Hey guys! Back with another chapter! :)

Quinn sat in the waiting room of the hospital, flipping through the latest issue of Cosmopolitan. After driving a passed out Regina to the emergency room, she went and called Regina's parents to inform them of the situation. They would be arriving at any moment.

As if on cue, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti came flying around the corner. She waved when she saw them, putting down her magazine and making room on the sofa for Regina's parents.

Maria quickly sat down next to Quinn, dropping her Coach purse on the floor. The middle-aged Latina women grasped Quinn's hands in hers. "¡Dios mío! Quinn, what happened?" Vince took a seat next to his wife, laying a reassuring hand on her leg.

"We were at the studio and she started hyperventilating, which led to her passing out," Quinn recounted. "I brought her straight here."

"Good job, Quinn. Thank you," Vince gently smiled at her. "Have they said anything yet?"

Quinn shook her head. "They told me they got her calmed down, but that's about it."

Maria took her hands away from Quinn's and then wrapped the caramel colored girl in a tight hug. "Thank you Quinn."

For the next thirty minutes, the three of them sat in the waiting room, impatiently watching for anyone with word of Regina's condition. At one point, Vince stood and started pacing back and forth. And every time a doctor would come in, Maria would look up expectantly, only to be disappointed by the doctor talking to someone else.

Quinn was picking at the black nail polish that adorned her fingers when she heard someone say, "Regina Moretti?"

Maria and Quinn stood, stepping next to Vince. "That's us," Vince stated. "How is she?"

The lanky, female doctor gave them a soft smile, while pushing up her glasses. "She's fine. Regina experienced a panic attack. It's common for girls who have been in her situation. We pushed some meds in her though and she's starting to settle down."

"Can we see her?" Quinn asked.

The doctor looked down at her clipboard thoughtfully. "Let's give it about another fifteen minutes, just to make sure the meds have kicked in. Then you'll be welcome to come see her."

"Yes, thank you doctor." Maria nodded. The doctor nodded back, then left the room.

After the longest fifteen minutes of Quinn's life went by, a nice orderly lead them back to Regina's room. They stepped into the dimly lit room, only to find Regina sitting up in her bed, her eyes focused on the TV in the corner of the room. Quin recognized the tropical music coming from the box and smiled a bit when she realized her friend was so intently watching Spongebob that she didn't even realize her family came in.

Maria took a seat at the foot of Regina's bed, causing the girl to jump. "Mija, how are you feeling?"

Regina looked back and forth between her parents, her expression emanating some hesitancy. "I'm okay."

Vince walked over and combed his fingers through his daughter's hair. "Gina, we were so worried about you." The dark haired girl gave them all a light smile, then slowly brushed her father's hand away. Vince's phone started buzzing in the pocket of his slacks, but he didn't make a move to answer. Quinn saw Regina's eyes look back and forth from her father's pocket to his face, almost expectantly. "I'm not going to answer it right now Gina. We're here to see you."

"Yeah," Regina nodded, directing her gaze back to the TV.

"The doctors said you had a panic attack," Maria started. "Are you feeling okay now?"

"Yeah."

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to get anything from the nurses?"

"No thank you, I just want to go home."

"Gina," Quinn started, stepping forward. "They said they want to monitor you for another thirty minutes or so, just to make sure the meds are working."

Regina looked at her, but Quinn felt as if her best friend was looking straight through her and to the wall behind her. There was a hollowness in Regina's dark brown eyes that she had never seen before in the younger girl. Regina gave her answer, but it was a simple, "Okay."

Vince's phone continued to buzz. Quinn almost spoke up about it, but Maria was soon standing and taking her husband by the hand. "I'm going to get you a sandwich from the café, mija. Your stomach keeps growing. But Lord knows we can't hear it over your father's phone. We'll be right back."

Vince almost gave his wife an objection, but by the time he was almost out of the door, he grabbed his phone and answered with a suave, "This is Moretti."

The door shut behind them with a click. Quinn watched Regina for a second, but the girl on the hospital bed was too concerned with the cartoon she was watching to acknowledge her friend. Quinn sighed, taking a seat where Maria was, and eying Regina as she sat.

Regina didn't look at her, but spoke. "You can stop looking at me like I'm going to break."

"Well, quite honestly, I think you already have."

Dark eyes then met lighter amber ones as Regina squinted at her. "I'm fine, Quinn."

"That's a damn lie, 'n we both know it Gina."

"Does it even matter?" Regina spat, the venom in her voice thick with emotion. "You know what happens after this? Therapy. They're going to send me to therapy. And it's going to be months of me just saying how fine I am over and over until they believe me. Might as well get used to it now."

Quinn crossed her arms. "Or you can actually participate in the therapy session instead of playing Little Miss Emotionally-Uninvolved. Something bad happened to you Gina, did you expect to get out of it unharmed?"

