Strawberry (Power Rangers Dino Charge - Tyler Navarro)

9

"What's this?" Jodi asked.

Andrew paused the game he was playing and looked down at what Jodi was holding. It was his old camera back when he was in middle school. He turned his game off and sat down on the floor with her. "That's my old camera. Let me show you."

He grabbed the camera and pointed it at her. "Say cheese." He smiled.

Jodi showed off her smile at him. She was caught off guard when it flashed right at her face, causing her to flinch and close her eyes. "That hurt." She pouted.

"Sorry." Andrew laughed. He took a look at the photo and laughed even more. "Look how funny you look."

Jodi leaned over and glared at the picture."I don't like it. I look weird."

"Well I'm keeping it."

"Why?" She argued.

"For memories. I want to remember everything when I get older. I know some things may seem weird at the times, but you'll appreciate all the funny things once you're older."

"Okay." Jodi mumbled.

"After I graduate, and once you get into high school, I'll give this to you."

"Really?" Jodi asked, a wide grin plastered over her face.

Andrew nodded his head. "Just wait a little longer. Then it's all yours."

Their smiles dropped when they heard the sound of a car door slamming. Andrew quickly got up and looked out the window. He could see his parents making their way to the house.

Andrew turned around and grabbed Jodi's arm, pulling her to her room. He closed the door behind him and walked over to the closet, pushing Jodi inside. "Stay in here for a little while. You can look through all the pictures if you want. And if it get's too loud, just close your eyes and cover your ears. And then everything will disappear."

Jodi nodded her head. Andrew closed the closet door and walked out the room. Jodi could hear him running down the stares. She heard the front door opening, and then slamming shut. Jodi flinched at the sound.

Jodi tried to distract herself with the pictures. It worked for a bit. But all the arguing was getting louder. And soon enough, she could hear things being thrown around the house. She turned off the camera, and closed her eyes and ears like Andrew said to do. And soon enough, she completely dozed off.

~

She could see Riley and Koda cooking in the kitchen while the other three walked around the cafe taking orders. But it was mainly Tyler and Shelby working. Chase couldn't help but to stop at a table full of cute girls and flirt with them.

Jodi let out a slight scoff at the sight. She took a sip of her smoothie and looked back at the camera she was holding. Unfortunately it didn't take pictures anymore, but she was still able to look through all the pictures that were already taken.

"Nice camera. Is it new?" Tyler asked.

Jodi shook her head. "It was my brother's old camera. He gave it to me before he left. Unfortunately it doesn't work anymore. But I can still look through all the pictures."

"That's neat." Tyler said as he took the seat in front of her. "How old are the pictures?"

"Probably around the time when I was in middle school. It's embarrassing to see myself that young."

"Can I see?" Tyler asked.

"I don't know." Jodi shrugged.

"Just one?" Tyler pleaded.

Jodi gave him a small smile. She looked through all the pictures before finding one that she could show him. It was the first picture her brother took of her with this camera.

She showed him the photo, and he couldn't help but to laugh. "You look adorable." He complimented.

"It's embarrassing." Jodi whined.

"You haven't changed a bit." Tyler smiled. "You have the same cheeks. And your smile is still the same. I guess the only thing that really changed was your hair. But you look good with purple hair."

"Thanks." Jodi smiled.

"But it's weird seeing you without a turtle neck. I've grown used to you always wearing those." Tyler said.

"They comfort me." Jodi shrugged.

She pulled the camera away and put it back in her bag. Just then, a shelf from the kitchen had fallen down, causing a bunch of utensils to drop on the floor and making a big ruckus throughout the cafe, causing everyone to turn to the kitchen.

"Sorry, everyone." Riley apologized.

Chase immediately turned to Jodi. Her hands were covering her ears from the sound and her eyes were closed. She could feel her heartbeat suddenly rising. All in all, she was in pain.

"Hey, are you alright?" Tyler asked worriedly.

Her breathing was getting heavier. And her body was shaking. Before Tyler could go comfort her, Chase was already by her side. "Let's go get some air." He suggested. He helped her up and grabbed her bag for her, Then taking her outside.

"Is everything alright?" Shelby asked.

"I'm not sure." Tyler answered.

~

Jodi sat on a bench alone, rubbing the center of her palm. As Chase came back, he looked down at the scar on her palm. He was really curious about it. He then held out a can of strawberry soda for her. "Thanks." She mumbled.

She tried opening the can, but her hands were still shaking. Chase grabbed the can and opened it for her. "Here."

"Thank you." She frowned.

"Are feeling okay?" He asked.

Jodi shook her head. "Loud noises still get to me. It honestly feels like I'm losing my hearing." She frowned. "Oh, how I wish to forget."

Chase wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. "Just relax. No one here is going to hurt you."

"I'm not worried about anyone here hurting me. I just want to forget everything about New York. I hate it." Jodi mumbled.

"It's alright. You just need more time. It's not like everything's going to get better all at once."

Jodi rested her head on his shoulder. "Your little sister must adore you. She has an awesome big brother." Jodi smiled.

"I know. I'm just that amazing." Chase bragged.

"What's she like?"

"She's adorable. She's at the stage where she want to do everything I do. Skate, travel, everything. But I told her she needs to stay in school for now."

"Do you miss her?" Jodi asked.

"Everyday. But I know just one flight home will bring me back to her. Plus, I'm sure she'll be able to visit soon. And maybe soon, I'll be able to visit her."

Jodi turned her head to him. "What's stopping you?"

"Uh, money." He lied. He couldn't tell her about being a Ranger.

"Understandable."

"What about you. Is there anything about New York that you miss or that you liked?"

Jodi thought as hard as she could. Everywhere she went, it was just a nightmare, whether it be at school or at home. Nowhere felt safe for her. And there wasn't a single person in New York that she missed. Not even her brother. "No."

See y'all on Friday
Hope you enjoyed :D