Hey guys - I know it has been a while. I hope everyone has had happy holidays and a happy new year so far. Sorry it took me so long to get this story updated again. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. For those anxious for adventure it'll be coming up in a few chapters I promise. Thanks again for sticking with me and for those who've taken the time to review. Have a great week everyone!
Chapter 18
Elizabeth had the feeling she'd been sleeping for a very long time, though she couldn't remember going to bed. She scrounged around inside her head trying to remember how she'd gotten here but was coming up blank. She remembered making dinner with Mikey and cutting her finger. She remembered the distinct smell of burning bread and seeing the ruined charcoaled mess that had once been dinner but after that everything was blank.
She breathed in deeply, stretching out her aching legs. They moved stiffly, aching a little bit with her movement. She frowned a little, had she run a marathon? Why was she so stiff?
A large hand on her back, something she hadn't really been aware of until now, began to rub soothing circles along her backbone and tense shoulder muscles. Elizabeth sighed and rolled over automatically, snuggling up against the familiar hard plated plastron and cool reptilian skin.
"'Lizbeth, ya awake?" Raphael's voice was soft, but gruff somehow.
"Mmm," Elizabeth sighed, cuddling closer into his plastron.
Raphael's large hand stopped rubbing circles against her back and instead brushed her tangled hair away from her face, his rough calloused skin brushed the thin skin on her cheekbones, bringing her closer to the surface of the black abyss she'd been floating in.
Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes and tilted her head back, blinking curiously at the red banded turtle.
Raphael's amber eyes were wary, his face strained, angry red lines where the white of Raphael's eyes should be told Elizabeth that Raphael had probably been up all night. Shocked, Elizabeth felt the last of her fatigue disappear.
"Raph," Elizabeth said lifting a hand to touch his face, but he pulled back, his eyes narrowing behind his mask. "What's wrong?" Elizabeth tried not to sound hurt by his rejection.
"What happen'd last night, 'Lizbeth?"
Elizabeth frowned at him. "Raph, I don't know what you are… "
"Ya collapsed!" Raphael snapped, his eyes taking on an angry hue Elizabeth was unfamiliar with, she tried to pull away from him, but Raphael was having none of it, his arm tightened around her body, pinning her to him, refusing to release her. "Donny couldn't tell me what caused it. So yer the one that's gotta. What happen'd?"
"I… I don't know… I can't remember," Elizabeth said straining against Raphael's hold on her again.
Raphael's face darkened and his eyes became narrowed slits. "I tink ya do."
"Get off me," Elizabeth snapped jerking away. To her relief Raphael let her go. Elizabeth rolled off the bed in one quick movement and was across the room in the next, panting slightly as she leaned against the wall, her arms curled around her upper torso as if that alone would protect her from Raphael's demanding eyes.
"'Lizbeth," Raphael said his voice just as gruff as before, though his eyes softened a little.
"I don't have to explain myself to you, Raphael." Elizabeth snapped again, her eyes flashing a little.
Raphael froze, staring at her with a mix of irritation and anger before he rose off the bed so quickly that Elizabeth missed the movement. "That's right ya don't – ya can handle everyting on yer on right?"
Something churned in Elizabeth's gut at the hurt hidden behind the anger in Raphael's voice. Raphael stared at her for a moment before shaking his head and turning towards the door.
"Raph," Elizabeth called after him but he didn't pause. He jerked the door open and stormed out, letting the door slam shut behind him.
Elizabeth shuddered and wrapped her arms tighter around herself. The room felt empty and cold without Raphael there with her – but she had never seen him so angry. Not at her anyway. And it honestly frightened her a little. The way his amber eyes pierced right through her, demanding answers that Elizabeth was terrified to give.
Tears tracked down her cheeks, and even though she brushed them away impatiently, more quickly took their place.
She knew she'd have to tell him – after everything he and his brothers had done for her she should at least be honest with them. But if she were going to be honest with herself she knew that the date had caught her off guard. She had lost track of the time completely being down here with Raphael and his family. Her days, once filled with fear and pain, were now so easy and ran so smoothly for the most part. At night she felt warm and safe instead of trapped and desperate.
