Thanks for the reviews guys! I've been writing each chapter, start a new one, then go back to finish the old one so that way you guys wouldn't have to wait long. Lol.
12: Cart Ridin
(ERIN'S POV)
When I first came to South America. It was a beautiful place. Now, I just wanna go home. I think I'm ready to be back with the guys. I drug myself outta bed and into the shower. Letting the warm water wash over me, I closed my eyes and for some reason began singing.
Never put my love out on the line.
Never said yes to the right guy.
Never had trouble getting what I want.
But when it comes to you I'm never good enough.
When I don't care.
I can play em like a Ken doll.
Won't wash my hair.
Then make em bounce like a basketball.
But you make me wanna act like a girl.
Paint my nails and wear perfume.
Yes you!
Make me so nervous that I just can't hold your hand.
You make me glow. But my cover up won't let it show.
So I'm putting my defenses up.
Cause I don't wanna fall in love.
If I ever did that I think I'd have a heartattack.
I calmly washed my hair. Letting the soap slide down my body. Five minutes passed and I stepped out wrapping a towel around me.
"What to wear today?" I thought out loud looking through my suitcase.
I hadn't noticed, but a black edgy T-Shirt snuck in. I pulled it out and it was bigger than the average Tee. It probably would be a cute rocker dress on me. It read I'm Not Okay in big white letters. Though in the letters there was specks of blood. Underneath the lettering in small print it had letters spelling MCR.
"Where did this come from?" It took me a minute until I realized.
I let my phone ring until Mikey picked the phone up. "Hello?"
"Mikey! Did you put one of Raphael's shirts in my suitcase?"
"Yes. I know you wanted him to go on the trip with you. And when he couldn't I saw you feeling some type of way. So now he can go with you. Or at least a piece of him can."
"Thank you Mikey."
I heard a giggle, then the call ended. I threw the T-Shirt on and some black combat books. I let my hair go natural and headed out the door. Mama Jace met me down by the beach.
"So I figured today we'd just let you look around, get use to your surroundings."
"The best way to do that…" I ran to a small buggie cart and hopped in. "Would be to tour myself around." I smiled turning the key and taking off.
It was kind of bumpy. But that was probably due to the fact that the roads were dirt and there were small pebbles and branches in the dirt made path. The sun shining on my face giving it such a warm feeling reminded me of Mikey. He was always so happy…he was a big mutant bottle of sunshine. I laughed to myself at the thought. My hair has grown a little since I cut it. It now touches the bottom of my boobs, and it's kind of wavy. My roots have grown out a little so my hair kind've looks like an ombre. I looked around at the beautiful flowers that decorated the deep green forest vines. Everything had such a vibrant color. It was amazing. Just being out and driving around made me feel so colorful. If that makes sense to you. I followed signs leading to a small village nearby. I parked my buggie cart by a tree and walked the rest of the way. Don't ask me why, I don't know. All the children were running and smiling. The teenagers were clearly working or helping they're mothers and fathers. Adobe huts made happily side by side each other. Small tents containing many things like produce and products lined the streets. A little girl came running to me and jumped into my arms. Her mother soon followed her ordering her to come down.
"I am so sorry. She is a wild child." Her mom smiled down at her.
The girl's long black hair was in loose curls and trailed down her back. Her big brown eyes gleaming up at me. I couldn't help but smile back at her.
"It's ok. The wild ones are the ones that have a great sense of adventure." I laughed moving a piece of hair from her face.
"Hopefully she'll adventure from this place and become something bigger."
I nodded my head. "She will be something bigger than anyone's imagination. If I were you I'd look into modeling for her. She is such a beautiful little girl with so much personality."
The mother nodded her head and walked away with her child. I waved goodbye hoping she'd take my advice. I looked around taking in a deep breath. The smell of freshly cooked bread filled my lungs. My stomach growled, and I could tell it was time for me to eat. I looked for a tent serving food. I was in line, but it wasn't too long. I looked at the menu. The one thing that caught my eye was the Bahia-Style Shrimp. I asked for just that. The man behind the counter began tossing his knives. The fire burned bright, warming me up. The many things he was doing with his utensils were fun. Fourty-five minutes passed and he handed me my plate. It was mouthwatering. There was shrimp scattered around the plate mixed with garlic cloves, onions, scallions, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, plum tomatoes, tomato sauce, and lime wedges for a zesty flavor. I sat down by the small river enjoying my platter. Compliments to the chef…might I add. It was kind of weird eating something Mikey didn't make. He was the head chef of the lair. I carefully placed another shrimp into my mouth, chewing it slowly. Something or might I say someone caught my attention. A boy only a little bit down the river was practicing. It looked like a fighting style. I watched thinking. It looked so familiar, but I wasn't sure. I could of swore I've seen it before though. Then it hit me…it was the guys fighting technique. I sat my plate down quickly making my way towards the kid.
