Ch 5

Max's phone went off, waking her up. Sitting up in bed, she answered the phone. "He—hello."

"Time to go Max. Pack a bag and I'll text you the next step," said George as he hung up abruptly.

She knew she, the authorities, and even Batman and Bruce had tried everything in their power to find George. She could see her education, career, and potential life slipping through her fingers as she started to pack a small bag of clothes and other necessities.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she opened her bedroom door, closed it behind her, and made her way to the front door. Quietly she opened it and closed it behind her. Looking at her phone, she saw her uncle's text as she got in her car and drove, not noticing the shape of a bat following her closely.

At an abandoned airport she saw a private plane and George waiting for her. As she parked, she could feel the fear in her body. She didn't want to go, every cell in her body was practically screaming for her to runaway. This was wrong, but she came out of her car anyway.

"Maxine I'm glad you could make it."

"I can't say the same. I'll never forgive you for this."

"I'm sure you will see things my way eventually. Now get on the plane."

"She's not going anywhere with you."

"Batman, can't say I'm surprised but you can't stop this. Your city is in danger if she doesn't come with me now."

"No, it's not. All the bombs are disarmed in the city. You've lost and now I'm taking you back to jail."

"You're forgetting something aren't you Batman? You can't prove I did the crime."

"You went after Max and attacked her. Last time I checked assault is a crime."

"I didn't assault her. I love her!" he exclaimed as Batman's eyes widened. "She's mine to do with what I please. She's been mine since she was four years old until she turned me in at 13 years old."

Batman raised George by the shirt and was about to beat him until he couldn't remember his name when he felt Max's hand on her arm. "Max?"

"Is he really worth ruining your life over?"

"He—he hurt you Max. I can't just let it slide."

"If you kill him, there's no going back Batman. You'll be no better then the criminals of this city."

He knew Max was right, so he just punched George in the face, knocking him unconscious. They waited for the police, and they took George back to jail.

Terry and Max found themselves at a diner in the city. Max's hands were around her warm drink before she brought it to her lips and sipped the hot liquid. Risking a glance at Terry, she noticed he had been quiet ever since her uncle revealed his shocking confession. She was nervous, but she decided to put herself out there.

"My parents had finally got their divorce. I was 4 years old when my dad left and for a while it was just me, my mom, and sister. When my uncle came to visit us, I think my mom unloaded her problems onto him. Seeing how vulnerable she was, I believe he gave my mom a way out. She was traveling for work anyway, but she was still hurting from the divorce and needed time for herself. My uncle suggested that he become my sister and I's temporary guardian, and my mom took it. She said good bye to me and Alyssa and left."

"Wow," said Terry.

"Alyssa and I didn't know if we'd ever see our parents again, but my uncle was good at making us forget. He seemed nice and took care of us really well. He made sure we got to school on time and was there for our extra curricular activities. One day everything changed and I never knew why. He—he came into my room one night while I was sleeping and woke me up to rape me. I remember being scared afterwards and knowing it was wrong, but I was a kid. I didn't know what to do."

"Why couldn't you tell me Max?"

"I didn't want to tell anyone Terry. I was so embarrassed and ashamed. I felt damaged, and I didn't want anyone to see. When he was finally arrested, I decided to put the past behind me. I became strong, smart, loyal, dependable Max with short, pink hair. I changed my hair because he use to run his hands through it when he was—I don't want to think about it anymore Terry," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You know I wish more than anything that I could have protected you from him. I know I was just a kid, but you know I would have been there for you," Terry said as he reached out his hand towards Max from across the table and took her hand.

"Yeah," smiled Max. "I know McGinnis. Even when you were kid, you liked to play hero," she said as she squeezed his hand.

"I may not have been able to help you then but if there's anything I can do now, you name it Max. I'll do anything."

"Well can we leave this diner and go to the arcade?"

"That's not exactly what I meant Max."

"You said anything Terry, and the arcade takes my mind off of things."

"All right you win Max." he said as they got up from the table, paid the bill, and walked outside to Max's car.

Max looked to Terry in the car before she took off. "Thank you Terry."

"Anytime," he smiled as his hand held onto her shoulder.

She could feel the butterflies all the way to the arcade. It didn't make the drive easier for her but now she had something more complicated to focus on, her feelings for Terry.

When they left the arcade, it was late. Driving the streets of Gotham, Max could feel the silence becoming uncomfortable, but she didn't know what to say.

"So, when do you start at the university?" asked Terry.

"Next week and Alyssa's so excited to go dorm shopping with me. I'm planning to live on campus. I just need a change of scenery."

"I think it's a good idea. Did you get a single room?"

"Yeah but I share the bathroom with whoever's next door to me," she smiled. "Don't worry you'll still be able to come over as Batman so I can patch you up."

"I'm not worried about that Max," he smiled. "You're closer to the city anyway and Wayne Manor."

"Oh you like that, don't you McGinnis?" she asked as he blushed. Smiling at his reaction, she changed the subject. "I'm guessing you start school next week to."

"It's just more convenient. Anyway yeah I start classes next week. I'm not so far from your university."

"What are you getting at McGinnis?"

"I just want to be able to crash every once in a while in your dorm room."

"Oh like you do now at my place."

"Exactly," Terry smiled.

"Fine but you have to be careful. If the university finds out I have an roommate living in my room, I could get kicked out."

"I'll be careful Max, I promise. Besides it's not like I'll be there all the time. Anyway, do you know if your folks plan to stay in Gotham for a while?"

"They want to come to orientation and see where I'm going to school."

"That sounds like a good thing."

"Sounds being the operative world. They'll probably be back to their own lives once it's all over."

"You know I'd join, but I have my own orientation to go to. Mom's proud that I'm continuing my education, so she'll be there while Matt stays at a friend's house."

"So you have no idea what you want to do besides being Batman?"

"I'm hoping community college will inspire me," said Terry as Max pulled up to Terry's place. Looking back at Max, he smiled. "Are you going to be ok?"

"I'll be fine Terry," she smiled. "I feel like I'm not so alone anymore."

"You were never alone to begin with Max. I'll always be there."