Hey guys, it's me! Look, I know that I've been a while, but a lot has been going on at home. I've had to do chore, and I've had an online class to take care off. I haven't really had a lot of chance to focus on writing. But, I'm here with the next part, and since my online class just ended, the next one should be up sooner. Now, as you can tell, this prologue is similar to the one in Season One- very feeling, very fun, and not a lot of action. That's because these Prologues are generally meant for character development, and to see what's happening before the actual season where the action happens.
So, with that being said, be warned that there is some stuff in here that might be considered... ugh... "fluff"... but I swear, it's for character development, just as this whole Prologue is gonna be. Plus, I think it turned out great. So, I hope you like it.
Prologue: Part 2
Birthday Surprise
(3 days since battle)
Mikey's P.O.V.
Man, things are way too quiet here today. I always thought that after we stopped the Kraang, we'd be partying everyday here! But, Nia and the guys are all about relaxing and getting back to normal. Ha! Since when is anything here normal? Still, it would be cool to actually do something instead of just sitting here.
I was just laying upside down on the couch, watching the TV. Not even cartoons could help me right now. I was so bored! I had to find something to do or I was gonna go crazy. I sighed as I glanced next to me, and saw my T-Phone lying next to my head on the floor. I looked at it for a moment, then reached over and grabbed it. My hands seemed to be moving on their own as they opened up to my messages, and I started typing a message to Vanessa.
Hey Ness, what's up?
I sat there, still upside down, looking at my phone. Vanessa's a funny girl, maybe she can help me out. I'm easily impressed, anyway.
Hey buddy! Nothing much here. You?
I grinned. For some reason, I always got wicked excited whenever she messaged me back. I quickly sat up straight and started texting her back.
Dude, I'm so bored! Everyone's busy!
Wow, sorry man. I had plans too, but they got totally botched!
Sucks! What're you doing now, then?
Working on another mosaic. Not selling, but it's really important. I can't think of anything good to make though.
Need any help?
I'd love some!
I looked at my phone's screen for a moment, then gasped in excitement. I had nothing to do, Vanessa had nothing to do, we could hang out together! Wait a minute… it would just be me and her hanging out. I mean, I've hung out with April and Nia before a bunch of times, but never Vanessa. She always came here, and she always hung out with all of us. Wait, why am I being all nervous about this? Well… maybe I know why… Pfft! Whatever! It's not a big deal!
Dude, I can totally help you!
Really?
Totally!
Well, I'm all alone except for my brother, so you should be good. Sure, come mon over. I'll send you my address.
I giggled out loud before I could stop myself. This was gonna be so awesome!
"Busy day, Mikey?"
I yelped and thrashed around, falling down off the couch. I landed on my chest and my phone flew out of my hand. Somebody giggled behind me, and I looked around. Nia was kneeling by the couch where I was sitting, and she was holding her stomach and laughing.
"Not cool, sis!" I yelled, swiping my phone up.
"I'm sorry!" she pleaded, whipping her eyes. "I couldn't help it! Then, you started giggling… it was adorable!"
I opened my mouth to tell her that I wasn't adorable, but then I realized that that would be a complete lie, and shrugged it off.
"Good point."
I put my phone into my belt and stood up, brushing myself off. I smoothed my hands over my head, and tightened the tails of my mask.
"Hey, Nia? How, um… how do I look?"
"A lot goofier than usual," she said. "And trust me, that's a good thing. Vanessa loves anything that can give her a good laugh."
"Awesome!"
I turned and leaped out of the pit, snatching my skateboard on the way out. I kept running and jumped over the turnstiles, landing on my skateboard on the other side.
Me and the bros have already been all over Manhattan by now, so it wasn't too much to go to Vanessa's place. She lived in the middle of East Village, in a super tall red brick building. I recognized it from the night when I found her cat, Mittens. Based on what she told me, she lived in the middle.
I rolled my skateboard down the sidewalk, looking around to see no one in the street. I grinned as I rolled into the next alley. Her building was right up there. I looked around until I saw one certain window that had a small, black and white cat sitting on the windowsill.
"Mittens?" I called up, trying not to be too loud.
The cat turned its head towards me. Mittens was no longer a little kitty; she had grown a lot since the last time I had seen her. I grinned, realizing that it was the right window. I strapped my board to my shell and leapt up, climbing the fire escape. I continued up until I stood right in front of the window that Mittens was sitting on. The cat looked up at me with wide, shiny eyes.
