Pain is another thing that Raph likes to try and hide.
But I can tell by the way his jaw is set and the sweat forming on his forehead that he's really hurting. He keeps clutching at his side like he's trying to hold himself together. Even breathing seems painful for him. I bet he refused any meds from Don. Taking them would be a sign of weakness in his mind.
Every time I look at him and see the bruises all over his body…the bruises that I created…a fresh wave of guilt washes over me. If there was anything I could do to take his pain away, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
He still hasn't said anything. Why not?
He's turning away from me…
I feel my breath catch.
…but he only retreats to the wall and uses it to ease down to the mats. For a second, I was afraid he was going to walk straight out the door and once again we would have gotten nowhere. So if he's decided to stay, does that mean he's willing to finally work this out?
I know I'm taking a big gamble sitting right beside Raph, but I have this sudden urge to be near him. Even before I reach the floor I can see him tense up and shift over a bit. He's looking at anything but me and his mouth is firmly shut. I guess that means I'll have to start the conversation.
I don't understand, Raph. We used to get along just fine. We would spend hours together. Now, we're happy to avoid each other for days. What was it that changed us from best friends to constant rivals? If it was something that I said or did…
No, Leo. It ain't that at all…
His interruption is so quiet I almost didn't hear it. I glanced up to find him staring at me. The seriousness of his expression is shocking.
…I gotta confession ta make…
A confession? Why does that have my heart pounding?
…I lied to ya...
About what?