Ch 10 Memories
Leo awoke at six am on Friday morning September 28. He yawned, stretched and sleepily got out of bed. With half closed eyes, he made his way toward his connecting bathroom and into a shower. Ten minutes later, showered, dressed and wide awake, he made his way downstairs for breakfast.
His housekeeper, Edna, looked up at him and smiled when she saw him walk into the kitchen with a smile on his face. "Good morning Leonardo," She greeted as she placed a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of him. "My goodness you are looking happy and chipper these days." She noted.
"Thank you Edna," He replied. "Let's just say these last few weeks have been wonderful." Leo smiled up at her and started eating his breakfast.
"Well it's good to see you looking so happy," She patted his shoulder. "It's been too long." He nodded to her as she walked over to the sink to start cleaning. "Oh, by the way," She looked back at him. "Mr. Thomas and I will be leaving before you get home so I made you a special supper for tonight and since I won't be here tomorrow, I just want to wish you a happy birthday," She smiled at him. "I'll leave one of those cakes you like in the refrigerator for you to have tomorrow."
Leo smiled at her. "Thank you Edna." He said. "Where are you and Mr. Thomas going for you vacation?"
Edna smiled at him. "Every year at about this time, we like to go up to the mountains." She blushed lightly. "This year, since we're in New England, we thought we go up to Acadia in Maine."
Leo nodded to her. "That sounds like a nice place to visit. Maybe next year I'll go there for my birthday."
Edna smiled and nodded her head at him. Her look then sobered and she sighed sadly. "I just wish this time our vacation wasn't on your birthday."
"It's okay Edna," Leo assured her, "You and your husband enjoy yourselves," He said, "Maybe I can get together with my friends."
"Did you tell them it was your birthday tomorrow?" She asked.
Leo shook his head. "I don't need that kind of attention." He told her.
Edna patted his cheek and went back to cleaning while Leo went back to eating. After he was done, he wished her a safe trip, gathered his backpack and walked to the bus stop. Leo smiled happily as he waited for the bus. 'Yes, life is good', he thought to himself as he saw the bus coming, even if tomorrow was his eighteenth birthday and his father was not here, he didn't seem to care. 'After all,' he thought to himself, 'It's just another day.'
At quarter of eight, Raph and the others milled around their lockers making plans for the weekend. As always; his eyes would flicker from the group over to Leo's locker waiting to see the blue eyed turtle. Meeting up with Leo prior to classes had become a routine for all of them and Raph decided, at least for now, if Leo only wanted him for a just a friend, he would do what he could to be there for him. He couldn't explain why but something about the way Leo behaved had Raph wondering if something more could be going on with him, and he just had this need to want to help him.
As he waited and watched, the group was surprised to see Leo's Aunt coming over to them. "Hi kids." She greeted.
"Hi Ms. Langinstein," Mikey greeted as the others nodded to her. "Everything okay?"
"Everything is fine Michelangelo," She told them. "I was hoping to speak with all of you regarding Leonardo."
"Something wrong with him?" Raph asked in concern causing Mona to narrow her eyes at him. But Raph ignored her and looked back to Irma.
"Oh no Raphael," Irma assured him quickly. "It's just that tomorrow is Leonardo's eighteenth birthday and I know for a fact he has no plans to celebrate." She explained.
Mikey let out a gasp. "Leo's turning eighteen and he didn't say anything?" He sounded flabbergasted.
"What about his dad?" Donnie asked. "Doesn't he have something planned for him?"
Irma looked at him with a disappointed look and shook her head. "His father is in Japan and won't be back till the beginning of November."
April looked at the others sadly. "That's horrible." She said.
"Yeah, we need to throw Leo a party or something." Renet commented.
"Maybe even go to the movies." Casey suggested.
"I've got a killer cake recipe that I know Leo would love," Mikey looked to Irma. "What's his favorite flavor?"
"Chocolate I think." She replied and smiled. "I knew I could count on you guys to come through with something." She nodded to each of them. "Thank you kids and please don't tell Leo I told you." She looked over to the entrance of the hallway and saw Leo coming in. "See you all later." She said and quickly left.
"We'll let you know when it is." Mikey called after her.
"When what is?" Leo asked coming up to them. "Was that Aunt Irma?" He looked over to the other side of the hallway where he was certain he saw his Aunt.
"Yes it was." April looked over at him. "And she wanted to know when….ummm….the decorating for the Halloween party is?" She smiled at him nervously then looked toward the others who nodded at her.
