The Dawn of Danger
Blissfully unaware that there was something wicked afoot Rebecca took her mom to her favorite bagel shop to enjoy a spot of breakfast. The pair was enjoying healthy turkey sandwich bagels with raspberry smoothies. It was a delightful morning and neither would expect this to be the dawn of danger. All they knew at the moment was it was a good thing they'd requested these bagels sandwiches without mayo.
Rebecca took a big bite out of her turkey sandwich on a cinnamon raisin bagel. "Ah, this is a piece of heaven in every bite!"
"Rebecca, don't talk with your mouth full," her mom reprimanded her lightly, though she also was talking with her mouth full. Both of them giggled and took a bite out of their long dill pickles.
"You do pick charming places to have a good brunch at. You can't get bagels like this in Gotham. You're lucky if you can even find them at a Save-O-Mart. It really helps I think that your city grows its own food. I do like that part of this city." Barbara remarked kindly as she sipped her smoothie.
"Well, I've to agree with you on that one, Mom. There are many perks to living here in this green and natural world. Gotham's good if you like perpetual darkness and need to live in a faster pace lifestyle. Here in Eco-City we see a balance of both night and day. Along with living a lifestyle that more harmonious with the rest of Mother Nature. I love that part about living here. It's not black or white or dark or light, it's just a balance with human and nature."
"So you want to tell me what's on your mind, sweetheart? I can tell something bugging you. So care to tell me what's goin' on in your life?"
"Mom!" Rebecca replied defensibly as she slammed her smoothie back on the small table. "Is this why you came to see me? Just to poke your nose in into my personal life? Or did you really have a few bad dreams because you'd too many brownies before bed? You've not been so scared or worried unless you're goin' through your relapse due to that Scarecrow's fear gas. Although, given that already happened, so it ain't due to recur for another few years. Therefore if that isn't the case, Mom, why are you so worried about me? I'm twenty-seven now! I can handle myself and my own life!"
"Honey, it doesn't matter how old children are; a parent's job never ends. Even mothers with grownup children still want to know that their babies are alright. It never ends the worrying, hoping or caring. You'll always be my baby, Rebecca, no-mater-what; you'll always be my little girl. Furthermore, sweetheart, I will until the end of time be concerned about you till I depart this life. Then I will watch over you and worry about you in Heaven. So just get use to it and accept that it's a part of life. I'm anxious more then a normal mom, considering how you've chosen to do what I did in my youth. I had a lot of close shaves when I was young. It's not like a comic book, honey. The hero doesn't always win; they don't always come out of it unharmed. Therefore Rebecca, just allow me worry about you. You do know while I told you, exactly what your grandfather told me, your father still doesn't have a clue about your secret or mine. And I'm not sure it would be smart to enlighten him about it either."
"I do understand everything you're saying, Mommy. I really do, and I feel a lot of the same emotions you do. I guess that's why I feel confused about my relationship with Warren," she admitted to her mom. Her mom looked at her daughter for a moment before taking her hands in hers and squeezing tightly.
"Honey, please tell me what's on your mind. I'd like to hear this for maybe I can help with this. I mean I'm the only one here who knows exactly what you're going through. So please tell me more."
Rebecca sighed heavily and let out a slow breath. She then looked at her mom whom she so resembled. Taking a small sip from her drink she confessed what was so troubling her mind.
"You remember, Warren? Warren Alan Williams? He was my best friend from law school?"
"Honey, of course I know him. You and he were dancing together at Bruce's Manor last month. You seemed lost in the moment just gazing at each other's faces. I saw you even kiss him. That made Dick smile I remember. First love is so romantic and just magical. I mean Dick and I went through that in our own college years. So please continue."
"Well, ever since he presided over the Meinhard Nardo case, you remember? He was the guy who raped Terra and a bunch of other young ladies before being brought to justice."
"I think not a soul gonna stop thinking about that man anytime soon, honey. So what happened after seeing him after so long? It must have been quiet an experience seeing him again after that long. Not to mention preparing him to help a close friend of ours out."
