Wow, okay it's been awhile since I've posted any chapters. I apologize for that profusely. Life has just been very interesting and stressful. It's my first year at a university and i'm a Bio major sooo yeah writing hasn't been on my mind too much. But it's break, and I have my last final tomorrow at 8am. So what do I do till 2am? Finish writing a chapter...oh intelligence where art thou?
Anyway, I hope this is sufficient enough to hold you over till I post the next one, any advice is welcome. Please enjoy and review if you feel like it.
I've never been to a school dance before let alone a fundraiser ball. In previous years, I had always wanted to go. They seemed like so much fun dancing around and giggling with friends.
Except at WGH I didn't really have friends or much of a social life. Studying, working, and taking care of the house consumed my life. Yes, occasionally I would hang out with Rachael, say I was working a late-night shift and be back. That was seldom however, I was too fearsome of the consequences if I did otherwise.
Rachael on the other hand has been to many fundraiser balls with her parents. She opted out of school dances as best she could, that is until Gar practically begged her on his knees, pleading for days for her to go to the various school dances with him.
I found it quite humorous that Rachael of all people knew what to look for. When all the girls found out of course they decided to have a huge trip to the mall of shopping on Thursday. Which seemed a little odd to me at first, but Karen had explained that rarely anyone shopped for dresses on Thursday, so we would have more options and it would go by a lot faster.
So here we are. Karen knew all the sultrier dresses along with Jinx, those too I quickly learned were very open about sex. It was most shocking to discover sex was not some huge hush hush thing. I always assumed that girls talked about it, but only on the sleepovers with painting of nails. Not in a dress store where everyone could hear you. Due to Wally and Jinx's breakup I hadn't really hung out with Jinx in school. She was very sassy and witted. Her and Karen talked on and on about different things to do in bed, and the "toys." I had often heard girls from where I worked talk about such things, never have I been asked them myself. It was a bit exiting honestly, I wanted to know more of their experiences, mainly because it made me wonder if I would get to experience these with Richard.
Although since the kiss he has not mentioned it or come close to me like that, perhaps he forgot or is trying to forget. The most contact I got from him now was when he sat close to me at dinner. We would do the flirting sometimes, I just was unsure what he meant behind everything. I was so confused of where I stood with him, and my heart yearned for an answer.
"So, Kori have you and Dick done anything yet? I know girls would be dying to be in his pants!" Karen said with a dreamy sigh holding onto a red strapless dress.
A puzzled expression passed my features, a tried to understand fully what she was asking. Placing my pointer finger on my lip I thought for a moment "surely you are not talking about the sex are you?"
They laughed at the way I said it, while Rachael rolled her eyes. "Yes, have yah done the nasty!" Jinx said with a seductive purr to her speech.
"No we have not." They looked surprised, except Rachael. "Is there a reason I should be?"
"No, they just are pervs," hissed Rachael, "common let's get to this other store before I'm dressed out."
I nodded eagerly while Jinx and Karen both argued in a teasing fashion about not being perverts to Rachel.
Giggling behind my hand at their antics I scanned through the clearance or on sale rack. I sighed disappointed, they were beautiful dresses but nothing that screamed out something I would be comfortable in. This was how it was at the other stores as well, nothing for the lesser price is ever going to be super extravagant or seem to fit.
"Why don't you look at other dresses?" Rachael said holding up a midnight blue colored dress, and a grey one.
"Perhaps it would not hurt to look." I then smiled at my dear friend, "although you have not tried it on, the dark blue looks beautiful with your skin tone."
A ghost of a smile spread on her lips, "I thought it best to steer away from black."
I laughed with her, for as long as I've known her the only dress she's ever worn was black and pink... The pink though was a dare and barely counted because she took it off faster than she put it on.
Looking over to different styles of dresses, different a colors and fabrics. My fingers pulled hanger after hanger looking at anything that might catch my eye.
Walking to the room of dressing I held three gowns. Refusing to look at the price tags, I entered.
