Hide And Seek

Chapter 10

As Marie walked into the cafe, she pretended not to notice the three men in the corner booth who wore cheap hats and hid behind various objects. She knew they were just concerned, and she didn’t have anything to hide in regards to Alya. Though really, how were they so bad at disguises.

Damian was all right; hat, sunglasses, and a large blank book to duck behind.

Jason and Kim on the other hand; hats, sunglasses, and trenchcoats.

They ducked behind their coffee cups when she walked in, she rolled her eyes at their antics before heading to the table where Alya waited.

She had a coffee before her, and Marie gave her a nod before going to order her drink and sitting next to her. She tapped the woman’s arm casually. “You’re really tense, relax.”

Alya did not relax, instead, squinting at her curiously “When did you get so good at reading body language?”

Marie just gave her a blank look as a server placed her cup on the table. “I live in Gotham, Alya. You should learn too, or you’ll get hurt.”

“Ah, right.” Alya glanced around anxiously, taking a small sip of her drink. “I thought over everything we said, and what we didn’t. Conclusion; I was a horrible friend, but I do want to make it up to you, to everyone I guess. Lila was exposed on the news and I still refused to believe it; and that's just sad honestly. More then anything, I should have stood by you from the get-go. I fucked up.”

“I know, and it’s okay. I forgive you, remember? Just,” She sighed now, tucking her mug against her chin. “It was hard to be abandoned like that, and then by my parents. I’ve probably got abandonment issues, I’ve always had issues with feeling like I had to earn my place as a friend, and that made it worse.”

Alya winced, remembering when she had told Marie she probably had some issues like that before Lila happened. She had known that and had not considered it when she turned her back on her. “God, I’m sorry. You’re completely right, have you been able to get a good support system here really? I saw your pictures, but I just wanted to check.”

“Yeah actually,” She knew the boys were listening real hard a few tables down. “Kim and Max of course, and I also got really close to this family. They’re always there for me, and honestly, I’ve never felt safer, or more loved.”

Alya smiled at her, only a little wistful. “Yeah, I’m glad for you, you deserve it, Marie.”

“I know you broke up with Nino, and you’re here, so you don’t talk to Lila I’m guessing?”

“Yeah, I kinda started dodging her calls, and she stopped calling me pretty quickly after that,” Alya chuckled. “Guess he figured I’d finally come to my senses.”

“Well, I hope Gotham’s treating you well, you’ll have to keep me posted.”

“You’d be willing to meet up again then?

Marie looked at her a little strangely, and Alya found herself expecting an ‘of course.’ Because Marie was just good like that. “Yeah, not all the time. But I’d be happy to say in contact, I told ya that remember?”

Alya felt her throat dry a little bit. “Every once in a while?”

“Well yeah,” Marie tilted her head a bit as she finished off her coffee. “You really thought I wouldn’t talk to you beyond today? I mean, you hurt me, it sucked, I dealt with it. I had a lot of help, from Jason in particular, but others too. I’m healed honestly, a bit scared but still whole.”