I am not quite sure on what was said between Lea and Leonardo in the next room while I was in the kitchen with Don and Mikey, but I was deeply troubled. "It will be alright," Don said gently as he touched my shoulder before he walked over to where Mikey was to help him start on dinner. I sat there at the table. I felt kind of bad not helping, but I couldn't concentrate; my eyes were at the kitchen door towards the living room. I really hoped that the idea that Don had given me would work.

I am not sure how long we were in the kitchen. but I knew it had to be for a little while because the water in the pot was starting to boil where the guys were making spaghetti. "Mikey! Turn the eye down! The water is going to boil over!" Don had shouted over to his brother. Mikey let out a really loud high-pitched scream as he took the pot from the stove and turned the eye down. I really couldn't help, but to let out small giggles. Hearing Mike scream like that was so funny that it kind of eased my worrying. I heard Don let out a sigh and say, "Maybe Mikey you should start setting the table and I'll finish up the cooking." Mikey let out a small groan of disappointment and then shuffled over to the cabinet to get out of the plates.

I finally got up from the table and walked over. "You want me to help out, Mikey?"

"Sure, dudette, if you want!" He smiled. I held out my hand to receive some of the plates. About a minute later, Leonardo and Lea walked in. They were apart from one another, but I could tell by the shy smirk on Lea's face that everything was okay. "So…. everything okay now?" Mikey asked with interest as he paused where he was to turn his attention to Leonardo and Lea.

"Of course, Mikey. It was just a big misunderstanding. Everything's fine now," Leo smiled softly at his brother. I noticed a small glance between him and Lea, which made me smile as well.

"That's good, Leo! I told you nothing to worry about," Don said as he turned to look over at his brother and then turned off the eye of the stove to carry the pot over to the sink to drain the pasta.

"As always, you are right, Donnie," Leonardo smiled gently at his brother, then turned his attention back to Mikey. "Mikey, can you go get Raph, Casey and Sensei and tell them that dinner is almost ready." Mikey did a salute and then ran off from the kitchen.

Leonardo chuckled and then walked over to where Don was, "You need any help bro?"

I sat down back at the table and motioned for Lea to sit near me. I overheard Don and Leo talking, but tried to focus my attention now on my friend. I leaned over closer to her. "Everything alright now, Lea?" I looked at her.

She nodded her head and gave me a reassuring smile. I smirked and then whispered, "So did he finally kiss you?"

Her face turned really red and then she smacked me lightly on the arm. "Melinda!" She whispered back sternly and then giggled some. I giggled with her and then sat there at the table.

Dinner was too funny! Sometimes I wonder if Casey actually has any common sense! Everyone was sitting down at the table and Casey just plops down beside Lea. I knew he didn't mean anything by it, but I could see by the shocked look on Leo's face that it wasn't the smartest move. "So, Raph, pass me the bowl!" Casey said as he reached over across the table to grab the bowl. Suddenly Splinter smacked him on the hand with his walking stick to make him retrieve his hand. "Ow!" Casey whined.

"Mr. Jones, we do not reach across the table! There will be manners present at this table. You can ask Raph politely to pass you the bowl and he will…." Suddenly Master Splinter was cut off by a loud sound of someone eating. We all turned our faces to see Raph and Mikey basically throwing the spaghetti into their mouths, the sauce was covering their faces practically at every spot. Master Splinter let out a sigh. I couldn't help, but to laugh although I really felt bad for their master. I looked over at Leo and mouthed to him that I could get up and let him sit beside Lea if he wanted since I was sitting beside Master Splinter. But he motioned me off and mouthed the words "no thank you" as he sat down beside Don across from us. I think he was kind of nervous to sit close to Lea in front of his master. I wasn't too sure if he actually admitted to his Sensei that he had feelings for her; actually I wasn't too sure if Donatello actually told his Master or not. Even at the dinner table, I had trouble making eye contact with Don because every time I did I would get warm fuzzies and I knew I would be blushing. Usually if he and I did, we would smile at each other for a brief moment before returning to our dinner.

Just as dinner was about to end, Casey brought up the question of them going with him to some kind of ball game near his neighborhood. It was still light outside, but was getting darker, which meant that they could wear sunglasses and it wouldn't be as light to make them more vulnerable to be seen. "I'm not sure, Casey. It's still light outside…. maybe we can find something else to do another night," Leonardo replied.

