" He's going to be here any minute, Gabriella. You must not make him wait." Her father warned.
" He's coming to take me away from you, so as far as I'm concerned, he can wait until hell freezes over." she complained loudly, seething the last few words out.
" Do not use that word. I know I taught you better than that." he fumed. "Blast that television! I should have never bought one."
" Then, I never would have learned that word!" she teased angrily, tossing into the trunk yet another pair of jeans and looked at him in defiance.
" Exactly my point." the professor shot back, his patience running out. He shook his head in frustration and left her in a huff. He went to his room to put his sweater on.
He was cold most of the time now because of his illness. The house was never quite warm enough for him - even in the middle of an Indian summer. Perry's health had become an issue over the course of the past decade, but in recent months it had become worse than ever. Maybe it was her fear of losing him, but the professor noticed Gabriella's moods were more difficult. Though he loved her dearly, she was a lot to handle. And, yet, she was also a source of delight and wonder for him, too.
Despite her acerbic tongue and confrontational manner, Gabriella could be sweet and caring. Her love for the professor, despite how angry she could become, saw to his health whenever he became sick. She would nurse sick birds, take in stray cats, and even feed the mice that inhabited the attic! The fact that he was now too sick for her to care for bothered her greatly.
Gabriella had a keen intelligence, which allowed her to memorize everything she had ever read! The professor found that her remarkable memory and ability to learn new things quickly enabled her to master a variety of languages and skills that most would find daunting.
Her inherent physical strengths and prowess also enabled Gabriella to excel in many disciplines of athleticism. From ballet to gymnastics, she was able to effectively execute the different disciplines. It saddened the professor that she would never be able to publicly exhibit what she did so well. Instead, she was confined to the backyard – all due to her unique physical attributes. Performing in a public setting would have drawn too much attention to her and her father was fearful of those who might harm her.
Yet, Gabriella's one talent that Perry enjoyed the most was her singing! The professor eventually sought out training for his daughter. By a stroke of luck, he found a blind voice teacher, who lived just down the street from them. She became his daughter's only female influence and mentor. The results of her tutelage empowered Gabriella with a voice that warmed her father's heart. As the professor thought about her leaving, he knew that he would miss her singing the most while he was in the hospital. He prayed that he would live long enough to hear his daughter's songs once more.
As he zipped his sweater up, the professor sat down on the edge of his bed and thought about his friend who was coming for Gabriella. Jordan knew that his friend had kept Gabriella's existence from being known by the rest of the family in California. Though Perry would have liked the others to be aware of her, Don felt it unnecessary. "They have enough problems right now to deal with." He had told the man. Though this was years ago, the 'secret' was kept until recently.
Now, that the professor's health was such an issue that his daughter needed looking after, the decision to tell the rest had to be made.
At first, only Don planned on coming out to receive her. But, after talking with Jordan the night before, he had requested that one of his brothers' come along. With Gabriella so defiant, it was prudent to have at least two of them to out-number her. Don's valet would take up the slack if things went seriously wrong.
The professor smiled a little, thinking about the other who would soon be arriving with his friend. What would he think when he saw Gabriella? Jordan had recognized years ago how much she looked like her father, even with her strong human features and feminine attributes. Her attitude was a certain give-away, of course. But the way her eyes would practically growl whenever she was bent out of shape reminded the professor of her biological father. The man chuckled to himself as he thought about the way fate was playing itself out. How many times had he heard of disparaging children being told by their parents that one day they'd have a child just like them selves? It had to be the most humorous joke life ever played on mankind!
At first, Don had wanted to spend some time with Perry and to become acquainted with the girl. He had even toyed with the idea of staying a night or two to smooth the transition. But his hectic schedule wouldn't permit it and the doctor wanted the professor at the hospital in New York by that evening. He lived too far away to make it by morning in time for his treatment. It was disappointing at best, but it couldn't be helped. Perry anticipated that his daughter would be resistant.
So far, her behavior was proving that out to be true.
The professor wondered how all of this would affect Gabriella's welcome in California. He was sure that Don, although kind and compassionate, would not tolerate much insubordination from her. Neither would the others! He was not as aggressive as his three siblings, especially compared with the brother who would be accompanying him. But, even though Don was the most patient and quiet of the four, he had impressed the professor over the years as one who did not tolerate insufferable people.
And, Gabby was certainly proving to be that! It was going to be quite interesting to see how Don handled her.
"So be it," Perry finally thought to him self, " as much as I have loved her, I know I have been too lenient. She needs someone who can stand up to her."
With that, the professor stood and gathered his resolve. He wondered if maybe it was too late to teach his daughter anything. With Gabriella's personality pretty much developed, it might very well be. But, there wasn't much he could do about it, now.
As he looked at the clock on the bedside table, he saw that his friend would be arriving momentarily. How he wished he had more of the day to spend visiting with him. But, as it was, he didn't. By the time Gabriella would be on her way to California that afternoon, the professor would be in route to New York, courtesy of his friend's limo service.
