May 1st

It's been a week since I've last written. A week since I fell to pieces in front of Raph. I still can't believe I said all that crap to him. I'd never told anybody that stuff before. It did feel nice getting it offa my chest though. I just didn't think it'd be Raph to get me to spill my guts. Hell, I still got no idea why he even listened, or cared enough to take care of me. I ain't complaining though. I'm glad that I got to see that side of him. The dudes a lot sweeter when he lets his guard down. The two of us can actually stand being 'round each other now, which is cool. We watch wrestling on TV together every night, sometimes we play video games, and once he even let me help fix his awesome motorcycle! Though neither of us has spoken 'bout that night. It'd be too awkward. I think we've both had our fair share of sappy moments.

Mikey and Donnie treat me as if I'm the best thing ever. They always want my attention and opinion. I ain't never had that much attention before, but it feels damn good. I actually feel important, ya know? Like I'm wanted.

I still dunno Leo very well. He just laid outta crap load of rules for me to follow as soon as I got back to the lair. The dudes such a buzzkill. Raph wasn't kidding 'bout their fights either. They can get pretty viscous. Leo seems to nit-pick everything Raph does. The two have some serious issues. But I suppose it ain't easy being the leader so I gotta give Leo credit for that. He's just a perfectionist I guess.

Well, now for the real reason why I'm writing. Raphael was right. It's time for me to drop the act. I've spent 24/7 with these guys and, well…I think I can really trust them. I care for them. Crazy right? And now it's time I show them that I care.

I no longer wanna be Mel, leader of the Crimson Dragons. No, I dont wanna be that at all.

Today's the day I change.

I slipped my journal back into my drawer and picked up the picture frame I kept on my desk. Behind the glass was a photo that was taken Christmas Eve. Lizzy and I stood next to each other, while our friends, Noah and Joel stood behind us, big smiles on all our faces. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered the day it was taken.

*Flashback*

"I can't believe I let ya talk me into wearing this stupid outfit."

I readjusted the antlers that sat on my head with one hand as Lizzy and I sprinted down the sidewalk. It was Christmas Eve, and the two of us were left to celebrate the holidays alone, as usual.

Lizzy giggled, hoisting the small velvet sack further onto her shoulder, and glanced over her shoulder. "It's not stupid, it's cute."

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. "Ya know I don't do 'cute', Liz."

"Yeah, but you owed me."

"For what?"

"For dragging me to that stinky petting zoo." Lizzy stuck out her tongue with a grimace.

"I thought ya had fun!"

"Yeah, if you think getting humped by a deer is fun!"

I laughed at the memory at Lizzy standing by the fence, totally minding her own business, when this huge deer comes up behind her and…tries making her his lady. The look on her face was priceless! I think she actually cried when she couldn't get him off.

Man that was an awesome day.

"Good thing ya weren't wearing that outfit then." I smirked.

She looked down at her reindeer costume and blushed. "Shut up."

We 'rounded the corner before finally stopping in front of an old worn-out building, sitting in a bare, unenclosed lot. The roof was weather beaten and covered in moss. The stairs leading up to the porch were creaky and unstable; one wrong step and your foot would break straight through the crappy wood. The whole place screamed: Misery.

This place hardly ever got any visitors. Of course, traffic still zoomed by on a daily basis but it was rare for one of those vehicles to actually pull over here.

Leaning against the handrail of the stairs, stood the Ballantine brothers: Noah and Joel. The brothers came from a wealthy family; and when I say wealthy…hell, they made Croesus look like a poor man. However, they never acted like they were rich. They acted as if they were just like everybody else; a couple a average, working class Joes. Noah was the first to notice us approaching, as his face lit up and he waved us over eagerly.

"You made it!" Noah wrapped his arms 'round the both of us when we reached them.

"What took you guys so long?" Joel pushed himself off the rail and gave us each a one-armed hug.

"Amelia wouldn't put her costume on." Lizzy placed her hands on her hips, shaking her head in disapproval.

"Well excuse me for not wanting to dress up like a reindeer. I mean, look at this thing." I twirled, showing my full costume. "It ain't got sleeves, leggings; practically no protection from winter whatsoever! I'm freezing my ass off over here!"

