Updated: Thanks to those who are reading this after two years! Thank you to everyone who reviewed! There very welcome, no matter if there negative although thankfully have not received one yet. I didn't mention this is my first fic so if some things are a bit off, forgive me but enjoy.
Also to the one guest: yes i love Kryalla Orchids stories, they are the first fics I read and I aspire to be a great writer like her one day. Her angst KILLS me!
And to jaqui101: WWE references are cool haha but no I mean I came up with her step-father but I hate his guts too. Starfire had rough upbringing (to put things lightly) so I wanted something that was similar but also fundamental in the story. I just hope I don't mess up this story, because I do like were it is going. Oh well *fingers crossed*
Panic.
Out of breath.
Mangled hair.
Anger.
Righteous fury.
My breath was caught in my throat and desperation sank in my gut. My mother's box gone. Long hours of sweat and evading grabbing hands, pushing my body harder, to move more, faster, sexier to make extra. The fear of the walk home. Gone.
I threw things around, searched under my overthrown mattress, in my closet and ran about searching for my special box. Clothes were carelessly thrown into random piles, glass bottles broke when I came across them and smashed them on the walls. Tiny glass shards cutting my palms, couldn't stop to take it out I needed to find this box.
Rushing into that Clorbag Varblernelks room pulling out drawers and rummaging through them, looking under his bed, his closet. Hating the smells, hating the cigarette buds thrown about, the magazines with naked women, and condoms on the floor. I hoped my box was not in here. I went out to the kitchen tore that apart and the living room, slowly realizing it was gone.
Everything was gone.
Angry tears pricked my eyes and I wanted to sink into the floor and never surface. X'hal how stupid of me to stay with Dick! No matter that he was kind I could never let that happen again. 'Stupid, stupid insignificant girl' I thought baring my teeth and punching the walls behind me. My breath was ragged and tears streaked down my face and I couldn't breathe.
How much more would I have to lose? This was the one thing I had, the one thing that would get me out of here and he stole it. I felt my fingertips dancing with energy that was building up inside me. I would not sit here and cry and wish that it would go away. I would find him, I would kill.
I stormed outside running as fast as I could trying to think of where he could be. Possibly work but it was Saturday he was not in work. He had to be at some bar, someplace it did not matter how far I was going to find him.
People stared as I ran past them I was angry and determined. It reeked from within me and those around me could smell it.
The bars were empty of his presence, as where any of the other godforsaken places he crept into. I did not stop, I kept running into places sometimes into people. To whom I apologized and the continued my insane search.Then slowly I felt the rage die down, almost like I was a ticking time bomb but in reverse. Without the major explosion and metal debris flying everywhere. My aching legs came to a standstill while my eyes looked at the sidewalks and flashing lights. Perspiration lingered on my forehead and neck, while my breath fought to regain control.
Beside me there was a small park with only a few children playing in it. I had no real clue of what part of Gotham I was in and I did not care. Everything was gone that held value to me, why should I care? 'Because that's a lie Kori' I told myself. Back home there was still the little photographs of my mom and siblings, possible contacts to Kom, my books and cell. My favorite sweater I found at a flea market one summer with Rachael, my papers and drawings. Even the man I loathed the most, my heart still foolishly cares for him. There was also Rachael's bracelet thrown somewhere in the chaos of my home. It was a symbol of our friendship, one I held dearly. I had to return no matter how defeated I felt, too much was left.
My mind trailed to the party later tonight at this Victors I still had not met, and the countless other names I vaguely remember. Hm. It was odd now that I thought about it, that
I had not met Rachael's friends till now. Rachael and I had known each other for a few years, yes we were not close till a year and a half ago but I should have met her friends by now? Or perhaps she did not have them at the time.
Which did make sense, there was a time for Rachael when her father was abusive and manipulative. He thought she was born for a signaler purpose and that was to drain his money and irritate him. Her mother of course left him and took Rachael with her to Gotham, where she and I were in grief counseling of some sort the school board ordered. Rachael had no idea why she was even part of grief counseling she hated her father, but we met each other this way...it was nice. We met at Gotham's counseling center, because West Gotham High had a terrible system, and Racheal wanted to go there instead of Gotham Academy's counselor.
But now I am nervous, and I am lost. Seriously I had no clear idea where
I was, and I wanted to hit myself for being so rash. I was a very emotionally driven person, sometimes my mind has to play the catch up with my heart. It has never been like this before, not even when my mother passed or the loss of my brother. I was young then I couldn't remember much, though my mother's lose I could and the pain outdated the anger I felt. Pain that still stung. But I kept my head up, I would still be my mother's warrior princess as she would like to say. I would get through this, yes my box was gone but without the key he would have to return it, I had to hold on to that hope.
