Calli's Pov...
I heard the stove ring signaling that my latest creation was finished in the oven. I slid on some oven mitts and I opened the door and smelt the fresh sweet aroma of sugar and cinnamon fill my nostrils. I smiled in satisfaction as I pulled out the glass bowl revealing freshly baked peach cobbler. I set it on top of the counter top along with the many other food dishes that I created just this morning from potato salad to fruit kabobs.
The reason why I had prepared so much food this morning, it's because today was the Fourth of July, one of the holidays that I loved the most. Watching the fireworks take off in the night sky, eating scrumptious food at barbecues, and the summer fun of going swimming, squirting water guns and roasting marshmallows by the fire.
But this year this Fourth of July was going to be different. This was the day I had been waiting throughout the whole year, and today my excitement and anticipation of today was growing by the second. April and Casey invited me and the family to take a trip up to April's farmhouse in Northampton for the weekend and it would be the first time for us to go out and actually enjoy ourselves for the big event.
"Mmmmmmm something smells good", Mikey said, walking into the kitchen sniffing the air "What's cooking Calli?"
"Some good homemade peach cobbler", I said, smiling "Nice and hot out of the oven"
"Yum!", he said, about to reach in the bowl for a piece
"No Mikey", I said, swatting his hand away "That's for the barbecue tonight"
"Awwww just a little piece Calli? It looks so good!", he said, in a begging tone as I put tin foil over the top of it
"There will be plenty enough to eat of it for tonight when we head up to the farmhouse", I said "I made extra this time, since the last time it seemed to be all gone in under a minute"
"I can't wait to head up there!", he said, excitedly
"Me neither, I'm really glad April was nice enough to invite us all up there", I said "It will be the first time we actually see the place"
"I bet it's going to be totally awesome!", he said
I giggled. "I bet it will too", I said, smiling "You should go hurry up and finish packing Mikey, April and Casey are going to be here soon"
"Far out sissy!", he said, running off
I giggled as I started packing up the food in the cooler. Leo them came out of the bedroom with his packed dark blue duffle bag along with my pink and white striped beach bag, setting them down in front of the entrance. "Wow Calli, it looks like you made enough food that would last us at least a few weeks", Leo said, walking in
"Well just wanted to make sure we have enough this time", I said, smiling "Besides the more than merrier"
He chuckled and kissed my cheek. "I'm really looking forward to this trip, it would be nice to get out and enjoy the great outdoors for the Fourth of July", he said
I giggled. "You are going to love it believe me", I said
"You and your friends ever do anything special on this day?", he asked
"Of course, in fact every year my friend Lena would take me and our guy friends and girlfriends up to her family's cabin", I said, putting the sodas and bottle of water in carry on cooler bag "Always had a blast up there, we sure do miss those days when we all went our separate ways because of college and everything"
"And to think you are going to be reliving that memory in just a few short hours", Leo said
"I know I can't wait", I said, smiling "Now I can do it again this time with my whole family"
Leo smiled just as we heard a door shut and out came our brother Raphael with his grungy red backpack slung over his shoulder, looking to be in a good mood greeting us.
"Morning Raph", I said "You seem to be a good mood this morning"
"I can't wait to hit that lake sis", Raph said, as he threw his bag down "Finally get to swim something that doesn't stink"
"It's a lot better for swimming than flooded sewer lines that's all I can say", Leo said
"Indeed this will be a rejuvenating trip my children", Splinter said, walking in with his walking stick "We must thank Ms. O'Neil for planning it in our favor"
"I'll say!", Mikey said "It's going to be a blast! When are we going anyways?"
