A/N: I got some good/bad news today from my Sergeant...my shipping date has been delayed. I was supposed to leave on July 7th, and therefore this was supposed to be my last chapter, but as of right now I could leave in August- --or December, for that matter. So I can't promise a great last chapter, as I might not have time to type one out, but for now...enjoy!
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Alex kept his face void of emotion as he settled down into a chair and watched history unfold, Admiral Fuller sat behind his desk, glaring into his back through light gray eyes. Alex shifted uncomfortably, not daring to turn around and face him; he stared into the screen, wincing as the Rangers ran in to face Ransik.
"None of this should be happening," Fuller muttered.
"I know, sir," Alex sighed, "I did what I could to keep them here---"
"You let them go," Fuller said, "it was your responsibility, and you failed." He shook his head. "Now we've lost four good officers."
"I'm aware of that, too," Alex said, softly.
Jen was the first to lunge at Ransik, throwing herself into the air with her Chrono Saber ready to strike; Ransik slashed her across the chest with his sword, sending her falling to the ground. She slammed onto the roof of a van and rolled to the pavement, demorphing; her face twisted in agony, her voice broke as she cried out.
He vaguely felt a hand on his shoulder and knew it was Logan, lending him what support he could as he watched the death of the woman he loved; the Rangers fell one-by-one and the last one standing, surprisingly, was Wes. He went up against Ransik face-to-face, struggling to overpower the mutant; then, in an unexpected move, Ransik pulled the Red Ranger to the ground as he struck him. The explosion shook the area, and the other Rangers ducked away to avoid the flying debris; the heartbreak in Jen's voice when she screamed Wes' name tore at Alex.
"Dear God . . . " Logan whispered.
"I can't." Alex got to his feet, glancing back at Fuller apologetically: "I'm sorry, sir, but you can't expect me to watch this."
"Go on, Commander," Fuller said, "we'll talk later."
Alex clicked his heels together and saluted sharply, then turned and hurried outside; he leaned against the enormous wall of the building, breathing hard. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out the ring handed to him only a few hours ago and stared at it through blurred vision; Logan would undoubtedly join him soon, he was always there when he knew something was wrong.
Sure enough, a moment later he heard the doors open and boots clicking on the pavement as he came closer. "Alex," he said, gently, "you left too soon- --" a smile crept to his lips "---they're okay. Ransik surrendered."
"He did what!?" Alex gasped, "why would Ransik surrender? He was winning!"
"Jen got back up," Logan explained, "and tried to face Ransik alone. Unbeknownst to Ransik, his daughter was hiding in the warehouse he chased Jen into---when he tried to shoot her, he ended up hitting Nadira."
"He did?" Alex said, "did she survive?"
"Yes," Logan said, "she did, but it shook Ransik up enough to make him understand what he's been doing all this time."
"Oh, he understood before," Alex said, "you don't go around murdering people and not realize it's wrong! Damn it, he's not going to get a lighter sentence because of this, is he?"
"I doubt it," Logan said, "now . . . why don't you go home? The Rangers should be returning soon."
"I think I'll stay here a little while longer," Alex replied, "maybe catch a nap in my office before they get here . . . are they going to be reprimanded for this?"
"Most likely," Logan said, "but not too harshly, they are bringing back over forty mutants---and Ransik---after all." He paused. "I'll see what we can do about the memory adaptation as well, it does seem as if they've earned the right to remember their heroics."
"Yes, they have."
He didn't say another word before going back in and to his office, he opened his desk drawer and pulled out the glass box he had kept there for some reason even he didn't know, he placed the ring inside and tucked it away. Curiousity was getting the best of him, and he set his computer up on the desk, scanning the year 2001 till he reached the final battle.
He watched asRansik surrendered and a battered Jen placed the handcuffs on his wrists . . . then the Rangers nearly collapsing as they went into a hospital to be treated . . . Wes and his father's emotional reunion . . . good-bye . . .
"I should've told you this a long time ago," Jen said, her voice breaking. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Wes said, "I wish I could live another thousand years so we could be together again!" They embraced, Jen letting out a small cry as she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes; Wes held her tightly, the pain evident in his face.
They pulled away, then kissed passionately, regardless of the Silver Guardians---and Wes' father---watching from a small distance. And not knowing that they were being watched from a thousand years in the future.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
She looked so beautiful . . . her white gown full around her tiny form, her big eyes sparkling with happiness as she looked at him through her veil and mouthed the words 'I love you' to him. He squeezed her hands, anxious to take her in his arms; Captain Logan smiled at them with understanding in his eyes.