The key! I began patting myself all over and turning every pocket inside out. Oh I hope I had not left it at the manor! Possibly, and most likely it was back at home. In my torn jeans. Where my step-father could be.
I was deflated like the air of hotness and slumped against the uncomfortable wooden park bench and looked at the swings, slides and all other entertainment equipment for little ones that this small park held. They looked so peaceful and happy, I hoped they were all safe back at home. That they did not feel the desperation I am currently.
Nervousness ran through my veins yet again, making it difficult to breath. I held my head in my hands trying to think of a way to calm this nervous energy, just enough to get me home and face him. Rachael had taught me meditation a few times, possibly that would help me calm down. I stood up and walked over to a sun shining tree, letting the sun's rays soak up my pours. Sitting cross legged I let go of all the tension in my mind and just breathed.
Peace, quite, tranquility.
Peace, quite, tranquility.
I murmured softly, awaiting the calm to flow through me so I could handle running back home to face whatever else I had to.
Peace, quite, tranquility,
Peace, quite, tranquility,
Peace, quite, tranquility,
Peace, quite, tranquility.
Peace, quite, laughing children,
Peace quite, barking dog,
Peace, quite, crying children
Eyes open, searching for the source of the noise, found.
A dog had gotten lose and was running circles around a small girl in a blue tutu who waved her little wand at the dog. X'hal that was not good. Quickly and cautiously I approached the dog, shooing other adults away and creeping behind the dog. His leash was trailing behind him and he stopped to growl at me, which I was happy for until the little girl swatted at him and he spun to attack. I jumped on the dog and held him down why the girl fell and began to cry harder.
I rolled onto my back and then again on the dog, pinning him down. He struggled and nipped and bard his teeth at me while I hissed silence to him. The golden glob of hair then ceased all movement with ears drawn to the sides of its head and nose bowed. I grabbed the leash and placed him close to my side, he was a different dog on the leash; obedient and quite.
"Good boy" I said patting his head, then walked over to the girl.
"Hello little girl, I have the doggie now. Please do not be afraid for I have him under control and you are safe!" I smiled but she continued to wail and wail and wail. Until her mother ran over and gathered her up in her arms, thanking me for stopping the dog and I questioned why she did not stop the dog herself. Perhaps she was too far away.
Either way now I was stuck with a dog who had no obvious owner. The dog play barked and stuck his tongue out panting. I smiled at him and pet his ears, he was cute when not chasing little girls.
Looking around those who stopped to watch had moved on, children resumed playing and mothers resumed gossiping. I, stayed by the dog and tried to figure out where he came from. Soon deciding it would be best to walk the small circuit of the park in hopes of finding his owner.
He was a cute dog always ears perked up and running against my leg with his tail. It was calming having to walk him and focus on what he was doing, it was not calming not knowing the owner but I still enjoyed his company.
There was a boy a few years younger than me walking around asking people something then coming up disappointed every time until he saw me. He then smiled brightly and ran over to me hugging his dog.
"Thank you so much for finding Lucky! I thought he was gone for good this time." The boy said while his dog rolled on his back and demanded belly rubs.
"It was my pleasure, but please do be careful he was chasing a little girl earlier."
"Well he's just a pup yah know? Like he doesn't always understand stuff and some stuff scares him yah know?"
"I advise some more training yes?"
"Well I'm doing that stuff, he's a good boy."
"Yes and he his rather cute."
He looked up at me with an expression I did not understand "you girls always find everything so cute, why can't you find anything cool or awesome!"
"I find many things 'cool' and 'awesome' your bumgorf on the other hand is adorable!" I said hugging myself.
"Yeah ok lady, thanks again." He took the leash and then began running away with his Lucky watching him and running a little bit ahead.
Glad the puppy had found its owner I returned to walking the circuit again, feeling relieved and enjoying the little animals running about and birds chirping above me. It was a good distraction from what was truly bothering me, though the lost box was not far from my mind. Neither was what happened last night, though it held little weight in my mind now.
I began thinking of Dick again, feeling a little out of control. Never have I thought of someone so many times in one day, had I not just seen him? Was it normal for someone to be on one's mind so frequently? Even before I knew him I was thinking about him! How is that even possible?
Something in the park caught my eye; a couple was cooing and nuzzling each other at the picnic, while an old couple were throwing seeds to feed pigeons and holding hands. It made me feel…odd. The couple seemed so happy just lying there. Kissing, cooing, and holding someone's hand, I longed to feel what they did.