"As soon as April calls, we will head up to the tunnel to load up", I said, packing the last of the food into the cooler
I then felt my phone vibrate in my belt. "And sure enough it's her", I said, taking my phone out
I clicked accept as I held my phone between my cheek and my shoulder while locking up the cooler. "Hey April", I said
"Hey Calls, are you guys ready to go?", she asked
"All set, we are all packed up", I said
"Great! We will see you guys in the tunnels in a few minutes", she said
"Okay April, see you in a little bit", I said, hanging up my phone
I put my phone back into my belt as I slid the cooler off the counter, pulling up the handle rolling it to the lair entrance. "Okay guys, let's head up, she is on her way", I said
Leo picked up his dark blue duffle bag and Splinter's suitcase while the boys and Splinter starting head up to the tunnel to meet up with April and Casey. "Ellie honey we are leaving!", I called out, grabbing my bag
"Coming Mama!", she said, running out of her room
She had her own little seashell beach bag, that I helped pack with her last night, wearing her pink heart sunglasses on her face. "You got everything honey?", I asked
"Yep", she said, smiling
"Make sure you have your turtle and your blanket for bedtime tonight", I said
She then pulled out her stuffed turtles head and green silk blanket out of her bed showing me she didn't forget. "Got it", she said
"Ready to have some fun?", I said, happily
"Yeah! I can't wait for the fireworks tonight!", she said, leaping to me excitedly
"Me neither, well come on let's hurry and get there", I said, smiling
Ellie ran past me giggling as she started to climb up the ladder meeting up with the others. From down below I set the security codes, making sure the whole lair was locked down. We didn't want any unwanted visitors while we were gone on our mini vacation.
I was really excited to get to the farmhouse with my family. A three day weekend out in the sun, breaking the fresh country air and hearing the sounds of nature. Like Raphael, I couldn't wait to jump in the crystal clear lake behind the house and enjoy the cool clean water.
We were going to make bon fires and go hiking in broad daylight without having to worry about seeing us. I knew that being out there would allow my family to experience the same things I did when I was younger and can finally relax for once in our hectic lives.
The reason why we were heading up there it's because there had been no signs of dragon activity for weeks and the police were handling the Purple Dragons and other gang activity with no trouble. We could finally get away and relax without having to worry about our home being in danger. Plus I wanted us to do something different for the Fourth of July instead of being stuck down in the lair watching it on the T.V.
As I climbed my way out of the lair I pushed the manhole cover closed I heard a horn honking and we saw April pull into the lair, smiling ear to ear. April came up with the idea of taking us up to the farmhouse for the holiday since she thought it would of been the perfect spot for some summer fun and the many fireworks are going to be launched from hearing from April by a neighbor close by.
"All aboard!", April called out
We headed towards the back of the van and we started loading up everything that we were taking for the trip.
"Are you sure we packed everything? I don't want to leave anything behind", I said, shoving Donnie's bag in the back
"I'm sure of it Calli, I went over the checklist", Leo said, pushing the cooler into the corner of the van
"Sunscreen?", I asked
"Check", Leo said
"Matches?", I asked
"Check", Raph said
"Marshmallows?", I asked
"Check", Mikey said
"Towels?", I asked
"Check", Ellie said
"Splinter's sun hat?", I asked
"Check", Splinter said
"Umbrellas?", I asked
"Check again", Don said
We then got the last remaining bags in the back of the van. "Good it seems we have everything", I said, smiling
"Oh and make sure we got Ellie's float", Leo said, looking at me
I smiled and I unzipped my bag and pulled out a deflated pink circular float. "Check", I said
"Mommy! Daddy! Let's go!", Ellie said, peering over the seat in front of us
"Okay honey, we are coming", I said, giggling
Leo shut the doors as we then climbed in the back taking a seat together right beside the window. Donnie has upgraded April's van into a mini RV of sorts. There has been bus seats, cabinets, a small radar system, a TV set and a stereo put in, making it the perfect traveling space. Casey switched places with April and took over control in the driver seat. "Here we go", he said, as he started up the van
We then headed down the tunnel and out into the light driving down the road, heading to the country side. "Wahoo!", Mikey cheered, from his seat next to Donnie "We are on vacation!"
Donnie flinched from the sudden loud noise. "That was my ear drum Mikey", he said, annoyed
Raph slapped on the back of the head from his seat behind him. "Ow! Hey!", he said, looking back at him annoyed
"Okay you two knock it off", I said, in warning tone
"You guys want to listen to some music?", April asked
"Sure April", Leo said
She pulled out a CD out of her purse and slipped it into the stereo. The music was up beat and catchy. It had almost techno sound to it and the female vocalist sang in a voice that was sweet and clear. "Hey I know her, it's Hanako Megumi", I said
"Yeah, I love her music now Calli, you got me addicted into Japanese pop songs", April said
"Told you she was good", I said
"You can give Mikey all the credit for that", Raph said "The only pop I'm into is the kind you drink"
"I think she rocks!", Mikey said, bobbing his head to the beat
"Again that was my ear Mikey", Donnie said, rubbing his sore ear
Everyone started getting into the music bobbing their heads and swaying back and forth. Even Raph was getting into it, if you call tapping your fingers count.
