A/N: Another installement! Watch out, it's long! Enjoy!
No Escape:
Flashback
A cool autumn wind swept throughout the vast lawn of Wilson's Preparatory School. The old-monastery-turned-school's dark stone and steeples contrasted the soft blue sky that hung above and the bright trees that stood about it. This succeeded in frightening and discomforting the small newcomer as he gazed upward at the grand monastery.
"Beautiful, is it not?" His tall companion queried and then glanced at his watch, "Come now. We are very late."
The small boy shifted his gaze to the two large entrance doors, warily watching his back as he made his way into the spacious building.
"Students, we have a new classmate. I want to introduce him."
The children, ignoring their teacher, continued on in their merry making.
"Children…"
Still no acknowledgment.
"CLASS!"
Complete and total silence followed as a handful of eyes shifted their gaze upon their short teacher, Mrs. Alberry, and the shy child engulfed in her shadow.
Seeing that she had caught their attention, she stepped aside, revealing the black-haired boy to the group, "As I was saying, this is your new classmate, Bruce Wayne. I want everyone to be extra nice to him and give him a warm welcome." She smiled warmly.
"Hi Bruce!" The chorus of little voices greeted him.
"Now Bruce, go on and sit over in that empty desk," She gave him a gentle push down the right-most aisle toward the very back desk, "Yes, that one near the window Bruce! Good, now class, get out your English booklets. Today we're going to learn about pronouns!" She gave a mischievous smile.
A full class groan was instituted while Bruce, who was entirely new to school practices, shifted quietly in his seat.
"To begin, a pronoun is a word that sits in the place of a noun, as you can see on page 23, figure 2…"
Although, the teacher was attempting to lighten up the learning, succeeding very well, the newcomer could not focus on the lesson. The little heir swung his feet back and forth absentmindedly, wistfully peering out the window. Oh why did he have to be here? Couldn't have Alfred just kept him home and school him like he had done before? He was ten now! Big enough to stay home by himself…but, no! Alfred had sent him off to this private school with their itchy uniforms, stating that it was better this way. "Human interaction is many more important lessons than I or any textbook could teach you Master Bruce," The surrogate father had informed him in response to his complaints. Bruce laid his head down on the desk, continuing to stare out the window as the stinging of pent up frustration and loneliness submerged from his eyes.
"if only father were-" He paused as the realization stung once more, "…he's not…"
This day was rapidly deteriorating…
"Recess!" A wild-brown-eyed boy triumphantly declared as he scampered past Bruce and bolted through the Wilson's Preparatory School's large entrance doors. A smack sounded as he collided with one of the two doors, whizzing through it.
"Eddie! Slow down!" A blonde-haired hefty youth exclaimed, slowly trotting up to Bruce, "Stupid jerk…" He puffed. "Ya know, you think he'd receive brain damage from a' smack like that. Nope, not Eddie! He's got nothin' in there!" He turned to Bruce and grinned, "Anyway, welcome ta' the school! My name's Oliver but, everyone calls me Ollie!" An extended hand was offered to the newcomer.
What had he to lose? The raven-haired boy warily took the presented hand and shook it, "I'm Bruce but, I guess you already knew that…"
"Ah! So ya do talk! We all thought that ya were a mute or somethin'! C'mon, I'll introduce ya to the boys but, first ya gotta do somethin' for me…"
Bruce raised an eyebrow, "What?"
"Stop lookin' like you've lost a' caboodle full of money on the races!! Smile a little!" Ollie graciously gave his new friend a grand pat on the back as a hearty laugh was uttered.
As much as Bruce tried, he could not hold it back, and soon, the heir's grin was as large as his companion's.
Maybe today wasn't as horrible as he thought…
Out on the enormous-fenced in lawn, which hosted the recess activities, Bruce and his newfound friends resided underneath the mother of all oak trees, Big Bertha. Her brilliantly colored leaves boasted of Autumn's majesty as Her roots were the perfect throne to have your rear-end seated upon, making Her an ideal meeting spot for the small children. Today, the "Clan," as they called themselves had succeeded in fending off the hungry vultures and were granted their own individual root to reside upon, all except for Eddie, who enjoyed hanging from a branch, resembling an upside down monkey. "It helps me think," He stated promptly in response to Bruce's odd looks, "My brain don't work much anyways and this gets it goin' cause of all the blood!" As soon as the boys were all settled, puzzled glances were shot in Ollie's direction whom stationed himself next to the "new kid."
A second blonde-haired youngster was the first to speak up, "Hey Ol, why not introduce us?" He gestured towards Bruce.
"Oh yeah. Hey! Everyone, this is Bruce Wayne." Ollie nudged Bruce and whispered, "What did I tell ya? Stop lookin' so dreary!"
