"I can't say it enough how important it is for you to say your goodbyes in a way that will minimize your father's stress levels!" Don began. " You are not stupid! And, you are certainly old enough to behave better than you have!" He was calm and in control, now, but he allowed just a hint of his anger to seep through his words. There wasn't going to be any slack for this child of an adult that sat before him!



Gabriella was sitting on her bed, listless from the emotional turmoil. She had finally stopped crying and was doing her best to control the sporadic shudders that shook her.

Don was sitting down on Gabriella's vanity chair across from her. He was leaning forward towards her as he spoke, his arms crossed and resting on his knees. He studied her intently, looking for some indication that she understood the gravity of the situation.

However, Gabriella's eyes were lowered as she stared at her hands in her lap. She just couldn't bring herself to look at him. Don was the most intimidating creature she had ever met in her entire life! Never had she ever thought that there could be people stranger than herself! Raph was standing by her trunk and he was no less terrifying!



Don asked her, " We've put everything back into the trunk that was on the floor. Is there anything else you would like to bring with you?"

She looked over at the trunk, now turned so she could see into it. Most of what Gabriella cared about or owned in the way of books, clothing, and other items, were already packed. She solumnly shook her head 'no'. She scrunched her face a little, trying to control the emotions still raging within her. Had it been the professor, she wouldn't have minced words about what she was feeling. But, these strangers terrified her. Between what they looked like and the strength that Don had demonstrated to her - Gabriella knew she was outmatched!

The two turtles carried her trunk down to the foyer and out to the car. It took both of them, grunting at each step, both complaining about the numerous 'kitchen sinks' she must have packed.

" Wha' does she have in here, a body??" Raph complained.

" Getting old, are we?" Don teased, grunting just as much

" Hey, look at you - you're sweat'n, too, you ol' dinosaur!" Raph laughed back.

Gabriella was still distressed to be sent away, but she was amused by their banter just the same. It was not lost on her that these strangers were more related to her than the professor! However, she was still confused as to how - and, for the moment, she didn't care.

Unknown to her, the professor had requested that she get to know the rest of them in California first before being told who her biological father was. Don had agreed reluctantly. He thought it might have make the tranistion easier if Gabriella knew she was Raphael's daughter. But, Don honored his friend's request and insisted to the rest of the family in California that they do the same. It was harder for Raph, though. Especially now!



To Gabriella, however, they were still strangers and in her opinion, rude and forceful! Though she was curious, the girl could care less at that point what connection she had with them! She refused to look at them and stood next to the professor, clinging to him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her to comfort her, talking softly about how much he loved her. Gabriella stood there trying not to cry, but her tears managed to stream down her light green face anyway.

As they stood on the front porch, Gabriella hugged again the only father she had ever known. Perry hugged her back with a strength that she hadn't experienced in quite a while. Though he was frail, his own feelings for her gave him one last resolve to express it.

There was so many emotions roiling within her, she was unable to talk, to say her final words of goodbye to him. But, it wasn't really necessary with the look of absolute dispare clearly evident upon her tear-stained face. The professor told her everything would work out, and that he loved her very much. All Gabriella could do was nod and allow a few more tears to escape. Perry wiped them away and, cupping her chin with one hand to raise her face up to meet his gaze, told her, " I love you, my dear daughter! Don't ever forget that!" He paused, looking over at his friends, and then back to Gabby, whispering, "And please try hard to cooperate! They have nothing but the best of intentions for you!" He smiled at her.

Raphael and Don watched silently while the goodbyes were being said. Raph was moved by the girl's situation, but Don remained stoic and determined. He was not too happy at the moment with her. What he saw was an undisciplined young woman without self control. Don decided in that moment her life was about to change and in a very dramatic way - if he had anything to say about it!

