(Early one Friday morning in Angel Grove high, the rangers await the final bell so that they can start their weekends. None of them have any specific plans about what exactly to do, despite the fact that the hallways are littered with flyers to a costume parties at one of the rich girls houses. Every wall space that isn't taken up by a locker has a poster on it, hyping it as the party of the year. If that isn't enough, a few members of the football team are handing out flyers personally to the students, selectively. Not being in the "cool" group, the gang hasn't given the party much thought. When the bell rings, the first though on their mind is just getting out of class.)
Ms. Appleby: Anyway, we'll pick up on the rest of the industrial revolution on Monday, so make sure you all read chapter 17. I hope you all enjoy your weekends. Oh and Trini, Lindsay and Scott may I speak with you all in the front please?
Trini: I wonder what she wants. Am I in trouble or something?
Billy: Unlikely. She probably just wants to review an assignment with you or something.
Trini: Probably...
Kimberly: We'll all just wait for you outside till you're done.
Trini: Cool. See you guys in a minute.
(As Jason, Zack, Billy, Kim and Tommy grabs their stuff and head out, Trini walks up to the front desk fearing the worst.)
Trini: Yes Ms. Appleby? Is something wrong?
Ms. Appleby: I was wondering the same thing myself.
Trini: I'm sorry? I don't understand.
Ms. Appleby: I was curious about the well-being of Roberto. He is your boyfriend, right?
(Trini groans dreadfully on the inside at the mention of his name. By now, all of her friends and even her family knew that they'd broken up and understands not to talk about it. But it is too soon for people outside of that social to simply assume something is wrong.)
Trini: Oh... well...
Ms. Appleby: He hasn't been attending any of his classes for the past two weeks and I was beginning to wonder if he's ever coming back. He was doing surprisingly well, so it comes as a shock for me that he'd just throw it all away on an impulse.
Trini: Yeah... it shocks me too that he'd throw everything away. Believe me. And I don't know where he is to be honest. I haven't spoken to him much lately.
Ms. Appleby: Well, after trying to get in contact with him over the phone, I've finally reached his mother this morning. She understands that Robbie is responsible for all of his missing work, and we came to an agreement that one of his friends will bring the missing work for him to complete and brought in on Monday.
Trini: Ms. Appleby I know where you're headed with this, and with all due respect I think it'd be best if you find someone else to bring him his assignments. We are currently not... on the best of terms. And he lives on the other end of to--
(Trini's pleas are drowned out by the sound of her teacher slamming what looks like a ton of paper work in front of her.)
Ms. Appleby: Now all the history assignments are there. And I've thrown in some biology, algebra and English work in there that each of his teachers want covered. So can you just bring it to him please?
Trini: (sighs) You got it.
Ms. Appleby: Thank you Trini! And I hope you and Robbie work everything out. You two look so cute together, and you've worked wonders on his average. Have a nice weekend!
(Left with little choice, she tries to pick up the heavy stack of homework as well as her tiny frame could and lug the load outside where she rejoins the others.)
Jason: Whoa Trini, what's with all the papers? You buying a house?
Trini: No... I've got to take this stupid homework down to stupid Robbie's house, cause he's too stupid to come to school.
Billy: Here, let me help you with that.
(Billy jumps in unquestioningly and takes the stack away from her.)
Trini: Oh Thank you Billy, you're so kind! God, if you think Robbie couldn't have caused me more trouble...
Billy: I don't mind taking it to his place for you.
Trini: Really? You'd do that for me Billy? Because I would really appreciate that. The last person I want to see right now is him.
Billy: Sure. I completely understand that you'd like to avoid that awkward confrontation with him. I'll bite the bullet for you.
Trini: You're awesome Billy. Thanks again.
Jason: I don't mean to keep bringing him up, but where has he been?
Zack: Yeah, I haven't seen that guy in like two weeks.
Tommy: Don't jinx it. It's two weeks where no one is making fun of my ponytail, or carving my girlfriends number onto bathrooms stalls with promises of "A good time". Good riddance I say.
Zack: He hasn't been at the Juice Bar, he isn't answering calls. He hasn't even been on Facebook.
Kimberly: Not exactly.
Jason: Huh?
Kimberly: Looks like Robbie just commented on one of my statuses.
Billy: Is that so, what did he say?
Kimberly: Here, read it.
(She hands Billy her cell phone so he can read a comment he recently typed to one of her statuses. Everyone crowds around him to read it, even Trini, who does so 'reluctantly.')
Kimberly: I can't tell if he's trolling me or not.
Trini: "Take care of your baby?" Really Kim?
Kimberly: (gushing) Oh yeah! Ever since Tommy twisted his ankle we've like totally grown closer as a couple. I've been helping him to class, feeding him and pretty much being by his side the entire time as a supportive woman should.
Jason: He just twisted his ankle Kim. He's not dying.
