I am not quite sure on why I pulled away from Don when he tried to comfort me after Tony and his friend had finally left me alone. I think I was just really scared still about what my parents had told me. I felt so helpless and I felt like I couldn't talk to say anything to them. I wanted to stay and be with Don still no matter if it was just for one more week. I was in shock since my parents already had booked me a flight for the very next day! I didn't know what to tell everyone, but I knew I would have to and it would be tough. I wished so bad that I could just stay with the guys, but then again I didn't want to lose my family either. Although I have been through some times with them and they seemed to anymore put me down about everything, I still couldn't leave them. I needed love and they were all that I had. No matter what hell I went through it seemed almost every day with them, there was always some point to where they would hug me and tell me that they loved me. Even if it was just for 5 minutes, it still helped me. Because of this I knew I still needed my family and I couldn't just leave them.

I remained quiet on the way back to the lair, but I knew all of them were looking over at me especially Don and Lea. I knew Don was pretty shocked of me pushing him away from me. I knew he was hurt by it and I wished so bad that I could tell him I was sorry, but I couldn't find any words at all. I also knew that Lea was studying me. I think she knew that it was my parents that had called me and she wanted to know what was going on, but I wanted to tell everyone at the same time. I had to do this. Once we made it closer to the warehouse, the guys returned their clothes back to Casey and he left. I think Casey wanted to know as well what was going on, but he also respected the fact that I needed to be alone. I hardly knew Casey, but I knew what a great guy he was by his actions. What a great friend he must have been to the turtles.

As the elevator descended down to the lair, I felt my heart beat going faster. I was growing tense and I could tell it! I knew that I had to tell them now what was going on. I mean after all it was almost 9pm and I had to be at the airport the next day around 1pm since my flight left at 2pm to get through security. I was kind of scared still on flying, but right now that fear was suppressed by my tension of telling everyone. Dreadfully, everyone was quiet in the elevator as well as if they were waiting for me to speak up.

Once we reached the lair, the elevator doors opened and everyone began to walk out and make their way in their own separate directions. Something inside my head kept pushing me to speak up and stop them. "Hey, guys…h-h-hang on," I stuttered nervously. All of them turned around and looked at me. "Leo, can you go get Master Splinter?" I said looking at him briefly and then looked away. I didn't want to make any eye contact wit them. Without even replying, he turned and walked towards his Sensei's room.

Lea walked up to me, I could see the very concern look on her face. "What is it, sis?"

"I'll tell you in a bit. I need for everyone to be in here first…" I said quickly.

Moments later, Master Splinter walked in, behind him was Leonardo. "What is the matter, Melinda?" He asked as he approached me.

I sighed and looked up to see everyone looking at me. Raph was leaning up against a post with his arms crossed, Mikey had plopped down on the floor and was looking up at me, Leonardo was standing beside Lea, Lea was the closest to me, Master Splinter stood beside her and Leo, and Don was standing behind Mikey; he was the furthest from me. I felt my body growing tense. I always hated to talk in front of people no matter what I was talking about. This situation was not easy either, which made it even worse! I looked at them and then sighed again, I looked up, trying to gather my words, but I could feel tears forming in my eyes. "I don't know how to say this so I…I'm just going to say what happened. My parents called me at the game…t-they want me to come home…t-they want me to come home tomorrow…I-I tried to reason with them…" I felt my voice breaking up, I paused and then continued, "But they wouldn't listen…they already booked me a flight tomorrow at 2pm…I have to go back…I-I'm sorry…." I felt the tears coming down my cheeks now.

"Melinda…" I heard Lea say and she started to approach me.

Raph was quiet, but I heard Mikey let out a groan of sadness. Master Splinter sighed and said, "I know this is difficult…we want you to stay, but I also respect your family…"

"I-I want to stay believe me. I tried to see if I could stay just a little longer, but they wouldn't listen…my Mom hung up on me. I-I'm sorry…I…I…have to go back tomorrow…there's no way out of this…" I finally let my eyes lift up to look at Don. He met my glance, then turned and walked out of the main area to his room. My eyes went wide as I watched him.

