Hi guys! I promised I'd have the next chapter come to you sooner and I'm fulfilling that promise. Like I said in the last chapter, I did a little time jump, so a year has passed since then. All good things in this chapter with a big surprise for Karena and Wilbur. I hope you like it!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT," "Meet the Robinsons," "Toy Story," nor "Justice League: Unlimited," nor do I own Christina Grimmie's "Little Girl." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, Karena, and Justine.
May 27, 2044 - Todayland, North Montana, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
My junior year of college ended two weeks ago, and it was a good year for me. I spent all of August helping my cousin Ryan move into his dorm. He decided not to have a roommate and I did not blame him for it. Ryan had spent every moment of his spare time meditating with his father Leo on the phone with him. Ever since he had moved to Todayland, Ryan had a lot more respect for his parents and the rest of the family. Ryan and I have studied together over lunch with Wilbur, James, Justine, and Mareena.
Mareena took every opportunity she could to give Ryan a piece of wisdom on how to navigate through life as a college student. She graduated with her bachelor's degree three weeks ago and she revealed she was moving to Pacific Bay, California to do an internship related to her marine biology degree.
As for me and Justine, we started renting an apartment together. We were both very excited at the thought of inviting our fathers to spend time with us in our own home instead of the limited confines of the dormitory. My father did pay me a visit as often as I visited him in his office.
My father's 25th year at Todayland University, in his own words, was amazing. He had received a lot of well wishes from students in the past and in his present, including me and Justine. In fact, Justine had made a dare with my dad at the conclusion of fall semester. She had dared him to sing a song if her class received an average of 85% on an exam. My dad followed through on his part of the deal and belted out "Bombastic Plastic" to the class and Justine videotaped it for me to see. I had eventually sent the video to my mom, who was absolutely in love with his voice. At the strong age of 46, my dad looked and sounded like a teenager when he sang.
Wilbur and James continued on with their studies. At the conclusion of the school year, Wilbur revealed that he was going to be a student teacher for the sixth grade history classes at Todayland Elementary School to complete his college degree next fall. His wife Karena was concluding her third year of teaching at Todayland High School today, attending the graduation of the Class of 2044, which included my youngest cousins, Venus and Athena.
Venus and Athena excelled in their classes this year and Athena was named the valedictorian of her class. Venus, meanwhile, continued to show her exemplary leadership both in the Hamato Clan and in the color guard. Venus was even bold to join the choir at the high school, to Karena's big surprise, and Venus even sang a solo in each concert she participated in. Despite her physiology, she was well-received by the citizens of Todayland just like I was well-received all those years ago for the first time.
I went to Todayland High School with my family tonight to watch Athena and Venus graduate. I felt so proud of them for overcoming any limitations they may have had because of their mutations, despite Athena looking like a total human being. Before we knew it, the band started to play the "Pomp and Circumstance" music, and all of the seniors started to pile in. Athena came first on our side, followed by Venus. Both women wore white graduation gowns and caps. Athena wore a long-sleeved green dress underneath with sparkling green heels while Venus wore a blue dress and blue tennis shoes. When they took their seats, they were holding hands with smiles on their faces.
"And now I'd like to present to you our class valedictorian," Principal Jameson said with a proud smile on his face. "This young lady first served Todayland High School as her class's student representative, working her way up to becoming the president of her class, and she's also the captain of the cheerleading squad. And by coincidence, she is the cousin of the valedictorian of the Class of 2042. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you... Athena Hamato."
Athena and Venus shared a hug before Athena walked up to the stage with a big smile on her face.
"My friends, it has been an absolute pleasure attending Todayland High School with all of you the past four years. And to my family and the families supporting my classmates tonight, thank you for being here and guiding us after all of these years. You have set the bar high for all of us and never gave up on us when we wanted to give up ourselves. High school is, perhaps, the biggest trial of childhood. We change the most in high school. We go through changes in our personality because we're physically changing, and so we learn to adapt again. And throughout the midst of all this change, we walk through the halls of this school to prepare for adulthood, whether we want to go to college or to get a job right out of high school. We spent countless hours of studying to prepare ourselves to take all of these tests that we don't have to worry about counting towards our final grades. My friends, we can all take a deep breath: we made it here tonight.
"But what is a journey in high school without some fun?" Athena continued. "After my cousin graduated high school in 2042, our cheerleading squad continued to be the best squad in the state of North Montana!"
The cheerleaders cheered and I smiled, proud of them because I had cheered with them before.
"In fact, we've continued to prove that we are the best place to be because we've never quit. We've always moved forward, following Todayland's motto. Athletes, musicians, and scholars, you should all be proud of yourselves. And from what I'm seeing, that is every single one of you!"
The entire graduating class cheered.
"We have had a lot of fun times together that included pie sales, talent shows, our jazz shows that featured our very own Venus singing a jazzy tune just last week."
The graduating class clapped as Venus stood up and took a bow.
