As always, thanks so much for your patience and positive reviews. I just recently went to a convention, so now that that's over I should have more time to write and update faster.
By the way, I am absolutely in love with season four right now.
Chapter 9: First Step
Felix, unsurprisingly, was not awake by the time Noelle departed for school. His audible snoring vehemently traveled down the narrow hallway and up to the second floor. She wondered how long he'd actually slept, and hoped that it was more than just a few hours. To improve his day and encourage him, she left a note reminding him to eat and take care of himself. To make the letter even sweeter, she drew a quick sketch of herself waving and smiling, with the words "have a good day" floating next to her head. She left the note towards the edge of the dining table so he would see the bright white paper when he entered the kitchen.
She finally left and hurried through the chilly morning air to the nearest subway, pulling her navy blue sweater tighter against her to fight off the unwanted frigid breeze. When she finally made it through the throngs of people in the station and managed to board a train, she pulled out her T-Phone to check her progress on time, and noticed a text alert. Curious, she opened it up and saw that April had sent her a message about five minutes ago.
Morning! Casey and I are waiting right outside the station for you. We'll see you when you get here. : ]
The signal underground was weak so she didn't have the opportunity to reply, but it still made her smile to know that somebody was actually willing to take time out of their day to text her. She pressed the phone against her chest with one hand and held on to the strap above her with the other, humming in contentment. Although she was still nervous about talking to people, she was learning, and for the first time in years, she no longer felt invisible.
[][][]
As planned, Casey and April were waiting outside the station when Noelle finally got off about ten minutes later. They waved to her, and she returned the gesture with a timid wave of her own as she sauntered over to them.
"I-I'm sorry I couldn't respond to your message, April. I was in the subway and there isn't very good reception," the blonde briskly explained, still feeling rather guilty over not being able to reply. The last thing she wanted was for a friend, especially somebody so compassionate, to find her rude or ignorant.
Fortunately, the red head didn't seem the least bit bothered. "Hey, I get it. I just wanted to let you know we were ready and waiting," April kindly informed her, gently brushing off the words with a head shake. "I'm glad you're okay. I think we got rid of all the Kraang in your area last night, but I guess the boys are going to patrol later on just to make sure."
Noelle felt so humbled that these two people who had only talked to her two days ago were already going through such an effort to protect her. "Thank you so much, and I'm so sorry for not helping! That was really nice of you. Hopefully after training with Sensei a little bit I can provide assistance and return the favor."
The Kunoich's face lit up at the reminder. "Oh yeah! Are you excited?"
Before she could respond, Casey draped his arms around the shoulders of both girls and leaned forward, unaware of how Noelle stiffened up from the sudden and unfamiliar contact. "Well ladies, Casey Jones would be more than happy to escort you to school. Who's ready to go be tortured by pointless lessons? Yahoo!"
April noticed the discomfort on the other girl's face, and realized that the young artist seemed really nervous around others still. She knew Casey was a bit slow when it came to reading comfort levels, so she decided to step in. The freckled girl shrugged the vigilante's arm off of her and gently pushed the blonde forward while they walked together.
"Nah, I think we're good here Jones. I suppose we appreciate the offer though, right Noelle?" She winked at the other girl.
It took Noelle a second to realize that April was helping her out, but when she did she smiled gratefully and bobbed her head in agreement. "Your gesture is admirable."
Casey scoffed at the remarks but grinned anyways. "Whatever. One day you both will be at Casey Jones's door begging for his protection."
The red head jabbed a finger at the boy's chest with a smirk. "Whatever you say, Jones. Pretty sure it'll be the other way around though."
Noelle surprised herself by giggling along as the three of them continued pleasantly conversing on their walk. It was almost a disbelieving scenario for her to actually be talking and laughing with somebody on the way to school when she'd so many others do the same thing countless times as she enviously watched. Now, she could also stroll through the bustling morning streets of New York City with a smile on her face, and the feeling was fantastic.
