Hey Guys, I'm back with another chapter! I hoped you liked the last one I do not own TMNT, but I will. I do own my OC's though. R&R! On with the Chapter….
Lizzy's P.O.V.
It was lunchtime on the third Wednesday of March. I stood in the hallway searching for what I was looking for. I found lots of other things, but nothing I was looking for. Finally giving up I turned towards Cade.
"Alright, I give up. Can you help me find the girls softball sigh up sheet?" I asked Cade as she signed her name on the kickboxing sheet. That's right; I'm standing in front of a bulletin board in the main hallway signing up for softball.
"Sorry Blondie, due to cutbacks, they had to get rid of softball," she informed turning towards me.
"What? That's insane," I said surprised, but then continued, "Well what about baseball?"
"We never had a girls' baseball team," Cade replied. Now I was frustrated.
"Well why did they have to get rid of the softball team? Why couldn't they have gotten rid of something useless… like kickboxing?" I ranted crossing my arms sadly.
"Hey, kickboxing is not useless! Plus it's co-ed, so it doesn't waste as much money," Cade informed somewhat angrily.
"Then why don't they just make the baseball team co-ed?" I asked as the idea popped into my head.
"They tried that, but the coach thought the girls couldn't handle it," Cade replied once more. That ticked me off. I was really looking forward to it. I loved baseball. Even at the orphanage. I would play with the boys all the time and I would do just fine. With that last thought I made up my mind.
"Well, I'm signing up for boy's baseball anyway. I don't care what they think, I can handle it just fine," I insisted finding the paper I saw and swiveling my name in cursive on the sheet.
"Good for you Liz. Girl power," Cade agreed with a nod as we moved away from the board and headed to lunch to meet up with the rest of our friends to tell them what I would be doing this afternoon.
*That Afternoon*
I walked out of the school with my head held high as my friends showed me where the baseball field was. I was excited. Not only was I about to try out for my favorite sport, but it turns out that Nick was on the team too. So, if anyone were to try and convince the others to not let me on the team, he could vouch for me. We soon approached the baseball field behind the school. The cool spring air blew, my hair whipping my long hair. Winter had ended sooner than normal, so the snow was gone and spring was here. Anyway, as we neared the field I noticed a group of boys near a man, who must have been the coach.
"Alright, we'll wait here. You two go," Lucas suggested as he sat on the bleachers.
"And I'll call Leo to tell him we'll be late," Katie smiled pulling out her cell phone. I smiled for her and Leo. They made such a cute couple. It's like they were two puzzle pieces who finally found their missing partner. Turning away I followed Nick over towards the group, getting a few weird looks, but nobody had time to say anything as the coach started to speak.
"Alright boy's, it's that time of year again: Baseball season. Call here when you hear your name," the coach instructed pulling out the clipboard. He called off the names in no particular order. Everything seemed to be going fine… until he called my name
"Lizzy Hamato… wait, that can't be right," he mumbled double checking the board.
"Um, here," I announced raising my hand. The boys turned to me in surprise before they burst out laughing. I exchanged a look of annoyance with Nick before turning back towards the boys. One stood out in particular, and that was only because he was Missy's junior boyfriend: Chad Rogers. He was tall with brown, clean cut hair, hazel eyes, and was about as mean as Missy.
"What? Don't you know this is a boys' team?" he chuckled, to which I glared.
"There's no softball team, or girls baseball team, so what do you suggest I do?" I asked crossing my arms.
"You could sit on the sidelines and cheer for us, like our own personal cheerleader," he suggested in a smug tone. My mouth gaped open at his sexists comment, and I would have said something if the coach didn't step in.
"Alright you two, enough. Chad, if Lizzy wants to try out, that's fine. We don't have a girls' team so it's only fair," the coach corrected. I grinned as he continued to call out names. Next he had everyone line up for batting as he went to the pitcher's mound.
"Alright, first we'll see how many of you have been practicing your batting last year. Line up and hit the ball to where I tell you to. I'll pitch the ball ten times for each of you," coach instructed. I was towards that back so I was going to have to wait. First was Chad. He hit almost every ball to the right spot. The boys began to move down the line and I began to watch when they would hit the ball. I glance towards my friends, who encouragingly smiled and gave me a thumbs up. Soon it was my turn. Tim, the boy before me, handed me the helmet and bat. I put it on and stepped up to the plate. I stood in the stance to boys at the orphanage taught me and held up the bat.
