Disclaimer: I do not own Gotham or any of the characters. I only own my OC.
A/N: Sorry for the late update! Hope this chapter makes up for it. Also for you Oswald fans I have a special cliffhanger in the end just for you guys. And for you Jonathan Crane fans, he will be making a brief appearance in the next chapter.
*Edited 1/27/17*
"Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed. It is all part of a fairy tale." ― Peter S. Beagle
Chapter 4: When Winifred met Bruce
After the little 'tearful' moment I had, my uncle Jim and I were now making our way through the busy streets of Gotham. Before we had left Barbara's apartment, I had thanked her for her hospitality. Barbara in return had just told me it was no problem and before I even knew it she was already making plans for us to go to her art gallery next week.
I of course had no problem with this and nether did my uncle. In fact he looked mildly relieved that I was going to be spending time with someone. I knew his job was going to take a lot of his time, and I had a feeling that he felt bad about this.
Except I understood his work schedule now. He wasn't always going to be there to watch over me. Not that I needed him twenty four seven or anything. For heaven sakes I'm sixteen! I can take care of myself.
Besides, I knew that if I really needed him, he would be able to help me. He cared for me, like I cared for him. But I think the most important thing for me was that he was safe at his job.
I know the risks with being a cop, and the concern that comes with it. I mean, I got a glimpse of my worry towards my uncle's safety already. But this was his job. He was a homicide detective. This was what he wanted to do. So I wasn't going to nag to him about how dangerous it was.
I had just been worried, Barbara too.
My uncle could see that. Hence why he tried reassuring us to calm us down. Fat chance that would fully work though.
On the brighter side of things, I think my uncle liked that Barbara and I were getting familiar with each other now. And truth be told, I was starting to like Barbara. I didn't mind spending my time with her. In fact I was really excited to go her art gallery. It meant I had something to look forward to.
Anyways, currently my uncle and I were still making our way through the cramped up city streets of Gotham. He did inform me once we first got in his car that he needed to make a stop to visit someone. He was going to drop me off at his apartment, but I protested against that. Saying I didn't want to be away from him, because he had just gotten back. Which was true...but deep down I just wanted to go with him because I was curious to see who he was going to visit.
Luckily for me, my uncle's austere demeanor faltered when he saw my pleading puppy dog eyes. I saw how he was debating himself before he finally relented and told me I was allowed to go with him. And just to make him feel better about his decision, I promised I would be on my best behavior. Which I think brought him relief. Well somewhat anyways. I still didn't know where we were going, and that just added even more mystery.
"So...I met two of your co-workers." I said randomly, ending the silence in the car.
I could literally see how my uncle's ear perked up from hearing this. "What, when?" He asked me.
"When Barbara and I went to G.C.P. D. to see if you were there. Which you weren't." I replied back to him.
My uncle sighed from the drivers seat. "Yeah...I know." He then paused before speaking again. "Anyways, who did you end up meeting?" He asked getting back to the question.
"Well I met your guys forensic scientist, Edward Nygma." A smile appeared on my face at the mention of Ed. The quirky scientist made a impression on me from the second I met him. "He's really random...but in a good way." I told my uncle pleasantly.
"Yeah Ed, tends to be a little eccentric." My uncle said and then let out a dry chuckle. "Okay, maybe more than just a little. Let me guess, he told you a riddle." He stated rather than asked me.
I nodded my head, causing my blonde wavy hair to bounce around. "Yeah, he did!" I exclaimed mirthfully. "From what I gathered he really likes asking people riddles."
"Oh, you have no idea..." My uncle muttered under his breath. But I still heard him, causing me to tilt my head at the sound of his tone. He cleared his throat. "So, who else did you meet?" He asked, continuing the conversation.
My voice lowered, nonchalant. "I met that partner of yours, Detective Bullock."
"Is that so?" My uncle said, becoming stringent. Although something must of made him change his attitude, because he suddenly became less guarded. "What did you think about him?" He ended up asking me.
Yeah, I bet his curiosity was getting the better of him, much like mine did most of the time. I can understand why though. We were talking about his work partner. They fought crime and went after the bad guys together. Anyways, I once read that partners in law enforcement were pretty much like brothers in real life. Which made sense to me. In that line of work they had to be. Trust and loyalty were key elements in order to make the relationship to work. Much like with family. So I of course tried my best to get rid of any rancor that I might have been in my tone of voice. I was after all a lady and my mother taught me to always put aside differences, along with keeping other improper opinions I had of others to myself.
"He seemed very...conscientious." I said trying to sound convincingly, but even I knew that sentence sounded like utter bull.
My uncle right away gave me a "who you trying to fool?" type of stare before moving his eyes back onto the road.
I huffed knowing he saw right through my forced benignity towards Detective Bullock. "Alright fine! I find him to be more on the lackadaisical side." I admitted to him, crossing my arms over my chest.
Now my uncle's reaction was one I wasn't expecting. Because was laughing...like actually laughing. Which puzzled me.
"What's so funny?" I asked after a few seconds later, when he stopped laughing lowly to himself.
"It's just that I said the same thing when I first met him." My uncle said with a smile set on his face.
Huh...so he did now. Well that's interesting.
"Guess we have the same vocabulary and judge of character then, huh?" I jested to him with a smile of my own.
"Yeah, guess we do." My uncle agreed lightheartedly.
"Anyways, I don't think he's completely blase." I said in a more sanguine tone. "I mean he saved your life, right? So I can at least put him on my list of people I find decent enough to care about." I quipped.
