Okay, a little spoiler alert: this is the birth chapter for Karena and Wilbur. I didn't want to change too much for this, but I did add some more involvement from Lily and Donnie. The original chapter in Hope called "It's Time" was the most-read chapter in all of my stories, so I can only hope that I made this even better.

With that said, I'm happy to present this chapter after only a few days after the last update. I hope you'll like it!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," nor "Toy Story," nor do I own Sixpence None the Richer's "Eyes Wide Open," Jennifer Knapp's "Into You," nor Amy Grant's "Thy Word." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, Justine, and the new baby.

January 6, 2045 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

On this cold winter day, I arrived at my childhood home as Aumanil, wearing a white fur coat over the white jumpsuit. Instead of having my hair in a fishtail braid, I now had the top half of my hair in a braided crown while the rest flew with the wind. I landed in the backyard, which now contained, from my left to my right, the crystallized chapel my dad built from the ground up, the old barn, and then Splinter's grave against the oak tree.

I first paid my respects to Splinter, the grandfather I never knew in person. I knelt down, touched his green staff, and started to talk.

"You've never seen me nor my cousins before, Grandpa, but my dad and uncles have told me so much about you. I'm sorry it took me so long to visit you. You have taught my uncles and my dad about letting go of someone they have cared about and I've been taught the same. I never knew you, but I've gotten to know you through meditation. But I visit you now because my next chapter will be revealed in the next few months. I could stay here in New York, or I could go across the country."

I let out a sigh.

"I'm worried about my father Donatello. He's always struggled to let me go and live my life. I'm still his little girl, and I understand that. But it's holding me back. I care very much for him. I just..."

I started to cry, my tears falling onto my grandpa's grave.

"How do I gently tell him that this is where God is telling me to go?"

I suddenly scoffed.

"But of course, you wouldn't understand what I'm saying. You are part of the Shinto religion. Your god is very different from mine."

"I understand you, Lilianna."

I let out a gasp and looked around. I had sworn I heard Splinter's voice. I turned around and I saw him. He looked very real, in his mutant rat form wearing wine-red clothes. I let out a sarcastic laugh.

"This has got to be a dream, right?" I asked. "You're dead. You're just a figment of my imagination."

"You are not dreaming, Lilianna," Splinter assured me. "Nor am I a part of your imagination. As I told Leonardo before, I have attained a higher plane of existence. Passing into death, we merge with the whole of life. We become one in all of nature, in all of the universe... even you."

"So what do I do?" I asked, now convinced I was speaking to a real spirit.

"Your Bible teaches you patience, does it not? You must have patience in your God to carve your path. You cannot tread uncharted waters with an irrational and impatient mind. Do not rush into your future, Lilianna."

I let out a sigh and hung my head down.

"And what about my dad? I'm worried that if I end up moving across the country..."

I felt Splinter's hand on my left shoulder. I gazed up into his brown eyes with my saddened blue ones.

"Donatello will be fine. I worried every day for my sons. Donatello has worried for his daughter every day and he will continue to worry until his last breath. He is your father, Lilianna. He will always love you regardless of the circumstances you will face."

Splinter then caressed my face and carried a fond smile on his face.

"You have Donatello's eyes. You have the same gleam in your eyes as he does."

Splinter then moved his hands over my chest.

"You have April's heart and her spirit. You never give up on the people who love you. Remember who you are, Lilianna, no matter where you are."

Splinter backed up, and then we bowed to each other.

"Hai, sensei." I responded in Japanese.

I watched Splinter fading away. Feeling better about myself, I walked into the barn. I frowned. It no longer looked like the barn I was raised with - the barn with all of my dad's experiments and photos in it. Now the only things in the barn were chairs, tables, and fairy lights.

I then walked into the chapel. It was absolutely beautiful. The sun shone through the crystal, making the entire chapel shine. No other lights were needed. There was a stage at the end of the aisle with three steps to get there. My dad had done an amazing job building it.

I walked out of the chapel and into the house through the kitchen. The kitchen and dining room were now one room. The kitchen had all the tools needed to cook a huge reception dinner whereas the dining room had a baking station. A long table spanned the two rooms.

I walked around the table into the hall and into the living room. It was a lot more roomy with the couch pushed back against the wall and the two armchairs sitting not far across from the couch with a coffee table in between. The other half of the room was where photographs from different weddings were hung and shown.

I then went upstairs and into my childhood room. It was now a groom's suite. There was a table where my desk used to be and a brown leather couch where my bed used to be.

I walked across the hall into my parents' bedroom, now the bridal suite. Their bed transformed into a Murphy bed, which meant that it was currently hiding inside the wall. There was a three-sided mirror in one corner of the room and a love seat on the other side.

The bathroom was right next to the master bedroom and it was no longer a simple bathroom. It was now a mini salon. There were three mirrors and three sinks against the wall the only sink used to be. In one corner is a changing wall. The bathtub and toilet remained, an instant reminder of how I was born.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I took a glance and discovered that Justine was calling me. I answered.

"Hey, what's up?"

"You've just received a letter from Liberty University," Justine explained.

"Ooh! What does it say?"

"Lily! You know I can't just open your mail! It's against the law!"

"You have my permission," I assured her. "I trust you."

There was silence as Justine opened my letter in Todayland.

"Dear Miss Hamato, we regret to inform you that we have declined your application for admission at Liberty University."

"Wait, what?" I asked out loud, my heart pounding in my ears.

