The Terran Ranger Saga Volume 4 by Heather Ray (ebook reader browser txt) 📖

anyway?"

"They aren't, really. I guess they're both too shy to do anything about it. Tanya did ask Adam to the Crystal Ball last month, but they've never gone on a date by themselves."

"Well," said Aisha with a knowing smile, "I know for a fact that some guys are so insecure, they wait for months before they ask a girl out."

Tommy turned around, and frowned at Aisha. "I guess Kim told you about the time I asked her to a dance by the lake, when I lost my Green Ranger powers."

"You mean the time you finally asked Kim out! Yep, she told me. She tells me just about everything."

"Uh, I think I'll go make sure Kat doesn't need help," said Tommy suddenly, hopping off the couch and hurrying into the kitchen. Aisha just started to giggle.

Just down the hall, Adam stands in the door, gazing at Tanya. She was still sleeping soundly, with a fluffy cream colored blanket over her body. Only her head peeked out from underneath the blanket. She looked so serene while she slept that Adam decided not to disturb her.

After all, she needs all the sleep she can get,

he thought, I just don't believe this is happening! Some monster is trying to kidnap Tanya,, and I can't do a thing about it! Its driving me crazy! And I know I shouldn't stress. Doctor Campbell told me to take it easy after that operation. It'll be months before I can safely wield the green Zeo Shard again. And even when that time comes, I don't want to just take the Power from Aisha. She's always been such a great Power Ranger. So spirited, and constantly full of energy. My rangering days may be over forever. I shouldn't take it so badly, though. As long as the Earth is protected, I should be happy. So what if I'm not the one wearing the green uniform? I just wish there was some way I could help Tanya...

A soft yawn from across the room startled Adam out of his reverie. He stood his ground and watched as Tanya opened her eyes dreamily, and sat up slowly. She stretched her arms, and smiled up at him.

"Good morning, Adam," she said, standing up off the floor and straightening her nightgown. "When did you get here?"

"A couple minutes ago. I can with Tommy to help clean up the mess the Sandman made."

"You didn't have to. You shouldn't exert yourself --"

"I won't. I just wanted to help out a bit."

Tanya and Adam stood in an awkward silence for a few moments. Neither one knew what to say next, so neither said anything. Fortunately for the both of them, the doorbell's chime broke the silence.

"I'll get it!" they heard Aisha call from down the hall. Tanya put on her yellow flannel robe, and she and Adam stepped out into the hallway, where they saw Kimberly and Billy coming into the house.

"Don't close the door yet," said Kimberly, "Rocky, Jason, and Zack are right behind us."

Katherine stepped out of the kitchen, carrying a tray full of coffee mugs. "Okay, the coffee's ready, and I have some hot cinnamon rolls in the oven! They'll be done in five minutes."

"Wow," said Rocky, taking a mug of hot coffee, "I should visit you more often, Kat!"

After the group of teenagers enjoyed some coffee and rolls, they began work on the window. In only a few hours, the shattered window was replaced, and the house was cleaned. It actually looked better than it ever had before.

"Terrific job, everyone!" said Kat. "My parents are gonna be pleasantly surprised when they see how clean the house is!"

"No problem," said Jason. "Now that we're done here, let's go to Ernie's for lunch, and then help him set up for the party."

Chapter Eight

It was the evening of the New Year's party. The Youth Center was set up nicely, with a refreshment stand, tables set up, and the DJ played a mix of lively dance songs. Everyone was having fun dancing and talking. All but Tanya Sloan. She stayed at the table her friends were sitting at, and remained silent while the others talked about random topics. Aisha and Zack were dancing to Blackstreet's song "No Diggity"

, and impressing most of the other dancers with their skilled moves. Then, the DJ said goodnight, and the live band took the stage. Everyone cheered excitedly as the lead singer took the microphone.

"Hey there, Angel Grove!" she called. "How's the party?"

Everyone cheered their approval.

"Okay, it's time for some slow songs, since it's edging on midnight! So everyone, grab your sweetie! Now, we're gonna sing 'Never Forget You'

by Mariah Carey."

Kimberly stood up, and grabbed Tommy's hand. She lead him onto the dance floor.

"I won't see your smile
And I won't hear you laugh anymore
Every night
I won't see you walk through that door..."

"Oh," said Katherine, closing her eyes, "this is such a beautiful song."

"Would you like to dance?" asked Jason, holding out his hand. "Just for fun, I mean."

