Afternoon, Day One: A new Dad

Author Note: * screams in glee * I did it! I finally did it! After a very looong marathon of turtles everything, I was able to write chapter ten! And now I have something to go on for a chapter 11! I think that this story still has some kick left in it! WOOHOOT!

~*~

Splinter watched a moment longer as his son tried to teach Rowan how to battle. He could tell that she had the spirit to fight, but her body was lacking in the necessary strength that it took. He felt a timid tap on his leg, and looked down to see Charles staring up at him; brown eyes still weary about his appearance.

"Yes?"

Remembering what he had heard the others call him, Charlie breathed deep first.

"Master Splinter," He noticed the pleased look the older rat gave him, and gathered courage to continue. "Mom says that we hafta leave after Christmas. But, I don't want to leave; I like it down here with you guys. An' well. I was wonderin' can I stay here with you?"

Watching the young child struggle to keep his emotions in check, Splinter was reminded of when his sons had been that age, and the outside world had beckoned them. And now, it seemed the same was happening again, only with roles reversed. Kneeling down, he placed a gentle hand on the childs' shoulder.

"Charles, I'm afraid your mother would be very sad if you chose to stay down here with my sons and I, and left her alone."

Lowering his head, Charlie sniffled and nodded. Turning, he left the dojo, an idea suddenly blooming in his mind. Maybe we can still stay down here if mommy likes it too! But what would mom want that would make her stay?

~*~

Panting, Rowan all but collapsed onto the bench by the wall.

"There's some water underneath the bench Ro', help yourself."

Waving a thank - you, Rowan reached under and grabbed the water bottle, draining the contents in one long gulp. Finally able to breathe easier, she looker over to Leonardo, who was as sweaty as she was.

"How'm I doing?"

Plopping down beside her, Leo grabbed his own bottle and drank deeply, "You're coming along wonderfully. In a few weeks you'll be completely healed and even stronger."

She sighed deeply, "I don't plan on being here in a few weeks."

Looking over, Rowan caught the pained look on the turtles' face.

"Leo, you and I both know that I wasn't going to be staying down here forever. I need to find a new place to live, to work. Charlie's going to be starting school next year. There's a life for us up there."

He nodded soundlessly; setting the water bottle down he smiled playfully, "You'll still visit us though, won't you?"

She looked shocked, "Of course I will! I mean, come on, do you really think Raphael or Mike will let me take away their little play buddy?" She watched as he stood up, and offered her his hand. Using his leverage, she hauled herself up and the two of them began to race for the shower. But as she shut the door on Leo's face, she couldn't quell the heavy pit in her stomach. You can't Ro' . It would never work, you need the sunlight, you can't stay down here! You can't fall for a turtle.

~*~

Feeling much more refreshed once in a pair of clean jeans and sweater, she sat down on the toilet to check over her bruises. Her pelvis, (As Don had called it, she had no clue. Having only ever completed grade 9 successfully before quitting to live with Jake and their unborn son) seemed to be doing much better. It was still bruised, but the ugly purple wound had turned to an ugly yellow brownish spot. And the cut along her forehead had scabbed over now, but she knew she would have another scar to add to her collection. She jumped when there was a loud knocking at the door. Pushing her sweater back down, and grabbing the towel she unlocked the door.

"Sheesh Leo, don't be so impatient." The steam billowed out around her as she let the sweaty teenager inside.

Going out into the main area, or, the living room, she noticed April talking to Raphael. Noticing her, Raphael turned away and left. Well, that was odd. Going over to April, she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm usually not one to pry, but Did I interrupt something just a moment ago?"

April shifted on her feet, and looked away for a moment before answering.

"Charlie's been asking a lot of questions,"

"So?" He was a five-year- old kid. Of course he was going to ask questions, she didn't see what the big deal was.

"Well, he was asking about what it would take to keep you down here, and when you would want to leave."

Rowan felt ice creep up her spine slowly as she stared closely at April. "And what did you say?"

The red head shrugged helplessly; "I told him that you'd want to leave when his father gone." When Rowan groaned and placed her hand over her face, April stretched her arms out to encompass the woman. "How was I to know that Charlie never knew!"

She sighed, but straightened up. April was right, she never told any of them what she had told Charlie about his father. It was her fault.

"And, how did Charlie react?"

"He kind of stared at me for a minute, and then left. He's in Raphael's room right now, he...uh, hasn't said anything to Raph or me."

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she made her way over to the room, and rapped her knuckles lightly on the door.

"Sweetie? Can I come in?" When she didn't hear anything, she opened the door slowly. Spotting her son lying down on the bed, staring at a blank spot on the wall. Sitting down beside him, her weight causing him to roll next to her, she lightly stroked his cheek.

" Honey, is there anything you'd like to talk to me about?"

The pillow muffled his words, and she bent over to hear him better. "What?"

Moving, he stared up at her, "No."

"But, it's okay to be mad at me. You can tell me anything, you know that." She felt the sting of tears, but angrily blinked them away. What do you do when you find out that the person you've known all your life, some one you've loved and trusted, lied to you? Oh, Charlie, please forgive me. I did what I had too.

"Mom?"

She looked down, smiling when she saw the old Charlie, her happy-go-lucky son looking back at her.

"Yes? What is it?"

"You you love me right?"

She hugged him tight, "Of course I do sweetie, of course I do."

"Well, will you give me whatever I want for Christmas?" She couldn't miss the hopefulness in his voice.

"Baby, I would give you that stars and the moon if I could."

He smiled, and nudged her, "Mooommmiieee, I don't want the moon."

She giggled, "Alright then, what would you like for Christmas."

"A new daddy, I think my old one is broken."

Simple child logic's. If it's broken, get a new one. " Okay, and where do you suppose I get a 'new' daddy?"

Grinning up at her, he replied. " Raphael likes you." He laughed when he saw he blush, "Mommy, you look like a tomato."

TBC