Ch 9 Dancing in the Park.
At the end of school, Leo bid goodbye to his friends and walked toward the bus stop. He was still feeling the warmth of Raph's touch earlier in the locker room and the touch had lingered throughout the rest of school. But he also couldn't help but still feel guilty about the lies he kept telling his friends and shameful things he had been doing.
'Why am I being so devious these days?' He wondered as he got off the bus and made his way toward home. 'I really don't remember being like this before…' his eyes furrowed in contemplation. 'Before my mom passed away,' He told himself with a nod.
Prior to his mom's death, life had been good. Maybe things weren't perfect but it had been perfect for him. True, he didn't have many friends in school back in California, and the person he had been dating turned out to be a total control freak. But he had his mother and they were close. The day she died his world had shattered and his perfect life had become what it was now. A life filled with lies, beatings and isolation.
Tomorrow will be the first day since the fourth of July that he would be doing something outside of the house and with other people. Leo walked into his home and looked around the large empty house. He thought back on that last fourth. His mom was sick but had insisted they go out and enjoy the fireworks. Then ten days later she had died. And a month later, Saki put their house up for sale and before long, they were moving back to New York leaving behind everything he knew.
Leo nodded to himself as he realized that's when everything had started. He huffed in frustration, removed his shoes and started toward the stairs but stopped when a noise behind him caused him to turn around.
"Leonardo?" A deep cold voice sounded out.
Leo's eyes narrowed angrily as his gaze landed upon a tall brown bearded man with a muscular frame and thick brown hair. "What are you doing here Bradford?" Leo demanded.
The human sneered and made his way toward him. "Now, now Leonardo," He said as he stared down at him. "Is that anyway to talk to your father's loyal associate?"
Leo smirked at him. "You mean the top dog who licks my father's boots?" He started to turn away. "Isn't that why he keeps you around?"
Bradford scowled and grabbed Leo's wrist before he could make his way up the stairs. "What do you want Bradford?" Leo demanded trying to get himself out of the large human's grip.
"Your father said I was to watch over you while he was away in Japan." He told him forcing Leo to come closer to him.
"I don't need a babysitter Bradford." Leo told him as he continued to struggle.
"I'm not here to babysit you boy." Bradford told him. "Stockman's here and we're going to make sure you get your shots like a good little turtle."
Leo stopped struggling and looked up at him. "Oh really?" He gave a light laugh. "You talk like you believe he's actually doing something." He leaned in closer. "Is he?"
Bradford leered down at him. "We're doing this to make sure everything's okay with you." He leaned his mouth closer to Leo's ear. "After all, we don't want you to end up like your mother." He said in a mocking tone.
Leo scowled up at the human. The next thing Bradford knew, Leo leaned back and quickly moved his head forward smashing his forehead into Bradford's mouth.
Bradford let out a pained yell. He released Leo's wrist and fell back while holding his mouth. He slowly lowered his hands and ran his tongue along his teeth tasting blood. "Damn you brat!" He yelled out as he raised his hand and threatened to backhand him.
Leo brought up his hands and prepared to defend himself. "Don't ever mention my mom again!" He screamed at him.
"What is going on in here?!" A loud voice demanded.
Both Leo and Bradford lowered their hands and turned to see an African-American human man of medium build walk out of the study and stare curiously at them.
"Stockman," Bradford looked from Leo to the other human. "Leonardo is being rather difficult." He told him. "He's refusing to get his shots."
"Please Leonardo." Stockman held his hand out to him. "You know we need to do this so stop being this way and come into the study with us."
"Of course if you refuse," Bradford continued in a condescending tone, "We could always call your daddy and have him TALK with you."
Leo huffed and made his way into his father's study. He sat down in a cherry leather chair and held his arm out. "Let's just get this over with Stockman." He muttered as the two humans came in behind him.
Stockman took a few syringes out of his bag and gave Leo three shots. He then took out two more syringes and filled them up with Leo's blood.
Leo shook his head as he watched Stockman work. "How much longer do I have to go through this?" He demanded.
Stockman put a bandage on Leo's arm. "Until we're sure your mother or Grandmother did not pass on the gene to you." He told him.
"And you have no idea when that is?" Leo asked watching as Stockman put the vials into his bag.
Stockman looked at him. "All I can do is just keep checking to make sure." He said. "Your mother didn't show signs of the cancer till she was in her thirties so we may be at this for a few years or possibly a few months. He shrugged. "We'll just have to wait and see."
Leo stood up and started to leave the room. "Where are you off to Leonardo?" Bradford demanded to know.
Leo looked back at him. "If you must know I have homework," He said. "I will be in my room till supper." With that, Leo turned and left.
Bradford turned to Stockman. "How much longer before you do figure out the formula?" He said as he started going through some papers on Saki's desk.
"I've already figured it out." He told him with a smile. "I'm just trying to perfect the vaccine." He nodded to the man. "And that is what's going to time." He chuckled gleefully. "As well as a decent amount of that turtle's blood."
