`Joker is owned by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson. Joker movie story plot is owned Todd Phillips and Scott Silver. Lilith is my created character. Title of the story created-

Chapter 4

Lilith nodded at Freddie letting him know she had heard him while she munched away at the apple. The fruit was extremely juicy it dribbled down her chin whenever she had a bite. It was the sweetest thing she had ever tasted. It made a loud crunch noise whenever she had a bite. She kept licking her lips her fingers damp from the fruit. Although Lychee was her favourite fruit, she did not want to waste this apple and continued to eat it down to its core.

Once she had finished, Lilith looked for the nearest bin to dump her rubbish, she found one behind her. She quickly rushed off and threw the apple away. Licking her sticky fingers, she returned to her spot and continued to wait for customers.

As the sun started to fade away, she knew she might have to call it a day. However, she was going to wait it out for another hour or so. It seemed the other market traders had the same idea too as a huge crowd of later night shoppers suddenly came into the area. The area filled with chitter-chatter Lilith smiled happily as she waited for them to come over and hopefully browse through her items.

CITY BUS - HEADING DOWNTOWN

Arthur made his way toward the back of the crowded bus, he was still walking with a slight limp but kept his head held high. He returned to his workplace after seeing his Social Worker to return his costume he had took home yesterday back into his locker. Arthur had to change his burgundy cardigan to his grey after one of his fellow workers' spilt white paint over him.

Arthur made it to an empty seat in the back of the bus. He looked out of his window and leaned his head against it moved along with the gentle shake. A little African-American girl four years old turned around in her seat. She sat next to her mother she got on her knee and looked at Arthur. She stared at him and copied his expression; she did a sad little pout at him. Arthur ignored her at first but then slowly moved his eyes took a look at her.

He noticed she had sad-eyes, her face puffy from having cried. Her mother still faced forward, but even from behind he could tell she was angry at her daughter. Arthur didn't know where to look, he felt self-conscious and small. He gently smiled at her and sat upward as he got back into his Clown "character". He started to smile like a clown and covered his face with his hand. Arthur started a game of peek-a-boo with her. He pulled a funny scrunched up face and covered it with his hand.

The girl stared back at him for a moment then giggled at the game they were playing. Arthur then pulled his hand apart and made a bloated face. The girl continued to giggle and enjoyed it her Mother took notice she slightly turned her head and looked at her.

But decided to ignore it for the moment Arthur folded his arm looked away then smirked and started to slap his cheek. The little girl giggled got louder Arthur started to make a tune with them. Her mother turned back to Arthur, already annoyed at the situation and noise.

She frowned at him and sternly warned.

"Will you please stop bothering my kid?"

Arthur opened his mouth to speak as her mother gently yanked her daughter down. She got her to sit on her bum again to face forward like her. His mouth still open slightly arms crossed he leaned forward slightly to answer her back.

"I wasn't bothering her, I was-"

But she interrupted him and yelled loud it caused everyone to stop and stared at them.

"Just stop!"

Arthur felt uncomfortable and awkward about the situation he leaned on the silver bar. He tried to stop his chuckle he sat up and could not contain it any longer. He suddenly started to laugh loudly, the mother and daughter jumped in surprise and shock.

He covered his mouth to try and hide it as he snorted through his nose. The Mother was appalled by his action and called out to him and stared.

"What you think that's funny?!"

Arthur shook his head, his laughter paused for a moment, but then it came on stronger. Although he was laughing, his eyes showed his internal sadness. It looked like the laughter caused him pain. Arthur shook his head in a 'no' gesture at her his hand covered his mouth.

But he could not stop the laughter anymore he put his hand up to her tell her to 'wait a second'. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small card as he tried to talk.

"I'm sorry, I have a card"

He handed it to the woman as he laughed out the last word to her; she yanked it from his hand harshly. The Mother took a look it was a white card black writing. On one side it said; "Forgive my laughter. I have a condition (more on the back)" She turned the card over and there is a bunch of information in small writing. "It's a medical condition causing sudden, frequent, uncontrollable laughter that doesn't match how you feel. It can happen in people with a brain injury or certain neurological conditions." Thank you! (Kindly return this card)

Arthur was still laughing uncontrollably; he put his left hand around his neck his laughter caused him to choke. She does not read it just looked at him and shook her head in annoyance as she threw the card on the ground.

Arthur tried to talk to her and apologize for his action.

"I'm sor-"

But his laughter comes back more intensely, as tears run down his face. He covered his mouth to try to breathe but he struggled to get any air in between his laughter. People on the bus stared at him shocked and appalled. The girl looked like she was going to cry again but this time he was scaring her. Not wanting to attract any more attention to himself, he pulled up his brown hood, and used his hand to try and muffled the laughter. He looked out at the city as it passed him by as he continued his journey home.

GOTHAM MARKET PLACE

Evening had started to take over the afternoon sky; Lilith looked up and smiled. She loved the night sky and watching the stars, it reminded her of when she was younger. She was trying to see pictures with them and try to find the icons and characters by asterism.

Her whimsical stargazing was interrupted when a mother and child appeared at her stool. Lilith looked down and smiled at the little girl.