Kimberly: I know, but when you find true love you just... you can't bear to watch them get hurt, you know? You just want to do whatever you can to make them happy. Trini, you know what I mean. At least you did.
Trini: ...
(Tommy grimaces, catching Kim's attention.)
Kimberly: Is something wrong babe?
Tommy: Oh nothing. I'm just... I'm just a little thirsty. I would run to the vending machine, but... you know.
Kimberly: Oh, wait here! I'll be right back.
(She obliviously throws her books on top of Billy's already overwhelming pile and runs off.)
Tommy: Diet Coke, please!
Jason: I wonder what Robbie is doing right now.
(Meanwhile, in his home located deep in the heart of the Industrial District, Robbie is doing... absolutely nothing. For the past two weeks he's been a recluse, more so than usual. Not out of a sense of despair, although he is still recovering emotionally, but more out of a sense of exclusion from both his past and most recent social circles. He's spent most of his time in his room, which looks disastrous; littered with paper plates, dirty clothes and comic books and cultivating an odor that would seem more suitable in a homeless shelter. Currently, Robbie is in bed as his mother walks in the door.)
Robbie's mom: Robbie... Robbie, shut that noise off.
(But Robbie doesn't respond, likely cause he doesn't hear her. His face is buried deep in a gaming magazine with his back turned to the door. Eventually she just walks on over herself and shuts if off.)
Robbie: Oh! Fancy seeing you again.
Mom: Robbie, can you explain to me why one of your teachers called me this morning saying you've been skipping school the past two weeks?
Robbie: I will. As soon as you explain to me where you've been the past two weeks.
Mom: We're not talking about me, don't try to flip this.
Robbie: Okay...?
Mom: I get home and realize you've been cutting class. On top of that it stinks to high heaven in here and I just heard from the landlord that you got in a fight with the boy in apartment 12-D.
Robbie: Well if he doesn't want anyone commenting on his Batman briefs, maybe he should start pulling his pants up.
Mom: On top of that, I get home and there is no food in the house at all.
Robbie: (shrugs) I have to eat.
Mom: Cookies and Jell-O aren't real food Robbie. They're snacks. My snacks. Where do you think that money comes from?
Robbie: American tax payers?
Mom: Robbie...
Robbie: Mom, it's Jell-O. They're 65 cents a box. I'll give you 65 cents so you can buy more. Heck, take five dollars and buy the whole company for all I care. Just leave me alone.
(Robbie speaks with a tone of finality as he returns to his magazine. His mother doesn't leave however, and just stands their trying to put the pieces together as to why he's acting this way.)
Mom: You blew it, didn't you?
Robbie: What?
Mom: She left you. Your girlfriend, the Chinese girl.
Robbie: (scoffs) You don't know what you're talking about. And she's not Chinese for your information, she's...
Mom: ...
Robbie: Oh shut up, you don't know either.
Mom: I should've known. What happened?
(He tries to make a dismissive look to throw her off, but it doesn't seem to work.)
Robbie: ...I cheated.
Mom: (groans) Oh God. You are just like your father.
Robbie: Can you stop comparing me to that man whenever I do something stupid?
Mom: I will. Once you stop doing stupid things that remind me of that man.
Robbie: Look I feel like dirt already, okay? I don't need you rubbing it in. It was an accident.
Mom: Man, she was a sweetheart. Sure did a number on you.
Robbie: Sure did.
Mom: Why don't you talk to her? Maybe work something out? Sitting in here in your own filth isn't gonna make you feel better. Or at least go outside and catch up with old friends. Or go find a party to go to and meet someone new. Whatever you do, you gotta do it somewhere other than here.
(His internal defenses go up at the thought of starting over with someone else.)
Mom: Look, I even bought you a nice shirt while I was away.
(She reaches into a small white bag she came in with and pulls out a nice, light brown collared shirt that looks like as if it's from a nice brand name. Even Robbie is blown away by the gesture.)
Robbie: Oh wow...
Mom: Wear that to a party. You'll meet someone nice.
Robbie: Uh... thank you mom. I don't know what else to say?
Mom: It's what moms are for.
(She pats him on the back reassuringly and heads for the door; stopping and turning one last time before she leaves.)
Mom: You owe me 20 bucks by the way. The recipes on the counter.
(Back in school Kim rushes back to Tommy with Coke in hand. She kisses him on the cheek, opens the can for him and literally lets him takes sips from her hand.)
Jason: Dude, that is absolutely pathetic. You're not even in crutches anymore. You're barely walking with a limp.
(He shrugs and smiles shamelessly as he takes another sip from Kim's hand.)
Kimberly: Hey, where did Trini go?
Billy: She seemed a little upset at something and said she had to go home. She insisted on being alone.
Kimberly: Aww, poor girl. She must still be broken up about her and Robbie.
