CHAPTER 10
The lunch bell rang out loudly throughout the school. Barbara dismissed her class and collected the papers they left on her desk as they walked out. The pop-quiz elicited a grown from her students however; she could see how pleased they were when they discovered the questions were easy. She wanted her class to enjoy reading Shakespeare so her questions were usually thought-provoking, but allowed the student to give their answer in a way that they interpreted the story. Allowing them to share their own views on what was happening in the story gave them a sense of ownership; of pride; knowing that their teacher was actually interested in their thoughts and opinions. It was difficult enough to get the students to read such works of literature. She wanted the quiz to be a forum for them to share what they had learned rather than asking for specific, technical answers. Barbara was a favorite teacher among many. Except maybe for Dinah.
Barbara glanced at the clock and wondered if Dinah was going to accept her invitation for lunch. She knew Dinah wasn't happy with her but hoped that she would walk in the class; all arguments forgotten. Dinah wasn't known for holding a grudge, but Barbara also knew something was going on and it wasn't going to be settled in just one afternoon. She just had to give Dinah the space she needed to come to her, no matter how long that took. She just hoped that Dinah's problems of late would soon come to an end. It usually didn't take Dinah this long to come and talk to Barbara; to share what was on her mind and allow the older woman to help her sort out what was bothering her.
As the clock ticked away, Barbara instinctively knew that Dinah wouldn't be joining her. She reached in her bag, pulled out her lunch and set it carefully on her desk. She then unwrapped the sandwich Alfred had made for her and just as she was about to take a bite, there was a soft knock at her door. She looked up quickly, immediately thinking that Dinah was going to join her for lunch after all, but there stood Gina; Gabby's ex-lab partner and ex-girlfriend.
"What can I do for you, Gina?" Barbara asked, placing her sandwich back on her desk.
"Sorry to bother you during lunch, Miss G," she apologized as she strode across the room, closer to Barbara. "I was just wondering if you knew how Gabby was doing." Although they had broken up, she had been concerned after hearing about Gabby's accident. Dinah shared the entire breakup story with Barbara a few months back.
"You are welcome in my classroom any time," her teacher reassured her student. "I saw Gabby this morning and she was doing very well. She's still very sore from her injuries but there's nothing to worry about. A friend of mine is looking after her and we'll make sure she's back at school very soon." Barbara smiled.
"Thanks. Can you tell her I said hello?" she asked. Her teacher nodded yes. Gina then made her exit and Barbara hungrily bit into the sandwich she had been eyeing on her desk.
***
Dinah sat on the steps at the front of the school, daydreaming of all the ways she could escape and not return to the dreaded building. As she plotted her schemes, a sleek, red, Ferrari drove up to the main doors, thirty feet from where Dinah sat. It couldn't be, she thought. The door opened and out stepped a familiar face. It is…
Karla stood in the driveway, smiling at the student. Dinah gathered her lunch and walked over to the car. "Hello, Dinah," she drawled, resting her arms on the roof of the vehicle as Dinah approached the passenger's side door. "Care to join me for lunch?" she asked with a wink.
"I can't," she admitted with embarrassment. "We're not allowed to leave school grounds." Dinah shuffled her feet nervously.
"You weren't allowed to leave yesterday either but that didn't stop you," the tall blonde cocked an eyebrow. "Since when do you follow the rules?" she teased, knowing that was what Dinah had done her entire life. Follow the rules and do as she was told. Of course Dinah didn't want to admit to being the goody-two-shoes Karla knew she was. Karla could sense Dinah's innocence a mile away.
"Since I got a week's detention," she grumbled. And since I have to spend my weekend paying off a restaurant check that you stiffed me on, she thought to herself, momentarily forgetting that the woman before her had the ability to read her mind. If Karla had heard Dinah's thoughts, she gave no indication.
"You could always skip detention," the woman suggested, peering into Dinah's eyes. Dinah froze for a moment, her eyes locking and tempting thoughts filling her brain. "Are you sure you don't want to go for a ride?" she pressed.
Dinah slowly reached for the passenger door handle but quickly pulled back as if had burned her. "I can't!" She squealed. "I'll end up in detention for a month," she explained, feeling younger by the second in front of the beautiful blonde before her.
Karla decided not to press Dinah. She wanted to. Wanted to see just how far Dinah would go but she knew that time would come. Dinah ending up in detention for a month did nothing to suit Karla's needs. She had bigger plans in mind; and none of them involved school. "As you wish, sweetie," she smiled, retracting arms and slowly climbing back into the vehicle. She started the vehicle and with a roar of the engine, she took off, blowing Dinah a kiss.
Dinah headed back to the stairs to finish her lunch, feeling miserable and wishing the week would be over.
***
Barbara watched out the window as a fancy car pulled up in the school driveway. She had never seen the Ferrari before, nor had she seen the driver. To her surprise, however, she saw Dinah making her way over to the car. She watched curiously as the scene unfolded and minutes later, the car speeding off and Dinah waving as it drove away.
