Everything Changed that Day

Part III

With her arms over her head she stretched her aching muscles after a long workout. She needed to relief some pent up frustration and there wasn't a better way than kicking the hell out of the punching bag. Okay maybe there was something better; kicking the hell out of an evil monster would've made her day. But things were unusually quiet lately.

Staring at the brown eyed guy making his way toward her, a small smile appeared on her lips. He was handsome, intelligent, strong and sweet, but…

"Are you intentionally trying to work yourself to death? Or are you training for some yet undisclosed kickboxing championship?"

He's wearing a red shirt, black pants and a huge smile on his face. He's thoughtful too. He gives me a bottle of water and a towel so I could clean the sweat of my forehead. Why can't I feel at least butterflies when he's this close to me and actually interested?

"Thanks Richie, and no I'm not training for a kickboxing match. I was just a little stressed out and needed to burn off some steam."

He sits down on the floor in front of me. He's close, really close. I know I'm nervous because I take a huge gulp of water before I can think of something to say.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Nope, not at all."

"I think I know you a little bit, after all we've been friends for months and we've been dating for a better part of those months. Something is definitely wrong. You are a pacifist, so for you to hit that bag the way you have for the last hour and a half, something big has to be happening."

"I…" His hand came to my lips before I could say something.

"Shh. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Just know that I'm here and that I care about you. You can trust me, Trini." Oh man, he really cares about me and I'm just stringing him along.

"I know I can trust you Richie. But believe me, nothing is wrong. I was just stressed out because of school, community service and stuff."

"I believe you."

"Good." He touched the tip of my nose with his index finger and I laughed.

"Do you want to go to the movies with me tomorrow night?" It's the least I could do. Besides it might help my melancholic mood to sit in a theater and laugh for two hours.

"Why Ms. Kwan are you asking me out on a date?"

"I guess I am."

"Well I guess that's an offer I can't refuse."

"Good. But let's make it a comedy. I'm up for a good laugh."

"Deal."

Jason and Kimberly walked into the Juice Bar and were greeted by the image of the happy couple sitting in the middle of the mats close together. They stopped at the top of the stairs and stared at them.

Kimberly was wearing a huge smile on her lips and her eyes were twinkling with joy, finally her best friend seemed to be truly happy. She knew that Trini had been going through a difficult time for the last few months, heck even years. There were times when she felt guilty for flaunting her relationship with Tommy to everyone. It was obvious that what her friend had been lacking was a good teenage romance and she had finally found it.

Jason, on the other hand, wasn't smiling. His eyes were staring unblinkingly ahead and his heart was breaking at the sight. Though his face didn't display his real emotions his inside was twirling in turmoil. He watched as Richie placed his fingers over her sweet lips. The lips he'd kiss twice and was dying to kiss again. She was smiling at another and he was yearning for that smile to be only for him. But he had screwed up his only chance and now Trini had found someone else.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Kimberly said in a giggle, clasping her hands over her mouth when Richie closed the distance between him and Trini and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

Kimberly didn't see Jason's face turn into a frown and his eyes closed in pain. With a sigh Jason turned to look at the petite brunette besides him. "What is?"

Without looking up Kimberly slapped her hand over his chest and then pointed at the couple that was now standing up. "Look at them. Aren't they cute? Oh, I knew that they would make a wonderful couple. He's very handsome and thoughtful and Trini, look at her she's glowing."

Jason turned his gaze back to the couple. Richie was standing close to Trini, but he noticed her rigid stance this time. She wasn't comfortable standing so close to him. A spark of hope trickled his heart as he watched her face again. She was smiling, but her smile didn't quite reach her ears. No, Kim was wrong. Trini wasn't glowing. He remembered her after he kissed her, her eyes sparkling and the soft pink hue that cover her pale yellow skin. She had been glowing then.

"Are you two done spying on them yet?" Tommy's voice brought Kim back to reality.

"Hey, you're back!" She kissed him sweetly on the cheek and his arms went around her waist.

"How are things around here?"

"Quiet on the war front, but around here cupid's been playing games." She turned to watch her friend again. She leaned on Tommy's chest and he hugged her to him leaning his chin over her head.

Tommy smiled at the sight of the lovebirds still talking and playing around, but when he caught Jason's expression his smile turned into a frown.

"What's with you?"

There was no answer.