"Aw, come on, Leo! Don't you like little kids? It's for some sort of cancer foundation! There won't be a lot of people there!" Casey pleaded. "Besides I can find you guys outfits! They won't spot you, I promise!" It was kind of cute to sit there and watch Casey almost beg to be the tough guy that he was. I almost felt sorry for him because it seemed like he was begging the guys to spend some time with him as if he was lonely. He then looked over at Lea and I, "Don't you girls want to go see the little kids play? It's for a good cause!" I smiled some, Casey had a very big heart and I almost felt bad to hear him beg. But I didn't want to go against what Leonardo was saying because after all I was a guest in their home. I looked over at Lea, but she remained quiet so I said, "Hey, leave me out of this."

"What SORT of outfits?" Michelangelo asked.

"Well since it's kind of cool out, I can let you guys wear the baggy pants that I bought you guys back when I took you to see that hockey game and I have some large jean jackets with hoods and you guys can wear some sunglasses and I have some gloves too!" Casey said his eyes were lightning up.

Leonardo let out a sigh. "Casey, we appreciate you great hospitality and the offer, but I think it is still too dangerous right now. I am sure we can go out with you tomorrow night or something if you wanted."

Splinter interrupted the conversation before Casey could protest. "If I may intervene, Leonardo…." He let out a sigh and then looked at us and then over to Casey. "Although I am not for you going topside amongst the humans in daylight, but perhaps this may be a wonderful opportunity to support those who need help. Although it is not against the Shredder, but if Mr. Jones is true, then it is for people who are fighting against a terrible illness and they need your help. Besides I believe it will do some good to let Melinda and Lea out to get some fresh air."

The look on Leonardo's face was almost priceless! He looked so shocked and his mouth was almost draping down to touch the table. Casey's eyes lit up and he practically sprang up from the table and ran over and hugged Splinter. "Thank you, dude!" He squeezed Splinter hard. "Er I mean rat…er I mean Master Splinter."

I could hear Splinter muffling against Casey as he squirmed to get out of the squeeze. "Uh…you're welcome Mr. Jones.."

"Boo-yah!" Casey let go of Splinter. "I'll be back in 30 minutes with your clothes, guys!" He took off from the kitchen and left the lair.

Leonardo walked over to his Master. "Are you alright, Master?" He asked.

Splinter nodded his head. "I am fine." He rose up from the table and straightened his robe. "Since Michelangelo and Raphael are not aware of their manners yet, perhaps they will do the dishes this evening." He looked at them sternly. I heard Mikey and Raph groan.

"I better go brush my hair out," I said as I got up from the table and walked out of the kitchen towards Leo's room to get my brush.

Around 6:30pm that evening we got to the ballpark. It was still pretty bright outside so it made sense for the guys to wear glasses although they were really just trying to hide their faces. Ever since we left the lair there was constant grumbling coming from them about their outfits that Casey had brought for them. I guess they weren't too thrilled on wearing clothes although I thought they looked quite good in them! The ball park was small like Casey had described and fairly lighted so I knew when it would get dark that Leonardo should be okay with them not causing attraction. There were wooden benches all around the fence on both sides and another place where people could sit on another side. The teams were already out in the field in their uniforms. The boys appeared to be around the age of 8 or 9 years old with one side wearing red while the other side wearing green. "So where do we need to go, Casey?" Leonardo asked as he followed him with his side close to Lea, but not too close. I don't think he wanted his brothers to know about them yet. I walked shyly beside Lea, keeping my distance from Don. I mean everyone knew about us, but yet I was too shy to get near him.

"We need to be around the food section!" Mikey answered.

"We just ATE, Mikey. You can NOT be hungry!" Raphael snapped back as he looked over at his brother as they walked in front of me.

"I am not now, but what if I get hungry DURING the game or thirsty? Then I'll miss some great play and…and…" Mikey started.

Leonardo sighed to cut off his brother. "Fine, Mike. We'll get you something. Lead the way, Casey."

Casey led us to the concession stand away from the lighted stand, which I knew made Leonardo happy. Casey stopped and pulled out his wallet. "Alright what do you want, Mikey? Be gentle on me because all I have is a twenty."

"Oh…I want some nachos! No, wait! A pretzel AND nachos! Plus a large Pepsi!" Mike exclaimed. I could hear Leonardo sigh and Raph groan from his answer. Don nudged Mike in the ribs.

"Mikey, be easy on the poor guy, alright?" He smiled some at his brother.

