Streaks of Purple Saga Volume Four, Heather Ray [accelerated reader books txt] 📗

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"I'm sorry! I didn't get a chance! I didn't think-"

The usually soft-spoken woman was absolutely livid. "You never

think, do you?? You just ignore any attempts at discipline I make, don't you??"

"No!" Alexis shouted, desperate to turn the argument away from the path it was heading, "I...I don't mean to-"

"Like it or not, I am

the voice of authority in this household! I tried to be understanding, I tried to be flexible, but enough is enough

!!"

Alexis closed her eyes as her sentence was delivered.

"You're grounded for two weeks," Amanda proclaimed. "That's fourteen days. You can only leave to go to school and church. For every day you walk into this house even a minute

after three-thirty, I will tack another

week to your punishment."

"What?? But-"

"Is that clear??"

Alexis leaned forward, a sharp retort at the tip of her tongue, when she miraculously managed to get a hold on her temper.

She knew it was pointless to try and reason with her mother when she was this

worked up. Talking back would only increase her punishment, or worse -- inspire her mother to ask questions about her whereabouts for which Alexis didn't have answers.

Instead, her shoulders slumped as she dragged her feet passed her mother and marched up the stairs, tears of helpless frustration stinging her eyes.

Epilogue

Part One

Friday, November 3rd

"I've reached a point in my life where I'm ready for new challenges. I've been very... active in the community, especially the past couple years, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. And at the same time, I'm eager to take on something new. Broaden my horizons... get a new perspective on the world, and the issues that we face as a global community. I know I get a lot out of the Youth Summit, like meet teenagers from around the world, and learn what's on their minds, and the problems they face. We can all learn from each other, and maybe even come up with solutions to each other's challenges."

He sat up a little straighter. "Teamwork is the only way people can achieve great things. No individual is fully self-sufficient, and when we cooperate and work to the mutual benefit of all involved, we can strengthen each other's weaker traits and encourage each other. And in the end, that team can achieve truly great things. I want to be part of a global team, and let my teammates motivate and inspire me to strive for some meaningful goals. And hopefully, I'll hold up my end, and do my part to motivate and inspire others as well."

Jason kept his dark gaze on Natasha Trotsky, who was busily writing notes. After a few moments, the Russian delegate looked up from her notes, smiling softly.

"Thank you very much for your time and interest, Mr. Scott," she praised, shaking his hand. "I must say, rarely meet someone with your conviction!"

Jason grinned at the compliment. "Thanks for seeing me, Ma'am. So, what happens now?"

"Once Dr. Kuiperi and the rest of his team complete the interviews, we'll discuss our findings and come to a mutual decision. We'll make our selection within the next two weeks, and contact the three nominees. Once all three are confirmed, there will be a public announcement on November 15th."

Jason nodded, taking his backpack as he approached the door. "Good luck to you, then."

The moment Jason stepped out of the temporary office, he let out a loud breath. He hadn't realized just how nervous he was until he was sitting across from the desk, watching program coordinator take scrupulous notes as he articulated just why he felt he belonged at the Peace Conference.

Dr. Kuiperi and his team truly wanted to make sure they selected three delegates who would make the most of the opportunity. They certainly wouldn't waste the space on someone who was only vaguely interested.

Did Jason really

want to go? It was a question he'd been considering more and more the past few days. While he couldn't muster the excitement both Zack and Trini had displayed over the idea, he couldn't deny it sounded like the chance of a lifetime. But, was it the right choice for him

? Would he truly feel comfortable at a summit focusing on world peace? Or would he feel guilty that he left the war for Earth in someone else's hands, just so he could explore other interests?

He wasn't a peacemaker by nature. He fought with heart, and he couldn't deny that he liked

a good contest with a challenging opponent. Trini strove to make the world a better place, and even Zack preferred to diffuse tough situations that let them resort to violence. Both viewed their personal martial styles as art forms, and preferred to perform them strictly as such. They never competed, and they rarely sparred for fun. Only to keep their skills sharp, and learn new techniques. Never just to see who is better

.