I decided to walk out of the park, get away from the couples in hope to decipher why I felt so strange, what the strange feeling was. At West Gotham High couples kissed each other, girls would make out in the bathroom between classes and there have been more than one occasion I had walked into a couple in a compromising position after gym. So why did seeing couples kissing affect me now?
To say my mind blared Dick Grayson's name in bold, neon letters would not be lying, not even a bit. No Dick Grayson did not affect me with his charm and silly lopsided smile and his beautiful eyes, and oh the way his arms felt wrapped around me. Oh X'hal I run into the famous Dick Grayson once and I am completely the swept under my feet or the heels over my head for him. I met him once! Once! And he made me want to do kissy faces and sub come to his charms and eat the chocolate pudding with him.
Was I not just furious fifteen minutes ago? My mother's box with all the money I have spent long hours working towards is gone and I'm thinking about kissing Dick Grayson! Ohh that did sound wondrous.
GAH! I was doing it again!
I slapped myself to wake up and the person across from me shoved the slimy dog of hotness in their mouth and ran. What has he never seen a girl slap herself because of a boy before? Then again, I never have.
I mumbled foreign profanities at Dick Grayson while I roamed the streets of Gotham trying to figure out exactly where I was. I knew for a fact I was in West Gotham it did not take a love struck teenage girl to figure that one out. Dick Grayson was not the one to blame of course, there were my feelings towards him. It was just so unfamiliar and strange to me; I could not understand how the thought of him made all my anger dissipate. But I silently thanked him for it, my misguided anger towards him actually helped me calm down enough to figure out how to get back home and what the best form of action would be.
Walking up the creaky, cheese smelling wooden steps I prepared for anything: his anger, his words, even his sly remarks but what I was not prepare for was the crusaded boy who was plaguing my thoughts.
"Dick?" I said while he had his back towards, then spinning around.
"Kori!" he rushed up to me, "what happened here? Are you okay?" His hands went out to grab me but then he stopped and held them to his side. "Ah I went home and then was helping Alfred clean up the room you slept in, when I found this." He held up a chain with fancy silver key attached to it, but not just any key that could open any old door or box. That was my key that opened my box!
Relief flooded through me knowing that my step-father had to come back for the key and that he couldn't steal the money from inside. He was cruel, but he would not sell the silver box, it was my mothers. If there was only one thing in common with me and him was that we loved my mother.
"Um Kori?" Dick said standing nervously but also attentive at the same time, a very weird stance to be in.
"Oh yes, forgive me! I have been looking for that key everywhere." I smiled at him sheepishly.
"Soo you want me to believe that you made all of this mess, over a key correct?" He didn't believe it at all.
"Well…yes I can get quite upset when I lose things." I smiled and laughed nervously.
"You know I don't believe that one bit, right?" He said raising an eyebrow.
"Darn and I thought I was being so clever." I deadpanned like Rachel, which only caused him to give a small grin then return to a serious expression.
"Kori if this has anything to do with your step-father please tell me."
"Dick I—" wanted to tell him everything. How abusive he was and manipulative, how he stole my things…the night with Paul… "I can't." I hung my head in shame screaming at my silly tears to go away but they would not listen.
"Kori it's okay if you're scared, I get that, but I want to. No. I need to help you." Dick walked closer to me and turned my chin up, so I could look into his eyes "I need to know your safe, this" he said extending his hand "does not feel safe."
I turned my chin away, "please Dick he will be here soon, and you must go."
"Come with me, please we can arrange something you can live in the manor and I can help you get into Gotham Academy and I can promise you protection from him. He can never harm you again Kori please just come with me." There was desperation in his eyes, everything in me screamed 'go, go!' but a small part said no. Not because I desired to stay with my step-father or that I cared for him as the only family left. I had promised, no matter how much I regretted that promise I must keep it.
"Why Dick Grayson would you help me out? Is it a publicity thing do you wish to coheres me into the 'making love with you?' or—" I said anger bubbling inside me, anger at him for thinking I could not take care of myself, anger at my feelings for him, anger that was not properly placed, but I was scared. Scared he really did not care about me. I was also angry at his caring. This would never go anywhere well. I was bad news, could he not see that already?
"Kori stop." His voice was stern while I bared my teeth at him. Knowing I was not angry at him, I had absolutely no reason to me angry at him! But I couldn't stop from feeling it.
He then turned around walking about the room while his hand ran through his hair, "listen I don't know why I want to protect you, part of the reason is because it's who I am" he said stopping and touching his chest, "but another part is because there is something about you that I want to protect. I didn't even know who you were, and I took you into my house and we talked and I've just never felt so free with someone before. Is that crazy? I don't even know you and I want to protect you so much." He couldn't look at me, he seemed to be battling with emotions and trying to remain calm. "I'm so sorry."