"It was a shock and I didn't realize till the moment I found out he'd be the judge on that case, just how much I missed him. Or how much I still cared so deeply for him, or how he still cared about me. I mean he's the only one who calls me "Becky" and normally I wouldn't like that. Yet I feel special and happier when he calls me that. So ever since that case we've been doing some bonding. We exchange emails almost six times a day and talk on the phone a lot. I guess the only hard thing about it at trying to take our friendship into a more romantic one is the fact he still in Gotham and I'm here."
"Ever think about moving back?"
"Sometimes, but I don't believe that the right solution to the problem. Beside," she said as she lowered her voice so the old couple next to them didn't overhear. "Gotham already got the Batclan. Eco-City needs me here. I cannot just leave the city unprotected. Gotham's is well protected and cared for, however Eco-City really needs me. That makes it harder even."
Barbara took her cred card out of her purse and slid it into the payment slot. It beeped showing that their brunch had been paid for. "Come on, honey. We can talk more about this in the park. I would like to see that new rose garden you're telling me about. It's such a beautiful day; we ought to take pleasure in the weather. So c'mon let go to the park."
"Sure thing, Mom that sounds like an excellent place to converse .They've got roses in just about every color you can image! Red ones, white, blue, yellow, pink, purple, even green! You'll really take pleasure in them, I promise."
Taking her violet vehicle which was her favorite color they went to the park called "Eve's Eden." Laughing and playing without a care in the world was the cities children. Young moms and daddies were with their children enjoying the new playground and also breathing in the heavenly scent of the new roses in bloom.
"This is just so heavenly, Rebecca. It's just so beautiful here." Barbara commented as they got out of the Porsche and entered the park. Rebecca had a proud smile upon her face. Clicking a button on her keychain the car became theft-proof.
"I know what you mean, Mom. It's also so safe and sound here. There no vandalism like back home in Gotham. No hoodlums or street punks destroying it for no other reason then they're bored. It's so ideal. I've work hard to keep it that way, both in my own courtroom and outside it. I'm actually thinking that Poison Ivy would've been happy to know that some of her misguided but good intentions are being realized here."
"You do know that Pamela Isly was still insane right, daughter? I mean she did try to kill a man for simply building a penitentiary over a field of flowers? Or she and Harley once forced Bruce to take them on a shopping spree?"
"And she turned Alfred into a tree, yeah, yeah, Mom, I remember the stories you told me as a child. Still every now and then evil is just good misplaced. That's why the Planets have done their best to protect nature and educate man in how to live harmoniously with it. As you can plainly see here's the rose garden I was telling you about. Almost every kind of rose and in every shade and color the imagination is known of," she gestured to the lovely sea of colors around them.
All around them were the sweet scent of heaven with a light breeze making the sea ripple beautifully. It was truly a little slice of heaven and the forgotten kingdom of Eden at least at this place wasn't extinct. It almost seemed between the colorful butterflies and hummingbirds that they were fairies and other mythical creatures doing their best to make the garden even more alive. It was a truly enchanting moment.
"So tell me more about what's goin' on in your life, sweetheart. Just let it all out at once."
"Well, like I said Warren and I are attempting to start a romantic relationship. I mean yes, we sorta dated in law school. But you know it just wasn't a real kinda of date. It felt more like just hanging out. I mean we were best friends and all that. So how is the two of us on a 'date' really any different then just hanging out? I couldn't tell the difference at all. So I guess I'm just wondering how we can take it too the next level. I mean he's coming to see me sometime this weekend at well. And I just want you know to feel the spark. Just feel the passion, and see if what we've got isn't just make-believe."
"Honey, you cannot force love or control it. It takes its own time and follows its own course in the river of life. Furthermore, Rebecca, you can fall in love a hundred times, but it never the same way twice or the feelings either. So you're worried about taking a chance? A risk? Well, honey, you're gonna have to jump in and just let your heart guide you. I know it's scary at first but it's worth it in the end," Barbara advised to her daughter.
