From Beyond The Shadows | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Chapter 20

"You're doing very well, Sofia," Splinter spoke as he walked out of the dojo with her.

"Thank you, Sensei. I'm grateful that you took me in," Sofia replied with a smile.

Splinter gave a curt nod before the two split ways.

The boys were out on patrol and April was coming down any minute so Sofia decided to hang with the only turtle around.

She pulled out a piece of lettuce from the fridge and laid on the couch with Spike. She rested her chin on her crossed arms and sighed as she watched the little turtle chomp away at his greens.

She felt her phone buzz and looked at it to see Leo had texted her.

Mia Tartaruga 💙
Still up for Space Heroes tonight?

She couldn't help but smile as she quickly responded.

Shadow
Absolutely!

She looked at Spike who was staring at her with a blank look.

"He's still my best friend and I want to hangout with him," Sofia said quietly.

Spike took another bite from his leaf and the brunette frowned.

"Can you blame me for liking him?" She rambled aimlessly. "He's so cute and brave. I've never laughed more than when he's with me. He makes me really happy... and I kinda thought that I made him happy, too..."

She stared at the couch she was laying on as she scolded herself.

"He gets so excited even just thinking about Karai. I know I've got my whole life ahead of me, but I just can't stop thinking about it. I want to make him smile that way. And I want to trust his judgment, but I'm afraid that if I tell him that she's dangerous that it'll push him away. What should I do, Spike?"

"What you should do, is be honest with him."

Sofia jumped up and looked at Splinter who had been stood behind her. "Sensei!"

"Come with me," Splinter said before walking back towards the dojo.

The two entered Splinter's room which was decorated to look oriental. The tatami mat that he presumably slept on was against the back wall and there was a small chabudai in the center of the room with incense burning in a holder.

There was a tea pot on top of a small heating plate that Splinter picked up before pouring two glasses of tea.

"It's jasmine. I find it quite calming. Please, sit," Splinter requested as he sat on one side of the chabudai.

Sofia frowned slightly, but sat across from his, crossing her fingers together slowly and the cup of tea thst had been poured for her.

"This has been afflicting you for some time now. I'm worried about you, my dear," Splinter said gently as he looked to the young girl. "I may not be as interesting as Spike, but I do think I could give you some good advice."

Sofia couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

"Especially with Leonardo. I do happen to know him very well," Splinter continued with a light chuckle.