Please Put A Smile On My Face [The Joker]

Chapter 2- Reunited

Waking up the next morning with the sunlight streaming into my room, I couldn't be happier. I had a long day ahead of me and knew the sooner I got started, the sooner I would have my apartment looking amazing. I decided to turn the TV on so I had something to listen to while I was unpacking. After a while I sat down and had a break as the new came on the tv. "As of today citizens of Gotham City and surrounding states have been put on high alert and people have been warned to avoid being out late at night and if it is essential it is suggested to go in groups" the news reader looked slightly worried as he carried on, "as of last night at approximately 11.15pm the Joker was able to escape from the maximum security mental hospital, Arkaham Asylum. It is believed that he was helped from within and an investigation is already underway. In a statement today the chief of police said that if you see the Joker do not confront him, leave the area as quickly possible and call the police. Just to repeat try to avoid going out at night and if you really must, do not go alone. Have a good day and stay safe" I stood there feeling slightly puzzled, who was this joker guy and what had he done to freak everyone out so badly.

After what seemed hours I had finally managed to unpack most of the boxes, the only ones left were in my bedroom. Just as I went to sit down and relax my phone went off, a picture of my best friend Rebecca flashed on the screen. I'd met her when we were 12, she was on holiday with her family and since those days we had been best friends despite us living thousands of miles apart. She was the final thing the helped me make my decision to move here, I knew I wouldn't be alone. I picked up the phone already, with an idea of why she was calling.

"Izzy I'm outside let me in!!" I had an image of her standing outside the building jumping up and down dying to get in. I couldn't help but smile.

"Doors open, you know what number it is. " I said as I press the button that opened the main door of the building. Not long after that I my front door was flung open and I was pulled into a bear hug.

"I can't believe you're here, you're actually here!" She exclaimed with the biggest smile on her face.

"I know I can't quite believe it myself." I said as I hugged her back. I hadn't physically seen her for 8 years and couldn't help but be overjoyed. She had was wearing her favourite leather jacket while sporting her new black bob.

"I still can't believe you cut your hair off, I would have died to have it as long as you." I commented.

"You're just jealous of how good it looks, " she smirked as she flicked her hair. "So how about we go and get some food, I'm sure you're starving"

As if on cue my stomach growled loudly, and I smiled sheepishly. "I think you may be right, let me get changed and then we can leave" I go to my bedroom and change quickly into jeans, a T-shirt and a black jacket. We leave the apartment and as we are walking down the streets I can already see how different Gotham is to back home. The large, daunting building and bustling streets are something that may take some time to get used to. Stopping off at a diner we sit down and order our food.

"This feels still feels like a dream" I mumble as I gaze out the window at the busy evening city.

"It's going to be great for you, a fresh start is exactly what you need. Plus, I now have my best friend here so we can get up to loads of mischief" she laughed. As we were eating the small TV in the diner caught my attention, it was that Joker guy again. As I was watching the waitress at the bar turns the TV up and I can hear what the news present is saying.

"The Joker is seen here trying to use Gotham University as cover as he waits for a white van. After enhancing the CCTV we were able to spot a female in the van which has been identified as Dr Harleen Quinzel who had previously worked at Arkham Asylum and is believed to have been the person to help the Joker escape. Many people have started to worry that now the Joker is free he will start attacking again, but the chief of police has assured that the department is doing all they can to find him and nothing will get past them. He has said that citizens of Gotham City have nothing to fear and should just carry on as usual."

As the news segment ended the TV was turned back down.

"Why is everyone freaking out about this Joker guy" I asked as I popped another bite of food in mouth.

"He's absolutely bat shit crazy, a couple of years ago, he went started getting really bold and ended up blowing up the hospital and tried to kill a load of people as they were evacuating the city. Batman caught him and he was chucked into Arkham, but they obviously can't even keep him locked up." As she spoke, she had a concerned look on her face, I had no idea he was that dangerous. "Seriously, if you ever come across that psycho, run in the opposite direction as fast as you can" After dinner we walked back to mine and decided we would just relax and watch movies, it was around midnight when I heard a bang come from outside and went an checked but never saw anything. Rebecca was fast asleep so I decided to leave her be and go to bed.

I dreamt of the Joker that night. I had been walking down the street and had passed an alleyway where I could hear a loud rustling, I was going to carry on walking until I thought I heard a grunt come from that direction. Against my gut feeling I walk a small way down the alley and call out to see if anyone way would answer me. I got no reply so I started back towards the entrance of the alley until I felt two strong hands seize my hips and drag me back down into the alley. It was so fast that I had no time to comprehend who it was or where they were taking me. The next thing I knew I was sitting in a alley way breathing heavily and trying to make sense of the events that just happened. I looked around and couldn't see anyone. I shakily got to my feet and against my better instincts I walked towards the darker end of the alley. As I walked further and further into the alley a tall shadowy figure came into view. For some reason I couldn't stop myself and carried on walking towards the figure. When I was only a few feet away from them they turned to face me causing me to stumble into the wall. In front of me was a man wearing a green waist coat with matching dark purple trousers and shirt, but most of it was covered by a lighter purple trench coat. The Joker. I composed myself and made sure my face showed nothing but true calm, and slowly started backing away.

"You can't leave yet sweetheart, we've only just met! I haven't even gotten your name yet!' he exclaimed, a grin playing at his crimson lips.

"Oh, I'm sure you don't care," I took another step back. "Besides, I really need to go take care of some things. You know, places to go, things to do. That sort of stuff. It's been real nice meeting you, though."

"Oh, but I do! I want to know who's face I am going to put a smile on!" he laughed, spreading his arms like he was stretching his muscles.

"But my name really isn't that important," I grinned, hoping that would calm the madman. I took another step back, my arms crossing behind my back as I did so. I was already looking for an opportunity to escape. "And look, you already made me smile!"

"But it is!" He continued to advance toward me, his own grin stretching further at the sight of mine. "I can tell a fake smile from a real one, my dear." he informed, reaching out with his left hand to grab my shoulder. I wasn't quite quick enough and he managed to grab me and roughly push me against the wall.

"Now, why don't you tell me your name" he produced a knife and laid it against my cheek.

"Isabell" I said my voice cracking, the fear finally becoming visible on my face.

"Such a lovely name to go with such a beautiful face" As he said that he pushed the knife a bit harder causing it to break the skin slightly and a small trail of blood trickled down my cheek .

"What do you want with me" I said looking straight into his deep brown eyes.

"I can do whatever I want" his smile grew wider, more manic.

"Why" I asked fidgeting uncomfortably under his intense gaze.

"Because I can" He whispered in my ear, menace dripping from every word. Suddenly there was a noise coming from the opposite end of the alley way. I took this opportunity to see if the way I came down was empty. I looked back at the Joker to see he was distracted by the noise and his grip had loosened. I took the risk and threw myself at him catching him off guard. I was able to break free and sprint down the alley to freedom without him following but as I turned to run his knife cut deeply into my left arm. I woke startled, my breathing laboured with the fear that I was still feeling, my top sticking to me with sweat. I had not had a nightmare like that in years. The dream kept replaying in my mind leaving me unable to drift off to sleep for the rest of the night.