"I love her music, it always makes me want to sing along and dance", April said
"Do you even know what's she saying?", Don asked
"I don't know why you like it so much when you don't know what's being said", Casey said
"Well I understand her just fine dude", Mikey said
"That's because we were taught Japanese when were four Mikey", Leo said
"Yeah well, even if I didn't that would stop me from liking it", he said
"Well let's just enjoy it for what it is, it is good music", April said, looking out to the scenery
"Good point", I said
Leo's Pov...
The rest of the trip was spent in idol conversation and the usual arguments between the boys, but were quickly dosed by either Calli or I. I looked around at my family laughing and enjoying themselves in the van. It brought a warm smile to my face. When I looked up at April and Casey, giving each other awkward looks blushing slightly, my smile widened a little bit more.
It reminded me of the happiness that I had now been harboring in my heart for many years now. I was surrounded by the people I loved. I never thought I would know how it felt to have someone love me that way, the way April and Casey are starting to get to like Calli and I. It was such a desire and a want for me. I felt it everytime when I saw a couple walking through the street, enjoying the evening air and each other's company. I felt it everytime I let myself watch some movie on T.V. I felt it everytime.
I looked out the one way window at the other cars passing by. I always imagined what it would be like holding and being held by someone who loved me in a way my family never could. But just imagining became a reality when I met Calli. I thought it would be impossible, foolish even. But with her, she became my impossible dream.
Throughout my young life, I had faced didfuculites unlike anyone else. The stress, pressure, and pain was sometimes was almost too much to take. I formed an unhealthy habit of always being tense, on guard, and ready to strike. True relaxation never came to me, even in my sleep. It was always with one eye open. I did talk with Splinter about my struggles, meditate for hours on end, but I knew no one would truly know how it felt to carry a burden as large as mine. Everything I did, all the pain I felt over my life time, all the stress, anxiety was all for my brothers, my family. The more I could feel the more I could set their minds at ease, the better.
Sometimes I wonder how I do it. Being a strong leader who doesn't break, always keeps their head on straight, and encouraging the team. I lift their spirits, ignites their fire, and leads the charge. I don't get the vent, unwind or relax.
But when Calli came into my life, somehow she took away everything off my shoulders, made things so much easier and less tense. Like I can now finally get to breathe and feel what my brothers were able to do for years, to relax and take it easy. She was teaching me that life is not always about worrying about an enemy attack and that there is more meaning to my life than hiding and training. She was showing a different path while still doing what I am destined to do, but with more adventure and fun, bringing me the dreams I desperately want to me.
But the one thing she really has done for me, is to stop being so negative on myself, too hard on myself. I had a very bad habit of doing that too. I knew that this vacation with her and the family would allow me to really show my progress of breaking my bad habits. I would be able really to relax and wind down that there would be danger up where we were going, like when I was very little. This weekend I didn't have to be the leader I could just be me.
Casey ejected the CD, despite April's protests and turned the radio to his favorite rock station, pulling me from my thoughts. "You okay Leo?", Calli asked, reaching her arm around me rubbing my shoulder
"Oh yeah, my mind was just off in space for a moment there", I said "I'm good"
She smiled and I brought me closer to me as she laid my head on my shoulder and I gave her temple a kiss, while the boys were starting to bang their heads to the rock and roll. Even Splinter decided to play along, sporting the rock on symbol with his paw in the air.
Calli's Pov...
Leo and I laughed at the goofy behavior. It was moments like this that made life all worth it. By noon we had pulled into a dirt driveway that lead us up to the farm house. "You guys are going to love the place, it was a lot of fun growing up here as a child", April said "There is always something to do"
"Looks like we are in a good time", Leo said
"I agree", I said
As soon as the van stopped Mikey grabbed his bag from the back putting on his sunglasses. "Oh yeah let the summer fun begin!", he said, running to the porch
The rest of us climbed out grabbing our luggage from the back of the van. "This is so cool!", Ellie said, jumping out from the van with her bag "Are we going to see any giant bears up here?"
