A/N: Yes, I'm back…I'm not dead! Sorry it took me so long to get this out…My dern good excuses are, my computer was acting screwy(poor thing…) and I had a serious case of the much dreaded Brain-Dead Syndrome…*ahem* So…anywyaz, shoo! Go read!
No Escape:
The Splendor of Youth
Bruce sat at the long, dining room table, musing over his steaming cup of coffee. The morning sun crept through the window and into the large room. He'd have to leave for work in a bit but, for right now, he could occupy his last minutes deep in thought. He recalled not only the events of the last week, which included courting Ms. Sheif, but all throughout his Middle and High School years. The laughs he had, the sorrow, he remembered it all. "I remember when I first fell in love with her…"
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All the living room preparations were in their respective places. Colored Banners lined the walls; balloons covered the high ceiling as confetti laid itself in small, scattered piles along the floor. Yes, it was a mother's nightmare no matter how festive it appeared to be.
"Come back here Master Bruce! You're not quite dressed yet!" A British accented voice hollered from the upstairs hallway as a beaming, raven-haired youth galloped down the living room grand staircase. He had on a plain, green, sweater vest, with a white, turtleneck undershirt. His dark, blue pants finished off the outfit. What could he possibly be missing in his attire?
"But, Alfred! They're here! They're here!"
The Butler hastily but, maintaining his composure, made his way down the steps, dark-blue bow-tie in hand, "Yes, they are Sir but you must finish dressing. Here, put this on at once."
"But-"
"At once."
"Oh…" Bruce sighed and, grudgingly taking the dreaded bow-tie, fastening it onto his collar.
"Good. You look like a model gentleman. Now, I will go let the guests in." Satisfied with his surrogate's son attire, Alfred made his way over to the front door to usher the arriving people into the living room.
"I don't wanna be a model gentleman…at least not for today…it's my birthday and I'm 14…" He grumbled as he pulled at the loathed bow-tie, "I look like a nerd…" And he sat down onto the long, couch, awaiting his party guests.
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"Heya Bruce! We're here! So ya don't need ta be worryin' or nothin'," Oliver raced into the living room, "We brought the whole family too!"
"You didn't dump them?" Bruce bolted up off the couch, standing up to greet his best friend.
"Ha! Nah, I decided to keep them!" He caught a glimpse of Bruce's neck attire, "Woo boy! That bow-tie looks horri-bley on ya Bruce!"
"Well, that tie doesn't look any better Ollie."
"Yeah, ya got me there," He embarrassingly adjusted his tie, "Guess both our guardians got us…but, I have ta say, my
tie looks much better than that bow-tie!"
"Yeah, you're probably right but, I haven't had time to look at myself in a mirror or anything and if I take it off, Alfred
will have a cow…"
"So, then we're both stuck 'cause my mom will woop me good! So, we'll both look nerdy together! Oh, by the way, we got ya some good stuff for ya! This one's from me! Where should I put it?"
"That's mine too! Ollie!"
"And mine…"
Bruce's grin grew to an unimaginable length as two familiar girls made their way into the living room.
"Happy birthday Bruce!" Trixie greeted as she made her way into the living room. She was clad in a long, plain, blue dress, her shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a pony-tail and on her feet, she wore very fashionable Mary Janes. Her newly-acquired glasses were an unfamiliarity to everyone's eyes but, they accented her face very well. Bruce's cheeks grew hot and for a few seconds he lost his composure for, Bruce had an enormous crush on his best friends younger sister. Of course, Bruce made sure of the crushes inexistence in the minds of his fellow people.
"Yes, happy birthday…" Trixie's shy companion meekly spoke from behind her sister. Jenny wore the same simplicity as Trixie but, her dress was a burgundy red and her long hair was let loose, making a very pretty sight. They both took their seats on their ideal couches and chattered while they waited for the rest of the guests to join them.
Before this story continues, let some confusion that may have accumulated about the Sheif's be removed. Due to a car accident while she was young, Mrs. Anne Sheif was unable to have children. Her husband, Mr. Daniel Sheif knew about her predicament and proposed that, after the marry, they adopt. So, they followed through with their plans. After 7 years of marital bliss, they adopted a bouncing, baby boy from China and named him Richard. He is the oldest Sheif boy. Still, Mr. and Mrs. Sheif wanted many more children but, financial problems hindered them from adopting their desired amount. That was until Mr. Sheif was bumped up to the CEO of his long-employing company by an untimely death. But, this required an incredible move from their own small town, to Gotham.