"Awww…Donnie," Mikey said as he watched his brother. Raphael let out a growl.

I sighed again as I watched Leonardo go where Don went. "I'm sorry, guys…." I looked down, trying to hold in my tears. What bothered me more was trying to find a way to come back here later on in the year. My dad was very controlling of me and hardly let me out of my house without having to know where I was every 2 hours. There was no way I thought that I could go back to New York City on my own to meet up with the guys and Lea once more.

"It is alright, Melinda. We were very honored to have you here with us," Splinter replied, bowing to me gently. I smiled at him softly. Even though he was a 4-foot humanoid talking rat, I still loved him so much. "All of my sons were…"

"Yeah," Raphael sighed as he finally looked at me. "Especially Don. You came through to the tech head. You really mean a lot to him." I looked at Raph, my eyes grew wide. I never heard him say such things and it kind of made me want to stay even longer here.

Michelangelo nodded his head. "Don't worry, Mellers. I'll make you some breakfast tomorrow!" I giggled at him.

"Yes, perhaps we should get up early tomorrow so we can spend some time with you before you leave," Master Splinter said softly. I nodded at him, he then bowed and then walked back to his room.

"I better go start packing," I said gently. I overheard Lea tell Leo that she would talk to Don as I was leaving the area.

Later on that evening as I was throwing stuff into my suitcase, I sighed and gently let my finger touch my shirt that lay on the top so far. "I can't believe we have stayed here for almost 2 months, sis."

"Yeah. Time flies when you're having fun," Lea let out a soft laugh. I looked up and smiled at her. I wanted to so badly hug her and cry, but I held it in since I usually don't express a lot of emotion in front of people.

"Yeah…" I said as I laughed with her, but it was more of a forced laugh.

"Well don't worry, sis. You have my cell phone number so I am sure we can meet up again and hang out with the guys when you are done with your student teaching," She added as she sat down on her bed and looked at me.

"Yeah, probably…" I lied. I knew that there would probably be no chance that I could do this again. Just the thought of not being able to come back, made tears come to my eyes, but I didn't want to cry in front of her. "I think I am going to get my shower," I said quickly, trying to hold in my tears as I grabbed my silk pink robe and turned to walk out of the room. On the way to the bathroom I passed Leonardo. He was on his way to his room, I guess to check on Lea. I smiled at him softly. He smiled back and then continued on. I had wanted to ask him how Lea was, but decided against it.

I had washed my hair that night and dried it off with a towel in the bathroom. I put on my silk pink robe/night gown outfit that my mom had bought me for my 21st birthday. I didn't like it to wear it a lot because it was kind of indecent to me, but it came with a silk pink robe that you could tie around it so I didn't feel so bad. I brought that with me on trip just in case I got hot some nights. The gown it self matched the robe, but it had spaghetti straps and came down to just mid thigh. I tied the robe around me and then walked back to Leo's room to put my clothes that I had worn back into my suitcase. I didn't see Leo so I figured he didn't stay long and must have retreated somewhere else. Lea smiled up at me from where she was sitting on the bed. "Did you have a good shower, sis?"

"Yeah," I said smiling gently. I know my mom would have a fit for not drying my hair, but at this moment I didn't really care. I was kind of ticked off on the position that they put me in.

"Well I am going to make some hot tea. You want any?" She asked as she got up from the bed.

"Sure," I said as I sighed and walked over to my suitcase.

"Be back!" She said as she walked out of the room towards the kitchen. I knew she was trying to be cheerful to cheer me up. I always respected her for that. Lea was a true friend, she always stuck by me and no matter how crappy I felt, she always knew exactly on how to make me feel better.

