"It's good to have both of you back," said Anton Mercer, giving both Smitty and Ellie a hug. It was a joyous reunion for the three, even though all this time they had been together.
Over the next few hours, Tommy watched as the three talked and laughed. It was as if the terrible thing that happened to all of them never took place, although it would never take away the scars they all carried it was nice to know they would be able to go on with their lives and start over from where they all had left off.
Smitty and Ellie were already back into the planning stages of their wedding; Mercer was going to pay for everything. It was his way of trying to make things right with them, but he didn't leave off there. He offered Smitty and Ellie the job of taking over his business; of course he had offered it to Tommy first, but Tommy turned the offer down. Smitty thankfully took the job and promised Mercer he would take good care of it.
"So the great Tommy Oliver is retiring."
"Looks that way," answered Tommy, turning to Eric. Hayley had just finished running tests over his damaged morpher and found that it was beyond repair.
"Not that it's a bad thing. Your body can't handle another morph transformation," announced Hayley.
"Speaking of transformation, what was it like turning into a monster witch warrior?"
"Not something I would recommend." She grabbed Eric's hand and started for the stairs. "Come on, we're supposed to meet Wes and Jen for dinner." With a look back to Tommy she added, "Catch you later Tommy." She smiled faintly. "And thanks, for everything."
"I should be the one thanking you." She had done so much for him over these last years, and part of him felt he didn't deserve it. Not after the way he had left her, not even a goodbye, just a note. But after all she had forgiven him and remained a true friend.
She smiled faintly, and then turned to Eric. "Well, we should be going."
"Right," Tommy smiled. "You guys have fun."
Eric felt as Hayley yanked on his arm, as if she were in a hurry. "I don't see what the rush is, knowing those two they probably got caught up doing things and forgot all about dinner," muttered Eric. Every time the four would go on a double date Wes and Jen always showed up late.
"They do more than that," she scolded. "Now come on."
Eric looked over his shoulder, back to Tommy. "Did I tell you how grateful I am for bringing her back to me in one piece?"
Tommy couldn't help but laugh as Hayley dragged Eric up the stairs. Eric definitely had his hands full with a girl like that, always keeping him in line, which in Eric's case might not be a bad thing. He still couldn't believe that they had hooked up, though. The two seemed totally wrong for each other, but maybe that's what made their relationship work. Each had what the other lacked. Hayley had her way of reasoning with others, while Eric was strong willed. He was happy for the two, happy that Hayley finally had someone who could really be there for her and give her everything she deserved. And happy for Eric, that he had found someone who would put up with his stubbornness.
It's all over. It's finally over….His eyes fell onto his morpher, the damaged morpher. All his other morphers had been destroyed in the explosion of his house, but Smitty had said he would take care of everything. So in the meantime, Wes said he could stay at the cabin for as long as he needed. But that didn't seem to help things feel better. He was no longer a ranger; his powers were gone, and just like when he had lost them once, even twice, he felt this big emptiness, a missing piece. Something that had been there, but was now gone…
He should be happy. He could finally have the life he always wanted, get married, and have a few kids, a family. Be able to go to his job, without having to worry about saving the world from monsters or aliens or some other mutated being bent on taking over the Earth. He could finally be free, but….It seemed strange to him to finally have the opportunity, when for so long he had dedicated his life to being a ranger, lost friends because of it, given up on dreams and now he could finally have that all back. But then why feel this way? Why not be rejoicing, be happy? Maybe because he was still losing something, something that had been a part of him; he was losing an old friend. I suppose in order to gain, we also have to lose something.
Soon he found several sets of eyes staring at him. He hadn't even heard them come down. His friends, who had started out as his students, who had become so much more. They were his teammates, they were family, people he'd come to care very much about, perhaps more than a teacher should, but their relationship had gone beyond student and teacher. They had become a team and through each other, grew. They were no longer the same exact people that he had met at the beginning of the year.
"So what now?" Conner asked.
"Yeah. Are we going to be hearing about a mysterious ranger showing up on the news, while we're away at college?" grinned Kira.
He laughed. "No, I don't think so. I think it's time I put away my spandex and enjoyed life."
"Good for you, Dr. O," announced Trent. He put out his hand. "I just want you to know, that I'm grateful for everything you have done as a ranger. For the sacrifices you had to make." Trent looked at all of his friends. "I think I speak for all of us when say it's been an honor fighting alongside of you."
Tommy shook Trent's hand, not knowing what to say. No one had ever really thanked him for everything he had done, not in person. "Thanks. That means a lot."
