Chapter Three:
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After I got home, I informed sensei of Casey's offer for a two week vacation at Northampton.
Oddly enough he agreed with a radiant smile.
Somehow I found that highly suspicious, but didn't voice it out.
Of course, since Casey and I will be leaving tomorrow morning, that meant that I had all day today, and since it was a Sunday morning, I decided to go give a few friends a visit, to give them a heads up regarding my upcoming departure.
First, I caught up to the two training sessions I've missed, although dad was in mother-hen mode, he didn't want me exerting myself when I'm already so tired, but I brushed it off and he didn't argue, much.
After a quick snack I left the lair and decided to give Tyler a visit.
Surprisingly enough, he lives about two blocks away from Mrs. Morrison's home, so he and I kind of go to visit her every now and then. His mom knows about her and they've become close friends. She was glad her temperamental and stubborn boy acquainted himself with such a sweet old lady, like a grandmother, someone he could go to talk to when she's not around.
Tyler also told me that his mom asked them how they met once, they both fell into silence before they called it fate.
I grinned, somehow I found that kind of funny.
I keep in contact with him, how he's doing at school and the kinds of trouble he gets there, like kids trying to spread drugs or bully the younger kids. I help him out but only if he asks, cause I don't want to shove my snout where it done belong.
Among my family, only sensei knows about those two humans, my brothers don't have a clue, which is for the best. For all they know, I go out to ride on my bike to meet up with Casey, either to bash skulls or to release pent up frustration. Not even April or Casey knows about him, but he does know about them. I've told my two friends about the vigilant and the redhead, just in case they met one day.
Fortunately, Tyler's place is a six story apartment building, his room has a fire escape near it which allows me to sneak into his room. I don't usually get an invite, not unless he wants to gripe about his sucky teen years, when he wants to hear my opinion about a certain matter. I'd laugh it off when he complains how life isn't fair, and tell him about how my brothers and I hadn't had a decent life from the very beginning, not until after we were out of our childhood and matured into our first few teen years, and began to understand our origin and surroundings better.
He was a bit stubborn and stated the variations between our lifestyle and his, the likelihood and the evident divergences, but was also smart enough to understand what I was going on about.
We were just too different, yet so much alike, it was- perplexing.
After all, we first met when I was around sixteen and he was only ten I think, there are six years between us. So since I'm twenty one years old now, that makes him sixteen, just as old as I was when we first met.
Usually when his mom was out and he wasn't in his room when I peek through the window, it means he had either gone out with his school buddies, or had probably gone ahead to Mrs. Morrison's place.
With that in mind, I hopped off the fire escape, grabbed my bike but didn't ride it, instead I just dragged it along and crept through the darkened alleyways down the block. I know it would have been faster, but these crannies are awful small and echo a lot, I don't want to attract any unwanted attention. Besides, I'd rather reserve the fuel for later, her tank had been close to empty last I checked.
Nearing the dear woman's home, I crept through the ally and parked my bike near her door, took out the chain and locked it. Composing myself I reached the door, listening in for anyone following me, or if there was someone aside Tyler inside; it took me a moment to realize I was just paranoid. With a grin, I smiled and rapped my knuckles on the wooden door.
Merely a moment passed before Tyler opened the door with a huge grin. "Hey, Raph!" he greeted merrily and ushered me in, "You're just in time, we were having milk and cookies." He laughed.
I smirked, his voice carried a bit of an accent, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was yet, "Were you now?" I marched into the house while he closed the door, then greeted the woman, "Good evening, Mrs. Morrison. I hope you had a fine day?"
She smiled in that sweet manner, lowered her teacup and it emit a tiny clatter, muffled by the saucer, "Ah, Raphael!" she said happily and was about to push away from her chair, but I placed a hand on her shoulder, preventing her movement.
"No need to get up, ma'am." I gave her shoulder a squeeze, and then spied the rather large plate in the center of the table, with multiple and differently flavored cookies, their fragrance made my mouth water, so I turned to Tyler, "You two were indulging yourselves with such mouthwatering treats, and you didn't even wait for me? Shame on you!" I said good-naturally.
Tyler rolled his eyes, "Or so says the slow turtle." He muttered and I just sent him a mock glare which he ignored. He tugged at his sports jacket to adjust it, since he's in his school's football team; football not soccer.
From what I recall at our last meeting last week, his hair used to be longer, but I figure his mother got tired of it so he succumbed to her rants: 'You look like a girl!' and shaved it.
Good for him. At least now it looks manlier though it's just a tuft of red, short spiky hair. 'Girls dig that.' I smirked.
Although I've already told the kind woman about my origin and my family, that I'm a giant walking talking mutant turtle, she didn't mind and admitted that she felt something about me, she just felt that it wasn't wise to voice it out in fear of scaring me off.
I appreciated it, although I still don't feel comfortable to remind her of what I am all the time.
She is one of the very few people I know despite her age and blind condition, who treats me like a person, completely forfeiting the fact that whenever we touch, she doesn't even flinch at the lack of digits, or the cooler, not-so-smooth inhuman-skin she would sometimes caress.
