Reckless. [TMNT 2012]

24. The Forgotten Teamwork; Casey

Song: Run - Bring Me The Horizon

I was wrong. Evelyn must be hurt by our fight, because she doesn't contact me again for a study session. But that isn't the worst part. What hurts the most is waiting on the park bench for an hour and Evelyn never showing up. I repeat this action for three days straight before I realize I have completely lost her. She is gone, both as my friend and my tutor.

    On the last day of November, I don't have the patience to wait for Evelyn. I do, however, casually walk by the bench to see if she is around. Unfortunately, all I see is a blank and snowy structure.

    That is the last straw. I can't believe she has given up on me like that! For someone so determined for me to learn, she certainly doesn't share the same perseverance for actually pursuing the matter.

    I'm not sure why I care. If a girl doesn't want anything to do with me, I tend to get over it within a couple of days. But Evelyn's absence bothers me much more than it should. It's like she is controlling part of my emotions. It's as if she is a switch to turning my heart on and off, and she is flipping it up and down like a pinball machine lever.

    I hate it.

    I angrily kick an icy rock and carry on my way. As I travel down the sidewalk, I avoid the turn that takes me to Evelyn's mansion. Instead, I head straightforward and decide to visit the pier.

   I've been checking the pier every night since Raphael and I were mauled, suspecting that those gutless furbags would return. On the contrary, they haven't shown a glimpse of themselves since then, and I've lost most of my hope in finding them again.

    My hope flares up again, however, as I arrive at the docks. I spot the unmistakable outline of Tiger Claw, Fishface, and Rahzar. They seem to be searching the pier for a specific item as their devilish eyes scan the numerous crates. Something tells me that I need to prevent them from finding it.

    I want to go down there and whip their tails by myself. Even I know that is a terrible idea, though. After attempting to stop them alone a few weeks ago and getting my butt handed to me in the process, I know it's a losing battle. I am better off calling in back-up.

    I reach for my phone and quickly remove it from my pocket. I send a swift S.O.S. to the turtles in a group message and then stow it back into its safe place. Now, all I can do is hope that my team gets here in time.

    The cold air chills me to the bone as I crouch in my hiding spot. The stars, which are normally so bright, are hidden behind clouds. Snowflakes slowly fall from the dark clouds, covering up the footsteps I had littered on the docks. Thankful for the coverage, I relax against the brick wall beside me.

    I am not sure how long I wait, but by the time the turtles arrive my skin is frozen. I can feel goosebumps crawling up my arms as the patrol silently glides towards me. Through the dim light from the half-moon, I can just make out a blue bandana as a face is thrust into mine.

    "Where are they?" Leonardo asks, but I don't have to answer. Just as the eldest turtle peers around the brick wall, his pupils dilate with wrath. He doesn't give anyone a chance to come up with snazzy mockery. "Close in, team," he orders, before sneaking closer to the pier.

    As we get closer to the evil mutants, we all dive behind tall stacks of crates. I peer out just enough to see Tiger Claw giving orders to Rahzar and Fishface. He doesn't look very pleased.

    "You informed me that the crate was here," Tiger Claw growls, his claws unsheathed. "I do not appreciate you fools wasting my time."

    "It is here, Master Tiger Claw," Fishface says in his smooth, accented voice. "Baxter Stockman confirmed it on the order sheets."