Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Power Rangers…this is for entertainment only…I do own all non-PR characters and ideas…
Jen is pregnant! But the question here is will Jen and Wes be separated again?
LAST CHAPTER! THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING! KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MY NEXT ONE: "Always and Forever."
Chapter 17 has finally arrived!Enjoy guys!
Steph
Goodbyes Don't Last Forever
"Jen's pregnant." Wes whispered. His breath made a small area of fog on the cold glass. "But…how?"
In Jen's room
Jen slowly opened her eyes to see dimly lit lights surrounding her. She moved her arm, but a needle protruding from her arm restricted her movement.
Someone opened the door. "Jen?" came a male voice.
She recognized the voice instantly and smiled. Wes slowly closed the door and walked in and closed the door. He had a worried look upon his face.
"Wes, is everything okay?" Jen asked. She touched his face. What she felt was his cheek was sweaty and he was fairly clammy. "Sweetie, are you sick?" Jen asked.
Wes shook is head. "No. I—I was worried about you. That's all. You, and the baby." His voice seemed to drop 2 octaves.
Jen sighed. "Lance is fine, Wes. The doctors are---" Wes shook his head.
"I'm not talking about Lance." Wes whispered.
Jen smirked. "What are you talking abo---" Jen finally realized what he was getting at. "I can't be…the…the test… said that…" Jen stuttered.
Wes bowed his head. "The pregnancy test you bought, it was for the pregnancy hormone, Jen. It only detects the chances of you getting pregnant, but it's not accurate. Being pregnant and having the pregnancy hormone is two different things."
Jen put her head against the pillow and closed her eyes. "So I was testing for the hormone. So I am pregnant. But how do you explain the bloating and then I'm back to normal?"
"The hormone was preparing your body for the baby. Bloating is just the body's way of preparing for the baby."
"And the pain I had before?" Jen asked.
"Your body's way of protecting the baby. The hit you took from Frax was hard. Your body cramped to enclose the embryo to protect it." Wes said. He paused. "I---I've been reading the magazines out in the lobby."
"You're the baby's father, Wes." Jen muttered.
He put his forehead against hers. "I know."
"I just don't want the baby to grow up without knowing his father, like Lance did." Jen felt warm tears streaming down her cheeks. "You can't stay until the baby's born, can you?"
"I don't know." Wes said. "We'll figure something out Jen. I promise." He kissed her forehead lovingly and held her hand tightly.
From outside the door, Lance heard everything. "Wes is leaving…" At the mention of Wes's name, he remembered something. He had to write an essay for his teacher, on his father. Lance got a piece of paper and a pen.
He sat down and began writing.
A few days later
Jen had finally been able to leave the hospital. She returned to her apartment where Wes and Eric help her and Lance settle back in. But Wes and Eric couldn't stay for long. In an hour they were returning to their time. For good.
Once Jen sat down on the couch, Eric saw the longing behind each other's eyes.
"Umm, Lance. Why don't we go get the work from school that you missed." He pushed Lance out of the room and gave Wes his 'you can thank me later' look. Once they were gone, Wes sat down next to Jen. She drew in an uneven breath.
"Jen, I---" Wes stopped. Jen placed her fingers over his lips, silencing him.
"Shh. Don't say it, Wes. Please don't." Jen pleased. Wes kissed her passionately as his hands caressed her cheek. He felt her tongue slip slowly past his lips. He gently pushed her back onto the couch as he lay down on top of her. His hand slowly slid up her shirt.
He was abruptly pushed off of her as Jen sat up. "We can't Wes."
"Why?" Wes slowly decreased the gap that was between them and paradise.
"It'll make it harder then it all ready will be." Jen paused. "Please."
Wes sighed and sat up. "So, what do you want to do?"
Before Jen could answer, an announcement was heard. "ALL PERSONNEL REPORT TO THE LAUNCH PAD."
Jen sighed. "This is it."
Wes sighed heavily. "Yea."
Jen took his hand as they walked slowly down the path to the launch pad. Wes got a good look at the future, for it was his last glance.
On the pad
The engine was warming up as Eric and Wes said their goodbyes to the rangers. Eric had only shaken hands and said thanks. He waited for Wes by the door. It was like to was ten years ago, only he was walking into the time ship and disappearing, forever.
He slowly walked up to Lucas.
"So. I guess you have your license, huh?" Wes smiled weakly.
"Yea. At least you'll have your pilot's license, right?" Lucas joked.