Eddie swung to and fro on his branch, "Is he mute?"
"No. I'm not…I just don't wanna speak!"
"Nope, he's not. In fact, he's gotta full set o' lungs!" A tall auburn-haired lad with a narrow face exclaimed, "By the way, I'm Jack." He thrusted a thumb at the mop-top blonde-boy seated next to him, "This here's Howard."
He nodded at Bruce.
"And this is Eddie, but you know that." Jack continued.
"Ooga!"
"He was born with quite a few bolts missing so, you'll have to excuse him! To move on, this is Jared," The auburn headed youth gestured towards a handsome black-haired, brown-skinned child.
"Hey Bruce. Nice to meet ya." Jared nodded.
"And, last but not least, this is Fritz."
"Howdy! Bruce Wayne? The heir to millions?" Fritz, a small black haired boy with coke-bottle glasses, leaned forward.
"Yeah…" Bruce warily agreed.
"Neat! We have ourselves a pre-paid millionaire in our midst gentlemen!"
"It's really nothing…"
"Really?"
"That's so incredibly cool!"
Poor Bruce. Too many questions were hurled at him simultaneously by his excited and surprised comrades, all except for Oliver. Suggestions of donations, suggestions of birthday presents, suggestions of lending, all at once plagued the boy. Oliver, sensing the tension in Bruce, decided to put an end to the press session, "Hey guys! Knock it off or I'll pound yous!" Ollie held up his fist as chaos was bumped aside by order once more. "Jeez, yous guys are just as bad as the 'porters!" Referring to the loathed newspaper reporters. "Don'tcha see that Bruce here has got enough to worry 'bout without yous harpin' on him!"
A chorus of apologies followed in response to Ollie's statement except for the odd ball, who was perched on top of his branch, listening.
"Hey, you guys hear that?" Eddie inquired.
"What?"
A small giggle was sounded from above, "That"
All boys glanced upward into the trees canopy, surveying the scene. Another giggle was sounded, then the cracking of branches and finally, a scream.
"Hey Bruce! Watch out!"
The last thing he remembered was a brown blur falling from above…
When Bruce came too, he was lying on a stiff bed in-between, what felt like, incredibly starched sheets. The small room's walls appeared to be freshly painted white while the floor was incredibly waxed.
"Hmm…ice rink…" He muttered as he laid his head back down on the stiff pillow, drifting back into unconsciousness.
"You killed Bruce, Trixie…"
"I know, so stop rubbin' it in…" A guilt-ridden brunette sighed.
"I mean, what in the world were ya doin' up in that tree, anyway?"
"Just shut up Oliver! Stop rubbing it in!"
And there sat the "Clan" and the guilty party, all lined up against the wall, facing the judge.. They had been personally invited to "talk" with the Principal of Wilson's Prep School after Bruce was carried off to receive medical attention and he had received word of the happenings. The small brunette, Trixie, half of the guilty party, was hunched up in her chair, looking as guilty and troubled as ever. To the left of her was the other half of the party, her "bosom friend" and sibling, Jenny. She was a beautiful little creature with her long, raven hair and dark skin. Meanwhile, on the right of the two girls sat their older brother, Oliver, and his "Clan," all of whom, save for Jared, frowned at Trixie and her companion.
Principal Henry T. Weltz peered over his steel frames and glared at the two children, "Please be quiet and refrain from fighting…" He growled. How long had he been at this? He glanced up at the clock and sighed. It had been about an hour and all he received from conversing with the youngsters was that Trixie fell on Bruce. No more, no less. To receive the other pieces of the story was next to impossible for, Oliver and Trixie, fought terribly as the other witnessea either sat quietly or joined in the fight. Being Principal Weltz wasn't always easy…
The sudden outburst shut both children's mouths, however, the tension still sparked between them.
"Good, now that you've finally stopped fighting, for the tenth time." He rubbed his temples, "Would you, Jenny, please tell me what happened?"
The beautiful youth's head bolted up and starred at Principal Weltz, startled by the sudden switch of questionees, "I…uh…," She glanced at her siblings receiving gentle looks of encouragement and then squeaked, "Well, you see, me an' Trixie had heard the kids sayin' that there was a birds nest up in Bi-…the tree…so, we went an' looked an' then Trixie fell because of the branch bein' wobbly…" She timidly glanced up at the Principal, then back to the floor.
The Principal, who had been listening to the 'reasonable' story with interest, leaned back in his office chair, "Uh-huh Jenny…thank you. Now, Jared, tell me your story…"
Jared coolly made eye contact with the tall, handsome man behind the large wooden desk, "Well, you see Principal Weltz, me an' the boys were underneath the tree being introduced to Bruce when, Eddie here heard some noises. We all stopped and looked up into the tree and that's when Trixie fell on Bruce." A handsome grin finished off the fine tale.