"We certainly cannot forget throwing pies at Principal Jameson for meeting our pie sale goal."
There was a mixture of cheers and laughter throughout the auditorium.
"And then celebrating our homecomings together through dancing and song, and our proms were the best night of our lives for some of us. All of this make up what is called the atmosphere of high school, and I am proud to be a part of it. Class of 2044, we are finally here after four long years, we are graduating, we are going our separate ways, and I'm going to miss all of you. Booyakasha!"
"BOOYAKASHA!" the graduating class repeated before cheering wildly.
"That's my girl," Uncle Mikey fondly said behind me as he clapped.
The chorus then sang a song before the presentation of diplomas. Athena and Venus were both in the third row, so they did not have to wait long.
"Second row, you may be seated," the class secretary announced. "Third row, please stand."
Athena and Venus stood up and slowly started to make their way to the stage to retrieve their diplomas. Eventually, Athena was outside the row and she started to make her way to the stage.
"Athena Shea Hamato."
"BOOYAKASHA!" Uncle Mikey and Auntie Renet yelled from their seats.
Once Athena reached the stage, she turned around and gave us two thumbs up. She then turned back around to retrieve her diploma.
"Venus de Milo Hamato."
"YEAH!" Uncle Raph and Auntie Mona yelled from their seats. "That's our girl!"
Venus walked up the stairs, retrieved her diploma, and then met up with Athena at the end before they walked back to their seats together. It took about ten more minutes before everybody had received their diplomas, and then the class secretary received hers. Then, Principal Jameson returned to the podium.
"Graduates, please stand."
Athena and Venus stood up with their classmates.
"It is my pleasure to present to you the Todayland High School graduating Class of 2044."
I cheered wildly with the rest of the spectators witnessing this event. Athena and Venus held hands again and smiled, looking out at us. Then, all too soon, they walked out of the gymnasium and into the auditorium with the teachers following them. My family and I walked down to the floor to eventually greet Athena and Venus. But they hadn't shown up in a while. I also noticed Karena, one of the teachers, was not in the crowd.
"I'm going to try to find Karena," I told my dad. "I'll be right back."
I snuck out of the gymnasium and into the girls' locker room where I took off my brown contacts, revealing my blue eyes. Then I tried to telepathically find Karena.
"What is wrong with me?" I heard Karena's mind asking herself. "I was fine just this morning."
Karena was in the women's bathroom. I hurried in there, worried that something was wrong.
"Karena, are you in here?" I asked. "It's Lily."
"Oh! Lily!"
I heard Karena puking in one of the stalls. I ran over to the stall she was in.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'll be fine!" Karena snapped. "Go find Venus and Athena and congratulate them or something."
"Not until I know for sure you're okay," I shot back. "Something is wrong, otherwise you wouldn't be in here puking. Why are you here anyway if you're sick?"
"That's the thing: I'm not sick. I don't have a fever. At first I thought it was food poisoning. But I've puked every day this week. And I have a feeling it's not going to go away any time soon. The funny thing is, I was fine all day until the graduation ceremony. Once the band started playing their music, I felt nauseous."
"Hmm..."
I pondered this information.
"Maybe you were feeling nervous about this?" I asked.
"No. This is my third graduation I've worked. I didn't feel nervous tonight."
"Do you have any other symptoms?"
"I feel more tired than normal, and I've slept in every day this week. Wilbur had to push me off the bed so that I could get to breakfast on time."
"And you were cranky just now."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Karena said with guilt in her green eyes. "I hate being sick... or feeling sick, at least. Franny and I both agreed that I'm not actually sick."
Karena smiled.
"Lily, please go back to your family. I promise I'm fine."
I nodded with a small smile, put my brown contacts back on, and walked out to meet my family in the gym. Athena and Venus were all smiles when I approached them.
"Lily!" both of them squealed excitedly. "You're here!"
I hugged both of them.
"Yes, congratulations!" I replied happily. "I'm so excited we get to go to school for one more year together!"
"Being roommates with Athena would be an exciting thing," Venus replied. "I hope it happens."
"Let's get some pictures!" Uncle Mikey chimed in with his camera.
Venus and Athena had their pictures taken with their families and I even participated in them. But I still felt uneasy about Karena. I approached my dad, took his hand, and I led him outside.
"Lily, is everything okay?" he asked me.
"Dad, I know Karena's not your patient, but would you please check on her tomorrow? I think something is wrong."
"Now that I think about it, I did stop by to say hi to her, but she wasn't her normal self," Dad replied. "It seemed like something was bothering her and she said she was nervous."
"What was she nervous about?" I asked. "Because Karena told me she wasn't nervous."
"Really?"
I nodded to my dad's skeptical look.
"Let me talk to Wilbur first," Dad said. "If his story matches ours, then I'll talk to Karena."
May 28, 2044
WILBUR'S POV
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me before you go to work," Donatello said with a smile as we sat down on my bed.
