An hour later, Sam hadn't returned. Donny looked at a sleeping Raphael, who'd passed out from exhaustion, planted a gentle kiss on Raphael's forehead and set off to find Jasmine. Two people searching for her was better than one. Hopefully, he'd find her and she and Raphael would reconcile.
I hope so. They're extremely sweet together and she makes Raph happy.
XXXX
Donny found Jasmine sitting on the grass by a lake on the compound forty minutes later. "Hi. Good. I finally found you, Jasmine. I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Why?" Jasmine asked as she looked at him.
Donny sat on the grass and said, "Raph loves you…."
"Raph made it clear that we're done, Donny, so don't go play mediator or anything. It won't work. I don't deserve him after what I did anyway. I'm leaving in the morning. I just came here to collect my thoughts."
"Where will you go?"
"I don't know, but I can't stay here. Seeing him would hurt."
"You're really going to leave Raph? He loves you."
"He ended us. I didn't leave him. I'm sad that Raph and I didn't work out and I'll always miss him, but this is what he wants. I'm trying to accept it. Please don't make this harder by telling me BS that Raph loves me. He doesn't. You weren't there when we fought and you didn't see the hatred in his eyes. He despises me. Please leave me alone, Donny. I don't want to discuss this anymore."
"He doesn't. Raph goes by his emotions and often doesn't think before he reacts. It often lands him in trouble. He was devastated by your actions, lashed out and ended things, but he really doesn't want to lose you. He adores you and wants you back. Please go talk to him."
"This breakup got me thinking about recent events and whether Raph and I are compatible. I have my doubts. He has a vicious temper and he's immature. During one argument, he flew into a rage, manhandled me and dug his fingers into my cloaca to see if I was a man, because he read a text on my phone that said I was. Sam had sent it. I had never been so scared in my life. Raph was angry when I was told him that I wanted to fight for mutant rights and forced me to choose between it and him. I couldn't have both. A partner is supposed to support their partner's dreams, but Raph didn't get the memo. He gripped my arm so tightly during our last argument that it left bruises. The breakup is probably the best thing for us. I can't go through life always walking on eggshells around him and I'm scared of his temper. So, even if he wants me back and as much as it'll hurt to leave, I'm going."
Donny winced when he heard what Raphael had done and said, "I'm sorry he did that, but that isn't my brother's true nature. He just loses control sometimes. He's working on it. As for his immaturity, he's only fourteen. I think you're being harsh about that. Give him a few years and he'll mature. You're only seventeen. It's not like…"
"Yeah. I see he's working on that," Jasmine said sarcastically and showed him her bruised arm. Raphael's fingers had left imprints on it. "He's doing a great job of it. Stop making excuses for him."
Donny pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. This conversation isn't going well. She's gonna leave. I have to try and convince her to stay.
He took a deep breath and said, "Raph's always been the most passionate and most emotional of us. We've all been the targets of Raph's rage, but that's only one side of him. Most of the time, he's a gentle, loyal sweet, loving and kind soul. He loves us fiercely and he would do anything for us, even lay down his life to save us. He'd do that in a nanosecond without hesitation. Raph's extremely sensitive. He can't help it. It's the way he is. Yes, he does lash out, but he regrets it as soon as it's happened and he hates himself for it. He is trying to change. Part of his rage stemmed from his fear of being alone forever. Meeting you meant that might not happen and hope blossomed in his heart. Finally, he had a shot at love and he thought that maybe he could have things he'd always dreamed of: love, a family, babies. He really loves you, Jasmine and is sorry. I know you love him too and deep down, despite all you've said, you don't want to lose him either. Please go and talk to him and reconcile."
"I know. I've seen his gentle side. Yes, despite everything, I do still love him, but I can't be with him. Too much has happened, like I said and I don't think we're compatible. I hope he finds someone else who'll make him happy."
Donny's heart shattered at her words. Raph's gonna be so devastated. I don't know how to tell him.
