CHAPTER EIGHT
The sky was sponged with red and black, promising another good day for the morrow, as Dick drove his bike into the garage. He headed for the kitchen shedding his helmet and dropping it on the shelf as he passed. He was surprised to find the doors locked, indicating that the house was empty.
In the kitchen he found a note left on the table for him.
'Knew this would be your first port of call .lol. I forgot to tell you I had a date tonight and Alfred is driving me. Will be back tonight, though it may be late. Alfred says he has left you some food in the fridge in case you're hungry.
Bruce'
Dick smiled to himself as he prepared himself a mug of coffee, they knew him so well.
Taking a tentative sip of the coffee he contemplated what he should do next. Homework? He dismissed this notion, tomorrow would do, besides he didn't have too much left to do. He walked into the hall and stood looking at the stairs for a few moments. He could go to his room and watch TV or something. Thing was he didn't know quite what to do. He turned towards the lounge and sauntered across, noticing as he did so a pile of DVD's on the hall table. Putting his mug down he flipped through the pile.
"Hmm, this one looks interesting." He said to himself, picking up the coffee and reading the 'blurb' as he continued into the lounge.
--- "I'll go and make some coffee Sir." Alfred said as he walked away from Bruce and his date.
"Thank you Alfred. Beverly would you excuse me for a moment, just make yourself comfortable in the lounge." Bruce indicated the way.
"Ok, don't be long now." Beverly chided playfully as she walked across the hall taking in the rich opulence.
The lounge was in semi darkness, just a table lamp casting a soft pool of light and the bluish glow of the TV screen.
Beverly ran her fingers lightly across the back of the large sofa.
"I could get used to this." She mumbled quietly as she stepped around it.
She suddenly squealed with shock.
"What's wrong?" Bruce asked concerned as he hurried in.
Beverly pointed to the sofa unable to speak. Bruce leaned over the back and smiled.
"Oh that's only Dick." He leaned over and shook Dick's shoulder gently. "Wakey wakey sleepyhead." He chided.
Dick rolled onto his back and took in a deep breath through his nose, his eyes flickered open then closed momentarily before blinking open. He gazed up at Bruce's face trying to ascertain just where he was.
"Oh I'm sorry." Dick shot upright. "I must have fallen asleep. Forgive me." He rubbed his face with his hand as if trying to wash the sleep away.
"No problems. By the way this is Beverly."
Dick swivelled round and looked blearily at Beverly.
"Pleased to meet you." He said as he stood up a little unsteadily, offering his hand. "I didn't intend still being down here when you both got back. I'm sorry."
"No problems I'm sure. I was just a little startled when I saw you there."
"I'll leave you both in peace then." Dick turned to leave.
"Stay and have some coffee with us." Bruce invited.
"No it's ok; I think I need to hit the sack." Dick declined.
"I take it; it was a lively barbeque then." Bruce grinned.
"You could say that. Someone had let the cat out the bag as to my acrobatic skills. I ended up showing the younger kids how to do handstand and the like. Then I somehow got roped into going on the trampoline."
"No wonder you fell asleep, you certainly were fast on. You didn't even hear Beverly squeal."
"I'm sorry again for startling you. Anyway I'll say goodnight. See you in the morning?"
"Alright, yes we will see you in the morning."
Dick walked past the two of them.
"Goodnight." Beverly called after him.
Dick raised his hand by way of acknowledgment.
--- "So who's Dick?" Beverly asked as she sat down on the recently vacated sofa.
"He's my son." Bruce said a little bemused that she was unaware of the fact.
Beverly raised her eyebrows.
"Son, I didn't know you had any children. Are there more I should know about?"
"Oh, no, I adopted Dick. His parents were killed a few years ago and, well, I kind of empathised with him and took him in. I would have thought you would have known that."
"I see." Before Beverly could continue Alfred appeared with the coffee.
"Thank you Alfred. Beverly would you like something with your coffee, a brandy maybe?"
