A/N: Somebody let's the cat out of the bag in this chapter and Elizabeth acts about as well as can be expected. Hope everyone enjoys the chapter. I will work on the next one again soon I promise. Thanks again to those of you who take the time to review I appreciate it. :D

Chapter 19

Despite her reassurances to Raphael that she was fine Elizabeth spent most of the next few days in the guest room, only reluctantly emerging when Raphael insisted that she eat something or when she needed to use the restroom as the growing baby inside her put increasing pressure on her bladder. She could tell that the turtles were worried about her behavior, Raphael especially, but none of them pressed her about it.

When Thanksgiving finally arrived Elizabeth met the day with dread. She was tempted to just stay locked up in her room again, but she knew that it would be rude to ignore the turtles and their guests so she reluctantly strayed to the kitchen where Michelangelo was hard at work.

Michelangelo's bright blue eyes lit up when he saw Elizabeth and he gave her a warm smile that Elizabeth found impossible not to return.

"Hey, dudette, ya want some breakfast?"

Elizabeth fought down the urge to make a face. Her stomach, already churning violently under the stress, gave a violent lurch and she had to fight the urge not to run to the bathroom to relieve herself of last night's dinner.

Michelangelo frowned, turning away from whatever he'd been working on. "Elizabeth? You ok? You look kind of pale."

Elizabeth forced herself to smile. "I'm fine, Mikey. I just don't feel like having breakfast this morning."

Michelangelo's frowned darkened. "Elizabeth, you barely… " He trailed off, knowing arguing with her was pointless. Over the past couple months the turtles had learned Elizabeth had a stubborn streak that could equal Leo or Raph's when she wanted it to. There was simply no point in trying to get her to do something she didn't want to do.

"What are you making?" Elizabeth asked looking at the mixing bowl Michelangelo had been working with.

"Stuffing – April and Case should be here with the turkey any time," Michelangelo said turning back to his bowl and began to stir the contents again.

Elizabeth inhaled deeply. "It smells great."

Michelangelo grinned. "Wait 'til ya taste it."

Elizabeth laughed quietly. "So what can I do to help?"

Michelangelo's eyes narrowed in consideration for a moment while he added an egg to the concoction he was stirring.

"I make a killer apple pie," Elizabeth grinned as Michelangelo's eyes lit up with delight.

"You can make pie?" Michelangelo spun so fast to look at her he almost knocked the mixing bowl off the counter. Luckily he was able to catch it before his precious stuffing fell onto the floor.

Elizabeth stifled the urge to laugh, knowing Michelangelo probably wouldn't appreciate her laughing at his expense. "Apple, banana cream, homemade vanilla pudding, chocolate, blueberry, and strawberry," Elizabeth said listing off the pies that came to mind.

"Mmm, I love pie!" Michelangelo said with so much enthusiasm that Elizabeth couldn't not laugh at him.

"Hand me the flour and sugar then and I can get started on the crust," Elizabeth said once she was able to control herself again. Michelangelo handed her the ingredients readily and Elizabeth went to the other side of the small kitchen to get to work and as not to get in Michelangelo's way.

Measuring out the proper amount of flour and sugar and mixing in some warm water Elizabeth began to sing quietly to herself, filling the silence between them.

"My name it is Maria, a merchant's daughter fair. And I have left my parents and three thousand pounds a year. Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be, who love a jolly sailor who ploughs the raging sea. While up aloft a storm from me his absence mourn, and firmly pray, arrive the day, he never more will roam."

Elizabeth removed her wedding ring from her finger and set it aside before digging her fingers into the sticky dough and began to knead it thoroughly.

"My heart is pierced by cupid – I disdain all glittering gold. There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor… ack!"

Strong arms had wrapped around her waist and crushed her to a muscular body, taking her completely by surprise.

She heard the two brothers laughing and turned around to glare at Raphael. He didn't seem the least bit concerned by her angry glare.

"Raph, how many times do I have to tell you not to do that!" Elizabeth said, swatting him playfully on the arm.

Ignoring Michelangelo's snicker Raphael leaned down and pressed his mouth against her lips gently for a moment. "Sorry, 'bout dat. I couldn't help it – I never heard ya sing before. Yer really good at it."

Elizabeth blushed. "Raph… "

Raphael silenced her with another brief kiss and pulled her tighter to him. Well as close as he could pull her to him. Elizabeth sighed and rested her head against his plastron for a brief moment listening to his heart beating in its soothing rhythm she had come to know as well as her own. It beat faithfully inside his chest and she placed her hand against the smooth plates that made up his plastron, once again amazed at how beautiful he was, despite the little nicks and scars he had covering his body.

