It started that summer

Bro-Attack

I ran my fingertips over the dusty frame and wiped the glass. The picture started to appear, it revealed Jason holding onto me for dear life while I had my hands raised on some amusement park ride. He was one hell of a kid, with lots of rough edges and lots of spirit. Years ago, for his birthday, Dad and I took him to go on roller coasters for the first time. It was something he'd go on and on about forever. When I asked him why he wanted to go so much he told me it was because when he was little his mom stole him a Lego roller coaster set for Christmas. It was missing pieces and the box was Busted but it was one of the only toys he had. When he was home alone for days he'd play with it and imagine himself on one. He said it was one of the only things he could imagine that made him happy. So we took him to go on one he was so excited but absolutely terrified the second the ride started. I blew off the dust and set it on my shelf.

The other day Tim said he thinks Jason is losing his memories. They were talking about school and Jason already didn't remember anything about the school that he went to. Not the name, not the mascot, and the layout. It's like he never even went there. I tried to push down the guilt that bubbled up in my stomach. I shouldn't have yelled at him the other day. I don't know what to say to him.

There was a knock at my door, "Master Dick they have arrived,"

"Oh, thanks, Alfred!" I called before quickly shoving the old box under my bed. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and fixed my hair. I pulled out my trusty comb from my pocket and slicked back my messy black curls. I stepped back and checked out my suit to see if it looked good enough. Tie, check, shoes are tied, check, hair is perfect, check, and my ass is still the best check check! Alright let's blow this popsicle stand.

"Dick you ready?" Dad peers into the room fixing his cuffs.

"I'm always ready," I beam.

"Father, must I be there?" Damian irritatedly pulls at his tie. "What is this death contraption!" He growls and tugs at his suit. "How am I supposed to fight in this?!"

"That's the beauty of it," Dad smiles, "You don't." He takes a knee and begins to fix the knot Damians attempted to tie.

"All we have to do is sit there and look pretty. And when they ask you if you're taken, say yes." Chills ran down my spine, "I made that mistake once. There's always some crazy people all over an arranged marriage to get into Wayne's bank account." I warned.

Damian huffed and puffed, crossing his arms, "There, now you're ready." Dad admired his handy work.

Damian wore a little black suit with a green tie to watch his emerald eyes. I helped him style his outfit. "Awww," I cooed, "What a handsome little man."

Dad looked at his watch with a groan, "Shoot, we're gonna be late,"

As a man dressed in a tuxedo opened a grand door made of gold, everyone turned their heads in his direction and smiled. Women welcomed us, all dressed in lavish and elegant dresses, while men wore their best suits along with their most expensive watches. The room was filled with sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a band played delicately on the stage. I turned to Dami, this was his first gala. I know he'll contain himself, I think, but I'm worried. "Let's get our seats-"

"Richard Greyson!" A satin purple dress blocked my next step, I looked up to find bouncing grey curls and long diamond earrings. "I see age has treated you well, you look amazing!"

"Madam Violet," I took her hand and bowed to show my etiquette. "I can say the same about you." She giggled and took a sip from her champagne glass.

"I'm looking forward to hearing your father's speech. Such a hard-working man we need more men like him." She went on telling the story I've heard a million times of how she and Dad met and she knew he was going to lead a business one day. She was one of the background heads of the company, she basically runs everything behind the scenes. There's not that many rich people who have a good heart, but she's one of the few. "How have you been? It's been so long. Oh, and your brother?! Oh my goodness I don't know how Bruce does it. I bet he's such a sweetheart just like you two."