Chapter 15
My eyes are heavy with sleep as I blink them open. A light head ache pounds at my temples, a sign that I stayed up too late, or it's too early to get up. I moan, wanting to go back to sleep, but I can't. I go to turn on my other side, but something hard hits my back. I furrow my brow in confusion, my gaze still hazy from tiredness. I decide to sit up. Swinging my legs over the edge, I rub the sleep from my eyes. And that's when I remember.
Leo.
I had spent the night on my couch, sleeping next to Leo. Now suddenly, I'm wide awake. I glance towards Leo, he's still in deep sleep. After the night we had, I don't blame him. He had cried for hours on end. At least...I think it was hours. I can't really be sure.
I suppress a sigh and force myself to get up. Sure enough, Toby is right at my feet, wagging his tail excitedly.
"Come on boy." I speak and pat my knees, slouching over a little, "Let's go back breakfast." And just like that, Toby followed me to the kitchen. My kitchen is a mess. All my baking stuff is spread across my island, and the cake was left out on the table. I knew that I had a big cleaning job to take care off, "Might as well get started." I huff and pass my fingers through my tangled hair a few times.
I take all my dirty dishes to the sink, filling it up with warm water and lots of soap. While that happens, I open up a can of dog food for Toby.
"Here you are boy." I say while plopping the kibble in Toby's white dog food dish. He comes running over on his stubby little legs and dives his face into the food. I giggle at the sight and shake my head out of amusement. I stroke Toby's head a few times before I stop procrastinating and get the dishes done. Though before that, I grab my phone off my cabinet and plug in my head phones. I might as well have music to entertain myself. And thus, I begin dish duty.
I glance up at the clock, it's 7:40. I have to go back to my culinary school today, but I only have to be there by nine. So I have a bit of time.
"Breakfast time." I announce to myself. Toby has already finished eating and went back to the living room to watch over Leo. So I really am just talking to myself, "Great...now I'm crazy."
None the less, I get started on cooking. I decide upon some eggs and toast for breakfast. I make a double serving so Leo could have some too. That's if he's awake. He usually gets up pretty early, so he should even be awake now. Though I refrain from calling out to him, just in case he's still sleeping.
Carrying both plates, I tip-toe to the leaving room and peak my head in, whispering softly, "Hey Leo, you awake?" Once I see him sitting up on the couch, I smile to my self and walk in, "I made you breakfast." I place the brown rimmed plate on the coffee table and sit myself down next to the blue masked turtle.
No response comes from Leo. No sound. No movement. No nothing.
"Leo?" I call to him again, tilting my head from curiosity. Maybe he didn't hear me the first time. But still, he didn't respond. Leo, just staring blankly ahead. His clouded blue eyes, deadly hollow. There's nothing there. No emotion. It's just, empty. His gaze, steady but unfocused. He stares ahead at nothing. Sits there like a statue, "Um...Leo? You okay?" I wonder, concern and worry now rising up inside me. I place a shaky hand on his knee. Normally, Leo would have told me what's wrong, or cuddled close to me, but he didn't do either of those things. He flinched.
That's it. He flinched. Like my touch was poison on his skin. I retracted my hand, feeling a little hurt inside. Something is seriously wrong with Leo, is he just being quiet because of his blindness? Is that a normal thing to do? Or did I do something wrong? Something to push him away? Something to make him shut me out?
This time, I flinched at the thought. I can't stand it. I hate the thought of someone shutting me out, of being lonely. If I've done anything to hurt Leo, to make him unresponsive, I'll never forgive myself.
"L-Leo?" My voice is soft, I barely ever heard myself. I tried my best to keep in from shaking, pushing down the tears that tormented my eyes. The lump that choked my throat was pushed back down. I glanced up at the clock, trying to make out the time through my blurred vision. I sighed, "Leo, I-I gotta go now. I'll be back in a few hours. Do you want me to leave out food?"
No response. Nothing. Not a groan from his throat or a shake of his head. So without a sound, I got up. Toby whimpered at my feet, but otherwise stayed where he was. Right by Leo. Never leaving his side. I was glad that Leo wouldn't be completely alone while I go to my culinary school. Toby's there, so at least the lone ninja turtle will be a little less lonely. I only wish I knew what was going on in his head. So with a sad sigh, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, only looking back once to make sure everything was okay.