"Hey kitty," I cooed, raising my hand. "Remember me?"
I placed my hand on her head, and Mittens leaned into my touch, purring. I grinned down at her. Then, I heard loud banging and yelling coming from the other side of the window, and I snapped up and leaned back out of sight. I heard a lot of noises going on, and I slowly leaned forward. This window apparently lead to what looked like the living room. It was pretty, and big. And from here, I could see a little boy with dirty blond hair sitting in front of the TV, playing with some toys. That must be Vanessa's little brother, Colton.
I heard Mittens meow loudly, and I turned to see she had leapt over to the next window over, which happened to be opened. She meowed again before turning and leaping into the room. I looked at her curiously before walking over, and leaning in to look. This was obviously Vanessa's room. The first things I noticed were the pretty, white lights that were lined up along the ceiling. They looked like the kind that people put around their Christmas trees. The next thing I saw was a big, wooden desk in the far corner, filled with pencils, paintbrushes, several notebooks, and a pink lamp on one of the corners. Other than the lamp and the lights on the ceiling, the room was kind of dark, like when someone only lights a room with a few candles, you know? That kind of dark.
At that moment, the door opened. Vanessa came in, a Coke in one hand and her phone in the other. I noticed that there was a purple pen tucked behind her ear.
"Colton, I'll be in my room, okay buddy?" she called out behind her. "Don't go in the kitchen, okay?"
"Okay!" a small voice called back.
Vanessa shut the door, sipping on her soda. She glanced at her phone, and sighed.
"Maybe he's not coming…"
I blinked. Was I late? Was I supposed to be her sooner? Aw man, I suck!
Vanessa tossed her phone onto her aqua blue bed next to Mittens before walking over to her desk and sitting in the chair. I saw her pull her pen out from her ear, and she started drawing in one of the notebooks. I grinned as I reached up and knocked on the edge of the window. Vanessa froze, then whipped around. Then she squealed, quickly covering her mouth.
"Mikey!" she dropped her pen and ran forward, opening the window all the way. "Wow, I almost thought you wouldn't come!"
"Course I did! Wouldn't want you thinking I stood you up!"
She backed up as I pushed myself through the window, landing on my feet. I heard a loud meow and felt something rubbing against my leg. I looked down to see Mittens rubbing her head against me. Aww, the little kitty likes me! I chuckled and kneeled down to pet her head.
"Good thing you came," Vanessa said, kneeling down on the other side of Mittens and petting her. "I was really started to get bored on my own."
"Why did you're plans get canceled?" I asked. "You're stuck here alone and bored, that's not very fair!"
"Oh, it's not a big deal," she said. "My friend, Charlie- Nia's probably told you about him- he and his parents are going on a vacation to Paris tomorrow. We originally had plans to go to the movies tonight, but they had to leave tomorrow instead of Saturday because things got moved up."
"Wow… they're going to Paris?"
Vanessa stared at me, and for a moment I was afraid she was going question why that was the only detail I was paying attention to. But, she just smiled and laughed.
"Yeah, Paris," she said. "Charlie's mom and dad are both topnotch doctors, so their super rich. They've got a summer home in Paris that they go to for 2 weeks every summer."
"That's awesome!"
"Yeah, I know," she sighed. "Man, I'd love to go to Paris someday. Charlie offered to take me this year, but my dad's not too keen on me leaving. Pretty protective, you know?"
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I know how you feel."
Vanessa giggled as she scratched Mitten's head. "Oh yeah, I bet Splinter gets on you guys a lot."
"More than enough," I told her seriously. "Hey, where are your parents anyway?"
"They both had to work tonight."
"Huh. What do they do?"
"My dad works as a nurse at the same hospital as Charlie's parents, and my mom owns her own boutique. 'Seasonal Fantasies'. Ever heard of it?"
I shook my head. "No, sounds cool though."
"Oh yeah, you'd love it," Vanessa seemed to hesitate before she leaned in a bit. "You see, my grandma from my mom's side, she and my grandpa were huge hippies in the 70s."
"Really?"
"Mmhm. They raised my mom around it all. Obviously, she inherited whatever hippie magic they bestowed upon her and she uses it for her boutique. She has a lot of amazing things in there, half of my closet is full of them."
I stared at Vanessa. I thought it was pretty cool that she came from a whole family of hippies; I bet her grandparents are awesome, and I bet her mom's awesome too! And her boutique did explain why Vanessa seemed to have a lot of hippie shirts and skirts whenever I saw her. But… what about her dad? I saw him the night we found Mittens, and he looked like regular kinda guy. How does a nurse end up marrying a hippie?