Gabriella stopped her packing to grab a tissue. She was crying silently, unable to hold the tears back any longer. With her father out of the room, she could release them. She looked at herself in the vanity mirror and dabbed at her eyes. She didn't want to look a fright when her ride came, despite her resistance to leaving. What little makeup she had applied helped to brighten her light green face. She tried to smile, but another round of sobs escaped her. She just couldn't control her weeping now.... or her anger. Gabriella felt that being sent away was too much like betrayal!
She fussed a bit with her auburn hair, pulling at the long curls that seemed determine to tangle. She wondered if maybe she should have trimmed them before leaving. Her hair was already passed the middle of her back and seemed a mess all the time. But the professor had often told her it looked very becoming on her.
She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. What she saw reminded her of her favorite holiday - Christmas. "Green with red hair - how bazaar I am!" she thought to herself. "Just wait until these people see me! They'll probably run away screaming in terror." Gabriella chuckled a bit, " Then, I won't have to go anywhere!"
She seemed to perk up at that.
Gabriella knew that she was different from regular people. Her coloring and reptilian heritage said as much. Though she was pleasantly attractive with a petite feminine frame, she was still an oddity that made her more insecure than she wanted to feel. Going out in public was just not possible, not unless she was completely covered up. Yet, the way she was built, Gabriella seemed human and was able to wear clothes like everyone else. The jeans and shirt she had on certainly said as much. Despite being a hybrid, Gabriella had enough genetic influence from her mother to express a delicate refined face that was nearly human in appearance. From her prim lips, to a small discernable nose, she was less reptilian than the professor would have thought, given her genetics. In addition, she sported large almond-shaped eyes that were blue and rimmed with a thick set of lashes. They gave her an almost exotic look. To her father, they were the 'icing on the cake,' which made her lovely to behold.
The professor often told his daughter how much she looked like her mother, though the woman's identity was never mentioned. All Gabriella had been told was that her mother was part of a genetic experiment and had died shortly after giving birth to her. It seemed to be enough information for Gabriella when she became curious about such matters.
The girl did inherit some of her biological father's attributes with her skin coloring and texture. Also, she was born with a vague representation of a shell on her back. It was mostly an imprint and flat, which allowed her to have a waist. However, she had five digits on both hands and feet like a human, unlike the three that her birth father had. Except for knowing that he was reptilian and a turtle, Gabriella never asked who he was. She was content with Perry's explanation that she had been a miracle and unique in the world.
It seemed to placate her curiosity.
Overall, Gabriella was, in the professor's opinion, a perfect blend of human and reptilian breeding and quite attractive - all things considered. The professor was confident she would be well received.
" I am sure my friends will not dislike you, Gabby." he had told her the day before. He figured his daughter was fearful of being rejected, considering her own uniqueness.
"I'd rather they not like me - because I'm not going to like them!" had been her tart reply.
But, now, the time was at hand - and Gabriella wanted to stop packing and to just run and hide.
Tall bushes along the sidewalk, shielding the home from public view, bordered the front of the professor's property. It had a half-circle driveway that led cars right to the front door from the quiet street and back out again. This made for ease of entry - and, most importantly of all, privacy! Because of this, it was not hard to tell whenever someone came to visit - which was seldom.
When she heard the sound of a car pulling up to the house, Gabriella gasped in panic. With her heart pounding in anticipation, she walked quickly to the door of her bedroom. The girl looked down the stairs towards the foyer that faced it. Soon, she discerned through the sidelights of the front door a man approaching the porch! Gabriella held her breath, waiting. Maybe it wasn't him. Maybe it was the postman...
And then the doorbell chimed!
" NO!" she exhaled finally, " I'm not ready. " she yelled, " They can't be here, yet. FATHER, tell them to come back tomorrow. I can't leave, now! PLEASE!!" she cried. She went back to her trunk to unpack it, to at least show by the now growing pile of clothes on the floor that she wasn't ready. She was becoming desperate now and, in her panic, started to cry all over again.
The professor came into her bedroom and, seeing the growing mound of cloths, admonished, "You should have been ready.... what are you doing, Gabriella?" he complained. He walked over to put the clothes back into her trunk, but his daughter caught him in a firm hug. She nearly choked the breath out of him, but he then realized that she was crying. He held her and let her weep, the doorbell ringing a second time.
" I don't want to go, Father. I don't!" she cried harder, trembling.
" I know...and it breaks my heart as well." he bemoaned as he stroked her head. " But, when I am well and recovered enough for travel, I promise I will fly out to be with you " He pulled away from her. He looked down into the visage of the only child he ever had the privilege to raise, wiping the tears from her face with his hand. He never had time for marriage, his work consuming him during his early years. But, rescuing Gabriella and then raising her, he had learned to love. It was an amazing feeling to have such warmth fill his heart.
The doorbell rang a third time. Gabriella fell back against her father and held him tightly, her body shaking as she cried.
" Please put everything back into your trunk, my dear Gabby. I must get the door." He said softly, pushing away from her. He looked down at her, brushing a stray hair from her face and kissed her forehead. He then turned and started to walk towards her bedroom door. He looked back and said to her, smiling, " I love you, Gabby!"
She smiled at him in return, just a little, trying to control her weeping.
Then, the professor made his way down the stairs.