"Sure! What did you wanna talk about?"
"It's about your wife."
I immediately freaked out.
"Is Karena okay?!"
"Relax, she's fine," Donnie answered before a pause. "At least, she's fine as far as I'm aware. Wilbur, Lily met up with her last night at her cousins' graduation and Karena was puking. Lily's very worried about her. Since you're her husband, you must know the most about what she does. Have you noticed anything peculiar or unusual this past week?"
"Actually, yes," I answered with a frown. "Either I wake up to her still asleep or I'll wake up and discover Karena throwing up. She hasn't been herself. She's very worried that something is wrong but she doesn't know what it is."
"Have you noticed any changes in her appetite?"
"One minute she's throwing up and the next she's eating like a normal person, and she's been eating more than normal... but not by much."
"Has she lashed out at you or cried for no reason?" Donnie asked.
"Both. She'll lash out one minute because I'm sitting down trying to relax and the next she'll cry because she felt guilty for yelling at me. But she's more moody when she's crying."
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to know what's wrong with my wife.
"What do you think is going on, Donnie? Will Karena be okay?"
"Hmm... your story does match Lily's," Donnie answered, his three-fingered hand on his chin. "Where's Karena at right now?"
"I'd check the music room. Karena and my mom hang out quite often in there."
Donnie smiled.
"Thank you, Wilbur. I'm going to go examine her and I'll let you know what I find."
"Thanks, Donnie."
KARENA'S POV
I sat at the table after not having breakfast. I felt miserable and excited at the same time. I was excited because Wilbur told me Donnie was coming over to see us. I was hoping Donnie would solve this mystery once and for all.
"Hey, Karena."
I turned around to see Donnie, wearing his purple mask and white lab coat, walking into the music room with his medicine bag.
"Thank you for coming, Donnie," I said with a smile. "I feel really bad about what I said to Lily last night. Is she okay?"
"Oh, don't worry about it!" he assured me. "The entire night was spent celebrating Athena and Venus. Trust me, we were well occupied, but Lily was worried about you. And that's why I'm here. If my daughter says something is wrong, then something is wrong. I want to give you an examination, if that's okay."
"Okay, but could we go in the train room? The lighting is the best in there."
"Sure."
I led my friend out of the music room, into the dining room, and up the travel tube to the spacious train room. I led Donnie up the stairs and to the couch where I laid down.
"Oh, I don't want you lying down yet," Donnie assured me. "Please sit up."
I sat up as he took out his stethoscope and listened to my heart.
"Hmm... your heartbeat is normal. Just a little bit fast, but it's nothing to worry about."
Donnie then felt my head and took my temperature.
"No fever," he said. "Wilbur and Lily both told me you have nausea and mood swings. How's your appetite this morning?"
"None," I answered sadly. "I didn't eat. I felt nauseous right when the coffee was brought out."
"Coffee?"
"Yes. The smell make me gag."
Donnie pondered this information and asked me another question.
"When was your last menstrual period?"
I had to think for a moment. Now that it was mentioned, I realized I was a week late.
"Back in April," I said, letting out a small gasp. "Donnie--"
"What days in April?"
"April 22nd was the first day."
"And have you felt nervous the past couple weeks? Has anything out of the ordinary happened? I know a death in the family can impact a woman's monthly cycle."
"No!" I exclaimed. "Nothing like that! I haven't felt nervous at all, actually. I have felt more... sexually attractive though, if that makes sense."
"Yes, it does. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to take some blood and examine it."
"What do you want me to do in the meantime?" I asked.
"I want you to rest," Donnie answered. "This blood should not take me too long to analyze. Would you like me to come back with the results or would you like me to call you?"
"Donnie, I love seeing you over. You may come back."
"Okay, I will be back in a few hours."
North Hampton, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
I did my very last lab test in the barn before it was time to move all of my supplies back to the lair. This past year had felt so surreal ever since April and I flew back home from our wonderful second honeymoon in Hawaii.
April and I started moving things around right away in July. The living room was easy. We made the space more open by moving the couches closer to the walls and bringing April's old television back, placing it in one corner of the room. In December, we had put our Christmas tree on the opposite corner next to the fireplace. When Lily came home for the holidays, she mentioned she had enjoyed the space so much more.
When school started in late August, I built the dance floor and ceremony site outside next to the barn. At first, it was just the floor. But then I realized while the scene of the supposed wedding ceremony would be beautiful with the house behind the crowd, I imagined a more special place for all the couples getting married. After paying quite a few visits to Dimension X, I turned the dance floor into a crystallized chapel with stained glass windows that April and Raph helped me design.
During the winter, I had built chairs for the guests to sit in, and I also built a stage inside the chapel, both for the wedding ceremony and for the DJ to set up his or her station for the day. The chairs were easy to do in the dining room. I also found a way to insert a heating and air conditioning system inside the chapel so that the guests and wedding party would be comfortable. Lily had called the chapel one of the best works I had ever done, and I very much agreed with her. I had created many masterpieces throughout my life: Metalhead, the Shellraiser, and retro-mutagen to name a few, but the chapel was definitely up in my top accomplishments.
