Because of You

Chapter Four: A Mother's Embrace

A few days had passed since their rendezvous on the fire escape. Jenipher's work schedule had doubled as a result of the weather, and she was growing more impatient by the minute.

She had received a phone call from Splinter earlier in the day asking her to meet him, but had to inform him that their plans would have to wait until she could get off work. He sensed her stress and agreed to meet her at her apartment when she returned home. She assured him that she would unlock the window so that they could slip in from the fire escape unseen.

The rest of her day was surprisingly busy, and her tips were increasing rapidly. It was the first time she made over $200 in tips. On her way out, she grabbed a couple fresh pizzas, and clocked out with a smile on her face. The anticipation of meeting Splinter's children was excruciating! Once out the door, she sprinted home.

When she arrived, she immediately unlocked her bedroom window, leaving it slightly ajar, then she ran to take a quick shower to wash off the day's residue. Once out of the shower, she called Splinter to let him know she was ready. She proceeded to the kitchen to prepare the pizza she brought home for dinner. She just hoped her guests would enjoy it.

In the alley below, Splinter silently and cautiously slipped out of the manhole; then he carefully lifted his children up and out. The little ones stayed close to their father as they made their way up the fire escape. The chill of the impending weather caused them to cling to their father's warmth as they made their way upward.

As Splinter and his children reach Jenipher's apartment, the inviting aroma of the Italian delicacy wafted from her open window. He carefully and quietly lifted the window and placed his children into her room, then entered after them; closing the window behind him.

The hungry little turtles gasped as they inhaled the exquisite redolence that swirled around their nostrils and began running toward the kitchen, but stopped short of bedroom door as their father quickly halted their advance.

He stepped in front of them with a stern gaze and said, "You will wait here until I call for you. Is that understood?"

Three of his boys nodded and replied in their small voices, "Yes, daddy."

But, little Raphael crossed his arms over his plastron and met his father's gaze with a defiant look. Splinter leaned in close to his fiery little rebel, lovingly tapped his nose and stated, "Raphael, my son. I need you to be strong and look after your brothers until I call you. Do you think you can do that for me?" He asked as he stroked the 5 year old's cheek.

Raphael's harlequin eyes sparkled with glee as a smile appeared on his face. The little turtle nodded his head vigorously as the grin widened.

Splinter returned a warm smile as he affectionately rubbed the top of Raphael's head. "That's my brave boy," he whispered as he stepped outside the door.

When Splinter left, the turtles huddled at the crack to peer into the other room, but they did not dare disobey their father. They stayed where they were and waited for their father to call them.

Splinter was silent as he stood to the side of the kitchen, watching Jenipher set several plates on the counter as he fought his urge to wrap his flower in his arms. Instead, he quickly cleared his throat to politely announce his arrival.

Startled, Jen nearly jumped out of her skin; but her alarm quickly shifted when she realized Splinter stood in front of her.

"Oh, Splinter! You came!" She cried as she launched herself toward him, and threw her arms around him.

Splinter returned her embrace passionately and relished in her warmth. "Oh, Jenipher. How I have missed you," he breathed as his heart soared.

Splinter inhaled her intoxicating scent as it danced playfully on his senses, sparking the flame of passion deep within his core. As he fought his impulses, he gently released her, but not before she kissed him fervently on his neck, then his cheek, and finally his nose.