Chapter Seventeen ~ Perfect Timing
Donna yawned as she walked down the stairs to the kitchen, stretching her arms as she plodded over to the counter. She heard a jingle of keys just before the lock on the door unhooked. She dived behind the counter as the door swung open. Cursing to herself, she crawled on her hands and knees and peered around the corner of the counter. She was annoyed at herself for not being more prepared. She was undressed and her jo was upstairs.
"Donna?" A voice called out as the door was closed shut. Donna waited, her extreme case of jet lag was hampering her senses.
"Donna it's me Don"
Donna stood up just as Donnie placed something on the counter. He jumped as she had caught him by surprise. He was annoyed at himself. He too had not sensed her, which puzzled him a little.
"You know, maybe laying off the caffine might help."
"Funny.... I thought that you may have still been asleep and I didn't want to wake you with what happened last night and all. I brought you breakfast.. erm make that lunch" Donna smiled.
"Thanks you're so sweet" Donnie found himself blushing. "How are you feeling today?" She asked as she picked an apple from the fruit he had brought her and took a bite.
"Stronger, the herbs Sarah used are working"
"Of course it will silly. My guess is and also knowing Sarah, the bistort is actually mixed with at least goldenseal... its an awesome antibotic among other things. How is your arm going?" She asked as she took another bite of her apple.
"It's okay I guess" he shrugged.
"Has anyone looked at it yet?"
"Nope, Sarah's still sleeping. Mike's changing Jesse's dressings with Casey and April's at work."
"Ahhhh, here hold this" She handed the apple to Donnie and paused for a moment as she reached for the bandage. She had to admit he sure did have a great physic. She quickly took one more look at his bicep before she started unravelling the bandage - now was not the time, she thought.
"You know, you may not want to do this with food on your mind" Donnie's voice entered her mind, jolting her back to the task at hand. She looked at him.
"You're kidding right?" She knew he was serious. "I have a cast iron stomach. Just relax and hope it didn't stick."
"Why?"
"Are you kidding me? How much sleep did you have last night? This is going to hurt that's why!" She snapped. Donnie could have hit himself. True, he was tired, the throbbing kept him up most of the night. Donnie watched as she unravelled the bandage.
"So, who taught you this?" He looked straight into her face as she worked on the bandage. She did not notice his gaze.
"Julie. We can't exactly go to a hospital as you already know. Medicines were always included in our home schooling... so I know a little like bistort and goldenseal are an excellent combination together. Sarah and Maree took it one step further by hitting the herbal remedy books just before she left. I guess it wasn't my thing but I know what I need to... Julie did teach us some prehistoric family medicines to treat anything from burns to infections, trouble is though, a lot of the traditional remedies have ingredients too hard to get at the moment, even in places like Chinatown in the city back home... but this... it's just basic first aid."
"Who's Maree?" Donnie asked. Without thinking, Donna went ahead and answered the question. She paused what she was doing and looked at him.
"My younger sister."
"I remember Sarah mentioning there were four of you?"
"Yeah, Leena, Rachael, myself and Maree. How about you?" Donnie hesitated as she resumed what she had started. "What's wrong?" She asked innocently.
"You do realise that what I'm about to tell you might surprise you?"
"How so?"
"Here we are thinking we were alone and you have three sisters." Donna gritted her teeth as she got to the last few layers but did not unravel them.
"It won't surprise me. If you listened hard enough to your inner self, you too would have realised, just as I did when I came here. That empty part that I had hidden away is not so empty now. When you have the time, listen and you will see...." Donnie looked into her eyes and their gaze locked. "I didn't recognise it at first.. but now I don't feel alone anymore. I've always known but refused to believe it... I mean like, I thought it was impossible, just like you must have..." Donna stopped as she restarted unravelling the bandage. With very little effort it came away clean.
"Well?" He asked.
"It looks good. The bleeding has stopped and there's the beginnings of a scab. Do me a favour and don't reoopen the wound?"
"So I'm taking that you are going to leave it unbandaged?" Donnie watched as she washed her hands. She glared at him for a moment. What happened to Einstein? She brushed it off. He was probably just as uneasy and she was. She chose to go with the flow.
"Yeah it'll heal quicker... my apple?" Donnie had almost forgotten he was still holding it. "You were about to tell me your brothers names"
"Oh right, well there's Leonardo, the leader, Raphael, the hot tempered one and Michaelangelo who is the creative one." Donna muffled a laugh.
"What's so funny?" He asked taking offense "Something wrong with our names?" He folded his arms.
"No," she reached foward and unfolded them. "Don't do that, you'll cause the skin to stretch and it'll start to weep." Donnie remained silent and waited for her to finish.
"There is nothing wrong with those names. They're fine Italian names, which are still popular if you wanted to know."
"Then what is it?"
"You're brothers and my sisters... they are so similar it's scary. Has Sarah met Raphael yet?"