"It's so good of you two boys to give this old lady such frequent visits." Mrs. Morrison laughed a bit, "But I'm sure you're only here for the cookies, or why else would you boys keep visiting such a boring old woman." She gave a wistful sigh, "Oh to be young again."
I grinned and touched her frail hand, gently grasped her fingers and raised it up only a little, before I delicately kissed her knuckles, "Nonsense, my fair lady. There is nothing I enjoy more than your company." I assured with a smirk, though I knew she couldn't see it.
With a twinge in my chest, its times like this I wish if only she weren't blind.
Yet still, would it have made the way she looked at me, figuratively speaking, any different?
"Oh yeah, turn on the charm, huh." Tyler muttered and gave a negative shake, "That wont give you more cookies, I assure you; you aint getting any out of my plate." He vowed, plopped on the free chair nearby and grabbed the kettle of tea, he refilled the lady's half empty cup, poured himself a cup and then lastly, presented me with a drink.
Something in my mind clicked; the boy was developing a Brooklyn accent. Who'da thunk it?
The elderly woman smiled merrily, she's used to our bantering and antics, so she merely retrieved her hand to search the air for my face, before she made contact with my skin and found my cheek, she cupped it gently, her thumb brushed under my eye, "Why don't you sit down, dear. Have some cookies and tea." She offered kindly, her motherly-like smile tickled my senses.
Gladly, I complied and joined them at the small treat.
About an hour and half-way through a conversation, after I told them of my little vacation, the topic then changed to girls these days and about the best approach to dating them and whatnot; Tyler, though teased quite enough to the point that his face had turned flush red, he squirmed as if there were ants in his pants, had to head back home and wished us a good night.
I made sure the door was locked after he left.
Alone with Mrs. Morrison, we shared that small table in peace. The topic about girls buggered me a bit, it nagged on me and reminded me of my current problem, but I weren't too sure why or if I should bring it up.
"Something on your mind, dear? You've been awful quite today." She said kindly, one hand humbly sat in her lap, evident that the lack of any pets was heartily missed.
Lucy disappeared about a week ago, and yet she refused to admit it she was worried about her pretty white cat. Given my knowledge when it comes to those felines, because of Mike and Klunk, I think that it's around mating season. Lucy had probably run off to hit the sack with the first male who could make her submit. Cats are like that, they like men who can fight back.
I think Klunk followed me here once, Lucy was anything but friendly.
Poor orange Tabby never followed me here ever again.
He'd usually avoid me when I come back home, especially if Lucy left her scent all over my legs, rubbing herself against me and begging for a petting and all. Cats are territorial, so by rubbing herself against me she's leaving her scent on my skin, therefore she's claiming me as her own. Unlike dogs who piss to mark their territory, cats leave their scent and that explains why they rub against everything they find.
So whenever I go back home after visiting Mrs. Morrison, Klunk wouldn't come one step near me and keeps away, or even let me pet or touch him, until I take a shower and wash it off.
"You were a bit distant today, almost as if there was something on your mind." She added.
I huffed a small breath, "It- about… well, how do I say this," I rubbed the back of my neck.
I mean, for crying out loud I'm not even a teenager anymore, I've outgrown that phase and I'm already in my early adult years, so why do I tremble and feel so insecure and clumsy when I think about Angel? What kind of power does she possess to turn me head over heels like this?
Kindly, she placed a hand over mind, where it rested on the table top, so encouraged by her touch I took a deep breath, "for the sake of not sounding stupid, it's about- a girl I like." I confessed, 'There! I said it!'
Her thin white brows arched high as her lips parted and shaped into a perfect circle, before the corners of her mouth spread father away in a huge grin, "Really? What is she like? Does she know you like her?" she prodded almost excitedly.
I felt my cheeks warm up, my brows knit and a bemused grin tugged on my lips, "Well, yeah." I admitted timidly, reluctantly, "We kinda had a thing for each other a few years back and all."
"So she knows?" she grinned wider, her blank ocean-grey orbs never flickered.
I licked my lips a bit nervous, because I've never seen the usually composed and well reserved woman so elated before, "Well, um, yeah, ya know? We've known each other for a long time." I stuttered a bit, then cursed myself and tried to compose my jittered nerves, "She's kinda like- the one who took the first step, really." I admitted nervously, "It's just that- well, we're- different."
I didn't wait for her to ask, I began a long explanation about myself, Angel, Casey and how I thought it all started.
From the day Casey was captured by Hun, how Angel saw that it was her fault and needed our help to free him, and then to how I saw her as a tomboy and a close friend. I moved on to that Christmas evening, when we tried to help Casey snatch a kiss from April, only to be caught in the act. I think that was when we first saw each other more than just friend, to close and dear friends. Lastly, I told her about how Angel's brother, and how he idiotically got himself trapped in some sort of haunted mansion, blinded by greed.
I think the breaking point was at his actual departure two years ago.
