Family is Forever

Repo Mantis: Part 3

Aria's POV:

Todd laughs as a cascade of puppies comes rushing out in every direction. A puppy leaps into my arms, so I pet it. I smile politely to Todd as I raise my hand to offer a friendly wave.

Me: "Pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Aria, the purple one is Donatello, AKA Donnie, & the orange one is Michelangelo, AKA Mikey. We're here to repo your RV in a polite, non-threatening manner if possible."

Donnie sends Todd a skeptical look as he still thinks of Todd as our enemy. But it's hard to take him seriously when he's covered in puppies.

Donnie: "I don't know, Aria. He could be prepping these puppies for dinner."

I give him a 'really?' look as Todd speaks up, pulling a lever to rain dog food into a nearby trough.

Todd: "Oh right, it's dinnertime!"

I direct the boys to a picnic table, instructing them to behave. I then turn to Todd with an apologetic smile.

Me: "I apologize for my associates' hostility, Todd. We don't meet very many mutants who are as friendly as you."

Surprisingly, Todd keeps a polite smile as he turns to us with a tray containing a pitcher of lemonade & three glasses filled with said lemonade.

Todd: "Not a problem, miss. You guys want some of my internet-famous homemade lemonade? I donate it to folks in Alaska who need a little sunshine."

I nod politely as we each drink the lemonade from our glasses. We all smile at the refreshment, delighted by the lemonade's flavor.

Me: "Oh, wow."

Mikey: "This is pretty good."

Donnie: "That honestly tastes like sunshine, wow. And, sidebar."

Donnie drags Mikey by the shell to huddle up a few feet from the table. I look at them in confusion before again smiling at Todd politely.

Me: "Excuse us for a second."

Todd nods as I leap to stand between Donnie & Mikey.

Donnie: "Cute puppies? Non-profit lemonade? This is no 'Spine-Breaking Bandit'."

Mikey: "He's the nicest guy in the world."

I laugh as I give them an 'I told you so' look.

Me: "That's what I've been trying to tell you two knuckleheads."

Donnie: "But we need that RV. We still gotta be tough with him. Hard as nails!"

I facepalm as they both suck down what's left of their lemonade.

Mikey: "Got it!"

The guys march back to sit at the picnic table while I walk to sit between them.

Me: "Again, I'd like to apologize for their behavior."

Mikey: "So, Todd, let's get down to business about your RV."

Todd: "Sure thing! Could you hold Willis?"

Todd picks up a puppy as it runs across the table and jumps into Mikey's arms.

Mikey: "Oh, I don't know if I'm, no! Aww, you little mischief maker!"

Another puppy rolls over the table top towards Donnie, who nudges it away.

Mikey: "Wait a minute, we're supposed to be talking about the RV!"

I let out a small laugh as a puppy rolls toward Donnie again. He offers me a warm smile as he pets the puppy's underbelly out of sympathy for the cute little critter. I sigh as I turn to Todd with a sympathetic look.

Me: "Look, Todd, you haven't made a payment in two years, and that means-"

Todd interrupts with a sigh as he explains why he's been so hasty in paying for his vehicle.

Todd: "Yeah. Turns out, all you get for rescuing puppies are million-dollar smiles."

Todd turns to face the ground as we all hear a puppy barking.

Todd: "Ooh, Miho wants her belly rubbed!"

Donnie places a hand on my shoulder while I put my hand over his as thanks for his attempt to keep me calm. I take a breath and do a stern look.

Me: "Even so, we have no choice but to-Wait, where's Mikey?"

TO BE CONTINUED