CTD chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of the Power Rangers. They are owned by ABC and Saban. But the two o.g. characters are MINE!!

A.A.N.: I'm not sure of the locale of Mariner Bay so I made one up. Deal with it!!!

Chapter 1 New Beginning.

"C'mon Jeri. The cars already loaded. It's just waiting for its driver!"
"Yes, Daddy."

"I want you to call as soon as you get settled." He said with a worried look.

"Daddy, I'll be fine. It's only an eight hour drive.

"I know." He said, putting a sturdy hand on my shoulder.

"Dad..."

"I know. I love you, Jerine. I only want what's best for you. I'm just scared. You're my baby."

"I love you, Daddy...Now knock it off. I'll be fine."

I walked over to the '68 Mustang. He and I had spent all summer rebuilding and restoring it. It was dark blue. Dad said no to purple even if it was my signature color. It became my graduation present from Dad. I was proud of the car.

I got in on the drivers side. I looked up at Jerome. He smiled and waved and I was off. I looked in the rearview mirror. Dad was standing in the driveway wearing a blue and white Hawaiian shirt and khaki Dockers. Then I glanced up at myself. I detected a hint of wetness in my clear blue eyes and then cursed myself out. My chestnut hair was pulled back into a ponytail and the curls were everywhere.

Washington State was my next destination.

I pulled up in front of a massive building. It seemed to stretch out for miles. That was until I realized that it was connected to Mariner General, one of the best hospital facilities in the country.

Mariner Bay was definitely larger that I had expected but then again, I was ready for a challenge.

"C'mon Jer. It's not like Zedd and Rita are watching and waiting in the main doors." I mumbled to myself. I parked and headed for the main entrance.

There were college students everywhere. Most of them looked like they were upperclassmen. I walked past quite a few groups of them and headed into the building.

Four large tables stood against the wall. Each armed with upper classmen. I assumed it was to check all the new students in. I walked to the table with the sign posted S-Z.

A pretty brunette with bright blue eyes sat there. She seemed friendly enough.

"Hi. Name please."

"Jerine Chasen Stone."

She found my name and highlighted it. I noticed none of the other names were highlighted. Maybe she was just highlighting in coming freshmen.

"Hi. I'm Kelsey Winslow." She offered.

"Hello."

"You're moving into Beacon Hall, right?"

"Uh yeah. I think that's what the letter said."

"Great. I'm in room 309. If you ever want to hang out or just talk, just come and see me."

"Okay. Cool. Maybe later?" I asked.

"Sure and you can meet my roommate."
"That'd be great."
"Great. See ya later!"
"Bye Kelsey.

I grabbed my packet and headed for the door. Not really paying attention to where I was going. Of course, me being klutzy and all, I slammed right into someone, sending my packet and contents flying everywhere.

"I'm so sorry." I said. I could feel my cheeks turn bright red. When I looked up to see who my victim was, I blushed even more. "I am soooo sorry. I really am."

"Don't mention it. Are you alright?" he asked. His voice was deep, sexy.

"Urm...yeah."

I looked up at him. He had to be 6' 2". He had shaggy brown hair and the bluest eyes I had ever seen. He was also the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on.

"I suppose I should go." He said, almost hesitantly.

"Uh...yeah. Me too. Again, I'm sorry for crashing into you." I apologized again.

"Hey. No problem." He said with a warm smile. I melted on the spot.

I smiled back, regained my composure and then head out the door.

I half said to myself, "I hope they all look like that." Glancing back at the young man.

"They all look like what?" a voice said behind me. It sounded vaguely familiar.