The spring season was spent... well, spring cleaning. April and I had moved most of our belongings back into the lair, and when we finished that, we rearranged our bedroom and Lily's room to transform them into the bridal suite and groom suite respectively. I had also made the beds part of the wall. If the bride and groom needed to sleep here, all they had to do was pull the bed down from the wall. This had turned out to be very convenient for me and April, and especially for Lily when she spent her spring break here. In fact, Lily had asked me why I didn't do that earlier in her life because she would have bragged about it to her friends.
I also remodeled the bathroom and removed the picture that defined the best day of my life: the day my Lily Mae came into the world. Mikey had taken that picture when Raph had handed Lily back to April. I was on the right side of the tub as April lifted our daughter into the air with a big smile on her face. I had a proud grin on my face as I had gazed up at her. I had smiled at the picture and then at the newly remodeled bathroom that now featured four sinks and four mirrors. The bathtub and toilet remained in their places, though there was now a changing station next to the bathtub.
And finally, I spent the past three weeks after the conclusion of my 25th year of teaching rearranging the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen remained the same for the most part, but the French doors leading to the dining room were now gone; they were now part of the chapel. The dining room became an extension of the kitchen, and April and I decided that Athena would probably bake the cake there. When she wouldn't be baking the cake, Mikey and Karai would be placing their meals on the table, preparing all the dishes to be served to the guests.
The very last thing I needed to do was to move my stuff out of the barn and to place tables and chairs inside the barn as both part of the reception area and as a storage area. April had created fairy lights and put them all over the backyard where there were trees to serve as the reception area. I had built big tents in case it would rain.
But today, I was analyzing Karena's blood. Her story, along with Wilbur's and Lily's stories, prompted me to believe she was expecting. It was how I found out about Lily, after all. Suddenly, I heard knocking, and I turned to find April at the door.
"Hey, D. I thought you were packing all of this up."
"I will. Something's come up."
"What's going on?" my red-haired wife asked me, walking over to me and hugging me from behind.
"Karena's been showing symptoms, so I'm analyzing this blood to see if my diagnosis is correct."
"What diagnosis?"
I turned and smiled at her.
"Pregnancy. But don't tell her that. I didn't even tell her that I was thinking she's pregnant. But she did realize she was late, so she may know already."
"Well, do you need help with anything?" April offered. "What all do you not need in here?"
"Pretty much everything. Is Lily here?"
"Yeah! I'll see if I can get her to help me."
April and I shared a quick kiss before she left the barn and I continued to examine Karena's blood through the microscope. At a closer look, I found human chorionic gonadotropins in her blood. I now carried an excited grin on my face, now feeling one hundred percent confident about my diagnosis.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
KARENA'S POV
After Donnie left to analyze my blood, I went to the store to get a pregnancy test. I quickly returned home and took the test. Thankfully, Wilbur had already left for work, so I didn't have to worry about telling him anything. When I had returned to the bathroom an hour later, I immediately felt shock and surprise: the test was positive.
But I kept quiet, knowing Donnie could come up with a different result in the blood test. On the other hand, I was feeling better emotionally, knowing that I was going to find an answer today, whether it was pregnancy or not. I was able to eat two pieces of toast and not throw it back up.
Later this afternoon, Donnie returned and met up with me in the music room.
"Thank you for being patient with me, Karena," Donnie said with a smile.
"Thank you for helping me," I replied. "And I found something I think you'll find interesting."
"Oh? What's what?"
"I took a pregnancy test shortly after you left and I tested positive."
I suddenly felt nervous, afraid of what Donnie was going to say next.
"Oh! Well, I'm actually glad that I have a witness to back up my results, because..."
Donnie held my hands like he was my father and gave me a fond smile.
"Karena, I found human chorionic gonadotropins in your blood. You are, indeed, pregnant. You're going to have a baby."
My mouth gapped open. This was really happening. Wilbur and I were going to be parents. I let out a scoff, not believing that it was happening, but Donnie let out a gentle laugh, still maintaining his kind gap-toothed smile. That assured me it was okay and it was a very big moment. I started crying and laughing at the same time, placing my left hand on my abdomen while still holding Donnie's hand with my right one.
"I... I don't know what to say," I finally spoke.
"You don't need to say anything," Donnie assured me. "Take your time. And don't worry about telling Wilbur today. Just rest and take it in. Pray about it."
I hugged Donnie right then, knowing that he had experienced pregnancy before with April and he could give me all kinds of advice. He hugged me back and I felt confident I was in good hands.
May 29, 2044 - Elkhorn, Oklahoma, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"YAH!"
