"Thank you so much and have a wonderful evening." Arimi says to the last customer as they exit the bookstore.
"Whew! Eight PM on the dot!" Amber says as she locks up the store and flips the sign from 'open' to 'closed'. "How do you feel after your first day?"
"I did not know selling something that is supposed to relax you could be so tiring!" She collects the left over books and places them in the cart. "Overall, it was still very fun."
"Not everyday is like this. We had some new books come in yesterday so lots of people will stop by. Most days can be very boring. Things should slow up soon." Amber says.
"I do not think I could ever get bored here. There are too many fantastic things to read!"
"Yes, there are. I'm going to run these receipts to the back. Meet me upstairs when you're done shelving those books so we can get ready for dinner. My friends are dying to meet you!"
"Ok! I will be up soon." Arimi had some difficulty during the day categorizing the books in alphabetical order. She is used to sorting right to left rather than left to right. She finally gets the hang of it and finishes up quickly. She removes her apron and hurries upstairs. She is very excited to meet Amber's friends.
…
"… I'll text you when we leave the store... I know… Bye Leo… Hey Donnie…Yes, I'll look out for Science Monthly subscription…ok… I'll miss you too… Yes Uncle… of course… I'll make sure your bonsai trees are cared for… I promise… I love you… Hey Mikey… Yes, you can take laptop… No, that's not a good idea… I think Arimi will notice if I try sneaking pictures of her… ok… I already miss you… Hi Red… yes… yes… I know you love me and miss me even if you can't say it right now in front of your brothers…Mmm…ok." Amber wraps up her call when she hears Arimi walk into her bedroom. "Ok… see you as soon as I can… bye." Amber hangs up and smiles at Arimi.
"Was that one of your friends?" Arimi asks.
"Yes, I told them we'd meet them at the restaurant at nine-thirty."
"Oh Amber-chan. I am so excited. I have never been to a Mediterranean restaurant before."
"You're going to love it… Arimi, you think you can drop the 'Amber-chan' while we're in public? You're in America now. First names are friendly enough."
"Ok… Amber… but just in public right?" She smiles.
"Of course! Now hurry and get ready. You take the shower first."
"Alright Amber-chan! I think I will wear my green dress tonight!" Arimi hops out the door, grabs her shower caddy from her guestroom and hums a tune as she closes the bathroom door behind her.
Amber shakes her head. Arimi seems like such a child sometimes, very fancy-free; reminds her of Mikey. He must be terribly troubled. It's such a waste for him and Arimi to be so close and never meet. Maybe Amber could work in a conversation with Arimi. It's obvious she likes Mikey's personality but is it enough for her to get over the physical? Never in her wildest dreams would Amber describe her perfect guy to look like Raph, and now she can't imagine life without him. Perhaps Arimi would have an open mind and open heart as well. There has to be more women out there who would feel the same way, if it were only safe. Amber prays almost everyday that her brothers could be happy like Raphael and her. But what can she do? The chances of Amber actually finding those special women would be astronomical. Yet here is Arimi, appearing out of nowhere in hopes of meeting the American Facespace friend that swept her off her feet…
"Let it be." Amber says to herself. She knew destiny can't be forced. If it's going happen it'll happen, but she would have nothing to do with it. She opens her wardrobe and reaches for her green dress, then passes it up, not wanting to match Arimi and lays our her black maxi dress. She hears a rumble outside and parts her shades. Clouds are gathering. They had better bring some umbrellas to dinner.
…
Thirty minutes later Leo gets a text from Amber signaling she and Arimi have left the building. They would have no more than three hours to pack up and leave. It would take two trips and every minute would count. The first consists of carrying all the necessities, food, water, blankets, and the like. On the second and final trip they would take Splinter. Mikey opts to stay behind with his father while his older brothers set out through the sewer.
…
Tanya, Darrel, Charlie, Amber, and Arimi finish up a savory meal at 'House of Bards'. It is the farthest restaurant from the bookstore and the most familiar dining spot for everyone there. Arimi is a hit and Amber's friends warmed up to her quickly.
"How do you say 'hello' in Japanese?" Tanya asks.
"God, woman! Everyone should know that! It's Konnichiwa!" Darrel says.
"Well excuse me… Arimi how do you say 'ass' in Japanese?" Tanya says.
"Shiri." Arimi giggles.
"Hear that, baby? That's what you are. A big old shiri!" Tanya says and everyone laughs.
"Amber you speak Japanese now… How do you say 'I love you'?"
"How very sly of you, Charlie. You can pull up the answer on your phone." Amber says.
"I could, but I'm asking you. C'mon, teach me something." He leans on the table toward her. "How do you say "I love you'?"
Amber purses her lips and rolls her eyes. "Aishite iru."
