She had spent almost seven days in New York's animal control prison. Being the only animal that could talk, she had an obvious advantage. However, being a scared kid, she only spoke when she needed, water or had to use the bathroom. Of course, unlike the people running the center, she had to go outside by a tree, like a dog.
What really got to her though, were the living conditions. A crust of bread for the whole day, no blankets, bed or even a pillow. Lastly, the lack of sun in her new cold-blooded body was now making her deathly sick. The only thing that got her through those days was the thought of seeing her older brother Jason again.
Tonight was her last night there however, because tommorow she was to be put down. She had heard this from a gaurd who was talking the night before. She had to get out of here, tonight. This is where things got interesting.
The first day she was brought to animal control, she had befriended a worker named Jane. Jane was going to set her free tonight. They'd been planning for days. When Jane took the animals outside for a potty break, Rachel would sneak into the cart that usually served for the animal dung and Jane would take it outside the gate.
In the bag that was provided for every animal with personal items like a collar and favorite toys, she had filled with food and water along with the only item left from her old life, a picture of her family. She sat on the floor in the cage and planned what she would do when she escaped. She couldn't go back home, that was for sure.
Maybe she could go and live in the park. She could hide in the trees during the day and sleep in the grass at night. Nah, that wouldn't work. She figured tonight, she could hide in the dumpster on Madison street. It would be smelly, but it would also be dark. At least she wouldn't be seen.
That night, their plan worked like clockwork. "Be safe Rachel, and don't forget me." Jane said as she placed the small humanoid turtle down from the cart. Rachel smiled and hugged her.
"Thank you so much Jane. I'll never forget you." Rachel said as she grabbed the bag and ran off. Darting into the closest alley, Rachel was careful to travel in the shadows as she made her way to Madison. Upon arrival in the alley, she climbed into the dumpster and closed the lid. Getting out a bit of bread and juice box Jane had supplied, she gave thanks for her meal and ate.
b
A few hours later, she couldn't help but break down. The last week and a half had happened too fast. First her brother's seizure, then her mutation, followed by the cruel conditions at animal control, and now she was free, but very sick and would probably die running. Then she thought of her brother Jason. She desperetly hoped he was ok. She pleaded with God to keep him safe. Slowly, she felt herself falling asleep.
Being awakened abruptly by the opening of the lid, she tried to scurry down the pile of garbage around her. She then saw a giant rat looking inside. He seemed to be looking for something. She felt a furry hand glide beside her to pick up what looked like a half empty box of crackers. Then suddenly she felt the hand glide onto her shell. She squealed in fear. Knowing she just revealed herself, her body automaticly dissapeared into her shell.
She felt her and her shell being taken out of the dumpster and carefully placed on the ground. She then listened to the soothing sounds that were coming from outside. Slowely, she left her shell. Although still scared, she somehow felt safe. "Please, don't hurt me. Please!" She said as she shivered in fright and fever.
Fearing the worst, she cowered, backing into the wall. The large rat knelt by the turtle and took her hand. "My name is Splinter, what's yours?" The large rat asked.
"Rachel. Rachel Grace Stevens. Well, I used to be, before I changed." Rachel said chuckling a bit. Rachel's chuckles grew into deep painful coughs. She felt Splinter's furry hand land on her forehead as he gasped.
"You have a bad fever. Let's get you back to my home." Splinter said as he lifted the turtle. By this time, Rachel was to tired and weak to argue. She knew she shouldn't go with strangers, but what choice did she have? She couldn't go home.
b
Once returning to the lair, Splinter found Raphael in the living room, flipping through a comic book. "Raphael, what are you doing up?" Splinter asked as Raphael looked up from the book.
"Mikey's snoring again, and I can't sleep. Hey, who's that?" The small turtle asked as Splinter laid the female turtle on the couch.
"Her name is Rachel. and she's very sick. Go get a wet washcloth. Since you're up, you might as well help." The large rat said. Raphael immediately put his comic down and obeyed. Coming over to the sick turtle, Splinter tilted her head up. "Come on Rachel. Take a drink for me."
"Jason?" Rachel mummered.
"Who?"
Rachel woke up, realizing it was Splinter who was holding her up. "Um...nothing. Thank you Splinter." The rat nodded as Raphael came back out with the wet cloth.
"She's awake." Raphael exclaimed. Rachel looked to the voice and discovered there was another turtle looking at her. He wore a crimson red mask and a brown She felt happy seeing she wasn't the only mutant turtle here.
"I'm going to go make some tea for Rachel." Splinter said, standing up.
"Master Splinter, can I sit with Rachel, please?" Raphael asked. Splinter nodded and Raphael smiled and sat by the girl as Master Splinter left the room. "I'm Raphael. Are you really a girl?" The small turtle asked as Rachel nodded.
"Yes, of course." Rachel said as Raphael helped her sit up. "Are you the only one who lives here with Splinter?" Looking curiously, Rachel observed the living area.
"No. I have three brothers. Leo, Donnie, and Mikey. Leo's the oldest, and Mikey's my little brother, along with Donnie."
The next second, Splinter came back into the room with a hot cup of tea. "Here, drink. You'll feel better." Splinter said as he carefully handed the cup to Rachel. She sipped a bit, and smiled. Splinter wondered why a child could smile after being gven bitter tea.
Rachel sensed this. "I'm feel safe here. Thank you." She said as Splinter in turn hugged the turtle. Rachel joined right in, feeling safe.