"No, not as far as I know, why?"
"Well, Rach and Sarah are... were inseparable. I take it you've seen Sarah's temper?"
"Sort of, she's been a little... well... shell shocked lately"
"Shell shocked?" Donna giggled a little. Donnie shrugged.
"Well she is... no pun intended." Donna paused for a moment.
"Mmm, okay, well, stand back when it happens. I'm telling you, if your bro is like my sis, they'll get along like a house on fire. It takes one to know one. You'll actually see his temper fiz too. Since Sarah left, Rachael has been on the war path. She disappears for hours and her and Leena are at each other's throats."
"Yeah I know that all too well. So what's your thing? You never said."
"She's a mister fix it." Both turtles jumped as Sarah answered the question as she walked down the stairs.
"How'd you....?" Donnie asked surprised.
"I'm ninja remember? Mmm, that looks good," she commented at the wound. "Good afternoon, sleep well?" She asked Donna as she kissed her forehead.
"Yeah I did and you?"
"Don't ask." Truth be known, her dreams had bothered her. Don and Donna were in them. She knew that something bad was about to happen - how she knew she cannot explain, she had that some gut feeling she had had with Jesse - she only knew that no matter how bad things seemed, the two turtles would be okay. Donnie seemed nice and settled, not to mention very intelligent and a real gentlemen. Donna, was still a little shy but had matured since they had last seen one another and Sarah did not even question her intelligence. They were a good match. Sarah smiled as she placed both hands onto the counter lifting herself so she could sit. "So what's happenin'?"
"Nothing just talking and eating. Don just got here." Donna replied.
"Well actually, I was thinking about asking you guys out tonight. How about it? Battery Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty is awesome after dark."
"I think I'll give it a miss, but you two go. With Jess, I'm not in the mood"
"Wwwhat?" Donna asked shocked. "Us two alone?"
"C'mon Donna, you're both young... not stupid, besides, you're both highly trained and will stay clear of people. Right?"
"Of course." Donnie added.
"Just one thing?"
"What?" Donnie asked.
"Take it easy. If you don't feel too good, come home. You're injured remember? And Donna, I'll take it you'll be careful?" Donna gave her a blank look.
"What do you reckon? C'mon you know me."
"I dunno, that depends on which of your sisters you've been hanging with these past few months."
"Yeah right!" Sarah glared at her.
"Maree is too lax and Rachael is a bad influence. This is Manhattan and not Sydney!"
"Relax alright! If you must know, I think now I know why Julie teamed me with Lee. It was to get me ready for this. I've been working my butt off training okay! Quit hassling me!!!" In a huff she stormed upstairs. Sarah looked after her for a moment. Something was eating her.
"She's not normally like that is she?" Donnie asked.
"No..." Sarah was interrupted by a flurry of knocks on the door.
"Sarah, you home?" April asked from behind the door.
"Yeah hold on." With Donna upstairs, she headed for the door.
"You're home early," she commented as April walked into the room.
"Yeah, I know. I've got some great news. My boss, Charles, came back from his vacation and when he heard what's been happening over the last few weeks, he gave me two weeks leave."
"Cool."
"Yeah. God knows I need it... so, what I was thinking was that we all head up to the old farmhouse to relax for a bit. The others are up for it. It'll be a good chance for you to meet everyone." Donnie faced Sarah, then April and smiled.
"I dunno Ape.." Sarah ran her hands through her long hair as she sat down on a milk crate. She looked up to her cousin. " I don't think it's a good idea. Jesse hasn't even come to yet and I don't want to move her, besides..." her voice trailed Donna's in town... I can't she thought. "I have a whole bunch of meetings at the U.N next week. I need to speak with the Australian consulate, then I think it's the immigration people. I'm lucky they're seeing me on such short notice... I can't, but you go. Have fun and tell the others I'm sorry. When are you leaving?"
"In a few hours. Are you sure Sarah? I thought it would be nice if we hung out and I thought that it would speed Jesse's recovery with it being so peaceful and tranquil up there..... " her voice trailed, then she continued "... Casey's going to be disappointed. He was hoping on some training."
"Maybe next time. I can't, I'm sorry, I have too much at stake. I'm sure they'll understand." Donnie smiled as an idea formed.
"If you don't mind, I want to stay here with Sarah, with her commitments next week, someone needs to stay and watch Jess." April looked at him.
"Not you too! First Sarah and then you? So much for a family vacation!"
"I know Ape, I've made up my mind.. besides, do you really think it's wise to move Jess? She will need to see a doctor eventually." April stayed silent, disappointed. She was hoping on catching up and spending much needed time with Sarah while Jesse slowly healed.
"I know." She finally said, knowing she had been defeated. Donnie broke into a grin.
"Hey, you said family."
"Yeah... yeah I did. You know I love you guys right?" The genuine smile on Donnie's face was her unspoken answer.
