Chapter 4 - The Dinner from Hell
When I agreed to having dinner with my sister, Bruce, and his friends I was aware that Bruce Wayne wasn't going to go to the cheesecake factory. No, instead it is one of the fanciest restaurants in town and to say that I'm a little overwhelmed with what to wear would be putting it lightly.
Hearing my mother's voice inside my ear, she always used to tell me that my "style" was the one of a whore. Still not too sure what she meant by that since all of my clothes weren't revealing at all while she was alive.
"Stop it, Aria!" I scold myself while continuing to look through my clothes when I spot a short violet dress-taking it out and putting it on. Spinning in front of the mirror I had to admit that I was pretty happy with my pick.
"Are you really going to wear that?" Turning around I see Elena standing in the doorway and by the look on her face, I can already tell that she is disappointed with what I'm wearing.
"Uh, well yeah. Bruce didn't mention anything about a special dress code."
"Maybe, but you will not leave this house in that dress. Now..." Stomping over to my clothes as she starts to go through all of my clothes.
"Elena" I try to protest but to no avail, as she takes out an old dark olive green dress. "Here. You're going to wear that," she states while handing me the dress.
"No." Answering firmly placing the dress back into her hand.
"Excuse me?"
"I said no. Lena, why do you keep treating me like I'm five years old?" I really wasn't looking to fight with her, but she needs to realize that I'm not a child anymore.
"Because, you clearly have forgotten that image matters, Aria." Running her hand through her hair she looks me up and down. "You know what mom always said about how important it is to make a good first impression and ever since she's dead you're acting just like a ..."
"Like a what?" I ask bitter looking at my feet. "Acting like a slut? Is that what you want to say? Gosh Lena I came here to try and fix our relationship, but you have to accept that I don't want to keep on living like everyone expects me to. And you especially have to stop acting like you're mother."
"Fine. Do whatever you want." Scoffing she shoves the dress back into the closet and turns around to leave.
"Elena wait." I did say that my life in Gotham would be different, but it's hard to break old habits I guess. "Look I'm sorry okay. You're my sister and I've missed you so much. I came here to try and make peace with you. Look I'll even wear the green dress if you want me to?" I offer.
"What I want" she starts. "Is that you stop spitting on the legacy of our parents and do what is still expected of you and that would be going to college and getting a good degree." And with that, she turns on her heels and leaves without saying another word.
Well if she doesn't want to try and work on our broken bond I guess there is nothing more that I can do. Looking one last time into the mirror I decide to hold my ground and keep the purple dress on that I had picked for myself. I didn't wear any makeup besides mascara here and there so I was pretty much finished getting ready. Smoothing out my hair and putting on a pair of black high heels, in which I could just barely walk, but I knew it would make my sister happy and with that I head into the living room.
Third P.O.V.
"You look stunning" Bruce compliments his girlfriend as she steps into the room.
"Thanks, but why exactly is this dinner necessary? The dinner party is tomorrow, why do we have to meet up with them today as well?" Straightening his tie Bruce turns to her.
"It's about Rachel, isn't it."
"Of course, it's about her!" Glaring at him she continues. "Gosh, Bruce. I know, okay. I know that you two have a long history with each other and I also know that you used to love her."
"Used to. I don't anymore. I'm with you. Elena, I love you." Gently taking her face into his hand, looking her in the eyes. "And she is with Harvey. There is no need to worry. The only reason why I'm doing this is because I see a lot of potential in Harvey. With him on top, Gotham maybe won't be needing Batman anymore." Putting hope for normality into her eyes.
Aria's P.O.V.
Entering the restaurant is a little intimidating. All the people are so nicely dressed and look so elegant, maybe I should have listened to Elena about the green dress. The whole environment is making me feel so uncomfortable because this simply just isn't me.
"Bruce, hi" Turning in my seat I see a man and a woman approaching us.
"Rachel you look lovely. Havey, hope you're doing good after what happened 2 days ago?" Bruce welcomes the couple.
"Hey, nice to see you two?" I can't help but notice something in Elena's voice changing as she greets Rachel."
"Oh, hi you must be the lovely Aria? I've heard a lot about you" Havey smiles at me while extending his hand.
"Mr. Dent. Nice to meet you."
He chuckles as he pulls the chair out for Rachel. "So polite, but please just call me Harvey. We are all friends here."
"Should we ask if it's alright to put the tables together?" Rachel asks looking around.
"No need. I own the place after all" Bruce laughs and Elena looks at him surprised.
"Since when?" She asks.
"About three weeks." Not taking his eyes off Rachel and Harvey.
"So how have you been? Aria have you been able to settle in well here yet?" Rachel asks politely.
"Yes, I have ..."
"She doesn't need to settle in. Aria is going to start looking for a good collage soon." Elena interrupts me mid-sentence.
"Really? Anything interesting on your mind?" Harvey asks.
"No. Not at all since I'm not going to college. It seems that my sister just needs a little while to accept it." Trying to be as polite as possible not understanding why she needs to bring this subject up at dinner.
"Well," Bruce chips in changing the topic. "Rachel, have you been to the Moscow Ballet?"
"Yes, we went last week. It was wonderful" Smiling she places her hand on Harvey's arm. They look really happy with each other.
"What about the two of you ladies? Do you like Balett?"
"Of course. Bruce took me to see the premiere." Elena stated while grinning at Rachel and I just couldn't help but wonder why she was acting so weird towards her.
Our waiter arrives as we start to order. Harvey orders a bottle of chardonnay as it's now my turn to order. "Uhm I'll take the risotto and a coke please."