"Uhm excuse me.." I nervously laughed fixing my hair and dusting myself off. "May I ask what exactly you are doing?" My hands were clasped together.
He stopped, quickly putting his arms by his side before speaking to me. "I'm practicing the art of ninjitsu."
"Who taught you? If you don't mind me asking…"
"Master Hamato Raphael." He replied then striking the air with a swift punch.
"Hamato Raphael?" I questioned.
"Master. It's very important to call him Master. He is our instructor and should have respect given to him. He is a wise man and he told me I was going to be just like his brother Leonardo if I keep training. And not to be rude, but right now you're distracting me."
Right then and there everything in me just broke. I stood frozen. I couldn't believe what this boy had said. There was no way his master could be Raphael. But he did mention the name Leo and these are the only guys I know with these names.
"D-Do you know where I could find him?" I tucked my hair behind my ear.
"The dojo. It's open in about four minutes." He pointed to a big building just right across the river. "It's right there. But you can't go in. You're not a student and he doesn't want any distractions." He then turned and ran off towards the bridge to cross over.
I stood there dumbfounded. Could that be our Raphael? Or maybe it's just some poser. I didn't know what to think or do. I was so confused. I was struggling with my heart and mind at the moment. I started to head back to my cart. I think maybe I needed to go home and lay down. But when I tried to make my way a hug crowd started to cover the streets. It was hard to get through. Everyone was pushing me, pulling me, bumping into me, it was honestly irritating. I wanted to scream so bad. My blood began to boil. By the time I made it out of there it was close to dark. Maybe six or seven. At least know I now when traffic hits. I laughed to myself before climbing into my cart. I looked around before turning it on. I wanted to make sure no one or nothing was around cause I was planning on getting home and fast. I started it up letting the engine growl. I pressed the gas, and shot off like a rocket. Through the jungle I whipped. The cold wind tossed my hair around. I was enjoying my ride home. It as a wonderful moonlight to guide me through the mysterious tropics.
(MIKEY'S POV)
I woke up seeing Lana snuggled beside me. I looked down to notice I was in turtle form. TURTLE FORM!? I quickly scanned the room for my watch and found it on a small end table that sat next to the T.V. I tried to move but that was only disturbing her, and I couldn't have her wake up to see a giant mutant turtle cuddling with her. But then again I had to risk it to get my watch. Leo would kill me if he found out about this. I pulled myself up slowly moving away from her. When I was finally up I backflipped off the back of the couch making sure my footwork was delicate and light. I started to inch towards the table when my foot hit my skateboard and sent me flying into the ground. My skateboard hit Erin's vase from Paris sending it crashing to the floor. Lana woke up looking right at me. I quickly smashed my face into the ground.
"This is all a dream." I mumbled waving my hands.
She only giggled. "Mikey, what are you doing?"
"Uhm, I'm not Mikey. I am just your imagination...girl I've never seen before."
"Mikey, get up. I know it's you. I'm not stupid. Come on…get up." Lana helped me up, but I still shielded my face with a nearby pillow. "What is shielding your face going to do? I know what you look like." She gently moved the pillow away to see my shy face looking away.
I nervously bit my lip while she smiled at me moving closer. I tried moving back but a wall prevented me from doing so. She pushed up on her tippey-toes wrapping her arms around my neck.
"You're so goofy. But this is why I like you." She kissed me on the cheek. Only then returning to the couch.
"Uhmmm…hello? A big giant mutant here! You just kissed it!" I hollered flailing my arms around.
"Erin told us. We know. But, that doesn't bother me. Erin loves Raphael right? So why can't I love you?"
"Because you deserve a normal life. A normal family, with the dad and the kids."
"And I will have that. With you…and the help of your watch. Don't you see? Your brother made these watches so you could lead a somewhat normal life but still maintain the real half of you. Now come lay down with me and stop being a goof." She held her arms out.
I slowly shuffled over to her. I picked her up and laid her on me. She then snuggled her face into the crook of my neck. I closed my eyes taking in her sweet scent of pure vanilla.
(ERIN'S POV)
I was still on my way home. Today was sort of a long day. I was beginning to get this eary feeling. Like something or someone was watching me or following me. I sped up hearing the night sounds of the tropics. I swear I could hear the swishing of leaves. My adrenaline was building up. I swallowed a lump in my throat and sent a prayer up to God. Never again would I be out during night. Every corner I turned I was anticipating a beast or something of that nature. The night reminded me of a scene from Grimm. Shadows were growing, and sounds were becoming haunting. I wanted to stop. But, I couldn't. I kept going. I heard a loud crashing noise before something came flying out in front of me. I tried to break but it didn't work. Whatever it was got hit, and I mean hard. I stopped the car and put the flashlight on my phone. I slowly scanned over whatever it was I hit.
