Kelen and Lauren sat downstairs in the kitchen. Neither of them were going
to get anymore sleep that night. The guys were upstairs trying to decide
what to do about Kelen and her dad. Kelen sat in a chair at their
countertop with swollen eyes. As good as it felt to finally have it out in
the open, Kelen felt exposed and violated. Also terrified to the point of
insanity. She felt like her life had just changed and she wasn't sure if
the feeling was good or bad.
Lauren placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of Kelen. It was their depression food. Next to it, she put an entire bag of marshmallows. Lauren took the chair next to her and sipped at her own cup of hot chocolate. There was an uncomfortable silence between them. Lauren twirled the cup around on the counter, it made an annoying sound which Lauren seemed oblivious to. Kelen picked up a marshmallow and tossed it into Lauren's cup. Lauren stopped and looked at it. Then she looked at Kelen. She was smiling through her tears. Lauren reached over and gave Kelen a hug. "I'm really sorry," Kelen told her. Lauren nodded. "I know. It's okay. I think I get why you didn't tell. But I'm really worried about you. There's more pain in you than I knew. And you really surprised us all tonight with this horrible thing that's happened and then you looked ashamed of it. I would be too, but I mean, it's not like it was your fault or anything," Lauren said, scrambling for words. Kelen's head snapped up and her eyes grew large. "What?" Lauren asked, wondering what had triggered this emotional outburst.
Before she could gather her thoughts, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. All the guys walked into the kitchen, completely uncomfortable. They didn't know what to say to her anymore and were at a loss for words. Kelen sensed this. She got up and walked over to the garage. It had carpet on the floor and was completely furnished, including drywall. They parked their car in the driveway. She entered the room and turned on the light. Then she walked over to the couch and sank into it in a deep state of depression and fear. Lauren could deal with them first. She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want them to say they were leaving. She didn't want Raph to break up with her. She didn't want them to walk out of her life just like everyone else she had ever cared about. When she heard approaching footsteps, she got up and locked the door. Then she returned to the couch and threw herself back onto it. She watched the doorknob try to turn a few times. Then someone knocked. Kelen didn't answer. "Kelen," Donny said, "can you let us in?" Kelen shook her head as if they would hear it. "Kel?" Donny said again. She took a blanket off the back of the couch and covered herself with it. She heard a sigh come from the other side of the door. Then she heard rattling noises come from the doorknob. 'Oh, right, they're ninjas. They pick locks. Great,' she thought. Just then the doorknob turned and the door swung open. "Hi!" said Mikey cheerfully, trying to break the mood. The corners of Kelen's mouth twitched and she pulled the blanket above her head. 'Here it comes,' she thought. "Kelen, we'd really like to talk to you," Leo told her. Kelen uncovered her head. "I know!" she shouted, "You're leaving, right? This is too much to handle and you don't understand it so you're going to leave! It's happened before, so just leave already and spare me the drama!" They all were a bit taken back by Kelen's harsh tone and it took a while before her words sank in. "That's what you think?" Raph asked, "In case ya haven't noticed, we haven't done that yet and we've been through a lot of shit together. We just wanna ask you a couple questions about your dad, okay?" Kelen was shocked. They weren't leaving? Kelen had to smile. She even gave a short laugh. "Guess you're kind of used to people walking out on you, huh?" Mikey asked. Kelen nodded, still smiling. Raph sat down next to her and she crawled into his lap. "We're not going anywhere," he told her. She nodded again. "Is it okay if