With much sorrow, the move was made but with the large increase in the income, they managed to buy a spacious mansion among the Gotham outskirts and could now adopt and support all the children they desired. After Richard, who was 4 by this time, came Rashin, an Indian girl. Then, one year later, came Tony. 6 years after the 3 previous adopted Sheif children, came the well-known Oliver, as a newborn and, in that same year came Trixie. She was 5 months younger than Oliver. After those two were adopted, Jenny, who was the same age as Oliver and Trixie, came. All of these three were in the stage known as "The Terrible Two's." Oh what sleepless nights Mrs. Sheif had who, then, became infatuated with caffeine! 5 years after the three "triplets" so they were called, were admitted into the Sheif's residence, came Cong from China. Then, 4 years later, Delilah came to join the family as a newborn. And thus concludes the history of the Sheif family. As head-spinning as it may be, it is quite an interesting family considering that their ethnic diversity is immense and the love they share for each other is incredible.
Now, to return to the party, once the large family was ushered in, all of which everyone but the 2 eldest attended, the other guests soon arrived. Among them was the all-familiar group that Bruce be-friended his first day at Wilson's. Eddie, of course, arrived first, clashing in a blue top and brown pants. He had sprouted up and, at 13, was well over the heads of the other boys. Although he had grown up physically, mentally, he maintained the same weird personality he was born with for when told of his clash he just grinned and stated "brown and blue make him look suave."
Howard came in a few minutes after Eddie's arrival and had a sour look mounted upon his features that was recognized exactly as he stepped in. Of course, it was very evident of his sullen demeanor because his mother and abundant amount of sister's had refused to let him attend the party unless he dressed in a full tuxedo. Afterall, it was Bruce Wayne, the heir to millions, who was throwing this party. It was quite a sight to see all those casual attire clothes and then poor Howard, dressed in that ridiculous tuxedo.
"I look like a penguin." He grumbled and then, Eddie, using his refined comforting skills, began to waddle and gobble as a fit of laughter was sent up by the brown-haired youths antics. That shone some light on the embarrassing situation and Howard's mood improved tremendously due to Eddie's action and Alfred stating that he could remove his coat and bow-tie.
Jared and Jack arrived together in the same fashion: suave and debonair. Both had grown tremendously handsome in both personality and looks and were known as a "lady killer." To finish of the regularly known group, Fritz showed up with those same coke-bottle glasses and a concealed bundle of flowers for the young lady he was trying to win over. His personality was the same but, since he had moved up to the 8th grade, a new word existed for it. Nerd. As for his height, he hadn't grown much either. He was a dwarf and was most likely going to stay one but, that had no effect on him for, no matter how hard the boys teased him, he would shrug it off and remark, "Yeah, so what if I am? At least hitting ceilings are the least of my worry!" His remark would then cause a fist full of snickers as many of the taller fellows blushed tremendously.
Fritz's arrival signaled the end to the guest list, and that meant the party could officially begin. A game of musical chairs was at once initiated before the meal in the dining hall.
"So, how many chairs are you planning on having Bruce?" The auburn-headed Jack queried as him, Bruce and Jared went out into the hallway closet to retrieve the needed chairs.
"I'm thinking about…15!"
"Sounds good!"
"Yeah, it does. So Bruce, after how many times I've been into this house of yours, I'll never get used to how huge it is. I could get lost right now!"
"You got that right Jared. How in the world do you know where you're going?"
"Aw, come on guys," He handed 2 chairs to each of the youths, "It's not that bad. Besides, I don't have any siblings so, I'd mostly entertain myself by wandering the hallways. I'd try to pop out and surprise Alfred but, for some reason, I never could…Anyway, these hallways aren't that hard to learn!" He shook his head and led the group back into the living room, "Well, let's get these chairs back in and get some more help. We're gonna need it!"
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Meanwhile, Jenny had some much-needed news to clue Trixie into and, to find some privacy, they had declared that nature had called and excused themselves from the room. Once they reached the safety of the bathroom walls, all 4 of them, the beautiful girl hastily stated, "He gave me flowers Trixie! Flowers…" She was leaned against the wall as Trixie was seated on the toilet seat, "See! Look!" And out from her small purse she produced a beautiful, small bouquet of wild flowers.