She unclasped her hands and moved her elbows off the windowsill that she had been resting on. Who's your new friend, Dinah?, she wondered. From the body language between the two, Barbara concluded that they knew one another… the bad thing was, Barbara had no clue who it was. Dinah usually told her all about her friends so it was a surprise when she learned Dinah had been keeping this a secret.
Pleased to see that Dinah never left school grounds, Barbara once again picked up the quiz that she had been reading. She would often grade papers during lunch so that she had more free time to work on the Delphi at night. She glanced out the window once more, silently wondering who Dinah had been speaking to and wondering if Dinah would mention it on their ride home. With the secrets that Dinah had been keeping as of late, she wouldn't have been surprised if Dinah failed to mention her visitor. She sighed heavily, and let her shoulders drop, realizing just how tense she had been getting.
***
When the movie ended, Helena was reluctant to move because her patient had still been asleep on her lap. She could hear Alfred in the kitchen preparing lunch and no doubt, getting a head-start on their dinner; but she didn't want to call out to him and wake Gabby.
Helena started to get restless and needed to burn off some energy. She desperately wanted to get in a workout so she decided to get up. She carefully lifted Gabby's head and slid of the couch. She then placed a bigger pillow under her head and gently let her down. Gabby slept soundlessly while Helena followed the sounds to the kitchen.
"How was your movie, Miss Helena?" Alfred greeted. His back was to Helena, but he knew she was there.
"It was great. You know, Alfred, you really should sit down and watch it sometime…" Helena advised the grandfatherly butler.
As he retrieved some ingredients from the fridge, he chuckled. "I shall take that under advisement, Miss Helena, although taking care of the three of you keeps me plenty busy."
"Something tells me that's not the real reason," Helena challenged him.
"Oh perish the thought, Miss Helena. I enjoy a good vampire film as much as the next butler," he spoke seriously, but words dripped with British sarcasm.
"You don't know what you're missing, my friend."
"I'm sure I will get over it, Miss Helena," he winked. "What brings you to the kitchen? Shall I prepare your lunch?"
"Not right now, thank you. I was actually wondering if you could keep an eye on Gabby while I get in a workout," she asked sweetly, knowing he wouldn't refuse.
"I'd be delighted, Miss Helena," he replied ever so politely.
Happily, Helena bounced out of the kitchen, bursting with energy. "Thanks, Alfred!" she spoke before she left. She quickly changed into her workout clothes and headed to the gym.
***
The bell echoed throughout the school, indicating that lunch was over. Dinah, determined not to get an extension on her detention, rushed to her next class so that she wouldn't be late. She took her seat next to Matt Kendel, her biology partner, and opened up her books, wanting to look busy so that she could avoid the awkward silence. Ever since she had read his mind; and told him she had read his PDA, she felt uncomfortable around him. He had been forgiving but Dinah still felt the shame of using her powers on a civilian, as Barbara had put it.
The partnering wasn't much better for Gabby after she and Gina had broken up. They weren't exactly on the best terms at first but since they had already traded lab partners once, their teacher refused to allow it a second time. So both she and Dinah had to deal with the hand they had been dealt. After all, they had brought it on themselves.
The final bell rang and the last of the students filtered into the room, taking their respective seats. The teacher handed out the daily assignment and allowed the students to work independently on their experiments. Dinah tried her best to concentrate but between the thoughts of Helena trying to seduce her best friend, having to deal with a week's detention, having to return to the scene of her crime for work detail and feeling uncomfortable around Matt, she wasn't in the best mind frame. Matt had forgiven Dinah for her indiscretion but she still felt embarrassed. She shook the exterior thoughts from her mind and picked up the paper from the teacher, reading it until she understood what it was asking.
She looked to Matt. "You ready to do this thing?" she asked, pointing to the chemicals that sat before them.
***
Gabby awoke and discovered that she was alone. Through blurry, sleepy eyes, she could see someone moving in the distance but couldn't clearly see who it was. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and once vision was more in focus, she looked again, and spotted Alfred preparing the dining table. As she struggled to sit up, Alfred promptly arrived at her side, offering his assistance. He held out his hand and she took it, which gave her the leverage she needed to pull herself to a sitting position.
"Thank you," she smiled, eyes still glazed from her nap and headache still prominent.
"It was my pleasure," he responded, and before she could ask, he continued, "Miss Helena is in the exercise room and shall be back shortly." She nodded in understanding. "May I get you something from the kitchen? Perhaps some water or juice?"
Gabby thanked him again and requested a glass of water to soothe her dry throat. Within moments, he returned with drink in hand, and she downed it quickly. He returned to the kitchen and the effects of the water quickly reminded Gabby that she needed to use the washroom. She thought for a moment, deciding on if she could wait for Helena's return or if she should get Alfred to escort her. Although Alfred was a sweet man, Gabby wasn't as comfortable asking him to escort her; so she decided to wait.
