Questions and Suspicions

It wasn't until five A.M. that Abby finally fell asleep on the floor next to Bruce's bed. Not once during that night did she leave to change or clean up. She was too worried about Bruce's condition. Abby didn't understand it though. Last time she checked, she could've cared less about her father. Now…it was different. Her father's illness was caused by her. Just because she didn't want to listen to a few simple rules. Abby had to take full responsibility for what had happened. And if that meant staying by Bruce's bedside for as long as it took, then so be it. She suddenly felt herself being gently shaken. Opening her eyes, she saw Alfred hovering over her.

"Good morning, Miss Wayne," he said with a smile.

"Morning Alfred," she yawned.

"I trust that you slept well, even without the proper bedding."

Abby shrugged. "It's not as bad as sleeping over a tree stump at Girl Scout camp. Bedsides the carpet's comfy."

"Well then, might I suggest that you clean up? It's not healthy to stay in this type of condition."

She sat up and looked at her sickly father warily. He didn't seem to be getting any better. Actually Bruce seemed to be getting worse.

"I can't leave him, Alfred," she stated.

"I understand that," said Alfred, firmly, "but I don't think he'll want to wake up to a bruised and filthy daughter."

He had a point there. Plus she even felt dirty. Through sweating to death from last night's match and being drenched with rain water, Abby didn't feel all of her best.

"Can you watch him?"

"Always have," he accepted.

Thanks to Alfred's help, she got back up on her feet. With one more last look at Bruce, Abby parted to her room.

She tried to go as fast as she could in getting ready. Abby took a quick shower, changed into some fresh clothes, and tried to treat her bruise. It wasn't that bad considering she wore her headgear that night, but it was still tender. Dang that Ethan could hit. Oh well, she would get him back for that later. Abby was just glad she made up with Aaron. Now all she had to do was figure out her feelings for him. But in the rink that night…something happened. She got closer to Aaron than she ever did before. Kissing distance. Jared seemed to be the only force that kept them apart at that time. Maybe Abby did feel something for him, but she just didn't know it. Ugh, stupid hormones! Abby shook off those thoughts for a moment and rushed to Bruce's room.

Alfred sat on the edge of Bruce's bed looking grim. He didn't seem to notice Abby come in, so she tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up at her, startled.

"Oh, it's you Miss Wayne," he said, relieved. "I didn't see you come in."

"Yeah, it looked like you had your eyes on him the whole time."

"I can't help it. I feel useless not being able to do anything to help."

"At least you don't have guilt in your hands," Abby mumbled.

Alfred got up before saying anything else. "I'll bring up your breakfast since you seem to wish not to leave this room."

"Okay, thanks Alfred."

Abby took her place at Bruce's bedside after Alfred left. He continued to sweat as if he were in a sauna for days and wheezed as hard as he could. She brushed his dark hair out of his face. Abby remembered that pale face being full of life just the day before now—thanks to her—Bruce was in a condition he might not make it through. She cringed at the thought. She couldn't lose Bruce, again. Rachel wouldn't be too happy about it either. Even though she never admitted it, Abby could tell by her actions that her mother still loved Bruce. When she dated Carl, Rachel wasn't exactly as happy as she was with Bruce (as shown in previous home videos).

For the rest of the day, Abby continued care for Bruce. She dabbed wet wash cloths to reduce the sweating and fed him through an eyedropper. Abby even occasionally talked to him about during the seven years he was gone. He probably wouldn't hear her, but at least Bruce would know she was there. Once again, she had slept alongside him that night—except this time with an air mattress and blankets. Through the night, Abby could've sworn he was breathing harder and harder. By the time she had woken up completely the next morning, she could barely hear his voice.

Out of panic, she got up and carefully poured water down his throat. But that didn't seem to be the only problem. His sweating had damped his side of the bed and his skin was paling even more. Falling to her knees, Abby gave out the tears she had been holding back for a day. Her tears ran past her face, dripping on her shirt and a few on Bruce. She didn't know what to do. Abby could lose Bruce any minute and it would be all of her fault. She wasn't sure when her silent tears had turned into loud sobs, but Alfred came rushing in.

"What is it, Miss Wayne?" he asked with concern.

"He's getting worse!" she cried. "Nothing I'm doing is working. I'm a complete failure."

Alfred hurried towards the tearful Abby. As he knelt down to her he turned her body around to face him. He stared at her firmly and critically.