Mikey frowned, "Aww, fine. Okay, Case. Just get me nachos and….." He looked over at Don then replied, "A medium Pepsi."

Casey nodded his head. "Sounds like a plan. Anyone else want anything?" Leonardo, Raph, and Don shook their heads. I shook my head as well and so did Lea. I felt bad for having Casey spend his money on me. "Looks like you're it, Mike. Alright, I'll be back."

Lea stopped him. "Hey, Case. Can Mel and I go up there and get it?"

"Sure, just get me a small soda. I don't care what flavor," He handed Lea his twenty. "Make sure you get ALL my change back. These people would short change ya if you don't watch them."

I giggled and followed Lea over to the concessions stand and walked up to the counter. It wasn't really all the crowded in the ballpark, which was kind of sad since supposedly this was going to some sort of cancer charity. I stood beside Lea at the counter while she placed the order. You would never believe what happened next! I almost dreaded this! Suddenly I heard a VERY familiar voice behind me.

"I can't believe it! Melinda! You are here!" A big booming voice said behind me.

I cringed. I knew EXACTLY who it was without turning around. It was Tony. He was a guy I worked with at K-Mart months ago almost drove me to quitting, but instead he quit because of me. He was over 6 feet tall and weighed well over 200 pounds. He was very bulky and had dark brown hair and a terrible ugly face. See Tony had a crush on me at Kmart. He followed me and even stalked me. He treated me badly and yelled at me if I didn't say hi to him. One of the guys told him to lay off of me since they knew I wanted nothing to do with him, then he started to tell everyone that he was a victim and basically quit because no one believed him. This dude was a psycho and I was scared to death of him, I still am now. I shuddered and closed my eyes. "Fuck…" I mouthed softly to myself, but louder than I thought, but I knew he couldn't hear me. I tried my best to ignore him, hoping that he would think he was wrong and just go along.

But the voice was louder. Suddenly I felt someone touch my arm. "Melinda! What is with you! You still ACT the same around me! Can't you even say hi?" He said in a more angry tone.

I turned around smiled nervously. "Oh, hey, Tony! Sorry I didn't hear you!" I lied and then cringed again. He smiled at me; he appeared to be with another guy who was just as ugly as he was and as creepy!

"I can't believe this! How have you been doing? Who is with you?" He said as he smiled at me. I knew he was looking me over as always, I felt like covering my body with my hands, just him looking at me, sickened me.

"Oh t-this is my friend Lea. She lives in this state and I met up with her," I said motioning to Lea, hoping now he would finally go away.

"Man, she's just as pretty as you are. This is great running into you! My friend Bobby and I are free! You can hang out with us tonight at the game! I heard this is going to a good cause." Tony replied as he put his arm around my shoulder. "Why don't you give me a hug? I mean we are friends who hardly see each other."

I felt chills going down my spine as he touched me, but not in a good way. I felt so trapped and I didn't know what to do. "Well ac-actually…I am with some more friends tonight so I can't hang out with you..I-I'm sorry…" I stuttered, growing nervous.

"Oh?" Tony looked at me suspiciously and looked around. "So where are they?" He kept his arm around my shoulder.

"They are over there," I pointed over to where the guys and Casey were. I could tell they were watching this and I didn't want to know what they were thinking. I was hoping they weren't thinking the wrong thing about me.

"Those guys? Those are your friends?" Tony asked, he continued to keep his arm on me. "Whoa, Melinda. You shouldn't be hanging around with those guys. They look like punks or something." My eyes went wide.

"Actually. Her BOYFRIEND is over there with them as well," Lea said, finally speaking up. I knew she could tell I was kind of scared and I was glad she finally spoke up for me.

Tony removed his arm. "Your boyfriend?"

"Yeah," I said laughing nervously. "Well anyways Lea has our stuff so we better go!" I said quickly and then turned to leave, quickening my step, hoping that Lea was keeping up with me.

"Well hang on!" Tony said as he started to follow us. "Don't leave so fast. I want to meet your boyfriend, Melinda. I look after you. I need to make sure he's all right for you. Besides I'll just hang out with Lea then." As he walked closer, but this time near her. I sighed as I watched him. I really didn't want him NEAR her as well.

"I have one too, sorry," Lea said coldly, but sternly.

"Who is this?" Casey asked as he watched us approach with Tony and Bobby still following, but mostly Tony. I could tell by how hard he was breathing that he was kind of pissed and I dreaded for even coming to this ballgame.