Elizabeth moved slowly across the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. She rubbed the goose bumps off her arms with her hands, shivering a little in the cool room.
She couldn't remember collapsing. She remembered Mikey and Raph talking about Thanksgiving now though, but everything after that had been a blank. She shivered again. She had to tell him – she knew that. He had to know. And she knew she'd feel better when she did. The anger and hurt in his eyes when she'd snapped at him had hit her more deeply than any of Graham's physical blows ever had.
Making up her mind Elizabeth hurried to the door, wrenched it open, and was surprised to still see Raphael. He was standing in front of the dojo, talking in low whispers to Leonardo who was frowning. Both brothers paused when Elizabeth exited her room, looking at her – both of their eyes were suspicious. But there was a slight difference in their expressions. Raphael still looked angry and upset at Elizabeth's sharp words, while Leonardo looked stressed and angry. His normally relaxed jaw was clenched and his eyes were narrowed behind his blue mask.
"Raph? Can I… can I speak with you a minute?" Elizabeth asked tentatively.
Raphael cocked an eye ridge at her.
Elizabeth's eyes darted to a now scowling Leo and back to Raphael again. "Please? It's… it's important."
"I'll be right in, 'Lizbeth," Raphael said rather gruffly.
Elizabeth bit her lip but nodded, ignoring the dark look Leo shot her she turned and headed for the kitchen. She could barely ignore the protesting of her empty belly, with dinner being forfeit last night and without any idea on how long she'd slept Elizabeth wasn't surprised by her ravenous hunger. She pulled out the griddle and the pancake mix along with some eggs, milk, butter, and blueberries. She dropped a spoonful of butter onto the griddle and began to mix up some of the pancake mix.
She had just finished mixing up the pancake mix and added the blueberries when Raphael stepped into the kitchen. His body language was not friendly, and the expression on his face told Elizabeth he was still angry.
"What do ya wanna talk 'bout, 'Lizbeth? Leo wants us in da dojo fer trainin' – and he ain't gonna be happy if I keep 'im waitin'."
Elizabeth stirred the blueberries into the mix slowly, biting her lip, and resisting the urge to cry. From the cold way Raphael was addressing her he wouldn't be patient with her out of control hormones. Still it didn't stop a few tears from stinging the corners of her eyes.
Raphael sighed. "If ya ain't gonna tell me… " he began wearily.
"Raph, I… about last night… the date caught me off guard." Elizabeth mumbled.
Raphael's eyes narrowed but he didn't move from where he stood, leaning against the kitchen entrance.
Elizabeth looked up from the pancake batter and blinked at the angry turtle. "I didn't mean to scare you – and I didn't mean to make you angry this morning. After everything you and your brothers have done for me – after everything you've given up to protect me. I should have been honest with you."
Elizabeth's hands began to shake and her grip on the bowl slipped. It probably would have landed on the floor but a pair of dark green hands caught the bowl and set it safely on the counter.
"What is it yer tryin' ta tell me?" Raphael's voice was softer now, more inviting. Still he did not touch her.
Elizabeth felt something in her chest cracking, she wanted him to touch her. To hold her. To tell her that everything would be ok. But he wasn't, he was staring at her with a mixture of anger and confusion. His arms crossed in front of him, his eyes narrowed behind his mask.
"Graham and I… " Elizabeth paused when she heard Raphael's sharp breath, but she forced herself to continue. "Our… our wedding anniversary falls on Thanksgiving this year. When you and Mikey brought it up – I hadn't realized it was so close."
More tears leaked from Elizabeth's eyes. She had no desire to wipe them away this time.
And then suddenly his arms were around her, crushing her to him in fierce protective embrace. "'Lizbeth, why didn't ya just say dat in da first place?"
A sob tore free from Elizabeth's throat and she clutched at his plastron, her fingers digging into the soft skin beneath, but he didn't seem to notice – or care.
"I… I don't know," she sobbed burying her face against his plastron.
"Raph? You comin'? Leo's startin' to… " Michelangelo trailed off. "Elizabeth? You ok?"
"Tell Leo I'll be der in a minute, Mikey," Raphael said turning to look at his brother over his shoulder.
