Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story nor am I making any profit from it.

It was raining. It always seemed to be raining on days like this, the days of death. Bruce seemed to have tuned out the priest completely merely hearing words like life and heaven here and there. He was completely nonplussed to his surroundings.

Alfred stood holding the umbrella over Barbara. She had barely spoken since it happened two days ago. Neither had Bruce. Alfred closed his eyes for a moment remembering many years ago when he held the same umbrella over another lost soul. It seemed that no matter how old the victims were, it still affected them the same. Alfred looked over at his charge. Bruce's hair was completely drenched. Strands fell into his eyes. The rain was a prefect mask for Master Bruce. If he had been shedding tears they would have blended in perfectly with the water, freely trailing down his face. Master Bruce was in shock. Alfred knew that, and he held great concern for the younger man who now seemed even younger than his 34 years. Bruce dealt with too much death in his lifetime and violent deaths at that. It was a horrible thing. Still, Alfred thought understanding his charge's pain, wanted Bruce to understand Madame Barbara's. She was the one who lost a parent, not him. Bruce did not seem to realize that. He didn't even stand next to her during the ceremony. Alfred did more comforting than her own husband was doing.

The priest ended with "Amen." The large amount of gatherers began to disperse and started to head back to Wayne Manor for a luncheon. It was something Jim would have wanted. Jim would have wanted everyone to go on with their lives as usual.

Alfred looked behind him waiting for Master Bruce to join him and Barbara. The umbrella kept both of them dry, but Bruce had not edged from his place of solace in the rain. His eyes remained fixated on the ground, his fists clenched and eyes narrowed. Alfred knew what he must do and what Bruce would do as well.

"Alfred," Barbara spoke.

Alfred immediately turned his attention to her "Yes, my dear?"

"I am going to say hi to Sarah over there." Alfred gave here a brief kiss on her forehead.

"I will be waiting for you here." She smiled, but her smile soon turned to sadness when her eyes fell on Bruce. Alfred knew her very thoughts. He didn't want her to fret.

"I will get him, miss."

She smiled at Alfred and began walking away.

Alfred strode over to Bruce and rested his hand on his shoulder.

"Come along, sir. It's time to go."

Bruce didn't respond. Alfred left his hand there waiting for Bruce to acknowledge him. Bruce didn't.

Alfred insisted.

"Sir, it is time to go."

Bruce looked up with haunted eyes, "It was my fault Alfred. "

Alfred knew that this was the path he would take. He was prepared for this.

"Sir, I would love to debate on how this was not your fault, but right now your wife needs you. " Bruce's eyes followed Barbara. Her long, flowing hair was covered in a black hat. He looked at her profile and felt a small smile creep in.

"This is her loss, sir, "Alfred added while having Bruce's attention, "not yours."

Bruce's eyes met Alfred's understanding him and began to trot over to Barbara. She looked at him and they hugged fiercely. Alfred prayed that was enough to keep them that way.