Justine and I took off on Bullseye and Morwen for a morning ride in Oklahoma. It was a little hot in southeastern Oklahoma, but it was still a gorgeous morning for a horse ride. Justine had promised me an Oklahoman adventure for my 20th birthday and I couldn't turn her down. Ever since I rode Morwen to the Oklahoma City National Memorial over a year ago, I had very much enjoyed riding a horse and took every opportunity I had to ride mine. The Prides had taken great care of Morwen, and Morwen had even taken a liking to Woody now.
Justine and I rode southeast. Every horse ride was mysterious because I had no idea where we were going, which also made it very enjoyable. Like our trip to Oklahoma City, it was a two-hour ride with a water stop on the way. We entered a town called Broken Bow and continued riding until we came to a place called Beavers Bend State Park.
Every minute afterward impressed me and I silently praised God for its beauty. Justine and I rode alongside the Mountain Fork River and admired all the trees, flowers, and wildlife that made their habitat here. We eventually approached the most beautiful bridge I had ever seen and then we rode toward Broken Bow Lake to admire the view of the mountains.
"Wow," I breathed in awe. "How did you find this place?"
"My family and I actually spent a week here last summer," Justine explained. "We enjoyed it so much we now made it a tradition to visit here for one week every summer."
"Justine, it is so wonderful to hear you and your family have moved forward and are getting along again," I replied with a big grin.
"Yeah," Justine said with a smile. "In a way, it was God that put you and your dad in my life to resolve this conflict. So, thank you. And I know you love nature, so I figured I'd give you an adventure here for your birthday."
"My mom would absolutely love it here!" I replied. "This is a view only God could create."
"Amen!"
"Now, let's go fishing!"
I laughed.
"Justine, what are we going to do, fish with our bare hands?"
Justine smacked her forehead and I laughed harder.
"No, we're not bears, Miss I-See-A-Pun-And-I-Can't-Help-It," Justine replied with sass, suddenly taking out two fishing poles. "We are going to use these! Do you know how?"
"Yes! My mom taught me how to fish."
"Seriously? I would have thought it would be your dad teaching you."
"The genius turtle who always has his hands on technology?" I replied with a raised eyebrow. "My dad can't even hunt for deer!"
"So there is something your dad is afraid of! With the way he taught in the classroom, he always looked like he wasn't afraid of anything!"
"Ironically, his worst fear is death by monkeys... and by live dissection."
"Wait, seriously?"
"Yeah, both are long stories. Now, come on! Let's fish!"
Justine and I tossed our lines into the water and we waited patiently.
"So what's with the death by monkeys scenario?" Justine asked. "What happened? I thought it was just a playback memory from Andy."
"My parents took a trip to a doctor's office when they discovered that doctor going missing. They suddenly encountered a mutant psychic monkey who hurt the shell out of my dad. My dad was in a lot of pain that night. Although ever since officially meeting Dr. Rockwell, his monkey fears subsided. He has PTSD from his near-death experience with live dissection. An Italian mob boss who is known for his gluttony tried to dissect my dad and a mutant friend alive to see what makes them tick. It scared my dad so much he actually had a grudge against Vizioso and almost killed him. Now every time this is brought up, he cries and runs away."
"Dang," Justine replied. "I hope that mobster is in jail."
"My mom made sure of it at his trial. She was a key witness because my dad told her everything, plus she was his representative since mutants were not recognized at the time. He's in jail for 30 years."
"Good."
I suddenly felt jerking.
"Oh!" I exclaimed. "I caught a fish!"
"Quick!" Justine exclaimed excitedly. "Reel it in!"
I reeled in a fish and I caught a decent-sized bass.
"Look at you go, Lily! This isn't your first fish, is it?"
"No, but it's only my second. I caught the first with my mom. I held it up and smiled as she took a picture. I'll have to show you sometime. I looked pretty cute with my little gap in my teeth and my freckles and my pigtails."
"I had freckles too!" Justine said excitedly. "But my blonde hair was in two braids. I've enjoyed horses my whole life. But quick! Let's put that bass in my frozen bag!"
"How did you get a frozen bag?" I asked.
"One, it gets hot during the summers of Oklahoma, so this bag is a great way for me to stay cool. Two, you gotta have it for the fish! Now let's see if we can catch enough for my folks back home."
After Justine and I caught our fair share of fish, we rode around the state park some more, even across the bridge we passed before. Then we went to Justine's home in Elkhorn and gave the fish to her mom. While Bo was cooking the fish for lunch and dinner, I received a text from Karena.
"Hey, Lily, I wanna thank you for caring for me the other night. Would you have time to meet me at the Cheesecake Factory here in Todayland? It'll be my treat."
After I said goodbye to Justine and her mom, I took the portal to Todayland.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
"Hey, Karena!"
I waved as she turned around with a big smile on her face. We hugged each other once we met up.
"It's so good to see you, Lily," Karena greeted me. "Shall we go inside?"