Moments later, Gabriella heard the door open, heard a strange voice, heard the familiar voice of her father. She felt the rush of panic all over again. She thought about undoing her trunk a second time, but realized that it would have been childish.
'Childish' was what her father had accused her of being on many occasions, but especially the night before when Don had called. He wanted to introduce himself to her, to prepare her for the next day. But before he could even tell her his name, she told him 'where he could go' - which vexed the professor terribly. Gabby had almost succeeded in slamming the phone down in it's cradle before running up to her bedroom in tears. Her father, however, managed to grab it before the call could be disconnected. He mumbled something of an apology to his friend, embarrassed by his daughter's behavior.
Fortunately there were no hard feelings and if anything, Don had been amused. "Jordan, she sounds like a real corker!" he had replied brightly.
Gabriella now ranted to herself, "How can I be any other way with my father?" She seethed, "How can I not complain, not throw a fit, not understand it? I DON'T WANT TO GO!" She screamed silently and sobbed all the more.
The struggle intensified as she heard the professor call for her to come down. She was afraid to answer; assuming the visitor in the foyer was the one she insulted the night before. Gabriella felt her face flush in embarrassment. Yet, she did not want to say she was coming. Her steadfast resolve to not go and to not cooperate was growing stronger with each passing second. Her anger only grew and then she heard her father slowly trudge up the stairs. She watched as he came to her door, but standing next to him was someone else, a man of Asian descent that stood a hair taller than she.
He smiled at her. Gabriella did not smile back, but looked up at the professor. " So, this is the friend that's taking me away?" she grouched. She tried to appear very intimidating, hoping for all her worth that this stranger would think her equally so! Gabriella scowled and then looked defiantly at him. He remained calm and completely unaffected by her appearance. This was not going as well as she had hoped. Finally, she asked her father, " I guess you've already forewarned him about me and what I look like?"
"Actually, Ms. Perry, I am quite familiar with what you look like. You and my employer have a lot in common." the small man replied. He just stood at her doorway, relaxed and completely unfazed.
Alarmed, Gabriella asked, "Wh - what do you mean, your employer? Aren't you...." and before she could complete her question, the professor interrupted...."This is Thomas, my friend's valet and assistant. He will escort you to the car, Gabby."
She was appalled and defiant. "I'm not getting escorted anywhere. If this friend of yours cannot even 'fetch' me himself, then I want nothing to do with him!" she replied tartly, huffily crossing her arms in front of her.
Perry was about to argue with her but Thomas held up a hand, asking Gabriella, "Maybe you'd like to come down to the car and meet him? "
"And....maybe I won't. If he's so afraid to meet me on my turf then he can just sit there and you can take him to where ever!" Gabriella threw her chin up slightly, her attitude starting to get out of hand again. But she didn't care. They had a lot of nerve to expect her to cooperate when they were forcing her out of her home. She would not budge one inch.
Yet, looking at her father, she saw immediately the affect her behavior was having on him. He seemed paler within moments of arriving at her bedroom door. Gabriella swallowed, not wanting to go any further with her attitude. She didn't want him to have another episode like he had the previous day. So, she shrugged and said, " Fine, then, whatever. I'll go downstairs and 'meet' them! But, he could have shown a little more interest than just sending his servant."
She moved towards the bedroom door and gently walked around her father. However, she deliberately tried to collide with Thomas. He deftly stepped out of harms way before she could connect with him. Gabriella sniffed, glaring at him, and then quickly descended the stairs ahead of the man, with the Professor following quietly.
Thomas seemed to have been saying something from behind her, but Gabriella figured he was whispering to the professor. She ignored him, not the least bit interested in what this stranger had to say.
Before she made it to the foyer, however, Thomas skirted swiftly around and opened wide the front door. Gabriella noticed he had in his hand what looked like a small cell phone. "Did he just make a phone call; was that what I was hearing?" she thought. The girl looked at him suspiciously, hesitating for just a moment and wondered what he was up to. Now, as he held the door opened for her, Gabriella was taken aback. She had just tried to shove him out of her way earlier and now he was being nice to her? She sniffed and shrugged it off, walking through and out onto the front porch, frowning at this tiny man.
Thomas, just as quickly as before, slipped in front of her and down the front steps. He then went to the sedan parked a few feet away.
The professor finally caught up with her. He said softly to Gabriella, placing his right arm around her shoulders and hugging gently, "My dear, I want you to know that I have been friends with Don for many years. He is a kind soul and a fair individual and will take very good care of you. I want you to know this before Thomas introduces you."
Gabriella heard a lot more in her father's voice, though. There was something in how he said his words that indicated this friend of his was not what she had imagined him to be. Maybe what she was about to see would justify having the valet greet her first? Remembering the comment Thomas made about how familiar he was with her appearance, Gabriella felt apprehension as he slowly opened the rear passenger door. She held her breath in anxious anticipation.
What stepped out of the car nearly caused Gabriella to go hysterical. Never in her life had she ever seen anything like it before. Even her own reflection couldn't have prepared her for this.... this creature! He stood a little taller than she, though he was a good six inches shorter than the professor. The creature was green, but wore a long leather coat. If she could label him in some way, he appeared reptilian in appearance.