Rebecca was sitting down currently on the edge of a marble water fountain gazing at her reflection. She seemed to be lost in a world of her own for a few moments. Then all of sudden she was splashed on by the koi fish in the fountain. It was after all a small water garden connecting to the rest of the beautiful garden. She could hear her mom laughing gaily at her.
"Mom! It's not funny!"
Barbara removed her glasses and wiped her eyes clean. After one last giggle she regained her composure and offered her daughter a handkerchief which she gladly accepted. Rebecca still gave her mom one last scowl and then wiped her face clean.
"Oh, honey, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make fun of you. But I think you're slightly overreacting. That small fish hardly got you wet; it just got your face wet, so you don't even have to worry about your clothes. C'mon, sweetheart. I'd love to see more your home so let go to town."
"Well, I do have to go the jewelry store in the mall anyway. I promised I get Ronnie, that the doorman Joshua 12 year old niece, a chocker she's been wanting for weeks. Her 13th birthday is next Monday and I said I go to Esmeralda's Jewels to get it for her. So let's get going!"
The pair had a joyous day together enjoying the sights in Eco-City. After spend two hours at the shopping mall, both getting the chocker, along with buying a new dress or two for the upcoming awards dinner, they then went to zoo, and enjoyed watching the birth of a newborn baby walphin, which is an animal that half whale and half dolphin. After the zoo they went to the Eco-City Natural World Museum, and took pleasure in a new exhibit on the evolution of man. By the time they left the Museum it was getting dark so they headed back to Rebecca's penthouse.
"That was a great day, Rebecca! I really enjoyed getting away from the eternal darkness and evil that is Gotham. I can see why you wouldn't want to come home if this wonderful city is to persevere it must be protect. This land is very precious and like most of the world we must protect it if we are to continue to live on this planet."
"You're very wise, Mom, very wise, indeed. So let's go back to my place. I'm sure Kendra will be there waiting for us. I asked her if she could do some errands for me today while we're out. So hopefully she picked up something healthy for dinner."
As soon as they got back to Rose Tower, which was the name of the building she lived in, they're greet by an extremely enthusiastic new teenager, Ronnie! She was jumping up and down with giddiness when Rebecca gave her present to her. She hugged the young lady tightly and skipped back to her apartment while shouting with glee.
"I guess becoming a teenager is a very big deal. Was I like that when I became a teenager, Mom?" Rebecca inquired as they got inside to the lobby. Barbara looked at her daughter with amusement and laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Honey? You don't remember? When you turned 13 you deliberately disobeyed my wishes, and gave yourself a makeover with all of my cosmetics! Then after that you nicked my cred card, and bought yourself an adult dress at the most expenses store in the mall. I ended up having to return the dress and you wouldn't stop bitching about it for a week. How could you not recall that?"
"Guess I've had a lot more on my mind, then taking a stroll down memory lane. What color was the dress I racked up on your card?"
"If memory servers it was burgundy. Furthermore, Rebecca, it showed more skin then was appropriate for a girl your age at the time."
"Guess I was a bit of a wildcat as a teen. It couldn't have been easy for you given your own age to reign in a wild teenager. So let's go, I'm sure Kendra will be waiting for us when we get to my penthouse." Rebecca remarked coolly as they entered the elevator. Her mom just stared around the homey atrium for a few minutes taking in just how majestic along with unique this city really was. Her daughter was getting a tad irked by her mom but understood her perfectly. After all she'd been in the same state of awe and wonders when she first moved here herself. Barbara just smiled as the glass doors opened and they stepped into the glass elevator.
"The way this green tech works is marvelous in addition to astonishing! I mean you wouldn't have to worry about rouge computer programs or viruses upsetting this elevator or if the power ran out, in view of the fact that it works out water pressure. That saves a lot of energy and time."