"Yea. I'll miss you, Lucas. It's been fun." Wes hugged the Blue ranger as Lucas stepped back. He'd never forget this time with Wes.
Katie was next. "My turn to crush your ribs, you know." Wes said.
Katie laughed. "Go ahead. If you can. Bye Wes. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. Take care of Jen for me." He whispered. He hugged her. Katie nodded and stepped back.
"Can I keep the uniform?" Wes gestured to his Time Force jacket.
Trip smiled. "Yea. Go ahead." Trip hugged Wes.
"I'm really gonna miss you, Trip." Wes said.
"Yea. Me too. Bye." Trip slowly stepped back.
Lance ran up and hugged Wes tight. "I'm gonna miss you so much, Wes." Lance said. Tears streamed down his face.
"Me too, kiddo." Wes paused. He looked Lance right in the eye. "Take care of your mom, okay son?" He paused. "I love you, Lance.
Lance smiled and nodded. "I will. Don't worry." Lance hugged Wes once more. "I love you, Dad." Wes gave him a strong kiss on his forehead as Lance went back over to Katie.
And that left Jen.
Wes walked over to her, slowly.
"I don't know what to say, Jen." He took his hands hers.
"I know. It was hard the first time. This is like having my heart ripped out of my chest and roasted." Jen sobbed.
"I know." Wes hugged her tightly. "Promise me this one thing. I want our boy---or girl to know who their father was."
"They won't ever forget. I promise." Jen said. "Oh God." Jen broke down in his arms as he began to cry as well. "I wish this was a dream." Jen whispered.
"I'll never forget you Jen. I love you so much." Wes said.
"I love you too, Wes." Jen said. He looked at her. As Jen's hands shook, he kissed her, as passionately as he had ever done before. She accepted it wholely, knowing it was her last.
"Mr. Collins, the time hole is opening." Captain Logan said.
Wes looked at Jen. "I---"
"Go, Wes. And don't look back." Jen said. With a quick kiss, he turned and walked. Once inside the time ship, Wes looked out the window and saw Jen staring up at him, tears draining her eyes. Lance came up beside her and she hugged him. It all disappeared in seconds.
A few moments later, the ship landed. Wes and Eric got out and they saw a sandy beach. The Guardians were all lined up to welcome them home.
Mr. Collins came up to Wes and hugged him, but Collins knew he didn't want to be bothered.
Wes got on his motorcycle and sped off to a place where he could clear his head.
In the futureThe time hole had opened and closed. Wes was gone, forever. Jen stood there, heart broken, but was reminded of the gift she held inside her. Their second child.
"You'll always be here with me, Wes. Always." Jen whispered. She and Lance slowly made their way home.
A few weeks later—2010Wes had locked himself up in his office for days at a time, burying himself under mountains of paperwork.
A knock came at his door. Eric walked in, a solemn look upon his face. "Wes, do you want anything to eat? I'm going out."
Wes didn't respond. Eric was getting frustrated. "Look, Wes. This isn't healthy. You can't live your life like this."
"I can't get over the fact she's gone forever." Wes muttered. "I've been crying myself to sleep each night.
Eric knew Wes was hurting. His one true love was gone forever, including his two children. Lance. And one was on the way. But the baby wouldn't know his father, only from what Jen would tell her or him.
Eric sighed and closed Wes's door. He knew Wes would kill himself over Jen, if given the chance. Eric had to find a way to cheer him up. He had to.
The year 3009Lance walked into his classroom. His teacher smiled. "Lance! You've returned, safe and sound, am I correct?"
Lance smiled weakly. "Yea. I guess you can say that."
Mrs. Marquez smiled. "Do you have your essay about your father?"
Lance's head shot up as he took his seat. "Um, yes."
"Would you care to read it to the rest of the class?" his teacher asked sweetly.
Lance sighed as he took the paper out and walked up into the front of the class. He drew in a deep breath and cleared this throat.
"My Father. Essay by Lance…" He trailed off. "Collins. By Lance Collins."
Time Force Headquarters
Jen sat in her office, writing furiously. After getting mounds of paperwork done, she walked down the hall and into the café. She got a cup of coffee and sat down, secluding herself from the rest of society.
Across the room, Katie was sitting with Trip, Lucas and Nadira. Katie saw Jen sitting and her mood dropped.
"Look at her, she's a wreck. Been holding herself in her office for days at a time." Katie shook her head.
"Lance has been acting the same way as well." Trip said.
"Then let's do something about it." Nadira spoke up. Katie gave her a weird look and the three officers trailed Nadira's wake, all the way up to Captain Logan's office.