"I'll tell the others. I've got packing to do!" She headed out the door and Sarah closed it behind her.
"I know why you're staying behind mister!" Sarah pointed her finger at Donnie "I wasn't born yesterday you know!"
"I know, I know. To be honest, I wasn't in the mood," he said quietly.
"Who was that?" Donna asked as she walked down the stairs.
"April, my cousin."
"Oh... she seems nice," she headed back up the stairs.
"Where're you goin'?"
"Leave me alone alright!" Sarah and Don looked at one another as she stormed up the stairs.
"You might want to go. This is going to get ugly. I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour!"
"What are you going to do?"
"Talk to her. One Rachael is enough thank you! We'll see you later?" Donnie nodded as he headed out the door. Sarah walked up the stairs and headed for the bedrooms. She stood at the doorway and watched as Donna tried to meditate.
"I can't do this with you staring!" She snapped, still in posture, her eyes closed.
"Huh?" Sarah stood before her sister. "What's wrong?" No answer. Sarah kneeled directly in front of Donna and looked her in the face. She took a deep breath, not knowing why she was acting this strangely. She needed to be careful here, she knew she was dealing with a teenager and did not want the situation getting out of hand.
"What's going on Donna? Talk to me!" Sarah waited. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" She grabbed one of her wrists.
"What?" Donna asked as she snapped her eyes open and twisted her wrist out of Sarah's crasp.
"What?! What the hell is going on? Since when did you have attitude?" Sarah stood and looked down at her.
"You think you're stressed? How do you think I feel when I look at you calmly talking to Don?"
"What are you talking about?" Sarah was unsure... could she be... jealous?
"Just leave it okay!" Donna snapped back. Sarah glared at her.
"Don't push it missy! Talk to me!" Donna took a deep breath, surprised at her behaviour. She had never known such anger and couldn't explain where it stemmed from. She sat back down on her bed.
"I don't know." She said softly.
"Huh?" Sarah asked confused.
"I don't know alright! I haven't been myself lately, I'm moody, I'm tired, my back hurts, I have cravings, my stomach hurts... the list goes on..." Sarah sat beside her. A slight smile forming on her face. It was so clear now.... it had happened to her at nearly the same age.
"I think you're hitting puberty my dear. Now you know how I feel every month."
"Oh, so I'm not sick?" She asked, the relief clear on her face. Sarah muffled a laugh.
"Hardly. Like it wasn't going to happen?" You hit fourteen in a few months."
"I know. Oh gosh...." she flushed with embarassment "Don must think I'm some kind of a raving lunatic!"
"Blame it on jet lag." Sarah gave her a half smile and Donna nodded.
"So what triggered your outburst back there, I mean it's not...."
"Me?" Sarah nodded. "Well you were treating me like a little kid... I know you worry, but I'm not ten. I'm at my peek. Julie can't teach us anymore. That's it, there's no more. We crammed six months into two months. You know what our progress was like before, she had us trainning hours at a time! Now it's up to us."
"Look, I know you're not a kid, but you're at that age... I just don't want you to get too friendly with Donnie ya know? Like I haven't noticed how you've been looking at him." Donna flushed a little.
"I can't help it alright! He's the hottest thing I've seen in a long time!"
"Donna, he's the only thing you've seen in a long time. I"m worried okay. You guys aren't alone anymore, you're young and..."
"I know, okay, I know. I don't want to start anything I can't finish. Not now, it's too hard alright! I go home soon and then who knows? We're friends... I think... and that's it. I don't even know him so quit worrying okay?" Donna half smiled, she knew the issue would come up. She was a teenager and she found the opposite sex attractive. Was that such a bad thing? Sarah remained silent, knowing she would have to be happy with that. Donna was a sensible girl and she knew she wouldn't do anything rash. She changed the subject.
"Your training's been upped, so it's really bothering Julie that the Foot just happen to be in Sydney?"
"Yeah, it's a fluke don't you think? We've been watching them, but a confrontation hasn't happened... yet. It's only a matter of time. To me it's seems like they're looking for someone. We don't know who and I don't think it's you." Sarah nodded.
"Keep me posted?"
"Of course." Donna paused for a moment. "You know, I don't know how you do it. I mean, Jesse is really hurt and you aren't freaking..."
"What else can I do? She's got the best care for now and her vitals are stable so I'm told. Just need to wait until she's ready to wake... and it's only a matter of time. We didn't see any sign of head injuries, so it's her. The herbs will work. You'll see." Sarah patted her knee softly then stood to leave. "Don brought you some food, you could at least eat it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
"Are you sure you don't wanna come dudes?" Mikey asked Sarah and Donnie.
"I would if I could ya know, but..." Sarah turned and looked at her sleeping sister, " I just can't, you understand right?"
"Yeah Sarah I do, but I feel so bad for just goin'... I should be here dudette..."
