Power Rangers Zeo - Venusian Encounters, Heather Ray [online e book reader txt] 📗

floor. Tommy and Kim watched as the happy couple swayed to the music.

Chapter Nine

Look into my eyes. You'll see
What you mean to me.
Search your heart. Search your soul...
And when you find me there you'll search no more.
Don't tell me its not worth trying for.
Don't tell me its not worth dying for.
You know its true.

Everything I do,
I do it for you.

"I don't think I've ever seen Billy so happy," said Kimberly, "I mean, look at him! He's actually laughing! He hasn't laughed for real since --"

"Since Trini moved to Switzerland," finished Tommy, "You're right. I didn't think he'd ever get over Trini, and I know

he'd never build the courage to ask her out. They'd been friends for years. He probably was worried about ruining their friendship by taking the next step."

"You know, I always thought they'd end up together," Kim admitted, "Who would've guessed our shy, quiet Billy would wind up living on some distant planet, immersed in water, engaged to a woman who's part fish! He's been afraid of fish since grade school!"

"Love's a funny thing," said Tommy, "It can change your whole outlook."

Chapter Ten

Look into your heart, you'll find
There's nothing there to hide.
Take me as I am... take my life.
I would give it all, I would sacrifice.
Don't tell me its not worth fighting for,
I can't help it -- there's nothing I want more.

You know its true.
Everything I do,
I do it for you.

"C'mon," said Kim, taking Tommy's hand, "We're the only ones not dancing! Let's hit the floor!"

Tommy and Kim walked to the dance floor. Kimberly rested her head on Tommy's shoulder, and they slowly danced their way towards the center of the dance floor. They both closed their eyes, and floated on the floor, letting the music guide their feet.

Chapter Eleven

There's no love like your love,
And no other could give more love.
There's nowhere... unless you're there.
All the time, all the way...

As the happy couple danced, they were oblivious to the dozens of people who stared at them. Many Angel Grove students knew how close Kimberly and Tommy were, and they were surprised to see Tommy dancing so closely to someone they've never seen before. Although, many of the onlookers had a strange feeling of deja vu

when they watched Tommy and his date glide on the dance floor, in their own world.

Chapter Twelve

Oh, you can't tell me its not worth trying for.
I can't help it--there's nothing I want more.
Yeah I'd fight for you; I'd lie for you;
Walk the world for you;
Yeah, I'd die for you...

Nearly everyone was looking at the couple, but one young man saw them in a different light. He was standing by the punch bowl, serving a glass of punch, when the song started. He turned around, looking out into the crowd, and then he saw something so shocking, he nearly dropped his cup. He continued to stare in mute shock, even though his best friend tried to gain his attention.

Chapter Thirteen

You know its true.
Everything I do...
Oh, oooh,
I do it for you.

"Hey! Skull! Wake up!!"

Bulk tapped his best friend on the shoulder, and then stepped in front of the slender man, and waved his hands before his eyes. Skull blinked, and looked at Bulk in surprise.

"What?" asked Skull, absently sipping his punch.

"What's wrong

with you? What're you looking at?"

"That girl," he said quietly, "It's Ki -- oh forget it. You... you wouldn't believe me."

Skull continued to watch as the song ended, and a few couples moved away from the dance floor.

"Tommy," said Kimberly, letting go of his hand, "I'm a little thirsty --"

"I'll get you some punch," offered Tommy.

"No, I'll get it," she insisted, "Go sit down, I'll be right back."

Kim gave Tommy a kiss on the cheek, and then walked over to the refreshment table. Skull saw his chance, and approached her.

"Now what're you doing?" asked Bulk.

"I'll tell ya later," snapped Skull, walking away. He stopped behind Kimberly, and tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Kimberly turned around, and smiled at Skull.

"Hello," she said, "Oh, excuse me, am I in your way?"

Skull didn't say anything -- he just continued to stare at Kimberly. Kim put down her glass, and held out her hand.

"I don't believe we met," she said, "Hello, I'm Kerri."

"Kerri," Skull repeated, shaking her hand, "Not Kimberly?"

Kimberly's eyes widened in surprise. Oh, God, he recognized me! Is the spell fading?

"No," she said, "Not Kimberly. Kerri."

Skull considered this, and then gazed deeply into her eyes. Kimberly looked away uncomfortably, and began twirling her caramel tendril of hair with her index finger. Skull shrugged, and then smiled.

"I guess you're right," he said with a small sigh, "I'm sorry to bother you -- I just thought you were... someone else. Someone I'll never see again. I'm Eugene Skullovich, but my friends call me Skull."

"Its a pleasure," said Kimberly, smiling with relief.

"Nice to meet you, Kerri," said Skull, turning and walking back to Bulk, "I'll see you around."

"What was that all about?!" shrieked Bulk, "That's Tommy's

date! Why do you always pursue girls with boyfriends?"

"I don't know," Skull admitted, running his hand through his short jet-black hair, "I just thought... never mind."

Bulk watched as Skull walked away from the ballroom, and stood outside the hotel, staring up at the night sky. I knew it was too good to be true,

he thought silently, studying the Moon, I should've realized my eyes were playing tricks on me! Kim's gone, for goodness sake! I was shocked when I saw the news report of Kimberly vanishing from her Florida apartment. I also felt a loss... one that's tough to explain. I didn't understand the emptiness... the numbness... until now. I think... I think I loved Kim. Not just a little crush, or anything like that. I think I really, really loved her. And now, she's gone. She may even be... dead. And I never told her how I felt. Of course, she would never go for me. Not with dozens of handsome, charming guys like Tommy out there. Still, I wish I had told her how I felt. But its too late now...

"Uh, Skull," said a quiet, awkward voice, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Bulky," said Skull, not turning around.

"Do ya wanna talk about it?" said the larger young man, standing beside his best friend. Skull still didn't turn his head.

"Nah, but thanks."

"Okay," said Bulk, walking away, "Whatever you say, Gene."

"Bulk," said Skull, looking down at his feet, "have you ever... been in love before?"

"Not for real," admitted Bulk, "But I'll tell ya one thing: I wish I had. Love's a wonderful thing, even if it doesn't work out. You know how they say 'tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all', or something like that?"

"Yeah," said Skull with a weak smile, "I've heard it before."

"Well, its true. Love makes you see things clearly--what's important, what's not... you know. It can give your life meaning."

"But, it can also make your life seem meaningless. I mean, who wants to live with a broken heart?"

"Broken hearts mend, pal," said Bulk, "Just give it a little time. So, ya wanna go back in?"

"No," said Skull, "I don't think so."

"Okay, then... how about a double banana split, with marshmallow sauce, chopped nuts, and Reeses' Pieces?"

"Now you're talking!" said Skull with a smile, "My treat."