Chapter 2: Meet the Turtles

After I introduced everyone and I explained what happened, my mom agreed to let them stay. I knew she would, she never let anyone go without a home. I loved her for that. Taylor, my twin sister, didn't care they were here. My stepdad, Jim, didn't like them because my stepdad was a lot like Raph when meeting new strangers. He'll get over it soon, I hope. I smiled when Donnie pushed his glasses back on his face. I always thought it was so cute when he did it. The glasses were a good addition to his nerdy style. I shifted in my seat and played with the ends of my hair, everyone stopped talking and it was getting a little awkward. I continued to observe the turtles, and started to wonder if they were like how they were in the movie. Raph cracked his neck and Mikey was petting Max, my dog. My smile widened. I can't believe they're actually here!

"What are you thinking?" Kristen asked.

"How the shell this happened?" My smile went away and I slid my hand down my face. They had to get back home in New York City. "Wait a minute, where's Splinter?"

They brothers got quiet and didn't make any eye contact. Mikey stopped petting Max and looked like he was about to burst into tears. Max scurried off since Mikey stopped paying attention to him. I shook my head.

"He's okay, right?" My voice cracked.

"We lost him after battling the Shredder." Leo answered his face stoic.

No, Splinter was supposed to survive that! I fought the tears and took another look at Leo. I saw it in his eyes, he was beating himself up for it. He thinks it was his fault, that he could've saved him. Mikey started crying and I got off my chair and wrapped my arms around him. He accepted the embrace and held onto me tightly, shaking. Tears soaked his orange mask and I looked at the brothers. Donnie was looking at the ground, Raph glared at the table, and Leo was looking at me and Mikey. I hated the Shredder before, but now it's turning to wanting to tear him apart. The sight of the brother saddened me and I tried to think of something to tell them.

"I'm so sorry." I started rubbing Mikey's shoulder. "I'm so sorry." I repeated not knowing what else to say.

"Come on, Mikey. Let's go pick out a videogame to play." Kristen gently pulled Mikey back down to the basement.

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked.

No one answered. No one even made eye contact with me. It was as if they went into their own little world of sorrow. I knew that place all too well.

"I just lost a friend, who was like a brother to me. I understand what you're going through." I put my hand on Raph and Leo's shoulders. I saw a tear roll down Donatello's face. Raph was still tense. I hugged the two turtles. Raphael was the only one who pulled away. Leo put his hand on my arm and patted Don on his shell. "It'll get better, I promise."

Don just nodded and went in the basement, but I don't think he believed me. I turned to Leo. I watched as he took a breath and his face hardened. It reminded me of when he did this in the 2003-2005 cartoon series. He got better to his old self because of the Ancient One.

"Don't do this to yourself?" he looked at me confused, "There was nothing you could've done."

"You weren't there." He went to leave, but I grabbed his arm and led him into the dining room.

"No, but it was in the movie. He survived in the movie for plot reasons. You, Don, and Mike were captured after?" I asked making sure I knew what happened.

"Yeah." Leo finally looked me in the eyes.

"He knew he was going to die, but he didn't want Raphael there when it happened. He would be too broken and you three would've been dead also. Splinter knew what he thought he had to do. The Shredder did this to him." There was so much hatred in my voice when I said 'Shredder'. All of the pain he put my turtles though. "I'm going to miss him too." I told him as I pulled him into a hug. I know 'what is this a hug fest?' No, it's just the only way I can think of that will help. He sighed into me and he relaxed. "I understand. The role of the leader is nowhere from fun and glorious, but Splinter picked you because he knew you can do it. I know he's very proud of you and he knows he made the right decision." Tears streamed down my face and fell on Leo's shoulder. I feel so bad for him. Always having to pick up the pieces. "Leo, you're not alone. You have your brothers and me. I want to help in any way I can." I can't believe I was crying. It Leo who should be crying, I mean he just lost his father. "Master Splinter wouldn't want you to do this to yourself, neither do I. You did this in one season and it broke his heart. You were so distant from everyone. He's in a better place, Leo." He pulled away, Leo was crying. Quickly, he wiped them away.

"Thank you, Alexa." He held my gaze before retreating to the basement.

I followed shortly after and joined the others. Mikey was playing my Transformers game and got way past the level where I was at. He had his tongue sticking out of his mouth and moving the controller around like he was driving. I laughed softly at him. Donnie and Kristen were watching Mikey, both of them were happy that Mikey was back to his goofy self. I heard Raph beating up the punching bag in the back. This is what he always did when he was upset. Leo was looking around at the walls my family painted. My wall of course has the turtles on it. Kristen walked up to me with her guitar in her hand. She smiled and pulled me to the room Leo was in. He looked around admiring the 'art'. I sat on the couch and Kristen got situated.

"Ready?" She asked.

Ready." I agreed.

Finally we were able to get back in our writing session. See I told you, we get VERY distracted. We spent a few hours playing and writing. Like usual we got literally nothing done. When her mom came the guys went to the basement or a far end of the property. Kristen and my friend, Sarah, was as big of a fan of the turtles as I am, but it's not my choice to tell Sarah about the guys.

"Don't tell anyone. Not even Sarah, okay?" I begged.

"I promise Bucky." She smiled and grabbed her guitar.

We finished saying our goodbyes and I waited for them to leave before getting the guys. I have a really really long driveway so it took a little while.

"Hey, dudette!" Mikey smiled.

"Hey Mikey." I smiled at him.

"Where are the others?" Leo asked.

"Out back. Don is with Jim and Raph is in the woods. My parents have dinner plans in a little bit." I told them.

"Ok. Raph's probably aching for us to start training again."

"There's a bunch of stuff to use in the shed and there's plenty of room." I smiled.

"Sweet! Thanks dudette!" Mikey ran out of the house and Leo followed.

I got into yoga pants and a ninja turtle shirt before I went to watch them train. I kind of wanted to go for a run. When I got outside I sat on the ground and watched them train. It was amazing to watch it in person. Their movements smoother and quicker. Each turtle's style of fighting was showed too. I didn't get to see too much of it in the movie. They went through different forms and they helped each other when they were having trouble. Now it was time to spar. I watched one round before I decided to go for a jog around the property. The guys were still sparring so I went off on my own. I told them I was going around the property and I should be back in and hour or so. Usually I liked to walk around the woods and explore.