I was very surprised when Batman took us to the Batcave. Word on the street is that once you're in the Batcave, you can't escape it. It takes you in forever, makes you a hero. At least that's what Jason's dad told us.
"So, I need names." Batman said to us gruffly. Jason crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him. Bad mistake, because Batman glared right back.
And it actually scared us. It scared Jason. Jason, the little boy who yelled at thugs and expected not to get hit. Jason, who went over to my house for dinner sometimes and asked where the food was. Stubborn, arrogant, and fearless Jason.
"Name." Batman stated. And that was when Jason started talking. "I'm Zahara," I say to him, and I could already tell that I didn't like him. There was something about him. Something about him I didn't trust. I could practically feel it radiating off of him. Ok, it wasn't that serious but still.
"And that's Jason." Jason shoots me a glare and says, "I can say my own name." But I know he can't since he didn't say it at first, which is the reason I said it for him.
"Age." Batman states. We look at each other, and for a moment I don't want to tell him our age but then I remember he's trying to help us so I really don't have a choice.
"We're 9." I tell Batman. He looks surprised and glances at the both of us.
Jason and I are small and young for our age. We're below average, but we know things some kids wouldn't. We know how to survive. Most kids wouldn't last a day in Gotham. We lasted 9 years.
"Where are your parents?" he asked us. This was a question I didn't like. I didn't like to tell people that my mom was a prostitute and that she messed with too many guys when she was pregnant, and so, I didn't know who my dad was.
"My mom is dead." Jason says as if it's a common everyday fact. "I don't know who my dad is and my mom is in a strip club somewhere in Gotham." I tell Batman.
"Have you ever called CPS? Or told an adult?" Batman asks me. "No."
"Then until I get things sorted out, you guys are staying in the Wayne Manor." He said. My eyes get wide. The Wayne Manor? Really? I look at Jason and you could tell he's excited too even though he tries to hide it.
"Then where is it?" I ask Batman. I thought I saw it on the way here but I wasn't sure.
"On top of here." Batman responds. I don't get what he means until I reach the top and the Wayne Manor actually IS on top.
"We're gonna stay there?" Jason asks Batman. And he sounds surprised. Very, very surprised. But I think if you live don't the streets of Gotham for 9 years already, and suddenly someone takes you into live at the mansion, then yeah you're surprised.
"Come in." Batman says as he opens the door. I can't even tell you what my eyes saw. The couch was made out of velvet. The floor was shiny and it looked like it was made out of gold.
"We're gonna live here? This. Is. Awesome!" Jason says to no one in particular. And then I thought I had the perfect life, but you just can't assume things.