"Hey, bro…"

Still no answer. His frown deepened as he looked back at Trini and Richie. The waiter whispered something in the young Asian's ear and she looked up. A blush took over her face as she smiled, but Tommy noticed her smile falter when her gaze met Jason's. Something was not adding up.

As the couple walked over to where the three of them were standing Jason's jaw clenched. His arms where crossed over his red shirt and his eyes never left Trini's face.

"Take a picture it'll last longer."

"What did you say?" The words came out of Jason's mouth through clenched teeth.

Trini's shoulder tense as if she was about to morph and face one of Lord Zedd's evil monsters. Kimberly raced a brow at the instant tension and Tommy just blink at the obvious discomfort of everyone involved.

"Hey, chill." Richie raced his hands in mock surrender. "I was just kidding. It's just that you've been staring rather intently at Trini for a while."

"Since when am I not allowed to look at her?"

"I didn't say that, man. What's with you? Having a bad day?"

"I just don't appreciate when people tell me what to do."

Richie's playful mood was slowly vanishing. "I wasn't telling you what to do, I was telling you what not to do and that is to stare at my girlfriend."

"Oh so now you make decision's for her. Who appointed you the boss of her?"

"I'm not the boss of her I just don't like other men ogling over her."

"I…"

"Stop it! Both of you…" Trini's voice broke the heated argument that was ensuing. "I'm the boss of me. First I'm not your girlfriend, you haven't asked and I certainly haven't agreed. Second you have no business staring at me or defending me to anyone. Not you out of all people."

Tension was thick around them. No one dared to speak after Trini's outburst. No one dared to look at each other, so they just stood there in complete silence. Tommy tightened his hold on Kimberly's waist urging her to say something. But for the first time in her life she was speechless.

A moment later Zack barged in with one of his thousand dollar smiles and broke the silence.

"Hey guys, I have an awesome idea. What are you guys doing tonight?"

It was a bad idea. From the moment they agreed to have a group date to the movies, she knew it was a bad idea. After the little pissing contest that Richie and Jason pulled at the Juice Bar, she should've made up an appointment or family dinner or maybe an instant headache…but no. She had to go and agree. Why did life have to be so complicated?

Heaving a long sigh, Trini stood in front of the mirror. She was wearing a beautiful white sundress printed in small and delicate yellow daisies. A little yellow bow was tight just under her breasts and she was wearing her pearl necklace and matching earrings. She placed her hair back with two yellow barrettes and ran her hands over her bangs, and sighed again. She was ready to face the roughest night of her life.

The ring of the phone brought her out of her reverie. She finished applying the lip gloss, when her mother's voice called for her.

"Trini, it's for you."

"I got it Mom, thanks." She reached for the phone and sat down on the edge of her bed.

"Hello."

"Hey Trini, it's me."

"Billy. What is it?"

"I'm not going to be able to join you and the others for the movie tonight."

"Why not? Is something wrong?"

"I'm OK, don't worry. I just have a lot of work to do and it's going to be almost impossible for me to make it on time. I was just calling to let you know, and to tell you that the World Conference is set to start in three days. Are you sure you want to file the papers?"

Trini's eyes traveled to the picture laying on her night table. Twisting the telephone cord on her finger she nodded her head. "Yes, I think I need to do this."

"You know what that means right? If you result as one of the chosen ones you'll be leaving for the Peace Conference immediately."

"I know."

"No more Angel Grove. No more friends or family. No more Pow…"

"I get it Billy. I know what this means."

"And you are positive you want to do it?"

"I guess I am."

"OK then, I'll bring you the papers tomorrow afternoon."

"Thank you Billy. You are a wonderful friend."

"Yeah well, I'm not so sure about that. I don't think Jason and Kim are going to think so either if you end up moving half way around the world."

"Don't worry about them. We'll deal with this when time comes."

"Easy for you to say…"

No it's not. You have no idea how hard making this decision has been. Biting her bottom lip Trini simply sighed.

"I know, I know…look try and enjoy tonight OK. And tell the others that I'll make it up to them some other time."

"I'll give them your message, but the other part I'm not so sure about."

"What do you mean?"

"The part about enjoying tonight it's going to be a little hard considering the circumstances."