"Alright Liz, I want you to hit it right field," he instructed. I gave a nod and then he proceeded to wind the pitch and throw. When the ball made contact with the aluminum bat it made a loud 'crack' noise, sending it to the right… and out of bounds. At least it went right. I heard Chad chuckle slightly from where he was standing.
"That's okay, try again. Right," I told me. I nodded once again. He threw the ball again… and once again it went out of bounds. True, it lasted longer, but it still went out. This time Chad and a few of his buddies laughed harder. I growled in anger closing my eyes before focusing.
"Let's try somewhere else. Center," I replied. I glared at the ball as he pitched it. I imagined my father as the ball, laughing manically as he hurt my Mikey. This time the ball flew through first and second and didn't stop till it hit the fence. This time I stood up straight, turned towards Chad, and smirked.
"Great hit Lizzy," coach complimented. After that, he continued to call out where I needed to hit the ball the next 7 times. It seemed after I warmed up, I did better, even with my right field hits. When I finished I passed on the helmet and bat to the next person and walked over to where the other boys were. Two other boys went up we practiced our throwing. I grabbed a glove from the box and paired up with Nick.
"You're pretty good Liz," he complimented as he threw the ball to me and I caught it.
"Thanks," I smiled as I threw the ball back. Apparently it was hard because he waved his hand like it stung.
"You're not a bad thrower either," he said throwing it back. I smiled and then we continued to throw it back and forth. At one point, the coach came over and watched us for a while before moving on to another pair. Every now and then I would catch Chad glare my way. After that, coach had us head out onto the field and practice at different places. I practiced at first and second mostly. As he switched us around again, coach called me to the pitcher's mound. I was skeptical at first, but he reassured me that I could do it, so switching places I took the mound. Across from me Nick crouched taking the catchers spot. Up at bat was Chad.
"Whenever you're ready," coach stated stepping off to the side. I nodded and wound the pitch. Never taking my eyes off Nick's glove, I threw the ball as hard and as fast as I could. Chad nicked the edge of the ball, sending it behind him where Nick caught it. Nick threw the ball back and tried again. This time was much better because Chad didn't have a chance as it sped across home plate and into the glove. I smirked as Nick once again threw the ball back.
"Again," Chad growled. I shrugged and threw it again. The ball curved as Chad swung and he missed again. The best part of all this was that on the bleachers Missy watched us and was getting mad too.
"Alright Chad, move on," coach instructed. With a grunt and a glare Chad left the plate and moved elsewhere. I continued to pitch balls until we moved bases again. Once that was done we were instructed to do one lap around the field and then meet with the coach. I didn't try to speed ahead of the group, but instead I ran beside Nick. Soon we finished the run and jogged over to the coach.
"Great job today everyone, now, I've assigned everyone a place on the field. These may change, though they probably won't. Alright Tim, you're shortstop. Connor, you're center outfield. James, you're right outfield. Kyle, you're left outfield. Seth, you're left outfield. Noah, you'll be second base. Ethan will be third base. Nick, you'll be catcher. Chad, you'll be first-"
"What?! Coach, you can't be serious. I'm always pitcher. Why am I first?" Chad exclaimed interrupting the coach with an angry tone and a glare to match.
"You were out pitched Chad," he replied.
"Who was it?" Chad demanded.
"I was about to tell you until you interrupted. Lizzy will be pitcher," coach finished. I ginned, mentally jumping up and down, but I kept it cool.
"Her? That's not fair! Only one tryout and you give her the position," Chad chocked turning towards me.
"Life's not fair Chad, but this was perfectly fair. Besides, you'll still be able to pitch when Lizzy can't be here or if I pull her out. If that happens, Joe will take your place," coach instructed gesturing to a freshman boy. "Now that that's settled, go home and get some rest. I'll announce when the first meeting is next week," he finished leaving to his car. The rest of us left as well. I left towards my friends. As soon as I got towards them, they started congratulating us.
"I knew you could do it shorty," Cade smiled pulling me into a headlock.
"Thanks guys," I laughed before Katie pulled me out of Cade's grip.
"Yeah, you two were awesome," Lucas agreed. We laughed and talked for a minute or two until I was roughly shoved into Katie. I turned to see Chad with Missy attached to his arm.
"Watch you back reject," he threatened before continuing on.
"Reject?" I questioned with a frown.