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Leo walked into his room and picked up his book, 'The tale of two cities.' He attempted to read but found it rather difficult. He looked down at his wrist and rubbed it gently, his eyes filling up with tears as he saw the bruises slowly begin to show.
He hastily wiped his tears and turned back to the book. "I really need to get my homework going." He muttered angrily. He again opened his book and started to read when the buzzing of his cell phone interrupted him.
He looked down at his cell and noted the caller ID was unknown. He picked up the cell and lingered his thumb over the answer button. His heart raced and he licked his lips nervously as he debated whether or not he should answer it. Finally, he answered.
"Um…Hello?" Leo's breath quickened as he waited for a reply.
"Hey Leo."
Leo's eyes narrowed in bewidlerment. "Raph?" He asked.
"Yeah," Raph sounded very happy. "How's it going?"
"Good," Leo responded sounding perplexed. "How'd you get my cell number?"
"My brother the genius," He replied rather smugly. "You did good Don." Leo heard Raph call out. "So whatcha doing?"
Leo put the phone on speaker and placed it on his desk. "Trying to get my book report done," He replied. "Do you need something?"
"Nah, just wanted to make sure you were coming to the park tomorrow." He said.
"I told you I would," Leo reminded him.
"Great, I'll meet you at the bus stop at noon then." Leo couldn't help but smile. "Sure Raph, bus stop at noon, see you then."
"Hey, maybe your dad can come," Raph said excitedly. "It would be great to meet him."
Leo hesitated. "Oh….well…um…he…" Leo took a breath. "He's on a business trip." He finally said. "So maybe another time?"
"Oh, okay," Raph said. "I'll see you tomorrow then, bye."
"Bye Raph." Leo hung up and let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He shook his head and chuckled. 'Hell,' He thought to himself. 'Even if dad was here I still wouldn't wanna bring him.' He laughed again. 'Who am I kidding,' He thought as he picked up his book. 'Dad wouldn't even wanna come.'
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On Saturday at eleven thirty, Leo eagerly walked out of his room dressed and ready for the day. He had to admit he was actually looking forward to having some fun with his new friends. As he was just about to walk out the door, a loud voice called out to him.
"Where are you off to Leonardo?" Leo huffed and turned to Bradford. "I'm going to the library." He replied hotly.
"Well," Bradford walked over to him. "How bout I drive you." He said with a leering smile.
"I enjoy taking the bus." Leo replied and quickly left before Bradford could say anything further. But as he walked down the long driveway, he could almost feel Bradford watching him from the doorway. 'That man is exasperating.' Leo thought. 'And chances are he's going to be watching me like a hawk.'
A little over half an hour later, Leo stepped off the bus and smiled as he saw Raph, Donnie and Mikey all waiting for him like Raph had promised. "Hi guys." Leo said as he walked over to them.
"Hey Leo," Mikey yelled out as he ran up to him. "Come on over here and meet our dad." The three turtles led the fourth over to where their other friends were sitting down on a large blanket along with what Leo perceived to be a tall brown rat in a red kimono standing close by. He walked over, waving to the rest of them while Raph walked over to the mutant rat.
"Father," Leo looked over at Raph questioningly. "This is the new student we told you about." He said as Donnie brought Leo over. "Leonardo Tartaruga."
Raph now turned to Leo. "Leo, this is our father, Hamato Yoshi."
"Or as we like to call him," April said walking over to them. "Master Splinter."
Leo looked up into deep brown caring eyes that held a genuine smile as the rat nodded to the young turtle. Leo stood slightly back and bowed in respect to the tall ninja. "Anata ni au koto wa kōeidesu Maisuta Yoshi," Leo said as he kept his head bowed low. (It is an honor to meet you Master Yoshi.)
Splinter smiled at the young turtle and bowed back. "Yorokobi wa watashi no wakai kamedesu." Splinter said as Leo straightened. Leo turned to Raph and smiled widely. "Wow, you're dad's cool." (The pleasure is mine young turtle.)
"My sons tell me you are also trained in the art of ninjutsu," Splinter commented.
Leo smiled up at him. "Yes," He replied. "My father's been teaching me since I was about five."
"Well, perhaps you and your father would like to come by and check out our dojo." Splinter said as he waved his hand over to some apartment buildings on the other side of the park.
Leo nodded. "It would be a pleasure."
"That would be cool Leo." Mikey said as he began dancing in time to the beat. "You could train with us and show us your moves."
Leo nodded too him and looked around the large park. He stared in awe at all the activity that was going on around him. Everywhere he looked, there were crowds of people walking around, laughing and enjoying foods of all kinds. Along the trails of the park, a variety of booths were set up and Leo saw people selling everything from food to advertising businesses to selling jewelry, pottery and clothes.
"This is so wild!" Leo yelled out as the loud music from the band at the front of the park played out. "This reminds me of Woodstock!" He laughed at the bewildered looks the others gave him.