"No the coffee will be fine. I think I've had a little too much to drink tonight as it is."
--- Dick rubbed his eyes blearily as he entered the kitchen. Alfred glanced in his direction then poured him a mug of coffee.
"Here you are." Alfred handed Dick the mug.
Dick slid into a seat and took a tentative sip.
"I take it Bruce and, what's her name aren't up yet" He said.
"Er, no, and its Beverly."
"Whatever." Dick said dismissively. "I only met her briefly and I wasn't impressed."
"That's not fair is it now?" Alfred admonished.
"I guess not." Dick admitted. "But all the same there was something about her; I can't put my finger on it. I guess its Bruce's choice though so I will have to live with it."
"I believe you're right young man."
Beverly interrupted them as she came into the kitchen.
"Good morning Ma-am can I get you some coffee?" Alfred greeted her.
"Ooh yes please strong and black please."
"Heavy night?" Dick commented sarcastically.
"I think I had a little too much to drink to be honest." Beverly threw Dick a look that could have drawn blood.
"Can I get you some breakfast?" Alfred asked placing the coffee in front of her.
"I wouldn't mind a little toast, I don't think I could stomach much more, thank you Alfred."
"Is Bruce coming down?" Dick asked her.
"He was still in bed when I came down, but we are going out later."
"I'll go and take him his tray." Alfred informed them as he placed the toast, butter dish and a selection of conserves on the table.
Beverly watched Alfred leave then turned back to Dick.
"Ok you; I'm going to warn you only once, if you interfere with Bruce and my relationship then you will be sorry. I'm not happy that you are going to be around; in fact I will do everything I can to make sure you are booted out. This," She waved her arm, "Will suit me very well and I intend to play for keeps, you do not figure in my plans at all. Do you understand me?"
Dick looked at Beverly agog with shock and total disbelief.
"Whoa there, what brought that on? What on earth did I do to warrant that outburst?"
"You exist, that's what. I asked if you understood me." Beverly hissed.
"I hear you but I don't understand it."
"You had better work it out. Oh and if you go running to Bruce complaining, mark my words I will make sure he sees it as sour grapes on your behalf."
"Lady I think you're nuts to think Bruce wont see through your little game. We'll see who gets booted out first shall we." Dick rose from the table. "I think I'll just go up to my room."
Dick passed Alfred as he exited.
"Alfred if I'm needed I'll be in my room." Dick told him with a somewhat curt tone.
Alfred watched him go shaking his head at Dick's apparent annoyance; it was out of character for Dick to snap at him in that way.
"I wonder what got into him." Alfred said as he busied himself with the chores.
"Oh I really wouldn't know he was quite, well quite short with me. Maybe he just got out of the wrong side of the bed." Beverly smiled.
"Hmm all the same it's not his usual behaviour."
"Alfred I think I'll go and have my shower and get changed."
"Very well Ma-am." Alfred said as he turned to clear the table. As he continued with his work he puzzled over Dicks strange behaviour.
Dick had already expressed his dislike for Beverly, but had he really been rude to her? Alfred mused.
---Beverly poked her head around the door. Bruce was propped up on a pile of cushions reading the papers. He looked up as she did so.
"There you are, I wondered where you had disappeared to." He smiled.
Beverly sat on the bed.
"Oh not far, I went to find coffee." She explained. "But I just couldn't stay away for long." Beverly pulled the newspaper from his hands, dropping it on the floor as she leaned in towards Bruce………
--- Dick stepped out of the shower and towelled himself dry. He padded into the bedroom and slipped into clean shorts. He pulled on his jeans and selected a shirt. Bare footed he went into his study and booted up the computer. He had some work to catch up on having fallen asleep last night. He knew Bruce would be preoccupied most of the day and he would be on his own, that was unless Alfred was going to be around. Sometimes he would join Alfred and they would 'slob' around, watching TV, usually a British soccer game if Alfred had managed to get hold of a recording of one, and eating popcorn.