"Yes, Mom, it is truly innovated plus extraordinarily green," she agreed with a laugh, "I thought by now you've been satisfied with all that I've shown you. I guess however you're still in a bit of awe. I wonder what Kendra decided to bring home for us to eat. I hope she also finished doing the errands I requested," she wondered aloud as she opened her door and walked in.
The place was impeccable. Clearly the cleaning crew that she'd asked Kendra to call had done their job well. She also hoped that she didn't ruin Kendra date by asking to do other things for her, namely pick up her laundry and get several groceries. She knew that Kendra was suppose to stay for half an hour to finish getting ready for her date and that her date would be waiting down stairs to pick her up. It wasn't an easy job being someone personal assistant. Yet she knew Kendra didn't mind and was only too happy to server her. That what friends did for each other. She'd paid for Kendra's makeover and new dress, so doing a few errands in return could only be a fair trade off.
However, when Rebecca and her mom crossed the threshold, into the penthouse they didn't see the fair-haired woman anywhere, though they did smell something tasty being cooked in the gourmet kitchen.
"Kendra? Kendra, are you here?" called out the worried judge as she looked all over the place to see her girlfriend, but she didn't turn up at all. She was just about to whip out her cell phone when the door behind them slammed shut causing both mother and daughter to jump up in fright. Instinctively Barbara whipped out her sidearm and Rebecca took a fighting stance.
"Ahh! Don't shoot! Please I want to live to see my date tonight!" exclaimed Kendra as she held her arms out wide trying to protect herself. With a great sigh and relief both women stood down. Then all three of them let out a breath of relief.
"Kendra! You scared the shit out of us!"
"Sorry, Rebecca, that wasn't my intent at all. I was just getting the last of your guest's belongings up here to penthouse. Then you know I've got to go wait for my own date. I thank you again for getting me this sexy teal short dress. I'm gonna kill in it, I might actually even get laid for once in this dress!"
"You might not want to phrase it that way. Though, sex is a natural part of any relationship. Still it's kinda of not a good way to say it." Barbara remarked as she put her gun back into her holster. It only seemed once the weapon was out of sight did Kendra really start to breath again. Yet it looked like Rebecca had a bone to pick with her mom as she stared angrily at the gun.
"Mom! We're all adults, we ain't children. We do know about sex! Additionally it's my house so if she wants to say she hopes to have sex tonight and then let her. What I don't like is you brought a firearm into my home! We've got rules about that! You need to put it in the lockbox right now! We don't want it fall in the wrong hands!" Rebecca hotly informed her mom who was shocked at her daughter's audacity and tone.
"I'm a cop, darling; I at all times have my handgun on me. After all you have to be prepared for anything. Nevertheless if you wish for me to put it into a lockbox then I shall do just that. Where do you keep it?"
"It's behind the family portrait above the fireplace. I don't like the idea of weapons in my home is all. Part of the dream in Eco-City is to live in a world where weapons like guns aren't needed. Guns hurt everyone, as they say weapons are even weapons to those who use them."
"I'll get the box, Rebecca," Kendra replied obediently as she hurried over to the hiding place and removed the steel box. Taking out a key hidden under a maroon candlestick she opened the box up. Barb deposited the gun into the lockbox and it was slammed shut. Just then Rebecca realized something.
"Kendra?"
"Hmm?"
"My mother and I just got here. So who's bags did you bring up and if you're not cooking dinner, then who is?"
"Well, Becky, I thought I'd surprise you and your mom. After all Kendra was so sweet to pick me up from the train station, I figured I cook everyone dinner," came a male voice from the kitchen.
One by one the women turned around and a handsome young man stepped into view. Rebecca's vivid sapphire eyes lit up like the Fourth of July as she gazed into the black coffee eyes of her Warren.
"Warren!" she exclaimed happily as she gazed elatedly at him. He and she were dressed nearly alike. Both wore the same type of jacket but his was scarlet while hers was cerulean, her pants were gray and his black, he wore red sneakers, and she wore black heels. Other then his red tie around his neck they looked identical.
