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Waiting For You	By : MysticMewtwo Category: Comics > Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Views: 7074 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Hey, everyone. I’ve got another chapter for you, and again it didn’t take too long. I would’ve gotten it done sooner, but I had some stuff happen in my life, such as moving back to my parents’ because I couldn’t stand living with my roommate any longer. Three months isn’t so bad though. Hope you enjoy.

Hidden Boundaries
Chapter Eight

April was aroused early the next morning by something strange. Her attention was immediately drawn to the air to the smell of cooking. The scent of pancakes and fried bacon wafted around her and throughout the small apartment. This discovery left her dumbfounded. Who in the world could be making breakfast?

Her first instinct was to panic, but then a thought hit her, and she soon relaxed, even smiling a little. It must be Casey. He probably came over to have breakfast with her. He did have a key she’d given him to enter the store and the apartment if he wished. However, he could’ve at least had the courtesy to have called first.

“Casey Jones,” she sighed, as she shook her head.

Although the tone of her voice suggested she was annoyed by his abrupt visit, she really wasn’t. Despite the rough beginning to their relationship, she and the vigilante were growing steadily closer each day. They still fought every now and then, mostly over silly stuff, but they would usually make up by the end of the day. He really was a sweetheart, even if sometimes he was a bit of a dunderhead.

She sat up, pushing the covers back in the process. She got out of bed, pausing momentarily to slide her feet into a pair of fuzzy pink slippers at the side, and walked to the closet to grab her robe. She pulled it on, and then stepped out of her room. She noticed something strange as she padded the short distance to the kitchen. The customary slight burnt aroma that usually accompanied Casey’s cooking was missing. That was certainly odd.

She was greeted with two more strange and surprising discoveries when she reached the kitchen. The table was set not with the normal paper plates and plastic cutlery Casey used to save from doing dishes, but real china and silverware complete with glasses. The napkins were carefully folded and creased at the side of each plate, and the silverware laid neatly on them. April noticed this wasn’t typically his style either.

There were two places set, but a third one had also been added as an afterthought it seemed. Why, she couldn’t figure out, unless he thought Alisa would be joining them. On a covered platter in the middle of the table sat a stack of fluffy, golden brown pancakes and crisp, tender bacon. They appeared to be cooked to near perfection; not a single burnt or charred area to be seen.

As April studied the spread before her, however, there seemed to be something missing, and she realized with a shock what it was. The blue denim backpack Leo had brought with him last night she’d set on the table to give to Alisa in the morning was gone. Even more confounding was there was no sign of the vigilante anywhere, giving her the final conclusion he was never here. So Casey couldn’t have made breakfast, but then who did?

The injured young woman certainly couldn’t have had. Or had she? After the display of her stubborn, willful nature last night, April was no longer sure what Alisa would do or was capable of doing. She had a strong independent streak. However, she was supposed to be resting; not up cooking! The red-head didn’t like it one bit that she’d exerted herself once again, and in a way had disobeyed the older woman’s orders.

April suddenly set her jaw in a firm line, and turned to march down the hall to the guest room. She was a little angry, but more upset than anything. She didn’t care what Leo said. Alisa had to learn now to accept that people were trying to help her for her own good, and that she needed to listen to her caretaker. She could end up getting hurt worse.

She reached Alisa’s door, and knocked on it a little hard. April winced at the harsh sound. She hadn’t meant to knock quite so loudly, but she was exasperated with Alisa. Still, it wouldn’t help to announce that she was angry to her before she had a chance to talk to her. She should calm down first.

April took a few deep breaths, and once she felt better, she knocked again, this time much softer.

“Alisa?” she called through, quietly, “Could we talk?”

She waited a minute, but no answer came. Concern pushed away the anger.

“Alisa?”

She twisted the doorknob, and it gave easily indicating it was not locked. April slowly pushed open the door, and walked in the room. The first thing she noticed was the bed. Alisa was not in it, and it was made up neatly. She spotted the missing backpack lying on top and its contents spread out on the blanket; a wallet, a dress, and a journal.

A quick glance around the room found it to be otherwise empty. Alisa was not here, and nothing yielded any clues as to her whereabouts. The one window in the room was open, however, and a crisp, cool breeze was blowing through sucking the precious heat out.