At School"My Father. Essay by Lance Collins." Lance said.
"Most parents fall in love and don't loose it for many years. They have each other day and night. We'll, this can't be said for my parents. My mom as you all know, is the Lieutenant of Time Force. But what most of you don't know is who my father is. He's the Commander of the Silver Guardians, in the year 2010."
Year 2010Wes walked down the hall, looking at the pictures. His eyes fell upon the picture of the four rangers from the future. Jen…
School—3009"My mom met him by accident some would say. But she called it destiny. He saved her from cyclobots. As their time together increased, their feelings for each other increased."
Time Force HQJen returned to her office just in time to hear name called from over the announcements. "LIEUTENANT SCOTTS TO COMMAND." Jen sighed as she made her way up to command.
School"It took them a while to work out their differences, but my mom told me that ever day, she found herself dealing with the fact that Alex was leaving her heart, and Wes was entering that spot. Before she returned to this time, she said she loved him. And he loved her. Once I was sent back, Wes told me this story. He loved my mom from the moment that he first met her…"
Year 2010Wes stood at the beach, overlooking the ocean. A beautiful ray of pink mixed with red coated the ocean surface. He sighed deeply and a few tears made a puddle in the sand.
"Wes…" Eric sat next to his friend. "You need to move on."
Wes shook his head. "I---I can't. I love her too much, Eric. I can't. Now with Lance, and this baby…" He saw Eric's eyes widen.
"You never told me Jen was pregnant." Eric stated. "Couldn't control yourself, huh Wes?" Eric attempted to cheer Wes up.
Wes chuckled slightly. "It's just going to take some time to adjust. Besides, who could control themselves around her? She's tough, but beautiful…" Wes trailed off. "I remember the first time I laid eyes on her…"
School—Year 3009
"After Ransik hurt my grandfather, Dad took over the company. My mom finally coaxed Alex into giving Dad another chance, which he did. That's how Dragontron was defeated. I think my parents were closer after that. But the breaking point in their relationship was when Dad sent them back to our time, without my mom's consent. And boy, was she mad…"
Time Force HQ--CommandJen walked into the doors to see Katie, Trip, Lucas, Nadira and…
"Ransik?" Jen questioned. He stood there in a white jumpsuit. But he was different. His face wasn't deformed. It was human. He didn't have a deformed arm, but a regular human arm. She looked at the jumpsuit he had on. The Time Force insignia was on the side of it.
"Yes, Lieutenant." Ransik smiled. "I see you're feeling better."
"Enough chit chat, we need to prepare for your trip, Jen." Lucas said.
Jen shook her head. "Did you say…"
"You have a lot of things to pack, Jen. Trip, Lucas and I will get a few of your things together, I suggest you go and get Lance. Your ship departs tomorrow." Logan smiled.
A few tears came down from her eyes. "What? You mean…"
"Yes…Now go. I may just change my mind." Logan still had a smile on his face.
Jen jumped and hugged them all in the room. She ran out of the building and jumped in her car and sped off towards the school.
School"But they finally had to say good-bye. After confessing their love for each other, my mother left into the ship. She didn't return for ten years. But that's when I came along as well. Frax, Ransik's side man—robot—had tried to kill all of us, even Ransik. But Ransik sacrificed himself for all of us. When I was there, I found out Wes was my father. I was so happy."
Jen ran up the stairs and slowly entered the door. Lance saw her and smiled, but something else shown on his face. She mouthed for him to continue.
"Now, I'm back here. At first I was so happy to be back. My friends were here. My things, even my own bed. But…now I'm not so happy. I don't need all these gadgets," he pointed to the holograms around the room. "to be happy. All I wanted was the mansion to run around. Philips would play soccer with me, and so would my dad. We had a big pool, too." He paused.
Jen's eyes shined. He missed Wes as much as she did. And she knew Lance would be psyched to find out where they were going.
"I also included in this essay who I wanted to be when I grew up. At first, I wanted to be a Time Force officer, but now, my mind's changed. I've discovered I want to be a Silver Guardian. And meet a woman just like my mom. Brave, pretty and stubborn." He laughed slightly. "But more importantly, I want to be like my dad. I can't really think of a better way to spend my life." He paused. "Thank you."
There was a round of applause as Lance finished reading his essay. Jen had talked with his teacher, who's face shown. She finally turned to him. Jen walked towards her son.
"How would you like to make your dream come true, Lance?" Jen smiled.
Lance was confused. But a few moments later, he understood. "Really?" Lance asked.
