Disclaimer: The power rangers are not mine. They belong to some huge company out in Hollywood.
Authors Note: This is an interlude people meaning that these are the events that lead to part one. This is a background story for Luke Oliver really. Enjoy and the song I used in this is "Goodbye To You" by Michelle Branch.
Special Thanks:A HUGE thanks goes out to Scarlet Diva for writing the last scene in this story! Thank you soooo very much! Also a thanks goes out to my beta Kalinara.
Interlude: Rain
September, 1975
Luke Oliver sighed as he looked himself over in the full-length mirror in the small back room of the chapel. A million different questions were running through his mind as he adjusted his black bow tie and took a calming breath. "Son, are you ready?" Daniel Oliver boomed, as he entered the room.
"Yeah, I guess." Luke said, his voice a little uncertain as he nervously bit his bottom lip.
His dad's eyes seemed to sparkle as he looked at Luke. "You are all grown up son. I can't believe that you are getting married. It seems like only yesterday I was changing your diapers while you asked to go out and play with Melissa. Now you two are getting married. I remember when you came in from your first date. You were glowing and smiling from ear to ear. I knew right then that you two were meant to be together and that you loved Melissa."
Luke smiled slightly as he turned to face his dad, "Dad, you think that Melissa and I will make it? I mean, what if we don't?" Luke asked, the tremor in his voice conveying his fear and anxiety.
"Son, you and Melissa are one of a kind. You two have something that not many people have. You two have loved each other for many years and I think you two will make it. There's no doubt in my mind that you will make it." Daniel said, smiling at his son.
"Yeah, Melissa is a great women and I love her a lot. It's just that with me going into the Marines in a few days and all, I just don't know. I'm going to be away from her for a long time and it's going to put a lot of strain on us." Luke said as he looked down at the red-carpeted floor.
"You will be back in no time, Luke, and you two will get through these next couple of months just fine. Plus, Melissa has her friends to confide in and keep her company while you're away. She'll be fine and your mother will take care of her for you. You know she's already like one of the family, Luke. She's been like one of the family since I went to work for her dad at the oil refinery plant and you two became best friends." Daniel said, getting up and approaching his son.
"Yeah, I know. I don't want her to be lonely, dad. We haven't been apart a day since we met. I mean even when she was cheerleading I was playing football for heaven sakes!" Luke said as he met his dad's eyes.
"She won't be lonely son. She won't be. She'll be fine here just like you will be fine there. As long as you two have love for each other then everything will work out." Daniel said as he smiled at his son and engulfed him in a bear hug that Luke returned whole-heartedly.
"I love you, son." Daniel said, hugging his son.
"I love you too, dad." Luke said as Daniel let him go and smiled.
"Now let's go get you married." Daniel said, putting his arm around Luke's shoulder, walking him out of the room.
~*~*~*~*~
Six months later
Luke smiled as he bounced up the stairs of his house; this was his first weekend leave from the Marines and he was all but busting to see his wife. He walked in the front door of his house to see Melissa standing there with a huge smile on her face. "Melissa!" Luke exclaimed as he rushed to her and picked her up off the ground, spinning her around excitedly.
Melissa giggled as Luke spun her around and set her back down. They began to kiss hungrily after that as Melissa kept her arms around Luke's neck in a powerful grip and Luke quickly kicked off his black shoes. Before they could make it to the bedroom however, Melissa stopped and warmly smiled up at Luke. "I have some news." She said with excitement in her voice.
"What is it?" Luke asked as he kissed her neck passionately.
Melissa giggled as she turned her head to give Luke better access "I'm pregnant." Melissa said, stopping Luke cold in his movements.
Luke stood to look at her with stunned eyes, "What?" He asked, not sure if he had heard her right or not.
"I'm pregnant, Luke." Melissa said as tears of joy began to shine in her blue eyes.
"Oh my god. You mean I'm...I'm going to be a daddy?" Luke asked, as he covered his mouth in shock.
Melissa nodded, as tears began to sparkle in Luke's eyes and he went down on his knees and put his ear to Melissa's stomach. A smile lit his face when he heard the baby's heartbeat and a lonely tear of joy streamed down his cheek for the growing life inside Melissa that he helped create.