Joel wrapped his arms 'round my waist. "I can help with that, baby."

I elbowed him in the gut, making him let go. He simply laughed and blew me a kiss.

"I think you guys look awesome. You make an adorable reindeer, Lizzy," Noah grinned, his eyes lingering, a little too long for my liking, on my baby sister.

Lizzy giggled and took hold of Noahs hands. "That's the look I was going for! You make a very handsome Santa, Noah."

Noah blushed and looked down at the ground. I shook my head, smirking, before looking over at Joel, who, despite our agreement, was not wearing a costume. He still wore his usual attire that consisted of black jeans, white button-up shirt, and a tie. The only thing different was the candy striped waistcoat he was wearing.

"And what the hell have you come as?"

Joel straightened his tie and smirked. "Isn't it obvious? I'm Santa's manager."

"Santa's manager?" I cocked my brow.

"That's what I said. Who do you think gets Mr Clause to where he needs to be? It's my responsibility to make sure he gets where he needs to be on time."

I shook my head with a laugh. "You're such a douche."

He had a look of mock offence on his face before pulling out a pen and paper from his back pocket. "That's it, Miss Fletcher. You are now on the naughty list."

"Oh, bite me, Ballantine."

"Happy too, Fletcher," Joel whispered in my ear, making me shiver.

Lizzy and Noah looked at each other and grinned. "Would you two like to be left alone?"

I rolled my eyes, though I was smiling, and nodded my head in the direction of the stairs. "Come on, guys. Let's give these kids a Christmas."

"I can't wait to see the look on everyone's faces." Lizzy grinned, carefully making her way up the stairs.

We pushed open the oak door and stepped inside. Christmas was the only time of the year when this place felt truly alive. Multi-coloured lights hung from the beams; doorframes were lined with tinsel; mistletoe hung in the doorway from the hall to the living room; and placed in the corner was a beautiful Christmas tree, decorated with balls, ribbons, tinsel, and a gorgeous star on top.

Mrs Hemsworth, the owner, greeted us at the door. "Amelia, Lizzy, Noah, Joel. How nice of you to visit us during the holidays. The kids will be-"

She was cut off as the pounding of numerous feet 'rounded the corner. Mrs Hemsworth just had enough time to move outta the way as the four of us were swarmed by children. We greeted them all as enthusiastically as they did us.

Every child shouted excitedly, trying to get their story heard. Jenny was showing off a beautiful flower she had picked earlier while Kevin was lifting up his shirt to brag 'bout the awesome scar he got after falling outta a tree. After a few more minutes of excited chattering, it was time to calm them down.

"Alright my little dudes and dudettes, time to pop a chill pill and chillax, kay?" The kids giggled but quickly became silent.

Noah stepped forward with a huge grin and the childrens' faces lit up. "HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS LITTLE ONES!"

The kids cheered and clapped in excitement.

Noah dropped the sack he was carrying and took the one from Lizzy's hand, plopping it down beside the other one. "Well, well, well…" Noah said, trying his hardest to make his voice sound Santa-ish...is that even a word? "Perhaps you nice boys and girls could help me with something."

"With what, Santa?" Caitlin, a seven year old brunette, asked shyly.

"Well you see, Vixen and Cupid here-" Noah gestured to Lizzy and I "-got a little bit lost in their travels. And I have two very heavy sacks of presents that need delivering before the night is over. Do you think you'd be able to help us find the place that we're looking for?"

The kids looked at the presents with disappointment after hearing they weren't for them. One boy, Declan, stepped forward, still staring at the gifts.

"I'm pretty good at directing, Mr Santa, sir."

Noah smiled down at Declan, resting his hands on his hips. "Is that so? Well then, perhaps you could tell me where 'Open Arms Orphanage' is?"

Declans face brightened. "That's where we are right now, sir."

Noah stepped back with a look of mock surprise on his face. "It is?"

The children simultaneously nodded their heads in excitement.

"Well silly me! Boy, I must be as red as Rudolph's nose right now! If that's the case, then I guess all these presents are for all of you!" Noah emptied the gifts onto the floor.

The kids jumped and squealed, cheered and clapped before running aimlessly 'round the pile of gifts, all calling dibsies on the presents they want.