"Abigail Rachel Wayne," he almost shouted, "you are not a failure. What you're father is going through now is not your fault. I don't know what happened to Master Bruce, but it was not because of you. True, what you did was wrong but you couldn't have caused this catastrophe."

Abby sniffled. "But—"

"No. I understand that you are worried about your father, but don't go and blame yourself for what happened. Understand?"

She nodded. "But I don't feel just guilty. I feel…angry. Almost all of the time now."

"What are you angry at?"

"A lot of things. Like the fact that I didn't know my father was alive until now. I didn't have faith that he was still alive. And now when he comes back I don't even give him a chance to explain himself. I'm angry that everyone expects me to be something that I'm not. But most of all I'm angry because I don't know who I am."

Abby collapsed into Alfred's arms. He cradled her, letting her sob on his suit for a few moments, before speaking again.

"Miss Wayne, you must let go of this anger if you know what's good for your sanity. Look at you now. You can barely control your tears and your voice is trembling."

"I didn't want this to happen, Alfred," she struggled to say.

"I know. The best we can do right now is hope. You must really love him if you're crying this much for him."

She slowly separated from him. "I don't know…I guess I do. That's probably why I was so angry when he left."

"I was too. But life is too short to stay angry forever…we need to learn how to forgive and learn from our mistakes."

Abby didn't have anything to say for that. Alfred sure knew how to give advice. She gave a meek smile in response instead. The phone began to ring throughout the mansion. Alfred looked at her, his eyes filled with concern.

"Are you going to be alright if I go answer the phone for a few moments?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I think my tears are almost out."

With that, Alfred left the room. She wiped the tears off of her cheek with her sleeve. Abby looked towards her dad. If she didn't cause this then what did? Bruce wasn't really known to get into this type of trouble. Why now? He probably just ditched his date and someone decided gas him with something. But what gas? Not that she thought of it, Abby remembered seeing something like this somewhere. Her thoughts went back to when she visited the Narrows. Oh, no it can't be.

She remembered the man suddenly collapsing and screaming. As she dug into the memory, she realized that the man not only screamed, but he wheezed! Whatever that man got sprayed with, it was the same substance that Bruce got sprayed with. If she only knew what it was, then Abby could help him. Just as Alfred said, all she could do was hope for the best. She took Bruce's hand and held it tight.

"It's okay Bruce. We'll find something, trust me."

A knock came from the door. "Miss Wayne?"

Abby looked up. It was Lucius Fox.

"Lucius," her eyes widened, "what are you doing here?"

"Alfred called me," he said.

"I saw how much worse he had gotten from the day before," Alfred appeared from behind him, "so I thought that Mr. Fox could help."

Abby couldn't be more grateful for Alfred or Lucius. At least there would be a little hope for her father.

Lucius examined Bruce. He placed a hand over Bruce's forehead and said, "His symptoms aren't exactly known as a natural disease. He must've had some type of drug inserted into him."

She knew it!

"I'm gonna take a few blood samples to analyze back at the lab. Until then keep an eye on him."

Her eyes got big as he pulled out a couple needles from his bag. Abby was terrified of needles. Every time she saw one, she would usually freeze like a block of ice. Rachel would always get the nasal flu shot for Abby because of this reason.

To her relief, the phone rang.

"Miss Wayne, could you please answer that for me?" smiled Alfred.

"Uh—sure," she got up from her knees.

As much as she didn't want to leave Bruce's side, she didn't want to see blood being sucked out of his flesh. Alfred must've remembered her fear. She rushed out of the room to catch the phone before it stopped ringing. Abby picked up the phone in the nearest room—her bedroom.

"Hello?"

"Abigail, is that you?" a voice that she feared to hear from said sharply.

She deepened her voice in panic. "Um, no this is the mechanic, Bob. But I can take a message for you if you like."

"Abigail stop it, I know it's you!"

She returned to her normal voice. "Hey Mom, how are ya?"

"Oh, well let's see…I was totally swamped with work yesterday, so I didn't have time to read the newspaper or watch the news. Then today I finally get to relax, so read I read yesterday's newspaper. Guess who I saw on it?"

According to Rachel's sharp tone, Abby really didn't feel like answering her in this condition.

"No guesses? Alright, it was you Abigail! Do you have any idea how long you are grounded?!" yelled Rachel.

"An eternity, maybe?"

"Not that long, but until your kids have kids! What in the world were you thinking?!"

"I was thinking I wanted to go to my boxing match," argued Abby.