"I now pronounce you man and wife," he said, "Alex, you may kiss your bride."
He lifted her veil slowly, his hands trembling a bit, then leaned over and pressed his lips to hers; she raised her hands to run her fingers through his hair---gel-free as she had insisted. "I love you," he murmured into her ear . . .
"You have a visitor."
Alex opened his eyes slowly, managing to call out permission for whoever it was to enter, although he wasn't entirely certain he even wanted to see them. He sat up and rubbed the fog from his eyes, blinking a couple times till his vision cleared and he could make out the feminine figure in his doorway.
"Jennifer?"
"Yes . . . " she took another step forward and hit the button on the wall, turning on the bright lights; Alex squinted, swearing softly. "I-I thought I'd stop by," Jen explained, "let you know how things turned out . . . we made it."
"I see," Alex said, "well, I saw everything. Loaded it up from the databanks earlier, the admiral wanted me to see it." He stood up. "Ransik surrendered because he nearly killed his daughter . . . that's just great. He's killed millions, but God forbid he end up hurting someone he cares about." He grabbed the shirt he had hanging by his bed, pulling it over his head as he asked: "It's kind of late, isn't it?"
"You always turned in late," Jen pointed out, "I didn't think you'd be sleeping."
"You should be," Alex said, "I imagine you're pretty worn out."
"It has been a crazy few days," Jen admitted, her eyes wandering away from him. "But at least we all survived---" she looked back at him quickly "--- Eric and Wes, too."
"Really? That's good." 'Why are you here?' he questioned in painful silence, 'come to gloat about your success to me? How I was wrong to try and stop you?'
"Well, I'd better go," Jen said, "let you get back to sleep . . . I guess you're pretty tired, too."
"Is that . . . all?" Alex asked, blinking.
"I don't think there's anything else to say, is there?" Jen replied.
"No, I guess not," Alex said, "well, I asked Logan to split us up as partners on the streets---he'll find someone new for you if you have any suggestions."
Jen opened her mouth quickly and then shut it again, as if deciding against whatever she was about to say; it was unreasonable to expect them to remain as partners after everything, they used to be good together, but that was then. They would no doubt be constantly arguing, or their past relationship would distract them from the job at hand; even without Ransik, they would still have many pressures.
"Why did it have to end like this?" Alex pressed her, "after everything we've been through, we should've been able to survive this."
"It just wasn't meant to be," Jen said.
"Couldn't we give it another try?" Alex said, "Jennifer---"
"No, Alex," Jen cut him off, "I don't love you anymore, it wouldn't be fair . . . to either of us." She reached up and put her hand on his broad shoulder. "I'll see you some other time."
Without another word, she left the apartment; Alex stood still, staring at the dull door as it slowly closed behind her. Swallowing, he walked over to his computer and sat down in front of it, typing in the coordinates; the screen flickered, and Sienna appeared.
"Hello?" Her face softened. "Alex."
"Hi," Alex said, "sorry to bother you, I know it's late---"
"That's all right," Sienna said, with a shrug. "I don't go to sleep for a while anyway." She tilted her head slightly, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"You haven't heard?" Alex said, "Jen and the others got back . . . " he lowered his head, struggling to find the words.
"So the rumors are true," Sienna said, quietly. "I'm sorry, Alex."
"'Rumors'?" Alex chuckled. "I guess they're floating all over HQ by now? That's not much of a surprise, it's almost been a whole day, after all."
"You need some company?"
"No, I'd rather be alone tonight," Alex said, "I just wanted to talk to someone . . . " he wiped his eyes quickly, but not so unnoticeably that Sienna didn't see.
"You're pretty torn up over this," she said.
"Yeah . . . damn, Sienna, I love her so much."
Sienna winced, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "I don't know what to say," she confessed, "just that . . . you'll feel better in time. No pain lasts this strong forever."
"How can it fade any?" Alex questioned, "I'm always going to love her."
"That doesn't mean you can't move on," Sienna said, "and try to forget about it."
"'Forget'?" Alex echoed, "somehow I can't see that happening."
