Bruce is 8.
Chapter 8: Checkmate
Bruce's POV
"The point of the game is to estimate your opponents next move, son."
I watched as Dad moved the pawn on the chessboard and waited for Alfred to make his next move. Dad praised Alfred's next move with his knight while I just sat there dying of boredom.
"Bruce, are you even paying attention?" Dad asked.
"Yes, Dad."
"Make sure that you do. You should always be able to guess your opponent's next move no matter what game you're playing, Bruce. It could save your life one day."
"Your father is right, Master Bruce. Chess is more than just a game," Alfred replied.
Alfred's piece moved along the board and captured Dad's pawn. Dad scowled as he analyzed the board. I then asked if I could invite Tommy over. Alfred frowned while Dad told me to ask Mom.
********Break********
Tommy and I played Clue Jr. He instantly grew frustrated and flipped the board over after I'd correctly guessed who ate the chocolate cake. Tommy wasn't exactly the nicest loser.
"This game is stupid!" he yelled.
My eyes immediately went to the bruises on his arm as he ranted. I asked him about it. He immediately pulled his sleeve down and shrugged the question off. Tommy then said we should just watch TV instead.
We ended up watching some detective show. The old movie showed some guy cutting the brake line to the witness's car. Tommy's eyes widened as he turned the volume up. The witness died instantly in the car crash. The murderer almost got away with it but the detective caught him at the end.
********Break********
"Did you have your bath?" Mom asked.
"Yes, Mom. I brushed my teeth too."
"Good," she answered.
After crawling into bed, she tucked me in and kissed me goodnight. Alfred then rushed in. He immediately said he needed to speak with Mom about something important. They stepped out into the hallway and shut the door behind them. I crept out of bed and pressed my ear aginst the door.
"Madame, the Elliots were involved in a car crash about an hour ago. Their brake lines were cut. Master Thomas has them both in surgery. He's fighting for their lives."
"Is Tommy okay!" I exclaimed as I threw the door open.
"Bruce, what did we say about eavesdropping!" Mom chided.
I ignored her and looked to Alfred, who replied, "He was not involved in the accident."
Looking back over at Mom, I asked, "Can I see him?"
********Break********
Mom, Alfred, and I were led to a waiting room in the hospital. Tommy sat perfectly still in a chair with no emotion on his face. Mom left us alone with Alfred close by to check to see if there was any news yet.
"Don't worry, Tommy. My dad's going to save your parents."
Out of nowhere, he leapt to his feet and shoved me against the wall. He yelled, "Don't say that!"
Alfred dragged Tommy away from me and forced him back into a chair. Alfred told Tommy to calm down immediately. I just stared at them with wide eyes as Mom came back in. She walked over and knelt down in front of Tommy. She took his hand and handed him a tissue.
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. Your father didn't make it… Your mother is going to be fine though."
Tommy's left eye twitched as he shoved her away and went straight for me. He flew across the room at me only to be intercepted by Alfred.
Tommy screamed, "This is your fault! I'll get even! You're gonna pay, Bruce! You're going to pay for this!" before Alfred dragged him out the door.
Mom came over and hugged me. I hugged her back and asked if Tommy was going to be alright.
"Of course, baby. He's just… upset right now. I'm sure he didn't mean those nasty things."
********Break********
Alfred's POV
Three days later, Master Bruce had fallen into a somber state after losing his only friend. The young Elliot was carted off to a mental institution for children after speaking to the psychoanalyst. It broke Mrs. Elliot's heart to make the decision for her only child but it was for the best. Besides, the poor woman now resides in a rehabilitation center after losing her legs. She'd be unable to care for the poor boy.
I set the tea tray before Master Thomas as his wife walked in to join him. I moved to leave them alone but stopped when she called me back.
"Alfred, does Bruce seem a bit down to you?"
"Yes, Madame. The lad has just lost his only friend."
She and her husband swapped sad glances. Master Thomas commented about trying his hardest to save Mister Elliot. Madame just patted his hand in solace and agreed with him.
"Perhaps the young master just needs something to take his mind off the ordeal. What about a trip to the theater to see that Zorro film the lad's been dying to see?" I suggested.
"Excellent idea, Alfred!" Master Thomas praised.