My smile faltered when I saw the serious look my uncle suddenly got. "What do you mean by saved me?" He asked me attentively.
"You know from Mario Pepper. The guy who was about to kill you from the Wayne case." I explained to him. "I read it from the Gotham Gazette newspaper article."
"And who gave you the article?" My uncle questioned adamantly. "Was it Barbara?"
I grimaced. "Yes and no?" I answered him rather questionably.
"What do you mean by that?" My uncle asked. And even though he was staring at the road, I could see he was narrowing his eyes.
"Well I found the article on top of the coffee table and it caught my attention." I told him ingenuously.
"Did she tell you anything else?" My uncle inquired.
I hesitated.
"Um...no."
"Winifred."
My demeanor changed when I heard him use that parental tone with me. Damn...
"Alright." I huffed, uncrossing my arms. "She might have or not mentioned to me that the Wayne murders still remained a whodunit case."
"Damn it." My uncle cursed under his breath.
"Look, uncle Jim, don't be mad at Barbara. I was the one who kept trying to pry the truth out of her." I told him honestly. "Besides, you know how invasive I can be." I said trying to lighten up the mood.
My uncle wasn't taking this lightly. Not at all. "Winifred, I understand why the Wayne case caught your attention. After all the Wayne name is well recognized here in Gotham. Sooner or later you were going to find out about them. I know that. However, that doesn't just mean I want you involved with the case." I saw him shake his head in frustration, his jaw slightly clenching. "Barbara, should have never told you any of that information. Hell, I shouldn't even be telling you this right now. It's just gonna put you guys in more risky situations."
"So it's true? The case still remains open then?" I asked him, completely disregarding the whole parental lecture he just gave me.
"Winifred." My uncle stressed out.
"Okay, okay." I said sheepishly. "I'm sorry...it's just that you're right. The Wayne case caught my attention from the moment I found out about it. I mean...what that poor unfortunate boy went through must have been tough." Sympathy could be heard in my voice. "And to even think that the real culprit is still at large...I don't know how I would feel, let alone act if I were in his shoes."
My uncle let out a aghast sigh. "Yes, he's been through a lot. Which is why I have to tell him the truth."
My eyes widen at this. "You mean to tell me he doesn't know the truth regarding the murder of his parents?" I exclaimed in shock.
"No, but I'm going to tell him right now."
"Wait, so that's where we're going? To his house for you to tell him the truth."
"Yes, but don't think just because you know this information, means you can get involved or tell others. Winifred, this is dangerous information to know, and if the wrong person found out the truth...it could put your life in danger. Like I said earlier this city, it's more unfit than I thought it was. And if anything happened to you...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself." My uncle said whole heartily, before shaking his head again. "I shouldn't even be telling you stuff." He said again, upset at himself. "In fact Barbara shouldn't have brought any of my work related stuff up to begin with. I'm going to gave to talk to her about this and-"
"Uncle Jim, like I said before it's not her fault. Please don't be angry with her. If anything blame me for my curiosity. Not her, okay?"
My uncle sighed. "Well you always did let your curiosity get the best of you, huh? Alright fine, just please don't make it a habit." He told me somewhat sternly. "And promise me you won't tell anyone anything concerning the Wayne case." I heard how his voice now became more serious with me. "Like I said, this is dangerous territory, Winifred. So please promise me this."
"I promise, uncle Jim. I won't tell anyone else any information regarding the Wayne case." The honesty could be heard in my voice, and I saw how he gave a firm nod to this.
After that the car ride became quiet, as compatibility now filled the air. Which I frankly was very glad about.
It took about thirty minutes or so, but my uncle Jim and I finally made it to our destination.
Wayne Manor.
Now let me tell you something...
Never in my whole life have I ever seen such a huge piece of property before, let alone a house like this. It was definitely eye-catching.
The Wayne Manor was secluded quite far from the city life, that it was closer to the woodland area. Trees surrounded the home state property. Once I got a better look at the house, (or should I say mansion) I was left in even more awe.
It was striking in the best was possible. There was this vibe that came off it that made the place more serenely cordial. Unlike with the other gloomy buildings that Gotham had. Those just gave off a murky vibe instead.
Now in order for us to get inside the property, we had to go through these massive solid gates. Which made me think this place was heavily guarded with security.
Once we were inside, my uncle parked his car in front of the Manor. We both got out of the car at the same time. I instantly felt how cold it was when my body came into contact with the outside.
I shuddered a bit, but over it didn't really bother me. I loved the cold and it felt amazing against my face. While inwardly enjoying the weather, I looked around the front property, taking in my surroundings. I noticed how there was still some left over snow on the grass. The sight of the white fluffy snow reminded me of Boston.
I began to feel bitter-sweet.
I mean, it made me happy that it snowed here, but honestly I would of preferred Boston snow.
I know, I know. That's a silly thing to say. Snow is snow, no matter where you're at, right?"
Well...I guess not for me.
Boston was my home. I spent sixteen years of my life living in one place. I grew up playing in the snow there. Making snow angels and snowmen with my mother. Those were fond filled memories. So really there was no competition between Boston and Gotham. Because to me Boston would win. Every-time.
But hey, I gotta be more open right? To change...I had to at least give it a try.
I turned my head around towards the front of the Manor. I let my gaze go all the way to the top. I was just about to look away, when something caught my attention. I had to narrow my eyes, but I was able to confirm what I was staring at. It was a young boy...and he was on top of the roof.