"I'll show you reject!" Cade yelled at him shaking a fist.
"Don't mind him Liz, he's a jerk," April cooed coming over and giving me a side hug.
"Don't worry April I won't," I smiled before grinning and grabbing my bag.
"Come on girls, let's go home. I want to tell my family the awesome news," I giggled. We said our goodbyes before heading back. It was only about 4:30 and Katie didn't have to be home until 6, so we had plenty of time. It didn't take long to get home, though I think I helped as I dragged my friends along. We cut like five minutes off our usual time. I sprang into the lair and towards Mikey.
"We're home," I sang dropping my bag and leaped towards Mikey who caught me and spun me around.
"How was your day Lizzy Bear?" Mikey asked setting me down.
"Yeah, did you make the team?" Leo asked with Katie by his side.
"Well…" I began putting my arms behind my back and rocking back and forth on my heels, "how badly do you want to know?" I smirked.
"Come on Liz, just tell us," Raph grumbled, though his eyes had a questioning look.
"Fine Mr. Grumpy Gus. Guy's you are talking to the new pitcher for the Lincoln High Viking baseball team," I grinned. The guys cheered and Mikey hugged me again.
"That is wonderful Elizabeth. I am glad you made the team," Master Splinter gently smiled.
"Thank you Master Splinter," I grinned before heading over to the couch and sitting next to Mikey.
"I didn't even know you liked baseball, let alone knew how to play," Donnie notes.
"Well at the orphanage, for a number of years boys out-numbered the girls, so when I was young the older boys would watch on the one television. Eventually, they taught some of us how to play," I told them, smiling at the memory.
"Aww, that's sweet," Mikey cooed pulling me close and cuddled into my neck, sending chills down my spine. I cuddled back. For the rest of the night we hung out for the rest of the night until Katie had to go home, to which April decided she had to go home too. So Donnie and Leo took those two home and I left to go do my homework. I left for my room and Mikey followed. I sat at my desk and did my homework as Mikey laid on my bed listening to his music. When the boys got home we ate dinner before heading out on patrol. It was a slow night. There was barely any criminal activity, just a few attempted robberies, to which we awesomely stopped. When we got home I said my goodnights, changed into my turtle pajamas, and dropped onto my bed to finally get some sleep. Unprepared for what would happen for the next day.
*The next day, Lunch time*
The cafeteria roared with noise as 200 plus students gabbed in their own group of friends. I did that to as I poked at my salad, which I opted to get instead of the pizza. I figured it was a nice change of pace. Though as my friends and I laughed, I couldn't help notice a certain group watching from across the lunchroom.
"So how many of you finished the history paper on the great depression?" I asked the group.
"I did," April smiled as Nick slapped his forehead.
"I… forgot," he sighed slumping his shoulders.
"Seriously dude, I reminded you five times," Lucas frowned.
"Well I have a memory of a goldfish," Nick replied.
"Especially if he see's something shiny," Cade joked. I giggled taking the last bit of my salad. I stood up with my foam tray and left my table of friends, who were still making fun of Nick, to go throw my garbage away. Soon I was near the garbage cans where I tossed the tray and turned around to head back. Sadly, Missy and her groupies stepped in front of me.
"Look, it's little Lizzy, the reject nobody wanted," she announced with a laugh.
"Yeah, hi to you to. Now that you're done, will you move," I replied trying to step around, only to be stepped in front of.
"Why Lizzy, why would we do that? We just wanna talk," Megan hissed with a smile.
"Well, I don't want to," grumbled finding my way around and started walking
"Come on, I bet it's nice to actually be wanted for once. I mean, who would want someone like you. The people who adopted you probably felt sorry for you. I mean, your own parents didn't even want you," Missy chuckled along with her friends as I stopped in my tracks. That last comment stung, badly. I had to close my eyes and gain my composure so I didn't tear up. I looked at my friends, who were giving my worried looks. I smiled at them and turned around to face Missy. I crossed my arms and smirked.
"Just remember Missy, my family chose me, your family got stuck with you," I grinned. Her eyes got wide with shock, but soon narrowed. I closed my eyes with pride, but it turned out to be a bad move because the next thing I knew I was on the floor and my right eye hurt. I looked up to see Missy standing over me. My friends came rushing over. Katie kneeled down by me as I as up while Cade attacked, or at least tried to as April held her back.
"Liz, are you okay?" Katie asked as I held my eye.