Looking at his old friend, he felt nothing but appreciation for the man who had been a positive force in his life. Don owed Perry much for giving him reasons to believe in himself. He had a kindred spirit with the man; someone who was intensely interested in figuring things out the same way he did. The professor was, in Don's opinion, a mentor in ways that Splinter could never have been, though he loved his own father as much as Gabriella loved hers! But, now, Perry was very ill and his obstinant daughter had done little good for him this day! Normally very patient, Don could only seeth inside!

After a while, they managed to get Gabreilla into the car. It wasn't that she fought them, but her attachment to the professor was strong. She had coerced a few more minutes with her father than Don wanted to give to her, which only darkened his mood considerably. Once in the car, she sat as close to the door as she could, watching Don talk with the professor while the two of them stood on the front porch. Raph was already in the vehicle, taking the front passanger seat instead of sitting in the back. He tried to talk to Gabriella, but she virutally ignored him. She couldn't take her eyes off of Professor Perry.

Don seemed to be doing quite a bit of talking and she noticed the professor nod as if in agreement. "What are they talking about?" she asked herself. She saw her father look at her and the sadness in his face was very evident. In that instant Gabriella regretted being so resistant. A sudden wave of guilt swept over her and she fought the urge to cry. But, no way would she do so here in a car with these creatures!

She wanted to go back to her father and tell him how much she loved him, something she was too overwhelmed to say earlier. Gabriella tried to open the door, but it was locked! She attempted to work the lever, but it was either stuck or the safety had been activated. Gabriella looked up at the man behind the steering wheel in the font seat. She noticed that Thomas, who had initially met her first, was watching her through the rearview mirror. He was watching her very intently, too, which made her skin crawl. Raph seemed to be aware of what she was doing as well, since he had his head slightly turned in her direction.

Avoiding the valet's stare, Gabriella went back to looking out the window and saw that Don was not there on the stoop anymore. The professor stood by himself and waved at her. She mouthed the words she wanted to say to him and he responded in kind. She fought the tears, fought the need to cry; she would not reduce herself to weeping - not now!

The door opposite from her in the back seat opened up and Don slipped in, closing and then locking the car door. Gabby's heart started to race as she realized that this was the moment she had been dreading. Up until Don entered the car, there was still hope. Now that he sat next to her, she could feel nothing but dispare and panic. Gabriella looked at her door again, then up at Thomas - who was still observing her - and then looked out her window and saw the professor still on the front porch. A single tear managed it's escape down Gabriella's face as she mouthed "I Love You" once more to her father, shuddering from the pent up emotions. He smiled sadly at her and nodded. She grimmaced in her attempt to keep the remaining deluge at bay and then Thomas put the car into gear!

As the sedan pulled away from the house and down the driveway, the girl waved meekly back at her father, not knowing if it would be the last time she would see him or her home. It overwhelmed her. Gabriella clutched her backpack fiercly, her nightgown and a change of clothes for the next day tucked inside. Everything else that she owned or cared about - other than the professor - was in the rear of the car in her trunk . Looking back once more at her home, she held in check her turbulent emotions. Gabriella's home had held so many memories for her.

She had learned how to sing in that house and, until recently, was still being taught by Mrs. Cannes down the street. The fact that this woman was sightless made her a perfect teacher for Gabriella! She was a petit woman, maybe a bit taller than herself, with graying hair. She had lost her sight, she had explained, in an accident. Though Mrs. Cannes had sung professionally, she said it was the bars and clubs that attracted her. Yet, Gabriella thought her teacher had the talent to sing at Carnegie Hall or the Metropolitan Opera House! Mrs. Cannes had just laughed at the idea!

Gabriella thought wistfully about her teacher and hoped the professor would be able to get in touch with her. It was just within the last couple weeks that she had stopped coming. Gabriella missed her terribly, but her father stated that she had health problems to deal with.



Maneuvering through traffic and finally merging onto the main highway to Hartford, the sedan rode comfortably on the asphalt. There were a few words spoken between Raph and Don, but Gabriella was oblivious to their conversation. She was lost in a tempestuous sea of thoughts and emotion that seemed ready to engulf her.