"We've got it covered, honestly. You've done a great job and you've had so litte sleep. The hard work is done. I'll take her to a doctor in a few days okay?"
"Oh, okay." He muttered quietly.
"Mikey, if we need you we'll call you, k?" Donnie said to his brother.
"Go and rest Mikey, you need it, really." Sarah put her arm over his shoulder. She bent in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you." Mikey half smiled and looked at her.
"Any time Sarah. I've just met you and I'm just sorry we couldn't just chill ya know?" He said as he looked to the ground disappointed.
"We'll have plenty of time when you come back. I'll make us something to eat." Mikey looked at her and smiled.
"So it's a date then?"
"Sure why not"
"Ex -cell-ent!!!" April and Casey then walked into the room, bags in hand.
"Okay, the phone isn't connected up there yet, so when it is, I'll call Splinter and he'll give you the number if you need it. With your plans next week, I'm not up to chasing you around... it's not my thing and I know Sarah." Casey said to Donnie.
"Sensei isn't going?"
"Nope, said something about enjoying the moment?"
"Ahh, he's going to spend time reflecting and meditating."
"Yeah a drag ain't it?" Sarah whipped him a look.
"Hey, not that there's anything wrong with it!" He lifted his hands in defence.
"I told you, meditating is relaxing and it helps to focus and maintain your energy flow." Casey rolled his eyes.
"Yeah... well... okay... if you like that kinda thing.... isn't it time we get going?" He said to April changing the subject. April looked at the clock on the wall.
"Yeah if we want to get there before midnight. Don't want to love ya and leave ya but...."
"Have a nice quiet time?" Sarah offered.
"Yeah, take care and we'll see you soon. You guys have the keys, right?" Sarah nodded as April went up to her and hugged her good bye. After a round of hugs and handshakes the three of them left leaving Sarah, Donnie and Jesse in silence. Sarah looked at Donnie.
"So what time are you two going?"
"Soon, it gets pretty quiet around there after eleven and there's nothing planned around the area tonight."
"Good, but why are you leaving so soon?"
"I wanted her to meet master Splinter. I think he may know about her and that's why he stayed behind."
"How do you know?" Donnie shrugged his shoulders.
"I can't explain it, he just knows.... stuff." Sarah and Donnie turned as a moan came from Jesse's direction. They both ran to her and Sarah dropped to her knees. They watched as Jesse's eyes slowly fluttered open.
"Sarah?" She asked just above a whisper.
"Ssshhh, you're safe now, keep still." Jesse slowly tiltered her head to look at the turtle standing beside her sister.
"So... it's... true" she croaked.
"Yeah hon, it is. Donnie here has been watching over you these past few days with his bro Mikey." Jesse's eyes closed slowly, then reopened and she swallowed painfully.
"Thanks," she whispered and gave them a half smile.
"Howz the pain?" Sarah asked.
"Not bad... am hungry." Donnie looked at them.
"Knowing Mikey, he's probably left something in the refrigerator for you." He got up and headed for the kitchen. "Hope you like chicken noodle soup." Jesse nodded.
"That'll be fine... thanks Donnie," seeing it was light and easily digestible, she continued, "has April got a microwave oven?"
"Yeah, won't be long," he answered from the kitchen. Sarah turned to Jesse.
"You had me worried there."
"I'm sorry... there was nothing I could do. Got jumped..." her voice trailed as the memories flooded her senses. She remained silent. Sarah got the hint.
"When you're ready, tell me okay?"
"Sure," she croaked. "How long... have I ... been out?"
"A couple of days. We had to sedate you. Your shoulder was dislocated, so if it kills that's why. The guys popped it back in." Jesse remained silent. She found it odd that creatures she was taught to despise had played a big role in her recovery so far. If it weren't for them and Sarah, she realised that she would probably be dead. She thought for a moment and realised that they weren't anything like the Foot had told them. They had cared for a total stranger when they didn't have to. She slowly looked as Donnie placed the heated soup onto the coffee table. She reached out and grabbed his hand.
"Thank you," she said again. He looked at her and smiled.
"You're welcome. Do you think you can sit?" Knowing that with her injuries, the chance of choking was high.
"Not sure... hurts..." he nodded and looked to Sarah.
"Grab some of those pillows. We need to prop her up, with those ribs who knows. We don't need to aggrevate whatever it is." Sarah adjusted the pillows and reached out for more.
"Maybe holding your breath might help. This is gonna hurt!" Jesse nodded as Sarah and Donnie moved into position. "On three okay?" Donnie nodded. "One, two... three!" Jesse cried out as they shifted her to a move elevated position. Her breathing went hoarse as she slowly adjusted.
"You okay?" Sarah asked. Jesse half nodded.
"Hurts.. like hell... am hungry," she kept it short and sweet.
"Tell me when you're ready." Jesse gave her a slight nod as she sighed softly.
