Light classical music filtered through the halls of Angel Grove High from outside near the platform where the seniors would walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas. Skull, who looked rather smart in his cap and gown, sat playing the piano so that music could greet those who came in.

For a moment, Skull's eyes drifted to the rows of chairs that stretched out across the football field where the grads and their loved ones would sit while the staff sat on the stage. As he spotted people coming out of the school, however, his eyes drifted back to the music so he would appear to be focused.

Katherine smiled at hearing the music and she gently patted Mark's arm as she helped him walk across the grass. Mark had only come back to receive his diploma and then he would go back to what he was doing, as he was able to do his finals from a distance. Even though that was the story others were told, Kat knew that Mark would return to Phaedos after graduation and the Turbo Rangers would follow shortly after; she and Mark had talked about it the night before and he had been open about everything.

"Kat, how come you're not with Malcolm?" Mark asked softly as he was helped to his seat.

Katherine smiled, helping Mark sit down quickly, "Malcolm's uncle wanted to talk to him privately, but Jason should be here soon," she replied in a pleasant voice. "Do you want help going across the stage?"

Mark nodded just as Tanya came out in a cap and gown, "Hi Kat and Mark," she said in a pleasant voice as she walked over to the chairs and looked for the one that was reserved for her. "How are you two?"

"I'm a bit tired, but I'm excited to finally be out of high school," Mark replied in a pleasant voice, turning his head towards the sound of Tanya's voice so he could appear polite. "Are you here by yourself?"

Tanya shook her head, "Doctor Oliver drove us here and he's in his office while Adam and Rocky are using the boys' locker room to change into their caps and gowns," she replied pleasantly. "Jason and Laura are walking here with Jason's mom, Malcolm and Jason's dad are on their way, and Tommy's driving TJ, Cassie, Carlos, Ashley, and Justin here in the truck that David sold him before he moved."

Katherine nodded and looked towards the piano, "Oh, Skull's doing such a good job with the music," she commented, silently hoping that others would get there soon so that there would be distractions from the thoughts she was having about Mark and the Turbo Rangers leaving and also of the future.

Swallowing hard, Rocky gazed into the changing room mirror and sighed, "Adam, I don't know if I can do this," he commented softly, cringing as he felt at the pain that swallowing caused. "I'm feeling a bit off."

Frowning, Adam straightened his cap and walked over to Rocky, "A bit off?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm really tired," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "Maybe I'm just stressed about everything."

Wondering if Rocky was hurting over his family or over the Turbo Rangers eventually leaving, Adam took him by the arm and led him over to the benches where they both sat, "Tell me what's going on, bro," Adam commented in a concerned voice, suddenly noticing that Rocky was pale. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "I don't know if it's side-effects or what, Adam."

Adam watched as Rocky rubbed his eyes, "Do you want me to go find Doctor Oliver?" he asked in a concerned voice, wondering if Rocky was getting sick. "He's probably in his office right now."

"No, I'll work my way through the graduation thing and just leave early tonight after all the elections are made at prom," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "I don't have a date, so nobody will miss me too much."

Adam sighed, "I thought Ashley and Cassie were going to come with you and Tommy to the prom tonight so you guys would have dates?" he asked in a confused voice. "Mister Caplan okayed it."

"Cassie said that she's got things to do after the graduation ceremony," Rocky replied in an upset voice, glaring at Adam. "More than likely, she doesn't want to be seen with someone who has cancer."

Adam looked shocked at hearing that, but Rocky sighed, "I might not even go to the prom now," Rocky continued as he stood up and straightened his tie. "Everyone will have dates, but I'll be alone."

Before Adam could reply, Rocky left the locker room and Adam was left alone, deep in shock. A thought suddenly came to mind, however, and Adam left the locker room to find and have a chat with Skull.

"Cassie?" Cassie heard as she stood in front of the mirror, admiring the pink boots, skirt, white ruffled shirt, and pink headband that she was going to wear for graduation. "Cassie, are you in my room?"

For a moment, Cassie didn't reply and turned her attention to the small backpack on Ashley's bed that was filled with what she would take to Phaedos since she felt that it wasn't long until their journey.