In one moment she was angry, angrier than she'd ever been in her entire life! The way her father had kept hidden his friendship with this Don and Raphael was just incredibly insensitive to her. Why hadn't the professor told her about them before now? Maybe over time, Gabriella thought, she would have become accustomed to their strangeness. But, to spring them suddenly upon her like the way her father did just irriated Gabriella to no end. Yet, in almost in the same instant, a sadness so deep it was suffocating, seemed to overtake her and Gabriella thought for sure she was drowning! She was already missing the professor terribly. In an instant Gabriella would have forgiven him of deceiving her if only she could go back! She hugged her backpack tighter, trying to control the panic that wanted to overtake her.



As the scenery swept by, she noticed that the trees were starting to turn their autumn hues. Fall was so beautiful and for a moment, she let go of her anger. She loved all the different colors that this time of year brought with it! She usually didn't have the luxury of seeing them during the day, unless the professor felt like taking a drive. Gabriella was fully aware of her uniqueness and would not have tolerated well the stares from people. She was used to tinted windows, which the car she was currently riding in had in abundance! Shielded behind it, she felt more at ease looking out and enjoying scenery, people notwithstanding. She did wish, though, that she were with the professor in his car rather that where she was presently!

Don sat stoically next to the other rear passenger door opposite Gabriella. Once they were well on their way, he went into a quiet meditation. He was sorely irritated with this girl and it appalled him that she would treat this friend of his so shabbily! Perry had been a role model for Don, which encouraged him to pursue his inventions and ideas, ultimately making him wealthy beyond measure. His affluence brought him power, as well, which he wielded carefully, always focusing on improving life in and around those he loved and card for. His positive impact on the world in general had been considerable, the resulting respect he garndered allowing him freedom to move among humans at will. He was highly respected!

Consequently, Don's concern for the professor's health enabled him to procure one of the worlds leading authorities on the type of cancer he had. There would be no charge to the professor as Don would be accepting all the bills. He had high hopes that this team of doctors at the hospital in New York would perform a miracle. Don hoped to do likewise with Gabriella and her new life awaiting her in California! Based on his observation today, his success would take more than a miracle to make the necessary changes in this young hybred!

Considering her, Don was was very dissappointed. He purposely refused to look at Gabriella as she continued to stare out the car window. He was usually quite patient, but her irrepsonsible behavior back at the house, given her father's health, was intolerable!

"She should have known it would upset him! What was she thinking? Who cares what we look like? Didn't she have a mirror in her own bedroom, for pity sake!" Don thought angrily. But, it would do little good in acclimating this young woman next to him into the family if he were to continue being angry with her. Don had to get back some measure of personal control, so he deepened his meditation even more!

They were into the drive about thirty minutes when Raph cleared his throat and asked, " So, you needing something to eat there, Gabs?"

She didn't hear him as he had clipped short her name and she didn't recognize it. Plus, she was deep into watching the landscape with the farms and other things she rarely saw. Gabriella loved the horses and the cows, but the sheep were odd creatures, looking more like roaming carpets to her. She was far off in another place entirely, trying to forget the chase, the car, these strange people sitting here with her, missing the professor.....

Don looked over at her and stated cooly, " Raphael asked you something, Gabriella. It is very rude to not answer!" He was finally feeling a little more settled, but not entirely.

"Oh, I'm sorry....wh..what did you ask?" she inquired weakly, turning towards Raph and trying to keep her despair from showing.

" I asked if you were hungry." Raph repeated softly, noticing her eyes had welled up again.

" Ah, not at the moment, thank you." she replied softly, turning back to the car window. A single tear ran down her cheek.



Raph sighed and turned back around, " Well, I'm hungry! Say, Thomas, find us a quick drive through before we hit Bradley International, will ya?"

But, Don suggested, " Why don't we eat in rather than do fast food. I know of a restaurant close to Bradley. The Blue Pelican. It's dark inside and they know me there. Won't be any trouble for us and we have some time."