I couldn't listen to Justine reading the rest of the letter. I felt a sadness I have never felt before. Nothing else had mattered in that moment.

"Lily? Lily, are you okay?"

I snapped back to reality.

"Sorry, Justine. I got lost in the moment."

"Do you need to come back?"

"No!" I exclaimed hurriedly. "No, I'll live. I just need to pray."

"Hopefully you'll hear from the other four schools soon."

"Me too. Hey, Justine, I'm back at my childhood home that has changed a lot."

"How so?"

"My parents transformed it into a wedding venue. It is absolutely beautiful and my dad did an amazing job with the transformation. He built a chapel all by himself!"

"Your dad is such an amazing person. He's a doctor, an inventor, a teacher, a father, a brother, an uncle, a son."

"Justine, I think I get the point," I replied with a laugh.

"Have you made plans for your next birthday? I'd love to visit you in New York again."

"I'd love that! But right now the plans are just to spend time with family. Since I'm graduating in May, I'll be officially moving back to New York for the time being."

"What if you end up moving again?"

"Well, if I get accepted into John Jay College, then I won't need to move. I'll be here with family. I can continue to save money. Otherwise, I'll go where God needs me to go. Splinter came to me and reminded me."

"Who's Splinter?"

"My late grandfather."

"Oh, right! The humanoid rat who was your uncles' teacher."

"Yes."

Justine and I talked a little more on the phone before I hung up. I then flew back to New York City to pack for my move back to Todayland next week.

January 13, 2045 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

Right after I moved back into my apartment with Justine and Ryan, I started right away in making my playlist for next week's shows.

"Eyes wide open all the time just like a drug store in the city," I sang out loud. "Where she walks the streets at night. Time keeps ticking like an ocean through a sieve ever on, ever forward in march."

I started to bop my head as the drums started to play.

"Hallelujah, she's one for the money, two for the show. Time to go back to life, back to dreams without tears. She's saving what she killed. She built herself a loom and spin another womb."

There was a pause. I gave the song a few seconds before I took a breath.

"She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye to the world now. She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye to the world now."

There was a guitar and piano riff before the second verse began.

"Life is heavy. Now mistakes have come to call. They're always close and tears are never far behind. Floating just above the surface of their graves, their nightmares wait to come again when she wakes."

I took another breath.

"Hallelujah, she's one for the money, two for the show. Time to go back to life, back to dreams without fears. She's saving what she killed. She built another room and spin within the womb."

Another few seconds passed.

"She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye to the world now. She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye to the world now."

I took a breath, preparing myself to improvise with my vocals but not going too high up an octave.

"She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye to the world now. She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye, bye now, to the world now. She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye, bye now, to the world now."

I slid my voice back down the octave.

"She's saying goodbye, bye, goodbye."

I prepared myself to sing the last line.

"Eyes wide open all the time just like a drug store in the city, where she walks the streets at night."

I heard clapping. I turned around to see Justine in the doorway, holding another letter.

"You did a whole lot better with that song than I ever had," Justine complimented me.

"Thanks! I'm glad you like it! Is that another letter?"

"Yes, from John Jay College this time."

"Ooh!"

I excitedly took the letter and opened it. My smile immediately disappeared as I started to read the letter.

"Dear Miss Hamato, we have reviewed your application and we have decided you are not the right fit for us at this time."

"Oh, no," I heard Justine say with sadness in her voice.

I skimmed through the rest of the letter, not having the heart to read it out loud.

"So much for being with family next fall," I said out loud.

"Lily, I'm so sorry," Justine tried to comfort me, putting her hand on my right shoulder behind me. "Is there anything I can do?"

I smiled, setting the letter down.

"You can help me finish this playlist for my shows next week," I answered with determination.

"That's the spirit, Lily!" Justine replied confidently, pumping her fist. "You got this!"

Justine and I got to work going through my music to find what songs I would sing next week.

January 20, 2045

My first week of my final semester in college flew by. It was two o'clock when I finished my classes for the week and I flew back to my apartment. I was greeted by a smiling Justine Pride sitting on the couch.

"Hey, Justine!" I greeted her happily. "Good news?"

"You have another letter," Justine explained. "From Oklahoma State this time. I do hope it's good news."

I eagerly opened the letter. I had prepared myself to read that I got accepted, because as the saying goes, three times the charm. But, once again, my smile faded as I read the letter.

"Dear Miss Hamato, we regret to inform you that we have declined your application to Oklahoma State University at this time."

"What?!" Justine exclaimed in shock. "Okay, something is not right here. You have the best grades in Todayland University, one of the best schools in the country, and you've received three rejection letters?"

I slammed the letter down on the table.

"Am I being tested?" I asked, about ready to cry.

"Lily, something is wrong. This is Oklahoma we're talking about. I don't understand why they would reject you."

I angrily snapped at my best friend.

"Look around you, Justine! This is real life! Bad things happen all around the world because this world is not a perfect place. I cannot be successful all the time. I guess my life is too good to be true because nothing bad has happened to me since I moved here for college."

"Lilianna, don't you dare give in to those rejections!" Justine angrily snapped back. "All this is, is a setback. You still have two universities who have yet to send you a letter. Maybe God's saving the best one for last and you'll be happy. I'm angry because my people are the kindest people you will ever meet. When that bombing happened all those years ago, my people helped each other, and then when 9/11 happened, my people travelled all the way to New York to comfort the survivors and families."