He didn't mind being on his own either, although now and then he did feel a bit small in the vast mansion. He considered calling the guys and asking them over later, but first he had to concentrate on his schoolwork.
---Dick descended the main stairs, Bruce and Beverly where getting ready to leave.
"Oh just a moment I've left my wallet in the study." Bruce told Beverly.
"Don't be long." She called sweetly, and then turned to Dick who had walked over. "You had better not be downstairs when we get back." she hissed.
"Don't worry I wasn't planning to be, in fact I will most certainly be going out of my way to avoid you in future." Dick told her coldly.
"Good boy." She said condescendingly, pinching Dicks arm sharply.
"Ow! What was that for?" Dick rubbed his arm.
"Just so you don't forget."
"Ok I'm ready." Bruce announced as he returned. "Have fun Dick."
"You too." Dick said sullenly turning away heading for the lounge not stopping to say goodbye.
Bruce escorted Beverly towards the doors.
"He seems very sullen." She commented.
"Hmm, it's not like him I assure you." Bruce puzzled.
"I don't think he likes me. In fact he has been quite rude to me when you haven't been there."
"Dick? Well I certainly wouldn't have thought he would be like that at all." Bruce raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Honestly darling, he hasn't been nice to me at all."
"I'll have a word with him later." Bruce conceded. "See what he has to say."
---- Bruce popped his head around the door to Alfred's room, having knocked first.
"Just thought I would say goodnight." Bruce announced. "Beverly's gone home tonight."
"Very good Sir." Alfred cocked his head in Bruce's direction. "Ok what's wrong?"
Bruce chuckled.
"I can't hide anything from you can I?"
"Come in and tell me." Alfred waved Bruce in.
Bruce sauntered over and perched on the edge of a chair.
"Alfred has Dick said anything about Beverly to you?"
"Well not exactly." Alfred mentally weighed up the odds of telling Bruce anything. "He did say he wasn't sure about her, but he did say it was your choice in any case. Why?"
"Hmm. Well Beverly has been bending my ear all night about how rude Dick has been to her, so I just wondered if he had said anything."
"Look, it's sometimes hard for him, you know, being left on his own. I think maybe he sometimes feels a bit pushed out when you have a new lady friend. If you think about it he is never going to be sure if he is going to get a new step Mother. I suppose it can be a bit unsettling."
"I guess you may be right. I'll speak with him in the morning. I'm sure we can clear things up. Thanks Alfred, I'll say goodnight then." Bruce rose and left the room waving a hand as he went.
---Dick sat at his desk trying to concentrate on his work. His head was pounding as if there was a whole timpani section competing to see who could play the loudest. He hadn't felt too good for a few days now, but couldn't quite put his finger on why. He knew he had been feeling down lately, but had put that down to the situation at home. He had been doing his best to avoid Beverly, but it wasn't always possible, Bruce having insisted he join them for dinner on several occasions.
He rubbed his forehead with his fingers trying to clear his head. John poked him in the back.
"Hey are you ok? You look white as a sheet."
Dick turned.
"John make my apologies I'm going to see the nurse, I've got the mother of all headaches." Dick slid his books into his bag and stood up a little unsteadily. He hurried from the classroom without another word.
--- "Just wait a moment." The nurse instructed. "I'm just patching this boy up."
Dick sank heavily onto a chair and elbows on knees he held his head in his hands, closing his eyes against the light that was now boring holes into his eyes.
"Whatever's wrong?" the nurse placed a gentle hand in his shoulder, crouching in front of him.
Dick forced himself to react.
"I have a real bad headache, I just wondered if I could get a couple of pain killers." He mumbled.
The nurse placed a hand on his forehead.
"Hmm you are rather hot too; maybe you are coming down with something. I think I should contact Mr Wayne and have you sent home."
"No, no I'll be fine with a couple of pills honest." Dick protested weakly.
The nurse gazed at him for a few moments.
"Alright, but I suggest you come and lay down for a while."
