Life Unexpected
Chapter 4
Life seemed to be looking up for Elissa. She has somewhat of what she wanted. A roof over her head, a place to eat, and surprisingly two parents that loved and cared for her.
It's everything she ever wanted since she was a little girl.
Diana's has been great. Really. She's given the girl her space. Not smothering her completely and has no problems with her daughter calling her by her name instead of 'Mom'. Completely understanding and comfortable with that knowing that will take time as well as her earning that title.
And the new mother has rarely had to put her foot down.
And Elissa isn't what you would call a problem child, so Diana's rarely had to reprimand her.
Right now, Elissa is at the library finishing the homework she missed skipping school.
Which was perfect because Diana was going through her home inspection with Elissa's case worker, Marie.
The short haired woman walked around Diana's home checking off items on a clipboard. Diana was behind her and out of the way.
The Greek woman swallowed the nervous lump in her throat.
"These smoke detectors work?" Marie asked from the kitchen.
Diana not completely paying attention hesitated for a second, "Uh, yes."
Marie noticed boxes in the living room, "You just move in?" the woman asked continuing her inquiry.
The raven-haired woman shook her head, "No, they belong to my boyfriend."
The brown-haired woman raised an eyebrow, "He lives here?" she asked that piece of information not in her files.
"Uh, no. We pushed pause on that with Elissa living with me now" the raven-haired woman responded.
"But he still plans to move in with you, yes? she probed.
Diana stiffly nodded, "Well, yes. That's the plan" she answered getting antsy.
Marie jot down some notes from her answers. "I'm going to need his name and contact information" the social worker told the radio jockey.
Diana not wanting to drag Steve into this asked, "Is that necessary?"
"If you want Elissa to stay here then, yes" the brunette told her curtly performing her due diligence.
Diana released a reluctant sigh and gave Marie the information she needed.
Marie nodded in satisfaction, "Alright, everything looks good. Smoke alarms, Elissa's bedroom looks satisfactory" she exclaimed going on about what she needed to know about her charges new dwelling, causing Diana to release a breath she didn't know she was holding.
The two women shook hands as they walked to the front door.
Marie paused before leaving and turned back to Diana, "I just want to reiterate to you and Mr. Wayne, that in the eyes of the court you two are technically foster parents" she explained.
The Greek woman's fine eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "But I thought we- "
Marie interrupted her, "You gave her up for adoption, in the eyes of the court, you and Mr. Wayne are suitable foster parents." Diana looked down ashamed. "I'm telling you this because I care deeply about Elissa. She is a very sweet girl once you get to know her."
"I don't doubt that" Diana uttered sadly.
"I will warn you if you are unable to give Elissa what she needs then I suggest you give her to someone who can" the woman warned.
Diana shook her head determinedly, "No, I want her, and I will give everything I can for her" Diana swore.
The short-haired woman saw the determination and honesty in Diana's blue-eyes, "Then good luck" with that said she bid farewell.
Later that night, Elissa returned to Diana's house. The young girl sat at the dining room table with Diana having pizza.
The women had a nice dinner together, getting to know each other more.
As they were chatting a thought entered Diana's mind, "Oh, I almost forgot" she said absently getting up from the table and left the room. Earning a curious hum from the teenager.
The Greek woman returned with her purse in hand, she placed the handbag on the table once she reached the table.
Diana opened the bag searching for something until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a gold credit card and held it out to Elissa.
The girl took it and gave Diana a curious look. Diana answered her daughter's unasked question, "This is from Bruce. So, you have money for anything you need" she explained. "It is a privilege" she stressed. "Do not abuse it" she warned.
"Okay" the girl nodded nonchalantly. The girl doesn't really care about the card.
"And make sure you thank Bruce when you see him" the woman told her.
"Got it. When am I going to stay with Bruce? She asked wondering what's happening. Diana told her she and Bruce worked out custody.
"As soon as Bruce passes the home inspection."
A moment of silence passed before Diana asked the girl, "Homework all done?"
Elissa nodded.
"Wanna watch a movie?" she asked hopefully.
"Sure" the teenager exclaimed quite enjoying bonding with her mother.
