Chapter Thirty-Four: Moving Forward
AN: THANK YOU GIRAFFECHAN AND RAP BEAR for your continued support and patronage!
AN2: Little more angst, but don't wanna dwell on it. There's several fun plot twists coming up (if my muse cooperates) and I want to keep going!
AN3: Mother finished radiation treatment and is home. I haven't had a lot of time to write, but I tried to throw together a little something to tide everyone over until I can settle in and get back to some serious writing. End of Oct I'm having minor surgery so that's gonna add a slight delay to my writing time.
Hope all my wonderful readers continue to stick with me!
Be sure to follow me and my stories to get up to date postings.
This chapter isn't edited as it was done quickly and already hit 11 pages, so any mistakes are mine.
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Early Friday morning Sable awoke. Hesitantly she touched her lower stomach, expecting to find burning pain and twisting innards, but she felt only her own smooth stomach beneath her fingertips.
Once again she gained her feet, Donnie immediately awake and ready to be called into action.
Shutting the door, she took a deep breath, vaguely feeling a sense of peace flow over her.
Strange.
Even weirder, the toilet paper was devoid of blood. Sable frowned.
Maybe she passed it already and didn't realize it during her endless sobbing? The days and nights had blurred together.
Since Donnie was a reptile nature, maybe she passed an egg? It was only the size of a lima bean. Maybe it fell out when she peed? Being so small, she wouldn't have heard a splash.
Right?
With such different biology's and his mutation, which wasn't predictable, it was hard to predict the miscarriage.
Donnie was waiting at the door, somber and expectant.
"Nothing," Sable said, placing her hand in his. "I think I already passed it. Is there a chance it was an egg?"
Donnie's brow furrowed as he thought.
"Given reptile nature to gestate eggs, and you now bear some of my mutagen which healed your damaged ovaries, there is a three percent chance the mutation affected conception and an egg formed instead of an embryo."
"And passing eggs don't cause a lot of bleeding," Sable hazarded a guess.
"No, no, I don't think so," Donnie said, shrugging. "I'm sorry, but there has never been a turtle human hybrid in such a manner. There really is no way of knowing the early developmental stages of such a hybrid."
When explained so scientifically, Sable felt a little better. Like passing a chicken egg, only much smaller. She didn't want to think of the chaos caused in a delivery suite if she delivered an 8lb egg in the hospital. Talk about confusing! Not to mention, she was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to pass the breadth of an egg, despite full dilation. The C-section would be the strangest one in recorded history!
Sable's stomach growled. It had been over forty-eight hours since she'd last eaten. And now that it was over, she felt… better. Not completely back to normal, that would take time. But she had a sense of peace… and acceptance. Probably a side effect of hormones.
"How about some toast?" Donnie asked, combing his fingers through her hair. It was getting longer, enough to wrap around his fist. The thought made his tail twitch, but he curbed his lust.
She was not ready to mate, and they wouldn't be intimate again until there were precautions in place. He wasn't sure if he was compatible with a condom but he'd give it a try.
"Toast sounds good," Sable said, nuzzling into Donnie and breathing in his scent. She felt the last bit of her anxiety melt away.
As they walked down the stairs, she spoke.
"I'm going to get an implant. Hopefully the hormones in it won't mess with my system too much."
"Good idea," Donnie said, "I'm gonna try condoms. Can never be too careful."
"Every preventative has a margin of failure," Sable parroted. She never wanted to go through this nightmare again.
They had just taken the last step when there was a knock at the kitchen door.
"Shit!" Donnie muttered, jumping back into the shadow, hand going to his side for his bo, but it wasn't there.
He had removed his weapon and electronics while he tended to Sable, only glancing over the precursor information his brothers' relayed while on their excursion to Sacks' estate.
As they had guessed, it was totally devoid of life or any hidden passages. Donnie's tracking equipment had worked beautifully. Leo even complimented his brother on his excellent technical craftsmanship.
Resolutely, Leo had not bothered to ask about Sable when they texted. It was as if she didn't exist.
For the moment, that was okay with Donnie. He didn't want his family snooping into her personal business and causing her any unneeded distress.
Speaking of family…..
Sable groaned, putting on a fake smile and opening the door.
"Oh, Susan, now is not a good time."