"No sweetie, we don't get them way up here", April said, taking an umbrella and her bag
"Yeah those northern towns have all the fun, come on let's head inside", I said, grabbing my bag
We then walked up the small steps up to the porch as April took a key out of a flower pot beside the door and unlocked it, opening it up. We then piled inside as I looked around taking in the homely looking space, almost having a warm log cabin look to it. "Wow nice place April, I love the hardwood floors", I said, looking around
"Hard to believe this place is still standing after all these years", she said "It's been through so much from forest fires to falling trees from thunderstorms"
"Well it's not the beauty of a building you should look at, it's the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time", I said
"You guys can choose any bedrooms you want, you guys might have to bunk with each other, there is only a few rooms in the whole house", April said
"We already talked about that", I said "Raph and Mikey are sharing one room, Donnie, Splinter and Ellie are taking one, and Leo and I have one"
"Sure I get the one who drools, talks in his sleep, and makes out with his pillow", Raph said, grumbling
"Hey!", Mikey said, looking at him annoyed
"It's a harsh truth Mikey, live with it", Leo said, shrugging
"Come on you guys, we only got this weekend to enjoy ourselves, might as well get started", I said "Let's get settled in and we can head down to the lake for the fireworks tonight"
"She's right, I'm hitting the water!", Mikey said, shoving pass Raph and Donnie
"Hey wait for us!", Donnie called out, with Ellie running behind him
We headed upstairs as we choose our rooms down the hall. Leo and I chose a room at the end of the hall and we entered inside to see a nice cozy room with a nice view of the woods outside. I set my bag down on top of the dresser as I unzipped it from the top taking out things I need to take down to the lake.
"I can't believe we actually now can spend a holiday and be ourselves not having to worry about anything", I said, unpacking my things from my bag
"I can't either, its great now that we can be together and I can get to spend more time with you", Leo said, hugging around me kissing my cheek
I giggled as he started going down my neck. My hands reached behind me trying to grab his hips to pull him closer to me, but when I did I felt something cold and soft brush up against my fingertips.
I got a bit of a confused look as I turned around slowly as Leo continued on kissing my throat and then could see what it was. Leo didn't have his mask or usual gear on and instead he had on a pair of dark blue swim shorts. "Mmmmmmm my don't you look sexy in those", I said, giggling
"Thanks I thought you might like them", Leo said, with a smirk "Thought be appropriate to wear than besides our gear"
"Well I think it's a rather snazzy decision you made", I said, patting his chest with my hand
He chuckled and he kissed in between my eyes. "Come on, let's head down with the others", I said
He smiled and we both grabbed our bags heading out of the bedroom. As we headed down the stairs everyone was gathered at the door with a towel thrown over their shoulders and beach bags in hand. Sure enough to my prediction all the boys were wearing swim shorts that matched their mask colors. April wore a purple sun dress and Casey had on black swim shorts. "Ready to go you guys?", April asked
"Totally, I can't wait!", I said, excitedly
"Let's get going on already then!", Raph said, sounding impatient
"My children, I would like for you all to bring along your weapons. We don't know what could be out here in these woods and we must be prepared", Splinter said
"Come on Splinter, there is a not a dragon or thug for miles, the only thing scary we might encounter here is a deer with a nasty deposition", Donnie said
"Guys just do what he says, it's not a big deal", I said, crossing my arms "Just go back and get your weapons"
"Already have ours", Leo said, as he pulled out his and my swords
"Me too", Ellie said, pulling her tessens out of her bag
With some slight groaning, the others did as what they were asked and went back upstairs to retrieve their weapons. "Daddy's girl", Raph said, grumbling
"I heard that!", I called out
"Busted!", Donnie said
He and Mikey started laughing, but then Raph smacked Mikey in the back of the head as he was in front of him in arms reach. "Ow! Hey you started it!", Mikey said, walking quicker up the stairs
"Sometimes I feel like I am not just a mother of one, but a mother of four", I said, putting my sunglasses on
"Tell me about it", Splinter said, chuckling
I giggled at his comment and the boys came back down the stairs with their weapons in hand. "Can we go now?", Raph said "Quit stalling already"
"Cool your jets Raph, we are heading out", Casey said
We then walked out the back door and we walked down the trail that led to the lake. It was a rather large lake with sparkling clean water with a wooden boat dock right next to an oak tree. "Oh it's beautiful", I said
"And it's all for us to enjoy", Donnie said
We set up our spot towards the edge of the lake up on a hill. I had stuck one of the beach umbrellas into the ground opening it up leaning it at an angle, bringing shade to where we would be relaxing.