"I guess nothing I say will change your mind," Donny said. "Will you at least say goodbye to him before you go?"
"Why? We already said our goodbyes."
"I know, but maybe you can part amicably this time. I think you would like that and I know Raph would, if you really are going to leave. You want to leave on good terms, right, and don't want to part with such animosity towards each other?"
Jasmine digested his words. "No. I don't want us to part on bad terms. I'll talk to him, but it won't change anything. I'm still leaving."
"Fine. I'll talk to him," Jasmine said. "But that won't change anything, Donny."
"I understand. I really am sorry, Jasmine. I thought you and Raph were perfectly matched and I hoped you'd be together eternally."
"Yeah. So did I. I had huge hopes for me and Raph, but... I'll talk to him now and get it over with. Why delay the inevitable? I'm sorry if I was rude to you. I know you were only trying to help , but sometimes things are beyond repair. I will miss you and your family, Donny. I had come to think of you guys as my family."
"You can still see us and you are still family."
"No. Raph wants us to have a clean break, so my ties with you all end too. Please take care of Raph and know I will always miss you guys. Be well, Donny," Jasmine said, standing up and then heading towards the house.
Donny chewed his lower lip as he sadly watched her leave. I'm sorry, bro. I tried my best, but I couldn't change her mind.
XXXX
Jasmine gently opened Raphael's bedroom door and stepped inside. He had just woken up and appeared to be lost in his thoughts. Seeing him, her heart jumped in her throat and she was half tempted to say nothing and to leave, but she didn't. Donny was right. She did want to leave on good terms with Raphael and hoped that would be the case. She took a deep breath and steeled herself.
I have to be firm and leave, no matter what happens. Raph and I are too dissimilar to work out.
"Raph, it's me, Jasmine," Jasmine said.
Raphael glanced up and a smile spread across his face when he saw his ex. "Jas, ya came back. I can't believe it. I thought ya'd left. Oh. I'm so happy ta see ya."
Jasmine stepped closer to his bedside and said, "I came here to say goodbye. I'm really sorry for hurting you, Raph. I never meant to kiss that guy. I was so swept away by his charm and his kindness that I lost control. I would never do anything to hurt you. I loved every moment we were together and I'll treasure the fantastic times we shared. You're a really great guy and I hope you find someone who'll make you happy and truly love you. I'll be gone in the morning. I hope we can part as friends."
Raphael's face fell at her words and his heart felt like it had shattered again. He placed a hand over his heart and blinked back tears.
I thought her return meant that we could fix things and reconcile, but she's leavin'. No. I don' want her ta go. I gotta make her stay. I don' wanna lose her again.
"About the kiss and my reaction ta it, I'm sorry," Raphael said. "I was angry and hurt and I lashed out, but I've had time ta think. I don' want us to end. I adore ya and I forgive ya. I know ya didn't mean ta hurt me and it ain't gonna happen again. Let's forget it and…"
"No," Jasmine said, shaking her head. "I appreciate your forgiveness, Raph. I would have been distraught if you'd hated me forever."
"I sense a but," Raphael said forlornly.
Jasmine sighed and then said, "If it was just that, we could salvage things, but it isn't. Your temper frightens me and I think you lack the maturity to be in a relationship right now. You need to grow up and to work on your issues. Every time you're upset about something, you fly off the handle and you don't seem to grasp what a relationship entails. I think it's best we call it quits and see other people."
"Ya want that guy ya kissed, don' ya? That's the real reason why ya don' want me back, ain't it, but ya can't be truthful?" Raphael demanded jealously as his eyes blazed.
"See, you're getting worked up now. You just can't stop yourself. I hoped we could part as friends, but I see that's impossible. You haven't listened to a single word I said and are fixated on that guy. Goodbye, Raphael," Jasmine said and turned to leave.
"Don' go, please. I did listen. I'm sorry. I can change," Raphael tearfully begged. "Don' leave me."
