Amaris' POV
When Trent and I finally stepped out of my family's archive, the heavy air of secrets seemed to ease between us. The conversation flowed more naturally than before, surprisingly so, considering the grim subject we had just discussed. Trent rambled about the design of the machines—his tone almost boyish, his fascination genuine. I simply listened, quietly relieved. Compared to earlier, his mood had lightened considerably, and that alone was worth the effort.
"Amaris… should I quit?" Trent's voice suddenly cut through the air.
I blinked, caught off guard. He did not specify what he wished to quit, but I immediately understood. He was speaking of Hayley's Cyberspace.
In the show, I recalled, Trent had indeed quit his job there after discovering he was the White Ranger. But to hear him actually consider it aloud, here, with me—it startled me. I turned to him, curious and wary. "Might I inquire as to why you are considering this, Trent?"
He smiled wryly, yet it did not reach his eyes. "Well, I don't really want to quit. But… I don't know when 'he' will take control." His brows furrowed as if the very thought weighed him down. "I don't want to hurt anyone at Hayley's when that happens."
I nodded slowly. His reasoning was painfully rational. Still, my answer came gently, yet firmly. "Please do not trouble yourself excessively over that matter."
He looked at me quickly, his eyes carrying both confusion and a fragile hope. "Do you… have a solution, Amaris?"
I shook my head lightly. "It is not so much a solution, I fear. However, it is my observation that your alter ego does not manifest randomly in crowded places. What sort of alter ego would so carelessly reveal themselves before many witnesses? That would be… most unwise."
Internally, I sighed. 'In truth, it would simply be idiotic,' but aloud, I would never phrase it so.
"That's… true," Trent muttered, almost as though he wanted to convince himself.
"Furthermore," I added softly, "if you continue to work in Hayley's Cyberspace, I may keep an eye on you and your condition. That way, we may act swiftly should anything occur." I gave him a wry smile, hoping it conveyed reassurance.
His eyes widened slightly, as though the thought only just occurred to him. I quickly corrected myself before I seemed too forceful. "Oh, but the choice remains yours, of course. I am merely offering my perspective."
He shook his head firmly. "No, no… truly, I'm thankful, Amaris." His lips curved into a bright, genuine smile.
I returned it, and for once, the day felt decisively settled. "Then, we shall call it a day."
We reached the car waiting by the estate steps. Before he entered, I added gently, "We will be returning straight here to the estate after our shift tomorrow, Trent. That way, we may continue our work uninterrupted."
He nodded, his expression set in determination. "Yeah. Thank you so much again, Amaris."
His smile was brighter this time, and I could not help but wave him off with a small one of my own.
================================
When I reached my room, all etiquette abandoned me in an instant. I leapt face-first into the bed, burying my frustration into the silken sheets. Years of carefully honed poise crumbled within the safe walls of my chamber.
My mind, however, refused to still. Over and over, it replayed the events of this morning. My persuasion of Trent to investigate his father's mysteries. His reluctant acceptance of the White Dino Gem. My decision to stand beside him and shoulder a burden that was his destiny.
The guilt crept in, uninvited. Even if fate dictated his role as the White Ranger, even if his time as an antagonist was unavoidable, I could not expel the heavy sense of responsibility.
"I am but human, after all…" I whispered softly to the empty ceiling.
My phone rang. I sat upright at once, startled. I reached for it, expecting the caller to be my parents—or perhaps one of our employees. But when the name flashed across the screen, my heart stilled.
"Kira… Ford?"
My pulse stumbled. 'Why… why was she calling me now?' Shaking myself free from hesitation, I answered quickly, hoping my voice remained steady. "Hello, Ms. Ford?" My frown deepened when I realized there was a faint tremble in my tone. 'Please let her not notice.'
"Amaris?" Kira's voice carried a heaviness that startled me.
"Yes?" I asked gently. "Has something happened?"
She sighed softly through the line. "Are you free right now?"
Instinctively, I nodded, only to realize she could not possibly see me. My cheeks warmed in embarrassment at such a foolish slip. Quickly, I corrected myself. "Yes, Ms. Ford. My schedule is free. Might I ask—has something troubled you?"
Her tone brightened, almost with relief. "Sweet! Can we meet at the mall, Amaris? I… I wanted to tell you something." Her voice dipped quieter, so faint it was nearly lost, but I heard it.
"We can, Ms. Ford," I replied smoothly, already rising to prepare. "At what time should we meet?"
"How about at 3 PM?"
I glanced at the clock—2:19 PM. Plenty of time. "That would be splendid," I answered.
"Then… I'll meet you at 3?"
"I look forward to it, Ms. Ford," I replied softly, unable to stop the small smile tugging at my lips.
When the call ended, I found myself staring at the screen longer than necessary. My chest felt inexplicably lighter.
================================
*A few minutes later*
I stood before the mirror, appraising my reflection critically. A violet oversized knit sweater, loosely tucked into light blue jeans, paired with lavender slip-on shoes. My hair was loose, softly wavy. It was simple, yet… presentable.
And yet, for the nth time, I adjusted the sweater hem, fiddling as though perfection would suddenly reveal itself.
'Why am I doing this?' I wondered, annoyed at myself. 'It is merely Kira. Just Kira. Why, then, does this uneasiness feel as though I must present the best possible version of myself?'
The thought unsettled me. "This is… infuriating," I muttered aloud, impatient with my own behavior. These restless nerves, this strange tightness in my chest—I was unaccustomed to all of it.
Finally, I stilled my hands. Enough was enough. "I cannot let Ms. Kira wait," I reminded myself.
Stepping out of the room, I summoned a driver and entered the car. As the vehicle rolled forward, I found myself smiling faintly at my reflection in the window.
For reasons I could not name—and perhaps did not wish to.