"Cassie, Tommy, TJ, Justin, and Carlos are almost ready to go," Ashley announced as she came into the bedroom wearing a short sleeved yellow sundress with yellow slip-on shoes that she got at a thrift store and saw Cassie looking herself over. "That's a nice outfit, but where's your dress for prom?"

Cassie sighed, "I told Rocky I had things to do after the grad ceremony," she replied softly.

"Why would you do that knowing how much he's been through?" Ashley asked in a shocked voice.

Having prepared herself for such an argument, Cassie turned to face Ashley, "I'm not what Rocky needs and I don't do proms," she replied coldly. "I don't enjoy public gatherings, Ashley; that's why."

"You're lying," Ashley replied in a worried voice, wondering why Cassie seemed so anxious.

Cassie scoffed, "Ashley, mind your business," she replied coldly. "You wouldn't understand."

"Understand what?" Ashley asked in a sharp voice, glaring at Cassie. "Tell me right now."

Cassie sighed, "I have a crush on Mark Hillard," she replied softly, deeply embarrassed about what she had done. "I wanted to ask him if I could go to prom with him, but then Rocky needed a date."

"Mark Hillard, as in Kat's brother?" Ashley asked in a hushed voice. "He's been away…"

Cassie nodded, "Even though Mark's like five years older than me, there's just something special about him," she replied in a quiet voice. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now because we're leaving Earth soon and with having to find Zordon before he's killed doesn't leave any time for socializing or anything."

Ashley was about to speak, but them Carlos came into the room, "Guys, Tommy, TJ, and Justin are ready to go if you both are," he commented, smoothing out his suit. "We've gotta get decent seats."

"We're ready," Cassie replied calmly as she picked up her backpack. "I need to apologize to Rocky."

Confused, Carlos nodded and kept quiet as Ashley and Cassie came out of Ashley's bedroom, closing the door behind them. Tommy was standing near the front door in a dark suit while TJ and Justin were wearing suits and ties. Tommy smiled at Ashley and Cassie, but only Ashley smiled back at him.

"Ready to go?" Tommy asked in a pleasant voice. "I've got to get my cap and gown yet."

Cassie, Ashley, TJ, Carlos, and Justin all nodded and silently followed Tommy out of the house.

"Uncle Thomas, I appreciate you walking with me to the school, but I thought you and Aunt Helen would want to both be there for Jason," Malcolm commented softly as he walked alongside his uncle across the park towards Angel Grove High. "It's Jason's day, though, and I thought you'd want to be there…"

Thomas smiled, smoothing down his paramedic uniform as he walked alongside his adopted son, "It's your day too, Malcolm, and all of us couldn't be prouder of you for making valedictorian despite everything you've gone through in the last few years," he replied in a gentle voice. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you in private about something that your father had prepared for when you graduated high school and intended to give to you, but the information was given to me when he was killed."

"My father?" Malcolm asked in a confused voice, stopping in his tracks. "What are you talking about?"

Thomas smiled, "Not long after you were born, your father opened a very special bank account for you and has been filling it over the years and planned to give it and some land in Angel Grove to you once you were old enough," he explained in a cheerful voice. "The land is where the Juice Bar is now and Ernie leased it from your father a long time ago when your family moved to Crystal Valley."

"I own that?" Malcolm asked in a surprised voice. "I thought the dojo there had been just rented."

Thomas shook his head and Malcolm's eyes widened, "Uncle Thomas, I don't know if I'm ready to take ownership of a building and I don't want Ernie to lose his Juice Bar," Malcolm stated in a worried voice. "I was hoping to be able to go to college or university after high school, but would I lose the land?"

"No," Thomas replied gently, relieved that Malcolm wanted to go to college. "That land is yours."

Malcolm nodded and sighed as he saw Angel Grove High in sight, "Now, we don't have to discuss it any more right now since you need to focus on the ceremony and your speech," Thomas stated gently. "Now, the dinner is after the ceremony and the prom is this evening, am I correct in that?"

"Yes, but I know you have to leave the dinner a little early to work and that's okay," Malcolm replied pleasantly. "Aunt Helen, Katherine, Jason, and Laura are sharing a table with us by the way."

Thomas grinned as they approached the school's front entrance, "Go on in and get your cap and gown, Mister Valedictorian," he replied gently. "I'll meet you out on the football field, all right?"

