Raph was lounging in his hammock that evening, when his T-phone rang. "Hi?" he said.
"It's Olivia, Raphael. How are you?"
Raph's heart hammered in his chest at hearing her voice and he badly wanted to talk to her, but he knew he had to tell her to go away. It would never work out between them. He gathered himself together and said coldly, "I told ya goodbye. Why are ya callin'?"
"I just wanted to hear your voice and to know that you got home safely."
"I'm fine!"
"Why are you so angry? Have I done something to upset you?"
"Yeah, you're callin' after I said not ta. It's harassment and me and my…my girlfriend don't like it."
"You have a girlfriend?"
"Yeah, she's gorgeous and we're happy."
"Raphael, I just wanted to see how you were," Olivia said, trying not to sound disappointed that he was taken. "And I hope you're happy…"
Olivia's words were cut off as Raphael disconnected the call. Raphael sucked in a deep breath and thought, I hated doin' that, but it was for the best. Doubt she'll call now that she knows I'm off the market. Unless she's dumb and can't get a damn clue. Hope she doesn't call. I felt like I was a jackass. Gotta get some sleep. Mona will be here in a few hours. Raphael closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.
After Raphael had ended the call, Olivia sighed sadly, and thought, he was so hostile, so unlike the guy I was starting to know? Did Raph's brothers put him up to it? I can't believe I'm so upset he's taken. I barely know him, but I felt a connection with him and thought he did too. Maybe he's just playing hard to get and the girlfriend is a lie. I'll leave him alone now. It's late and call again tomorrow.
The next morning, 28 November, Raph was up at six. He quickly cleaned his room and then he joined his brothers and Splinter in the kitchen. "Morning, my son," Splinter said. "How are you feeling?"
"Hi, Sensei," Raph said. " Mornin', guys. Much better, thanks."
"Hey, Raph," Leo, Don and Mikey said in unison.
"You seem chipper today, Raph," Leo said.
"Yeah. Mona's comin'. I asked her if she wanted ta visit and go out and she said yes."
"Like on a date?"
"Uh huh."
"Ohh, Raphie's going on a date," Mikey said. "Can I come?"
"No, ya bonehead. It's a date between me and Mona. Get yer own girlfriend."
"I have always liked Mona Lisa," Splinter said. "This is good news, my son, but please take things slowly. We don't need the talk again, do we, Raphael?"
"No," Sensei," Raph said, flushing. "It's just a date."
"Good. You are much too young to be a father. We must clean the lair in preparation for Mona Lisa's arrival and she will stay in your room, Raphael."
"That's cool with me, Sensei. I changed the linen and my room's clean."
Don smiled and said, "You sound excited, Raph."
"Maybe a little. I gotta do somethin'. Be right back," Raph said, and left the room.
"I thought he disliked Mona," Mikey said. "Why does he suddenly like her, dudes?"
"Maybe he realizes Mona could be good for him," Leo said. "It would never have worked out with that human girl he met. Mona's a mutant like us, understands the risks and dangers we go through, and the relationship has a better chance of working out. She's so like Raph, too. Stubborn, passionate, but also fiercely loyal and devoted to the people she loves. They're a match made in heaven."
"I hope so. Think there will babies?"
"Not for a long time," Splinter said firmly. "Do not tease Raphael about Mona Lisa. It is unusual for him to be so animated and excited about something and it would hurt him if you ridicule him. He is extremely sensitive."
"Hai, Sensei," Leo, Don and Mikey said in unison.
"Practice today, Sensei?" Leo asked.
"No," Splinter said. "You can have a day off, because Mona Lisa is coming and the lair has to be cleaned. It's looking quite messy. Clean the couches, vacuum, dust and tidy all your rooms. I shall be in my room if you need me. One last thing, I know you all are happy that Mona Lisa's coming, but give Raphael and her some time alone. It's very hard to get to know someone if others are always hanging around. See you later, my sons."
After Splinter had left the kitchen, the brothers immediately began cleaning the lair. When Raph joined them in the lounge a couple of hours later, the lair was pristine. "I'm pooped," Leo said breathlessly. "Vacuuming always takes it out of me. Did you get what you wanted done, Raph?"
"Yeah."
"Where are the flowers April bought? They're missing."
"Uh," Raph said, and flushed. "I took them ta my room. I thought Mona would like them."
"Aw, too cute," Mikey said. "Raphie's definitely got a crush on Mona."
"Shut it, Mikey," Raph snapped. "Or I'm gonna pound ya!"
"Yeah, Mikey," Don said angrily. "Stop teasing, him. That's great, Raph. I'm sure she'll love it. Have you thought about where you're taking her?"
"I don't know. Not many places I can take her lookin' like this."
"I have an idea," Leo said, snapping his fingers. "Why not have a picnic in the lair, Raph? The dojo would be good. Candles, soft music and you can play truth or dare. That's a fun game to play and a great way of getting to know each other. The picnic can just be snacks and sandwiches. Casual, relaxed. No stress."
"Yeah, but we'll get bugged by Mikey!"
"No, he'll be with me and Don in Don's room. We're going to play video games. You and Mona will be alone. Dad will be in his room, but he won't pester you."
Raph smiled and said, "Okay. I love it. Thanks, Leo. I just wish I could take her ta an actual restaurant and we could do the things other, uh, couples do."
"I know, Raph, but I think she's going to love this."
"What if she don't?"