"Hey, Becky, it is so nice to see you again. I hope you enjoy my cooking; I'm not as good as my Grandma Anika who owned a restaurant called "Anika's Castle" My grandma could cook and bake anything and everything! She taught me how to cook some things but I'm still not as great as she was"
"She must've been a very good, Warren! Because all this smells heavenly! Though who owns the restaurant now?"
"My Aunt Noni along with her husband Bruno owns it now. She's my mom younger sister. She's the next best chef in the family. My parents couldn't cook to save their lives. They can do great job wit the law, but they can't even cook grilled cheese!"
"Well, I must admit that if a judge can cook it's amazing. I mean I do a fair job cooking myself, but no way in heaven or hell could I cook this wonderful meal like yours. So what is all these tantalizing aromas and food called?"
"I'm cooking New Orleans style tonight. My grandma was born and raised in the South. She really loved their unique style and signature food. So I hope you love my gumbo. I've never made it before so it might not be perfect. So I apologize in advance."
"I'm sure it will be perfect, Warren. You did say you'd learned from the best, so I imagine it will be perfect. I'm gonna go get my mom settled in and we can have dinner afterwards."
It only took about ten minutes for Barbara to get unpacked. As her daughter finished hanging up things in the closet, Barb collapsed onto her queen sized bed, and just smelled the fresh lilac sheets. It was so warm and cozy you almost didn't want to get out of bed.
"I guess the cleaning crew that I'd Kendra call did an amazing job to help get this place spick and span. So do you like the new wallpaper I chose for the guest room?" she asked gesturing to the brand new lavender flowers trimmed with golden stars.
"Honey, you've got great taste, never doubt that. I mean it looks wonderful. Did you put an air freshener in here as well? It smells so flowery and clean."
"I chose a few different kinds of air fresheners for each room. So each room has its own unique scent. I mixed the smell of lavender with apple cinnamon. Does it smell alright?"
"It does, sweetie. Now let's go have some of that gumbo!"
Dinner was very delicious, it did indeed that Warren had learn a thing or two from his Grandma Akita. He said the only person in the world who could've cooked better tasting gumbo would've been Princess Tiana if she was real that is. Still the New Orleans food was by far the best thing Rebecca had eaten in a long time.
"Hmm, delicious," she murmured blissfully as Warren fed her bits of her favorite dessert, chocolate strawberry cheese cake, and with each tasty morsel she took it made her purr even more like a kitten. Laughing gaily he opened his mouth in turn as she placed a pieces of crawdads into his mouth.
Barb had retreated quietly to the living room as her daughter and her friend finished their meal. She didn't want to intrude on her daughter's affair. Turning around to get something to drink she notice the two were in the mist of making out when all of sudden a thundering knock came from the door. They tore out of their kiss so fast that Rebecca's bottom lip got bitten.
"OW! Damm it!" she cursed loudly as she tasted the fresh blood in her mouth. Warren looked very apologetic but she just waved him away. It wasn't his fault that she'd bitten herself.
"If that Kendra coming back from her date I'm gonna knock her paycheck off a few dollars!" she hissed angrily as she stormed over to the door and yanked it open. Expecting to see her assistant she was stunned instead of who was standing in her doorway. Standing in a black silk Armani dinner suit was Darien French. He also had a huge bouquet of colorful flowers with him.
"Darien! What in the world are you doing here?!" she exclaimed in shock. He merely smiled at her and handed her the flowers. It was purple roses, the finest hybrid that the city had to offer. She was still shocked that he was there and couldn't speak as he just invited himself into her penthouse.
"I was in the neighborhood and I thought I see how you're doing. Maybe you and I could go out to some place to have dinner or something."
Rebecca dumped the roses into a crystal vase by the door and stormed over to Darien. Her anger was now as red as her hair. She wasn't gonna let this man spoil her evening. Not if she could help it.
"I actually just finished my dinner, Darien. Now if you don't mind I've got company and it's extremely rude to drop in uninvited. Now if you'd excuse us you should leave."