"Sure," said Katherine, taking his hand. They walked over to the dance floor, and swayed to the music. Tommy made eye contact with Jason, and gave his best friend a thumbs up behind Kimberly's back. Jason rolled his eyes and shook his head.

" 'Cause time wasn't on your side
It isn't right
I can't say I love you
Its too late to tell you,
But I really need you to know, oh baby,"

"So, what do we wall-flowers want to talk about?" asked Rocky after watching Aisha and Zack, Tommy and Kimberly, and Katherine and Jason dance for a minute.

"I don't know," said Billy with a smile, "how about the weather?"

"Not bad," said Adam, "colder than usual, a little wet, but not bad."

Adam turned towards Tanya, who was staring at the clock anxiously. She was completely oblivious to the conversation at hand.

"Adam," whispered Rocky, "why don't you ask her to dance?"

"Why?" asked Adam.

"Because, dancing is fun! Maybe that'll get her mind off the Sandman. She's really tense."

Adam nodded, and turned back to Tanya.

"No, I'll never forget you,
I'll never let you out of my heart,
You will always be here with me,
I'll hold onto the memories, Baby."

"Uh, Tanya," said Adam timidly. "Would you like to dance?"

Tanya turned and smiled at Adam. "Well, okay."

Tanya and Adam stepped onto the dance floor. Adam wrapped his arm warily around Tanya's waist, and took her hand. She gazed into his dark brown eyes for a few moments, and then turned her focus away from him, slightly embarrassed.

"Baby, can you hear me
Wherever you may be tonight?
Are you near me?
I need you to be by my side.
'Cause I never said goodbye
It isn't right.
I should have said I love you
Why didn't I just tell you?
God knows I need you to know."

Tanya and Adam swayed across the dance floor, catching the eye of many surprised teens. But they seemed to be in their own world, enjoying the close proximity, and the warm breath on each other's cheek. Tanya finally rested her cheek on Adam's shoulder. Adam stiffened slightly, but soon relaxed as he lead her across the floor.

"No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart.
You will always be here with me.
I'll hold onto the memories baby."

"Thanks, Adam," Tanya whispered into his ear.

"For what?"

"For being here for me. For trying so hard to make me feel better. I appreciate it."

"Its no big deal," he said modestly. "After all, we're friends, right?"

"Absolutely." And maybe something more?

"Somewhere I know you'll be with me.
Someday, in another time.
But right now you're gone, just vanished away
But I'll never leave you behind..."

"Look at them," said Rocky excitedly. "Man, Adam has all the luck!"

"Cheer up," said Billy with a smile. "You'll find the perfect woman some day."

"In the meantime," said Rocky with a playful smile. "Care to dance? We're the only ones left."

Billy just laughed. "Somehow, Rocko, I don't think you're my type. Besides, who'll lead?"

"No, I'll never forget you,
I'll never let you out of my heart.
You will always be here with me.
I'll hold onto the memories, baby..."

When the singer finished the final note, everyone on the dance floor stopped dancing and cheered. All but Tanya and Adam. They just stood there, in each other's arms, in silence.

"Okay, everyone, get ready! It's just about time to start the one minute countdown to midnight!"

Tanya's head rose from Adam's shoulder, and she glanced at the clock. Sure enough, it was 11:58.

"Where did the time go?" she asked him.

He smiled shyly. "I guess time flies when you're having fun."

"Look, Adam," she said, letting go of him and stepping back, "I'd better get going. Its nearly midnight!"

"And you've suddenly become Cinderella?"

"If only," she said, turning away. "Goodbye."

Tanya hurried out of the Youth Center. Adam stood there, dumbfounded.

Zack walked up to him. "What did you say to her, Man?" he said jokingly.

Adam just shrugged.

"Maybe you should follow her! Its a little chilly outside, and she's wearing a sleevless dress! The first way to a woman's heart is to be a gentleman."

"And I guess you're the expert?" asked Adam with a good-natured laugh, "I somehow doubt its working with Angela."

"Angela can be impossible," said Zack with a grin, "but Tanya, is an entirely different matter."

Adam looked at Zack, and saw that he was serious. He then hurried out of the Youth Center, and Ernie made an announcement.

"Okay, sixty seconds and counting..."

Chapter Nine

Tanya Sloan was running up the hill away from the Youth Center, her short yellow dress blowing in the cool breeze. Tears began to streak down her face, but