One dress was a soft sunset color. It hugged my waist with a yellow buttercup ribbon, on top was beaded beautiful designs and the gown turned to straight silk. It was gorgeous, but once I saw it on me I was deflated.
It looked so boxy and I felt I drowned out my skin. I wanted it to be elegant and firry. I looked more like a cupcake that didn't rise properly.
The next dress was a soft lilac and a hint of sky blue. It was also very gorgeous. It hugged every curve I had, spilling out loosely at the bottom. It was simple yet beautiful all in one.
The other dress was black on the top and white on the bottom. It was featured as something Audrey Hepburn would wear. Simply go riots and seemed fit for such and occasion.
"I have no idea which dress to get." I told Rachael while stepping out of the dressing room, gasping when I saw her.
"Friend you look gorgeous." Her pale cheeks turned to a soft rose, highlighting her beauty even further. The navy blue was a fabric close to velvet. Showing off a hint of cleavage, straps hung low around the shoulders, hugging her waist then going into a long skirt.
"Do you think Gar will like it?" Her voice was wavering, apprehensive. Not normal for her.
"He will not be able to take the eyes off you!"
"Or his hands!" Karen said appearing from her dressing room wearing a yellow dress that look gorgeous on her.
"You look like sex on legs Rae." Jinx said coming from the store holding a few dresses. Racheal deadpanned her.
"What its true!" Jinx said.
I giggled behind my hand as Racheal just looked at her and walked back in the room. "Have you two found the ball of gowns?"
"Where's that accent from? I don't recognize it. I've been around the world multiple times trust me. My dad owns many businesses." Karen said adjusting her chest in the mirror.
"I am from Tamaran. Many do not know of us. Truth be told I do not know much of us, but I believe we are located somewhere in South Africa or the Caribbean."
"Don't you ever look it up?"
I shrugged "I have tried but my stepfather did not like me to look or ask question."
The girls nodded and continued to change into dresses. Talking about Tamaran made me wish to know more, for years I pushed it away from mind. To many other things to worry about. Now it seems silly to not really know where it is. I was away from him I could do it.
Pulling out my cell phone I tried to look up Tamaran. There really wasn't much about my place of origin, other than it was located in South Africa, although other research said it was located at an island off the Caribbean. This was interesting news to me, as I always thought I was from Africa. Scrolling through a few more websites I found one that gave a little bit more information.
"Tamarans inhabitants are rarely seen outside of their island. The people choose to live with their own political system and authority. They are warriors, children from very early on are expected to know at least 15 forms of combat before their 14th birthday." I certainly did not know 15 forms of combat, of course my mother took us to Gotham a long time ago. Ryan was a good fighter and so was Coma. Except she never showed me anything.
Reading further I discovered my people had a very different taste then most humans. Probably driving from the types of vegetation on the island. So, that explains why I love mustard so much. I thought to myself.
"What's funny Kori?" Rachael asked sitting beside me. Dress hanging on her knees.
"I have just recently discovered many things about my culture. My orange-type completion is actually rather normal!"
"Well that's comforting." She snorted then looked at the dresses beside me. "Have you picked one yet?"
My shoulders went down, "I have not. Both the blue and white dress are beautiful. I do not know which to choose."
"Go with the blue, it's close to purple and purples your favorite color."
"Is that not predictable?"
She laughed slightly, being Rachael that is. "Does it matter? Wear something you really like."
I debated for a bit, "yes that would be the o and k."
Soon all the girls had picked their dresses, everyone having purchased them but I. As the cashier lady rang up my dress I nearly passed out from the price. "Um $250, is that correct?"
The cashier lady looked at me, "is that going to be a problem miss? If you can't pay leave."
I needed this dress, it fit the Wayne household and the ball. Other dresses would not be as fitting. But $250? That's so much, it is not that I do not have it. It's that I really should not spend that much on a dress.
"Is there something wrong Kori?" Karen asked.
"Oh, uh no there is no issue."
"Then pay already." The cashier lady said annoyed.