"Oh t-this is one of my old coworkers Tony and his friend Bobby." I said nervously, I felt uncomfortable with him being near me. Tony was standing behind Lea and I. I didn't like how close he was to me, but yet I couldn't look up to face Don. I felt so ashamed, but I didn't know what for. "The g-game is about to start, we should go guys. Uh, bye, Tony!" I said as I started to walk hurriedly towards the bleachers where Casey designated us to sit, leading the way. I walked as fast as I could trying to just get him away from me.

Luckily no one was sitting where we were during the ballgame so we didn't have to worry too much and the lightning was poor as it grew darker, but the guys kept their shades on because it still wasn't that dark yet since it was summer time. About towards the last inning, I heard the ring tone of my cell phone going off. I ignored it and decided to just see who it was after the ring stopped. I looked down at the monitor and my eyes grew wide with fright. It was my parents' number. I knew they would keep calling me until I called them back now…that's how they were. My dad was a worrier. "Uh, guys. I'll be right back…I have to call someone." I said as I got up from the bleachers and walked away towards the concessions stand again to get away from the noise to make my call. I looked at the phone. I knew what they wanted and I didn't want to call them. My heart was racing and I felt my whole body shaking, especially my fingers. I started to push in the numbers to my house, but my finger rested on the send button. I felt tears coming to my eyes. I knew this was it….the end of my trip. I sighed hard and walked around towards the backside of the stand to get away from everyone because I knew how emotional I would get. I finally let out a hard sigh and then pushed the send button. The phone rang, I was hoping that they wouldn't answer, but then someone picked up…it was my mom.

"Hello?" She said.

"Hey, Mom. It's me," I said.

"Melinda! Where the hell have you been? You have been worrying us sick!" My mom said.

"I know I know. But it's okay..I…I have been staying with Meredith so I have been fine like I SAID."

"Melinda, you were supposed to come home weeks ago! Do you realize that it's almost the end of July? School is starting soon! Your professor, Dr. Simmons, called! You missed a meeting about your student teaching and she's very angry right now with you! You NEED to come home and get ready."

I sighed and said, "Fine. Alright..I am just having way too much fun here. Meredith said I could stay longer if I wanted." I lied.

I heard my dad in the background yelling at my mom and cursing about something. I knew he was pissed at me. "Look, Melinda, why are you so damn obsessive all the time? Enough IS enough! This is going to be the last time we let you go away on your own to meet people if you are going to act this way! I knew we shouldn't let you go! Now we made a flight for you tomorrow at 2pm. Your ass better be on that plane. It's with United Airlines, you pick up your boarding pass at the airport."

"Tomorrow?" I said, my eyes went wide.

"Yes."

"But, Mom, listen…I can't go so short notice.."

Suddenly the line grew dead. I knew she hung up on me. I felt tears coming to my eyes, I squeezed my fists trying my best to control my anger. Suddenly I heard a noise behind me as if someone was watching me. I turned around and thought I saw a blur of a jean jacket, but I thought it was nothing so I sighed and sat against the stand's wall and cried with my knees to my chest. I didn't want to go back yet over to the guys because I knew I wouldn't be in the right mindset and I didn't want to tell them right now. I buried my face against my arms and cried hard into him, trying to muffle my cries so one would heard me. I prayed that no one would so I could be alone.

I am not sure how long I sat there, but then I started to make my way back over to the field. Suddenly I heard Tony again. "Hey, Mel! Wait up!" I walked faster, I didn't want to deal with him. I felt his hand grab my arm as he pulled me to him. "What the hell is your problem? Why are you so scared of me for?" I tried to pull away.

"Listen, not right now, Tony. I don't want to deal with it." I said as I looked at him.

"You're ALWAYS like this. What is wrong with you?" I felt his grip on my arm tighter.

"She said for you to leave her alone!" A voice cried out and then a loud smack as if Tony had been kicked hard in the chest. He let go of my arm and hit the ground. I turned around and there stood Don looking at him, still in his disguise.

Tony got up and growled. "You BETTER stay out of other people's business, mother fucker!" I could tell he was enraged, his fists were clenched and his face was red.

I looked back at Don. I never saw him this way. "Don, don't…"

"You are messing with her and when you do, you are messing with me. She wants to be alone so I suggest you do it…" His voice was low almost as if a deadly growl.

"Don!" Another voice shouted from a far. I looked up to see Leo and the others running over to us….