I entered the plump yet long brick building. The whole thing only has about three or four floors, but the width of it is fairly long. All debris around the exterior of the building had been cleaned up, and if this school took anyway damage, all repairs have been made. It's one of the few buildings that still stands along this street. A few little boutiques are still going strong, but other then that, not much is left of this usually busy avenue.
I walked through the empty halls, only passing by a few students on my way to the top floor. My footsteps echoed through the halls as the heel on my boots hit the floor. I hunch my shoulders a bit, trying to make myself a small as possible. The constant click clack of my shoes makes me feel wary. Even though it's my own self who is making the noise, I feel my paranoia rising.
Calm down...why are am I even worried in the first place? I think to myself, cause I'm being ridiculous, that's why. I huff as I make my way up the first flight of stares. Just...don't think about anything. Clear your mind. Don't think about anything, not your paranoia, not about thinking, not about Leo.
I stop in my tracks. I knew there was no going back now. My mind got set on Leo. Once I start thinking about him, I can't stop. I give up now and let my mind wander...
I wonder what Leo's doing now...is he okay? He didn't answer me this morning. Oh my gosh! Is he deaf too!? Did I make him blind and deaf!? Okay...now that's being ridiculous. Though...is it really my fault that Leo's blind? Maybe I didn't treat him right. I know I should have researched how to cure a sick turtle! However, Leo's not really sick. So maybe, injured turtle? Ugh I don't know! All I know is that I'm the reason Leo's blind. I hurt the guy I lov-
My thoughts get interrupt with a crash. A small pain irrupts from my lower back. The whole word spins around me and it takes me a good minute to realize that I'm laying on the floor. The cool tiles feel nice against my skin considering I'm getting hot from embarrassment. Someone is looking down upon me and I still haven't said a word.
"Miss? Are you alright?" His words are like the wind whipping through my ears, just a distant haze that can just barely be heard. Finally, I get the nerve to speak.
"Uh, yeah. I'm good." I say, but stay right where I am. Not bothering to get up off the floor. Confusion still lingers heavily in the air. Causing the atmosphere to feel muggy.
"Do you need help?" This guy has a thick accent, though I can't quite make out what it is yet. Though the next thing I know, he has his hand extended and a gentle smile worn upon his face.
This guy definitely isn't French then. I think while I hesitantly take his hand. He pulls me up and I stagger on my feet. It only takes me a few seconds until I regain my balance.
"Um, thanks." I look down nervously, I'm very awkward when it comes to meeting new people.
"It's no problem." The guy says and I finally recognize his accent, it's British, "May I ask your name?"
I look up at him. This guy is well fit, blonde hair that dangles just pass his eyes and, oddly enough, green eyes. I don't often see a blonde with green eyes, but there's a first for everything. His posture is nice, but he slouches a little, causing him to look very relaxed.
Realizing that I haven't answered is question, I stammer out, "N-Nicole. My name is Nicole."
"Well Nicole, I'm Kenzie." He introduced and shook my hand that still remained in his. Once he let go, I let it fall limp by my side.
"Kenzie? As in McKenzie?" I question, puzzled. What an unusual name.
"No, just Kenzie. My parents wanted to be different." He chuckles and glances past my shoulder, "Luckily you weren't a foot behind, or you would have fallen down the stairs."
"Huh?" I glance behind me and realize that just a few feet away was the stair case. That would have been bad, "Oh right." I laugh nervously, unsure what to do or say.
"So, where are you heading?" Kenzie continues the conversation for me.
"Oh um, to class." I slap myself internally for giving such a stupid answer, "My pastry class, to be exact. Room 317." Great, now I gave too much detail.
"Really?" He smiles, "I'm going there too. Guess I was heading the wrong way."
"You new here or something?" I ask as we start making our way down the hall.
"Yeah, I would have been here last week, but the explosion threw everything off."
"Oh, right." I say and feel thankful that we reached the class.
"Is this the room?" He tilts his head curiously, as if he's never seen a doorknob before.
"Yeah...this is it."
Kenzie reaches forward and turns the silver knob, holding the door open for me, he says, "Mind if I sit with you?"
