Chapter Thirty-Five: Retail Interrogations
AN: THANK YOU RAP BEAR AND GIRAFFECHAN FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! YOU ARE AMAZING!
AN2: As my readers may recall, my mother had been undergoing radiation treatment for a brain tumor. She had several treatments and scans showing no progress. Docs said the tumor hadn't grown any more, and there was a slim to none chance it would shrink. At best, they were able to get the growth to stop but she would always have it, as it wasn't feasible to operate on it. He told us she'd have symptoms the rest of her life. (don't know if anyone has dealt with seizures, but it's TERRIFYING)
Then we went to a revival to see the evangelical Perry Stone. (look him up, he's AWESOME!) He had an alter call the first night. Said only those with serious medical conditions could come forward because he was going to pray over them and his prayer team were there and were going to lay hands and pray for the sick.
My mother went up. They laid hands on her and she nearly fainted. She stared off into space and was unresponsive. I took her back to the hotel and she was catatonic the rest of the evening. Next morning she woke up and said it was the first time she didn't have a headache or tingling/numbness on her left side (face and neck, sometimes drawing her up or relaxing her like a stroke patient)
Christmas, the oncologist said they can do another round of radiation. Mom told him NO, she felt better and said she was cured. Doc argued, but scheduled an MRI beginning of year. Saw him right after.
He came in, sat down and said he was stunned. The tumor has shrunk by at least 1/3 and where it was supposed to be a bright 'white' color on the scans, it was showing black… which meant it was totally DEAD! He said there was a high probability it would be nothing more than a thin line of scar tissue within a few months! He said it was the strangest and unexplainable thing he'd ever seen.
Then we told him about the revival and that the day after the alter call, she didn't have any more symptoms. He just smiled and told us he was a firm believer in prayer and healing and scheduled a couple more MRIs and said within the year, mom wont need scans anymore because she will be TUMOR FREE!
Hallelujah!
So, that's my AWESOME news for the beginning of the year! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS AND MESSAGES! AS YOU CAN SEE, PRAYER WORKS! :D
And now… on with the chapter!
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Sable woke up refreshed and rested early Monday morning. Stretching, she immediately reached out for Donnie but found his side of the bed empty. Loneliness crept up into her consciousness but she quickly squashed it.
The sun was shining.
Birds were singing
Dew glistened on bright green foliage.
It was mid-April, the weather changing from harsh, cold rains, to beautiful spring mornings that graced Sable's window. May would bring brighter and warmer days, perfect timing for a fidgety turtle to tinker.
Sable knew Donnie was itching to remodel the attic. Not to mention, Mikey was offering to help clean out the garage, barns, and basement… with the promise of getting a few farm animals. Even Raph seemed keen on the idea of working at the farm.
Leo? Well, it was hard to tell what the surly bastard had in his mind.
Sable dressed and made an easy breakfast in the microwave. She chowed down on two egg and sausage biscuits while browsing online colleges. Now she was healed, it was time to get back to school to finish her degree.
Or maybe find another field all together?
Since she'd faced down death, having a career in an office lacked the appeal it once had.
Cancer had taken its toll, but now it was gone, she had a whole new lease on life. Perhaps it was time to do the things she wanted to do? Things she had always put off or denied due to her weakened state.
Excitement!
That's what she needed.
Though some may argue dating a giant talking turtle was excitement in and of itself. It would be great to share such adventures with Donnie, though due to his secret nature, it wasn't an option.
Sides, he may not be a thrill seeker.
Her family had returned the savings she had given them before she departed for the hospital. And the auctions, the dolls in particular, had padded her account quite handsomely. Thanks to a certain ingenious orange banded turtle who had the foresight to catalogue every piece before determining its destination.
Perhaps she should look into something she and Donnie could do together? Maybe even take his family? Course they'd have to figure out sleeping arrangements. She wasn't comfortable having sex with his family nearby.
Maybe she could rent out a couple tour buses? They could drive around the country and the boys could sightsee for the first time in their lives.
Sable cracked a smile, searching through the numerous ads online, looking for the perfect bus for four turtles and a rat to go sightseeing. After a couple of minutes, she found what she was looking for.
