Enemy Within: Traditions
A gentle goodbye
Note: I do not own Power Rangers Jungle Fury or its characters. I'm just playing with them.
Prompt: First Kiss (bigthingsinlife prompts)
Genre: General/Drama/Romance
Rating: T (Minor language)
The winter snow had gathered in inches outside of our home, the whole area was blanketed in white. Its beautiful, crisp and clean, all footprints have been erased as the snow stacks up. It's so beautiful to see, nature and its purity. My docile mood is about to change and not for the better.
"Since the Holidays are fastly approaching, the Elders have decided that the Students should spend this time with their families." Master Mao announces as he arrives in our dorm. We all froze; we were all in the living room. Kiran was smashed in between RJ and Dom on the couch and I was at the window. I go numb. I'm being taken away from not only the place I want to call home, but from the girl I love. I don't want to leave her. Her eyes have already taken on a dark light. She's unsure what to do, everyone sees it. If I hadn't been at the window I would have wanted to try to comfort her. Instead RJ does, he places his hand on her shoulder, rubbing the back of her neck with his thumb. This time, jealousy does strike, I'm losing her and yet he's the one touching her to bring her comfort. It should be me. Yet again I think that would completely reveal that I'm head over heels for the girl and settle for growling out at Master Mao. The Lion rises and enjoys that I'm losing control; it's easier for him to control me that way. We both know this.
"What? Why for the Holidays? I mean, we miss our birthdays…" I say, I do not want to go. I can't. I'll be alone again. I'm finally used to having people around and being around people. Even RJ and I have been getting along…well were…until he touched her. But I remind myself that he doesn't like her and he can't have her. He's not shown a hint of interest in even liking her romantically. I have to force myself to relax as much as I can.
"Several students here had very strong religious ties and the Elders believe it is better that everyone goes home for a few weeks for time with their family." Master Mao says. I want to ask him to stay. I don't want to be home, its not home. Here at the Academy has truly been my home.
"But-"
"Enough Jarrod. It's time to go pack." Master Mao says sternly and I bow to him before going off down the hall. RJ and Dom are behind me, Dom is happy. Yet again Dom comes from a happy home. RJ is scowling; he doesn't want to go either. In silence we head to our rooms to pack. We have what little clothes we wear out of the uniform and some belongings we've gathered through the years. I take Kiran's ribbon from my pillow and tuck it in my bag. One small bag holds the belongings I have. I want to stay. I don't want to go. Dread builds within me as I close my door and head downstairs. I peer out the window to see a large group gathered by the main gates. Dom heads out first, giving me a smile and a nod.
"Bye Jarrod, see you soon. Try to enjoy your holiday." He tells me and bounds out through the snow.
"Easy for him to say," RJ grumbles as he joins me. "But tis the season and all that. See ya." He goes through the snow in Dom's hurried tracks. Kiran comes down at last; I didn't want to leave her here alone.
Goodbye. One word I do not want to say, at least to Kiran. I don't want to leave her; she's been the one bright spot in my life. I know it's for two weeks but I don't want to be without her. A knot builds in my throat as I look down at her petite form in the dim light. She looks at me, and then her focus shifts above me. She's actually tilting her head and my brows knit together.
"What is it?" I ask, she smirks up at me.
"Mistletoe." She says so softly then to my surprise she beings to stand on her tiptoes. Then her lips meet mine for my first kiss. It's so warm and gentle; soft like her skin. As soon as it happened, it ends. I hide my disappointment as she takes my hand. "Time to go."
"Be safe." I tell her as we trudge through the snow to the others.
"You too. Try not to be too grumpy, its only two weeks then we're back here again." She says. Two weeks is too long. I want to stay. I feel her hand begin to shake as she lets mine go. I know she wants to stay too. She has taken up clutching to my arm. The fear that rolls off of her twists knots in my stomach.
"Good bye Kiran." The dreaded words leave my lips that still tingle from hers.
"Bye Jarrod." She says, just as soft, as one by one, we all depart. Before she goes, she takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. I thought she was going to let go immediately but instead she clutches to it.
"Come on Kiran," Swoop calls again, slowly her hand slides from mine and I am alone, once more in the cold darkness.