The Call (a TMNT fanfiction)

Chapter 20: Truth

"I was accepted into Crespo Taylors University!" Since it's over the phone, I don't worry about the crazy grin on my face.

"That's awesome, Lexi!" Leo responds, and I know he's smiling too. "When did you find out?"

"Ten minutes ago."

"Did you tell your mom?"

"No," I say, shaking my head and sitting up straighter. "She's at a Baby Shower and took Rose with her." I scoff. "You'd think that she'd want to take her oldest daughter, but no." Leo's laugh fills my ears and I begin grinning again. Every time he laughs, I can't help but smile.

"What about Benj?"

"He's got football," I say. "Then he's going to a friend's house. All my family members have places to be and I'm sitting here in my bedroom on a Saturday, eating whipped cream out of a bowl with a college acceptance letter in my hands and no one to tell."

"You've got me."

"Thank goodness for that," I say, yawning a little.  I glance out the window and notice it's drizzling. 

"Well you're always welcome here at the lair. Everyone's here, so you're not the only lonely teenager with no where else to go."

I laugh. "What's everyone doing?"

"Raph and Mikey are playing video games. Donnie is reading the newspaper at the table and I'm talking to you," he narrates. 

"I bet you're the least bored," I tease.

He chuckles. "You could probably say that."

"What's Splinter doing?" During my many trips to the lair, I've learned Splinter doesn't do much besides train the guys, meditate and watch his shows. Even though he's a rat, he's still an old man.

"Splinter's learning some things from Tatsuo in the dojo." Even after a month of hearing about Splinter's old friend, I still haven't met him yet.

"Okay, I'll come over right now."

"Call me when you're halfway," Leo says. "I'll meet you at the sewer lid."

I throw my hood over my head and start down the street.

The sky is stained gray. Windows are faintly detailed with drips and drops of rain, but not enough to really notice unless they are exceptionally close by.

Just like Leo said he'd be, he's there waiting for me when I get there. We walk to the lair together.

"Hey Lexa," Raph's gruff voice greets, but his eyes are glued to the television screen.

Mikey is on his feet, jumping as he plays the video game with Raph.

"Raph that's cheating!" Mikey complains, tossing his controller onto the couch.

Raph snickers and pops a potato chip in his mouth. "It ain't cheatin' if I ain't caught." He smirks and presses play again, making Mikey groan.

"But you were caught!" he exclaims. "I caught you!" But Raph is done with the conversation.

"Raph, cheating isn't good," I say, but my laughter gives away that I'm not taking this seriously. "Apologize to Mikey."

"I'm sorry you don't know as many cheats as I do," Raph says, and Mikey groans again.

I laugh and shake my head. My eyes trail over to Donnie, who is reading the newspaper at the table.

"Hey, Don," I head over to the table. "What'cha reading?"

He turns the newspaper so I can see the title.

"Hm..." I read, raising my eyebrows. "Tide Laundry detergent 30% off now until June 5th at Walmart."