Wayne Manor
A bright sunny late morning shined through the antique windows of the centuries old home. Marie walked the manor with Alfred and Bruce making sure she didn't get lost.
The social worker took notes on the house such as Wayne's place of living and Elissa's room as well as the antique gun collection. However, both men assured her that all of them are unloaded and locked in there display cases, none have been used in decades.
The trio finished their tour and stayed and stood in the foyer. "I will be perfectly frank with you, Mr. Wayne. I have serious reservations about having Elissa live here" Marie began. "Given your reputation I do not believe having an impressionable young girl around the women you parade around" she finished her assessment.
Trying to pacify the woman, Bruce replied, "I can assure you the media greatly exaggerates the women I date. And I already have an adopted son, and I can assure you I always keep the boy away from that part of my life."
Marie remained steadfast, "I am sorry but Elissa's well being is my only priority." The woman started putting her papers away into her bag. "I want you to know, the judge made you and Miss Prince her guardians because she would be have a billionaire father, whom wouldn't need a check from the state, as well as the two of you being easily assessible at Elissa's hearing."
Bruce sighed defeatedly as Marie left.
Alfred gave the younger man a sympathetic look, he knew how much it meant to him to have Elissa here at the manor.
Diana's House-Evening
Diana started to make dinner or trying to. She paused cooking as her doorbell rang. She wiped her hands on a rag and then made her way to the front door.
She opened it and was surprised to see Bruce on her doorstep.
"Bruce?" she murmured worriedly at seeing the depressed expression on his face. "How'd the home inspection go?" she asked but got a sneaking suspicion that she can already tell by his face.
He looked at her still with a dejected expression on his face. He shut his eyes and shook his head.
Diana inhaled sharply, "I'm sorry. But given my lifestyle the social worker ruled Elissa couldn't live with me" he told her with a sigh.
The raven-haired woman's lips were brought into a thin line. "I'm sorry" was all she could say.
Bruce opened his mouth but doesn't get a word out as Elissa came down the stairs and saw Bruce.
"Hey Bruce!" she greeted excitedly.
Her smile however slowly vanished as she noticed the expressions on her parents faces.
"What?" she asked sensing dread.
Bruce sighed, "The inspection didn't go as hoped."
Elissa interrupted, "What? But- "
Bruce raised his hand up telling her to listen. "We can still hang out like we planned, and you can still see the manor, but you'll be staying with Diana for now" he finished explaining to the girl.
Elissa unable to control herself, "But I can talk to Marie get her to approve you" she said frantically.
The dark-haired man shook his head, "No, its already done" he said his voice low to calm her down. He placed his hands on her shoulders, "Don't worry in a few months I can get reevaluated" he gave her a comforting smile to cheer her up.
It doesn't work.
The girl shook her head rapidly, "But you're rich. Can't you-I dunno pull some strings?" she requested desperately as Bruce released her. Her blue eyes filled with anxiety.
Bruce and Diana both vehemently denied her.
"He can't, Elissa" Diana told the girl, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Why?!"
Bruce sighed, "I don't do those things. And if I did pull some strings and it came to light, they could take you away from us" the man answered her to soothe her.
Their daughter grumbled and released a sigh as she crossed her arms and pouted.
"And don't ever ask me to do that again?'' her father ordered her.
The girl looked down at the floor feeling like a scolded little girl.
"Sorry" she spoke sheepishly.
Bruce and Diana both shared a look.
Diana took the initiative and hugs her, but the girl does not return the same affection, content to pout.
"We're still together. And nothing will change that" the Greek woman reminded her.
Days Later
It came suddenly. No one knew how they got the information but its out.
Diana paced through her living room as Elissa ate her breakfast in the dining room, oblivious to what's happening.
"How did they find out?" Diana asked to the person on the phone keeping her voice down so that Elissa doesn't find out.
"I don't know, Diana" Bruce answered over the phone, "but it's out there. The whole world knows we have a daughter."
It's true. Several hours ago, the media exploded with news of Bruce Wayne's daughter. Many already calling her, 'The Next Wayne Heir', 'The Princess of Gotham'. Other less tactful news outlets are calling her, 'The Billionaire's Bastard.'
Bruce had already called his lawyers to find out what can be done, but their efforts are futile. Considering its gossip and true they can't do much.
