Chapter 9

The slender dark brunette walked in the doors of the building where she once applied and become an employee of the women's crisis shelter; a well-known association for those in need. Her heels click clacked as she walked through the hallway before approached by another employee with a warm and proud smile.

"Congratulations Vivian. You have made the first step in becoming a new woman." The receptionist known as Linda Lynwell; commented with praise. Vivian nodded, smiling back softly and replied with a soft gratitude. "Thankyou lindie, I wish to make a new woman of myself and begin with my demons." Linda smiled proudly and nodded agreeably. "You are doing exactly what is best for you. I am so proud of you."

Vivian smiled, hugging her staff collegue and friend. "Your desk is waiting for you and one of your clients have finally agreed to come in and wish to discuss something important with you."

Without further words spoken, she pulled away and gave Linda a soft tender smile then walked away to her desk and gently said to her client as she gently shook her hand. Linda immediately went to her desk and resumed her filing and took messages with making appointments for future clients that needed assistance.

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"Congratulations on your first day of attending the staff room Vivian." Rachel Banās said to her, smiling proudly and encouraging. Vivian returned the smile and sipped her tea as she was asked kindly. "Is there a new man in your life as that has brought this sudden strength in you?"

Vivian blushed lightly then replied with courage. "Well, yes." The room filled with silence as one other finally spoke up and asked. "So, is this man your boyfriend?"

Vivian shook her head lightly then answered softly, and sipped her tea. "I wouldn't say he is my boyfriend as we are only been online chat friends for some time now and we have decided to meet up for the first time." The room filled with silence once again, and yet an third broke the silence and commented. "He must be one special guy to finally bring this new woman, before us today."

Vivian smiled and felt her cheeks blushed pink once more and nodded. "If you are blushing, he'd oughta be one hell of a guy then." Melissa stated, feeling jealous. "Yeah he is." Vivian finally spoke, admitting. "So, do we get to meet him?" Ashley asked, sipping her water.

"Not sure when ash but when I have met him, then I'll see if he can or not but first." She paused and sighed worriedly then resumed. "I only hope he will understand what I have endured in the past and my condition."

All sighed softly then one said tenderly with understanding. "If he doesn't, then he is an ass." The other women, nodded and agreeably said in unison. "Yeah, that's right." Vivian smiled then said. "Thankyou girls. Well, I better finish up and get ready for the meet up tonight. Wish me luck."

"Good luck Viv." All said unison. "Don't forget to give details." Melissa teased. "Can never escape this woman's nosey beak sometimes." Rachel commented, giggling. Melissa shook her head, and smiled lightly. "Thanks rache."

"No probs." Rachel winked.

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The purple clad terrapin was beginning to become anxious and nervous all at once. Trying his best to keep himself in control as he was getting excited about the meet up but also worried about what the sudden outcome may be. The door suddenly opened, and a shadow of his older brother stood in the doorway as he leaned against it then finally said. "So, Donnie. Looking forward toward tonight?"

Raph's voice had startled him slightly as he placed a hand unto his chest and breathed heavily before answering. "What is with you forever startling me like that, raph." Shaking his head and chuckled. "I supposed you are not taking notice of your area again, Donnie."

"You meant surrounding." Donnie corrected. Raph smiled and nodded. "You got me there." Paused for a moment as he made his way to the purple clad terrapin's side and resumed with his question but begun again. "So looking forward toward tonight? And what will you be getting to impress her?"

"I'm not sure exactly, hoping the yoghurt place will be the start. Hope she like dragon fruit pincotta." Don smiled, hopefully. "Then maybe she is allergic to pincotta." Raph teased. "Oh god, I hope not." Don replied, worried.

"Sorry Donnie." Raph apologised. "It is almost time, I better get some flowers." Donnie hurried out the room and took his coat with hat to conceal himself and his appearance. Raph blinked before he could answer or state that the time was only two hours before the meeting. Then shrugged it off as he was called by Leonardo to practice in the dojo with Mikey again. He grumbled as he went to the dojo and said. "I'm here splinter junior."

The old rat cleared his throat as he glared sternly. Raph immediately apologised then resumed position as instructed. "Where is Donatello?" splinter asked gently. "He is on his way to get some flowers for his girl." Raph answered quickly. "Hmm." The old rat humed worried.

