A hand slammed down onto my desk, startling me from my sleep. I wiped away the drool from the side of my mouth and looked up to find Mrs Kelmar looking down on me. The vein in her head seemed to pulse as her beady little eyes narrowed.
"Am I boring you, Miss Fletcher?"
Her fingers tapped the surface of my desk impatiently as she waited for my answer. Slumping further into my seat, I shrugged "well, yeah obviously. I mean, I wouldn't have fallen asleep if I found you interesting."
Kids snickered under their breaths and I smirked. Mrs Kelmar…well, let's just say it's times like these that really help you to understand why her husband left her for another dude.
Mrs Kelmar huffed "such rudeness. Well then Miss Fletcher, I hope you find detention to be more interesting because you'll be spending the next week there."
"Awesome, I'm in desperate need of a nap" I leaned back, stretching my arms above my head.
Mrs Kelmars' right eye twitched, and so did the single hair sticking outta the gigantic mole on her upper lip. Without warning, I was being yanked from my chair.
"That is it! I have had quite enough of your nonsense, young lady" she said as she dragged me out the door. Her grip on my ear tightened as we made our way to the principal's office.
She released her hold on me and I automatically rubbed the top of my ear. Geez, friggin' cow almost ripped my earing out. Surely this sorta treatment's gotta be considered child abuse!
"Back again I see, Amelia" Ms Durand said with a small smile on her lips. Ms Durand was the receptionist here, and definitely one of the nicest chicks I'd ever met. I think she moved here from France or something. Though I got no idea why she would choose to work in this hell-hole. I mean, with her looks, she could be like a supermodel or something. Yet here she stays, fetching coffee for a bunch of pompous idiots, typing away on the cheap-ass computer with her perfectly manicured nails.
"Sure am. Mrs K just has it out for me" I rested my arm atop of her desk and fiddled with the thick rubber band left sitting there.
"What happened this time?" Ms Durand asked, her eyes never leaving her computer screen.
I picked up the rubber band and stretched it as wide as it could go. "Fell asleep in class, that's all."
"That's all?" She repeated. "Your grades are going to suffer if this sort of behaviour continues."
I rolled my eyes "yeah, yeah, so I've been told. Listen, school just ain't for me, kay?"
Her green eyes flicked over to me for a couple of seconds before going back to the screen "okay."
The door to the principal's office opened and out stepped Mrs Kelmar, just as the rubber band flew from my hand. It shot through the air and smacked her smack-dab, right between the eyes. She yelped and stumbled backwards. I couldn't help but laugh as her face changed from utter shock to pure rage.
"FLETCHER!" She stepped towards me and I smirked. "You thought that was funny!?"
I shrugged "I laughed, didn't I?"
Her fists shook like crazy by her sides as she seethed. "Y-you insolent, petulant little-"
"That's enough, Mrs Kelmar" Mr Harwell's voice interrupted her pathetic attempt at an insult. He stood tall in the doorway of his office, his arms folded behind his back. "Come in, Miss Fletcher."
He stepped aside, allowing me to enter first. Over the years, the principal's office had become kinda like a second home to me. Hell, I was in here almost every day. Mr H never even looks surprised to see me anymore. He always chats to me like he was expecting me. Sitting down in the small wooden chair, I looked around the small office that I knew oh-so well. Mr H sat across from me and cleared his throat. Most of the kids here thought Mr Harwell was a pretty scary dude. Not me though. No, after years of hearing everything that fell outta his mouth, I had lost my fear of him.
"Mrs Kelmar has informed me of your continuous interruptions during her class" Mr H said. He folded his arms across his chest, probably hoping to intimidate me.
I got comfortable in my seat and put my feet up on the edge of his desk. Mr H stared at my feet and scowled. The dude always scowled when he tried getting his point across. It didn't matter though. I already knew his point and I purposefully ignored it. Whenever I was in this office I made it my point to always put my feet on the desk.
"I don't know what to do with you, Miss Fletcher. Your behaviour has gone beyond a joke. Your attitude towards your teachers and other peers is disgusting; your lack of care for your school work has produced deplorable grades-" Mr H held up my file before slamming it down onto the table "-you are by far the worst student we at 'Pine Hills High School' has ever had the displeasure of educating."
Mr H removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He sighed loudly before speaking again "Miss Fletcher…I honestly don't know what to do with you anymore. It seems that no matter how I discipline you, you wind up being sent to my office once again."