I just clear my head for a couple minutes?" she asked them. "Of course," Leo said. He motioned for Raph to leave but Lauren just shook her head at him. "Just let them be together for a little while, alone," she instructed. Then they all exited the room and left Raph and Kelen to themselves. After she was sure they were gone, Kelen looked up at Raph. "Hi," she said. "Hey," he said back. She adjusted positions in his lap so she was facing him. "Are you mad at me?" she asked worriedly. "I was about to ask you the same thing," he told her. "I'm not mad at you, there's no reason to be," she said a little confused. "I hurt you because you wouldn't sleep with me," he reminded her. She shrugged. "You didn't hurt me, you didn't rape me, and you apologized. I think that gives you a clean slate," she said. He took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm not mad at you either," there was a long silence, "What now?" he asked. "I don't know, what now?" she asked him back. "I don't want this to end, ya know, us, just because your dad's an asshole," he told her. "Me neither," she said, "So I won't let it." He smiled. He leaned in to kiss her, but then hesitated and changed his mind. "Why didn't you kiss me?" she asked. "I wasn't sure you wanted me too," he said. "That's never stopped you before," she told him. He realized what she meant. She didn't want things between them to change now that he knew. He leaned in and kissed her. A few moments later she pulled back. Raph suddenly realized something. He was falling in love with her. He didn't just think she was a beautiful, sweet person who he got to kiss anymore. He was falling in love with her. He wanted to tell her, but didn't know how. So he didn't say anything. He pulled her closer and laid her back into his arms. "Man…" he said quietly. "What?" she asked. He shrugged. "Sometimes I just don't know what to do or say and all I can do is hold you," he said. "I like it like that," she told him, "I wouldn't trade it for anything." He bent over and kissed her again. She turned her head to look at the clock. 5:00 a.m. "Let's go," she said. Raph let her down and followed her into the living room.
As soon as she entered Lauren said, "Please don't hate me." Kelen looked confused. "What did you do?" she asked. Lauren shut her eyes tight. "I called your brother," she said. "You did WHAT?" Kelen exploded. "Calm down. If he's your brother, he'll understand, trust me," Leo said. Lauren held out the phone. "He's on the phone?" she whispered. Lauren nodded. Kelen took the phone. "Hi," she said into it. "Hi, what did you do?" came the voice from the other end.
"I told"
"You told what?"
Oh, right, she hadn't told him yet. Kelen quickly told him the story, leaving out certain details.
"WHAT?" he exploded. Kelen had to pull the phone away from her ear. Everyone heard him scream. Kelen set the phone down on the coffee table. She counted to ten then picked it back up; her brother had been talking the whole time.
"Sorry," she said. He calmed down a little with her apology.
"I need to get you out of there"
"No, if you come here I'll run away"
"Then come see me"
"Can't. He might come"
"Then I'm coming"
"I'll scream"
"Be my guest." Kelen screamed.
"Please hold" she said and put the phone on hold. "Why did you scream?" Mikey asked. Kelen shrugged. "He wants to come here," she said. Leo realized this would mean he would find out about them since they were protecting her. But he felt a brotherly instinct that he often had and knew her brother had the same one. He knew he was worried about her. Leo sighed "Let him come." Kelen looked a little surprised. "Trust me," he said. She picked the phone up.
"Alright come"
"Just like that"
"Yeah, but I'm telling you, you're going to be very surprised when you get here"
"Okay"
"Alright, bye"
"I'll be there as soon as I can"
"Bye"
"I have your address ad number"
"Bye"
"Okay, okay, bye"
"Like I said, bye!" Kelen hung up the phone. She lightly rubbed her forehead. Then she thought of something. "I have a very important game today," she said. "Are you going?" Lauren asked.
