Bad Boy Lessons

Lesson #16: Establish your own reputation - Harley Quinn (Part One)

A/N:  Hey, Harley Quinn didn't debut in a comic book - instead, she was created as a sidekick for Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, so I'm going to give you a bit of information about her, so you understand what Ella's character is relating her decisions to in this chapter: She's one of Batman's most fun villains, pretty crazy and fangirled on the Joker and she always made sure to establish her own reputation before anyone else's when doing anything. Enjoy! :)

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*Warning: Unedited And Some Strong Language*

Lesson #16: Establish your own reputation - Harley Quinn

Planting himself on my bed, Tyler reached beside him to grab a comic book. He flipped it to look at the cover whilst I shoved my blazer into my wardrobe. Today had been beyond eventful and I just wanted to sleep. Unfortunately, I just didn't have it in me to tell Tyler to go home.

"Have you ever thought of selling your comics?"

I turned so fast I was sure I would have got whiplash. "Are you insane? I could never get rid of them, they're like my babies!"

Seriously I think of my comics like how Spiderman thinks of Gwen Stacey. Tyler held his hands up in a defensive stance. "Calm down," he laughed, "I'm only asking."

There was something about the way he laughed, almost as if it was forced - almost. I ignored it and sat beside him on my bed. "So, Eddie's going to be home in about fifteen minutes an he'll be giving me one crazy headache. I wish I could just catch some sleep before then." I was trying my best to act casual so he would get the message and leave.

"It's okay. You can get some sleep, I don't mind. I'll just read this comic." He held up the comic and smiled brightly. Inwardly groaning, I fell back onto my bed and shoved my face into my pillow hoping to get a quick nap before work.

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It was four o'clock and raining when I walked into the comic book store. Surprisingly, we had customers - friends of Thomas's who wanted posters. As Tyler quickly got behind the counter and Thomas guided their decisions on who was hotter - Gwen Stacey or Mary Jane - I walked over to the stock cupboard, hoping to get some peace and quiet.

I grabbed an open box of comics and sat at a stool. This way, if anyone walked in whilst I was resting, I could easily just say I 'dozed off' after a bit of work. I leant back in my chair and sighed, thinking about the events that had taken place this year. Unlike any other year, this year ha actually been eventful. Trying to rob my own workplace for Tyler, meeting Thomas, getting used by Thomas, meeting Victoria, Tyler getting used by Victoria...

I winced as I remembered the time Trevor beat up Tyler. He had been so confident - as if he actually had evidence to support his theory. I heard the door creak open and turned in my chair to see Charlie. He wasn't wearing his glasses at the moment and looked as if he was actually making an effort with his outfit. I laughed as he closed the door behind him.

"Who's the girl?" I asked, an eyebrow raised. He just shook his head, the corners of his lips curving upwards for the slightest second.

"I need your help with something. I know I said we'd never speak of this again but you know that new girl I met?"

I scoffed, how could I forget. The rebound that Charlie said he was now head over heels in love with.

"Yeah, but I couldn't say I know her. You'll have to introduce her to me sometime."