"Yeah, I think so," I replied and looked to Cade with my good eye.
"What the hell do you think you're doing air-head? You don't go punching people without a reason. I'll give you a reason to punch someone. April let me go!" Cade yelled and flailed her arms trying to grab Missy. At this point the whole Cafeteria was watching, including a few teachers who came rushing over.
"What's going on here?" Mr. Flint, the vice principal asked in anger.
"Missy punched Lizzy," April explained putting herself between Missy and Cade. Katie and I got up off the floor and stood beside our friend.
"Lizzy started it first," Missy lied pointing at me.
"No I didn't. You came up to me," I replied somewhat sadly.
"We'll figure this out in the office. Let's go you two," he replied leading us out of the room. We walked down the hallway and into the office.
"Sit," he commanded. We both sat down in the chairs, but as far away from each other as possible. A few minutes later, Mr. Flint brought me an ice bag but soon left again. I gently put the bag to my eye to help with the pain. We waited in silence except for the typing of the secretary for ten minutes until Mr. Flint returned once more.
"The principal is ready to see you now," he said before leading us to the principal's office. In there sat a young woman with brown hair pulled back and blue eyes.
"Sit," he commanded. We did as told quickly and quietly.
"So, I heard you two ladies got into a fight today," she began. We nodded.
"Alright, from what I heard, Missy, you punched Lizzy, and Lizzy, you started this argument. Is this true?" she asked. I shook my head while Missy nodded. The principal, Miss Dueling, sighed.
"Okay, why don't you tell me what happened Lizzy," she replied and I nodded.
"I was getting up to throw my stuff away. After I did that, Missy and two of her friends cornered me. They started to make fun of me. I usually ignore the, and I tried my best to, but they said something that really hurt. So I said something back and the next thing I knew I was on the floor," I truthfully told her. She nodded and turned to Missy.
"Young lady, is that true?" she asked calmly.
"No..." she lied again. Miss Dueling continued her gaze, but Missy wouldn't give.
"Well, since we have two different stories, you will both be suspended. Missy since you actually punched Lizzy, you will be suspended the rest of the week and Monday. Not to mention this is not your first bulling offence, so you will have two detentions. On Saturday and the other Tuesday," she told Missy who gasped. Miss dueling turned towards me.
"Lizzy, this is your first offence, so you'll be let off with a suspension for the rest of the week," I nodded. I tried to be responsible through all this. After all, it was partially my fault. At least I could still leave with some dignity.
"Alright, I'll be calling your parents. Go wait in the office," she dismissed. I got up and left to where I was sitting earlier. I looked out the glass walls separating the office and the hallway. Students were hurrying to their next class. I could see my friends looking at me through the glass. I smiled and nudged them to head to class. They nodded and left. We waited another 8 minutes before the principal came back out.
"Missy, your mother will be here shortly. Go get your stuff," Missy left the office and the principal tuned towards me. "As for you Lizzy, you father was busy at work, but he told me you could be trusted to walk home. Can I trust you to do that?" she asked in a kind manor.
"Yes ma'am," I replied weakly. She smiled and left. I stood up and left towards my locker. I packed up what homework I had plus my other books, knowing the girls would grab my homework for me. Slipping on my black sweatshirt and my bag, I began my walk home. I walked out of the office, noticing that Missy was still waiting. I would be taking my time getting home. I didn't know if I would be in trouble or not, but I wanted to take as much time as I could. I dragged my feet across the pavement until I came to a familiar alleyway. I looked around before opening it up and leaping down covering it back up. I turned on my Tphone and soon messages began popping up.
-What happened? Are you okay? -Donnie
-If anyone hurt you, I'll hurt 'em worse -Raph
-Was it that Missy girl? If it was I swear… -Leo
-It'll be o.k. Lizzy Bear, I promise. Luv you –Mikey
I smiled slightly about how concerned they were. I wasn't going to reply though. I'm sure Master Splinter wanted to talk to me first. Still, it's nice. I began to hear voices as I approached. As I entered I averted my eyes from any of them, too ashamed to look any of them in the eyes. I knew they were watching, but I ignored their stares. Dropping my bag I walked into the dojo, the boys following. I approached Master Splinter's door and gently knocking.
"Enter," he replied calmly. I slid the door open and stepped in. I then closed the door behind me. Master Splinter was kneeled in the center of his Japanese themed room. Slowly, I approached my sensei and kneeled before him looking at the ground.