"Yes m-my apologizes." Thumbing through my purse I looked for my wallet. My face turning red with embrace meant when I discovers I only had $100 on me.
"Kori so you need help paying?" Whispered Karen softly.
"Oh, no you cannot, I will just have to come back another time." I said defeated.
"Didn't Dick give you his card?" So as Rachel's confused.
I have her a confused look, "you mean this?" I said holding the plastic card between my fingers.
"Yes, he gave that to you to buy a dress."
I gasped "I cannot! He has given me so much already!"
"Kori he's a billionaire, you're not, let him buy the dress." I shook my head but knew that was what Richard had wished for. I just didn't want to spend his money.
I spun around to the cashier, "may I pay $100 in cash and then the rest on this card?"
Her eyes grew wide, "you have a Wayne Gold Card! Only The heirs of Wayne and the most elite of Gotham can obtain them."
"That would make sense it is his sons card." I said confused.
"Then you are a friend of his, oh wow. Just wow. I'll give you a huge store discount, we always welcome the Wayne family here. "
"Oh, thank you!" I said happy to be saving Richard the money. In fact, instead of $150 it was only $50 I had to put on his card, for which I was very grateful. Clutching our new purchases, we all walked out to view the mall of shopping.
They all wanted to head back to the manor, but I was unsure if whether that was acceptable or not. Racheal had assured me that it was fine, we were all Dick's friends and that it was my home now. As true as that may be, it was not my home. I had only been there or a few weeks. I did not grow up there, I was a guest still. It was long term but I did not run the shots, nor did I want to overstep more than I already had.
I asked Dick hesitantly if it was okay, and yes basically gave me the same answer Racheal gave me. It was heartwarming, but I felt better to ask than to not have.
Karen drove us blasting classic hits with new pop songs. The other girls sang along, while I sat beside Racheal enjoying their company and admiring the girl's friendships. Wondering and hoping one day I could be that close to them, where I can sing songs at the top of my lungs laughing and we would all feel comforted by one another.
She knew exactly where to go, showing she had been to the mansion times before. Which was good as I did not fully remember how to get there. I was used to the train system and West Gotham, not along the forest. She parked her silver Mercedes on the gravel, and we jumped out.
"I can't wait for the dance!" Karen said excitement showing in her step.
"There have been many perpetrations for the ball, I have not been able to come in and seeing new faces. Of course Mr. Wayne prefers us walking in on the north entrance due to the elements of surprise." I said leading them towards the side of the house.
Jinx and Karen eeped, excited and curious at the same time. I knew they wished to view the spectaculars that constituted the Wayne manor. But I have not even seen them, as I typically take the spiraling staircase to the kitchen and leave through the north door or the garage.
"Is Dick or Jason here?" Racheal asked, although I shook my head not knowing. Dick could possibly be here, but I presumed he could be in the gym with his private martial arts teacher. He had told me that recently he was going over aikido techniques. Jason on the other hand could be with the pale haired girl. I had been avoiding the section his room was located. Jason liked showing off the fact he was coupling, although a much vulgar word comes to mind when they are doing it.
"Who cares? It's girl talk!" Karen said heading up the north staircase, apparently, she did not know about the spiraling staircase. I assumed she though all the rooms were in the general place, but honestly I had no idea where she was going until she turned left at the top of the stairs towards the main entrance.
"Oh no you do not, he want's it a surprise." I teased her, and grabbed her elbow leading the girls towards my room. I had nothing special in it, but typically when I went to Racheal's we would go to her room, so I assumed this was an acceptable place to go to.
"You live right next Dicks room?" Jinx said with a twinge in her voice I did not understand.
"Oh, yes it is nice." Karen and Jinx gave each other a look and when I shut the door behind them, they jumped on the bed and said 'spill.'
"What am I spilling, I do not have a glass of liquids?" Then my brain recognized the expression, "oh! You want me to do the telling of stories!"
Everyone giggled, "it's funny when you say certain things." Racheal said sitting further away from the other two girls.
