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

the party tonight, okay?"

He waved silently, watching as she picked up speed. By the time she had disappeared down the street, an idea had already begun to take shape.


Part Two

The mall was oddly quiet for a Friday night… which wasn't all that

surprising, considering the big Halloween Ball that would occupy a large part of the teenage population.

Aisha sighed quietly as she continued through the aisles, straightening the hanging costumes for the umpteenth time. Another not-surprise: a full hour into her shift, and there hadn't been a single customer. After all, it was already three days after Halloween. The only event left in the season was the Halloween Ball, and anyone who planned to attend that party had already lined up a costume for use on Halloween as well. Well, except for her, who managed to ruin her Halloween costume beyond repair.

The teen passed a full-length mirror, and took an appraising look at her reflection.

All things considered, I look pretty darn good!

she decided, adjusting the thick leather belt that fit snugly around her hips. After her "adventure" on Halloween, she'd spent hours trying to piece together a decent costume for her first party as an Angel Grove High student. While the result wasn't as eye-catching as her incredibly authentic Yellow Ranger costume, the seventies style disco outfit had plenty of sass to make up for it. The striped bell-bottoms and frilly top only needed some simple alterations to fit like a dream, and she even scrounged up a wild Afro wig and preposterously wide leather belt. Add platform shoes, courtesy of Steve Madden, some dangling jewelry from her mother's nostalgic collection, and costume makeup to exaggerate her eyes and lips, and she was ready to go.

Of course, she had to spend the next two hours sitting in her mother's store, bored out of her mind

, until the proprietor returned for the closing shift.

"Hello? Anybody here?"

Aisha peeked over the clothes rack, and watched as a young man with ear-length braids wandered around the store.

Grinning, Aisha emerged from the aisle. "Hi, Zack," she greeted.

Zack turned, and took a moment to take in Aisha's appearance from head to toe. "Wow… that's a great

costume! Lemme guess… Pam Grier?"

His compliment earned a wide smile. "Close enough. So, what can I do for you?"

He quickly grew serious. "I've got a Costume Emergency."

"Really? I thought you were going as a magician."

His eyes widened. "How'd you know that?"

"We were at the same Youth Center for Trick or Treating."

"Right. Good eye," he commented, tapping his temple illustratively.

She laughed lightly. "Well, I'm in the business."

As he watched her lean against the counter, a playful smile lighting up her face, Zack almost forgot what he was looking for. "Yeah, well… I'd like to coordinate my costume with my girlfriend, and she's going as a belly dancer."

Aisha nodded, her smile fading just a little. "Lucky girl."

Zack's puzzled gaze urged her to elaborate. "It's hard to get a guy to even coordinate colors

, much less themes."

Her explanation waved away any awkwardness. "Please

tell me you got something

!"

Aisha rolled her eyes at his theatrical begging. "You're in luck, Zack… I believe we do have some sultan outfits. Just a second." She stepped behind the counter, and pulled out a binder. Glancing at him through the corner of her eye, she asked as casually as possible, "We've got five colors: blue, red, black, purple, and white. What's your pleasure?"

If Zack was disturbed by the question, he didn't show it. "I'm into black, but beggars can't be choosers."

Bingo!

Aisha sang in her mind, That's three down, four to go!

Zack noticed her mysterious grin. "What's so funny?"

Aisha shook her head dismissively. "That's just what I thought you'd say." She then nodded toward the display floor. "Let's see if we have your size, shall we?"

Part Three

The words in the textbook melted into a black blur that was beyond comprehension.

With a grunt of annoyance, Alexis rubbed her eyes, trying to force her mind back on her homework, and off

a certain handsome, strong, intelligent, considerate...

There I go again

!!

Of course, it was a monumental task, considering she could still feel the warmth of Jason's fingers on her cheek.

Sure, he'd touched her before. In fact, he touched her often, adjusting her position in their practice sessions, tapping her shoulder to get her attention, shoving her out of the way of a Putty. She even had the distinct memory of being cradled to his chest on Halloween, as she struggled to stay conscious after the Misfits' sneak attack.

Why did this

touch feel different? Why was it so… intimate?

She could've sworn

the touch meant something. He drew her eyes toward his, and when she saw the disquiet in that deep gaze, she felt like they'd connected.