Gabriella turned sharply towards Don, obvious panic in her voice, " We're ... not going inside are we? Can't we have - ah, - Thomas go in and get take out??" She was clearly alarmed.

" No, they don't do take out at this restaurant. We'll go inside." Don said calmly, not even looking at her. He knew that the professor never took Gabriella out to restaurants, but would order take-out. Don was also aware that Gabriella's anxiety just went up - considerably! He prepared for another battle!

They drove for a while and then after they had been in Hartford for a few minutes, the sedan pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. Thomas took the car around to the back where there was a spot reserved for customers that were friends of the proprioter, of which Don was one. The owner always made sure his staff paid special attention to Don whenever he would dine there.

Gabriella's breathing began to labor as she fought the anxiety that started to build up within her. She did not want to get out of the car. She didn't have her hooded cape, which she wore religiously whenever she went public. Don had put the cape in the trunk when he replaced all the clothes that she had taken out in her desperate attempt to delay her departure.

Gabriella decided she would stay in the car while the others had their meal. She wasn't hungry so therefore she didn't feel it especially important for her to join them.



However, that was not what Don had in mind.



" Gabriella, I'm not going to ask you again! I will literally pull you out of that car and carry you into the restaurant if you do not do as I say!" Don's gradually rising voice was evidence he was quickly losing his patience - again! He was already ten minutes into trying to extracate Gabriella from the back seat. Just when he had regained a measure of his own self control, she went into one of her fits about leaving the car. Don's composure thoroughly tanked!

She had begged him to get the hooded coat for her from the trunk, but he had turned her down. He told her she didn't need it. She had then replied back, yelling, " DON'T TELL ME WHAT I NEED!!" The glare he gave her after her loud rebuttal terrified her. She was refusing, now, to even look at him.

Don knew about the coat, knew that the professor had insisted she wear it whenever she would go out. But, it was no longer necessary, not with him and his brother there to protect her! Don also realized how spoiled Gabriella was. He was not going to satisfy her demands, especially since she had yelled at him. He was not going to be as lenient with her as her father had been!



Gabriella had her arm wrapped up in the car's shoulder harness to secure herself inside the sedan. She leaned into the door as hard as she could at the opposite side from where Don stooped.

Finally, Thomas spoke to him and took him aside. There was some subtle dialog between the two and then, after a moment, Don grunted and Thomas went to the rear of the car, popping the back up. He rummaged around for a moment, found what he was looking for, and then gently closed the lid. He handed Don what he found.

The next thing Gabriella knew, the hooded cape was thrown at her. Don glared from his side of the car, saying, "Put it on and don't take your time either!"



She gulped and deftly put her cape on, covering her head with the attached hood. She wrapped herself tightly with the accomanying belt and then hesitantly moved over to the opened doorway. Don had his fill of her and was already walking towards the restaurant in a huff. Thomas, though, met her at the opened door.

He offered Gabriella's his hand. She hesitantly took it, allowing him to help her out of the car. She was more used to humans than with either of the turtles, so Thomas had wisely volunteered to act as go-between. So far, his insight was proving to be beneficial!



" Oh, my gloves!!" she cried. She saw Don's back stiffen as he continued across the parking lot, but he did not slow down his pace towards the restaurant.

" Hey, it's enough he let you have the cape. I wouldn't go asking for anything else, okay!" Raph whispered sternly from the other side of her. Gabriella glared at him defiantly, but then realized it was a moot point; he seemed just as intimidating as Don did! She quickly moved closer to Thomas and shoved her hands into her coat pockets. Then she followed him towards the restaurant with Raph bringing up the rear.

The restaurant was dark, as Don had said, and, fortunately, not very busy. It was still a little early for the dinner crowd, too. He had a secluded booth far in the back where the lights were dimmed and it also afforded a view of anyone coming or going. For those that needed it, the level of secruity there was high.