Trixie raised an eyebrow, "They're lovely but, who gave them to you?"
"You promise you won't tell anyone?"
"Yes."
"Ok, see, Fritz did…" She blushed furiously.
"…wait…" The brunette shook her head trying to comprehend the whole situation, "Fritz? As in the Fritz we know? Fritz Garlin, Fritz?"
Jenny nodded, "I know it seems all of a sudden but, I've always liked him and, he's always liked me…he asked me to go on a date with him next Saturday…and I said yes…I'm sorry I never told you but, I didn't think you'd like to hear about my silly crushes…" She peered through her dark locks at her best friend.
Trixie's face scrunched up into a number of emotions, 3 of which were the most evident. Anger, confusion and betrayal. She began to play with her bracelet, portraying how deep in thought she was, while she intently stared at the tiles on the bathroom floor. A tense silence lingered in the air for a few minutes.
"Uhm…any comments about this…Trixie?" She squeaked, filling in for the lack of sound. The silence was nerve wracking to the beautiful, dark skinned girl.
A long pause was given before Trixie spoke her first words, "I'm sorry Jen. I'm just…I guess…I never realized how old we really were and now with you dating. The reality just hit me hard that we're that old…"
"Are you mad at me…?"
Trixie grinned, "Oh please Jen! I could never ever be mad at you! You're far too sweet for that!" She got up and embraced her younger sister.
"Good, I'm glad…" Jenny smiled as their hug broke.
"Me too!" The older sibling looked at her younger sibling's watch, "Oh…wow Jen, we've spent enough time in here! We had better get back to the party before they send a search team out for us!"
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Once the two girls had entered the living room, they found the chairs all set and everyone impatiently waiting for their arrival.
"Man, how long do ya girls take? Fall in or somethin'?"
"Do we look wet Ollie?" His brunette sister retorted, "We're back now! So, let's get this game started!" She grabbed Jenny's wrist and bolted for a seat, "I GET THIS ONE!" She flopped into a chair, flinging her dark-haired companion into the one next to her. That started off the race as all the children stampeded for their choice seat. Once the chairs were filled, the game began with Mrs. Sheif manning the stereo.
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After an hour of the much-enjoyed musical chairs, the 15 children were reduced to 2, Trixie and Bruce. Both had fought valiantly for their coveted spots and now were up against each other. The children had each been separated into two cheerleading groups. The Trixie supporters, and The Girl Bashers, as they named themselves. If it hasn't already been guessed, The Girl Bashers were rooting for the Birthday boy.
"C'mon Bruce! Ya gotta beat her!" Ollie supported.
"Yeah Bruce! Show her that guys rock!" Jared stated.
"SIT ON HER AND SQUISH HER!" Eddie's unusual encouragement stood out from the rest of the incoherent yells.
"Tixie…come an' beat da boy…" The youngest Sheif girl, Delilah called out.
"Yeah Trixie, do your best!" Jenny timidly cheered.
"You're going down Bruce! And I mean waaaaaaaay down!" The brunette smirked, as she readied herself into a running position. Both stood on opposite sides of the desired chair.
"We'll see about that Trixie…" The Wayne boy mumbled as he prepared for the music to start.
Once the music started, everyone was silenced and the two competitors began to pace in a circle, eyes never leaving the incredibly sought after object. Suddenly, the music stopped and both teenagers bolted for the chair while all held their breath only to see…
Bruce seated in the chair with Trixie on his lap! The Girl Bashers broke into a riot of cheers as The Trixie Supporters sighed and grumbled.
Bruce's smile spread as he stared up at Trixie.
"Not fair Wayne!" She stuck out her tongue as she tried to push him off the chair.
"Heh…I won fair and square Trix! There's nothin' you can do about it," he pushed her back. He fought to maintain his spot. She continued to try to wrestle him out of his seat. This clash continued until Bruce, with his arms wrapped around the battling girl, gazed up at the brunette, suddenly realizing how incredibly close he was to her. His heart sped up and as her body rubbed against his, a blush impulsively crept across his face. She was incredibly warm and her body was so tiny. His whole frame relaxed as he pulled his arms tighter around her. How calming it felt…how natural… That's when Bruce experienced a new feeling. It was an even more intense ache than he had ever received yet, it made him feel good...infact, it made his spirits soar higher than they had ever been. What was this new feeling? Was it…love? Yes, it must be! So, this was what love felt like…
The clash soon found the two young people on the floor due to Trixie's horrible balance and her tendency to grab onto the nearest item when in mid-fall. Both of the two young individual's broke into a fit of laughter as they struggled to get off their backs and back onto their feet.