That's what greeted Bruce early that morning when he returned from patrol.
"I'll see what I can do" Bruce promised Diana.
The woman sighed, "Please Bruce. Do what you can. She's too young to have to deal with all this craziness" Diana pleaded.
"I will."
"Thanks" Diana replied as she hanged up her phone.
She let out a weary breath already exhausted. And its only morning. Thank goodness it's the weekend and her day off.
Her phone rang and she answered it blindly, too stressed to check the caller ID.
"Hello?" Diana answered rubbing her forehead.
"Why must I find out I have a granddaughter from the media rather than from my own daughter?" a woman's thick accent was heard over Diana's phone.
The raven-haired woman's eyes widen in disbelief as she recognized the woman 's voice.
"Mother?!" Diana uttered in total surprise. She and her mother only spoke a handful of times a year.
"I am on a plane as we speak. I will be in Gotham in a few hours. I will be staying at the Gotham Royal Hotel. I want you, my granddaughter and the father to sit down with me for dinner. Seven o'clock sharp at the hotel dining room. Formal dress. See you soon" her mother hung up finished giving Diana her dinner invitation.
Diana glanced at her phone with a raised eyebrow. She sighed, no winder the woman doesn't visit home anymore. She's so… 'difficult' to be around.
Wayne Manor
After getting off the phone with Diana, Bruce went back to talking to his lawyers and they told him there was nothing they can do. What the media were saying wasn't slander or libel so nothing could be done.
He did some digging of his own and found out who broke the story first: Vicki Vale.
The billionaire mentally rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe she of all people did this. They had one interview dinner together three years ago and he never called her back. In all honesty he wasn't even doing his usual playboy routine. He was working on getting Wayne Enterprises some good PR.
The reporter took vindictive to a whole new level.
His cell went off breaking his thoughts. He checked who was calling him and discovered it was Diana calling again.
He just talked to her half an hour ago, what changed?
He picked up, "Yes?" his tone calm.
She hesitated to answer for a few seconds, "… hi" she said nervously.
The dark-haired man raised a curious eyebrow.
What's up with her?
He heard her take a breath over the line, "My mother just called. She wants to meet the three of us tonight for dinner" she informed him.
He mentally grumbled, he planned on early patrol tonight. He was surprised, Diana rarely spoke about her mother but when she did, she was emotionally exhausted by retelling the tales of her mother. She always told him when they were in high school that she was difficult to deal with.
"Why?" he asked the woman.
"I don't know" she snapped. "Maybe to meet her granddaughter and you."
He doubted that was the reason Senator Hippolyta Prince was coming to Gotham.
He released a sigh begrudgingly, "Text me the time and address. I'll meet you there" he responded through shut eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Thank you" she responded gratefully and hung up.
He became stoic and marched to the cave to do some research on a Greek senator.
Gotham Mall
Diana and Elissa walked the mall together for some clothes for Elissa.
The ladies go store to store checking out what caught the teenager's eyes. As they did this Diana and Elissa both experienced new things. Diana never knew how enjoyable it was to go shopping with her daughter, the same could be said for Elissa.
She never had a mother take her shopping before. It's quite nice.
As they were paying, Elissa pulled out the credit card Bruce had given her, but Diana told her to put it away. She'd take care of it.
"You don't have to do that" the teenager tried to dissuade the woman.
"I don't have to, I want to" the Greek woman responded with a smile. "Isn't that what mothers' do for their daughters when they go shopping?" she said jovially. She too wasn't sure what mothers and daughters do together. Her mother was almost always busy with her career when she was growing up and when she was around, she was so overbearing it was hard to breathe.
A small smile escaped the girl, it's nice of her birth mother to be doing this. She's trying and so should she.
As they finished paying, they made their way to Diana's car in the parking lot lugging half a dozen bags. They reached the car and Elissa asked why the sudden shopping trip.
The raven-haired woman started loading the trunk of her car up with the bags with the aid of Elissa, she released a breath as she felt a weight of anxiety in her belly but answered the question, "My mother is in town and she wants to meet you and Bruce" she said slamming the trunk shut.
The girl's eyebrows shut up. Her grandmother is in town?! Now she got nervous. She didn't know she had a grandmother.
