I bit the inside of my lip and looked down. Then I walked to the counter and took my scrambled eggs. I sat down with my family and began eating.
"Terry," Mom said. She sounded heartbroken.
I didn't look up.
"It wasn't you last night, was it? You can't be Batman. It's just a fake, right?"
I closed my eyes and continued eating. There was no way I could answer.
"It's just not real. Ian Peek faked it. He just wants money. My own son can't be Batman."
I opened my eyes and looked up.
Mom's face was a little red, and her hair was a mess. Her eyes were wide and bloodshot.
I pursed my lips and looked down at my scrambled eggs. Suddenly, I didn't want to eat anymore.
"It is true. You are Batman."
"Come on old man," I whispered. "Pick up. Pick up."
It was the thirtieth time I tried to contact Bruce Wayne, but he wouldn't pick up. Sighing, I put the phone down. It was hopeless.
"Dana!"
I turned. Standing in the doorway, in front of Mom, was Dana. My girlfriend.
"Um.." I scratched my head.
"I came to see Terry."
"Dana-" I began but Mom interrupted.
"What's been going on is hard on us. Right now is not the time for any visits."
Dana looked over Mom's shoulder and at me. She looked disappointed and sad. If there was one reason she was here it was because she probably wanted to break up with me. I wasn't expecting any visits from any of my friends, especially Max because she knew my secret. She would also pay the price with me.
Dana sighed. "Alright." Then she turned and left.
"Dana-" I ran to the door but Mom shut it before I could get out.
"Terry, no." She didn't even look at me. "I want to make it easier for you."
"You think you're making it easier?" I could feel my anger rising. My fists clenched, and I gritted my teeth.
"You're not!"
Mom looked at me in the eye for the first time since...the broadcast.
"I never thought we'd be on the receiving end of it." Mom sat on the couch and signalled me to sit with her. She still wanted me to sit with her? I thought she would disown me or kick me out. Oh wait. She'd do that now.
I sat beside her, but this time, I looked at her.
"But we are now."
"I know."
Mom did something I didn't expect her to do. She put her arm around me.
"Why don't we talk? After all, I think it's time you tell me how and why you became Batman in the first place."
She knew I was Batman. The whole city did. I may not have owed them an explanation, but I did owe the people I loved one.
"Alright," I said.
"I'll tell you everything."