Rented by the week or month, tinted windows (to hide snouts pressed against glass), expandable canopies for outdoor grilling, single bedroom (which might be awkward), full accommodating bath with toilet and shower, compact kitchenette, full stereo surround for music or movies on a large flat screen, it was a nice home away from home that would provide some measure of safety from the outside world while the mutants explored the vast countryside.
Sable made a note of the site to talk to Donnie about such a vacation when he visited.
Turning off the computer she went up stairs, getting ready for her sister, who pulled into the drive as Sable entered the kitchen.
A faint whiff froze her into place. There, for the briefest of seconds, Sable paused in the doorway, staring at the stove. For a split second, she could have sworn her grandmother was standing there.
Course, that was an impossibility.
Her grandmother had been dead nearly fifteen years.
But her brain caught up to reality. She had detected only a dishtowel and the discoloration down the front from decades old cooking stains. But, for that infinitesimal second, Sable would have sworn it was her grandma, standing there cooking her favorite stew.
Sables' smile turned into tears that she quickly wiped away. Now was not the time for sentiment. She had been having plenty of those over the weekend, but now it was Monday. Time to start a whole new week and with it, a new, positive outlook.
Occasionally her emotions turned dark and morbid, but she battled through the depression and focused on the future. A bright, shiny future with an adorable geek and his insane, surly family.
A knock came.
Sable answered to find her sister, Susan, looking haggled.
"Sorry I couldn't get here sooner," Susan said, giving Sable a hug. "Was leaving the driveway when I was called in to the office to deal with a dog hit by a car."
"Were you able to save the dog?" Sable asked. She loved dogs. It broke her heart to see one hurt.
"Yeah, I saved him. Wasn't as bad as they thought," Susan said, picking up Sable's grocery list that was on the counter. Her eye brows shot up at the long list. "What's with all the food?" She glanced Sable over. "You're looking a lot healthier. Getting some meat on your bones." Her brow knitted together. "But I highly doubt all this is for you. Did you take in a stray of your own? Again?"
"Nothing like that," Sable said, taking the list and tucking it into her purse. She motioned for her sister to leave so she could lock the door behind them.
"Is it that guy you're so secretive about?" Susan pressed, waiting until Sable was in the car and buckled in so she couldn't escape Susan's probing questions. "When am I going to meet this guy? You can't tell me he wasn't here. I saw a bread truck."
Sable knew this was coming. She couldn't tell her sister about Donnie. Not yet. She had hinted she had found a guy while at a treatment center, never detailing the horrors she endured. Some things, Sable was unable to talk about. Not even to her own family.
"Is he a baker?" Susan asked, waggling her brow very reminiscent of Mikey. "Does he have huge buns?"
"Susan!" Sable snapped indignantly.
"What?" Susan shot back, driving Sable to the mall, where they had a long day of shopping planned. "Wasn't I the one who told you about boys? Come on, you can tell me about him. I won't judge. Promise."
Sable had a feeling her sister was honest but she wasn't ready to formally share Donnie with her family. She decided on a broad explanation, like when Melody tried to ply for information on their shopping expedition.
Sable then realized shopping and information went together. She was going to have to watch the sneaky women in her family. If they wanted to do a girls' shopping trip, Sable would know they were up to something.
"He's extremely shy and works most of the time, so we don't get to see each other very often."
"Come on! Details" Susan prodded, pulling into the parking lot and shutting off the engine. "His name. General looks? Is his hung like a squirrel?"
"Susan!" Sable repeated, heat flooding her cheeks.
"Oh, please," Susan scoffed. "You can tell me. Hell, you told me the night you lost your virginity. So what's so special about this guy?" Susan's expression turned sour. "Is he married?"
"What?" Sable nearly yelled. "No, of course not! What makes you think I'd date a married man?"
"Sometimes they don't tell you they're married until after you fall in love with them," Susan put in wisely. "So come on, sis. What gives?"
Sable thought for a moment, deciding on giving her sister a few tidbits to tide her over.
"He's tall. Over six foot. Skinny, but lithe, with muscle I mean."
"Built like a whippet, got it." Susan said, getting out of the car to join Sable. "And?"
"His name is Donnie. He has three brothers and a father, who taught them martial arts."
"Oh, a ninja?" Susan breathed, looping her arm around Sable. "That's hot. Does he have a ninja outfit?"
