A/N: Hello all. Not much to say, though I do believe you will like this chapter and hopefully it shall spark curiosity. Please review!

Disclaimer: I don't Batman or any of its characters, plots, etc. I do own Annie and Lorraine so please don't stick your hands in that cookie jar.

Chapter 10: Surprise

A week passed and it was Annie's birthday. She, Lorraine, and Harley had decided to go to dinner together to celebrate. They went to Annie's favorite restaurant and had a marvelous time. When getting a taxi to go home, Lorraine said, "Alfred wanted to see you today, Annie. He has a gift for you."

"Awe, he didn't have to do that," said Annie.

"He wanted to. So let's go to the house," said Lorraine.

"Are you sure we should? I mean, we weren't exactly invited by Bruce. What if he doesn't know we're coming?" Annie asked worriedly.

"Annie, you worry too much. It's not like we're going to rob him: we're just getting your birthday present. Come on," said Harley.

Annie relented and they got a taxi to go to Bruce's home. Everything seemed fine. Harley rang the door bell. Alfred opened the door, "Hello, ladies, please come in." He opened the door wider and they entered the dark house.

Suddenly, the lights turned on and a bunch of people yelled, "SURPRISE!" Annie grinned and looked around. The mansion was decorated and the music turned on. Annie saw the people from work, including Katie, and saw Bruce grinning at her. The party continued on and Annie went up to Bruce.

"What's all of this for?" She asked him with a smile.

"It's your birthday," Bruce told her as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Happy birthday, Annie."

"I can't believe you did this for me," said Annie.

"Actually, Lorraine, Harley, and Alfred deserve a lot of the credit too. So, you like it?" Bruce asked. He looked like a kidding waiting for approval to play with his newest toy.

"Bruce, it's amazing. Thank you," said Annie.

"The night isn't over yet," said Bruce with obvious happiness that she liked the party so much already. The lights dimmed and Annie turned to see Alfred coming toward her with a cake on a rolling cart. The candles were lit and everyone began singing to Annie. When they finished, Annie pulled her hair back and blew out the candles. Everyone clapped and cheered. The party went on and Annie couldn't remember having such a fun time. Bruce directed her to the table where her presents waited. Annie shyly began opening some. They were nice. She mainly got new jewelry or perfume. Then Annie noticed a little box. She looked at the card and saw it was from Bruce. She opened the box and saw a pair of keys. Annie looked at Bruce curiously. He smiled and took her hand in his, leading her outside to the driveway—away from everyone's eyes. He stopped her in front of a navy blue Cavalier and gestured for her to get in. Using the key, she did and felt a bit choked up.

"Bruce, you bought me a car," said Annie.

"Yeah," Bruce said simply.

"It's too much. I can't accept this," Annie said sadly.

"I know it's a lot, but, please, Annie. I don't like thinking about you walking at night alone or not having a way to transport yourself in case of an emergency. Really, this present is more for me than you. I just want to make sure you're safe. Pretty please?" Bruce looked at her with such care that Annie couldn't bring herself to say no.

"Alright," said Annie. Bruce's smile was bright and he pulled her into his arms. After a moment he let her go enough to see her face. He stroked her hair back and smiled softly. "Why are you doing this?"

"I can show you better than I can tell you," Bruce whispered. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers. It was so sweet that Annie could hardly stand it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. Bruce groaned as Annie's lips melted to his. Finally, the need for air separated them and they panted, but still held each other close.

"That was a damn good first kiss," Annie said breathlessly. Bruce chuckled and brought her in for another kiss, this one more heated. His tongue creeped out and licked her lips, asking permission to enter. She opened and their tongues danced together. Annie moaned as Bruce pulled their lips apart and began kissing her neck. "Bruce," she whispered.

Bruce didn't hear her and switched to the other side of her neck.

"Bruce," Annie said; her voice a bit louder and clearer. Bruce pulled away and grinned lazily at her. "We should go back to the party."

"Do we have to?"

"I'm the birthday girl and you're the host—yes, we have to," said Annie.

Bruce sighed, "Fine, birthday girl, we'll go back inside. But I've got something to ask you first."

"What would that be?"

Bruce held her a bit closer to his body and leaned his forehead against hers. "Will you please do me the honor of going to dinner with me tomorrow as a date?"

"I'd love too," Annie answered with a smile. Bruce grinned and they went back inside. The party was great. When it finished, Annie's presents were inside her new car (which Lorraine and Harley were glad that she finally got) and after another secret kiss from Bruce, they went home. Annie dropped off Harley and she and Lorraine went home. Lorraine went to bed right away and Annie looked over the mail she received. They were mostly bills, but she had one letter. Curiosity over took her and she opened the letter

Dear Miss Annette Hallowell,

So sorry that this couldn't be done in person. I'm a friend of your father's. You see, your father borrowed some money from me and never paid it back. That makes me unhappy and if I'm unhappy, then you will be too. I want my money and you will start paying it to me. If you don't, well I'd hate for your poor, sick mommy to get worse. Keep that in mind if you take this to anyone else. Just drop the money off at the end each of month until you pay off the bill. Have a nice day.

Annie gasped after she was done reading the letter. She closed her eyes to keep the tears from falling. Even from the grave, her father ruined her life. What a great surprise.