"Well, you'll always remember her," Sienna said, "and everything you had. But, eventually, it won't be the only thing you think of when you wake up in the morning . . . as you go about your day . . . and when you go to bed at night. Trust me . . . I know."
Alex frowned, wondering what man had broken Sienna's heart that he didn't know about; she had always hung onto him, it seemed, except that time when they hadn't seen each other. 'But it wasn't anything like love,' he reminded himself, memories of their relationship years ago coming back. 'Except back then . . . ' A part of him had always what would have become of his feelings for Sienna had they been given the opportunity to grow.
"I'm going back to bed," he said, "thank you . . . "
"Don't even mention it," Sienna said, "good-night, Alex."
"Good-night."
He left the computer as the screen went black, taking his shirt off again and lying down stiffly on his hard bed; he wondered where Jen was . . . out of the building? Still in the hallway? On her way home to a warm bath and a relaxing sleep, curled up in her satin nightgown on her soft sheets . . . 'cut that out, Collins,' he scolded himself, 'no use thinking about it now.'
-------------------------------------
Alex was strapping on his belt when Jen entered the room with her new partner, Katie; they caught gazes for a moment, but Alex broke it, looking back down as he holstered his blaster. His hands were unsteady, and he prayed Jen didn't notice as she walked up and stood by him to gather her things.
"Are you okay?" she asked, "you don't look good."
"I'm fine," Alex answered.
He felt eyes looking at them, curious to see how their conversation would evolve, but neither was willing to engage an audience. Alex zipped up his jacket and put on his glasses, then left the locker room and Jen; Sienna smiled at him as he came out, and he managed a small curving of his lips.
"Good morning, 'Partner'," Sienna said.
"Are you as good as I remember?" Alex asked.
"Even better---" she gave him a wink, leading the way outside. "So this is your first day back on the job in how long exactly?"
"Not the first day," Alex said, "I had a week recently . . . but other than that, it's been almost a year. Time Force was hesitant for a while."
"Your back isn't better yet," Sienna pointed out.
"No," Alex said, "and it might never be the way it was before . . . but it can support me, and that's all I need. Anything else I can get through." He glanced back, hearing the doors opening, Jen and Katie came out side-by- side, chatting merrily with one another.
"Don't pay any mind to them, Alex," Sienna advised.
"She seems to be getting along well." Two weeks had passed since the Rangers had returned, and they had barely seen each other.
"You don't know that," Sienna said, "who knows how she is when she's alone . . . " she sighed " . . . get in the car, Alex."
EVENING
Alex ruffled his hair as he emerged from the showers, a towel wrapped around his lean waist; he stopped quickly, catching sight of Jen standing at her locker. She had removed her jacket, her sweat caused her gold undershirt to cling to her well-shaped body and Alex's eyes became glued to her, watching her every move.
Suddenly, she turned and faced him, blinking in surprise as she looked him up-and-down and realized he was almost nude. "S-Sorry," she stammered, the color quickly rising in her cheeks.
"It's a locker room," Alex said, "it happens." 'And it's not like you haven't seen it all,' he added, silently.
He turned his back on her and grabbed the sweatpants hanging up in his storage area, wondering if her eyes were still on him; without any sign of inhibition, he stripped down and began to change. He heard Jen moving around behind him, then brushing by on her way to the showers; she paused, looking back at him as he pulled on his shirt.
"I know you're hurting right now, Alex," she said, "but I hope . . . someday . . . we can move on from this." She swallowed. "And stay friends."
"I'm not sure about that, Jennifer," Alex said, honestly.
"Why not?"
"Why do you think?" Alex rolled his eyes. "You left me for some ghost! Why didn't you tell me earlier that you were falling in love with another man?"
"I-I didn't even know," Jen said, "it was all so confusing . . . " Alex stepped forward and grabbed her shoulders, pleading with her through his eyes; she remained silent, shaking a bit beneath his hands. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't want it to turn out like this---"
"Then why did it?" Alex demanded, "you told me I was the only man you would ever love! 'Till death do we part' . . . you were ready to say that!"
"I know!" Jen cried, "but things changed. You died! I knew Wes for months before you came back into my life!"
"You loved me for years," Alex stated.
"No," Jen said, "I didn't love you . . . I loved who you used to be. I don't know why you changed so much, Alex, maybe it was Ransik . . . maybe it was the months of separation . . . but you are not like you were before!"