"I heard you got into a fight today," he began opening his eyes.
"Hai sensei," I replied.
"The principal told me your side of the story. Is it true that this Missy approached you first?" I nodded.
"Has she ever bothered you before?" he asked.
"Hai… sensei," I replied. He nodded and thought.
"Why did you not tell me of this before?"
"I thought I could handle it. I thought if I ignored her, she would stop. But she didn't," I confessed.
"Look at me Elizabeth," he demanded. I took off the ice bag and up at Master Splinter. He gently felt my now bruising eye with his thumb.
"I see she hit you fairly hard. It will heal quickly, but I fear some of the things this young lady said to you will not. Elizabeth… daughter, what did she say?" Master splinter asked.
"She… called me a reject and told me I was a loser nobody wanted… and you only adopted me because you felt sorry for me. That-that my own parents didn't even want me," I whimpered as my eyes began to glaze over. Master Splinter gently caressed my cheek in a fatherly way.
"You know that is not true. Your parents love you very much, though your father has an unusual way of showing it. Your mother loved you so much and protected you with her dying breath. And we love you very much as well, especially Michelangelo," Master Splinter reassured.
"I know… but it still hurt," I told his wiping my eyes.
"I'd like to let you know that I believe you. I believe your side of the story. Though I am disappointed you retaliated, I am glad you told the truth, even though it could have gotten you in trouble. You are dismissed," he finished. I nodded and stood up. I slid the door opened and exited his room. Sliding the door back, I grabbed my bag and left the dojo. The boys waited for me out there, but I still didn't have the strength to look at them. I knew if I did, the dam would burst and tears would come. I felt a gentle touch and knew who it was. Mikey.
"Do you wanna talk?" he smiled. I didn't look to see if he did, I just knew.
"Maybe later," I sighed shrugging his hand off my shoulder and walking into my room. I knew it hurt him, but I just needed time to get myself under control. I dropped my bag once more and dragged myself onto my bed. I kicked my shoes off and lay on my pillows. Finding my teddy, I clutch it to my chest and curled up into a ball. I could finally cry in peace. That's what I began to do. I cried silently, letting only a few sobs escape my mouth. I don't know for how long, and I didn't care. I just needed some time alone.
No one's P.O.V.
Three girls rushed into the lair. It had only been ten minutes since school got out. They had run the whole way just to see how their friend was doing.
"Where Liz? How's she doing?" Cade asked in a worried tone.
"She's in her room. She came home, talked to Master Splinter, and has been in her room since," Mikey replied sadly.
"What happened anyway?" Raph asked angrily.
"Missy happened. She came up to Lizzy today at lunch and started calling her names and saying some rude things to her. Lizzy retorted but ended up getting punched by Missy. She got suspended," April informed sadly.
"Are you serious?" Leo gasped.
"As serious as a heart attack," Katie replied hugging Leo. Everyone was mad. Mad that they couldn't help Liz. That they allowed this to happen. She was the youngest of them all. Mikey slipped down the hall and knocked on Lizzy's door.
"Hey, the girls' are home and they told us what happened. Lizzy, don't listen to them. You're not whatever they said. You're amazing and happy and… I love you. We all do. I'm sorry I can't be there to help you, but I'll be here when you need me. Alright?" Mikey told Lizzy from the other side of the door. From the other side, Lizzy opened her eyes and listened to Mikey. Her Mikey. She softly smiled and hugged her teddy.
"Mikey," she called softly. She thought it might be too soft to hear, but it wasn't. For Mikey had heard his name being called and slowly opened the door. He saw Lizzy looking at him, tear streaks on her face. Coming in and closing the door, he made his way over to Lizzy. She scooted over and he laid next to her. Mikey pulled her into his arms. This caused a whole new group of tears to happen. She cuddled under his chin and began to cry again.
"Shhh, it's okay. I'm here Lizzy, we all will. It'll be okay, I promise. I'll always be here for you because I love you. I love you so much," Mikey cooed rubbing her back.
"Love you too," he heard her mumble. He smiled and kissed her head. They stayed like that for a long time. They don't know how long either. No one bothered them because they knew Mikey was the best thing for her right now. They would talk to her later. For now, they let the couple have some time together.
There you go everyone, the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. I've been waiting forever to write this one. Well REVIEW PLEASE! I really would appreciate it. Pretty please with peperoni and jelly beans on top. Bye!