The Call (a TMNT fanfiction)

Chapter 2: Christmas Miracles

"Yeah, I don't know. I'm completely out of idea juice." I adjust my phone on my ear to a more comfortable position--my best friend Mallory already on the other end--and pick up a post card that is propped up on a rack in an aisle. It reads, "Alaska: nature's best postcard."  

"How can you not know? She's your mom! Even I  have some ideas on what to get her," Mallory responds, incredulous.

I see another postcard, and this one says: "Bora Bora." 

"Maybe I could get her a trip to Bora Bora," I say, only half joking.

"Right; like you have the funds for that," Mallory laughs, but then pauses, and adds, "But if you do have the funds, can I request that as your Christmas present to me?" 

"Very funny," I say, rolling my eyes. "Tell me your ideas since you have so many." 

"She likes memories, right? Like pictures and stuff? I'm planning on getting her a blanket with a family picture printed on it." She pauses.  "Of course, one with me in it as well since I'm the favorite child she never had."

Her idea sparks one in me. "Oh I know! I've got just the idea. Thanks for the help, Mal!"

Mallory and I get off the phone, and while I am looking down at my cell phone to turn it off, I slam right into someone who is large and thick, and I feel like I bounce backwards repelling off of them. When I look up, I see someone wearing a long, dark trench coat and a large fedora hat that is tilted to cover his face.

"Sorry--" I start, and I am already moving past.

"Lex?" A rough Brooklyn accent says. I look deeper into the face, and detect a hint of green.

"Raph?"

"Yeah...what're ya doin' here?"

"Uh...Christmas shopping." I pause and tilt my head. "Wait, what are you doing here?"

He shrugs. "I was just headin' down to look at motorbikes. I can't buy anythin' though, so I don't know why I'm even here," he says, shrugging. His hands dig deeper into his pockets. 

"So you can't get your brothers anything for Christmas?"

"Eh, we celebrate Christmas and everythin' but we ain't able to give presents and get a tree and all that. Our friends April and Casey usually get us things but we can't get 'em anything. And they're a couple so they like to spend Christmas together."

I think for a moment. "Well, you're getting your family something."

He looks confused, but then after a moment of realization, he begins shaking his head.  "Lexi, I'm not gonna let ya buy--"

"My mind has been made!"

"Are you--"

"Let's go. We'll get Splinter something first." I grab his arm. "What does he like?"

Raph sighs, but doesn't argue.  "He likes old things. And wise stuff and tea," he summarizes lamely. "I know, it sounds weird. He is a pretty simple guy."

I shake my head.  "Well I guess we could get him some of his favorite teas. Then you can make him a card."

Raph groans. "Lexa, I don't do cards..." he says, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm not really all that good with words."