This immediately sent April into panic mode. Where could she have gone? What could have happened to her? A horrible thought crossed her mind then. Leo mentioned the Foot could be after her. What if they’d discovered she was here, and kidnapped her? That could probably explain the open window.

“No!” she began to cry out, involuntarily, “No!”

She raced out of the room, and to the phone in the living room. She had to call Leo. She had no idea how he would take the news that she was gone; possibly stolen away by the Foot. She suspected he’d be devastated. He might even get furious with her. She was supposed to keep Alisa safe, and now she could be dead.

Her hand was shaking as she dialed the numbers of his phone. She was scared for Alisa, but also of the ninja’s reaction. As the phone started ringing on the other line, something made her look up towards the kitchen window. When Leonardo answered his shell cell, April’s startled scream was the first thing that greeted his ears.

“April?” he asked, persistently, “April! What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

The red-head was only vaguely aware of Leo’s commanding voice speaking in her ear. She stared at the window with her mouth agape in shock. Alisa stood outside on the fire escape, her face peering in at April. She had her head slightly cocked to one side in a curious manner. She didn’t know why Ms. O’Neil was glaring at her like that.

“Get back inside here right now!” April shouted, angrily.

She watched as Alisa blinked, her face registering surprise. Then she quickly nodded as she understood, and made a gesture towards her bedroom, disappearing after a moment. April began heading to the room as well. She only realized she was still on the phone with Leo when his voice sharply cut in.

“Answer me, April,” he demanded, “What is the matter?”

She gave a frustrated sigh, and finally replied into the phone.

“I’ll explain a little later,” she said, “Right now I have business to take care of with Alisa. She’s in a bit of trouble. I’ll call you….”

“No, wait, don’t hang up,” he interrupted, “I want to know what happened. What sort of trouble?”

She didn’t answer, and Leo could only listen at this point. Whatever just occurred had the red-head pretty steamed. April arrived at the guest room as Alisa was pulling herself in carefully through the open window. Once she was inside, she shut the window behind her against the biting cold. She shivered a little, chilled despite the oversized green sweater she was wearing over jeans, and then turned to see the older woman standing rigidly in her room. She knew she was in trouble.

“What the hell were you doing out there?!” April exclaimed, letting all the fear and anger she’d been holding back rush forth, “What were you thinking?! I know you’ve not forgotten the danger you are in. Even with me, you’re still not completely safe.”

Alisa bowed her head in contrite, but she did not lower her gaze. She was taught always to look in the eyes as a form of respect, especially when being disciplined.

“I was on the roof meditating,” she answered, softly, “I like to watch the sun rise and when the morning is at its most peaceful.”

“But don’t you know that you could’ve been seen?” April reprimanded, “And how cold it is. You’re still recovering. Do you want to catch pneumonia too?”

“No, April-san,” the young woman replied, her voice still low, “Gomen nasai; I am sorry.”

It probably should’ve surprised April more than it did that she was speaking Japanese, but the red-head was far too angry to acknowledge it. However, that didn’t stop Leo as he listened to the conversation through the phone. He was very intrigued by the information, and wondered where she could’ve learned the language. He wondered how much she knew as well. He couldn’t wait to ask her more.

He felt as excited as a little kid at Christmas. Each new layer managed to uncover of Alisa was akin to opening presents. Each one held surprise and mystery. He’d only scratched the surface, however, and he still had a long ways to go yet. Eventually he hoped to reach as far as knowing the real story of what happened to her.

April sighed heavily, and reached to lay a hand on the young lady’s shoulder gently.

“I forgive you,” she said, “But you have to be more careful, understand? I’m responsible for you, and Leo would have my head if anything happened to you.”

“I would not,” came the matter-of-fact response from the phone.

Alisa instantly perked her head up at the voice she’d come to know only last night. Was Ms. O’Neil talking with Leonardo?

“You’d be upset,” April insisted, speaking into the mouthpiece.

“Yes, but you know me better than to think I would kill you,” he answered.

“You’re right,” she agreed, “But I know how important it is to you to protect her.”

Protection. It was a rather foreign word to Alisa after spending the last two years of her life on the streets. There, there was no protection at all. It was kill, or be killed. Well, in a sense. You learned quickly how to adapt to survive and take care of yourself. There was no one to protect you. Now she was being given protection, and she didn’t know how to handle it.

“Do you want to work out some other kind of arrangement?” Leo asked, “I could talk to Splinter if you feel better about her staying with us.”

