Disclaimer: Again, I don't own them, just Antonio and a couple of students.
AU: Just to clarify things a bit. This takes place after the rangers have lost their powers. They don't have any of their powers... yet.
Kim walked into the empty hallway after locking up for the day. Reefside's not so bad. Small but not too small for reasons I'm not quite ready to address but all the while quaint and relaxing. I wonder if I'll run into him… I'm not ready for it. I might end up screaming at him or doing something entirely immature. Kim, forget about him. After all he forgot about you.
Coming outside, the sun rested warmly on her cheeks and the ocean breeze that had traveled some fifteen miles brushed her hair back softly. She smiled. Yeah, this is just perfect.
Nestled warmly inside Hayley's Cyberspace, they applauded Kira as she came from the stage. She gave an exhilarated grin. "I am so ready for this album to come out."
Tommy nodded while Trent spoke up. "Aren't you afraid it'll take too much time out of your schedule? I mean this is senior year."
Kira looked at him somewhat unsurely before shaking her head softly. "No. Not really."
His gaze averted to a red-head behind her and her heart broke. She remembered their talk on just being friends and she raised her hand to her head to shake her hair from its ponytail. Just give it up Kira. He was just too perfect for you.
She took a seat at their table taking a sip from her apple juice. "Hey so how about our new history teacher? What do you guys think of her?"
Connor grinned. "She's the hottest history teacher I've ever had, I'll tell you that's for sure." Ethan slapped Conner's outstretched hand on the sly.
Kira rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I think she's really nice. She said she used to be an archaeologist which I thought was interesting since you, Dr. O, used to be a paleontologist."
His eyes became slightly distant. "I haven't met her yet. I plan to though." His eyes shifted to Hayley's. "Just to lay claim to some of the speculation." He glanced at his watch before downing the rest of his coffee. "That reminds me. I need to get home and type up your quizzes on Population Dynamics."
They groaned while he smiled evilly. Hayley shook her head.
"Dr. O you have no life. I mean you do things to irritate us just because you have nothing else to do," Kira complained.
"Yeah. Dr. O, I hate to say this but you need to get yourself a girlfriend," Ethan commented.
"Hey! Who says I haven't got one?" He said defensively as they all stared at him defiantly.
"Dr. O, please. It's common knowledge especially with the female staff at our school that you're single. And let me emphasize "female staff." I even heard Ms. Kimensky comment on a part of you that I feel entitled not to repeat," Kira said tinged with disgust.
"Ew, that woman is like eighty. Man, that's gross," Ethan griped.
Trent smiled. "Hey, age is nothing but a number."
Connor broke down into laughter.
Tommy chuckled but his eyes spoke volumes in astonishment and objectivity. "Let's change the conversation."
"Please," Hayley added, a little shocked herself.
Kira was the first to jump at the opportunity. "Okay, so there is this new guy at our school," she raised.
"Wow, it seems Reefside is getting a lot of new people," Hayley remarked.
Kira swallowed down some more of her drink, nodding. "Yeah, that's exactly how I feel."
Ethan snorted. "Yeah, right. Kira has been talking nonstop about the guy ever since third period. And let me inform you that she just met the guy in second period."
"Oh, Kira has a crush." Connor nudged her with his elbow before getting slapped on the arm by her.
"I do not! Well, he isn't all that bad looking but- He's a nice guy. Is it a crime for me to notice that?"
Trent didn't comment but Connor laughed, extending his arm that lay bulkily on the table. "No- unless you plan to stalk him."
"Yeah and then there'll be harassment issues to think about after that," Ethan added while Trent made a point of trying to hold in his laughter.
Kira groaned. "You guys might as well be the Three Stooges. You're impossible."
She turned to Tommy and Hayley. "He's new which means he need friends, and all I'm doing is suggesting- ugh, never mind."
"No, Kira I think you're right in thinking that," Tommy responded. "I was new to Angel Grove before I joined the team."
Hayley's smile broadened. "Kira I agree. I think that was sweet of you to think that. We can't help it if these guys are a little immature."
"A little!" Kira said exasperated. "How about a lot!" Kira looked up at the clock. "Oh, I have to go. Tonight's Seafood night. You know the female parental unit." With that she left.
"Oh, I have to get going too if I plan to ace tomorrow's quiz," Trent said, getting up. Connor and Ethan stared at each other before following the others.
Hayley sat down opposite Tommy. "So… Dr. Oliver how are you today?"
He let down his science teacher façade and sighed, raking his hands through his short brunette spikes. "The new history teacher, I think it may be her. And if it is…"
"If it is, then what? Will you explain? I think she more than anything deserves an explanation Tommy and I'm not just saying this because I'm a woman and I'm biased. I'm saying it because it's true."
"Do you think she'd listen to what I have to say after I did what I did?" He asked genuinely. He looked up to see her nod. "I mean at the time it seemed like a pretty good idea because I was protecting her and I didn't want her involved but in the end I was doing the same thing she did by sending the letter. I hurt her, I know I did. I forgave her for her naiveté as a teenager but we're now adults and my actions should have been more considerate to her."
"Why don't you tell her what you're telling me?" Hayley touched his hand gently. "Tommy if she loves you then I'm sure she'll understand."
His eyes were downcast. "Yeah…"