Sable snorted. Then paused. Oh, Donnie would look damn sexy in black. She may have to make a request of him.
Susan steered them into the mall, heading toward a gaming center to find the latest game for her eldest son.
"I'm so happy for you, little sis."
"Thank you," Sable said as they entered the store.
She felt better when she had her sister's approval. Susan had a way of weeding out undesirable males. She called it her asshole radar and it was highly attuned. Though Sable already knew, without a shadow of a doubt, Donnie was no asshole.
But would her sister approve?
That was the thing stopping Sable from blurting out the whole truth.
There really was something to this whole 'shopping interrogation' that had some merit. Sable was glad she wasn't a spy. All the enemy would have to do it take her shopping and she'd spill her guts.
Susan picked out the games she wanted and paid for them while Sable waited by the exit. Games weren't her forte, though she did know a certain turtle who enjoyed them. Maybe she should look into getting a gaming consol? Then again, if Mikey's attentions stayed on the games, he'd never get any work done around the house. Let alone be trustworthy enough to get animals.
Susan pulled Sable next to her to walk, and there was that mischievous, older sister knows best, twinkle about her eyes.
"He's good for you, I can tell," Susan divulged as they walked, mindless of the passing crowds. "You're putting on weight. Getting some muscle back, too. You are positively glowing. You're looking like your old self."
Sable nodded, sidestepping some chattering young women who were wearing far too much makeup, revealing outfits, and sickening perfumes that made Sable nauseous.
"He makes me happy," Sable confided. "He makes me whole. I can't imagine life without him."
"That's the only ones to have," Susan answered. "The only one you deserve."
Sable felt tears well up. She disengaged from her sister unless she start crying, and then given Susan's uncanny ability to draw out the truth and make her spill her secrets, Sable would give away the reason behind her melancholy and then Susan would hate her.
Well, not hate her, per say, but definitely think less of her for falling in love with a mutant turtle.
"Come on," Susan winked, tugging Sable into a Victoria's Secret lounge where assorted bras and panties were on display. "Let's get you something that will perk up his interest."
"He doesn't need help in that department," Sable muttered, what she thought was low enough, but she forgot her sister was a mother. And had hearing to rival a hawk.
"Ohhhhh?" Susan prodded, wending her way through the racks to find the teddies in the back. "Do tell, sister mine!"
Sable took a deep breath, chastising her sister's hearing.
"Nothing. We're still in early stages of our relationship. Doesn't take much to get either of us in the mood."
Susan hummed, glancing at her sister's small body, then to the sizes on a rack, and pulled out a black, crotchless teddy.
"Trust me, honey. Passion fades. Quickly. It's wise to keep things spicy or else you'll drift apart."
Sable read between the lines. She clutched her sister's wrist, dropping her voice.
"Are you and Kevin… okay? Is something wrong?"
"No, no, nothing like that," Susan said, but she didn't meet Sable's eye. Her neck also turned a cherry red, a clear indication of lying.
"Tell me."
Susan huffed, rolling her eyes. Apparently the interrogation was working both ways. Not only was she getting information about Sable's love interest, but she was divulging her own troubles.
"It's just… Kevin doesn't really… touch me, anymore," Susan muttered. She gestured to her body, which showed obvious signs of birthing three babies. "I'm not a size five. He tells me to lose weight because he wants me to be thin and gorgeous to show me off. He can't be proud of me while I'm heavy."
"Oh, Susan," Sable said, hugging her sister tightly, right there in front of black crotchless teddies. "He's an ass! You've had three babies! It's understandable you have some weight."
"Well, other women lose the weight fast," Susan sighed, returning the hug. She dropped her chin to Sable's shoulder. "I've tried everything to lose weight, but Andy's baby fat just won't go away. He says it makes it difficult for him to get turned on when I'm so big."
"Kevin should be damn lucky you gave him three beautiful boys," Susan said, fighting back the tears. She refused to think about what could have been for her and Donnie. It was too painful. "He needs to realize you aren't teenagers anymore. You're parents, for crying out loud. Focus needs to be on the kids rather than having eye candy."
Susan muttered, "Don't tell mom. She'll tell dad and then dad will step in."
"Yeah, not good," Sable muttered.
Their father was a well mannered, peaceful man. Until his children or grand children were involved. He didn't appreciate anyone picking on his family. Woe unto the idiot who pushed him to the point of defending his little girls.