(LEO'S POV)
I woke up realizing me and the guys must've passed out at Erin's with the girls. I rubbed my head, sitting up. I can't believe this happened. We had only just met, there was no way we could even trust them. I looked down to realize I wasn't human. But turtle. I had a decision to make and it had to be made now. We had to leave, but I had to get Donatello and Michelangelo. Last time I seen Mikey he was on the couch with Lana…and Donnie was with Kahlani in the guest room. I looked around my surroundings to see that I was in Erin's bedroom. I slowly climbed out of bed, making sure not to shift or disturb her in anyway. My twin Katana's laid across the dresser, I quickly grabbed them returning them to they're rightful places. My shell. I made my way to the guest room where Don was passed out on the desk with papers scattered everyone and Kahlani curled in a ball on the bed.
"Donatello." I whispered slightly shaking him.
He finally woke up wiping the drool that was oozing from the left side of his mouth. He looked around gathering his papers and looking back at Kahlani.
"What happened?" He whispered before sliding out with me.
"We must've fell asleep here. But I'm hoping they haven't seen us in." He looked at his hands. "This form."
Donnie agreed by shaking his head. We made it to the livingroom where Michelangelo was passed out on the couch next to Lana. Donatello carefully shook him, capturing his attention.
"Dudes what's wrong?" He mumbled rubbing his eyes.
"Awe, why would you wake him up!" Lana growled.
We stood there confused. There was two mutant turtles before her and one beside her. No screams?
Lana sat up crossing her arms across her chest. "He just got back to sleep and you two come in here sneaking around for what?"
I looked over at Don hoping he'd have something to say. But we both stood there dumfounded.
"Uhh…well…" I was trying to explain it. But I've never dealt with a mad woman before. None of us have.
"What's all the noise?" Emma complained tapping her foot.
"Guys Donatello is trying to…" Kahlani stopped as she saw me us both standing there.
"What are you guys doing?" Emma asked moving closer towards us.
"Dudes, I was in a deep sleep…" Mikey stretched yawning.
"Yeah well we thought that…maybe…we needed to leave…before they saw us…" Donnie carefully said in between breathes.
The three girls laughed.
"Didn't Erin tell you?" Emma laughed wrapping her arms around my neck. "She told us about you guys. Even showed us pictures." She lightly kissed me on the cheek causing my face to burn a bright red.
"Wish someone would've told us that before we freaked out." I replied.
"Yeah. But one thing. How did we change into our turtle forms? I don't remember taking my watch off." Donnie stood there stroking his chin.
"That's because we took them off for you." Lana laughed, but then quickly lashed out. "SO NEXT TIME YOU GUYS WANNA ASSUME…ASK! MIKEY WAS SLEEPING LIKE A CUTE PUPPY AND YOU GUYS RUINED IT!"
Mikey nervously laughed. "You gotta love her."
"What a temper…." Donnie whispered to himself.
"Well, since everyone is up. Who wants breakfast?" Lana asked clasping her hands together and dancing towards the kitchen.
(DONNIE'S POV)
We all sat in the livingroom while Lana prepared breakfast. I noticed Leonardo off to the side. He was intently staring out the window. He was in a deep thought, one no one could break him out of.
"You ok Leo?" I asked putting my hand on his shoulder.
He nodded his head. Not once looking nor replying to me. Walking away sounded like the reasonable thing to do. But he was my brother, I couldn't just let him sit there in sorrow.
"Something's wrong bro. Can't you just say?" I nervously asked.
"Donatello. I said I'm fine." He then turned to me staring at me like he did out the window. "It's something I will handle on my own."
I nodded my head before returning to others. I hope he knew I couldn't just let it go. I got Emma's attention hoping she could help.
"Emma, Leo has been acting kind of distant, angry, weird. I was hoping maybe you could…"
"Talk to him?" She asked smiling. "I could always try." She shrugged her shoulders.
(EMMA'S POV)
I wanted to give him some time. I felt if I asked him right away then he would've known Donatello asked me to talk to him. It was getting late, and everyone was settling down before I approached him. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and sent a sweet smile his way. I motioned him to follow me to Erin's room. Smart boy, cause he did. He cautiously walked in as I slowly shut the door behind him.
"Leonardo." I sternly said his name not showing any fear or vulnerability.
"What do you want?" He questioned me, not once leaving his back to me.
I laughed moving closer to his face. "Calm down." I kissed him on the cheek. "It's nothing serious. Ok? Relax."
He scrunched his face up. "Relax?"
"Yes, relax." I patted a spot on the bed beside me. "Let's talk."
I could tell he was very eary when approaching me. He was battle ready, although I had no intentions of hurting him or anyone. Guess he's always ready…I mean he is the leader. I started to massage his shoulders. He was tense at first, but with each rub he loosened up.