"Justine, what does this have to do with my rejection letter?" I asked with confusion.

Justine pondered and then realized I was right.

"Good point. May I ask my dad to look into this? He might be able to help you."

"Justine, it's not like someone has it out for me," I replied. "A rejection letter could mean anything. It could mean that my test scores didn't qualify for admission or my grades are in the bucket."

Justine gave me a look.

"Lily, you got perfect scores on your tests and you're at the top of your class. I'm telling you, something is not right."

I let out a sigh.

"Or it could mean that I've been rejected because I'm a mutant."

"I thought the mutant law meant that humanoid mutants couldn't be denied any services," Justine replied with a concerned voice.

"I guess some services didn't get the memo," I said with a frown and sighed. "Thank you for offering to put your dad into investigation mode, but I want to wait to see what the other two universities say. If I get rejected from those two, then we'll discuss things further."

"Okay. I'll be praying for you, though."

I smiled. We embraced each other tightly.

"I've got you, sister," Justine told me. "God will prevail in the end, so don't ever give up."

January 27, 2045

DONATELLO'S POV

At two o'clock, I was in my office grading papers and exams. I had my two nieces as students this semester and so far they have been a delight to have in class. Venus is always asking questions and Athena is always eager to work with her peers and classmates.

After half an hour passed, I heard knocking on my door. I looked up to see Lily in the doorway. Just when I was about to smile, I frowned. Lily's face was reddened with tears.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked.

Lily shook her head, walking inside and taking a seat across from me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Lily placed four letters on my desk. I first took a glance at all of them. They were from four of the universities Lily had applied to for grad school. All four letters had told my intelligent daughter the same thing: she had been rejected.

"Oh, Lily, I'm so sorry you're going through this. This must be hard for you."

"Justine and I started to think that I got rejected because I'm a mutant."

"But for Grand Canyon University to reject you is out of character. Most of my students have attended that university for grad school and they easily got in with financial aid."

Lily let out a sigh and she sniffed, curling herself into a ball in her chair.

"Dad, if I get rejected by Pacific Bay University, then I'll work for you."

"Oh, Lily--"

"Don't get me wrong. I love to sing. My voice is my spiritual gift. But I don't want to make money out of it. I want to serve God with it."

I snapped my fingers and pointed a finger at my daughter with a grin.

"That's exactly right, Lily Mae. But sweetheart, don't give up just yet. You're still waiting on one more letter. Maybe Pacific Bay is where God is calling you to go. He just hasn't answered your prayer and he won't until the time is right."

Lily looked up with a surprised look in her blue eyes; she had taken off her brown contacts.

"Dad, I've spent all month worrying about you if I went to school across the country."

"I know," I assured her with a smile. "Splinter told me during meditation. Thank you for worrying about me. I'm lucky to have a daughter like you in my life. But you're not just a big girl. You're a woman. You are a God-fearing, intelligent, amazing, brave woman. But Lily, you're focusing too much on what has already happened. You can't change their minds. God already has your path carved. You just need to light a lamp and follow where God is calling you to go."

"Light a lamp?" Lily asked with confusion. "What are you talking about? That's only in Elkhorn."

"Lily, I'm talking about Psalms 119:105."

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path?"

"Yes. Splinter told you to not tread on uncharted waters unprepared, right?"

My daughter nodded.

"God's word is your guide through those waters," I explained further. "You can't go through them alone. Pray to God. Pray that you want him near you all the time, no matter if you're scared or brave. Yes, sometimes the next chapter is scary because you don't know where you'll end up or what will happen to your family and loved ones. But God will always be with you to light your path. You said you wanted your voice to serve God. Don't use your voice to just sing. Talk to him. Listen to him."

Lily got up and hugged me, the last of her tears falling onto the tails of my purple mask. I rubbed her back and repeatedly told her everything would be alright.

New York City, New York, USA

I gave Karena an ultrasound during her 40-week checkup.

"Baby girl is still looking healthy," I said happily.

"That's good to know," Karena replied, but I could tell she wasn't happy.

"Okay, you are the second woman in my life that came in with a saddened expression," I said with worry in my voice. "Are you okay?"

Karena let out a sigh.

"I'm frustrated because today's the due date and I'm still pregnant."

I chuckled.

"Well, at least I can help you with that. It is normal, Karena, for first-time moms to have their babies past the due date. I wouldn't worry too much about it yet."

"Donnie, I'm tired of being pregnant," Karena replied with anger, and then she started crying. "I just want to see my baby girl in my arms."

"Do you need a hug?"

Karena nodded. I hugged her and she hugged me back. As Karena's belly was touching mine, I felt her baby move.

"Did you feel that, Karena?" I asked with a smile, and she nodded. "She wants to meet you too."

I paused, letting out a sigh.

"I told Lily this before I came here, so now I'll tell you. God already knows your daughter and he knows when she will be born and what paths she will take. Don't go treading on uncharted waters without God as your guide. Pray and ask him to be the light on your path and on your daughter's path. You are very worried, and you have every right to be. But, if you worry too much, it will put your daughter's health at risk. Leave it all with God, okay?"

Karena smiled through her tears.

"Has anyone told you you'd make an amazing pastor?"

I laughed.

"No. I'm simply a teacher, a doctor, and a child in a mutant turtle's body."

Karena laughed loudly.

"So what happened with Lily?"

It was my turn to sigh.

"She's received four rejection letters from four of the five universities she's applied to. It's really gotten her down, especially since she thinks it's because she's a mutant."