Zack: Yeah I mean, he was her first boyfriend and her first love. And he did just break her heart.
Billy: Wish there was something I could do to cheer her up.
Jason: Yeah, me too.
(The gang stops speaking for to think amongst themselves for a minute. That's when Kim's eyes fall upon one of the flyers on the wall. A glimmer comes across her eyes.)
Kimberly: Hey! I have an idea. We should totally take her to this costume party tonight. She loves parties. That should get her mind off of things. And I'm sure I have enough clout to get us all in.
Billy: Actually, I Trini doesn't care much for parties, as she gets awkward in large crowds and doesn't know how to dance. Did you see her at Zack's birthday?
Jason: Then it's settled! We're gonna take her to this costume party!
Tommy: Awesome!
Kimberly (gasps) Oh my god! This finally means that Tommy we can dress in matching costumes. You can be the prince to my princess.
(Billy sighs and sulks into his giant pile after being completely ignored. Meanwhile on the moon, Zedd is already looking for a way to spoil the ranger's fun.)
Lord Zedd: So the rangers think they're gonna forget all their troubles with a little costume party, huh? I guess they expect their troubles to simply forget about them.
(Baboo claps merrily.)
Baboo: Oh boy, I love parties!
Squatt: Especially costume parties. I managed to get to second base once before she tried to see who was under this mask.
Lord Zedd: Yes, I too like parties. In fact I'm a little hurt that we weren't invited. I'm thinking that we crash. We'll blow the roof off of that joint. Literally! Hahahaha!
(While Lord Zedd laughs evilly to himself, Billy heads to the Juice Bar alone. He sits in his seat dejectedly next to a stack of Robbie's missed assignments and a large milkshake that he's nursing. He racks his brain, wondering what exactly he is doing wrong, what he's missing to make Trini notice him as more than just a reliable friend. He stares at the pile in disgust, as it reminds him of a person who in his opinion, never deserved her. As he tries to analyze what makes Trini obsessed with a degenerate burnout like Robbie, he overhears a few familiar voices pass by him.)
Sammy: I can't believe I let them get away with that... I-I just froze. That isn't like me at all.
Skull: Don't sweat em Sammy. Just ignore those snobs. They're only powerful if you let them get in your head.
Sammy: No! I have to get back at them. And I think I know how...
Bulk: How...?
(She pulls out a crumpled piece of paper from her back pocket.)
Sammy: I'm gonna wreck their stupid house party tonight. And you're gonna help.
Skull: B-but none of us were invited.
Bulk: You numbskull, she wants us to crash the party and tear the place down incognito.
Sammy: Exactly! And I already have a plan. Empty your piggy banks boys, this is gonna require at least a hundred bucks.
Skull: A hundred bucks? That's like a million dollars.
Sammy: Hey! They didn't invite any of you either. They basically branded you as losers. Dweebs! Do you want to show them who the real losers are or do you wanna sit around playing power ranger detective?
(The two think about that for a second.)
Bulk: ...I kinda wanna wreck a party.
Sammy: Good. Meet me at my place in an hour.
Skull: Aye, aye!
(Skull gives Sammy a salute before he and Bulk march out of the Juice Bar and into their homes. She spots Billy through her peripherals and instantly flips the switch from vindictive to cheerful.)
Sammy: Oh hi Billy!! How's it hanging?
(She gives him a playful punch in the arm and takes a seat next to him.)
Billy: Ouch. I-I'm fine. What was all that about?
Sammy: Oh nothing you need to worry yourself about.
Billy: No really, sounds interesting.
Sammy: Well... okay, but you gotta pinky swear that you'll keep it a secret. (She leans in) I'm gonna wreck the popular girls party tonight, and get back to them for what they did to me.
Billy: What did they do to you?
Sammy: I tried out for the cheerleading squad was this morning and, well...
Billy: It didn't go so well?
Sammy: That would be an understatement. Not only did I not make the cut, but their airhead leader made a point to get up and berate me in front of everyone. She called me short and uncoordinated and stupid. And when I froze up, she asked me if I ate lead chips as a kid. I tried to explain to them that my parents never let me eat sweets, but they wouldn't stop laughing at me anyway.
Billy: That sounds brutal. I'm really sorry Sammy.
Sammy: They're gonna be the ones who are sorry once I'm through with them.
Billy: Just don't do anything I wouldn't do...
Sammy: Thanks... I'll try.
(Sammy's eyes turn away with a smirk that indicates that she won't really try at all.)
Sammy: So anyway, what's with you? Where are the rest of the guys? You're all normally attached at the hip.
Billy: Well I, I guess I just needed some time to myself. You know to think. Girl troubles you know?
Sammy: You finally wanna make a pass at my cousin?
(Billy nearly chokes on the large gulp of milkshake he just sucked down.)
Billy: P-Pardon?!
