Sorry, I haven't updated this story in while. I had planned on getting this out earlier, but I hurt my hand, which made it difficult to write. Anyway, I'm doing better, and I am working on my stories!
Life Unexpected
Chapter 11
Following Elissa's consent, Bruce and Diana wasted no time in starting the process to formally adopt Elissa and get their parental rights' reinstated.
The process took weeks and before they knew it, it was spring.
Members of the Wayne and Prince family prepared themselves for the special day. Each one assaulted with flashes from their shared time together.
Within the Prince residence, Diana busied herself with getting ready. Dressed in a white dress shirt and navy-blue dress pants and dark heels. Her matching blazer rested on her bed.
She stared into her vanity mirror applying red lipstick, her dark hair let down with diamond earrings in her ears.
She reflected on the past as she prepared herself.
"Would you like to see her?"
"No, please send her away."
"I'm sorry.
The Greek woman's past actions pained her, and they always will. But now, things had changed. She had her daughter back in her life and she was never going to let her go again.
She will always be grateful for Bruce and Elissa showing up on her doorstep months ago.
"Diana, meet our daughter, Elissa."
"Hi…"
"You look so beautiful."
She was so preoccupied with reminiscing about the past that she didn't hear a knock on her open door. The woman flinched and turned to the visitor, discovering Elissa at her door, wearing a sheepish look on her face.
"You look beautiful," the mother praised her daughter, whom had gotten bashful.
"Thanks," she replied, her eyes to the floor. She wore a white dress that ended just below the knees, the neckline conservative yet pleasing, a gold chain around her neck. Her hair straight, brushing against her back. Also, wearing a pair of diamond earrings dangling from her ears.
A light jacket hung over her arm. "Are you ready?"
"Certainly," Diana responded immediately and eagerly.
"There was never a year I didn't think about you."
The mood at Wayne Manor was similar to the Prince residence. Bruce tied his tie looking in the mirror getting ready for court.
His mind was ablaze as he recalled his life the moment, the daughter, he never knew he had, popped into his life.
"Uh, Bruce Wayne?"
"Can I help you, young lady?"
"I'm Elissa. Your daughter."
His heart almost burst out of his chest when he learned of her. And it almost died when he signed away his parental rights to her. He doubted her. Doubted that he had a child of his own. He sacrificed her for Batman to be born.
"WHAT THE HELL DID I DO THIS FOR?!"
It was Alfred, who, gave him the strength and wisdom to pursue a relationship with his only daughter. And he had to admit, it was perfect. She brought out things in him that he understood were dead.
She brought out the best in people. Something she inherited from her mother.
"Sir?" Alfred appeared with the billionaire's bedroom. "It's almost time, sir." He tried to speed him along if they wanted to make it the hearing on time.
"Almost ready," he struggled to finish his knotting his tie. Seeing his struggle, the older man went to help, speeding things along.
"Nervous?" the older man noted. He had seen that particular look on the younger man's face since he was a boy.
"A little," the dark-haired man reluctantly admitted. "I wasn't like this with Dick," he noted. He was much more dignified and reserved.
"In my opinion," the butler answered, "it had to do with the fact she is actually yours. And might I add, she has been waiting for you for quite some time," he uttered with a mild grin on his face. Pride filled him as he saw the closest thing he had to a son, have a family.
"We don't want to be late," Dick's voice rang out from the bedroom door, dressed appropriately for court as well.
"No, we do not," Bruce agreed, fondly.
The young man was just as invested in Elissa as Bruce and Diana were. He was going to have a sister. Sort of. They both would be children of Bruce. And he had to admit, Elissa was good people. A little shy, but a decent person.
It took some time and a little more effort on his part to become friends with the daughter of Bruce Wayne.
"Ready?" the young man eagerly, inquired, just as Alfred had finished knotting the dark-haired man's tie.
"Ready."
All three males left the manor eager to meet the ladies at the courthouse.
Gotham City Courthouse
The three men awaited the ladies arrival, eagerly, outside the courthouse. Even Bruce and Alfred, were anxiously checking their watches as time seemed to move slowly to them and their appointment was fast approaching.
Dick shuffled in his shoes, moving from side to side. His head whipping from one side of the street to the other, searching for his almost sister.
Eventually, the dark-haired women arrived almost jogging up the staircase. "Sorry, traffic," Diana explained, panting slightly.
"We still have some time, Miss," Alfred dismissed her apologizes, understandingly.
The Greek woman nodded appreciatively for the older man's understanding. She turned to Bruce, whom offered her a minuscule smile.