"I wasn't harmed. Just bruised."

"I'm talking on an emotional scale, hun," Quinn threw back at her, with just as much force as Regina was giving her. Regina looked away, but she could see pools beginning to form. "Which, you still have never told me about how you escaped that, but that's for another day. One obstacle at a time. But this isn't something you can fight alone, Gina."

Suddenly, Regina turned to look at her. "Can you hand me my phone?"

Quinn raised an eyebrow, but dug the rose gold smartphone from her purse. "Why?"

"I'm gonna call someone."

"Who?"

"Why do you need to know everything I do?"

Quinn's eyebrows furrowed, but she threw her hands up, standing. "Fine, whatever. I'm going to go get a latte. Want anything?"

"No thanks."

"Okay," And without another word, Quinn walked out. She knew not to get upset; Regina handled things strangely sometimes. This wasn't the first time, and it definitely wouldn't be the last time, Quinn was pushed abruptly aside by the younger girl. Three years' age difference would do that to young women. But there was still a small part of the young woman who couldn't help feel responsible for everything that was happening to Regina, despite her uninvolvement directly.

Liza laid in bed, letting the weight of the envelope with her entire future in it weigh in her mind. Even though she didn't have the envelope with her, there was still a pressure on her chest that she couldn't quite recognize.

Mixed emotions ran through her, and mixed memories. She was confused. Why did her father never inform her about this possible inheritance? Why keep it a secret if she was going to receive it eventually anyway? How much money was she left? Was the house still in good shape? She was also partially angry, no matter how much she denied it. Why did she have to wait for her 18th birthday? If she was to receive the house anyway, why in God's name did she have to spend almost a year with that bastard if her childhood home was waiting for her?

On her nightstand, her phone started to buzz, making her jump a bit. She grabbed the phone though and answered.

"Liza? This is Regina Moretti."

Liza sat up a moment, looking at her caller ID, then set her phone back to her ear. "Hey Regina. Nice to hear from you. How are you?"

"Not good honestly." Regina's voice was low and weak, she sounded exhausted. "I was hospitalized for a panic attack this afternoon."

"Oh no, I'm so sorry," Liza sympathized. Back in the lab, both she and Cassie had had a panic attack or two, and she did not remember them being enjoyable.

"Thanks, but I was going to call and ask if you and Cassie would like to meet me for coffee later tonight? No one in my family gets it really right now and I'd just feel better if I could talk to someone whose been on an emotional level similar to mine," Regina spoke. "I just need some friends right now."

Liza's eyes widened. She and Regina had bonded a bit when she was with them, but she guessed Regina was the kind of girl who had countless amounts of friends. She was a little startled that she and Cassie had been chosen for such a task. But how could she deny? She had been in the same place before the turtles came. "Of course, absolutely."

Regina let out a breath she must have been holding in. "Thank you, really. This means a lot and I think it will be good for me. I've been really smothered since I came back. How does The Brew Crew on the corner of Columbus and 83rd sound say 7?"

Liza remembered the place from a trip there with her dad once. They served amazing hot chocolate if she remembered right. "Sounds good, we'll be there."

"Awesome, and thanks again. This means a lot to me." Liza supplied her acknowledgement, then they said their goodbyes. After hanging up, Liza sat fully upright in her bed.

Even though she tried to ignore it, something in the back of her head was screaming how that coffee shop was a few blocks away from her house. Everything inside of her wanted to grab the keys and go, but she also wanted to wait for April.

She took a few minutes to change out of sweatpants and into jeans and a t-shirt, then went to find Cassie.

As soon as she stepped out of the room, a blue bandana flew around the corner, out of her sight. With a smirk, Liza continued to walk. She found Cassie in the kitchen, chopping away at an onion, and dropping the ingredients into a big, boiling pot. Cassie gave her a small smile. "Hey, I'm making taco soup for dinner. Feeling peckish?" Liza had something green tossed towards her then, and after catching it, she realized it was a small pepper. Her stomach rumbled, telling her Cassie was right, she was getting a bit hungry. Liza's head dipped in thanks to the strawberry blonde before taking a bite out of the pepper.

Master Splinter eyed her warmly. "I have never known anyone able to eat a pepper by itself, Elizabeth. It is a strange talent."

Liza looked at him, then to the jalapeno in her hand, and ended up chuckling. "Yeah. My father said it was a special Montgomery trait."

"Speaking of," Cassie elongated her speech. Cautious of what she was saying. "How are you doing?"

Liza threw the stem of the pepper in the trash and took a seat in the stool next to Master Splinter. Both he and Cassie were watching her in curiosity. But Liza simply shrugged. "I'm okay."

Cassie's eyes fell, looking more concerned now than anything. "Oh, okay. Good."

