Laura returned later that night without Helena.

"Where is Helena? I thought you were bringing her back?" Barbara tried to be in a better mood.

"I told her you were tired from you're first day of therapy, and you probably wanted some alone time. So she is at home playing with Sammy." Laura laid her coat on the chair then plopped into it.

Laura glanced at the floor then at Babs. "I watched you in there today. I saw the frustration and anger in your face. Are you going to tell me what that was all about?"

"Not really."

"You better tell me or I will send Alfred in here." Laura got Babs to smile.

"I did terrible today." Barbara's voice got quiet.

"What are you talking about? You heard what Ken said. You got farther than most patients would in a month in one day."

"Yes, but I didn't get as far as Batgirl should have."

Laura hesitated and realized where this was going. She quickly got up and closed the door to the room and locked it. She closed the blinds incase anyone walked by and turned on the TV to make some noise.

"Barbara why would you think that." Laura returned to her seat.

"Because I should have been able to lift my own body weight. When I flew from the buildings, I supported my weight on a simple steal wire from my belt. I couldn't even lift myself half way up. Batgirl failed at that task. I should have been able to do much better than that. And have you seen my legs." Barbara pulled back the covers to expose her small legs. "They are shrinking because I can't use them. All my muscle mass that I used to power my kicks is receding. Batgirl's body is slowly disappearing and I can't stop it."

"Barbara what are you talking about. Completely forget about Batgirl. The minute that bullet went through your spine, you ceased to be Batgirl. You have to face the facts, you will no longer be able to fly or fight crime. You are not Batgirl anymore."

"Then who am I? Batgirl was all I had." Barbara's voice got louder and she stared at Laura.

"Your Barbara Gordon. Batgirl was just a part of who you are. That part can no longer exist but you are still Barbara Gordon. You are a computer genius, an English teacher, and now the caretaker of Helena Kyle. When you get out of here, I am sure you will find something new to fill the gap left by Batgirl. Besides, Helena needs Barbara Gordon, not Batgirl. Don't hold yourself to Batgirl standards, change to Barbara standards."

Barbara knew Laura was right. "How can I forget Batgirl? She is who I am."

"No Barbara. Batgirl was what you were, not who you are. There is a difference. You need to figure that out, or you will never be able to get past this and move on." Laura hugged Babs and left her to think. She has a lot to figure out right now, but I have faith in her.

----------

Alfred turned down the lights at the manor when someone knocked on the door. Who could that be at this time of night? He opened the door to find a messenger boy standing at the door.

"Sorry to bother you so late sir, but I was told to make sure you received this tonight." The young man held out a thick envelope.

"Thank you." Alfred took the envelope and tipped the young man.

Alfred closed the door and looked to see whom it was from. Why would I be getting something from Selina's lawyer? Alfred opened the outer envelope and found another one, in Selina's handwriting, addressed to him. Alfred opened it to find a letter addressed to him and another envelope addressed to Bruce.

Dear Alfred.
I am guessing you have met my daughter, Helena, by now. I know Barbara will take good care of her, but Bruce has a right to know he is her father. Will you please see he gets this letter? You have been a great friend and I have enjoyed knowing you. My only hope is that Helena doesn't follow my path. She is an amazing girl, and I know you will like her.
Thanks for everything,
Selina

Alfred smiled and got another envelope. He placed the letter to Bruce in it and addressed it to London.

----------

Laura also received a letter that night. She sat down to read it after putting Helena to bed. Sammy laid on the couch watching TV.

My dearest cousin,
I have missed you so much, and I hate the fact that we have to end things in a letter. I hope you are not mad at me for leaving Helena in Barbara's care. She has known Barbara for a long time, and feels comfortable around her. Also if she decides to follow her father's path, Babs will properly train her. Bab's will also see that she doesn't follow my path. I did many things that I don't want her to follow. I love her dearly and don't wish that life on her. Helena has already begun to show some of her abilities and I ask you to give Barbara any advice you can. Helena has a temper when she wants to, and you remember what your cat temper was like. I will always remember the fun we had and I wish the best for you.
Love always,
Selina

Laura held the note close to her chest. I will help Barbara all I can. I would choose no other person to raise her. You made the right choice, cous'.

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The night nurse softly knocked on Barbara's door. She put the book she was reading down and called for the nurse to enter.

"Sorry to bother you, but this was just delivered for you and I promised to get it to you. Seemed rather important." The nurse handed Barbara a large manila envelope.

Barbara opened the envelope and out fell two letters. One addressed to her, and one to Helena. She opened the one addressed to her.

Barbara,
If you are reading this, that means I have died some how. I pray it wasn't at the hands of my past, or in front of Helena. You know I have left Hel in your care. I have sent a letter to Bruce telling him about his daughter. I don't know how he will react, but I hope he wont get in the way of my wishes. He still has parental rights to Helena. Her abilities began to show when she turned fourteen. They don't usually appear unless she is extremely angry at something, and she needs to learn to control her anger. I know she has many other abilities she hasn't told me about or yet developed. I don't know what the future holds for her, but what ever it is, please don't let her turn out like me. I don't want her to become in anyway like Catwoman. She has so much potential she has to discover, and I know you will help her. You are the right person to raise my daughter and I have no doubts about choosing you. You have been my friend for may years and couldn't ask for anyone better than you. In the letter to Helena I tell her everything. I never wanted to tell her, but she has a right to know. I am afraid my past may come back to haunt her. Please give it to her when you feel she is ready for what it says. Take care of my little kitten Barbara. She is all I have.
Love always,
Selina

Barbara wiped a tear from her eye, and held the letter that held Helena's future. Selina had left her daughter in the care of Barbara Gordon, not Batgirl. Barbara was truly who she was. I will make you proud Selina. Your daughter will have all the love and friendship she could ever want. I will do my best, and that is something you have always known. Thank you so much for believing in me.