~ Chapter Eighteen ~ Up Soon!
Donna yawned as she walked down the stairs to the kitchen, stretching her arms as she plodded over to the counter. She heard a jingle of keys just before the lock on the door unhooked. She dived behind the counter as the door swung open. Cursing to herself, she crawled on her hands and knees and peered around the corner of the counter. She was annoyed at herself for not being more prepared. She was undressed and her jo was upstairs.
"Donna?" A voice called out as the door was closed shut. Donna waited, her extreme case of jet lag was hampering her senses.
"Donna it's me Don"
Donna stood up just as Donnie placed something on the counter. He jumped as she had caught him by surprise. He was annoyed at himself. He too had not sensed her, which puzzled him a little.
"You know, maybe laying off the caffine might help."
"Funny.... I thought that you may have still been asleep and I didn't want to wake you with what happened last night and all. I brought you breakfast.. erm make that lunch" Donna smiled.
"Thanks you're so sweet" Donnie found himself blushing. "How are you feeling today?" She asked as she picked an apple from the fruit he had brought her and took a bite.
"Stronger, the herbs Sarah used are working"
"Of course it will silly. My guess is and also knowing Sarah, the bistort is actually mixed with at least goldenseal... its an awesome antibotic among other things. How is your arm going?" She asked as she took another bite of her apple.
"It's okay I guess" he shrugged.
"Has anyone looked at it yet?"
"Nope, Sarah's still sleeping. Mike's changing Jesse's dressings with Casey and April's at work."
"Ahhhh, here hold this" She handed the apple to Donnie and paused for a moment as she reached for the bandage. She had to admit he sure did have a great physic. She quickly took one more look at his bicep before she started unravelling the bandage - now was not the time, she thought.
"You know, you may not want to do this with food on your mind" Donnie's voice entered her mind, jolting her back to the task at hand. She looked at him.
"You're kidding right?" She knew he was serious. "I have a cast iron stomach. Just relax and hope it didn't stick."
"Why?"
"Are you kidding me? How much sleep did you have last night? This is going to hurt that's why!" She snapped. Donnie could have hit himself. True, he was tired, the throbbing kept him up most of the night. Donnie watched as she unravelled the bandage.
"So, who taught you this?" He looked straight into her face as she worked on the bandage. She did not notice his gaze.
"Julie. We can't exactly go to a hospital as you already know. Medicines were always included in our home schooling... so I know a little like bistort and goldenseal are an excellent combination together. Sarah and Maree took it one step further by hitting the herbal remedy books just before she left. I guess it wasn't my thing but I know what I need to... Julie did teach us some prehistoric family medicines to treat anything from burns to infections, trouble is though, a lot of the traditional remedies have ingredients too hard to get at the moment, even in places like Chinatown in the city back home... but this... it's just basic first aid."
"Who's Maree?" Donnie asked. Without thinking, Donna went ahead and answered the question. She paused what she was doing and looked at him.
"My younger sister."
"I remember Sarah mentioning there were four of you?"
"Yeah, Leena, Rachael, myself and Maree. How about you?" Donnie hesitated as she resumed what she had started. "What's wrong?" She asked innocently.
"You do realise that what I'm about to tell you might surprise you?"
"How so?"
"Here we are thinking we were alone and you have three sisters." Donna gritted her teeth as she got to the last few layers but did not unravel them.
"It won't surprise me. If you listened hard enough to your inner self, you too would have realised, just as I did when I came here. That empty part that I had hidden away is not so empty now. When you have the time, listen and you will see...." Donnie looked into her eyes and their gaze locked. "I didn't recognise it at first.. but now I don't feel alone anymore. I've always known but refused to believe it... I mean like, I thought it was impossible, just like you must have..." Donna stopped as she restarted unravelling the bandage. With very little effort it came away clean.
"Well?" He asked.
"It looks good. The bleeding has stopped and there's the beginnings of a scab. Do me a favour and don't reoopen the wound?"
"So I'm taking that you are going to leave it unbandaged?" Donnie watched as she washed her hands. She glared at him for a moment. What happened to Einstein? She brushed it off. He was probably just as uneasy and she was. She chose to go with the flow.
"Yeah it'll heal quicker... my apple?" Donnie had almost forgotten he was still holding it. "You were about to tell me your brothers names"
"Oh right, well there's Leonardo, the leader, Raphael, the hot tempered one and Michaelangelo who is the creative one." Donna muffled a laugh.
"What's so funny?" He asked taking offense "Something wrong with our names?" He folded his arms.
"No," she reached foward and unfolded them. "Don't do that, you'll cause the skin to stretch and it'll start to weep." Donnie remained silent and waited for her to finish.
"There is nothing wrong with those names. They're fine Italian names, which are still popular if you wanted to know."
"Then what is it?"
"You're brothers and my sisters... they are so similar it's scary. Has Sarah met Raphael yet?"
