If you didn't read "Betrayal" I recommend you read that first. Then, come back, and you can skip over the bolded paragraphs.

Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers. If I did, I wouldn't have had time to write this.

Is It Really Over?

Realization

Jen got ready for bed quickly. She laid down and picked up the little red book after tucking herself in. She eyed her left ring finger sadly and longingly. It felt naked to her ever since she had given the ring back to Alex. She had foolishly thought she was in love with Wesley Collins. She had confused the closeness of a sisterly-brotherly bond she felt for him with true love, and she had to suffer the consequences.

Sighing, Jen opened to a random page near the center of the book. March 25, 3000. Too early. she thought. Flipping through a few more pages, she told herself, I shouldn't be doing this. They're his private thoughts.

Another voice replied hatefully, Oh, but he betrayed your privacy when you were away. Something inside her told her to go back to March 25. She began to read,

"I am officially eating my own words. How could you Jennifer? Falling in love with another man? Or so it seems! I saw you and Wesley nearly kiss at the counter! Thank goodness the phone rang! You're going to break regulations if you get into an involved relationship, stupid! You, my innocent, dependent, faithful, trusting loving, and obedient dog, are gone! Replaced with a woman I don't even know! I despise you! The simple utterance of your name sends hurtful chills up my injured spine."

Jen cringed as she read the section. It was as if he were writing a dramatic monologue. He was writing to her. She was the implied audience. He wanted me to find this. she thought sadly. She continued to read,

"Jennifer, why? I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it! I was just angry, furious, and scared. What did I do to deserve this fate? To know you will die and watch you fall in love (or perhaps lust only?) with another man. I still love you. I haven't forgotten you or betrayed you while you're gone. I haven't even betrayed your privacy while watching your progress! Any other man would have! I love you, Jennifer Anne Scotts! Please come back to me! I need you! I love you!

Before I turn mental, I should better stop writing.

A depressed Lieut. Com., A.K. Collins"

He didn't look at me. she realized mournfully. But after all I did when he came to help…he couldn't still love me. She anxiously turned a few pages. May 17, 3000.

"She asked me to leave. She has lost all respect for me. She never said it, but I could sense it. The others hated me. My look-alike detested me. So much for liking my great, great, great – however many "greats" – grandfather. I can't believe I'm jealous of my own grandfather! I never thought it possible.

He likes her. I could see it in his eyes. The lust was evident in them. I dare you! Steal my girl and see what I do! She's my fiancée! I watched her when I got back. She does care for him, too. How could this have happened? All I ever did was for you. Please, come back to me, Jen."

Oh Alex, I didn't ask you to leave because I didn't respect you. You seemed…changed, somehow. I wanted to keep good memories of you, not ones where you were harsh and impersonal. And I will come back to you if you'll just ask. Bite back your pride and ask me! Tears ran down her cheek.

"I should be glad they at least have the Time Shadow, and somehow a quantum ranger – I skipped a few days – but I'm not. The history banks are still showing barely any changes from the new time line. Some of the wars weren't fought, some old people reappeared; some new ones disappeared, but nothing major. The Rangers still will die. I hope that they can do something on their end to change that.

Forget this journal. I'm not going to write until something major happens.

A.K. Collins

July 17, 3000

I convinced Wes to send them back today. When they arrived, I eagerly sent them over to memory adaptation as required, anxious to have Jen forget about Wes so we could get on with our life together. They all stepped inside the containers, but Jen broke the seal, marched out, handed me the ring, and headed back with the others! Did I really treat her that badly? Obviously not, since she said yes to my proposal. Will that be the last I will ever see of Jen? I hope not, I hope not.

A lonely Lieut. Com., Alexander K. Collins"

He still loves me! Alex, please ask me back. Jen sniffled and blew her nose. One more entry. she thought, hoping he would admit his love straight out. July 20, 3000,

"They made it! They're alive, safe and sound, and on their way home! The only thing is, I won't be able to embrace her or take her out to dinner. I can congratulate her, but nothing like I wanted to. I pulled a few strings for her and the others so they don't have to undergo memory adaptation, seeing they want to remember Wesley.

The time line has been restored as close to the original as possible. For that, I am thankful.

Now, she's soon to be home where she belongs. Let's see how long it'll take before she's back in my arms.

Alex K. Collins"

Thank you Alex. You wouldn't have done that if you didn't care. Determined, she pulled out a piece of paper and wrote,

Dear Alex,

I'm sorry I read your journal. I still love you, too. Will you take me back? I was stupid. I only ever felt sisterly-brotherly love toward Wes. It's you I love, not him. I'm so sorry.

Forever yours,

Jennifer A. Scotts

Another tear rolled down her cheek and onto her paper. She folded the paper, placed it in the front of the journal, and laid it on her nightstand. She turned off her lamp and let herself fall into the land of dreams.