"BUT!"

Noah said loud enough so he could be heard over the excited murmurs. "You all have to wait until tomorrow morning to open them!"

There were some groans of disappointment but they still complied without complaints. The children helped Noah, Joel and Lizzy carry the presents into the living room and place them neatly under the tree 'til Christmas morning. Just as I was 'bout to follow them, I noticed Gracie sitting alone on the stairs that lead to the second floor.

Gracie was a beautiful ten year old girl, with long red hair and freckles; she also wore braces, making her afraid to crack a smile.

"Is something bothering ya, kiddo?" I asked, sitting down beside her.

She shook her head and hid her face.

"Gracie," I pressed, leaning in closer to the young girl. "Ya know ya can talk to me 'bout anything, right? Friends tell each other everything."

Gracie sighed and looked up with me, holding out her pinkie finger. "Promise you won't tell?"

"Promise," I smiled, wrapping my finger 'round hers.

She looked 'round wildly before moving in closer to me and whispering, "Kurt Lebrowski. He makes fun of me all the time. He makes fun of me for wearing braces and calls me mean names, like Brace-Face, Metal-Mouth, and Train-Tracks." She started to sniffle and I wrapped my arms 'round her shoulders.

"Let me ask ya something. Is Kurt Lebrowski smart?"

Gracie seemed to think 'bout it for a moment before shaking her head. "No, not really. He's pretty dumb."

"Is he pretty?"

She made a look of disgust as she shook her head violently.

"Not even a little bit. He hasn't got a lot of hair and his face is all scrunched up, like this." She squished the sides of her face to show me what he looked like.

"Ya see? You're way prettier than him," I said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "People make fun of my teeth as well, ya know."

"They do?"

"They do. See, check out this gap I got," I smiled, letting her see my gap.

"That's not so bad. Why would people laugh at you?"

"I dunno, Gracie. There are some people in the world who just like to hurt other peoples' feelings; like Kurt Lebrowski. But let me tell ya a secret. People only make of ya 'cause they're jealous."

"Jealous?" She stared up me with confusion.

"That's right. Now, can I get a smile?"

Gracie looked away bashfully before glancing back at me. Her lips pulled back into a grimace. I gave her a look and she sighed before grinning.

"Oh my God! That is one of the most beautiful smiles I ever seen!"

Her cheeks turned a vibrant red, "r-really?"

"Really. Braces or no braces, ain't no one can beat that smile." I smiled, "I wanna hear ya say it, 'I'm beautiful'."

"You're beautiful, Mel." I laughed and shook my head.

"No, say that you're beautiful."

"I did tell you you were beautiful."

"Gracie."

"I'm beautiful," she said timidly.

"And smart."

"And smart."

"And I don't care what those haters think."

"And I don't care what those haters think."

"Now say it all together."

"I'm beautiful and smart and I don't care what those haters think." Gracie stared at the ground shyly.

"That's the best ya got? Shout it loud and proud, baby girl!"

She took a deep breath before shouting at the top of her lungs, "I'M BEAUTIFUL AND SMART AND DON'T CARE WHAT THOSE HATERS THINK!"

"Thatta girl!" I praised, making her smile broadly. "Thank you, Gracie. Ya just made my Christmas."

Gracie shook her head. "No, thank you, Amelia." She gave me a tight hug. "I love you, Mel."

Feeling deeply touched, I returned the hug. "I love you too, Gracie."

After we pulled away I led Gracie into the living room to join the others, only to stop dead in my tracks at the sight. Lizzy had climbed to the top of the Christmas tree, clutching onto it for dear life; Noah was patting himself down, screaming as the bottom of his coat had somehow managed to catch fire; Joel was on his hands and knees with Dylan sitting on his back, parading him 'round the room like a horse; and all the other children were either laughing or screaming.

"What in Satan's Hell is going on here?"

The room froze for a quick second before breaking out into a riot again. Noah was screaming 'my coat, my coat!' Lizzy was shrieking 'mouse, mouse!' Joel kept quiet but the look on his face was enough to let me know exactly how he felt 'bout the situation.

I leave the room for two minutes and all hell breaks loose!

"All right, quiet down everyone!"

