Chapter 12
On the twelfth time that I read the name, I could no longer deny what was in store for me. Bruce Wayne? THE boy billionaire? Why on god's green earth would HE want to take me in? Just as I pondered this question, I heard the click of the doorknob before me. I quickly ducked down under the table as a pair of blue suede shoes stepped into the office.
"Miss Gibson, I know you're in here." Commissioner Gordon's voice soothed. I sighed with relief as I stood up from my hiding place.
"Hi." I smiled innocently. "I can totally explain." I took a deep breath, getting ready to go into a full on rant about my night.
"No need." He interrupted, waving his hand. He closed the door behind him as he grabbed the paperwork off his desk. "Batman informed me of your arrival." He put his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry about your mother." His eyes were filled with actual sympathy. He truly cared. I smiled shyly at him as I looked down at my toes.
"Thanks." I mumbled.
"A couple officers have volunteered to drive you to your temporary placement." Gordon replied. Today's events all came back to me as my eyes widened.
"No, No, No, No, No!" I exclaimed as I grabbed his arm. Gordon stopped in his tracks as he turned back to me. "Please, you're the only one here I trust. Can you take me?" He looked at me for a long time and with a sigh, he nodded.
"Okay." He replied. I smirked as the two of us made our way through the precinct. I saw two pairs of eyes watch us carefully as we walked towards a police vehicle. Fortunately, I got to sit in the front this time as we drove.
The sun was rising over the horizon as the car made its way out of the city and towards the city limits. It was probably around 6 in the morning. The only sleep I had gotten that night was hypothermia induced, so that was completely restful. Not. It's gonna be okay, I told myself. Everything was going to work out just fine. I was about to take a quick nap when I saw the towering building just up the hill. Wayne Manor sat before us, a colossal mammoth. Soon we had pulled up the driveway and parked in front of the wide staircase. We both got out of the car as Gordon and I made our way up the stair case. There was no doorbell. Only a bronze knocker in the center of the door. Gordon grabbed a hold of it and banged it against the door. The noise echoed as we waited. Shortly after the door opened to a familiar face.
"Good evening Commissioner Gordon, Miss Gibson." The British Butler greeted. My eyes widened at the realization. You, I mouthed to him. He paid my silent notion no regard, but I knew he saw it. "Master Wayne will be down in just a moment. Commissioner Gordon you're welcome to stay."
"No thank you, Alfred. I really should be going." He replied. Gordon put his arm on my shoulder, looking down at me. I looked up at him. "Are you going to be okay?" I nodded.
"I think I'll be fine, Thanks Comm-ish." I smirked. Gordon was a little taken back by the nickname but he brushed it off. He gave my back a pat as he made his way out of the mammoth mansion. I took this time to gaze at my surroundings. In front of me was an elaborate staircase like the one in Beauty and The Beast. The building looked antique, almost victorian. The butler, apparently named Alfred, led me into a nearby sitting room. I was almost afraid to sit on the soda, it looked too expensive for anyone to even touch. But I managed.
"Would you like anything to drink? Hot Cocoa perhaps?" Alfred questioned.
"So this is your day job?" I asked coyly. Alfred smirked at me.
"Yes, but Master Wayne is not aware of my late night escapades. I would hope you would keep this a secret for the sake of Batman's secret identity." The Butler explained. I nodded.
"Oh of course, I understand." I smiled in agreement. "Totally get it."
"I'm glad we're in agreement. I will be right back with that hot cocoa." He replied as he left the sitting room. For a sitting room, it was rather large. A fire place burned against the wall. Over it sat a portrait of a young boy with deep black hair and brilliant blue eyes. He was a cute kid. Above him, what I assumed at least, were his parents. The father had a striking resemblance to his son as the three of them looked like a happy family. The fire was nice and warm and I was still in my t-shirt and boy shorts. Quickly I made my way towards the fire and snuggled up close. I gazed at some of the knick knacks and such on the mantle. An old clock, some antique photos. The basics.
"Miss Gibson." A suave voice greeted. I was startled, but I had become accustomed to people jumping out at me lately as I turned. Bruce Wayne stood before me, looking as dapper as ever. He wore a nice business suit with a navy blue tie. It brought out the brilliant blue of his eyes.
"Mr. Wayne." I replied with a smirk. "It's awfully kind of you to let me stay here for the time being." I outstretched my hand. Business people shake hands, right? "Thank you."
