CATWOMAN YEAR 1

I was born and raised in the dark seedy streets of Gotham a place where anything and everything happened, this place had no room for disapproval. It was the perfect breeding ground for people like my mother, a down and out prostitute who lost all self respect for herself, the only time she was happy was when she was high, and then she would forget about everything even me.

As soon as I could walk and talk I had to fend for myself, a normal day, what is normal. I had to get up, wash and dress myself and then travel the streets, stay away from home and the clients. The streets were dark and I could feel all eyes on me, I knew this place was dangerous but I was small and a fast runner.

I used to hang around the old bookstore it was out of place but decent run by decent people. They were a couple in there forties who used to get robbed a lot; I don't know how they are still alive and how there business remains open.

It was a safe house for me, the husband George taught me how to read and write, I remember him reading to me all of these history books, while Norma would be in the kitchen fixing me something hot to eat, how I enjoyed her beef stew, it was better then scavenging for leftovers in the trash cans, they didn't have any children, I never asked them why, but they were always happy to see me.

I knew every time I left it broke Norma's heart, but I didn't want them getting into trouble, I remember the last time, my mom warning them to stay away from me and accusing them of being child molesters. That was rich coming from someone who exposed there child to sex and drugs.

Maybe deep down she felt guilty for that, but it was easier for her to blame someone other then herself, that was my mom all over, but I didn't hate her even though I had every reason to, all I felt was pity for the sad pathetic shell of a woman she had become.

So after that night she never knew that I still went round there everyday. George made sure I got home safely, he always carried a gun with him for protection, He said it was his lucky charm as it belonged to his grandfather.

I asked why it was lucky, he said because he never had to use it, I found it strange in a place with a bad rep but I thought no more of it. George gave me a hug and told me the same thing every night "Lock your door and I'll see you tomorrow" as I watched him walk away so my life returned to what was real, a dark hole in which some day I will have to escape from.

So I did what George always told me, I made sure I crept in the apartment, more often then not I could always hear noise from my mum's room, laughter, her and some other guy, I tried not to imagine his filthy hands all over her the thought of it angered me, but I was in my room.

I made sure I locked the door and double bolted it, and then get ready for bed, I always slept under the bed never exposed, it made me feel safer. Sometimes I cried myself to sleep, but almost every night I'd pray for morning.

Morning came I survived another night thank god. I always get up early avoiding contact with my mother altogether and make a quick exit out of the door. God I've never ran so fast and felt happy at the same time, I can see the bookstore a few yards away but something's different, very different, There's a black car parked outside with four men approaching the store.

George is signalling them to come in, I see George he tells me to go round the back and wait. I wait silently on the steps of the back door listening at what is happening inside, it's all muffled all I can make out is lot's of shouting and something about money being owed, I can hear Norma crying and then silence.

I make my way round the front. The men are now leaving in a hurry except for one who stands motionless just for a second, he's tall and wearing a long overcoat, what is he thinking, then suddenly as if in slow motion he turns and stares right at me with the most lifeless eyes I've ever seen, dark and empty as the night itself but that's not what scares me what scares me is his smile which sends shivers down my spine, and then he's gone leaving that deathly smile with me forever.

As I stand in a daze and watch the strange man drive away I realise what's just happened and hurry inside the store to see George slumped against the wall with his face covered in blood with Norma kneeling by his side crying.

I help Norma get George back on his feet and get him cleaned up and then I start asking questions like who the men were, Norma's reluctant and goes into the kitchen to make some tea.

George starts explaining that the men were the mob and that every month they show up and take half the profits no matter how big or small. He tells me that they are now having to break into there savings in order to pay them but that never seems to be enough and that's why he ended up with two black eyes and a split lip but it could have been worse but next time if he didn't come up with the goods he'll be dead.

I asked if I could help, he said I need to focus on looking after myself then worrying about them, that they would be ok and they would find the money somehow.

Those words didn't give me any comfort , I said to myself "I see what I can do" I had to do something they've always been there for me and taught me so much, they've practically been the parents I never had , I couldn't leave them like this.

I stayed with them all evening and tidied up the store. I made my way home, George escorting me as usual, this time he was black and blue and in a lot of pain but he still gave me a hug and told me the same thing he told me every night "Lock your door and I'll see you tomorrow" he tried to smile but it was to painful.

I watched him walk down the street and once again the black hole consumed me. As I entered the front door all I could hear was shouting and screaming with loud music playing in the background.

I made my way to the kitchen cupboards in hope of finding my mom's money stash, George and Norma needed it more then she did. I came across an old tin; I could hear some coins rattling inside.

I hope that's not all that's in there. I try and open it but it's stuck, I need something to prise it open, a screwdriver that should do it. I finally get it open and there's a whole load of cash and drugs, so she's using as well as supplying.

I put the screwdriver in my back pocket and put the tin back where it was and silently make my way to my bedroom, I divided the money up , half for George and Norma, half for me, I need to get out of here I don't know where but anywhere is better then here.

I also write a letter to them explaining that this money is to help them out and also to say thank-you for what they have done for me and that I love them dearly, I'm sorry for having to leave but this is no place for me never has been.

I'll get in touch with them as soon as I get settled, somewhere no one knows me. I make sure I put the money and letter in my jacket, I'm leaving first light.

Noise is still coming from my mom's room. I made sure I locked my door, but I don't think that's going to help tonight. I hear my mom's door fly open and foot steps approaching my door.

My door suddenly flies open, oh my god it's one of my mom's client's. I shout at him to get out, he stares at me blankly, I can smell the sweat and alcohol on him it makes me sick.

He grabs me; my mom is nowhere to be seen. I shout for her over and over again but no reply. He tells me in a slurry voice that she's passed out and that he wants me to be his little whore "I like them young" he says.

I try to fight him off with all my strength but he's more of a match for me. He puts his hand up my top, I kick and scream but no one is coming to my rescue. I kick him right in between the legs and he punches me full force, I fall to the ground.

He grabs me again. I remember I have the screwdriver in my back pocket. I reach for it and stab him right in the chest. He looks at me as life escapes him.

He takes one last gasp of air……He's dead. Oh my god I killed him but it was self defence, He tried to rape me. I get up off the floor I realise there is blood all over me.

I need to get out of here. I quickly wash my hands and pack my backpack full of clothes. I haven't got time to change, my jacket should cover it. I'll have to change in a toilet somewhere and then dispose of the clothes and the screwdriver, but before I leave for the station, drop the money off.

As I look at this place for the last time I think to myself I'm not going to miss it , and I stare at my mom passed out on the bed for the last time ever and it occurs to me that yes I do hate you.

I make my way out of the front door leaving everything that is bad behind it. I'm walking at a fast pace down the road towards George and Norma's, I post the envelope through there letter box, so many thoughts plague me. I don't have time to think I only regret not saying goodbye to them properly "I'm sorry".

Not for one second does my mom enter my head maybe I have become the selfish bitch of a daughter she said I always was. I make my way down to the subway the most dangerous place you can be at this time of night, so many undesirables.

But I don't care all I can think about is getting out of this place, disappear, become someone different.

To be continued…….