and I'm supposed to be happy about finding out about it now?" Billy shook his head. "I need some air."
As Billy stormed out of the room, Trini followed. The rangers looked up to see Hank shake his head. Kim walked over. "Mr. C., is Billy okay?"
"He'll be fine Kim. He just needs some time to think." He turned to Ernie. "If he comes back and wants to know, I am heading home. I'll see you later."
Ernie nodded and watched him leave out a side door. "I sure hope Billy's okay." He was stopped from saying any more when Trini rushed in. "Trini, what's wrong?"
"It's Billy! He ran off." Trini sat down as Kim got her a drink. "I asked him if he was okay and he said he needed to be alone." She shook her head. "He just ran off and I couldn't even begin to think where he was going."
Kim stood by in thought. "I think I know where he may have gone. There is only one place I know of that he goes to when he is this angry." As the others turned to her in surprise, she grabbed Trini's arm. "We will go talk to Billy and meet you all back here for the party."
"What made Billy run out of here like that?" Tommy turned to see Ernie put a box back under the counter. "Was it something to do with that box?"
Ernie sighed. "Yes it is but it is up to him to tell you about it." He glanced towards the door with a worried glance. "Something he has to deal with before telling anyone else."
Jason patted Ernie's shoulder. "If anyone can help him through it, Kim and Trini can."
Ernie nodded. "I hope so. Hank and I should have dealt with the situation long ago." He shook his head. "You guys go home and relax. I'll see you tonight."
The teens nodded and headed home. Jason turned to Zack. "I'll pick you up at nine." Zack nodded and headed home.
ELSEWHERE IN ANGEL GROVE
"Kim, are you sure about this? Why would he come here to think?" Trini looked at the gravestones as they headed towards a secluded area.
"He ran off one time when he and Jason had a fight. It was a summer you and Zack weren't here. I found him crying on his mom's grave." Kim looked up as they rounded a row of trees. "See, there he is."
"He looks like he's talking to someone." Trini looked at the person and noticed it was a girl sitting on a bench. She had a hold of his hand and was looking up at him, saying something. "Who is she?"
As they rounded a curve in the path, the girl stood up and kissed Billy's cheek before giving him a hug. Kim gasped. "I don't believe it!"
The girl turned at the gasp and squealed. "Oh my god! Kim?" When Kim nodded, she ran over and gave Kim a hug. "It's been a long time!"
"Why are you here?" Kim smiled and stepped back. "This is my best friend Trini Kwan"
The girl smiled and shook Trini's hand. "So you're the one who stole his heart." She smiled as Trini blushed. "I'm Billy's cousin Conuila. They call me Connie."
Trini smiled. "Its nice to meet you. Where you from? Your accent sounds familiar."
Connie laughed. "I am from Ireland. That's why my name is weird. It is the name of a Saint who's birthday I share. I'm here on vacation for a week. I just arrived today."
Trini nodded and looked towards Billy. "Will you excuse me for a minute?"
Connie nodded. "Of coarse. He's pretty angry and I don't blame him." She leaned closer as Billy sat down on the bench. "Just be there for him. He needs a listener right now."
Trini nodded and headed over to him. As she sat down beside him, she took his hand. "Talk to me Billy."
"He never told me. He kept it a secret. I don't know what to do." He looked up at her with hurt in his eyes. "Why would he keep something this big from me?" He handed her the paper Ernie had given him.
Trini took the paper and read it with wide eyes. "Billy, I don't know why, but your dad and Ernie must have had a reason for not telling you before now. Neither one of them has ever lied or kept a secret from us unless there was a very good reason." She pulled him up and over to his mother's grave. "What would she say?" She pointed down at his mother's name.
Billy knelt down, brushed his hand over her name, closed his eyes in concentration, and spoke to her spirit. He heard her reply and opened his eyes. "I need to talk to Ernie."
"Then lets go there now." Trini took his hand and they headed over to where Kim was now standing alone. "Back to Ernie's."
Kim nodded and the three headed back to her car and drove off towards the Juice Bar. "Is everything okay Billy?" She pulled into a spot and parked as Ernie headed outside with the net full of balloons.
Ernie looked up as the teens got out of the car. One look at Billy's face and he knew that they needed to talk. "Come inside guys, we need to talk." Once they were inside, he locked the door.
Billy gave Kim the paper as they sat down at the bar. "Why didn't you and dad tell me?"
Ernie sighed and got them each a drink. "Well, it was your mom's idea. She wanted to wait until you were sixteen before having you sign it. When she died, Hank gave her share to me, until you were out of high school and could handle it all."
"But why? I'm seventeen and have always done more than asked." Billy was beginning to get furious.
"Calm down Billy." Kim handed him the paper. "Think about it. What would have happened if everyone found out after the accident?"
"Well, I guess everyone would have played up to me." He looked at Trini. "They would only have wanted to be my friends so they could get free food or something. I would probably have been bullied into it by greed."
"Right, and what about now?" Trini smiled as she saw the recognition in his eyes. "Finding out now does what?"
Billy sighed. "Well, I know who my real friends are. As for the others, they should be more mature now and should respect it no matter what. Even though I know some of them would still play up to me."
Kim huffed. "Yeah, and some will still bully you around."
Ernie laughed. "I think Bulk and Skull will come around with a little help and kindness."
Billy jumped up as an idea came to him. "I have to run an errand and talk to dad. I'll see you guys later." He headed towards the door.
The others got up and followed him out the door. "Where are you going Billy?" Kim saw him sprinting off towards the park. "Oh well, need some help with that net Ernie?"
"Sure." Ernie and the girls set to work rigging up the net of balloons. Twenty minutes later, Ernie waved as they drove off. I sure hope Billy and Hank talk it out.