Malcolm nodded and smiled as Thomas wandered around the side of the school, "Hey, there's the class valedictorian!" he suddenly heard a cheerful voice say. "Oh, Malcolm, I'm extremely proud of you!"

Almost immediately, Malcolm felt his aunt giving him a giant hug and he saw Jason and Laura, both of whom were in their best formal outfits; Jason was in a black suit with a gold tie while Laura wore a sky blue gown that had elbow-length sleeves and matching shoes while her hair was curled and pulled back.

"Since you're here, I'm assuming Thomas is already out on the football field," Helen said in a cheerful voice, her smile sparkling with the sparkly shirt and skirt she was wearing. "See you in a little bit."

Jason smiled at Malcolm, "You don't mind that I'm valedictorian instead of you, Jason?" Malcolm asked, wondering if Jason secretly resented the fact that he hadn't made valedictorian or class historian.

"I had good grades, but they weren't the top grades," Jason replied pleasantly. "You deserve it."

Malcolm shrugged, "I just want to get this speech done," he commented in a nervous voice. "Even though I was a Power Ranger, I haven't been and am still not very good at speaking in public."

Before Jason or Laura could reply, Mr. Caplan came out of the school in a dark gown with a tasseled hat on his head, "Ah, there you are Miss Hammond," he said in a relieved voice, unsurprised to see Laura associating with Jason and Malcolm. "Mister Skullovitch would like to practice the song with you."

"Oh, all right," Laura replied pleasantly. "Is Eugene out on the football field already, sir?"

Mr. Caplan nodded and Laura obediently went around the school towards the field, "Malcolm Lee Scott, I believe Doctor Oliver wants to see you in his office," he stated calmly. "Jason, go take your seat."

Not wanting to end up on Mr. Caplan's bad side on graduation day, Jason and Malcolm obediently went off in separate directions. Satisfied, Mr. Caplan was about to go back inside the school when he saw a truck pull up and several people get out, all of them looking as if they were dressed for graduation.

"Tommy Oliver, you're running late," Mr. Caplan said in a firm voice, immediately recognizing Tommy, Ashley, and Justin. "Go get your cap and gown and hurry to find your assigned seat, all right?"

Tommy nodded and quickly ran off into the school and, figuring the kids could find their way to the football field, Mr. Caplan went inside the school, "I think we're supposed to go to the football field," Ashley commented, having heard Dr. Oliver telling Tommy about it. "Come on guys; let's go."

"I'm gonna go visit Doctor Oliver in his office," Justin said softly. "You guys go on."

TJ nodded and silently led Ashley, Cassie, and Carlos around the school while Justin went inside.

"You wanted to see me, Doctor Oliver?" Malcolm asked as he came up to Dr. Oliver's office and saw the door open and Dr. Oliver putting a few things into a box. "Are you leaving the school, sir?"

Dr. Oliver chuckled, "No, I'm just taking a few things for my summer job in the psychology department at the hospital," he replied pleasantly. "When school's out for the summer, I'm usually invited to take a temporary position in the Angel Grove Hospital's Psychology Department to help with finances."

"Oh wow, there are lots of changes this summer," Malcolm commented in a surprised voice. "Jason's moving to New York for school in the fall, Tanya and Laura are going to Africa for a while and won't be back until fall, Kat's going to Australia with her parents for a few weeks in the summer, Adam's going to a coaching camp in Los Angeles until July, and I heard Tommy's going off somewhere for school."

Dr. Oliver nodded even though he had yet to talk to Tommy about his school plans, "Maybe I'll hang out with Rocky this summer and work at Ernie's to learn how things work," Malcolm continued in a casual voice. "TJ, Carlos, Ashley, Cassie, and Justin will probably be going to Phaedos any day now."

"I'm sure they won't be gone forever," Dr. Oliver replied calmly, unaware that Justin was lingering nearby and eavesdropping on the conversation. "I hope they can find Zordon before it's too late."

Malcolm nodded and coughed, "I'm actually a little nervous about my speech," he confessed in a nervous voice. "So many people out there want me to do a good job, but I'm really very shy."

"You'll do just fine if you believe in yourself," Dr. Oliver replied calmly. "You've earned this."

Malcolm scoffed, "I'm not the one who's been through the ringer recently," he replied in a concerned voice. "Speaking of which, have you seen Rocky? I thought he came with Adam, but I can't find him."