Before I could ask, Vanessa stood up and walked back to her desk.
"I'm glad you could actually come," said Vanessa as she sat back down at her desk. "I could really use a hand."
I stood up and walked over, but I accidently stepped on something and stopped. It was a crumpled up piece of paper. I picked it up and opened it. It looked like a large, cute red ladybug in the middle of a patch of grass.
"What are you trying to do?" I asked.
Vanessa stopped doodling in her notebook and turned around. She looked kind of nervous, but was grinning.
"I'm making another mosaic," she said. "But, I wanted to make it for someone special."
"Who?"
She gulped. "For… for the baby."
"Huh?"
"Angus' baby sister," she said. "I wanted to make something special, something for Angus' parents to hang on the wall or something. I thought it would be great, making something cute for her, but… I can't think of anything good!"
She turned around and looked down at her notebook. I leaned over her shoulder and saw what looked like a squirrel before she groaned and ripped the paper out of the book, balling it up and tossing it into the nearby trashcan, which was already overflowing with paper balls. I glanced down at the picture of the ladybug in my hands, then I folded it up and tucked it into my belt.
"Why do you want my help?" I asked, leaning against the edge of her desk.
Vanessa clicked her pen loudly for a moment, the she grinned up at me.
"Well, you're one of the most creative people I've met, I figured you could help me out," she admitted, then blushed as she added. "Plus… I thought it would be cool to hang out."
It felt like my stomach just did a sick backflip on a halfpipe. There seemed to be something stuck in my throat, so I didn't speak, but I swallowed and beamed at her.
"That's awesome!" I said, jumping up and landing on the other side of her. "I'd love to help yah!"
Vanessa beamed at me. Then she grabbed one of her colored pencils and handed it to me.
"Well, we better start brainstorming."
We probably spent about an hour trying to think of something for Vanessa to make, but we came up with nothing. No matter what we thought of, it always ended up being 'not cute enough' for Angus' little sister. And I ended up being in the same position as I had earlier; laying upside down on Vanessa's bed with my head off the edge. Vanessa was leaning back in her chair, her notebook laying on her face.
"What about a bird?" I asked.
"What kind?"
"I dunno, um… an owl?"
"Hm… maybe, but I don't really make owls that much. How about a lizard?"
"Nah… little kids don't like little creepy things that crawl around like that, right?"
"Oh man, you're right!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the bedroom door, and we both sat up straight.
"Vanessa?"
"Aw shoot!" Vanessa hissed. "I forgot to put Colton to bed! Hold on!"
She dropped her notebook and her pen and ran over to the door. She cracked it open just enough for her to be seen.
"Hey, pal! Ready to go to bed?"
"Uh-huh."
"Alright, let's get you in then."
She glanced back at me before squeezing out of the door and shutting it behind her. I sighed. Man, I got scared! I thought maybe her parents were home. If they saw me, Sensei would kill me! And the last thing I need is another 'it's too dangerous on the surface' talk.
I got off the bed and picked up the stuff she dropped, bringing it over and placing it on the desk. I noticed that the desk looked super banged up and worn out; it was covered in what looked like dried up gray plaster, probably from all the mosaics she makes, and it had a lot of scratches on it. I rubbed it with one of my fingers curiously; it felt worn, but nice. I turned and was heading back to sit down when I noticed something on the wall. It was a calendar for July, and I noticed that the 12th was circled in red, and there was a little red star drawn next to it.
At that moment, the door opened. Vanessa had come back from putting Colton to bed.
"Sorry about that," she said. "I was supposed to put him to bed an hour ago, but I got distracted."
Feeling embarrassed and a little happy that I had managed to distract her like that (no idea why that would make me happy though) I pointed at the calendar.
"Why do you have this date circled?" I asked.
She walked over to stand right next to me to look at the calendar. She was so close to me, I felt goosebumps pop up all over me.
"Oh, that!" she laughed. "I didn't tell you, did I? That's my birthday! I'm turning 17 in a week."
"Oh!" I stared at her. 17?! "Wow, I didn't know!"
"It's okay, I don't like talking about myself for too long anyhow," she said. "It's cool, though. Mom and dad are throwing me a party, everyone's coming over. I'm pretty sure mom's making my favorite cupcakes too, but she won't tell me."
