Chapter 76

There are a few things I want to address before this chapter starts. I had a review who said there is not enough action in my story (as well as some words I did not feel were fair to say). Notice my genre? NOT ACTION. Part of it is that I am not great at writing fighting scenes, but mainly because I want this story to focus on the turtles' more humanistic personalities. The Snakeweed incident with the turtles was my best way of putting some action/drama at that moment into the story since it was something that was realistic and could actually happen. Which is funny because in the second season they did an episode that was super similar to what I had posted!

Another reason is because I've had to alter my story slightly since everyone first wanted a character for Mikey, something I had planned but wasn't sure if I was going to do. This required quite a few chapters in developing Holly's personality and flaws. Then, everyone started saying Leonardo needed someone. This was something I was very hesitant to do because I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to do it. I needed to think of a personality that would match well with his. Plus, while this story has quite a fair amount of chapters, most of my chapters are not very long. After this chapter, my story chapters will be nearly double of what they were before in order to create a better flow to the story.

Normally, I like reviews, they actually help me feel more confident in my writing, but the last review very much irritated me because too many writers on here anymore start their story with a "profile" of their character. I want my OCs to feel as if they are real people with real life issues we face every day. Not some cut and dry "this is everything you will ever need to know about my character." Just because the girls know the turtles does not mean "Oh! Stuff needs to happen instantaneously to make the girls in danger 24/7!" I AM putting more action in my story now that Holly and Stacy have been developed but just be patient please.

Thank you to everyone who has been with me in writing this story from the start. I hope you'll stay with me longer! Especially since I'm introducing an organization called B.U.P.R.I. You'll definitely enjoy it!

Michelangelo would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous being inside Holly's house. With her mom going away, it was the perfect excuse to show Mikey her place. It was all new territory for him and he wasn't sure what to do or say.

But if Raphael could be dating someone and not scare them off, it couldn't be that hard, right?

"You can go wait in the living room and I'll get some snacks," Holly said as she took off her shoes.

"Sure," he said feeling a blush rise on his cheeks.

He walked over and admired how clean and tidy everything was. It must've been thanks to Holly, since she was the one who wanted to straighten up his room today.

On the mantel, he saw a few pictures of Holly growing up along with some pictures of her parents.

In one of them, he saw a man was in a wheelchair with Holly and her mom kneeling next to him.

Mikey picked up the picture and looked at it.

"Is this your dad?" Mikey asked going to the kitchen.

Holly nodded with a sad smile.

"Yes. He was paralyzed from the waist down. He had been born without having full sensation in his legs. Sometimes, he could stand for a brief period, but there was no way he could walk by himself. I really can't remember how, but his medical bills were getting high from treatment and physical therapy. Before, his parents managed everything, but they both passed away. So he went to find some accountants. Of course, he didn't have much money but-"

"Did your mom handle his information?"

Holly laughed.

"No, it was an associate of hers. Actually, she hated him when she first met him."

"Huh?" he said before looking back at the picture. "But they look so happy."

"My dad was a bit of a snob at first, Mom said. He acted all high and mighty and felt everyone and everything should be easy for him because of his disability. One day, he confronted her about her snide looks and she had a screaming fit at him. She started saying how he shouldn't be making people feel sorry for him but should try to act as a normal human being."

"Wow..." Mikey said surprised.

"Well, she had friends who fought in the war and lost limbs. She saw how much they struggled but wanted to just feel normal. Then, here was this guy, who manipulated people into doing what he wanted because he was in a chair."

"Then, how did they start dating if she yelled at him?"

"My father said he never had anyone yell at him like that before. His parents were always fretting over him and never making him feel like a man. So, he just never learned how to act for himself and expected others to do everything for him. He said the moment she stopped yelling and started walking away, he knew he wanted to change."

Michelangelo noticed the sad smile on Holly's face.

"It took quite a while, and nearly a dozen tries, before Mom agreed to go out with him."

The turtle hesitated before asking.

"W-where is he now?"

"Because of his disability, he couldn't drive. One snowstorm, he got in a taxi. My mom was coming back from a trip and he left extra early to surprise her with flowers..."

Holly led Mikey back to the couch in the living room.

"The roads weren't salted enough yet. The taxi got into an accident. My dad was hurt pretty bad. He survived a few days, was able to talk and stuff, but he passed away."

Mike put his hand on Holly's knee.

"I'm sorry, about your dad."

"I'm kind of glad I got to say goodbye to him, but...he was still in pain. It's hard to think it's been almost three years since then."

Mikey leaned over and rested his head on her shoulder.

"I hope you're not mad. I didn't mean to get into something-"

"No, no it's fine!" she said putting her hand on his cheek. "I'm glad that you wanted to know about my dad. He was a very important part of my life."

Holly's cell phone chimed.

Sweetie, do you see my red carry-on anywhere in the house?

"It's my mom. She forgot her makeup bag again."

Yeah, it's here. Want me to run it downstairs?

No, I'm close-by I'll come up.

Holly paled.

"My mom's coming back!"

"I thought she left!" Mikey said panicking.

"Go out the fire escape, I'll call you when it's safe!"

Mikey went out the window and saw Holly's mom walking toward the building.

"Mom, I thought you left already!" Holly said nervously fixing her glasses.

"Philip was late so we are heading out now. Luckily he was or else I wouldn't have my stuff!"

Grace kissed her daughter's forehead and gave her a tight hug before leaving.

"Bye, sweetie. No wild parties while I am gone!"

When Holly called Mikey, he waited a few extra seconds to make sure the coast was clear before coming in.

"That was close," he said laughing. "It's a good thing I'm a stealthy turtle!"

Holly laughed.

"Want to come check out my room?"

He nodded as he took off his shoes.

"Is it really full of moose like you said?"

The girl blushed.

"Moose are adorable!"

There wasn't as many moose as he thought, only maybe three stuffed animals. There was a twin bed, a desk and chair, and two large dressers. A closet door was next to the only window.

Mikey sat on the bed, trying to figure out how to bring up the topic of their relationship. She sat next to him, but was leaning against the headboard of the bed.

The turtle stared at her tiny feet and took in a deep breath.

"Holly?" he asked twirling his thumbs, "I was just wondering...would it be okay if I called you my girlfriend?"

The girl turned bright red before she nodded.

"So...would that mean you're my boyfriend?"

He nodded.

Holly moved and hugged his arm.

"I really like you, Mikey."

With a smile on his face, he leaned down and rested his head on top of hers.

"I like you too, Holly."

For the rest of the night, the pair watched Netflix movies, Mikey telling Holly about his love of the Pokemon games, and holding each other.