Ethan stood outside of school the next day, about to go to lunch. He saw Naomi walking up with a camera around her neck, carrying her book bag and a camera bag. Ethan laughed a bit.
"Nice fashion accessories you got there." He said. Naomi smiled and struck a pose for him.
"You like?" She asked, giggling a bit.
"Very nice. But seriously, what is all that?" He asked.
"Well, the parentals oh so subtly 'suggested' I should do an extra curricular, so I chose school newspaper. You are looking at the newest photojournalist for the Reefside Observer."
"Wow." Ethan said. "I didn't know you were into that kind of stuff." He said.
"Well, I love all kinds of writing, and my mom's a free lance photographer. She taught me how to do it when I was a kid." She walked up to him and the two went to a table. "And I already have my first story idea." She said.
"What's that?" He asked as they sat.
"I'm going to interview Kira and write about how Randal was so out of line for what she did." Naomi said. Ethan raised his eyebrows.
"You're going against Randal? Wow." He said, giving a surprised whistle. Naomi nodded.
"I figured I might as well do something that's gonna have a massive impact, and might create some chatter and it might possibly bring Kira back to school." She replied. Ethan nodded.
"But don't you think that it could get you kicked outta school?" he asked. Naomi shrugged.
"If it happens, it happens, no skin off my back." She said as she placed her camera bag on the table.
()
Conner pulled up to school in his car and shut the engine off. It was going to be a long day. Even longer for Kira. Poor girl was stuck at home, nothing to do. Her parents were out of town for the week, so she was all alone. He'd stopped by before going to school, and he'd woken her up.
"If looks could kill." He muttered climbing out of the car and grabbing his bag. He knew he'd most likely be getting a page to the main office today to see Randall to get suspended. 'But at least that means more time with Kira.' His mind began to wander. He was so caught up in his own world that he didn't see Trent in front of him, and Conner walked straight into Trent, plowing them both forward. Trent hit the ground first and Conner landed on top of him. Trent shoved Conner off him.
"What the hell is your problem man?!" He shouted at the red ranger. Conner backed up.
"Sorry man, geez, it was an accident!" Conner replied. Trent's eyes were ablaze.
"I'll show you an accident!" He shouted, going to punch Connor, but a hand on his wrist stopped him.
"What's going on here?" Dr. Oliver asked, pulling Trent back. Trent shook the teacher off and glared at Connor.
"Nothing, Dr. O. Trent was just showing me his new mime routine, fighting against the wind." Connor said. Trent growled lowly and walked off. Dr. Oliver looked at Connor.
"OK, what was really going on?" He asked. Connor sighed and picked up his fallen backpack.
"We bumped into each other and then Trent got pissed. I think the whole me dating Kira thing doesn't exactly sit well with him." He said as the two began to walk out of the parking lot together.
"How is she anyway?" Dr. Oliver asked. Connor made an indefinite hand gesture.
"How do you think anyone in this situation would be?" He asked. "She's sad, angry, confused, you name it." He looked at him. "Did you talk to Randal?" He asked. It was now Tommy's turn to sigh.
"More like we had a shouting match. But, I did put the fear of the school board in her, even if she acted like it didn't faze her, I could see I struck a nerve." Conner smiled.
"Good to know. I think Kira might be happy if she can come back to school." Conner told his mentor, who nodded.
"I don't blame her...It's gotta be very boring sitting at home." Dr. Oliver said. Connor laughed a bit.
"I personally would spend the time catching up on some sleep and be happy about it." He said. Dr. Oliver rolled his eyes.
"You would." He said. They passed by where Ethan and Naomi were sitting.
"Guys!" Ethan called out. They walked over. Connor sat down.
"Hey." He said.
"Hey, how's Kira?" Naomi asked.
"Waiting for this to be over." Connor sighed. Naomi smiled.
"Well, it might be over sooner then she thinks." She said. At this, both newly arrived males stared at her.
"Did you hear some news?" Dr. Oliver asked.
"No, more like she's going to make some news." Ethan said.
"Huh?" Connor asked. Naomi laughed and told them what she had just told Ethan a few minutes before. She looked at Connor.
"Of course, I'd only do it with Kira's OK. I don't want to exploit her situation or anything." She said. Connor shrugged.
"I really don't know what she'll say. I mean, I guess it can't hurt to ask." He said. "How about today after school, at Cyberspace? After a day at home, she's gonna need to see some friends and everything, and you can ask her then." He said. Naomi smiled and nodded. Dr. Oliver made an unsure face.
"As admirable it is that you're so willing to help a friend, aren't you afraid you'll get expelled, or make things worse?" He asked. Naomi looked at him.
"Wow, man, pep talks, not your strong suit." She joked. Dr. Oliver sighed.
"It's just that I don't want to see this happening to any other students. But, if you feel this is what you have to do, all I can do is wish you luck." He said.
"Thank you, Dr. Oliver." Naomi said politely.
Dr.O smiled.
"Not a problem Naomi." He replied.
Randall sat in her office. She could clearly see Ethan, Naomi, Conner and Dr. Oliver talking, possibly plotting. She turned around in her chair and rocked back and forth.
"I must do something....Perhaps by destroying a ranger...or two..." She thought. She smiled, remembering that their newest ally would have no problem with taking out the leader. She laughed to herself as she thought of the possibilities.
()()()()()))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))) ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Kimberly walked to the front desk of the hospital.
"Good afternoon Dr. Hart." Greeted the triage nurse, Zoë.
"Hey Zoë." She responded with a smile. "Any news?" She asked. Zoë looked at her sympathetically. "Dr. Lewis says we might have to move him to the neurological facility in Reefside general." She said. Kimberly felt a pang in her heart. Reefside...That's where Tommy was.
"I see." She said. "No change then?" She asked. Zoë shook her head.
"I'm sorry. But Dr. Lewis says that he seems to be responding well to the visits." She suggested. Kimberly smiled.
"You and I both know he said no such thing. But thanks." She said. "I'll go pay him a visit right now." She said as she took off to a hospital room in the coma ward.
She walked in to see him lying there with machines and tubes attached to him. She slowly walked over and sat on the chair beside his bed, taking her hand in hers. Even though it's been a year since the accident, seeing him like this brought tears to her eyes.
"Hey, Jase." She whispered.
()))))))))))()()((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))) )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
"Do you think it'll work?" Kira asked.
"It couldn't hurt." Ethan answered. "I mean the school needs to know that Randal's totally power tripping." He said.
"Yeah. And besides, all school publications do circulate to the PTA and the school board, so everyone will know." Naomi said.
"I guess, but I just don't want you getting in trouble because of me." Kira said. Connor put an arm around her. Naomi sighed.
"Will you guys quit worrying about me?" She said. "Look, if Randal tries to come after me because of this, she'll have even more trouble. I mean, trying to expel a student for excursing their freedom of speech? Besides, what kind of reporter would I be if I didn't take some risks?" Kira nodded slightly.
"Well, if you're sure...." She trailed off. Naomi nodded.
"I'm positive." She replied. Kira nodded.
"Alright then." She replied. Naomi's face broke out into a big grin.
"Great." She said. She pulled up her camera. "Is it all right if I take some pictures of you for the story?" She asked. Kira nodded. "Great. Let's go outside though, like the park, the light's much better there." She said as she stood up. Kira followed. Connor looked at her.
"You want us to come along?" He asked. Kira shook her head.
"No, it's OK." She said. "We'll be back in a little while." She said as she leaned down and kissed him lightly. She then left with Naomi.