Donnie and Raph were spraying up with sunblock and Mikey threw down his bag and pulled off his sunglasses and was about to run off. "Alright! Mother nature here I come!", he cheered
"Mikey! Stop!", I called out
He skidded to a halt as I walked in front of him. "Aren't you forgetting something?", I asked, giving him a cocked eyebrow
"I don't think so", he said, shrugging
I then gave him a smirk and held up a can of sunblock waving it side to side in my hand a bit. "You need to put on sunblock", I said
He groaned looking away. "Do you want to get sunburnt?", I asked, crossing my arms
He then looked down at both of his arms before looking up at me. "Yes", he said
"Spray", I said, firmly tossing him the can
"Fine", he said, sounding slightly annoyed
He then sprayed himself quickly as he then tried to make a run for it again. "Okay I'm good!", he said
"Ah ah ah", I said, grabbing him by the shell dragging him back "You missed a spot"
"Where?", he asked
"Here", I said, giggling flicking him in the snout
"Well you missed one too", he said, flicking my snout back
I growled playfully as I shoved him. He shoved me back and we started a shoving fight laughing. But then Mikey grabbed my arms twisting them behind me as he tickled my sides. I then began laughing uncontrollably and struggling kicking my legs. "Mikey come on! Stop!", I said, shrieking
He then let me go as I giggled shoving him in the shoulder. "Go on get out here!", I said
He then ran off cheering heading down to the docks catching up with Donnie. "Cannon ball!", Donnie called out
An enormous wave irrupted from their contact with the water as they splashed down. When they surfaced they started splashing waves of water at each other. "Heads up Mikey!", Raph called out
He and Casey followed in suit and made another enormous splash. Raph landed on Mikey's head and pushed him under the water. When Mikey resurfaced he slapped water at his brother, with the both of them just laughing happily. "Chicken fight!", Casey called out, diving under the water
He then lifted Raph on top of his shoulders. "Hey watch it man!", Raph said, as he tried to keep his balance
Donnie then lifted Mikey on top of his shoulders and the boys engaged into a round of constant pushing and horse play.
I giggled watching the whole scene unfold as I finished laying out my towel with the others lined up beside me. Leo opened up Splinter's umbrella as Splinter sat down on his beach chair. April was spraying sunblock on Ellie's shoulders and arms while she took her sunglasses off and slipped on her dark green swim dress. "Here Ellie", Leo said
He took her float and started blowing it up. He then snapped in the stopper and slid it over Ellie's head as she wriggled inside. "Now can I go swimming Daddy?", she asked, jumping and down excitedly
He chuckled smiling down at her. "Yes you can Green Bean, go on", he said
"Yay!", she said, running off towards the docks
Ellie went towards an oak tree beside the docks as she grabbed a rope that was tied to a branch. She took a running start from above and went swinging down flying in the air. "Cowabunga!", she cheered, as she landed in the water popping back up laughing
I smiled as I laid Ellie's towel out beside mine and I untied my bandanna putting it in my bag. "Coming Calli?", Leo asked
"Yeah, just be there in a second", I said "Got to spray up first"
"See you there, look out below!", Leo called out
Leo took a running start towards the docks and jumped off the edge, knocking over Mikey and Casey into the water before splashing in the water. "Leo!", Mikey said, shaking his head from the water
He smiled sheepishly as the others smirked at each other before they gave him evil looks. "Get him!", Raph called out
Leo yelped as he dove under the water with the boys close behind him as they chased after him diving under.
I giggled as I took off my sunglasses and I slipped on my dark pink swim dress over my head. "Ready to show off our new looks April?", I asked, giggling
"Oh yeah", she said, nodding giving me a smile
She then slipped off her purple sundress as we both walked down to the docks, with the boys still playing at their chicken fight.
"Oh boys", I said, in an attracting voice
They all looked up and their jaws literally dropped at April and I with me in my swim dress and April in her yellow bikini, leaning against one another giving them flirting looks. "Wow", Leo said, sounding breathless
"Goongala", Casey said, with awe
"Told you it would work", I said, giggling
"And you were right, you should see the looks on your faces", April said, letting her hair down form her bun
We both took running starts off the docks as we dove over the boys landing in the water and we resurfaced and smiled with success. "Four way chicken fight!", I called out, climbing on top of Leo's shoulders
"Oh it's so on girlfriend!", April called out, putting Ellie on top of her shoulders
"Let's get them!", Ellie cheered
The whole day went on in this way filled with fun, laughter and happiness. It's almost as if we belonged out here in the wilderness like the wild turtles that roamed in the woods nearby. Everyone was just happy to be themselves for once and don't have to worry about anything at all. I was up on the shore getting lunch ready taking out the bins of food I prepared this morning and putting them on the table and firing up the hot dogs and burgers on the grill. As I placed the grilled meat in the center of the table I went back out on to the docks as everyone was playing with a beach ball.