"Yep. You get to explain the guys and deal with my ever loving brother," she said. Lauren shrugged, "Okay." Kelen started to walk away, but turned around. "He said he'd be here tomorrow, which means today, and he's probably bringing his life and staying for a month," she said this to no one in particular. Leo looked at her intently. "What?" Kelen asked. "You look exhausted, you're mad and terrified but you're not showing it, and you don't want you're brother here," Leo said, "and I don't want you going to that game." Kelen looked at him in shock. "Then you don't want me to go, but that doesn't stop me," she told him. Everyone's jaw dropped as Kelen said this to Leo. He remained calm though. "Kelen, I know you want to play, but it's too dangerous. None of us can go with you without being seen. I'd be worried about you the whole time. I'm not letting you go," he told her. Kelen gave a short laugh. "You have no idea how important this game is to me!" she yelled. "And you have no idea how important you are to us," he told her. She tried to be mad, but couldn't. Instead she picked up the phone and dialed some numbers. "Hey, coach... Yeah, I know it's early. I can't make it to the game today… I'm sorry, but my brother is coming into town… Yeah….family crisis…Thanks, bye," she hung up. Kelen just stood there for a minute. "Thank you," Leo said. Kelen nodded and sat down right where she was. "I'm really scared of what he's going to do me," Kelen said, bringing up the current crisis. "I know," Leo said. Kelen brushed a lone tear off her cheek. "No you don't," she said. "You're right, I don't," he told her honestly. "My brother hates me," she said. It was like this new confidence and trust she had in them that made her tell them all her fears. "What?" Donny asked. "He hates me, he told me so," she repeated. Her voice turned into a single tone of words that had no emotion in her. "I guess that's my fault too," she said in monotone. All at once she started crying and flopped backwards onto the floor. Leo came over and pulled her up. "You have to get a hold of yourself," he said. Kelen tried to slow her breathing and took a few deep breaths. "I have no idea what's wrong with me," she said shakily. "Your exhausted and this whole thing is surprising you," Donny told her, "You should go back to sleep for a little while." Kelen decided that sounded like a good idea. "I'm so sorry guys, I have no right to put you through this," she apologized. "You have the right to do anything after what you've been through, in fact, you're taking this much better than I could," Leo said reassuringly. Kelen gave him a quick hug and headed upstairs. Raphael followed her.
Kelen shut her blinds to bock out the morning light that was trying to get in. She relaxed herself on her bed but couldn't close her eyes. She was too afraid. Raph knocked on the door and came in. "How ya doing?" he asked. "Been better," she said. He came over and sat next to her. "Try to sleep," he said. She shook her head. "I'll be right here, nothing is going to happen," he tried to comfort her. "Will you stay with me?" she asked. He nodded. She pulled on his hands and he lay down next to her. She found her way into his arms and he held her. "Close your eyes," he told her. She sat up a little and kissed him. Then she laid back down in his arms. He felt a strong feeling for her right then and knew he had to tell her. He wanted to know if she felt it too. "Hey Kel?" he asked. "Hmmm?" she responded. "I need to tell you something but it might freak you out," he said. She sat up. "What is it?" she asked. "I think…" he blushed a little, "I think I'm falling in love with you." He wished he hadn't said it. What if she didn't feel the same way? She looked right into his eyes. "Really?" she asked. "Yeah," he said. She leaned over and kissed him. "I think I am too," she said. He leaned over and kissed her back. His kiss lasted a few moments longer. "Good," he said. Kelen smiled and lay back down in his arms. And for the first time, Raphael felt what it was like to be in love.
At 4:00, Raph woke up. He kissed Kelen lightly and went downstairs. Leo informed him that Splinter was back and they were going home for a couple hours to explain the situation and get everything they would need while they were protecting Kelen. Raph sighed, "Should we bring Kelen?" he asked. "No, let her sleep. She might be up all of tonight," he replied. "Do you really think she'll be alright by herself for a couple hours?" Donny asked. Leo nodded. "We won't be gone long and she'll probably sleep the whole time," he said. Just then the doorbell rang. Lauren popped up from the couch. "I'll bet that's Trent," she said, trying to sound happy. Lauren walked through the living room, game room, and entryway before she reached the door. As soon as it opened, two large Labradors bounded into the house. They jumped on Lauren and licked her face. Despite their size, Trent and Kelen's dogs had always been very friendly. The chocolate Lab was named Rolo, Kelen's