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

Chapter 19: A job poorly done

I take another painful sip of water and finish chugging down the remaining drops. It's painful because it's the fourth water bottle I've chugged this morning. And it isn't on purpose either; I'm just anxious.

Noah raises his eyebrows at me. I'm not entirely sure if it's out of concern or amusement. I have a feeling it's a little bit of both.

"Careful, Lex. Just because we're seventy percent made of water, that doesn't mean you should drink the entire ocean. You know, back in California, we're experiencing a drought. That water could be put to some good use rather than making you hurl and pee every ten minutes."

"Poor Californians," I say, as I pull out another water bottle from my purse. I break it open and instantly take some sips.

Noah shakes his head at me in mock shame. "You're a disgrace to the California Redwoods."

I swallow and roll my eyes. "The California mascot is a grizzly bear, smart one."

"Actually," Noah says, and I instantly know I'm losing this one, "the grizzly bear is the state's mammal. The state's tree is a California Redwood." He pauses. "You're also a disgrace to the Golden Trout."

"How do you know these things?"

"And the California quail."

"You just put the word 'California' in front of quail."

"It's an actual thing," he states solidly. "Also, those desert tortoises aren't very happy with you either."

"I'm best friends with four turtles. The desert tortoise can give me a break," I say, shaking my head. "Anymore state-info you can give me?"

"Purple needlegrass."

I close my eyes, laugh and look up at the ceiling. "What on earth is purple needlegrass?"

"Hey Dad, have you thought about a job?" Rose asks suddenly, looking up from her laptop.

This whole interaction might feel normal and at home if it weren't for our current location. We are visiting with Dad, who is trapped in the confines of the interrogation room in the lair. This is where he spends all of his time and besides bathroom breaks, it doesn't sound like he gets out of here much. So Rose, Noah, and I decided to come down for a bit and visit with him.

"Of course I have," Dad says. He laughs without humor. "But I don't think my resume would be any bit successful. I haven't accomplished much in the past seven years."

I snort. "What are you talking about? I think becoming the leader of some pretty exciting gangs, ninjas and thugs in New York City deserves a standing ovation and a gift card for something."

We all laugh, but none of us think it's funny.

"Well, what would you want to maybe consider doing? What field?" Rose asks.

Dad sighs and rubs his eyes. He's exhausted. And I don't think it's because of his lack of sleep.

"I could always try to go back to the old stuff and try to work engineering. But even if I was able to get a job interview, it might be a little hard to explain why I've been officially unemployed for the past seven years."

"Yeah, that might cause an uproar of questioning."

"I would try to get you a job at HUA," I begin sheepishly. "But I mean...your face has kind of been plastered all over the place for the past ten years. Not in a good way."

"It's the thought that counts."

Rose gasps and shuts her laptop. "I know! What about April and her shop? I'm sure she could always use a hand around there."