"Wow… right back at ya." Charlie smiles.
"Really Charlie, you're too much!" Amber says.
"Not enough, if you ask me."
"You really have no shame do you?" Amber smiles. She notices Arimi watching them the whole time and backs off, not wanting to give the wrong impression. "I think it's time for deserts and drinks!"
"Deserts and drinks!" Tanya and Darrel shout.
"What is 'deserts and drinks'?" Arimi asks.
"Whenever we go out we always order five deserts and five different drinks." Amber says.
"But now that you're here, let's make it six!" Tanya says.
"We play 'rock, paper, scissors' to see who has to pay for it." Amber explains.
"So, the winner gets to pay?" Arimi asks.
"Yeah, it sounds kind of backwards, but it's the one thing we don't mind doing for each other." Darrel says.
"You're our special guest so you don't have to play." Charlie says to Arimi.
"No! I want to play. This sounds very fun!" Arimi shines.
"Alright then. Lets start." Charlie says.
After a few heated rounds of the silly child's game it comes down to Arimi and Charlie. Everyone is tense. Arimi is panting with glee and Charlie won't stop smiling. "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot! Awe!"
"I win again! Deserts and Drinks are on me!" Charlie sings. He call their server over and orders for the table. A glass of white wine and a shot of tequila are set before them. Arimi hesitates.
"Your gesture is appreciated, Charlie-san, er Charlie. I did not know you meant alcohol. I do not drink very often." Arimi says.
"Well let's change that for tonight." Charlie says. "We must toast this special occasion. It's not everyday I get to see my Amber. And this is the first time we've met any of her other friends."
"I agree! Who knew you even existed?" Tanya calls.
"Here, here!" Darrel jabs.
"Guys, be nice." Amber says. "It's ok. I'll drink what you don't. Will you at least toast with us?"
"Ok Amber." She lifts her glass. "Let us toast!"
Arimi downs the glass of wine, checks her senses for a moment the smiles. Good. She is still in control. They pass around the different deserts. Arimi likes the tiramisu. The cheesecake is too rich and she reaches for some water, but it wasn't water. It was rum with a twist of lime. No one stops her so she swallows enough to wash down the sweetness. Her chest gets warm and her neck starts to tingle. She decides to eat some more deserts to dilute the drink. She reaches for the chocolate milkshake. It's creamy and cool. Before she knew it, her straw sucks at the bottom of the glass. Tanya whines that Arimi drank it all and asks the server to make another shake, with double the Kahlua this time. A few moments later Arimi is sitting silently. Her nerves are bouncing within her. Her shoulders feel heavy. She takes a deep breath and smiles. There's nothing she can do about it now. She is unraveling.
Arimi finishes her tequila and slams it to the table, getting Amber's attention. "Arimi? You ok?"
Arimi looks at Amber and nods her head. "Si. That means 'yes' in Spanish." She starts to giggle, then chuckle into an all out guffaw. Amber's jaw drops and her friends look on in mid bite.
"Well Amber, it seems your friend is a light-weight." Darrel observes.
"No kidding." Tanya says as she slurps the new milkshake.
"Amber-chan… I am very hot. And I think I am drunk." Arimi starts to unbutton the top of her dress.
She takes a hair band from her wrist and struggle to tie up a ponytail.
"I hate to say it but I think it may be Arimi's bedtime." Charlie says.
"I'm afraid you're right." Amber says. Thunder rumbles overhead. She checks her phone. It has only been two hours. She quickly texts Raph for their progress.
…
Raphael checks his phone. He responds to Amber that they are on their way back to the bookstore to get Splinter. Should be there and out in forty minutes.
"Guys we ready to go yet?" Raphael yells.
"I ready." Leo says. Plumping is operational and all the entryways are secure."
"Great. Donnie! Where ya at?" Raph yells once more.
"Here! I'm here." Donatello emerges from the lab. "I had to make sure all the rooms have power again and the ventilation isn't clogged. Let's go."
The three brothers head out into the sewers. Half way to their destination Leonardo stops. "Fellas, you hear that?"
"Yeah. Must be rainin' really hard up there." Raphael says.
Donnie listens to the low tremor of water running through the pipes around them. Something rings in the back of his mind, something he forgot. A slow puddle builds under his feet and his stomach drops. "Oh. My. God! Oh my God!"
"What is it Donnie!" Leo yells.
"W-we have to hurry back! We have to get to Amber's basement now!" Donnie sprints down the subterranean pipe ways. Raph and Leo follow close behind.
"Can you start making sense Donnie?" Raphael says.
"The last time it rained like this I tried to go to my lab." Donnie took a breath and they all beat around a corner and flips over a high metal grate. "I went down into the basement and opened the manhole." He took another breath and slid down a large pipe. "The whole tunnel was flooded, like a river under her house, a fast deep current!"