No longer than a minute that she had left, I heard a gentle knock on the entrance to the room. I turned around and I saw Leo standing there. "Oh, hey, Leo. Lea went to the kitchen if you are looking for her." I said as I put my clothes in the suitcase and started to zip it back up.

"Actually, I came here to look for you," Leonardo replied as he walked in. Curious, I turned around to look at him. "Look, Melinda, since this is your last night. Why don't you stay in Don's room tonight? I haven't really told him, but I knew it would cheer both of you up. Just being in the same room together may bring comfort." He smiled at me.

I longed to be with Don and to just hold him, but I was kind of hesitant. "Are you sure, Leo?" I asked as I looked at him.

"Yeah. He's getting a shower right now, but don't worry. I am positive that he would be glad that you are staying with him tonight. You two really need to talk," He said gently.

"Alright. I'll go ahead and take my stuff in there before I go dry my hair," I said as I started to pick up my 2 blankets that I had been sleeping on my pillow. I walked past Leo and smiled at him gently before walking onto Don's room. No one was in the main area so I figured Raph and Mikey were in their own room. I heard Lea in the kitchen as I walked. I noted to myself to tell her that I was with Don tonight if she wanted to know where I was. I felt kind of bad leaving her that night, but I am sure she would be okay with it.

When I got to Don's room, I walked over and started to place one of my blankets down on the floor. Then added the second blanket and my pillow. I had just gotten up from the floor when I turned to see Don walking into his room. He had a towel around his waist and his body was still dripping wet from the shower. He didn't have any of his gear or mask on either. My eyes went wide as I looked at him and I kind of felt embarrassed of being there. I quickly looked over to see his gear and mask resting on a small table. His eyes went wide as he saw me as well. "M-Melinda?"

"Hey…uh…uh…Leo told me that I could stay here tonight if it was okay with you…" I stammered, I felt my face grow red when I caught myself looking at his body. I turned my head away, feeling kind of embarrassed seeing him in that towel. I mean even though he WAS a turtle! But I felt even bad since I was standing there in my robe with my short gown on underneath and my hair was dripping wet!

"Hey that's no problem," Don said as he patted his arms dry then folded the towel neatly and placed it on the table where his stuff was. "But you are not sleeping there."

"Huh?" I asked, kind of confused.

"You are not sleeping on the floor," He answered as he turned and looked at me.

I was still not use to seeing him without his mask and gear on. I felt kind of odd there. "No, no, Don. It's alright really. I am use to it by now," I giggled some. "See I already placed my blankets here. I'll be fine!"

"Nope. If you stay here, you are going up there…"He pointed to the bed and smirked.

"Well is that a challenge? I could just go back to Lea." I giggled.

"Come on," He smiled and gently tugged on my arm.

"Alright, but you're making me feel bad!" I said as I walked over to the bed's ladder.

"I'll be fine," Donatello smiled at me.

"Fine," I smiled back at him. "Thanks, Don…" I leaned over and gently kissed him on the cheek. I wanted to kiss him on the lips again, but I was so nervous that I couldn't do it, I felt my whole body shaking from being around him.

"No problem…" He said softly as he touched my face. We stood there for a brief moment…I wanted to kiss him, but I couldn't get myself to move! "Well goodnight!" I said quickly and climbed up the stairs to the bed. My heart was beating so fast.

Donatello walked over and laid down on the blankets that were on the floor. "See? I'll be fine!" He smiled at me. "Now get some rest! You have a busy day tomorrow! I am getting you up at 7am!" He smiled again to himself and closed his eyes.

