Catastrophe-2

Hello Stranger

I kind of love writing these flashbacks of Anna's life. I hope you're all enjoying them too.

14-year-old Anna's POV

I didn't stop running until I saw the metal gates. I push on them, and they don't budge. I throw my bag over and climb on top, not realizing until I was on the top how afraid of heights I am. I take a deep breath and jump down, hurting my ankle in the process. I fight back the tears as I grab my bag and run up to the front doors. I ring the bell since I don't have a key of my own. Never needed one until now. I keep ringing until my adoptive father, Alfred, opens the door. "Anna wh..."

"Where is he?" I ask, barging in. "He's here, right?" I ask.

"Anna..."

"I heard it all over the news at school. Bruce is back. Right?" Dad lowers his head.

"He is."

"I want to see him." I start running up to where Bruce's room is. "Bruce!" I call out, needing to see my brother. "Bruce!" I call out again. I stop at his empty room, seeing nothing has changed.

"Master Bruce is not home." Dad informs me.

"Where is he?" I ask.

"At Wayne Tower."

"What is he doing at there?"

"Getting a job."

"Did he...did he say why he left?" I ask, fearing the answer.

"Your brother has never been one to say much of what he's feeling."

"He left for seven years." I remind him.

"I caution you, Anna. He's not the brother you knew before."

"But he's still my brother."

"How did you get here from school?" I look down, not wanting to answer. "Anna." He says my name, and I know he means business.

"I stole one of the teacher's cars and..."

"Anna!" He scolds me.

"It was really important. I needed to know for myself if...I needed to know."

"Come. Let's see if we can bring your brother some lunch." I take his hand, and he leads me to the garage. "If you stole a car, where is it?"

"It ran out of gas in the middle of town and..."

"You left the stolen car."

"I will pay for the repair..." He gives me a look. "A new car?" I ask.

"First, start with forgiveness."

"I knew you would say no to me coming home and...I needed to see him for myself." I explain.

"That is no reason to commit grand theft auto at fourteen!"

"I know."

"If you get expelled, Anna this..."

"Would be the third boarding school. I know."

"I don't want you going down the same road..."

"You don't want me to be like Bruce."

"I want you to be the best you can be, Anna. That's all I want."

"Other kids have families they go home to during the break. They come back with these wonderful memories and..."

"I thought we enjoyed our times in England."

"I do. I love our time there, but it's just...I want something more. People talk, dad, and...they are wondering when is it going to be my turn."

"Your turn?"