Raphael's hand traced the soft skin on her neck, stopping at the dip where the snowflake necklace he'd given her sat. Elizabeth shivered as warmth crept up her spine at his touch and she smiled at him, despite her irritation at his startling her.

Someone cleared his throat and Elizabeth jerked away from Raphael automatically.

Leonardo was standing in the kitchen doorway, his normally warm brown eyes seemed distant and he was giving Raph a look of disapproval. He turned to Elizabeth, his expression solemn.

"Elizabeth, there is something that my brothers and I need to discuss with you."

Elizabeth went cold and her eyes widened in fear and surprise. What had she done? Were the turtles going to ask her to leave? If that was what they wanted she wouldn't stay here against their will – but the thought of leaving Raphael terrified her.

"Leo, can't dis wait?"

"If you'd talked to her about this two days ago when I told you to then she would already know," Leonardo snapped his eyes flashing angrily.

Confused Elizabeth stepped away from Raphael's embrace, he let her go without a fight. "Leo, what's this about? What hasn't Raph told me?"

"Leo," Raphael said his tone rather stiff but Leonardo ignored him.

"Elizabeth, Graham has told the police that you've taken a lot of money from him when you ran away. Money that he wants returned – money he is willing to give a reward out for. The police are looking for you and because of the wanted posters that have been posted around the city with your picture on them so is every other lowlife looking for a handout." Leonardo held out a crumpled piece of paper, one that looked like it had been balled up, unfolded, and then scrunched up again in angry hands. Elizabeth took it with trembling fingers.

The picture on it was one she recognized, one before Graham had started physically striking her. Before the haunted look had seeped into her eyes. This was back when her face had been fuller, her brown hair shiny with care, her eyes alive with the excitement of her new life, her skin was tight over her cheekbones, but slightly rounded and pink. Elizabeth tore her eyes away from her own face and read the words printed in bold black text.

WANTED FOR QUESTIONING ELIZABETH BENSON COOPER

Underneath that was a number to call and a reward for bringing her in. The paper fell from Elizabeth's nerveless fingers quite suddenly and her legs threatened to give way. But just as her knees buckled strong arms once again caught her and helped her to a chair where she sank down heavily onto it.

"'Lizbeth, ya ok?" Raphael knelt in front of her, his eyes wide with stress and worry.

Elizabeth shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I… I can't stay here."

"What?" Raphael's voice was sharp with shock and hurt.

Elizabeth closed her eyes so she didn't have to look into his burning amber eyes. "I… I can't stay here and put you guys in danger again. Last time… last time Donatello was almost killed because of me. If Graham hurt any of you because of me I'd… I'd never be able to forgive myself."

"'Lizbeth, ya can't go back! Don't ya see dat's what he wants?" Raphael demanded gripping her shoulders firmly. "He wants ta kill ya – it ain't safe fer ya back der."

"And it isn't safe for you if I stay!" Elizabeth shot back her eyes snapping open. "I don't want anything to happen to you…" Her eyes tore away from Raphael for a moment to where Leonardo was hovering just behind his brother and Michelangelo who's expression was similar to the one Raphael had. "To any of you."

"We can take care of ourselves," Raphael said impatiently. "Ya can't face dat guy alone, 'Lizbeth. Ya almost didn't make it out last time – ya really want ta give 'im another chance ta kill ya?"

"Of course not, Raph," Elizabeth said quietly. "But do you really think I could live with myself if one of you got hurt… or worse because of me? It's just safer if I leave. I can go back to my parents."

"And ya don't tink dat da police are watchin' dem – or dat Graham won't look fer ya der?"

Elizabeth's mouth snapped shut and a few more tears ran down her cheeks but she wouldn't look Raphael in the eye. Raphael sent a sharp glare at Leonardo but then returned his attention to Elizabeth.

"'Lizbeth."

"Raph, just stop!" Elizabeth's head snapped up and she met his gaze evenly. "I'm not going to let you guys get hurt because of me again. Graham wants me not you! I can't stay here! I need to leave – the sooner the better."

With that Elizabeth rose from her seat, dodged around Raphael and hurried to the guest room where she slammed and locked the door behind her.

Raphael turned on his brother. "Now what are we gonna do 'fearless leader'?" He snapped his eyes flashing dangerously.

Leonardo sighed. "You know we can't let her leave, Raph. It's too dangerous."

"Yeah well ya shoulda t'ought 'bout dat before ya opened yer big mouth!"