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Donatello went to April's apartment and requested her to buy some lilacs or possibly some purple orchids to give Vivian. The red haired woman, smiled and nodded agreeably as she said. "Of course, I'd assist you with the flowers Donnie."

"Thankyou April. I want to impress this lovely woman, I've been chatting with." His olive cheeks filled with pink blush. "She must a real special lady to make you blush, Donnie." April chuckled, smiling.

"That she is. And very pretty." Donnie added, blushing more. "I'll get the flowers for you Donnie, be right back. Purple lilacs or orchids right?" Donnie smiled, and nodded. April smiled back, grabbed her keys then left the apartment to get the flowers, he requested.

The purple clad terrapin paced the living room, holding both hands behind his shell. Clamped tightly, slightly sweated with nervous anxiety, as he waited then finally the door opened. Looking up and saw April walk in the apartment followed by her partner; Casey. Giving a gentle smile and took the flowers as they were handed over by April then Casey commented, lightly patted his shell. "This lady must be real special since you were all out on flowers, dude. You were lucky as they were the last batch in store." Looking to the bouquet and then to Casey before asked April for confirmation. "They were the last batch in store?"

April nodded as she hung her coat up on the coat holding stand and answered, turning to the purple clad terrapin. "Yes, they were and you are welcome Donnie." Couldn't stop himself from smiling as he was over the moon and counted the minutes of when he can meet his special lady, that he had been chatting with, for some time now and hoped she'd be more accepting of his appearance as well. Felt a warm strong grasp unto his shoulder, faced over his shoulder to see the hand and looked up politely then nodded once Casey had added his assurance and support. "Everything will ok, dude."

"I hope so, case. I hope so." He smiled, then looked up to the clock on the wall and realised the time was getting close. "Will she turn up?" Donnie wondered, concerned. "She'll turn up Donnie, don't worry. Relax, you'll get wrinkles." Casey assured and teased. Donnie laughed as April lightly whacked his shoulder, while flinching in protest with a sheepish grin. "What?"

"Thanks again, April." Donnie smiled, thanking his friend. April nodded and replied. "You are so welcome and now go get your girl." Casey wrapped his arm around April's shoulders as he smiled and encouraged the purple clad terrapin to head off or he'd miss his chance as Donnie chuckled and added, on his way out of the door. "Ok, I'm going."

The couple watched their friend leave, smiling happily for him as they both prayed and hoped this meeting goes well. As they couldn't imagine what could go wrong if it didn't.

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Vivian had realised the time as she just stepped out of the shower, as the hot steam had followed her out of the doorway and into the hallway, just outside of her bedroom. Hurriedly dried herself, then placed her outfit on the bed as she grabbed her cosmetics, handbag, overcoat and boots. Melly laid on the bed, near the clothes as she watched her mistress rushed to get dressed for her long waiting meeting with someone that she had chatted for more then three weeks. Smiled to her cat, petted her little head as she purred and sat down to get her boots on, finally as she didn't wear much make-up anyhow then put her over coat on before walking out the bedroom. Quickly filled the bowls for her cat to happily eat and drink while she is out whilst making her way out the door of her apartment.

Nerves slowly numbed her with a couple balls of sweat managed to droplet down her forehead to her temple as she begun to breathe softly as if were having a panic attack. Grabbing her coat as she breathe slowly and deeply then continued to the elevator, pressing the button to go down as she finally stepped inside and waited for the doors to close. Looking to her watch and noticed the time was getting closer and prayed she will be on time to the destination then suddenly wondered if she were late, hoping her waiting friend will understand.

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Donatello stood outside the shop in the nearby alleyway, looking to his watch again. He had ensured to be early as he feared that may be late due, he had get some flowers. Luckily, the florist was open late as how else would Donnie get the prettiest flowers for the prettiest woman that he ever seen. Pacing quietly in the alley, whilst waiting then finally he had heard footsteps approaching towards his direction or just outside where he occupied. Getting excited to meet her, taking a few steps forward only to find; it was not Vivian. The excitement that Donnie felt had faded quickly when saw another woman that approached the yoghurt shop then disappeared in the other direction with someone that she too, met up with.