Jotting some notes on a legal pad the Principal raised his head, stern expression sweeping over his features. He paused a minute and then spoke, "Now, Trixie, Jenny, you do realize that it was against the school rules to be up in that tree…"
The two small children sullenly nodded.
"And, it's only fair that I punish you for breaking the school rules. As for falling on Bruce, that was only an accident caused by a very old tree. I'm sorry that a newcomer had to have a concussion on his first day in but, things like these happen," He nodded grimly, "Now, gentlemen, I need to have a talk with these ladies and their parents over the phone. Why don't you check on Bruce?" And on obtaining a pass, the five young men exited the office and made their way to the Nurses suite.
"Hey…is the death penalty legal in this state?"
" I really dunno Fritz…why are ya askin-wait, you're not sayin' that Jen and Trix might die because of this?"
"Sure Oliver, why not? Think about it. If they killed Bruce, there's a chance that they might be heavily prosecuted, and either stuck in prison and shovel rocks the rest of their life or get 'the chair'."
Oliver slowed down as the 'Clan' wandered through the hallways, turning the thought over in his mind. Both his younger sisters could and probably would die of this if Bruce were dead, accident or not…
The other four boys followed, slowing to walk beside their worried comrade.
"Hey, Fritz was just kiddin'…weren't ya Fritz?" Jack hintingly nudged the 4-eyed youth.
"Nah, I wasn't…" And upon realizing their hints he corrected himself, "Oooh…yeah, right. I was just kidding Ol! Ha ha! Great joke, huh?"
Eddie howled with laughter and slapped his knee.
"It's not that funny Eddie…" Howard rolled his eyes.
"Hey, leave him alone Howard…" Jack defended.
"Well he's getting annoyin…" The blonde youth glared at the brown-haired youngster.
"Yeah, well get used to it 'cause he ain't changing…"
Amidst the conversation, Jared, the voice of reason, spoke up, "Hey, Ol, let's see if Bruce is dead or not first before guesses are made. Sound good?"
His scrunched up face relaxed, "Yeah…that sounds real good Jared…" He thoughtfully nodded at Jared, "Thanks…"
"No problem, that's what I'm here for."
"Now, let's go see Bruce." Oliver grinned, quickening his pace as the other's soon followed.
Yet, the laughter continued to echo through the halls.
"You know what, you're right Howard, it's not that funnie Eddie…" Jack harped.
Led by the head nurse, they arrived into Bruce's holding room. He was absentmindedly starring at the ceiling, propped up by many pillows. He held an ice bag to his forehead where an enormous lump had formed, thanks to Trixie and her branch.
"Bruce! You're not dead!," The friendly blonde ran over to the 'new kid' and examined his lump. Whistling, he exclaimed, "That's quite an egg ya got there! How do ya feel?"
"Alright…" He groggily stated and glanced past Ollie to the rest of the group.
"Hey Bruce!" The other three chimed.
"OINK!" As the fourth odd-ball sounded.
Bruce grinned and shook his head, "No way to explain him!" He chuckled in response to Eddie's unusual, but humorous greeting.
"Hey…Bruce…It's a shame ya had ta miss gym class! Eddie here is a riot… Guess why they don't allow anyone to climb the ropes no more? Well, ya see Eddie's mom had just bought this huge bucket o' lard…"
And so, story time began…
"All comfortable Master Bruce?"
"Yes, thank you Alfred…" The raven-haired lad smiled up at his Butler, nuzzling into the surrounding pillows. Things had improved dramatically, especially after Bruce's new-found friends arrived. They had liberally relayed hilarious stories that kept the injured boy laughing till tears streamed down his cheeks. That was when Alfred, upon hearing about the incident, hastily arrived, retrieving Bruce. He brought him back home where, Alfred, the epitome of a father, made sure his surrogate son was comfortable. Bruce was placed in front of the television on the large couch in the spacious, isolated study. He was nestled in between soft, couch cushions, numerous pillows and a large comforter. Sighing contently as Alfred made his way over to Bruce, He was handed a bowl of ice cream.
"Here you are Master Bruce. Chocolate, just as you requested."
A wide grin spread on the youth's face as he received the bowl. With an energetic "Thanks" and a lift of the spoon, he devoured the contents in minutes.
The former British Intelligence Agent shook his head and muttered something about "a stomach ache" as he took the soiled bowl and walked out.
The young boy smiled as he sunk back into the bliss. Closing his eyes, he smiled and pondered the events of the day, drifting into unconsciousness.
A gentle nudge and two spoken words woke Bruce from his encounter with Sleep.
"Master Bruce?"