"What are you saying?" Leo says.
"If the water gets too high we won't be able to get splinter out tonight. We might not be able to get back if it's flowing too strong."
"Let's move!" Raph charges.
…
A taxi pulls up in front of 'House of Bards'. Amber guides Arimi into the back seat. She gets in behind her. Charlie squeezes his way in as well. They wave goodnight to Tanya and Darrel to flag down the next taxi approaching. Amber giver her address to the driver who says it may take while in this rain. She asks him to just be careful. Arimi passes out, her head pressed against the cool window. Amber tries to arrange her limbs so she can be more comfortable. She puts her hand over her little friend's shoulder. Charlie puts his arm around Amber.
"What are you doing Charlie?" She asks.
"Just trying to get comfortable."
"A little too comfortable."
"Hmm. Your friend is cute, Awake or asleep. Too bad she can't hold her liquor."
"Yeah, who knew?" Amber smiles at Arimi. She really is precious.
They ride silently for the majority of the trip.
"I had a lot of fun tonight."
"Me too Charlie."
"Let's do it again sometime soon. Just you and me."
"Charlie…" She turns to look at him and his face is two inches from hers. "What are you doing?"
"I'm showing you how I feel. Maybe it's the late hour, or the rain. Maybe it's how you look and smell. I've been waiting so long and seeing you like this is making me go crazy for you all over again."
"Charlie, you're doing this now?"
"Amber I'm going to keep asking you."
"Until when?"
"Until you make the mistake of marrying someone else. I'm going to keep telling you how beautiful you are. I'm not going to stop until you give me a chance to make you mine."
"Charlie, I don't know how else to tell you this. I've said it so many times. I don't feel the same way."
"Why? What is it about me you just can't get over? I'm I really that horrible company?"
"You know it's not that."
"Then what?"
Amber looks at him. He's so close her eyes are starting to cross. She's starting to feel pity for him. How long has he pined for her? She'd never be with him, or any other man. Even before Raphael, she still couldn't fall for Charlie. What was it? Does she just not trust men? Did her father's mistrust ruin her? No. Her Uncle Bubba was a great man. She has to tell Charlie what is in her heart. If he doesn't get it now, she'll have to be mean later. "Charlie, you are everything a woman could want…"
"I only want to be what you want." Charlie whispers.
"But you're just not my type. I've never felt anything for you. I've never had any romantic thoughts about you. You are my friend and that's all you could ever be to me."
"You don't like my cologne? Is it my facial hair? Is it because I'm white?"
Amber laughs. "Are you serious? Believe me, the color of your skin is not the issue."
"So that's it? I'm just not your type?"
"Charlie. I'm your friend. I want you to be happy. But if you keep wasting your time on this, you're gonna miss out on whoever IS the right one for you. You probably just want me because I'm the only one who hasn't said yes."
"That's not true. You're special Amber. I knew since the first time we met. I like being near you. I would never hurt you… why won't you say yes?
"I'll never say yes, and I'll start to resent you if you keep pushing the subject."
"Please Amber…?" Charlie says. Thunder blasts close by.
…
"Whoa. This storm isn't letting up at all, huh Master?" Mikey says.
"Hmm. How long until your brothers return?" Splinter asks.
Mikey pulls out his phone. "Last contact was thirty minutes ago. Let's head down to the basement now." He straps on a backpack and delicately lifts Splinter in his arms. He trots all the way downstairs to the main floor. He looks around to make sure all is clear. He heads to the faux bookcase, unlocks it and walks down the steps. He reaches to close the door behind him when a rumbling sound gets his attention. He and Splinter walk down to the bottom and listen. "What's that sound?" He lifts off the manhole cover and looks down. "Oh my God…"
…
Thunder blasts close by and Amber jumps. Charlie chuckles, and she smiles back. He goes completely serious. She can't believe what is happening. He perches her chin on his finger and presses his lips to hers. Betrayal, sick betrayal is all she feels. She's more sad than angry. How could he do this? Why did she let him so close? Her kisses only belong to Raphael. When Charlie releases and looks at her all he sees his cold. Amber felt like crying.
They both hear a faint cooing sound and turn to Arimi. "Awe, how romantic!"
Amber frowns at her as they pull up to the bookstore. The cab halts. The rain is still falling in thick sheets of water. Amber hands the driver some cash and looks back at Charlie. "I thought we could be friends but I see you just can't handle that."
"I'm not sorry for what I did. I had to steal a kiss. I had to know if you are alive in there. I'm still not sure… Do you hate me?"
