ʀᴇᴄʟᴜsᴇ! homesick

CH 11: Party

I was experiencing more "glitches" lately. That's what I had decided to call my attacks, where my cells didn't vibrate at the right frequency of this Earth, and threw a tantrum. I once had to run out of a class, because I felt one coming, and hide in the bathroom until it was over.

Even worse, since the Riddler's attack, I hadn't shown any emotion. I hadn't picked on Damian or Tim, or even had the energy to try and stop their fights. When Damian tried to stab Tim with a knife, which is a regular occasion, I had simply looked at them, and slowly walked up the stairs, too tired to function. Which stopped both of them in their tracks.

Bruce then kindly reminded me that I was allowed to have friends over. Several times. He was concerned because I refused to do so, unlike any other teenager my age.

Damian had his friend Jon over, regularly, or rather, Jon invited himself over regularly. Jon claimed to be Damian's best friend, while Damian said he was merely self appointed.

Tim would bring Stephanie over, but it was awkward walking into the movie room or into the living room to see them making out. Bruce had strict rules about no girls in the boys room, or no boys in my room. That didn't stop certain brothers from wandering in and bothering me while I attempted to do homework.

I had confined myself to the Manor, not even bothering to go to the library after school anymore.

Sometimes, I was glad I did, because I had the opportunity to meet Barbara Gordon, the Commissioner's daughter. I knew she had been involved in an attack by the Joker, that left her in a wheelchair, but I had never met her. When I was first introduced to her by Alfred, Barbara claimed she had to help Bruce with a project for the city, but I instantly knew that she was the former Batgirl, recognizing her fiery red hair. When Barbara came over, we would talk for a few minutes, before I ultimately left her alone.

That's how I learned that she and Dick were ex's but they had left on good terms.

Dick was now currently dating a girl named Kori, who I had not met. Tim assured me they weren't that serious, and I had believed him until everyone in the family had met her. Even Jon had met her.

I didn't want to invite Anita over, we weren't close at all. By choice. I didn't want to get her involved.

Jason was still ignoring me, but Bruce wouldn't let me hang out with him because he was older. And a guy. And the fact that he shared a name with his dead son. Surely Bruce didn't need a reminder like that.

Besides, if Dick scared off all the boys from me at the gala, how would Bruce act?

He was concerned for me, even if he didn't show it through his emotions, he did through his actions. He was worried about my social health, and the fact that I was known as the 'Ice Princess' next to Damian, or that I had been called 'Robin Hood' of all things.

So during winter break, a heavy December night, so close to Christmas and the New Year, I was encouraged to go to a party.

The Wayne's had always been known as the ultimate partiers, but I never expected it from Tim of all people, to drag me to a party. The kid who wouldn't survive a day without coffee. Don't even get me started on his addiction to that substance, but currently, I didn't want to see him on alcohol.

Tim parked on the side of the street, opposite to a house filled with flashing lights and head pounding music. Just think of your classic underage party, and you got the picture.

We both got out of the car, and made our way inside. The sea of sweaty, teenage bodies, all intoxicated made me wrinkle my nose. Tim grabbed my arm, to keep us together, and introduced me to his friends.