Highly doubtful Kevin would survive.
"Come on," Susan said, waving the black teddy and wiping at her eyes. "Let's find you some new things to entice your lover boy. Just because I can't get laid doesn't mean you should be in dry dock."
"Susan!" Sable hissed, eyes darting around the store. If any other shopper heard them, they didn't care.
They paid for their clothes, Susan finding a couple new outfits in the hopes of luring Kevin to their bed, and as they passed the food court, Sable's stomach growled.
"Lunch is on me," Sable said, directing her sister's steps toward the food.
Sable had a slice of pizza, a chicken sandwich, small fries, and a chocolate milkshake on her tray as she and Susan found a seat and began chatting.
Sable had the feeling her sister wasn't telling her everything, so she tried to poke the dragon a bit, see what kind of fire was burning with the smoke.
"Think Kevin's going to like that sexy white lace number you bought?" Sable asked, brow waggling as she stuffed her face.
Susan sighed, suddenly somber. "I hope so."
Sable knew there was something else. Susan had a 'look' about her.
"What?" she asked, reaching out to hold Susan's hand. "What's wrong, Susan? What's really wrong?"
Susan clasped Sable's fingers with her own, staring morosely at them. No one was around to overhear, but she still whispered, "He wants… to be a… dom."
"A dominate?" Sable asked, thinking she had misheard her sister's tiny voice. "Like in the bedroom?"
Susan nodded, food long forgotten.
"He says its all fun and role playing, and he gets really turned on when I agree." Susan paused, swallowing hard. "Some I don't mind but other things," she paused, looking to up Sable and muttering, "it hurts. When I tell him to stop, he gets mad and won't touch me again until I mention we role play again."
"Susan, that's awful," Sable hissed like a pissed off cobra. "He shouldn't hurt you. That's not the whole point of a dominate relationship. What he's doing is abuse. Plain and simple."
"No, no it isn't," Susan corrected, withdrawing her hand from Sable and sitting more upright. Prim. Proper. The consummate lady. "I agree to play along. And sometimes, accidents happen. Lord knows I'm always dealing with the boys' accidents. And he never tries to really hurt me. Not really. It's just, sometimes, I'm not ready for what he has in mind and it hurts."
"But if he's trying to get you to do things against your will…" Sable started, but Susan cut her off.
"No! Absolutely, not. It's not against my will. I'm a willing participant. He never makes me do anything I don't want to." Susan picked up her hamburger and took a bite.
"But then he punishes you for stopping his play and won't touch you," Sable said, not to be deterred.
Susan's jaw slowed as she thought. A creased formed between her eyes.
"No, it's not really a punishment. I think he gives me space to feel better and calm down so we can try it again. He's seeing to my physical and emotional needs. And when something hurts, I need the time and space to get over it and feel comfortable enough to try it again."
Sable wanted to slap her sister senseless, but she knew it was a hopeless battle. Susan wasn't admitting her marriage was abusive. In her heart, she probably didn't even realize it was abuse. Most women in similar situations had the same kind of reaction. It was only when they were ready to face the truth and deal with it that progress could be made. Until then, Sable could only stand by and wait for Susan to open her eyes.
"Well, as long as he gives you time and doesn't try to push you," Sable said, taking a long draught of her milkshake. "A real man doesn't hurt his mate, nor make her do things against her will."
"He doesn't," Susan said automatically, taking a bite of salad to offset the calories from her burger.
"And just remember, if you get into trouble, you and the boys are always welcome to stay with me," Sable said, meaning it, but also a little fearful. It would be great her sister could get away from an abusive husband, but not so great if Sable's mutant family were visiting.
"Thanks, but it's unnecessary," Susan said, slurping on her diet soda to end the discussion.
Sable held her peace and changed the subject.
"I'm glad we're eating before going grocery shopping," she said lamely. "You know what they say about shopping while hungry."
Susan hummed in agreement, but didn't offer comment.
Sable suddenly felt a wall go up between her and Susan. They had always been close, being the only two girls in a house with three brothers. Lunch finished, they carried their things to the car, a rather spacious Lexus, and headed to the supermarket. On the way, Susan broke the lingering silence.