favorite candy. They were little chocolate circles filled with caramel. The yellow Lab was partly blind from age and was named Popcorn. Popcorn was still very happy to be there, but not nearly as hyper as Rolo, who Kelen called a puppy at heart. In the doorway stood Kelen's Brother Trent, who looked nothing like Kelen at all. He had strawberry blonde hair and freckles dotting his nose and the upper part of his cheeks. He also had the height in the family. His dull green eyes looked very worried as they searched for Kelen. "She's asleep," Lauren told him. Trent turned his head toward her and smiled weakly. He gave Lauren a kiss on the cheek and pushed past her into the house. "How is she?" he asked. "Okay, I guess," Lauren told him. "How are you?" he asked directing his attention to Lauren. "I'm good," she smiled. "What's this about a surprise?" he asked, patting his dog's head. "Follow me," Lauren said with a sigh. Trent followed her through a few rooms before they entered the living room. Trent stepped in. As soon as it processed his mind that he was looking at four giant turtles, his jaw dropped and he gripped his hand on his dog's collar for support. This didn't help much since as soon as Rolo saw new friends, he wasted no time in jumping up on them and licking their faces and sniffing their feet and legs to find out where they lived. Rolo barked an approval and Mikey squished his face in his hands and talked to him in puppy talk while Raph just rolled his eyes. Leo chuckled a little and then gave Trent his attention. "Hi, I'm Leonardo," he said. "Ummm…hi," Trent said. "You must be Kelen's brother," Leo said. "Yeah, I am. And you guys are?" he asked, very confused. "We're friends of Kelen's," Donny replied. "Don't forget boyfriend, dude," Mikey added, pointing to Raph with a grin. "Alrighty then," Trent said, more confused than ever. Donny motioned for him to take a seat and went over the mutagen story in complete detail. When he was finished, Trent was smiling. He was studying chemistry in college and this all fascinated him. "That's incredible," he said, obviously impressed, "When did you meet Kelen?" he asked. "About eight months ago," Donny told him. Trent nodded. He quickly backtracked over the events and found the one he was looking for. "Did you say one of you is Kelen's boyfriend?" he questioned. Raph suddenly realized Trent might not accept this, but took his chances. "Yeah, I'm Raphael," he said. Trent nodded again. "Cool," he said, "Hope you're taking good care of her." They all looked surprised at how easily Trent had accepted this. "Geez, Trent, she's not a dog, she can take care of herself. By the way, if you're living by yourself, do you eat frozen waffles and rice every night?" Lauren asked him, remembering his lack in cooking. Trent just smiled and hooked his ankle across his leg. "I'll tell," he said too sweetly. "Shutting up! By the way, you look good," Lauren quickly said. Donny looked at her and asked, "Tell what?" She quickly replied, "Nothing," and kissed his cheek. "Is he your boyfriend?" Trent asked. Lauren nodded. "So, you have a boyfriend?" Trent asked again. Lauren nodded again. Trent burst up laughing with the thought that Lauren had a boyfriend since she rarely ever did. Lauren tackled him to the ground in a split second. They realized she was just as much his sister as Kelen was. Leo was actually anxious to watch Kelen play little sister for a while. "You win!" Trent gasped hoarsely as Lauren got him in a headlock. "When did you learn to do that?" Trent asked, rubbing his neck. "I grew up with two brothers, a sister, you, and Kelen. It wasn't a learning thing, it was survival," she informed him. They all smiled at Lauren who they knew was much stronger than she came off as. "Look, we were just about to head home. We'll be back in a couple hours. We need to get a few things and explain things to our sensei. Why don't you come along and meet him?" Donny offered. Trent agreed. Lauren asked if she could come too and they let her. Raph quickly went to the kitchen and scrawled out a note for Kelen. Then he softly moved upstairs to her room and put it on her nightstand. He lightly kissed her lips and then walked out to the car.
Kelen awoke just forty-five minutes after they left. She got a little freaked out when she saw a note on her nightstand, but realized it was Raph. It read: Hey Kel, we went home to get some stuff and give Splinter the update. Call if you need something. We took Lauren and your brother (who by the way is here.) We'll be back soon.-Raph.
She was terrified at the thought of being alone. But that fear multiplied when she heard someone downstairs in the kitchen. She grabbed her phone and quickly dialed the numbers. Donny answered. "Hello?"
"Donny it's me."
"Hey Kelen, you up?"
"Someone is in the house."
"What?"
"Someone's in the house! I hear them in the kitchen. I'm really scared please come home now."
"We'll be right over. Don't panic. Just lock your door and sit tight for a couple minutes."
"Okay, hurry!"