I smiled again at him and giggled some as I was on my side, facing him. I looked at him on the floor. He was laying there with the blanket up to his waist. I am not sure on how long I looked at him…I didn't want to leave him. I knew how much I loved him and it was too much for me to even describe in words. The more I looked at him, the sadder I became. Being with Don was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me in my entire life! He meant more to me than almost life itself! Throughout my entire life, I felt alone as if I wasn't the same species as everyone else. I felt so different, but I didn't know why. Relationships with guys never worked out for me and for a while I began to question my own existence. But now just looking at Don, everything in my life that I had questioned was becoming answered. Don was the answer. He was everything in my life. Although he wasn't the same species as me and he was different than everyone else, it didn't bother me! I was different and I knew around Don I didn't have to pretend to be someone I wasn't or even dress differently. He loved me for who I was and I knew I wouldn't have to worry on losing him to someone else because the love that he showed me was unconditional. I never saw anyone stand up for me like the way he did with Tony. I was almost amazed when I witnessed what happened earlier that evening. Don was so angry on how Tony was treating me, I could see how much he loved me by just that one action. No words had to be said to me. I began to think what happened afterwards how he came over to comfort me, but instead I pushed him away. I grew angry with myself. I knew I was upset about my parents, but here Don was risking his own safety for me and I just shoved him away. As I began to ponder on this, I felt so ashamed. I couldn't stop looking at Don as he slept peacefully. He was so close to me yet so far away. I knew that this would be the last time I would watch him as he slept. How I longed to hold him, but I couldn't get up and just run over to him. I felt tears start to stream down my cheeks, soaking my skin. I tried my best to stop them, but the more I tried the more I shed. I kept shedding tears until I felt myself becoming upset, I pushed the side of my face closer into the pillow to try to let the pillowcase catch my tears. I didn't want to leave him…God, I didn't want to leave him…I closed my eyes and started to cry softly to myself.

Suddenly the sound of his voice startled me, "Melinda…what's wrong?"

I opened my eyes to see him sitting straight up in the blankets, looking at me with an alert, concerned expression. My face started to grow red when I saw that he knew I was crying. "N-Nothing…" I stammered quickly. I didn't want to wipe my eyes because then it would look obvious that I was crying. "I'm sorry if I woke you up." I glanced over at the clock on his table to see that it was around 10:30pm. "Goodnight," I said quickly as I rolled over on my side to face the wall with my back to him. I was hoping he would think everything was okay and go back to sleep. Once I turned on my other side, I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and cursed to myself for waking him up. That's all he needed now was some whining, crying baby. Suddenly I heard the sound of weight on the bed's ladder. I raised up some to look and I saw Don climbing up the ladder over to me. I sat up more, "Don, don't…" I began. I didn't want to bug him from sleeping. "I'm fine, really!"

"No, Melinda…" He replied insisting as he crawled over and sat closer to me.

"But really I AM fine, Don," I protested. I didn't want to express any emotion to him. I felt bad for even troubling him.

"No, Melinda," He said again. "You're not…and…and I am not fine either." His eyes locked on me.

I looked at him with my eyes wide, puzzled. "What?"

His finger reached out and gently touched my face and I knew he could feel the dampness of my skin to where I was crying. "I don't want you to leave…I'm afraid…" His voice was shaking. He was looking at me so sadly.

"Don…" I reached over and gently held him to me. His face gently touched my neck as I felt his hands holding my back. I gently caressed his head lightly with my fingertips. "I love you, Don…I don't want to lose you…" I gently rubbed the top of his head with the side of my face and kissed his skin gently.

"You won't lose me…" He said as he nuzzled my neck with his mouth, I could feel his breath on my neck and it gave me tingles.