That brief touch… that momentary contact… brought them so much closer. It gave her the nerve to touch him in return, first taking his hand, then gripping his arm, in the hopes that the physical exchange could make her words poignant enough to get passed Jason's stubborn tendencies.

Thus far, their relationship had been casual. It had to be, considering that she was absorbed into his world of fierce battles and evil magic the day he finally learned her name. His attention that first day made her heart flutter, but the reality of being a Ranger quickly smothered any sparks before they really caught fire.

He walked her home, they shared smoothies, he taught her how to defend herself, and they came to each other's rescue a handful of times… that about summed it up.

Which is fine… I'm more than willing to take it slow, see what happens between us. Kim told me it took Tommy months

before he caught a hint, and now they're living a fairy tale. Jason's worth waiting for.

Only, out of nowhere came the sudden reality that perhaps she'd be waiting a full year

to even see him again.

She desperately hoped that he wouldn't be chosen for the Youth Summit, but even that hope made her feel guilty. He wanted to go… and he was more than qualified for the role. The fact of the matter was, Trini, Jason, and Zack had an excellent chance of being chosen. True, hundreds of teens throughout the county no doubt applied, but Trini, Jason, and Zack had strength of character that few could match.

He's going to be picked. He's going to leave. We never even had a chance

, did we?

She'd noticed him nearly two months ago, on the first day of the school year when he stepped into Mr. Wilton's chemistry class. She finally met him two weeks ago, in the weight room early in the morning. And after two weeks of near constant association, she finally reached him today.

Alexis frowned deeply, a sudden burst of frustrated anger making her slam her book shut and bury her face in her hands. She'd finally reached him, and there was even a dance that could help them continue down this new and exciting path in their relationship, and she was grounded for two weeks.

Time was of the essence. If Jason were chosen, he'd leave in a month's time. If there was something between them that could last, she had less than four weeks to figure it out. And half that time would be wasted as she rotted in her bedroom in solitary confinement.

Figures… you risk your life saving the friggin' planet, and what do you get? Punished!

Suddenly depressed, Alexis rose from her desk and headed to the kitchen to drown her sorrows in some sort of comfort food. As she descended the stairs, she heard a key turn in the lock. For a brief moment, she considered retreating to her bedroom. Ever since her mother's explosion three days ago, Alexis gave her a very

wide berth at the risk of angering her further.

Just as Alexis turned around, she heard her mother's voice. "Can you join me for some hot cocoa?"

Alexis stared at her. Back in happier times, the Darling girls often shared the day's events over a hot mug of cocoa. It was a practice that grew lax once Denise moved away to attend college, and finally died when Peter left.

"Okay," she finally breathed.

Amanda nodded and went into the kitchen, carrying a grocery bag. Slightly stunned, Alexis slowly walked down the rest of the stairs, listening to her mother pour milk in a pot.

Silence hung as the women waited for the milk to heat. Watching her mother stir the milk, Alexis retrieved the powdered mix and teaspoons.

"We don't have marshmallows," she murmured, scanning the cabinet.

"I just bought some; check the bag."

Sure enough a bag of mini marshmallows sat in the paper sack.

Alexis felt her eyes sting as she brought the marshmallows and spoons to the table. She then selected two coffee mugs, and set them on the counter.

A few minutes later, Amanda poured two mugs of cocoa, and carried them to the table where Alexis sat waiting.

Silence continued to reign as they each prepared their cocoa to taste: Amanda dropping two marshmallows into her mug, and Alexis dumping as many marshmallows as the mug would allow.

"How was your day?"

Alexis decided not to inform her mother of the only significant occurrence, and opted for something safer. "Not bad. We had a quiz in Statistics, and I think I did okay. I have an essay to write for History over the weekend." She took a sip of the chocolate, its sweet warmth easing her tension. "How was yours?"

"I got a very interesting phone call this afternoon," Amanda revealed, "from a Jason Scott."

Alexis suddenly froze, her eyes wide and mouth slowly falling open. Amanda regarded her youngest daughter with a raised eyebrow as she continued. "We had a nice conversation. He'd apologized for not meeting me yet, but told me he was a good