I rushed to his side "no please Dick do not be sorry! I too…there is…something about you that I can't seem to get rid of." Any anger completely gone.
"Then please come with me."
"He has something that belongs to me, it was my mothers." I said hugging myself and looking at the mess on the floor. "He is…abusive and cruel but he is my family. I cannot leave him." What was I saying I wanted to leave him so many times before, why when given the best chance was I turning him down? I knew why but it was becoming harder and harder to keep.
Dick looked at the ground and then moved stuff aside so he could sit down then patted the spot in front of me. "Look Kori I hope I'm not freaking you out, I understand the whole family thing." He laughed humorlessly "I have an interesting family myself, but that doesn't give someone the right to hurt you."
"It does not, but it was my mother's dying wish Dick…please I cannot leave him, not yet." Then I began crying. I don't believe there was a time Dick had not seen me crying since he had met me.
"That's a heavy burden." He said touching my shoulder.
"Yes but I could not tell her no! She was my mother and she was dying. I was so young at the time and he was a different man, I could have never predicted this behavior." I then locked eyes with his beautiful blue ones. "Dick I was gone for one night and he tore up my house, he would kill me if I left without fulfilling that promise."
His jaw twitched and I could tell he was holding anger in. "I should have let you go home then." He then squared his jaw, "I'm sorry I caused this."
"No Dick please do not think such things, nothing was your fault you were helping."
"Kori I'm not saying that so you can feel bad, I'm saying it because if it weren't for me he would have never torn up your house and God I can't imagine what would happen if I took you with me now."
"If it were not for you I would not be here."
"Oh yeah there's that." He said showing his teeth and blushing.
"Yes 'that'," I placed my hand on his shoulder, "I will be safe. I can take care of myself." He eyed me at that almost not believing that was true, which hurt though I understood why.
"I mean obviously you can take care of yourself, you've been through a lot I just wish I could help."
I touched his cheek "one does not learn to be strong when sheltered."
He leaned into my hand, a gesture I was most unsure of, but he calmed at my touch. "Your right I know." Dick then pulled me in for a hug. "Please be safe and let me know if something bad happens."
"I will Dick, thank you for caring so deeply."
"Hey anything for a friend?" I did not like his choice of words 'friend' did not feel enough but it would suffice.
"Yes, but Dick he'll be back leave now please." I begged him with my eyes as he slowly got up and walked about again.
"You know that for sure?" He said picking up a circler object and tossing it up in the air. "Cause I could help yah clean up the place," then he caught the object with his foot, arching his back and flipped. Propelling the circler object towards me and completing the flip by catching it again.
"Now you are the showing off." I said giving him a sly smile and a teasing tisk tisk tisk of my tongue.
"Circus folk remember?" He said smiling brightly.
"I know and no I do not know for certain if he will be back or when. But he could any moment!" I said panic rising in my voice in anticipation of him approaching.
"Let me help you clean up, he has to take the stairs anyway. I can use a window I don't mind."
"Very well," I said going to the kitchen to grab a dust pan and moving the trash can into the living room area. "Window exit is in my room."
Then something dawned on me "wait how did you get in here?"
"Door was open," then he became scoping up glass and other debris while I went to my clothes.
"Oh, I had not realized I had left it open in my haste."
"Why did you leave anyway?" Dick said while grabbing a paper towel to clean up the spilled alcohol.
"I wished to find him, instead I saved a girl from a dog and returned him to his owner." He smiled then we continued working in silence for most of the time. Occasionally he would ask me questions about photographs of my siblings or one with Rachel and me at a carnival. I had to admit it was nice cleaning with him, he helped me from getting angry too much and helped me want to clean up quickly. Though the comfortable silence did not last long for I heard my step-father's thundering footsteps coming up the stairs.
"Dick he is here!" I hissed and grabbed his arm pulling him towards my bedroom window. He quickly got out the window but stopped to look at me.
"Kori if anything happens let me know." His tone was filled with worry but he was also confident that I could handle it.
"Of course, now please go!" I shut the window and gathered up some of the clothes in my room until I heard my step-father swing the front door open.
"KORI!" He roared, "Where the fuck are you!"
I gritted my teeth before walking into the living room. "Hello father."
"Where the hell have you been?" there was superiority that he believed to hold authority. His pungent sweaty odor hit my nose while my eyes rested on my mother's silver box; there was a dent in the corner and the keyhole had noticeable damage. Rage grew within me, wishing I could tear out his throat.
