Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Snow greeted the eight passengers on the twisty, winding off-roads. The chains proved much use on the tires to prevent sliding on the icy pavement. The cold air was whipping into the vents with the mixture of the blasting heat. April felt she had the air conditioning and the heater on at the same time.

"Look, Casey. A pack of wolves." April pointed to Casey's side of the window. A group of white and gray timber wolves stood staring on the edge of the road; all their ears perked up with interest.

"Yeah, hey Shadow." Casey glanced in the rear-view mirror. "What do you call them?"

"Woofs." Shadow's voice popped up in the back.

Casey chuckled and looked to April whom smiled.

"She likes woofs."

"Uh, huh."

"They remind her of dogs. And she really likes dogs." He watched her reaction. "I mean, really likes dogs-"

"Casey, we're not getting a dog, you know-"

"Yeah, yeah! I know. The apartment doesn't allow pets."

"Except for cats. Don't get me wrong. I've always wanted a dog but you know the rules."

"Sometimes I wish I was a dog." Casey started dreamily. April rolled her eyes. "Don't have to work, can sleep anytime you want, mark your territory, get into fights with other dogs-"

"You pretty much do all that now."

Casey looked out his window, seeing more wolves emerging. Some were trotting alongside with the movement of the car.

"That's odd."

"Yeah, it would be odd if you were a dog."

Casey ignored her. "I've never seen wolves following a vehicle like this. Check it out."

April looked over. It was odd for them to be behaving like that. She sat back and took a glance behind her to see how the crew was doing after being too quiet. In the first seat in the back, Leonardo read a paperback up against the window seat using the little sunlight that peaked through the scattered clouds. He was well-absorbed into whatever it was, he couldn't take his eyes off it. Michaelangelo and Shadow sat across from each other on the open space on the floor playing cards. He was teaching her a new game he invented but she would occasionally nod off against the side of one of the seat cushions. Donatello held a novel in both hands; the pages were so thick, he didn't have much trouble flipping them with his fingers. He felt someone brush his thigh every now and then and looked to see Shadow falling back and forth against him. He patted her head to snap her out of a sleepy state.

"Good, good." Michaelangelo said. "Try to keep her awake or else she'll be up all night long."

"How 'bout I just dump this on her head?" Donatello lifted his Arrowhead water bottle above her.

"No, uh-uh!" Shadow slid away and pouted to Don's devilish grin.

Raphael, in the farthest back seat, was learning one or two methods of Chess with Splinter but the many turns on the road kept knocking they're pieces over. They both decided to put it away for the moment, giving the opportunity to talk. Raph didn't like the idea.

"You do not feel much like talking, do you Raphael?"

"No." He kicked a leg up and placed a hand under his chin, turning to stare at the moving picture outside his window for awhile.

Splinter nodded and turned away. He wasn't quite ready yet. Now, wasn't the time, anyway. Splinter could feel the pain throbbing in his long fingers and cupped them together with his eyes squeezing tightly. He hated asking as much as doing it, but the pills were helping get rid of the stiffness in his joints. His medicines were always herbs and plants, never coated gel caps. But Donatello suggested it would do the trick fast and easy.

"Donatello?" Splinter finally announced.

"Yes, Master?" Don turned around, blinking.

"I need your water bottle for a moment."

"Oh, sure. Do you need some-"

"Yes, please."

"Right away, sensei." Donatello dug into his duffel bag for a bottle of Tylenol and snatched up his water bottle. With the cap closed, he pretended to pour the water on Shadow's head as he stepped by her. "Whoa, look out...it's gonna fall on you!!"

"Noooooo!" She squealed and ducked her head. Both Don and Mike chuckled to her reaction. "That's not niiiiice!"

"I'm telling!" Michaelangelo mimicked her whiny voice. She scrunched her nose up at him.

"I'm no tattler. Grandpa saw it all, anyway!"

Michaelangelo turned around to see Splinter giving him a look. Donatello stood beside him with a big grin. Mike pointed to Don.

"He did it."