"Oh, no!"

Karena pondered for a moment.

"Maybe I can have Wilbur talk to her. He's been down, too."

"Has everyone been feeling down this week?" I asked. "This must not be a good week for everyone."

"Wilbur's having trouble finding work as a substitute teacher," Karena explained. "He thought with his degree and his teacher's certificate, he'd be able to find a job in Todayland or in a city near there. He's now applying to get his teacher's certificate in South Montana."

"Now that's not right," I replied with a frown. "Wilbur should have the opportunity to have a teaching job near his home, not travel at an ungodly hour just to teach. You'd never see each other."

Karena let out another sigh.

"You're right. I'll talk to Wilbur when I get back, both about what you said and to convince him to talk to Lily."

"It's been a while since they spoke to each other," I replied. "Lily's still freaked out over Wilbur being a Jedi."

"That's not like Lily. No wonder I haven't seen her around lately."

"I think Lily is just scared of her future, not just about what's going on now."

"I understand. I've gone through that, too. Maybe the three of us can talk on Sunday. Lily and Wilbur are both off."

"That sounds like a plan," I replied with a grin. "Now, let me do a pelvic exam on you as we talk about your symptoms. First, let's talk about your contractions. They should be happening more frequently but not consistently, correct?"

"Correct. I still get them at random. So the real ones are consistent?"

"Yes, and they're more painful. You'll know when they're the real deal. They're also the real deal if they don't stop after you move. Now, the baby should still be moving around. I felt her a few minutes ago and you should be feeling ten movements in an hour."

"Yes, that is correct."

"Very good. Now, I have concluded your pelvic exam. You are currently 70 percent effaced and two centimeters dilated."

"ONLY TWO?" Karena yelled.

"Karena, no yelling in my lab," I sternly replied. "And this is nothing to worry about. Your body is in charge of all of this. The two labor symptoms you'll want to watch out for are your contractions and your water breaking. Now, if your water breaks, call me immediately."

"Okay. What's next?"

"Do you have diarrhea?"

"Yes. Is there anything I can do about that?"

"For right now, keep on drinking water and please eat bananas. Bananas have the nutrients you need to reduce that. But diarrhea can also be a sign that labor is around the corner."

I paused with a grin.

"You've made it to 40 weeks, Karena. Just leave it all with God at this point. He'll take care of you."

We continued to discuss her condition and her labor plan until her appointment was over.

January 29, 2045 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

Justine and I were practicing a song with my cousins when we heard knocking at the door. We stopped playing our instruments.

"Who is it?" I yelled.

"It's Wilbur."

I got up and opened the door. He had a small smile on his face.

"Hey, Lily."

"Hey, stranger!" I said happily. "I've missed you! Come on in!"

Wilbur chuckled at my enthusiasm. He immediately made himself at home and grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the fridge.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said.

"We're just practicing for my shows this week," I explained. "I have quite the playlist. I'm featuring Justine, Athena, and Venus this week."

"Sounds like fun! But could we talk first?"

"We'll give you two some privacy," Justine said as she and my cousins went into her room.

I gestured Wilbur to sit down on the couch and I sat down with him.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked.

"Listen, Lily, I know it's been a while since we spoke," Wilbur explained, rubbing his neck. "I'm sorry if I freaked you out with the whole Jedi thing. I appreciate that you care for me."

I let out a sigh.

"Wilbur, it's okay. I was scared I freaked you out. I overreacted. And then I was going through my own problems."

I paused, putting my left hand on his right leg.

"You've been like a brother to me ever since we became friends. Of course, I'm going to care for you. I hope you feel the same way for me."

"Of course, I do," Wilbur replied, putting his right hand on my left leg. "You're the sister I never had."

We hugged each other, and Wilbur patted me on the back. We let go and smiled at each other.

"Karena told me of what was going on with you and your university dilemma," Wilbur told me. "How are you handling that?"

"Oh, where do I begin? When I received the first rejection letter, I thought it was no big deal. The second one, of course, was discouraging. Then I received my third one from Oklahoma, which Justine thought was out of character and the thought occurred that I may be getting rejected because I'm a mutant. Justine offered to ask her dad to investigate, but I told her not to. Then my fourth rejection letter came from Grand Canyon University, which my dad thought was out of character."

I let out a sigh.

"My dad was encouraging, though. He told me to ask God to light my path with his word. I've been doing that every night since Friday. And now I'm inspired to sing Thy Word during my shows this week. No matter what happens, I'll be okay and I'll be alive. God has plans for me, plans I don't know about. Faith is like taking a big leap into the unknown with God, who will always catch you."

Wilbur smiled at me in awe.

"You're not even 21 yet and you are already so wise. I'm no psychic, but I really do believe God will reveal his plans to you in no time, and they will be bigger than you will ever imagine."

He let out a sigh.

"I just wish he'd do that with me. I've been searching for teaching jobs the past month and I've found nothing. Karena talked me out of getting a teaching certificate in South Montana because if that happened, we'd have to move, and I don't wanna do that, especially since we're about to have a baby."

"Karena's still pregnant?" I asked.

"Pregnant and frustrated, but not as frustrated as before. Your dad ended up giving Karena advice, too. The same advice he gave you, actually. It's been hard for Karena to move around lately. She'll go to work and then she'll come home and sleep. Then she'll get up to eat dinner and then she'll go to sleep again. And she gets up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom."