"Aw man, that sounds awesome!" I whined. "I wish I could come."
"Oh, believe me, I do too," she said. "But, seeing as how my parents don't know you exist, it might be a bit shocking if four giant turtles showed up at their doorstep."
I frowned. "I'm not that scary looking, I'm adorable! Nia said so! And I'm super nice and super chill!"
Vanessa giggled. "Well, you're right on all of that," she said. "You are adorable, and you're very nice."
I felt my face go red. She thinks I'm adorable, too! At that moment there was the sound of a distant door opening, and feet walking on wood.
"Vanessa, dear?" a man's voice called out. "Are you still up?"
"Vanessa, honey!"
"My parents are home," Vanessa looked at me. "You better split."
I sighed, nodding. I marched over to the window, petting Mittens on my way over. I took my skateboard from my shell and was leaning out the window when Vanessa spoke again.
"You know, my dad's gonna be working tomorrow, and my mom's taking my brother to the park until the evening," she said, and I turned to look at her. "If you're still bored tomorrow, wanna come over and hang out?"
I blinked, staring at her. Hang out… with Vanessa? And she's asking me?
"Yeah, sure!" I said excitedly.
Vanessa beamed at me.
"Great! I'll see you later, then!"
I nodded before turning and leaping out of the window.
Dude, Vanessa is awesome! I've been going over and hanging out at her place all week, and it's been great! It's so awesome being able to hang out with her. We usually just chill in her room, and when her parents aren't home we play video games in her living room. That's the best part about it all! Turns out, her idea of having a good time with me is ordering pizza, bumming around playing video games, and cuddling on the couch while watching old sitcoms. And it's the best! She's probably the best cuddler in the whole universe!
But, even while having a blast with her, one thing was stuck on my brain; her birthday. Now, I can manage to accept that my cuteness and chill personality won't be enough to get into her house party, and that's fine. But, what's been really bugging me is that… well… I don't have anything to give her. I mean, I know I can't exactly go into a story and buy her something, but I don't want to give her nothing! I'm hanging out with her the night before her birthday, and I can't go empty handed. I'm gonna feel like a chump if I can't figure something out!
So, what did I do? I talked to Splinter. Was it early in the day? Yes. Was he in the middle of meditating? Yeah. But, this was way more important than wasting time sitting on the floor with your eyes closed.
"Hey, Sensei!" I yelled, popping up behind him.
He didn't even flinch, but I knew he heard me. I quickly leapt forward and started pacing in front of him.
"Busy? No? Great! Listen, I need some advice for something super important. Can you help?"
He sighed, opening his eyes to look at me. "I suppose so-"
"Awesome! See, yah know how I've been visiting Vanessa for the past week? Well, it's her birthday on Friday, and I know I can't go there then 'cause she's having a party…"
"Michelangelo…"
"But, I'm gonna see her tomorrow night, and I'm gonna feel kinda crummy if I don't have anything for her. She says that it's okay, but it's not okay with me…"
"My son…"
"But… I don't have anything to give her! I mean, it's no big deal, but… it is! And I don't know what to do, so I-"
"Yame!"
I froze and straightened up. Sensei had stood up and banged his staff on the ground, forcing me to shut up. Then, I realized how much I had been talking, and what I had said, and my face started to go red.
"My son," said Splinter. "I have never seen you so unnerved about something before. Tell me, why does it matter so much to you that you give Vanessa something for her birthday."
I thought about it. Why did I care so much? She was my buddy, obviously. But… why else?
"I…"
I suddenly stopped talking and whipped around to make sure none of the guys or Nia were around. I mean, Nia wouldn't make fun of me, but the others definitely would.
"We are completely alone, my son," said Splinter. "You make speak freely."
I looked up at him, and nodded.
"I, um… I c-care about her, and… I want her to know that…"
Aw man, I sound so stupid right now! I don't sound chill at all. I'm not used to this, man…
"How much?"
I blinked. "Huh?"
"If you do care about her, I am curious to know how much."
I gulped. "Um… a lot?"
Splinter chuckled, and I took that as a good thing and laughed a little.
"So… what should I do?"
Splinter stroked his beard for a moment, his finger tapping on his staff.
"…You said earlier this week that she was making a mosaic for Angus' new sibling, yes?"
"Yeah."
"Has she started making it yet?"
I shook my head. "No, she hasn't even figured out what she's gonna make yet."
