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Selina would never, ever, take anyone to a house she didn't know about and didn't know was safe. She had been hanging around and visiting Gordon's house both with him present and absent. She hadn't seen anything suspicious or dangerous, and Gordon seemed trustworthy enough with her that, in a time of need, she'd seen fit to bring Ivy. She knew that Ivy hated the detective because he had been indirectly responsible for her now living on the streets. Ivy had told Selina how bad it was with her parents when they were alive, there were almost always fights between them and sometimes her father got physically violent with her mother and with her.
Ivy did not miss her parents, but she did miss the comfort of a home, a moderately safe place where she could sleep, eat food every day, take a shower, the things that she had in her room and that had been left behind when she decided to run away from her adoptive parents. The agent who went to see Ivy told her only take what was essential and even that she had stayed behind. Once she had tasted what it was like to be in a foster home, Ivy preferred the streets, knowing that no parent could keep up with her character. She wanted someone trustworthy, someone who, no matter how badly she behaved, still loved her. But this was Gotham and she would never find that. Every night she had to look for a new place to sleep, because if the mafias or the pimps or pederasts found her they could kidnap her or rape her, even though she was only seven years old. She was a girl, but the street children were adults in children's bodies. Each one carried an emotional backpack that very few adoptive parents could bear. And Ivy was tired of pretending to be someone she wasn't to please potential adopters, for once in her life she wanted to be herself.
But this time she was sick and tired. The worst thing was that it was raining and she had not been able to find a good shelter, being some cardboard boxes in the rain on a corner frequented by homeless people and drug addicts the only option for her to spend the night. She had started to cough, her wet clothes clung to her body and she was starting to feel hot. She thought she had a fever, but she had no medicine. She didn't even know what medicine for her illness she could steal. Selina had found her and taken her to a place she said was safe. Selina looked healthier than usual, happier and with new accessories. Ivy was envious. Selina was open, outgoing, spontaneous. She was everything an adopter looked for in a child. If Selina didn't have that devastating character, she wasn't so stubborn, maybe if she was interested in being adopted, the few parents who dared to adopt an older child would have already adopted her.
Selina was a born leader, so Ivy followed her without question, knowing that wherever she led, she would never put her in danger. At first everything was fine. The house was big, with wealthy people, though not as rich as the Waynes. There were photos of a man and a son she didn't recognize, despite swearing she'd seen him somewhere, hanging on the walls and the fridge was full of food. Ivy ate greedily, not having eaten in days and not knowing when her next meal would be. Being a vegetarian, she couldn't always eat properly on the streets, but she refused to give up her diet, it was a way of reminding herself who she was. They watched television, covered with the blankets on the sofa. She had missed the comfort of a sofa. Her tiredness washed over her, because living on the streets, it was better to wake up to every noise, she couldn't sleep much, but it was a sure way to stay alive. At least here, in this house, for this night, she could feel safe.
Suddenly, someone began to poke at the door. Ivy looked at Selina, who was wide-eyed and looking a little guilty. Ivy was up at once, alert. Whoever she was, it wasn't in Selina's plans for her to be there tonight and maybe they should run before that person called the police or attacked or killed them. But Ivy knew better. The only one who could safely get out of there was Selina because she was the only one who knew parkour. Ivy only had the door to escape. She was trapped. At least she knew that Selina would not abandon her. It was something you learned on the streets: unwavering loyalty to your people.
She never expected the person to walk in to be Jim Gordon. Ivy had seen him only once in person, but she had never been able to forget his face. Because he was the one to blame for her going through hell. Ivy shrieked in fury at Selina's deception, at her betrayal. She glared at her, tearful, and grabbed a knife, ready to slash if Gordon came near her.
- You lied.-Ivy said to Selina.-You said this place was safe. Is this where you've been all this time? How could you bring me here?
"It's safe for us, Ivy," Selina said. "He won't hurt us. It was Bullock who shot your father, not Gordon."
Ivy knew that she had to trust Selina, she would never lie to her. But Ivy did not trust Gordon, for her, both Bullock and Gordon were guilty, they both shot and tried to cover it up by saying that his father had drugs and that is why he fled. Ivy knew that wasn't true. Her father was many things: a drunk, an abuser, a thief, but he was not a drug addict and he did not deal drugs. Her father had run away because having the Gotham police in his house was never a good sign. Ivy was starting to doubt Selina's loyalty, maybe she was starting to become a sneak, maybe she had been bought off.
- I can go, if you want.-Gordon said looking at Selina.-If it's more comfortable for your friend.
Selina stared at Ivy. Her decision was hers. Ivy looked at Gordon. She didn't trust him and she didn't want him near her, but the house was his, it was raining hard outside, and as much as Ivy would have loved Gordon to soak himself to the skin, so he would know how she felt, what she was feeling, what was to be in her shoes, at least for one night, it was preferable to save the place for future visits, although Ivy did not intend to visit Gordon again.
- You can stay.-Ivy said looking at Gordon.-But don't come near me.
"But you're sick," Gordon said, looking at her. "And I don't think Selina has any knowledge of medicine."
- It's okay.-said Ivy after an intense silence.-But only for tonight and you will only get close to me as much as you need. I'm still mad because you killed my father.
Ivy insisted on seeing the package insert for every drug Gordon gave her, not trusting him. She couldn't read very well or understand medical words, but she gave the impression of being suspicious and alert and that was more than enough. Gordon let Ivy and Selina watch movies on the couch while he watched them from the chair, giving them her space and not coming closer unless absolutely necessary. They fell asleep with the television on and curled up on the couch, the bowl of popcorn spilled onto the blankets. They woke up in bed, covered up to their necks in warm blankets and soft sheets. It was around noon and next to Selina's bedside table was a note.
I didn't want to wake you up. I moved you into the room I used as a teenager. This way you will be more comfortable. I hope you had a good night.
Jim Gordon
- It's the best night I've spent in weeks.-Ivy said.-But don't tell him, I don't want him to think that he was right with his decision to move us to bed.
"You were right, you know?" Selina said. "This is where I've been coming for weeks. I wouldn't have brought you if it wasn't strictly necessary. I know you hate Gordon.
Ivy looked at Selina. She knew that she could trust her friend and couldn't be mad at her for wanting comforts and food on a daily basis. If she had been in Selina's place, she would have done the same. Gordon's presence was annoying, but it was better than living on the streets, and at her age, Ivy knew that she and Selina needed to be under adult supervision so they wouldn't be sent to foster homes. Ivy wanted Selina to be with her, she had spent a lot of time alone in her life and Selina and Bridgit were the only friends she had ever had.
"Okay, Selina." Ivy said hugging her friend. "Do you think we can stay one more night? Maybe Gordon doesn't mind. I don't want to go back to the streets so soon."
-We'll ask him when he comes back.-Selina replied.-Meanwhile, we're going to have breakfast.