So that's why Diana bought her those dresses. "Me? She wants to meet me?" she uttered meekly.
Diana nodded her head, "Yes, tonight for dinner."
"Tonight?" she squeaked in surprise. That's so soon.
"Yes, my mother doesn't ask, she orders" she explained tiredly.
The two got into the car and Diana started it up. As they drove home, a question pooped into the dark-haired girl's head. "Diana" she called, said woman hummed letting her daughter know she had her attention. "I know my grandparents on Bruce's side died, but what about my grandfather from yours?" she asked uncertain. Unsure if she should ask or not. Was she being rude?
"I wouldn't know really" the woman stated bluntly. The girl's brow furrowed at that as she turned her head to the driving woman.
Feeling her daughter's curious gaze on her, she explained, "He was a donor at a bank. I was curious about him, but he signed a confidentially agreement, so no names were written down."
"Oh" is the only thing the girl could say.
Diana shrugged nonchalantly, "It's no big thing. My life's been good, and I didn't have a father" she said and reached over and patted her daughter's shoulder, "but you do" she joked.
Eliciting a smile from the girl. Yeah, it's awesome having Bruce Wayne as her father. And he wants to be her father, that's what she always wanted and now it looks like she has that.
Diana's House
Hours after the ladies returned from shopping her doorbell rang.
Diana opened the door and was surprised to see Steve at the door.
"What are you doing here?" she asked inquisitively. They weren't seeing each other tonight.
Steve, however, couldn't answer because he was gawking at the woman's state of dress.
The olive-skinned woman wore a black sleeveless dress with a high neckline with a little slit in the middle ending at her collarbone and the gown ended just above her knees. A silver sapphire necklace around her neck and black heels finish her outfit.
Trevor somehow managed to pick his jaw up from the floor, "I-I uh, thought I'd surprise you" he stammered her beauty stunning him.
She took a breath, "That's sweet of you but I'm meeting my mother for dinner."
"Oh," he raised an eyebrow, "Meet the parents already?" he joked.
"Uh, no. She wants to meet Elissa. And Bruce" she explained as she beckoned him inside so she could finish getting ready.
"Bruce?" the blonde uttered cautiously.
The woman turned to him and noticed his knitted brow.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
The man could only rub the back of his head as an uneasy expression consumed his face. "Uh, Diana. I don't want to be that gut, but do I have anything to worry about between you and Wayne?" he inquired.
From the look on his face she could tell this was greatly affecting him.
She walked up to him and placed her hands on his chest, "Of course not. We're ancient history" she reassured him, neglecting her drunken kiss with Bruce and her propositioning him. "But he's going to be a part of our lives, are you okay with that?" she asked carefully.
He gave her a smile and shook his head, "Yeah, I'm good."
She smiled and pulled away so she could finish getting her stuff together.
"Am I coming too?" he asked awkwardly.
That was the last thing she needed to happen tonight, "No" she told him. "My mother will surely spend the evening picking apart my life here. Critically analyzing my decisions and enlarging my mistakes. The last thing I need is her questioning my choice in men" she gave the man the cliff notes of what will most likely happen tonight.
She placed her hand on her forehead and released a weary sigh.
She inhaled deeply and exhaled the same getting herself calm. She turned back to her boyfriend, "We're on our way out" she informed him politely kicking him out.
Surprise overtook the blonde's face, "You're kicking me out?!" he exclaimed softly.
She gave him a rueful look, "I am" she admitted bluntly.
He gaped at her mockingly offended as she walked to him and escorted him out the door. She lightly pushed him out the door and whispered a soft, "I'm sorry" before she shut the door.
At that exact moment, Elissa came down the stairs dressed up and ready to go. She was dressed in a navy-blue strap dress that ended below her knees with black high heels, a gold bracelet on her left wrist. Her inky locks brushed straight with a matching navy-blue hairband on the top of her head. Her dark green heavy winter coat on her arm.
Once the teenager reached the bottom of the stairs, she raised an eyebrow, "Ready?"
Her mother didn't answer, she was too busy gazing at her daughter. She looked so beautiful.
Feeling uncomfortable under Diana's gaze, she lowered her head, eyes to the floor.