Within about five minutes the small group arrived on campus and came across the girl Casey had disdainfully referred to as Irma. The bespectacled teen stood impatiently in front of the school's entrance, her gaze averting from her cell phone up to the oncoming trio. She pushed her lens up with two fingers before she advanced forward to greet her friends, a brow raising when her eyes fell upon Noelle. As if studying her, Irma pushed her face into the blonde's personal space, causing the other girl to once more stiffen up.
"And you are?"
Suddenly unable to speak and rather uncomfortable by the pushiness of her acquaintance, Noelle stumbled over words that should have been simple to voice. "I-I'm,uh…"
"Irma, this is Noelle. Noelle, meet Irma," April interrupted in an attempt to save the flustered girl. "Casey and I met her yesterday, so we decided to walk to school together this morning."
Irma eyed Noelle once more before she nodded, apparently satisfied with the explanation. "Well, we better hurry up and get to class then. I have a test in Chemistry and I refuse to fail after all that studying." She pushed up her glasses once more and entered through the school's double doors, unaware of Casey mocking her from behind. He grunted when April elbowed him in the ribs.
"Hey, take it easy, Red! I need this for vigilante mode later."
The red head rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say Jones. Anyways, we need to get to class too. Who doesn't like good old Algebra first thing in the morning?"
Noelle followed her friends, her lips thinning into a frown at the unpleasant thought of perplexing equations. "I'm actually terrible at math," she softly added on, rather embarrassed at the difficulty she experienced with numbers. "I prefer English."
The freckled teen halted in the middle of her walk and spun around with a bright simper on her face. "No kidding? Well, it just so happens that I'm pretty great at Math, but I've experienced several battles with writing papers. Why don't we help each other out after training later? I just need some tips and proofreading for the essay I'm currently working on, it that's alright with you."
Thrilled that she'd found somebody willing to help her with her mathematical struggles, Noelle exhaled a sigh of relief. "That would be amazing. Thank you."
Casey crossed his arms and pouted. "How come you stopped tutoring me, Red?"
"Because you don't even try. Besides, you've never once volunteered to help me."
"I just don't want you to fail. I'm looking out for your grades here."
April snorted and continued walking. "Well thanks Jones. I appreciate it."
"Anytime!"
[][][]
Lunch eventually arrived after three lengthy classes, and with it were hungry teens scurrying into line for Pizza Thursday. Noelle had made her way over from Art class with paint smudged across her fingertip and a home made lunch. She spotted Casey signaling her over with a wave, and she felt herself beaming at the opportunity to enjoy lunch with friends.
She ended up laughing quite a lot as April constantly elbowed or swatted Casey's arm while he made fun of Irma's know-it-all attitude by either mouthing what she was saying or mimicking her gestures as she carried on explaining facts she'd learned during Chemistry or AP History. Noelle tried to be polite and pay attention, but she kept getting distracted by Casey and April's amusing silent bickering. She was rather proud of the fact that she was able to suppress her giggles either through biting her sandwich or pressing her face into her palm. April smirked at the blonde trying to control herself, secretly glad that the girl she'd always seen sitting quietly by herself seemed to actually be having a good time.
It was a nice feeling, and even Casey revealed a toothless grin when he noticed their new friend enjoying herself. He just hoped she'd willingly do it more often.
[][][]
"I can't believe you guys are ditching me again," Irma exasperatedly pouted with her arms crossed. "I thought we were seeing that new movie about the superhero triplets."
Casey disdainfully wrinkled his nose. "I don't know. There's just something weird about some dude creating girls in his basement."
The group of four were walking out of school, conversing about plans Noelle had been unaware of. Of course, it wasn't any of her business, and she had to stop home anyways to grab clothes for training. She wondered if she was supposed to text one of the turtles after going home, or if April and Casey would be joining her so somebody could navigate her through the sewers. She hoped to learn the path to the lair soon so she wouldn't have to keep inconveniencing everybody. After all, there were surely more important things to do than help her out all the time.
A vibration in her pocket prompted the blonde to reach in and grab her phone, wondering who could possibly be contacting her. She switched the T-Phone on and was surprised to see two messages. The first one was from Leo.
Good afternoon. Donnie and Mikey are on their way to escort you to the lair. See you later.