"Oh, did you know? Shawn's coming back June 5th for a two week leave," Susan put in, perking up now that she wasn't discussing her love life.
"That's great!" Sable crowed. "Wonder what he's been up to?"
Both sisters looked to each other and chimed in unison, "Classified."
The wall got smaller. Sable felt it crumble.
"Maybe you can bring Donnie around during the BBQ?" Susan said nonchalantly. "You know, introduce him to the family and what not."
"Still too soon," Sable said, resting her head on the seat and gazing dreamily out into traffic.
Susan gave a knowing snort.
"It's not anyone we don't already know, is it?"
"Heavens no!" Sable blurted with a giggle. "We're just really starting to know each other so I want to take things slow."
Sable's hand drifted to her lower stomach subconsciously.
"Make sure he's the one?" Susan put in with a knowing smile.
"Something like that," Sable muttered. She already knew he was the one. And only. She wanted no other. Ever.
"Girl, he has to be something special!" Susan put in, turning into the parking lot at a supermarket. "You're positively glowing!"
Sable blushed, avoiding her sister's gaze. "He has that effect on me."
"Lucky," Susan sighed, undoing her seat belt. "Oh, that reminds me, Jake is coming in on the 6th, so mom is planning a big BBQ on the 7th. Caleb said he'd try to be there, but didn't know if Melody had already made plans."
"Can't wait!" Sable said, getting out of the car.
The two entered the store, picking out shopping carts and agreeing to meet up in an hour.
First thing Sable did was hit the pharmacy, where she bought two kinds of spermacides and a 24ct box of magnum sized condoms. The stock boy nearby blushed but didn't comment.
Sable made sure to walk past him, head held high. Honestly, she didn't see the big deal with buying birth control. Some treated the whole process as if it was something to be ashamed of or only done in secret, but as far as Sable was concerned, if one couldn't act like an adult and purchase necessary things for their sexual health, then perhaps they weren't mature enough to perform the acts that went with the 'necessary items.'
Once her cart was full, she met Susan at the registers, where they checked out, each lost in their own little world. Susan placed her groceries in the trunk while Sable placed hers in the back seat. Two gallons of milk fitted nicely in Andy's car seat. By the time the women were finished, there was very little room left in the car.
"Maybe we overdid it?" Sable joked as they pulled out of the parking lot.
"I have three starving young boys," Susan added, "You can never have enough when there are boys in the house."
Sable agreed, knowing that when Donnie's family arrived, she was going to have to do some more shopping. Especially if Raph stayed a few days. He was the size of a mountain and probably ate like one, too. She had to be prepared.
She was a good hostess, after all.
Sadly, such shopping would require several trips with her Honda Fit. It was great on gas but lacked space to haul groceries for 5 males.
Oh dear. She was in trouble.
They passed a garbage truck less than a mile from Sable's, its lights flashing in warning. Susan made sure the road was clear before easing her Lexus around it and turning into Sable's long driveway. She parked at the backdoor in front of the garage.
Susan gave the grimy windows the stink eye.
"I swear, grandma and grandpa were such hoarders."
"I'm working on getting the place cleaned out," Sable said, handling several bags of groceries and going to the door. She fished out her keys, undoing the lock and leading Susan in the kitchen. "Already have the spare bedrooms and attic cleaned out."
"Oh, so that's what you and lover boy were doing, hmm?" Susan giggled, depositing the bags she was carrying on the kitchen counter. "You were cleaning?"
"Yes, we were cleaning," Sable said, rolling her eyes and going back to the car for another load. "Honestly, you're as bad as Shawn and Caleb!"
Though both of the older brothers were in their 30's, Caleb a father of two with Melody, when either brother got near their sisters, they'd turn 10 again and pester the sisters into a shouting match. It was a genetic thing. All males have it.
They reentered the kitchen, dropping bags where they could.
Susan laughed, "Probably cleaning naked! So, which one of you was the French maid? Let me guess…Donnie? Oh, sis, you have got to introduce him! Can he do a French accent?"
They exited the house, going back for another armload of groceries. Sable blew out a breath, hefting two jugs of milk in one hand while jostling a 24 pk of Orange Crush.
"Think I could talk him into cleaning my house?" Susan goaded. She waggled her brow at her sister. "Maybe he can wear a sexy ninja costume instead?"