Finally, regaining her voice, Diana took a step closer to the girl and placed a hand on her shoulder.
With a smile she conveyed, "You look so beautiful." Making the girl feel bashful, her cheeks heated up.
Every time Diana called her beautiful it always made her feel self-conscious. But it also made her feel happy that someone was proud and taken back by her simply existing.
"Are we going?" the girl asked once again getting back on track.
The woman nodded, "Let me just get my coat" she told her and left her at the front door to grab her coat and purse.
Once she had them, she came back clad in a black wool overcoat and saw Elissa had her coat on as well.
Noticing Diana's diamond earrings, Elissa asked, "Hey, can I get my ears pierced?" she inquired innocently.
"Sure" her mother consented.
"And a tattoo?" she pushed her luck.
Diana smiled at the girl, "Of course" she replied patting her cheek getting Elissa to brighten further, "when you're twenty-one" the woman finished dashing the teenagers hope and getting her to pout.
The two silently left the house to the car and were on their way to dinner.
Gotham Royal Hotel
The two ladies arrived at the hotel about half an hour before the reservation. Diana left her car in the hotel parking lot. The two women walked to the hotel, their heels clicking with every step.
The Greek woman was honestly surprised her daughter knew how-to walk-in heels. Seemed like it was a dying art.
They entered the lobby to stay warm and immediately Diana recognized the men in dark suits, who immediately approached them.
The dark-haired woman released a silent breath, her mother, a senator of Themyscira, and her bodyguards not far behind.
"Miss Prince" one of the men greeted her.
"Yes?"
"Senator Prince is waiting in the dining hall. I am to escort the two of you to her" the agent explained.
Diana simply nodded in confrontation, "Thank you."
The bodyguard started to escort the two women to the senator. As they trekked, Diana remembered, "Excuse me?" gaining the man's attention, "We're expecting another dinner guest" she explained to him.
"Mr. Wayne. Yes, we know and will escort him to you once he arrives, Miss" the man responded over his shoulder as they stopped at the entrance to the dining hall.
At the entrance to the hall are two more gentlemen in suits and patted down their escort as well as herself and Elissa, neither appreciated being frisked like common criminals, they were family.
Once they were given the all clear and entered the room, they saw several guests enjoying their meals.
As Diana navigated the room, she finally saw her mother in the far corner past the threshold of another room accommodating another section of the dining room, several bodyguards around her as well as some stationed near the entrances and exits.
She looked exactly as she remembered, regal blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and stoic faced, dressed in a purple gown with one bare shoulder.
"Senator" the bodyguard said gaining the woman's attention from her phone.
She looked up and put her phone down and stood from her seat and walked around the circular dining table to greet her daughter.
The older woman wrapped her arms around her daughter's frame and let out a content breath at finally seeing and holding her child again, Diana quickly reciprocated and embraced her back.
"I am overjoyed to see you again, my daughter" her mother spoke.
"Me too, Mother" Diana said back. It's true.
Regardless, of how tough it is having Hippolyta as her mother, she still loves her. She just needed to minimize how long they stay together because soon her mother would nitpick at her.
The two soon parted and the senator becomes aware of the young lady she wanted to meet.
The older woman took a step closer to the girl, whom, stood a little way behind Diana when she greeted her mother.
The dignified woman stared at the young girl hard and stone faced making the young girl swallow her suddenly dry throat.
The unnerved girl soon had nothing to worry about as the woman smiled and embraced her tightly, surprising the teenager.
Hippolyta soon pulled back to get a good look at Elissa, "You look so much like Diana when she was your age" she observed.
Elissa could only smile; a lot of people have told her how beautiful she was and always threw her off.
The senator guided the two ladies to the table, "Please sit."
The three make their way to the table as Diana took a seat on the left and Elissa took the chair right next to her, leaving an empty seat on her right for Bruce.
Hippolyta returned to her recently vacant seat across from them.
The two newcomers removed their coats and left them on the back of their chairs.
"Bruce should be here soon" Diana informed her mother with an apprehensive smile.
Her mother simply nodded solemnly.
The look on her mother's face made Diana feel uneasy. The women made small talk. Emphasis on small.
Diana didn't say a word because from the look in her mother's eyes this meeting isn't going to be good.