"Sure, Raph," Michelangelo agreed easily. He gave Elizabeth another worried glance that she didn't see and then hurried back to the dojo.
"I can't keep you from practice, Raph. I think I'm already in hot water with… with Leo."
"Leo ain't mad at ya," Raphael reassured her pulling away slightly. He held her eyes for a long moment and Elizabeth saw the truth in them.
"But the way he looked at me earlier… " Elizabeth said, confused now.
"I'll talk ta 'im. It ain't yer fault." Raphael gestured to the mixing bowl and the now very hot griddle. "Ya'd better get something ta eat – ya didn't have dinner and Donny'll have my shell if I make ya skip two meals."
"You aren't… you aren't mad at me are you, Raph?" Elizabeth asked, blinking the last of her tears away.
Raphael wiped them away with his thumb and leaned in to kiss her briefly. "I ain't mad at ya, 'Lizbeth."
Then he turned and hurried out of the kitchen in a move so fast Elizabeth almost missed it. She sighed and turned back to the pancake mix and began to pour six puddles of batter onto the griddle then she proceeded to pull out the carton on eggs and a package of bacon. She knew that all four of the turtles would be hungry by the time they finished their training session.
"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth," a quiet voice behind her, so unexpected that Elizabeth yelped and almost dropped the carton of eggs as she whirled around to come face to face with Splinter.
"Raphael was very worried about you last night – I hope you are feeling better," Splinter said gently.
Elizabeth nodded feeling heat creep into her cheeks. Had her collapse really been that dramatic last night? "I am, thank you, Splinter."
Splinter made his way across the kitchen and filled the tea kettle, then set it on the stove to warm up while he pulled out a mug that had seen better days and a tea bag. "I had been hoping to have the opportunity to speak to you alone again, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth cringed. Was he expecting her to have an answer to his question on whether or not she'd decided to stay or leave the lair?
"I fear I acted as the protective father, only having Raphael's heart in mind when I asked you to make the decision on whether or not you should decide to leave our home. But I can see now that you care for my son just as strongly as he cares for you. I ask you to forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I judged you too early it seems."
Elizabeth's mouth fell open and she scrambled around for a moment trying to remember how to close it. "Splinter, I… I don't – there's nothing to forgive. I understand you wanted to protect Raphael. I can't blame you for wanting that. You have raised a very fine son – all of them actually."
Splinter closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly. "Domo arigatou, Miss Elizabeth."
"Domo… what?" Elizabeth asked her brows knitting together.
Splinter chuckled quietly. "I said thank you, Miss Elizabeth. No father could as for finer praise."
"Well you deserve it," Elizabeth said, as she turned to flip the pancakes which had turned a perfectly golden brown. "I can't imagine raising four boys by myself – I'm nervous about having just one." She laid her hand against her abdomen and rubbed it thoughtfully.
"The path of a parent is not always an easy one," Splinter admitted as the tea kettle made the sharp piercing shriek to announce that the water was done. Splinter removed it and pour the hot water into his mug. "But in life there are very few things that can compare to the reward of raising a child."
"How did you do it, Splinter? If I may ask? But by yourself – and with the four of them? I'm sure they were a lot to handle for one parent alone."
Splinter laughed quietly and took a seat at the table with his mug. "It was not always easy, Miss Elizabeth. And there were times that I wondered how I found myself suddenly in charge of not only my own life but four others as well. But with time I learned how to harness their energies and put them to good use. Training them in the art of ninjitsu helped them to focus their minds and bodies. But still there were times that I still felt overwhelmed, they were a very lively bunch - always so full of energy and I was often worn out long before they were."
Elizabeth laughed as she slid the pancakes off the griddle and poured six more puddles onto it. "I can imagine, I'm sure Mikey especially kept you on your toes."
Splinter laughed again. "Michelangelo was always the most creative of his brothers, the most rambunctious. He never liked to sit still for very long. I had a very hard time getting him to focus when it came time to train or study – something he still struggles with. His mind often wanders and it hard to engage it again once he is distracted."
Elizabeth smiled, it sounded like Michelangelo hadn't changed much. He had become so distracted with what he had been doing the night before he'd forgotten all about the food that was in the oven. "What were the others like?"