"I see…" Splinter looked down at me. "If you figured out something for her to make, then that would be a reasonable gift."
I thought it over for a second. Then I gasped.
"Thanks, Sensei!"
I turned and ran out of the dojo, sprinting through the living room and heading into my bed room. I searched for probably about a minute before I found a pencil sticking out of a stack of three-day-old pizza slices. I wiped it off and then went over and sat on my bed. Then, I reached behind me and took out the folded picture of the ladybug that I had taken from Vanessa's house. It was just a simple ladybug on the white sheet. I thought it looked pretty good, and couldn't see why she'd toss it. Maybe if I added something to it…
I grinned, then started to draw on the paper.
I sped over the rooftops as quick as I could. I couldn't be late! Vanessa just texted me and told me that her mom had stepped out for a work earlier, and that if I was gonna come, now would be a good time. I was happy to go see her, and I was so psyched to show her hat I added to the picture. I hope she likes it. It didn't really take a lot of thinking, not much work either, but I still, I hope she likes it.
I skidded to a halt until I reached the edge of the roof. I smiled seeing the small, glittering white lights from her window. I leaped forward, grabbing onto the fire escape, slid down, and stepped off. I quickly glanced in the living room window before moving over to Vanessa's bedroom window. I could see her sitting on the edge of her bed. I grabbed the edges of the window and started to lean in, when I heard it.
She sniffed loudly.
I froze, staring at the back of her head. She sniffed again. Was she crying? She turned her head slightly, and I saw she was holding a thick piece of cloth up against the corner of her mouth. She wiped her nose as she lowered the cloth, and I saw that the corner was red, puffy, and bloody; her lip was busted.
"Dude!"
Vanessa turned around so fast, she nearly fell of the bed. She gasped, looking terrified as she covered her lip with the cloth again.
"M-Mikey!" she stammered. "I- You scared me!"
I stared at her as I slowly stepped into the room. She stepped back, looking scared. Why was she scared of me?
"What's wrong, Ness?" I asked her.
"Nothing!" she said quickly. "Everything's fine."
"What happened to your lip?"
"It was an accident, nothing important."
"You were crying."
"I… well…"
Vanessa didn't seem to be able to respond. My feet suddenly started moving forward until I was in front of her. She didn't back up this time. I hesitantly reached up and grabbed her wrist that was holding the cloth. I lowered it, and I could see her mouth properly. It wasn't as bloody as I thought before. It looked like it was a few hours old. But, it was still red and raw.
"What… happened?" I breathed.
Vanessa gulped, turning her head away.
"It was just an accident," she muttered lowly.
"Was it really?"
Vanessa winced. "…no."
"Well?"
She shook her head. "I can't… it's embarrassing. You'll laugh at me!"
"Ness, you got hurt," I said. "I might be a Pranking Master and laugh a lot, but even I know when to take a hint."
Man, I've never felt so serious before. This must be what it's like to be Leo. Weird… but cool! But, also kinda bad. Whatever! Stay focused, Mikey!
Vanessa crossed her arms as she held herself, looking away. She continued to not look at me as she walked over and sat back down on her bed. She stared at the ground, swinging her feet.
"I know… it's gonna sound silly," she said. "I mean, I always act all nice and stuff, but…"
"What are you talking about?"
Vanessa groaned. "Caroline…"
"Who?"
"Caroline Druff. She's a girl that goes to my school. She used to be my friend but, after she joined the dance team in middle school, we sort of drifted apart."
I walked over and sat on the bed next to her. There was a loud meowing sound, and Mittens crawled out from underneath the bed.
"So, you got the whole 'best friend to mean girl' thing going on, huh?" I said. "That's rough."
Vanessa huffed. "Oh, she's more than a mean girl, I'll tell you…"
Her hand lifted up to touch her chin, and I gaped at her. Did she really mean…?
"She did that?!" I asked, shocked.
"Well… sort of," Vanessa admitted. "I mean, it was kinda my fault, so…"
"What happened?"
Vanessa kicked up her feet a bit as she said, "After my parents left for work I went out for a walk. They were gone and Colton was at daycare, so I went to get myself some coffee. One the way home… I ran into Caroline and some of her friends. I tried to walk away from them, but they kept following me and teasing me," Vanessa hunched over a bit, like she was trying to hide herself. "They… they said a lot of mean things… They made fun of my dad for being a nurse and not a 'real doctor' like Charlie's parents, they called my grandparents lazy burnouts, and… they made fun of me…"
Vanessa crossed her legs on the bed and hung her head. I narrowed my eyes. She was hiding something.