The second text was from Mikey.
hey dude! look up : D
Noelle lifted her eyes and scoured the top of nearby buildings, feeling the corners of her lips turn up in delight when she spotted a green figure excitedly waving. Her phone buzzed once again, this time showing a text from Donnie.
We'll meet you in the alley next to our location.
She tucked her phone back into her pocket and turned to face April, who was surprisingly staring at the same rooftop with a smirk on her face.
"Guess we better head over huh? Coming Jones?"
Eager to get away from their nerdy friend, he nodded and gently pushed the two girls ahead. "Yeah, uh sorry Irma. Next time okay," he called out over his shoulder before lowering his voice to a whisper. "Sometime next year maybe."
April elbowed Casey in the rib cage. "Don't be rude!" she hissed, but there was a trace of humor sparkling in her eyes.
The three friends quickly made their way over to the narrow passage cloaked in shadow, April using her telepathy to ensure nobody else besides the turtles were nearby. Noelle jumped when the terrapin brothers suddenly landed in front of her without warning, Mikey giggling at her surprised face.
"Yeah! We got you good!" the youngest turtle gleefully boasted, seemingly uncaring of the fact that he'd nearly given her a heart attack. He watched as the blonde stumbled back with a hand on her chest, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart.
Donnie rolled his eyes. "Mikey, we weren't trying to scare her, and we should probably refrain from doing so again."
"But dude, she wasn't the only one scared! Look at Casey!" All eyes turned to focus on the hockey player, who had managed to straighten himself up in the nick of time, forcing effects of the jump scare to disperse before he was labeled a chicken by the others.
"Casey Jones doesn't get scared," he defended himself in an attempt to retain his "tough guy" image, ignoring the snort from April.
"Whatever you say Jones."
"Anyways," Donnie interrupted, "we were told to make sure Noelle gets to the lair safely for training." He stared down at the shorter girl. "Do you still need to get your workout clothes?"
Embarrassed that she was once again forcing her friends to go out of their way from her, she shamefully nodded her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to carry too much to school so I was planning to get them from my dad's house first."
Not the least bit bothered, Mikey hopped from foot to foot with a grin. "Sweet! Maybe we can get the grand tour!"
"Casey Jones is in!"
"Don't be rude! You can't just go barging into people's homes and demand a tour," April admonished, wondering how her male friends could be so childish.
Noelle considered the idea for another, although she wasn't sure if she could warmly guide people through the house without becoming shy. She knew that she might be able to with Mikey, and maybe even April, but she didn't know the others well enough to comfortably speak in front of them. Although she had already made significant progress within only a couple days, she was still a little unsure when it came to socializing with others ,and the thought of people watching her and waiting on her to take them to the next room was rather unnerving.
"I-I'm really sorry, but I think my dad is there. Perhaps when he leaves soon to travel for work I can."
Mikey looked a tad bit disappointed, but he still grinned as if he didn't have a care in the world. "Alright! I can't wait!"
Donnie cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt, but we really need to go. We've already been out in the open too long, and Leo will eventually start worrying."
"We can just meet you in the lair later," April suggested. "I obviously know how to get there by now."
Casey shrugged and appeared disinterested. "I'm just gonna go shoot some pucks real quick. Waiting for you guys to finish your ninja stuff is bor-ing." He raised a hand up in farewell before venturing back into the streets.
Noelle bit her lower lip, not thrilled with the idea of further inconveniencing somebody. "I appreciate the help, but I think I'll be okay-"
April placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Trust me when I say that just because you think you're safe doesn't mean you are. They also kept an eye on me for a little bit until they were certain I could defend myself. I hated constantly being kept under watch, but I'm also grateful for it."
Flushing at the misinterpretation, Noelle shook her head quickly. "It's not that I think I am perfectly fine on my own, I just don't like being such a bother."
"Dude, you're totally not," Mikey assured her. "If you want, I can just take you back to your place and then we can meet up with the others. I've totally got this."
