Long Journey Home

Jason smiled contentedly as Tammy snuggled into his arms for the last set of ballads. They’d had a wonderful time, laughing, kissing, talking, kissing, dancing, and kissing some more. He honestly couldn’t remember when he’d last had so much fun. He reflected briefly on his situation; he’d lived in this reality for a little over a month now, but what a month it had been! Being a Ranger again,tingting Tammy -- especially meeting Tammy! -- had made this easily one of the best months of his life. If only it could last! The nagging uncertainty briefly shadowed his eyes. Resolutely, though, he shoved it back to the farthest corner of his mind. Tonight was for Tammy and him; nothing was going to spoil it!
 
He looked around. Tammy and he were literally dancing cheek to cheek, her modest heels giving her some extra height. All of their friends were currently on the dance floor as well, even Billy and Violet; every couple seemed almost as lost in each other as they. He grinned as he watched how Adam tried to hold Tanya without touching too much skin; he was failing miserably, but didn’t seem to mind too much. Rocky, Penny, Billy and Violet were dancing rather decorously, talking softly while they swayed to the music. Kat and David were taking advantage of the fact that the last chaperone, in charge of clean-up, was preoccupied with the stereo system, and were kissing avidly. Thinking that a very good idea, he pressed a gentle kiss to the soft cheek resting against his and let his mouth wander to the sweet lips which opened readily for him.
 
Reluctantly ending the exchange, Jason smiled into the dreamy hazel eyes. "Did you have fun tonight?"
 
Tammy kissed his chin. "You know I did. Thank you."
 
The deejaho hho had alternated with the live band for most of the evening, chose that moment to announce the last dance. Their mood momentarily broken, the two looked around. Most everybody was leaving by now, including their friends. Only a few diehards and the clean-up crew were still around. By unspoken agreement, Jason took Tammy’s arm and escorted her to the car. They silently drove through the dark, quiet streets towards the Oliver home. Once there, Jason turned off the motor and was about to pull Tammy close for a long goodnight kiss, when he felt her stiffen next to him.
 
"What is it?"
 
"T-the lights ...." Jason looked at the dark structure.
 
"What about them?"
 
"They’re off."
 
"So? Your mom’s probably already gone to bed. It is almost midnight, you know."
 
Tammy stared worriedly at her house.
 
"Maybe. But ..."
 
"But what? Tammy, what’s wrong?"
 
She looked at him then, her eyes wide with beginning fright.
 
"Jase ... my mom never lets me come home to a dark house. She always leaves a lamp on somewhere. I-I can’t see one, anywhere. Can you?"
 
Jason began to worry now, too.
"No." Hoping he wasn’t making a mistake, he killed the headlights and opened the driver-side door. "Come on. Be careful!"
 
Tammy scrambled out after him. Both teens moved silently towards the front door, their senses straining, as if they were facing one of Mondo’s monsters. They heard and saw nothing -- just a silent, dark house in an equally silent and daeigheighborhood. On the porch, J sto stopped Tammy. Whispering, he held out his hand.
 
"Give me your keys."
 
She slipped them to him. As quietly as possible, the Gold Ranger inserted the correct one into the lock.
 
"Be ready to run to the car when I give the word."
 
Tammy was about to protest, but he silenced her with a single look. Jason was all warrior now. The realization sent a strange little thrill down Tammy’s spine. She’d seen him like this before, in battle, but never for her.
 
"You’re not dressed for fighting," he breathed. "If there’s something wrong, you’ll have to try and get the police over here. Okay?" She didn’t like it, but he was right. Grudgingly, she nodded. He slipped her a quick, reassuring kiss. "Good. Now, get ready."
 
All senses alert, the two Rangers held their breaths as Jason slowly turned the key. It took more turns than he’d thought it would. Surprised, he looked back over his shoulder. "It was locked."
 
"What?" That almost seemed to rule out a burglary. However, they could be wrong. Hearts beating in their throats, Jason and Tammy very, very slowly pushed the door open. Nothing happened.
 
Taking a deep breath, Jason was about to step forward, when Tammy held him back. She held his eyes for a long moment.
 
"Be careful."
 
"Yeah."
 
Moving inside on silent feet, Jason looked around the dark hallway. Nothing moved, or seemed out of the ordinary from earlier that evening, when he’d watched Tammy comwn twn the stairs. Giving her a reassuring nod, he reached for the light switch.
 
"Here goes nothing." He flicked it on. Both tensed, battle ready.
 
Nothing happened.
 
Releasing breaths they hadn’t been aware they’d been holding, Tammy carefully stepped forward. Almost immediately, she saw the white envelope tucked into the hallway mirror. Exchanging a look with Jason, she plucked it off with unsteady fingers and unfolded the single sheet of paper within. Scanning the few hastily-scribbled lines, tears began to stream down her cheeks.
 
"Oh God ..."
 
Tammy’s breath came in short gulps; she started to tremble all over. Alarmed, Jason pulled her into his arms. "What?"
 
She looked up at him; to his surprise, he saw that she was laughing through her tears.
 
"Jase ... this is from my mom. She got a call from the hospital; there was an emergency, and she needed to come in right away. Sh-she also says that she’ll probably be gone all night." The tears came faster, despite the laughter. "She .... she must have forgotten to leave a light on because it wasn’t dark yet!"