Jen took his hand. "Come on, we don't have a lot of time left." Jen jumped. Lance said good-bye to his friends.
The two ran out to Jen's car, anticipating the events at hand.
The next day: Year 2010It was 8:00Pm and Wes and Eric were getting ready to go to the annual Thanksgiving banquet. Wes was still down in the dumps after Jen and Lance leaving.
"Come on, Wes. It's time to get ready for the banquet." He adjusted his tie. "We need to get our speeches ready." Eric saw the look on Wes's face and slapped Wes's shoulder.
"You should do that, Eric. Because I'm officially resigning from the Silver Guardians." Wes said quietly.
"WHAT!?" Eric gasped. "Why?"
"I can't live my life like this. Every time I look in a mirror, I see Jen behind me. Lance running up to me with a soccer ball. She puts her arms around me. I feel like I'm complete. I can't walk around here, knowing that Jen is around the corner waiting for me. Knowing that my son is in school, learning about our attributes, and thinking about the future. I just can't. It'll destroy me." Wes chocked on his tears.
"All right. But you're the one who's announcing it. NOT me." Eric said.
"Thanks." Wes said. The two went out to the car and rode to the banquet, in silence.
Hilton Hotel, 9:00PMOnce it grew quiet, Eric began his speech. After a few minutes later, Wes took the stand.
"When I first heard of my dad's idea of creating this force, I was against it, because I was a ranger. I thought we were doing fine. The Rahmei tank was crazy, this was insane. But then my father changed. And once the Time Force rangers returned to the future, I accepted the job, with a few modifications." He paused.
"But my recent adventure to the future has brought some mixed emotions with it. Jennifer Scotts is the Lieutenant of Time Force, and the love of my life. Lance Scotts is also my son. To my surprise, Jen and I have another child coming along, but sadly, I won't be seeing them again." He stopped. A murmur went through the crowd.
"Every time I walk through these halls, I see my family, and it's too painful for me." He paused again. "Which is why I am resigning from the Silver Guardians." Wes said.
An outcry against the idea broke out. But one voice ranged above the rest.
"You can't! Don't do it!" The boors burst open, and a young boy came charging through. "Dad, please don't retire now!"
Wes's head shot up, his eyes widened. "Lance?" the room quieted down as the boy walked forward.
"Please don't retire Dad." Lance pleased. He walked slowly forward. "Then I wouldn't have something to look forward to. Please."
"What are you doing here?" Wes asked. He slowly walked towards his son and bent down.
"Someone needs to keep you in line. You and Eric are dangerous together." Lance smiled. "Please don't say you're going to retire."
"Is this what you came back for?" Wes asked. Lance nodded. Wes sighed. "I have to do this, Lance. It's just one of those grown up things. I'm sorry. You---you should return to your time." Wes got up and walked over to where he would be given the final farewell speech.
"It's not fair! You've never given up on anything! Why are you walking away from this?" Lance was hysterical.
"You won't understand, Lance." Wes muttered.
"Then maybe I will." A female voice with a hint of authority rang out. Wes's head turned a full 180-degree turn to see Jen standing there in her Time Force uniform.
"Jen?" Wes said. His eyes began to tear. "What are you doing here?"
Jen smirked. "I was about to ask you the same question, Wes. If you're resigning," Jen stood there, looking at Lance as he walked towards his mother. "Then there is no need for us to stay." Jen took Lance's hand and they walked out.
Wes turned his head and bowed it. The sound of an engine powering up and lifting off was heard. In an instant, it was gone.
"Jen…" Wes said. "What have I done now?" Wes looked at his father.
"I forgot something, Dad." Lance walked back in. Wes's eyes widened. Lance ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "I love you so much." Lance felt tears stream down his face. "Can we stay? Please?"
"Stay?" Wes asked.
"Yes. Stay." Jen returned, with a wide smile on her face. She slowly walked towards him again. "If that's okay with you." Jen stepped closer to him.
"You're staying, but for how long?" Wes asked.
"Until the day I die." Jen whispered into his ear.
Wes's eyes widened. He was speechless.
"For Christ's sake Wes, KISS HER ALL READY!" Eric yelled. "And if they're staying, there is NO WAY IN HELL you are retiring!"
Wes turned around, and Eric had a grin on his face. "I guess I'm not retiring after all." Wes laughed and kissed her.
A cheer erupted from around them. Lance cheered as well. Wes pulled away and smiled at Jen, who was also smiling.
"Now, we're going to have to find you a job, you know." Wes said.