Then, in the next moment, the car door on the opposite side opened up and another one, but with out a coat, stepped out. This one had a shell on his back that was similar, but more pronounced, than hers. Immediately Gabriella identified him as a turtle. But, he was unlike any turtle she had ever seen before! The face of the first one was the same as the second one, so it was a safe assumption by her that they were both of the same species.
She sucked back a scream and momentarily froze where she stood, wide-eyed and in mild shock. But, that didn't last for long. Faster than any of them had anticipated - and they did assume some sort of reaction - Gabriella turned from the professor and away from the strangers. She raced up the porch steps in an all out run. As soon as she was inside the house, she slammed the door closed - and locked it, just as she felt the thud of someone hitting the other side!
Leaning against the door and hyperventilating in sheer terror, she stood there and realized she had just locked her own father out of the house! But, before she could decide what to do about it, Gabriella saw through the sidelights the two turtles quickly approaching the front door.
"Now what am I going to do?" she cried out. As she continued to observe, she noticed Thomas heading back to the car. He was obviously the one who hit the outside of the front door in an attempt to stop her!
She then saw one of the creatures running off to her right to make for the side of the house. It was the turtle without the jacket. The back door was on that side of her home and it was not locked! However, someone was now working the handle on the front door! Feeling a growing panic, she flew up the stairs and back into her bedroom, slamming the door close and locking it, too!
She stood in her room, trembling in fear. "Why wasn't I told of this?" she whimpered to herself. "Why didn't Father tell me about them, about what they looked like?" She started to cry, realizing in that moment she would have resisted all the more. It occurred to Gabriella that the professor knew her well and she was sure his decision to keep her in the dark about these 'creatures' was deliberate. Her anger started to resurface once again.
As she contemplated what to do, she heard footsteps on the stairs. Then, she sensed someone was at her bedroom door! Spinning around suddenly, she looked at the doorknob to confirm that she had securely locked it. Seeing that it was, the girl relaxed just a little, but then she heard someone speak.
"Gabriella?" the visitor asked.
She recognized his voice from the phone call last night. "It's not Thomas, so it must belong to one of those creatures!" she thought to herself. "What was his name?" she thought, " What did Father call him?" In her panic, she never caught what his name was. However, as he spoke, she noticed the depth and warmth of his words. But, there was also a serious edge to his voice that Gabriella did not like. He sounded like someone who would not tolerate her outbursts. There was patience there, she discerned, but limited if pushed too far. Sometimes being able to sense these matters was not always a good thing, she mused. Gabriella was regretting more now than ever before about telling 'Mr. Deep Voice' where he could 'go'.
" Gabriella," Mr. Deep Voice repeated, requesting patiently, " I would like to talk with you, please."
Her fear changed into indignation! "The nerve of him to think he can just walk right up my stairs, come to my bedroom door, and request an audience with me!" She snorted. Offended by his brashness and quickly forgetting her regrets, Gabriella decided she would tell him exactly how it was going to be!
Swallowing the last sob before it betrayed her crumbling composure, she announced with emphasis, "I can hear you quite well with the door closed." She felt smug at herself, content to have such a snappy comeback. For the first time that day, or the last few days for that matter, Gabriella felt amused. Still, she felt a wave of trepidation come over her and for a moment she questioned the wisdom of her words.
There was silence. She wondered if maybe he had walked away. She was tempted to open the door. But Gabriella looked down and could still see his shadow under the door jam. No, he was still there. "Well, I'm waiting. What do you want to say to me?" she asked coolly, trying to act unaffected by his presence.
Again, there wasn't any response. Finally, after a minute, he implored gently but sternly, " I don't talk to doors, Gabriella, but I would like to talk to you... face to face, if you please?"
"With a face like yours, I'd rather keep the door closed, thank-you-very-much!" she replied quickly. But, almost as soon as the words were out, she was sorry for saying them. Gabriella held her breath, wondering what he would do, now that she had virtually insulted him! She was not without some sensitivity, though it always seemed to come after the fact.
There was an audible sigh from the other side of the door and it wasn't one of resignation. Hearing a slight edge to it, almost a growl, she was now concerned! Would he try to break down the door? She had it locked, so that would be the only way for him to get in.
The visitor gave a brief snort and seemed to have left. The light was now seeping back under the door jam again. But, Gabriella was innately distrusting of that. "He might have moved back enough to give me the impression he left", she thought.
Finally, she heard him descend the steps. He had been waiting! She smiled triumphantly at herself knowing that he had given up. Good decision on his part, she sneered.
But a moment later, a second voice called to her from the other side of her bedroom door. She jumped back in total surprise. She had not heard him ascend the stairs like she did with the first person! "How did he do that?" she asked herself, her eyes wide in concern. The steps had squeaked for years and it was always a dead giveaway whenever the professor was ascending or descending them. Yet, not a sound had been made before the next voice spoke out to her.
"Gabriella, my name is Raphael." His speech was raspier, more edgy. He spoke as if he had a chip on his shoulder and was more than ready for anyone to try to knock it off. Again, Gabriella wished she did not have the ability to discern such things. All it was doing was increasing her anxieties!