"Yeah. You're one cool guy, Dr. O, way better than any video game." Everyone couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Ethan to compare Dr. O to one of his video games.
Soon all of them found themselves hugging Dr. O. He was more than just a friend and teacher to them. He was like their brother, always looking out for them.
Conner was the last to hug Dr. O. "Yeah. So enough of this wussy stuff, who's hungry?"
A few days later…
Alex stood a good few feet away, watching as friends and family bid their farewell to Landon who was now being buried. He watched closely as Helen, Landon's wife, held her son Nick in her arms, both of them crying, but something just didn't seem quite right. He sensed something in their eyes, something that just didn't feel right.
Alex also saw Wes with Jen at his side, although it had been a few years since Wes had seen his cousin. He only felt it right to be here for her, especially since he was in town.
One by one everyone left and soon all that was left were several flowers standing over the grave. Alex slowly made his way over to the grave. He stood there for a long moment staring at the grave, the name, the date, everything. Then it started to pour. Why does it always seem to rain when there's been a funeral? Within moments Alex was soaked, thunder began to rumble. And as if he felt a presence behind him, he sighed. "How long will you continue to do this?"
"For as long as I can."
Alex nodded his head, but didn't turn around. "It didn't take long for me to realize you were still alive. How long, before the rest of Time Force finds out?"
"I told you Alex, I know of ways." He started to step out from behind the tree. "I could help you with your friend."
Alex sighed and bowed his head down. If only. He turned around slowly. "No. It's too risky; she would always have to be on the run. I couldn't do that to her. It wouldn't be fair."
"Wouldn't be fair? But you will take her away from the man she loves."
Alex didn't answer. "And how does Helen feel about this, life on the run?"
"She would give anything not to lose me."
Alex nodded his head. "Where will you go?"
Landon chuckled under his breath. "If I told you, then what would be the point in me running?" Landon looked at his watch and started backing away.
"Hold it." Alex drew out his blaster. "You know I can't let you get away with this." Alex started forward. "It's against all the rules."
"I know," he sighed. "But I hope you understand." Slowly he reached into his pocket, not taking his eyes off of Alex.
Understand? During his slight confusion, Landon tossed a device on the ground, creating a large smoke screen. Once it was gone, so was Landon. Alex searched around, but found no trace of him. "Damn!"
He knew it would be pointless to go back to the house. Alex knew that would be the first place Landon knew he would look. He probably already had his son and wife moved out of there, already gone, and on to their new life. Once again Landon had found a way to dodge Time Force.
He found her standing out back on the deck, watching the rain. It had been days since they had said a word to each other, days since he had seen her truly happy. Alex knew Wes was getting concerned even though he did his best to hide it. Jen just didn't have that spark in her, which was his fault. He had brought this upon her and it wasn't fair, but who said life was supposed to be fair.
"Jen."
No answer. She sighed heavily, watching as the raindrops hit the grass; everything seemed so peaceful, unlike the raging storm going on inside of her. It only had been a few days and she still hadn't grown the courage or strength to tell Wes that it was over, she couldn't stay. "It's not fair. It wasn't supposed to be like this." She turned to him. "Not for us." Tears ran down her cheeks. "I love him," she cried.
"I know." He bit his lip. If only things were different, if only… I wish there was another way." He approached her. "I'm so sorry, Jen."
Brokenhearted, feeling herself fall to pieces, she clung onto him, throwing herself into his arms, crying heavily. Her world as she knew it was coming to an end. Slowly she felt Alex wrap his arms around her, holding her close.
"What's going on?" Wes stepped onto the back deck, not knowing what to think, but he kept his voice down. He became deeply concerned when he saw Jen in tears.
"Wes." She pulled away from Alex.
Wes looked from Alex and then back to Jen. "Is everything okay?"
"I'll let you guys talk. I need to get ready for the prom, we'll be chaperoning in an hour." Without another word Alex made his way off the deck. He couldn't bring himself to look back at Jen, to give her some strength. He couldn't stand to see her so brokenhearted. And things were only going to get worse…
"Jen, you're crying" he walked up to her, concern in his eyes. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Oh Wes," she flung her arms around him. "Just hold me. Please," she cried.
Wes quickly wrapped his strong arms around her. "What is it, Jen? Tell me what's wrong." No answer. "Please, Jen." He looked into her face. "You're scaring me."
The tears just wouldn't stop. How could she tell him? It would break his heart, it would be more painful than any injury he had ever inflicted during a battle. She couldn't do it. She forced a smile. "It's nothing…I'm just so happy, being here with you, right now."