Don insisted that Gabriella sit between Thomas and Raph and not next to him. Gabriella ignored him, slightly offended by Don's comments, and sat closer to Thomas than Thomas felt comfortable. He looked at Don, who only smirked at him, amused by his valet's perdictament. "Lucky you!" he said quietly to the man. Thomas rolled his eyes in consternation and resigned himself to be Gabriella's support.



Gabriella had rarely looked at a menu before and most of those she was familiar with were the kind the professor would bring home. They were always for take out, though.



This menu was a work of art, however! It was written in French and she delighted in quietly reading it aloud to herself. Her diction was flawless and the accent pure Parisian. Don was mildly impressed, though still bothered with her. " How many languages do you speak, Gabriella?" he asked as he purused his own menu, not looking up.

Gabriella stopped and went silent. She was clearly uncomfortable talking about it, especially to him. Don encouraged her, " It's all right; I won't bite!" and he smiled thinly. She wasn't so sure he wouldn't!

" Nine." she finally said, so softly they could barely hear her.

" NINE?" Raph exclaimed rather loudly.



Gabriella jumped a little in surprise.

" You speak nine languages? Which ones?" he asked, truely intrigued. He was watching her a little more intently than she felt comfortable. He appeared to delight in staring at her, it seemed to Gabriella. This only irritated her all the more - which was obvious to Raphael. He was somewhat amused by her predictament, though sympathetic with her forced relocation.

Gabriella swallowed, and then recited them, " French, German, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarine Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Navajo."



The last language piqued Don's curiousity. He laid his menu down on the table and looked over at her, asking, " Why Navajo?"

Afraid not to answer, Gabriella explained softly, " While studying U.S. history, I was facinated that during World War 2, America used the Navajo language as a means to get messages passed the enemy and to the appropriate allied troops. I thought it quite an ingenious strategy." she paused and then reflected, gaining a bit more confidence, " I happen to love history. I've memorized many books regarding such, as well as novels like War and Peace, Das Boot, Patton, Sun-tzu's Art of War in it's original mandarine text, and a host of others." she smiled faintly.

Little did she know that those sitting with her had waged wars themselves and in that moment she had won a small bit of admiration from them.

But, Don was further intrigued, " You've read the Sun-Tzu's Art of War - in it's original text? How, may I ask?"

Gabriella replied quietly, " The professor has a friend at the college who teaches Asian history and he had a copy of it. He loaned it out to us so I could read it. It's a very interesting piece, albeit, quite brutal. But, then, things like that were common twenty-four hundred years ago."

For a moment, the others at the table were quiet, contemplating the reality that there was more to this stubborn young woman than previously thought.

The next question Don asked her almost made Raph jump, " Do you know of your origins, Gabriella?"

She sat there pondering the question. She wasn't sure exactly what kind of answer he was expecting, so she recited what the professor had always told her, " I am a hybred - a mix between reptile and human. I've studied the genetics myself based on the professor's findings and it's a nearly fifty fifty split on the genetic table."



Don seemed pleased by Gabriella's response. However, much to Raphael's obvious discomfort, Don asked another question, " Did the professor ever talk about your mother?"



" Only that she died after having me. Something about a fire... I'm not too sure. I never knew her so I just left it at that. Why do you ask?" Gabriella asked.

" Just wondering what all you know about - you! " Don explained casually. He looked over at her through slitted eyes, wondering what else she knew.



She felt there was more to his reason that simply to find out what she knew about herself. But, Gabriella was still very uncomfortable where she was sitting and decided to shelve her concerns for later.

Just then, the waiter came to take their order. Gabby shrunk back into her hood to hide as much of herself as possible. Don noticed her reaction and wanted dearly to yank the garment right off of her, but resisted. Maybe years ago he would have done the same to conceal himself, but he had gone out of his way to overcome not only his fear of that but the reaction from others as well. Gabriella's behavior reminded him of those very insecure times! It would take a while for her to adjust." he reasoned. He sighed and let her be.