The phone clicked off. Kelen tried to calm herself and got up to lock the door. She walked briskly over to the door and the clicked the lock in. It didn't stay. She tried it a few more times before she realized that the reason it wasn't locking, was because someone was turning the knob on the other side.
*Please review. Ideas and comments are always welcome. I'll give them a good home.
Lauren placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of Kelen. It was their depression food. Next to it, she put an entire bag of marshmallows. Lauren took the chair next to her and sipped at her own cup of hot chocolate. There was an uncomfortable silence between them. Lauren twirled the cup around on the counter, it made an annoying sound which Lauren seemed oblivious to. Kelen picked up a marshmallow and tossed it into Lauren's cup. Lauren stopped and looked at it. Then she looked at Kelen. She was smiling through her tears. Lauren reached over and gave Kelen a hug. "I'm really sorry," Kelen told her. Lauren nodded. "I know. It's okay. I think I get why you didn't tell. But I'm really worried about you. There's more pain in you than I knew. And you really surprised us all tonight with this horrible thing that's happened and then you looked ashamed of it. I would be too, but I mean, it's not like it was your fault or anything," Lauren said, scrambling for words. Kelen's head snapped up and her eyes grew large. "What?" Lauren asked, wondering what had triggered this emotional outburst.
Before she could gather her thoughts, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. All the guys walked into the kitchen, completely uncomfortable. They didn't know what to say to her anymore and were at a loss for words. Kelen sensed this. She got up and walked over to the garage. It had carpet on the floor and was completely furnished, including drywall. They parked their car in the driveway. She entered the room and turned on the light. Then she walked over to the couch and sank into it in a deep state of depression and fear. Lauren could deal with them first. She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want them to say they were leaving. She didn't want Raph to break up with her. She didn't want them to walk out of her life just like everyone else she had ever cared about. When she heard approaching footsteps, she got up and locked the door. Then she returned to the couch and threw herself back onto it. She watched the doorknob try to turn a few times. Then someone knocked. Kelen didn't answer. "Kelen," Donny said, "can you let us in?" Kelen shook her head as if they would hear it. "Kel?" Donny said again. She took a blanket off the back of the couch and covered herself with it. She heard a sigh come from the other side of the door. Then she heard rattling noises come from the doorknob. 'Oh, right, they're ninjas. They pick locks. Great,' she thought. Just then the doorknob turned and the door swung open. "Hi!" said Mikey cheerfully, trying to break the mood. The corners of Kelen's mouth twitched and she pulled the blanket above her head. 'Here it comes,' she thought. "Kelen, we'd really like to talk to you," Leo told her. Kelen uncovered her head. "I know!" she shouted, "You're leaving, right? This is too much to handle and you don't understand it so you're going to leave! It's happened before, so just leave already and spare me the drama!" They all were a bit taken back by Kelen's harsh tone and it took a while before her words sank in. "That's what you think?" Raph asked, "In case ya haven't noticed, we haven't done that yet and we've been through a lot of shit together. We just wanna ask you a couple questions about your dad, okay?" Kelen was shocked. They weren't leaving? Kelen had to smile. She even gave a short laugh. "Guess you're kind of used to people walking out on you, huh?" Mikey asked. Kelen nodded, still smiling. Raph sat down next to her and she crawled into his lap. "We're not going anywhere," he told her. She nodded again. "Is it okay if I just clear my head for a couple minutes?" she asked them. "Of course," Leo said. He motioned for Raph to leave but Lauren just shook her head at him. "Just let them be together for a little while, alone," she instructed. Then they all exited the room and left Raph and Kelen to themselves. After she was sure they were gone, Kelen looked up at Raph. "Hi," she said. "Hey," he said back. She adjusted positions in his lap so she was facing him. "Are you mad at me?" she asked worriedly. "I was about to ask you the same thing," he told her. "I'm not mad at you, there's no reason to be," she said a little confused. "I hurt you because you wouldn't sleep with me," he reminded her. She shrugged. "You didn't hurt me, you didn't rape me, and you apologized. I think that gives you a clean slate," she said. He took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm not mad at you either," there was a long silence, "What now?" he asked. "I don't know, what now?" she asked him back. "I don't want this to end, ya know, us, just because your dad's an asshole," he told her. "Me neither," she said, "So I won't let it." He smiled. He leaned in to kiss her, but then hesitated and changed his mind. "Why didn't you kiss me?" she asked. "I wasn't sure you wanted me too," he said. "That's never stopped you before," she told him. He realized what she meant. She didn't want things between them to change now that he knew. He leaned in and kissed her. A few moments later she pulled back. Raph suddenly realized something. He was falling in love with her. He didn't just think she was a beautiful, sweet person who he got to kiss anymore. He was falling in love with her. He wanted to tell her, but didn't know how. So he didn't say anything. He pulled her closer and laid her back into his arms. "Man…" he said quietly. "What?" she asked. He shrugged. "Sometimes I just don't know what to do or say and all I can do is hold you," he said. "I like it like that," she told him, "I wouldn't trade it for anything." He bent over and kissed her again. She turned her head to look at the clock. 5:00 a.m. "Let's go," she said. Raph let her down and followed her into the living room.