Signing his name in the dotted line made it final. Now he just had to wait and see what faith had in store for him. Rubbing his hands over his face he stood up and dropped the pen on his desk. He made his way to his closet and grabbed his red jacket. Looking at his watch, he noticed it was about time for tonight's torture event.

Taking a quick look in the mirror before exiting his room, he adjusted the collar of his black and red button-down shirt. Putting his jacket on, he walked out. It was time to face the music.

He walked down the street at a slow but steady pace.

If I walk at a leisure pace I might actually be late for the movie. That way I won't have to endure two hours of them holding hands as she snuggles closer to him and he wraps his arm around her. I couldn't stand to see them cuddle up because of the cold and share a Grande Popcorn Combo. Him with his polished smile and slick hair… What does she see in him anyway?

"Arrrgh!" Letting out a frustrated scream, Jason grabbed a handful of leafs from a bush as he walked down the street.

"Hey, hey! Careful with the greens. They haven't done anything to you have they?"

Turning around Jason was face to face with his best friend. Tommy smiled sympathetically at him and patted his arm in comfort. "Easy there tiger, wouldn't want Lord Zedd to catch you in such sour mood."

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be picking up Kimberly?"

"She and Angela are already at Angel Grove's Cinema. Zack asked Kim to go pick up Angela alone, so her parents wouldn't flip out."

"They still don't know about them?"

"You crazy? Not even Zordon would be able to save Zack's butt from the wrath of Mr. Gladstone."

"That bad huh?"

"Worst. But let's not start on that, it's a long story. What about you? What has you in such a cheerful mood?"

"It's nothing."

"Well nothing sure sucks. I mean you've been particularly moody these past few days."

"I'm OK."

"No your not, but if you don't want to talk about it I won't push the subject. Just know that I'm here for whenever you're ready to talk."

"Thanks man."

"No problem. Now let's put a move on it or we'll be late. Wouldn't want to miss the show would we?"

Why is it that things never actually go as planned? Richie's mother got sick and he was stuck babysitting his little sister, so he couldn't make it to the movies. She was about to stay home when Zack called that he was on his way. She never could deny him anything, so here she was walking silently by his side.

"You are awfully quiet this evening."

"Not much to talk about."

"You and Richie seem to be getting closer. Does he make you happy?"

"Where did that came from? Richie is a nice guy. He's smart, funny, good looking…"

"But?"

"There's no but."

"It sounded like there was a 'but' around there somewhere."

"There's no but. We are OK. I'm okay."

"That's good, 'cause if he ain't making you happy you just call me and I'll break his legs."

Trini smiled playfully. "No you won't. He's your friend."

"Yeah well, you are my gal pal. You are my yellow mellow; you are my Asian Beauty Kickboxing Princess." Placing his arm around Trini's shoulders his playful grin dissipated into a dead serious one. "No really Trini, you are one of my best friends and you know you can count on me for anything."

"I know it Zack. You are one of my best friends too and I love you. Always remember that."

Her eyes were shinny with unshed tears and seeing her face turn somber, Zack gave her a quick peck on her cheek. "I love you too, but don't tell Jason or Billy I told you or they'll be jealous. I've never told them those precious words."

Trini's laugh made them all look at them. Kimberly, Tommy, Angela and Jason had been waiting for a few minutes in front of the Angel Grove's Cinema for their friends. They were talking among themselves when they heard them approaching. Zack and Trini were talking as they made their way down the sidewalk and all of the sudden she burst into laughter.

"About time you showed up Zachary Taylor."

Angela took a couple of steps toward him and crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't happy.

"Angela, listen this isn't what it looks like. Trini and I…"

"…are just friends. I know, silly."

"You seemed mad."

"Oh, I am. But it has nothing to do with Trini. You are late and we missed the movie."

"We'll let's see what else is on. Come on honey." Grabbing her hand he drove her away from the group.

Trini was still standing at the sidewalk, trying to look everywhere but at the piercing brown eyes that where burring into her. Jason knew he should look away, but it was humanly impossible. She looked stunning.

Why is he staring at me? Do I have something on my face? Is my makeup okay? God don't let my hair be all messy. She ran her hand over her hair, trying to comb through it.

Tommy watched the exchange in bewilderment. He was seeing it with his own eyes, but still couldn't believe it. Kimberly frowned when she noticed that her boyfriend was paying attention to her elaborate review of the latest Kevin Costner movie.