June 1976
Dear love,
Your daughter was brought into the world two days ago at Huskily Memorial Hospital. I named her Caroline Rena Oliver after my aunt that was killed in a car accident when I was in high school. She has your hands and your hair. She already loves her daddy a lot I can tell. It must have been all those nights you spent talking to her before she was born. We are both healthy and waiting excitedly for your return. Your parents have been great and very helpful. They were there with me the whole time but all I wished was that you could have been there to witness it for yourself. Everyone has been so kind and loving to Caroline and me. Our house looks like a flower shop! Well your daughter is crying out for me so I must end this now. Write or call soon. I love you.
Yours always,
Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears from behind my eyes
but I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by
November, 1977
Luke sighed as he pulled his black BMW behind his wife's blue one in their driveway. He dragged himself out of the car, flinging his backpack on his shoulder and rubbing his eyes tiredly. He hoped that Melissa was already in bed and she wouldn't start nagging at him. Ever since he had gotten out of the Marines with an honorable discharge, Melissa had been different. She had expected him to stay at home a lot more and Luke had, for a while. All too soon though, the walls had began to move in on him and he had to get out, if only for a short time. He had enrolled in night classes at the local community college to get his degree in Business Art and had taken on a part time job during the day to help pay for his classes, not wanting to rely on Melissa's parents to pay for it.
That's when the fighting had started. Melissa didn't like him being away from home for so long. She complained that she never got to see him and that he was neglecting his daughter. They had spent countless nights fighting about how much he was away from home and why he was even going to school. Maybe things will get better when I am through with school in the spring. Everyone has there rough times and maybe this is ours. Luke thought as he unlocked the front door and tip-toed in not wanting to wake Melissa or Caroline.
"Where have you been?" Melissa's voice, cold and emotionless, came from the living room doorway, as Luke was closing the door behind him.
"I was at school, Melissa. You know I took on some more classes so I can get done in the spring." Luke said calmly as Melissa rolled her eyes.
"I don't even know why you are going to school in the first place. I mean my daddy pays for everything we need and we could live off the money he gives us or is my daddy's money not good enough for you?" Melissa said, as she looked Luke in the eye.
"Melissa, you know that I have nothing against your father or his money. I just want something that I can call my own. I get bored sitting around here all day." Luke said as he put his backpack down beside the door.
"Oh, so now I'm boring!" Melissa exclaimed as her eyes widened.
"Melissa I didn't say that!" Luke exclaimed as he took a step towards her.
"That's what you meant! You don't want a hang around here all day because it's boring, meaning that I and your daughter are boring to you!" Melissa exclaimed getting angrier by the moment.
"Melissa, you are not boring. I don't think that. I just want something to do. I want a life other then you and Caroline. I love you a lot but I need other things beside you." Luke said, trying to remain calm.
"What else do you need? You have me and you have a daughter! We should be all you need! I was all my daddy needed!"
"No, you were not all that your dad needed, Melissa! He owns the biggest company in town! He runs this town, Melissa! He had another life other then you and your mother! That's all I want! Can you think of someone other then yourself for just a minute!" Luke exclaimed, finally losing his cool a little.
"Well if you want it then you can have it, Mr. Oliver! Don't come to bed! You make me sick!" Melissa shouted furiously before stomping up the stairs.
Luke shut his eyes in pain when he heard the bedroom door slam and knew that it would be another night on the couch for him.
September 1978
Luke smiled as he pulled his black BMW in the driveway of his house but his smile faded when he saw Melissa's blue BMW sitting in its normal space. Melissa's and his marriage had all but crumbled when Luke had refused to quit school. Melissa's parents even started to hate him because all he and Melissa seemed to do was fight. It had gotten worse, if that was possible, when Luke had finished school and quit his part time job to take a full time job at less pay. Maybe Melissa will be happy for me for once and not think of herself first. Luke thought as he slowly walked up the front walk of his house. He had just started working at Rainbow Ad's two months ago directly after graduating college and had thought he was invisible to everyone there, that is, until two hours ago. The senior partner Keith Smith had come to his cubicle and asked him what his plans were for the next two weeks. When he had told him that he had nothing special planned Keith has smiled and invited him to go to California with him on business to learn a thing or two about real world ad selling. Luke had been overjoyed and all but jumped at the opportunity, not thinking of Melissa's reaction.
Luke cautiously entered the front door of his house and smiled when he saw Caroline sitting on the floor playing with her dolls. "Daddy!" She squealed when she saw him and she got to her feet and ran to him.