Sammy: Oh come on Billy, it's so obvious you're into her. I've seen this story before. The cool and beautiful girl has a shy, but sweet best friend who eventually grows feelings for her. They start hanging around them way more than usual, get way over defensive of them, and they become lapdogs and run all their errands. Face it, I bet right now you would suck the fart out of her if she asked.
(Billy concedes any argument he might've had with one quick glance at Robbie's homework.)
Billy: I suppose you're right.
Sammy: Take it from me Billy, beautiful genes like mine and Trini's is both a blessing and a curse.
Billy: Do you think there's any hope for me? Or am I permanently friend zoned?
Sammy: Without knowing your exactly situation, it's tough to say. I do know one thing though, us Kwan's, love bad boys!
Billy: Love them?
Sammy: Love them! More than that, we love reforming them and beating them into obedient shells of their former selves. Your best bet is to drop the nice guy routine, and grow a spine.
Billy: ...I'm sorry?
Sammy: It may be tough to hear, but this could save your love live. Women don't like wimps. And right now, you are repelling Trini away from you. Women like confidence, a daring attitude. Guy who just don't give a what. What you need, is a complete makeover Billy.
Billy: A makeover?
Sammy: A MAKEOVER!
(Those words resonated with him for a while after she left. Even when he went home and sat in bed for several minutes to digest his situation, her suggestion continued to stick out. He had been friends with Trini for so long, and for most of that time, he had been crazy for her. Suddenly this jerk swoops in and takes her away from him. There has to be some merit to her words. Willing to try anything at this point, Billy tosses the planet shaped throw pillow he was cuddling and decides to make a change. Bad to the Bone by ZZ Top fades in as a backdrop to Billy's transformation. He knocks over the books on his self then turns around and throws his school work and science projects in the trash. The giant poster above his bed of Albert Einstein with his tongue out is ripped down and ripped apart. He finally rummages through his closet, where he takes handfuls and handfuls of blue stripped shits and overalls and tosses them onto the floor, as if to say goodbye to the old Billy. He rips off his glasses while he's at it too and continues to take down his old clothes until there are just two things left, a leather jacket and a container of hair gel. Billy has to squint to make these two items out, but he seems satisfied by what he does see.
Rejuvenated, Billy marches down the street with a new found swagger. He's still carrying Robbie's notes down to him because well... he promised Trini after all. But even the inner city grit doesn't stop him from feeling like the baddest man on the block. That is, until he spots a group of young black teens approaching him from the opposite end of the block. They don't appear to have any malicious intent, but Billy suddenly feels a thirst that needs immediate quenching from a local deli... across the street. Once they're gone, he continues down that path to Robbie's, now thinking about Robbie himself and the fact that he's the first of the team to see him in quite some time. He begins to feel like a child of a divorced couple visiting his single father. What will he say to him? What can he say? Once he reaches his apartment, he knocks three times and waits. It takes someone several seconds to get all the locks and dead bolts, but the door finally opens partially and Robbie sticks his head out.)
Robbie: Oh God.
Billy: Oh hey... uhm. Sorry for dropping by unannounced, but I was asked to bring you your homework.
Robbie: Yeah Trini called and told me you were coming over.
Billy: Trini called you?
Robbie: Yeah, you know who else called?
Billy: Who?
Robbie: Fonzie. He wants his jacket back.
Billy: You don't like the leather jacket?
Robbie: Oh no I like it. You look cool-a-mundo!
Billy: Alright, stop. Here just take your stupid notes.
Robbie: I'm just pulling your leg Billy. Here, come on in.
(Robbie opens the door all the way and lets Billy into his apartment. The smell of his mother's cigarettes smacks him right in the face, but not a hard as the odor of Robbie's bedroom.)
Robbie: So how's everything?
Billy: Good. How've you been holding up?
Robbie: Alright. Just trying to keep busy you know; keep me from thinking about stuff. I've played through just about all of my video games and read all my comic books.
Billy: Have you thought about cleaning your room, or taking a shower?
Robbie: They're on the list.
Billy: I see. Trini told me you quit your job. I thought you loved Charbucks. When you got hired, you couldn't stop talking about how they embrace the environment and cultural diversity and all that.
Robbie: They do embrace diversity. They mistreat their black and white employees equally. Though honestly, I just don't really want to talk about that. I want to move forward and keep positive.
Billy: Well that's good. I'm surprised. All things considered, you seem to be doing okay.
Robbie: Yeah. I'm doing a good job avoiding falling into my usual cycle of moodiness.
Billy: What happened to your hand?
(Billy points to Robbie's right hand, which has a small amount of bandaging on it.)
Robbie: Oh... the toaster wouldn't work so I punched it. Turns out it just wasn't plugged in.
Billy: Oh... well Robbie, the homework isn't the only reason I'm here. I think you and I need to talk.
Robbie: Do we?