Wondering where Bruce was got her antsy, which caused her foot to nervously twitch on the rugged floor.
They didn't wait long as one of the senator's bodyguards informed them that Mr. Wayne had arrived and was on his way up.
A few minutes passed and Bruce arrived after being patted down by security, which he didn't like at all.
He greeted the ladies at the table and took a seat next to Elissa.
"Senator" Bruce greeted the woman, whom only gave him a cold look, "pleasure to meet you."
"Wish I could say the same" the blonde-haired woman replied coldly.
Bruce didn't let it get to him. Diana on the other hand, "Mother" she chided lowly.
"I'm sorry but I will be perfectly honest and blunt," she responded looking at Diana before turning back to Bruce, "I don't like you Mr. Wayne."
"Why?" he played along.
Diana's mother glared at him coldly, "You impregnate my daughter, when she was far too young to be a mother and my granddaughter has been passed along from foster home to foster home and you" she emphasized the last word throatily, "you are nothing but a rich, womanizer, whom, does nothing but squander your life half drunk and with half a brain. You have done nothing with your life. What my daughter ever saw in you, I will never know" she finished.
Bruce went stone faced but didn't let what the woman said get to him.
Elissa tried to hide behind her glass of water. Diana simply looked away. She couldn't really defend the man seeing as how her mother wasn't far off the mark.
How wrong they all were.
Bruce took a deep breath, "I know. I was there. But I have done some good with my family's company and the Wayne Foundation" he explained. "And seeing as how we have just met; I don't think either one of us is going to like the other" he said leaving his arms on the table.
"No, we will not" she replied in an icy tone.
Silence occupied the table shortly after as a waiter came by to hand out menus.
They soon ordered appetizers and made some small talk, well Dian, Hippolyta, and Elissa did. Bruce remained silent for a while.
Hippolyta spoke, "So, Elissa tell me about yourself?" she asked with a smile, eager to learn about her granddaughter.
The girl simply shrugged as she picked at her appetizer, "Not much really. Been in foster care my whole life. Tried to get emancipated. Didn't work out. And I'm living with my birth parents now" she summarized bluntly.
"And how is that going?"
"Great!" she perked up. "Bruce and Diana have been great. They're really nice and actually like my company" she gushed.
Her parents both had small smiles on their faces. They truly do enjoy her company.
The blonde woman frowned, "Why do you call them by their names instead of Mother and Father?" she asked perplexed.
Elissa jumped slightly at the question and slouched in her seat uncomfortable by the question.
Diana swiftly jumped to her aid, "She may call us whatever she likes, Mother" she placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder easing the girl's uneasiness.
Diana frowned giving her mother a heated look, telling her to back off.
She complied raising her chin haughtily. She noticed Elissa's slouched position and narrowed her bright eyes, "Sit up straight, young lady" her tone authoritative and neutral making the girl change her position like lightning.
"Sorry" the teenager gave her granddaughter a weak whisper.
Not liking what her mother is doing to the poor girl, Diana glared at the blonde, "Mother" she uttered harshly reprimanding her.
Hippolyta waved her hand at her shrugging off the glare.
Mild conversation ensued between the women, except Bruce gave little to the conversation.
Soon, their main meals arrived, and they enjoyed the food.
Seemingly, out of nowhere, Hippolyta asked, "Tell me, Elissa, do you have a boyfriend?" purposely tactless.
The question took Elissa completely by surprise causing her eyes to widen and choke on her food.
Diana quickly patted her daughter's back as she went into a coughing fit.
She quickly recovered and took a sip of water to clear her throat. She cleared her throat again, "W-What?"
"Are you seeing anyone?" she asked again. "You are at that age to start dating, no?"
The girl swallowed nervously and glanced to the left and noticed Diana was shamefully curious as Hippolyta. She looked to her right and noticed Bruce too was looking at her expectantly.
He was just as eager to know as well. Come to think of it, he never bothered to ask her if she was dating.
Elissa swayed in her seat uncomfortably under the three gazes of the adults and rubbed her arms to brush off the sudden chill that crept up on her. "Uh, no. I don't have a boyfriend" she admitted embarrassed.