"Sure! I'm starved! Bo was cooking fish when you texted me."
"You were in Oklahoma?"
"Yeah, Justine took me to Broken Bow to start my birthday off."
"It's your birthday?" Karena asked with a gasp. "Goodness, I totally forgot! Good thing we're here though, right?"
"Sure!"
We took our seats.
"Are you old enough for wine yet?" Karena asked.
"No, I'm not. But I'm one year closer!"
"Bummer. I hope you'll plan something big for your 21st birthday."
"Well, I'll be graduating college next year," I explained with my gap-toothed grin. "So that's one day of plans."
"What do you plan to do afterwards?"
"I want to go the distance. I want to be a criminal psychologist, so I want to do research and see where the best programs are for that. I got told Grand Canyon University in Arizona has a good program."
"You do you, Lily."
We ordered our food and drinks. Karena simply ordered a Sprite while I ordered a fruit smoothie.
"So how are you feeling today?" I asked. "Any better?"
"So far, so good. But now I know there's a reason why I'm feeling this way."
Karena started to talk quietly.
"Your dad paid me a visit and performed an examination on me. He took my blood. During the time, I realized my period was late. So while he analyzed my blood, I took a pregnancy test."
I let out a loud gasp and covered my mouth. Was Karena about to say what I thought she was going to say?
"You're going to have a baby?" I asked with a teary smile.
"Yes!" Karena squealed excitedly.
We both screamed excitedly and embraced each other.
"That is wonderful news!" I said excitedly.
"But there's one catch," Karena replied, her smile completely going away as fast as it came. "I don't know how or when to tell Wilbur."
"Wilbur doesn't know?" I asked with a shocked voice.
"No. That's the real reason why I called you here. I know your dad told me to relax and give it to God, but I'm too excited to keep quiet. What should I do?"
"Well, don't wait the entire nine months! Wilbur gets suspicious pretty quickly. If you don't tell him now, then he's going to know something is up when you start showing off your baby bump. If you're so excited that you can't hide it, then tell him tonight."
"But it's too early!" Karena whined.
I growled.
"Please make up your mind," I grumbled. "What if--"
I was interrupted by a text.
"Speak of the devil. It's Wilbur."
"What does he want?" Karena asked.
"He wants to talk to me at Futureburgers during his break. Let me text him back real quick."
"Hey, Wilbur. I'm sorry. I can't make it right now. I'm enjoying lunch with Karena. Maybe later? Because I need to talk to you, too."
Just as quickly as I set my phone down, it buzzed. Wilbur texted me again.
"Sure! I get off at six tonight. Did you want to meet at the Cheesecake Factory? I know it's your birthday today. Speaking of which, happy birthday!"
I chuckled at his text and I sent him a reply.
"Thank you! I'm actually at the Cheesecake Factory right now with Karena. She's paying for my meal."
I didn't bother putting my phone down this time because he was prompt at replying. Just like that, he sent another text.
"Well that was sweet of her! Hmm... I do want to do something special for your birthday. Why don't you come over to our place? My family will want to throw you a party of some kind."
I smiled. It's been a while since I've been to Wilbur's house. I texted him back.
"I'd love to! Funny thing: my family's planning a party for me too. I'm supposed to be back in the lair tonight but they didn't tell me when. I'm gonna gain ten pounds just from everyone treating me to food today!"
After a minute, Wilbur sent a reply.
"LOL! I hear that! Okay, I'll let my family know you'll be over at seven. Is that okay?"
"Seven is fine! See you then!"
I finally put my phone in my purse and I blew a sigh.
"So much for asking Wilbur what he likes," I said, putting my elbow on the table and my fist under my chin. "He's going to tell your family to plan something for my birthday at seven. It sounds like we're going to do most of the planning."
Karena's face suddenly lit up.
"Lily, do you know any songs related to having a baby?" she asked me.
"Not about having a baby, but Christina Grimmie made a song for her mother regarding stuff she was told as a kid. It's a beautiful song about the comfort of a mother's love."
"What if we gave Wilbur a private performance?" Karena asked with a smirk. "I'll play the piano."
"No, I'll play the piano and sing the song. You just relax with Wilbur and enjoy the show."
WILBUR'S POV
I waited in the garage for Lily to arrive. I heard the door open. I turned around with a smile on my face when I saw not Lily, but my wife entering the garage.
She looked absolutely beautiful tonight. Her long brown hair was tied up in a hair tie and it was in curls. She wore a pink dress with sleeves down to her elbows and she wore the pink flats to match. She also wore a pink ribbon around her neck.
"Karr, you look stunning," I complimented her before looking down at my signature outfit. "As always, I feel underdressed."
"You should go change, too," Karena replied. "We are throwing a party for Lily, after all."
"That is true."
I gave her a firm nod and a proud smile.
"Okay! I will go find something else to wear."