"What did they say about you?"
"It's… embarrassing-"
"Vanessa."
Wow, that's the first time I've ever said her full name. She turned to look up at me, surprised.
"I honestly can't see what they could dis on you for, angleface," I said without thinking. Wow, did I just say that? Aw man, whatever! Not important!
Vanessa shook her head. "Isn't it obvious?"
"What?"
"Oh, come on, Mikey! A super popular, super mean girl who's gorgeous and on the dance team; now look at me. You're gonna tell me you can't see what they make fun of me for?"
I gave her a scared look and slowly shook my head. She sighed, and looked as though she were about to cry again.
"C'mon, hon," she said quietly. "You must've noticed… how much smaller Nia and April are compared to me. How much slower I run than all you guys. How big and baggy all my clothes are."
I raised an eyebrow, completely confused. I mean, I was less confused than before, but still! What was she getting at? What does she mean Nia and April are smaller than her? What about her clothes? Curious, I glanced down at the rest of her, staring at her for a moment. Then, I realized…
"No…" I shook my head. "They didn't…"
She nodded. I gulped, feeling a little scared. How could any dude or gal be so low?
"Do they… say stuff like that to you a lot?"
Vanessa nodded. "Not so much the stuff about my family, they do that only sometimes to get me a little mad. The stuff about me though… that crap's an everyday deal."
Vanessa curled up a bit, and I noticed she pulled her night shirt down more, as though trying to make sure it was completely covering her stomach. I frowned. I honestly hadn't noticed it at all; I could just tell that she was funny, adorable and very pretty. I never really stopped to look at her figure.
"Well… they said a bunch of stuff, and started to leave. Usually I let them leave, but…" she grunted. "I was so mad, Mikey! I… I couldn't stop myself… And she was wearing those stupid, yellow mini shorts that she likes to flaunt everywhere."
"What did you do?" I asked, leaning in a bit.
Vanessa gulped. "I asked her if her ass ate breakfast that morning, 'cause it was eating her shorts up."
I blinked and stared at her. I had only ever heard Nia and Raph swear, and I had never heard Vanessa swear before. What she had said to the mean girl took a second to sink in. Then, before I knew it, I was laughing.
"Oh god!" I fell back onto the bed, laughing my lungs out. "That is awesome! Oh man, wait 'til I tell Raph! He'll give you a high-three for that one for sure!"
Vanessa laughed, smiling down at me.
"I know! Wicked funny, right? They didn't think so, though."
I caught my breath again and sat back up. "What happened next?"
"Obviously, they came back. Caroline started yelling and tried to hit me with her giant purse. I tried to avoid it, but she got me eventually. Her purse hit my head, and my head hit the wall, and the wall busted my lip. As soon as they saw me bleeding they screamed and ran off."
I nodded, but I was still a little confused about something.
"Um, do your parents know about all this? About them?"
Vanessa gulped. "They know that I get picked on a lot, but… I hate making them worry, and they don't know that the girls have been picking on the family, too."
"Do they know about this?"
Vanessa shook her head. "No... I told them I tripped running up the subway stairs," she sighed. "I just... can't stand seeing their faces when I tell them what they picked on me for. I hate myself enough for it as it is, I don't want them freaking out about it."
I didn't say anything, and neither did she. Heck man, I didn't know what to say. But, Vanessa looked so sad. I couldn't let that happen. So, I scooted closer to her, and slowly put my arms around her and gave her a hug. Now, I've given plenty of hugs- I'm a hugging champ, dude, just ask Nia- but this hug made my nerves shriek. Why was I so nervous? Then, Vanessa leaned into my chest and sighed lowly.
"You should tell them, you know."
"…You're probably right."
"'Course I am! Michelangelo is always right!"
Vanessa chuckled, and I smiled as I hugged her more. Man, I could get used to this.
"Hey… what's that in your belt?"
I opened my eyes and looked down. Vanessa was reaching for the other side of my belt, where a piece of folded up paper was sticking out.
"O-Oh!" I quickly released her and grabbed the paper. "It's, um… well…" I gulped, then shoved the paper into her hands. "H-happy birthday…"
Vanessa blinked at me, then stared down at the paper.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Um… remember when I came here a few nights ago? Well, I found one of the drawings you had been working on for the mosaic for Angus' sister. You threw it out but I, heh, liked it so I took it with me. I thought, uh, if I could help you pick what to make it would be a good… yah know, present, or whatever…"
Vanessa unfolded the paper and looked down. The ladybug, which had been plain looking before, was now much cuter, with a puffy smile, and large, round eyes with lashes. It was now laying on a large flower and was surrounded by grass.