"Hello, earth to Tommy. Is someone there?"

"Yes." He immediately shook his head and looked at his adorable girlfriend.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering, why is Trini standing all the way over there?"

"She is, isn't she? Hey girl, are you going to stand there all night or are you coming to talk to us? By the way, where is that boyfriend of yours? And Billy, where is Billy?"

Why did everybody assumed she and Richie where boyfriend and girlfriend? Everybody including him, she'll have to have a long talk with him soon. Managing to plaster a huge smile on her lips she walked over to where her friends were standing.

"Sorry, I was just…" Her gaze drifted to Jason, but she looked back at Kim rapidly. "…distracted. Richie's mother got sick, so he had to baby sit tonight. And Billy called me earlier and asked to be excused. He's in a really tight schedule because of the World Conference."

"Oh that's right. Tommy and I are going to help him with some of the preparations."

"I think we all should pitch in to help." Jason spoke for he first time.

"That's right man. It's going to be really cool to have those teens from all over the world staying here at Angel Grove."

"Hey guys, we got tickets for the next movie."

"What is it?" Tommy asked worried.

"That great romantic movie that just opened. You guys are going to love it." Angela smiled as the three boys just stared at her.

"Oh come on you guys is not gonna be that bad." Kimberly dragged Tommy by the hand while Angela pushed Zack's back to make him move.

Trini fidgeted in her place while Jason tried to look relax. Both of them watched their friends disappear inside the movie theater.

"So…"

"So…"

"You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry that Richie couldn't actually enjoy your company tonight. I guess you must be pretty disappointed."

"Well…"

"Sorry, I can't lie to you… I'm not sorry he's not coming. Actually I'm glad he's not."

"Jason, please don't…"

He stepped closer and ran the back of his hand over her cheeks.

"Don't what? Don't think about you everyday? Don't feel like my heart is breaking every time I see you with him? Don't get the urge to kiss you or hold you?"

"Jason…" Why is he doing this to me? He's so close that we could…

"Hey guys!" Kimberly walked out of the theater just in time to catch her friends in a very compromising position. She stopped dead on her tracks.

"There." Jason said as he turned around to face Kimberly.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"No. No you're not interrupting anything. Nothing's going on…" Trini's voice was shaky.

"Okay."

"Trini had something on her eye. I was just …"

"I get it. It's cool. I was just looking for you guys the movie is about to start."

"Let's go then." Trini started walking and Jason and Kimberly followed.

It was almost three in the morning and Kimberly and Trini where still talking. After the movie they went out for some ice cream and Kimberly asked her friend to spend the night.

"Want to talk about Jason and Richie's pissing contest this afternoon?"

"No."

"Let's talk about you and Richie then. Has he given you your first kiss yet?"

Trini was taken back to that day at the park and she felt her heart constrict. Kimberly was looking at her from her place in bed and laughed.

"Ha! He has hasn't he? Look at you all dreamy eyed. Come on I want to know everything."

"It's late Kimberly we have to go to sleep now."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Was it good?"

"Kim!"

"Answer me."

"Yes."

"Was it sweet?

"Even more romantic than what I ever imagine."

"Where was it?"

"On the lips, of course."

"No. I mean where, as in a place."

"Near the lake in the park."

"Romantic."

"Perfect."

"When was it?"

"Two years ago."

"What?" Kimberly sprung from her bed and sat up. Trini closed her eyes shut and pulled her sheet over her head. "Trinity Kwan, you have some explaining to do."

Two weeks later…

The phone call came early in the afternoon. He wasn't expecting the outcome to be so definite when he sent his application but in the end it was the only way he could forget about his feeling for her.

"Your application for the World Peace Conference has been approved. You are one of the three delegates chosen from Angel Grove."

"Wow! Thank you very much, I'm honored."

"We look forward to working with you, Mr. Scott. You seem like a remarkable young man."

They were sitting on her room talking when the phone call came. She dropped everything and was shocked to learn the news. Her life was about to change forever.

"So? What was all that?"

"I just learned that I was chosen as one of the three delegates from Angel Grove to participate in the Peace Conference. I'm leaving in three days."

"Wait, what?"

Kimberly stared at her best friend as she learned about the news. She couldn't help but think how sometimes things came out of nowhere and changed their lives forever.

After the next three days nothing was going to be the same ever again.