She closed the lid down on her trunk and sat upon it, not wanting to be near the door. She waited and found herself somewhat intrigued, though. This one who called himself Raphael was not as obvious as Mr. Deep Voice, not the way he just 'appeared' at her door like he did. With the door locked, though, Gabriella relaxed a little. "Raphael, huh? So, does that mean you're Italian?" she smirked.
He laughed and replied, " No, not unless you know something that I don't."
" Well," Gabriella shot back, " I do know something you don't. I'm not going! Take that to the bank and cash it!" She had enough of these strange people coming to her bedroom door. If they're so cheeky and rude, these turtles could just go back where they came from. She was not going to cooperate. The professor would just have to give his apologies and send them packing!
She crossed her arms in front of her in defiance.
The next thing that happened surprised her so much she fell backwards off her trunk.
The door opened! It had been locked, but this Raphael had just - opened it like it wasn't secured at all!
" Mind if I come in?" he asked sarcastically as he entered her bedroom. He then noticed that she had fallen onto the floor. "Whoa, are you okay?" He quickly started to go over to where Gabriella was sprawled to help her up.
Straightway, though, she scooted back from him on her rear, yelling, "GET AWAY FROM ME! LEAVE ME ALONE!!" She managed to jump up quickly and vault clear over her bed as the turtle reached for her.
He stopped immediately when he noticed her frightful and frantic retreat. Sitting down on the trunk, Raphael just smiled at her. He kept his hands on his lap and waited.
Gabriella could hear the professor express some worry from downstairs, but then heard Mr. Deep Voice assure him that everything would be fine. " So says he!" she complained to herself.
Raphael was stunned by the vision in front of him! She had taken off so quickly earlier, that he didn't have a chance to look at her. Now, he couldn't stop smiling. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he could father something as beautiful as this one that stood before him! Devon, the son he had with Rahab, was as rugged in appearance as himself; not a looker but his personality certainly had made up for it.
Yet, in contrast, Gabriella had refinement and definitely a strong human element. No wonder she panicked when she saw him and his brother outside. Her auburn hair was a startling but pleasing contrast to her green skin. Yet it was obvious by her physical attributes that, despite her strong human features, she was most definitely his daughter. Still, he would not divulge that fact to her until she had a chance to meet everyone one in the family back in California. That is, if they succeeded in getting her there. By the looks of things, he was sure she would give both Don and himself a healthy run for their money!
Gabriella was now 'safely' on the other side of her bed, but 'safe' was a relative term. She could not believe her eyes. It was bad enough outside when he stood up out of the car, but here in her bedroom it was more so. Sitting before her was.... this huge green humanoid turtle.... and he looked intimidating. She was right in determining what they were. However, she had never seen anything like him or the other one before in her life! Even with her own appearance, Gabriella was more human in features than this one sitting on her trunk. She just wasn't prepared for this kind of shock.
She had so identified with the professor that she did not see herself unlike him. Yet, now, as she stared back at this creature, this one who called himself Raphael, she realized how different the professor was from her. He had told her that the people who were coming would understand her. That's all he had said. What he didn't explain were the similarities that she shared with them. This only made her more irritable and apprehensive! It also caused her to wonder where the connection was between her and them.
" Humph.... so, you look a little like me. Is that suppose to get me to cooperate?" she sassed nervously. She was still terrified, but Gabriella was now getting angry that he would be so bold as to sit on her trunk and in her room, no less. "How rude!", she thought.
" Well, it would be nice, yes." was Raphael's reply. Sensing her fear, he tried to put her at ease, saying, "You can call me Raph - for now."
" Maybe I won't call you anything and then you can leave!" she shot back.
He laughed, appreciating her tart reply.
She glared at him. One thing Gabriella did not like was being laughed at. She became more angry and sullen as she stared at Raphael, her head down in defiance. She crossed her arms in front of her belligerently.
Raph just sat there and stared back at Gabriella in return. He saw defiance in her eyes and it almost made him want to laugh out loud. Raph realized then he was getting his just desserts for giving his own family the kind of grief he had dished out to them for years.
She looked away since she was feeling uncomfortable with him looking at her, but that didn't stop him. " If you don't quit staring at me," she barked at him.
" Or - you'll do what?" he replied casually. He was not going to be influenced to leave, that was certain. She could sense that. This Raphael seemed like he was perfectly capable of just picking her up and taking her right down to the car, despite any struggle she could offer. He was well built and looked like he had done weights, or something strenuous, his whole life. To Gabriella, he was terribly intimidating!
Then, the other turtle with the coat - obviously Mr. Deep Voice - appeared at her doorway, which gave her a start! The opening had been empty and then, in one moment, he was there! "How'd he do that?" she asked herself. His sudden appearance gave her the shivers.
This turtle was a little more olive green in color and darker. He gazed at her and smiled thinly, but it was a different kind of smile than the one Raphael had given her. It was more of a strained pleasantness and it was obvious to Gabriella the insult she had hurled at him earlier had hit it's mark.
" Great," she muttered under her breath. " He's ticked-off! Like I care!" But, in that instant, she realized she was near her opened walk-in closet and where the attic stairs were. She forced herself to not look in that direction, yet she was aware that the steps were down!! She had been bringing out personal items to pack that she had stored up there! The best part was, her closet door had locks on the inside!
