When John looked at Mikey, he didn't know what to think. Normally, people would scream or run away in these situations, but John didn't. He looked at Mikey and said, "So, this is what you look like?" "Yep. This is the real me." said Mikey. "What's with the mask?" asked John. "Oh the mask, that's a story for another day, because it would take too long to tell you." said Mikey. "Alright. So, you're really a turtle. You're not a furry or someone wearing a costume." said John. "Exactly. What you're looking at is me in the flesh." said Mikey. The two sat down in John's office and continued their discussion. John knew this may sound weird, but he asked Mikey, "Michael, do you mind if I touch you and I don't mean that in an inappropriate way. I just want to know 100% if you're real." Mikey was a bit apprehensive, but he allowed it.
John touched Mikey's arm and felt his green skin. "Wow, normally reptiles have hard and scaly skin, but yours is soft and warm." said John. "Yeah, most people think reptiles are all cold blooded and whatnot." said Mikey. "Can you tell me all of the qualities that make you a turtle?" asked John. "Well, I have green skin, a shell, a plastron, no visible ears, three fingers, and two toes." said Mikey. "Three fingers? How do you live with only three fingers?" asked John. "You'd be surprised by what a mutant turtle can do." said Mikey. "And only two toes?" asked John. "Yep. You want to check them out?" asked Mikey. Mikey then placed his feet onto John's lap, showcasing his green toes. John, wondering if these were just custom shoes, started to scratch the bottom of Mikey's feet. Mikey starting to laugh and said, "Dude, stop. You're tickling me!" John thought to himself "Wow, this is really happening. I hired a young mutant turtle to be a birthday party mascot. If only my parents can see me now." "Okay Mikey, so what hours and days do you want to work?" asked John. Mikey thought about it and said, "I'll work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am to 6pm." "Michael, I…..exactly, do you mind if I call you Michael?" asked John. "Personally, I would prefer Mikey, because it's more casual." said Mikey. "Okay Mikey, are you sure want to work these types of hours. I mean this is your first job." said John. "Nah, I'm cool with these hours and trust me, I've dealt with far worse things in life." said Mikey.
The two walked over to the parking garage and John revealed a van. "Mikey, since you're the only person I could find for this job, I'm allowing you to design the van." said John. "I can design the van in my own way?" asked Mikey. "Yeah, that's literally what I just said. So do you have any ideas?" asked John. Mikey thought out a number of cool (aka corny) designs for the van, until he came up with an answer. "How about I put a giant inflatable turtle head on top of the van and create custom stickers to put on the sides of the van?" asked Mikey. "Sounds great. Go wild, but not too wild." said John. Mikey spent the rest of the afternoon drawing the designs for the van. John was impressed by Mikey's drawing ability and thought to himself, "Even though the fact he's a humanoid turtle still freaks me out a little, he can be the missing ingredient I need to make a successful business." "Hey Mikey, do you want me to get you something to eat?" asked John. "A pepperoni pizza would be nice." said Mikey. "Duly noted." said John as he left the room to order the pizza.