I went up the travel tube into my room and went into the closet to find a shirt. I was determined to leave my jeans on, but then I found a baby blue shirt that I really liked. I put it on and buttoned it up. I decided to comb my cowlick also in case it was messed up from me taking my T-shirt off.
I took the travel tube back into the garage and met back up with my wife.
"You look handsome, Wilbur," Karena complimented me with a smile.
"Thank you, ma'am," I replied, giving her a salute.
Karena giggled.
"I don't think it's going to do any good if we just stand here waiting for her," she said. "Let's go to the dining room."
"Okay, let me send her a text at least."
I took out my phone and texted Lily.
"Hey, sis. We'll be in the dining room when you're ready."
I followed Karena up the travel tube and met up with the rest of the family in the dining room.
"Surprise!" My entire family yelled excitedly.
"Oh, wait a minute, folks," Mom said with sheepish laughter. "It's just Wilbur and Karena."
"I told Lily to meet us here," I explained. "She shouldn't be too long."
In a short amount of time, Lily showed up at the door. She wore a purple dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves with half of her red hair up in a braid. She continued to wear her promise ring that James got her last year. She wore purple sneakers to match the dress.
"Surprise!" we all shouted excitedly.
"How old are ya, Lily?" Grandpa asked with a toothless smile.
"Twenty!" Lily answered excitedly. "I am no longer a teen!"
"Well, we've got chocolate cherry cake and cherry vanilla ice cream ready for all of you!" Grandma announced. "Carl?"
"Dessert is served!" Carl announced happily.
"Wait, what about dinner?" Lily asked.
"We had it already," Karena explained. "But I'm sure Wilbur would like to join you when the Hamato Clan throws their party for you. I heard Mikey's making his famous pineapple pizzas for her."
"I'm not surprised at all," Lily replied with a playful smirk.
I smacked my head and Karena laughed sheepishly.
"It was supposed to be a secret, wasn't it?" Uncle Art asked.
"Yes," I answered. "Good job, Karr."
"Oops," Karena replied sheepishly.
"Just do what I do when I discover a secret," Aunt Billie suggested. "Pretend you didn't know about it and then act surprised."
"Oh, I do that all the time, too," Mom replied.
"What fun is it being a party-pooper?" Aunt Billie asked with a smile.
The cake and ice cream, made in honor of Lily, was absolutely delicious. I could tell my grandma made the cake with cherry-flavored Coca-Cola. Lily really enjoyed catching up with my family, talking about a variety of things with each member.
"Okay!" Lily suddenly yelled. "Thank you everyone for celebrating my birthday with me! This has been an amazing day! But I want to do one more thing before I go back to New York. Wilbur, Karena, would you come to the music room with me?"
I smirked, somehow knowing that Lily was going to sing a song. Karena and I followed Lily into the music room, and I felt my entire family following us. Karena and I sat down at the table on the right while my parents sat at the table on the left. The rest of the family took the travel tubes up to the second level and sat at those chairs.
"Thank you for joining me here tonight," Lily said with a smile. "I would like to perform a very special song for the people who have helped me settle here in Todayland all those years ago."
Lily started to play a song on the piano and vocalized softly.
"Little girl, don't you cry," Lily sang gently with a smile on her face. "Everything will be alright. Little girl, open your eyes. The sun will shine after tonight. Little girl, I got you. In my arms is nothing new. Come out of your shell. Listen to me tell you."
I smiled, knowing that Lily would be an amazing mother someday. Her voice is a gift that only God could give. I took a glance over at Karena, whose right hand was on her stomach.
"Little girl, I'm here to say, don't run away, oh! Little girl, I know you're scared. The things you bear, so let me tell you you're okay, that you're in my arms to stay, little girl."
Lily glanced at us for a moment as she vocalized before singing the next verse.
"Little girl, wipe your tears. Darkness, rain, don't have to fear. Little girl, clear your mind and think of my love this time. Did you say, it's no longer day? The night has fallen, lost your way. Little girl, the moon is gone. The sky is late... with dawn. Hey... little girl, I'm here to say, don't run away, oh! Little girl, I know you're scared. The things you bear, so let me tell you you're okay, that you're in my arms to... STAY!"
Lily belted out the word stay as my family cheered above us. As she vocalized again, Lily gave us another glance, this time with a nod. I sensed she was giving us some sort of message, but I could not understand it.
"The walls I built protect me for only so long. Hope I'm upheld. You tell me I'm strong!"
Lily belted out the word strong. When she started to sing the chorus one last time in a different key, I heard my wife singing along.
"Little girl, I'm here to say, don't run away. Oh, little girl! I know you're scared. The things you bear! So let me tell you you're okay, that you're in my arms to..."
"Wilbur," Karena suddenly whispered in my ear. "We're pregnant."
"Stay."
Lily sung this word for the longest time possible, her voice never wavering.
"Yes, you are!" Lily sang.
I suddenly realized what Karena just said as Lily vocalized to finish the song. I finally realized it was the song itself that was a message.
