Disclaimer: Nope. Don't own the Dark Knight Trilogy last time I checked, just writing for fun. I own my OC though.

Chapter 3.

Morning. The sun was shining and glinting over Gotham's city towers as my shoes hit the pavement. I had one brown pencil skirt and a cream colored blouse to match that I'd shopped at the thrift store. I wasn't sure if I should carry a brief case, I merely just had my brown tote bag and a folder with my resume and cover letter inside it. I wasn't even middle class, but I tried to act like the good-hearted middle class women out there if there were any still left. I heard it was a dying class, but I was willing to make the exception, and change the rules a little bit. I did put a little mascara on, and some lip gloss, as well as a bit of foundation to cover up some spots. I brushed and straightened my hair, which was long, and passed my shoulders, so I just put it up in a straight ponytail and just tried my best to make sure that there were little to no hair wisps flying about. Then I debated whether or not I wanted to wear my glasses. I was going to get contacts at one point, especially when I got a better paying job. And of course I made sure I brushed my teeth. I was halfway there.

I was sitting in the chair across from Jessica's desk, waiting for Mr. Earl to see me. I tried not to fidget. I drew in a deep breath, and looked out behind Jessica's desk, and over to the window, looking outside. Mostly just buildings, but I was looking for the sunlight poking through the clouds above. I was really trying to avoid playing Tetris on my cell phone, cause from my studies on how to get a job, I knew employers and interviewers didn't like that. People watched everything you did.

Jessica finally came out of Earl's office with a bright smile on her face.

"Mr. Earle will see you now," she said. It'd been fifteen minutes later after 8AM. I was five minutes early.

I drew in another deep breath, and picked up my tote bag, strung it over my shoulder, and walked right in. She closed the door.

"Ah, Miss Blake. Nice to meet you," he said, and we shook hands. I tried to give it a good firm shake, but I knew it came off as weak. I was only five-two and my hands were petite. I couldn't help the way I was born, though I'd tried. I guess I really did need to cut off the caffeine. I just thought that's what everyone did. Drink coffee in the morning and then go about your day.

He offered me to seat across from him, and I folded my skirt underneath my legs and sat casually on the chair. It wasn't particularly comfortable, but I wasn't here for comfort now was I? I sat my tote on the chair next to me, then I thought better of it, and sat it by my two-tone hand-me-down shoes that were a little worn to the wear. I really need to get some new shoes.

I took out my resume and manila folder, and placed it on my lap, folding my hands, over it, trying to stay upright with good posture as I waited for him to settle in his own seat and get down to business. The silence in the room was heavy and a little nervous, part of me wondered if he was just humoring me. I had to block out those thoughts and try to think positive.

"All right, Miss Blake. So, let's start from the beginning. It says here, you grew up in the foster care system?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"And then you continued your education, and went straight to community college. Then you hit a road block it seems," he said, glossing over my history. "Why not go forward with your Bachelor's of Science?"

I wrinkled my nose. "If by road block you mean trying to grow up, then yes, sir. I was eighteen, trying to find my place in the world, as all eighteen-year-old's and twenty-something's do. It was time to leave the nest. But, I had to take care of foster mom who'd passed, then take care of me and try to find my own place. I got a job cleaning tables, and maintaining the restaurant to ensure its cleanliness, then I realized it was time to actually do something for myself instead of just sitting around, and waiting for some white knight to come sweep me off my feet….I know fairytales are dead, Mr. Earle. But, I do know that I don't want to complain anymore about how my job sucks, I know that I don't want to become some toxic person for the rest of my life. I can't live like that anymore. I'd always been fascinated by Thomas Wayne and his foundation of trying to help people in this city, people like me, and I've always wanted to give back in some way shape or form. I know my education kind of…well, it's terrible, but I was going through the motions, and trying to keep my head up so I can pay my bills and keep food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head just like everybody else," I sighed, and licked my lips tenderly as more thoughts rolled in my head. "This company means a lot to me. It's helped me stay alive, Mr. Earl. I'm sure there's somewhere in your heart that would do the same for someone else, and leave a poor girl like me out cold on the streets because that's where I'm heading if I don't get this job. If you wanted to ask me why Wayne Enterprises that is…."

"Heh," he said a bit stiffly. "That was my next question. But you do plan on getting your B.A?"

"Yes, absolutely. I did read that Wayne Enterprises also funded financial aid, especially for those employees who plan on attending Gotham University with Business and Economics degrees. The benefits of this job position really excited me the most. Eventually, I'd love to get my Master's."

"Ah yes, we all love to climb the ladders, Miss Blake. Any good with the numbers? It seems like you're niche is education, writing, and reading arithmetic's."

"Yes, that's true. I am good with that and I love to read. I'm also in the process of looking for a tutoring position on the side too. I'm just fascinated with the business, and want to see it succeed and help people. That's all I want to do. Help people. And I'm a hard worker. I pride on my hard work actually."

"Well, Miss Blake. I'm not sure what to do with you," he leaned back in his seat, and folded his hands across the desk, covering up my resume. I was really trying to sell myself here, but I had a bad feeling about his verdict.

"Please, Mr. Earle. I'll take any job position you have available here," I said desperately, pouring my heart and soul out to him. "Thomas Wayne inspired a lot of people, including myself. I just want to help. I always believed in giving back, you know? And, I know if I had Wayne Enterprises backing me up in some way, I'll have more confidence." I cringed at that but it had spilled out of my lips anyway. I was supposed to have confidence now during this interview. Why was I failing?

His lips puckered forward and his eyebrows knitted together tightly, eyeing me up and down. I shifted slightly in my seat. I hated being scrutinized like a lab rat.

"Well, I do have a couple of positions available, I'm just not sure if assistant is one of them. Give me a few days, and you'll receive a call from my secretary. I'll see what I can do," he said. "Have a good rest of your day, Miss Blake."

I tightened my smile. "Okay, um, you too," I said, and got up from my seat. I picked up my tote, and started to walk away, but then I left my resume folder with him on the desk, and sighed. I started walking back out to the door before he called my name, making me stop.

"Miss Blake?"

"Yes?" I asked, half turning towards him, pushing my glasses up my nose.

"Can you start tomorrow? Same time?"

My eyes lit up and I nodded. "Yes, of course I can. I'd be honored, delighted even!" I cringed slightly afterwards.

"All right. You will report to a Mr. Fox tomorrow in Applied Sciences, from there he'll direct you to your new position," Mr. Earle said.

I blinked, and tried to hide the excitement shining through my eyes but I knew it was showing anyway. Goodness. How long had I been in the dark? "Really? Y-you're giving me a job?"

He nodded slowly, pressing a finger against his temple like he was regretting it. "We'll see how you do."

"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed. "I promise you won't regret it. Have a great day, Mr. Earl Thank you!"

He nodded again and then I took my leave, making sure I carried everything with me, and wondered what on earth had made him change his mind. What'd I do? Whatever. It didn't matter. What mattered was I got the job, or a job, and now it was time to celebrate with some much needed coffee. Maybe I'll be fancy this time and try a latte. Sky's the limit!