As the minutes ticked away, the pressure on her bladder consumed her every thought. Finally she decided to sneak off to Helena's room on her own. She knew she should ask for help, but that wasn't something Gabby had been used to, or comfortable with. She stood up. Her legs were strong but the dizziness caused her to stumble into the nearby coffee table. Cursing to herself, knowing that she had cut her shin, she continued to her destination. It didn't take her long to arrive to the stairs that led up to the bedroom area. She looked up at the growing staircase before her, feeling it was Mt. Everest.
With her good arm, she gripped the railing and made her way up. Alfred spied her in the distance and shook his head with mild disappointment. Yet another stubborn patient to contend with. He approached her quickly and stood several stairs below her. She glanced back at him, sheepishly, knowing she wasn't supposed to go off on her own. He smiled with his British politeness, but said nothing. When she realized he wasn't there to yell at her or insist on helping her, she continued her voyage upwards.
When she was almost at the top, she turned back to Alfred, who stood three steps down from her. "You're not going to yell at me?" she asked, confused.
"Oh perish the thought!" he waived off her question. "I know that you are aware of the risks of such a task," he motioned to the staircase, "but if you feel you are capable of making it on your own when medical advice believes the opposite, then I trust that you know what you are doing," he said, never losing his smile.
Gabby paused for a moment, taking in what he had said. "Is that your British way of scolding me?" she asked, slightly confused.
"Miss Gabby, I would never do such a thing," he gasped, jokingly, but with a stoic expression. "Would you like some assistance?" he asked.
She blushed, knowing that she was taking a risk but really wanting to exert a little independence. "I'm fine," she lied, watching the stairs swirl around her and vertigo trying to make her lose her footing. She gripped the railing with white knuckles and slowly continued to the top, praying she wouldn't fall and moreso, praying that her bladder could hold out.
"Very well," the butler answered, but he did not leave. With each step she climbed, so did he; to be there in case she stumbled backwards. She felt like an ass for not accepting the help that was being offered, and felt even worse when he respectfully accepted her wishes, but still remained dutiful to Helena's wishes.
The blonde sighed heavily when she reached the top and rounded the corner. The hard part was over, now she just had a short distance between herself and the washroom. Alfred stayed back at the stairs and allowed her to go the rest of the way on her own; but he remained close enough to rush to her side should she need help.
Gabby gripped the wall as she walked, using it to keep her balance and when she finally made it to Helena's room and more importantly, the washroom, she shut the door and tended to her bodily functions. Once finished, she stumbled over to the sink, washed her hands, splashed water on her sleepy face and took a mouthful of the mouthwash, still wishing she had a toothbrush. She swirled it over her teeth and tongue, gargled a little, spit it out and ran the tap to clean the sink.
She opened the door to the bathroom and stumbled backwards in surprise when she saw Helena at the door. Arms folded with authority and sweaty from her workout. Their eyes met.
"Had to be stubborn and do it on your own, huh," Helena asked rhetorically, raising an eyebrow.
Gabby paused and then an answer came to her. "Well I would rather 'do it' with you but you weren't around so I had to take care of my own needs," she cocked her head, challenging the woman before her.
Helena accepted. "Maybe next time I should tie you down, then," she unfolded her hands and placed them on her hips. "Maybe that would keep you from moving."
"That sounds like an interesting option," the blonde winked. "But I'd probably still struggle and squirm to get free."
"That's half the fun… watching you struggle but knowing you can't get loose and have to do what I say," Helena winked back, and wiped the sweat from her brow.
Gabby felt the heat growing within herself as well. "I don't deal well with being told what to do. You might end up making me scream…"
"Oh, you'd definitely scream, little girl," Helena cooed; then moved closer to Gabby, invading her personal space. The suggestive words combined with the look in Helena's eye caused Gabby to nearly hyperventilate. They stood silent for several moments; replaying the innuendos over again in their minds. Helena smiled deliciously at the prey and Gabby returned the look; proving that she wasn't prey that would break easily.
Helena licked her lips and moved even closer. "What do you say…" she moved closer, "I take you over to my bed…" even closer, "and lay you down on top of the covers?" she spoke in a near whisper, standing so close that only an inch or two separated them. Without waiting for a response, Helena spun an arm around Gabby's shoulder and gently pulled her towards the bed.
The room spun, her breathing was rapid, her head ached, but Gabby didn't care. It was the last thing on her mind. She accepted Helena's guidance and soon found herself lying on the bed. The brunette leaned over to the opposite side of the bed, reaching over Gabby and retrieved a pillow. She then placed it under the girl's head so that she could sit up slightly. As she adjusted the pillow, Helena deliberately stayed low, her hair brushing across the skin of Gabby's right ear while she stood on Gabby's left side.
Helena nuzzled her head ever so slightly, taking in Gabby's scent; enjoying it. She moved her lips until they were touching Gabby's ear as she spoke. "I want you to wait right here…" she breathed, "and wait for me." She allowed her lips to travel the width of her prey's cheek, touching the skin, but not kissing. She moved slowly, hungrily, but gently. She crossed the path to Gabby's forehead, kissed it so softly that Gabby wasn't even sure if Helena had touched her. The brunette then shifted her eyes downward, intentionally avoiding eye contact. Her lips moved across Gabby's. "Can I trust you to stay put or do I have to tie you down?" she nuzzled a little more, using every ounce of willpower to control her sexual desires.