"With a friend." I hissed.
His smile was wicked "you mean someone screwed your little brains out."
"No, Miss Kate kept me late and I ended up missing the last train." The look he gave me said he did notbelieve a thing I was saying.
"You didn't think to tell your father where you were."
"Like you actually care." My lip curled and I balled my fingers into fists to hold my anger in check.
"Of course I cared, your mother wanted me to take care of you."
"Yet it is I who takes care of you!" I spat.
"Don't give me that bullshit Kori! I try my hardest to keep the roof over our heads," he then shook his head, "you show me such disrespect, I am your father."
"You married my mother that hardly makes you a father."
He shook his thick grubby fingers at me "I took care of you with your mother for years before she died. She'd be disgusted with the way you turned out, running around parading in your shanky outfits, not coming home after work. Your seventeen and your acting like a three year old." I could not believe what he was saying to me, my mother disgusted with me while he slept with countless women, doesn't protect his "daughter" from his friends, and hits her. Heat filled my body while I shed frustrated tears.
"I do no such things," my voice was shaky and I felt panic rise within me, "you bring your friends who sexually harass me and you get the drunk and I am left to subdue to your demands! You tore up my room for what? To steal the only money I can earn with the only job you allow me to get! You stole my mother's box! That box is mine!" I rushed to him and grabbed for the box while he shoved me back.
"I tore up your room for a lesson." He said pushing me back further until I was backed against the wall, I tried to ignore the screaming of sudden contact against my wall, but the wincing he thought was for him. "If you ever do this type of shit again I will ring your neck, you hear me little girl? "His breath smelled of alcohol and cheap cigarettes, his hands went to my throat and pushed me had against the wall "You can have your mother's box back I don't want it. But leave this house again and it along with every other thing is mine." It was hard to breathe or concentrate on his words but I recognized the warning. Never again, never again. He released me and I fell to the floor gasping for breath and looking at him with complete loathing.
"Now get up and lean up this mess before dinner, Paul and Andy are coming over." I watched him walk to my room and then into his slamming the door. I went to my room and leaned on my knees, the bed supporting my back.
'Five minutes Kori' I told myself, only five minutes to fall apart and regain my breath. When they were up I would finish cleaning and cook him and his filthy friend's dinner, then hide in my room till I would normally go to work.
My throat was sore and my mind ragged with desperation and aggravation, sick of his words and his hands. 'You are strong Kori, deep breaths.' I tried to listen to the thoughts I told myself, but with my freedom less than a year away all I wanted to do was break out.
'Three more minuets' deep breathes, anger, clenched fists and lips tasting my salty tears.
'Two minuets' punch the wall. Deep breath. Deep breath. I stood up and leaned against the wall for support, praying to X'hal for a fast year.
'One more minuet' standing up with shaky limbs and more of those deep breaths.
'One more year Kori, only one more year' I grabbed the pile of clothes and walked them to my room. Continuing the rest of the cleaning in there as fast as possible, then began my work in the kitchen till his friends showed up and my step-father emerged from his room.
"Thanks for the beers Kori." The friend Andy said slouching on the couch sipping the cold beers I left out.
"You are welcome." I walked to my room then sitting on the bed and covering my face in the pillow to scream.
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It was a cold night in Gotham, people scurried around in thick coats and fuzzy hats while the poor waited in line for the shelter or huddled by a burning trashcan. Typically, the cold did not bother me like it seemed to bother most people, I always acquired strange looks from people as I walked around in my thin leather jacket or my hoodie. Of course, I always received those looks or the "New Jersey wannabe" comment. Apparently, people there were considered too tan like me. Maybe I should move there so that I may fit in better.
I was both nervous and excited for this party. My step-father thought I was going to work and would not be due home till two possibly three, the party only went on till eleven though I am sure I could stay with Racheal or even Dick.
Nevertheless, I treaded on through the cold, not minding the bite it left on my exposed skin or the way my thighs burned in my jeans from little warmth. Rachael had told me to meet her at the West Gotham Train Station, she lived on the outskirts of Gotham with the suburban homes that had your own bathroom and no one downstairs making pizza. Which made me feel bad that she had to spend all that time coming to pick me up and then to Victors house, though the gesture meant a lot. It made me both nervous and excited to tell her about my damsel in distress moment with Dick Grayson. Telling her about the men attacking would infuriate her but with Dick she would be grateful. Even though I hated being the coined 'damsel' I just happened to be a girl who was in trouble, and Dick just happened to be a boy who helped. Were there not countless times, I was the hero and others were the damsel?