"You won't lose me either, Don…I am with you as long as you want me…" I said as my heart opened up. I never felt this way before about anyone and I wasn't too sure if I was saying the right things to him or if it was appropriate to be saying these things to Don. I mean I only knew him for a few months but I loved him so much. I felt his hands grip my back more strongly and he pulled me closer to him, I began to softly feel his lips on my neck as he started to kiss me. The touch of his mouth was so soft that it brought such calmness to me. I held the back of his shell to me and let him kiss my neck, tilting my head back some. He paused some as if he was beginning to wonder if he was making me uncomfortable or not. I leaned down and gently met his lips with mine and kissed him gently at first. I felt him push closer to me so then I pressed deeper, kissing him more passionately. We kissed for several minutes, each time our kisses became stronger and more passionate. I could hear him breathing harder with my own and his breath fell across my face as he kissed me. He finally broke away from my lips and then returned to my neck. His hands gripped my robe tighter as he started to kiss my flesh once again but this time his kisses were deeper on my neck. I felt my body tingle all over. The weight of his body pressed against mine, I rolled over onto my back allowing him to be on top of me. I gently caressed the back of his neck with my fingers as he kissed my skin. I couldn't help, but to let out small gentle moans from the pleasure that he was given me. I felt so right with him. He started to kiss down my neck to my shoulders, pushing my robe to the side some with his mouth as he kissed to the end of my shoulder, his left hand was resting on the tie of my robe. I lowered my hand to help him untie my robe. I leaned up some to take off my robe for him but still had on my nightgown. His eyes went wide as he looked at me, I felt his hand reach out and gently move down my exposed shoulders to my arm and fingertips. I got goose bumps from his touch, but looked at him as he touched me. I decided to let him explore my body some with his hand. I could hear him breathing hard as he touched my arm and shoulder gently. I never been with a guy before so closely and intimately and I was nervous, but yet I felt so comfortable with Don. He seemed to be nervous too, I could feel his finger starting to shake some as he touched me. "You're so beautiful, Melinda…" He said softly as he looked at my face in amazement.

I blushed by his comment because I never thought myself to be beautiful. Usually I learned that most guys just tell you that to be with you, but I knew what Don was saying was sincere for he was not like any human guy and I think no human guy could ever be like Donatello no matter how hard they tried. "I love you…" He said softly as his hand moved up from my arm, up my neck and back to my face, caressing it gently.

I smiled at him softly and said, "I love you too, Donnie…." I leaned up and gently cradled his face with my hand and kissed his lips again, but this time I moved down and gently kissed his neck. Feeling his soft flesh against my lips, I took in his scent since it brought me such comfort and kept kissing his neck. My hands rested on his arms and back as I lowered him back down to me as I kissed his neck and made my way down to the upper part of his plastron. His hands were gently resting on the waist of my gown. I gently crossed his plastron with my lips, my right hand resting on the right upper part to where I could feel his heart beat. I smiled some feeling his heart racing so fast, I could feel him gripping the sides of my gown tightly with his hands. I smirked some feeling his heart and then said, "Donnie, are you nervous?" I moved back up underneath him so I could face him, I smiled gently at him.

"Kinda…"He smirked back at me, he was panting hard to catch his breath.

"Why?" I said, my voice was shaking, I was nervous too! I had no clue what was going to happen and I was so afraid I was going to do something to upset him.

He looked at me for a moment, still breathing quite hard and gently raised his right hand to feel my face. "Because I am with you…I-I never thought this would happen…" He smiled at me gently.

I gently moved his left hand underneath my gown so it was resting just above the top of my underwear on my waist. I let it rest there, not moving it, allowing him to touch my skin. I kind of shivered at first feeling his hand so close to me. He looked down to see where his hand was and looked at me, his eyes were wide. I looked back at him silently, then suddenly he lifted up and kissed my lips again but this time more with passion. I received his lips and kissed him back, but then I felt his tongue gently pushing out and I opened my mouth wider to accept his tongue. I felt his hand moving more upwards and I began to shiver more as I grew more nervous. I think he felt me shaking and he stopped and looked at me, breathing heavy. "Melinda…I-I…" He began, I knew he was going to apologize

"No…Don…I-it's okay." I bit my lip, I knew I wanted to do this, but all of my life I have been so closed when it came to intimacy. I sat up and Don scooted off some, looking at me curiously. My hands went to the sides of my gown and I started to lift some, I started to shake some. I never really been naked in front of a guy before and I didn't know what Don would think of me. I have always been self conscious of myself and never thought myself to be pretty or for that matter attractive. I slowly began to raise my gown up, but I was shaking so bad that my gown was just up to my waist.