"Why don't you just stay here?" Gabby spoke huskily, each word as breathy as Helena's had been. She reached up with her good arm and gently pulled at the bottom of the brunette's shirt, teasing it upwards. "And I can help you get sweaty all over again," her fingertips touched the skin of Helena's abdomen, and made a swipe across the rim of her pants. Helena stood up tall, looked down at the girl before her and met her eyes.
Without breaking eye contact, Helena reached for Gabby's hand and pulled it away, no longer allowing her to touch her skin. Gabby moaned, showing displeasure. "You really aren't making it easy to resist you," the confident crime-fighter confessed.
Gabby smiled innocently, but determination held in her eyes. "Then don't resist," she whispered. Another few moments passed before Helena broke the silence.
"Stay here!" she commanded, walked off to the bathroom and shut the door. She stripped off her clothing and ran the cold water over her lean, muscular body until the internal heat had dissipated. Hurry and get your ass home, Barbara! She thought to herself, knowing she couldn't resist temptation forever.
***
"So tell me about your progress," the woman asked, brushing a strand of hair back behind her ear.
Karla leaned forward on the small table at the little coffee shop, resting her folded arms on the edge. "Everything seems to be falling into place," she said, pleased with herself. "I didn't think coming back to New Gotham would be this much fun." She paused. "Except for the funeral, of course…"
The woman sipped the foam from her latte and licked the remainder that clung to her lips. "Yes… your brother was quite extraordinary, wasn't he?" she commented. "I'm sorry I had to kill him." She smiled and set her drink down. She looked Karla straight in the eyes. "Do you forgive me?" she batted her lashes.
"Of course," she tipped her head. "You're much better looking than he ever was. Besides…" she leaned in closer to whisper. "What's there to forgive when I was the one that set him up in the first place?"
The woman let out a hearty laugh, drawing attention from the tables around her. She picked up her drink and took another sip. "But you and I make a much better team, don't you think?" she batted her lashes again.
"Absolutely, my dear." Karla finished the rest of her coffee, set the cup down a little louder than intended. "You understand me so much better than he ever did."
The woman rose from her chair, and circled behind Karla, trailing her fingertips up Karla's arm, to her chin and over her lips. "And I'm much better in bed," she whispered before tilting Karla's head back and planting a kiss on the tall blonde. Her fingertips then trailed down her neck, circled her right breast and then tapped Karla very gently on the nose. "See you tomorrow, beautiful," she said as she picked up her handbag. "Give Huntress a kiss for me," she winked, and made her way to the exit.
Karla leaned back in her chair, smiling to herself and licked her lips, tasting the cherry flavored lipstick that the other woman had been wearing. Everything was going according to plan, and she was enjoying every moment of the game.
***
Alfred knocked on the door and opened it when he heard Gabby call out. He pushed in a dining cart and moved it over to the side of the bed where Gabby sat. "Lunch is served, Miss," he said.
Still not used to all the attention, Gabby blushed and politely said thanks. She said that she would wait for Helena so Alfred excused himself and left the cart where it sat. She did peek under the lid though, and was very impressed to see the gourmet spread that he had created.
"Smells delicious," Helena announced, coming out of the bathroom.
Gabby looked up at the woman. "Looks delicious," she winked.
"You mean the food, right?"
Gabby parted her lips and let her tongue poke out slightly. "Mmm hmmm," she moaned. "Good enough to eat…" she said, looking the beauty from head to toe so seductively that it almost caused Helena to blush.
She rubbed her face and rubbed her temples a couple of times. "I just had a cold shower… I'm really not in the mood for another…"
"So what are you in the mood for?" Gabby pressed on.
Helena walked towards the cart. "EATING!" she emphasized, hoping to change the subject.
"Mmmm," Gabby moaned so deeply that Helena could feel the vibrations in the air. "Meeeee toooooo," she drawled. Helena swallowed hard and made a haste retreat to the washroom. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror. Barbara!!!!!!!! You REALLY need to get your ass home!
When she finally composed herself, she walked back over to her guest. "Not another word!" she threatened. Gabby simply smiled, knowing that she had gotten under Helena's skin.
***
As students rushed to get out of the school after the final bell had rung, Dinah groaned, knowing she had a detention to serve. This sucks! She thought to herself. I'm a metahuman crime-fighter. I should NOT have to sit through detention! As the anger built, the locks on the lockers around her began to shake. Fortunately for Dinah, no one was around to witness her display of powers. She calmed her anger just enough to keep her telekinesis under control. The locks stopped moving and Dinah headed to the classroom to serve out her punishment.
She passed Barbara's room along the way. Barbara spotted her just as she tried to slip past the door unseen and she called out. Dinah sighed dramatically, fearing a lecture coming on. She poked her head in the room and raised her eyebrows, silently asking 'what'?