"Come and get you all!", I called out
"Coming Calls!", Leo called out
Everyone started swimming back towards the shore and run up the hill to the picnic table. We took whatever we wanted from the bins as we settled down to eat. Ellie was seating with Splinter on the edge of the hill while the rest of us ate at the table. "Yum! Peach cobbler!", Mikey said, stuffing himself
"Typical Mikey, always goes for the sweets first", Leo said, with a smirk
I giggled. "Well good thing I made plenty enough for this year for everyone", I said
"Love the potato salad Calli, it's the best one I have tasted", Casey said
"Why thanks, you could say the extra ingredient is garlic salt", I said, taking a bite "Everything tasting okay for you two?"
"Yes Mommy", Ellie said, taking a bite out of her corn on the cob
"A rather satisfying lunch it was Callista", Splinter said, getting up from beside Ellie "Now if you will excuse me I am going to meditate now"
He then left down the hill and sat back down on his beach chair getting in lotus position. "He has been sitting there all day", Donnie said
"Yeah I wish he would just loosen up and have some fun with us", Mikey said
"Maybe we can", I said, giving them a smirk
"Oh she has got that look", Raph said
"Idea coming on", Donnie said
"What's the plan Calli?", Leo asked
"Let's soak the rat", I said, pointing behind me towards Splinter
"Yeah!", we all said, simultaneously
We ran off in different directions surrounding Splinter while he was unaware what was about to happen to him. Mikey was the first to try it out by sneaking up behind him with a pail of water. But as he was about to dump it, Splinter whipped his tail around Mikey's ankle tripping him and the pail of water spilled all over him before landing on his head. "Too noisy Michelangelo", Splinter said, with his eyes shut
Raph took a direct approach and ran at him from behind, but before he could make any more moves Splinter held out his arm catching Raph by the chest and throwing him over and into the water below. Raph then surfaced spitting out water looking at him annoyed. "Poor choice Raphael", he said
Don then appeared from behind a tree and he snuck up close as he bounced a rock in his hand and he threw the rock into the water making a splash. Splinter's eyes then opened noticing the distraction but as Don approached, Splinter tripped him with his cane making him flip over on to his shell. "Work on your foot work Donatello", Splinter said, going back into a meditating state
April and Casey went from both sides with super soakers in hand, and just as they sprayed simultaneously Splinter ducked and they ended up spraying both of each other instead. "Different double tactical plan you two", Splinter said, looking amused
Ellie then took a crack at it and came crawling up behind him with the lawn hose in her hand. She turned back at Raph and give him the thumbs up while he turned the water on full blast. But the water came rushing too fast for her as Ellie went flying up in the air holding the hose spraying around like a rocket. "Woah how do you stop this thing?", she said, flying around uncontrollably
"Raph turn it off!", Leo called out
"Got it!", he said, quickly turning it off
As soon as the water jet stopped gushing out Ellie landed in the wet grass with the hose tangling all around her. "Too clumsy Eleanora", Splinter said
"Dang it", she said, struggling to get out of the tangled hose
"Our turn", I said, quietly
Leo and I each held a water balloon hiding in the bushes from a safe distance away to be sure it wouldn't back fire on the both of us. We then threw the balloons at a curved angle and as they neared Splinter he sprung up and hit them both with the back of his cane. They both ricocheted back towards us causing them to burst in our faces leaving broken pieces of the balloon stuck to our faces. "God how do you always know?", I said, completely baffled
"Ancient Japanese secret Callista", Splinter said, giving me a sly look "Every wise sensei knows when an attack will happen"
"Not all attacks", I said, quietly in an evil tone
I give Leo a dark smile as he gave me one in return. We then looked out towards the others and gave them hand signals of what we should do next and they nodded enthusiastically agreeing to the idea. "Charge!", I yelled, running out from the bushes
"Get him!", April called out
We ran up behind Splinter and lifted up the beach chair he was sitting on. Splinter didn't even have the time to react to do a counterattack as we ran with him across the docks. "If you children do this you will be grounded for a week", Splinter said, threatening us with a freaked out expression
"Eh so what? Not the first time you have done it", Mikey said
"Hold your breath sensei", Leo said
We then threw him out into the lake as he splashed down. The beach chair floated back up as Splinter resurfaced with his soak sunhat covering his head. He moved part of the hat up as he looked at us with a cocked eyebrow.