"She likes you, Raph, and she'll love anything you do, so don't worry. Let's go prepare the snacks."
At four p.m., the guys were relaxing in the lounge, when they heard Mona Lisa's voice at the lair's entrance. "Hi?" she said.
"Hey," Raphael said, getting up and going to her. "Good to see ya, Mona," Raph said, staring at the giant Salamandarian and seeing her in a new light. She's beautiful, Raph thought. She's six foot, so just six inches shorter than me. Perfect height. And her eyes are stunnin'. Wow. Why didn't I see that before?
"You too, Raphael," Mona said, pecking Raph's cheek and making him redden.
"Hey, Mona," Leo, Don and Mikey said in unison.
"Hi, guys," Mona said, setting down her suitcase.
"Come inside, Mona," Raph said. "I gotta do somethin'. I'll be right back."
"Uh, sure, Raph. What's up with him, guys?"
"I don't know," Leo said, and shrugged.
Raph returned to the room a few minutes later, and said, handing Mona a bunch of red carnations, "These are for ya, Mona."
"Oh, they're beautiful, Raph. Thank you. I love them."
"There's a vase in yer room. Ya wanna put them there?"
Mikey nudged Don and said, "Aww, isn't it cute? Raphie's trying to impress Mona with the flowers April got?"
"Shhh!" Don said, elbowing him.
"I thought I heard you," Splinter said, entering the room. "Hello, my dear Mona Lisa. Good to see you."
"And you, Master Splinter. Are you well?"
"I am. And how are you, my child?"
"Same."
"Those are wonderful flowers."
"Yes, Raphael got them for me. Isn't he thoughtful?"
"My son has always had a good heart. I'm sure you'll want to settle in. Raphael has given up his room."
"That's so kind of you, Raphael."
"No big deal," Raph said, picking up Mona's case. "Sheesh. What do ya have in here, Mona? Bricks?"
"My shoe collection!"
"Really? Typical woman!"
"Hah. Only kidding, Raph. I don't wear shoes unless I have to. No, it's just things I thought I'd need."
"Follow me."
"See you in a bit guys," Mona said, as she and Raph left the room.
Entering his bedroom, Raph set down the case on the bed and said,"This it, Mona."
Mona placed the flowers in the vase, and, gazing around the room, said, "I love your room, Raphael, but what's that on the wall?"
"Shit," Raph said, noticing a poster of a naked model on the wall, and taking it down. "It's nothin'."
"Why is she naked? Was she too warm?"
"Ya could say that," Raph said, and chuckled. "She's a model that goes nude ta make money."
"But why? That's so tacky. Has she no pride?"
"She didn't care 'bout pride and wanted money."
"I would never do that. My body will only be for my one true love. You liked her. What about her appealed to you?"
Raph reddened, feeling awkward, and said, "Her eyes."
"Really?"
"Yeah, they're pretty, but not as pretty as yers. Yers are like jewels."
"Nice one, smooth talker."
"I'm serious. They are beautiful, so are ya, Mona. I never noticed before. I've been so blind."
"But I don't look like her and you clearly like humans."
"Fine. I liked her and fantasized 'bout her. Why are ya so jealous 'bout a damn poster?"
"Because I wish you'd like me that way," Mona said tearfully.
"Ya silly girl," Raph said, crumpling up the poster and cupping her cheek with his other hand. "I wouldn't have asked ya ta come visit me and go out if I didn't like ya, Mona. Yer far prettier than her, have class, ya kick ass, yer strong and sweet and yer tall. I love that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. Ya got nothin' ta worry 'bout, Mona. I'm only interested in ya. No one else. Not even if that girl asked me out."
"Seriously, Raph?"
"Why do ya find that so hard ta believe Mona?"
"No one's ever said I'm wonderful and I've never been good with my self-esteem. How can I be when I'm a six foot Salamandarian? A mutant. People think I'm a freak."
"They think I'm one too," Raph said softly. "I know how ya feel, Mona, but I don't think ya are. I think yer absolutely gorgeous. A work of art."
Mona blushed and said, "You're extremely handsome, Raph. I've always thought so."
"Now yer kiddin'."
"I'm not and I love your eyes. They're breath taking, mesmerizing and you're so brave, caring, passionate and loyal. You're fantastic, Raphael."
"I am?" Raph said, flushing.
"Yes."
Raph blushed again and cleared his throat. "Did Sal Commander come with ya, Mona?"
"No, he has a cold and decided to stay on the ship until he's better."
"What's yer favorite food?"
"There's this particular insect I like. Only exists on my planet and I love it cooked with gravy."
Barf, Raph thought. Yuck. "Ya ever had ice cream?"
"No, what's that?"
"It's really creamy and there are many flavors. Ya will love it. We could get some ice cream and go for a walk in our disguises."
"I'd go anywhere with you and that sounds like fun."
"Great. It's a date," Raph said, and kissed her cheek, making Mona blush. "We'll go out after dark. Ya must be tired, so get some rest. I'll call ya for dinner at seven."
"I can't wait, Raphael."
"Me either. Sweet dreams."
Yes, Raph, thought jubilantly after he'd left the room. I have a date! With a girl, who likes me and I like her too. How could I not have liked her before? She's so sweet. Realizing he still had the crumpled poster in his hand, Raph went into the kitchen, ripped it into shreds and tossed it into the recycling bag. I don't need ya anymore, he thought. I got a far better thing. Mona Lisa. I have a feelin' we're gonna be so awesome together.