I blushed embrassed and sat at the end of the bed, knees pulled up for my chin to rest on. "There is nothing to do the spilling of, unless you wish me to discuss what it is like living in the manor, but I assumed you are going to ask about Richard and I, when there is not much to say."
"Not much means there is something," Jinx said.
"She's right, I mean clearly you guys are getting along. Like do you like him?"
"Why would I not like him?" I said confused.
"No girl, do you like-like him."
"Yes did I not say that?"
Karen looked at Racheal, "she does understand what I am saying right?"
"I comprehend, you are asking me if I have the feelings for Richard. And I do, whether those feelings are acted upon is not part of the question. I do not know if it is acceptable to like him, I do not know how deep my feelings are. I am very confused, and it is a weird experience but I defiantly like him that is a very scary thing for me."
"Oh damn, girl he likes you too." Karen said while my heart smiled at the prospect.
"Do you think so? Truly?"
"The way he looks at you, and he lights up when he is around you. Not that he is not happy around us, just his smiles different." Racheal said with a soft voice.
"Oh," I said barely able to contain the smile playing across my lips.
"I really hope you guys get together, it's been awhile since he has been with a good girlfriend." Jinx said, I looked at her asking for more information. "The last girl he dated was Babs and that did not end well." I remembered what Dick had told me previously about their past, but I was intrigued to hear things from another source as well.
"Babs, I love the girl but damn sometimes she isn't faithful or she victimizes." Karen gave a sad sigh, as if wishing things could be different.
"I do not know much of her, but I believe she does not like me." I said melancholy.
"Don't feel bad about that, it's because Dicks showing interest in someone since they broke up."
I did not know how I felt about that, did that mean I was the rebound? "How long ago had they broken up?"
"like 7 months, he sometimes would go on dates with the daughters of Bruce's friends, but other than that he never really enjoyed their company. It wasn't his choice he only did it because he's polite and Jason would probably just make the girl mad."
"Jason is polite?"
"Not that he's a bad guy, he just is openly a flirt and would end up trying to bring the girl home with him. Not something Bruce wants. Dick wouldn't bring a girl home the first night he met her." Jinx said, while I laughed because he did just that with me. Not that they knew that or by any means was it for the same reason.
"By the way are you and Jason close?" Karen asked.
"I assumed as close as I can at the time. He is very enjoyable to hang out with. Many times he would tell Kitten to back off."
A universal groan released from all of the girls. "I swear that girl needs some meds, she's totally off her rocker. Like she just does not understand shit." Jinx said.
"You shouldn't say she needs meds for being the way she it, you're making it sound that annoying people need medical attention. When that is not the case, and people need to be given meds for serious mental illnesses." Racheal said.
"I didn't mean it like that, just like I thinks she has no clue as how the world works." Jinx said a bit upset that she had misrepresented herself.
"You're fine, I was only making you awake."
"Racheal woke af." Karen said laughing, while I titled my head completely not understanding the expression.
She laughed and then Jinx followed, "It means she is aware of how things are, not what society portrays them as. The abbreviation 'A.F' mean's 'as fuck.'"
"Oh, is that a new expression?"
"Kinda." Racheal said, then switched the topic to issues regarding raising gas prices and actual issues in the world not the sleep over, nail painting information. Although truthfully, I did not want to think about Dick more than I already had been, additionally, talking about issues in the city and hearing what the elite thought was very interesting. I did not want to reveal too much about what I knew, but I was comforted in the fact they were not all spoiled and believed their lives were the best and unfortunate things didn't happen.
After a while Karen looked at her buzzing phone, alerting us that the boys had shown up and were waiting in the game room. "Ugh I don't know what I am going to do if Victor's there." Karen said getting off the bed.
"I mean he and Harold have been hanging out, I think he's getting over it." Jinx said, then adjusted her shirt. "I just hope Wally's not there, I can't fucking deal with his bullshit anymore."