"Guest? You mean your mom would object to having a friend over for a bit of coffee and some cake?"
Before she could speak again someone else beat her to the punch. "Excuse me, sir. But I'm afraid I agree with Becky here. It's very rude and improper to just show up and act like you're welcomed."
Darien's honey eyes met the coffee black ones of Warren and they narrowed. So this was the chump who was brainwashing Rebecca into hating him. Well it wasn't the time to strike so he'd just play the part of a good boy for the time being.
"Excuse me; I didn't think to introduce myself. Maybe I'd be less of a pest if I at least told you my name, good sir. Hello, Judge Darien French. It's honor to meet another acquaintance of the lovely Ms. Young."
Warren glanced at Rebecca and could clearly tell just from her blue eyes and body language that this guy was gonna be a tad bit of trouble. Still he felt if he was nice he might be able to get this ass out of their hairs. Then he and Becky could get back to their evening.
"Judge French, it's a real pleasure to meet you. I'm Judge Warren Alan Williams from Gotham City. What brings you to Becky's place?"
"Like I said, Warren, I was just in the neighborhood. I thought I just stop by and you know have a few drinks or something with Ms. Young here."
"First off, Darien, you can stop calling me "Ms. Young" I've got a name and its Rebecca. Second you just don't stop by unannounced. Thirdly I and Warren have a lot of catching up too do. And fourthly my mom and I also need some time alone. So don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Darien looked at her with shock as she opened her door pointing at for him to leave. He was about to protest when Barb came into the room. "Look, Mr. French. We sorry if we seem a tad rude, but unless you leave I'm gonna have to do something I don't wish to do. I may not be a cop of Eco-City, nevertheless I am a cop and I won't let you bother my daughter any longer. So please go or I'll arrest you for trespassing."
"I can tell when I'm not welcome. Just thought we could be friends. Enjoy your evening. See you tomorrow, Rebecca at work. Bye Mrs. Young, Mr. Williams," and without further ado he left. But not before making a silent vow to get rid of the true pest of the evening.
"Sorry about that, Warren. I guess that guy just cannot take a hint! I've tried being polite and he's just not getting the message."
"So that's the guy who's been bugging you for a month now, sweetheart? If you like I can arrange a restraining order if he won't take the hint."
"Thanks for that, Mom. But I can handle it. Look, Warren, I'm really sorry for that douchebag for getting in the way of our evening. I'm sorry."
"Don't sweat it, Becky! You think I've not had thickheaded people go after me? Two years ago there was this case where one of the jury members became so infatuated with me she followed me around for a month. I was patient, I was tolerant, till I finally told her while I thought she was a nice lady, I was already seeing someone else. She was brokenhearted for awhile, though she did find someone else. Another jury member from that same case finally worked up enough courage to ask her out and last I heard they're celebrating their first year anniversary next month. So yeah I know what you're going through."
She blushed and then asked "Who's this woman you said you're seeing to get this mad woman off your back?"
He smiled and said, "It's you, Becky. And I'd like to spend the next seventeen days trying to see if we can make this work. That is, if you don't mind sharing your time with your mom, with me for awhile. I'd no idea she'd be here too. Otherwise I would've come at a different time."
"It's alright, Warren. I don't mind having you both here at the same time. Still you're gonna have to sleep on the couch because I only got one guest room!" she giggled as she he swept her into his arms and kissed her.
They pulled out of the kiss and looked at Barb who was smiling. "If you want, dear, I can sleep on the couch. Or go to a hotel. I really don't want to inconvenient you."
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll figure it out later. Let's just right now enjoy the soft glow of ambers and just relax."
It truly was the start of something new. But even as the three of them settle down to talk around the rosy amber glow of the fireplace they didn't' know down outside the Rose Tower Darien was glaring evilly at them.
"You'll be mine, Rebecca! I won't let him steal you away from me! That's a promise!" he vowed. He could only hope his plan worked and that soon he'd have the woman of his dreams all for himself!