"I'm going to be working late," the teacher explained, "so when you are done with detention, come find me in here." She smiled warmly and ignored Dinah's obvious temperament.
The student didn't respond, she simply shrugged and left the room. Barbara hadn't expected such attitude from Dinah. Not just on this day but the way she had been recently; it just wasn't Dinah. Barbara contemplated making her see a psychotherapist but considering what Helena had gone through with Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn; she didn't think any of them could put an amount of trust in someone else like that. The best Barbara could do was be patient, supportive and appropriately discipline Dinah when the situation warranted. She hoped whatever moods she was going through, that it would pass soon.
Barbara found it easier dealing with Helena when she had been that age. She had an uncontrolled rage and a metahuman power that just needed to be channeled. She also needed to feel that she wasn't a burden on Barbara and that although her mother was gone, she wasn't alone and she was still loved. Because Barbara had her own injuries to deal with, physically as well as emotionally, Helena was the perfect companion for her; and she for Helena. She gave Helena a purpose. And because Barbara often needed Helena's support, especially physically, Helena felt needed instead of a burden. Many adults around her pitied her for the loss of her mother and the devastation it caused. And many adults also pitied Barbara for her inability to walk.
Hating the pity from everyone, Barbara and Helena never felt that way towards one another. Sure, they felt bad for what the other was going through but they didn't have time to step back and view it from a distance. Helena was too busy helping Barbara with her limitations and helping her with her physiotherapy to stop and feel sorry for her. And when she did have time to express emotions, it often showed itself as pure anger and rage. Two emotions that Barbara found easy to channel. She started Helena on a regular training routine and it gave the young girl a release for all her built-up frustrations and anger.
In a sense, Dinah was much more complicated than Helena. Although they faced some similar issues; the loss of a parent, never knowing their real father and always having to hide who they really were from the general public; things were simpler for Helena. She was taught to embrace her metahuman powers, to be a confident person, she was popular in school, never the target for bullies and never had to face feeling unloved from a parent. When she was 16 and lost her mother, her anger and rage were explosive; yet much easier for Barbara to deal with. Feeling angry? Punch the bag until the emotion dissipated and then talk about what caused the explosion. The explanation was simple; uncomplicated. Her mother died in her arms and she didn't have the power to stop it.
For Dinah, her issues were much more complex. Not only did she have to deal with the recent loss of her mother, she had to face it when she had been six years old; when Carolyn Lance left her with the Redmonds. Dinah had abandonment issues, had abusive foster parents, was taught to be ashamed of who she was, she was bullied in school, she had few friends… if any… and lived a sheltered life in a small town where there was no escape; no one to turn to for help and support. She had visions and dreams that she couldn't explain, that she couldn't discuss. Whenever she did try to talk about her visions and fears with her foster parents, they either locked Dinah in a closet or beat her until she would lie and say she made the whole thing up. She had over a decade of trauma buried in her recently turned 17 year old body.
Her cheery disposition a coping mechanism to hide all the pain buried deep inside. Anger was simple and could easily be dealt with. But the layers upon layers of abuse that Dinah had grown up with; it wasn't as easy to access. Barbara had to wait until Dinah was ready to face the issues, to dig deep, and that time had yet to come. The best she could do was to be there for Dinah and always remind her that when she wanted to talk about whatever was wrong, she would always listen.
Getting Dinah to discuss her problems was almost as difficult as getting Helena to talk about hers. Although Dinah was more open and emotional, she was a master at hiding the bigger issues. She would occasionally mention that her foster parents had abused her but she would never elaborate. And she wouldn't discuss how it made her feel. And without discussing the details, the trauma could not be dealt with fully. She opted for burying the pain and putting on a smile. She had been conditioned to keep the deep dark secrets to herself because if she revealed what she was truly seeing, she would be beaten, brainwashed or simply locked in a closet. Opening up emotionally on a deep level brought Dinah pain therefore, she wouldn't allow Barbara to access that part of her. But Barbara was patient and she knew in time, Dinah would come to her.
Still, it was unfortunate that she wouldn't talk to a psychotherapist. But she had only been in New Gotham for less than a year and it definitely was too soon for Barbara to push the issue. Not that Barbara had full confidence or trust in psychotherapy anyway. How could she tell Dinah to trust in the therapy when Helena's own doctor used her to gain access to the clocktower which enabled her to kill Barbara's boyfriend? Therapy was out, at least for another year.
So Barbara bided her time and prayed that things wouldn't get worse with Dinah. But no matter what happened, Barbara vowed to be there for her. And she hoped that Helena would be as well. Given the current relationship between the two girls, Barbara wasn't sure Helena would open up to Dinah. Things had been fine up until Harley broke into the tower. Deep down she wondered if Dinah had blamed Helena for some of the events that had occurred, even though she would never admit it. And she suspected that Helena felt Dinah blamed her as well; which would explain her recent lack of trust in her junior partner. How could Dinah have her back if that was what she was truly feeling?