Hearing them discuss the social dynamics and issues within the friend group made me hesitant to go to the game room. If there was a problem I was unsure how I would deal with it. Nevertheless, we all walked down to the game room. Victor and Garfield were on the PlayStation edging each other on, and being their usual loud teasing self's. Harold was playing pool with Jason, the pale haired girl sitting on one of the bar stools clapping whenever Jason hit a ball in. Dick was nowhere to be seen.
"Kori is Jason and Morgan hooking up?"
"Is that her name?" Karen nodded, "then yes they are." I guess he was done do the chasing of Babs.
"Sup girl!" Karen said striking up a conversation with Morgan about cheerleading, Jinx joined in on the game at the PlayStation, making fun of the boys for being stupid. Racheal drifted towards the pac-man machine. I stood in the middle not recalling knowing where I fit into things. I did not know of video games enough to talk with Victor and Garfield, or comment like Jinx did. Pool was a new game to me, Jason was being cocky and I did not know Harold well. Morgan and Karen obviously knew each other as I overheard them discuss their cheerleading coach, again another conversation I could not contribute too. I looked to Racheal, who was playing her game and I walked over to her.
"Greetings."
Her eyes were hyper focused on the video game. "Hi, I can't believe this fucking ghost keeps popping up everywhere! Like let me get the damn pretzel!"
I had no clue as to what she was talking about, I knew it was the game but it did not make sense as I had never played it before. In fact, I rarely went to the game room. It was large, pool table, and air hockey table by the bar stand to the left of the room. On the right was a huge television, multiple different game stations were set up, the built-in shelves holding numerous games and movies. Classic arcade games and a popcorn machine was on the walls adjacent to the bar stand.
Typically, I would be in the library reading, or in my room studying. I was a new student, the work at Gotham Academy was drastically different from that of WGH. I had excepted this, but the course load inhibited me from really goofing off and playing games. I also had not been here that long, so there was not much time to get to know the place.
"Hey," Dick said coming to stand next to me and I jumped surprised at his silent appearance. He chuckled as I spun to look at him, "didn't mean to scare you cutie."
His endearment made me blush, he had only ever called me cutie once and it was so pleasant a word on his tongue, that I had told him he was perfectly fine in calling me it for a while.
"You are the o and k, I just had not expected you to appear silently."
"It's a Wayne thing," he chuckled, "how was shopping?"
"Oh it was most enjoyable I found a pretty dress!" he smiled softly.
"I can't wait to see it on you. Are you excited for the dance?"
I nodded then blushed, "I am also very nervous. I have never been to a fundraiser ball before."
"Don't worry you're welcome to stand by myside and we can just ignore all of his snobby friends." He teased, and his cheeks grew a bit red. "I don't really like dancing too much, or having to uphold appearances, but I'm thankful you'll be there to make me more sane."
"Oh I—,"
"Yo Dick!" Victor said coming up to us and giving Dick a slap on the back, "how was training?"
"Great, I really love how sensei teaches. She also knows how to kick ass."
"Isn't aikido like about defense?"
"Yes, but we spared in other techniques at the end."
"Ah I see, that's pretty cool. Anyway, I talked Jacob about the getting us drinks and he's totally got us." Dick groaned.
"Honestly dude, I really don't want to deal with the drinks right now. Jason was supposed to." I now had no idea what they were talking about.
"Last time everyone nearly died because he got super strong shit."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Dick laughed then coughed while Victor just stared at him. "Okay I told him to make sure to get more chasers."
"Is there a party happening?" I questioned and Victor looked at me with equal question, and Dick face palmed.
"Shit, I can't believe I forgot to tell you!" Richard said astonished.
"Tell me what?"
"The party tomorrow, we sometimes have them before the fundraiser balls. Typically, you have to sober, since were all underage, and it's a lot of proper stuff. We like having a fun night beforehand, last time though people got too sick."
The previous party that I went to did not truly go that well; Jason brought alcohol which had upset nearly everyone at the party. This time it was an alcoholic party, so maybe it would go a lot better than the previous one. I was especially intrigued because I had never been to a party like that before, well at least one that I could enjoy.