"Leonardo was always very disciplined, taking responsibilities onto his shoulders that always seemed too heavy for one so young. Even at a very early age he took responsibility for his brothers' safety. I remember one night I had been out scavenging for food to find that a lamp I had managed to save from the dump had been broken by a Frisbee. I had instructed Michelangelo not to play with it in the living room but before I could scold him Leonardo admitted to the crime."
Elizabeth, in the middle of turning the pancakes, almost dropped the pancake she was holding in shock. "He what?"
"He told me it had been him that had broken the lamp, I was surprised, but Leonardo never did falter in his story. It was only later, after the others had gone to bed, that Michelangelo came into my chambers and confessed the truth. I told him that I had already known the truth, but because Leonardo had taken the blame to protect his brother and Michelangelo confessed the truth I did not punish him. I was proud that he was willing to take responsibility for his actions."
"Donatello has not changed much," Splinter said as he sipped at his tea. "He was building his own toys to play with not long after I began to teach them ninjitsu. He showed a promising talent even then – his brothers didn't really come to appreciate his gifts until they were a little older and the toys Donatello built became more impressive. But Donatello has always been compassionate – much like Michelangelo they are more laid back than their brothers."
Elizabeth poured the last of the pancake batter into a final puddle and then started to seperate the strips of bacon. "So what was Raph like?"
"Raphael liked to tease his brothers – often stealing the toy they were playing with or encouraging them to follow him on the little adventures he planned for them. Most of the time his brothers would go along with him."
Splinter paused. Then looked up to meet Elizabeth's gaze. "He has always been the most guarded of my sons. He hides his emotions with anger, and has never opened up to anyone easily. I feared when he brought you down here, Miss Elizabeth, that Raphael had made a rash and foolish decision in bringing you here. We had no idea who you were, or if you would betray us to the surface world. But for reasons I couldn't understand I felt as though Raphael had his reasons for bringing you here. I never thought my sons would be able to have what Raphael has with you. You have brought out a new side of my son that even his brothers hadn't seen before. I know my son cares deeply for you, Miss Elizabeth, and I am sorry for my rash actions earlier."
Elizabeth shook her head. "Please don't apologize, Splinter. You were protecting your family – any good father would do the same. My dad… he was really upset when I told him I wanted to move to the city. He told me it was too far away from home, that it wasn't necessary for me to be so far away. But I didn't want to listen. And I didn't want to listen to him when Graham and I got engaged. He wasn't happy – I don't think he ever liked Graham and he had his reasons. I suppose he could see through Graham's charade while I was blinded by the glamour of being engaged to him. I was caught up in the moment."
Splinter's ears went flat against his head and his black eyes seemed to darken a little. "Have you not spoken to your father since your marriage, Miss Elizabeth?"
"We don't talk very often," Elizabeth admitted. "Graham would always monitor my calls – I had no idea how controlling he was until we were on our honeymoon. I haven't seen my parents in a long time."
"Have you not thought about returning to them?"
"I was too scared, when I tried to leave Graham the first time I had planned on going home – I missed our small farm in Pennsylvania anyway. I missed the horses," Elizabeth sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. Splinter pretended not to notice the emotions swimming in her eyes as she continued. "But Graham caught me – he really hurt me that time and when I woke up in the hospital he promised me that if I tried to leave again I'd end up in the hospital, but down in the morgue. I had no doubt that he was serious so I didn't try to leave again, and I was too scared to call my parents. I couldn't go to the police – Graham has friends there, he's paid some of them off. I'm not sure which ones, it is always under the table, but he's got them in his pocket."
"Such men are very dangerous adversaries," Splinter said rising to rinse out his now empty mug. "Graham is a dangerous man because he cares not who he has to hurt to get what he wants."
"Splinter, you know I'd rather die than let them hurt them again don't you?"
Splinter turned, giving Elizabeth a rather startled look. "Elizabeth, we do not wish for you to put yourself in harm's way to protect us."