"No, not as far as I know, why?"
"Well, Rach and Sarah are... were inseparable. I take it you've seen Sarah's temper?"
"Sort of, she's been a little... well... shell shocked lately"
"Shell shocked?" Donna giggled a little. Donnie shrugged.
"Well she is... no pun intended." Donna paused for a moment.
"Mmm, okay, well, stand back when it happens. I'm telling you, if your bro is like my sis, they'll get along like a house on fire. It takes one to know one. You'll actually see his temper fiz too. Since Sarah left, Rachael has been on the war path. She disappears for hours and her and Leena are at each other's throats."
"Yeah I know that all too well. So what's your thing? You never said."
"She's a mister fix it." Both turtles jumped as Sarah answered the question as she walked down the stairs.
"How'd you....?" Donnie asked surprised.
"I'm ninja remember? Mmm, that looks good," she commented at the wound. "Good afternoon, sleep well?" She asked Donna as she kissed her forehead.
"Yeah I did and you?"
"Don't ask." Truth be known, her dreams had bothered her. Don and Donna were in them. She knew that something bad was about to happen - how she knew she cannot explain, she had that some gut feeling she had had with Jesse - she only knew that no matter how bad things seemed, the two turtles would be okay. Donnie seemed nice and settled, not to mention very intelligent and a real gentlemen. Donna, was still a little shy but had matured since they had last seen one another and Sarah did not even question her intelligence. They were a good match. Sarah smiled as she placed both hands onto the counter lifting herself so she could sit. "So what's happenin'?"
"Nothing just talking and eating. Don just got here." Donna replied.
"Well actually, I was thinking about asking you guys out tonight. How about it? Battery Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty is awesome after dark."
"I think I'll give it a miss, but you two go. With Jess, I'm not in the mood"
"Wwwhat?" Donna asked shocked. "Us two alone?"
"C'mon Donna, you're both young... not stupid, besides, you're both highly trained and will stay clear of people. Right?"
"Of course." Donnie added.
"Just one thing?"
"What?" Donnie asked.
"Take it easy. If you don't feel too good, come home. You're injured remember? And Donna, I'll take it you'll be careful?" Donna gave her a blank look.
"What do you reckon? C'mon you know me."
"I dunno, that depends on which of your sisters you've been hanging with these past few months."
"Yeah right!" Sarah glared at her.
"Maree is too lax and Rachael is a bad influence. This is Manhattan and not Sydney!"
"Relax alright! If you must know, I think now I know why Julie teamed me with Lee. It was to get me ready for this. I've been working my butt off training okay! Quit hassling me!!!" In a huff she stormed upstairs. Sarah looked after her for a moment. Something was eating her.
"She's not normally like that is she?" Donnie asked.
"No..." Sarah was interrupted by a flurry of knocks on the door.
"Sarah, you home?" April asked from behind the door.
"Yeah hold on." With Donna upstairs, she headed for the door.
"You're home early," she commented as April walked into the room.
"Yeah, I know. I've got some great news. My boss, Charles, came back from his vacation and when he heard what's been happening over the last few weeks, he gave me two weeks leave."
"Cool."
"Yeah. God knows I need it... so, what I was thinking was that we all head up to the old farmhouse to relax for a bit. The others are up for it. It'll be a good chance for you to meet everyone." Donnie faced Sarah, then April and smiled.
"I dunno Ape.." Sarah ran her hands through her long hair as she sat down on a milk crate. She looked up to her cousin. " I don't think it's a good idea. Jesse hasn't even come to yet and I don't want to move her, besides..." her voice trailed Donna's in town... I can't she thought. "I have a whole bunch of meetings at the U.N next week. I need to speak with the Australian consulate, then I think it's the immigration people. I'm lucky they're seeing me on such short notice... I can't, but you go. Have fun and tell the others I'm sorry. When are you leaving?"
"In a few hours. Are you sure Sarah? I thought it would be nice if we hung out and I thought that it would speed Jesse's recovery with it being so peaceful and tranquil up there..... " her voice trailed, then she continued "... Casey's going to be disappointed. He was hoping on some training."
"Maybe next time. I can't, I'm sorry, I have too much at stake. I'm sure they'll understand." Donnie smiled as an idea formed.
"If you don't mind, I want to stay here with Sarah, with her commitments next week, someone needs to stay and watch Jess." April looked at him.
"Not you too! First Sarah and then you? So much for a family vacation!"
"I know Ape, I've made up my mind.. besides, do you really think it's wise to move Jess? She will need to see a doctor eventually." April stayed silent, disappointed. She was hoping on catching up and spending much needed time with Sarah while Jesse slowly healed.
"I know." She finally said, knowing she had been defeated. Donnie broke into a grin.
"Hey, you said family."
"Yeah... yeah I did. You know I love you guys right?" The genuine smile on Donnie's face was her unspoken answer.