"Rocky's hanging with Adam, but beats me where they are," Dr. Oliver replied gently. "I hope this ceremony, the dinner, and the prom will give Rocky the fun he's been needing for a long time now."

Malcolm nodded and Dr. Oliver pulled his keys out, "I can finish this later," he commented, gently shunting Malcolm out of his office. "Go get your cap and gown and I'll see you on the field."

As Malcolm and Dr. Oliver walked off, neither of them noticed Justin standing there looking troubled about what he had heard and thinking about whether or not he actually wanted to go to Phaedos.

"Welcome to Angel Grove High's annual commencement ceremonies," Mr. Caplan announced to the crowd of teachers, students, and spectators that had gathered for the occasion. "This year, we honor the Class of 1997 and the work it took for all of them to get to this point in their lives."

Applause filled the football field and Mr. Caplan smiled at the many for only a moment before clearing his throat, "Now that we have sung our national anthem and welcomed the graduates to the ceremony, we will be honored to have a musical number performed by Laura Hammond called I Will Remember You and she will be accompanied by Eugene Skullovitch on the piano," he stated in an official, but pleasant voice as he smiled at the many present. "Following the musical number, the class historians, Tanya Sloan and Katherine Hillard will deliver the class's history. Once that is complete, this year's valedictorian, Malcolm Lee Scott, will deliver his address. Once the valedictorian's address is complete, the diplomas will be distributed in alphabetical order and the graduates will proceed in an orderly fashion up to the podium when their names are read, they will collect their diplomas after shaking hands with the staff members, and then they will return to their seats. Once everyone has their diplomas, the changing of the tassels will occur followed by the processional march and music. The music for the processional march will be played by the Angel Grove High School Band."

Swallowing hard, Laura got up from her seat and walked up the steps to the podium, carefully opening her music book on the stand. Skull played a tasteful intro and then Laura began to sing. It wasn't long before most of the audience was in tears over the beauty and compassion in Laura's voice, but Jason was deeply enthralled at how beautiful Laura looked on the stand in her light blue cap and gown.

Soon enough, however, the song was finished and Laura returned to her seat while Katherine and Tanya went up to the podium, "Neither of us started our high school careers at Angel Grove High, but in the time that we've been here, we've come to love it," Katherine spoke in a pleasant voice, giving the large crowd a warm smile. "Now, my friend and classmate, Tanya, will go through a brief class history."

Tanya smiled as she recounted the early high school days of their graduating class and continued on to the point where they were today. Tears were shed when Malcolm's unexpected arrival, Trini's unexpected death, and the death of Rocky's parents were mentioned, but Tanya made sure to emphasize that each classmate affected by the events were strong, dedicated individuals.

When Katherine and Tanya finished with the short, but elaborate history, applause filled the field and even Rocky managed a small smile of gratitude. The applause continued as Malcolm took the stage.

"Greetings fellow students, teachers of Angel Grove High, and people of Angel Grove," Malcolm said in a nervous voice, shuffling his paper as he gazed out at the audience. "I'm honored that I'm here today giving this valedictory address as all these wonderful graduates, including myself, prepare to leave the security that high school provided us and go out into the world to make something of ourselves," he stated in a gentle, but commanding voice. "We are the future of our world and now, with the foundation that high school has provided, we can really take advantage of our gifts and use them to help make the world a better place. I didn't begin my high school career here; in fact, I ended up coming to Angel Grove High after a tragic accident that left me without parents and although it wasn't easy to see what I still had, I managed it with the help of family, good teachers, and very wonderful friends. That's what we all have to do, no matter where life may take us; we have to focus on what we have and not on what we may lose as we grow older. The power of hope and positive thinking can do a great deal beyond what we all understand and that is something we need to remember and carry with us as we begin adulthood. My parents always taught me that your past does not have to define us, but we are the authors of our future and it is what we make of each and every day and I live by that motto even though they are not here anymore. Again, I am very grateful to have given this speech and grateful that I'm able to impart valuable words of wisdom on you all today. Thank you and have a lovely evening."

As Malcolm left the podium, he was shocked when the entire crowd, most of whom were in tears because of the words spoke, got to their feet and delivered a wonderful ovation. Jason gave Malcolm a reassuring smile as his cousin/adopted brother rejoined the grads and Malcolm sighed, deeply relieved.