Jasmine reached the door and gripped the handle. Hearing his pleas broke her heart and she was tempted to change her mind and to rush to him and hug him, but she knew she had to leave.
We're incompatible and would never work out. He didn't even listen to what I said and flew into a rage again.
"Wait!" Raphael said. "Yer right. I got a ton of flaws. I know I ain't always treated ya right and I hurt ya. I'm sorry. I know I'm a prick sometimes. I also know that I really love ya and meetin' ya was the best day of my life and it made me wanna be a betta guy and ta do everythin' I could ta make ya happy. I ain't done that. Ya deserve someone who'll give ya the moon. I'm sorry it ain't gonna be me." He swallowed the lump in his throat and said, "I don' want ya ta go and I wish ya'd stay, but if that's what ya really want, I can't stop ya. I'll miss ya like hell and I'll neva stop lovin' ya and wishin' for ya ta return. I'll hold ya in my heart and treasure all the memories we shared. We'll part as friends."
"I'm glad. I…."
"I got a request. Will ya gimme a last hug before ya go?" Raphael asked as he opened his arms.
"Okay. Then I'm leaving," Jasmine said and went to his bedside.
Jasmine sat on the bed and let him hug her.
Raphael buried his head into her shoulder and sobbed bitterly as he thought about all the happy times they'd shared and how much he was going to miss her, the angel he'd thought he'd spend the rest of his life with. He inhaled her heady scent of musk that was mixed with lilacs and jasmine and wondered how he would cope without her at his side. In the short time they'd been together, he had come to really adore her and he couldn't imagine being with anyone else. He didn't want to. No one else would ever compare to her.
"I wish ya wouldn't go," Raphael choked out in a last-ditch attempt to change her mind. "I know a lot has happened and we got problems, but what couple don'? No relationship is perfect. We can work out if we communicate about things. I can change. Gimme a chance ta. If I don' and ya really still wanna go, then do it. I really love ya, Jasmine, and the thought of bein' apart from ya foreva is like a dagger in my heart. Please gimme another chance ta show ya how much I really do love ya and ta be a betta mate."
Hearing his weeping and his words broke Jasmine's heart and destroyed her resolve to leave.
How can I walk away now? I can't leave him. I never really wanted to, but a lot had happened and I had doubts about our relationship. Raph's right. Maybe with communication. rust and the deep love we have for each other, we can work out. Maybe I was too harsh on him. He is a teenager and he's bound to be immature at times. This is only his second relationship. He'll mature with time, right? I fucked up too. It wasn't just him. I should never have kissed that other Raphael. I won't see him again.
"Raph, what do you want for a snack?" Jasmine asked.
Raphael blinked in confusion as he still clung to her. Had he heard right? "A snack? Does that mean yer stayin'?"
"Yes," Jasmine said as she gently pulled away and looked at him.
Hope blossomed in Raphael's heart at her words. Does that mean we're back together?
"Are ya stayin' as my fiancée or close friend?" Raphael asked.
"I thought a fiancée was a close friend," Jasmine said teasingly and smiled.
"Yeah, but ya didn't really answer my question."
"Your fiancée if you really do want me back."
"I do." Raphael said as happiness shone in his eyes. "I can't believe yer stayin' and we're together again. What changed yer mind?"
"You. I was determined to leave, but your words made me question what I was doing and I was realized I was being harsh on you. You don't have a lot of experience with relationships and you are a teenager. Of course you're immature at times. Your temper is horrendous, but maybe you'll mellow with time and get a handle on it. I never stopped loving you, Raph, and meeting you was also the best day of my life. We both fucked up. It wasn't just you. I should never have kissed that guy. We could work out and be together forever if we communicate about things. You're right. We'll start over with a clean slate."
"Yeah. I think so too. I promise ta work on my temper, my otha issues and ta be a betta mate. I'll do my best ta make ya happy. I don' want ya ta regret that yer with me or for ya ta be sad. I can't wait ta tell my family that we've reconciled. They're gonna be thrilled."