Billy: Yeah. Well, as you already know. I have kind of strong feelings for Trini. I have for a while.
Robbie: Mhm.
Billy: And now that you two aren't together... I just think it's fair... I'm just saying this because I'm your friend that... I'm going to make a move on Trini. Tonight. At this house party.
Robbie: Okay.
Billy: You don't seem too worried about that?
Robbie: It's not that I'm not worried, but really, what can I do? I've made my bed.
(Both Billy and Robbie turn to his actual bed, which isn't made and is littered with paper plates and comic books.)
Robbie: Well I plan to anyway.
Billy: You're just gonna give up? You're not gonna try to win her back or fight me or anything?
Robbie: I'm not gonna fight you. And I've tried to call her a couple times. But every time I try to come up with a defense in my head... it just seems weak. It's cause I have no real defense. I broke her heart. I feel like a major tool right now. I just have to live with that.
Billy: She is livid with you. But I'm shocked that you won't even try.
Robbie: How so?
Billy: I mean, let's face it. I know my odds of actually landing her are slim, but she means that much to me that I'm gonna try anyway. If I strike out, I'm striking out swinging. But you? I don't know... Trini always said you had huge potential if you just went for it. But if you're just gonna mope around and shrug your shoulders when the greatest thing that ever happened to you is slipping away... well, she may be smart about a lot of things. But she was wrong about that.
(Robbie doesn't reply, though by the look on his face it looks like Billy's words found their mark.)
Billy: Here, take your homework. See you in class soon, hopefully.
Robbie: Yeah...
(Billy heads for Robbie's bedroom door, but then stops and turns back around before he leaves.)
Billy: Think you can walk me back to the bus? It's kind of scary out there.
Robbie: Sit on it.
(Robbie slams the door on Billy's face and returns to his bed. Meanwhile, back on the moon Zedd looks for something semi-related to parties to keep up with the theme of the week.)
Baboo: How about a giant, evil keg that sprays poison?
Lord Zedd: Hmm... no.
Squatt: Party favors with attitude?
Lord Zedd: No.
Goldar: How about we skip the theme and just go with a good old fashion sewer gator?
Finster: Don't be ridiculous. Sewer gators are not real.
Goldar: Sewer gators are very real. I used to date one.
Lord Zedd: Enough. Your suggestions are as useless as you are. I suppose if I have to do something, I'll have to do it myself.
(Zedd looks over his balcony and right at Earth. Instantly, he finds something that catches his attention. Sammy, Bulk and Skull are leaving a convenient store dressed as Thunder Cats; the latter two holding several heavy bags of goods with the former pulling a wagon full of tomatoes.)
Lord Zedd: Well, well, looks like the banquet has arrived.
Skull: Sammy, can we stop for a second?
Sammy: Why? We're almost there.
Skull: I have to use the bathroom.
Sammy: Why didn't you go before you left your house?
Skull: I thought I could hold it.
Sammy: Well now I'm gonna make you hold it the whole way there.
Skull: But I have a medical condition.
Bulk: It's true, he does. In elementary school they called him "Free Willy" cause his thing had a mind of its own.
Sammy: I can't believe this. Fine, go behind a tree or something.
Skull: Thank you!
(Skull hands his bags to Bulk and runs behind the nearest tree in the sidewalk. Sammy stares off into the sky with a look of impatience and takes her eyes off the wagon. As soon as she does, a beam is cast over the tomatoes and they vanish.)
Sammy: What's taking you so long? What are you a camel?
(Later on in the evening, the party is on and it's popping. Trendy music is blasting out of the two giant speakers next to the DJ booth. The upper middle class home is packed with some of Angel Grove high's elite, though it's hard to tell though who is who through everyone's costumes. That is, except for the two guys in the center of the dance floor dressed as the Mario Bros and completely stealing the spotlight.)
Zack: Yeah, it's on now!
Jason: Oh it's on like Donkey Kong!
Zack: Nice. I see what you did there.
(The two feed off one another, not dancing any particular genre in particular but just having loads of fun. Their energy radiates toward the audience who just eats everything up. Once the dance is over, they're greeted with loud applause.)
Zack: This guy right here. This guy...
Jason: We're like yin and yang bro.
Zack: We're like PB & J. You're like, inside my head right now.
Jason: Oh I'm so inside you right now. I'm so deep inside you, I'm gonna come out of your nose.
Zack: I like the sound of that!
(The two high five and share a quick man-hug, oblivious of the awkward stares and murmurs their dialogue is attracting. Meanwhile Kim is sitting on Tommy's lap in the corner as they cuddle by the staircase.)
Tommy: Gosh Kim, you look so cute in that princess outfit right now.
Kimberly: (gushing) Thanks! You should totally dance with me.
Tommy: I don't think I can Kim. I mean my ankle...
