Scarlet POV

"So, the appointment went well?" Floyd asks, having met up with me and Zoe at the ice cream shop, us all sat at a table enjoying our ice cream, myself having mint chocolate my favourite.

"Yeah, although Scar told me more useful information then what he said" Zoe says, I share a smile with her at this,

"Thank you again for taking Zoe to the appointment Scarlet" he says, I smile at him for this,

"Not a problem at all, happy to help" I say, taking a sip of my drink,

"I'm just going to the toilet" Zoe says, I quickly go into my bag and discreetly hand her what she needs before she goes.

"I told her I'd take her to the store later for what she needs" I say, he nods in thanks at this, I think he'll be relieved that he doesn't have to do that,

"Thanks again for taking Zoe, I can't believe Karen didn't take her, I haven't been able to get through to her so she must be on her latest hang over" he says, I nod at this, we know what she's like, the trouble is that because of Floyd's area of expertise it would be too dangerous for Zoe to live with him,

"Just think Floyd, once she hits seventeen she can move out and be independent" I say, trying to give a comforting smile,

"That's still four years too long away" he says, I squeeze his hand at this,

"She'll be fine Floyd, she has you looking out for her, she's in great hands" I say, from this he squeezes my hand,

"And you, she has you too" he says, I smile widely at him for this,

"So exactly why were you at the school?" he asks, my eyes widen at this in shock, damn he didn't forget,

"Guess I've been caught huh? I went to speak to the headmaster, I learned after doing some digging that a fair few of the teachers at Zoe's school shouldn't be teaching at all, so I gave him a few threats and suggestions and so now on Wednesday next week there will be some new teachers, receptionist and some security members at the school" I say, he looks at me shocked from all this,

"Security?" he asks, I nod at that

"Gotham's not exactly the safest, but id still prefer the school to have some extra security and not just cameras, any weirdo could get into that school. There's going to be some new teachers who will know what they're doing and that receptionist has the brain span of a tea spoon, didn't even check who Zoe was leaving with" I say, he nods at this, still looking at me with what I can only guess is shock,

"Sounds like your invested" he says now with a grin on his face I laugh at this,

"Yeah, I guess I am, a few of the people I'll be hiring we know but they're safe to teach half of them have kids too" I say, he nods at this, seeming to like the news.

"Hey dad, have you seen Scar's car? It's amazing" Zoe says sitting back at our table, I smile proudly,

"Everyone loves the car" I say happily, taking a spoonful of ice cream, hearing Floyd and Zoe laugh.

"So, your ok with going with Scarlet and I'll get to work, she'll take you home after you've been shopping" Floyd says, Zoe nods at this, I too nod as well, this being the arrangement after all, and Floyd need to get back to his research for his next hit.

Be good and ill see you this weekend" he says, giving Zoe a hug and a kiss on the cheek before he leaves, giving me a kiss on the cheek too which I grin at us watching him leave in his rental car.

"So how are you and my dad?" Zoe asks, I look to her shocked from the sudden question, myself pushing the trolley in the store we're in, I decided I might as well get some shopping in too while we're out,

"Umm we're good, still getting along really well and I enjoy his company as I think he does with me, I still don't know why he insists on taking me to places where I can't read the menu though" I say making Zoe giggle, I smile at this, suddenly realising what we must look like in the store, happy, like a mother and daughter just out shopping, like normal people.

"Yeah, I think he's just trying to impress you. He's been happier since you two started dating, I can tell" she says, I smile at her for that, happy to hear this bit of information, we make our way over to the health section and I help her to pick which product she wants to use, explaining the different types and strengths, advising her as well to always keep some spare in her handbag even when she isn't due, it's always good to have on hand just in case.

"I wish my mum would do this, be able to help me with this and do what she said she will do" Zoe says, I look to her at this after picking out some ingredients for tonight's meal, I place my hand on her shoulder giving her a supportive smile,

"I won't say anything negative about your mother Zoe, she is your mum after all and I know you love her. just remember that if you ever need help or advise or just want to talk, just give me a call, heck if you need to just get some peace and quiet you could stay over at mine for a night some time, I bet we could do a slumber party one day, that could be fun, I've never done one before but the movies make it look fun" I say, her eyes practically brighten up at my suggestion,

"That would be awesome! I've been to my friend's slumber parties from school, but I can't have one at my place…mum doesn't keep it clean enough, and I don't want her getting embarrassed if my friends see her not looking well" she says, I nod in agreement to that, plus it wouldn't be good for her friends to go to their parents and tell them the condition of Zoe's home.

I've seen what it looks like from Floyd and myself taking her home after a meal out, the place is shocking. I watched from afar once and saw how hard Zoe works to keep her room clean but her mother makes a mess of the rest of the place that whenever Zoe tries to tidy up, its different the next day, she's only thirteen she shouldn't have to look after her mother like this.

At least Floyd and myself can offer an escape for her when we can, I want Zoe to be able to feel comfortable around me enough to be able to call me or get in touch if she ever needs me,

"Ok I think we have everything, let's get you home before your mum starts to worry" I say, that's if she's woken up yet I think to myself.

The drive is again fun, I let Zoe choose the music and we sing along and laugh at how badly we do that, it's fun being carefree with her. when we get to her flat buildings car park I help take a couple of her bags while she takes the other two bags and walk up to the stairs to go to her floor, doing my best not to cringe at the place, whoever runs this place really doesn't care about its residents.

Zoe opens to door with her key and we go inside, I place her bags on a small round dining table near the small kitchen, beginning to help her put the things away,

"Zoe? Is that you? Where have you been?"

I look up to see Karen stumble out of her bedroom, her hair is a bird's nest and wearing what I can only guess is her pyjamas that look too big for her. her eyes go from Zoe to me, before trying to straighten up,

"Who are you?" she asks, her eyes still on me,

"Miss Drigg, I'm Scarlett, Floyd's girlfriend, I took Zoe to her doctor's appointment earlier and we just picked up some shopping before coming here" I say, she frowns at this,

"She doesn't have a doctor's appointment until tomorrow" she says, I swear I need an award for schooling my facial features I so wanted to frown at her for this, at least give an eye roll but I don't because Zoe is in the room,

"Mum it was today, dad called Scar to take me because you weren't answering your phone" she says, I smile at her for this, but seeing Karen look back into her bedroom,

"Damn thing must have died" she mumbles, uh huh funny when I called it rang but had no answer, she was asleep so hard that she didn't hear because…SHE'S HUNGOVER!

"Thanks for taking her anyway Charlotte" she murmurs starting to go over to where I think the bathroom is, seriously? She can't even get my name right?

"I'll get going Zoe, don't forget what I said" I say, giving her a hug which she hugs back,

"Thanks again Scar, I'll see you later" she says, I nod and give a light wave before leaving the apartment.