"I'll do the same, Raph. I vow to always be true to you and I'll do my ultimate to show you how much I love you every day."
Raphael grinned and said, "Let's seal the deal, babe."
He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips against hers.
Jasmine eagerly returned the kiss as she wrapped her arms around him.
Butterflies fluttered in their stomachs as the kissing intensified and time seemed to stop. All that mattered was the moment and each other.
Raphael opened his eyes and gazed at Jasmine when he came up for air to see if this wasn't a product of his imagination. Reassured it wasn't, he resumed kissing his girl.
I'm so happy I could burst. We're back together and I ain't gonna do nothin' ta fuck this up. I'm gonna do I can ta show her I love her, so she neva doubts me again. As for that guy, whoeva he is, he'd betta forget her, cuz he ain't neva gonna have her. She's mine and will be foreva.
XXXX
Meanwhile, a disguised Leo had arrived in Boston. The bus trip from Manhattan had taken four hours and he'd spent some of it napping. He'd always wanted to visit Boston and he figured the trip would help take his mind off his cheating ex, give him time to himself to think about what he wanted to do with his life and to heal. Boston was also not that far away from New York, so if his family needed him, it wouldn't take long to be with them.
He'd spent the first day, July 14, sleeping in his motel room, which consisted of a closet, a double bed, a couch and a 60-inch TV. There was an en suite bathroom, which had a sink, a shower and a toilet. It was all pretty basic, but Leo didn't mind. He'd never been one for extravagance.
On his first night, he'd ventured to a café for dinner, ordered the clam chowder and read the newspaper someone had left behind as he ate. Then he'd gone for a long stroll to take in some of the iconic sights. He'd returned to the hotel room at 11 p.m., watched the late-night news and gone to bed.
Even though Leo was wearing his standard disguise of a trench coat, he decided he would only go out at night. He wouldn't see as much as wanted to, but his safety was more important. He slept all morning on his second day. Then he checked his e-mails on his phone. He'd bought one at a shop at the bus station. The first e-mail was from Donnie. He said that Raphael's operation had gone well and that they would get results in a few weeks. Donnie had ended the brief e-mail saying that he missed and loved Leo and hoped he was okay and would be home soon. Leo replied that he missed and loved him too and was glad Raphael's operation had gone well. There were e-mails from Mikey and Leo's parents saying how much they loved and missed him and Mikey mentioned that he was taking Brooklyn on a date soon and he was so excited. Leo replied to them too.
The last e-mail was from Raphael. Hey, bro. How are ya? Did ya safely get ta whereva ya wanted ta go? Lemme know. I worry about ya. I had the op and the doctor said it went well and that I'll get results soon. Jas was his asssistant and did a great job. She neva left my side. I want ya ta know that I neva really hated ya, Leo. I was just hurt about everythin'. Yer my bro and my love for ya will neva fade, no matter how much we fight or what happens. I really hope ya'll be back for the weddin'. I've been thinkin' about who I want as my best man. Ya and me have always been close and yer the person I respect and admire most. I want ya to help me with my special day. I wish I were more like ya. If I was, I wouldn't always mess up and Splinter would love me. Anyway, Leo, will ya be my best man? I gotta go. It's time for dinner. I'll write tomorrow. I love ya, Leo. Raph.
Leo smiled as he read the e-mail. It was so good to hear from his little brother after all they'd been through.