"Did you say... you're pregnant?" I asked her with a surprised voice.
Karena nodded excitedly with a big grin.
"I was worried you weren't going to figure it out!" she said with a laugh.
"We're gonna have a baby?" I asked with a big smile on my face.
"Yes!"
I couldn't help but lift my wife into the air, and we both laughed with joy.
"Did Wilbur figure it out?" Lily loudly asked.
"Yes, he did!" Karena answered as I set her down.
"Figure what out?" Mom asked from above.
I could not help but lift Karena's hand up in the air.
"We're gonna have a baby!" I shouted excitedly, like the whole world was listening.
My entire family cheered. I glanced back at Lily, who simply clapped with a gentle smile on her face. I mouthed thank you to her, and she simply curtsied in response. We were suddenly surrounded by family asking us a swarm of questions.
"I knew something was up when you two wore those colors," Mom happily said while teasingly pointing a finger at us.
"Mine wasn't planned, I swear!" I replied, holding my hands up in the air. "Karena just said I should dress nicely for Lily's birthday."
I glanced back to see her, but she was gone. I chuckled, knowing she had her ways with her being a kunoichi. I went back to answering questions about the new baby with Karena.
DONATELLO'S POV
"It's already nine o'clock!" Mikey whined. "When is Lily going to be back?"
"Relax, Mikey," I told my little brother. "She'll be back soon."
"The party was supposed to be three hours ago!" Raph complained. "Why isn't she here yet?"
"The Robinsons wanted to throw her a party too," April explained. "Lily can't be in two places at once."
"And besides, Karena knows Lily has to be back here," I chimed in. "Lily's been everywhere today. She went to Oklahoma with Justine and then she spent time with Karena in Todayland."
"But we're her family!" Athena angrily replied.
"Yes, dear, you're right," Renet told her daughter. "But Lily's also an adult, just like you and Venus are now adults. It's Lily's choice on who she wants to spend time with."
"If Lily was my daughter, I'd tell her to be back home no later than six."
It was time for me to intervene. I didn't like Athena's tone one bit.
"Hey, Athena, listen, that is good parenting for if your daughter is a young girl," I explained. "But Lily is not a young girl anymore. She is a young woman. If you ever have a child who has grown up to become an adult and you're still treating him or her as if he or she is a kid, then they are going to rebel. Now, I know Lily. She's my daughter. She probably has a good reason to stay in Todayland this long."
Athena's face suddenly lit up.
"Is it James?"
"No, she saw James earlier today. She's with the Robinsons now. But Athena, listen. The way you spoke about Lily hurt my feelings. I felt offended about my parenting because of the tone you took. I made a promise the day she was born that I would raise her to be an independent woman. You will find, Athena, that life happens. Unplanned things happen all the time. I have taught Lily to communicate if plans end up changing. She had already texted me and Aunt April that she was going to be late but she would still be back before the night ends."
"And I'm here to keep that promise," Lily suddenly announced.
We all gasped and carried smiles on our faces.
"SURPRISE!" we all yelled.
"Happy birthday, Lilianna," Leo said with a smile.
"Oh my gosh!" Lily exclaimed happily. "This is so exciting! I wasn't expecting any of this!"
Something was off with Lily's delivery. I turned towards my wife.
"She knew it was a surprise?" I asked.
"Yep," April confirmed me. "She knew."
"Mind-reading?"
"She's still wearing her brown contacts," April explained. "We told Karena and I think she must have gotten so excited that she blabbed to Lily."
"So what took you so long?" Raph asked.
"I love you too, Uncle Raph," Lily replied and we all laughed. "I had to help Karena surprise Wilbur with some big news. That's why I'm late. But it was worth it. That was the best birthday gift for me."
"What kind of news was it?" Mona Lisa asked.
"Wilbur and Karena are having a baby," Lily announced.
Everyone clapped and Mikey and Renet cheered.
"Donnie, did you know about this?" Leo asked.
"Yep, we knew," April answered as if she knew everything.
"Well, enough talk!" Mikey announced. "Let's have some pineapple pizza!"
After we all grabbed our slices, Lily walked up to us with a smile on her face.
"Thank you both for planning this," Lily told us. "I had a great birthday."
"I can't believe you are now twenty," I replied, flabbergasted. "Where did all this time go?"
The three of us laughed.
"It only seemed like yesterday I graduated high school," Lily replied. "And now all four of us are adults, even though Athena and Venus have been adults since last fall."
"I heard you went to Oklahoma, also," April said with a grin. "I want to hear everything that happened."
"It was the best day!" Lily explained happily. "I took the portal to Oklahoma and Justine and I took Bullseye and Morwen to this amazing place called Beavers Bend State Park. Oh! It was so beautiful! God was everywhere today."
April and I could only smile as Lily continued her story about her 20th birthday. Lily had many blessings today, but she was still our biggest blessing to have come to us twenty years ago today.