Helena sat on top of a tall building letting the cool breeze hit her hot face. She was so angry with Barbara for never telling her the truth, but at the same time was sorry she yelled at Barbara. She is the closest thing I have now to a mom, and I yelled at her. But still, she had no right to keep a secret this big. I have work to do. Helena made small jumps to the street and made her way towards the library. She found a spot in an alleyway, and slept there till the library opened in the morning.
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Helena awoke to the sounds of cars whisking their passengers to work. The new kitten stretched her arms and worked her muscles before standing up. She walked into the sunlight from the alley way and smelled fresh coffee and rolls from the nearby coffee shop. I am hungry. Helena walked down to the shop and asked the lady where the bathroom was. After she was done, Helena cracked open the door and watched the lady behind the counter. The woman was putting together a tray of coffee to be served to the customers. When she walked away from the counter, Helena stepped out from the bathroom and walked passed the counter, picking up two rolls and a donut on the way out. She stepped out of the store with no problem and without anyone noticing.
When her rolls were gone, Helena crossed the street and went into the library. As she passed the check out counter, the librarian looked at her cautiously and poked the other librarian in the side. Pointing Helena out to her. Helena smiled and nodded to the two librarians. Helena made her way passed several people, including a young man studying law books.
The young man looked at the woman in black as she passed. He began to wonder about her. She was dressed in black, and he could feel her coming behind him, before she was anywhere near him. He watched as she made her way to a computer that held copies of old newspaper articles. He shook his head and got back to his studying.
Helena sat at the computer and opened a search engine. She began a search to find out everything possible about her newly discovered family. She typed in Catwoman, Selina Kyle, Batman, Bruce Wayne, Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, and any other names she came across in her search. She printed article after article, having to refill the paper in the printer twice. Finally she completed her search and gathered her very large stack of paper, almost dropping it.
The young man watched her almost drop her stack and laughed to himself. She should have brought a bag or something. He reached in his backpack and pulled out a sack that contained a recently bought shirt. He took the shirt out and walked to the lady in black.
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Helena finished restacking her pile when a man stepped near her, "You looked like you could use this," He held out the sack.
"Thanks," Helena took the sack and the man left. She put the pile into it bag and left the library. Helena sat on the hard floor of the house in Old Gotham, papers spread out in front of her. Everything was placed into stacks according to date and Helena read them like a book. Over and over again words and headings made her catch her breath:
The Notorious Catwoman Strikes Again
Poison Ivy Has Been Captured by Batman
Bruce Wayne, with his date Selina Kyle, arrived at the banquet for the disabled in style
Batman has a new accomplice and it is a girl
Catwoman narrowly escapes Batman and his accomplices grip
Selina Kyle captured by Two-Face
Six months before Helena's birthday, there was no longer any mention of Catwoman or Selina Kyle in the papers. She seemed to disappear.
Helena's stacks dwindled till she was at the most current pile. The ones right before her mom was killed. There were many stories about someone called the Joker, and his crimes.
Joker Captured by Batman in Old Gotham
Then there was the heading about her mother's death. Helena had been so busy, scared, and confused over her mother's death, she didn't pay any attention to the news. "A fatal stabbing in downtown New Gotham. Selina Kyle, once accused of leading a double life as the jewel thief called Catwoman, is dead. Catwoman is survived by her only daughter Helena. Miss Kyle has been romantically linked to the millionaire Bruce Wayne."
Helena found the article about Barbara being shot. "Barbara Gordon, former Commissioner Gordon's daughter, was found in her apartment shot. According to medical reports, the bullet severed her spine and she will no longer have the use of her legs." There was a picture of Barbara and her father with the article.
Helena laid the last article aside and pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. It is true, it is all true. My mother was thief and my father is a millionaire who doesn't want me. And my guardian used to fight crime! I can't believe this. What am I supposed to do? What does this make me?
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Barbara's final week was coming to an end. She was to be released in the morning. Since Barbara's apartment complex wasn't handicapped accessible, she was staying with Laura until a place could be found. She was worried about Helena, but stayed strong for the rest. Laura insisted on letting Sammy hunt her down, and Alfred was worried, but trusted Barbara's judgment.
Barbara decided the minute she was out, she would begin tracking Helena, just to make sure she was ok and out of trouble. The computer Barbara had currently didn't have the capabilities to tap into surveillance cameras around New Gotham.
Laura was bringing some of Barbara's things to her house, and when she was ready, Laura knew a person with super strength for his ability who would carry her up to the apartment so she could clean it out.
Barbara sighed and wheeled to the open window, "Oh, Helena, where are you? I hope you find yourself soon."
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Helena walked the streets of New Gotham, ending up at the park. She sat in the swing and the moonlight shined on her face. Never in her life had she felt so lost. She had no idea what she was, let alone who she was. No home to run to, no one to hold her tight and say it will be ok. Her heart had shattered so many times, the pieces would never be able to fit together again. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the chain on the swing. Her soul ached as the wind whisked through her hair.