Author's Note: I've noticed a few of my readers have already added this story to their favorites/alerts which makes me happy! Although I have to say some feedback would be greatly appreciated. I get rather hesitant about my stories and I'd like to know what you guys like or dislike. But anyway, without further ado here's chapter two! (Ha, that rhymed!)

Chapter Two

"It's time to rise and shine, Master Bruce." Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's butler, said as he opened up the curtains formerly shielding the sunlight. Bruce groaned into his pillow and tiredly arose from his grand bed. He stood on his tip-toes as he let himself fall to the floor and commenced his daily push-ups. Once Bruce was done, Alfred stood by him and handed him the newspaper, "You should read the paper, Master Bruce. I'm afraid it's not good news."

"What is it now?" Bruce sighed as he took the newspaper from Alfred. Grief overtook Bruce as he looked over the headline news. Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Adams were shot to death last night and were found on their bedroom floor by their daughter, Karah Adams. The Adams were close friends of his parents and now they too were killed. Bruce felt pity for Karah. His parents had also been shot when he was just a boy. They had been coming out of an opera theater when they were assaulted and shot by a homeless man named Joe Chill.

"They were good people just like your parents, Master Bruce. It is a great pity that such people are dead." Alfred commented sympathetically. Bruce ran a hand through his dark hair and placed the newspaper beside him. He took a shower and dressed quickly as he came down the stairs and yelled to Alfred, "I'm going to the Adams' house to see if I can talk to Karah. I'll be back soon!"

Karah silently sat up in bed as the sun's bright rays shone through her window. Marilee was most likely still asleep, unlike Karah who barely managed to sleep for two hours at the most. She had been up all night thinking about everything that had recently happened. To think that just the past morning, she had woken up in her own bed and hugged her parents goodbye. And now, Carmine Falcone expected her to take down Gotham City's newest hero, Batman. She knew this wouldn't be an easy mission at all and she wasn't even sure she wanted to accomplish it. She would most likely prefer to have Batman end her life than finishing with him and giving Falcone a chance to destroy the already decaying Gotham City. She looked around the room and realized she left all her things back at her house. Although it pained her to do so, she knew she had to go back and collect what she could. She quietly made her way to Marilee's bedroom and browsed her closet for something to wear. She settled for a simple sweater and a pair of pants before she walked out of the house.

Bruce Wayne looked down at the pocket-sized notebook he held in his hands as he read the address over again. He looked up at the house before him and walked towards the door. He knocked on it a few times and waited for someone to hopefully open the door. He knocked again and called out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

"Are you looking for me?" Bruce spun around and saw a stunning young woman patiently standing at the bottom of the steps. She had deep, blue eyes and long, sleek black hair carefully pulled back into a ponytail. She had a gorgeous face yet she seemed extremely tired and worn out. No doubt due to her parents' recent death. Bruce rushed down the small steps and outstretched his hand. The young woman placed her small hand in his. Bruce smiled, "Karah?"

"Yes." She answered softly. Bruce gently let go of her hand and introduced himself, "Hi, I'm-"

"Bruce Wayne. I know." Karah interrupted. It was hardly possible that a resident of Gotham City couldn't recognize the millionaire heir to Wayne Enterprises. Bruce softly chuckled and said, "I just wanted to see how you were. I'm terribly sorry about your parents. I'm aware that your parents and mine were good friends."

"Thank you. I remember you though. We met once a long time ago when your parents had invited my family over for dinner." Karah smiled warmly back at Bruce. His face brought back memories of her parents. Bruce glanced back at the house and asked, "So are you still staying here?"

"Actually, I'm staying with a friend. It's kind of hard for me to stay here, you know. I just came back to get some stuff."

"I can help you take your things to your friend's place if you want," Bruce kindly offered. Something about Karah made him want to help her out as much as he could. She gratefully nodded as she said, "Thanks. That would be a great help."

Bruce walked into the house behind Karah and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as he noticed her hesitate when she looked around her desolate home. He helped her pack her belongings into boxes and carried them to his car. He drove to Marilee's house according to Karah's directions and lugged two boxes into her room as Karah carried one surprisingly with ease.

Karah looked into Marilee's room and noticed her sleeping figure still curled up under the sheets. She motioned for Bruce to be quiet and place the boxes down by her bed. Once they finished, she led him to the door and thanked him. Bruce hesitated for a second before reaching over to hug Karah comfortingly. Karah was surprised at first, but returned the hug with as much warmth and care.

"Bye, Bruce. Thank you so much for the help."

"You're welcome. Just feel better, okay?" Bruce smiled as Karah nodded. When he finally left, Karah closed the door and slumped on the floor. She was overwhelmed by everything that had been happening. The whole Batman situation was always at the back of her mind. Yet when she was with Bruce, it was as if though everything was fine and she felt calm. She walked back to her room and let herself fall back into bed as an image of Bruce Wayne's handsome face appeared in her mind.