"Hey there, squirt!" Luke exclaimed as he scooped Caroline up in his arms and spun her around causing her to giggle.
Luke carefully set Caroline down on the floor once more before he shut the front door and Melissa came down the stairs. "Where have you been? It's nearly eight o'clock." Melissa demanded, her voice laced with anger.
"I had to work over. I needed to get the layout for the Franklin Shoe ad ready." Luke explained as he walked into the kitchen, Melissa following behind.
"You forgot! I knew you forgot! You have your head so far into this job that you forgot that my parents and your parents were coming over for dinner tonight!" Melissa exclaimed as she crossed her arms.
"Oh shit. I'm sorry, Melissa. I totally forgot about that." Luke said , turning to face Melissa, even as he popped open a coke he'd gotten from the fridge.
"Of course you did! You don't think about anything else other then that stupid job of yours that doesn't pay crap!" Melissa shouted.
"I said I was sorry Melissa, and for your information I might be getting a promotion soon." Luke said before he took a gulp of his coke.
Melissa's eyes lit up. "Promotion? When?" She asked, her voice much calmer then before.
"Soon. All I have to do is go to California for two weeks on Friday with the senior partner of the company and I'm a shoe in." Luke said excitedly and watched as Melissa's eyes turned dark once more.
"Two weeks! You're going to be gone for two weeks! Why not two months or two years!" Melissa yelled as her anger hit a critical mass.
"Melissa, this is a chance for me to move up in the company! Don't you see that if I don't go then I'll never move from the position I am at right now! The senior partner himself asked me to go! Can't you think of me and what I want for once!" Luke demanded as Melissa clucked her tongue.
"Oh, so now I'm a spoiled selfish brat, right!" Melissa scoffed as she uncrossed her arms.
"I never said that! Would you stop putting words into my mouth! Look, I'm not going to fight with you over this! There's nothing to fight over! I'm leaving this Friday!" Luke retorted as Melissa balled her fists up at her sides.
"Fine! Do what you want Luke! You always do but do not come to bed tonight! If you are going to go against my wishes then I do not want to sleep in the same room with you!" Melissa yelled before turning and stomping out of the kitchen angrily.
"Fine! I don't want to sleep with you anyway! The couch is much more comfortable and warm!" Luke called after her before he heard the bedroom door slam.
Three days later Luke sat on a plane beside Keith, heading for California, not knowing th2at this trip would change his life forever.
Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,
Rose Soaring-Falcon ran off the bus, her dark hair swinging behind her, and straight into the arms of her oldest friend. Lily Mason smiled widely and enclosed her in a tight embrace. Rose dropped her duffel bag onto the dusty gravel and sighed happily. "It's been ages since I've seen you..." She pulled back and took in all the details of her friend. Lily had gained some much-needed weight and the tiny laugh lines around her eyes became more pronounced yet none of this subtracted from her fearsome Amazonian beauty. Her dark hair was shorn and wispy and her dark eyes sparkled with joy that was mirrored in Rose's own eyes. They looked a lot alike, with similar sharp features and fit, curvy bodies. Lily grabbed Rose's duffel and dragged her to her Pontiac Sunfire.
Throwing the bag in, she climbed into the driver's seat and waited until Rose was also inside to say, "This is going to be great. My darling husband is looking forward to seeing you again."
Rose stretched up, her fingers brushing the roof of the car. It was great to get out for a while. Raising a three-year-old by herself was no easy task and it was time to cut loose a little.
Luke walked out of the large, gray building and waved goodbye to Keith Anderson, the man he was backing on this business trip. He rubbed his neck, the muscles clenched tight after the long flight from Oklahoma and the long meeting right after. He pulled his calling card out from his breast pocket, thumbing it thoughtfully. He really should call Melissa and see how she's handling Caroline, but it sounded far too nice to have a break from his marital quarrels and his hyperactive three-year-old. He slipped the card back in and smiled. It was really time to cut loose a little.
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
Lily slipped her key into the stubborn lock for the third time, and when it failed to open, banged the mahogany door with her tight fist. Rose grabbed her hand quickly, before she caused herself any damage and snatched the key away. She bit down on her lip and very carefully fit the stubborn piece of metal into its slot. The tiny click was a very welcome sound and the two looked at each other and started to laugh heartily. They burst into the house and raced through the narrow hall to the lavish, dark maroon living room. They dropped onto the armchairs and continued to laugh, gasping for breath. Soon tears slipped out of Lily's tightly shut eyes and Rose laughed all the harder for it. In another moment, her own face was covered in tears.