He looked into her eyes, searching, but he didn't search deep enough. Afraid to believe what he felt in the pit of his stomach would come true, he wasn't ready to face the truth, didn't want to face it or believe it. Better to live the lie. "Okay." He smiled and kissed her softly on the lips before she rested her head on his shoulder.
Wes wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him, just hoping that his mind was playing tricks on him and everything was going to be just fine. They were going to get married, start a family, and grow old together. And watch as their dreams came true.
"All right. Yeah, I can be there tomorrow. Sure I'll ask them, all right, see yah then. Later, Jase." Tommy turned around over to where Hayley was helping Eric with his tie. He didn't look too pleased about it.
"Tell me again, why do I have to wear this thing?" he complained.
Wes just started laughing as he and Jen walked into the living room. "And to think my father thought I was the only one who hates ties."
"Can it, rich boy!"
"Hold still," scolded Hayley, as she finished up the tie. "There, all done. Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Eric gave her a dirty look and loosened the tie a little around his neck. "So Tommy, what did Jason want?"
"Oh right, I almost forgot."
"Some things never change." Hayley grinned as she walked over to a mirror and began combing her hair.
Tommy laughed. "Very funny. He wanted to know if you four wanted to attend his wedding tomorrow." Just then Alex walked in. "You're welcome too Alex."
"Thanks, but I'm planning on leaving for home tomorrow." Alex looked over to Jen for a moment and then walked over to one of the mirrors to do his tie.
"Sure sounds fun. I'll finally be able to see some of these friends of yours." Hayley looked over to Eric. "And I'll be able to get Eric in a tie again."
"Perfect," Eric muttered under his breath. "I can't wait."
"Wes. What about you?" Tommy asked.
"Sure." Wes turned to Jen. "You want to go?"
Hesitantly, "I...I…" Jen realized that Alex was staring right at her, waiting for her to tell the truth, but she couldn't see past Wes's anxious face, wanting to spend every waking moment with her. "Yeah. Sure, I'd love to." She smiled.
Jen.Alex sighed. This was only going to make things harder in the end.
"Great!" Tommy looked at his watch. "Well, we should be going."
The gym was filled with students, faculty and chaperones. Some were dancing, eating food, talking about the good old days and what lay ahead.
Conner was dancing with Krista, who recently seemed to have become his girlfriend, but it was too soon to tell. Both of them were complete opposites. Conner eyed Hayley and Eric dancing close to each other; they looked to be arguing about something, but both of them were laughing and grinning, so it couldn't be too bad.
"What are you thinking about?"
He looked back to her and smiled; if things could work for Eric and Hayley, just maybe there was a chance for them. "Just that I'm probably one of the luckiest guys here tonight."
"I bet you say that to all the girls."
Conner laughed. "Only the real pretty ones."
Kira and Trent were dancing close with each other, smiling as they looked each other in the eyes. "I'm glad things worked out for your father."
"Me too. Even if it is only for a little while, but it's better then losing him now."
"Yeah, that's understandable." She looked into his face. "Don't worry so much, Trent, things always have a way of working out."
He smiled, leaning closer to her. "Yeah. I guess you're right." He kissed her gently on the lips. "Thanks for always being here for me, Kira, and always believing in me."
"Hey, that's what I'm here for." She rested her head gently on his shoulder as the two danced to the song.
Alex was leaning his back against the wall. He didn't seem to be paying attention to everything around him. His eyes were locked onto Wes and Jen, watching as the two held each other close as they danced to the song.
"Couldn't find anyone to dance with either, huh?" asked Ethan, walking over to Alex and leaning his back against the wall.
"I'm not much of a dancer."
Ethan looked in the direction that Alex was looking at. "Oh," he said, now realizing what the problem was. "I'm sure if you asked her, she'd dance with you."
Alex smiled at the thought. "No. She deserves to spend as much time with him as she can."
Ethan looked at Alex, confused. What did he mean by that? Wasn't Jen staying? Had he misunderstood Alex?
"So what's your excuse?" asked Alex, finally giving Ethan his full attention.
"Couldn't find anyone."
"Did you ask anyone?"
"Ah…Well…."
Alex laughed; in some ways Ethan reminded him of Trip. Alex searched the dance floor as if looking for someone, and then he spotted her. "How about that girl, over by the doors, next to the punch bowl?"
"Karen Brooks, the smartest and prettiest girl in school. Come on, she'd never dance with me."
"You might be surprised." Alex smiled.
"Wait a minute, are you saying…."
"I'm not saying anything."
Ethan crossed his arms against his chest. "I thought you Time Force guys weren't supposed to reveal anyone's future."