"How could I be?" Alex said, "damn it, I was killed, Jennifer! I shouldn't even be here right now, but I am! I woke up in some unfamiliar place to find my fiancee had died a thousand years ago because of me! I fought Time Force just to send you the equipment you needed---believe me, they weren't too thrilled when they learned of the Time Shadow!" He let his arms drop, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I have changed, and so have you. I-I just don't understand how you could do this."
"'Do this'?" Jen sputtered, "Alex, you can't choose who you fall in love with!" She turned to go, seemingly having given up the notion of taking a shower.
"Jennifer . . . just, wait." Alex held out his hand, reaching for her; his frustration boiled over and his hand clenched into a fist. "None of this would've happened if you had just given us a chance!"
"A 'chance'?" Jen echoed.
"Yes!" Alex said, "let us at least try to work things out!"
Jen's eyes flashed with anger as she whirled around to face Alex. "What was I supposed to do?" she yelled, "wait for you to straighten yourself up and be the man I fell in love with!?"
Alex dropped his hand and stood silently for a few moments, collecting his thoughts and trying without success to calm himself down before replying: "I apologized for that, Jennifer . . . I'm sorry, okay? I made a mistake!"
"You treated me like dirt!"
"You weren't exactly a saint!" Alex snapped, "I saw you with him! You were kissing him . . . before you said anything to me!"
"That's what you deserve," Jen said, "for treating me the way you did."
Without thinking, Alex's hand lashed out and struck her across the cheek, instantly leaving a red mark and snapping her head to the side. "I was always there for you!" he shouted, "I never realized your memory was so short-term!"
But then she turned to him, her hand holding her burning cheek and tears in her wide, brown eyes; he had never hit her before, in fact, he had swore long ago never to hurt her. The expression on her face, combined with the pain he already felt, overwhelmed him---
"Jennifer," he whispered, "I-I . . . I'm so sorry---"
"Leave me alone," Jen said, "damn you. . . you're not Alex at all."
She turned and walked away briskly before any words were exchanged, Alex leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, raising his hands and covering his face with them. Tears seeped out from his closed eyelids and slid down his cheeks, sobs beginning to shake his broad shoulders; he had ruined any chance of getting Jennifer back, and he knew it. She would never forgive him . . . and for good reason, he had promised her he would never lay a hand on her, and he had shattered that promise in one instant.
Nothing would ever be the same . . .
TO BE CONTINUED
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Alex kept his face void of emotion as he settled down into a chair and watched history unfold, Admiral Fuller sat behind his desk, glaring into his back through light gray eyes. Alex shifted uncomfortably, not daring to turn around and face him; he stared into the screen, wincing as the Rangers ran in to face Ransik.
"None of this should be happening," Fuller muttered.
"I know, sir," Alex sighed, "I did what I could to keep them here---"
"You let them go," Fuller said, "it was your responsibility, and you failed." He shook his head. "Now we've lost four good officers."
"I'm aware of that, too," Alex said, softly.
Jen was the first to lunge at Ransik, throwing herself into the air with her Chrono Saber ready to strike; Ransik slashed her across the chest with his sword, sending her falling to the ground. She slammed onto the roof of a van and rolled to the pavement, demorphing; her face twisted in agony, her voice broke as she cried out.
He vaguely felt a hand on his shoulder and knew it was Logan, lending him what support he could as he watched the death of the woman he loved; the Rangers fell one-by-one and the last one standing, surprisingly, was Wes. He went up against Ransik face-to-face, struggling to overpower the mutant; then, in an unexpected move, Ransik pulled the Red Ranger to the ground as he struck him. The explosion shook the area, and the other Rangers ducked away to avoid the flying debris; the heartbreak in Jen's voice when she screamed Wes' name tore at Alex.
"Dear God . . . " Logan whispered.
"I can't." Alex got to his feet, glancing back at Fuller apologetically: "I'm sorry, sir, but you can't expect me to watch this."
"Go on, Commander," Fuller said, "we'll talk later."
Alex clicked his heels together and saluted sharply, then turned and hurried outside; he leaned against the enormous wall of the building, breathing hard. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out the ring handed to him only a few hours ago and stared at it through blurred vision; Logan would undoubtedly join him soon, he was always there when he knew something was wrong.
Sure enough, a moment later he heard the doors open and boots clicking on the pavement as he came closer. "Alex," he said, gently, "you left too soon- --" a smile crept to his lips "---they're okay. Ransik surrendered."