"So…what? You expelling me or something?" Though I looked cool, calm and collected, the idea of expulsion made me panic. I mean, I'd rather stick it out in this dump than be forced to stay at home.
"Unfortunately I don't think that expulsion is the answer-"
Score!
"-but it will be done, if necessary."
Crap.
Mr H put his glasses back on and opened his desk drawer. He rummaged through until he pulled out a little pamphlet. He slid it over to me and leant back into his chair. I picked up the pamphlet and frowned.
Big Sister Foundation.
"What the hell is this?"
"A solution" Mr H said with a smug smile.
I scrunched the pamphlet into a ball and threw it on the floor. Mr H didn't react though. He sat perfectly still, his smile unchanged.
"No way in Satans hell! I ain't being shipped off into the middle of nowhere so some stranger can tell me what to do! Screw that crap" I folded my arms across my chest and looked away.
Mr H stood from his seat and went over to pick up the pamphlet. He smoothed it out as he paced behind me. "That's quite a shame, Miss Fletcher. It was either this or expulsion. Would you rather I expel you?"
I could hear by his voice that he was absolutely loving every second of this. Bastard.
Without realising it, Mr H had managed to slip the pamphlet between my hands.
"My Mum would never allow this" I said as I skimmed through the pamphlet.
"Actually she found it to be a rather good idea when I told her."
I scoffed. Of course she would. Hanging out at a friend's house is a terrible thing to do, but going to live with a stranger…that's just friggin' peachy! She's been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of me and now she finally got it. Fine. Two can play at this game.
"Fine. I'll do it" I said. Guess it would be pretty cool to spend some time alone without my Mum breathing down my neck every friggin' second of every friggin' day.
"Keep the change" I mumbled at the driver as I stepped outta the cab. The taxi sped off down the street and I was left alone on the curb, looking up at my new home.
2nd Time Around
Great, I get to spend the next few months in a crappy antique store. Whoop-dee-friggin-doo. Oh well, at least I'm in New York. I trudged over to the front door, dragging my suitcase behind me. I knocked and waited for an answer. Krillin, my Bearded Dragon, crawled outta my hoody and onto my shoulder. I tickled his chin and smiled.
"Don't worry, buddy. Ain't no way in hell we're sleeping in the alley tonight" I said and looked back at the door. Still no answer. Well this is an awesome start to my visit. All the lights seemed to be out and I couldn't hear a thing. Geez and people call me rude. I mean, you'd think since they knew I was coming that they'd be here to open the friggin door, but noooo! Pfft, whatever. I'll just have to find my own way in.
I entered the alley beside the shop and knelt down beside the side door. I pulled out my little pocket knife and slid it between the crack in the door and the door frame. After a few seconds of jiggling the door swung open but as soon as it did an alarm went off. Quietly cursing to myself, I grabbed my bag and ran up the stairs. I reached the top floor and went to the only door there. Luckily for me, this one ain't locked. Pushing the door open, I stumbled inside and dropped my bag. My hands ran across the walls looking for a light switch. Finally finding one, I flicked it on and the room filled with light. I rested my hands on my hips and looked around the room. It was small but at least it was cosy.
My attention was drawn towards one of the doors that flew open. A red-headed woman ran from the room with a baseball bat raised above her head, shouting 'who's there!?'
Her eyes landed on me and she frowned "if you're here to steal something then you've got another thing coming!"
I rolled my eyes and pulled out the wrinkled pamphlet from my pocket. I held it up between my two fingers. The woman stared at the pamphlet for a moment before gasping. The bat fell to the ground and she covered her mouth with her hands.
"Oh my- I'm so sorry! I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. I didn't mean to attack you" the woman said quickly, waving her hands in front of her.
I held up my hand and plopped backwards onto the couch. "Relax lady, no harm done." I kicked my boots off and slipped off my hoody, making Krillin fall into my lap. I scooped him up and rested him on the arm of the couch.
"You must be Amelia Fletcher" she said, watching me with curious eyes. Her eyes seemed to be soaking up every little detail about me. They lingered on the dragon tattoo I had on my arm before going back to my face.
"It's Mel" I said and lay back onto the couch, using my arm as a pillow.
The woman made her way over to me and held out a hand "I'm April O'Neil. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
I stared at her outstretched hand and rolled my eyes "I don't shake kay?"
Her smile faltered and she dropped her hand. April stood there awkwardly. I could tell she wanted to say something but I wasn't about to ask her what she wanted. Quite frankly, I didn't care. I just spent the last 5 and a half hours on a plane filled with screaming kids and their obnoxious parents, the only thing I want right now is a good nights' sleep.
