Chapter 4: Catching Up Over Coffee

Jervis Tetch was currently in his apartment with his phone in his hand and Alice's number in the other. He was sitting down for about a half hour debating whether or not to actually call the woman he once loved and possibly still does, despite everything that happened between them. Every word Alice said earlier today meant so much to Jervis and it really filled his heart with warmth and hope. Gathering his courage, he dialed the number and waited for her to answer. Meanwhile, Alice was sitting on her couch watching Friends, but couldn't stop thinking about her run in with her former boss earlier today. She meant every word she said to him and really believed it was fate that this happened. She liked to think it was the universe showing them that they have a second chance. Alice then heard her phone ring and answered it. "Hello?", Alice answered. "Alice?", Jervis answered back. "Hey. I'm glad you called. I was really hoping I would hear from you.", Alice said. "It took me a long time to actually call. I wasn't sure if I should.", he said. "Like I said, I'm glad you did.", Alice assured him. "First off, I wanted to apologize for my behavior for when we ran into each other this morning. I was just really startled. And honestly, I thought you might scream for help almost right when you saw me.", he told her. "It's okay. I was startled too. But I do want to assure you that I meant every word that I said. I forgive you for everything and I really hope you would still like to be friends.", Alice said. "I would love that more than anything in the world, but I highly doubt Billy would approve.", he said. "You don't need to worry about him. We're not together anymore.", Alice said. "You're not?", he asked with great surprise. "What happened?", he asked her. "How about we meet up face to face and catch up down at the Starbucks in Burnley?", she suggested. "Okay. How does 7 sound?", he asked. "See you then.", Alice replied and they then both got off the phone. Jervis began to feel even more hope after she told him her and that jackass were no longer a thing. He then began to get ready for his coffee date with Alice. "I better hurry. I mustn't be late for my very important date!", he said to himself as he got ready. Later on at the Starbucks, Alice was sitting down waiting for her old friend to show up. Jervis took some deep breaths outside the place before he actually went in. Upon entering, he saw Alice sitting at the corner booth looking just as beautiful as she always looked. Alice looked over and saw him and went over to greet him. She gave him a big hug since it has been a few years since they've actually seen each other. "Glad you could make it.", Alice said cheerfully. "I'm just glad to see you again after so long.", he said equally cheerfully. They both sat down and started having their coffee. "So, how's life been now that you're a free man?", she asked. "Alright. Wasn't really too interesting or exciting until I ran into you. But it does feel good to throw in the towel from the wicked thing that is crime and villainy.", he said. "And it is great to be finally free from constantly listening to the screams of the insane.", he said while taking a sip of his coffee. "Yeah, because you didn't belong there. I never saw you as insane even after what happened the last time we met.", she said. "I never did either. I saw myself as mad. But I guess that's normal since I believe we all go a little mad sometimes.", he said. "I never even saw you as that either. You committed crimes because you were coping from a broken heart. And if anything, that was my fault.", Alice replied sadly. "Alice, what happened to me and what happened between us was not your fault, it wasn't even Billy's or Batman's fault. It was mine. I went too far in my pursuit of you that I guess I lost sight of right and wrong, and even reality and fantasy.", he assured her with his hand on hers. She was touched by his gentle and kind words as he was touched by hers. "Speaking of broken hearts, did you want to talk about what happened between you and Billy at all? If not, I understand.", he brought up. "It's okay. I really do need someone to talk to mainly because of that. We split up because I recently found out he started seeing some other girl behind my back and I never felt such betrayal and anger in my life. So, I kicked him out, but haven't been doing good ever since. Jervis felt both sorrow for his precious Alice, and anger that that bastard would hurt such a sweet person like her for his own selfish desires. Jervis once more put his hand on hers and said, "I am so sorry that happened to you. Nobody deserves for that to happen to them, but especially not you because of how much of a good and sweet person you are.". Alice held his hand in return and gave him a warm and loving smile. "So, are you still Wayne Enterprises?", he asked her to change the subject. "Yeah, but I got transferred down to the biology department after you left. "I'm now secretary to Kirk Langstrom and his wife.", Alice said. "That's nice. At least you don't have to put up with Dr. Cates and her constant screaming and nagging anymore.", he said. "You got that right, but it does make me feel uncomfortable to sometimes be around the bats, lizards, snakes, and whatever other creepy crawlies they have in that department. "Well, that doesn't sound as bad compared to the fact I have shared the same home with both a crocodile man and a shape-shifting blob of clay.", he responded. They both laughed at that and she said, "That's true.". The two of them talked and caught up for about a half hour more before they finished their coffees and left. It felt good to both of them to talk to each other once again. Jervis never thought he would even be allowed in the vicinity of her after what happened. "It was lovely seeing you again, my dear. I guess I should get going.", he said. "Well, how about you walk me home? It is Gotham after all and I could use a big strong man to protect me.", Alice teased him. Jervis slightly blushed and said, "Oh, I'm hardly those things.". "Sure you are. And I am too, I've recently started taking karate lessons. I can seriously kick somebody's ass if they would try to mug me.", Alice teased. He slightly laughed at that and said, "That's good to know. Shall we, Ms. Pleasance?". "Let's go, Mr. Tetch.", Alice replied. As they hooked arms and started to walk back to her apartment.