Unrequited Love

Chapter 10: Old Foes... New Love

When Lucy arrived at the amusement mile, she was immediately stopped by both of her parents when she walked into the building, eager to hear about their daughter's day. "Luce' tell us about yer day. I hope it went well. Was there any boys ya like? Girls? Anyone?" Harley asked excitedly. "Please spare us the details about- that..." Joker said towards his daughter. "Exactly how was your day?" He asked. Lucy sighed, "It was great until... never mind." Harley's face fell knowing something was wrong, "What happened sweetie?" Lucy hesitated not wanting to worry her parents. "Out with it kiddo..." Joker said

Lucy sighed, "The group of girls that bullied me as a kid... also attend that school. They're also in my dance class. Luckily they aren't around but if they were... I don't know what would've happened to me." Joker smiled, "See I told you Lucille, me taking care of them was a great thing." Lucy shook her head, "I just put one of those girls father's in jail for murder. They're gonna be out for my head because of what you did to them." Joker's smile faltered, "Well I could fix the situation by making their suffering permanent." Lucy glared at her father, "No..."

Joker frowned, "You think I'm gonna stand there and do nothing. After all we've done to make this happen for you." Lucy sighed, "I'll figure it out myself... I could make myself unrecognizable to them possibly. I could fly under the radar as long as things go my way. You don't do a damn thing, understand?" She asked her father. "After all I've done trying to get us more time with each other ." Joker's face twisted in anger, but he seemed to be restraining himself. "Fine, Lucille. Have it your way. But know this: I'm always watching, and if anything happens to you, I'll make sure those girls and their families pay the price."

Harley intervened, placing a hand on Joker's arm. "Puddin', let's just calm down and think this through. We don't want to do anything rash."

Lucy nodded, relieved that her mother was trying to mediate the situation. "I'll be fine, Mom. I just need to figure out a way to deal with this on my own."

Joker scowled, but seemed to be backing down. "Fine. But if you need me, you know I'll be there."

Lucy nodded, knowing that her father would always be there for her, even if his methods were unorthodox. She just hoped that she could find a way to handle the situation without his help, and without anyone getting hurt."I'm just stressed that's all because today was all I've ever wanted. I don't want it to go down to waste. I've made tons of friends for the first time, I may even have a bit of a crush, the teachers acknowledge me, I feel like I'm being treated as everyone else, it was anazing. Just knowing that it could come all crashing down... I- we'll see."

Joker even though still not agreeing with the fact of letting Lucy to go to school, was kind of glad that they did let her. His daughter was happy and that's all he wanted. He felt like he finally did something right. He didn't want that feeling taken away from him. "I'll make sure it won't." Lucy turned towards her father, "Remeber the last time you intervened it didn't end so well. Just leave it to me, okay? Right now I just... need a moment." She said as she had begun to go to her room. Joker nodded understanding Lucy's want of being alone. "Puddin' you have that glint in yer eye again. She'll be okay, she's smart, she can figure it out," Harley said. "Those girls deserve to rot in those hospital beds for the rest of their lives. Lucy knows that." He said.

"Puddin-" Harley pleaded. "Did you have a crying 7 year old Lucy at your doorstep begging to stay because she was being bullied. Because she didn't belong. Because everyone made fun of her. Did you have to face said 7 year old and force her to go back to your sisters? Did you have to later be confronted  by that same girl 8 years later, telling you that you ruined her life? No? Didn't think so." Joker's eyes turned dark and cold. "I was once in Lucy's shoes. The fact that she's finally in a good place... in contrast to me, I'm not letting her blame me for anything else." Joker turned away from Harley and headed towards his daughter's room. He slowly opened the door and saw Lucy who was journaling, wiping way her tears.