April cleared her throat "I'm afraid your room isn't finished yet. I was going to put the finishing touches on it tomorrow." She looked down the hall then back down at me "you're welcome to have my room for the night?"
"Nah, it's all good" I said.
"Are you sure?" April looked a little surprised, though I got no idea why. "I would hate for your first night to be spent on an uncomfortable couch."
"I said I was fine, kay?" I said with a roll of my eyes.
April stared at me with a blank expression. "Okay, I just wanted to make sure your stay is comfortable."
I laughed bitterly and sat up "kay, listen lady. We need to get a few things straight here." I held up my finger "one, I don't need some stranger looking out for me, kay? I ain't nobodies responsibility. And two-" I held up another "-I'm only here 'cause I gotta be. No other reason. So there's really no need for you to be getting all chummy. You're off the hook" I said with a dismissive wave of my hand.
April stood there with a shocked face, not knowing how to respond. Rolling my eyes, I stood from the couch and brushed past her. "Bathroom?"
"Uh, yeah it's just down there" April pointed down the hall and I gave a quick nod. I picked my suitcase up from the floor and headed towards the bathroom.
Aprils' POV
I was startled awake by the shop alarm going off. I grabbed my Shell-Cell from the nightstand and dialled Donatello. Three rings later I was welcomed by the tired voice of my favourite turtle.
April? It's 1:00 AM. Is everything alright?
"Donnie, I'm sorry to wake you but I need your help" I said in a shaky whisper. I could hear on the other end that Donnie was already out of bed.
What's the matter, April?
"The alarm in the shop just went and I'm thinking that maybe-" I was cut off by the door to the living room being swung open, followed by a loud thud and cursing.
April? April, talk to me!
I was on the floor next to my bed, peeking over the top of it at my bedroom door. "Someone's broken in, Donnie!"
We're already on our way. Just hold tight, April.
The both of us hung up and I breathed deeply in attempt to calm myself. Master Splinter had been teaching me a few moves to defend myself, but there's no way I'm ready for a fight just yet. I crawled over to my closet and pulled out the baseball bat Casey had given me. Gripping it tightly, I raised it above my head and charged from my room.
My eyes narrowed as I noticed a strange girl standing in the middle of my apartment. I looked her up and down, my frown deepening; she looked like a new recruit of the Purple Dragons. Her short, bright pink hair with black streaks stood up in crazy spikes at the back, while her bangs covered the right side of her face. Her eye shadow was dark blue and her lipstick matched her hair. She had a small earring on her lower lip, one in her nose and eyebrow, and three on the top of her ear. Several upside down crosses around her neck. The black hoody she wore went to her knees, covering the fishnet stockings that were covered in small tears.
"If you're here to steal something then you've got another thing coming!" I said threateningly, waving my bat a little.
The girl simple rolled her eyes and pulled out a crinkled piece of paper from her pocket and held it between her fingers. I stared at the pamphlet in her hands before realisation finally hit me. I mentally slapped myself. This is the girl I'm supposed to take care of for the next few months! Oh my goodness and I just attacked her! Though in my defence she does look like a thief.
"Oh my- I'm so sorry! I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. I didn't mean to attack you" I said quickly, waving my hands in front of me.
The girl held up a hand and fell back onto my couch. "Relax lady, no harm done" she muttered as she kicked off her tattered boots. She pulled her hoody over her head, revealing a black Metallica 'Master of Puppets' cropped singlet. The girl looked at her lap and gently picked up a lizard and placed it on the arm of the couch.
"You must be Amelia Fletcher" I forced a smile as I continuously eyed her up and down. My eyes lingered on a dragon tattoo she had on her arm, but it wasn't the same style as the ones the Purple Dragons wore.
"It's Mel" came her short reply before she lay down.
I introduced myself to her and explained the situation of her room. I offered her my room but she very rudely shot me down. I don't know why this girl is here if she doesn't want to be! She's just taking up a spot that someone else could've have used. No, no April, don't think like that. You knew what you were getting into when you signed up for the 'Big Sister Foundation'.
Amelia brushed past me, asking for the bathroom. I told her it was down the hall and she grabbed her bag and disappeared, slamming the door behind her.
Hmm, this girl was worse than I imagined.
The window opening made me turn around to see the four turtles now standing in my living room, all with their weapons drawn.
"We got here as fast as we could, April" Donatello came and stood by my side, his eyes scanning over the living room.
"So where the shell is this creep?" Raphael asked as he spun his Sais, heading towards the kitchen.