Donnie hesitated. He wanted to protest, but knew that two of them guarding her seemed a bit excessive. April had been telling the truth about him and his brothers keeping an eye on her, but it had usually only been one of them at a time. Mikey would be more than enough to keep her safe, and besides, it would give him some alone time with April. He glanced down at the red-head, only to blush and shyly look away when she smiled up at him. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, the tallest terrapin straightened up to give his answer. "Alright, that's fine. If Leo asks I'll just remind him that you watched her last night without any problems." He nodded at the two before hunching over so April could climb on his back, her brow raised but a smirk on her face at the invitation.
"Thanks D. We'll see you soon!" April seated herself on his shell, holding on tightly as Donnie catapulted them up the wall and eventually out of sight.
"Guess that's our cue," Mikey cheerfully exclaimed as he also hunched over. Noelle clambered on, trying to contain a gleeful giggle when Mikey briskly climbed up the brick surface until they were freely running across the rooftops.
"M-may I ask why you seem so excited today?" Noelle nervously inquired, hoping she didn't seem rude. As far she could tell, Mikey seemed lively everyday, but he seemed even more so at that moment. "I'm glad you are, but you look even happier right now, and I was just curious."
Not the slightest bit bothered by her question, the freckled turtle only grinned and increased his speed. "Dude, I'm just excited you get to train with us today! It's gonna be awesome!"
Although she was flattered over his excitement, she still couldn't help feeling nervous. "What if I mess up though?"
He seemed a bit surprised at her worries, his lips twisting into a confused frown. "Well, yeah, but why wouldn't you? I mean, me and my bros, especially my bros because I'm great, screw up all the time. Uh, I think Sensei said that's how you learn, so how can you learn if you don't mess up?"
Calmed by his advice, Noelle allowed her stiffened shoulders to relax. She was still uneasy about having others analyzing her fighting techniques, but at least she knew she wasn't the only one who would make mistakes. After all, it was only normal to not start off strongly when being taught something new. She could vaguely recall trying to copy her grandma's drawings when she was younger and only able to draw crooked stick people, but clearly she had improved since then thanks to patience and practice. All she needed to do now was apply the same method to fighting.
Realizing that Mikey was right, she decided not to focus on her unsettled nerves and instead enjoy the ride that provided her with an impressive view of the city. "You're right. Thank you."
Pleased with himself for actually being able to offer solid advice he beamed in pride, practically skipping across the next building gap and drawing a delighted gasp from the girl on his gasp. "Anytime!"
Minutes later they arrived back at Felix's place and carefully climbed down to the balcony outside Noelle's window. Mikey waited for her to climb in and peek around to make sure her dad wasn't nearby before she signaled the terrapin to enter. The young reptile followed in after her and bounced onto her bed with an eager smile on his face.
"So is your dad home?"
"I'm not sure. I think I should go at least let him know I'll be out tonight." Noelle sighed wistfully, as she knew that her dad probably wouldn't even notice she was gone. They still hadn't fully talked to each other, and she wondered if they would even be able to before he took off again. Mikey was rather confused by her saddened tone, and wondered if perhaps it was because she was once again not getting to spend time with her father.
"Are you okay?"
Blinking rapidly and shifting all focus away from her thoughts, the blonde teen smiled and nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was concern him again because of some self-pitying thoughts she was harboring, so instead she would push her temporary morose behind her and focus on training and spending time with her friend.
"I'm fine. I'll be right back," she assured him before exiting her room and shutting the door behind her. Mikey took her word with ease and eagerly sprung off her mattress so he could take a better look around her new room, eager to explore the unfamiliar area while he waited.
After all, she probably wouldn't mind, right?
[][][]
The bottom part of the house was still and silent, with only the sounds of her footsteps creaking against the wooden flooring audible through the unsettling shadows of the hallway. Noelle hesitantly advanced towards her father's work room and gently rapped her knuckles against the door.
"Come in."
Relieved that he was still home, she entered into the room and saw Felix hunched over his computer, hair sticking out and bags beneath his eyes as he feverishly clicked his moused. She was amazed and yet disturbed over how both of her parents behaved in such an unhealthy manner when it came to their work load.
"Dad, I'm going over to a friend's house tonight. I shouldn't be back too late, if that's okay."
"Uh-huh." His eyes didn't so much as leave the monitor.