Sable blushed, a mental picture of Donnie dressed in black and moving lithely, so fluidly, so sexily, momentarily distracting her.
"Girl, if you get any hotter, you're going to combust!" Susan said, unloading the bags she carried. When Sable didn't speak, heading back to the car for the last load, Susan caught up. "How about we go out for a nice dinner on Friday night, hmm?"
"Can't," Sable said immediately, looping several bags onto her arms. "He has to get up early to work and he takes care of his dad when he's at home." Sable grabbed the last handful and shut the door. "His schedule is outlandish, so no telling when he will have a day off."
Susan followed behind, the last of the groceries swinging on her meaty arm. She placed the bags on the floor next to the fridge.
"Well, we'll have to schedule something later then," Susan said, taking Sable into her arms for a firm hug.
Sisterly affections exchanged, she held Sable at arm's length and added with a cheeky grin, "And tell him to wear something tight! I wanna see how firm his ass is!"
"Susan!" Sable admonished out of habit.
Susan shrugged.
"Hey, you can't blame me. I don't get the mind blowing sex you do."
Sable groaned. Her sister could be so crass at times.
Susan pulled her keys out of her pocket.
"Call me later, sis. I need to go. Gotta pick up the boys in fifteen minutes."
After a brief hug, the two parted, Susan driving away after a toot of the horn. Sable waved goodbye from the window and turned, ready to tackle the job of putting groceries away.
Movement from the opposite doorway caught her attention.
A figure appeared, bathed in shadow.
Sable screamed bloody murder, jumping back and splaying against the door in what looked like a failed Spiderman pose.
Donnie emerged into the kitchen, worry etching his features. He was quickly followed by three brothers and a rat, all of whom were sniggering, even Leo.
"It's okay! It's just us!" Donnie said, moving slowly toward Sable as to not frighten her any more.
Sable clutched her chest, staring wild eyed at Donnie.
"Donnie? Wha… what are you doing here? You scared the shit out of me!"
"You weren't answering your phone," Donnie said, stepping closer and holding out his hand. "I was worried something was wrong so I rushed here to check on you."
"Flew like a maniac," Raph grunted. He had a sneer plastered on his face that made him maniacal.
"I was with my sister," Sable said, taking his hand and stepping into his awaiting arms, hugging him tight. "I told you I would be with her."
"I feared the worst," Donnie muttered, sensing her pounding heartbeat.
Sable knew what he meant and gave him a tighter hug.
"I'm fine. Really. Just been with Susan all day."
"I was worried," Donnie whispered, dropping kisses to her hair. Sable turned up her face and took his kisses, her tongue dancing with his.
"I'm getting sick," Raph groused. "Anyone else?"
Leo held up a hand.
Sable and Donnie turned, making faces at the gruff turtle. Mikey was grinning like an idiot. Splinter looked distinctly uncomfortable.
Leave it to Mikey to make matters worse.
"So, Donnie, you going to wear a tight ninja outfit and clean the house for us?"
Mikey waggled his brow suggestively.
"Oh God," Donnie muttered, closing his eyes.
His family had heard everything the ladies said in the kitchen. It was all Mikey could do to keep from erupting when he heard Susan mention Donnie and Sable's activities. Raph and Leo had been amused by the purple turtle's retreat into his shell, hiding his face from as his love life was discussed. Even Splinter found the whole thing amusing, though the sex talk concerned him. As did the fact Susan mentioned a ninja costume.
Splinter broke the tension.
"My dear Sable, what have you told your family of us?"
Sable extracted herself from Donnie and went to the rat, reaching out and wiping affectionately at his brow.
"I told her Donnie and his brothers were trained in martial arts and take care of you," she cringed. "Hope you don't mind, but I told them you were elderly and they needed to make sure you were well taken care of."
"I am old," Splinter said, winking. "And I thank you for not divulging our existence to your family. I know how close you are and it must be difficult for you, but it is necessary. For not only our protection, but theirs as well."
"I'd rather be dead than tell anyone about you," Sable said.
Donnie flinched.
Splinter tilted his head, surveying the beautiful young woman who had captured Donnie's heart.
"Well, since you're here, let me give you a tour," Sable said, holding onto Splinter's hand and leading him out of the kitchen. She called over her shoulder, "Mikey, you know where everything goes. Be a good turtle."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Mikey hooted, tackling the groceries.