"Ohhhh, kids." Splinter groaned. He then turned to collect the bottle and pills from Don.

Donatello resumed his seat with his book in hand. It was getting good for him. He enjoyed the novels April gave him to read. The newest one was very gripping. Aside from science being his main interests, she got him hooked on a lot of the mystery novels.

The ride went along in silence for awhile. Some of the passengers fell asleep from the hum of the engine making them tired. April rested her head against the chair and had her sunglasses covering her closed eyes. Michaelangelo rested up against the side of the door with Shadow half in and half out of his lap. Splinter rested on the opposite side of the car and Raphael kept his claim near the window. Donatello decided to catch some quick Z's while Leonardo finished his last chapter. Closing the book, he stared at the cover. Ancient Tailsmans of the World. Some think talismans are silly charms worn by superstitious people. If it meant a psychological feeling of being safe from harm, then he didn't have a problem with them. Splinter kept a few in his possession. He had a lot of faith and belief in the silver medallions and Leo was all for it. He too kept certain symbols for different purposes. The book helped him learn more about what each symbol meant and what it's good for. He put the book away and caught everyone dozing off.

Casey started to get sleepy behind the wheel also. Too much driving. Not enough sleep. April was breathing heavily in her seat, her eyes would open occasionally when he hit a bump or made a sharp turn. She opened her eyes just as he was watching her and not the road ahead.

"Casey, look out!"

In the road stood a pack of wolves. Casey honked and slammed on the breaks, sending everyone in the back forward. Everyone was awake, blinking and startled. The wolves didn't move, but stood there silently.

"Goddamn it. Today would be nice to get there!" Casey stepped out with one of his hockey sticks in hand. "Come on, get off the road!"

"God, he's crazy!" April watched her husband scaring off the wolves into the deep woods. The group in the back watched the scene all with heads following Casey running around. One of the wolves was up on it's hind legs, sniffing out Casey's body. Another was sniffing around his large, bandaged arm. Once the road cleared, Casey walked back toward the car, almost taking a bow. April sighed and rested a hand behind his seat. "You're crazy you know that?"

"You have a better idea? Maybe I should have ran them over. Forget turkey. We'll eat wolves for Thanksgiving. How's that?"

Splinter closed his eyes to think deeply. Raphael looked to him in concern.

"Master? You okay?"

His answer was a raised hand to silence him. Splinter remained motionless for awhile. Casey started up the car again to continue down the road. Leonardo started to notice his sensei sitting there quietly. Donatello even put his book away for a moment. He was in a trance. Deep trance. How he was able to concentrate with Casey swearing in the front was something the Turtles wondered about.

Reaching the town of Northampton, the streets looked like a storybook town. Some shops already had Christmas decorations up along with Thanksgiving displays. A little snow drizzled down once they entered a small gas station. This allowed the humans to stretch and use the restroom. The others had to wait patiently. Or impatiently. April walked into the convenient store to get the bathroom key as Shadow played 'step on the dark squares' on the tile flooring.

"Have you had many wolves close by to town? My husband and I caught quite a few along the road up here."

The man thought for a moment before answering.

"Well, ma'am, usually they don't come out when there's a lot of people. They're out mostly in the thick evergreens. If you see a lot, they're just curious about the noises on the road. You know, it's winter time and it's usually the time when many animals are hibernating."

"Wolves don't sleep during hibernation."

"True. But humans do sleep and that means you'd better watch yourselves out there. No sleeping under the stars if you know what I mean. Camp grounds are on constant watch these days. Lots of weird stuff has been happening up there lately."

April stared for a few seconds. Sleeping under the stars? Weird stuff? What a wacko guy!

"Right, well, thanks. I'll remember that." Taking the key, she exited the store, looking to see Casey filling the gas tank. Good, gives her and Shadow time to take care of their business before getting back on the road. "Come on, sweetie. It'll be fun getting you in and out of all those snow pants."

"I can do it." She mumbled to herself.

"Let's just hurry. The guys are probably crossing their legs in the car."

Michaelangelo stared out the sliding door window to see the two girls running toward the ladies room.