I give him a friendly smile, though my mind still heavy and clouded with thoughts, "Not at all." And with that note, we walk into the class room, taking a seat near the back.
The hours tick by, never once had I glanced away from the clock. Somehow, I was able to remain thinking only one thought all day; before I bumped into Kenzie, what was I about to say? I was thinking about Leo, saying how I hurt the guy I lov-...then stopped. What was I going to say? Going to admit?...Do I actually love him?
I refrained from laughing as I walked out of the building. I clutch my text book close to my chest as my bag is slung over one of my shoulders. My thoughts sounded crazy in my head, so I can't even imagine admitting them out loud. Yet still, I can't help but wonder...
"Hey, Nicole!" The familiar British accent I came to recognize called my name. I swung my head around and saw Kenzie trying to catch up with me. I stopped walking and waiting.
"Hi Kenzie." I greeted him with a smile and continued walking once he was by my side.
"So, where are you heading?" He asked casually, though due to his accent, every word that comes out of his mouth sounds sophisticated.
"Oh, just home."
"So..." He hesitates, his green eyes shifting to the ground, "Are you busy?"
I push back the shock in my voice when I speak, "Like, right now?"
"Yeah, well, no. Just tonight really. Since I missed the first few weeks, I was wondering if you could help me catch up with my studies?" Kenzie asked. Both hope and nervousness flashed through his eyes. He still never made eye contact with me.
I lag a few steps, then rapidly catch up as if nothing happened. It's not like his question caught me off guard, it's to be expected for a student to want to catch up. I should think nothing more of this.
"Um...sure. I can do that." It took me a moment to gather up my words.
"Great." He smiled, baring all of his teeth, "We can head back to my place now. I-if you want to I mean."
An imagine of Leo flickers in my brain. I'm almost home, I can go check on him.
"Oh um, I actually have something to take care of first. So I gotta head home. We can meet up at the local library in a few hours though. Say...7:00?"
"That sounds great!" He cheers excitedly and attacks me with an unexpected hug. I hug back awkwardly, but he doesn't seem to notice. Once Kenzie let's go, he thanks me again then we part our separate ways. However, I stay right were I am and watch him walk away. I want to stand here and ponder on the thought of our hug, but I have more important matters to worry about right now. Like Leo. So I push the thought to the back of my mind and hurry home. My top priority being the blue masked ninja turtle.
It doesn't take me long to get home. Maybe five minutes at most. I quickly unlock the bakery doors and rush up the stairs. As I run down my hallway, I halt for a moment, right in front of Marie's door. I haven't seen her since the day of the explosion. For a few seconds I consider going in to check on her, but if Marie wanted to talk, she would have came to me by now. So I decide to let her be and open my door.
"I'm home!" I call out, shutting the door behind me. My heart sinks when I'm met with silence. I half expected Leo to answer me, but nothing came. Toby didn't even come running to me, like he usually does every time I enter the house. This only feeds my flame of worry. I hesitantly walk over to my living room, almost scared of what I'm going to see. Relief washes over me when I see Leo sitting up on the couch, in the exact position I left him in. Worry creeps back up on me. I go sit down beside Leo and Toby whimpers at my feet. When Toby's sad, something's up.
I take a deep breath before speaking, "Leo? How was your day?"
No response. My eyes linger on the plate set on the coffee table. It's Leo's breakfast.
"Did you eat anything today?" I ask, praying for some kind of sign.
Nothing.
Sadness pierces my heart as a tone of desperation hangs thick in my voice.
"Leo...please, say something. Give me a sign. Anything to let me know that you're alright." I'm practically begging now. Has he been like this all day? Immovable? Frozen? Unresponsive? I just don't know.
Suddenly, I feel a soft, warm touch on my hand. Leo's three fingered hand inches towards mine. His fingers just barely brushing my hand. I watch intensely and I'm positive that Leo can feel my gaze burning our fingers. Finally, his huge green fingers wrap around mine and squeeze gently. I glance up at him and tears are forming in his ocean blue eyes. I find myself both sad and joyful at the same time. Though Leo? He just continues to stare on ahead. Staring through any passing objects like they're ghost.
I smile down at our hands. They give me an idea.