"So what did I miss, ladies?" Avery, Lily's husband, asked as he placed his hands on his wife's shoulders.
"Oh nothing," Rose choked out, trying to calm down.
"Aha, I see." Avery nodded, looking smug. "You're just plain nuts." Lily nodded back, her eyes shining with open affection for this man.
"So what's the plan?" he looked from one sprawled woman to the other.
"We party!" Rose cried out, shaking her fist in the air.
"We're going to the Din tonight. Ladies get in free," Lily responded, smiling deviously. "And you get to stay home and watch Erin." He pouted, the expression strangely at home on his chiseled face.
~*~*~*~*~
Luke sprawled out on his thin queen-size mattress and reached for the shrieking phone. "Hello."
"Luke, good evening," Keith's voice poured smoothly out of the receiver. "Good evening." At a loss of what to say, Luke settled for a simple greeting.
"I just wanted to know what you're doing tonight. A couple of the guys from Redwing Ads are going to the Din, a club here, and since the boss thought I needed to keep an eye on you..." he spoke, laughing a little, "I wanted to see if you want to come."
"Sure," he replied, excited at the thought of actually getting to go out for the first time in what seemed like ages.
"I'll pick you up at 9:30. Wear something casual."
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes till you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light but it's not right
Rose strolled out of her temporary bedroom and into the nearest bathroom, where Lily was frowning at her reflection.
"What is it, you nitpicker?" Rose inquired, amused affection in her voice as the scene dragged her back to their high school years.
"My eyes look funny," Lily threw out, still frowning. Rose laughed and crossed the room quickly to kiss Lily's cheek. Lily's face smoothed out at that action and she turned to look at her friend. Rose was dressed in a pair of slinky black pants with silver pinstripes and flared bottoms. Her loose-collared shirt fell off one shoulder, setting off her dark-toned skin with its brilliant green shade. The dangling silver jewelry completed the picture. Lily smiled, knowing no man would be able to resist that look combined with the fire that has finally come back into Rose's eyes. It had been gone for over two years, ever since Aaron died in that car crash. She shook her head ruefully and straightened her knee-length red skirt.
~*~*~*~*~
Luke followed the group into the dim, sound-drenched club. His loose white shirt set off his dark hair and his blue pants outlined his well-toned muscles nicely. He caught a couple of women sneaking a peek and it felt good to have some attention. Getting married straight out of high school did not allow for a lot of it.
The bluesy rock sound of the current band penetrated through the room and vibrated the walls. Luke inhaled the beer-saturated air, a sudden sense of freedom sneaking through his blood. A willowy figure caught his eye and with a sudden tightening in his lower regions, he brought his dark gaze straight on the woman.
She moved with an innate grace, her eyes closed and her hips undulating with pure sexual energy. His mouth dried out as she dipped down and her loose green tunic slipped off her shoulder while her glimmering black pants stretched across her straining bottom. He stepped forward, unconsciously, and tried to quickly recall all his dancing practice. He hadn't really danced since his wedding because Melissa was never fond of that activity. He wanted to change that pattern tonight.
Rose felt a stranger's eyes on her and dipped down in a deliberately sexy pose. She pivoted and skimmed her fingertips over her sides and spun around. The music took her in again and she lost all sense of reality until she felt a tap on her left shoulder. She cracked open one eye and turned her face toward the offending presence. The beautiful hazel eyes met her brown ones with a challenge.
"May I have this dance?" his voice flowed soothingly over her overheated senses and she nodded almost eagerly. He fit himself behind her and slipped one arm around her waist. The other hand slid over her arm and grasped her fingers gently. They swayed in tandem to the music and Luke's eyes closed as the pressure of her bottom on his body drew out feelings he had not known he was able to have anymore.
Lily watched from her vantage point at a tiny table near the dance floor. She sipped her Swiss martini slowly and smiled at the sight of Rose having fun. If she wanted to go off somewhere with this gorgeous man and have a bit more fun, Lily was not going to stop her. Rose was owed a whole lot of fun after all the heartbreak in her life.
