Chapter Seventeen

A few days passed since Tommy Oliver had lost his Green Ranger power. He spent his going to school and practicing his martial arts. His life was pretty much like it was before he became a Power Ranger. He even went back to being the loner he was before he came to Angel Grove. He no longer hung out at the Youth Center with the five original Rangers, instead he was successfully avoided them.

Not being around his friends helped him move pass not being a Ranger anymore. He couldn't stand to be around them when any moment Rita could send down a monster and he wouldn't be able to do thing to help while his friends ran off to risk their lives. So, he stayed away. Instead of going to the Youth Center, he either went to another gym, home, or to the park.

Today, the former Green Ranger found in Angel Grove Park. He was on a large rounded rock at the shore of the lake. His body flowing as he practiced a kata. His mind was completely focused on his movements until he caught a flash of pink. He knew it had to be the Pink Ranger.

"They said back at the gym I'd find you here," she said.

Tommy casual stepped off the rock and walked towards her.

"Yeah, I like practicing outside sometimes," he explained. "Smell the fresh air."

There was a pause between the two, neither of them not knowing what to say. The last time they saw each other outside of school was when Alpha teleported Tommy out of the Command Center to his home, when he lost his Ranger power. The boy stayed kept his distance in school and the girl never approached. Kimberly thought he just needed his space and she was willing to give him that space, even though she wasn't happy about it. But after a few days of being avoided the Pink Ranger felt it was time to bridge the gap that had grown between them. That's why she had searched for him in hopes to talk to him.

"How are you doing," Kimberly asked.

"I'm hanging," Tommy answered. "I've been working on my karate, focusing on my school work. I'm trying to keep busy, you know."

Kimberly nodded. She looked as nervous as Tommy felt. He wondered if he looked just as uncomfortable.

"We miss you," the girl said.

"Yeah, well you guys were a team long before I showed up," Tommy told her. "It will all be back to normal before long."

Kimberly shook her head slightly. He misunderstood. She wanted to reveal her feeling for him. She realized, the other day, she had to make the first move if she wanted him to ask her to the school dance the upcoming Saturday.

"I miss you," she said hoping he would understand she liked him.

A light switched on in Tommy's head. The girl he likes, likes him back. He felt like he should do or say something and was relieved to find his body reacting without his mind's consent. He took Kim's small hand into his larger one and stared into her brown eyes before he leaned into place a sweet, soft kiss upon her lips.

Pulling away Tommy smiles and sighs in relieve. He still held her hand.

"I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he admitted.

"Me too," Kimberly revealed as she grinned up at him.

Tommy couldn't help but to grin continuously down at her. He was glad she shared his feelings and wasn't going to push him away.

"Now that that's over with, I guess my next question is a piece of cake," he said certain of what her answer would be to his question.

"What's that," Kimberly asked.

"Kimberly, will you be my date for the dance Saturday night," he asked still holding her hand.

Tommy watched as Kim released his hand and turned away from him. He wondered if his certainty had come too soon. Maybe, she didn't want to go to the dance or maybe she already had a date. He prayed the latter was not true. He hoped he wasn't too late.

"Well," Tommy asked anxiously. "Kimberly?"

The Pink Ranger turned back around, a smile upon her lovely face. She playfully punched his arm.

"I didn't want to make it too easy for you. Of, course I'll be your date for the dance."

Tommy's smile widened as he held he under her arms, picked her up, and spun her around.

"Yes," he exclaimed and placed the girl back on her feet.

Kimberly and Tommy laughed happily.