"It's no trouble at all. There's plenty of room." He smirked, brushing it off as if it were no big deal. His meaty hand firmly grasped mine and shook it. Man, some grip! At that moment Alfred walked back into the room. In hid hands was the familiar tray of hot cocoa. I took the mug off of the silver platter.
"Thank you." I said with a grateful smile.
"You must be freezing." Alfred commented, noticing my attire. "Right this way, I'll show you to your room."
"Get yourself acquainted, Miss Gibson. I'll see you tonight at dinner." Bruce said as he picked up his briefcase, making his way towards the door.
"Call me Sarina, everyone does." I replied. I saw something glimmer in Bruce's eyes. Concern? No matter, it was quickly gone as he composed himself.
"Well then, call me Bruce." He smirked. I nodded.
"Will do, Bruce." I smiled. With that, the two of us went our separate ways as I followed Alfred up the spiral staircase. I still couldn't believe Bruce Wayne was taking me in. ME. Of all people! Why was he being so nice to me? After a long walk through a handful of corridors I had found myself in front of a large double door almost ten feet tall. Alfred pulled open the door to reveal the most incredible room I have ever seen.
"I've prepared this room for you, Miss Gibson. I hope it is to your liking." Alfred explained. The room was about as big as my entire apartment. There room was a brilliant eggshell white. A king sized canopy bed with purple sheets was propped in the corner. To my right, stood a large wardrobe. The kind that people would go to Narnia in. It was huge! To my left there was a fireplace with a sofa and everything. Directly across from me was a balcony overlooking the couple acres of Wayne manor. It was gorgeous.
"It's perfect!" I cried in excitement.
"School starts in about two hours. There are some clothes in the wardrobe and I will come get you when it's time to go. Any dinner suggestions for this evening?" He implored. I couldn't help but think of what I almost had for dinner the night prior.
"Prime Rib?" I suggested. Alfred nodded.
"I think I manage." He said with a smile. "Is there anything else you need?" I turned to him, shocked by the question.
"You've done more than enough!" I laughed at the thought of me needing anything else. Alfred smiled.
"Very well then. Call me if you need anything." And with that, the Butler was gone. Leaving me to myself. I giggled with glee as I threw myself onto the plush sheets. The comforter was so...well...comfortable. And was that pure Egyptian cotton I felt? Yessirie! I sighed with content as I closed my eyes.
First, I decided to explore the room from head to toe. The balcony was incredible. A beautiful view I had only dreamed about. There were all sorts of lamps and lights that I'm sure cost more than my life. Finally I had made it to a door in the far corner of the room. I had assumed it was just a closet but when I opened it up my jaw dropped to the floor. Inside was a full bath, complete with rainwater shower and jacuzzi jet bathtub. I was definitely going to have to try that tonight. However, I had a limited amount of time to get primped and polished for school. I hopped into the shower. It felt so good to finally be clean again. The rainwater shower is probably the greatest invention ever. As I got out of the shower I made my way to the wardrobe. Inside there were about a dozen outfits hanging up and ready to wear. My eyes widened. These were the type of clothes that celebrities could afford. Some of the price tags were still on the outfits. Could a price tag on a piece of fabric have that many zeros? I grabbed the most appealing a-line skirt and blue blouse and promptly changed into it.
As soon as I had applied the finishing touches on my hair, outfit and makeup there was a polite knock on the door.
"We'll be leaving shortly, Miss Gibson." Alfred's voice called out. No sooner said then done, I whipped open my bedroom door.
"I'm ready." I chirped with glee. Alfred smiled as we made our towards the door.
"I took the liberty of packing your lunch." He informed me as he handed me a silver tin lunchbox.
"Oh, thank you!" I smiled. My mom hasn't packed me a lunch in 8 years. This was certainly a change. As we continued outside I noticed the large limo that sat in front of the door. Alfred went ahead of me and opened the door. I froze.
"Wait, we're going in the limo?" I questioned with excitement.
"If that's alright with you." He added. I nodded and practically sprinted down the steps.
"Of course it's all right with me!" I smirked as I hopped in.
Everyone stopped, turned and stared as the limo pulled up to the school. This was certainly a great way to make an entrance! All eyes were on me as Alfred got out of the driver's seat and opened the door for me. I tried to exit the vehicle as if I were a celebrity. I certainly felt like one with all the stares. I half expected the paparazzi to jump out of the bushes and swarm.