"Girlfriend?" her grandmother probed.
"No" she denied.
"I see" she replied and took a sip of her wine. She turned to Diana, "And how have you been Diana? Enjoying your life in America?"
The dark-haired woman can practically hear the contempt in her voice, the woman narrowed her eyes.
Here it comes.
"Yes, I am, Mother."
The senator hummed, "Being a radio host and away from your people, your family to live in the worst city in America" she questioned heatedly.
Diana released a frustrated breath, "I like my job, Mother. I like Gotham regardless of its horrid reputation."
"Yes" the regal said dryly and stared at Diana with daggers, "Playing games such as 'Kill, Marry, Do', or go on about some maniac in a bat costume."
Diana mentally sighed, that's all Steve's doing. His games on the show and his… vendetta against Batman. "We do hold fundraisers and charity events as well" she countered defending her job. "It's my life, Mother, I'm living how I want to. Not how you want me to" she glared at the woman.
"Yes, your job working with Steven Trevor as well as dating him."
Diana's eyebrows shot up, "Have you been spying on me" she pronounced outraged. She slammed her fists loudly getting the attention of others in the dining room, even some of Hippolyta's bodyguards get startled.
Diana's gaze burned at her mother as she grits her teeth.
"Please, as if I wouldn't have people watching you. You're a senator's daughter. There's no way I would let you live here without me knowing you would be safe" she explained.
Diana slowly shook her head, silently fuming which was growing bigger by the second. She couldn't believe her mother could be so controlling. No, she knew. She is so overbearing, it smothered her.
It's why she went to study abroad in the first place to get distance from her mother. Clearly, Gotham wasn't far enough.
Not wanting to start a fight with Diana any further, Hippolyta came to the heart of the matter. She folded her hands and set them on the table in a business-like fashion, "Given your life here and your job keeping you so busy" Diana grew perplexed, "and Wayne has his own life. I pray for that poor boy he adopted" Bruce glared, "release my granddaughter into my custody so that she can be properly raised" she commanded.
"What?!" Bruce growled dangerously close to his Batman voice startling Elissa.
"What?!" an outraged Diana exclaimed.
"You heard me quite clearly" the senator responded, her face and voice neutral.
The radio host scowled at the senator, "No!" she shook her head furiously, "She is my daughter. I just got her back, years after making the worst decision of my life. I will never give her away again" she pledged. In the corner of her peripheral Diana can see Bruce felt the same way.
"You will never ask me that again" she ordered her mother shooting daggers at the woman, her voice low and threatening. She plopped her napkin onto the dinner table and left headed to the ladies' room.
Elissa, not feeling safe having her grandmother stare her down across the table, followed Diana to the restroom.
The girl entered the restroom finding it empty save for Diana, whom leaned over the sink head bowed, hands squeezed the sink, breathing heavily.
Was she crying? Or sick? The girl thought. She took steps closer to her to get a better look.
Hesitant as she made her approach, she called, "Diana?"
Slowly, the hunched over woman stood up straight and looked back.
Elissa gave Diana a concerned stare.
"You okay?" the girl asked worriedly.
The Greek woman took a calming breath and turned to the girl, "I'm fine. I just needed a break. My mother can be very taxing" she answered exhausted.
"Yeah I got the picture" the girl agreed. She got fidgety, biting her lip, "So, I kinda see why you gave me up and never told her about me. She seems…" she paused trying to find the right word and have some grace.
"Difficult" Diana finished for her.
The ladies' giggled, Elissa agreeing with the description.
Elissa stopped laughing and got ambivalent, "Were-were you serious about not letting me go again?" she asked sheepishly, but behind those nervous icy blue eyes lied determination to know the truth.
The woman's brow furrowed, "Yes. I meant it" she answered firmly. She placed her warm hands on the young girl's shoulders and looked her straight into the girl's matching blue eyes, "You are stuck with Bruce and me for as long as you want, okay?" she said with a small smile.
This brightened the teenager up and she nodded. Feeling warm inside by Diana's pledge, she unexpectedly hugged the woman, surprising the older woman.
The radio host's hands hover in the air before quickly returning the embrace. They stayed like that for some time. Enjoying the warmth that the other gave and even… the love they are developing for the other.