Kimberly: Your ankle can handle one dance Tommy. Jason's right, you aren't even on crutches anymore.
Tommy: Yeah, but I don't wanna risk reinjuring it.
Kimberly: Oh come on Tommy. You can't just exp—
(Tommy clutches his chest and grimaces.)
Tommy: Ahhh!! I'm losing my powers... AHHHH!!
Kimberly: Fine. Don't dance with me.
(Kim angrily jumps off his lap and turns her body away from him while he breathes a sigh of relief. All while this is happening, Trini is sitting by herself in the center of it all in the family couch drssed as Wonder Woman. Pretending to watch a television set muted by the loud music and nursing a drink. An attractive male approaches her; not the first to try and do so...)
Male: Hey is this seat taken?
Trini: This? Oh... yeah. I'm kind of holding it for a friend.
Male: Oh... okay I guess.
Trini: Yeah, sorry.
(Trini awkwardly returns to her drink, which for reasons even she can't understand, is making her feel good. Eventually, Billy joins the party, spots her from and makes a bee line toward her, though in a way that makes it all look incidental. All the while he sports some cool new face paint that was tailored to make him look macho.)
Trini: HEY!! I like kitty cat face paint Billy!
Billy: ...it's supposed to be a tiger.
Trini: Oh...
(An awkward silence ensues.)
Billy: Can I sit there?
Trini: Oh sure! Please, I'm bored stiff right now.
(She enthusiastically pats the empty space next to her on the couch.)
Billy: Okay!
Trini: Here, have some of this drink. It's amazing.
Billy: N-no thanks.
Trini: So what's with the get up? The leather jacket, the hair...
Billy: It's just a new look I'm trying out. D-do you like it?
Trini: You look like the Fonz.
Billy: (sighs) Oh forget it.
(She laughs uncontrollably.)
Trini: Billy!!! I'm just teasing you, chill out.
Billy: Are you okay?
Trini: I'm fantastic. (Gasps) Did you see Robbie today?
(Billy face looks a little pained at her mentioning his name.)
Billy: Yeah.
Trini: How was he? Did he look miserable? I bet he did.
Billy: (Shrugging) He was okay I guess. He's just trying to keep his mind busy.
Trini: Pfft. If he were trying to do that he wouldn't have missed two weeks of classes. God, what a coward. He can't even face his punishment like a man, he'd rather throw away his semester than deal with me. You know, that's one thing I hated about him.
Billy: Uh huh.
Trini: He'd always play this stupid, wounded puppy dog crap whenever he didn't get his way. I'm so sick of it like I'm sick of him.
Billy: Well good. It's always healthy to put the past behind yo—
Trini: So did he say anything about me?
(As Billy straps himself in for a potentially long, eventless night, there is one thing occurring that may make things interesting. Walking through the crowd, looking for any familiar faces and wearing his brand new shirt is Robbie, who took his mother's advice to go out after all.)
Robbie: Zack? Jason?
Jason: Robbie?
Zack: My man, you're back from the dead!
(Robbie walks right up to the two and is surprised by their enthusiastic high fives.)
Jason: You're dressed up awful nice. You do know this is a costume party though, right?
Robbie: Yeah. I'm dressed like a guy who gives a crap.
Jason: Sweet.
Zack: We're Mario and Luigi.
Robbie: I see. Is Trini around here?
Jason: We came here with her. Not sure where she is right now though.
Robbie: Cool. So what's been going on since I've been gone?
Jason: Nothing much. We met some new friends from Stone Canyon. Tommy might be on his way out soon.
Robbie: Oh. Good riddance.
Jason: That's not cool, he really helps our team. A lot.
Robbie: Name one thing he brings to the table?
Zack: A lot of people think he's cool.
Robbie: Yeah well, the people who think Tommy's cool also think Barney the Dinosaur is cool. So I wouldn't put too much weight on that.
Jason: True. You know... I kinda miss this.
Robbie: Miss what?
Jason: This. We make a serious point. You undercut us with one-liners.
Robbie: You like that?
Jason: Sometimes. When you aren't doing it to me. You're a cool dude man, don't think we don't like you.
Zack: I mean Tommy hates you.
Robbie: Well, that's shocking.
Jason: Well, all I know is you really messed up with Trini man. You messed up a good thing. And I don't just mean a relationship.
Robbie: I know, I know... that's kind of why I'm here. I'm gonna try to make things better. To talk to her. At least get the ball rolling in the right direction.
Jason: Good. Cause though we do like you, if Trini made us choose... we'll have to side with her. It's just the way it has to be man. I mean, we used to take baths together for Gods sake.
Robbie: No, I understand. ...you aren't still taking baths with her, right?
Jason: Not since the second grade.
Robbie: Good. Well anyway, I should probably go loo--
(All conversation is interrupted when one of the popular girls stands up on top of the staircase to make an announcement.)