"W-What did you want to talk about Emma?"
"About why you've been so tense lately. Ya know? You haven't exactly been yourself according to some people…or turtles."
"Donatello." He shot out in anger.
"I'm not gonna say any names." I giggled. "So would you mind telling me why you've been so angry?"
He pushed me away. "I can't…you wouldn't understand."
"Why wouldn't I understand?" Moving closer.
"Because you wouldn't. No one would." He growled.
I stared at him. I only wanted to help, but instead he was pushing me away. Just like the rest.
"What is your problem? Why can't you just tell me? Let me help!" He just had to be complicated. His own pride wouldn't allow him to admit that he needed help.
"I wish you and Donatello would just let it be. Ok? It's nothing serious. NOTHING!"
He shouted huffing and puffing. His eyes were furrowed. I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him closer.
"Trust me." I pleaded.
He sighed sitting on the bed and totally unaware pulling me onto his lap. "I do trust you and your family because Erin hasn't given us a reason not to trust her. But, I just can't explain what it is that's happening to me. Maybe anger? Maybe the repeated anger of being a failure is building up in me. I am not a great leader, I'm not even a good leader. I failed my family, I failed Raphael! AND I CAN'T LIVE WITH IT!"
I could see the fire burning behind his rage.
"Leo I'm sure you're not a failure. Sometimes being a leader means making sacrifices, putting other's needs before your own. You didn't fail anyone. You tried your best and failed. Just get back up and try again."
He just looked into my eyes. I nervously smiled at him.
(ERIN'S POV)
I couldn't believe my eyes. My light was shining off of something that looked like a shell. I reached out to touch it and it groaned causing me to pull my hand back. I wasn't quite sure what it was. I turned my light off and struggled while dragging it into my cart. It was so dark I could barely see the thing's face. It was so damn heavy though. I'm pretty sure I was drenched in sweat by the time I got it fully loaded. I quickly climbed in and started my way back to my hut. I finally got there. And here came the hard part. Unloading the thing and dragging it to my hut.
I rubbed my hands together. "Well, let's get…whatever you are…loaded up." I struggled trying to lift it up. It was really heavy, and from what I felt…muscular too. "Breathe Erin. BREATHE!" I screamed to myself dragging it along.
"MY GOD DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO HEAVY!" I growled climbing the stairs up to the porch.
I accidentally bumped it off the banister. I mean it was already kind've messed up, so I just kept pulling it along. I made it halfway through the front door before accidentally dropping it and letting the door smack it. I flinched at the sight.
"Please still be knocked out." I begged God to still let whatever it was be knocked out and numb.
I made it to the couch and just threw the thing on it. I quickly grabbed the first aid kit out of the bathroom. I turned the living room lights on and...
(RAPH'S POV)
I woke up da next morning with band-aids and gauze all ova me. My fuckin head hurt like hell 'nd I didn' know where in da hell I was. I couldn' move. My leg hurt so bad. I was jus becoming more aggravated wit not only myself but my leg 'nd this damn place.
"Hello!" I screamed tryin to get someone's attention. "Is anyone 'ere?"
I hear light footsteps makin they're way towards me. I was ready ta see what was on da other side of da door. Da knob gently turns 'nd the door opens revealing Erin…Erin?
"Erin?" I questioned, as she stood dere wit a bowl of soup.
"Uhm, good morning Raphael." She greeted me settin da bowl of soup on a stand by my bed. "Are you feeling ok?"
"I FEEL LIKE A FUCKIN CART HIT ME!" My voice didn' just shake da room. It shook er too.
"Well, that's because you did loud mouth."
"BY FUCKIN WHO!?"
"BY ME! I DIDN'T EVEN MEAN TO! YOU CAME SWINGIN OUT LIKE TARZAN, FUCKIN KING OF THE APES!"
I rolled my eyes and sternly looked away. "Whateva. Why are ya ere?"
"Modeling in South America. Don't worry I didn't call the others and tell them that I found you."
I clenched my teeth growling. She was workin my nerves 'nd workin em well.
"Well help me up so I can get outta ere." I tried sitting up but da pain wasn worth it. "Hand me da damn phone!"
She tossed it at me. I dialed da phone letting it ring. "Mikey. Aye, It's Raph. Yeah…well jus letting ya know your lil friend 'ere hit me wit 'er damn cart. Yeah! Wit a cart! It's whateva…listen I guess I…I guess I'll be comin home wit 'er. So tell the guys don' worry." I hung up da phone 'nd stared at 'er. "WHAT?"
"What made you wanna come home?"
"None of ya business. I jus had a feeling about a bro ok…."
"Leo…?"
I ignored er 'nd looked away. "Jus go get me a soda pop. Ok?"