Don addressed the waiter by name, since he knew him, and gave his order. Then Steve went around to the others, finally stopping at Gabriella. She was quiet, unaware that the waiter was anticipating her order.



" Gabriella, he wants to know what you would like. Have you made your selection?" Don asked softly, trying to remain patient.

She looked at the menu with the beautiful words and realized she hadn't give it much thought. She understood the selections but she never had any of them before. Finally, she spied the first thing that seemed familiar and ordered it.



" Are you sure you want those? They're on the half-shell, you know." Don explained.

" Sure, ah, I've had oysters before! " Gabriella replied. Then, she said to the waiter, " Oh and a salad, too, if you please! No dressing."



Don wasn't so sure she had these particular oysters, so he was looking forward to the delivery. His mood had lightened up a bit, especially over the history lesson, but the oysters were certainly going to be the kicker. He could hardly wait.

A while later, their meals were served to them. Gabriella just stared at her plate! They jiggled! She had never had oysters that jiggled. What was wrong with them? She looked appalled. They almost looked - raw! Who in their right mind would eat something like this raw?

She had tried to eat one of them, stabbing it with her fork, but the utensil couldn't penetrate the meat and the fork bounced back. She heard what she thought was a suppressed chuckle, but when she looked to see who had uttered it, the faces at her table were expressionless as they considered their own meals.

Don then told her that she had to use the shell and then quickly pour the oysters into her mouth and swallow immediately. He took one of hers and showed her how. She grimmaced as she watched him just swallow it. She then took a shell up to her mouth, watching the oyster jiggle again. Gabriella almost decided to just do it, but she just couldn't follow through. She put the shell back down on her plate, thorougly offended.

Raph was watching her out of the corner of his eye, clearly amused but not saying anything. He remembered too well back at the house how his laughter affected Gabriella. He focused on his own meal, instead.

Thomas decided the best course of action was to just worry about his own meal, that way he might remain in Don's employment longer. He shuddered at one point, claiming to have caught a chill, but the turtles knew he had done a remarkable job at swallowing a laugh.

Don was doing his best not to snigger out loud. He knew from the start that she had something else in mind. Finally, after enjoying her reaction for probably a little too long, he called the waiter over and requested that her oysters be cooked.



" Did they forget to?" She asked as her plate of Oysters Rockefeller were taken back to the kitchen.

Stifling a laugh, Don explained, his voice considerably lighter and his smile wide, "Oysters Rockefeller are usually eaten raw, Gabriella. It's considered a delicacy!"



" Oh....will the chef be offended then about cooking them?" she asked, concerned.

" It's his job to make sure you like his food - even if a food that is usually uncooked is requested otherwise. I know the proprietor and the chef is aware that we are here. He won't make a fuss, believe me!" Don assure her.

The oysters were soon returned, cooked to perfection, as far as Gabriella was concerned. She remained quiet throughout the rest of the meal.



Don and Raph talked about the other members of their family, with Thomas occassionally interjecting some task that needed to be done once they returned to California. He had family in San Francisco and would only stay the one night, returning to his home with the sedan until called for by Don.

Don was planning on being in one place for a while to set certain 'things' in order. He had looked over at Gabriella when he mentioned that fact, which only caused her to shrink back into her hood all the more. She didn't know what he had meant by that, but she did remember how sad her father appeared while Don was talking to him back at the house. If he was telling him how things were going to be in California concerning her, it didn't seem to be good news at all! At least by the way the professor had reacted! If Gabriella could feel even more dispare, she was feeling it now!

While the others talked among themselves, she remembered what the professor had told her, that when in the company of people you don't know, always listen! Though she never thought she'd ever have to put it into practice, she found his advice invaluable for the moment.

