The Orphan

The child

13 years earlier

Theresa had successfully ‘became’ a nurse. Maybe she never took nursing school or whatever you need to do to become a nurse but at least she wasn't stealing anymore…ok at least she wasn't stealing as often.

“Dillon check on room 375, see if they need anything,” Paris ordered Theresa. “Got it,” She said while walking towards the elevator.

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“aren't you just a cutie?” Theresa whispered to the baby that she was currently cradling. “Dillon, your shifts over go home” Paris sighed. “Just let me stay until she falls asleep, do her parents want her yet?” Theresa questioned. “Well considering her moms dead and the father isn't known, no her parents don't want her” Paris started gathering her stuff.

“Stacy asked me to cover her shift so I'll be coming home late tonight” Theresa lied. “Okay but don't come crying to me when you get tired” Paris walked out. “I won't!” Theresa called. “So honey, how about you stay with me?” Theresa questioned as the baby giggled “I'm gonna take that as a yes”

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“You stole a baby!” Paris yelled. “I didn't steal her, I took her in” Theresa countered. “You can't just take in a baby, we can get fired!” Paris paced. “So jobs are more important than kids know?” Theresa asked. “How are we supposed to take care of her if we don't have any money?!” Paris countered. “I can get a different job” Theresa suggested.

“But I can't all my life. I've wanted to be a nurse and I'm not going to throw that away because of your stupid decision,” Paris said.
“You don't have to stop being a nurse,” Theresa said. “Do you think they're still going to employ me after my friend steals a kid?” Paris questioned.

“Just pretend that you weren't friends with me” Theresa suggested. “Fine but if I get fired it's your fault.” Paris said.

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“As the Joker has escaped Arkham we advise for you and your family to stay home” The TV buzzed as Theresa flipped pancakes.”And remember if you see anything call the GCPDs tip line” The reporter said as the phone number flashed on the TV. “What happened?” Jamie asked, approaching the kitchen. “Nothing I just felt like cooking,” Theresa said. “You only cook when you either do something bad or when Paris goes on a business trip” Jamie countered her mother sitting down.

“Why don't you open that letter right there?” Theresa asked. Jamie opened the letter. “I've been accepted to Gotham academy I don't remember applying.” She looked at Theresa.
“Well I might've sent an application for you and you got accepted!” Theresa exclaimed.

“We don't have the money for that tuition though” Jamie said. ”I was able to put something together,” Theresa explained.”So I'm guessing I have to go there on Monday.” Jamie said. ”you're making it sound like a bad thing now, hurry up and eat the bus leaves in 12 minutes and I can't afford to be late to work again.” Theresa left the room.

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“You know I can stay at home by myself now it's not like I'm a toddler” Jamie complained. “You know I don't like you staying home by yourself” Theresa said. The door opened as Jim Gordon entered.”Brought your kid again Lennon?” Gordon asked. “Didn't have a babysitter” Theresa said.
“I don't need a babysitter,” Jamie muttered.

“Why are you here anyways, don't you have something to do with Batman?” Theresa questioned.”First of all I don't have anything to do with Batman second of all I have a new case for you.” Gordon said. “I thought we agreed that I'm only doing paperwork this month.” Theresa said. “Well agreements can be broken” Gordon tossed a file on the desk.