Suddenly I felt Don's hands go over on top of mine. "Melinda…we-we don't have to do this if you don't want to…" He said as his hands rested on mine, I knew he could feel me shaking.

"No, Don…I-I want to…I…I'm just scared," I said as I looked at him.

"Why, sweetie?" He said as he looked at me, his hands gently lowered mine for the time being.

I looked away from him, catching my breath some. "I'm afraid you won't like me…" I blurted out and then sighed and looked away, feeling so ashamed for admitting that to him.

"Melinda…your body means nothing to me…it's your heart that I love. Your heart is very attractive and that is what makes you beautiful to me. I will never think of you less. I mean look at me. I am a 5 foot turtle," He chuckled some. "Do you find me attractive?"

I giggled some and looked at him. "Like you wouldn't believe," I smirked at him.

His face went bright red. "Seriously?"

I grinned big and nodded my head. "Very very attractive…" I smirked again and then softly caressed his face then leaned in and kissed his lips deeply. He returned the kiss and then kissed him again deeper. We started to kiss a lot once again, our lips smacking gently. I raised up my gown, I felt his hands helping me lift my gown off. I laid back down once more and felt him leaning down on top of me again. I kissed him again but this time I reached into his mouth with my tongue, searching for his. I felt the cold air of the lair gently brushing against my exposed body. I felt his plastron touching my bare chest. I reached down and lifted my hips to remove my underwear and tossed them on the floor with my gown and robe. I wasn't ashamed anymore of being naked to Don. I felt so in love with him that I really didn't care anymore. He broke away from my lips, panting hard. He smiled at me and then gently nuzzled my nose with his. His eyes look down to look at my body. I grew shy once more seeing him looking down, he looked back up at me and smiled. "Melinda, you are beautiful…" He said as he lifted his head back up and kissed my lips deep once more.

I giggled and kissed him back. "Liar."

Our bodies became entwined as we kissed in his bed. I gently caressed his shell softly. I broke away from his mouth and gently licked down his neck and then nuzzled gently. We both were breathing so hard, but I didn't care, I held him tightly to me.

Suddenly I felt him pushing into me. I let out a gasp and pushed my face against his shoulder to muffle my cries. I could hear him let out a groan, I gripped his shell tighter, holding him close to me. I have always been scared my entire life in having sex. I was a virgin till I met Donatello, he was my first. The whole concept of having sex was always scary and I could never picture myself having it with any guy. The whole issue of sex sickened me. But Don was different. It felt so natural and right with him that it almost seemed different. I heard Don let out a small cry and then he started to breathe harder. I felt him starting to move on top of me. I held him tight to me and my breathing became heavier with his. "I love you," I whispered into his ear.

The next morning I woke up to the sound of someone fidgeting in the room, then the sound of them leaving. My eyelids fluttered open and I looked around. The night before seemed like a dream but the coolness of the air hitting my naked body made me aware that it was very real. I let out a soft smile to myself. I looked around at my surroundings and noticed that Don was not beside me. The 2 blankets that were on the floor were now on top of me, keeping me warm. I smiled and nuzzled my face against the pillow. I then heard the sound of someone coming in again, I looked over and saw that it was Don. He looked back at me, he was wearing his bandana and fighting gear. "Good morning," he said gently.

"Hey, Donnie," I said as I yawned some and lifted up, holding the blanket to my body to keep myself covered as I looked over to see what time it was. It was 8:00am. "I thought you said you were going to wake me up at 7am, Donnie."

"I kind of slept in myself," He smirked at me and I blushed.

"Where is everyone else?" I asked him as he walked over and handed me my gown.

"Let's see…Leo was up this morning at 6:00am," Don started.

"He didn't come in here, did he!" I asked, my eyes became wide with nervousness.

