Bridge's Secret Friend

The afternoon was clear and sunny as it shined on the SPD headquarters, and the Rangers were taking advantage of the beautiful day; four of them were playing a game of light football. Bridge, however, was lying down next to an old oak tree, fast asleep. Sky had asked him to join in, but Bridge had said no, instead deciding to take a nap.

Bridge was suddenly awoken by a soft thud on his leg. He opened his eyes and noticed that the football they were playing with was now lying a few feet away from him.

"Bridge!"

Sky was running toward him, stopping where the football was, and bent down to pick it up. He looked at Bridge as he got back up.

"Are you okay?" Sky asked him.

Bridge looked at him confused. "It's only a football, Sky. Not like it could do any real damage…" he gently teased as his confusion wore off.

Sky looked at him and threw the football back to the others, shouting that he'll be with them in a minute. He then walked to Bridge's side and sat down.

"No, I mean your eyes are all red and you look tired. Is there anything wrong?"

Bridge rubbed his eyes and after a second answered, "I'm fine, Sky, just a little tired. Nothing to worry about."

Sky kept looking at him for a long moment, until he got up and said, "Okay, Bridge. You know, if you need to talk to me--"

He didn't get to finish as Bridge just nodded his understanding, allowing Sky to then run off. Actually, Bridge had been thinking for a long time if he should tell Sky what has been up with him lately, but quickly pushed the thought aside. He lay back down and went back to sleep, awaken once again by Sky a few hours later.

"Bridge, it's time to wake up and have some dinner."

Bridge's eyes popped open, feeling suddenly awake. He got up and together they walked back to SPD base.

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At dinner, the Rangers ate in silence. They had roast beef for dinner, and Bridge wolfed down three plate-fulls before declaring himself stuffed. The other Rangers looked at him oddly, seeing as how they were all still on their firsts. Bridge got up, put his plate away, and began to walk out of the room.

"Where are you going?" Jake asked.

Bridge smiled and grabbed a roll from the table. "Out for a walk," he stated simply, then left the room.

Sky watched him leave. "He's been acting weird-- I mean, even weirder..."

"Yeah, I noticed that, too. He's been like this for almost a week now," Z said.

Sky didn't say anything, instead opting to finish eating his food. He got up, put his dishes away, and left the room as well, all the time worrying about his best friend.

Bridge was the kind of guy who rarely did anything out of character. Although, there was that time he ran off after having a dream about the giant robots, and almost got himself killed...

Sky sighed and walked into their room, believing that Bridge would be in there. Sky's worries doubled as he walked into an empty room. Bridge was like a little brother to him, and consequently worried about him. But he knew Bridge had his own life to live, and he had to respect that.

He sat down on his bed and grabbed a book from the shelf, then began to read.

-----

Sometime later, while reading his book, Sky fell asleep. A noise suddenly awoke him, causing his eyes to pop open. That's when he noticed Bridge walking in, looking very exhausted.

"Where have you been?" Sky asked worriedly, and Bridge took his time answering. First, he gently took off his jacket, then threw it on a chair.

"Out walking in the park to center myself. Why?"

"No reason," Sky replied.

He got up and dressed in his nightclothes, too. Sky knew he was lying, but didn't want to push his luck. They dressed in silence.

They both got into their beds and pulled the covers over themselves. Sky watched Bridge grabbed a stuffed dragon he calls "Mr. D." He then rolled over and promptly went to sleep.

Sky stared at the ceiling and thought to himself, 'I need to find out what Bridge is up to, no matter what….'

Sleep came slowly to him.

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Please review! Watch out for Chapter 2: Bridge's Secret Revealed.