Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT
*The guys are 25 years old in this fic.*
Chapter Four: A Dark Day
It had been three days since Trisha's tragic death as well as Leo and Jamie's bitter argument. Leo hadn't spoken or been seen outside of his room since. Splinter had forced his way in on the second day to talk to the eldest…that and force him to eat something. Now the family was dressed in layers and standing at the edge of the funeral procession as Jamie, a few of her friends with a few of Trisha's, stood by as they laid the woman to rest. There was also a group of kids with hospital bracelets, some looked very sick. Most were crying.
Mike had seen a few of the pictures of Trisha that had been around the casket. She was beautiful. Trisha had been beautiful, body and soul from what he saw. She had been a kind hearted person and a nurse they had learned; she had cared for the kids in the cancer wards, those kids had been her patients. As the group slowly and silently dispersed after the casket was lowered Jamie walked toward the group with a little blonde girl propped on a hip. Leo stared, numbly at the girl and then closed his eyes and walked forward.
"Leo?" the girl called.
"Hey Mary," Leo greeted as he took the girl from Jamie.
"You'll still come by and play right?" the girl asked.
"I'll try," Leo whispered, "but it's not safe without Trisha helping me get in."
"I'll tell the…the nurses they have to!" the girl insisted.
Leo hugged the little girl tight.
"You do that Mary. You keep getting better ok?" Leo asked, "you promise?"
"Only if you come and play," she said firmly, crossing her arms over her little chest.
Leo looked at her, the fail little girl who was too thin, too sick, and too sad.
"Ok, I'll come," Leo whispered, he didn't seem to have the heart to tell her no.
"Good," Mary said softly, then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, "you're my best friend Leo."
Tears streamed down his cheeks and he choked back a sob, as he held the girl tightly.
Leo gave her a gentle peck on the cheek and then handed her back to Jamie. Jamie hugged the child and then carried her back to the nurse that was waiting for her.
Leo shrank into himself again and seemed to close off. As the group emptied around the grave Leo walked forward and knelt before the tombstone, resting a hand on it. Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a small box, a rose, and a letter. He placed them on top of the tombstone, kissed it and stood again.
He stood there, staring down at it as Jamie rejoined him.
They stood there, in silence and then Jamie leaned against him. He wrapped an arm around her and then they stayed still, long after everyone else save Splinter and April had slipped away.
A/N: another transition chappie….Trisha is now laid to rest. Now the family must move on and repair the damage that remains. Please Review!