"I'll tell the others. I've got packing to do!" She headed out the door and Sarah closed it behind her.
"I know why you're staying behind mister!" Sarah pointed her finger at Donnie "I wasn't born yesterday you know!"
"I know, I know. To be honest, I wasn't in the mood," he said quietly.
"Who was that?" Donna asked as she walked down the stairs.
"April, my cousin."
"Oh... she seems nice," she headed back up the stairs.
"Where're you goin'?"
"Leave me alone alright!" Sarah and Don looked at one another as she stormed up the stairs.
"You might want to go. This is going to get ugly. I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour!"
"What are you going to do?"
"Talk to her. One Rachael is enough thank you! We'll see you later?" Donnie nodded as he headed out the door. Sarah walked up the stairs and headed for the bedrooms. She stood at the doorway and watched as Donna tried to meditate.
"I can't do this with you staring!" She snapped, still in posture, her eyes closed.
"Huh?" Sarah stood before her sister. "What's wrong?" No answer. Sarah kneeled directly in front of Donna and looked her in the face. She took a deep breath, not knowing why she was acting this strangely. She needed to be careful here, she knew she was dealing with a teenager and did not want the situation getting out of hand.
"What's going on Donna? Talk to me!" Sarah waited. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" She grabbed one of her wrists.
"What?" Donna asked as she snapped her eyes open and twisted her wrist out of Sarah's crasp.
"What?! What the hell is going on? Since when did you have attitude?" Sarah stood and looked down at her.
"You think you're stressed? How do you think I feel when I look at you calmly talking to Don?"
"What are you talking about?" Sarah was unsure... could she be... jealous?
"Just leave it okay!" Donna snapped back. Sarah glared at her.
"Don't push it missy! Talk to me!" Donna took a deep breath, surprised at her behaviour. She had never known such anger and couldn't explain where it stemmed from. She sat back down on her bed.
"I don't know." She said softly.
"Huh?" Sarah asked confused.
"I don't know alright! I haven't been myself lately, I'm moody, I'm tired, my back hurts, I have cravings, my stomach hurts... the list goes on..." Sarah sat beside her. A slight smile forming on her face. It was so clear now.... it had happened to her at nearly the same age.
"I think you're hitting puberty my dear. Now you know how I feel every month."
"Oh, so I'm not sick?" She asked, the relief clear on her face. Sarah muffled a laugh.
"Hardly. Like it wasn't going to happen?" You hit fourteen in a few months."
"I know. Oh gosh...." she flushed with embarassment "Don must think I'm some kind of a raving lunatic!"
"Blame it on jet lag." Sarah gave her a half smile and Donna nodded.
"So what triggered your outburst back there, I mean it's not...."
"Me?" Sarah nodded. "Well you were treating me like a little kid... I know you worry, but I'm not ten. I'm at my peek. Julie can't teach us anymore. That's it, there's no more. We crammed six months into two months. You know what our progress was like before, she had us trainning hours at a time! Now it's up to us."
"Look, I know you're not a kid, but you're at that age... I just don't want you to get too friendly with Donnie ya know? Like I haven't noticed how you've been looking at him." Donna flushed a little.
"I can't help it alright! He's the hottest thing I've seen in a long time!"
"Donna, he's the only thing you've seen in a long time. I"m worried okay. You guys aren't alone anymore, you're young and..."
"I know, okay, I know. I don't want to start anything I can't finish. Not now, it's too hard alright! I go home soon and then who knows? We're friends... I think... and that's it. I don't even know him so quit worrying okay?" Donna half smiled, she knew the issue would come up. She was a teenager and she found the opposite sex attractive. Was that such a bad thing? Sarah remained silent, knowing she would have to be happy with that. Donna was a sensible girl and she knew she wouldn't do anything rash. She changed the subject.
"Your training's been upped, so it's really bothering Julie that the Foot just happen to be in Sydney?"
"Yeah, it's a fluke don't you think? We've been watching them, but a confrontation hasn't happened... yet. It's only a matter of time. To me it's seems like they're looking for someone. We don't know who and I don't think it's you." Sarah nodded.
"Keep me posted?"
"Of course." Donna paused for a moment. "You know, I don't know how you do it. I mean, Jesse is really hurt and you aren't freaking..."
"What else can I do? She's got the best care for now and her vitals are stable so I'm told. Just need to wait until she's ready to wake... and it's only a matter of time. We didn't see any sign of head injuries, so it's her. The herbs will work. You'll see." Sarah patted her knee softly then stood to leave. "Don brought you some food, you could at least eat it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
"Are you sure you don't wanna come dudes?" Mikey asked Sarah and Donnie.
"I would if I could ya know, but..." Sarah turned and looked at her sleeping sister, " I just can't, you understand right?"
"Yeah Sarah I do, but I feel so bad for just goin'... I should be here dudette..."