Elizabeth shook her head. "He tried to kill Donny once – I couldn't stand it if he hurt one of them. He won't stop – he knows about you now. Graham doesn't just get over things, if someone crosses him he'll stop at nothing until he's won."
"Miss Elizabeth, my sons have been trained in the art of ninjitsu so they can look after themselves and protect those who need protecting," Splinter sat down next to Elizabeth, and to her surprise he gently took one of her hands in his soft paws. "I believe my son cares for you very deeply, Miss Elizabeth. If something were to happen to you I fear how Raphael would react."
Elizabeth felt a lump form in her throat. "I wouldn't want him to get hurt because of me, Splinter."
"You care deeply for Raphael and for his brothers," Splinter said bowing his head again. "As long as you stay here Elizabeth we can keep you safe. But I fear that you are still conflicted with your decision on the matter I had talked to you about earlier. I can see the hesitancy in your eyes and the indecision. You must decide what you are to do, Miss Elizabeth. For as long as you stay here you are safe – but in the outside world we would never be accepted and so our protection over you would be limited."
"I understand, Splinter. Thank you."
"I smell food!"
Michelangelo sniffed loudly as he came into the kitchen, stretching his arms up over his head and grinning at Elizabeth. "Ya made breakfast?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Let me finish up the eggs and we'll be ready to eat."
"Great," Michelangelo beamed. "I'll help."
Elizabeth retreated to the bedroom that afternoon, closing the door behind her and hoping to have some time alone. The turtles took it as a sign she wanted to be alone and didn't disturb her, although on occasion Raphael would shoot a worried look at the closed bedroom door.
"Relax, Raph," Michelangelo said calmly from where he sat in front of the TV watching as a couple of cartoon gangsters ran across the screen shooting at least fifty bullets per shot at the sheriff who was trying to catch them.
"You relax ya, chuckle head," Raphael snapped.
"You nervous?" Michelangelo teased.
Raphael's hand smacked Michelangelo's head hard enough for the sound to echo around the room.
"Oww! Hey!" Michelangelo turned to glare at his brother, but Raphael had turned away, punching numbers on his shell cell. "Ya almost here?" He asked when the other line picked up.
Michelangelo watched as his brother paced across the room. He never saw Raphael so fidgety. Except of course when Leo had forbidden them from going topside due to weather conditions and Raphael was aching to stretch his legs. But this agitated pacing was different.
"Ok see ya in a minute – and tanks." Raphael snapped his phone shut and stuck it back in his belt.
"Raph?"
Raphael turned as Leonardo strolled into the room, his shoulders a bit stiff. "Have you talked to her yet? Does she know?"
Raphael shook his head. "I ain't had da chance ta talk ta 'er 'bout it yet, Leo."
Leonardo shot a glance towards the closed guest bedroom door. "She'll need to know, Raph. It's dangerous for her to go topside. With all those low level street punks looking for a big payoff the whole city will be looking for her. There won't be anywhere for her to hide – Graham will find her if she leaves."
"I heard ya da first ten times, Leo. I'll talk ta 'er."
Just then the elevator slid open and April and Casey emerged from within.
"Hey guys," April greeted them with a smile.
"April!" Michelangelo grinned from where he sat.
"Did ya get it?" Raphael asked jogging over to the couple.
"Good ta see ya too, Raph," Casey teased.
"Bonehead," Raphael growled but grinned at the vigilante.
"Yes, it's right here." April handed something to Raphael and he clenched it in his green hand.
"Tanks, April. I'll pay ya fer it later."
April shook her head. "Don't worry about it. It's beautiful. She'll love it."
"Raph," Leo started but Raphael waved him off.
"I'll talk ta 'er, Leo."
Leo nodded, obviously satisfied with the sincerity behind Raphael's words. He turned back to April and Casey as Raphael hurried towards the guest room.
Raphael knocked on the door, and waited until he heard Elizabeth call "come in" before he stepped inside, ignoring Michelangelo's eyes as they followed him into the room. He shut the door quietly behind him.
Elizabeth was sitting on the bed, one of April's old books in her hands and her long brown hair hanging limply around her shoulders. She had changed into a dark green t-shirt, one that was almost the exact color of his skin, and a loose pair of pajama bottoms after she'd showered earlier. She looked up when he entered the room and Raphael couldn't help but notice the way the shirt made her eyes stand out, he blinked, dazed for a moment and hesitated by the door.