"But," Liza started. "Regina called."

Cassie's expression shifted again. In her bought of depression, Liza forgot how expressive her younger friend was. It was hard for Cassie to not express her emotions, especially on her face. "Really? How is she?"

"Not good," Liza began. "She told me she was hospitalized for a panic attack."

"No, that's awful," Cassie frowned.

"But she wants us to meet her for coffee tonight."

Cassie's back straightened up and Master Splinter sat down his tea. "Tonight? Why?"

Liza shrugged. "She said we're the only ones who can relate what she's going through. She needs a friend."

Her pale green eyes looked back and forth from the rat master to her friend, trying to read their facial expressions. Cassie still looked slightly worried, but she stirred the soup in the pot while trying to even out her expressive face. Master Splinter was harder to read. Liza couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he definitely didn't look completely pleased.

"I think it is a wonderful idea," Master Splinter spoke. Two pairs of eyes landed on him, both showing surprise.

"Really?" Liza asked. "I didn't think you'd be for it."

He smiled. "Regina has been through a difficult time. There is nothing wrong with helping her cope with her feelings. That is what friends do." He stood, taking his now empty tea cup to the sink. "After dinner, I will instruct one of my sons to accompany you to the café, and then one to escort you home. I think that will make everyone feel better, especially with the threat of Bishop still out there."

Liza nodded. "Thank you Master Splinter, it will."

"Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to wash up and round up my sons for dinner."

Liza watched him walk off, cane clicking against the concrete floor. When she turned back around, a bowl of warm soup was pushed in front of her, along with a plate that had golden brown Mexican cornbread on it. The grumbling in Liza's stomach couldn't quite calm itself at the delicious food. Cassie also took a small bowl and put the rest of the jalapenos in it for Liza to munch on.

"We have to get our food before the guys come in here and devour it all," Cassie chuckled. "I'm surprised Mikey hasn't come running yet."

Liza smirked, getting up to get a glass of water. "I'm sure he'll be here any minute."

To be honest, Liza heard footsteps heading towards them, and she was sure it was Mikey. But when she saw emerald skin and a blue mask in the doorway, she was surprised.

"Sensei says you cooked Cassie," Leo beamed. "Thank you, it was mine and Raph's turn, you didn't have to."

The corners of Cassie's mouth quirked up as she dished out the rest of the soup into separate bowls. "It's no problem, really. I enjoy cooking."

"Well it smells delicious," He commented, accepting a bowl from her as the rest of his family crowded in. Once everyone had their food, they all stood around the kitchen island. Master Splinter, Cassie, Liza, and Mikey sat on the barstools. As this was their nightly dinner routine, the turtles took turns on who got to sit on the one barstool each night. Liza and Cassie offered their seats countless times, but the four brothers always refused.

"My sons," Master Splinter spoke, setting his spoon down. "The girls will be making an outing tonight to visit Miss Moretti. I believe it would make all of us feel much better if one of you were to escort them along the way."

Liza noticed Raph's face switch slightly. His almost uninterested gaze as Master Splinter spoke slowly morphed into one of slight worry. His mouth twitched open slightly, as if he were going to speak, but Leo beat him to it.

"I'd be happy to do it sensei."

"Are we sure it's okay?" Mikey piped up, his brow furrowed. "Ya know, with Bishop out?"

"We'll never know if we don't try," Cassie stated. "And besides, Regina has been through a lot. She needs support."

"Of course," Donny agreed. "But I agree with Mikey; is it really safe?"

"Cassie and I can't be terrified of going outside for our whole lives just because of Bishop," stated Liza.

"Much caution must be exercised while out, but I agree with the girls. Miss Moretti needs their help, and we shall provide," Master Splinter finalized as he stood and took his empty bowl to the sink. "My suggestion is that all four of you, my sons, should accompany the girls. Use it as training of sorts."

Mikey's face brightened. "So like a stealth mission? Sweet! You'll never know we're there!"

"Just make sure everyone returns home by ten, yes?" The rat master asked, looking at his eldest son for confirmation.

"Hai sensei."

Master Splinter smiled. "Well then, enjoy your evening out, my children."

Liza thanked the barista as she took the two coffee cups off the counter. A caramel macchiato for Cassie and a big cup of plain black coffee for herself. Both had their names written on them in fancy print with hearts dotting the I's. She took the cups over to the corner table where Cassie was sitting. Once she handed her friend her drink, she took a few sugars from the caddy in the middle of the table and used them on her own cup.

"Does this whole thing make you nervous?" Cassie asked, her nails digging at the stickered logo on her cup.

Liza blew on her coffee for a bit before responding. "Yes, but the guys are right outside. There's nothing to worry about." Her head nodded to a rooftop across the street where the guys had set up their "steak out", as Mikey called it. Someone who had no idea the turtles were even there, would more than likely see nothing and wouldn't think twice to look a bit closer. But if Liza squinted and concentrated enough, she could barely make out the silhouette of a mask tail flapping in the wind.