Names were mentioned within the conversation between the two turtles. There was a Mike in California who, if she understood correctly, was married to a Rahab. Mike seemed to be their brother. He and Rahab had some kids, one of whom was a daughter - Gaylay? - who was working on the east coast at one of Don's labs.

Don also seemed to be quite wealthy, as he mentioned several world wide businesses he owned personally and would be visiting soon. He also seemed to command quite a bit of respect. The personel at the restaurant practically bent over backwards for him during their meal. Added to that the fact that Don and Raph didn't wear any covering, other than the coat Don wore, impressed Gabriella considerably. Still, she needed her cape and there would be no way she would EVER go out in public without it.

There was another brother in Japan - Leo - who was planning on flying back to California with his son, Seth. They were to arrive shortly after Don and Raph return with Gabriella.

She wasn't sure but Seth and Leo seemed to be the more mysterious members of the family. The way Don talked about their trips to Japan, some time spent in Nepal, and other events from the past that were briefly mentioned, she couldn't explain it, but she just felt they were different from the rest.



After their meal and they returned to the car, Gabriella took the 'window' seat again. She had enjoyed her dinner and found the conversation around the table enlightening. Still, she pined for the professor and, if Don would let her, would return to her home in an instant! Gabriella was starting to feel a little less anxious.

Don had relaxed finally and didn't seem as irritable towards her. Taking time out for a meal seemed to be what was needed. He sensed that Gabriella was less stressed than she was earlier and this encouraged him greatly! He attempted to engage in conversation with her, but she only listened. She would answer questions that he would pose to her, but they were brief and to the point. Though she had finally calmed down a little, Gabriella was still very uncomfortable being so close to him. Don allowed her that. The rest of the ride to their destination went without a hitch .... until Gabriella realized they were at an airport. Under the impression that the sedan would take her to California, her eyes widened in terror. No one had told her how she was going to get there - until now!

" But, I've never been on a plane before!!! Can't we drive?!!" she was clinging to the far side of the car again, holding onto the seat belt for security. There was a subtle hint of terror in her voice which was gradually growing with each passing second. Hearing the other jets take off only made things worse for her. Being parked so close to a jet - Don's jet, no less, that was warming up - only intensified Gabriella's panic!

Raph was now trying to get her out of the car this time since Don really had no desire for a repeat performance like what he had at the Blue Pelican. Thomas was busy elsewhere, seeing to things on the jet.

Raph entreated, " Look, we're not going to bite! We're the good guys, okay! You can hold my hand if you want. You're going to be all right! Don's had the plane completely checked over!" Raph pleaded. She cringed, her eyes closed. " He has a great pilot! Raph sighed.

"But I've NEVER FLOWN BEFORE!" she cried. " NO, I won't go. NO way!!" she began to sob. The jet's engines were almost screaming " hurry, hurry, hurry!!!"

Suddenly, the door Gabriella was leaning into opened with a rush. She nearly toppled out in the process! However a pair of strong arms grabbed her up! It happened so fast she didn't have enough time to tighten her hold on the seatbelt. She was wisked over Don's shoulder as he carried her screaming and kicking towards the jet. He smacked her once on her posterior to quiet her, which successfully stopped her ranting! She was surprised and it put to rest any more outbursts!

Don jumped up the stairs so swiftly Gabriella thought for sure he had sprouted wings and took off like the plane she saw in the distance. She was so surprised over the rush of everything that by the time she realized what had happened, Don had her in her seat, belted in snug.

" ENOUGH of that! We don't have time to hold hands" he said sternly into her face. He then took the seat in front of her. Turning around sharply and, with one finger pointed at her, Don commanded, " Not one word from you! You may ask questions, but no complaining and ABSOLUTELY no crying!!"

Gabriella sat frozen to her seat, totally intimidated and trying her best to keep her eyes from welling up - again! She nodded quickly as if too eager to comply. Don turned back around in his seat and fastened his belt, shaking his head in distain.