"Oh," Leo looked from one to the other. "Okay." Leo shrugged. "So how's everyone doing this morning?" He asked.
"Doing good Leo," Donnie said. "How 'bout you?"
Leo shrugged. "I'm okay." He said. "Really looking forward to the weekend though."
"Speaking of the weekend Leo," Mikey slung his arm around the turtle's shoulders. "What are you doing tomorrow say around….two o'clock?" He looked over at the others and gave a small nod.
Leo looked at Mikey curiously. "Well, I got homework of course….." he began but was quickly interrupted
"Homework will be there on Sunday Leo." Raph said as he, along with the others began to walk down the corridor toward their classes. "You said you would come to our house and check out our dojo over two weeks ago and you have yet to visit."
"Yeah Leo," Mikey said. "Come over tomorrow and maybe we can go to the movies or something."
Leo smiled at the others. "That sounds great!" Leo said. "Two O'clock, I'll be there."
"Great!" Raph said, "I'll meet you at the bus stop."
Leo nodded and followed Mikey into the science room. After everyone parted, Raph turned to go toward his first class but was stopped by Mona. He looked up at her curiously as she placed a strong grip on his arm.
"Something wrong Mona?" He asked. He looked up at her and noticed her looking angrily at him.
"Why must you do this for him?" She demanded. "I don't recall you doing this for anyone else," The bell rang and they walked toward their room. "Not even for Casey."
Raph huffed. "Look Mona," He said as they took their seats. "We've all been there for each other for years and it's clear Leo has no one." He looked away from her for just a moment and shook his head. "You say you're willing to be his friend so be his friend and help us celebrate his birthday tomorrow."
"And what about your birthday?" She asked. "It's next week after all."
"Yeah," He pulled his book out of his backpack. "What about it?"
"Are you going to expect him to help you celebrate it?" She asked as she prepared to take notes.
Raph shrugged. "I'm not sure what Splinter has in mind for my birthday yet but we'll see."
She placed a tender hand on his arm. "I was hoping to celebrate it alone," She smiled at him seductively. "Like we did once before," Raph blushed as she moved her fingers up and down his arm. "Do you remember that night Raphael?"
Raph nodded. "Yeah Mona," He said with a shy smile. "I remember."
Mona nodded at him then turned toward the teacher. Out of the corner of his eye, Raph looked at Mona then looked down at his cell phone. He let out a small sigh as he turned it on going quickly to the picture gallery where he had a picture of the blue-eyed turtle dancing at the park. He stared down at it for a quick second before turning his phone off before Mona could see it.
Mikey and Leo sat at their table and high-threed each other as they looked at their most recent science test. "Nice work Mikey." Leo told him as the freckled-face turtle proudly showed off his 'A'.
"Same to you bro," Mikey responded when Leo showed his 'A+'. "You even answered the extra credit portion."
"Told you I love space," Leo chuckled. He sighed happily and turned his attention back to the teacher. 'Can life get any better?' He wondered as the two turtles made their way out of the classroom. His eyes roamed the hallway and watched as Fong and his gang glared at him but did nothing else. Leo smirked at him and chuckled inwardly to himself. 'Even the purple dragons aren't the threat they use to be.' He shook his head as he met up with Renet for English class. 'Guess they learned their lesson.'
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On Saturday, Leo eagerly made his way down the stairs and to the kitchen. He was looking forward to the cake that was tucked away in the fridge. He sat down with the cake and a glass of milk and enjoyed his 'breakfast'. "Best way to start the morning." He chuckled as he took his first bite. He looked down at his phone and huffed. 'Not even a phone call from him.' Leo shook his head.
"Waiting for a call?" Leo rolled his eyes at the sound of Bradford's voice. "Chocolate cake for breakfast?" He questioned in mock amazement. "Is there a special occasion?" Leo looked up and noticed Bradford smirking at him.
Leo shook his head. "No special occasion." He muttered. He said nothing more and finished his food. After cleaning and putting away the dishes, he turned to leave. It was only nine in the morning and, he decided, he should get some homework in before meeting his friends.
But as he attempted to make his way out of the kitchen, Braford grabbed his arm and forced him to look up at him. "You know your father has entrusted me to continue your training?" His eyes were cold and uncaring as he held his arm tightly.
Leo smirked back up at him. "There's nothing you can teach me Bradford," He looked down at Bradford's hand still grasping his arm. "But keep it up, I'll teach you a few things."
