Dick's P.O.V
Another morning. I get ready for it, in my own way, then go to check on Hope. She has school today. At least, that's what I was going to do.
Someone's in the medical area. Who's hurt?
Feeling a little nervous, despite myself, I head there, determined to find out what's wrong. An unfamiliar, pain filled, pair of purple eyes look at me.
"Dick?"
How does she know me? I've never seen her before. At least I don't think I have. Whoever this girl is, she's hurt bad. What on Earth happened to her? She looks like she's been through a war!
I've never seen so many bruises before. Her feet are bare and bleeding pretty bad from numerous cuts. She's very skinny. Too skinny. Her waist length mousy brown hair is a mess. I can see a lot of knife wounds on her arms and legs. I'd say a little less than half are bleeding. Not too badly though. She's not going to scar. There's even a few bullet wounds. Her clothes, (a camo outfit), are torn and dirty. No name tag. Honestly, it's amazing she's still conscious.
"What's your name again?" "I...I don't know. All I remember is you." "Sounds like you're pretty much a Tabula Rasa. Is it O.K if I call you Tabby?"
Seriously, Grayson?
"I...think that's fine."
She tries to get up, (from her spot on the table), but I stop her.
"You're hurt bad." "I know that much."
Boy, explaining this to Hope and Babs is definitely going to be awkward. As carefully as I can, I tend to...Tabby's wounds. She also has a couple broken ribs. Amazing resilience though. By the time I finish, I hear Babs coming my way.
"Hope's on her way to school and...Who's this, Dick?"
I explain to her, as best I can, Tabby's presence. She looks at me.
"Can I talk to you, in private, for a second?"
Tabby nods.
"I can see your rings. You guys go ahead and talk where you need to."
Babs leads me to our room.
"Mr. Grayson, you've got some explaining to do." "Well, it's hard to explain. I don't remember having seen her before but, somehow, she remembers me. And only me." "So "Tabby" is short for Tabula Rasa?" "Well, yeah, it is. I think she's 17...18. About Hope's age. I'm surprised she's still conscious. She must have been through a war because I saw a few bullet wounds." "I'm guessing you'll be taking the day off to take care of our new houseguest?" "Given what she's been through, yeah, I think that would be best." "I'll go make the call. Tabby needs you. Don't thank me. Girl looks like she's been through hell and she only knows you anyway."
I nod, then head back to the medical room. In a run. That language she's screaming is one I'd know anywhere, though, I admit, it's not one I was expecting.
Tabby knows Romany!