Dick nodded then regretted doing so as the action only made the pain worse.
The nurse handed him a couple of pills and a glass of water, then turned to prepare one of the cots at the rear of the medical room.
Dick swallowed the pills together with a long pull on the water.
"Come on lets have you laying down." The nurse called.
Dick stood up and almost immediately the room spun, as he staggered he felt his stomach lurch and he vomited violently. He was vaguely aware of the nurse hurrying across to him as he slid to the floor and the blackness enveloped him.
--- Dick groaned as he opened his eyes. He was laying flat and there was something cold on his forehead. He started to sit up but a hand restrained him.
"Lay still." The nurse instructed as he opened his eyes.
Behind her the Principal stood, concern written over his face.
"Please I don't want to cause a fuss." Dick protested managing to sit up despite the nurse's attempts to stop him. "Don't call home, I'll be ok. "I feel much better now." Dick insisted.
"Well I think maybe you should rest a while here." The principal pressed. "Then perhaps you should consider going home all the same."
"No I'll be fine; it must have been something I ate." Dick suggested weakly.
"Hmm." The nurse did not look convinced.
"I'll get the secretary to call Mr Wayne and get someone to collect you." The Principal decided.
"No, no its alright, I mean I can make my own way if need be, no need to bother anyone, besides Bruce wont be happy if he's disturbed at work, its Alfred's day off too, so he wouldn't be too pleased if he had to fetch me." Dick gabbled.
"Ok, look rest up until lunch time, and then we can reassess how you are. If the nurse thinks you are well enough, we can see about you going home." The Principal conceded.
"Thank you." Dick closed his eyes as the principal turned away with the nurse.
--- "I'm alright honestly." Dick protested to his friends who had gathered around him as he opened the car door. "No I don't know what was wrong." He told them in answer to their concerns.
"Well just you take care of yourself." Tina urged.
"Yes, if I was you I wouldn't come in tomorrow either to be on the safe side." John B advised.
"Ok, ok I hear you." Dick said trying to force a smile, as he seated himself behind the wheel. "Look let me know what assignments we get will you. I wouldn't want to fall behind."
"We will, now go and get yourself better." Amy pushed the door closed.
"You know, don't you think Dick looks worried about something?" Tina asked the others as they waved him off.
"I would say he does, maybe that's why he was ill. It's not the anniversary of his folks death is it?" Pete asked.
"No that's late in the year, November time; I know it's always cold and wet." Emma pointed out.
"Your right, maybe he will tell us what's on his mind later, I mean he knows we are there for him, just as he has been for us." Tina suggested hopefully.
----Dick was grateful that the Manor was empty. Bruce was at work and Alfred really was on his day off. Only the most urgent emergency would stop him using this sacrosanct day.
Dick headed for his room. In all honesty he still felt rather ill. His head still ached and his stomach was sore.
He dropped his bags in his study and then threw himself on the bed curled into a foetal ball and fell asleep.
He opened his eyes, it was dark in the room, the drapes had been pulled closed and the quilt had been pulled up over him. He sat up and groaned, resting his head in his hands. The headache had still not left him. He gingerly climbed out of bed and walked somewhat unsteadily to the bathroom.
He washed his hands, and then splashed water on his face. Regarding himself in the mirror he had to agree he looked very pale.
"Maybe I should consider a visit to the doctors." He thought.
"Master Dick?" Alfred called from the bedroom. "Are you alright?"
"Yes." Dick said as he re-entered the bedroom, not sounding very convincing at all.
"I was worried when I realised you were home early and found you asleep like that."
"I had a bad headache and I threw up, so they sent me home. I didn't want to bother Bruce or you seeing as how it is your day off."
"Hmm, you do look very pale; maybe you are coming down with something. Ok young man, I suggest you get into your P.J.'s and pop back into bed." Alfred held up a finger in warning. "No arguments you hear? If you are no better tomorrow I'll call Dr Thompkins."
Dick hadn't the strength to argue so followed Alfred's orders.