I winced. Karena's new schedule sounded awful.

"But Karena's a trooper," Wilbur continued. "We're all just eager for the baby to come safely. But I think the point of us talking is to let each other know that we're not alone. We're both experiencing some life-changing scenarios and we both facing uncertainty about what will happen. I mean, I don't know what kind of dad I'll be and I don't know if I'll ever be the teacher I want to be."

"I told my dad that if I get rejected a fifth time that I'd work for him."

Wilbur frowned.

"Oh, Lily, things will look up. You gotta have more faith in yourself. So you're having another trial. You will overcome it. You always have. But you always learn something about yourself, too. This could be a test of faith, Lily, not judgment because you're a mutant. Travis still thinks you're a goddess, by the way."

I laughed at that.

"How's he doing?" I asked. "I'm surprised you still speak to him."

"He's doing well. He's engaged to be married and he'll be graduating college in May, like you. He wants to be a physical therapist."

"Good for him!"

"How are things between you and James?" Wilbur asked with a smirk.

"Things are going great," I answered. "He took me out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory the last week."

"Cool! Any plans of getting married any time soon?"

"Wilbur!" I exclaimed while blushing. "Not yet!"

"Will you let me know though? James is my best friend and I want to be there for you both."

"Of course, I will."

February 1, 2045

"I wanna know you!" Venus belted out with a big smile on her face. "Better than I do. Oh, relieve me from myself. Bring me into you! I want to know you! Oh, better than I do. Oh, relieve me, relieve me! Bring me, bring me into... you! Hey, hey, yeah!"

Athena and Ryan finished the song together with my being on the drums on Venus' behalf. I paid close attention to the harmony of Athena's electric guitar and Ryan's electric bass before finishing the song off with two solid drum beats.

The crowd cheered wildly. I got up from behind the drum set and gave Venus a hug.

"That's my cousin Lily on the drums, everybody!" Venus happily said into the microphone. "Isn't she amazing?"

The cheering became thunderous as I laughed. Venus returned to her place on the drums as I took the microphone back.

"Okay, come on, guys, Venus was just as good as a singer. Let's all admit it."

The crowd continued to cheer and then I made hand motions for them to settle down.

"So I have one more for you guys tonight," I announced. "It's a song I had listened to as a little girl and my dad reminded me of it. January was a very trying month for me as I kept receiving rejection letters from the many schools I had applied at to continue my education. But my dad reminded me of Psalms 119:105, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And now, I'm going to sing it to myself and to those who need a little light in their journeys tonight."

I started playing the keyboards after days of practice, my fingers dominating the bass clef notes. Then I moved my right hand to the treble clef keys and started to sing.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path," I sang sweetly. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. When I feel afraid, think I've lost my way, still you're there right beside me."

I smiled as I took a breath, thankful for God in this moment.

"Nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be near me to the end. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

I took another breath, gazing up as if I'm looking at Jesus right in the eyes.

"And I will not forget your love for me, and yet my heart forever is wandering. Jesus, be my guide, and hold me to your side. And I will love you to the end."

I continued to play the piano as Athena played an amazing, but sweet, guitar solo on her guitar. Ryan and Venus just sat still in their spots and smiled at me. Then I started singing again.

"Nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be near me to the end."

Athena and Venus then joined me in song.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. And a light unto my path. You're the light unto my path."

I played a sweet melody to end the song, and I was met with a cheering crowd.

"Thank you, everyone! But the night is still young. It is my greatest pleasure to introduce you to..."

"DANNY AND BENNY!" the four of us yelled into the microphone.

We quickly hid behind the curtains as Danny and Benny emerged from the sides, waving at the cheering crowd. While Ryan went one way, Athena, Venus, and I went to our dressing room in the other direction.

The three of us chatted excitedly about how this was our most successful show of the week.

"We gotta do something for the talent show one more time," Venus suggested excitedly.

"Like what?" Athena asked. "I thought Lily was sticking to her show."

"What if we did a little show representing our fathers?" Venus asked. "The four of us would sing the main songs and then we'd do a little reenactment."

"Songs?" I asked. "How many are we planning on singing here?"

"Three. We'll combine the most successful shows' songs into a medley and then act out a mini-episode of something we all like when our parents were teens."

"Well, I'm down!" Athena replied enthusiastically.

"Me too!" I replied. "And I'm sure Ryan will like that a lot, especially since he'll be playing the leader."

"We'll have to talk about it more later," Venus said.

My T-Phone started to ring. It was my dad calling me. I answered.

"Hello?"

"Oh, Lily, praise the Lord! I've been calling you all evening!"

"Is it an emergency?" I asked. "What's going on?"

"Karena's water broke at 7:45 this evening," Dad explained as calmly as he could. "Wilbur called me right when it happened. I rushed over to the hospital so that I could help Karena into the labor and delivery floor. I've been helping Wilbur coach her with her contractions. But Lily, the main reason I've called all evening is because Karena asked for you. She really wants to see you."

"My show just finished up, so I'll just get dressed into some civilian clothes and head on over."

"You're a Godsend, Lily Mae. I'll see you soon."

I hung up the phone and turned towards my cousins.

"I need to change so I can go to the hospital."

"Is your dad okay?" Athena asked with an alarmed voice.

"He's fine! Karena's having the baby."

"Oh!" Venus exclaimed. "I take it that's painful?"

"One of the most painful experiences possible for a woman," I answered, remembering my little trip back in time to watch my mom give birth to me. "I gotta change out of this blue dress."