"I shall be back here around three Miss Gibson." Alfred added as he closed the door behind me.
"Thank you, Alfred!" I smirked at him. With that, I made my way into the school entrance. Security guard Gus stood his post as I walked up to him.
"Miss, what are you doing here?" He demanded, matter o'factly.
"Going to school...?" I questioned, hoping that was the answer he was looking for.
"Didn't you hear the announcement? All blondes are to report to the auditorium." Gus explained. I chuckled at this comment, classic Gus.
"Very funny Gussy." I giggled as I peeled off my sunglasses. "You're gonna have to try harder then that." His eyes widened in realization.
"Sarina? Are you okay?" He questioned in concern. "I didn't recognize you." Oh, he wasn't messing with me.
"Yeah, I'm fine Gus." I replied. "Everything's okay."
"I heard about your mom and I just thought-" He began he then interrupted himself. "You need to go to the auditorium now, it's an emergency. All blonde girls need to-"
"What the hell are you talking about?" I snapped. "You too? These blonde jokes aren't funny!" Gus looked like he was about to defend his lame joke but I wasn't having it. Quickly, I discarded all of my metal objects and walked through the scanner. All clear. In a flash, I had put myself back together and walked away.
"Wait!" He called after me. I didn't listen. I was angry and when I'm angry I tend not to listen to people. Charging down the hall, I made my way towards the exit. The doors ripped open, slamming against the concrete walls. "Sarina, get back here!"
"I'm good, thanks." I snapped. Gus immediately grabbed my arm, holding me back.
"Hey, I was put in charge of making sure you were safe." He explained.
"Great, you're my glorified babysitter." I groaned, recalling Batman's deal. I had almost forgotten about it. I was also kind og hopping he had too.
"Yes, and right now is not the best time to go wandering by yourself." Gus explained. He had a point but I wasn't going to let him know that.
"Well, I'm just a blonde." I replied condescendingly.
"Gah! Just listen without jumping to conclusions for a change." Gus groaned in annoyance. I ripped my arm from his grip. He sighed. "C'mon let's go for a walk to calm you down. You've gone through a lot and I totally understand. You need a moment to pull yourself together, that's cool. Once you know what's going on in the assembly, we'll laugh about this. I promise." I sighed as I finally agreed.
"Okay." I nodded. "Just, don't talk to me for a bit. I need...I need to think."
"That's fine by me." Gus replied. With that, we started walking. Gus followed closely behind as I walked aimlessly. I managed to make my way into an old quiet part of the city that no one hardly went to anymore as I slowly I thought over my life. Yes, maybe I did overreact a touch to Gus's blonde joke. Heck, I'm not even sure if he was kidding or not. He and Robin were really going at it. What was wrong with me lately? I'm just sick of these blonde jokes, I'm tired of fearing for my life and I want my mom!
I froze at this sudden realization. Standing in place about halfway down the road. My mother would call this a psychological breakthrough. I was just a sad pathetic excuse for a girl trying to hide her sadness with lavish goods. When deep down, I just needed my mommy. Soon enough, I found my self curled up into a ball on the side of some old hat shop as I bawled my eyes out. It was even a cute cry like in a romantic comedy. It was a full on cry fest with shudders and deep breaths and messed up mascara. It was a disaster but zero fucks were given. Amidst all of my torment, I felt an arm wrap around me. Good ol' Gus.
"There there." A voice I could barely here over my own tears soothed. "What's wrong, my dear?"
"I'm afraid I can't explain myself. Because I am not myself." I replied through shakes and shudders. That's so unlike me, why did I just say that. I'm such a dork! The hand tightened around me.
"Not to fret my pet. Give me your hand, everything's better in wonderland." He said. My body stopped shaking as my cry fest paused for a moment. That was certainly not something Hank would say. I looked up at the mysterious stranger.
Gus laid on the side of the sidewalk a few feet away, clearly unconscious. I looked up at the strange man comforting me. The Mad Hatter smirked at me with his gnarly teeth and greasy hair clinging againt his face.
"The Jabberwocky won't hurt you anymore my dear Alice." He soothed menacingly.
Mad Hatter sat next to me and he thought I was Alice. Of course. I can't ever catch a break can I?