"Hey Leo, did you eat today?" When no response came, I continued, "If you could, squeeze my hand once for yes, twice for no."
One squeeze, than another. That's a no.
"Well, are you hungry?" I ask as I feel a little hope rising inside me, Leo's communicating with me.
One squeeze, than another. Another no.
"You know you should eat right? If I make food, will you eat it."
Leo opens his mouth and I lean forward, not wanting to miss his reply. Is he really gonna speak? After hours of going without verbal contact?
Nothing. Leo stays silent. Releasing a breath, he closes his mouth again. Leo retracts his hand, setting in back down in his lap. I frown, a pang of sadness hits me as I find myself missing his touch. I came so close to getting him to speak, I don't want this to become a habit of his. He must talk. He has too...right? It won't be like this forever, will it?
I sigh, deciding not to push Leo any further. I get up and walk to the kitchen. My feet drag against the floor and I glance back over my shoulder. Leo is un-phased. It's as if I was never really there to him.
"What's gotten into him?" I whisper to myself, voicing my thoughts as I pull out a loaf of bread. I quickly make two peanut butter sandwiches. I gotta leave at 7:00, so it's just gonna be a quick supper tonight. I made a sandwich for Leo, just in case he changes his mind. I also scoop some dog food in Toby's dish. In the end of it all, I'm carrying two plates in my hand and balancing a dog food dish on my forearm all the way to the living room.
"Hey, um...I made you a sandwich. Just in case you change your mind about being hungry." I tell Leo and set the plates down. I put the dog dish in front of Toby, but he just sniffs it and whimpers. It's unusual for Toby to not be hungry, the little dog would eat anything if I let him, "I won't be home later tonight, I gotta go help a friend study."
I see Leo tense at the mentioning of me being gone for most of the night. It's a reaction I could spend hours thinking about, but right now I'm just relieved that I got a response out of him.
"Will you be okay on your own for a few hours?"
As expected, I get no answer. Again.
I frown, this will get me nowhere. It's been hours since Leo last spoke to me. How long will it take before I get to hear his voice again? I let out a sigh. A sigh of defeat, of frustration, of hopelessness. Though it's only been the first day of Leo's new found blindness, I can't give up on him yet. Can I?
As the hours pass, the silence in the room almost becomes suffocating. I feel like I should talk to Leo, but I don't know what to say? What's the point? He won't answer me back. Or...is it good for someone to talk to him? Like to a person in a coma. But Leo's not in a coma. He's just...going through a lot. He'll come around, I'm sure of it.
"Well, I gotta go." I announce while standing up, brushing myself off, "Um...I'll be back later, alright?" And with that, I left without another sound.
The doors to the library were heavy, but I managed with a heave. I haven't been in the library in a long time, and by the looks of it, neither has a lot of other people. It's a rather large room, with circular tables lining the walls in both directions. To the right of the library is the kids and teens section. The kids corner has colour mat tiles decorating the floor. However the rest of the library is very gloomy. The air is heavy and muggy, no doubt dusty. The whole room has a very ancient and antique feel to it.
I make my way over to the left side,where the adult books and documents are. Perfect for a mature read or researchers. Also, in the back corner is a study place and computers along the back wall. When I get there, Kenzie is already sitting at the corner table, reading his notes.
"Hey." I whisper and offer a warm smile towards the boy.
"Hey Niki."
"Niki?" I raised a brow and leaned against the old wooden table. A soft chuckle escapes from my lips.
"Yeah" Kenzie replies, staring up at me with his piercing green eyes, "Working on a nickname for ya."
I laugh, "Yeah, okay. How about we just get to studying and catching up?"
"You got it." He said with a sly smile, "I've already got a jump start, if ya wanna see."
I look over the notes he's taken and direct him in the right direction. I review with him a few times then let him study on his own.
"I actually have some research I need to do, so I'll just be over on the computers if you need me." Once I inform him, Kenzie gives me a nod and we both go do our separate things. I settle myself down on a computer chair and head into the search engine. Time to research. I type in, 'blind eyes' and press enter. They looked nothing like Leo's.
What's this? Two Chapters in one day after a long time of no posting? It's a Holiday gift, enjoy! ^^