"It wasn't really a lot," I muttered. "I just added a few things. I thought that if I did it would make a difference, but…"
"It's perfect…"
I blinked. "Huh?"
"I don't know why I didn't do this before; this is so much better! Why didn't I think of that?" she looked up, and was beaming at me. "Mikey, this is perfect for the baby's room, thank you!"
I stared at her with my jaw hanging open, and laughed a little. She liked it, she really liked it!
"Great!" I said. "Awesome!"
Vanessa smiled, then put the paper down beside her and leaned forward, pulling me in for a hug. I froze for a moment, and I could feel goosebumps erupt all over me. I grinned and hugged her back.
Suddenly, in the background, I heard the sound of a door creaking open. Then, a voice sounded from the living room.
"Vanessa, I'm home! Colton?"
Vanessa gasped as she pulled away. "My mom's home early!" she looked at me. "Mikey…!"
"No prob!"
I jumped over her and off the bed and leapt out onto the fire escape. I heard the doorknob of the bedroom door turn, and I leapt down, grabbing onto the ledge of the escape and hanging.
"Hi, sweetie."
"Hi, mom," said Vanessa. "What are you doing home so early?"
Trying to stay as quiet as I could, I tried moving around to find a way out without making a sound.
"Oh, Dawn was getting very sick so I let her go for the rest of the evening, and there wasn't anyone else to work the counter so I decided to close early. How's your mouth, honey?"
"Better."
"You should put a cotton ball and a band aid on it, honey, so it can heal quicker."
"Yes, ma'am."
I slowly shifted myself over closer towards the escape's ladder. If I can get to it quick, I won't get caught, and Sensei won't bust my shell over it.
"Vanessa, why's your window open?"
"O-oh, um… I was just letting some air in. It's a bit warm in here, you know?"
"Sweetie, it's 75 degrees in here. And it's the middle of July, it's warm outside."
I gulped and quickly started to move more. But, as I did, my hand slipped, my legs swung, and my foot hit the ladder. It wasn't loud enough to make everyone in the building look outside, but it was definitely loud enough to reach Vanessa's open window.
"Vanessa…" her mother's voice was almost a low whisper. "Did you have somebody over while I was gone?"
"Mom, I…"
"It's a boy, isn't it? That's why the window's open."
I froze, hanging off the fire escape. I heard footsteps from inside, and a second later I heard them step onto the fire escape. I glanced up, and could see the figure of a woman through the bars.
"Son, you can come out, it's okay."
I blinked. I thought she was going to mad, but she seemed pretty chill right now.
"M-mom," I glanced up, and could see Vanessa through the bars. "He… he might not come out…"
"Why not?"
"He's, um… he looks a bit different, and…"
I shifted around a bit, and the metal creaked. I froze. A second later, I looked up to see the woman kneeling above me.
"Is that you?" she asked.
There was no way out. Even if she could see completely what I looked like, she could still see me there.
"…Y-yes, ma'am," I stuttered.
I could see her bright blue eyes from here, and they didn't look angry.
"Why don't you come up here, hm? Let me get a look at you."
Is this for real? Was this really happening? I took a deep breath and swung around, grabbing onto the ladder. I paused before slowly climbing up and poking my head out. I could see Vanessa leaning halfway out of her window, Mittens standing on the window ledge, and a tall woman standing on the escape who could only be her mother. She was a very pretty woman, with long, dirty blonde hair and large, bright blue eyes. She was wearing a long, blue skirt and a white, flower pattern blouse that went down to her elbows. She was wearing a long seashell necklace and what looked like purple crystals hanging from her ears.
When she saw me she blinked several times, staring at me, her expression not changing. I glanced at Vanessa, who was looking at her mom nervously. The woman slowly walked over to me and kneeled down in front of me.
"What are you doing out here in the dark, hon?" she asked gently.
"Um…" I gulped. Her voice sounded like an angel. "H-Hiding…"
"Now, why on earth would you be hiding?"
"Uh…"
I looked back at Vanessa, who was staring at her mom in surprise. Then, her mom stood up, and was smiling at me.
"It's pretty warm tonight," she said. "Why don't you come in? I was going to make some punch."