Hey, Raph. It's good to hear from you. I'm in Boston. It's an awesome city with so much to do and see. The food is amazing. I think you'd like it. You should come here for your honeymoon. I'll take photos and send them to you. I'm okay. This break's just what I need to heal. I'm relieved the procedure went well and I'm praying for a positive outcome. Best man? I'm honored, Raph. Thank you. Wow. I can't believe you asked me after all I've done and I still can't believe you're getting married. It feels like only yesterday that we were little kids fighting over the TV remote and playing with toys. I am so happy for you. Jasmine is a lovely girl and I hope you two have a long and wonderful life together. I will be back for the wedding. Even if you hadn't asked me to be best man, I would never have missed it, You need to tell Donny to organize phones, so that we can talk. You don't need to be like me, Raph. You're perfect as you are. Dad loves you. He just sometimes has difficulty expressing it. Give my love to Jasmine. I love you. Leo.
Leo pressed send and then he watched TV.
In the evening, he went to a different restaurant, returned to the hotel room at ten p.m. and went to bed.
The next day, July 16, he slept all morning. Then he answered his e-mails. Raphael had replied saying that he was thrilled Leo had agreed and gave his cell number. Shredder had with Jasmine's urging, bought them phones. Leo and Raphael had a quick phone call. Then Leo watched TV.
Leo went out at 8 p.m. and went to a different restaurant. He chose a booth at the back and began to peruse the menu. The choice was extensive and he ended up choosing steamed tilapia with stir fried vegetables and jasmine rice. The waitress took his order and as he waited for his food, he checked his e-mails. There was nothing.
To busy himself, he decided to people watch and as he did so, he saw a pretty brunette and green eyed woman staring at him. She was sitting at a table in front of him. Feeling self-conscious, he pulled his hat down low and focused on his cell phone.
Fuck. The last thing I want is attention. I just want to eat dinner and then to go back to the motel.
The next thing he heard was a voice. "Mind if I join you?"
Looking up, Leo saw the same woman. "I, uh, guess."
"Sorry If I'm forward," she said as she sat down. "But we're both alone and I thought company might be nice. I'll go if you want me to."
"It's okay. I don't mind."
"Are you new to the area? You don't sound Bostonian. Why are you wearing a trench coat? It's July. Aren't you hot in that get-up?"
"Just visiting. I'm from New York. I, uh, like it. It reminds me of my favorite detective."
"Oh. I'm Samira," she said as she extended a hand. "I guess that explains it. New York is full of interesting people. You can call me Sami."
"Leonardo. Leo for short."
"So, Leo, why can't I see your face?"
"I have a genetic disease and I don't want anyone to see that. People scream when they do and it hurts, you know. All I want is to have my dinner in peace."
"Okay. Are you in town long?"
"I don't know."
Leo frowned. This woman is so inquisitive and her questions are making me uneasy. I don't like it. Forget dinner. She can eat it. I'll leave and get a takeway on the way back to the motel.
Leo stood up and said, "It was lovely meeting you, but I gotta go. You can have what I ordered."
He quickly exited the restaurant and hurried to his hotel.
But as luck would have it, he heard someone yelling behind him, "Leo, wait!"
He sighed internally. Fuck. She followed me.
She caught up to him and said, "Leo, stop."
A gust of wind suddenly blew Leo's hat off his head and as he bent to get it, she saw his reptilian features.
"So, that's your secret, huh, Leo?" Samira said. "You shouldn't be afraid to show your face. You're quite handsome. Mutant turtle, right?"
"You're having me on, right?" Leo said, shocked how cool he she was about seeing who he was.
"I'm not. You're handsome and you have stunning eyes. They remind me of the ocean. Listen, Leo, you don't have to be scared. I won't hurt you. I'm not a crazy scientist who'd want to dissect you. I just want a friend. I'm lonely. I've been here for two months and I haven't made any friends. I sense you need a friend too. What do you say?" Samira said and smiled.
"You're nuts," a blushing Leo said. "Everyone else freaks out. Why are you so blasé?"
"Hmm. Well, for starters, you're cute and my gut says you aren't threatening. It's usually right. Two, I don't judge people by their covers, even mutant turtles. Three, I really want a friend and I'm not fussy who it is. So, what do you say? I can show you places tourists don't know and we can help each other be less lonely."