"Don, I may have to use your water bottle."

Donatello clutched it protectively. "Sorry, this one's mine. Get your own."

Even Casey took two minutes to take care of his needs. The poor guys were dying in the back of the van, hoping they would arrive at the farmhouse soon. They could take the risk of being seen and use the gas station restroom. The girls returned to the van first. April opened the sliding door and Shadow jumped in to hug Mike whom groaned to her.

"Nooooo, pressure on the stomach! Off, please! Off, off!" He shoved her away and sat cross-legged on the floor. He couldn't move too much. "Damn, is it possible for a turtle to get a bladder infection?"

"YES!" Leo, Raph and Don all said at once.

Casey casually walked out of the men's room, stopping to glance at the road maps and chatting with someone.

"What the hell? No guy ever uses a road map! What's he doing?" Michaelangelo looked out the window.

"He's stalling. What else could he be doing?" Raphael grumbled.

"I'll kill him." Donatello reached for his bo.

"Wait, we can't. He's driving us." Leonardo stopped Don.

"I can drive. Watch me." Donatello said desperately.

April rolled down her window. "Casey, let's go!" He waved and smiled, slowly walking over and around to the driver's side.

"Ahhh, I feel grrrrrreat!" He waltzed in and grinned to the back seat. "Any you guys need to use the restroom? Oh, wait, you can't! So, I guess we're ready to roll?" The group looked to him with eyebrows lowered. "Riiight. Let's hope we don't get lost then, huh?"

Raphael pointed to the glass.

"See this window? Hope you won't miss it. If you get lost, I'm going to jump out and take my chances with mother nature."

"Casey, we haven't been able to relieve ourselves since we left New York." Leonardo stated in a calm manner.

"Yes, Casey. Please, hurry, or we're going to have an accident right here in your car." Donatello spoke in his most serious tone.

"And guess who gets to clean it?" Michaelangelo added.

Casey blinked twice before revving up the car and flying out of the gas station like a bat out of hell. Less then an hour's drive from town, more then three hours on foot, the group arrived to the run-of-the-mill farmhouse in no time. Casey pulled the van into the driveway and finally put it in park. He tossed his set of keys to the back to no one in particular.

"It's the large brass key. Better go in there and not in here."

Leonardo snatched the keys and bolted for the sliding door with the others following him. Shadow backed out of the way before being trampled by the four of them fighting their way out. Splinter slowly walked out and bowed to her. Casey went around to the back as April and Shadow stood shivering by the car.

"You guys can go in. I'll just carry it all in shifts."

April pushed Shadow toward the house. "You go ahead. I'll help Casey with the stuff."

Shadow nodded and stomped up the steps. The door was left wide open from when the Turtles went through it. April took a box and climbed the steps. Inside, the place was dark and stuffy. She moved to the kitchen where she placed the box on the table. What a dusty table it was, too. She heard movement going around upstairs and footsteps on the level she was on. Two bathrooms and five desperate users were fighting to get in. That damn Casey. What a jerk! April shook her head and tried to change her thoughts. Welcome home. Your second home. Enjoy it for now.

April returned outside just as Casey was heading up the steps with two boxes.

"There's a lot more where this came from."

"Thanks for the report!" She mumbled with a grin. She walked around to the back to grab another box, suddenly feeling a presence standing behind her. "Forget something, Casey-" April gasped when she turned to see it was Leonardo. "Oh, Leo!"

"Need some help?"

Did he use the restroom already, or what? If so, dang! He's quick!

"Sure, I guess. We could use an extra pair of hands." April looked to see Casey returning. "Look, I'm sorry about the way he acted at the gas station. I don't know what's gotten into him lately."

"It's not your fault, April." He looked to her arms holding the box. "I'll help you get the rest of the stuff in."

"Thanks, Leo." Casey looked to them before going behind the van. "He'll probably give you something."

"Better not be grief."

April tapped his arm before going through the house. Leonardo walked around to the back of the trunk. He stopped in front of Casey and waited to be handed something, all the while staring with narrow eyes to him. Casey turned and paused, holding a large box.