"Hello, how can I help?"

The little girl pointed at the small cat pillow and asked sweetly with her tooth gap smile.

"How much for the pillow?"

Lilith grabbed it and leaned forward asked cheekily,

"How much do you have?"

The little girl counted the money in her hand and then looked at her.

"Four dollars"

Normally the pillows were six dollars, but, seeing as it was the end of day and she was tired, Lilith was happy to oblige her. Aside from wanting the child to be happy, Lilith wanted to go home and rest her body; not to mention she had made a good profit for the day.

"Four dollars it is"

The little girl bounced on her feet and squealed happily as Lilith wrapped it and put it in the bag. Her mother mouthed a 'Thank you' at her, signalling she knew it was much more than that. Lilith smiled and nodded happy to help.

They walked off and the girl waved and shouted out to her,

"Bye-bye!"

Lilith responded to her back.

"Bye! Have a good evening!"

The mother smiled as she took the girl's hand and they disappeared off. Lilith started to pack away her left-over stuff folded the blanket away. She looked for Freddie; she wanted to take him up on his offer having helped him. But as she looked around, she saw everyone else get into their cars or packing away. Lilith could not see him; she walked over to his place and then saw him get into his car. She went to walk over but stopped herself.

She did not want to make a scene and cause trouble but a part of her wanted what he had offered. But what could she prove? She felt doubts start to kick in, they didn't have a written agreement, she didn't even know him that well. If he turned on her or rejected her, it would be her word against his. He could cause a scene saying she was a liar and just trying to get free food from him. Then everyone would hate her and ban her from selling on the market again. Tears starting to form she began to feel betrayed.

She saw him drive off and past her, he looked her straight in the eyes, he was smirking an evil grin as he drove by. He knew what he had done. Lilith felt like a sucker, he had gotten two free items and used her like a fool with a sob story. Lilith covered her mouth as she held back the urge to sob, why was she so weak? She asked herself as she watched him go off down the road. He honked his horn she was not sure if was at her or someone else. She just walked off past everyone else.

She kept her head down not wanting anyone to see her tears as she made her way to the bus stop home. She sat down on the bench she wiped her eyes clear; she didn't want to miss her only ride home. She kept a lookout more people arrived. She bit her bottom lip as someone quickly moved out to stop the vehicle and got on before her. She did not let it bother her as she showed the driver her ticket and sat down. She kept a view out the window she kept quiet on the journey home.

LOWER EAST SIDE, STREETS - GOTHAM –

Arthur pressed the button to stop the bus as he saw his stop. He got up as the bus pulled into a halt and picked up his card that the Mother had thrown on the floor, putting it back into his trouser pocket in case he needed it again. Arthur made his way to the front and 'thanked' the driver and got off. The bus pulled away and Arthur walked up the street, making his way into a run-down drug store called Helms Pharmacy as the florescent light glowed.

Behind him, two drunks were fighting on the corner and beat the shit out of each other. Arthur, nor anybody else for that matter paid them any attention. He entered the store, being a regular the owner already knew his order. He handed them over without a word and Arthur exited and made his usual trip home. Once again walking up the long flight of stairs, he almost trips up on one. Finally he made it to his building and entered the lobby, Arthur entered the cage filled with all occupancy in the building.

He used his key and Arthur checked his mailbox. He held a small white prescription bag in his right hand. The mailbox is empty like usual as he made his way to the elevator. He got in he takes it to his floor and waited for his floor.

After a minute, it stopped and the door open he walked out slowly, he stopped and waited for a bit. He looked around as he made his way to his door slowly. All of a sudden, he heard a ding and saw someone get out. He looked up and saw Lilith walked out Arthur spoke.

"Hey it's you from this morning"

Lilith looked up at the voice and froze on the spot, eyes wide as she saw him. She was shocked; she did not expect to see him. Her heart skipped a beat; she was a whole different person yesterday. How did he know it was her?

But she needed to do something, she could not ignore him. Lilith licked her dry lips and answered

"Hi... I'm sorry if I bumped into you this morning. I was in a rush"

Slowly, she walked toward him and hoped he was not going to bring anything up. She was tired it had been a long day and she just wanted to relax and sit down. Although she had been doing that most of the day, she wanted to sit on something comfortable.

Arthur watched her move with a confused look on her face, it was like he was trying to figure something out. But just continued on,

"You did not, but you looked like you were crying"

Lilith just chuckled at him nervously shook her head as she replied,

"Heh, I think you were mistaken"

Arthur, however, kept pressing.

"You had red eyes when you rushed past me. Your eyes are even redder now I think you have been"

Lilith stopped just a few meters in front of him, not knowing what to say. She looked away from him and tried to hide her face, biting her lip she did not need this right now. Arthur spoke with a tender and kind voice but also warm.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Her eyes widen at what he had said as her heart slammed against her chest. His voice was being so soft and caring to her he sounded so concerned about her. Why? He hardly knew her why was he being so nice to her?

Lilith felt herself begin to tear up as her chest heaved, she quickly blurted out.

"I'm sorry I do not need this right now"

She brushed past him looked at the floor when he said.