Elizabeth gave him a puzzled look. "You know I don't bite, Raph," she teased.
Raphael huffed but crossed the room to the bed, sitting down next to her. He peered at her anxiously. "Ya feelin' better?"
Elizabeth set the book aside and reached out to put her hand on his arm. "I'm fine, Raph. I'm pregnant – not dying."
Raphael scowled at her choice of words but didn't comment. Elizabeth suppressed the urge to sigh. She'd never seen Raphael so uncomfortable.
"Raph, what is it?" She finally asked when Raphael didn't speak for several minutes. "Is everything ok?"
"'Lizbeth, ya know I… ya know I care 'bout ya – don't ya?"
Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat. What was he saying? Did he want her to leave? Did she do something that had jeopardized the whole family and now they didn't want her here anymore?
The thought of having to leave brought tears to her eyes and she couldn't find the will to force them away. But if this was what the others wanted she wouldn't fight their decision. Even though Splinter had told her she was welcome here she wouldn't stay if some of them wanted her to leave. She took her hand away from Raphael's arm, suddenly feeling cold.
Raphael's eyes snapped up to meet hers and suddenly he was crushing her to him. "'Lizbeth? What's wrong?"
"Do you… do you want me to leave?" Elizabeth choked out, forcing the words out even though every single one of them felt like someone was stabbing her in the gut.
"What!" Raphael pulled back, looking her in the eye. "No I don't want ya ta leave – not unless ya wanted ta go. We ain't gonna keep ya here 'gainst yer will, 'Lizbeth. But I don't want ya ta go."
Relief flooded Elizabeth and she smiled at him. "Really?"
Raphael nodded. "I didn't mean ta make ya feel like I was askin' ya ta leave. I just… " he hesitated again and that uncertain look crossed his face once more.
"Raph, you know you can tell me anything," Elizabeth said, reaching up to cup his face.
"I was… I was gonna wait ta give ya dis, but I didn't wanna wait anymore," Raphael finally said. He opened his hand to reveal what he'd hidden in his clenched fist.
Elizabeth's eyes went wide. A small velvet box sat on Raphael's hand, she lifted it from his hand with trembling fingers, not sure if she wanted to open it. The last time she'd seen a box like this Graham had been proposing to her.
"I picked dis out – and April picked it up fer me," Raphael explained as Elizabeth held the box in her trembling grasp.
Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly and opened the lid. She gasped and her eyes widened a little at what lay inside. "Oh, Raph, it is so beautiful."
"Ya like it?"
Elizabeth's eyes were glued to his gift. "I love it."
Elizabeth's fingers were no longer trembling as she stroked the gift that lay against the satin cushioning. She looked back up at Raphael. "Will you help me put it on?"
Raphael looked a bit surprised but pleased and he nodded.
Carefully Elizabeth pull the small silver chain and the pendant out of the box, she handed it to Raphael and then turned, pulling her hair up off her neck, giving him room to help her put it on.
Raphael had no trouble fastening the delicate catch with his large fingers, fastening it to the tightest link and then pulling Elizabeth's hands down from her hair, holding one of them while she turned back to face him.
The small snowflake pendant, embedded with diamonds, sat in the dip of her neck, glittering in the dull light.
"It looks good on ya," Raphael said smiling at her.
"Only because you were the one who gave it to me," Elizabeth said smiling back. She moved forward and curled up against him, sighed with contentment as Raphael wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Raph."
Raphael smiled and stroked her hair, then lifted her chin so she was looking at him. He lowered his head and kissed her gently before pulling away again. "I love ya too, 'Lizbeth."
The necklace that Raphael gave Elizabeth is not a really expensive necklace - April just used a spare velvet box she had to keep it in so she knew where it was. The necklace is a shapped like a snow flake that has diamonds covering every inch of the front part, varying in sizes on a delicate silver chain. And while it isn't expensive it is very pretty, and Elizabeth knowing that the turtles don't have a lot of money this gift meant a lot to her. See you next time. :D