Ch 2

Max had stayed after school to work on her valedictorian speech and sighed in frustration. It wasn't right no matter how many times she went back to the speech. Figuring she spent enough time wracking her brain on how to fix it, she put it in her bag and headed out. Walking out of the building, her eyes widened at the person waiting for her. She felt her body freeze, and the fear came back within her. She couldn't turn back, but she couldn't move forward. The whole situation felt surreal to her, and her brain hadn't caught up to what was happening right now.

"Maxine, long time no see. I really have to thank you for putting me away. It gave me time to think," he said as he came towards her.

"Ye—yeah, about what?" she asked, feeling her body start to tremble.

"Our special time together. I've missed it so much Maxine."

"We—well I haven't you sick bastard!" she screamed. "You—you better stay away from me."

"I'm afraid that's not possible. You've grown into quiet the attractive young woman, and that's something I can't ignore. You're mine Maxine, never forget that, forever."

"N—no!" she said as she was able to break out of her fear and run as fast as her legs could carry her.

When she heard footsteps behind her, she looked back briefly to see she he was running after her. This gave her the incentive she needed to run faster. No matter what happens she couldn't let him catch up to her. She knew what this would mean.

"You can't run forever niece."

"Watch me!" she yelled as she rounded a corner and then ended up in a deserted alleyway. "Oh no!" she said as she turned to see her uncle in site. She was trapped as she backed up and eventually hit the wall. "I—I won't let you do this. I'll fight if I have to!"

"Always the fighter Maxine. You've fought hard but now it's time to lie down and take it. Lets face it Maxine. Your parents aren't here, and your sister was barely around. She has her husband now to occupy her time. She doesn't need you. No one does. There's no one else but me now."

"You're wrong! And even if that were true, I'd rather be alone then with you. You ruined my life!" she yelled as she got into a fighting stance. "You're going down."

"You're trying to be tough but in the end you'll always be that little girl who never felt loved. I can give you that."

"You don't love me. You wouldn't have done what you've done to me if you did."

Before George could get to her, he was knocked off his feet and onto the ground. Looking up, she was surprised to see someone familiar. "Barbara Gordon."

"Are you all right Max?" she asked before the pink haired girl fainted. She caught the girl and turned to realize that George had gotten away. Getting the girl into her car, Barbara made a call to alert authorities to look out for George Gibson who tired to assault his own niece. She hung up and got into the car and made another call.

Batman made it back to the bat cave from another evening of patrol. Luckily his injuries were minor as he came out of the bat mobile. Making his way to where Bruce was sitting, he looked up at the screen, noticing the words on the screen. "George Gibson, why are you looking him up?"

"He went to jail for killing a family while they were in their home. Apparently Max had seen the whole thing at the age of 13 and she called the police and got him arrested. He's out for good behavior, but it doesn't sit right with me."

"I—i can't believe she never told me but why would he stick around in Gotham? I'd figure someone like him would want to start over somewhere new."

"That's what I thought to but maybe he wants revenge."

"You mean he's going to—

"I wouldn't put it past him. He does have a long record, and we still don't know who let him out on good behavior. By all accounts he should be rotting in jail until death. There's someone else involved here Terry."

"I have to go find Max," he said as an incoming call came into the screen.

"Hello," said Bruce.

"Bruce, is the kid with you?"

"What's up Barbara?" asked Terry.

"It's Max. I found her. She was being chased by her uncle. Luckily I was able to get her away from him, but he got away. I've got my men and women looking for him."

"Thanks for letting us know Barbara."

"Anytime Bruce," said Barbara.

"All right I'm on my way," said Terry as he ran out of the bat cave, out of the house, and got on his motorcycle.

Terry could feel the rage inside him threatening to take over him. He would make George pay for trying to kill his best friend. He could feel the fear of what might have happened if Barbara hadn't shown up when she did.

His heart was starting to race as he imagined a world without Maxine Gibson in it, and it tore at his heart. He needed her more then he was willing to admit to himself. It wasn't just that he needed her to help with his homework, help him study for a test, to be his best friend, help him fight crime, or help patch up his injuries. He needed her heart and soul, and this realization almost made him crash into a car, but he managed to dodge the car. 'Whoa, that was close,' Terry sighed in relief.

Seeing Barbara Gordon's place in the distance, he felt a little calmer. Parking beside the commissioner's car, he got off his motorcycle, left his helmet on the seat, and rang the doorbell. Coming face to face with Barbara, Terry could see that she was worried. "Is Max all right?" he asked as he felt her hand on his shoulder before followed her upstairs to one of her guest rooms.

Terry walked into the room to see Max asleep on the bed. He could tell just by looking at her that she wasn't doing well. Sitting at her bedside, he took her hand in his and held it firm. Her skin was hot, and she was running a fever. 'Oh Max,' he thought and then her dark brown eyes met his.

"Te—Terry," she said as she tried to sit up.

"It's ok Max. You're safe now, just rest," he said. "You're running a fever."

She sighed. "Wh—where are we?"

"Barbara Gordon's place. She found you."

"So, you know what happened then?"

"Max, why didn't you tell me about your uncle? You put him in jail and now Bruce and I think he's going to try and kill you to get his revenge."

She sighed, thankful he didn't know the real reason he was after her. It made her feel ashamed and embarrassed, and she didn't want anyone to know. "I didn't think there was anything to tell. He was going to jail for the rest of his life or so I thought."

"You know that's a brave thing you did Max, calling the police at 13 years old."

"We—well I couldn't let him get away with it, even if he is family. I—i saw him. He—he stabbed them to death, and I froze for a moment, but I was able to get away and call the police," she said and then felt the warmth of her best friend envelope her. "Terry?"

"He can't hurt you anymore Max, and I'm going make sure he doesn't hurt anyone else."

Max smiled. She felt comforted by his touch. "You just can't stop playing the hero McGinnis."

"Who's playing," Terry said as he let go of Max, letting her rest against the mattress. "You should get some sleep Max. I'll check in with you soon," he said as he closed the door behind him, leaning against it.

Walking down the stairs, he spotted the commish in her living room. She got up and made her way to him. "I assume she's staying here for now."

"She has a fever, and I think it would be best. I know you can keep her safe and taken care of while I find George."

"All right McGinnis go to work," she smiled as he ran out the door. Her smile became a frown as she realized the kid didn't know the real reason George was after his niece. Quite frankly it made her sick. When George was caught, she would personally make sure he was punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Making her way upstairs, she left a tray of food, drink, and medicine for Max. She would need her strength when she woke up. She changed the cloth on Max's forehead and tucked the blankets over her shivering body. Before she could leave the room, she heard a tussle of the blanket.

"Thank you Barbara," said Max as Barbara smiled at the teen girl and nodded as she left Max to sleep.