“No, I guess it’ll be okay,” April replied, although a little uncertainly, “It’s best anyway she stays here until she’s fully recovered.”

“May Leonardo be joining us for breakfast?” Alisa suddenly inquired.

April paused to look at the young woman. She was met with an intense, determined gaze as Alisa’s eyes searched hers hopefully. It seemed she was quite taken with the mutant turtle, and really wanted to spend more time to know him better as she was no doubt trying to do with her invite. Unfortunately, April was going to have to deny her request.

“I’m sorry, but…” she began.

“Yes,” Leo’s voice cut in through the phone, “Yes, I would be honored. Tell her I’m coming, April.”

“But… but Leo,” she sputtered in surprise, “The time; you know it’s...”

“I know, but don’t worry,” he assured her, “It’ll be okay. I know how to hide myself.”

“I’ll be over in ten minutes,” he added.

He knew he was taking such a huge risk to venture out in the daylight, even with a disguise, but for Alisa he would make an exception. He looked forward to seeing her again, and talking with her. He wasn’t sure if he could have waited until tonight to do so.

He heard April sigh heavily then. She wasn’t pleased with the idea, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop him. She only worried for his safety.

“Just be careful, okay?” she replied.

“I will,” he promised, “I’ll be there soon.”

With that, he hung up the phone. April followed suit, pressing the button on her phone to turn it off. She glanced at Alisa again, and found she was still watching her intently. It appeared she was waiting for a confirmation.

“He said he’s coming,” April told her, with a smile.

She watched as the young woman’s face brightened considerably and a wide smile formed on her lips. Alisa was very happy with the news. Although as before, her joy did not reflect in her eyes as April noticed again. Something in her life happened that had really shattered her spirit, but perhaps she could be helped now. With Leonardo, and eventually the rest of the turtles, in her life, maybe he could be able to repair and restore it in their friendship. April certainly hoped so.

Alisa suddenly sneezed, which caused the red-head to start fussing over her all over again. April led her out of the bedroom to the kitchen to make her some hot chocolate, and to fix the clumsily wrapped bandages around her head. Something told her she’d tried to change them herself.

In five minutes, she had Alisa’s bandages properly wrapped, to the chagrin of the young lady, and seated at the table with a mug of the steamy, rich brown liquid and tiny marshmallows floating on top. April left her then to quickly change her clothes into something more presentable. Despite the fact it wouldn’t have been the first time any of the turtles had seen her in her robe, it just wasn’t good manners to wear to breakfast for their guest.

Alone now, Alisa stared down in her mug, and gently swirled the brown liquid around, careful not to spill it. She then gave a heavy sigh, and gingerly rested a cheek against her hand. She was not used to all this hen mothering April showered upon her, and it made her feel like a baby. Suddenly after spending two years living on the hard streets fending for herself, she was now too helpless and weak to do the simplest things, and needed a caretaker. It was embarrassing to say the least for someone used to being so strong and willful. She hoped she would recover from her injuries soon so she could get back to normal.

A few minutes later, she paused in drinking her cocoa as she suddenly heard a soft tapping on the pane of the window behind her. She turned around in her chair, and saw a stocky figure clad in a long, heavy, brown leather trench coat standing out on the fire escape. An oversized fedora was pulled low over its face. It raised a mittened hand to her as if in greeting then. Wide-eyed, she watched curiously as the stranger pushed the brim of its hat up to reveal a brilliant emerald green face underneath with a blue bandana wrapped around its head. Leonardo smiled warmly at the young woman just beyond the glass.

A smile of her own broke over Alisa’s face as she recognized her new friend. Leo gently rapped on the glass again to indicate the window was locked. The motion sent her rising to her feet to unlock it, but there was no way she could push the window up to let him in. She was nowhere strong enough to.

She wondered if she should go get April when he removed his mittens, stuffing them in the pockets of the trench coat, and gripped the bottom edges of the window. He tugged on the frame, and it slid up easily under his strength, granting him access inside the apartment. He ducked his head, and slipped in through the opening. He stepped agilely to the floor, and then closed the window firmly behind him.

After a moment, he turned to Alisa, and the same gentle smile he had given her earlier reappeared.

“Hello, Alisa,” he greeted her in his soft baritone.

“Hi,” she replied, quietly and a little shyly.