Arriving at the train station, I saw her distinct short purple haired looking down, most likely in a book of dark poetry or of mythical studies or her secret romance books she denied she read. I tapped her shoulder and she looked to me annoyed until she realized it was me.
"Hello Kori." She said closing her book and standing up.
"Greetings, what were you reading?"
"Dark poetry, you look good."
"Thank you, you look lovely." I said beaming.
"Yeah, yeah I put on skirt let the crowds go wild." She said sarcastic.
"The boys most defiantly will," I gave her a sly smile "or Garfield." The look she gave me was murderous.
"I do not like Garfield and this conversation is over," she said turning towards the oncoming train. We hopped on while I gave my apology. I knew she felt something towards Garfield, though I was unsure of the extent.
We took a seat on the uncomfortable plastic on the end of the train car, nervous flutters began in my stomach and I bounced my knees up and down taking slow breaths.
"Kori its okay everyone will love you." She comforted.
"I do hope so, Garfield and Dick were most kind."
"Wait Dick? You haven't met Dick yet." She said as if I had misspoken.
"Well..." I looked over to her with a nervous smile.
"Azar was he at your work!" Rachael said with wide eyes.
"Oh no! His brother Jason was, and well after there were these mean that were attacking me, and it was all so sudden and scary then Dick comes and knocks them out. His brother is passed out and he stitched me back up. Then he was showing me the kindness and we laughed and talked and ohh he is most wondrous," I said practically swooning at the memory of our times at Wayne Manor, "then today I come home and my father steals my silver box and trashes my room, I of course do the 'freaking out' and start looking for him and when I come back Dick is there with the key that I left because you know I never leave it without me then he is telling me to come with him and I have to say no and it was most difficult I—"
"Azar, Kori take a breath you're going to pass out." Racheal said placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Forgive me Racheal, he makes me most nervous and giddy. I have not known him for two days and he already knows so much." I bowed my head into my hands. "I fear we will be over before we have begun, we have already shared so many things." After telling her my fear, I questioned myself of what I meant "before we began" what did I want us to begin?
"What things?" She said giving me a death stare.
"Touching and comfort."
"Touching?" I swear a lightbulb broke.
"Yes like hugging and platonic touching, there is nothing wrong with that I would have directly said it if we had done more and I do not plan on that."
"Thank Azar, Kori you have to stop wording certain things like that." She slouched a bit in her seat, "so you plan on dating him?"
"Oh no! As friends! Us not even being able to be friends." Although a part of my mind reviled in the idea of us being together. Then I shook my head, I did not see that happening. Even though I was beginning to think that is what I wanted us to begin.
"Stop worrying so much, you have already seen what a great guy he is. He won't stop being your friend just because you have those things going on." She wrapped her arm around me, another rare one for her and I sighed into her embrace.
"Thank you for being such a wonderful friend."
"You better be this is hard for me!" She said laughing while I giggled and moved away from her hug. "And enough with this dreary topic (although dreary is kind of my thing) let's talk about Victor's party."
I lit up "oh yes I am most excited to meet all of your friends and to see Garfield again!" and possibly, maybe, on the slightest chance Dick Grayson.
She raised her eyebrow as if she was able to read my thoughts but ignored them "well he'll be there and the others. It's a somewhat small get together, Victor loves throwing barbeques and we all go swimming in his pool or play games."
"Pool? I did not know there was a pool?" What if everyone was swimming and there I was, the stranger not even being with the rest of them!
"Ah yeah I didn't mention that part because I didn't want to be the only one who didn't swim." No I was the one to give her the death glare. "Sorry."
"It is fine I guess," I said sighing, "I just hope others will not be as well." It was a good thing that she told me though, how would I have been able to explain the stitches or other bruises along my body?
"I hope so too."
"Wait is it not too cold for everyone to be swimming?" I asked tilting my head.
Racheal shook her head, "heated pool for one, and the temperature outside is not so bad, a simple jacket is needed but once everyone is running around they won't mind." She said, and I nodded.
We got off the train in East Gotham the fun loving, sweet, rich, and the love of brother's neighborhoods. Complete opposite of mine. Victor's house was one of the nicer and richer houses in a secured development within the little business and various shops in this part of the city. Cars were parked all along the street and you could hear music and people laughing from a few houses down.
"You said small get together." I said looking at Racheal panicked.
"For Victor this is small, trust me."
"Do you know how many people there are here?"
"Around thirty, which really isn't too much. For him at least. I think a party of five is too much." Her lips turned up in a small laugh.
