𝒲ℯ 𝒜𝓇ℯ 𝒪𝓃ℯ | 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖨 | TMNT

Chapter 26 | Unanswered Calls

𝔸𝕜𝕒𝕣𝕚'𝕤 ℙ𝕆𝕍~

"Akari...she's calling again." Akuma sighs as he holds up my ringing phone. A defeated sigh leaves my own lips as I debate if I should answer or not. It's not that I don't want to talk to them, I'm just nervous. "That's the fourth time today. I really think you should answer."

"I just... I haven't answered any of their calls since I got here. What do I say when I answer?"

"Maybe tell them how you really feel...?" He offers with a small smile.

I sigh again while shaking my head. "You didn't raise me to talk about my feelings."

"...I'm aware, kid. Thanks for reminding me."

"Sorry... I'm a little on edge."

"I can tell." He grins knowingly, and it irks me immensely. I merely roll my eyes and turn away from him so I don't get the urge to punch him. "Ah, you must be April. Hello, my dear." All of my movements cease, even my breathing stops as I feel my heart thumping in my ears.

"Um... Hello...? Who are you?"

"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Akuma Hayashi. I was Akari's caretaker before she moved back to New York."

"What?! Why is she with you?!"

💙 "With who, April?!"

💜 "Did she actually answer?!"

🧡 "Angelcakes, I miss you!"

"Can I please have my phone back, Sensei?" I hold my hand out expectantly, but Akuma pulls the phone away and holds it above his head.

"Are you going to talk to them?"

"...Yes."

"Then yes, I'll give it back." He hands me the phone with a victorious grin. I sigh before going outside and sitting on the wooden porch swing. The evening sun shines brightly through the leaves—The warm sun rays flicker softly between branches and leaves as a gentle breeze caresses my skin.

"Akari?" I take a deep, shaky breath before hitting the video chat button. Not a second later, April and all the others appear on my screen. I can't help but let out a small, strained chuckle. Tears begin to roll down my sun kissed cheeks as I study the others. They all look so happy to see me.

"Hi, guys."

🌈 "AKARI!!" The guys call out as tears form in their own eyes.

I gently chew on my bottom lip as I look at them all, sorrow and guilt eat away at my stomach. "I miss you guys... So much."

"We miss you too!" April sobs into her hand.

"I'm sorry for not answering your calls, I just... I didn't really know what to say."

"I can't say I'm not upset; But I'm more thrilled to see you're okay."

"Yeah... Yeah, I'm okay."

💙 "You look as beautiful as ever, Tenshi." Butterflies swirl around my stomach as I stare at Leo through the screen. There's nothing more I'd like than to teleport through the screen and—

"Why are you with your old caretaker? Wasn't he a bad guy?"

"I- I thought so. Turns out, he was just trying to protect his family."

💜 "What do you mean?"

"Shredder threatened to kill his family if he didn't raise me with an "iron fist." Ever since I came back, he's done nothing but train me and take care of me. He's even told me stories about my mother."