Welcome to Reefside (editing in progress)

Wait I'm A Power Ranger? Part 1

Normal POV

Tracy opens her locker and takes out her book bag, glancing down the hall to make sure Grant isn't lurking around.

Thank goodness he's nowhere in sight. Let's keep it that way until I get on that bus.

She gently closes her locker so she doesn't slam her finger in it again. When she turns around, Kira and the boys are walking toward her.

"Hey, Tracy, has Mike asked you out yet?" Kira teases.

"Whoa, slow down there, Kira. What makes you think he even would ask me out?" Tracy asks, trying to play it cool.

"Tracy," Kira says, "you seriously can't tell he's crushing on you?"

"Well, yeah, but how do you know he's actually gonna ask me out?" Tracy asks.

Kira grins. "Why don't you ask him? Here comes Prince Charming."

"Kira, knock it off—" Tracy says.

But then Tracy sees him. Mike steps up right behind her, smiling like he always does around her.

"Hey," Mike says softly.

"Hey," Tracy manages.

"Can I ask you something?" he says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"If you're wondering who stole the cookies from the cookie jar, it wasn't me," she blurts.

She immediately cringes.

Oh, great - amazing job, Tracy. Flawless execution. Ten out of ten.

Mike laughs—actually laughs. "Conner was right. You really are funny."

He takes a small breath. "I was wondering if... you'd like to walk around town with me after school tomorrow?"

Tracy opens her mouth, but only air comes out.

Kira jumps in. "She'd love to, Mike."

"Great," he beams. "See you then."

He turns to leave—but then he stops, walks back, and leans in.

"I think I forgot something."

"What's that?" Tracy asks.

"This." Mike gently kisses her on the cheek.

Conner lets out the loudest catcall in recorded history. Kira elbows him in the ribs.

Tracy's whole body freezes. Mike notices.

"You okay?" he asks softly.

"Y-yeah," she stammers.

"Good. See you later, beautiful."

And he jogs toward the bus loop.

Tracy stands there like a deer in headlights, cheeks flaming. Conner opens his water bottle and splashes cold water straight at her face.

"CONNER! What was that for?!"

"Welcome back to Earth," he shrugs.

Tracy groans. "Okay, Kira, you were right. I totally blew it."

Kira rolls her eyes and pulls Tracy into a hug. "You didn't blow it, Tracy. You were perfect. Mike thinks you're adorable. Don't overthink it."

Tracy sighs, feeling a bit more at ease with Kira's reassurance. "Thanks, Kira. I just... I've never had a guy be this nice to me before."

Kira smiles. "Well, get used to it. Mike's a good guy, and he really likes you. Now, let's get you to the bus before you miss it."

Tracy nods, still a bit dazed. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, Kira."