Athena and Venus left the room. But instead of changing into civilian clothes, I spun around, transforming myself into Aumanil with her braided crown and white fur coat. I flew to the hospital as fast as I could and ran inside. I immediately walked to the reception desk.

"May I help you?" the robot receptionist asked me.

"I'm here to see Karena Robinson," I explained. "She's having a baby and she asked for me."

"I am sorry, miss, but only family are allowed on the labor and delivery floor."

I let out a sigh, knowing that this was going to happen. I took out my T-Phone and dialed my father.

"Donatello."

"Hey, Donnie, it's Aumanil," I explained in a slightly deeper tone of voice. "Lily sent me to the hospital in her stead. She believes I can help Karena more than she can. But I am not family."

"Sit tight. I'll come get you."

"Thank you, Donnie."

I hung up and took a seat in one of the chairs. I waited patiently, but then decided to try to get into Karena's mind. I closed my eyes and focused.

"Everyone be quiet!" I heard Karena yelling painfully.

Karena then grunted in pain on all fours on the floor. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I came back to reality and turned to see Donatello, wearing a white lab coat with blue gloves.

"Thank you for coming, Aumanil," he said with a kind smile.

"How is Karena doing?" I asked.

"She went from being two centimeters dilated on Friday to seven," Donnie explained. "She's been having contractions since she came home from school at three-thirty and her water broke at seven-forty-five. When she was admitted, I measured her cervix at five centimeters dilated."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes. Karena had requested Lily, but she knows who you are. Follow me, please."

I followed the tall humanoid turtle into the elevator. We went up seven floors until we got off.

"Now, I must warn you: Karena opted not to get an epidural, so she will be in a lot of pain. And I do mean a lot."

"I am aware."

We walked down the hall until we reached the room Karena and Wilbur were staying in. Karena was currently relaxing on the bed with Wilbur sitting to her right. Wilbur got up and hugged me.

"Thank you for being here," Wilbur told me. "Karena's been asking for you ever since we got to the hospital, but she won't tell me why."

"Maybe now's my chance," I replied. "When was her last contraction?"

"It just ended a couple minutes ago. They're five minutes apart right now. I can leave you two alone if you'd like."

"No, it's okay," Karena, wearing her brown hair in two braids, chimed in. "You can stay. Come on over to the other side."

I walked to the side closest to the window and held her hand with a fond smile.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm regretting my decision to not have an epidural," Karena answered with a laugh.

"Why didn't you take it when it was offered to you? You could have saved yourself a lot of pain."

"Franny explained that childbirth will go faster without one. And I just want my baby in my arms now."

"This pain is temporary," I said with a kind voice. "Once your daughter is born, all of that pain will be gone."

"From your lips to God's ears," Karena replied.

We both laughed like two women having afternoon tea.

"How was your show?" Karena asked, knowing who I am.

"It was the best show I've had in a long time," I answered in my normal voice, knowing that only Donnie was in the room with us. "We had an amazing playlist. All three cousins played along with me. Athena and Ryan helped me sing Shrug. Venus did her own flair with Into You. I ended the show with the song Thy Word, which really set me free from my... problem with these college letters."

"Have you heard from--"

Karena grunted just as Wilbur spoke. She was having a contraction.

"Okay, Karena, please breathe," I said in my deeper but gentle tone of voice. "We are here with you. You are not alone. Try to blow out the pain. Don't give in to it."

Karena, who held my hand with her left and Wilbur's with her right, followed directions and blew out her breaths. She did moan a little, but I heard mostly breaths from her. Her contraction lasted about 50 seconds before she was able to breathe normally. I glanced at Donnie, who had a proud grin on his face.

"That was amazing!" he said happily. "Have you thought about becoming a midwife?"

I laughed.

"I'll stick with criminal psychology and saving the world, one mind at a time."

"That is a good way of looking at it," Wilbur replied. "Speaking of which, I was trying to ask you if you've heard from Pacific Bay yet."

"No, not yet."

"You'll get in," Karena encouraged me. "Those other four schools were fools to reject you. I mean, who cares if you're a mutant? You're smart and beautiful."

"And that's exactly why James is in love with you," Wilbur chimed in. "Some authorities have the choice to follow the mutant law or not. But you're more than a living being, Lily. You are a human being. God just made you special and he thinks you're perfect."

"Karena, is this why you wanted to see me so badly?" I asked fondly. "To comfort me and to cheer me up?"

"That's not the main reason, but I'm happy we're able to help you out despite the circumstances. I actually wanted to ask you if you'd like to be our daughter's godmother."

I blinked a few times, not believing what I just heard. I tried hard to fight back tears, but I was smiling too.

"You want me to be the baby's godmother?"

"Lily, you've always helped me when I'm mentally in trouble," Karena explained. "You stood at my side at my wedding. You've been a bigger help to me than you could possibly imagine. I know you may be moving on in your life, but--"

"Yes!" I replied happily. "Yes, I'd be honored to be her godmother! But what does a godmother do?"

"You're responsible for her baptism and for teaching her about Jesus," Wilbur explained. "Karena and I were talking about it and we decided you were perfect."

"I'm honored!"

Karena started to have another contraction and the three of us coached her through it.

February 2, 2045

At two in the morning, Karena could no longer talk through her contractions and she had moaned loudly. Breathing through her contractions was getting harder for her. Donnie announced that Karena was dilated at eight centimeters, which meant labor had gotten more intense.