"Raphael! Enough!" Splinter's sharp tone rang throughout the kitchen. All three brothers turned to stare at their father. "You will go and comfort, Miss Elizabeth. I believe that this news has upset her greatly and her fears are clouding her judgment. If she is to stay it will have to be you who convinces her, my son."

Raphael nodded grimly and hurried out of the kitchen. He tried the doorknob to the guest room vainly when he reached it but was unsurprised to find it locked. "'Lizbeth, can ya open da door?"

"Go away!" Elizabeth snapped on the other side.

Raphael frowned. "'Lizbeth, open da door."

"Just leave me alone!"

"Dat ain't gonna happen! Yer either gonna open da door or I'm gonna bust it in!" Raphael knew full well that Donatello would have his shell if he broke the door but at this point he didn't care. He was going to get in there one way or another. To his relief Elizabeth seemed to take his threat seriously and the door unlocked. Raphael turned the knob and stepped inside the room, shutting the door behind him.

Elizabeth was already across the room, hastily shoving her clothes into the bags Raphael had brought them in.

"'Lizbeth, ya can't leave."

"I can't stay here either!" Elizabeth snapped not bothering to look up from her task.

Raphael stormed across the room and caught her wrist, but his grip was gentle. "And what is it ya tink he's gonna do ta ya when he gets ya? Are ya tryin' ta get yerself killed? Are ya dat desperate ta die?"

Elizabeth tried to jerk her wrist free but Raphael's hand only tightened more firmly on it. "I'm not trying to get myself killed I'm trying not to get any of you killed! Now let go!" Elizabeth jerked her arm again but Raphael refused to let go.

"'Lizbeth, I keep tryin' ta tell ya dat we can take care of ourselves. Ya don't need ta worry 'bout us."

"He almost killed, Donatello!"

"Donny was alone. If ya haven't noticed we ain't dat easy ta take down. We ain't the ones ya ought ta be worryin' 'bout. If Graham gets ya he won't hesitate ta get rid of ya. I ain't gonna sit back an' watch dat happen!"

"Who are you to try and tell me what to do!" Elizabeth gave her arm another experimental tug but Raphael's grip held firm.

"I ain't gonna force ya ta stay if ya really want ta go. But I ain't gonna let ya go if yer gonna go out der ta get yerself killed cause yer worried dat Graham is gonna come after us."

Elizabeth scowled.

"'Lizbeth, I… I never t'ought I'd ever feel da way I feel I do fer someone other den my brothers and Master Splinter. But if somethin' happened ta ya – I… I don't know what I'd do. Yer… yer one of da best tings in my life. I don't want ta lose ya."

Elizabeth stopped struggling and met Raphael's amber gaze.

"'Lizbeth, please," Raphael's tone was much softer now, pleading in a way that Elizabeth had never heard from him before. She stared into his burning amber eyes and saw the pain barely concealed there. "I don't want ya ta go."

Elizabeth broke into sobs then, and instinctively she leaned forward to press her face against Raphael's cool skin. Raphael finally released Elizabeth's wrist and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm scared," Elizabeth whispered into Raphael's plastron.

"He ain't gonna touch ya," Raphael promised her grimly.

"I… I didn't take that money, Raph. You know I didn't take it don't you?" Elizabeth leaned back a little blinking more tears out of her eyes as she stared up at him with a pleading expression.

"I know ya didn't – he's just usin' dat as an excuse ta get people ta look fer ya. But it ain't gonna work ain't no one gonna find dis place unless we want dem to. Donny's got all kinds of camouflage in da sewers to hide it and dis place is sound proof. Anyone could probably stare right at da front door and not know what dey were lookin' at. Yer safe here."

"But what about the others? Are you sure they'll want me to stay?" Elizabeth asked as she buried her face against Raphael's plastron again.

"Of course dey want ya ta stay," Raphael said his tone a bit dark.

"But… Leo," Elizabeth bit her lip and found she couldn't finish her question.

"Leo was just tryin' ta let ya know what was goin' on. He didn't want ya ta find out on yer own by watchin' da news or someting. None of us want ya leavin' da lair – we don't tink it's safe fer ya out der in da city with all dem lowlifes lookin' fer ya. Dat's all he was tryin' ta tell ya."

"He… he really doesn't want me to leave?" Elizabeth asked shocked.

Raphael pulled away slightly and gently grasped her chin, pulling her face up so she had to face him. "None of dem want ya ta go, 'Lizbeth. Yer family now – an' we protect our family."

"But what if Graham goes after you guys again to get to me?"

