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

Chapter 17: Promotion & Demotion

I didn't expect it, but the medication worked. It didn't kick in right away, but after I had been taking it for a few weeks, the pains started to decrease. I was very much relieved, and so was Leo. I could finally stop worrying about being in pain at work and focus more on getting things done. No more pain medicine. No more worrying about the effects of my injuries (the fertility conversation is going to stay on the backburner).

And since I've been back, I have tried my hardest to pick up my work trying to become a Detective at work. All of that work hasn't been for nothing.

"Alexandra King, thanks to your phenomenal service, we promote you from the title of an Agent to the position of Detective. We thank you for your service as Agent for these many years and we wish you much luck in your new position."

Out of all the awful things that have happened throughout the past while, all the things which have broken me and beaten me until I thought I couldn't get back up again, this is something that makes it all worth it.

My face is surely glowing as I accept the badge of Detective King. I'm the first in my family to acquire such a title, and that knowledge just makes me smile even wider. I feel a sense of joy as I see all the people I've worked with for years looking up at me and clapping. Friends, family, people I've practically watched grow up.

Rose and Mom: only half of my biological family, but I have other family.

I have the turtles, who look up at me each with their animated faces. Don looks like a proud older brother, and he really has been such a good friend to me. Raph stands there, clapping along with a proud look on his face, but it's different. He's got a smug smile on his face—like he knew for a fact that this would happen eventually. Mikey is going crazy. He's jumping around, pumping his fists in the air. His cute green face is animated, and his grin is so wide I think it might break his face into two. When we make eye contact, his smile somehow gets wider, and he shouts even louder.

His excitement reminds me of Benjamin. I can almost see my little brother, standing next to the orange-clad turtle, having a cheering competition, seeing who could cheer for me louder. The thought makes me sad, but it also makes me smile. Because I know that he wouldn't miss this for the world.

And Leo. When I look at him, I still get those butterflies. I love him, and that hasn't gone away. As I look at him, standing there next to Mikey, grinning and clapping, I realize I haven't told him that in a while. I decide then that I need to gather the courage to do that again.

I realize now how different things are.

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"You aren't to speak with him, or look at him, or breathe in his direction. Have I made myself clear?"

Yes, she's certainly made herself abundantly clear.

"Mom," I begin slowly, standing up, with my arms crossed. "I know it's going to be really difficult to have him back around. But all our lives, you've taught us to forgive. You've taught us that—"

"Well forget what I taught you." Her voice comes off as bitter, and I think she feels bad about it because her face softens. "I'm sorry, girls...I just..." She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "I don't know what's gotten into me."

Rose's face softens as our mother's does. She stands up and proceeds towards Mom. My sister puts her hand on Mom's arm gently.

"I know this is going to be difficult for you. Keep in mind that it's going to be difficult and strange for all of us."

Mom smiles at my sister, and I try not to feel bad for myself. How is it that Rosalie can make her smile, and I no longer can?

In the time that the HUA has had Dad locked away, he has been able to give information and help in a number of different crimes. He has helped them solve cases we've been working on for years, and he's given whatever information we were lacking. None of it has brought us to a dead-end. All of his words have been truthful. They've made the decision to release him.