I started to panic.
Just what the hake is he doing up there?! He could fall and break a bone or something worse could happen to him!
"Uncle Jim!" I yelled out loud.
My distressed voice filled the air and my uncle quickly turned towards me. I vehemently gestured with my hand to where the boy was at. He followed my hand and his eyes grew wide with alarm once he finally saw him.
It was then in that moment that the front door of the Manor opened. Out came a middle aged man who was dressed in well sharped attire. He saw my uncle and I standing there and began making his way towards us. His gaze lingered on me and I think he was about to introduce himself, but my uncle and I made him stop walking when saw us both looking at the roof anxiously.
The man became puzzled by our actions but followed where are gazes went. He quickly saw what the fuss was about and I noticed how his expression became fretful. Although there was also a touch of annoyance on his face as well.
"Hey! Master Bruce! Get your bloody ass down here!" He yelled in a heavy British accent. "How many times have I told you?"
My eyes widen when I heard him say that.
This was Bruce Wayne? More importantly this wasn't the first time he had done this?! Say what?!
The three of us saw how Bruce faltered in whatever he was doing and watched as he slowly climbed down the roof. I let out a breath of relief on finally knowing he was no longer in danger of falling off over the edge.
"Ah, yes, well now that has been taking care of." The well dressed man sighed and then turned to look at my uncle and I. "I don't believe we have met before." He said looking at me, his British was quite comprehensible.
I was about to introduce myself, but my uncle beat me to it.
"Alfred, this is my niece, Winifred. Winifred, this Alfred." My uncle said introducing us to each other.
"Alfred Pennyworth, at your services, Miss Winifred." Alfred said politely.
I smiled at his manners. "Hello, Alfred. It's nice to meet you."
"Like wise, Miss Winifred, but I didn't have the slightest clue that detective Gordon had a niece." He said stressing that towards my uncle.
"She just moved in with me." My uncle explained rapidly. He then gave Alfred a knowing look. "Alfred, I'm here to speak to Bruce. It's involving his parent's.
Alfred looked taken back a bit by how my uncle brought this topic with me right in front of him.
My uncle gave him a reassured look. "Don't worry she knows, but she's reliable about keeping this between us. Isn't that right, Winifred?"
"Yup!" I said zipping my lips, and then pretending to throw away the key.
I saw how Alfred let out a small smile, before he set his face in a solemn expression. "Very well then, right this way." He said making his way towards the front door. Once there he held it wide open for us.
My uncle and I followed behind and then walked through the door, finally stepping inside Wayne Manor.
When we made it further inside Wayne Manor, both my uncle and I agreed that it would be for the best if I withheld from the chat he was going to have with Bruce. Which in all honesty, I didn't mind.
I already knew the truth, but that didn't mean Bruce would be comfortable enough to talk in front of someone he didn't know. (Which was me.) So I agreed to stay behind, waiting in another room that the Manor had.
Alfred being the kind host that he was, brought me a nice warm up of tea and a tray that had chocolate biscuits. Which were very delicious by the way, and it only made me like the British butler more and more. He had manners and a air of adroitness to him. It was very gripping to say the least.
After Alfred excused himself, I allowed myself to eat more of the chocolate biscuits and I finished drinking my tea. I got up from the couch I was sitting on and walked around the room I was in. It was a very lavish room. It had several bookshelves, but the books in here were just encyclopedias and dictionaries. Made me wonder where they kept their good books.
The room had a large window as well. Giving a great view of the outside area. Towards the left of the room there was a wooden desk that held several items on top. Papers, a old type of lamp, and a fancy looking photo-frame. I made my way towards the desk and carefully picked up the frame. I stared at the photo. It was one with a older looking man and woman. The couple looked happy. I had a heart wrenching feeling when I got the idea about who the couple in the photo were.
"That's my mom and dad."
A sudden soft voice spoke out, startling me a bit. I held onto the photo-frame not wanting to drop it. Heaven knows I would have probably thrown a giant fit if someone had broken the photo-frame I had of my mother. I carefully put the frame back in place and then turned towards where I heard that soft voice come from.
I saw a young boy and I immediately knew who he was.
Bruce Wayne.
The boy who I had seen standing on top of the roof.
He looked to be thirteen or so. Only three years younger than me, I presumed so anyways. His hair was dark and his skin was just as fair as mine. As for clothes, he was wearing well dressed pants, a grey sweater over a blue collared shirt and red tie. So, overall he looked very sophisticated for a young boy.
I noticed how a amicable expression began to slowly grow on his face. I gave an amiable smile in return.
"You look like them..." I said softly as I gestured to the photo-frame. My voice soften. "I'm sorry for what happened..."
His face seemed to sadden at the mention of his parents. "Thank you..." There a pause, and despite him trying to compose himself, I was still able to see pain his eyes. He spoke again, his voice a bit more formal. "I saw you standing outside with Detective Gordon earlier. I didn't know who you were until he informed me that you're his niece." He said to me and then got closer towards where I was at. His head tilted to the a side a bit, as he studied what I guessed was my facial features. He then straighten his posture. "I can see the resemblance now." He said and then a small smile graced his young face. One of his hands extended towards me. "I'm Bruce Wayne." He introduced himself to me with that same soft voice of his.
It was then in this moment that was the beginning of a very venturesome friendship.
