"So what you're telling me, is that deep down I know it's my fault and I'm just 'projecting' the blame on to others?" I asked in an unamused tone.
"Precisely."
"So me getting kidnapped as a baby was my fault? My brother, the only person I ever thought was there for me, turning out to be another kidnapped kid that ends up attacking me is my fault? Lex freakin' Luthor using my body as his own little remote controlled toy is my fault?" He began sinking into his chair as my tone hardened.
"Well when you say it like that-"
"It makes it obvious why you never became a psychologist. I got news for you, the system wasn't rigged, you're just an idiot." I left a ten on the counter as I finished my drink. I got off my stool and left the bar, the bell on the door ringing as I swung it open.
I liked this part of town. It was as messed up as my life. Everyone here has seen about everything and didn't even look twice at me. It was ideal considering my condition. The bars down here would let just about anyone who could pay in. They needed the business and we needs the treatment only alcohol could give.
I wasn't far off 18. A few more weeks and I won't feel so rebellious.
I passed an alley and a figure slipped out, walking beside me. "There bartender no help again?"
"How'd you guess?"
"I know they aren't as wise as they are in the movies." He walked ahead and stopped right in front of me, facing me with a wide grin. "I could help though."
"How?"
"A good way to handle anger is to vent. There's enough scum in this neighbourhood you remarkably call home. Why don't you put that armour to good use?" As much as I like the idea, it sounded like I'd be looking for trouble. I don't need trouble right now.
"Shadow, I'm trying to keep a low profile. The Justice League is looking for me and they not pleased already. Imagine their delight to find out I've been taking out my anger on crooks." I pushed past him, it wasn't harshly because there wasn't much to push. I called him Shadow because he may have well been on. He felt like smoke eighty percent of time. He moved around like shadows and spent most of his time in them.
Also because he never left me, just like a shadow.
When I turned back he had disappeared. Still watching though. It just meant I was going to pass someone or something like that.
"You're a hard girl to find." So much for staying in hiding. I looked up at the fire escape to see Batbrat looking over the railing at me.
"Wanted it that way." I kept going and she leapt down beside me.
"I figured, that's why no one knows where I am. Except maybe Batman. He knows everything. It is actually impossible to keep a secret from him. But secrets are his thing so if he knows then he knows I know that he knows and he would know I'd want it to stay secret." Listening to that made my head hurt.
"Could I get the short version of that by any chance?"
"Batman undoubtedly knows but he won't tell anyone." Great. Batman of all people, knows where I am.
"Is there a point to your being here? Not that this isn't fun, but it's not." She crossed her arms at me, as if she were the one who had the right to be pissed.
"We know it wasn't your fault okay. We understand the whole mind control thing, we can help you make sure there is no way to control you again." I thought about it before; going back. And every time I saw his face, staring horrified. I won't let that happen again.
"No."
"Teagan-"
"I said no!" I Tok a breath to calm myself before continuing. "You don't know what it's like. I hurt the only person who has ever liked me without a hidden agenda. I hurt you. If you didn't have that healing ability I would have killed you. What if that was someone else I had stabbed instead of you? We wouldn't even be having this conversation."
"Fine, wallow in your self pity. Oh boo hoo! You aren't the first to have something like this happen to you. Have you met Jaime? He was controlled by aliens who nearly destroyed the earth! You need to sort things out with Gar, you need to come back." I flinched at his name.
"He's better off never seeing me again."
"Batman is a lot more forgiving than people give him credit for."
"But what if-"
"What if the sky turns to fire and your nose drops off." I narrowed my eyes at her.
"Hey isn't that from-"
"Never mind what Disney movie I got it from. Do you at least get my point, will you come back?"
"Let me think about it."
"You can think on the way." I stared at her deadpan.
"Ha. Ha. Ha."
"Your attitude has gotten worse than mine in the six months you've been missing." She took off her mask and folded up her detachable cape and put it in a backpack. She got out a jacket and zipped it up. She passed for normal now.
"Why are you so persistent?"
"Why are you so stubborn?"
"I caused so much trou-"
"Stop."
"Stop what, Ginger?"
"First of all: it's Mila. Second of all: stop blaming yourself. It wasn't your fault. It was Lex. He literally sucks and we can't lay a finger on him." She held out her hand, in suggestion for me to take it.
"You win." I took her hand and she smiled. "Thank you Mila."
Yes this is the sequel to Why Did it Have to be Pink.
Hopefully this will be better.
I am so excited for this story. You have no idea.