I do believe that's where our relationship snowballed into our current state.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Morrison didn't know how to express herself and voice out her thoughts. She remained silent, listening to every word and not interrupt, she'd squeeze my hand in encouragement. She understood my feelings to an extent, being a widowed woman herself, but didn't know how deep exactly were we, and or if Angel and I are planning anything in the near or distant future.
"All I can say is; think wisely before you take the next step, you have two paths and one of them is- in a way, the lesser evil." She said carefully, "I understand that you dearly care and love her, but want her to give her freedom and everything she desires." She paused, but when I took a breath to interrupt, she wisely and expertly pressed a delicate finger to my lips, shushing me, "I'm sure you will find what you're looking for, Raphael." she assured, "So remember, believe in yourself, the answer is usually closer to home than you think." She said in that humble yet knowing manner, that smile still shone on her face.
I can't explain it, but her words touched me deeply, so I took her words for it.
No sooner did my brothers call, they wanted me back home.
With a peck on the cheek and a thank you, we parted our ways and I went back home.
….
The next morning, I wished if I had refused Casey's offer.
Why? Because only after Casey arrived to pick me up, did I discover my father and Casey were in cahoots!
Waiting at the lair's garage was Casey with his classic old Cadillac, April with a friendly and beaming smile, and dare I say it, Angel! They were all dressed and ready for the slightly nippy weather we had this morning, but it was shocking nonetheless.
I snagged his arm, flashed the woman a wry grin and dragged him away for a small talk, "Casey! What the shell are they doin' here?" I practically screeched into his unprotected ear, "You didn't say anythin about them joinin' us!" I argued in a hushed voice. I didn't want them to feel offended or unwanted, but still I couldn't believe my friend had lied to me! "I thought you said it was just the two of us!"
"I never said that!" he replied coolly with a damn big, dopy grin, "I said it'll be just you and not your brothers, I never said we weren't havin' company." He shrugged none too caring, "Besides, I thought you'd be happy to have Angel come over." He hinted.
If my cheeks had warmed up any more than they already have, they'd be glowing like hot amber. "Is that it? You invited me just to embarrass me in front of her?" I hissed and squeezed his arm tighter, almost enough to break a bone, but he merely flinched, "Are you plannin somethin'?" I sneered warningly, and suppressed the urge to knock his teeth in when he grinned.
I felt so angry, so betrayed! I could kill him right here and now!
"Nope," he closed his eyes and shrugged his free shoulder, his free hand carefully and slowly pried my fingers off his arm, digit by digit till it was home free, rubbed it tenderly and winced, before he stuffed his hands into his jacket's pockets, "You need to unwind Raph, you're too tense." He gave a sympathetic smile, "I talked to Ape and Donny last night and they both assured me ya were under stress."
I clinched my teeth so hard I thought they'd pop out of my jaw and mouth.
"So I thought: Hey? Why not take a vacation? It should help him unwind! All I gotta do is con him into it cause he aint gonna buy it just like that." he continued and grinned mischievously, "Besides, Angel kept whinin' about her hangover and how much she missed ya." He said thoughtfully, "And seriously now, avoidin' her wouldn't have made things any easier to deal with." He muttered, paused and then furrowed, "But don't go gettin' any idea, got it?"
"Yeah, sure; whatever." I muttered darkly and watched him head towards his car with a satisfied smirk.
I swear, my face was so hot and though the headache was pretty much gone, I was still clumsy on my feet, or I honestly would have loved to kick that arrogant ass all the way to next week!
I swung a fist at his retreating figure in partly-suppressed rage, but he easily dodged it with a laugh, before he twirled around and we exchanged blows, or more like missed blows for we never touched each other, we kept countering each others fists like a boxing match; almost shadow boxing in a way. We wasted a good hour trying to beat the stuffing out of each other, and somehow that playful pastime made me feel a shell lot better.
Well, up until April got fed up with waiting and dragged him by the ear and me by the mask tails, reprimanding us for our useless games. I don't think I've seen the grin on Angel's face grow so big!
To admit it, her smile sort of made me look more forward to this trip.
"Aww! You mean we can't tag along? That's no fair!" Mike whined and latched on to April's sleeve, before she could shove me into the back seat, "Can I join? Pweeze?" he pleaded cutely and turned to Casey who replied with a negative shake, "I'll cook for you! I'll even clean! Just let me come along, please?" Casey's head kept shaking but with a frown, "Pretty please?" while frowning, Casey's head shook faster, before he gave himself a headache so he stopped to glare at my impish brother, "Pretty please with sugar lumps on top?" Mike batted his eyes cutely.
"Oh Take a Hint, Mikey!" Don groaned, he placed a hand on Mike's shoulder and gently tugged back.
Mike whined but didn't insist anymore, he knows when to give up.
Leo stepped closer to look at me, "Remember Raph, you're going to relax and unwind! So no don't stress yourself, or cause them any trouble." He advised gently, offering a handshake.
I just rolled my eyes and then shrugged, before accepting the handshake, squeezing slightly.
Sparing my brothers and father a glance, they all replied with friendly smiles.
Bracing myself for courage, I climbed into the car and once up and ready, we were off.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A/N: hmm…