"Yes, but I specifically asked you to stay away from the public."

"You didn't ask me that! You asked Bruce to ask me. Actually it really wasn't asking it was more like a demand!"

"Fine then I demanded you to stay away from the public!"

"No, you didn't. Bruce delivered the message for you. So technically he demanded me!"

"Either way you are in big trouble! Where's your father?"

Abby paused. "He's sick right now. He can't really talk to anyone at the moment."

"Oh."

Rachel must've listened to how much her voice had changed because her voice calmed down as well.

"Is he okay?" asked Rachel urgently.

"I'm not sure…he's been out for two days now. I'm getting worried about him."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he's my dad, what's your excuse?" she quickly added.

"What do you mean?"

"Didn't you guys break up after I was born?"

"We did a little bit, I guess. We just drifted apart. But I never lost my friendship towards him in the end because he gave me you. And that's the best gift I've ever gotten from him."

"Even when I mess up?" Abby felt her tears once again building up.

"Even when you mess up. I will still love you no matter what."

She shed a tear, but this time it was for joy. "And even though you get on my case twenty-four-seven, and sometimes call me…Crabby Abby, I still love you too."

"I knew you couldn't stay mad forever."

Abby could sense the happiness in Rachel's voice.

"I'm not mad at you anymore, but Bruce," Abby paused, "I'm still confused."

"You'll know when the time is right. I know you will. Listen I have to go, I'll probably stop by later tomorrow for your father's birthday."

"Tomorrow is his birthday?"

"Yeah, don't you remember?"

With all of the chaos going on in her life, it was hard to remember that little tiny detail.

"Well I do now," she sighed.

"Anyway, like I said I gotta go. Take care of your father and tell me what happens between you Aaron. Love you, bye."

"How did you—?!"

Rachel hung up before she was able to finish her sentence. How did she know? Ugh, moms. They always seemed to know everything. At least they made up just like they always did.

Luckily the needles were gone by the time Abby made it back to Bruce's room. Lucius was alone in the room, closing his briefcase when she walked in. He looked up at her and smiled.

"Alright, Miss Wayne, I should have your father's test results by tonight. I'll come by tomorrow morning with the antidote."

"Thanks, Lucius. You have no idea how relieved that makes me feel."

"You're welcome. Just watch over him until I come by."

Lucius took his briefcase and headed for the door. Abby thought back to her visit at Wayne Enterprises. She had to ask him something.

"Lucius wait," she called after him.

He stopped on his tracks, facing her.

"What is it?"

"I need to ask you something, real quick."

"Go ahead, ask away," he grinned.

"Are you building stuff for Batman? And if you are do you know who he is?"

His smile faded away. "You could say that. He processes an interest in my work, so why not? And to answer your second question, I'm not quite sure who he is. No one does, all we can do is guess."

"What are your guesses so far?" she asked.

"I haven't guessed at all, but I'm pretty sure you can figure it out. You seem like a very smart girl."

She blushed in embarrassment.

"Well, I have to go if I want to make the antidote by morning. Good day, Miss Wayne."

"See you later, Lucius."

Without another word, Lucius left the room. He knew exactly who Batman was. She could see it in his eyes. Oh well, that was an issue to be resolved later. Right now her biggest concern was her father. Abby continued to sit by his bedside as she did for past day and a half.

Nothing was new for the next few hours. Bruce was in the exact same condition as before and Abby was still tired from the lack of sleep. She nearly collapsed on Bruce when Alfred walked into the room.

"Hey Alfred," she yawned.

"Hello, Miss Wayne. You have a few guests, would you like to see them?"

"That depends…who are they?"

"Mr. West and I believe the other two young ladies with him stated themselves as Miss Peterson and Miss Albright."

Abby nearly woke up at the mention of her friends' names. It seemed forever since she had seen them. "Go ahead and let them in."

"Very well."

Alfred left the room for a few short moments before returning with her friends. They smiled at her as they made their way towards her.

"Hey guys. I haven't seen you in all week—well except you Aaron."

"Yeah, that was an awesome match," Aaron grinned.

Alfred grabbed them a few chairs and they all sat down.

"I couldn't make it," said Sasha, "my mom decided to have this whole family dinner thing with my step-dad. It wasn't even the whole family! A.K.A. my real dad wasn't invited."

"Harsh," said Abby.

"No kidding," she snorted.

"How about you, Heather, how's your week been?"

Heather answered nervously, "Okay I guess."