"It sounds exciting!" I said jumping up giggling a bit. Truly it would be, also the prospect of dancing with Richard caused a warmth in my belly that I could not place. It seemed to hunger for something, I may have an idea as to what that is, but actually entertaining those thoughts made me nervous and unsure. There were other things to think about than that, plus with my pervious occupation I was a little hesitant in that area.
"Wait is it a bad idea that people drink before this?" I questioned, surely if people got sick it would make the ball unbearable.
"If they can't control themselves, but normally nah." Said Victor, looking at Racheal's high score, then challenging her to it.
"You're not going to beat me," she said confident. Which sounded odd because it was in her monotone voice.
He shook his head, stuck his tongue out and concentrated at the game. Sure enough he had reached level three and lost, we all laughed while Garfield walked up to Racheal. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
"That's my girl, kicking this cyborg's butt!" She relaxed into his touch only briefly, as public displays of affection were not a big thing for her.
"At least one of you can." Huffed Victor, this then lead onto another battle of teasing between the boys.
"OK!" Dick said clapping his hands and getting everyone's attention, having grown tired with the boys bickering. "I have chocolate pudding in the kitchen if anyone wants it" Everyone's faces lite up, including my own. I was unsure if they all had previously tasted the delicious dessert, or knew that it was supposed to be so delicious.
Everyone headed towards the kitchen I ended up letting everyone go first as I grew distracted as Jason's girl was squeaking, a rather interesting noise for a person to make. I thought only the small rodent creatures did that. I was unable to see why she made that noise as she jumped on Jason's back, her backside being exposed with her skirt rising on his back. "Jasie we should go riding after this!" Jason rolled his eyes, despising the nick name but nodded. He loved riding his motorcycle, even though Dick and Jason were not related, they shared a love for beautiful motorcycles.
I tried to not look at her skirt or hear too much other their conversation, although she was very loud in saying what she wanted to do to him. I assume that was probably attractive to some regard, mainly because she was showing off her…well I have no idea if they were dating or not, but I guess she was making him feel special. Still I was not pleased to hear how her mouth makes a 'great fuck hole' because honestly, that was rather disturbing to hear. Jason had sensed this and looked back at my mouthing sorry.
I assumed the proper response was only to do the shrugging motion. I would have preferred her to apologize than him, she must have viewed me as a threat like she had in the hall way beforehand. Did she not realize I was not interested in dating someone who is taken, let alone dating someone at all? I knew I liked Richard, but that was so scary and new to me, I had no idea what to make of it, yet alone be going after his adopted brother! Truly I wish girls would not be so silly and unconfident in themselves, that they fear anybody could take the person that they had from them.
Pushing the mental images she had created away, I walked in to the kitchen. Karen was sitting on the counter, legs swinging off the counter and looking pleased as the chocolate touched her tongue. Her boyfriend Harold, was sitting beside her teasing her about something. Racheal was sipping some herbal tea, Garfield was beside her, chocolate all over his face as if he was a puppy that just had a meal.
"BB I swear your part animal." Victor said laughing and adding more whipped cream to his pudding.
"Technically were all animals." Gar replied smiling, his fang sticking out.
"Some evolve further than others." Racheal said with a smirk and Gar pouted.
I giggled behind my hand and grabbed a bowl of my own, Dick was standing by the bowl holding the whipped cream. It looked like it was made from starch, not the store bought can. Knowing Alfred, I was not the least bit surprised by this.
"Care for some cream?" He said picking up a spoon.
"Yes please." I said smiling he then picked up the spoon and put it on my nose. It took me a moment to register that the sweet cream was on my nose, as it dripped on my tongue.
"Dick." I said giving him a death glare, he looked nervous for a second. For that second I had a crazy idea to kiss him so he too would have cream on him, and that I could kiss him of course. But his friends were here, we had not discussed anything about the kiss after the kiss. Would it be okay if I kissed him? Oh x'hal I really wanted to. Instead though I reached out and grabbed his face, "come here!" I then rubbed the cream on his neck and scooted away from his reach. Before I could get fully away he grabbed me and pinned me too him.