"What are you looking at?"

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" Casey glared before heading for the steps. Leonardo followed him.

"Act like a jerk at the gas station? Do you think you're funny? If only you knew what-"

"Look, I was just goofing around! You don't have to take me seriously."

Leonardo paused in the doorway as Casey continued down the hall.

"I hardly ever do, Casey. But that was really uncalled for what you did back there. You knew we needed to rest after the long drive and you deliberately took your own time. All I'm saying is, it wasn't right of you to do that."

Casey dropped the box and came back over, looking down to Leo's face and pointing into his chest.

"Maybe you'd like to take this outside, then?"

Leonardo glared back. "You're way in over your head, Casey. I don't want to fight you."

"Well, you seem to be asking for a fist in the mouth, right about now!

"I'm not asking for that. Just an apology would suffice."

"You know what your problem is? You're too damn serious all the time!"

"Yeah? And the problem with you is you're a total jerk!"

"That's twice now, cue ball head! I'm not going to take that!" Casey reached forward and gave Leo a hard shove back. Leonardo just stood there, staring. "Come on, come on! Get angry! Let's go!"

"I don't want to fight you." Leonardo repeated.

"Aw, you're a wuss!" Casey flung down a hand and turned to retrieve the box he dropped. He stood up and saw the group standing in various parts of the room, all watching in silence. "What are you all looking at?" Ignoring the looks, he resumed his walk down the hall toward the kitchen as if nothing happened. April went after him.

"What the hell has gotten into you?" April followed him around the kitchen then sat down.

"Nothing has gotten into me! I'm just having a little fun!"

"You call pushing Leo like that, 'fun'? I'd call it an assault. You really need to chill out with these guys. Leo's not the enemy, you know."

"Look, I was talking about the stupid gas station. Leo's all bent out of shape that I deliberately took my time there."

"Well, you did. Even I noticed you were doing that on purpose."

"You're making it sound like it's a big deal."

"It IS a big deal. I can understand Leo's point. Being on the road for long hours is murdersome on people and with you prolonging their rest time the way you did was just plain rude. You do owe him and his brothers an apology. If not for you, then do it for me."

There she goes. Starting on the guilt trip. If he didn't do it, he'd disappoint her. And he knows she never lets him forget the things that disappoint her. Standing in the room, Casey shook his head and walked out the other exit. Releasing a sigh, April placed the cooking ware from out of the box onto the counter. The first thing she clicked on was Mr. Coffee, preparing to make some for her and the guests. The aroma of the beans soon filled the little room. Michaelangelo drifted in with a wide grin.

"Is that French Vanilla I smell?"

"Yup. Just plugged in the coffee maker. I've been craving a cup the whole trip. Want some?"

"Sure." Michaelangelo went up to the table and pulled out a chair, spinning it around backwards and straddling the cushion. "So, did Mr. Time Bomb leave?"

"He went outside in the backyard. I'm really sorry about-"

Michaelangelo raised a finger, similar to what Leo did.

"Say no more. I've heard the same story many times. I should write a book about it; I know it by heart. Casey's Capers: The Truth Behind the Legendary Hero." Mike flattened his hands to his chest. "By yours truly." April smirked to him. "Sound good?"

"Sounds like something you would come up with. But Legendary Hero?"

"Yeah, it'll give him something to be proud of. We're called heroes, you know? That makes me proud."

"I'm sure it does. Here's your cup." April handed him a cup with a kitten on it playing with a ball of yarn. "Coffee should be ready soon."

"Thanks. Hey, this kinda looks like Klunk as a little kit cat. Now, he's all fat and sassy." Mike spun the cup to see the whole picture.

"You gave him enough food before we left home, right?"

"Yeah, and my neighbor said she'd come by to feed him. She's a cat lover so it's a done deal. I couldn't bear to board him. He'd never speak to me ever again."

"Klunk speaks to you?" April placed an elbow on the table with interest, thinking Shadow should be hearing this instead.