She moved slowly towards the table to sit down in her chair again. Leo followed to take a seat across from her, removing his hat and coat as he did. He placed them on the back of his chair. She watched him, and couldn’t help but feel awed all over again by his appearance. He was just astounding.

He focused his attention on her then, his deep sapphire eyes penetrating hers. There was so much depth and intensity in those eyes. She could see the wisdom and intelligence that lie within them, and the gentleness and kindness his gaze held towards her. However, it was the underlying dark shadows she could also detect in his eyes what she was drawn to the most. They were clear testimony he must have suffered much pain and hardship in his life. Judging too from the scarring on his body, and the dents and dings in his shell. He was a survivor, not unlike her own self.

A long minute of silence passed between them until Alisa finally managed to tear away and look down instead at the table top briefly as if suddenly self-conscious. She cleared her throat awkwardly, and then slowly raised her eyes to his again.

“I… want to thank you again for saving my life,” she spoke, low and softly, “I owe you a great debt.”

“You owe me nothing,” Leonardo replied, his own voice quiet, “I already told you that. I did what was right and I expect no reward in return. The fact you are alive and sitting here talking with me is enough. That is the best reward I could ask for.”

He smiled gently at her, but the smile she returned was rueful, causing his own smile to waver and vanish. He became concerned instead. Obviously, there was something in which she felt she couldn’t agree with the sentiment.

“To tell you the truth, Leonardo, I’d rather be dead,” she confessed in a small voice.

He was unprepared for the statement, but he was not entirely surprised by it either. It was to be expected she’d feel bitter towards life after enduring all the horrors she’d been unfairly put through and struggling to survive. But why suddenly give up now after fighting so hard to make it this far? That’s what didn’t make sense.

“Why is that?” he asked.

She lowered her eyes from his and then closed them as if in pain, drawing in a sharp breath. After a moment, she opened her eyes again, but they had become clouded and distant now. Their green depths flashed with fury.

“I have nothing or no one,” she answered, her voice rising in tempo with each word, “My family is dead; gone. I’ve been living on the streets for two years with no place to go or no one to turn to for help.”

Hot, angry tears pooled in her eyes and had begun to fall as she spoke, streaking down her face in small rivers. However, they went largely ignored as she didn’t seem to notice or care in her tirade.

“I’ve been chased relentlessly like a game of cat and mouse by a gang of ninjas who want to either capture or kill me,” she continued, “I don’t know which, and I haven’t stuck around long enough to find out. Yeah, life is really worth living.”

She knew now she was crying, but didn’t bother to wipe away the tears. What would be the point? He’d already seen.

“It is worth living,” Leo replied, “It all depends on how you perceive it, and if you approach it negatively, that’s all you’ll see. Being dead isn’t going to solve any problems. It generally creates more, and you’d hurt more people than you think.”

It would certainly hurt him if she decided to take her own life after all the effort he’d put into saving it. Alisa shook her head.

“You don’t understand,” she whispered.

“I understand more than you think,” he countered, his voice low and gentle.

He picked up a napkin and handed it to her for her to clean her face. Though he felt he wanted to reach out and brush the tears away himself. He knew already he didn’t like to see her cry. Of course, he didn’t like to see April cry either, but with Alisa it felt like his heart had been wrenched.

“I want to tell you a story,” he said, softly, “It’s the story about how my family and I came to be what and who we are. But before I do that, let’s have breakfast first, shall we? I would hate for the food to get cold and see all your efforts go to waste.”

“What he’s saying is that he’s hungry,” a voice translated from behind.

A sheepish look came over Leo’s face, and April smiled teasingly at him as she walked into the kitchen. She now wore a pair of khaki pants, a long purple sweater, and sneakers. She finished twisting her damp red hair into a bun, and sat down at the table between the turtle and the girl.

“Sorry I took so long,” she apologized, “I decided to take a shower first.”

“Um, that’s okay,” Leo dismissed, quickly recovering, “It gave Alisa and I a chance to talk, but we still have much to discuss; after breakfast.”

He gazed pointedly at the young lady, and Alisa nodded her head slightly to confirm it. She really didn’t want to talk any more of her life, but she was very intrigued to learn about his. She did the honors then of removing the cover from the platter on the table, and they dug in to a delicious meal of pancakes and bacon.

End Chapter Eight
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Waiting For You