"He did what!?" Alex gasped, "why would Ransik surrender? He was winning!"
"Jen got back up," Logan explained, "and tried to face Ransik alone. Unbeknownst to Ransik, his daughter was hiding in the warehouse he chased Jen into---when he tried to shoot her, he ended up hitting Nadira."
"He did?" Alex said, "did she survive?"
"Yes," Logan said, "she did, but it shook Ransik up enough to make him understand what he's been doing all this time."
"Oh, he understood before," Alex said, "you don't go around murdering people and not realize it's wrong! Damn it, he's not going to get a lighter sentence because of this, is he?"
"I doubt it," Logan said, "now . . . why don't you go home? The Rangers should be returning soon."
"I think I'll stay here a little while longer," Alex replied, "maybe catch a nap in my office before they get here . . . are they going to be reprimanded for this?"
"Most likely," Logan said, "but not too harshly, they are bringing back over forty mutants---and Ransik---after all." He paused. "I'll see what we can do about the memory adaptation as well, it does seem as if they've earned the right to remember their heroics."
"Yes, they have."
He didn't say another word before going back in and to his office, he opened his desk drawer and pulled out the glass box he had kept there for some reason even he didn't know, he placed the ring inside and tucked it away. Curiousity was getting the best of him, and he set his computer up on the desk, scanning the year 2001 till he reached the final battle.
He watched asRansik surrendered and a battered Jen placed the handcuffs on his wrists . . . then the Rangers nearly collapsing as they went into a hospital to be treated . . . Wes and his father's emotional reunion . . . good-bye . . .
"I should've told you this a long time ago," Jen said, her voice breaking. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Wes said, "I wish I could live another thousand years so we could be together again!" They embraced, Jen letting out a small cry as she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes; Wes held her tightly, the pain evident in his face.
They pulled away, then kissed passionately, regardless of the Silver Guardians---and Wes' father---watching from a small distance. And not knowing that they were being watched from a thousand years in the future.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
She looked so beautiful . . . her white gown full around her tiny form, her big eyes sparkling with happiness as she looked at him through her veil and mouthed the words 'I love you' to him. He squeezed her hands, anxious to take her in his arms; Captain Logan smiled at them with understanding in his eyes.
"I now pronounce you man and wife," he said, "Alex, you may kiss your bride."
He lifted her veil slowly, his hands trembling a bit, then leaned over and pressed his lips to hers; she raised her hands to run her fingers through his hair---gel-free as she had insisted. "I love you," he murmured into her ear . . .
"You have a visitor."
Alex opened his eyes slowly, managing to call out permission for whoever it was to enter, although he wasn't entirely certain he even wanted to see them. He sat up and rubbed the fog from his eyes, blinking a couple times till his vision cleared and he could make out the feminine figure in his doorway.
"Jennifer?"
"Yes . . . " she took another step forward and hit the button on the wall, turning on the bright lights; Alex squinted, swearing softly. "I-I thought I'd stop by," Jen explained, "let you know how things turned out . . . we made it."
"I see," Alex said, "well, I saw everything. Loaded it up from the databanks earlier, the admiral wanted me to see it." He stood up. "Ransik surrendered because he nearly killed his daughter . . . that's just great. He's killed millions, but God forbid he end up hurting someone he cares about." He grabbed the shirt he had hanging by his bed, pulling it over his head as he asked: "It's kind of late, isn't it?"
"You always turned in late," Jen pointed out, "I didn't think you'd be sleeping."
"You should be," Alex said, "I imagine you're pretty worn out."
"It has been a crazy few days," Jen admitted, her eyes wandering away from him. "But at least we all survived---" she looked back at him quickly "--- Eric and Wes, too."
"Really? That's good." 'Why are you here?' he questioned in painful silence, 'come to gloat about your success to me? How I was wrong to try and stop you?'
"Well, I'd better go," Jen said, "let you get back to sleep . . . I guess you're pretty tired, too."
"Is that . . . all?" Alex asked, blinking.
"I don't think there's anything else to say, is there?" Jen replied.
"No, I guess not," Alex said, "well, I asked Logan to split us up as partners on the streets---he'll find someone new for you if you have any suggestions."
Jen opened her mouth quickly and then shut it again, as if deciding against whatever she was about to say; it was unreasonable to expect them to remain as partners after everything, they used to be good together, but that was then. They would no doubt be constantly arguing, or their past relationship would distract them from the job at hand; even without Ransik, they would still have many pressures.