"I haven't done any such thing. I just merely suggested you ask her for a dance." He grinned. "The rest is up to you."
"Okay, Future man, I'll play your game."
Alex watched as Ethan walked over to Karen. Within seconds he watched as Ethan, shocked out of his mind, took Karen's hand and led her onto the dance floor. Alex sighed as he put his attention back on Wes and Jen; unfortunately he couldn't help everyone…
Wes had known for some time something had been bothering Jen, ever since her talk with Alex days before. She hadn't been herself. He began fearing the worst; that in her heart maybe she was still in love with him, but he refused to believe that. It couldn't be true.
"I was thinking, after we get done with Jason's wedding we could go on home and start planning our own wedding. I was thinking something small and simple. How do you feel about that?"
Jen sighed heavily as she rested her head on his shoulder, trying to hold the heartache inside of her. "It sounds wonderful," she answered softly.
"Something wrong, isn't it," asked Tommy, walking over to Alex. He had seen Alex keeping watch on Wes and Jen. And he could tell that there was something different about Jen tonight, she was there, but she wasn't.
"I'm afraid so."
"There's nothing you can do?"
Alex sighed. "Not in the way she would like. It's complicated now." He turned to Tommy. "And saying that, says too much."
"I understand."
"So, changing to something that's less depressing, what's next for you?"
"Haven't figured that out yet. I suppose I could stay here and continue being a science teacher. It's not life-saving, but I do get my holidays and summers off," smiled Tommy.
"That doesn't sound too bad, not to mention the fact it pays better."
He laughed. "That's true." Tommy stared down at his now bare wrist. "I going to miss it though."
Alex nodded his head in an understanding way. "But…."
"But I guess now I am kind of relieved that it's over. I wasn't at first though. I was scared out of my mind." Tommy then felt as Alex gripped his shoulder.
"Just remember Tommy, once a ranger, always a ranger."
"Thanks. I'd say the future's in pretty good hands."
They were dancing slowly on the dance floor, but something was missing. This wasn't the strong hearted Jen he was dancing with. Something was wrong and try as he might he couldn't figure out to put the broken pieces back together. And then it occurred to him. I can't fix this. Already he could feel his heart breaking all over again. The numbness in his heart returned once again. He bit his lip, refusing to break down into tears. He would hold himself together just a little longer. Hold her in his arms just a little longer. Not yet ready to give in, into what he already knew. And finally…
"This isn't going to work. Is it?"
She pulled away from him slightly, seeing the tears start to fall from his eyes. And soon her own tears followed. "I'm so sorry Wes. I wanted it to, but…"
"But you still love him, don't you?"
She didn't answer at first, not sure what he meant. And then she realized Wes thought her odd behavior was because of Alex, which in a way it was, but not in the way he was thinking. She was getting ready to tell him the reason, but he'd heard it before. This isn't my time. I don't belong here. I can't stay here. She took a deep breath in, feeling her heart breaking. "Yes." She slowly felt Wes let go of her, his face hurt and broken. She hated lying to him, but she thought: if he believed she loved Alex, maybe he would finally be able to move on. That next time he meets a girl, that time he will marry her. "I'm so sorry, Wes. I never meant to hurt you." Not being able to handle it any more, she ran, not looking back.
"Jen! Wait!" Wes started to go after her, ignoring all the stares from the students staring at him. But he felt someone gripping his shoulder, stopping him.
"You got to let her go, Wes." Alex sighed heavily. "For both of you."
Wes turned and stared at him, angry and hurt. He didn't know whether to break down or beat the living daylights out of Alex. All his plans, all his dreams, were gone.
"I'm sorry, Wes."
Wes didn't answer, just walked away, broken. Alex sighed heavily, watching as Wes walked over to one of the tables, sat down and broke down. He watched as Eric and Hayley joined him.
"I truly am sorry."
It was late out. It only had been abou
t an hour since the prom ended. They had already said their goodbyes to the teens, who were off to the after-prom party. Eric was getting his belongings packed into Hayley's truck, getting ready to leave for Angel Grove for Jason's wedding and then back to Silver Hills.
Wes was getting his bike ready, another reason why they were leaving tonight. Eric thought it might be best to get Wes out of that house, after what had happened at the prom.
"Well, here are the keys." Eric handed Tommy the keys to the cabin. "I guess we'll see you sometime tomorrow."
"Yeah. I still have a few things I need to take care of at the school." Tommy looked over to Wes. "Will he be okay?"
Eric sighed. He had seen this before, and every time it took Wes a little longer to get back to himself. "It's just going to take time is all."