Sable led Splinter, Raph, Leo, and Donnie trailing behind, through the house.
When they got to the second floor, she explained.
"The two bedrooms on either side share bathrooms in the middle. They're called Jack-n-Jills. Mikey picked the room opposite of Donnie and me on the far right. Which leaves the two bedrooms down the hall. I'm afraid there won't be enough room for everyone right now. Unless someone is willing to bunk on the couch."
"We won't be staying the night." Leo spoke for the first time.
He toured the house with increasing interest, liking the large spacious rooms, and the fields that lay beyond the windows on the east side. The west and back of the house showed the garage, barns, and a few sheds, no doubt full of farming equipment. The place was open and airy, but also, cozy and made one feel immediately at home.
Not that Leo felt such a thing.
"I can bunk with Mikey," Raph said, peering into the room his brother had claimed. It was spotlessly clean. How strange. "Leo, dad, you can have the other rooms."
"We're not staying," Leo reiterated, shuffling his hulking shell past Raph in a passive aggressive way.
"Well, you're welcome to," Sable put in hopefully.
Leo's lip curled slightly in answer.
Splinter patted her hand.
"That is a gracious offer. We are humbled and honored by your generosity." He glanced to Leo, putting an end to the posturing, "You and Raphael may take the other rooms. I will be quite comfortable on the couch."
Leo bowed his head, defeated.
To hopefully lift his spirits, Sable motioned to the stairs that led to the attic.
"The attic is fairly big, so I'm guessing we could convert it into another couple bedrooms. The heating and cooling guys installed five ducts to the floor, so it should be comfortable any time of year."
Leo took the steps two at a time, trying to put some distance between him and his family but he halted upon seeing the vastness of the floor space. Why, the place was so large he could perform katas with his katanas. Course, he'd have to be careful around the light fixture. That might pose a problem.
Raph and Splinter joined Leo, glancing about the cavernous space.
"You know, two more bedrooms might be a good idea," he muttered to Leo.
Leo nodded offhandedly.
Donnie, ever the industrious turtle, shuffled forward, a measuring tape appearing out of no where.
"I have some ideas…."
Splinter glanced to Sable.
"I apologize in advance for the destructive construction that is being formulated by my sons."
Sable grinned, taking Splinter's hand and walking downstairs to let the three turtles converse.
"I rather love it. The house gets some much needed attention, Donnie gets to do things with his hands, and this way, maybe they all can work together and stop being such hostile assholes."
"Don't bet on it," Splinter mused.
When Sable and Splinter entered the kitchen it was to find the groceries put away and Mikey leaning against the wall, twirling the phone cord around one long green digit as he listened to someone on the phone. He held up said finger for silence and gave a nod.
"Yes. That's correct. And add two dozen breadsticks, and four dozen of those cinnamon stick things with extra icing."
Sable sighed, wondering what in the world the pesky turtle was going to cost her now.
Mikey confirmed his order and hung up, beaming at the two.
"Food will be ready in an hour! I'll go pick it up like last time!"
"How much?" Sable asked with a sigh.
Mikey waved a credit card. "No worries. Paid for it myself. Dinner's on me tonight."
Sable grinned at Splinter. "I think I'm going to like this living arrangement."
Splinter nodded in agreement.
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I apologize for the length but this chapter has been tricky. I have SOOOO many plans for upcoming chapters that I've been getting a little overwhelmed with it all because there's so many great points I want to bring up and scenes to write to really bring out the emotion. I want to do them justice. Now that my mom is on the mend and I have some 'free time' (whatever that means!) I'm going to see if I can put things in order so I can make sure I include all the drama and 'little scenes' that may not appear important to the story, but will be vital later. This story is going on longer than I imagined… much like my notes. Lol
As always, I appreciate every single reader and look forward to reviews, even if its just a quick note about your own personal thoughts on a subject or upcoming prediction.
Oh! I'd LOVE to hear predictions! Might be opening a can of pizza sauce on that one though! ;)
Gonna work on putting my notes together. I like putting things on index cards and taping them to my closet doors to establish a 'timeline.' Helps keep all these ideas into focus. :D
Looking forward to another year with the BEST READERS/ FOLLOWERS IN THE WORLD!
OXOX
PJ