"Sable, you look like hell." Susan was never one to beat around the bush. She stepped boldly into the kitchen, holding Sable at arm's length and studying her closely. She reacted the only way a loving sister could. "You sick? Need me to take you to the doctor or get you some medicine?"
"Woke up with the start of a migraine," Sable lied. She knew she looked like hell, but since her sister suffered from the same kind of brain curse, she'd be understanding and thus, not want to stay. Which was the point. "Just came to get an ice pack and lay down awhile."
"Damn," Susan muttered. She checked over Sable with an older sister's meticulous eye and tisked. "I was hoping to take you shopping today. Kevin finally has a day off so he's spending time with the boys."
Susan ran a very successful veterinarian clinic 15 miles away. She and Kevin, a partner in a law firm, had been married eight years, with three wonderful little boys, Ian (6), Riley(3), and Andy(14 months.)
"Rain check?" Sable asked, wincing for added effect.
"How about Monday?" Susan asked, giving Sable a gentle hug. "I'm off and the boys will be at daycare."
"If my headache's better, we'll spend the day running around," Sable confirmed, offering a weak smile.
"Oh, get some rest, sweetie, you look like you're about to drop," Susan said, giving Sable a kiss on the cheek and heading to her car. She waved goodbye as she backed out of the drive, carefully maneuvering around a very obvious bread truck.
WHOOPS!
Soon as Susan was out of sight, Sable felt arms circle her waist. She smiled, rubbing Donnie's scaly arm.
"Nice covert parking there, 007."
Donnie snickered, dropping a tender kiss to Sable's neck. She sighed but he didn't take any further action. Instead, he went to the fridge and started to get out eggs and bread to make French toast.
Sable sat at the table, admiring her personal chef. He had pulled on his pants and his bo reposed by his shell. She couldn't help but admire his tight backside. His lithe form. His adorableness as he cracked an egg and happily waltzed about the kitchen making a meal.
She wanted him badly, but given everything that had happened, passion would have to wait. But oh, how she longed to feel every wonderful inch of him.
The only problem is, would he still want her?
After everything, all his assurances, would he still want to make love? Or would he shun her? Turn her aside and scoff at her damnable emotions? Would he look down on her, seeing her as nothing more than pond scum? Could they ever share the same kind of passion they once had?
The tears were burning Sable's face before she could stop them.
So many worries.
So many things gone wrong.
Such a horrible, terrible mess.
What if Donnie hated her? What if his words were empty? That he didn't love her anymore? That he condemned and objectified her for what she'd done?
How could she live with herself?
Would she even have the strength to live on, if he decided to leave?
She would never love another, of that she was for certain. But, and the thought scratched away at her mind, driving her insane, what if she was unable to have Donnie to touch her?
What if the mere thought of conceiving again, turned her off and rebuke his advances?
Would he still love her, even if she couldn't have sex anymore?
What if their lives were now forever changed?
What if they were unable to find the love they once had and merely had a sexless, meaningless, empty hearted attempt to stay together?
Arms wrapped around her, drawing her near. His voice was in her ear.
"I love you so much, Sable."
Sable couldn't speak. Merely looped her arms around his neck and hugged him while she cried.
Donnie easily lifted her, holding her in his arms and rocking her gently. It had its effect. She sniffled, wiping snot on the back of her hand, a habit he didn't fully understand and thought was rather disgusting, but didn't voice his distaste. He grew up in a sewer. What did he know about etiquette?
"Sorry," Sable muttered, focusing on his concerned face. She clasped his cheeks in her hands, staring into her eyes, searching, beseeching.
And to her delightful relief, the same kind of love, admiration, respect, devotion, everything that made up Donnie, was still there. Shining among the green and amber flecks, he blinked, so innocently and so caring. Loyalty and love shone from his soul and Sable knew, without a doubt, he didn't view her any less.
She kissed him soundly, pouring all her emotion into the act.
Donnie hooted in surprise, kissing her back and grinning in that charming, boyish way that had the ability to take away her fears.
"Food should be ready," Donnie said, lowering Sable to the floor.
His tail was aching, but now was not the time to initiate his desire for mating. In spite of everything, she was still his mate, in life and in love. He will always want her. Need her. Love her. But he refused to take advantage when she was raw and vulnerable.
Not to mention, they would need protection.