"We've got it covered, honestly. You've done a great job and you've had so litte sleep. The hard work is done. I'll take her to a doctor in a few days okay?"
"Oh, okay." He muttered quietly.
"Mikey, if we need you we'll call you, k?" Donnie said to his brother.
"Go and rest Mikey, you need it, really." Sarah put her arm over his shoulder. She bent in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you." Mikey half smiled and looked at her.
"Any time Sarah. I've just met you and I'm just sorry we couldn't just chill ya know?" He said as he looked to the ground disappointed.
"We'll have plenty of time when you come back. I'll make us something to eat." Mikey looked at her and smiled.
"So it's a date then?"
"Sure why not"
"Ex -cell-ent!!!" April and Casey then walked into the room, bags in hand.
"Okay, the phone isn't connected up there yet, so when it is, I'll call Splinter and he'll give you the number if you need it. With your plans next week, I'm not up to chasing you around... it's not my thing and I know Sarah." Casey said to Donnie.
"Sensei isn't going?"
"Nope, said something about enjoying the moment?"
"Ahh, he's going to spend time reflecting and meditating."
"Yeah a drag ain't it?" Sarah whipped him a look.
"Hey, not that there's anything wrong with it!" He lifted his hands in defence.
"I told you, meditating is relaxing and it helps to focus and maintain your energy flow." Casey rolled his eyes.
"Yeah... well... okay... if you like that kinda thing.... isn't it time we get going?" He said to April changing the subject. April looked at the clock on the wall.
"Yeah if we want to get there before midnight. Don't want to love ya and leave ya but...."
"Have a nice quiet time?" Sarah offered.
"Yeah, take care and we'll see you soon. You guys have the keys, right?" Sarah nodded as April went up to her and hugged her good bye. After a round of hugs and handshakes the three of them left leaving Sarah, Donnie and Jesse in silence. Sarah looked at Donnie.
"So what time are you two going?"
"Soon, it gets pretty quiet around there after eleven and there's nothing planned around the area tonight."
"Good, but why are you leaving so soon?"
"I wanted her to meet master Splinter. I think he may know about her and that's why he stayed behind."
"How do you know?" Donnie shrugged his shoulders.
"I can't explain it, he just knows.... stuff." Sarah and Donnie turned as a moan came from Jesse's direction. They both ran to her and Sarah dropped to her knees. They watched as Jesse's eyes slowly fluttered open.
"Sarah?" She asked just above a whisper.
"Ssshhh, you're safe now, keep still." Jesse slowly tiltered her head to look at the turtle standing beside her sister.
"So... it's... true" she croaked.
"Yeah hon, it is. Donnie here has been watching over you these past few days with his bro Mikey." Jesse's eyes closed slowly, then reopened and she swallowed painfully.
"Thanks," she whispered and gave them a half smile.
"Howz the pain?" Sarah asked.
"Not bad... am hungry." Donnie looked at them.
"Knowing Mikey, he's probably left something in the refrigerator for you." He got up and headed for the kitchen. "Hope you like chicken noodle soup." Jesse nodded.
"That'll be fine... thanks Donnie," seeing it was light and easily digestible, she continued, "has April got a microwave oven?"
"Yeah, won't be long," he answered from the kitchen. Sarah turned to Jesse.
"You had me worried there."
"I'm sorry... there was nothing I could do. Got jumped..." her voice trailed as the memories flooded her senses. She remained silent. Sarah got the hint.
"When you're ready, tell me okay?"
"Sure," she croaked. "How long... have I ... been out?"
"A couple of days. We had to sedate you. Your shoulder was dislocated, so if it kills that's why. The guys popped it back in." Jesse remained silent. She found it odd that creatures she was taught to despise had played a big role in her recovery so far. If it weren't for them and Sarah, she realised that she would probably be dead. She thought for a moment and realised that they weren't anything like the Foot had told them. They had cared for a total stranger when they didn't have to. She slowly looked as Donnie placed the heated soup onto the coffee table. She reached out and grabbed his hand.
"Thank you," she said again. He looked at her and smiled.
"You're welcome. Do you think you can sit?" Knowing that with her injuries, the chance of choking was high.
"Not sure... hurts..." he nodded and looked to Sarah.
"Grab some of those pillows. We need to prop her up, with those ribs who knows. We don't need to aggrevate whatever it is." Sarah adjusted the pillows and reached out for more.
"Maybe holding your breath might help. This is gonna hurt!" Jesse nodded as Sarah and Donnie moved into position. "On three okay?" Donnie nodded. "One, two... three!" Jesse cried out as they shifted her to a move elevated position. Her breathing went hoarse as she slowly adjusted.
"You okay?" Sarah asked. Jesse half nodded.
"Hurts.. like hell... am hungry," she kept it short and sweet.
"Tell me when you're ready." Jesse gave her a slight nod as she sighed softly.
~ Chapter Eighteen ~ Up Soon!