Splinter walked over and put a hand on Leo's shoulder. "Woodstock was a music festival that took place in upper state New York back in 1969 and went from August 15 to the 17." He explained while laughing. "I am surprised you know of it Leonardo."
Leo blushed red and rubbed the back of his neck. "My Grandparents brought my mom there when she was a baby." He told them. "She used to love to show me old home movies of her and her dad dancing in the park." Once again the others noticed Leo's happy expression turn slightly sad. But with a shake of his head, Leo's face brightened and he looked back at the people walking around them. "Is your mom here?" He asked as his eyes roamed over the park. He looked back at his friends and felt a strange tension fall over the group. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Well, the thing is Leo," Donnie began. "We all kind of know what you're going through."
"Yeah," Mikey looked at the ground sadly. "Our mom died when we seven years old."
"And I lost my mom when I was six." April said, putting an arm around the small turtle.
"Spike and Slash are orphans and Casey and Angel lost their mom when Casey was about thirteen."
"Oh wow," Leo said sadly. "I had no idea." He looked from one teen to the other. "Why didn't anyone ever say anything?"
Raph shrugged and put an arm around Leo's shoulder. "We've learned to accept our loss," He told him. "Now we just want to help you accept yours."
Leo looked into Raph's eyes and smiled at him. "Thanks Raph." Leo said as they stared longingly into each other's eyes.
"Hey Donnie!" A young voice sang out making the two turtles startle apart. They all turned to see Angel walking up to them. "Hi everyone." She said happily.
Everyone greeted the young girl and laughed quietly as she turned to the tall gap tooth turtle. "Donnie," She looked at him shyly. "You promised you'd save a dance for me." She reminded him.
"Oh, um sure Angel," He replied. "How about later…."
"How bout now?" She said as she grabbed his hand and brought him toward a small area where several other people were dancing and having fun.
"Come on everyone," Mikey said, laughing as he took Renet's hand and followed the eager young teen and his brother. "Let's have some fun!" Renet laughed as Mikey began to dance her around in circles.
"Come on Leo." Raph said as they watched April and Casey walk toward the stage with everyone else.
Leo looked around. "Where's Mona?" He asked.
"She had wrestling practice." Raph replied. "She'll be here at about one."
Leo nodded and followed Raph over to where the rest of the gang was dancing. For the next hour, Leo danced and enjoyed the music and, even after Mona showed up, he pushed away any worry of her being angry with him dancing near Raph as she too joined in. But, he noted, she did everything she could to keep Raph as close to her as possible.
At about four, Splinter treated everyone to dinner and the group went to where one food stand was advertising a strange new food. "Pizza Gyoza!" The blind chef declared as he served everyone a plateful.
"Wow!" Mikey exclaimed. "This stuff is the best!"
"Murakami-san," Splinter bowed to the chef. "These dumplings are truly a masterpiece." He said as he took a bite. "We will have to come by your restaurant and see what other new things you have come up with."
"It will be a pleasure Splinter-san." The chef responded and bowed back to the tall rat.
"Leonardo?" A voice called to him.
Leo turned to see his Japanese teacher walking up to him. "Mr. Usagi," Leo said with a smile. "It's great to see you here."
"Please Leonardo." The white rabbit said with a blush. "You say Mr. and I look for my father." The two laughed. "I am only twenty-two years of age, not much older then you I suspect so please, call me Usagi."
Leo bowed. "Thank you Usagi." He said and looked around. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Very much," He responded then looked at Leo rather intently. "And I must say I am enjoying having you in my class."
Leo blushed. "Well, I'm really enjoying your class." He told him shyly.
"Tell me Leonardo," Usagi said as the two slowly walked away from the group. "Are you yet eighteen?"
"In less than two weeks." He told him. "Why?"
"I am doing adult tutoring after school three days a week and I am in need of an assistant." He explained. "But my assistant must be at least eighteen or older to work and receive payment." He looked at the young turtle. "You immediately came to my mind." They stopped walking and turned to each other. "Would you possibly be interested?"
Leo's eyes lit up. "I would love to assist you." He said excitedly. "What do I need to do to apply for the job?"
"I will give you an application on Monday after class." Usagi told him. "You can start after your eighteenth birthday."
"That would be great!" Leo said eagerly as the large rabbit nodded to him.
"Wonderful," Usagi smiled. "I will see you on Monday then."
Leo nodded eagerly at him then turned away to walk back to the group.
Splinter stood near the group of teens now sitting on the blanket enjoying their meal. He looked down at his oldest son when he heard a low growl emanating from the green-eyed turtle. He followed the turtle's gaze and saw Leo talking with a tall white rabbit. He looked back down at his son and frowned in concern as he noticed Mona scowling at Raphael.
'Hummm,' Splinter wondered as he stroked his long beard and watched the three teens expressions. 'This is not going to be good.'
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Okay what do you think so far? long chapter I know but let me know and please review. Peace :)