He turned to his daughter, "You look lovely," he complimented her, causing her to blush.
"Thanks, Bruce," she responded feeling embarrassed.
"And you, too," Bruce was quick to compliment the mother of his daughter.
"Why thank you, Bruce." Flippantly, she retorted, "You're very dashing yourself," she returned.
"Why I'm glad to see the two of you getting along," Alfred interrupted, pleasantly. "Might I remind everyone that we must be getting inside soon," he urged, as their appointment was less than ten minutes away.
"He's right," Bruce agreed. Everyone started to head in with Bruce, Diana, and Elissa at the back. The man through his arm around his daughter, pulling her close to him. "You ready?" he whispered lowly.
"I am," she nodded, beaming at the prospect of what was about to happen.
"Me too," he replied, equally excited.
It wasn't long before they were before the judge with Maria in attendance.
"It's not every day that dreams come true. But for you, young lady, dreams do come true," the judge began as Elissa, Bruce and Diana stood before the judge.
The dark-haired girl smiled slightly as her dream was becoming a reality.
"It is not every day that a young woman, such as yourself, gets an opportunity to be reunited with your parents. And I must say that is a remarkable feat," the honorable judge commented, pleasantly.
"It is my decision to reinstate the parental rights' of Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince regarding their daughter, Elissa Prince. Congratulations, you're a family!" the judge applauded, slamming the gavel down loudly.
The reality that Elissa was officially and forever theirs made Bruce and Diana embrace their daughter tightly, drawing a squeal of excitement from the girl and her mother.
Alfred and Dick soon joined them. Congratulating the three, especially Elissa for officially becoming a member of the family.
To commemorate the occasion, Maria pulled out her phone and told everyone to get close together. Everyone happily complied, getting close together with Elissa in the middle, Dick and Alfred on her sides, and Bruce and Diana behind them.
Everyone was oblivious that Bruce had his hand on Diana's lower back, surprisingly he did it unconsciously. And surprisingly to the woman, she didn't mind it.
Maria quickly took the photo and sent it to the girl, "So you never forget this day," she explained, happy that Elissa finally found a family—a true family that loved her. Elissa separated from her family, with them soon following now that the photo was taken.
"Thank you, Maria," she gratefully expressed. She did not even hesitate when she hugged the woman, that she had known for most of her life. "For everything." Forever grateful for all that the woman had done for her while she was growing up.
"Congratulations, Elissa. I wish you nothing but the best."
Diana's House
The now official family reconvened at the Greek woman's home for a little celebration. Diana had brewed some coffee for the adults, as well as providing some pastries for the special occasion.
Orange juice or hot chocolate was available for the children.
Bruce sat back away from the others for a bit. He needed a moment to himself to process the last few hours. Elissa was officially his daughter again. And he and Diana were… okay.
He understood he had feelings for her, but he was unsure if she still felt the same anymore. Ignoring her drunk attempts to kiss him when they first met Elissa.
This particular day was different than others. He was officially recognized as Elissa's father. Part of himself found it odd. He was genuinely delighted that Elissa was back with him and Diana. But… there was a gnawing in the back of his mind.
Should he have filed the adoption with Diana? Did he have the right to endanger the young girl's life because her father was Batman?
He quickly dismissed such thoughts. It was too late now. He could not in good conscience reverse the last few months.
As much as he feared for Elissa's life now in Batman's orbit, he knew that she needed him far more than he needed her.
She needed stability, which Diana would no doubt provide. But Bruce, he would offer the teen everything he could.
He would have to make arrangements should the worst occur.
His musings were interrupted when Elissa walked up to him. "What are you doing all the way back here?" she inquired, curiously. She was still in her attire from the hearing, she contemplated changing, but she didn't want to keep everyone waiting as this party was in her honor.
She and Alfred were happily chatting away, discussing her room at the manor. While Diana and Dick discussed other matters not pertaining to the occasion. The butler was inquiring as to what else she wanted placed.
They finished the renovations for her bedroom a few weeks ago, wanting everything to be perfect for when Elissa stayed over at the manor.
Diana and Bruce had an agreement, Elissa stays with her mother during the week and with Bruce on the weekends.
Of course, it was all Elissa's decision. If she wanted to stay over with Diana that was fine with the billionaire. She was staying with her mother for a significant amount of time. Naturally, she would be more inclined to stay with Diana, favoring her bedroom.
But the man wanted the opportunity for Elissa to stay with him, occasionally, at least.