"Yeah. Have a safe trip." Tommy shook his hand.
"Thanks. The same to you."
With that said, Tommy made his way back into the cabin. Alex was the last to say goodbye too. "Take care of him, Eric." Alex knew at that moment he probably wasn't Eric's favorite person in the world.
"I always do." Eric backed away. "See yah." He walked up to the truck where Hayley was waiting for him. "You ready, Wes?"
No answer. Before getting on his bike, Wes turned around and looked up to one of the windows with the light on, taking in one last look at the woman he would always love, no matter what. "Goodbye," he whispered. He quickly put his helmet on, hiding his falling tears. "Yeah. Let's get out of here."
Alex sighed heavily as he watched them drive away. He then turned and looked up at the window where Jen was. She only stayed until they were out of sight. He bowed his head down sighing. For better of for worse, it was done.
"Is he okay?" asked Hayley, leaning over to Eric and whispering. They were at the wedding, everything was all set and ready to go, but the Best Man was missing in action, which didn't surprise anyone too much.
"What do you think? The girl he loves has basically told him she doesn't love him anymore," came the slightly harsh answer.
"Will you two stop talking like I'm not here?" sighed Wes.
"Sorry, Wes, I didn't mean to start anything. I know this must be hard on you," answered Hayley, full of concern.
"Maybe this was a bad idea, coming here, after all you and…." He felt Hayley nudge him in the shoulder. "We can leave, Wes, if you want. The ceremony hasn't even started yet."
"No. I'll just go; you guys stay. Have fun." Wes started to get up, but just as he did Tommy came flying in, reluctantly Wes sat back down.
"Sorry I'm late, guys. I forgot to set my alarm." Tommy rushed over to Jason and Emily.
"It's alright, bro." Jason smiled. "It's good to have you back."
Wes blanked out most of the wedding. He imagined it as if it were Jen and his wedding. The wedding they were supposed to have, going to have. But like always it fell to pieces. His mind drifted to happier times, the nights they had held each other, the soft gentle kisses. Those memories seemed so far away now. And before Wes knew it the wedding was over and he was alone in the church, half remembered telling Eric and Hayley to go on without him; they seemed almost afraid to leave him alone, but he assured them he wouldn't do anything stupid.
The reception was in progress, people were dancing, eating, taking pictures and catching up on old times. Eric found himself out of place, but Hayley seemed to fit in, mainly for the fact that she recognized a few faces from yearbooks and photos Tommy had lying around in his dorm room.
For the first time in a long time, Tommy felt at home. Although he knew this place was no longer his real home, it would always be home to him. And it felt refreshing to be able to come back and see everything still as if he has never left, although one thing felt out of place. From a distance he watched as Kim and her boyfriend danced on the balcony.
He'd even had the chance to sit down with them and talk. And it turned out that he really was a good guy, although it hurt to see them. He was happy that Kim was truly happy. It was only wishful thinking that he'd end up with his high school sweetheart. He felt Jason grip his shoulder.
"He's really a great guy."
"I know." He smiled faintly. "That's why it hurts so much. So how does it feel to be a married man?"
"It feels good. I couldn't be happier." Jason sighed for a moment. "I want you to know I'm sorry about your powers. I know how much being a ranger meant to you."
"Thanks. It did mean a lot to me. But I think it's for the better."
Slowly Wes walked into the large room filled with people. "Hey Wes, over here!" Eric and Hayley waved him over.
Wes spotted them and began making his way over to them, slowly. "We didn't know what you would want to eat, so we got you a bit of everything." Hayley smiled, moving the plate of food in front of him.
Any other time he probably jump right in and eat like there was no tomorrow, but he didn't feel too hungry. But he knew if he didn't eat something Eric and Hayley were going to continue to hover over him like he's a sick child. "Thanks," he answered softly, as he nibbled on some of the cheese and fruit.
"I'll go grab us a couple of drinks." Eric got up and started towards the bar. He came back with a few drinks, which contained only soda. Eric wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to come back with a few beers, remembering the last time something with Jen happened. Wes had gone off and nearly got himself killed, so for now they would just stick with soda.
Eric sat down placing the drinks in front of them. Silence fell between Jen. He bit his lip not knowing what to say, this time it was different then the last two times. This time, plans had been made, promises and dreams. A quick look for Hayley told him, he needed to say something, anything. Eric gripped Wes's shoulder. "Whenever you need a talk, I'm here for you. You know that, right,"
"I know," For a moment Wes felt at ease, being in the comfort of his friends. Perhaps things would be okay, after all, who knows what the future holds?