Right now though I didn't have the slightest clue that the meeting of one person would make a giant impact in my life. Along with the other people that would soon come barreling into my life.
But me meeting Bruce was certainly a life changing moment.
I didn't know that now, but I would later on.
Because I had no idea that this boy, Bruce Wayne, would become like a younger brother to me. That he would eventually become Gotham's black crusader, infamous vigilant, and one of the many people that would end up saving me more than once in the upcoming years.
None of us knew this yet, because we were just kids. Oh, but how that was going to change over the years. ….
We still had a lot to go through, individually and together, in order to become who we were meant to be in the future. But as of right now in this moment, having absolutely no idea what the future had in store for us, I just did what was the normal thing to do.
I took his hand in mine and shook it, smiling while doing so. "It's nice to meet you, Bruce. I'm Winifred Gordon." I kindly introduced myself to him.
Unbeknownst to me, this was one of the few rare introductions that were going to bring good changes into my life. Unlike with the other people I would soon meet...specifically with another boy.
A much older boy with fiery red hair, sea green eyes, who had a contagious laugh, and who was much wilder and unpredictable than anyone else I would ever meet in my life. A boy who was able to trick me with his innocent facade, making me fall head over heels for him, just like he had wanted me to. That even when I learned the blood-curling truth about him and of what he did...I wouldn't be able to lie to myself that I felt something strong for him. Whether it was love or hate, I don't know. Though to be honest it was probably the latter, because he got under my skin...and he got me good.
Which is why now thinking about it, years later, that I take great joy in meeting Bruce Wayne. Seeing as this was a time before any of crazy stuff happened in my life.
Well...the less dense crazy stuff. But I knew what my fate would eventually bring to me. It was only a matter of time now before I would first lay my eyes on him.
Until then, I'd just have to live my life as I normally would. Well as normal as I could in Gotham.
"It's nice to meet you as well." Bruce said politely to me before we ended our hand shake. "Detective Gordon says you'll be residing with him now. Is this true?" He asked with curiosity.
I put my hands to my sides, as I nodded my head. "Yes, that's true. I just moved here from Boston." I informed him.
Bruce nodded his head, but then I saw his expression form into one of hesitation. It was as if he were contemplating something. He then after a few seconds spoke up. "If you don't mind me asking Winifred. Why the sudden move to Gotham?"
My posture went rigid for a bit. "Oh..." Taking a deep breath I steadied my voice before I continued talking again. "Well, you see my mother...she isn't doing so good. So I had to come live with my Uncle Jim."
Bruce looked concerned. "What happened to your mother?" He asked me softly.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "She's sick." I told him and I was pretty sure he could still hear the dismay in my voice, no matter how hard I tried to hide it. "Her mental health isn't the best right now...and it probably won't be for a while." I quickly composed myself and shook away my sorrow. "Anyways, that's why I'm living with my Uncle Jim here in Gotham. He's my legal guardian for the time being."
After I finished explaining, I saw how Bruce's expression turn into one of sadness. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your mother." His voice then lowered. "Is your uncle Jim your only family though?"
I was slightly confused as to why he was asking me this, but nonetheless I answered his question. "Yes, he is."
"What about your father?" He suddenly asked me.
I froze.
There it was...
That one nagging question I always got.
Even before moving to Gotham, that impending question was always thrown at me. It was no secret that my mother was a single parent. She had been that way since I was born and everyone we knew in Boston knew that as well. Still for some reason people always asked my mother and I the question of where my father was at.
Why wasn't he with us? Was he dead? And so on.
It annoyed me to no end, but I guess they couldn't accept the fact that my mother raised me on her own. But the question instead of annoyance, now made me now feel a great amount of distress, because not only did it remind me that I grew up fatherless, but it now reminded me that my mother was longer in my life. No, she was in some mental hospital getting the help she needed. It was bittersweet because although locked up, she was getting treated for her illness, but I still wasn't able to be with her...
Of course I didn't blame Bruce for asking this question. He didn't know me, unlike with those other people. He wasn't a gossip looking to be entertained either. He was just a young boy who had lost both his parents. So he must of been greatly confused as to why I moved in with my uncle Jim. He must of thought I left my parents or something. But that wasn't the truth, so I decided to be straight out honest with him. Even if it did hurt to talk about my...father.
"I don't have a father." I said guardedly, before much to my reluctance I ended up stuttering a bit. "I mean I, uh, obviously do have one, but he's not involved in my life. Never has been. I've never met him. I don't even know his name..."
At this I saw Bruce's eyes drop and I wanted to slap myself for making him feel that way. The poor boy already had enough sorrow to deal with. He didn't need my emotional baggage as well.
"I'm sorry..." Bruce said, his voice apologetic. "I shouldn't have asked about your personal life." He then let out an aghast sigh and I heard his voice quake up a bit with emotion. "It's just that I thought―since I lost my parents and detective Gordon told me about you moving in with him...well I just assumed you were like me..."
"What do you mean?" I asked placidly, my voice still soft.
"That you lost your parents too." Bruce said before he shook his head in contrition. "But I shouldn't have assumed that or pried information about you or your family." He looked at me and I saw the conscience-stricken expression he had on. "I'm so sorry I asked you such a incongruous question ..."