The kids stop their clamouring as I made my way over to Noah. I rip off his Santa coat and throw it to the ground, quickly stomping out the small flame. I then lift Dylan from Joels' back and help Joel to his feet. Now, Lizzy. The mouse she was screaming 'bout came scurrying by our feet. With one swift movement I had the mouse in my hands. I gave it to Gracie so she could put it outside. I told Lizzy it was safe to come down now.

"I c-can't! I'm stuck!"

I face-palmed. "You're not stuck, Liz. Come on, carefully climb back down."

"What if I fall?"

"Then I'll catch ya."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

She looked hesitant but nodded and carefully made her way down. Halfway down and the tree began to wobble. Lizzy screamed and clutched the tree for dear life.

"OhmyGodohmyGodohmyGod! I'm tipping! I'm going to die!"

Noah and Joel ran for cover as the tree neared the ground. I stood there with my arms raised, ready to catch my little sis.

"I'll catch ya, Lizzy!"

A second later and I was captured beneath the tree…and Lizzy. Holy crap I never knew Liz was so heavy! Probably all those damn hamburgers she wolfs down.

"Told ya I'd catch ya," I said with a small grunt.

The tree was lifted from our backs and put back in its original place. Noah helped Lizzy to her feet while Joel helped me to mine. Noah then came over to me, holding out his index finger with teary eyes.

"I burnt my finger," he sniffed with pout.

I held his hands delicately between mine and pressed my lips to his injury. "Better?" I asked once I pulled away. He nodded with smile before retrieving his coat from the floor and slipping it back on.

"You never kiss my injuries better," Joel commented.

I smiled, "it'll take more than an injury to get me to kiss ya, Joel."

"How about mistletoe?" Joel smirked as he held up some mistletoe above his head, swaying it slightly side-to-side.

I stared at him before nodding, "kay."

His face dropped, clearly surprised by my answer. "I…you what?"

I gripped him by the shoulders, stood on my toes, and pecked his cheek. When I pulled away, his face was as red as Rudolph's nose. He stood there stunned and I snatched the mistletoe from his hands. I held it above my head and gave both Noah and Lizzy a kiss on the cheek.

"Kay, now I know I probably should…," I started, looking 'round the room. "…but I ain't even gonna ask what the hell happened in here."

The three of them looked away in embarrassment and I smiled. "Well, I guess it ain't a true Christmas 'til all Hell breaks loose."

"No kidding," Joel smirked.

Lizzy giggled, "I think now would be a perfect time, Mel."

"Perfect time for what?" The Ballantine brothers questioned in unison.

"Perfect time to take a picture!" I grinned, removing my Polaroid camera from my neck.

Noah scratched his head, clearly not understanding. "Uh, why is that?"

"Whenever something 'chaotic' or totally awesome happens, I take a picture. That way I'll always remember it." I handed my camera to one of the kids so they could take a group photo. "Kay, everybody huddle."

We huddle up close together, all smiles, and have our photo taken. I take back my Polaroid and smile. It's perfect.

"Aww, my eyes are closed," Lizzy pouted.

"Mine too," Noah grinned.

"Only one of my eyes is closed," Joel muttered.

I smiled at the picture, "I think it's perfect."

"But our faces are weird in it."

"No, they're not. I really hate posed photos'. They're so forced. Candid ones are so much cooler 'cause they show who ya really are."

Lizzy wrapped her arms 'round me, rested her head on my shoulder, and smiled at the photo. "It is a lovely photo." Lizzy looked up at me and grinned, "I have a surprise for you."

I cocked my brow as Lizzy fished outta green box from under the tree. "What sorta surprise?"

She handed me the box and grinned. I opened my mouth to object but she held up a finger, "you have to open it now. It won't last till tomorrow."

Kay, now I'm really curious as to what's in the box. Shrugging, I placed the box on the ground, opened the lid, and gasped.

"Holy crap…" I breathed. "Lizzy, it's beautiful."

She squealed, clasping her hands together. "Oh, I knew you'd love it!"

"What is it?" Joel looked in the box and his face paled. "I-is that a lizard?"

"Not just any lizard; this is a Silkback Bearded Dragon," I removed the lizard from the box. "I love his colour too." It only took one glance and I already loved him.