She cleared her throat before continuing. "Might I have a spare key so I don't disturb you when I come back?"
"I'll be up."
"But what about when you're gone for work?"
The clicking of his mouse came to a stop and he finally turned around to face her with bloodshot eyes, making her realize that he really slept for only a few hours after all. "Guess I didn't think about that, huh kiddo? Your old man is getting old." He stood up and stretched his rigid limbs out, stiff from multiple hours of sitting. "If I remember to get to it tomorrow I will. Just leave me a note or something to remind me."
It was the best she was going to get out of him. She was a bit hurt that he didn't even mention her note, but perhaps he had somehow just not seen it. Stepping back to allow him passage into the corridor, she watched his retreating form unsteadily amble towards the kitchen. She pursued after him and stood in the entry way, wanting to say something but unsure of what. Her eyes fell on the untouched note on the table, but instead of saying something, she felt that it might be better for him to discover it on his own so it meant more. She couldn't really have a full conversation with him at the moment because Mikey was waiting for her and she didn't want to be rude, so instead she settled on the customary words that children usually exchanged with their parents.
"I love you dad."
"Yeah, you too." Felix had mumbled the words exhaustively, but at least he'd turned around and offered a small smile. "Be safe kiddo."
She beamed jovially at his response, as she hadn't expected to even get one. "Thanks dad. You too."
[][][]
Noelle returned back to her room in higher spirits, pleased that she'd been able to have a much needed moment with her dad. It was short and sweet, but enough to satisfy her desire for some father-daughter time. She opened her door and noticed Mikey staring up at the painting they'd created together the previous night. As soon as he'd left, she'd wasted no time in hanging it up, as she'd been elated over being able to form an art piece with a friend for the first time. It was special to her, and she knew that she'd always cherish it.
"Wow! You put it up!" Mikey appeared positively elated that Noelle had decided to proudly display their masterpiece. "Ooh, can we do one for my room too? It looks awesome!"
She giggled at his enthusiasm and went to work at once on trying to find some comfortable clothes she could use for training. "I would love to. If you want, I can bring over some paint. I do have a lot of acrylic tubes we can use."
He wasn't entirely sure what acrylic was, but he was excited over the idea nonetheless. "Sweet! Dude, my room is going to look awesome by the time we're done!"
Satisfied with a pair of black sweat pants and a plain grey t-shirt she'd found, Noelle stuffed the clothes into a small backpack, along with a clean pair of undergarments, socks, and some deodorant. She proceeded to search for some brushes and paint she could also fit into her bag to bring along to the lair. "I'll bring some other colors over so your brothers can use them as well. Maybe you can do some hand paintings with them too."
"No way! This is our thing, they can find their own!"
She was so caught off-guard by his hasty and defensive response that it took her a moment to have a reaction to it. Her cheeks heated up and her heart pounded as exhilaration flooded through her in one brisk sweep. To share something so special and private with another was a joy she'd never known before, and she was positively thrilled that Mikey wanted to participate in the activity with only her. As she glanced at the painting, she viewed it with a new-found sense of appreciation and significance.
Noelle and Mikey stood next to each other and stared at the wall, both of them contently beaming at the symbol they'd unknowingly created together for their friendship. They glanced at each other and broke into hushed laughter, pleased with their secretive memory and not having to share it with anybody else.
"Okay Mikey, this can be our thing."
"Promise?" He held out his pinky finger.
"I promise." Noelle hooked her smaller finger around his, and then they shared a smile.
[][][]
The trip to the lair consisted of Mikey rambling on about the latest comic book he'd read, only stopping to point out a number on the sewer's wall as a way for Noelle to remember how to get to the turtles' home. She mentally noted all the numbers and tunnel turns, although she figured it would definitely take her a couple more trips before she had the route memorized by heart. She wondered if eventually she'd be able to learn how to reach the lair from any location like April and Casey. At least, she assumed they could, as they didn't really seem to need any guidance and had known the brothers far longer that she had. Perhaps they would be willing to show her tricks or short cuts.