Barbara sat silently at her desk; trying to organize the thoughts in her mind and hoping to make sense of it all. Dinah would only give her small pieces to the puzzle. Her guardian did her best to try and piece it together as best she could. And contemplated what her best moves were for future. She created battle plans in her head so she would be ready to deal with anything that Dinah might want to discuss. Mentally, Barbara wanted to be prepared. Fighting a villain came easy to her. But Dinah was no villain. She was a young girl with adult problems on her shoulders. And Barbara wasn't sure she was even capable of helping Dinah with all that she would have to deal with eventually. She could offer support but what Dinah really needed was counseling of some sort. Come on Dinah, she thought. I'm here for you.
***
Dinah sat quietly in the detention room, feeling all eyes on her. The students in there weren't used to seeing someone like Dinah in the room. It was usually reserved for those who got caught smoking in the bathroom, those who were caught fighting or who told their teachers where they could shove their textbook. It wasn't for girls who dressed like one of the members from the chess club.
She was supposed to sit in detention and reflect on what she had done but the only thing Dinah had on her mind was the fear that Helena and Gabby would hook up and Gabby would stop wanting to be Dinah's friend. Why would she want to hang around Dinah once she had Helena? Helena… she would only chew Gabby up and throw her out when she was done. Another conquest for Helena… nothing more. Although Dinah once carried a high opinion of her so-called sister, she began to see Helena's flaws and how the people around her got hurt. Helena couldn't be blamed for all of it; or really, for any of it, but Dinah wasn't thinking rationally. For once in her life, she had the ability to express her emotions and suddenly they all rushed to the surface, all fighting to be released. Dinah felt as though she was being torn apart from the inside out and she didn't know what to do. She didn't trust Helena, she didn't want to open up to Barbara and she desperately wanted to escape the feelings that were finally starting to bubble and would soon reach a boiling point. One could only hold in deep-rooted pain before it started to grow and eventually be impossible to keep buried. Especially when her new telekinetic powers tended to give away how she was feeling. She couldn't exactly lie and pretend she was just fine when things around her were shaking; if not flying, around the room.
It did offer her some comfort that Barbara never really reacted to those unconscious outbursts. She didn't yell, she didn't lock Dinah in the closet and best of all, she offered support and unconditional love. It was unfortunate that Dinah wasn't fully ready to trust in it nor was she ready to release the years of pain she had been withholding. No. She needed a distraction. She needed an outlet and if Helena was going to steal Gabby, well Dinah decided that she was going to steal Helena's new friend Karla.
So far, Karla provided Dinah with the distraction she had been looking for. She made Dinah feel capable and she pushed her to be confident and dangerous… two qualities she admired in Helena and wished she had in herself. Now was her chance to live the wild life; even if it meant occasionally breaking the law. Karla gave her encouragement and didn't treat her like a kid. It made Dinah feel powerful. And it made her crave more of that attention. Especially because it helped her forget the deep-seeded issues that were screaming in her mind.
She sat through the rest of her detention wondering what she would do to Helena for taking advantage of Gabby. She also sat there trying to fight off the visions and auras that plagued her. She knew something was going on with her best friend and her 'sister' and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Not while she was stuck in detention prison.
For a brief moment, she did think about what Barbara had said earlier that morning, when she had told Dinah to talk to Helena. To tell her how she felt and that she didn't want Helena dating her friend. Dinah wanted to take her mentor's advice, but she wasn't ready for any sort of heart-to-heart with Helena. How could she trust that Helena wouldn't run to Gabby and laugh and tell her everything that Dinah had said? Dinah had been betrayed before; and she saw first-hand how Helena had betrayed Barbara, there was no way she was going to open up to the brooding brunette. Barbara said she trusted Helena, but Dinah didn't feel the same way. Too many things had changed; Dinah didn't really trust anyone.
***
The afternoon passed quietly for Helena and Gabby. After they had eaten lunch, Gabby drifted in and out of sleep for the better part of the day and Helena sat next to the sleeping blonde, reading her book. Little troublemaker, Helena thought to herself, looking over at the beauty next to her. It wasn't often that someone got under her skin the way Gabby had. Men and women alike hit on Helena. She was used to it, it was a natural part of being the Huntress… attracting prey. But the situation she found herself in with Gabby was different. Although she was attracted to her, the young patient was jail-bait which meant 'do not touch'. But that didn't stop Gabby from trying to touch Helena every chance she got. The best Helena could do was tell her to stop… even when her mind screamed for Gabby to continue. Temptations weren't easy to resist when they were lying in your bed; trying to seduce you.