Rose twirled outward, holding on to Luke's firm hand and then back into his embrace, and her pelvis gave a tiny buck, which sent a jolt through both of their bodies. His hands glided over her body and settled on her hips, drawing her into closer contact.
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
Rose leaned her cheek on Lily's shoulder, watching Luke maneuver through the crowded room.
"He's cute," Lily drawled out, a tiny smirk curving her generous mouth. Rose blushed lightly, a gentle pink softening her strong features. Lily hugged her close, her smile widening.
"I think I may... you know..." Rose whispered hesitantly.
"I know and you should. It's been too long, Rosy my gal, way too long," Lily chuckled her encouragement.
Luke carefully set down Lily's third Swiss martini, Rose's Fuzzy Navel and his own Long Island Iced Tea. His head swam, not from the alcohol, but from the heady yet delicate scent that floated around Rose. She wasn't doing any better, the accidental brush of their hands sending tendrils of arousal through her already sensitive skin.
And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time
I want what's yours and I want what's mine
I want you but I'm not giving in this time
He bent her back gently, the beat of the music thrumming through his tightened muscles. She arched back, teasing him very deliberately, the smile on her face sensuous and mischievous. She straightened and slipped out of his arms, though keeping her grip on his hand. He lifted an eyebrow as she pulled him to the side.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Her words were filled with an inner meaning he could not miss. A brief struggle with his conscience took place and he looked at her curiously.
"I'm married," he spoke gruffly, letting his plain wedding band catch the light and her gaze. She sighed, rolling her shoulders with indecision and looked down, studying her strapped sandals.
"I don't care." An erotic determination filled her eyes as she spoke her next words, "It's just for tonight." His conscience lost the war and he nodded eagerly. Rose waved at Lily, her gesture conveying her decision, and the couple quietly slipped out of the club.
~*~*~*~*~
Luke pulled the key card through the lock and forcefully pushed the door open. He held it open, waiting for his companion to walk through. She did and looked around as he secured the lock so they would not be disturbed. It was a typical hotel room, a bed, a small dresser, a TV and a closet. His suitcase was sprawled in the corner, a white sock trailing out of it. She smiled.
He stalked up to her and took her hands in his. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." That one word sent his mouth questing for hers eagerly. His head bent down and his lips touched hers gently for a moment, before his tongue demanded entrance. She gave it, this man overwhelming her desires, and twined her hands around his neck as his came around her waist. He thoroughly explored the deep cavern of her mouth and she moaned, rubbing the side of her ankle against his calf. He nudged her back and she moved, falling on the bed and taking him down with her.
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
Rose rolled over and jerked awake as she encountered another body.
"Umph...?" Luke uttered sleepily, her elbow in his ribs a painful intrusion. The images of last night flashed by quickly and she shook her head at her odd memory. Her hair tickled his face as she leaned over to kiss his cheek gently.
"This was nice, but I have to get going," She uttered as she stood up and stretched, her bare skin glistening in the morning light. He frowned and nodded, seeing the inevitability of it. She smiled happily and danced out of the bed. A few quick turns and her clothes covered her magnificent body. Luke sighed in disappointment. She blew a kiss at him, laughing unabashedly, as she picked up her purse and disappeared out of the door. He snickered and laid back, sleep claiming him again.
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
Lily sat comfortably on the stool and watched her oldest friend as she almost pranced around the kitchen, preparing lunch. The weight seemed lifted from Rose's shoulders and her eyes were alight with joy.
"Had fun?" Lily's voice cut through Rose's euphoria.
She smiled ruefully and replied, "You were right. I did need that. I can go back to my baby-boy and my job with a better attitude." Her hands moved swiftly, chopping up tomatoes and Lily grinned at the sight, once again reminded of a teenage Rose with a spring in her step and a light in her eyes. Rose grinned back and slipped a finger into her back pocket, encountering the sharp edge of a business card.
~*~*~*~*~
Luke stepped off the ramp into the waiting area, his trip sadly over. Though he accomplished the job exceptionally well, his mind was far from it. Instead, it lingered on the exotic beauty with whom he had spent that amazing night. He only knew her first name and truly that was enough. With that experience in his memory he could bear Melissa's nagging and Caroline's whining. He easily scooped up his suitcase and stepped out into the warm Oklahoma air, ready to slip back into his life.
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
For you're my shooting star
To be continued.....