Green Stardust ~ (Sequel to Angel's Love of Two Wings)

Chapter 14

The concrete wall slid apart and I walked in, peering inside carefully hoping no one heard me. I wanted to go to the lair today after I got home from practice, but not to see Raph or the guys. I quickly walked down the steps as quietly as possible and made a dash for a room across the way. My hand was about to knock when I hesitated.

"You may enter." His voice startled me and I walked in, sliding the door shut behind me.

Splinter was standing on the other end of the room staring at a candle. He turned around and was surprised to see it was me. I rubbed my arm nervously and looked down.

"Angel? What brings you here?" He asked.

I looked back up at him and opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. My gaze dropped to the floor and I sighed.

"Come, sit down. I'll make some tea for us and we can talk." He offered.

I set my bag down next to me and he handed me a cup of chamomile tea. It was so warm and I took a small sip, feeling it warm me up.

"Do my sons know you are here?"

"No, I didn't tell them I was coming." I mumbled.

"I see." He hummed.

"I wanted to ask you something..." I started.

He nodded. "I'm listening."

I sighed and hesitated. What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to ask his advice for this kind of thing?

"I..."

I swallowed hard and sucked in a breath.

"If...someone toxic in your life goes away, then somehow comes back and wants to...make up for the bad things they did to you, would you let them?"

He pondered on it and took a small sip of tea. I fiddled with my hands wondering what he would say. Part of me knew what his response would be.

"Did this person bring harm to you?" He asked.

I nodded slowly. "It was my father."

He hummed. "Has he apologized for what he's done?"

"He has, and wants to make up for it. Though, I don't know how he'll manage that when he's under the Shredder's control." I said.

It was quiet between us while he thought about what to say.

"If it were The Shredder and I trying to mend our bonds and be brothers again, I would give him a second chance to."

"I've given him chances before and he's crushed them right in front of me."

"If he is wanting to make change, let him. But, there is nothing wrong in telling him you don't want to either." He replied.

"But, what if I let him and it backfires again?" I looked down. "It'll set me back on the progress I've made for me and getting better."

"Remember all the battles you've faced alone or with friends that you've won. The fears you've overcome. Everything." He said.

"This is different—"

"He apologized for his actions, did he not?" He cut me off and repeated the same question. I stared at him.

"Sorry doesn't fix what's already broken." I mumbled looking away.

"But, forgiving someone can." He mused.