As time passed, the age difference didn't seem to be a factor to the older girl. Gabby was mature beyond her years, she was seductive as hell and she was offering herself up to the Huntress. Temptation plagued her every thought. How easily it would be to just take the girl lying next to her. Gabby wanted her too, so it wasn't like there would be anything wrong with that. Okay, so she wasn't yet 18, Helena tried to rationalize with herself. But Gabby did say she would be 18 next week. What difference would a week make? It wasn't as if Gabby were going to go running to the cops. Barbara may kick her ass; using her escrima sticks of course, but looking at the girl beside her, Helena figured the beating might just be worth it. She would also have to contend with Dinah though…
And that was her sobering thought. She and Dinah may not be getting along but she knew she couldn't betray her family for a quick roll in the sack. It was obvious that Dinah didn't want Helena making a move on her friend and Helena wanted to respect that. It no longer mattered to her that Gabby wasn't yet of age. But it did matter that Dinah didn't approve of any budding relationship. It mattered because Gabby was Dinah's friend and like it or not, Dinah was family.
It still hadn't been easy to resist Gabby, however. Helena slipped up several times and she had no doubts that she would slip up again. She just had to keep reminding herself not to let things get out of hand and control herself. The temptation was killing her. Sexually charged with no relief. Helena wondered how long she could resist. It was then that an idea popped into her head. She decided that if she couldn't have Gabby, she was going to use her powers of seduction to go after Karla. Finding a way to sneak that in during her babysitting duties now her only obstacle.
***
When detention ended, the few students in the room rushed out, anxious to leave. While they made a haste exit out the front doors, Dinah made her way to Barbara's classroom. She stood in the open doorway and saw the teacher grading papers. She watched for several moments, not speaking. Barbara; although focused on her task at hand, knew someone was nearby. A skill she developed when she had been Batgirl. Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the energy shift in the room when someone else enters. Her training prepared her for the rare situations where she was blinded and had to rely on her other senses to ward off an attack.
Without looking up from her papers, Barbara knew someone was at her door. Reasonable judgment suggested it was Dinah. She took a gamble. "Detention over?" she asked, still looking down.
Dinah's eyes widened slightly. "How did you know I was here?" she asked, astonished.
Barbara turned her chair to face Dinah's direction. "Years of training," she stated proudly. "Once you have your basic training down, I'll show you more advanced skills… like this one," she promised, hoping Dinah was in a better mood.
"Yeah, whatever," she shrugged, pretending not to care. Typical teenage behavior just didn't suit Dinah. Barbara knew she cared, and always welcomed additional training and skills; even if her words didn't match her emotions. Dinah loved being a superhero and was always desperate to learn more to protect the innocent. Barbara made the suggestion anyway, knowing deep down, Dinah appreciated it. Even if she was afraid to show her gratitude. It was almost as if she were afraid to accept what Barbara was saying. Afraid to reach out. But that didn't' stop Barbara from always holding out that olive branch. She knew Dinah would grasp it eventually.
"So… shall we go?" the redhead suggested; after tossing the papers into her briefcase. She flicked off the lights of the classroom, shut the door and they promptly made their way out the exit, heading to their vehicle.
***
Helena paced back and forth in the hallway outside her bedroom, clearly full of anxiety. Alfred remained in the kitchen, preparing dinner for the group. He knew better than to ask Helena if she was okay… it was clear to him where the anxiety had been coming from and Alfred was the last person to get into such a discussion. Neither Barbara nor Helena would EVER discuss the S-E-X word with Alfred. Barbara didn't even want Helena talking to her about it when Alfred was within earshot. So Alfred stayed clear of Helena and hoped she wouldn't wear a hole in the hardwood with her frantic pacing.
The elevator door opened and out walked Dinah, followed by Barbara in her chair.
"Oh thank God!" Helena shouted, flipping over the railing and landing directly in front of her mentor. Immediately Barbara glanced up at Helena's room, praying Gabby wasn't witness to the display of powers. Although Helena had taken a risk, Barbara decided to spare her the lecture since Gabby wasn't anywhere in sight. Helena had been wonderful in taking care of their patient so really, Barbara had no concerns. Save one.
"I take it that means you're happy to see me?" her mentor joked, having a pretty good idea why Helena was so relieved.
"I'm telling you, Barbara," the brunette explained, "A girl can only take so many cold showers in one day!"
"Helena!" Barbara tried to shush the girl, hoping Dinah hadn't heard the comment. Fortunately the young blonde was already up the stairs and heading for Helena's room to check on her friend.
"What? She didn't hear me," Helena glanced around. "Not that it would matter since she has no morals about reading my mind without permission…" she emphasized.
Barbara was a mixture of annoyed and amused. "Well that wouldn't have been a problem had you kept your hands to yourself…" she cocked an eyebrow at the statuesque woman before her.
Helena jumped to the defensive, holding her hands up. "Hey, I did keep my hands to myself!"
"Uh huh…"
"Seriously, Barbara! You need to talk to that little temptress in there," Helena explained as she walked beside Barbara's moving chair, heading for the living room.
Barbara paused, as did Helena. "You're not going to tell me that that innocent girl in there is all to blame and you are the victim, are you?" she teased, appearing serious. She was well aware of Gabby's nature as she herself had been the brunt of it. But she was having a bit of fun making Helena squirm.
"Innocent my ass!" she scoffed. "Girl is more sex-crazed than I am!" Helena's anxiety picked up again, flashing back to Gabby's seductions. "I behaved, Barbara, I swear." Barbara looked at her in mild disbelief. "What?" the girl continued after seeing the redhead's expression.