"That was an inspirational speech," Mr. Caplan stated grandly as he returned to the podium with a list in hand and a cart filled with the diplomas. "It is now time for the graduates to receive their diplomas."

Ms. Appleby squealed excitedly as she stood up and went down to help the graduates line up and make their way up to and across the stand in an orderly fashion. One by one, each of the graduates went up and across the stage, shaking the hands of the various faculty members before accepting their high school diploma from Mr. Caplan, who dismissed each of them with a courteous nod and handshake.

"Farkas Bulkmeier," Mr. Caplan called out calmly, wincing as Bulk nearly tripped over his gown while coming up and across the stage to get his diploma. He didn't, however, say anything about it.

As Bulk left the stage, Mr. Caplan continued handing out diplomas and proceeded through more of the list without incident, "Rocky DeSantos," he stated calmly, giving Rocky an encouraging smile as he came up, shook hands with all of the staff and proceeded to get his diploma before leaving the stage.

"Laura Hammond," Mr. Caplan finally read after going through a large portion of the list.

At hearing Laura's name, Ashley jumped up and cheered excitedly as Laura crossed the stage and received her diploma before returning to her seat, "Kimberly Hart," Mr. Caplan stated calmly.

A hushed silence fell over the crowd as Kimberly, who had donned a cap and gown over her dress, came across the grass and on to the stage. She silently received her diploma before returning to her seat.

"Katherine Hillard and Mark Hillard," Mr. Caplan stated, smiling as applause was once again heard.

Smiling at the crowd, Katherine helped Mark shake the hands of all the staff members and then together, they received their diplomas and returned to their seats. Several more students were called up and received their diplomas after shaking the hands of the faculty and an unusually pleasant Mr. Caplan.

"Tommy Oliver," Mr. Caplan read, chuckling as Tommy eagerly ran up and collected his diploma.

As Tommy returned to his seat amidst the clapping of Dr. Oliver, Mr. Caplan returned to his list, "Adam Park," he read, smiling as he heard cheering from various people in the crowd as Adam came up.

More people from the crowd of graduates received their diplomas and Mr. Caplan sighed as he read the next names on the list, "Jason Lee Scott," he stated formally as Jason came up. "Malcolm Lee Scott."

Thunderous applause filled the air as Jason and Malcolm came up and received their diplomas before returning to their seats, "Eugene Skullovitch," Mr. Caplan stated as there was more applause.

"Tanya Sloan," Mr. Caplan read as Skull left the stage and went back to his seat with his diploma.

Tanya happily went up on stage, shook hands with all of the faculty members, and quickly rejoined her classmates with diploma in hand. Mr. Caplan went through a few more names and then sighed again

"Zack Taylor," Mr. Caplan read, rolling his eyes as Zack danced his way up and received his diploma.

While Mr. Caplan finished off the reading off the list of graduates, Dr. Oliver skimmed the crowd and was surprised to find that Justin was not in his seat, but was instead sitting over on the bleachers looking rather distracted. Before he could go talk to Justin, however, Mr. Caplan cleared his throat again.

"Graduates, you may now change your tassels to the other side of your hats," Mr. Caplan stated.

The changing of the tassels happened rather quickly and almost immediately after it was done, the Angel Grove High School Band started playing, "I present Angel Grove High School's Graduating Class of 1997!" Mr. Caplan announced. "Graduates, please stand and proceed to the grassy area behind the bleachers where pictures can be taken with loved ones and friends before the gowns need to be returned to the foyer. After everyone has gotten pictures and gowns have been returned, everyone may proceed to the cafeteria; it has been remodeled specifically for tonight's catered graduation dinner."

Thunderous applause filled the air as the Angel Grove High School Band began to play, prompting all of the graduates to stand and follow Ms. Appleby over to the grassy area behind the bleachers. Once all of the graduates had moved, the crowd all stood and slowly made their way over to the grassy area.

Self-conscious of the fact that he didn't really have any family members there while others did, Rocky stood off to one side and watched as Jason, Malcolm, Katherine, Tanya, Laura, Adam, Tommy, and the other students join their families or surrogate families for photos, ignoring the heaviness in his heart.