Popular girl: Can I have your attention please? Can I have your attention please? Thank you all for coming out to tonight's party!
(Everyone cheers and throws their cups in the air, including Trini, who accidentally spills some on Billy.)
Popular girl: And now, arriving fashionably late to her own party, the guest of honor and the birthday giiiiiirrrlll.
Trini: Oh I didn't know this was a birthday party.
Billy: I wonder whose.
Popular girl: Please give a warm, birthday girl welcome, to Hannah Mo Tanah.
Trini: Oh...
Robbie: NO!
(The entire room full of preps and jocks go crazy at the appearance of Hannah, whose "costume" consists of a pretty top and bunny ears. Only a few hands weren't raised, most of them belonged to the ranger team.)
Hannah: Why thank you. You're all too kind.
Trini: Oh my God... I'm in her house?
Billy: It's really nicely furnished I should say. Her parents must do reall---
Trini: I need to leave. Now!
Billy: But Trini...
(Trini takes her drink and tries to get up. As soon as she does however, she feels a dizzying head rush, that quickly makes her nauseous.)
Trini: (gags) ...as soon as I use the bathroom.
Hannah: Have a good time everyone and don't be scared to be a little bad. We're all gonna go to hell tonight, and I'm gonna drive the bus!
(The crowd of her adoring friends and followers give her another raucous cheer. She turns away to socialize with some of her friends, but immediately feels a firm tug on her arm.)
Robbie: Hannah, a quick word please?
Hannah: What? Oh, the pools out back. Cleaning supplies are in the shed.
Robbie: What?
Hannah: What? Oh, it's you... what are you doing here?!
Robbie: We need to talk.
Hannah: You're not even wearing a costume.
Robbie: NOW.
(He pulls her away and into the upstairs bathroom, where they can have some peace and quiet.)
Hannah: Not exactly the most romantic place to take a girl, huh Robbie? Oh wait...
Robbie: That's exactly what I want to talk about. I need you to explain to Trini that this, you and I was nothing. There is nothing there and it was just a big misunderstanding.
Hannah: Certainly didn't feel like one to me. Pretty sure you understood exactly what was going on.
Robbie: It was an accident Hannah. Sorry to say it, but I feel nothing towards you.
Hannah: You... you do? I mean, I thought you and I really shared an intimate moment there. What am I going to tell our future child when he asks why his parents aren't together?
Robbie: What are you talking about?
Hannah: Robbie... I'm pregnant.
Robbie: What?!
Hannah: Nah I'm kidding. Geez, lighten up Robbie, it's a party! God, you're such a downer.
Robbie: You're not taking this seriously. That relationship was the best thing I had going for me and it's completely ruined. I know the personal responsibility lies with me, but you knew I was with Trini so you share some of the blame. The least you can do is talk to her.
(Hannah thinks about considering his offer based on his sincerity, but he loses her when he continues talking.)
Robbie: Maybe explain to her that it was you who came onto me and not the other way around.
Hannah: (snickers) Excuse me?
Robbie: You totally came onto me, remember? You were upset about your boyfriend kicking you out and making you feel like second banana. We found common ground because of my situation and I consoled you. Then one thing lead to another and...
(Hannah interrupts rudely)
Hannah: ...and you made the greatest mistake of your life. And it will never happen again, okay? So, are we like, done here? Cause I have guests to entertain, and you either have a pool to clean, or a home to get out of.
Robbie: Hannah...
Hannah: And I would appreciate it if you would not bring up my personal business, or come to my parties uninvited, Kay?
(Finished with the conversation, Hannah tries to leave the bathroom, but can't seem to work the doorknob.)
Hannah: Stupid thing won't open. Great, just what I wanna do during my own party: getting locked in the bathroom with this degenerate.
(She bangs on the door, but can't get anyone's attention through the blaring music. She does however hear someone scream back from the other end.)
Sammy: FIRE IN THE HOLE!!
(Sammy, Bulk and Skull cover their ears before a cherry bomb goes off in the toilet. Water shoots out from the wreckage like a dirty geyser, creating a huge mess and flooding the bathroom floor instantly.)
Hannah: (dismayed) AHHH! Oh no! What is going on?! Quick, give me your shirt, now.
(Without second thought, Robbie rips his shirt off and hands it to her. She quickly runs over and shoves her hand into the toilet to plug the hole as quickly as she can; cringing the whole time as water ricochets onto her expensive top. It does momentarily plug the hole however.)
Hannah: Ewww so gross..... I'm like, covered in poo water.
Robbie: Thought after your viral video with that cup that you'd be used to this.
Hannah: Oh just shut up Robbie, shut up! I'm not in the mood. Were you behind this in any way?
Robbie: Not at all.
Hannah: My parents are gonna flip! They're never gonna trust me with another party again.
Robbie: I'm sorry. Here, let me help you.