"Den he's gonna be sorry he ever met ya. I was sorry I wasn't der ta meet 'im da last time. It ain't gonna happen again. If he wants a piece of ya he's gonna have ta go t'rough us first." His eyes softened and he gently stroked her cheek with his finger. "'Sides I don't tink Leo's too happy with 'im. Leo don't forgive threats on our family easily and he ain't forgot what Graham almost did ta Donny – and ta you. He told me later when we were waitin' fer you ta wake up dat it took a lot of restraint not ta kill Graham right den."

"Why didn't he? He certainly had a right to with what he almost did to Donny."

Raphael shook his head. "Fearless is da most disciplined of da four of us – but none of us kill unless we gotta. Ya can't give a life back after ya take it from someone."

"Have you… have you killed anyone before?"

Raphael hesitated, his eyes searching her face for a moment before he gave her a brief nod. "Ya – I have."

Elizabeth's expression was carefully blank. "What happened?"

Again Raphael hesitated, and he took longer to answer her question this time – as if not sure he should tell her, while calculating her reaction. "Da four of us were out on patrol an' we ran into da foot."

"The foot?"

"It's a street gang – run by da biggest back stabber in da city," Raphael growled through his teeth, his eyes taking a strange dangerous expression that made shivers run up Elizabeth's spine. "We were outnumbered but we were holdin' our own – but we were separated. I didn't like it so I tried ta see where da others were. Leo was on da other side of da roof we were on fightin' six or seven of 'em, someting had happen'd ta 'is left arm cause he wasn't usin' it but I couldn't tell what it was from where I was standin'. He seemed ok so I looked fer da others. Donny was holdin' 'is own too – he didn't seem ta be havin' too much trouble but Mikey was in trouble. Da foot were gangin' up on 'im, and he was hurt. I fought ta get ta 'im an' got der just in time ta stop one of dem from drivin' der tanto t'rough 'is neck. I didn't hesitate – I took care of 'im. He tried ta kill my brother I wasn't gonna give 'im a second chance at it."

"Was he the only one you… ?" Elizabeth, Raphael noticed, didn't look afraid but a look of complete understanding had crossed her face.

He frowned a little. "No. But we don't kill unless we have no other choice, 'Lizbeth."

Elizabeth nodded. "You value life and your honor. I understand."

Raphael cocked an eye ridge and watched her carefully. He'd just admitted that he had killed, on more than one occasion, and she was acting as if it were no more exciting than him swatting a fly.

"Dat don't bug ya?"

Elizabeth met his eyes. "What? That you'd kill to protect your family? If those men seriously meant to hurt you or any of your brothers I don't blame you, Raph. I'd do the same for my brother."

"Ya got a brother?"

Elizabeth nodded. "His name is Samuel – he likes going by his full name because he got tired of everyone calling him Sammy." She smiled a little but her eyes were sad. "I haven't seen him for such a long time, I've almost forgotten what he looks like."

"Didn't he ever come see ya?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Graham didn't like my family to interfere with our marriage. The last time I saw Sam it was on our wedding day."

"Ya haven't talked ta 'im at all?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "He gets busy – he'll call once in a while to tell me about a new girl he's dating or his new job. He updates me about the horses at home. My mare Calypso foaled a few months ago, Sam said the filly is really rambunctious and full of spirit." Elizabeth laughed. "He sent me a picture but when Graham saw it he tore it up and burned it."

Raphael ground his teeth together and the muscles in his jaw tensed.

"I really miss the horses," Elizabeth said with a sigh. She smiled up at Raph. "I bet you'd be good at riding."

Raphael snorted. "I ain't gonna make a fool of myself by climbin' up on no smelly horse."

Elizabeth laughed. "Your shell might make it a little hard for you anyway."

Raphael rolled his eyes and kissed her forehead gently.

"Raph!"

Alarmed at her startled and surprised tone Raphael glanced down at her face. Elizabeth was staring at awe at her bulging belly. "I… I felt her kick." She placed her hand on her belly and touched where she'd felt the movement from inside her. Raphael place his hand next to Elizabeth's.

"How do ya know it's a 'er?"

"Because Graham really wanted a boy so until proven otherwise it's a girl," Elizabeth said. She rubbed her belly gently and she felt a nudge against her hand again. Raphael's eyes widened and Elizabeth grinned, knowing he'd felt it too.

"She likes you," Elizabeth said quietly as Raphael's hand moved against her belly and Elizabeth felt the baby kick his hand again.

Raphael met her eyes and smiled.