Sighing softly and slightly irritated but still hoped that she will come as promised. Leaning against the wall, as he held the flowers in his hand tightly and continued to wait.

Three or so minutes later, panted with nervous breathe as she finally arrived to the yoghurt shop but from the other side. Standing by the doors and looked about, as she wondered wither she was late or early. Looking to her watch and noticed that she was just a few minutes early and had realised she didn't have donnie's phone number to call him. So she waited hoping that he'd come soon.

Just as she were about to walk alittle, along the other side where Donnie had waited in. Vivian was approached by a taller person. He was dressed quite respectable, clean cut and quite handsome. Assuming she had finally met the man that she had been chatting with. So she asked before remotely introducing herself as he just glanced at her confusedly then added.

"I'm sorry, I think you may had me mixed up with someone else dear. I was wondering if you were here alone and who you were waiting for." Vivian blushed with embarrassment then immediately answered as she stammered before quickly walking after apologising. "O-oh, I a-am so s-sorry. I am waiting for someone and seems he is late. I-I'm just going t-to go. Have a good night."

The man scratched his head, blinked then shrugged and walked inside completely forgetting the sudden conversation. Just as when Vivian walked to the alleyway was when Donatello had realised and hurried towards her as he called her name gently. "Vivian?"

Stopping in her tracks and looked to where her name was been called and answered. "Yes?" Donatello was relieved and introduced himself. "Hi, I am Donatello. But you can call me Donnie." Vivian smiled, small then added. "I'm Vivian kendricks. Call me viv." Before she could say anything else, the flowers were handed to her before she could see his hand. Gasped with surprise as she just took the bouquet with gratitude and said. "Thankyou, they're beautiful and Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Donnie replied. "Can I see you?" she asked. Donatello stepped out from the shadows slowly, cautious and conservative. The shadow had concealed his mask which his caramel brown eyes glimmered brightly as he wore a overlarge brown hat and overcoat with black leather mittens to conceal his terrapin hands. "Do you want to skip the yoghurt and go for a walk in the park instead?" Vivian suggested and Donnie smiled, nodded agreeably as he replied. "I'd like that."

Thought went through his mind on how beautiful she looked and how beautiful she appeared so much better compared to the photograph that he had seen her from. His heart pounded heavily in his chest, as they made their way to the park together quietly. Then the real questions begun.

"So, how did you come to that site and what were you exactly looking for?" Donnie wondered curiously as he hoped that she went the site by accident as he did then her questions made him fretful. "I wasn't looking for anything, just for insight of where I can find new friends and accidently came across the site but never intended it to be that provocative though. What about you?"

"I came to the site by accident through boredom." Vivian studied him closely and said. "I see. Forgive me for asking, do you have a physical development problem with your back? It is ok, if you wish not to tell me as I should had more been conservative of how I use my words."

"No it is fine, and it is complicated to explain what I am." Vivian's brow rose slightly and looked to him warily. "What do you mean, what I am?" Taking in a deep breathe then exhaled softly, as worried nerves took over immediately as he gently explained slightly that he isn't like other men. Which Vivian quietly and patiently sat, listening to what he is going to explain.

"I have a confession." He begun. Vivian said gently. "Go on." He breathed in then exhaled shudderly and continued. "You do remember that I didn't upload a picture of myself for my profile as I couldn't find an appropriate photograph of myself?" Vivian nodded, softly replied with a soft tone in her voice. "Yes."

"Well, I am not exactly what you would call normal." Donnie added, fretfully with slight silent trembles. "In what meaning, do you consider as normal? Do you have a physical deformity?" Donnie nodded. And immediately Vivian reached for his hand and grasped gently, assuring him. "No one is perfect." Looking up to her, seeing the warm gentle and kind smile that drew him in from the very first moment he saw her photograph and felt endless butterflies in his stomach. But then had to tell himself, mentally that he had to confess the truth and nothing but the whole truth. He prayed she will take it well.

"There is more." He added gently. "More?" she repeated. He nodded and took his hand away, taking the glove then showed her. Vivian's eyes, studied his olive skinned three fingered hand as she begun to tremble. Donatello knew instantly this was not going to go well as she stood up, and apologised stammering. "I-I'm so s-sorry. Please for-give me."

