A Little Sane

Chapter 157

Jeremiah was enjoying a book he found rather engaging by the fireplace. It was a pleasant afternoon and he felt that once he finished the chapter he was on, he would go for a walk in the woods. Jeremiah was interrupted mid sentence by his security artificial intelligence. 

"I'm sorry to disturb you Jeremiah, but Bruce Wayne is heading right for the front door."

Jeremiah instantly felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard trying to get rid of it. He was having no luck. He placed his bookmark carefully between the pages. He stared at his mantel above the fireplace as he placed his book on the table beside his chair. It made him smile lovingly. Ecco walked into the living room a moment later. 

"Jeremiah..."

Jeremiah put his hand up and nodded. Ecco took this as a sigh that she didn't need to explain to him anything.

"Karen warned me. You can let him in Ecco. Thank you."

Jeremiah stood waiting for Bruce to walk down the hallway into the living room. He knew why Bruce had come. He wanted an explanation. Jeremiah felt he had never more nervous in his life. He turned around to take a breath. He stopped moving upon hearing foot steps stop in the room. Jeremiah spoke without turning around.

"Bruce. What brings you to my home?"

Bruce took a single step forward. He realized he didn't really pay attention to the bunker the last time he was in it. His eyes wondered about the room. They landed on the mantel above the fireplace. He noticed four pictures. The first picture was of Jeremiah and Mariana. Mariana was on Jeremiah's back and they were standing in a field of flowers, both smiling from ear to ear. The second picture was of Mercedes and Mariana sitting on a picnic blanket with food and toys. They looked so happy. The third picture showed Mariana sitting in the middle of both of their laps. Bruce studied that one just as closely as the first two. They looked like a perfect family. The fourth and final picture Bruce laid on his eyes on showed just Mercedes. Jeremiah had manage to capture a strikingly beautiful off guard photo of Mercedes. She was smiling, but almost as if she was laughing with the beautiful river and sky behind her. It had to be a day where Gotham didn't look depressing because Bruce found this photo very impressive. He noticed the chair Jeremiah was standing next to. A child's blanket was folded neatly and rested on the back. A child's story book set underneath the adult book Jeremiah was reading when Bruce arrived. His eyes found the entertainment center with the TV. Disney's Sleeping Beauty set neatly in it's case next to the DVD player.  A stuffed elephant laid in the corner of the couch. Bruce definitely noticed this time that this was a home where a child who seemed more than loved lived. Jeremiah still had not moved from his spot. He was worried by the long pause. Bruce smiled to himself as he didn't feel coldness, but warmth throughout the living room. He cleared his throat. 

"Sorry... I think you know why I came.."

Bruce stepped forward again only to exclaim from almost tripping. Jeremiah instantly turned around. He followed Bruce's eyes to the ground. He sighed. He shook his head and gave Bruce a small smile.

"No I'm sorry.."

Jeremiah straightened himself before calling towards the hallway. 

"Miss Mariana Aurora Valeska I require your presence!" 

They could hear Mariana yell from down the hallway.

 "I'm come daddy!"

Bruce laughed slightly. He turned when smaller feet came to a halt. Mariana smiled brightly.

"Yes sir daddy?"

Before Jeremiah could speak Mariana noticed Bruce.

"Oh.. Hello Mr. Wayne.."