She turned around and walk back in through the window. Vanessa and I stared at each other before I climbed up and walked back in.
Vanessa's mom was really surprising… and super cool! She brought me into her kitchen, gave me some of her fruit punch and was so nice to me! Vanessa was still a bit nervous about the whole thing, but I was chill as usual. Her mom was nice, super funny, and way chill! She didn't ask any questions about what I was and where I came from, she just… treated me like I was normal.
"Okay, okay, I got one," I gulped down my punch as I look at Vanessa's mom. "Why did the skeleton want a date? Because he was feeling bonely."
Vanessa snorted into her cup as her mom laughed.
"Oh, good one!" she said. "But, here's another one for you. What does a skeleton used to keep snow off his roof? Shin-gles."
I spat out some of my punch as me and she laughed, and Vanessa snorted.
"Mikey, you made a mess!" she laughed, shoving my arm.
"Oh, man. I'll clean it up."
"No, it's okay. I'll get a towel," said Vanessa.
She stood up and walked away to get a towel.
"So, tell me," the woman spoke up. "Why were you hiding from me?"
"Well," I fiddled with my cup. "I… guess 'cause I was afraid you'd freak out. You know, 'cause of how I look."
"Hmm… I suppose I could understand that," she said.
"Yeah," I said. "It's weird. Usually, I'm all for meeting new people, even if they might freak out. But… I guess I was just worried that…"
I stopped. I wasn't even completely sure what I was trying to say.
"Yes, hon?"
"I was worried," I said as I realized. "That… if you saw me and freaked out, that… I wouldn't be able to see Vanessa anymore," I hung my head. "I kinda screw up a lot, and people get mad at me for it. I guess I just… didn't wanna screw this up."
"Why do you mess up, Mikey?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm just not good at paying attention. I get distracted easily, and I mess up because of it."
"Hm," she sat back. "Can't focus good, huh? Well, I guess I can relate. I, myself, can't see very well."
I looked up. "What?"
She grinned, then raised her finger to her right eye, and suddenly tapped it. It clinked.
"See this eye? Glass," she said. "I lost the real one when I was 5. I was on a hiking trip with my parents, and me and my siblings wondered off. We were playing around on the trail, but I tripped and fell down a hill. Landed on a stick, and it took my eye out. It was hard having to adjust to it- not being able to see as well, not being able to read like I used to, never being able to drive a car- but I always tried to never let it get me down too hard. It helped inspire me to do the best I can, even if I messed up sometimes. So, don't ever be too hard on yourself, okay hon?"
I gaped at her, staring from her glass eye to her smile. This woman was probably the coolest, sweetest adult I've ever known. Man, wait until the guys meet her!
"Yes, ma'am," I said, nodding.
"Please, honey, call me Rachel," she said. "Only my children call me ma'am, and even then it's only occasionally."
I nodded. At that moment, Vanessa walked back into the kitchen and over to the table, cleaning up the mess with a towel.
"Honey, what time is it?" asked Rachel.
"Almost 10."
I froze. 10?! Aw snap, I'm gonna be in so much trouble if I don't get home!
"Aw man, I gotta get home," I sat, standing up. "It was awesome seeing you, Rachel. You're super cool."
She chuckled. "Good to know, Mikey. And, you don't have to worry about me telling anyone about you or your brothers."
I grinned at her before following Vanessa back into her room, where her window remained opened.
"Well, that ended better than I thought it would," said Vanessa.
"Yeah," I said, shifting around a little.
There was an awkward silence, and we just sort of stood there, looking at each other.
"Well… see yah," I said, walking over and leaning one leg out of the window. "Text me and let me know who the part is."
"Mikey…"
I turned to face her, one leg hanging of the ledge. Vanessa slowly walked over to me; she was playing with a piece of curly hair, and her face was surprisingly red, making her look like a cute tomato. Then, she bent over, grabbed my shoulder, and pulled me close. She closed her eyes as she… kissed my cheek.
I gasped as my whole body froze up. Holy heck, I've never felt like this before! What was happening? Vanessa leaned back, face still red, and smiled.
"Thanks Mikey, for everything."
I let out a small squeak, smiling at her. A second later I felt myself lean back and fall out through the window. I heard Vanessa gasp as I fell towards the ground. Instantly, I flipped myself up and landed perfectly on my feet. I felt a burst of happiness explode out of me as I yelled happily, not caring about who or what heard me.
"BOOYAKASHA!"