My order only earns me a laugh from Elena. "Funny, Aria. She'll have water and the salat and make that two." As the waiter leaves I let myself sink even more into my seat. I just can't understand how my sister could turn out to be so much like Mom and not even realize it.
"So you don't want children?" Rachels's voice ripping me away from my thoughts.
"I never said that I didn't want children. I just can't imagine raising them here" Havey answers, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.
"I was raised here. I turned out okay."
"Is Wayne Manor in the city limits?" Harvey jokes which earns him a stern glare from Rachel.
"The Palisades? Sure. You know, as our new D.A. you might want to figure out where your jurisdiction ends."
"Well after all this city seems to idolize a masked vigilante" Rachels mumbles as my sister just rolls her eyes.
"Gotham's proud of an ordinary man standing up for what's right."
"Sure, but don't you think that it would be better for the city to focus on heroes like you? Someone who is part of the system, not a man who thinks he's above the law." Bruce looks a little taken aback, once Elena's finished.
"Exactly. Who appointed the Batman?"
"We all did," Harvey states matter-of-factly. "All of us who stood by and let scum take control of our city."
"This is still a democracy, Harvey."
"Well when you look back at the history, there were a lot of people who committed vigilante justice and were praised for it" Maybe I shouldn't have said anything as the whole table has now gone quite looking at me.
Clearing his throat Harvey sends a warm smile my way as he continues. "Exactly. When their enemies were at the gate, the Romans would suspend democracy and appoint one man to protect the city. It wasn't considered an honor. It was considered public service."
"Harvey, the last man they asked to protect the republic was named Caesar. And he never gave up that power." I can't help but to wonder why now both of the women are looking at Bruce so weird?.
"Well, I guess you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Look, whoever the Batman is, he doesn't want to spend the rest of his life doing this. How could he? Batman's looking for someone to take up his mantle."
"Someone like you," Bruce asks jokingly.
"Maybe. If I'm up to it but trust me if I were sneaking out every night someone would've noticed by now." Silence. Okay, I have no idea what's going on, but clearly, this is awkward.
"You've sold me, Dent. Let's discuss the details tomorrow at the party, but I'm gonna throw you a fundraiser."
"That's nice of you, Bruce, but I'm not up for reelection for three years. That stuff won't start for ..."
"I don't think you understand. One fundraiser with my plas, you'll ever need another cent."
"Well then let's toast. To a better Gotham."
The next day
"I hope you've had a nice day yesterday" Alfred greets me as I step into the kitchen. "A really nice day, although I must say it is rather hot considering that it's only April. Oh, and Bruce thank you so much for showing me around. I appreciate it."
"You don't need to thank me, Aria. I meant it when I said that you are now also a part of the family." He stands up ready to exit the room. "If you'll please excuse me I need to get ready for the dinner party later on. Your sister will be here any minute and Aria the offer is still up on the table if you want to join us?"
"Thanks but I'd just rather stay in and watch a movie or something like that." Smiling shyly I politely deny it.
"As you wish." Just as Bruce is about to leave the front door opens up as Elena enters the Mansion.
"Hey, Lena. How was your day? Is everything okay?" Greeting her, I just can't help but notice the devastated look on her face. "Elena?"
Bruce immediately rushes over to her and pulls her into a hug. "I've heard. How many?" I hear him whisper.
"More than 20" she whispers back her voice breaking while she fights against her tears. "And Bruce, there were also children involved."
Children? More than 20? Did I miss something? Looking confused between the two hoping that one of them would explain to me.
"I've told you about the crimes around here" Bruce starts slowly as I nod for him to go on. "Well, there was a bank robbery and everyone who happened to be inside the bank is dead. After the robbery a school bus washijacked and the children who were on the bus..."
Letting myself sink into the chair as utter shock washes over me. How can someone possibly be so cruel and murder so many people in one day. Especially children?
"Do you want to stay here with your sister? I can go by myself, I'm sure Harvey would understand" but Elena shakes her head no.
"No. I think I can use one night out unless of course Aria you want me to stay here with you?" she asks looking at me. I immediately shake my head no.
"No, it's more than okay. You two go and have fun. I'll be right here."
Bruce and Elena went into their room to get ready for the party and in the meantime, I decided to change into something more comfortable. Looking through my closet, I pick out a set of black sleeping shorts and a white tank top. As I make my way back into the living room, Bruce is already dressed and waiting for his date.
"I'm ready." Turning my head towards the stairs looking at my sister, who looks more than just beautiful. She's wearing a blue dress that goes all the way down to the floor.
"You look stunning." Bruce complicates her as he places a soft kiss on her hand.
"Alright, well, we'll get going. Aria if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."
"Thanks, Bruce, but I'll be just fine and now please go and have fun."
BING - I watch as they exit the house.
"Well Miss Aria, does Ice Cream sound tempting to you?"Alfred asks as he opens the refrigerator.
"More than just tempting." I laugh as we sit down and start to eat chocolate ice cream while we talk for a while. Alfred tells me about his time in the army and how he feels about Bruce. He also tells me about the tragic evening when his parents were shot in front of him. Once we're done I stand up and put the spoons into the dishwasher and place the ice cream back into the refrigerator.
"Do you need anything else, Miss Aria?"
"No thank you, Alfred. I think I'll just go to bed." Just as I pass the fort door I hear it being opened up. BING
"Hey, did you forget some..." As I turned my head looking at the door I felt my blood run cold because standing in the doorway weren't my sister and her boyfriend, but three men with clown masks ... and guns in their hands.