"Hey Rocky, are you going to get any pictures?" Dr. Oliver asked gently as he walked over to Rocky with Justin at his side. "If you don't mind, I'd like a photo with you, Laura, Adam, Tommy, Justin, and Ashley because I've come to think of you as my kids even though I'm not related to a lot of you."

Dumbfounded by Dr. Oliver's sensitivity, Rocky nodded and followed Dr. Oliver and Justin over to an empty area where Adam, Laura, Tommy, and Ashley were already waiting while Ms. Appleby lingered nearby with a camera at the ready, "All right, everyone smile and say cheese!" Ms. Appleby crowed.

The picture was taken and Ms. Appleby returned the camera to Dr. Oliver before going off to congratulate the other students, "I'm really proud of all of you," Dr. Oliver commented in a proud voice.

"I appreciate it, sir, but I can't help but wish that my family was here," Rocky replied in a somber voice, sighing as he suddenly felt tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me just now."

Dr. Oliver nodded patiently and gently gave Rocky a hug, "It's all right," he replied gently, knowing how hard this day was for Rocky because he was alone. "Where are you sitting during the banquet?"

"I don't know," Rocky replied softly, suddenly feeling very tired. "I had ordered my tickets a while ago."

Dr. Oliver smiled, "Why don't you sit with Tommy, Justin, Ashley, and I?" he suggested, knowing that the school had held on to Rocky's tickets after his family had died. "You don't have to eat if you don't want."

"Sure," Rocky replied quietly. "TJ, Cassie, Carlos, you're all welcome to stay if you want to."

Seeing that Rocky wasn't up for talking, TJ, Cassie, and Carlos nodded, "Rocky, is it still too late to go to prom with you?" Cassie spoke up softly. "I want you to have fun tonight and I don't mind."

"That would be nice," Rocky replied, well aware that Cassie didn't have feelings for him at all.

Cassie nodded and smiled, "I'll just change in the restroom while Doctor Oliver gets more pictures of you, Tommy, Adam, and Laura," she said in a nervous voice. "Ashley, can you give me a hand?"

As Ashley and Cassie went off into the school, Dr. Oliver smiled at the rest of his graduated 'kids', "Now, I'd like some individual shots of you all and some ones with your friends," he said in a cheerful voice. "I want you all to have happy memories."

The banquet had gone off without a hitch and now, as parent volunteers and select staff cleared the mess away, the graduates and their dates milled around in the foyer waiting for the gym to open.

Since Ashley and Cassie were Tommy and Rocky's dates and Justin was Dr. Oliver's adoptee and didn't have anyplace else to go that evening, they had all gotten to stay while TJ and Carlos had gone. Knowing that he only had a limited time to subtly convey Dulcea's message to the Rangers, Mark had joined the crowd and was silently waiting to speak.

"Mark, it's cool to see that you were able to come back for graduation," Jason commented, pleased to see how confident Mark had become recently. "How long are you planning to visit Angel Grove for?"

Mark was silent for a moment as he pulled out his walking cane so that Malcolm and Kat could walk into the gym together, "I'll have to get back to what I was doing probably within the next couple of days," he replied in a calm, but firm voice. "I'm working very hard at my courses and opportunity doesn't sleep."

Realizing that they wouldn't have a lot of time before they went to Phaedos for training to find Zordon, Ashley and Cassie exchanged a knowing look, but Justin looked almost devastated, "Justin, I talked to Mister Caplan and you're welcome to play computer games in my office or hang out in the gym during the prom," Dr. Oliver commented gently as he walked over to the group. "I think the gym is open."

"Why don't we get all the pictures taken while it's still early, guys?" Laura suggested in a pleasant voice, seeing that Rocky looked very tired and probably wouldn't stay until midnight. "Jason, shall we?"

Jason smiled and escorted Laura into the gym, prompting all of the other students to enter the gym that was decorated like a forest for the evening, complete with a bridge, photo area, tables with food, and small fountains throughout the gym. A DJ booth with a happy looking Bulk to man it was on the stage.

The first thing that Tanya saw as she and Adam entered the gym was Skull standing by a table in a rented tuxedo while Kimberly sat in a long gown with a cup of water in her hand, "Tanya, are you okay?" Adam asked, having seem Tanya staring at Kimberly and Skull. "We're doing all the pictures now."

