Chapter 16: My Harlequin. Mine.
Harleen was sleeping in her bed, dreaming of laughing clowns when something woke her up. She carefully looked around her room. She didn't see anything so she laid her head back onto the pillow, her light-blonde hair enveloping the white fabric of the soft pillow case. She closed her eyes again, but heard the noise, louder this time. Harleen's eyes bolted open, the noise was closer now, what the hell was going on?
Still laying down, she looked over at the door way and saw a large shadow, at least, she thought she did. She was starting to get paranoid, her breathing quickened as her heart pounded against her chest. Was someone in her apartment?
Oh, no! She thought. Was it a robber!? Were they going to rob the place and kill her!?
Harleen saw the shadow again, then heard another noise. The shadow was human, that was for sure, but who was it?
As the figure passed by another time, she saw the colors red and green. Harleen thought about it for a moment. And then the realization hit her. Hard.
Oh, God!
It's Joker.
The noise was clearer now. It sounded like the clank of metal.
She closed her eyes, calming herself down. She prayed that she was dreaming, that this was only just a nightmare. When she opened them again, and no one was there. She sighed inwardly and turned back around. She was just seeing things...
She was drifting off again when she heard it, a low grunt. A man's voice, his voice.
He was in her room now but he obviously didn't know she was awake. Harleen closed her eyes, and relaxed her body, slowing her breathing down. Hopefully it would stay that way...
He grunted again, then there was a shuffle. He was beside her now. She could hear him breathing. It was surprisingly soft, and calm. Was he still drugged? Oh, God! Was he angry? Oh, no! Please don't be angry with me!
She felt a spot of the bed beside her lower and took a deep breath, softly letting it out. She probably looked like a baby sleeping. Her parents had always told her she looked like a doll. All peaceful, and happy. But that's not at all how she felt.
He grunted again. It sounded as if he were clearing his throat.
His pale hand traveled up the silk sheets and she felt him move the thick fabric slowly off of her shoulders. What was he doing!? His hand was touching her now. It was on her arm, he started moving it up to her face, gently caressing her cheek. His hands were cold and calloused, but strangely they were somehow still soft, his thumb rubbed over her skin soothingly, almost making her forget he was a killer...
NO! Damn it! She mentally screamed. Don't Harleen! Get the hell out of there!
He was sitting there, on her bed beside her, not talking. Just staring. Harleen didn't dare open her eyes. Not now. What if he hit her!?
There was another shuffle then his hand traveled down her spine to the small of her back, the covers lowering even more. She felt him move closer and his other hand came down under her head...
Was he picking me up!?
Stay calm, Harleen. Pretend to be asleep. Stay still.
He lifted Harleen up and carefully laid her in his lap.
Oh, God. She was going to die, wasn't she? wasn't she!?
His hand was on her cheek again, rubbing softly.
He moved her blonde hair out of her face, his fingers running through the silky strands over and over again.
"You're so angelic when you sleep, Harleen." He whispered, trying not to wake her up.
To bad she already was awake... It took everything she had not to run out of his arms. But she stayed still. She stayed 'asleep'.
"You're adorable, you know that?"
He had said it so calmly, like this was actually a normal thing. But nothing was normal with him. It amazed her just how different he was...
"You're so beautiful..." His voice, there was no anger apparent, that was good. He kept rubbing her head and cheek. So... comforting. So wrong...
What was she going to do!?
She felt his arm wrap around her slowly, tucking under her legs and neck. He was cradling her.
"My Harlequin..." He kept whispering that same word...
It was a nice nickname really... very unique. She kind of liked it...
Wait! NO! Gosh! She yelled inwardly. I need to get away! I need to end this!
He was standing now. Harleen in his arms, bridle style.
"Let's go home, Punkin' " He said cheerfully, still carrying her, not bothering to wake her up. He was careful, quiet. She could tell they were outside now, the smell of the fresh air, the wind, and the noise...
Harleen heard a car door open. It smelt of velvet, peppermints, and cigars.
She heard Joker whisper, but not to her. Was someone else there with them?
"Drive." Joker spoke again, harshly this time.
She guessed they were in the back of the car. Apparently someone else was driving. A henchmen, maybe?
Harleen heard him shuffle again, grabbing her gently, scooping her back up into his arms. She felt like a baby being carried like that, but it was nice.
But why of all people did it have to be him!?
The car started and she heard the engine rumble as it came to life. Then she heard Joker shush the Henchmen up front and after a minute or two they started moving.
Great. Just great. She was being kidnapped by a mad psychopathic murderous clown and she was laying there in his arms doing nothing about it. What the hell was wrong with her?!