Chapter Four:

Christmas dinner went by without a hitch, Michelangelo created a wonderful spread to celebrate the occasion (with the help of sous chef Leo) and two hours later we were all stuffed and happy. I felt larger than ever and the only move I could possibly make was to waddle over to one of the sofas in order to park myself there with no intention of moving for at least a further two hours.

From this position I could observe Karai and Leonardo clearing up. Every now and then she would playfully swat him with the dishcloth. I liked seeing them together. It was true that in the beginning we had not got on but now I had grown to like her quite a lot. She admitted she 'tolerated' me. Yes, her sense of humour took a bit of getting used to.

Raphael and Leonardo were very different as brothers but, I thought to myself, they were also very similar in the way they were around us two girls. Leonardo treated Karai like a queen and Raphael did the same to me. Being pregnant made him even more protective, he always wanted to know where I was and if I was okay. He was happiest when I was in his sights and if I was resting.

I wondered if Karai and Leonardo ever would... or even if they wanted...

Leo was a wonderful uncle to Melody but Karai never seemed too enthralled with my daughter and holding her was the last thing she ever wanted to do. Perhaps things would be different if she was to have her own some day.

I found myself smiling and unconsciously rubbing soothing circles on my tummy. The babies inside responded pushing limbs up against my skin as if in a response to my romantic thoughts of a family for Leo and Karai some day.

I felt hands on my shoulders; firm yet gentle. Lifting one of mine away from my swollen belly I gave the hand a squeeze.

"You okay beautiful?" Raphael sat himself opposite and gave me a grin: "Anything you need?"

I smiled more widely and dropped my eyes "You really think I could fit anything else into this?"

He shook his head and dropping to his knees came over to lean besides me and rest himself over the top of my stomach: "Now listen you two, this is your father.."

I giggled. He kept a completely serious expression and continued:

"You need to cut your mother a break. It's Christmas, she needs her body back so I think you should barrel your way outta there so she can eat in comfort...and I wanna meet you so..."

I looked at him, a smirk still playing on my lips: "But we don't want them out if they aren't ready"

"Donnie says you're bang on target, and the one thing you know Dr D.."

"Oh yes" I replied laughing "He's always right!"

Raphael took my face in his hands "And I love you" He kissed me, hands still keeping hold of my face, enveloping me in a pool warmth "I'm ready...I'm ready for anything"

A wave of sadness caused tears to spring in my eyes. He moved away a little, concern in his: "What is it babe?"

I shook my head "It's nothing, nothing...I'm just...it's the hormones.."

Truth was that wasn't it at all. Well, it might have been a little; but the real reason for this wave of emotion was the 'gift' situation.

Everyone had exchanged gifts and Raphael hadn't given me anything. He said he had taken such a long time with the doll's house he just hadn't had time and figured he'd get something for me once the babies arrived. As he'd said it I'd felt a sinking feeling inside my gut but on the outside I'd smiled, laughed and said it was 'fine'. I was anything but fine. I was disappointed. I just dreaded him seeing me as just a 'mother' - a baby making machine - a thing that popped out children in order to give him an ever growing family. His lack of gift confirmed these nagging thoughts.

A tissue appeared in my hand and Michelangelo was standing over me with little Melody in his arms: "It's Christmas sister, no time for tears"

I smiled and blew my nose, the noise causing my daughter to jump.

"Sorry"

"Hey, and no time for apologies either"

Raphael got up and offered me a hand "For once, Mikey is right, and I agree with him"

I frowned "I'm okay...honestly. I just want to stay here. April's coming soon right, I don't want to look like I'm hiding"

The largest turtle reached forward and lifted me up as if I was as light as a feather: "You are coming with me no questions asked"

Michelangelo shrugged and tickled Melody under the chin: "Just go with it" he mused.

Raphael by-passed our room; I was curious as to where this was heading: "Where are you taking me?"

"Just you wait and see" he murmured, hoisting me up a bit more.

We were heading directly to Donatello's lab at the other end of the lair. Why on earth was he taking me there? I had a small panic that perhaps he was going to have me induced but then dismissed it as ridiculous. Raphael would never plan anything like that.

Putting me down gently he knocked at the door and waited. After a couple of minutes, Donatello emerged: "All yours" he said simply and stood aside.

I was confused for a milli-second until my eyes connected with the wonderful display of lights shining out of the darkness. The lights merged and danced about until they built up on each other, each layer spelling out a name or simulating a wonderful picture; all of which meant something special to me. Tears sprung into my eyes once again and my hand fell onto my mouth.

I could feel Raphael's warm gaze on me, watching my reactions to this light show. A show which he had obviously spent time setting up just for me; for us.

God how I loved him..

Turning round I was met by my large turtle boyfriend kneeling before me a small box in his hand, a box with a ring: "Marry me?"