Tanya nodded and walked over to the photo area where Jason, Laura, Katherine, Malcolm, Mark, Cassie, Tommy, Ashley, and Rocky had gathered in their formal wear, "Cassie and Rocky, why don't you two go first?" Malcolm suggested, seeing that Rocky was tired even after eating dinner. "Just one picture?"

"Yeah," Rocky and Cassie answered at the same time, neither of them able to afford more than one.

Rocky and Cassie, who had changed into a floor length gown with cap sleeves, quickly posed for a friendly picture and Rocky immediately excused himself to a table to rest, "Hey Rocky, are you okay?" Cassie asked in a concerned voice as she approached him. "You look really tired and pale."

"I'm all right," Rocky lied, even though he was starting to get a headache. "Do you want to dance?"

Cassie nodded and while Cassie and Rocky went out on the dance floor, Laura had her picture taken with Jason and then, smoothing down the lilac ballgown she was wearing, she wandered over to Kimberly and Skull, "Hi there, Kim and Eugene, how are you doing?" she asked in a gentle, pleasant voice.

"Fine, Laura," Kim replied, relieved that Laura had approached her first. "How are you doing?"

Laura smiled, "Fine," she replied gently. "Jason and I just got our prom picture taken."

"Oh, you're a good match for Jason," Kimberly replied, pleased to see one of her childhood best friends so happy and peaceful because Laura was involved with him. "He needs someone like you."

Laura nodded and sighed, "I'll miss him when he goes to New York, but I guess he needs to be away from Angel Grove for a while," she commented softly. "He's going there for school in the fall."

"Wow," Kimberly replied in an awed voice. "Why don't you go to New York with him, Laura?"

Laura sighed again, "I want to stay in Angel Grove until Ashley finishes high school since we're all the family each other has," she replied calmly. "What are yours and Eugene's plans after high school?"

"I was thinking of going to Angel Grove College for Design," Kimberly replied calmly.

Skull smiled, "I want to get a degree in Policing and Detective Stone says that I can work with the police department while I'm in school so I can pay bills," he replied pleasantly. "What about you?"

"I'm going to Angel Grove University in the fall and I'm majoring in Education," Laura replied as Jason wandered over to them. "Doctor Oliver and Ms. Appleby have inspired me to become a teacher."

Kimberly smiled, "Hey there, Kim and Skull," Jason said as he gently put an arm around Laura.

"Hello Jason," Kimberly replied calmly, pleased to see how happy Jason was with Laura.

Jason smiled and nodded before gazing at Laura affectionately, "Laura, would you dance with me?" he asked in a loving voice that caused Kimberly to smile at Skull. "Consider yourself being kidnapped."

As Jason led Laura away, Kimberly looked around and frowned as she saw Rocky talk with Cassie for a few minutes before leading her over to where Mark Hillard was sitting, enjoying the music with his cane in one hand and a glass of water in the other. She watched as Cassie and Mark eventually went on to the dance floor together while Rocky silently sat at a table, eventually resting his head on top of it.

"Eugene, does Rocky look all right to you?" Kimberly asked, suddenly worried about her friend. "I know he's going through chemotherapy right now, but he looks very pale and seems really like he's not well."

Skull frowned as he studied Rocky for a minute and shook his head, "Do you want to go talk to him?" he asked softly, wondering if Kimberly could talk to Rocky and perhaps help. "He is your friend, after all."

Just as Kimberly nodded, Rocky stood up and slowly left the gym, hanging on to walls as he walked, "Eugene, we'd better tell someone," she said in an anxious voice. "Let's tell Adam or Jason. Jason's dad is on duty here tonight."

"Thanks for bringing me some food, Doctor Oliver," Justin commented softly as he picked at the plate of crackers, vegetables, and finger sandwiches that Dr. Oliver had brought him from the crowded gym.

Dr. Oliver nodded calmly as he watched Justin eat at the desk, "It's certainly not a problem, Justin," he replied calmly, grateful for the chance to be out of the crowded gym and where it was quieter.

"I was wondering, sir, why's an ambulance parked in front of the school?" Justin asked, having seen the ambulance pull up as he was going to spend time in Dr. Oliver's office. "Is anybody sick or hurt?"

Dr. Oliver chuckled and shook his head, "No, Justin," he replied gently. "The ambulance and two paramedics are here just in case someone at the prom gets sick or hurt and needs medical help."