He was remorseful about his priding, that was plainly obvious. But he didn't need to apologize, there was no hard feelings coming from my end. I wasn't angry at him. So to let him now that, I in return just gave him a tender smile along with a gentle squeeze to his shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I'm not mad. I get it, you thought I was going through the same thing you are and you just wanted someone to relate to. I mean I don't want to compare lives or anything, but in a way I guess I kinda understand. So if you ever need someone to talk to―"
I didn't get to finish my heartfelt sentence, because I was suddenly enveloped into a tight hug.
Bruce had wrapped his arms around my mid section, and his head was leaning against my right shoulder due to me being slightly taller than him. At first I was rather surprised by the abrupt hug, but I quickly returned it knowing this poor boy needed some sort of comfort. So I gently and dotingly hugged him back, putting all the solace I had into the hug.
I felt him return it just as equally. "Thank you..." I heard him say against my shoulder.
All I did was nod my head as I patted his back, letting him know I had heard him. We remained hugging for who knows how long, but I didn't mind. Frankly, I think this was a gesture we were both desperate yearning for. And to be honest this tender-hearted moment made me feel like an older sibling. An older sister giving comfort to her younger brother. It was a nice feeling.
"Hmmph."
A cough that was let out in the room made Bruce and I end our hug. I looked towards where the door was at and saw how my uncle Jim and Alfred were standing there. My uncle had a small smile on his face while Alfred's expression held the same thing. Although I could tell he was trying to hide it more. He then looked over towards Bruce. "Everything alright master Bruce?" He asked in complete genteel, his British accent thick.
Bruce nodded his head before he shot me a grateful smile. "Yes, everything's fine. I was just getting more acquainted with Winifred." He then looked over towards my uncle Jim. "She's very kind, please know that you and her are always welcome here anytime, Detective Gordon."
My uncle in return looked a little bit surprised from hearing this but he quickly gave Bruce a nod. My uncle then moved his gaze towards me, his expression filled with mild content. "You ready to go?" He asked me.
I nodded my head at my uncle, and then turned to look towards Bruce again. "It was nice meeting you, Bruce." I then looked towards his English Butler. "You too Alfred, and thank you for those lovely chocolate biscuits and warm tea."
Alfred gave me a small smile. "You're very welcome, dear." He told me in a courteous tone.
I made my way towards my uncle Jim, but before I even took a step, Bruce gave me another quick hug.
"I hope you visit again soon." He whispered to me.
I gave into the embrace. "I'll try." I replied lowly, only enough for him to hear. I ended the warm-hearted hug and walked over to where my uncle was at near the door. I glanced over my shoulder to face Bruce, and gave him along with his well-mannered English butler a smile, before I finally walked out through the door with my uncle Jim.
"Bruce certainly took a liking towards you." My uncle comment cordially, as soon as we were in his car.
"He just needed a shoulder to lean on." I told him in a faint voice. "Poor boy has suffered a lot..."
My uncle let out an aghast sigh. "Yes...he has. Which is why I'm glad that you two got along. Even though I'm still against you being apart of this, at least now maybe his sorrow will lessen."
I twirled the charm bracelet my mom gave me out of habit. "I sure hope so..." I replied back to my uncle softly.
Which was the truth. Although I just met Bruce Wayne, I couldn't help but feel a slight sisterly connection towards him. I mean here was a boy who was left orphaned with no family members. All he had was a kind butler to look after him. So of course I instantly got that vibe you get when you want to protect and take care of a younger sibling. I mean I know I'm an only child, but this sibling feeling towards Bruce came naturally. So I just welcomed it. To be honest, I always wanted a younger sibling to take care and watch over. So maybe I could become like an older sister figure to Bruce. I just wanted to take away his pain...and maybe along the way mine would go away as well. I hoped anyways.
One thing I knew for sure was that this wouldn't be the last time I would visit Wayne Manor. I had a feeling I would be making frequent visits here with my uncle. Which was something I was rather looking forward to.
These thoughts were racing through my mind as my uncle was passing through the Wayne gate entrance. Almost immediately as we passed it, I could of sworn I caught a glimpse of a small figure on top on one of the wall entrances, but within a blink of an eye the figure was gone.
I pondered...huh? Strange.
I quickly passed it off thinking it was my eyesight playing tricks on me. I mean, what else could it have been?
After that my uncle and I then made our way out of Wayne Manor and drove into the direction of his apartment.
It's been a week now since I've moved to Gotham and let me tell you, things have not settled down at all.
First of all, much to my relief I hadn't started school yet. Turns out the school district here was still on their winter break. Which was great for me. However this was my last week before I had to start school. Which meant that starting next Monday I was officially going to be enrolled at Gotham High. Yeah...that was something I felt nervous about. Not that I would admit it out loud. Psh. Since I didn't want my uncle Jim to know about something so foolish and childish like that. Especially with everything that has been happening in the city lately. I mean things here in Gotham have been cray cray.
Like I've mentioned before, things have not settled down in the slightest. I mean, first off there was that case my uncle had barely finished a few days ago that involved a group of people snatching homeless children off the streets. Which had me worried for the children's safety. I might have not known those children personally, but I was still worried for them. I mean, when I hear abduction and children in the same sentence, that immediately has me concerned.
Luckily my uncle Jim and his oh so reliable partner detective Bullock, were able to put an end to the street abductions. But things didn't end there because the case took a turn for the worst, when the sleazy child abductors took a bus load of children that were being sent upstate.