Unable to walk away as she just stood there for a mere few seconds before collapsing onto the bench beside him, trembling then fainted. Donatello had caught her before she met the concrete pavement near them as the flowers met the ground and the petals scattered around the bouquet.

Gently scooping her in bridal style, carrying her back April's apartment where immediately assisted without hesitation.

****
The whispering and assuring voices was what had woken Vivian from her fainting spell and had found herself in an apartment that she never recognised before. Slowly pushed herself up and cleared her throat. "A-hem, hello. Where am I, may I ask?"

April, walked in the living room with some hot brewed tea as she sat down and assured kindly. "You are safe, and I am April Jones. You had a fainting spell while with our friend in the park and he had brought you here."

"Our friend? Um, I think I may be dreaming. Or is this one of those you're punk'd shows?" Vivian slightly said, with irritation and stood up as she said softly. "Ok, cassie. This isn't funny you can come out now with the cameras." April looked back to Casey as he walked in the room after speaking with Donatello as he waited in the kitchen quietly then looked to Vivian. "There is no cassie or cameras in here. You are not been punk'd, love."

Vivian looked to april and casey strangely then finally said. "Ok, what may I be doing here then?" April explained once again about her fainting spell. Then Vivian sat down as she was requested then assured that she was not dreaming and was safe. "So I am not dreaming?"

April shook her head and added. "No, love you are not. You remind me of us when we first met our friend and his brothers." Her eyeridge rose once more as she said softly. "Brothers? There are more?"

Donnie felt excluded in fear and panic that he only wished to leave the apartment and go back to the lair fast as he was able, listening to all been said. Despite he is grateful to april and casey's help in trying to explain and hopefully soothe things before revealing more of himself. But he stopped himself from leaving and waited.

"Yes there are and one that you have been chatting with, is the sweetest and yet the smartest you'll ever meet." April confirmedly added. Casey smiled, holding her shoulder as he stood behind her. Vivian looked up to casey once she looked to april then finally said with a soft voice. "Where is he?"

"I'll get him." Casey insured, making his way to the kitchen. April remained sitting with Vivian, and gently grasped her hand with assurance and support as Casey walked in the room behind Donatello. Vivian didn't know whether she should comment or just gasp. Her throat was dry as her eyes had opened widely with her grasped to april's hand was tighter then finally she said. "He is—he a turtle?"

April gently said to Vivian, answering her question then also told her that it wasn't his fault for his being as it was done to him. Realising how fate can be cruel as she too, had been tainted by the cruel twisted event of fate when she was only 15 years old and took her hand to her chest and said quickly. "How could fate be so cruel?" Tears welled up then fell as april stood up and allowed her friend to take her place beside Vivian as she looked to her hand been taken, gently and looked to him. Looked deeply in his eyes, his beautiful caramel earthy brown eyes that captivated her gaze and erased all thoughts as she said finally. "You are something special even though you are different."

Donatello just smiled as april and Casey happily watched then left the room, allowing them to become more comfortable.

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~ To be continued in chapter 10

What do you think? It took awhile to figure how I was going to bring Donnie and my OC together to how the event between myself and my deeply cherished friend had happened when he told me his secret which would make others get up and leave then begin calling him names, or spread about awful torments to ruin his reputation. Which I didn't see it was his fault as why he has this problem. We've been hanging out for more than two or so months now and whenever he has the time, he will go out shopping with me even assist me to bring whatever I need home so I don't pay extra to delivery on items I need for example, food shopping or furniture. Most guys don't like shopping. I guess I am lucky as I can have someone to talk with, hang out and shop with even though he is a guy but the best part I am getting is, he is my friend. I never had anyone to go shopping with me without saying they need to go else where only to bail on me and never hear from them again. We take turns in shouting each other lunch and even give what extra essentials that may need to eachother. I am so grateful for this friendship, even though I do wish we could be more but unfortunately we can not due to his condition. It is sad, but the main thing is that I will always be grateful for that I have someone to enjoy hanging out with no matter what. Read and review, tootles

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to be continued in chapter 10

Read and review, tootles