"I'm sorry guys" I started and they all looked at me "but this has just been a simple misunderstanding."
"What do you mean, April?" Leonardo sheathed one of his katanas' as he stood in the doorway of my bedroom.
"Turns out it wasn't the usual break in" I said.
"Is there another kind of break in?" Michelangelo scratched his head before staring at Amelias' lizard on the arm of the couch. He broke out into a grin and knelt down to get a closer look.
"Cooool lizard, April" Mikey wiggled his finger in front of its face. The lizard blinked and stuck its' tongue out before quickly launching itself into the air and latched onto Mikey's' face. Mikey screamed his usual girlish scream as he jumped back. Mikey shook his head wildly from side-to-side trying to get the lizard off. His brothers began to laugh as Mikey bounced around the room. I too had to stifle my laugh as I watched the humorous display.
"What in Satans' hell?"
All of us spun around swiftly to find Amelia standing in the hall watching us with stunned expression. Besides Mikey's girlish screams, the room was eerily silent. The three turtles glanced at one another before resting their gaze on me. I stood there with a giant lump in my throat, not knowing what to say. What could I say?! There's no way I'd ever be able to think of a reasonable explanation.
Amelias' shock quickly turned into a look of rage. She stomped towards Mikey, her hands balled into fists by her side. She grabbed hold of Mikey's bandana straps and held his head in place, her other hand was held out under his nose. Her lizard released its hold and dropped into his owners open palm. Amelia let go and went back to the couch, rubbing her pets head gently.
"It's okay Krillin. Did the mean turtle hurt you?" Amelia asked and the lizard shook its' head 'no'.
"Hurt him!?" Mikey cried. "I'm the one that almost got my nose bitten off!" Mikey pointed to his nose for dramatic effect.
Amelia placed Krillin on the couch once again before turning to Mikey with her hands on her hips. "What the hell were you expecting? A kiss? If you're stupid enough to stick your face where it's not wanted then of course you're gonna get bitten! You ever hear of personal space, moron!?"
Mikeys' eyes watered slightly. "I'm not a moron" his lower lip quivered.
"Uh…April…?" Leo rested his hand on the hilt of his katana, watching Amelia closely.
Amelia sat down on the couch and propped her feet on the coffee table. She folded her arms across her chest and frowned "what the hell are you staring at?"
The turtles looked taken aback, all except for Raph; he seemed to be quite aggravated with her attitude.
"Guys, this is Amelia-"
"Mel!"
I bit my tongue to keep from snapping at the young girl and continued "-Fletcher. The 'Big Sister Foundation' sent her over. She's originally from California. I actually wasn't expecting her until tomorrow but now that she's here, we're going to have a blast. Right, Mel?"
Mel rolled her eyes with a shrug "whatever you say lady."
"You're the girl April was telling us about?" Donatello asked, putting his Bo-staff away.
Mels' eyes flicked over to Don "don't sound so disappointed, dude."
Don's defences went up "no, I didn't mean…I just…I-"
"I know what you meant" Mel interrupted. "I know I'm not what anyone expected. I get it a lot."
"There's a surprise" Raphael muttered, crossing his arms. Mel narrowed her eyes at him but remained quiet.
"We just imagined someone…" Leo trailed off, struggling to find the right word. "…taller?" Leo finished lamely.
The four of us stared at him incredulously. Leo dropped his gaze to the floor, an embarrassed smile on his face. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep from face-palming.
Mel smirked "taller, huh? You see, I always take that as 'gee, I'd thought you'd be better looking'."
Leo's eyes widened slightly and he raised his hands up in front of him "no, no, no. That's not what I meant! You are good looking, in your own way. No, not in your own way, that sounded wrong. See, the truth is-"
Mel interrupted his rambling "grab the wheel, dude. You're swerving."
Raphael smacked the back of Leo's head. Leo frowned at his brother as Raph just smirked in response.
I laughed nervously before turning my attention to Mel "um, these are my friends. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo."
They each waved in greeting. Mel seemed to be no longer interested because she lay down and closed her eyes.
"Whatever" she rolled over so her back was facing us. "I'm beat. I'd appreciate it if you could all keep your gobs shut while I get some shut eye, kay?"
I shook my head in frustration and smiled apologetically at the turtles. "I'll, uh, see you guys tomorrow."
They nodded their heads in agreement before leaving through the window. Taking one final glance at the young girl on my couch, I sighed and went back to bed.
Maybe she'll have a better attitude in the morning.