They soon parted and started to leave the restroom, both feeling bad about leaving Bruce alone with Hippolyta.
As they were leaving Elissa asked, "By the way, what were you doing breathing like that?" she asked curious holding the restroom door for her mother.
"Oh, those were breathing techniques. I do yoga" she answered simply.
"Really?"
The raven-haired woman nodded, "Yes, would you like to try it with me sometime?" she asked hopefully, wondering if they could do something together.
"Okay" the girl agreed cheerfully, finding yoga to be something interesting to do.
They returned to the table and noticed the scowls from the two who remained at the table.
"Everything okay?" Elissa asked taking her seat.
"Fine" the two firmly answered in a harsh tone.
5 Minutes Earlier
After Diana and Elissa parted from the dinner table.
The confrontation between Bruce and Hippolyta heated up.
"I won't let you take Elissa from us!" Bruce spoke coldly.
"I don't think you are in any position to discuss Elissa's wellbeing. Especially, considering you failed your home inspection" she countered matching his cold tone.
Bruce narrowed his eyes, "Cards on the table" he said, "I know why you want Elissa" he continued. Hippolyta tried to explain but Bruce cut her off, "It's not to be the doting grandmother" he sneered at her. "A Themysciran Senator reunited with a granddaughter she never knew she had. Take a few photo ops, maybe some interviews. Might even get some sympathy votes for a senator, whom according to rumor is running for president" Bruce glowered at her, venom in his voice.
A small smug smile that twitched at the corner of her lips disappeared as quickly as it formed.
"You're not the only one who can look into people" the dark-haired man reminded her of the extend of his resources. He leaned in, "Stay away from them. Or I tell them why you really called this meeting" he warned her.
Hippolyta didn't take the threat kindly, "You dare threaten me!" the blonde roared.
"To protect Elissa and Diana? Yes!" he maintained vehemently.
"Even after everything you did to my daughter. After impregnating her?" she pressed, her azure-eyes narrowed sharply. "Why? She's seeing someone else now."
He knows, he'll hate himself for the rest of his life for what he did. He ruined two lives for Batman to live. "Regardless of what I've done, I still care for Diana and I would do anything for Elissa. I have no doubt Diana will be deeply hurt by the revelation of why you're here" he answered strongly.
Hippolyta exhaled deeply through her nose digesting Wayne's ultimatum. Knowing she will lose, she scowled, "Fine. I'll stay away" she complied her voice even, but her expression clearly displeased.
The two sat in silence glaring at the other until Diana and Elissa returned.
They finished their meals and each bid farewell to the senator, whom will be leaving in the morning.
The new family of three stood outside the hotel and were saying their goodbyes and Bruce promised Elissa they would hang out soon.
The new parents also warned Elissa that the whole world knows about her, because her father is a billionaire.
So, Bruce told her to be careful. They would address this further later.
They soon said their goodbyes and went their separate ways for the night.
Arkham Asylum- Surveillance Room
A guard sat at the control console, where dozens of monitors observe the inmates of the health facility.
He drifted in and out of consciousness, eyes shut and open repeatedly trying to stay awake. But it's a losing battle. Double shifts suck.
Just then a guard sprinted into the room almost out of breath. "Its Joker! He's escaped!" the guard screamed, jolting the fellow guard awake and he slammed his fist onto the big red button on the console.
Alarms screeched throughout the asylum. The mental health facility-initiated lockdown protocols as guards armed themselves and ran through the halls to the escapee's cell as well as others securing the other inmates.
"Raise the bridge!" the commander of the security yelled.
But it was too late.
The Joker had already left the asylum by stealing a delivery truck making its monthly delivery.
He had just crossed the bridge connecting Arkham Island to the city.
He cackled as he drove, "Gonna go see my bat buddy" he sang. "And then I'm going to shoot that guy in the face" he continued to sing as he swayed in his seat. "In the face" he sang in a high pitch "In the face" he continued in a deep voice.
He laughed evilly as he made it into Gotham.
Time for some fun!
So, what did you think?
Next: Elissa gets uncomfortable at school, Batman vs Joker, and we finally know what's Steve's problem with Batman.
Beware the wonderbat ch 2- halfway down should be out soon!