(Robbie grabs a nearby towel and takes her arm to wipe it down for her.)
Robbie: I can't repair toilets, but I can help you clean up if you'd like.
Hannah: Uhm... thank you? Why do you want to help me so bad? Didn't I "ruin your life?"
Robbie: I don't know. Maybe because I'm not such a bad person after all. And after being with Trini, I guess I've learned to see the good in others as well. Even if they're a tremendous pain.
Hannah: You really do care about this girl, huh?
Robbie: Yeah. Do you think you can talk to her?
Hannah: I-I... sure, whatever. I'll give it my best shot.
(Robbie smiles at her warmly though clumsily. He wants badly to gain her support in winning Trini back, and it willing to clean up toilet water and give up a nice new shirt to do so. Hannah's eyes seem to wander to something just behind him though it appears she's just in deep thought.)
Hannah: You know, all our fighting aside. You're not such a bad guy.
Robbie: Thank you Hannah. I really appreciate hearing you say that.
Hannah: Heck some of things you've said about to before have even made me laugh when you weren't looking... You're a great kisser too.
Robbie: ...thanks? You're not bad yourself.
(Robbie extends his hand.)
Robbie: Let's start over after this and just be friends.
(She looks up to him with a sly grin, smacks his hand away playfully and leans in for a hug. Initially reluctant, Robbie eases up and allows it. He even squeezes her back as he lets the toilet water drip down his bare chest. Hannah makes a couple of odd groaning noises which seem to throw him a little off, but it all comes together when, while still embracing him, she turns him around so that he can see Trini standing by the door staring a hole through his soul.)
Robbie: Oh come on!
Trini: What is going on here?!
Robbie: Trini, it's not what it looks like, I swear!!
(He pries himself off of Hannah when he realizes he's still hugging her.)
Trini: You know what Robbie? Do whatever you want. You wanna take Hannah on a world tour of every bathroom in Angel Grove, be my guest. Just do me a favor, and never show your face around me or my friends again!
Robbie: Trini, wait up! Please, let me--
(But it was too late. Trini throws the remainder of her drink in Robbie's face, then staggers into the hallway, where Billy was just able to catch up with her.)
Billy: Trini, are you alright?
Trini: Come on, you're taking me home!
(Back in the bathroom, Robbie seems a bit stunned by the drink, but not enough to it stop him from chasing Trini down. Hannah on the other hand seems a bit put off by the smell it left behind.)
Hannah: That smells like... alcohol. But I'm not... Oh no, someone spiked the punch!
(Trini pushes through the crowd furiously, not caring who she runs into or what she nearly trips over. Billy just tries to keep his grip on her hand as she storms out the front door. As the two exit, two chefs pass by them pushing two large carts of covered food. They enter the door and announce themselves to one of Hannah's friends Hilary, who points them toward an empty table in the back.)
Zack: Oh finally, some grub. I'm starving.
Jason: Let's see what they've got. Bet Hannah went all out with the meal.
(The masses crowd around as curious as Jason and Zack. The two chefs wheel the cart into the back, then once on the table, they remove the metal covers and quickly slide outside through the crowd.)
Jason: Salad? Is that it?
Tommy: And it's mostly just tomatoes.
(No one else looks very excited either, some wondering if Hannah is playing a joke.)
Kimberly: I mean don't get me wrong, it's great to eat healthy and everything, but this is a party.
Zack: Yeah, this is strange. I guess we should dig in.
(As some of the party goers start walking toward the food, the giant salad erupts in all of their faces, spraying a mist into the air and blinding everyone. Once the mist clears, they find the tomatoes gone from the trays and now standing before them as life sized monsters. Most of them are bipedal green stems with plump red tomato head, but there leader is even uglier. It is larger than the others and has a face; beady, bright yellow eyes and two rows of teeth like a shark. Its fingers are made up of sharp vines and it looks ready to use them.)
Kimberly: Oh man, what's going on?
Zack: Normally surprises like these pop out of cakes, not salads.
Tommy: I don't think this is that kind of surprise...
Jason: Evacuate, everyone evacuate!
(Everyone quickly flees in terror, causing mass confusion and bottle necking at the front door. Even Robbie, who's busy chasing down Trini gets caught in the mob. When he realizes that they're running from a monster he turns around to join the others.)
Robbie: What's going on? Is everyone okay?
Tommy: Robbie? What are you doing here?
Kimberly: We're fine. Why aren't you wearing a shirt?
Robbie: Long story.
Killer Tomato: What's wrong? Don't people love salad? Stupid fat Americans.
Zack: I think the coast is clear. Let's can these tomatoes.
Jason: It's morphin time!
YOU ARE READING
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Robbie Chronicles Volume 2
FanficRobbie is back for an all new adventure! Finding his place on the team is only the beginning as he faces new obstacles with his new relationships and struggles with the idea that they may one day leave him.