As soon as she entered Lauren said, "Please don't hate me." Kelen looked confused. "What did you do?" she asked. Lauren shut her eyes tight. "I called your brother," she said. "You did WHAT?" Kelen exploded. "Calm down. If he's your brother, he'll understand, trust me," Leo said. Lauren held out the phone. "He's on the phone?" she whispered. Lauren nodded. Kelen took the phone. "Hi," she said into it. "Hi, what did you do?" came the voice from the other end.
"I told"
"You told what?"
Oh, right, she hadn't told him yet. Kelen quickly told him the story, leaving out certain details.
"WHAT?" he exploded. Kelen had to pull the phone away from her ear. Everyone heard him scream. Kelen set the phone down on the coffee table. She counted to ten then picked it back up; her brother had been talking the whole time.
"Sorry," she said. He calmed down a little with her apology.
"I need to get you out of there"
"No, if you come here I'll run away"
"Then come see me"
"Can't. He might come"
"Then I'm coming"
"I'll scream"
"Be my guest." Kelen screamed.
"Please hold" she said and put the phone on hold. "Why did you scream?" Mikey asked. Kelen shrugged. "He wants to come here," she said. Leo realized this would mean he would find out about them since they were protecting her. But he felt a brotherly instinct that he often had and knew her brother had the same one. He knew he was worried about her. Leo sighed "Let him come." Kelen looked a little surprised. "Trust me," he said. She picked the phone up.
"Alright come"
"Just like that"
"Yeah, but I'm telling you, you're going to be very surprised when you get here"
"Okay"
"Alright, bye"
"I'll be there as soon as I can"
"Bye"
"I have your address ad number"
"Bye"
"Okay, okay, bye"
"Like I said, bye!" Kelen hung up the phone. She lightly rubbed her forehead. Then she thought of something. "I have a very important game today," she said. "Are you going?" Lauren asked.
"Yep. You get to explain the guys and deal with my ever loving brother," she said. Lauren shrugged, "Okay." Kelen started to walk away, but turned around. "He said he'd be here tomorrow, which means today, and he's probably bringing his life and staying for a month," she said this to no one in particular. Leo looked at her intently. "What?" Kelen asked. "You look exhausted, you're mad and terrified but you're not showing it, and you don't want you're brother here," Leo said, "and I don't want you going to that game." Kelen looked at him in shock. "Then you don't want me to go, but that doesn't stop me," she told him. Everyone's jaw dropped as Kelen said this to Leo. He remained calm though. "Kelen, I know you want to play, but it's too dangerous. None of us can go with you without being seen. I'd be worried about you the whole time. I'm not letting you go," he told her. Kelen gave a short laugh. "You have no idea how important this game is to me!" she yelled. "And you have no idea how important you are to us," he told her. She tried to be mad, but couldn't. Instead she picked up the phone and dialed some numbers. "Hey, coach... Yeah, I know it's early. I can't make it to the game today… I'm sorry, but my brother is coming into town… Yeah….family crisis…Thanks, bye," she hung up. Kelen just stood there for a minute. "Thank you," Leo said. Kelen nodded and sat down right where she was. "I'm really scared of what he's going to do me," Kelen said, bringing up the current crisis. "I know," Leo said. Kelen brushed a lone tear off her cheek. "No you don't," she said. "You're right, I don't," he told her honestly. "My brother hates me," she said. It was like this new confidence and trust she had in them that made her tell them all her fears. "What?" Donny asked. "He hates me, he told me so," she repeated. Her voice turned into a single tone of words that had no emotion in her. "I guess that's my fault too," she said in monotone. All at once she started crying and flopped backwards onto the floor. Leo came over and pulled her up. "You have to get a hold of yourself," he said. Kelen tried to slow her breathing and took a few deep breaths. "I have no idea what's wrong with me," she said shakily. "Your exhausted and this whole thing is surprising you," Donny told her, "You should go back to sleep for a little while." Kelen decided that sounded like a good idea. "I'm so sorry guys, I have no right to put you through this," she apologized. "You have the right to do anything after what you've been through, in fact, you're taking this much better than I could," Leo said reassuringly. Kelen gave him a quick hug and headed upstairs. Raphael followed her.