She had found the locks years ago in her early teens while she was rummaging around in the basement, bored with nothing to do - until she found them. She then took them and installed the locks on the inside of her closet and the attic. In that way, she was able to seal herself in whenever she didn't want to be bothered. It was her refuge and the professor allowed her to have it. Whenever she would be in one of her fits, she would often go there to fume. Gabriella would then stay in the attic for hours. For the professor, the beauty of it was, she was still inside the house and not running around the neighborhood.
But, for his daughter, with her limited world, it was a boon for extra space - and, now, a safe haven from these strange creatures!
She feigned defeat, lowering her eyes. Then, she began to sit down on the side of her bed in a slump. The one who was Raphael relaxed his posture and the other by the door did likewise. They were unaware of the attic stairs! It wasn't lost on Gabriella, either.
Suddenly, in an instant, she shot into her closet, closing and then locking the door swiftly.
Believing that Gabriella had given up, the turtles' were not quite prepared for her change of plans. She had moved so quickly, they weren't quite fast enough to catch her before she had the door closed. They hit the obstacle with a thud as the locks inside were initiated! Both swore in surprise.
Gabriella stood there, breathing quickly with the rush of adrenaline. She could hear one of them - Mr. Deep Voice - comment, " She did it again! Man, we must either be getting old or she's fast!" His voice was just edgy enough to make Gabriella rethink her actions. Still, she kept the locks in place!
Then, she heard the one named Raph call out to her on the opposite side of the closet door, "Hey, Gabby, I thought you were twenty-seven..." he complained. "Not seven! Quit acting like a baby and open the door! You know I can get in, lock or no lock!"
He seemed a bit upset with her, she thought to herself nervously.
Gabriella's hand was on the doorknob and felt it jiggle slightly as Raph took hold of it on his side. That's when she slid the deadlock into place. She could hear him groan and then curse when he realized what she had done!
She stood there, contemplating what to do next. She was basically trapped since the closet door was the only exit for her, even with the attic as refuge. But, she was not going to give up. With the size of the attic, Gabriella was sure there were other doors undiscovered. Until now, there was never any reason for her to explore that option.
However, Raphael was not defeated and began to work the hinges on the door. In panic, Gabriella quickly ascended the steps. She then pulled the stairs up, yanking the cord in along with her and then locking the apparatus securely from inside the attic. No way were these creatures going to get at her!
Raph was mumbling something about discipline and spoiled brats as he began to remove the hinge pins on the door. He then complained, "You know, Donny, you could have found time before today to introduce yourself to her."
"Sorry, but there were other responsibilities that demanded my attention. Believe me, more than anything, I wanted to do that." Don replied. However, he was quite impressed by Gabriella's quick action. With a smug grin on his face, he sniggered, "But I guess that confirms it!
Raph was struggling with the last hinge pin, which had been painted over several times and was determined not to budge. "What's that? " he growled as he grit his teeth, his fingers finally releasing the stubborn pin.
" She's your kid!" Don whispered, chuckling. He was still ticked off at the insult this young woman had thrown at him earlier, but he was noticing some similarities she shared with Raph's acerbic tongue. "She sounds just like you, in fact." and he chuckled softly.
" Oh, ha! I'm so amused." Raph shot back derisively. " But she's smart, so there's some Donnie there, too!" He said in a near whisper, not wanting to be overheard by Gabriella.
" Hey, weren't my boys that made her. She's all yours, Raph, my man!" Don breathed, giving another soft laugh, and patting his brother on the shell. "Have to admit, she is crafty. Do you think she'll come out fighting?" Don asked patronizingly.
Raph had a puzzled look on his face as he freed the door from its frame. " Wha' the?" he exclaimed. "She's GONE! Where'd she go?"
Don came over to the closet and peered in. Sure enough, it was empty, save for the few remaining clothes that were obviously holdouts from Gabriella's younger days. " Yeah, but where could she go?" Don was puzzled, too. Then, he looked up at the ceiling in the closet and saw the attic door. "There, she went up into the attic!"
Raph tried to pry his fingertips between the ceiling and the bottom-side of the steps, but even when he found purchase, he couldn't pry it opened. " Must have locked it from the inside. Should have brought my sais." He swore as he turned towards Don.
Don turned and left the room, skipping down the stairs. Thomas had been asked to stay outside to guard the front door, just in case Gabriella managed to slip by them. The professor was now back in the house and waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Don asked as he came off the last step if there was another way into the attic. Perry thought about it and then remembered, " There's an access that connects the garage to the attic. Used to have stairs there, if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure if it's completely opened to the house anymore."
"Don't worry about it, Jordan. Just take a seat in the den and we'll handle everything. We'll be gentle with her." Don said as he motioned the professor into the adjoining room. He saw the look of concern on the man's face and, more notably, the man's pale complexion. He was not feeling well; Don could easily discern that. It made him angry about what Gabriella was doing to him. As Don took the professor's arm to steady him, Jordan flinched.
"What's wrong with your arm?" the turtle asked him, concerned and alarmed.