Now to be honest I strongly disagreed with the way those children were being treated. They were disregarded like broken toys that were being thrown away. The mayor's rash decision to send them away as if they were nothing, was unjust and not to mention totally unfair to me. My uncle felt the same way and he told the mayor about how unreasonable he was being. Unfortunately, no matter what my uncle said to him, the mayor didn't bat a lash about how harsh he was being with sending the children upstate. He simply didn't care. Which angered me. Those children shouldn't have been treated that way. As if they were nothing. They were young human beings! They deserved to be treated with respect. To be cared for and to be given homes with loving families. Not to be thrown away like trash. I mean just because they were homeless, that didn't automatically make them delinquents. They were just living the life they were unfairly given. But the mayor didn't listen to my uncle and thanks to his choice to send them upstate, it made it much easier for the child snatchers to abduct the children all over again. Since they were all ready to go from the buses they were piled in.
Anyways, thank goodness my uncle and detective Bullock, because they made it in time to the crime and they needed up saving all the children. And I was glad to be informed by my uncle that they had arrested the sleazy child snatchers and that they were now in jail. Exactly were they belonged.
But like I said before, that case was from a few days ago.
The new case that was causing headlines now was a rather bizarre one.
It involved a man tying up people to weather balloons. It was quite comical when compared to the other crimes I've seen so far in Gotham. But it only caused me great bemusement as well. I mean, why was this man using weather balloons? And why tie people to them? From watching the news, the people of Gotham had already given this mysterious man a name. The balloon man. He was known as vigilantly that brought justice to Gotham by punishing those who were corrupt in higher positions.
So in a way I kind of found what this man was doing to be admirable. But at the same time I knew it wasn't the right way to handle things. I mean, this balloon man, based on his actions, thought he was doing the right thing. But there was the matter of fact that he was going against the law.
Except, I remember reading once that in order to do something good, sometimes you had to do something bad first.
Now for me personally, this was tricky. It was hard to choose which side to be on. But I knew for sure which side my uncle Jim was on.
He was a detective and he stood for the law. So he obviously thought this balloon man was bringing disruption to the city. Which like I said, in a way I could understand that.
Still, nonetheless I found the case to be rather intriguing.
This case though was still ongoing and my uncle was working really hard on it. He even left early this morning to go to the G.C.P.D. that he didn't even get a chance to eat the breakfast I made him. So that meant I had an extra plate of delicious food to eat this morning.
Anyways after my uncle left and once I finished my breakfast, I quickly cleaned the kitchen and then went back into my room.
The room I was residing in now, definitely felt more like me. The once plain white walls were now a light purple. All of my clothes were unpacked from my suit cases and were stored into my dresser drawers or bedroom closet. There were several band posters taped around the room purple light walls. I also unpacked bedroom lights as well and those were hanged around my window. Giving the room a nice warm glow. So, overall it definitely fit my personally more than before.
Just as I was about to lay down on my bed and listen to music on my laptop, I suddenly heard the front door to the apartment open. My ears perked up when I heard this and I quickly left my bedroom and went into the living room to investigate. I rather surprised to see my uncle Jim standing near the front door. I thought for sure he wasn't going to come back until night time.
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Uncle Jim? What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be working on that balloon man case?" I asked him.
My uncle made his way towards the living room and shrugged off his suit jacket. "I am I just needed to refresh myself a bit." He said laying his suit jacket on the couch.
"What do you mean?" I asked confused. I began making my way towards him, but froze half way when I suddenly got a whiff of something foul. "Eh, uncle Jim why do you smell like a sewer?" I scrunched up my nose. I couldn't help it, he smelled really gross. Yuck.
My uncle let out a huff. "It's a long story. Look, I'm just going to take a quick shower and then I'm heading back to the station. Barbara is about to finish up a work meeting. She told me to ask you if you wanted to spend the day with her."
Hmm.
I thought about his question.
I can either spend some time with Barbara or stay cooped up here all day? Well, that was an easy choice now, wasn't it?
"Yeah, I'd like that." I said to him in a lopsided smile.
My uncle smiled and started making his way towards me with his arms wide open. I quickly held my hand up, stopping him form getting close to me. "Uncle Jim, I love your hugs and all, but I'd rather hug you when you don't smell like a sewer pipe." I said laughing.
My uncle let out a chuckle. "Yeah, you're right. Anyways, I'll go shower now, but call Barbara and let her know you want to spend the day with her."
After saying that, my uncle went over to the bathroom and closed the door. I waited until I heard the shower water running before I went back into my room and grabbed my cellphone. I then slowly dialed Barbara's number and waited for her to pick up.
Hopefully my time with her would be fun. After all she did promise to take me to her art gallery.
My afternoon so far with Barbara had been very interesting and it was actually time well spent.
We did ended up going to her art gallery and I have to say it was amazing.
All the art designs, portraits, paintings were prepossessing to look at. They all captured beauty and grace. In fact their was this one specific painting I found to be so meaningful that I couldn't stop staring at it. And It was't until Barbara brought me out of my trance that I finally snapped out of it.
The painting itself had been a simple one.
It was of a middle aged woman who was sitting on a chair, as she gazed at herself in her bedroom mirror. Except the way she was captured in painting was kind of melancholic. Yes, the woman in the painting was beautiful and she staring at her own reflection, but the way she had her facial features made me think that she didn't see her own beauty...no in fact I think all she saw was misery and sorrow. And all her faults.
I know it was a rather depressing way of thinking, but I that's why I liked the painting so much. It felt so...real. Not to mention it reminded me of the drawing I did that reminded me of my mother. The woman in the painting was beautiful like my mother too, but I could also tell that she had lost the light she once had in her life. Just like my mother. The same light that she'd always tell me to keep holding onto. That even when life was down in the ruins, that the light was my salvation.