Kelen shut her blinds to bock out the morning light that was trying to get in. She relaxed herself on her bed but couldn't close her eyes. She was too afraid. Raph knocked on the door and came in. "How ya doing?" he asked. "Been better," she said. He came over and sat next to her. "Try to sleep," he said. She shook her head. "I'll be right here, nothing is going to happen," he tried to comfort her. "Will you stay with me?" she asked. He nodded. She pulled on his hands and he lay down next to her. She found her way into his arms and he held her. "Close your eyes," he told her. She sat up a little and kissed him. Then she laid back down in his arms. He felt a strong feeling for her right then and knew he had to tell her. He wanted to know if she felt it too. "Hey Kel?" he asked. "Hmmm?" she responded. "I need to tell you something but it might freak you out," he said. She sat up. "What is it?" she asked. "I think…" he blushed a little, "I think I'm falling in love with you." He wished he hadn't said it. What if she didn't feel the same way? She looked right into his eyes. "Really?" she asked. "Yeah," he said. She leaned over and kissed him. "I think I am too," she said. He leaned over and kissed her back. His kiss lasted a few moments longer. "Good," he said. Kelen smiled and lay back down in his arms. And for the first time, Raphael felt what it was like to be in love.
At 4:00, Raph woke up. He kissed Kelen lightly and went downstairs. Leo informed him that Splinter was back and they were going home for a couple hours to explain the situation and get everything they would need while they were protecting Kelen. Raph sighed, "Should we bring Kelen?" he asked. "No, let her sleep. She might be up all of tonight," he replied. "Do you really think she'll be alright by herself for a couple hours?" Donny asked. Leo nodded. "We won't be gone long and she'll probably sleep the whole time," he said. Just then the doorbell rang. Lauren popped up from the couch. "I'll bet that's Trent," she said, trying to sound happy. Lauren walked through the living room, game room, and entryway before she reached the door. As soon as it opened, two large Labradors bounded into the house. They jumped on Lauren and licked her face. Despite their size, Trent and Kelen's dogs had always been very friendly. The chocolate Lab was named Rolo, Kelen's favorite candy. They were little chocolate circles filled with caramel. The yellow Lab was partly blind from age and was named Popcorn. Popcorn was still very happy to be there, but not nearly as hyper as Rolo, who Kelen called a puppy at heart. In the doorway stood Kelen's Brother Trent, who looked nothing like Kelen at all. He had strawberry blonde hair and freckles dotting his nose and the upper part of his cheeks. He also had the height in the family. His dull green eyes looked very worried as they searched for Kelen. "She's asleep," Lauren told him. Trent turned his head toward her and smiled weakly. He gave Lauren a kiss on the cheek and pushed past her into the house. "How is she?" he asked. "Okay, I guess," Lauren told him. "How are you?" he asked directing his attention to Lauren. "I'm good," she smiled. "What's this about a surprise?" he asked, patting his dog's head. "Follow me," Lauren said with a sigh. Trent followed her through a few rooms before they entered the living room. Trent stepped in. As soon as it processed his mind that he was looking at four giant turtles, his jaw dropped and he gripped his hand on his dog's collar for support. This didn't help much since as soon as Rolo saw new friends, he wasted no time in jumping up on them and licking their faces and sniffing their feet and legs to find out where they lived. Rolo barked an approval and Mikey squished his face in his hands and talked to him in puppy talk while Raph just rolled his eyes. Leo chuckled a little and then gave Trent his