"Where the shell did he go?".

April wasn't angry. She was furious.

She had been waiting at the meeting place for TWO HOURS now and Casey not only didn't show up, but he didn't even answer his cell phone. It was the fourth time in two months that it had happened, but this time she wasn't going to let him get away with it.

She dialed Donatello's number and waited patiently for the turtle to answer.

- Y-Yes April...! -.

If April's mind hadn't been busy sending a thousand curses at Casey, she surely would have noticed Donatello's slightly nervous tone.

- Hi Donnie! Listen... I have a small favor to ask you -, the girl said in a sweet tone, the usual one she used when she needed the turtle to give her some particular thing; she had told herself several times that since it hadn't worked out between them it wasn't fair to her to ask him anyway in times of need, but each time she justified herself by telling herself that it was an emergency: as with the chemistry and physics homework, or like the time she was left stranded with a flat tire and didn't feel like walking home despite the beautiful day...

- Uhm... April, sorry but... I'm a little busy at the moment... Talk to you later, bye! -, and the line suddenly dropped.

The girl was astonished: Donatello had never refused her anything, no matter how busy he was... what was happening?

She snorted in annoyance, realizing once again that she had to do everything alone.

"I swear if I get my hands on Casey...".

Just then, her cell phone started ringing. And it was Casey.

- Could you tell me where you are? I've been waiting for you for two hours! -.

"Yes, baby doll, I know... forgive me, it's just..."

- NO! No no no, don't "baby doll" me! I don't forgive you at all! And now tell me where you are and I'll come and catch you! -.

"Um... okay. Turn around"

April remained silent, perplexed at Casey's response; finally she turned and what was her surprise when she saw the boy behind her!

However, he was not alone: next to him was a good-looking young man, who looked no more than 20 years old, with tanned skin, almond-shaped eyes of a strange reddish-brown color, and messy bob hair dyed a very bright fluorescent green; he was wearing a plain white t-shirt and freshly laundered light blue jeans, a complete contrast to Casey's grease-stained gray t-shirt and his ripped jeans.

April's anger was briefly put aside as she eyed the new arrival.

- Casey... who's your friend? -.

Richard gave her one of her bewitching smiles, before taking a step forward and offering her a hand to shake: - My name is Richard, my dear. Rich for friends. It's really a pleasure to meet Casey's girlfriend. He often tells me about you and I must say that he wasn't exaggerating when he told me that you are a rare beauty -.

April responded to the handshake and immediately felt a strange sensation, as if she and that boy already knew each other in some way, but his words and his seductive tone were enough to distract her from that feeling.

A feeling that warned her not to trust him...