Bradford chuckled as he pushed Leo back and released his arm. "You're not the student I was hoping you would be Leonardo." Bradford commented as he walked over toward the fridge. Leo watched as he grabbed a bottle of beer and started drinking. "Unlike Jeffrey was," He commented as he looked over at him. "You remember Jeffrey?" He said as Leo's fist and jaw clenched. "He was a good student." He walked over to him and tapped Leo's cheek with the tip of the bottle. "Really knew how to put people in their place." He took another swig of the liquid. "Right?"
"Go to hell Bradford." Leo muttered angrily. He walked away attempting to ignore Bradford laughing behind him.
The morning couldn't go by fast enough for Leo, but soon enough it was one o'clock and Leo decided it was close enough to the two o'clock hour and decided to leave home before Bradford attempted to force him to train. 'I can wait at the bus stop for them anyway.' He told himself as he took the bus to the park.
Leo hopped off at the park bus stop and walked over to a bench by a playground. He looked around and smiled at the various children playing on the jungle gym. As he watched, his eyes roamed over to a small child sitting in a patch of grass. The boy looked to be about five years old and was looking rather sad. Leo felt his heart ache for the child and stood up. He was just about to walk over to the child when another small child walked up to him and held his hand out; the two hugged and together went over to play on the swings. As Leo watched the tender scene, a vague memory seem to come back to him.
He was so immersed in his own thoughts; he didn't hear his name being called.
"Hey Leo!" Raph called out as he and Mona ran up to him. When Leo didn't respond, Raph placed his hand on Leo's shoulder. "Leo?"
Leo was suddenly jarred from his thoughts when he felt a hand grab his shoulder and went into defensive mode. He turned quickly and grabbed Raph's hand. Mona gasped in shock as she watched Leo flip Raph over his shoulder.
"What is wrong with you?!" She screamed at him as she ran over to Raph who was slowly getting up.
Leo looked at Raph in bewilderment. "Raph?" He said when he saw Raph on the ground. "Oh my gosh!" He cried out as he realized what he had done. "I am so sorry!" He bent down to help Raph up but was pushed away by Mona.
"Don't touch him," She told him as Raph got to his feet. "Are you okay Raphael?"
"Yeah Mona," He said slightly dazed. "I'm fine." He looked over at Leo and shook his head. "What was that all about?" He asked as he walked over to him.
Leo shook his head in confusion. "I…."
Raph cautiously put a hand on Leo's shoulder and squeezed it gently."It's okay Leo, I'm fine," He assured him when he saw Leo was shaken and almost in tears. "I obviously startled you so please, don't be upset."
"Oh Raph I'm so sorry." Leo said as he attempted to push the tears back. He took a deep breath and sat back down on the bench.
Raph looked over to Mona, "Why don't you go back to the dojo," He told her as he sat down next to Leo. "I'll meet you there."
"Raphael," Mona attempted but was quickly waved off.
"Please Mona," Raph urged. "We'll be there shortly." Mona frowned but after a few seconds turned and walked away.
"What happened Leo?" Raph asked again.
"It was so weird." Leo told him. "I was watching this little boy sitting over there," He pointed to the spot, "and a vague memory came back to me." He stood up and walked over to the patch of grass. "I remember being about five years old and my dad telling me that we would be moving soon." Raph watched as Leo looked around. "I was so upset, my mom took me here to play but all I did was come over here and sit down and start crying." Raph frowned as he listened to Leo. "Next thing I know…."
"Another turtle comes over to you and asked if you were okay." Raph smiled as he looked around. "You told him you were moving soon and he asked if you were leaving now and you said no so he took your hand and had you come play with him and his brothers."
The two stared at each other and smiled. "That turtle was you?" Leo asked excitedly. "Wasn't it?"
"I never could stand seeing a fellow terrapin in distress!" Raph said laughing. "I can't believe we met each other almost thirteen years ago!"
"No wonder being around you and your brothers makes me feel safe and happy." The two smiled and stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. The next thing they knew, Raph placed his hands on Leo's face and they leaned in close and very tenderly pressed their mouths together for a deep and passionate kiss. As their kiss deepened, Leo wrapped his arms around Raph and their mouths parted. Their tongues played for dominance while they breathed in deeply and took in the heavy musk of their scent.
They slowly pulled apart and blushed. "We should probably get going before the others wonder what happened to us." Raph said.
Leo lowered his eyes. "And before Mona gets angry and comes back." Raph nodded and led Leo toward his home.