"Oh no you don't!" Then held me while putting more cream on my face.
"Richard, you are wasting perfectly good whipped cream!" I said between giggles and twisting my body to get out of his hold.
"See what I'm saying," Jason commented eating some of the pudding with a delvish smile on his lips.
"Jase she's just so fun to tease." Richard said light heartedly.
I hmphed, "well I do not enjoy being the tease." I said turning away from him in mock annoyance.
"Oh shit, I'm sorry." I spun around laughing.
"You are fun to do the teasing of too!" I said sticking out my tongue while everyone else just laughed at our antics.
"Good one Kori," Victor said laughing and sharing a look with Jason.
The rest of the night we all sat down on the counter tops or stools, laughing, and talking about so many different things. For the first time, I really felt welcome into the group and actually looked forward to going to school next week. They were all so welcoming, Karen and Victor teased each other as if they were old friends. Which was good to see because I knew things were a bit tense for them since their break up. It was also cool watching Gar and Racheal hangout with other people, normally I would just sit in the library with both of them. There no one really talked, we just did our studies. Here you could see her feelings, if you knew her anyway, she was kind towards him in her teasing. They would look at each other affectionately, it made me hope they continued to be happy together. She deserved it.
The only thing I did not truly like was Morgan, simply for the fact she would not stop calling Jason, Jasie, even though he repeatedly asked her to stop. Other than that, she seemed like a nice girl.
Around 10 everyone decided to head home, we did have school tomorrow and the excitement for this weekend was tangible. "Pleasant Schlarvolks!" I said waving my friends good bye. Jason was kissing Morgan goodbye, but she clearly did not want to leave.
"I'll miss you." She pouted. That was when Dick took my hand and we walked out of the room.
"I don't think Jason likes her too much." Dick said as we went up the north stair case.
"Why is that?" I too had a feeling he was irritated with her, but not liking did not make sense to me. Why would he stay with her?
"He's not the kind of guy that want's someone over him all the time like she was, or someone that doesn't repect his name. like I'm sure he enjoy's being with her, but liking her I don't think so."
"It does not make sense to me, to stay with someone you don't like."
"I'm not sure either, but people do it sometimes."
We both approached the hall way to our rooms, my fingers tried detangling the cream residue on my hair. "Because of you I will have to spend extra time washing my hair."
"Yeahhhh…sorry about that." He blushed and leaned against the door frame, "but did you have a good time with all of the girls?"
I nodded smiling at the memories, "it was most pleasant."
"Glad to hear," he then stood awkwardly, a slight tension passing over us and what we should do. I for one, felt like giving him a hug. That is okay, yes? Friend's do that right?
"Well I should probably let you go shower and sleep."
I nodded then smiled, "yes it will take me a few hours." His eyebrows rose, "I am doing the teasing Richard." A small giggle escaped me, "have a pleasant rest."
"You too." He then walked the short distance to his room, while I walked into mine. Stripping myself of the Gotham Academy uniform, folding it neatly across the desk.
The sound of running water was refreshing, I enjoyed the way the steam fogged up the glass mirror, and how it made it harder to see my skin. Looking down I was remembered of the things that still hadn't healed. The bruises on my ribs, and hip…luckily with the magic of makeup I was able to hide my face bruises. Now I could see everything. The browning skin with a purple center, a tinge of pain when you touched the sides. I wished I could just will them to go away, to have them disappear. The memories they brought tormented.
I was free of him for almost two weeks, such a short time. It felt unreal, like the world was going to crash down on me again. But surely the universe would offer me some kind of mercy. Did I not deserve a break?
Stepping into the steaming water, I let the heat relax my muscles. Working my fingers covered in soap into my hair. Surely these moments made up for the years of abuse. And, as I sat there I knew it was possible for things to go wrong again, but sitting here it seemed so far away.
Bad things were taking a break away from Kori Anders, at least I prayed to X'hal that was the case.