"I thought you might," Lizzy smiled. "I asked the owner for one that was red and he gave me him! I think it's a blood-red."

Joel backed up and loosened his tie. He never was a fan of reptiles. It's hilarious seeing him try and make his way through the Reptile Encounter at the zoo.

"What are you going to call him?"

"I think I'll call him…Krillin."

*End flashback*

If only I'd known then that that was gonna be our last Christmas together. A tear slid down my cheek as the memory played over and over again in my head.

"Miss Fletcher?"

I jumped at the voice and slammed the frame glass down onto my desk. Splinter stood by my door with a medium sized box in his hands, a calm expression on his face.

"Hey," I quickly wiped the tear away. "What's up?"

"May I have a word with you, Miss Fletcher?" He asked, stepping further into the room.

"Uh, sure. I guess," I pushed aside the pile of crap I had on my bed so he could sit down. He bowed his head in thanks and sat down on the edge of my bed, his eyes flicking over to the pile on my bed. His whiskers twitched as he placed the box he was holding aside and began looking through the pile.

Hmph, well that's kinda rude, just looking through my stuff like that. I frowned but kept my gob shut. I don't wanna get into an argument now; besides, there ain't exactly anything special in that pile.

He picked up a Japanese phrase book and flicked through the pages. "Anata wa nipponbunka ni kyōmi o motte iru?" (You're interested in Japanese culture?)

I blinked in surprise before slowly replying, "hai, watashi wa chīsana on'nanokodatta irai." (Yes, ever since I was a little girl.)

He finally looked at me and smiled. "That is quite impressive, Miss Fletcher. Not even my own sons speak Japanese as well as you do."

I shifted in my seat, embarrassed. "Yeah, well, it's always been a sorta passion for me."

"What made you become so interested in Japan?" He seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.

"I dunno really," I shrugged my shoulders. It was true. I had no idea why I found the place to be so interesting. It's just something that popped into my head one day and since then my passion for it has grown. It's like something was calling me there, ya know?

"There's just always been something that…fascinates me about the place.

"Is there anything specific you find that fascinates you?"

"Nah, it's just this strange feeling I got. I feel like something's…calling me there, ya know?"

Splinter nodded like he knew exactly what I was talking 'bout. Wish I knew what the hell it was that I was talking 'bout. "I feel like there is something you are not admitting, Miss Fletcher."

Man, this dude was good. After a moments silence I spoke, "Splinter, this is gonna sound pretty stupid."

"It won't, Miss Fletcher."

"Ya haven't heard what I gotta say yet," I joked, earning a smile from the old rat. "Kay, well…I've always had this strange feeling like, I was born to be someone else, ya know? Like I was meant to have a different life. And call me crazy but, I think it has something to do with Japan."

Splinter smiled like he knew something I didn't. He moved the box onto my desk, talking as he did so, "you are quite right, Miss Fletcher. You were supposed to have another life; one much greater than the one you have had the misfortune of living."

Kay, now I was totally confused. I thought we were just having a random chat, so what is he going on 'bout? What does he know 'bout my life that I don't?

He pulled out a photo from the box and handed it to me. When my eyes landed on that photo, I felt like they were gonna pop right outta my skull.

Ho-ly crap!

"This woman…she looks exactly like me!"

Splinter nodded, "you do look exactly like your mother."

"My m-mother?" I think my heart just stopped. The photo shook violently between my trembling fingers. This was…my mother? But how? I-I don't understand! I was having difficulty breathing as my eyes stayed locked on the photograph.

"Her name is Elora Prescott," Splinter said.

This information was still sinking in. I can't even describe the different emotions I'm feeling right now. I just couldn't believe this.I tried convincing myself that Splinter was lying. But, why would he lie? Butstill this has gotta be some weird misunderstanding…but that doesn't change the fact that I look exactly like her!

I had to get a hold of myself. I took a deep breath, licked my incredibly dry lips, and looked Splinter directly in the eyes. "If this is my mother, than who's this dude she's with?" I pointed to the Asian dude in the photo and Splinters eyes softened.

"That is your father…," he smiled sadly. "…Hamato Yoshi."

WHAT!?