"Jase?"

I'll just have to see,

he decided, I was as honest with Miss Trotsky as I could be without bringing up the Rangers. I'll have to trust that if I am

chosen for this summit, then I belong there.

"Hey Jason! Earth to Jason Scott!"

Jason blinked, stirred from his thoughts by the peeved voice. He turned around, surprised to see Alexis standing directly behind him, her lips pressed in an irritated moue.

"Are you going deaf or something?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Lex. I was distracted."

"Story of your life," she sighed with a dismissive wave. "So, how'd the interview go?"

"I think it went pretty well. Miss Trotsky seemed really genuine, and said that I have a lot of 'conviction.' Looks like I got a shot at being chosen."

He noticed Alexis turn away, taking a sudden interest in the wall behind him. Was it his imagination, or was she shuffling her feet? "So you really want to go, huh?"

It felt so strange hearing aloud the question that he had been considering and reconsidering for the better part of a week.

He didn't particularly care to speak to the side of her face. So without thinking, his fingers brushed her cheek, urging her to face him. And in doing so, he broke down an unspoken barrier that had existed between them.

He looked into her eyes, surprised by the sudden need to see her reaction to his words. "Yeah, I think I do. I think it would be a mistake for me to let an opportunity like this pass without even trying for it. I mean… it's not like the team really needs

me, so I can..."

His words died on his lips as Alexis' gaze hardened. Eyes that were a moment ago quietly resigned suddenly blazed with determination.

"Look, Jase, I may not know much about being a Power Ranger. I've only been one for two weeks, and I still haven't got the hang of it. Still, even the newbie can make out the team dynamic easily enough."

She reached out, taking his hand between hers. Her grip was firm, silently pleading with him to listen to her next words. "I see how the other Rangers look at you, how they listen when you speak. They all respect you. Especially

Tommy. Haven't you noticed that nearly all his orders sound like suggestions? He's running his every idea by you, and you're validating his tactical plans. Your opinion holds just as much weight as it did when you were giving the orders. You're a great value to the team... don't ever

doubt that."

Jason stared at Alexis for a long moment, both surprised and awed by the absolute confidence that resounded in her words. Just like that fateful day in the school weight room when he first talked to her, genuine concern shone in those green eyes, promising that she would listen without judgement, and give an honest, insightful answer to any question he related. Only now, it was different. Now she actually knew him, quite well given the brevity of their friendship.

Her grip then shifted. One arm threaded through his, and with a small nudge the pair continued their trek through the quiet halls side by side.

After a few steps, she spoke again. "But, we can exist without you."

Jason froze dead in his tracks. "Huh?"

She chewed her lip, as if reconsidering the assertion she just made. Yet she didn't take it back. Instead, she continued, even though the expression on her face made it clear that it cost her to do so.

"The Rangers can go on without you," she elaborated. "I don't want you to think you have to stay in Angel Grove, especially if you want to go somewhere else. We'll keep saving humanity from evil aliens while you figure out a way to save humanity from itself. If you leave, we'll miss you… a lot

… but we'll make you proud."

They continued walking, both absorbed in their own thoughts, as they approached the front doors of the high school. As they walked passed a bench, Alexis paused to take a seat. Confused, Jason turned around, and watched the Purple Ranger draw her roller-blades from her backpack, and replace her sneakers.

"You're not coming to the Youth Center?"

She didn't look up. "Nah, if I miss curfew, my mom'll ship me off to military school or something."

Jason frowned. "What did you tell her happened?"

"Nothing… she was just so beyond upset, I couldn't get a word in edgewise." She sighed softly, finally looking up. "Hey, could you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Tell Zack that Angela's going to the ball as a belly dancer."

An amused smile softened Jason's expression. "So you decided to tell him after all?"

She giggled. "I probably shouldn't have made him squirm, but he is

funny when he's desperate. Hopefully he'll be able to find a matching costume in…" She glanced at the new wrist unit Billy had provided. "..three hours."

She then rose from the bench, and slowly rolled away. "I'll see you Monday, Jase," she murmured, "Have fun at