"What's the matter?"

"Is he contagious?"

She pointed a finger at Bruce.

"No, don't worry about it. He was drugged which means this didn't come naturally."

"Oh, good," Heather exhaled in relief, "I mean good that he's not contagious, but bad that he was drugged."

Abby giggled. "It's okay I know what you mean."

Same old Heather.

"Man, it feels like we haven't seen you in forever," commented Sasha.

"Maybe that's because we usually hang out twenty-four hours a day."

"It's a possibility."

"If anyone needs me," Alfred broke in, "I'll be making a few phone calls for Master Wayne's birthday party tomorrow night."

"Will he be awake by then?" asked Abby with pinch of hope in her voice.

"If Mr. Fox comes up with antidote, then yes."

Alfred turned for the door, but turned back around again. "Oh, and your friends are allowed to come if they'd like."

"Okay, thanks Alfred."

He gave a nod before leaving.

"Okay, by party does he mean raise the roof party or the boring classical music social type of party?" Heather inquired.

"The second one," Abby guiltily answered.

Aaron, Sasha, and Heather exchanged unsure glances at each other.

"Oh c'mon guys, it's not that bad. Plus I wouldn't feel so lonely if you guys were there."

"Oh what the heck," Sasha sighed. "I might as well see how rich people socialize with each other."

"And who knows we might meet some cute rich boys," Heather grinned brightly.

"Oh yeah that's what I'm talking about."

Sasha gave a high five to Heather.

"Now we just have to figure out what we're going to wear."

Aaron coughed. "No more girl stuff."

"Right," said Abby, "let's change the subject just for Aaron, okay guys?"

"Alright," they groaned.

"I really need to find some more guy friends," Aaron rolled his eyes.

"I know, but you love us anyway right?" Abby teased.

"Yeah."

They shared a long gaze for awhile until Sasha interrupted them.

"Okay, Heather. I think Alfred said something about needing help with the decorations."

She looked at her as if she was trying to say a message.

Heather shook her head. "I don't remember him saying that."

"Well, I remember him saying it so let's go."

Sasha pulled Heather by the arm and led her out of the door.

"We'll be right back guys."

Aaron spoke as soon as they left.

"Do you have any idea what those girls are up to? 'Cause I have no idea."

"Nope, they always seem to cook up some surprise that I can't think of."

He nodded in agreement.

"So, why the unannounced visit?"

"Actually I tried to announce it. But someone wouldn't answer their phone."

Abby looked down at Bruce. "Sorry I was a little busy."

"It's OK. I understand, actually," he pulled out a guitar that she didn't even know he was carrying, "I brought this play a few cords for your dad…and maybe you since you've been a little depressed lately."

"Technically I haven't been depressed. Just angry and I thought you quit guitar."

He was taken aback. "I didn't quit guitar."

"Then why did you say a couple months ago that playing instruments were stupid?"

"I say a lot of things," he smirked. "Plus I only said that to convince my mom not to be in band. Now she's counting on Allie to be in band just like she was."

"Knowing her I highly doubt she will refuse."

Allie was Aaron's annoying ten year old sister that never seemed to know just when to stay quiet.

Aaron began tuning his guitar. "No kidding."

"And just to add to the band thing, they really don't have acoustic guitars in our school's band."

"All the more reason I shouldn't join. But anyway I've been feeling inspired lately, so I wrote a song."

Abby smiled meekly. "You wrote a song?"

"Yeah, I haven't shared it with anybody though. Unless Jared or Allie have been eavesdropping. Other than that, I just thought that…it could help your dad. I mean if reading makes the sick feel better who knows what songs can do."

"Very true. So what's it called?"

"Pick Me Up."

"Okay, let's hear it," she grinned.

He nodded before strumming his guitar. The music he was playing had a smooth rhythm to it as he sang:

"I fell down
Countless times
I know everyone falls
But it feels like I can't pick myself up."

He started to pick up the rhythm as he went along.

But then there you are
Just like a shining star
I don't know if this is right or not
I can't help, but be so lost in your eyes

You pick me up from the highest mountain!
I know you'll be there if I fall
And everything just seems right
When you're there through it all

You pick me up from the edge of the cliff
You're there when I need light in my life
Even when you're miles away…
You come to me

Despite the past fights
I know we're gonna be alright
'Cause there's just something between us
That won't break or bend

So I say to you…
I thank you for being by my side
Even when I didn't want you around

I know we're gonna be together
No matter how long
We will stay by each other's side
And pick each other up

I promise you that
I'll pick you up
In most desperate times."