Thirty I could handle thirty it was just a bit nerve racking then I truly anticipated. If I was to embarrass myself or say something foolish they would never accept me, then there would be no hope to go to Gotham Academy after all. X'hal this was a horrible idea I should have never come! I could be making money and I am coming to a party that I will just embarrass myself at and yet again I mess up.
"It's going to be okay, I'm cool with it." Racheal already enjoyed being around these people so it was somewhat comforting that she was the cool with it. But these were her friends, not mine. I soon began tugging at the hem of my purple crop top, wishing I had worn a longer shirt and ran my fingers through my long fiery hair. We were so close to the door and my palms were sweating and my heart was beating hard against my chest. 'Maybe it would not be too bad if I turned around?' I told myself, though I knew that was not the answer. They were all expecting me and Racheal had come all the way to get me when she lived closer to his house, I could not just walk away.
The door was opened to his huge grey house with blue shutters and a roof that looked almost like cybernetics were all over it, it was not surprising of course he was the Victor Stone, his father was a huge scientist at STAR labs. It seemed every one of Racheal's friends were famous in some regard. Garfield's mother and father were leading Biologist in Gotham, they had cured many illnesses and discovered much for the bioscience community. Racheal's mother was a highly respected therapist and her father owned a restaurant called Trigons. Which completely matched his behavior when he was a huge city lawyer and even today. Then of course there's Dick. And I was just Kori Anders, dead parents, hated by my step-father who worked at an adult club. I could never compare.
There were bodies everywhere dancing and drinking what looked like plan sodas, people joking around and Garfield running towards us.
"Dudddddess!" he screamed nearly tripping over himself as he ran over to us and spilling whatever was in his cup "Kori's here!""Greeting!" I said waving to him." It is great to see you again."
He wriggled his eyebrows "it's the ears right? The Ladies dig the ears."
"Gar just because you can move your ears up and down does not mean "the ladies" dig them." Rachael deadpanned.
"Common Rae that wasn't nice," Garfield said pouting a bit.
"Neither is a slap to the face, but oh so tempting." She then raised her hand and he backed away.
"Okay, okay anyway I'm stealing Kori." He said with his hands raised.
"What makes you think you can take her, or that she wants to go?"
"Because I am a great talker."
"More like annoying." She scuffed.
"Please friends do not fight, I would love if you both showed me around." I said tapping my thumbs together nervously, I did not like Rachel and Garfield fighting, they were such good friends it was not pleasant.
"Or I could show you around."
I spun to see Dick standing behind me smiling that lopsided smile on his face while holding two cups in his hands.
"I heard you were on your way so I got you some coke if you'd like?" He said handing me the coke.
"I thank you," then I looked behind me, "if it is cool with my friends you may join us."
Both Rachel and Garfield looked between us trying to figure out how we met, or if he was just being the flirt. Although I knew Racheal was only acting for my piece of mind.
"Uhhhh how exactly do you guys know each other?" Garfield asked.
I bit my lip not wanting to tell everyone of the reason, or that I had spent the night. These were his friends here and I didn't wish to reveal anything that he did not want to share.
"We ran into each other last night, started talking and we ate pudding at my house."
"What?! Dudes you mean she got to have Alfred's pudding BEFORE me!" Garfield then crossed his arms and poured some more.
Rachel hit the back of his head "he was being nice, let it go"
"But, but he's known her for like an hour." He protested.
"Gar common once I found out you guys knew her, I couldn't help but share the pudding with her."
For some reason his words hurt, I thought he had shown me his home and the world's best pudding because he was the nice. Now it was only because I knew his friends. Perhaps that was not a bad thing? It only hurt because I thought he was doing it for me not because he knew of me.
"This is pointless" Rachel said in her classic monotone voice.
"Yeah okay, fine it's whatever. But Dick you owe me some Alfred pudding." Garfield said shaking a finger at me.
"That's cool as long as I introduce Kori," he then looked over to me, "as long as you'd like me to do that." I nodded nervously then accepted his hand as he showed me around the room. The first person I met was a tall dark skinned bulky with muscle guy at a grill. He was laughing and screaming "BooYah! Whenever someone scored a basket in the basketball game held in his enormous backyard or he had finished making a burger.
"Dude I hope you have some tofu burgers in there." Garfield said behind us. The boy turned around wearing an apron that said 'Kiss the chief if you want food' and placed his hands on his hips.
"Grass stain that's not even real food, taste some meat and see the difference."
"You are eating innocent animals! Do you want me to STARVE?"
"Well then you'd be forced to eat one wouldn't you?" He taunted, I could tell it was friendly banter so I giggled behind my hand which only drew attention towards me.
"Oh yeah cyberbutt this here is Kori Anders, the coolest, smartest, vegetarian girls ever."