Sable set the table and Donnie served breakfast. Neither spoke much, concentrating on refueling their bodies. Both needed sustenance.
Once finished, Donnie put the dishes in the washer and scooped Sable up, carrying to her bathroom, where he sat her down and set about drawing them a bath.
She bit her lip, enjoying the attentive turtle's backside as he bent forward. There was no mistake the prominence along the front. She was grateful he hadn't made a move to initiate sex. She didn't think she was ready for such a thing.
Not yet.
He helped her to undress and into the tub, where he seated himself behind, pulling her into his arms. His tail remained at full mast, ready to extend his hardness, but Donnie paid it no mind. He drew up his legs, cradling Sable to him while he slowly bathed her.
She sighed, resting her head on his chest, listening to the reassuring beat of his heart as he soaped off her arms, shoulders, pausing at her breast, as if unsure if he should touch them.
Hoping to break the tension, Donnie cupped one soapy breast, musing softly, "Would have been cool, you know."
Sable relished his touch, her eyes fluttering as he massaged her breast.
"What?" she asked breathlessly.
"To see how big these things get," Donnie sniggered, playing with her breast in a way that more childish than sexual.
Sable rose, glaring indignantly into his goofy, grinning face.
"Hey! I'm happy with what I have!"
"Oh, me too," Donnie assured her, still grinning like a fool. "But pregnant women get really huge boobs. They would have been fun to play with."
Sable gaped like a fish out of water at his insinuation. A laugh broke out before she could stop it.
The laugh was infectious. Both chuckled, tension melting away as they fell into a relaxed companionship.
Donnie carefully washed Sable, mindful of between her legs, and after a hasty washing of himself, he emptied the tub and dried her off.
Sable allowed him the opportunity to care for her, any further doubts washed away as he dressed her and carried her downstairs and placed her on the couch. It was just after noon.
"Are you hungry?" Donnie asked, knelt beside her as if she was some sort of invalid granny. "Do you want me to do anything? Get you anything?"
Sable reached for him, tenderly kissing him, to which he answered uncertainly. When they parted, she smiled, her thumb caressing his bottom lip.
"I'm doing a lot better, Donnie. I think the worst part is over," she said. "It's been over 24 hours. I have no bleeding. No pain. Everything is okay."
Donnie gave a little whine, like a puppy wanting to get attention but unsure how to go about it. He nudged her hand, kissing her palm.
"You know I love you, right?" he asked timidly.
"And I love you more than the expansion of the universe as a whole," Sable added, knowing her little geek would be impressed.
He was.
"Wow," Donnie breathed.
"I know your brothers have been worried about you," Sable said. Donnie made to speak up but she placed her finger over his mouth to silence him. "Don't bother denying it. I heard you talking and texting when you thought I was asleep. They were checking some
where for bad guys."
"Sacks estate," Donnie clarified. "There's been a signal bouncing off the satellite relays and the guys went to check it out. Didn't find anything. Knew they wouldn't. We pretty much gutted it the first time."
Sable felt tears well up, but this wasn't from sadness and pain. This was from love. Donnie had immediately come to her aid when she called. He didn't have to, but he did. He had every right to go with his brothers and deal with the possibility of a threat, but instead, he left his family to take care of her.
His love was unquestionable.
Donnie wiped her tears, his eyes sad.
Sable captured his hand, kissing his two long green fingers.
"You didn't have to leave your family to come to me, but you did. Oh, Donnie! I love you so much!"
Weeping for joy she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tight. He nuzzled her ear and cheek, dropping random kisses, which she readily accepted, honing in to his mouth and kissing him soundly.
Breaking apart, Sable's eyes rimmed red from crying, she took several deep, calming breaths.
"I'm fine, Donnie. I'm not having any pain and I'm more than capable of taking care of myself," Sable said, brushing along his forehead as if he had hair. "I'm going to be okay. In fact, the quicker I get back into my routine, the better off I'll be. And that includes you as well."
Donnie looked crestfallen.
Sable swatted playfully at him before turning serious.
"I'm going to get some condoms and spermicides and anything else I can think of so when you come back," she yanked him to her, her breath hot along his lips, "We can play as much as we want and not have to worry about this ever again."
Donnie whined, but this time, there was a tone of sexual stress. Hands at her waist, he glanced down, fully expecting to see his tail escape his pants and seek her out. The thing had a mind of its own sometimes. It was frightening.