Eventually the duo arrived, with Noelle pushing through the turnstile and Mikey hopping over it. Leo was glued to some animated space show on TV while Raph sat behind him reading a magazine. Donnie wasn't anywhere in sight, so she assumed that he was in his lab again.
"The captain never leaves his crew behind. If you aren't willing to sacrifice yourself for your team, then you can't be a leader," Leo mocked the displayed male character word-for-word, his voice deepened and a finger raised up.
"Whatever you say Hero Boy," Raph grumbled from his spot, still unable to understand how his brother could be so infatuated with such a dumb show.
"Whaddup my brothers!?" Mikey bellowed as he cantered into the living room, Noelle following close behind. He was immediately shushed by Leo.
"Be quiet! This is the best part!"
"Yeah little bro, how dare you talk over an episode that our Fearless Leader has seen over a thousand times?"
"It's a good show!"
"You know you're the only one who thinks that, right?"
"Noelle, does this look stupid to you?" Leo gazed up at her with pleading eyes, apparently desperate to have somebody on his side. "Nobody else here will give it a chance!"
"Hey, I watched it with you!"
"Mikey, you were playing on your T-Phone the entire time! That doesn't count!"
"At least I was there!"
While the brothers continued their squabbling, Noelle focused on the program and watched as a young man freaked out before being slapped humorously on the cheek. She giggled, forcing the turtles to halt their bickering and turn their attention on her. She instantaneously became embarrassed, and fidgeted uncomfortably under their stares.
"Wh-what?"
"She laughed! She likes it!" Leo triumphantly threw his hands up in the air and pumped them around in a victory dance.
Mikey just watched the situation with an oblivious smile while Raph rolled his eyes. "Probably because it's so laughably bad."
"You take that back!"
"Enough." Splinter thumped the end of his staff on the floor, immediately quieting his sons before he faced Noelle. " Welcome. Are you ready to begin training, my dear?"
The butterflies fluttered back into her stomach, but she nodded anyways. "May I please change first?"
"Of course."
While Noelle hurried to the restroom, April and Donnie finally emerged from the lab, talking excitedly about a successful experiment that they'd managed to put together. Mikey didn't understand a single word they were saying, but he did know that the lab projects were just as important to Donnie and April as art painting together was for him and Noelle, and that him feel cheerful. He didn't comprehend art the same way his friend did, but he hoped that maybe someday she would feel comfortable enough to show him more of her world.
Within minutes Noelle returned, her hair wrapped up into a neat high bun and baggy clothes hanging off her slender frame. Her features lit up a little when she saw April, but the way her fingers kept grabbing onto each other signified that she was still anxious about training. She took a few deep breaths, relaxing when Mikey gave her an encouraging thumbs-up before she walked over to Splinter and politely bowed to him.
"I'm ready Sensei."
"Very good, my child. I know you are afraid, but do not be. My sons, April and I will be here to help you. " Upon that note, he gestured towards his sons with his nose. "Boys, please come into the dojo with me. It is important that for Noelle's first day she has some support."
"Ooh, does she get to choose a weapon?" Mikey excitedly asked as he bounced on his feet. He hoped that eventually she would be able to go on missions with them so he could partner up with her, as his brothers found him to be too loud and his capability to touch everything in sight rather unnerving.
"Not yet, but I will provide her with a Hanbo to practice with," Splinter responded. "One step at a time, Michelangelo."
"I'm going to help train you today since I was also recently a beginner and know how to hold back better than the guys. I'm still learning, so this will be great practice for us both," April added on with a gentle smile.
Noelle felt better knowing that the redhead would be fighting alongside her, but that didn't mean she could just let her guard down and relax. She'd been informed that the training and exercises would be difficult, so she still had to give it her all.
"Sensei, what is a Hanbo?"
"Ah, it is a stick beginners use to practice with. Although your weapon of choice may not be a staff or sword, it is still important to learn the ways of defense, aim, and offense," the kindhearted rat explained with patience. "I will allow you to take one home, as practice will always be essential to mastering your movement and form."
"I understand, Sensei."
"Good. Now Noelle..." Splinter began walking towards the dojo, his sons and April trailing after him, "...it is time for you take your first step on this journey."
