Because of You

Chapter Two: Accidental Encounter

It had been 2 months since she began her new life in the city. Every weekend, she was at the farmhouse spending time with her horses. She would bring what money she had collected to pay the hired hands for their work and a week's worth of groceries.

The renovations had been put on hold each time she lost a job, but she always brought what was needed every weekend to keep her roommates fed. Then, it was back to the city to resume what little work she could find.

After a long weekend at the farmhouse, Jen returned to her apartment with a few extra things to make her temporary-turned-permanent home more comfortable. She didn't really need so many pillows, but it seemed difficult to sleep without them after her long weekend working on renovations. She brought extra comforters and fleecy throws and blankets for warmth, as she found her apartment quite drafty with winter fast approaching.

Winters in Alabama were mild compared to the rapid dropping temperatures here in Now York; something else she was trying to get used to. Thankfully, Jen managed to find a job at a small, family-run pizza joint not too far from her apartment, as her rent was due that week. The pay was good, her schedule was great, and she got to keep the tips she made each night. With limited funds, she began saving her tips for back-up cash if ever she needed it.

One evening just before dusk, Jen was taking her overflowing trash bags to the dumpster in the alley. As she turned the corner, she saw something strange. For a moment, she just curiously watched as a bizarre scene unfolded before her. She saw what looked like a man in a hooded robe or cloak, lower a half-filled burlap sack and 3 small children in oversized hoodies into a manhole while carrying a smaller child down with him.

Why would anybody go into the sewers with their children? Weird. She thought as she watched the cover get pulled into place. She shook out of her trance, threw her bags into dumpster, and walked over to the manhole.

Jenipher listened for a moment. She heard shuffling of little feet and quiet whispers of a deep gentle voice. The shuffling immediately stopped and silence followed, as if those below held their breath.

Jen's instinct told her to follow, but her heart told her to wait. She knelt down and placed her hand on the cover. She distinctly heard a little voice cry, "Daddy!" and an immediate "Quiet my son. Do not fear. She will not harm you. She is only curious."

Her eyes grew wide as she heard the gentle voice calm the terrified child. She heard whimpers and sniffles from the other children, and her heart broke. She felt helpless. She did not realize she was crying until a stray tear fell to her cheek. She bowed her head and whispered softly, "I'm sorry."

She closed her eyes and prayed a little prayer for this family, unaware of the eyes that cautiously watched her from below.

Intrigued by her reaction, Splinter was suddenly drawn to the young woman. She seemed so different from others he encountered in the past, and was moved by her natural beauty. Her dark brown hair was long, her skin kissed by the sun, and her eyes were jade. They sparkled like gems as tears filled them.

He felt pulled to console her. To let her know that he and his children would be fine. He hugged his boys close while he watched her in awe as she apologized softly for frightening them. That was all it took for him to reach up and push aside the manhole cover just enough for her to look within, but not enough to reveal any of them.

As Jenipher stood up, a muted clang of the manhole cover caused her to stop where she stood and turned around. She gasped and her heart began to race as a smooth tranquil voice echoed from below, "Thank you for not rushing to follow. I did not expect to be seen. I apologize if I startled you."