"Nah," He replied. "Lea is making breakfast with Sensei. Mikey and Raph are still snoring. Yeah I am glad that Mikey is not an early riser because if he was then we WOULD be in trouble. He would have definitely came in here."

"Good," I smiled as I slipped my gown over my head and then walked down the ladder then over to put on my underwear and robe again.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Don asked as he sat at his table, his eyes away from me. It was kind of cute as if he was not trying to look like a gentleman.

"I had trouble getting to sleep," I grinned as I tied my robe around me and walked over to him.

I saw Don's eyes go wide and then he chuckled. "Nice." I leaned over him from behind and gently kissed his cheek.

"I better go see what Lea is up to and if she needs any help." I walked out of his room and downstairs to the kitchen.

I think because of what happened last night, the issue about me leaving really didn't impact me till after breakfast. By the time we got Mikey and Raph up and ate it was around 10am, which meant 3 more hours till I had to be at the airport. I knew I had to get to the airport at La Guardia around 1pm to go through security, which was a pain. After breakfast we gathered around and watched television. Everyone was quiet and I was trying my best not to think about leaving.

Around noon I went up to get my bag and make sure I had everything in it. I have always been worried about leaving stuff behind. I started to grow sad inside as time got nearer. I knew I would have to leave around 12:30 to make sure I get to the airport by 1pm due to the traffic of the city.

April and Casey showed up at 12:15pm by sheer surprise! "Yo, what are you guys doing here?" Mikey exclaimed as he ran over to greet them.

"Well April said we could take her wheels to the airport so that way you guys could ride with us if ya want to," Casey replied.

"Not we, Casey. I AM driving, but you guys are welcome to come with us," April smiled softly at us.

"Sweet!" Don exclaimed.

"Alright!" Raph said.

"Awesome!" Mikey added.

"So, Mel, you all packed?" Casey asked as he looked at me.

"Yeah I have to go get my suitcase," I said kind of sadly and then walked back up to Don's room to get it. I walked inside his room and saw my suitcase sitting against the wall. On top was a white box. Curious I walked over to it. Just when I picked it up I heard Don behind me. I turned around with the box in my hand. "What is this, Don?"

"Open it," He said smiling gently to me.

I opened the box and there was a green heart jade pendant with Asian symbols in the middle on a sterling silver chain. I looked at him confusedly. "Is this…," I started.

"Yeah I got it for you. Well actually April did, but Casey spotted me the money for it. I hope you like it…" He said softly.

"Don…" I said as I looked at him sadly, I ran over and hugged him tightly. I started to cry as I held him. "I love you…I don't want to leave you."

I felt him holding me to him. "I love you too, Melinda. It will be okay…I promise. You can do it, you are strong." He said as he leaned up and kissed my forehead. "But see now you can wear that and always think of me since I can't be there."

I smiled at him warmly. "Thank you, Donnie…I'll try to call you as often as I can and I'll find a way to come visit you in December."

Don nodded his head. "I'll look forward to hearing from you. I'll be here waiting for you," He smiled and gently touched my face, then kissed me. I returned his kiss just as deeply then I felt him pull me closer and we kissed a little longer.

I heard Casey walk in and say, "Hey, are you guys ready…whoa…sorry." Then I heard walk out. I pulled away from Don and giggled. "Let's go, Don." He nodded his head and walked over to pick up my suitcase for me.

We all got inside April's van. Casey sat shotgun while April drove while Lea, the turtles, Splinter and I crammed in the back. It wasn't much room, but I didn't mind since I was close to Don. I held his arm and nuzzled against him.

"Gah, get off of me, Mikey!" Raph said as he pushed Mike. I think he didn't like the idea of everyone so close.

"Ow! Quit it, Raph!" Mike said and pushed him back which made Raph slam into Leo some.

"Hey! Watch it!" Leonardo said.

"Stop!" Splinter ordered. "I think Melinda would be better without having more stress in her life right now." He looked at Mike and Raph sternly.

