CHAPTER FIFTEEN: AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING

One month later...

GABBI POV

GOOD THINGS START and end at certain places in life, they must end and start bad things. There are no rules to what life can throw at you, no exemptions or chosen. Simply everyone.

This was the end of a bad era for Gabbi. Finally away from the problems and expectations set in line for her in France. As the oldest daughter of nine girls, Gabbi was the example. She was to make perfect grades, learn an entirely new language and the role of a woman all before the age of 12.

And she did. Her parents were beyond proud of her when she was accepted into Notre Dome International high school. So, she packed her bags and moved 2 hours away from her childhood home to board with 15 other girls in a large castle like building in the middle of no where.

At first she was terrified. She had lived on the outskirts of Paris, in Provins, in her family's 4 bedroom home. Like most of the buildings in the town, the house looked like it had been built during Medieval Times, a compliment to the standard European country charm.

Provins was just a days ride from Paris, so it wasn't like she was far from her home. But she had never been separate from her family.

Now she was in an entirely different continent, sipping a hot chocolate and devouring chocolate covered strawberries, while her best friend of 5 years studied beside her.

They were sprawled out in her room, Kylie occupying her bed as Gabbi laid across the floor.

"You know, you've been studying for quite a while." Gabbi said to Kylie, her French accent perfectly coating her words

"I know, but I want to make sure I'm ready for the next semester."

"It's winter break Ky!" Gabbi cooed

Kylie turned her attention to Gabbi, who was plopping another strawberry into her mouth, before sighing and laying down on the floor beside her.

"I know it's been pretty boring since you've gotten here. I'm sorry, I just really-"

"I know Rosie." Gabbi said before turning and laying her Kylie's shoulder.

Kylie rolled her eyes before picking up a strawberry and gently taking a bite.

"You know, you could use a break and I could use some entertainment. There's an ice skating rink nearby!" Gabbi hinted excitedly

Kylie laughed and smiled, but before she could respond her phone buzzed in her pocket. Kylie gave her a quick smile before answering.

Gabbi watches as she gets up and walks away before lying back down on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and took in the comfort of the air around her.

KYLIE POV

"Hello?"

"Hey Rose" Casey's voice said through the phone

"Hey Case, what's up?" Kylie questioned as she began to put on her winter boots

"Listen, I need you to stop by headquarters at some point today. The Chief wants to speak with you."

"Yeah uh okay! Me and Gabbi were about to go ice skating, we can come in before we head to the rink."

"Yeah that's fine...have you told Gabbi about the turtles yet? They have their own task force here now you know. You're likely to run into at least one of them."

"No... I haven't told Gabbi yet, I don't know how to explain it to her in all honesty." Kylie admits as she slumps down beside her bed

"Well if she's coming with you, you might wanna give her a heads up" Casey suggests with a sigh

"I will."

"Hey Rose"

"Yeah Casey?" Kylie looks up at the ceiling above her, the white popcorn texture blurting amongst itself

"You need to talk to him."

Before Kylie can respond, the phone clicks and Casey is gone.

After nearly a month of counseling, Kylie thought she'd be ready at this point to face that blue eyed turtle. But her chest tightened and she feared the worse.

But, she promised Gabbi ice skating and if Chief Vincent wanted to discuss her joining the task force; then she needed to get up and get over it.

So what Leo had been ignoring her for nearly a month? So what it was nearly Christmas and she hadn't seen nor heard from any of the brothers? (Despite Donnie who only needed her brain).

She was a big girl and she had so much going for her. She was one her way to being one of the best detectives of all time.

Kylie took a deep breath, and pushed herself up from the floor.

Today was going to be a good day.

30 minutes later...

As Kylie and Gabbi approach the front of Police HQ of Manhattan, Kylie takes a deep breath.

"Listen Gabbi, when we go in here you're going to see something you've needed seen before ... I can't really explain it to you; but promise you won't freak out, okay?'

Gabbi turned towards her friend in confusion, but Kylie walked forward (unable to face her). Gabbi then looked up in confusion towards the towering building and then followed Gabbi inside.

She practically had to sprint to keep up with Kylie as she pushed through the small crowds of officers and when they finally made it to the elevator, she was quiet and looked a little nauseous.

"Kylie are you-"

Gabbi's words fall flat in her mouth as the elevator door slides open to reveal a life sized turtle, strapped with weapons and leather across it. Gabbi lets out a gulp as Kylie finally looks up to face it.

"Hi Leonardo."

It's been two years nearly guys and I'm sorry to say that I dropped the ball on this book. A lots happened since I last wrote a chapter, and while I can't promise consistent updates. Know that I'm revisiting updating again. Also sorry if this chapter feels inconsistent with the rest of the book. I realize know how forced the timeline feels and from now on will be focusing on making it more realistic.