Elissa had dismissed the idea of adding anything else, content with how the room had been when she last saw it.
Honestly, Elissa was excited at the prospect of staying the manor for a few nights. She never got to spend an entire day with Bruce, as she had to be delivered home at Diana's.
She was ecstatic about living with her mother and spending time with her, but she never got a chance to spend large quantities of time with her father.
It disheartened her and she wanted to rectify it.
Unintentionally, hurting her mother in the process. She was a little sensitive about being alone in her home again.
It was after finishing her conversation with the older man that she noticed her father a few feet away, sipping his coffee silently. She got the impression that he was avoiding mingling with the others. She took it upon herself to converse with the man she shared half her DNA with.
"Not much," he shrugged, finishing his beverage.
"Really?" she pressed skeptical.
The man's eyes narrowed, suspicious of her skepticism, the fact she could read him, made him believe it was from Diana's genes. She could always read him better than most.
"I'm fine," he answered evenly. "Enjoying the party?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah, it's great," she answered cheerfully.
"I'm glad."
Elissa shifted her weight from one leg to the other, "Are you okay?" she pressed softly. "Are you having second thoughts?" sounding fearful that he did not want this anymore.
"Never," he refuted immediately. "I just… not much fun at parties," he grumbled.
"I thought you were the life of the party?" Elissa responded, recalling all the stories the gossip columns wrote about her father, calling him a drunk and an idiot.
"They embellish," he replied, curtly.
His answer resulted in his daughter tilting her head, "Then, why don't you tell them that?" she curiously wanted to understand. Why did her father let them insult him like that? She wanted to understand. She needed to. She had become protective when it came to her parents.
"They aren't worth the effort," he coldly responded. "Let them say what they want. I know who I am."
His tone brought a smile to her lips, she liked that confidence he had, she hoped she had that somewhere inside her.
He patted her back, "Go, enjoy yourself," he encouraged. She went over to the others after imparting a smile back to the man, whom returned it with his own.
Diana, whom, saw the two interact came over to him. "Are you two fighting?" she teased, sipping some orange juice.
"No," he denied, flatly. "Why would we fight?"
She shrugged, "I'm messing with you, Bruce. Relax a little," she advised, offering him more coffee.
He politely accepted another cup as both adults watched Elissa chat with Dick. Apparently, they had plans to go to the movies over the weekend.
Both adults fondly watching the two teens getting along. Both were a little worried in the beginning that the two wouldn't get along with one another, but Dick's good-natured attitude coaxed Elissa into conversing with him and eventually, they became friends.
"This wasn't a dream, right?" the woman nervously asked. Earning a look from the dark-haired man.
"Why would it be?" he inquired, curiously.
She looked at him, releasing a sigh, "It just seems too good to be true," she admitted, sounding pessimistic, her gaze returning back to her daughter.
Bruce's gaze followed the woman's, both watching as Elissa laughed at something Dick said, oblivious to her parent's stares.
He had to admit the same idea crossed his mind too. This did seem too good to be true. But… he was more than willing to accept it without any of his natural skepticism or paranoia.
Diana seemed to be holding on to a bated breath as Bruce didn't answer her. It felt like an eternity before the man finally responded. "No, it's not a dream, Diana. It's all real. She's ours," he sounded elated as the words left his mouth.
He would do anything to protect her. They both would.
He made her smile, as her gaze returned to their daughter, cherishing her family. "Thank you, Bruce," she spoke softly, sipping her drink quietly.
"You're welcome," he equally responded, sipping his drink as well.
A few moments passed while the two enjoyed the silence between the them. They both perked up when Elissa came over to them, a little eagerly, Bruce could not help but notice.
"Hey, um, can I go over to the manor now?" Elissa asked both her parents' shyly, being polite as possible. She prayed they both said 'yes' to her request.
"Why?" Diana asked, placing her cup down on the counter. Her posture stiffening slightly upon the request.
The teenager tensed at the inquest, biting her lip, her fingers fiddling with her skirt. "I, uh, want to see my bedroom," she awkwardly admitted, desperately trying not to sound too anxious. She didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. She was trying not to sound too eager to see her other bedroom as her father's house.
Bruce automatically looked to Diana, awaiting her response. She was the one that assembled this little celebration. If she refused to let the whole thing go to waste so soon, well, Bruce would have to back her up.
Diana searched her child's face, discovering the inner struggle between being respectful to her mother and desiring to see her other home inside the young girl.
The woman turned her head and was surprised to realize Bruce was awaiting her answer as was their daughter. From the look on his face, she determined the man did not mind her answer.