"I don't hate you. I hate what I allowed to happen. Let me out of the cab." Amber's umbrella did little to keep her and Arimi dry in the downpour. They reach stoop and Amber unlocks the door. They step in and Charlie rides away in the cab. Arimi grabs Amber's wrist. She mumbles something in Japanese. She runs outside, making Amber drop her purse on the floor, everything falling out. Arimi bends over and empties her stomach in the gutter. "Arimi!" Amber shouts she runs over to her wasted little friend. "Are you alright?"
…
"C'mon! We're almost there!" Leo shouts over the ever-rising water. He, Donatello and Raphael fight the growing current only yards away from Amber's basement. Donnie slips but Raph is right behind him, keeping him from falling. "We're almost to the ladder!" Leo struggles to keep his balance. The scaffolding ladder would have drifted away had it not been tied to the jutting spokes in the bottom of the manhole. One by one they jump up the tall ladder. Leo looks up when he hears Mikey pull off the lid.
"Oh my God... Guys! Are you alright? Look at all that water!"
"We're fine Mikey." Leo takes his hand and steps up into the room. Donnie and Raph follow close behind.
…
"I feel much better now. I am so sorry Amber-chan."
"Don't be. It's ok Arimi. Let's hurry out of this rain." As amber drapes an arm around Arimi she notices how flooded the sewer grates are. They walk inside. Amber finds a light switch. She walks Arimi over to sit on the old velvet couch. "Stay here while I gather up my purse from the floor. Then we'll clean up and go to bed. Amber walks back to the front of the store and starts to scoop up her belongings.
Arimi's head finally stops spinning. She feels like a complete 'shiri'. What a poor first impression she has made. She doesn't want to face Amber, not now. She rises slowly from the couch and heads toward the steps of the apartment. As she reaches for the railing, a cool draft hits her from behind. She turns and notices that one of the bookcases is drawn out. She pulls it open. "Amazing." She whispers and goes inside.
…
They all gaze down the hole. "It's risin' pretty fast." Raph says.
"Will it flood the basement?" Mikey asks.
"It's never gotten that high in the past, but it gets close, about two meters away from the lid." Donnie says.
"I'm guessing we can't leave tonight." Leo says.
"What about tomorrow night?" Mikey asks.
"Once it stops raining the water should recede quickly. I'd say tomorrow night is our next best chance."
"Let us warn Amber of our delay and get back upstairs at once."
…
Amber picks up her large purse and looks over at Arimi… who is no longer on the couch. "Arimi? Arimi, where are you!"
…
"I am fine Amber! I found a secret door!"
The turtles and their father freeze at the sudden call of Arimi's voice coming from around the corner of the stairs. They were trapped. Leonardo leads everyone inside the small bathroom. Raphael closes the door behind splinter. His hand scrambles in the dark but there is no lock on the door. They wait silently.
Arimi follows the sound of rushing water. She steps over carefully and peeks down the manhole. Why would this be open? She kicks the lid, too heavy for her to lift. Amber runs down after her. She grabs onto Arimi's shoulder and pulls her away from the hole. "Arimi, what are you doing down here?"
"I saw the open bookcase… Why is there a sewer under your basement?"
"It was built like this a long time ago. Now come on, it's late, let's go to bed. Amber sees the river of water below and her heart sinks. She would have to call Raphael as soon as she gets a chance. She prays they are all ok.
They turn to leave when something moves in the corner of Arimi's eye. "What is that?" Arimi pulls herself from Amber and walks over to the bathroom door. She cocks her head and stares down. "Did that thing just move? It looks like a rope… or a large worm?"
Amber peers down to see what Arimi has found. Realization shoots her in the face; Splinter's tail. The tip of his tail is poking from under the door. "Oh you're seeing things. You still must be drunk, Arimi. Let's go to bed!"
"It moved again!" Arimi says. She reaches for the handle and tries to pull, but Raphael holds on tightly from the other side.
She keeps tugging despite Amber's tone. "Arimi it's just a closet. Let's go upstairs now!"
"I am not drunk!" She gives one more tug, stepping on Splinter's tail. He hollers, Raphael releases the knob and the door swings open. In the darkness, their wide eyes and strange faces slowly come into her view. Arimi's face goes pale, her hands shake and her knees wobble. Amber softly speaks her name but she doesn't respond. She falls back on her bottom and shrieks at the top of her voice. "KAPPA! KAPPA!" She scurries back too far and Amber screams.
Arimi gasps when her hand falls behind her. She drops down the manhole and disappears in the torrents of speeding water.
"Arimi!" Mikey cries and dives in after her.
…
…
…
…
AN: ! Reckless Abandon! GO Ninja GO! As I am write this, happy accidents come to me and I am blessed to add touches of detail that help move the story along… or is it destiny? Timing was my enemy and my savior in this chapter. I hope I planned it out well for you. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Thank you.