Through An Artist's Soul - Book 2 - Raphael x OC x Leonardo

THE ROOFTOP || CHAPTER 2

For me, the following few days seemed to go by quickly. A kaleidoscope of snapshots with memories slid by in my thoughts. In between packing and getting myself mentally and physically prepared for the trip to Japan. My Dad and Carly helped me with the plane ticket to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. I became more nervous and anxious as the day drew nearer. For me, this will be a first. exploring the other side of the globe by myself.

Jakey helped me last night with the mountain of clothes that I wanted to bring with me. I felt overwhelmed by the experience and the mountain I created in my bedroom, so I put off doing things too long. I was in such disarray that I needed Jakey's help. He knew that I was like this. Me being so indecisive and a procrastinator when I feel too overwhelmed. However, I appreciated his help.

He calmed the storm within my mind that threatened to overwhelm me. Jakey gave me a big hug when he was done helping me and had organized both my carry-on bag and my luggage for the trip to Japan. I tried to burn his aroma and how he looked in my memory. With his ginger hair and even brighter-looking blue and green eyes between his freckles, he still had the scent of burnt ochre, vanilla, and amber. Since he met Alex a year ago, he had a different aura around him. I was happy for him. That's how I would remember Jakey in my mind.

I started to feel anxious since I realized that I might not see him for another two years. Like a snake coiling around my stomach and chest. He bid me goodbye, and I promised to stay in touch through letters.

The apartment buzzer broke through my thoughts. I took a couple of clumsy strides to press the offending button that made the odd mosquito-like noise. I nearly toppled over my overnight bag with my outfits for the weekend with April. After a deep grunt, I pressed the button.

"Hey, hello, um, welcome to Kawakami's residence. How may I help you?" I spoke softly and shyly. Quite nervous, as I detest answering the apartment buzzer. It's instances like this that I miss my sister around the apartment. She was at work, of course. And she at least had the social skills to handle situations like this.

"Hey Alley, April here. I am here to pick you up," April answered cheerfully. I grinned, feeling excited for the first time in a long time. I so wanted to spend my last weekend with someone I also started to see as a genuine and close friend.

"Yeah, sure, be right there, Ape. Just quickly going to greet my Dad before we go." I quickly went to the lounge and greeted my Dad by giving him the regular awkward side hug and a kiss on his cheek.

"Bye, Dad, see you on Sunday. Please behave." I joked with my Dad. He laughed, raising an eyebrow and shaking his head at my antics. His ebony hair shaking about as well.

"You must behave, Alison. See you on Sunday." He gave me a little tickle on my side in return. Letting him go, I hurriedly slung the overnight bag across my shoulder. I noticed April standing outside with Vern "The Falcon" Fenwick as I descended the stairs two at a time to get downstairs more quickly. For me, he is more like Vern "Foam-Froth Dude" Fenwick, in my opinion.

"Hey Ape and Foam-Froth," I greeted them casually. Ape snorted at my greeting toward Vern. She knew the nickname would stick with me.

"You still carrying on with that, Alley? I am Vern or the Falcon," he said, striking a Superman pose with his fists clenched and placed on his hips, "not Foam-Froth." He shook his head at me while chewing on a piece of bubble gum.

"Of course. You might be 'The Falcon' for the city. But for me, you will always be Foam-Froth,"  I answered Vern with a bright smile across my face. He shook his head at me and took my overnight bag from me.

"Alley and O'Neil, let's go," he replied. Ape put her arm over my shoulder and led the way to what Vern referred to as the "Fenwick Express." There was a jet-black, glossy car beside the curb.

"Sweet ride, Foam-Froth," as he opened the door for us.

"Pretty sweet, huh? Kind of an upgrade. I figured I'd need new wheels after my old work vehicle and the new vehicle went boom." He answered very smugly. He looked as if he was on cloud nine.

"The new vehicle? Isn't this the new vehicle?" I asked curiously with a frown forming on my forehead.

"Mikey exploded the new vehicle accidentally when Vern got the new vehicle. He just got it when Mikey pressed the wrong button on their patrol buggie that Donnie built," April finished explaining to me when Vern got the previous new car and then this new car.

I erupted with laughter. "Shame, sorry, Foam-Froth. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm, right?" I asked nonchalantly. I had been laughing too much when I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. I could just picture the youngest turtle brother's horrified reaction.

We got into the car after April and drove to her place, which was on the other side of the city.

***TIME SKIP***

Our journey to April's apartment took longer than expected due to rush hour traffic. As I was there helping her piece together the turtles, she told us that her roommate, Taylor, had moved out. I could thus spend the weekend using Taylor's old bedroom. My face was bursting into the largest smile. I was ecstatic to hear this.

"Alright," Vern said with a suspicious smile on his face. "See you girls," He then dropped off my overnight bag and placed it next to the bed.

"Thanks, Foam-Froth," Then I hastily embraced him awkwardly on the side. "Enjoy your vehicle while I'm away."

"No problem, Alley. Have fun in Japan." He grinned broadly and gave me his response as well. I gave him a nod, and April escorted him out of her place. When I went to my bedroom for the weekend, they were whispering to each other in low voices around the corner.

For an apartment with two bedrooms, her space was very roomy. The lounge is, of course, the largest room. I'm not sure if it will fit any of the brothers who are six feet tall. The fit will be too tight.

April's phone beeped a few times after I got settled in. She attempted to hide a smile from me as she checked her phone. She also got drinks for us from her refrigerator. We were catching up and discussing my trip to Japan. I nearly made the mistake of mentioning my mutation training. I'm doing everything I can to keep it a secret.

When April received a call, she excused herself. She was gone for roughly ten minutes, during which time I became concerned. Just as I was getting up from the couch to look for her, she returned.

"Alley." She took hold of my hand and began dragging me. "Let's go." Once more, a frown appeared on my forehead. "Where are we going, April? I thought that we would stay here for the weekend." Curious, I asked her.

She said, her expression smug, "Oh, we are going to." Where we were going piqued my interest even more. I was clueless, so I began to imagine other scenarios.

She showed me where the fire escape was and guided me up the fire escape stairs to the roof. She turned back to me when we neared the top. "Close your eyes. It's a surprise," she grinned broadly.

"You know I don't like surprises, right?" I looked a little nervous as I gave her a response.

She laughed and said, "Well, too late now," so I closed my eyes.

I believe she led me to the rooftop's center. Once more, I could hear hushed whispers, and my heart was pounding strongly in my chest. I went back to picking at my fingernails.

"Alright, Alley." I cautiously opened my eyes after hearing April say, "You can open your eyes now."