She turned back to Elissa, whom was patiently awaiting her answer, nervously fidgeting. The mother released a breath, "Oh, alright," she reluctantly said, disliking that the festivities were ending so soon. Elissa perked up excitedly as her mother gave permission. "Why don't you change," she advised. "Are you bringing anything with you?" she inquired.
"Just some clothes when I stay over there," the teen shrugged.
"Be sure to bring some that you won't miss," she warned the teen. "I don't want to go through a whole thing because you can't find any clothes here," she explained as her daughter nodded her head.
"I won't," she promised already making for the staircase.
"Are you okay with taking her?" Diana turned to Bruce, whom was silently watching the whole thing.
"I had to get going anyway," he confessed, emptying the rest of his coffee into the sink and washing out the cup.
Alfred and Dick were cleaning up after themselves as well.
Diana was disappointed that the party was over, and everyone was leaving, even Elissa was going. And she was going to be all alone in her house. For a few days, on the weekends at least.
She was disheartened by the fact her daughter was leaving her alone for a few days, and she didn't want to get in the way of Bruce and Elissa spending time together.
She would never interfere with them spending time together. But a small, greedy part of her wanted to keep Elissa all to herself but she couldn't—wouldn't do that to them.
"Thanks for the coffee, Diana. And the party," Bruce showed his appreciation to the woman's efforts.
"You're welcome," she returned.
Alfred interjected, "Yes, Miss Diana, the food was delicious," he praised, cleaning up the table.
"Oh, Alfred, you don't have to do any of that," she tried to dissuade the older gentlemen, but he would have none of that.
"Nonsense, Miss. My honor as a butler and a gentleman will not have it," he dismissed her and resumed his duties, cleaning up for her.
"Well thank you. I appreciate it, Alfred." Diana reluctantly conceded.
"Yeah, the food was great, Diana." Dick helped with he dishes, passing by the woman.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Dick. Most of it was store bought," she admitted. She wasn't much of a cook, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Elissa came sprinting down the stairs, her footsteps thudding loudly like an elephant was coming down. "I'm ready," she eagerly, informed. She was now dressed in worn out jeans, and a purple tank top with skull and crossbones on it with hearts for eyes and black and white sneakers. In her hand was a suitcase containing some of the clothes and other items she wanted to leave at her father's.
"Good. Let's go," Bruce told her, heading for the door. He offered Diana some parting words before they all left, "I'll have her home early," he informed the woman.
"Thanks. Have fun!" Diana wished the girl a good time.
"I will," the teen hollered back over her shoulder as the door slammed shut.
Immediately, the raven-haired woman appeared sullen as she realized she was all alone now, and it was deafly quiet. She sighed, glumly she wondered what to do for the rest of the day.
Maybe call Etta? They could hang out for a while.
She went to her phone to ring Etta up. Before she could make the call, her doorbell rang, vaguely considering Elissa forgot something.
She opened the door and saw Steve at her doorstep. "Hey, Diana," the man sheepishly greeted.
The woman was stunned by his presence on her doorstep, "Uh, hey. What brings you here?"
"Uh, could we talk?" he asked, awkwardly.
She stepped back, "Sure, come in."
Wayne Manor
"This place is so awesome!" Elissa exclaimed as she walked through the estate taken aback by the sheer enormity of the place.
"Thank you," Bruce replied, bluntly. Inwardly amused by her enthusiasm. Dick was the same way when he first arrived.
But this was not Elissa's first trip to the house. She had been here a couple of times after Bruce had past his home inspection. He wanted Elissa to pick her own bedroom and he and Alfred would take care of all the accoutrements that were necessary for the bedroom and to the girl's specifications.
"Come on," he beckoned her, rousing her from her revere. He led her up the grand staircase and to the west wing of the manor. Elissa silently followed him, awed by the place. When she first arrived at the house, she bombarded her father with hundreds of questions about the house. She never had been in such an extravagant home before.
They passed paintings and other art pieces as they went to Elissa's bedroom, seemingly ignoring them. Bruce opened the door to Elissa's bedroom and wordlessly gestured for her to enter.
When she entered, the girl audibly gasped taken aback by the magnitude of the room. Bruce didn't skim when he had the room prepared.
The walls were painted lavender purple, wine-colored carpeting. She had a king-sized bed with purple sheets. A wide screen television secured to the wall, an antique nightstand by her bed and an armoire with a connected mirror, plus her own personal bathroom.