"You gotta understand you can't tell anyone about me if I agree. You're right. I do want a friend and I'm lonely, but I also gotta think about my safety."
"I don't know anyone and I wouldn't say anything even if I did. You can trust me."
Leo thought about what she'd said. I get a feeling that this persistent woman is sincere and won't tell anyone about me. My gut's often right. What the hell. I'm lonely too and having someone who knows Boston show me around will be cool. I'll agree. She's stunning. I especially love her eyes, which are like green jewels. Stop it, Leo. She's just gonna be a friend and that's all you want after that shit with Caska. You don't need more heartache.
"Okay," Leo said. "Sounds good."
"Terrific," Samira said and beamed. "I have to go too. Lights out on the campus is at ten. I'll meet you at the café we met at tomorrow night at eight. Is that okay?"
"Yeah. It's fine. Campus?"
"I'm studying to be a doctor and attend Harvard. I'm nineteen and this is my first year at university and away from my family. They're in France."
"That's fantastic. I'm sixteen. You don't sound French."
"I don't, because my dad was an ambassador and we traveled so frequently, I never developed an accent anywhere. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good rest of the evening, Leo."
"You too."
Leo walked back to his hotel.
What a fabulous evening it ended up being. I met a girl. She seems lovely and not only is she gorgeous, she's smart. Wow. Whoa, Leo! Calm down. You aren't ready to date and she just wants a friend. She said so. She also said I'm handsome, but she was probably just being kind. No woman in her right mind would want a mutant turtle when she could have anyone she wanted. Remember that and treat Samira as a friend only.
XXXX
Leo arrived at the hotel, showered, checked his e-mails and went to bed.
He was rudely awoken by his shrilling cellphone at 1 a.m. "Hello?"
"Leo, it's Donny. Sorry to wake you, but it's important. Jasmine and Raph had a fight and they're done."
"What? What happened?"
"I don't know all the facts. Raph's hysterical. I don't know what to do. You have to come home."
"I'm not ready to come home, Donny. I'm sorry that happened…"
"Oh. So, you're being selfish again?" Donny said hotly. "You abandon Raph when you know he's having surgery to fucking find yourself and now you won't come home when he needs you again. Some big brother you are!" Donny snapped and ended the call.
Leo dragged a hand down his face. Donny's right. I'm selfish and Raph needs me. I gotta go home, but first...
He found a number for one of the Harvard University dorms and dialed it. It rang for ages and then a sleepy voice answered.
"Hi," Leo said. "I know it's late, but I need to talk to Samira. She's nineteen, dark haired and eyed and is in her first year. She wants to be a doctor."
"It's super late, man. Is this an emergency?"
"Kinda."
"Fine. I'll patch you through to her room. I know she is. Please don't call again after ten, sir."
The next sound Leo heard was Samira's voice.
"Hello?" Samira said.
"It's Leo. Sorry for calling late, but I needed to tell you that I'm going home. Something came up. I didn't know your surname, but luckily the guy answering the phone at one dorm knew who you are. I can give you my cell number if you want to stay in touch. I don't know when I'll return to Boston. I just wanted to tell you, so you didn't think I ghosted you."
"I'd like that and it's thoughtful of you, Leo. Is it bad news? Are you going to be fine?"
Leo gave her his cell number and said, "Yeah. I'll be okay. I'll talk to you soon, Sami. Night."
Satisfied that he would still be in communication with his new pal, Leo grabbed his suitcase and headed to the bus station.
XXXX
Leo arrived at the bus station, bought a ticket home, sat on a bench and waited for his departure time.
An hour later, he boarded the bus, sat in the back and sent a text to Donny.
I'm coming home, Donny. You're right. I was being selfish and Raph needs me.
Donny's reply was brief. Good.
Leo settled back in his seat and closed his eyes.
Raph, what the heck happened? You guys were so happy together. I'm coming home, little bro, and I'll talk to Jasmine. Your big bro will fix things and you will have your wedding. I promise.