attention. "Hi, I'm Leonardo," he said. "Ummm…hi," Trent said. "You must be Kelen's brother," Leo said. "Yeah, I am. And you guys are?" he asked, very confused. "We're friends of Kelen's," Donny replied. "Don't forget boyfriend, dude," Mikey added, pointing to Raph with a grin. "Alrighty then," Trent said, more confused than ever. Donny motioned for him to take a seat and went over the mutagen story in complete detail. When he was finished, Trent was smiling. He was studying chemistry in college and this all fascinated him. "That's incredible," he said, obviously impressed, "When did you meet Kelen?" he asked. "About eight months ago," Donny told him. Trent nodded. He quickly backtracked over the events and found the one he was looking for. "Did you say one of you is Kelen's boyfriend?" he questioned. Raph suddenly realized Trent might not accept this, but took his chances. "Yeah, I'm Raphael," he said. Trent nodded again. "Cool," he said, "Hope you're taking good care of her." They all looked surprised at how easily Trent had accepted this. "Geez, Trent, she's not a dog, she can take care of herself. By the way, if you're living by yourself, do you eat frozen waffles and rice every night?" Lauren asked him, remembering his lack in cooking. Trent just smiled and hooked his ankle across his leg. "I'll tell," he said too sweetly. "Shutting up! By the way, you look good," Lauren quickly said. Donny looked at her and asked, "Tell what?" She quickly replied, "Nothing," and kissed his cheek. "Is he your boyfriend?" Trent asked. Lauren nodded. "So, you have a boyfriend?" Trent asked again. Lauren nodded again. Trent burst up laughing with the thought that Lauren had a boyfriend since she rarely ever did. Lauren tackled him to the ground in a split second. They realized she was just as much his sister as Kelen was. Leo was actually anxious to watch Kelen play little sister for a while. "You win!" Trent gasped hoarsely as Lauren got him in a headlock. "When did you learn to do that?" Trent asked, rubbing his neck. "I grew up with two brothers, a sister, you, and Kelen. It wasn't a learning thing, it was survival," she informed him. They all smiled at Lauren who they knew was much stronger than she came off as. "Look, we were just about to head home. We'll be back in a couple hours. We need to get a few things and explain things to our sensei. Why don't you come along and meet him?" Donny offered. Trent agreed. Lauren asked if she could come too and they let her. Raph quickly went to the kitchen and scrawled out a note for Kelen. Then he softly moved upstairs to her room and put it on her nightstand. He lightly kissed her lips and then walked out to the car.
Kelen awoke just forty-five minutes after they left. She got a little freaked out when she saw a note on her nightstand, but realized it was Raph. It read: Hey Kel, we went home to get some stuff and give Splinter the update. Call if you need something. We took Lauren and your brother (who by the way is here.) We'll be back soon.-Raph.
She was terrified at the thought of being alone. But that fear multiplied when she heard someone downstairs in the kitchen. She grabbed her phone and quickly dialed the numbers. Donny answered. "Hello?"
"Donny it's me."
"Hey Kelen, you up?"
"Someone is in the house."
"What?"
"Someone's in the house! I hear them in the kitchen. I'm really scared please come home now."
"We'll be right over. Don't panic. Just lock your door and sit tight for a couple minutes."
"Okay, hurry!"
The phone clicked off. Kelen tried to calm herself and got up to lock the door. She walked briskly over to the door and the clicked the lock in. It didn't stay. She tried it a few more times before she realized that the reason it wasn't locking, was because someone was turning the knob on the other side.
*Please review. Ideas and comments are always welcome. I'll give them a good home.