"I don't want to push you when you're vulnerable," he looked up into her eyes, so warm and cozy and dilated with suppressed lust. "Only when you're ready."
"When we have provisions," Sable said, giving him a kiss to last a lifetime. When they broke apart, she swatted at his lower shell, unable to reach his ass. "Now, get that sexy shell home. Finish up your duties. And when you're done, let me know when to expect you."
Donnie was torn once again. He fidgeted, wanting to stay and take care of Sable, but as she insisted, she was fine. She didn't need him catering to her every little bit.
Not to mention, Leo had been very curt with him the only time they spoke, which was Leo reporting their lack of intel from Sacks' estate. The area was dead. Rather like Leo's voice.
Mikey texted frequently, checking up on Sable. Raph sent a couple random texts, totally mundane things, before inquiring in a round about kind of way. Donnie assured them she was healing from a minor sickness, but will be back on her feet soon.
Even Master Splinter asked if there was anything the family could do to offer assistance. Donnie politely declined, not wanting his family to know the true nature of Sable's distress. It was bad enough the guilt was eating her alive, she didn't need anyone else to know and add to her turmoil.
"I'll need to think of something to tell Susan," Sable said, snapping Donnie's wavering attention.
Honestly, sometimes he was worse than Mikey!
"No doubt she saw your truck and knew I wasn't alone," Sable continued, making a face. "She's going to hound me."
"Just tell her I stopped by, saw you were sick, and decided to take care of you," Donnie said with a partial shrug. "If you don't want her to know anything, you don't have to tell her. You're not beholden to explain yourself."
Sable smiled. Leave it to Donnie to know the exact thing to say to make her feel better. She held his face, so adorable and charming, sweet and kind, and slightly dorky. But that's what made him so perfect.
"Thank you for being here with me," Sable whispered. She really didn't think she could face the pain and emptiness alone.
"I really didn't do much." There was that innocent, naive, geeky blush along the tops of his cheeks, turning the scales a darker green.
"You did more than you can ever possibly know," Sable explained, giving him a kiss. She thought about taking the kiss further, but decided against it. They needed to return to their normal routines. She nudged him toward the door. "Go. Get back to your family, bitch at Leo, give Mikey, Raph, and your dad a hug for me, and let's put this whole sordid mess behind us, eh?"
Donnie took a deep breath, offering a nod.
"Agreed. Though, I'm not hugging Raph. He'll pound my shell."
"Well, do the best you can," Sable said, waving offhandedly.
She got up to follow Donnie to the door. One last kiss and he was gone with the promise of calling her as soon as he got home.
Once he was gone, Sable went to her purse and pulled out the small white card with the clinics information. She dialed their number and waited for the secretary.
"Hello, I'd like to schedule a time to discuss birth control options," Sable said, feeling better already.
The secretary warbled on about criteria and after a brief exchanged, a date was set.
Sable hung up feeling more angry than relieved. Apparently, new legislation had passed, yet again, requiring the clinic to now require even more steps for certain procedures.
Sable would have to watch a twenty minute video, the doctor had to list the pros and cons of getting on birth control, Sable had to sign consent forms (in quadruple), provide a blood sample, and then when she decided on the best option, she had to reschedule for the actual procedure.
It was a hassle, but a necessary one. Sable arranged a date to get the preliminary crap out of the way and hung up, muttering about the doctor-patient visit being more one-on-one and less outside interference.
The way things were going, if she had a heart attack, she'd have to schedule the equipment a week early, get blood work done beforehand, reserve a bed in the ER, and sacrifice a rooster on the full moon while dressed as Lara Croft and singing, 'It's A Small World After All.'
Needing to distract herself, she set about doing menial housework, falling back into the same pattern of her life and moving away from the darkness threatening to pull her under.
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Health care is declining so fast, it won't surprise me if there's a huge upset soon. My mother was a registered nurse for 40 years before retiring last year after our car accident. I was a CNA and phlebotomist for about 5-6 years but had to stop due to back problems. The horror stories of health care we could tell! You'd have nightmares! And that was before all these expanding health care regulations and severe restrictions being added practically every month!
I'll try to get another chapter done soon!
As always, reviews are LOVED!