"Nothing serious. Gabby accidentally bumped into me last evening and I lost my balance. It was an accident, she didn't mean to. But, she was so upset...." Jordan answered as he weakly sat down on the stuffed wingback chair. He rested his head against the headrest, looking obviously frail and tired.
Don seethed; he read the denial in his friend and realized that Gabby had injured him! Accident or not, she was one very obstinate and undisciplined young woman. "She will definitely learn a few things in California, that's for certain." Don thought.
He then shot back up to the girl's bedroom. He whispered to Raph, " You stay here and watch this door. I'm going to try to flush her out through the garage. We may have to dart her if she fails to cooperate. I don't want the professor any more upset than he is. All of this stress she's generated has him so worn out. If she were my kid...." and he growled the last statement as he left the room to descend the stairs, again, heading for the garage.
Raph waited just outside the closet door. His hand absentmindedly toyed with the dart that was prepared with the sleeping agent. Before today, these two had been forewarned by the professor that Gabriella would not be compliant with the move. The insult she had thrown at Don on the phone the day before and this current behavior of hers only confirmed that fact. Even worse, she had looked at them in complete abject horror! It was not going to be an easy transition for her, that was obvious. Raphael sighed.
Gabriella had switched on the light and was now wandering about the attic, confident that there wasn't any other way to get in there. She considered the garage area, but there was a large armoire and bunch of other junk and furniture along the common wall between it and the house. She didn't think that there could be anything of importance at that end. But, she couldn't find any other door. So she went over to check the armoire area anyway, just in case.
Gabriella just couldn't imagine herself going with these people. They were just too strange for her. What with their strong reptilian appearance and the way they moved, she felt completely intimidated. What was the professor thinking about anyway, arranging for her to be taken by them? Who were these people? She was trying her best to keep her emotions under control, to not lose it and then blubber all over the place. Her panic had now turned to anger as she mulled over the turn of events.
She thought again about the professor and suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for making so much trouble. What was she thinking, locking him out of the house like that? For crying out loud, she was twenty-five! How did twenty-five year olds act, anyway? Did they behave like the professor, all serious and stuffy? Or did they manage their life and their emotions the way Gabriella did - haphazard and erratic?
Her blind voice teacher was her only other 'example'. She was a kind lady, yet somewhat stern when it came to following her directions. Gabby loved to sing so her cooperation and obedience was easy to give. Yet, Mrs. Cannes never saw too many of Gabriella's fits and was more business like in her relationship with her student than that of a mentor. She was nice, but not much of an influence on daily living - as far as the girl was concerned.
Gabby desperately wanted some balance in her life, though. But for as long as she could remember, she was always one step away from a tantrum or a good argument. How she wished she could have more restraint...but, the professor had never been able to control her and ...
Then, suddenly, as she was inspecting the armoire, there was a noise coming from the other side of it! Could a door be there? She looked hard and then saw that the wardrobe had moved a little. She also heard muffled grunting, like it was coming from the other side of the furniture! She realized then that there was indeed another exit - but there was someone already there. Probably one of those turtle creatures!
Gabriella looked around desperately. Where could she hide? She had this gut feeling that the other one was still in her bedroom. That exit was definitely out of the question. So, she ran around one end of the attic where it turned and dipped towards the front of the house. Just by the lay of the roof it afforded her some form of cover. But, it wouldn't be enough. She found a spot along one wall where there was a discarded desk. It stuck out sideways from the structure with a pile old clothes were on top of it. She dove quietly in behind the desk, ducking out of sight. Pressing up hard against the wall and sitting down, she listened intently. Gabby heard something crash and figured it must have been that tall wardrobe. Shortly, as she looked carefully around some of the clothing, she could make out one of the turtles. It was the one with the coat - Mr. Deep Voice himself!
He came around the bend in the attic as he casually looked behind and in between the collection of antiquities stored there. He hadn't seen her yet, so she quickly ducked her head back behind her cover. Gabriella tried to make herself as small as possible. She hunched over and drew her legs up, leaning over them and hugging them to reduce her height even more. She huddled quietly, holding her breath!
She never caught his name, but the turtle in the attic with her was the one she did not want to tangle with. He was the one she had insulted earlier and she was pretty sure the night before on the phone. Heck, when she thought about it, she didn't want to tangle with either of them for that matter!
"Gabriella, my name is Don. I still want to talk with you." he began, " There's no place to go, now. We have both exits covered. You're making this more difficult than it needs to be and it hasn't been good for the professor!" He tried to appeal to her affection for her mentor. His voice was warm, but there was a slight edge to it that indicated he was pretty peeved at the moment.
Don didn't like having to topple furniture and he was sure the noise had alarmed Professor Perry. However, it couldn't be helped. Besides not having much leverage on the other side of the door, Don found that the armoire had obviously been in the attic for many years. It had been stuck to the floorboards. Try as he might to move the furniture carefully, it wouldn't budge. He struggled to maintain his balance on what was left of the stair landing in the garage. In finality, he was forced to push harder and that was when the armoire had suddenly given way and toppled over. "So much for being careful!" He had complained under his breath.