Two and a half more hours had passed. Karena just had her most intense contraction yet. She had screamed, squeezing Wilbur's hand to the point where he screamed also.

"Alright, Karena, when I measured your cervix, I felt the baby's head," Donnie explained. "Which means we are ready to deliver this baby."

"Finally!" Karena exclaimed, letting out a huge breath.

"I have this lovely nurse here to help me catch the baby," Donatello continued. "Now when a contraction comes, you are going to tuck your chin into your chest and you're going to push like you're having a bowel movement. Your body will tell you when it's time to push. Helen and I will follow your lead, okay?"

"Okay," Karena replied nervously.

"Now at some point during all of this, I will tell you to stop pushing. Instead of pushing, I want you to breath out. Aumanil can help you with that. Wilbur, be as supportive as you can. Your wife needs it."

"Let's have a baby," Wilbur replied, sounding ready.

Right after, Karena moaned to a contraction and then followed Donnie's instructions to push. She held my hand with her left hand and Wilbur's with her right.

"Karena, don't strain, please," Donnie said. "Stay calm, okay? Now, push again. Give it all you got!"

Karena pushed again, this time looking more calm.

"There you go! Good! One more push like that."

"You're doing amazing, Karr," Wilbur encouraged her.

Karena sank back into her pillow after her push.

"Awesome job, Karena," Donnie encouraged her. "Breathe for a couple minutes and we'll do this again, okay?"

"You are a strong woman, Karena," I encouraged her. "This is gonna be one lucky baby."

"I'm the lucky one," Karena replied with a fatigued voice.

"Are you doing okay?" I asked.

"I'm tired."

"You're in the final stretch, Karena. You are almost there. You can do it!"

Karena moaned as I watched her uterus contract, and then she started pushing again.

"Good job, Karena," Donnie encouraged her. "Do it again."

Karena pushed again. This time, she moaned towards the end.

"Alright, Karena, I can see her head coming out. Give me another strong push."

Karena moaned at the start of her push, and she ended it with a scream.

"IT HURTS!"

"Shh, Karena, it's okay," I tried soothing her as she began to cry and panic. "Everything is alright. Wilbur and I are right here and Donnie's doing everything he can to help you."

"Please, stay calm," Wilbur tried soothing her.

"How am I supposed to stay calm when I'm in PAIN?" Karena yelled.

"Because panicking will only make the delivery more stressful for your daughter," Donatello sternly answered. "You may not believe it right now, but this is your daughter's most stressful moment in her entire life. I need to you stay calm. She's crowning right now, and that is the most painful part of the delivery. I do not want you to push on your next contraction. Just breathe it all out. Listen to Aumanil's voice. I will try to help the baby, okay?"

Karena continued to cry. Wilbur hugged her and she held on to him like her life depended on it.

"Wilbur, I'm scared."

"I know, Karr," he replied softly. "I am, too."

"You're scared? I thought Wilbur Robinson wasn't afraid of anything."

"I've overcome many fears ever since we met. I used to fear punishment a lot. But when I met you, that all changed. I didn't care if I was punished or not. I deserved it. But now, I'm scared of losing you, the most important person in my life, my wife, and the mother of my child. I love you, Karena Michelle. If you died tonight, I'd travel back in time and guarantee your survival."

"You'd do that for me?" Karena asked with a faint smile.

"I'd die for you. I love you so much I'd give my life for you."

I smiled. It reminded me of my dad's love for my mom, and I knew for a fact he'd do the same for her.

Karena grunted suddenly. Another contraction came and her uterus rose in response.

"Breathe out, Karena," I soothed her. "Don't let the pain get to you. Focus on your baby. Focus on your love for her and for Wilbur. Think of everything we've gone through together."

Karena smiled as she started to breathe out. I turned to my left to see Donnie doing everything he can to make sure the baby was delivered smoothly. I turned back to Karena and frowned. Karena just proved to me that she had courage to push through the most painful thing possible. I wondered if I would ever be that courageous someday.

"Great job, Karena!" Donnie said happily. "Please rest. It looks like the contraction has ended."

"Are you okay?" Wilbur asked.

"I think so," Karena replied.

"Aumanil, are you okay?"

I glanced up when I realized Wilbur was talking to me instead of his wife.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" Wilbur asked with a raised eyebrow. "You looked lost in thought."

I shook my head. This night wasn't about me.

"Help Karena deliver your child and then maybe I'll talk to you about it."

"If you're sure," Wilbur replied with a concerned voice.

Karena suddenly yelled out when another contraction came.

"Alright, Karena, let's make these pushes count," Donnie encouraged her. "You have done an amazing job. Let's get this baby out!"

Karena held our hands and pushed with determination.

"Alright, that's the rest of the head," Donnie said. "Helen, let's clean those nostrils and lungs out so she can breathe clearly. I'll hold her head."

Karena pushed again with a moan.

"Good job, Karena. That is her right shoulder. Give me one more strong push."

Karena grunted as she pushed with all her strength.

"HELEN!" Donnie suddenly yelled.

Karena sank back into the pillow and let out some small breaths.

"Was that it?" she asked.

"That was it!" Donnie answered happily. "Wilbur, you're up. Let's cut this umbilical cord off."

"Yay!" I said excitedly as I hugged Karena.

"I feel... so tired!" Karena said with a small laugh.

"Karr, she's absolutely beautiful!" Wilbur said excitedly.