"Always look on the bright side. Things may seem hard now, but think about the sun that radiates light. That will get you through."
My mother's heart-felt words kept playing in my head, until Barbara and I finally left the art gallery.
After our art exploration, Barbara and I decided to go eat. She asked me where I wanted to go, but I really didn't know any places to eat at in Gotham. So I just told Barbara that I wanted to eat somewhere simple and not too extravagant. I wasn't a picky eater, nor did I care about luxurious dining. Just as long as the food was good, then I'd be fine. Since I loved to eat. Many people in the past that I've known always thought the opposite of that.
The loving to eat food part, I mean.
I guess it because of how skinny and l was. I remember there was even a time in middle school when people thought I was dieting to the extreme or something. Which I wasn't, I was eating just fine and healthy. Besides, I would never go on a diet. Unless of course the doctors told me it was for my health. But I was already in good condition. Anyways, I'm not anorexic or anything. The reason why I was so thin was because I had a fast metabolism. So for the people who thought I had some disorder, I always proved them wrong by showing them how much food I could eat. And let me tell you I have a pretty large stomach.
My stomach was especially hungry right now and I was glad we finally choose a place to eat at. It was a small but cozy diner named Rosie's. It was only half full with Gotham city residents and it gave off this fifties retro vibe. I instantly liked it. A waitress then came over and she looked to be about in her early twenties. She was even wearing a pair of skates, which I found to be pretty darn awesome!
The waitress then asked us for our order.
Barbara ended up getting the stake special with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. While I decided to try out the diner's deluxe bacon special burger with curly fries and a large chocolate shake. After calling out my order I saw how shocked yet slightly impressed the waitress was and I could tell she was probably wondering if I was going to finish that food.
Well I am!
I thought smugly, before I gave her a smile and watched as she rolled away in her skates. I then looked towards Barbara and saw how she was giving me a smile.
"You sure have a huge appetite." She told me laughing a little.
"Yeah I do. People always think that just because of how skinny I am that I don't eat. Which is not true at all." I told her leaning against the booth seat. "I love to eat all kinds of food. It's not my fault I burn calories fast." With a frown I then pointed to my stomach and chest area. "I kinda wish I had curves though. That I'd be more filled. I'm as flat as a pancake."
"Hey, don't say that." Barbara said to me in what sounded like a mother chastising their child. "You're fine the way you are. You should feel confident about your own body. Own it. Remember confidence is an important quality to have." She then smiled roguishly and playfully. "After all confidence is what lures the boys in."
I scoffed and pushed a blonde hair behind my ear. "Right boys."
"Oh, come on." Barbara gushed. "It's just us girls now. So spill, you got a type? Hmm blondes, brunettes?" Her smile then widen. "What about red heads?"
I couldn't help but laugh a little. "I don't really have a type...although red heads kind of catch my interest a little, but other than that I don't have a specific type."
"Oh, well you probably had a boyfriend back in Boston though, right?" Barbara asked with her eyes gleaming in excitement.
"No, no boyfriend." I said shaking my head, as I played with my light blue sweater that I had on. My once laughter was now gone. I was never really one to talk about boys and such.
"What? No boyfriend, how come?" Barbara asked me in disbelief.
I slouched a little in the seat and let out a sigh.
"Well none of the boys captured my attention. Not to mention I didn't have time to date. With what my mom being sick and all. So dating and boys were kind of pointless for me."
Barbara's playfully exterior faltered. "Oh right your mother." She then gave me a rueful expression. "I'm sorry I forgot. It's just that...well James is never the one to talk about his sister. He doesn't even like mentioning her name to me―"
"It's Kinsley."
"I'm sorry what?"
"My mother's name is Kinsley." I explained to her and I saw her steel blue eyes soften.
"That's a very pretty name."
I gave her a small smile in return. "Thank you...anyways I think that my uncle Jim doesn't like talking about her to others, because I know that him and my mother were close. So I think with her getting sick, it really brought him down. He probably feels guilty for not being there for her either. But like I told him, he shouldn't. My mother understood that he had a job to keep."
"Your mother sounds like a very understanding woman." Barbara told me.
"She is." I said with a sorrow filled smile. "She's strong too. Which is why I hope she'll overcome this illness, because I know that my mother isn't crazy. Despite what others might say...she isn't crazy. She just has...issues."
Barbara rose an eyebrow. "Issues?" She said slowly, testing out the word for herself.
I nodded my head vehemently. "Yeah."
I saw something click within Barbara steel blue eyes, but I didn't get to dwell on it since our order of food came in that exact moment.
We ate are food in peaceful silence, an occasional smile thrown in there.
I was more focused on my food though. I was really enjoying the burger and fries. It was actually really good! Now I knew for sure that I was going to come back and eat here again.
Barbara was enjoying her food as well. I noticed that she gave me a sort of bemused smile when I started dipping my curly fries into my chocolate shake. In return I just simply gave her a shoulder shrug and continued eating my fries and shake in tranquility. I was already use to this type of stares since at a young age. I mean, one hardly ever sees people dip there fires into their shakes. Well at least I hardly ever saw people do that. But that didn't stop me from enjoying my meal. Not ever.