"Oh gurl please tell me this money head is lying and you like real food!"
"I am not a vegetarian, I enjoy meat very much. Although, I do not eat it regularly." I glanced over to Garfield sympathetically.
"Gar you should stop speaking for other's for once," Dick said chuckling. "Sup Vic." He said raising his cup.
"Hello Dick," Victor said laughing. It seemed no one could be mature about Dick's name. "and you must be the infamous Kori Anders." He said giving me full attention.
"Yes though I am not infamous, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"You too little lady, butt for brains couldn't shut up about you this whole week." He said pointing over to Garfield.
"Hey that's not true I just talked about her sometimes!" he said defensive.
"Lair you like her," he leaned closer to me and lowered his voice a bit "he's got a crush on you."
Dick's hands twitched and he released mine while taking a big gulp of his soda, a very odd reaction I thought while Garfield huffed at Victor.
"Dude that is not cool."
"I'm just messing with you, now have a burger."
"Victor!" he whined and they began another argument over tofu.
"Who knew two people could argue so much about something made from soybeans." Dick whispered and then smiled when he saw the flush of my face "common let me introduce you to others." He then led me over to the pool entrance and pointed to a bunch of girls laying in the hot tube area.
"There's Karen Beecher-Duncan," he said about a girl with her hair up it two round pig tails and wearing a yellow stripped bikini, "beside her is her boyfriend Harold," he was laying back in the tub and relaxing, sometimes laughing into Karen's neck with the rest of the girls. "There's Argent, Kole, Panta, and Jinx. Hmph I wonder where Babs is?" He muttered to himself and then led me over to a small group of guys. I was about to ask who Babs was when an elbow appeared on my shoulder.
"So who invited legs, because damn I need to buy you a drink." A freckled raced, orange haired boy said leaning close to me.
"Names Wally and I can make are your dreams come true." All the boys groaned while Dick made a disgusted noise.
"Wally you're almost as bad as Jason, and she already had to endure that."
"Oh is he here?" I wondered.
"No he's at home studying cause Bruce was upset with his B in math."
"That man," Wally said whistling then brought his attention back to me, "so want to continue a private tour with me?"
"Ah no thank you, though it was great meeting you I must met others." I said awkwardly smiling, "Dick has been very kind as to show me around."
"That's why you should come with me! I'm the fastest man alive I could have you partying in no time!"
"And that's why you don't have a girlfriend" a boy said while they all chocked up laughing.
"Hey guys that is not cool I meant on track."
"You're fast with both." Another red head said.
"Hi Kori I'm Roy, this is Isiah or otherwise known as hotspot because he's great at basketball."
"Pleased to meet you all." I was still nervous there were so many names and so many faces, all people Racheal knew and cared for. All people Dick liked to hang out with and he too cared for and who probably had shared pudding with, and again I am the stranger. Although I was not really upset about pudding, it just hurt to think of all the other people he brought to his house and showed them kindness who did not have issues back at home that he felt he had to fix. Oh this was a horrible idea indeed I need to get my head off of what reasons he had for helping me, and focus on the party and Racheal's friends.
"So what school do you go to?" Roy said standing up and walking over to us.
"West Gotham High."
"Ouch! Wow anyway you could come to GA, I'd love to see you around." He said coyly.
"Oh well I do hope to one day before I graduate." I understood that WGH was bad, but did everyone have to say ouch?
"Then hurry up with those applications, there not too difficult you can just go to the admissions office and everything and they'll help you."
"I wish I could just do that, but there are some expenses that I have to be concerned about." I hoped he would not ask any more questions, I did not want to reveal anything to him or think about my step-father at the party when I should be having fun, and away from him.
"Well that's too bad then, but you could figure something out right?"
"Yes I'm working on it."
"Oh cool what are you doing?" I hated these questions.
"Small things here and there, nothing majorly important. Either way I am hungry so I will try one of Victor's burgers." I waved goodbye and Dick walked with me until Wally called him for a minute. So I walked to the snacks alone looking for Racheal and seeing her feet dangling in the pool beside Garfield's. She was smiling and laughing and blushing it was so rare but wonderful to see her like that.
Then my eyes traveled to Dick and a girl wearing a black bikini with red hair a bit duller than mine walked up behind him and kissed his cheek, while he spun around and smiled at her. My stomach sunk and all color washed from my face. Stupid, stupid, stupid to think he would actually like me when he can have her, and she must be the Babs. I was instantly jealous and upset at myself for letting my emotions run rampant. He was Dick Grayson after all, of course he would have a girlfriend. I was so foolish, so ignorant. I wanted to go home.