Wilbur walked back to his wife, holding their daughter in his arms. Karena started to laugh and cry at the same time as he handed the baby to her. The baby started to cry and take her first breaths of life.

"I can't believe she's really here," Karena said through her happy tears as she caressed her daughter, who already had a head full of black hair.

I smiled when the baby immediately latched onto her mother. Karena had been an amazing mother all along.

"She looks like you," Karena told her husband.

"She looks like you, too," Wilbur replied with a fond smile. "She's got your nose. Happy birthday, you two."

Karena and I both glanced at him in confusion.

"You know my birthday's in May, right?" I asked.

"Oh, I knew that. Today's Karena's birthday and now we have a baby girl who shares a birthday with her mom."

"This is the best birthday gift ever!" Karena replied sweetly as the baby continued to eat.

"Have you two thought of a name for her?" I asked.

Wilbur and Karena shared a glance and then glanced down at their daughter.

"Diana Evelyn Robinson," Karena announced.

"Welcome to the world, Diana," Wilbur said, kissing his daughter on the head.

I smiled. It was a beautiful name, even more so since she was my goddaughter. I had decided that now was the time to leave the happy family alone. I snuck out of the hospital room, down the elevator, and through the hall back outside. I flew back to my apartment, snuck right into my bedroom, transformed back into Lilianna Hamato, and fell right to sleep.

"Lily. Lily Mae, wake up."

I felt myself shaken awake. I turned to see my dad sitting next to me.

"Oh, hey, Dad. What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to see if you were okay. It was a long night for both of us."

"What time is it?" I asked.

"It's three o'clock in the afternoon."

"THREE?" I yelled, suddenly sitting up. "Crap! I've missed all my classes!"

"Lily, please calm down. I emailed your teachers that you weren't going to make it to class. In fact, I took the day off because I was so tired. I spent the night... well, morning, in the guest room at the Robinsons' house."

I blew a sigh of relief.

"How are Karena, Wilbur, and Diana?" I asked.

"They're all doing great," Dad answered with a smile. "I actually just came from the hospital. Diana weighs exactly eight pounds and she is 20 inches tall. She came a very healthy baby. Karena is recovering fine. Wilbur ended up sleeping next to her in the recovery bed. They should be discharged at some point tonight. Diana's passed all of her tests."

"I still can't believe I'm her godmother," I said out loud, realizing what all had happened since my show last night.

"That is a wonderful role to fulfill," Dad assured me. "But I noticed you snuck out after everything. Are you okay?"

I let out a sigh, not believing that I was about to tell my father my biggest worry.

"Dad, I don't want children. I'm honored that I'm Diana's godmother, don't get me wrong. Just seeing the way Karena delivered her daughter this morning and how happy she and Wilbur are... I don't know if I could ever do that, especially because I'm a mutant."

"Is it your mutation that is preventing you from wanting children or your fears?" Dad asked.

He sat down on the bed next to me.

"I'm gonna be honest with you here. I was scared of having children too. I never thought it would be possible because I'm a mutant of a species that lays eggs. Your mother and I both wanted a child together, but I was scared of what could happen if I ever got your mom pregnant. It turns out, I had nothing to worry about. You grew inside your mother's womb and you came out a healthy baby. Yes, it was clear you were born a mutant, but you were healthy and beautiful. You were worth the risk. Mom and I were so happy when you were born."

Dad paused.

"I think you are suffering from a lack of confidence because you've never really handled a baby before. Being Diana's godmother may give you some advantages. But what does a godmother do?"

"Wilbur explained that a godmother is responsible for someone's spiritual education."

Dad smiled.

"You were praying for God to light your path this past week. This may be another way to serve his purpose for you. Wilbur and Karena probably thought you were perfect for the job, and I agree with them. I see God working through you every day. You have the wisdom you need to pass that knowledge down. And perhaps, this is a test to prove to God that you are capable of being a mother to your own child someday."

"But, Dad--"

He put a finger over my lips.

"Lily, you don't give yourself enough credit. The best trait in a mother is compassion, which comes with nurture. You have been carrying compassion within you ever since you were born. You've helped me and your mom more than you know."

We suddenly heard knocking on the door.

"Who is it?" I yelled.

"It's Justine. You have another letter."

"We'll talk more about this later, alright?" Dad suggested.

I nodded before I got up to answer the door. Justine gave me an amused look, pointing at my blue dress.

"Did you go to sleep in that?" she asked.

"It was a very long night," I explained. "I didn't get home until about five-thirty this morning. I slept through all my classes."

"I hope you're not wearing that to your shows tonight."

"Oh, no. I plan on wearing something else... as soon as I shower."

"Could you open this first?" Justine asked. "It's from Pacific Bay University."

"Let's just get this done and over with," I grumbled.

I took the letter and opened it.

"Miss Lilianna Hamato," I started to read it. "It is our greatest pleasure to congratulate you on your acceptance to our master's in forensic psychology program at Pacific Bay University."

I screamed happily.

"I GOT IN!" I squealed.

Justine and I screamed together.

"You got in?" Dad yelled over us.

"I got in!" I yelled happily.

Dad walked over and embraced me tightly.

"I am so happy for you, Lily Mae."

My smile quickly disappeared, and I blinked a few times.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Lily, I'm just happy you are following your dreams, no matter where in the world you are. I will worry, but I will always love you. You have my blessing."

"Oh, Dad..."

I embraced him again.

"I love you, too."