Wearily rubbing his eyes, he met Alfred's sympathetic gaze and greeted him, "Hi Alfred." He groggily beamed.
"Sir, a lady named Mrs. Sheif is here to see you. I believe you know her three children…one of their name's is Oliver…"
In the meantime certain selected individuals of the Sheif family, sat on their each individual cushion in the beautifully decorated living room. Oliver was among the group, along with Trixie, Jenny and their mother, Mrs. Sheif. She was a very beautiful lady with her long brown hair let loose, a small, round face and green eyes.
"Now, Trixie, when we see Bruce, I want you to apologize, understood?"
"Yes, mama…"
Oliver snickered.
"And what's so funny to you Ollie?" Trixie angrily retorted.
"That you're in trou-u-uble!" He sang.
"Children, quit it! If I have to say that again, you'll get the wrath of your mother down upon you both!"
"I already have that…" The brunette muttered.
"Hmm? Did you say something Trix?" Her mother menacingly asked.
"Nope!" She curtly answered.
Upon Alfred's presence in the room, their conversation ceased, "Master Bruce will see you know. If you'll follow me."
All nodded and obeyed the Butler's directions.
"Master Bruce, here are Mrs. Sheif and your friends from school." Alfred led them into the study, "I must be attending to the dishes. Good day to you." He bowed and left to attend to the soiled dishware.
"Heya Bruce! Lookie here! Ya get hassled by me once more! 'Cept this time, I got tag-alongs!" Oliver rushed in and bounded onto the couch he occupied.
"Oliver! Don't hassle the boy!" A tall, thin, lady harped, "Now, come here but, apologize first!"
Oliver, obeying his mother, blushed and muttered, "Sorry Bruce…"
Sliding one arm around the stout boy, which was gently pushed away, Mrs. Sheif stated their business in coming, "I'm sorry to come so late but, after I had heard what my daughter, Trixie did and didn't apologize for it, I was furious. So, I decided to come right over and have her apologize because I know she's very sorry…" She pushed the brunette forward as her moral support, Jenny, slipped behind her mother.
"Hiya…," She peeped, "I'm real sorry about fallin' on you Bruce…I never mean't to do that cause me and Jenny were just tryin' ta see the bird's nest up in the tree…but, you didn't need to know that." She cleared her throat; "Anyway, I am real sorry and hope that I didn't inflict any permanent damage 'cause I'd feel just awful if I did. I'd feel so awful that I'd lend myself to you ta be your maid! I'd help out your Butler around the house…although I don't know if I'd be so good…" She glanced up at Bruce, searching for any emotion on his handsome face. What she found relieved her immensely for, there sat smiling a warm smile of forgiveness.
"It's ok. I'm feeling better and I think my lump has gone down…say, I never did catch your name…"
"It's Trixie!" Oliver stepped in.
"Let your sister answer for herself Oliver! It's her name!"
A puzzled expression crossed the heir's face. Had he heard Ollie right?
"Tripsy?" He questioned.
A chorus of giggles followed the quiery, "Nah Bruce, it's Trixie but, that is a' real nice nick-name for little Trixie here!" The older sibling teased, "I like that. Tripsy. 'Cause it captures the true essence of ya, always fallin' over stuff and hittin' doors…I never did understand how ya lived to be this old…"
"I like it…" Jenny softly spoke for the first time during their visit.
The newly-named child blushed, "Yeah, I guess I do too…"
Glancing at the grandfather clock inside the room, Mrs. Sheif spoke, "Well, I think that we best be going…you've got a long day tomorrow Trix and Jen, washing windows and cleaning floors." She winked at Bruce, "That's one of the good things about Wilson's, instead of having detentions and suspensions, they have the children help out with the staff. Very nice! Teaches them hard work!"
The two girls groaned.
"Now, come along children, dinner's waiting for us at home!" Mrs. Sheif waved as she stepped into the hallway.
"I can always have Alfred take you out, Mrs. Sheif…" Bruce offered.
"Nah, it's alright. I've wandered through plenty of mansions before and I'm sure this one's no different. I'll find it out! And if I can't, I'll holler for help. Then you can send Mr. Alfred." She laughed and led her little flock of chicks out of the room.
"Cya Bruce!" Ollie waved and ran after his mother.
"Bye Bruce, hope that you feel better!" Trixie, imitating her brother, waved and galloped after the two elders.
"Bye…hey! Wait for me…" Jenny timidly muttered and hurriedly caught up with the three.
He sunk into his pillows and smiled. He liked Mrs. Sheif…she reminded her of his mother…and Trixie seemed quite interesting. As for Jenny, she was…cute…in her own timid little way. He turned his head towards the muted television. Something told him that be-friending this people would prove to be exciting.