"Why did it have to end like this?" Alex pressed her, "after everything we've been through, we should've been able to survive this."
"It just wasn't meant to be," Jen said.
"Couldn't we give it another try?" Alex said, "Jennifer---"
"No, Alex," Jen cut him off, "I don't love you anymore, it wouldn't be fair . . . to either of us." She reached up and put her hand on his broad shoulder. "I'll see you some other time."
Without another word, she left the apartment; Alex stood still, staring at the dull door as it slowly closed behind her. Swallowing, he walked over to his computer and sat down in front of it, typing in the coordinates; the screen flickered, and Sienna appeared.
"Hello?" Her face softened. "Alex."
"Hi," Alex said, "sorry to bother you, I know it's late---"
"That's all right," Sienna said, with a shrug. "I don't go to sleep for a while anyway." She tilted her head slightly, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"You haven't heard?" Alex said, "Jen and the others got back . . . " he lowered his head, struggling to find the words.
"So the rumors are true," Sienna said, quietly. "I'm sorry, Alex."
"'Rumors'?" Alex chuckled. "I guess they're floating all over HQ by now? That's not much of a surprise, it's almost been a whole day, after all."
"You need some company?"
"No, I'd rather be alone tonight," Alex said, "I just wanted to talk to someone . . . " he wiped his eyes quickly, but not so unnoticeably that Sienna didn't see.
"You're pretty torn up over this," she said.
"Yeah . . . damn, Sienna, I love her so much."
Sienna winced, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "I don't know what to say," she confessed, "just that . . . you'll feel better in time. No pain lasts this strong forever."
"How can it fade any?" Alex questioned, "I'm always going to love her."
"That doesn't mean you can't move on," Sienna said, "and try to forget about it."
"'Forget'?" Alex echoed, "somehow I can't see that happening."
"Well, you'll always remember her," Sienna said, "and everything you had. But, eventually, it won't be the only thing you think of when you wake up in the morning . . . as you go about your day . . . and when you go to bed at night. Trust me . . . I know."
Alex frowned, wondering what man had broken Sienna's heart that he didn't know about; she had always hung onto him, it seemed, except that time when they hadn't seen each other. 'But it wasn't anything like love,' he reminded himself, memories of their relationship years ago coming back. 'Except back then . . . ' A part of him had always what would have become of his feelings for Sienna had they been given the opportunity to grow.
"I'm going back to bed," he said, "thank you . . . "
"Don't even mention it," Sienna said, "good-night, Alex."
"Good-night."
He left the computer as the screen went black, taking his shirt off again and lying down stiffly on his hard bed; he wondered where Jen was . . . out of the building? Still in the hallway? On her way home to a warm bath and a relaxing sleep, curled up in her satin nightgown on her soft sheets . . . 'cut that out, Collins,' he scolded himself, 'no use thinking about it now.'
-------------------------------------
Alex was strapping on his belt when Jen entered the room with her new partner, Katie; they caught gazes for a moment, but Alex broke it, looking back down as he holstered his blaster. His hands were unsteady, and he prayed Jen didn't notice as she walked up and stood by him to gather her things.
"Are you okay?" she asked, "you don't look good."
"I'm fine," Alex answered.
He felt eyes looking at them, curious to see how their conversation would evolve, but neither was willing to engage an audience. Alex zipped up his jacket and put on his glasses, then left the locker room and Jen; Sienna smiled at him as he came out, and he managed a small curving of his lips.
"Good morning, 'Partner'," Sienna said.
"Are you as good as I remember?" Alex asked.
"Even better---" she gave him a wink, leading the way outside. "So this is your first day back on the job in how long exactly?"
"Not the first day," Alex said, "I had a week recently . . . but other than that, it's been almost a year. Time Force was hesitant for a while."
"Your back isn't better yet," Sienna pointed out.
"No," Alex said, "and it might never be the way it was before . . . but it can support me, and that's all I need. Anything else I can get through." He glanced back, hearing the doors opening, Jen and Katie came out side-by- side, chatting merrily with one another.
"Don't pay any mind to them, Alex," Sienna advised.
"She seems to be getting along well." Two weeks had passed since the Rangers had returned, and they had barely seen each other.