"You're killin' me Bruce! Argh! So heavy!"
Bruce just smiled back, laughing and staring into her eyes. He was imagining the future yet to come. One where they were together. He was in the middle of their first date when he was rudely awakened by a jerking of his arm and a familiar voice yelling, "Bruce, you're gonna' kill my sister! Get offa her!"
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After the guests and the Birthday boy were ushered into the large dining hall, dinner was served.
"Mmmm-mmmm Bruce, Alfred's a great cook!" Stated Oliver's older brother, Tony. Tony's voice hushed into a whisper as he questioned, "Can I borrow him? He's so much better than my mom, it's not funny…"
"I heard that Tony!"
"What'd I say?"
"Don't play stupid with me! You know exactly what you said!"
"Darn…" He returned to his meal, signaling his mother's victory and correctness.
"Hey waiter! There's a fly in mah soup! Mmmm…boy! Is it tasty!"
"That's just gross Eddie! Please! We're eating!"
"Ok mum dear!"
"I'm not your mom…" Howard growled, "And if I was, I'd have already had numerous mental breakdowns and have already thrown you in a trashcan…"
"Howard!" Mrs. Sheif scolded.
"Whatever you say, sweetums!" Eddie batted his eyelashes, Howard's words having no affect.
"…I'm not a sweetums…" Howard retorted through gritted teeth, clenching his fists.
"Hey, Howard, let it go. He's trying to annoy you…" Jared coolly stated in between bites.
"Yeah, How, he's just tryin' ta get ta ya…Like Jared says, let it go." The other blonde boy encouraged.
The encouragement worked like magic for Howard's first unclenched and he relaxed back into his chair, granting himself a few heavy sighs.
"Here. Have some of my bread. I'm defiantly not going to eat all of this!" Fritz spoke as he handed Howard a huge piece of his loaf of bread.
"Thanks Fritz." Howard peered across the table, realizing the butter was near his instigator, "Eddie, can you please pass the butter…?"
The brown-haired boy squeezed his face together, looking much like he ate a lemon, and smacked his lips together. "Give a kiss first, honey bunches of oats!"
"That's it!" Howard threw himself out of his chair, "I'm gonna throw you out the window!"
"No! Howard! Sit down! Oh! Eddie! Sit!" Mrs. Sheif brokenly ordered.
The instigator's voice flew an octave higher as he batted his eyelashes once more, "Please don't eat me, Snookums! Remember your indigestion!"
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU EDDIE!"
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The evening finished off with some re-arranged seating, cake, presents and goodie-bags. The "Clan" boys had been invited to sleep over which, the parental consent bent in their favor and all 5 were arranged to sleep in the isolated Study. The remaints of the Sheif family made their goodbye's, exited the mansion and began to arrange their own seating as they piled into their large car.
"Well, Bruce, I'll be seein' ya at school on Monday…" Trixie graciously gave Bruce, who was to see them off, an unexpected hug. Grinning as she waved, she smushed into the car, shutting the door behind her. With the last door shut, the car was immediately off on its short, drive home. The "Clan" boys were lingering behind Bruce on the steps to the Wayne Mansion, frantically waving their goodbye's.
"Bye Trixie…" Bruce slowly waved as a broad smile plastered itself onto his features and a blush crept up onto his face.
Oliver, watching the interaction between his sister and best friend, frowned.
"I GET THE COUCH!" Jack raced inside the mansion.
"SEE IF I GET IT FIRST!!" Howard raced after him.
"WELL I GET THE BANISTER!" Eddie retorted as he made his own way in.
"Wait…Eddie…how? You'll slip…" Jared shook his head as he galloped after the others.
"Hey Bruce, come on! They're getting all the good spots!"
"Well, you guys got a head start!" Bruce bolted past Oliver.
"NOT FAIR!"
And so, the sleep over which left Alfred's hair a bit whiter, began. It was remembered as one of the most eventful sleepovers the boys had ever had. Toilet paper was used for purposes other than it's original intent, 'mystery pancakes' were made and consumed, while pillows, couches, tables and other accessories to the house were found in other rooms then their original spots. Ah yes, at 14, life was very good for those boys.