"I'm always here if you need to though..."

Lilith stopped she could feel herself boiling up and she did not know why though. Before she could stop herself, she turned around and looked at him as she blurted out.

"Why you don't even know me?!"

Arthur was a bit taken back at her outburst; he smiled at her and answered her question,

"You helped me, so I want to help you"

Lilith eyes widen in shock he knew it was her? But how? She shook her head as she spoke,

"But how...?"

Arthur smiled at her as he tilted his head and replied.

"I knew it was you, Lilith, you may not look the same as yesterday. But you're still the same person no matter what you're wearing and you look pretty like that"

Lilith was stunned by his comment, she stood still not know what to say to him. Arthur, however, continued on.

"So, if I can help you out, I'm happy too. You're my friend. I still owe you for the bus fare home I have it here in my pocket"

Lilith just watched as he reached about in his hoodie pocket; she shook her head it was too much for her to take in. No one had ever wanted to listen and help her out before. The friend bit was too much for her to take in. She just felt the need to get away from him all of a sudden. Lilith fiddled with the pocket on her jean shorts got her keys out and looked at him. Their eyes locked happiness on sorrow as he looked back at her and handed her the money in his hand.

Tears fell and run down her cheeks, she frowned with anger in her eyes and shouted at him before she could stop herself.

"No, I do not want to talk to you, Arthur! Just leave me alone okay?!"

Confusion in his eyes he did not understand why he had made her cry all of a sudden. She walked to her door opened it and harshly slammed it behind her. Arthur jumped with a startled at her action and lowered his hand. Arthur put the money back in his pocket his smile went as hurt flowed through him. He had thought they were friends after the time the spent laughing and chatting yesterday. But he got the message and opened his door.

Arthur entered an old apartment, worn carpet. Nothing's new inside, but it was fairly neat and well-kept. He dropped his front door keys on a tall wooden stand by the door it had a white flower in a blue vase upon it.

He threw his bag somewhere within the living room he took off his hoodie and hung it on an old bronze coat hanger upon the wall. His mum called out to him.

"Happy?! Did you check the mail before you came up?"

Arthur called out to her as he shut his battered front door.

"Yes, Ma. Nothing. No letter."

He picked up the prescription bag and headed over to the table. His mum still called out to him over the newscaster as they read the deadlines on her TV.

"You sure you looked? Sometimes I don't know where your head is."

Arthur opens the bag, a flurry of pill bottles tumbled onto the counter. There were seven pill bottles in total. He stood the orange bottle up. He looked at them and decided if he needed to take them all. They all helped his multiple illnesses he had Arthur took out one pill from two bottles and swallowed them whole, without any liquid to help soothe it down.

Then he called out to his mum.

"Yes, I'm sure. And my head's right here. I'm going to make you some dinner, okay?"

He then looked at the rest of the bottles and quickly popped the white lids of the rest. He took out one of each and stuffed them into his mouth and swallowed the five pills whole without any help from water. Arthur let out a deep sigh of relief and got to work on making his Mother food. After a few minutes, he brought the food to his mother, Penny. She was a seventy-year-old with long white hair, petite build and five foot six.

She was lying in her bed with the TV playing the local news. Arthur sat the food down in front of his mother on a small table in front of her. He covered the pain from his beat up body the best he can but she didn't seem to notice anyway.

All Penny was worried about was Thomas Wayne not getting her letters.

"He must not be getting my letters"

Arthur grabbed the knife and fork from the tray,

"It's Thomas Wayne mum..."

He began to crush down her food into smaller pieces for her to eat more easily as he continued on.

"He's a busy man."

His mother looked up at him and answered,

"Please. I worked for that family for years. Least he could do is write back"

Arthur smiled at her and does not answer. Instead, he just gave her the cutlery and tried to make her eat.

"Here. You're all worked up, you need to eat"

She looked at him as she gently pats his face in a caring manner; she pointed her fork at him and replied.

"You need to eat. Look how skinny you are."

Arthur lets out a painful sigh as he sat in the chair beside her bed and brushed his hair back before he could say anything, his mother pointed to the news on the TV.

"He'll make a great mayor. Everybody says so"

Arthur raised his bushy eyebrows and playfully answered her.

"Oh yeah? Everybody who? Who do you talk to?"

His mum stopped eating and answered his question,

"Everybody on the news, he's the only one who can save this city. He owes it to us"

Arthur just looked away from her; he was still hurt from Lilith's action from earlier. He had really thought he had made a friend in this city. But the way she had shouted out sent a flood of sorrow through his body rushing through his veins and heart; he wanted to cry his feeling out.

Arthur truly liked Lilith and wanted to get to know her better. His mind could not stop thinking about her; she was the only thing on his mind right now. Penny was distracted by the news and food before her. She did not care that her son was hurt beside her when the funky Murray Franklin tune began to play. Arthur raised his brow as her Penny patted the bed beside her.

"Come sit. It's starting"

Chapter 5

Hi everyone!

I hoped you enjoyed chapter 4 please let me know what you thought or If I should continue the story. As feedback is always welcome as I am looking to improve my skills.