Elizabeth lay in Raphael's lap in front of the many TV sets several hours later, his large fingers stroked her long dark hair softly and Elizabeth found the rhythm in which his fingers moved was soothing. She smiled as Michelangelo clicked lazily through the many stations as he searched for something to watch.

Thanksgiving hadn't been as bad as she'd thought it would be. After spending several more quiet minutes together Elizabeth and Raphael had emerged from the bedroom and Elizabeth had returned to the kitchen to finish making her pies. To Michelangelo's delight Elizabeth made not only apple pie but banana cream and a rich chocolate pudding pie complete with whip cream and chocolate curls.

Dinner had been amazing, Michelangelo's stuffing was by far the best Elizabeth had ever tasted and April's sweet potatoes were delightfully tasty. After dinner Elizabeth and Michelangelo had entertained each other by playing another game of canasta. As Elizabeth had predicted Michelangelo had learned a lot since the first time they had played and Elizabeth found herself now facing a more competent player. Elizabeth still managed to win the game, but it had been close. Michelangelo had reluctantly handed over a candy bar, but to his surprise Elizabeth simple opened the candy, broke it in half and gave him half, telling him he'd played a good game and deserved half the spoils of victory. Especially since he had really had her on her toes during the second hand when he'd played a hidden hand and had almost gone out before she'd even gotten her cards on the table. If he had he would have easily won the game.

After a couple hours with easy laughter and quiet conversations Michelangelo had insisted on bringing out the pies. Elizabeth had had a feeling that he had been thinking about those pies for hours but had restrained himself, but just barely, because the others were still so full from dinner.

Michelangelo had helped himself with a piece of each kind, but everyone else only took one slice of their desired choice. Elizabeth had watched in mild fascination as Michelangelo had devoured slice after slice, returned to the kitchen and had come back with three more slices. Elizabeth was surprised he had enough room for all that pie – he'd easily eaten just as much as the rest of them had at dinner and after one slice of pie, even with her pregnant belly and increasing appetite she couldn't eat anything else if she wanted to.

After pie April and Casey had said their goodbyes and headed for home. Leonardo had headed for the dojo and Donatello had disappeared into his lab. Raphael had gently taken Elizabeth by the hand and had lead her to the entertainment center to watch a movie. Not long after that Michelangelo had joined them and because Elizabeth and Raphael hadn't decided on what to watch Michelangelo had volunteered to find something the three of them could enjoy. Elizabeth knew that Raphael had his misgivings, and she was sure that Michelangelo's idea of good and Raphael's idea of good were complete opposites. Still she was content where she was, she really didn't need a movie anyway. Her eyelids drooped a little as Raphael wound his fingers through her hair again and gently pulled them through the silky strands.

"How 'bout this one, Raphy?" Michelangelo asked.

Elizabeth pulled her heavy eyelids back to see what Michelangelo had selected. It appeared to be some cartoon she was unfamiliar with.

"How 'bout ya leave it on dis and I'll whack ya upside da head?" Raphael countered.

Leonardo's soft chuckle surprised Elizabeth' and she whipped her head around to see the blue-banded turtle standing behind the couch with a patient smile on his face and his warm brown eyes were bright behind his mask.

"Why don't you put in the movie April left, Mikey?"

Michelangelo frowned and help up a DVD case. "This one?"

"I'm good with dat," Raphael agreed.

"I thought you would be," Leonardo laughed again. He made his way around the couch and sat on Raphael's other side. Elizabeth felt a little awkward with Leonardo sitting so close but before she could start to pull away Raphael's grip tightened momentarily, as if he sensed her discomfort. Elizabeth hesitated then relaxed again when he began to play with her hair again.

Michelangelo popped the DVD into the player and picked up the bowl of popcorn he'd popped for himself and settling himself on the floor.

Elizabeth felt herself drifting off as the movie started and the actors voices began to lull her to sleep.

She didn't know how long she was out for but slowly she began to register voices again.

"You got her?"

"Ya I got 'er, Leo."

"Man she slept through the best parts."

"Can it, Mikey."

Elizabeth felt strong arms lifting her, pressing her to a muscular body and the odd sensation of rocking as if she were swaying gently on a boat and then she was weightless again for a moment before she was lowered onto something soft and warm. She felt a blanket being pulled over her shoulders and then whatever she was laying on shifted slightly as someone joined her.

A familiar scent. The scent of something comforting and safe. A large muscular arm over her stomach, pulling her closer to him. Elizabeth sighed, content, and let herself drift off once more.

The song Elizabeth is singing is My Jolly Sailor Bold.