"You don't know that," Sienna said, "who knows how she is when she's alone . . . " she sighed " . . . get in the car, Alex."
EVENING
Alex ruffled his hair as he emerged from the showers, a towel wrapped around his lean waist; he stopped quickly, catching sight of Jen standing at her locker. She had removed her jacket, her sweat caused her gold undershirt to cling to her well-shaped body and Alex's eyes became glued to her, watching her every move.
Suddenly, she turned and faced him, blinking in surprise as she looked him up-and-down and realized he was almost nude. "S-Sorry," she stammered, the color quickly rising in her cheeks.
"It's a locker room," Alex said, "it happens." 'And it's not like you haven't seen it all,' he added, silently.
He turned his back on her and grabbed the sweatpants hanging up in his storage area, wondering if her eyes were still on him; without any sign of inhibition, he stripped down and began to change. He heard Jen moving around behind him, then brushing by on her way to the showers; she paused, looking back at him as he pulled on his shirt.
"I know you're hurting right now, Alex," she said, "but I hope . . . someday . . . we can move on from this." She swallowed. "And stay friends."
"I'm not sure about that, Jennifer," Alex said, honestly.
"Why not?"
"Why do you think?" Alex rolled his eyes. "You left me for some ghost! Why didn't you tell me earlier that you were falling in love with another man?"
"I-I didn't even know," Jen said, "it was all so confusing . . . " Alex stepped forward and grabbed her shoulders, pleading with her through his eyes; she remained silent, shaking a bit beneath his hands. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't want it to turn out like this---"
"Then why did it?" Alex demanded, "you told me I was the only man you would ever love! 'Till death do we part' . . . you were ready to say that!"
"I know!" Jen cried, "but things changed. You died! I knew Wes for months before you came back into my life!"
"You loved me for years," Alex stated.
"No," Jen said, "I didn't love you . . . I loved who you used to be. I don't know why you changed so much, Alex, maybe it was Ransik . . . maybe it was the months of separation . . . but you are not like you were before!"
"How could I be?" Alex said, "damn it, I was killed, Jennifer! I shouldn't even be here right now, but I am! I woke up in some unfamiliar place to find my fiancee had died a thousand years ago because of me! I fought Time Force just to send you the equipment you needed---believe me, they weren't too thrilled when they learned of the Time Shadow!" He let his arms drop, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I have changed, and so have you. I-I just don't understand how you could do this."
"'Do this'?" Jen sputtered, "Alex, you can't choose who you fall in love with!" She turned to go, seemingly having given up the notion of taking a shower.
"Jennifer . . . just, wait." Alex held out his hand, reaching for her; his frustration boiled over and his hand clenched into a fist. "None of this would've happened if you had just given us a chance!"
"A 'chance'?" Jen echoed.
"Yes!" Alex said, "let us at least try to work things out!"
Jen's eyes flashed with anger as she whirled around to face Alex. "What was I supposed to do?" she yelled, "wait for you to straighten yourself up and be the man I fell in love with!?"
Alex dropped his hand and stood silently for a few moments, collecting his thoughts and trying without success to calm himself down before replying: "I apologized for that, Jennifer . . . I'm sorry, okay? I made a mistake!"
"You treated me like dirt!"
"You weren't exactly a saint!" Alex snapped, "I saw you with him! You were kissing him . . . before you said anything to me!"
"That's what you deserve," Jen said, "for treating me the way you did."
Without thinking, Alex's hand lashed out and struck her across the cheek, instantly leaving a red mark and snapping her head to the side. "I was always there for you!" he shouted, "I never realized your memory was so short-term!"
But then she turned to him, her hand holding her burning cheek and tears in her wide, brown eyes; he had never hit her before, in fact, he had swore long ago never to hurt her. The expression on her face, combined with the pain he already felt, overwhelmed him---
"Jennifer," he whispered, "I-I . . . I'm so sorry---"
"Leave me alone," Jen said, "damn you. . . you're not Alex at all."
She turned and walked away briskly before any words were exchanged, Alex leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, raising his hands and covering his face with them. Tears seeped out from his closed eyelids and slid down his cheeks, sobs beginning to shake his broad shoulders; he had ruined any chance of getting Jennifer back, and he knew it. She would never forgive him . . . and for good reason, he had promised her he would never lay a hand on her, and he had shattered that promise in one instant.
Nothing would ever be the same . . .
TO BE CONTINUED