So I continued eating and after a while the both of us finished with our meals. Barbara was asking me if I wanted to look at the desert menu when the TV that was on the wall caught both of our attentions. It was saying something about the balloon man being caught by authorities and no sooner after we heard that both me and Barbara shared meaningful expressions. The two of us then quickly got out of the booth. Barbara then paid the waitress for our food, right before we left in a hurry knowing we had to see if the one person we both cared about was okay.
When Barbara and I were were driving through the streets of Gotham, she had called my uncle Jim before hand and much to our relief he had picked up the call. My uncle then informed us that he was at her apartment and we immediately felt relief after he told us that. Barbara then practically zoomed there traffic and within twenty minutes or actually probably less than that, we finally made it to her apartment.
As soon as we got out of the elevator I made a dash towards her apartment door and swung it open. I was the first one to go in with Barbara right behind me. I felt great consolation when I saw my uncle Jim sitting on one of Barbara's couches that was facing the front.
"Uncle Jim!" I exclaimed before I ran to where he was. My uncle heard me and he stood up from the couch and quickly enveloped me into his arms. This time I had to remind myself to calm down. Unlike the last time where I let my emotions get the best of me, this time I had them under control and I felt proud for that. I had to remain strong for my uncle.
After we ended our hug I saw Barbara walk up from behind me and I watched as the two of them embraced quickly.
"You're okay." She breathed out in relief, but when she caught the sore expression my uncle had she hesitated slightly. "Are you okay?"
My uncle sighed aghast, before he took a seat on the couch again. I sat down next to him, while Barbara kneeled down in front of him.
"Yeah. I fell that's all." My uncle said diverting away the concern. "I'm fine."
I however was not convinced by this and neither was Barbara.
"What's wrong?" She asked him, putting a comforting hand on top of his.
My uncle stayed quiet before Barbara gave him a sympathetic look. "I want you to know that you can tell us anything." She told my uncle, before she gave me a quick glance and I in return gave her a grateful smile. She was trying to make him feel better and I appreciated that. I then turned towards my uncle and gave him a caring expression as well.
My uncle though took a moment before he spoke up. I heard his voice and it was filled disenchantment. "This city is sick." He shook his head in disappointment. "Sick in a way I hadn't realized before."
The room was quiet for a few seconds as Barbara and I were taking in everything he was saying.
"When they were taking him away, this balloon man killer...I asked who his last target was. You know what he said?" My uncle Jim asked us with dismay before he answered the question himself. "Doesn't matter."
Barbara and I still remained silent as my Uncle took a deep breath to calm himself.
"He meant the mayor, judges, anyone in a position of power..." My uncle sighed sadly. "They're all guilty."
I literally could feel my uncles sorrow, for the city he once thought that was righteous and I saw the disconnectedness within his warm blue eyes.
"But that's not true." Barbara argued.
"That's how he feels." My uncle retorted referring to the balloon man. "That's how they all feel. Everyone. That's why the city embraced him. Because we let them down." His voice then became filled with emotion. "But if people take the law into their own hands...then there is no law. And we're lost." I saw how his eyes lowered to the ground, full with shame. "There are cops who do it. Same thing he did." My uncle told us before he slowly rose his eyes up again.
Barbara then gave my uncle a knowing look, as did I.
"But you never would." She told him earnestly.
"Do you think I could?" My uncle asked desolately.
Barbara shook her head. "No."
"She's right uncle Jim." I said speaking up with a fervent voice. "You're not like the rest of them."
"Exactly." Barbara chipped in. "We both know you Jim Gordon." Her voice then soften and she gave my uncle a look filled with love. "And I love you." She told him before giving him a peck on his lips.
I saw my uncle give us a small smile in return.
Barbara then took a deep breath. "And now I'm gonna get you a drink." She told my uncle with a smile, lightening up the mood before she stood up.
I then gave my uncle a side hug, since were both still sitting down.
"It's okay, uncle Jim." I said in solace and felt as he gently returned the hug.
All of a sudden I heard a knocking coming from the front door.
"I'll get it." Barbara informed us.
I didn't really dwell on who would be knocking, since all I wanted to do in this moment was comfort my dear uncle Jim.
But I still heard Barbara open the door and when she did there was a slight pause.
"Jim?" She called out my uncles name softly after a moment of silence.
Both my uncle and I looked up towards the now open door. I was immediately taken by great surprise when I saw a man I didn't recognize stand outside the door. From where I was sitting at I could tell he was average height. He was also really pale. His nose was slightly crooked and pointy looking as well. His black unkempt hair was spiky and he was wearing a sharp black suit.
In all honestly not be rude or anything, but he kind of looked like a penguin...
What unnerved me to the core though was the eerie smile he had plastered on his pale face.
"Hello, James...old friend."
After I heard him speak for the first time, I couldn't help but feel a sort of uneasiness due to his voice. Not to mention what he said made my stomach drop. He called my uncle Jim his friend. Not only that but an old friend. How in the world did my uncle Jim know this man?
I turned towards my uncle and I saw how he had a look of shock and disbelief set on his face. His posture went stiff as well, even as I as he abruptly stood up from the couch. He tried moving my way to block the view from the man, but it was no use. I had already seen him, and I noticed how the mysterious man was now staring at me with his piercing eyes.
And as soon as his eyes locked onto my blue ones, I saw how they gleamed up a bit with interest. I felt shivers go down my back when his eerie smile grew more with enlightenment. I felt complete anxiousness, as I wondered why in the world this strange man was staring at me as if I were his next meal...