Jen looked at Eric, then at Lance, then to Wes. "I saw a few of your officers hanging around the last time I was here, I think they could use a bit of toughening up."
"Well, enough of this lovey-dovey thing, let's party, it's Thanksgiving after all!" Music geared up, and a few couples were out on the floor. Lance went out and partied with some of the female officers as Jen and Wes disappeared onto the balcony.
They held each other, and didn't have to worry about letting go.
Wes smoothed out a piece of hair from her face. "Are you really staying, you and Lance?"
Jen smiled. "Yes. All three of us." His hand moved down to her abdomen where he noticed she was a bit rounder. She placed her hand over his and sighed contently.
"It's Thanksgiving, Jen. Do you know what I'm thankful for?" Wes asked. She turned around in his arms and put her head on his shoulder.
"Enlighten me." Jen said.
"For every thing. You, Lance, Eric, the baby." Wes sighed. "Will you marry me?"
Jen turned around. "Give me some prior notice, huh?" she said sarcastically. She kissed him. "Of course!" She smiled and hugged him tightly.
The two remained on the balcony, both saying silent thanks.
Six years laterIt was a beautiful spring day in Silver Hills, California. Sixteen-year-old Lance Collins strode off the bus. He walked down the street to where his house was. The Collins House shown off beautifully. Two story house with a pool in the back. A soccer goal was set up in the front.
A younger boy came running down the driveway, followed by two people, a woman and a man.
"Lance! You're home!" the boy said.
"Yea, I'm home, Josh." He laughed as Josh, age six, came running down and jumped onto his older brother.
"Hey, Joshie!" Two more boys came off of the bus. They gave him a high five.
"Mr. and Mrs. Collins! How nice to see you!" one boy said.
Jennifer Collins smiled. "Mike, Austin, nice to see you guys."
"Oh, hey mom, I forgot, Nick is coming over in a half hour. We need to rehearse."
The three boys and Josh went into the house. A few minutes later, the sound of a guitar powering up and drums were heard, with the hint of base.
Wes Collins shook his head. "Kids."
Jen laughed as they strolled around their back yard. It was when Josh was born when they moved out of the mansion.
"So much has happened." Jen stated.
Wes smiled at his wife. "Yea. It has, hasn't it?"
The couple sighed contently as the music from inside the house grew, as they reminisced of their past.
The next dayLance was walking to Silver Guardian Headquarters after school. He had applied for a position, and he was accepted. His uniform, gray in color, absorbed the light given off from behind the clouds. It was fairly overcast, but he didn't care. Just then something caught his eye.
Off in the café, a bunch of boys were messing with a girl. She was radiant. Long brown hair. To his surprise, she had on a cadet uniform as well.
"Let go of me!" the girl thrashed out. She was able to get a few good shots off of them, but they kept coming.
Lance immediately acted. "Excuse me, gentlemen." He said. "Is there a problem here?"
The girl saw him standing in his uniform. One boy came up to him. "But out of it, soldier boy. This one's mine."
"That's no way to treat a woman, now, Jake, let her go." Lance said firmly.
"Make me!" Jake went in to take Lance, but Lance easily averted him. A few moments later, and Jake found himself at Lance's feet. He jumped away and ran.
Triumphantly, Lance walked over to the young woman. "Excuse me, Miss. You okay?"
She looked at him with hard brown eyes. But she was beautiful. She reminded hi of his mother. Stubborn, but radiant.
"I'm fine." She said quietly. She seemed a bit quiet, and nervous to be around him. He then took her notice at her dressings.
Lance smirked. "First day wearing the uniform?"
"Is it that obvious?" She asked.
"You'll get used to it. I'm Lance by the way. Senior Cadet Lance Collins."
"Gabrielle Madison. Junior Cadet." She said. She looked at his boy. He had brown hair with a few hints of blonde and shining blue eyes. She gasped. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I didn't recognize you! You're Commander Collins' kid! The Ranger's boy!"
Lance laughed. "Which one?" She laughed as well. There was something about her that had sparked something. "Never mind." They walked on and kept talking.
Gabrielle looked at Lance; there was something in him that interested her…they smiled as they continued walking towards Silver Guardian Headquarters, chatting merrily.
As the two walked on, they passed an old clock tower that was slowly aging away. Lance began to tell Gabrielle the story of the clock tower, his parents, and his life. All the time the two edged closer together. The old clock tower smiling down on the couple.
An old ticking was heard as its hands still counted down the time that four mysterious people from the future, and one from this time, would inhabit it once again…
The End