We couldn't hold in our laughter any longer as we all started laughing uncontrollably. "I see you all find this very amusing?", he said, shaking his fur head dry
"Amusing? That doesn't even begin to cover it", Donnie said, laughing
"Kids 1, Splinter 0", I said, giggling
"It's really funny Grandpa", Ellie said, leaning down to him on the docks
He then smiled. "I guess it is a bit funny", he said, chuckling "But I would watch your shells if I were you, I will get my revenge"
"Oh we are so scared, we are shaking in our shells", Mikey said, in a dramatic tone shaking
"Uh Mikey I would be more careful who you are talking to", Raph said "You remember the April Fools prank?"
"Oh...yeah", he said, with his drama dying down
Ellie then stood up and ran across the docks towards the water. "Cannonball!", she called out landing in front of Splinter
"Wait for me Ellie!", I called out
I took off running and I jumped and landed on one of the dock posts flying up in the air. "Swan dive!", I called out, before diving into the water
Everyone then jumped in and the fun began again this time with our father joining us. After successfully completing our mission, we all chilled out along the bank of the lake just enjoying the freedom we had. Raph, Donnie and Mikey were lounging on their towels hoping to get a tan, April and Casey were sitting on beach chairs underneath the umbrellas with Splinter, and Leo, Ellie and I were floating on tubes against the shore.
I had on my white sunhat and glasses enjoying a glass of sparkling lemonade as the warmth of sun stung my skin. It was quiet. It was peaceful. It was just really...relaxing.
I sighed in content softly, taking another sip of my drink through a straw, then leaning back in the tube more. "This is the life", I said, in content
"You said it sissy, haven't gotten a good tan in months", Raph said, laying on his shell
"To think if there was no more fighting crime in the city we could just stay up here", Mikey said "Never have to worry about anything"
"Oh Mikey that's only just a dream, we will always have to fight crime, evil never takes a break", Leo said
"Dreams sometimes can become reality", I said "Even when it seems impossible, if you think and work hard for it, it just might happen"
"That would be the day", Donnie said, sitting up
"Callista is right you know", Splinter said, walking towards us
We turned to face him as he stopped in front of the boys on the grass. "My children, I know this has been a sense of freedom from the lives that we have been given", he said "I know you all wish to have more of what we have had today, but I do sense when the time comes our conflicts that we have with the enemies we have now will soon die and we will regain peace as we did before when you defeated the Shredder"
"It will happen one day, I know it will", I said
Splinter nodded, but then without warning a huge shrieking sound was made and what sounded like a gun shot rang off in the distance startling us. "Woah!", Leo said, falling out of his tube from the shock
The boys and Ellie started laughing as Leo resurfaced shaking the water off his head. "You were scared Daddy!", Ellie said, laughing
"Come here you!", he said, swimming over to her make a fin like a shark over his head
"Ah! It's Jaws!", she said, screaming jumping out her tube and on to land
"Got you", he said, laughing
"That's what you get for teasing Ellie", I said, giggling
Ellie stuck out her tongue just as another shot rang out. "Woah! What was that?", Raph asked
"Don't be scared you guys, it's just only a firecracker", I said
"Wow that was loud!", Donnie said
"That means the fireworks should be starting soon", April said
"We still got a little bit to wait before nightfall, in the meantime, who want's to make smores?"