When we reached the airport it was around 12:55pm. "We're here, guys," I heard April say sadly. I then heard April and Casey opening the doors to get out. I looked down at the floor of the van, I felt myself growing tense. "I guess this is it, guys."

"Yeah…"Mikey said as he sniffed. I couldn't believe that he was crying some!

"I really appreciate you guys taking me in and putting up with me," I smirked some. "I'll be sure to try to come back in December."

"That would be an honor," Master Splinter replied. "We really enjoyed your company, Melinda. You are welcome to our home anytime."

"Thank you, Sensei…" I said as I leaned over and hugged him, which I think caught him off guard because he let out a gasp of surprise.

"Yeah, you were cool, Melinda. Nice to have you around," Raph said as he smiled at me.

"Thanks, Raph. I'll try to burn you some CD's for my next visit. I listen to heavy metal too," I smiled. I then turned to Mikey.

"I REALLY hate good-byes," He said kind of whining.

I couldn't help, but to smile at him. He was kind of adorable like a small child when he was sad. "It's okay, Mikey. I'll be back and I'll bring you some games." I smiled at him.

"Awesome!" Mikey said as he leaned over and grabbed me pulling me to him for a tight hug. Now it was MY turn to let out a small gasp of surprise.

"Ja ne," Leonardo said gently. "You are a true person, Melinda. We are really going to miss having you around." I smiled and bowed to him gently.

I then set my attention on Don. He seemed like he was trying his best to hold in his emotions. His eyes were looking down as if he was thinking he would break down as soon as he looked upon me. "G-Goodbye, Don…" I said shaking some. "I'll miss you…"

"I'll miss you too, Melinda…" He said as he looked at me again sadly.

"Aw, come on, Don. Kiss her already! You know you want to!" Raph said.

I giggled some and then looked at Don who smirked back at me. He leaned over and kissed my lips gently, I returned his kiss. Mikey let out a fake girly scream and covered his eyes this made all of us laugh, which was good to lighten the mood.

"I'll go into the airport with you, sis," Lea said smiling softly with me. I opened the door and stepped out with her behind me.

"Bye, Mel! It's been fun! Let me know if you need any help to fend off any guys and I'll send Don your way!" Casey smirked at me.

I giggled. "Thanks, Case. Try to behave yourself."

"I always behave," Casey smirked and opened the passenger door to get back in.

"Sure," April said sarcastically. "Come on, Melinda. I'll go with you in."

We walked inside the airport and everyone was hurrying back and forth. I almost felt like I didn't belong. I got my boarding pass and then made my way to Security. My hand rested on my jean pocket to where I had put the box that Don had given me with the necklace inside. We walked up to the security check line I knew because of the new law that people without tickets weren't allowed to go past Security so that meant that April and Lea had to leave me there. "This is it," I said smiling at them.

"Yeah. Be careful," April said. "I'm going to miss you."

"Thanks, April," I said and hugged her gently. I then turned to Lea. "Bye, sis…"

"Bye, Melinda. Hang in there and don't be hesitant on calling me!" She said as she hugged me tightly.

"I will. You be careful too, sis. Take it easy and look after Don for me," I smiled at her. I so wished deeply that I could stay and be with her and the guys still.

"Absolutely," She smiled back. "Love ya, sis."

I nodded my head to her and then turned and got in the line and went through security. I tried my best not to look back to see if they were there because the temptation to turn around and stay with them was so great. I sat in the chair and waited till about 1:45pm to when they started to board. I gathered my bag and got in the plane. I boarded the plane and settled down in the seat next to the window. I sighed hard and looked out the window of the plane. I knew that the guys were probably already on their way back to the warehouse or to April's place. I fumbled and took out my box and took out the necklace. I placed it around me and then let my fingers gently caress the smooth Jade stone. "Someday, Don, I will be with you again…" I said sighing hard. "Some day I WILL come back…"