~ Okay another chapter up tonight. That's all the updating for right now, my eyes are drooping :o) Please don't be mad at me, this is a sad chapter, but good.

Ch4 in or out

            A pounding on the door, startled me, making me turn around. I shook my head as I walked to the door thinking I'm going to die from a heart attack before I get attacked by anything again. A girl stood there, very young. She looked up at me, through thistle colored hair that fell over her eyes.

            "Can I help you?" I asked. She simply handed me a note and walked away. I stared after her until she rounded the corner. Running down the hall way I turned the corner and she was gone. There were no doors, no where for her to go, but down the hallway. Looking down at the note still clutched in my hand I went back in my apartment. Slowly with trembling fingers I opened it.

            Melody,

            Please meet in front of the theater. We have news that is of utmost importance to you and your lifeline. Be there at seven sharp or it may be too late. Remember the dog you saw hit by the car? We know she spoke to you and we must explain what she meant. Please do not dismiss this, it is a matter of life and death.

            There was no signature. Should I go to the theater or not? I picked up the phone to call Katie then stopped. I didn't know if I could trust her anymore. I looked around. No family here, no friends. If I go I might see Leonardo again. That's a silly reason, I thought to myself, but still. Knowing I shouldn't, I made up my mind. I taped the note on the outside of the window, and grabbed my coat. I paused at the door looking over my shoulder. We'll find out what this is all about.

            I made my way to the front of the theater. It was currently closed. A man stood by the front doors, it seemed that he might be waiting for something, or someone. I walked up to him and told him who I was. He stood there unmoving. Thinking that this was a mistake I turned to go when I heard the doors open. Looking back the man was gone. Slowly I went inside and looked around. It was stark, empty feeling.

            I sat in one of the lobby chairs, no one appeared for the next half hour. Calling myself crazy I got up to leave when I saw someone walking in towards me. I tried to get a better look then he was just gone. I took a few steps forward when a voice behind me, startles me as I spun around

            "What are you doing here by yourself?" It was Leonardo, and he was sitting in the chair I just vacated. I let out a breath and put my hand on my heart.

            "You scared the heck out of me, Leo," He shrugged and sat there. "Where you the one who dropped that note off at my place?"

            "Maybe I did, and maybe I didn't," Leonardo said, looking at his nails. I crossed my arms while standing in the same spot.

            "Okay, you're acting very weird right now," I said, uncrossed my arms and put them on my hips. "What's going on?" Leonardo walked up to me very slowly taking his time. I took an involuntary step back when he grabbed my arms, bringing my face close to his.

            "Leo," I gasped. "What are you doing?"

            "Listen Melody, it's a cold…"

            "Melody?" A voice from the front interrupted Leonardo. I looked over my shoulder and saw someone stepping out of the shadows. Leonardo let go of my arms and I turned back to face Leonardo but he was gone. Turning around I saw Leonardo emerge from the shadows walking near me.

            "Are you okay Melody?" Leonardo asked.

            "Whoa, Déjà vu to the max here," I said stepping back.

            "What happened," Leonardo came closer.

            "You were here talking to me, then you were there," I said pointing to the front. But you were here holding my arms, then you were there again, and you were not holding my arms anymore."

            "Easy Melody calm down," Leonardo said. "I just came through those front doors, I wasn't here before." Leonardo paused thinking his words over. "Remember Eric?" I nodded, how could I forget? He made me see Leonardo, heard me confess my love for him, and then revealed his true self.

            "Why did you come here?" Leonardo asked.

            "The true reason?" Leonardo nodded. "Because I wanted to see you. I know you are always watching me, always following me. So what can it hurt to actually talk to me?"

            "Because Master Splinter…"

            "Told you not to," I finished. Leonardo nodded. "Well he also told you not to say goodbye, and I'm sure he also told you not to follow me. Why can you do that?"

            "I have to respect my sensei," Leonardo said. "It's about honoring him."

            "Then why are you just bending the rules a little?" I wanted answers. "Isn't that dishonorable?"

            "It's different."

            "How Leonardo?" I asked, spreading my arms. "Please explain it to me, because I don't understand why you must torture me a little, while bending the rules so you can still feel honorable to your sensei." I stood facing Leonardo while I saw him pressed his lips together.

            "Did you know, that my grandmother died, two years ago?" I asked my voice quieting down. "Did you even wonder where I disappeared to for two months?" Leonardo's face showed surprise at my statement.

            "I'm sorry about your grandmother, I remember you telling me how close you were to her," Leonardo said. I continued on like I didn't hear him.

            "At the airport when I came here, I was ready to give up, I couldn't take it." I said. "With my schedule it's hard to make friends and the people from the theater, they always change troops to travel." I took a breath. "If I didn't meet Logan and Katie that day at the airport, I was ready to give everything up right there." Leonardo looked shocked. He stepped forwards and wiped the tears, I didn't know fell, off my cheeks.

            "I found you as soon as I could," he whispered.

            "But you weren't there for me, you left me," I said. "And I want you to either be a part of my life, or get out of it all together. I can't handle you just being a shadow to me anymore." This was it, I wanted Leonardo to give in and say he would stay with me always.

            "Okay Melody, if that's what you want," Leonardo gave me a hug and I relaxed. He was going to be a part of my life again, that made me feel so much better. Then before I knew it, he was gone. Shocked I brought a hand to my mouth that gaped open and looked around. I was alone. Rushing back home to my apartment I rushed up the stairs and slammed the door behind me. Sliding against the wood I sat on the floor, hiding my head in my hands.

            "Oh, it hurts, it hurts," I gasped to myself. Taking a breath I went to get up and only made it two steps before falling to my knees. Crouched down, I lay on face on my arm and hit the floor with my other. There was no denying it, I was still in love with him.