"I do!", Ellie said, perking up
"Me! Me! Me!", Mikey said, sounding excited as her
"Let's get a fire going then", Casey said "I'll get the firewood"
"I'll get the marshmallows!", Mikey said, going to the cooler
"Make mine double!", Ellie called out, running behind him
Everyone started to gather up around the fire pit while I finished up my lemonade and took off my hat and glasses. "A little help", Leo said, as he struggled to get out of the lake slipping on the wet grass
I giggled and I walked over to him and offered him my hand as I pulled him out of the water. I handed him his towel as he dried off. "Come on, you scared turtle", I said, giggling
"I wasn't scared! I was just surprised", he said, trying to act like he wasn't freaked out
"Which you happen to be both", I said, giggling
He cocked me an eyebrow as I laughed running off. "Oh you are toast tonight", he said, chasing me
I giggled as we caught up to the others as they were getting the marshmallows on the silver rods. We held the rods over the warm inviting fire waiting for the marshmallows to heat up, with the sun setting behind the woods as the evening was approaching. I pulled mine out of the fire as I put hershey's chocolate and two graham crackers together and took a bite smiling in content. "Hey Calls", Raph said
"What?", I asked, looking up
He nodded his head towards Mikey as I started laughing seeing the many marshmallows in his mouth. "Mikey you playing chubby bunny again?", I asked
He mumbled while stuffing two marshmallows into his mouth. "How many this time Donnie?", I asked
"Wow! Over 30 marshmallows", he said, looking in the bag
"That's his personal best", Leo said
Mikey then tried swallowing the many marshmallows in his mouth but it proved to be difficult. "Raph a little help for him", I said
"With pleasure", he said, cracking his knuckles
He then punched down on Mikey's head as all the marshmallows in his mouth went down his throat. "Thanks dude", Mikey said, being able to talk
"Don't mention it", Raph said, eating his smore
Mikey then burped out loud as we started laughing with him blushing embarrassed. "Excuse me", he said
The laughter soon died down as we waited our smores in peace. "Aren't the fireworks going to start yet?", Raph asked "It's already nightfall"
"It should be very soon Raph", I said, looking up to the full white moon and stars
Suddenly a rocket went flying across the air as white and red colors burst throughout the sky, before extinguishing. "It's starting! Come on!", Ellie said, running from her seat on the log towards the grass
She sat down as we hurried to join her just as the next firework was about to go off. A rocket then went screaming up into the sky bursting into a rainbow of colors as we awed at the beautiful sight. More and more rockets followed in pursuit bursting above searing their brilliant light and vivacious colors. Each one draws a pattern into the sky, something unique and breathtaking, never to be related exactly no matter how many are ignited and sent to their sky bound destiny.
The fireworks burn with impatience, everything at the speed of a camera flash. They send hot sparks into the cool evening air, soaring until they are extinguished to blackness. The air has a tincture of gun powder, a smell that takes me back to the years of watching fireworks up in this area with close friends.
Fireworks burst through the dark night, fiery blooms amongst the stars that were lit up dimly. My head then turned to my family watching my family's excited and happy expressions, how they light up my face as I smiled, like a perfect real life photograph.
There was a time fireworks symbolized something to me. In the burning colors my mind would create a narrative, seeking meaning. The fiery sparks inspired a while new crusade. I see the brilliant soaring vermillion, golden and acid green flares for what they are, ingiwgting minerals crafted to resemble flowers bursting at high speed. I can marvel at the skill of their makes and enjoy the thrill of shuddering at the sudden bangs and smile, now that I can relive a cherished memory with new old friends and new family.
A dance of colors reveling merrily as they gazed down at us. Shooting across the sky illuminating the dark and quiet night. Rockets of happiness and joy had been set free. They were spilling across the ocean of the dark like a water drop hitting the surface of the sea, generating waves cause tremors.
"Wow! So much better than watching them on T.V", Mikey said
"They are beautiful", Leo said
"The finale should be coming on any minute", April said
I giggled getting an idea from hearing what April just said. I then nudged Leo as he turned to face me. "You liking this?", I asked
"It's amazing Calli, I never thought it would be this incredible, just to actually enjoy something like this"
"You know what couples do when the big finale goes up during this day?", I asked
"No what?", he asked
"This", I said, as I pulled him into a kiss
He kissed back immediately as we could both hear the sounds of many fireworks explode in the background. Just when the finale was almost over we pulled away and we both smiled lovingly at each other. "This is the best Fourth of July ever", he said, quietly
"Best one so far", I said, giggling
We then leaned in for another kiss as the fireworks continued exploding on with hearing the cheers of our family watching the sky light up with bright colors.
Like the fireworks our love fore each brightened up. Multicolors decorated our dark backgrounds. They took us so high we almost touched the sky. It only extinguishes so quickly leaving us with the more of its beauty and amazement. Love is explosive you never know if you get a dud or a blast, it comes in different varieties. But my and Leo's love emits a big explosion in mind, body and soul.