Raph eased into the seat beside Gabriella's and patted her hand, giving comfort where much would not have been enough. He belted himself in and tried to make small talk with her, to get her mind off the whine of the engines. She fought the panic of having him beside her and of being on a plane! Her trepidation only increased as the jet started moving. It moved slowly at first, finding the take-off point of departure on the tarmak. She had no idea what to expect, but she was paralyzed with fear.

Gabriella was transfixed by the force Don used to uproot her from the car. It was as if she weighed absolutely nothing at all! The professor had always remarked how substantial she was for her size. Gabriella was petite and lean but she packed the pounds in. She had dense mass, which meant she could still fit into a small dress but yet end up weighing more than a human would for that size. It was just her hybred genetics that explained it all. Yet, Don just up and took her! His strength did more than impress her, it terrified her more than before!

Take off was horribly frightful for her. So much force to get the plane up in the air and then more power to keep it there. Gabriella had studied aerodynamics, but she also had disaster scenarios going through her head as she thought of things that could go wrong! Yet, she kept her silence and was afraid Don would be able to hear her heart beating furiously. She did not want to make any noise at all. She was totally intimidated by Don's words of warning.

Early into the flight, Don did some rummaging around his desk, which was situtated in front and across from them. When he returned to his seat, he only looked at her once, but she turned away, fearful. He had smiled a little then and knew that it was only a matter of time before she got her head on right. But, until then, he was not going to go easy on her. She was way too spoiled and old enough to know better than for him to use the gentle approach. He started making training plans on her behalf.

Don owned a 737, which they were on, and two Lear jets that he had outfitted for his personal use. They As far as the 737's ammenities, it was like a high class motor home, but with wings!! There were bedrooms and a living room. A dining room towards the back where the kitchen was located offered fine eating, if needed. For her first experience in the air, Gabriella realized she was flying in luxury. It still did not quell the anxiety she was feeling, though!



The seats that they occupied were in the living area. Gabriella had a window seat and after about an hour of not looking out her small round window, she finally peered through it and saw the green fields of Indiana and Ohio flow far beneath her. There was just enough light to illuminate them and they seemed to glow in the late afternoon sun! They weren't as lush as they had been earlier in the year, but for Gabriella's first time, they were mesmerizing. It didn't dawn on her how high up they were until the pilot came on the intercom and announced that they had reached the 36,000 foot cruising level.

" That's nearly - seven miles!" Gabriella's eyes widened with her words, which had an edge of panic on them. Don turned his head slightly in her direction as he sat in the next row. She clamped her mouth shut for what she was going to say next. It would not have been readily accepted by him and she knew it. Gabriella then refrained from saying anything more about flying, about the plane, birds, butterflies - anything with wings. She just sat there - silent.



For Don, it was a good thing. He had run out of patience with her!

With Raph sitting close beside her and trying his best to acquaint himself with her, Gabriella's fear of him eased up a bit. She was getting used to being in Raph's company, though it would take a while before she would feel that way about Don!

Raph didn't say much about anything in particular, but the focus was not on informing as it was on conforming. He mentioned that the family in California was anxious to meet her, which only filled Gabriella with dread! The thought of more like himself and Don didn't sit well with her. He noticed her recoiling, though she did try not to show it. Still, he wanted to get her used to him and his brother before landing in California and hopefully by then, receptive to the other members of his clan. If she was still resistant to them by then, it would only get worse at Mike's place! Then, Don would have no choice but to take her to his home in San Jose, gradually introducing her to Mike and his family from there.



Gabriella said very little. She got up once to use the restroom and to retreive a bottle of water from the refrigerator in the back when she was told to help herself. There would be no one to 'baby' her, was what Don had quipped. His words made Gabriella rage inside, but she dared not express it considering how angry Don showed he could get. Certainly she was outmatched in that department!

After some time, Gabriella fell asleep, exhausted from her turbulent day. She slept until the plane found the updrafts of the Sierras in California. The lurching and swaying woke her up sharply and she found a whole new reason to hate flying all over again!