The door to the shop opened with the ding of a bell. While the staff greeted the newcomer, Liza and Cassie looked up to see Regina sliding into the booth with Cassie.

"Sorry I'm a little late guys, traffic was pretty bad." Regina huffed, blowing a piece of perfectly straightened black hair out of her face. She took a gold colored wallet from her purse and walked up to the barista, blurting out her order with almost astonishing speed. Liza had to wonder how many times Regina actually came to this particular coffee shop. She had her cup within a couple of minutes, and resumed her spot next to Cassie. "Thanks for meeting me though. I've been going through some… rough times lately."

"Of course," Cassie responded, her face showing true concern. "It's not a problem at all Regina. We're here to talk if you need it."

Regina grinned at her, then took a sip of her drink. "Thank you. That means a lot to me. My family and my best friend are really trying… they are. But they just say the wrong things, thinking that it's right, and it makes me feel trapped. So, I needed to get away for a while."

"You said you were hospitalized for a panic attack today, right?" Liza questioned.

Regina nodded. "I was practicing this morning and it just came out of nowhere. It was awful."

"Practicing?"

"I'm a dancer. Have been since I've been able to walk." She recalled, Liza could tell in her eyes that she was extremely tired though. "It's usually my escape, but this time it just caused me a great deal of anxiety."

"I'm so sorry," Cassie frowned, her shoulder slumping.

"It's obviously not your fault, but thank you."

"Is there anything we can do for you, Regina?" Liza asked. "You don't have to go through this stuff alone."

Regina smiled, and it was then Liza saw dimples at the corners of her mouth. "Just talking to you guys is already making me feel better. If it's not too much to ask, can we hang out more often?"

Cassie's face lit up, and she reached out to grab Regina's hand in support. "Of course! This has been fun! It will be great to hang out more often!" She looked to Liza, and the brunette gave her nod of agreement.

"Thanks. Hopefully this will be good for me. My parents want me to go to therapy now, but I just don't know about it."

"It wouldn't hurt Regina," Liza commented. "Therapists get a bad reputation, but if it wasn't for our therapist now-and some help from our friends-Cassie and I wouldn't be where we are now."

"Who's your therapist?"

"Her names Robyn O'Neil. She's the sister of my adoptive mom," Cassie smiled. Even after a few weeks, hearing Cassie refer to April as her "adoptive mom" was a little strange. "She's amazing. She's meant to be a children's psychologist, but both of us have had great results from talking to her."

Regina took out her phone and typed Robyn's name into a note, along with her phone number when Cassie gave it to her. "I'll have to talk to my parents and see if we can get in contact with her. My dad has a bunch of work to do this week, and my mom has a training seminar to conduct, but we can discuss it over dinner sometime."

After another hour of talking and just hanging out, Regina's phone beeped. "It's my friend. I need to get home."

"Yeah, we probably need to get back as well," Liza replied. When she took out her shell cell, she saw about two messages from Donny, one from Raph, nine from Mikey, and six texts and three missed calls from Leo. Quickly, she sent them all a message saying Wrapping up. Meet in alley in 10.

The three girls stood, disposed of their empty cups, and walked outside.

Regina smiled at them both, then enveloped the girls into a group hug. "Thank you guys so much for being… well you. I feel a lot better now. At least, less anxious than before."

"Any time Regina, really, don't be afraid to call and talk to us," Cassie spewed, her voice sweet and supportive.

"I definitely will. Well, I better get going. See ya guys. Get home safe."

"You too, be careful," Liza replied. Regina nodded, then jogged off towards her car parked across the street. Cassie and Liza watched her to make sure she was safe until she got in her car and pulled away. The two girls then walked to the alley next to the coffee shop to wait for the turtles.

"I just feel so bad for her," Cassie started. "I wish there was something more we could do for her."

"I know, but there isn't a lot we can do until she admits she wants help. She still seems closed off after what happened, which is expected."

"Ready to go?" A low voice spoke to them from the shadows of the alley. Leo stepped out into the dim light provided by a street lamp on the street, giving them a small smile. Right behind him came Raph, Donny, and Mikey.

Liza and Cassie nodded and headed towards the manhole in the back of the alley to follow the guys home.

Really enjoying the direction I'm headed and I hope you guys will too! College classes start tomorrow, and I'm taking a creative writing class for the first time, so I'm super stoked to further my writing skills and have it reflect in my work! But that being said, with two jobs and being a full time student, updates may be less frequent than they have this summer. But I'm really going to try my hardest to update as quickly as I can! Thanks for the constant support for this story, I hope you guys have been enjoying it as much as I have! :)

Till next time!

CC