As he moved through the attic and spoke to Gabriella, he tried to convey sincerity. But, it did nothing to entice his prey to reveal where she was. Don looked around the attic as he searched, continuing to speak out to her, " I know you care about the professor. We all know this. We only want what's best for him and for you." He paused as he peered behind the last pile of stuff before setting his sights on where he was certain Gabriella was hiding; "Surely you know your father would not put you in harms way?" He could sense her, now, and her anxiety was quite evident. Don straightened up and walked casually closer to Gabriella's hiding place. He surveyed the surrounding area and noted that she would have to move amazingly fast and be as agile as he or his brother to successfully get passed him. He was ready for her, confident that she was trapped!
Gabriella swallowed, very concerned that maybe she was out of control again. Still, the very thought of leaving her father had created a sizable lump in her stomach and a duplicate one in her throat. She was on the verge of crying again, more out of panic and definitely out of anger. She was not one who complied eagerly when forced to do something against her will. She did not answer Don, but kept as quiet as she could.
That is, until a mouse appeared!
It had been stirred out of its nest and was now sizing up the interloper, which had not noticed the tiny rodent. Don's movement through the attic, though, caught the attention of the mouse. As Don closed in on it's and Gabriella's location, that's when the tiny creature made it's move. It scurried right passed Gabriella's position. It ran right over her feet as it dashed away from her and the other intruder. The girl tried to stifle her response, but it was too late.
Leaping up in vocal surprise at the mouse, Gabriella stood like a statue before Don! She saw that he was about fifteen feet away and seemed relieved to have her standing before him. The look on his face said as much. But the moment Gabriella was exposed, she swore under her breath. She had been so surprised. Mice normally didn't bother her, but its sudden appearance was startling. Cursing herself, she sized up where Don was and where that new exit might be. She knew he had toppled the armoire. Therefore, Gabriella assumed she would have to maneuver quickly around the mess to make it out the second exit.
That is, if she could get passed Don first!
He noticed her eyes dart in the direction of the now broken wardrobe and the second attic door. Don warned her, " I know you're considering the door by the garage, but I want you to be aware you will not make it. I am better equipped and more experienced than you are! It would go well for you to concede this ridiculous game and act your age. " He was still thinking about the professor's health and he was concerned for his friend. He fingered the dart in his coat pocket. He really did not want to knock the young woman out, but if she persisted...
No response. She just stood there, unable to say anything. Gabriella started to shake in fear, the lump in her throat now growing considerably larger.
Continuing his plea, Don entreated, " I know that my brother and I look very different to you. We will not harm you - I can assure you of that. As you can see, we have a lot in common!" he said brightly, hoping she would respond in some way. When Gabriella didn't, he sighed and aimed for her heart, "The professor should not see you get carried out of here. You need to be strong for him, regardless of how you feel right now." Don tried to appeal to her intellect and, again, how she felt for the man downstairs. "I promise you this, Gabriella. I will let you call him as often as you want. And when he is better, either I will have him flown out to California or I will fly you back personally myself for you to see him. I give you my word!" He was sincere - and Gabriella could sense it. Drat that gift of hers, she thought angrily!
She had been baited. She knew this person was right - as strange as he looked to her. How upsetting it would be for her father to see her get carried out of the house. And how would they do that anyway? Would they tie her up? Maybe they would drug her? She didn't know. But, Don's words finally penetrated Gabriella's stubborn resolve.
Her eyes welled up. She shook more as she tried to fight back the deluge. She tried very hard! But the overall experience of being chased, cornered, and found out, not to mention the intense emotions over the past two weeks, finally took its toll. She sat back down behind the desk in a heap of sobs, leaning against the wall behind her. "I don't want to go!" she wailed, burying her face into her knees and wrapping her arms around her legs in despair. She then felt arms around her shoulders as Don came over to comfort. He crouched down next to her and let her cry where she was for a moment.
"The professor would not have involved us unless he trusted us - you do realize that, don't you?" Don implored softly. He watched her intently and felt a wave of compassion for her. Though he was still thoroughly angry with her, he could understand her perspective with the strangeness of it all. Living her entire life up to this moment with a human and without the stimulation of others would stifle anyone's maturity and outlook on life in general. He was trying to understand her.
Gabriella did not respond; she was terrified with this creature, this turtle, sitting so close to her, touching her. Yet, she could not help crying! Gabriella had lost all control at that point.
Don started to help her up, but then Gabriella panicked and resisted, pulling away. "NO!" she screamed, sobbing all the more. She tried to push him back, but Don was strong - amazingly strong compared to the professor. She grabbed one of the legs of the desk in her frantic attempt to resist him and wrapped herself around it as much as possible.
However, she was completely unprepared for the strength that Don exhibited. Without so much as a grunt, he pulled Gabriella up to a stand. She deliberately collapsed, trying her best to thwart his efforts, but Don then swept her up into his arms. He did it so fast Gabriella was stunned. Suddenly, there was no more fight left in her, not when Don made it look so easy to subdue her. She crumbled in his arms and wept.
He carried her over to the bedroom attic door and called out to Raph, " I have her. Stand back, I'm going to drop the stairs down." and then he released the latch with his foot. The stairs gracefully dropped to the floor of the closet below. Careful not to bang Gabriella's head or his own, Don made his way down.