"…Jason, please, it's not that bad," Dr. Oliver suddenly heard Rocky say in an anxious voice.

Frowning, Dr. Oliver got up from his couch, "Justin, stay in the office," he stated firmly as he left the office and saw Rocky with a hand over his nose while Jason and Laura stood nearby. "Rocky?"

"It's nothing!" Rocky exclaimed in an anxious voice, cowering against the wall. "I'm fine."

Dr. Oliver frowned and gently took Rocky's hand, revealing blood coming from Rocky's nose, "What happened?" he asked in a concerned voice, knowing that Rocky hadn't gotten in any fistfights.

"I don't know," Rocky replied anxiously, suddenly feeling lightheaded. "I haven't been feeling well for a few days, but I figured it was just the stress of graduation. I didn't want to ruin it for anyone."

Unable to stand any longer, Rocky sank against the wall, "I want the paramedics to check you out before you decide whether or not to stay any longer," Dr. Oliver stated in a firm voice. "Jason, Laura…"

"Come on, Rocky," Laura said in a gentle voice, gently easing him away from the wall. "Jason, help me."

With Jason and Laura's help, Rocky managed to make it outside to the parked ambulance and Dr. Oliver followed them, unaware that Justin had watched the entire thing from Dr. Oliver's office. Thomas Lee Scott and his partner were sitting in the back with the doors open, enjoying thermoses of tea.

"I've got a student here who doesn't seem to be feeling too well," Dr. Oliver commented as he followed Jason, Rocky, and Laura to the ambulance. "Thomas, Patrick, you both know Rocky DeSantos?"

Thomas frowned and both he and his partner stood up to help Rocky into the ambulance, "What else besides a bloody nose aren't you telling people about?" Thomas asked gently, carefully helping Rocky sit on the small gurney. "You've been on chemotherapy for a few months now and I'd suspect…"

"I think I'd better go to the hospital," Rocky whispered, suddenly feeling sick. "I need to puke."

Almost immediately, Rocky heaved all over the ambulance floor and nearly passed out when he saw blood, "I need to lie down," he groaned anxiously, immediately laying down. "My chest hurts."

"Jason, Laura, you two should go back inside the school," Dr. Oliver said in a concerned voice as he climbed inside the ambulance. "I'll go with Rocky and I need you two to keep things calm."

Swallowing hard, Jason put his arm around Laura and led her back to the curb, "Jason, I want you and Malcolm to go home after the prom's done," Thomas called out. "That way, I know you're safe."

"Laura, I want you, Adam, and Tommy to take Ashley and Justin back to the house after the prom's over, but Tanya and Cassie can spend the night if they want," Dr. Oliver called out, sitting beside Rocky to keep him calm while the paramedics prepared to take him away. "I'll phone my house when I have news and you can all phone each other, all right?"

Nodding, Laura followed Jason away from the ambulance and back into the school, nearly running into Justin, "Justin, why don't you come into the gym with us?" Laura suggested, trying to keep calm.

Even though he was worried about Rocky, Justin followed Jason and Laura into the gym and was surprised when Adam, Tanya, Tommy, Cassie, Ashley, Kimberly, Skull, Zack, Katherine, Malcolm, and Mark gathered near the entrance to the gym, "What's going on?" Adam asked worriedly. "Kimberly said that she and Skull saw Rocky leave the gym," Katherine explained in a worried voice. "Where's Rocky?"

Sensing that something bad had happened to Rocky, Kimberly burst into tears and cried as she turned to Skull, whispering that they needed to go on a walk. As Skull and Kimberly left, Laura sighed heavily.

"Rocky had a sudden nosebleed and he almost passed out," Jason explained in a concerned voice, cringing as everyone's facial expressions shifted from concerned to horrified. "We helped Doctor Oliver take him out to the ambulance and Rocky threw up blood and had chest pains, so they're going to take him to the hospital. Doctor Oliver went with him said that he'll call all of us when he had news."

Even though music was blaring and people were dancing, a heavy silence fell over the group of friends as they wondered whether or not Rocky would be okay. Despite the fact that the prom was supposed to be a pleasant occasion and celebration, the sound of ambulance sirens brought tears to everyone's eyes. Were they going to lose Rocky when they had all already lost so much?

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