"You behaved? And what'd you do, Helena?" she mocked, imitating the brunette. "Oh no, please don't touch me… while you just lay there, arms open…" Barbara laughed internally, enjoying the reaction she was getting out of her friend. "You're completely innocent, right…"
"Well," she paused. "I didn't say that..." Barbara continued to eye her suspiciously. "Look, I did tell her to stop, okay… but she doesn't exactly take no for an answer."
"Sounds like someone else I know."
"Yeah, yeah," Helena rolled her eyes. "Seriously though, Barbara, that girl is relentless and you know me well enough to know that I don't have the best impulse control…" she reminded her mentor. "Especially when some hot girl is running her hands all up and down my…"
Barbara quickly put her hand up to stop Helena. "Please don't finish that sentence!"
"Well you asked…"
"No, I don't think I did," she stressed, not really wanting to hear the details of what she and Gabby did or did not do.
"Okay, fine, you didn't ask," Helena conceded. "She's just making it really hard to resist. I think I'm going to get you to check her vitals this time. You can keep her away from me until she can have her own cold shower."
"My poor Helena," Barbara smiled and took her hand and patted it, patronizing her. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
"Good," she said, un-offended by the teasing, "Because you know I'm only saving myself for you," she continued as she spun around and dropped herself in Barbara's lap, wrapping one arm around her shoulder and leaning to kiss her on the cheek.
Just as she did that, Alfred had exited the kitchen, about to inform them that dinner was ready. He walked out of the room, saw the display and immediately turned back on his heels and went back into the kitchen. Both Helena and Barbara burst out laughing at his haste exit.
Moments later, Barbara returned to serious mode. With Helena still on her lap, she looked her in the eyes. "Dinah isn't comfortable with the situation," she spoke gently. "She's worried that she's going to lose Gabby to you."
Helena stiffened, face turing as serious as Barbara's, with a slight frown. "I know," she sighed deeply. Barbara wasn't sure if the sigh was because Dinah had been worried or if Helena was genuinely starting to like their guest. She climbed off her lap and slid onto the nearby couch. "Did you guys talk?"
Barbara's face dropped. "A little. She hasn't exactly been forthcoming with information lately, though."
"I noticed," Helena agreed.
"She's been through so much in her life," Barbara whispered, not Dinah to overhear. "I'm really worried about her. She hasn't been herself."
"Yeah, I noticed that too," she said with a hint of annoyance.
"I know it's been difficult for you too," the redhead sympathized, "But bear with it, please? For me?"
Helena sighed heavily and shrugged. "It would be a hell of a lot easier if I weren't on the receiving end of her anger," she replied.
"I know," she agreed. "We'll work it out eventually but I have to wait for her to be ready to talk… just like I had to do with you."
"Was I really that difficult?" Helena asked, sadness hidden behind her words, fearing Barbara had harbored some hidden resentments.
Barbara wheeled closer and reached out for Helena's hand. Helena met the distance so Barbara wouldn't have to lean quite so far. She studied the long fingers for a few seconds and explained. "It wasn't always easy. You were angry… a lot… but I wasn't exactly Miss Sunshine myself at that time. We did have our share of problems and arguments but truthfully Hel, things were easier with you."
Helena was surprised to hear Barbara admit that. Her mentor continued. "You and I grew up with loving families. Up until the Joker did what he did, you and I lived pretty happy lives. It's different with Dinah. She grew up in an abusive home and it's not as easy helping her cope with all the hidden pain." Helena nodded, agreeing with what Barbara was saying and secretly feeling relieved that Barbara had an easier time with her than she did Dinah.
"I'm sorry I was so angry all the time," Helena confessed, still feeling a twinge of guilt. She wanted to apologize about Wade again too but decided to keep that part to herself. She wasn't ready to fully let go of that guilt.
"Helena… I don't know what I would have done without you. You helped me more than you will ever know and I love you dearly for that." Helena blushed at the sudden sappiness. "I know things aren't easy for you right now but I just ask that you try and get along with Dinah. I know she's making it difficult but it's just a defense mechanism. It's better to push us away before we leave her. Deep down, I think that's what she's feeling."
"So she's worried that I'm going to steal Gabby from her as well…" Helena stated; wishing things were easier. She didn't have the patience that Barbara had to deal with the situation.
"Yes."
"Well she doesn't have to worry. I turned Gabby down… several times," she stressed, reminding Barbara of the girl's relentlessness. "Even though Dinah's being a royal pain, I wouldn't date her friend unless she was okay with it."
"That's what I told her this morning," Barbara smiled, happy to hear Helena confirming it. Helena smiled too… Barbara knew her far too well. But she loved that.
"Alright!" the brunette announced, "Enough of this sappiness. Let's go eat dinner." Both women made their way to the dining table. Alfred smiled as he passed them, on his way to retrieve Dinah and her friend so that they too could enjoy the spoils of his labor.