Abby was speechless. The song was beautiful. She couldn't believe how well it was done. Even Aaron's voice, although it needed a little tweaking, wasn't that bad.

"I was that bad wasn't I?" asked Aaron after Abby's long silence.

"No," she rejected, "not at all. It was great. I loved the song and my dad would love it too if he…he was conscious."

"That's a relief. I know my voice isn't the greatest, but you shouldn't bag on the song for that."

"I'm not. Actually it kind of reminds me of us as friends."

Aaron didn't speak, so she continued.

"You've always been there for me even when I'm not in my greatest moods. You always make me laugh even when I don't want to. You just make my world so much better Aaron…and I don't know what I would do without you."

Although he tried to hide it, he turned a light shade of pink.

"I can't believe so much has changed in a week's time," he finally said.

"I know. I mean everything seems to be turning around since Batman came into the picture."

"Batman?" he raised an eyebrow. "How's he related to this?"

"Well…I haven't told you this, but the day before I found out that my dad was alive…my mom and I were saved by Batman. Then on the night I found out…I sorta ran away. These guys almost hurt me and he was there to save me. When I went into the Narrows to find him, he gave me advice and since then I've felt a whole lot better about my dad. Wow…I just realized that I haven't said dad in forever. Maybe that's why I keep saying it now."

Abby smiled at the thought. Bruce had been there for about a week now, and she had never thought to call him dad even private.

"I'm really glad that you're feeling better, Abby. By the way you look really cute when you smile."

She flushed red. "Well you're kind of cute yourself you know."

Abby shut her mouth as soon as she said the comment. It slipped right out of her mouth when she didn't want it too. Oh well, it had been said and now she was in deep hole. Now their faces were moving closer to each other's. She could feel emotion conquering her logic. Abby had no idea what she was getting into, but she didn't care. She leaned over to him until they were nose to nose. She could feel his breath lightly sweeping her lips. It would be any moment now that their lips would meet.

"Mr. West?"

Their heads collided with one another. Rubbing her head, Abby found Alfred waiting in the door way with a very startled look.

"Your brother is here, Sir. He says that your mother wants you home for dinner now."

Aaron quietly groaned. Jared had once again intervened.

"Thanks Alfred, I'll be right down," he mumbled.

Alfred left the room, still unfazed on what he had just seen.

"I guess that's my cue. By the way, Sasha and Heather are gonna have to leave too. My brother's their ride, so I'll tell them you said bye. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Picking up his guitar, he got up from his chair and headed for the door. But as he entered the hallway, Abby chased after him. She didn't feel complete closure yet.

"Wait!" she called.

He stopped and turned around. Before he could say a word, she gave a kiss on the cheek.

"I didn't exactly get to say good-bye," she said.

Aaron was dumbfounded. "Well, I—uh—bye, I'll see you tomorrow night then."

"I'll see you too."

He smiled sheepishly before turning around to leave. She, herself, gave a small smile as she headed back to Bruce's room.

"I see you feel much better now that Mr. West has come to see you."

Abby turned around to find Alfred with a big smug smile on his face.

"It's not what you think, I swear," she lied, but not very well.

"Sure, we'll just go with that for now," teased Alfred. "But I'm bloody sure that boy's in love with you."

He walked away with that same smug smile. Rolling her eyes, she made her way back to Bruce. She didn't know it until now, but he seemed to wheeze less. Maybe Aaron's song did sooth him like he said. Abby knew now that things were going to get better. Bruce would wake up, her and Rachel would be in a better terms, and Aaron and Abby's relationship would most likely change for the better. Guilt no longer took over her. Hope and faith had finally conquered over guilt. Abby took Bruce's hand knowing that things would be better.

Thanks for reading! Sorry if I updated late. School has decided to take over my writing time. Plus my sixteenth birthday was just last Wednesday, so I've just been very busy. By the way, the song that Aaron sang was an orignal song by me. I'm not really a song writer, but I try to write a few poems here and there. Anyway sorry that there wasn't really any father/daughter scenes in this one considering Bruce was unconscious the whole time. But I was able to fit a mother/daughter scene even though this is mostly a father/daughter story. Anyway for voting for the sequel's title now there's only three left. I'm going to reset it so for those who voted the last time can vote again. Then I'm going to reveal the winning title at the end of this story. Thank you to those who are voting!

~Emyrox567