The Rising (final book of The Call series) ~ TMNT Fanfiction

Chapter 2: Denial

Leo's POV:

"So how is she?" Raph is never all that considerate about the feelings of others, but when it comes to Lexi, we all have a very special spot for her in our hearts. Some show it more than others.

"She's not herself," Emmeline says quietly. "She's much different. But that's expected. We all are."

I would have asked if she's left her room. I would have asked if she speaks to anyone, and if so, who. I would have asked so many things; but I can't. I'm not part of the conversation. I'm listening from the hallway.

Lexi's brother Benjamin died. And then Lexi broke up with me. During the three days locked in the apartment, I was suddenly her worst enemy.

"None of us have gone to work yet; they gave us some time off to...plan things." She takes in a deep breath. "Lexi never leaves the apartment. But she has been keeping an eye on Rose. She's the only person that she will talk to. When Rosalie isn't there, she's...a mess. But when she sees that her sister needs her, she's there for her. She holds it together." 

I get it, too. It's an instinctual thing. Lexi absolutely fell apart when everything happened, but as soon as she remembered that Rosalie was there, she clung to her and wouldn't let go. She felt this overpowering duty to take care of her younger sister, even if it meant pushing how she felt aside for a little bit. But during those three days, she slowly started to fall apart. From Emmeline's words, it sounds like she's picked herself back up again when Rose is around. I don't think that anyone expects her to, but I guess Lexi expects herself to. 

There is also a strain in Em's voice. I know that she must feel heartbroken that Lexi won't even talk to her own mother. Not to mention, Emmeline is holding it together too. She just lost a child.

"So she won't even talk to you?" Mikey's question is a mistake and I want to reach out and smack him. But Emmeline laughs softly. It isn't a friendly laugh; it's a short, distant chuckle.

"I think that right now, it's better that she strengthens her relationship with Rose. I had many years to show Lexi that I cared, and I failed." She sounds miserable, even though she's trying to mask it with humor. 

"You didn't fail. You are a great mother to all of your kids," he insists. Emmeline doesn't answer.

"Anyway," she says. "That's how she is. That's how things are." She pauses. "The funeral." I'm surprised when her voice doesn't break at the work, 'funeral.' "The funeral is tomorrow. We would appreciate it if you could come. Benjamin really enjoyed being friends with you." I hear her standing up, getting ready to leave.

"We will be attending," Master Splinter decides, looking up at Emmeline. "Once again, I am terribly sorry. Benjamin was a great warrior and friend." Even though it's coming from Master Splinter, the compliment doesn't seem to make Emmeline any happier. She hurries out of the lair without another word. A few seconds later, I can hear faint sobs coming from the sewers.

"Leonardo." My father's voice scares me and I jump. "You may come out from the hallway now." I come out, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. Had he known that I was standing there in the hallway this entire time? Four sets of eyes are turned to me and I avoid all of them.

"How'ya takin' all this?" Raph asks, as I take a seat at the breakfast table. I wasn't planning on eating breakfast. I can barely do anything but sleep after the break-up and after losing Benj. I have tried to meditate too, but it isn't like it was before. Whenever I close my eyes, I just see his tearful face while he was caught by the mutant. Then I see the way that Lexi looked at me, like I was the most despicable thing that she ever saw, when I had no choice but to bring her into the apartment.