The room even had a window seat with a few pillows decorating the cushions.
"It looks incredible, Bruce." She whipped back to her father, whom was silently observing her inspections. "Thank you so much!" she dropped her bag and wrapped her arms around him in a tight and appreciative embrace.
"Anything for you," he smiled returning the embrace.
Seconds passed before they separated, "I'll let you get settled, see the room and then we can go and do something," he suggested, earning a nod from her.
He left her be for a while to get settled.
Diana's House
There was an awkward silence that raged on for a long while between Diana and Steve. She had offered him coffee, to which he politely accepted.
They sat in her living room, silently sipping their warm beverages, struggling to maintain eye contact. They had not been talking, they weren't even in the same room alone since the breakup. They had been courteous and professional when they were at work and on the air, but they hadn't really discussed their new status quo.
Diana found her behavior detrimental to her proud upbringing. Her mother raised her to be proud and never back down, let alone be shy to anyone. Not even her ex.
The beauty released a breath, "So, what brings you here?" she asked him politely, starting a long overdue conversation.
"I, uh, wanted to apologize. For the way things went down when we broke up," he explained, tensely. His tone was almost awkward and depressing. "I'm sorry, for my behavior. I realize you were dealing with a lot more than I imagined and I didn't help much," he continued, his eyes never leaving hers.
Diana was dumbfounded by the blonde man's apology. She never thought he would come here and try and mend their damaged rapport.
It both surprised and moved her. She had missed their conversations—their hanging out with each other after work. She realized that she was unfair to him, what with Bruce and Elissa came back into her life and her seemingly ignoring and then downright fazing Steve out.
She inhaled deeply, before she responded, "I realize we both handled this poorly," she said softly. "And I am sorry for my part in that, Steve. I truly am," her voice almost broke when the words left her mouth, her throat suddenly dry.
The man slowly nodded his head in understanding, "It's all right, Diana. We both made some mistakes," he sounded hopeful. Diana looked away, taking a moment to compose herself, chastising herself for losing composure so easily.
The radio man bowed his head, he took a breath before he decided to seize the moment. "I still love you," he uttered softly, just loud enough for her to hear.
The woman's head whipped back to him so fast she could have broken her neck. Her eyes wide, mouth agape, completely stunned by her ex's revelation.
"Steve…" she could not utter another word, too stunned to respond.
"Marry me," he asked her, intently.
If she wasn't surprise before she was now. "Steve… I…" the woman stammered, unable to find the right words. She took a calming breath and looked away. "I can't marry you," she eventually discouraged him.
"Why?" he begged weakly.
"Things are complicated right now. I just adopted Elissa and Bruce…" she immediately shut her mouth deterring a potential argument from Steve.
"Are you seeing him?" Steve calmly asked, struggling the push down the hurt he was feeling. He really screwed up. He should never had let her go, and now someone else was with her.
"No," she sighed, "but," she paused contemplating her next set of words. "We aren't seeing one another, but something's there. We just haven't acted on any of it yet," she expressed firmly.
"I see," he sighed, disheartened by her confession. "Uh, congratulations, on adopting Elissa," he tried to be casual with her, and express his admiration for the woman being with her daughter.
"Thank you," she returned, a small smile on her lips.
He stood up, "I best be going," he stated, with Diana joining him. They reached the front door, but the man paused, "Are we friends again?" he timidly inquired.
She smiled at him warmly, "Friends," she returned, giving the man a gentle embrace to which he returned, after a few seconds she pulled away, discouraging him from reading too much into the embrace.
Elsewhere near the Caribbean
"He's called the Batman," a blond-haired man debriefed and shadowed figure, sitting upon a throne with human bones scattered at the foot of the throne. "They say he can't be brought down," he continued to report, inciting a challenge within his boss.
"He fought many psycho criminals and mobsters. The Joker, Two-Face, Penguin—he's beaten them all."
The figure continued to stare at his subordinate through red lens covered eyes, listening intently.
"Gotham City's police department is no real threat to us. Depose Batman and the city is yours."
Another minion spoke up, "What will we do, my lord?"
The figure was silent, carefully considering the facts. Gotham City ripe for the taking. A bat as its true protector. What kind of man becomes a creature of the night?
Finally, their master spoke, "We will travel to Gotham. We will take the city. We will observe this Batman. Study him. And when we discover his weakness we will strike. And I will break him," he emphasized by crushing the right armrest with his hand.
NEXT: Blast From the Past
We are getting very close to wonderbat. Look out for the next chapter or the one after that!
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