"Oh, sure! You never heard of Kitty language? We chat all the time. I could bore him instantly cuz he seems to yawn a lot in my face. Geez, if I had any nose hairs, they would have brunt and fallen out from his breath. Whew! Warm, raw, tuna is definitely not my flavor of the month." April giggled to him. "But he's a cool cat. Just like his owner. He understands me and I nod to him stupidly."

"Wish Casey would understand me." April slowly stirred the grains of sugar in her cup.

"He understands, he just forgets five minutes later." That made her smile. "Come on, we're on vacation! Let's go sledding!"

"Now? I have to make dinner. You want to eat tonight, don't you?"

"Well, um, yeah, I guess."

April stood up to finish unpacking and check the coffee maker.

"We brought enough food, but then I'll have to go to town to get the stuff for Thursday. You want to help me cook the feast?"

"Does Klunk like catnip?" Michaelangelo jumped up. Then frowned to April. "He's crazy about it."

She laughed. "Oh, good! Then I won't have to suffer over a hot oven by myself. But you have to be up at the crack of dawn."

"No, problemoooo-ohhhh, wait a minute! Crack of dawn?"

"We get up with the chickens here at the farmhouse."

"But all the chickens here are in the freezer. Can't I sleep in till 10 a.m.?" April crossed her arms. "Up until Wednesday night?"

"Fine, lazy boy. But Thursday morning, your butt better be down here by 6 a.m. No later. Got that?"

"Got it." He didn't sound thrilled.

"Good. Drink up." April slowly poured the steaming black liquid into his cup. He took both hands and sniffed the contents. It brought a smile back to his face.

Casey's boots crumpled into the new fallen snow while he walked around the yard. He caught Shadow sitting on the tree swing he installed for her. She tried to push herself without anyone around to help her. Hmm, she was out here the whole time. Luckily, she missed the little outburst earlier. Casey decided to keep track of how many arguments will rage for the next four days. A score sheet might be needed.

"Push me, Daddy! Push me!" Her voice sang out when she caught him standing there. He was glad to see her spunk bounced back.

"Push you?"

"Yeah!" Casey walked over to his daughter and clutched the swing beneath her, slowly walking backwards with her and the swing in his grasp. She giggled softly; her laughter ringing in his ears. "Higher, Daddy! Real high!"

And high he went for a man of over 6' tall. Her uncles could barely get her over their heads at their short height so it was a treat when Casey pushed her on the swing. Releasing the swing, she swooped down, forward and up, kicking her feet with delight. Returning, he pushed harder, sending her in the same direction as before. He couldn't see the fun in all this even when he did ride the swing. It was back and forth and back and forth. So what? Pushing was the dullest part of all. The only excitement he got from it was seeing his little girl happy. Making her smile was what he liked best. He started to move to the side of her just to catch a glimpse of her face. She waved and kept on swinging.

"Guess you don't need me anymore or else you'll flip around the tree."

Casey's smile disappeared when he turned and saw Leonardo standing there.

"Do you have something to say to me?"

Casey stared at him, then looked over to Shadow.

"Not in front of my daughter."

"You said you wanted to take it outside."

Casey straightened up. "So, I did. Are you ready to fight?"

"I'm ready for my apology."

"You know something? You really are pathetic. You should let it go already."

"How hard is it to ask you for a simple apology?" Leo's voice raised as Casey looked to see if Shadow heard him. "I'll drop the subject entirely when I hear that you're sorry. Gone. Dead and buried. I'll never bring it up again. Just say it, and I won't bother you again."

"Look, I gotta go help April with dinner. Maybe later, okay?" Casey started to head for the door.

"Why won't you just admit that you were wrong?"

"Because I would never sink that low. I'm not that kind of guy."

Before Leonardo could answer, Casey disappeared into the house. Leo caught a glimpse of Splinter watching in one of the upper windows. His face showed much pain. Splinter could tell something was wrong but he wasn't fully sure of what it was. Leo knew what kind of guy Casey was but out of respects of his daughter being there, he kept his opinions to himself. Turning away, he started to head back inside to deal with other problems that awaited him.

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