Mimic

Personal Space

The rest of the day flew by quickly, and it was three o'clock before I knew it. All of the students flooded out into the courtyard. Parents drove their cars near the sidewalk so their kids could get in.  Everyone else was scattered about, talking with their friends. Dick, Barbara, and I walked outside. After a few minutes of casual chat, Barbara's dad came to pick her up. I subconsciously tightened my muscles as Commissioner Gordon waved to Dick and me. 

Once Barbara had left, Dick turned to me with a serious expression. "We need to talk."

"No, we don't," I said flatly, scowling.

"You have some explaining to do," Dick said, reminding me of a protective father. One that I'd never have, of course. "I don't even know your real name."

"It's Julia," I snapped, "and Alex."

"See!" Dick groaned, "Not asterous. Look me in the eye and tell me the truth, for once."

"For once?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, for once. When have you ever been completely honest with me?"

I was about to snap at him or punch him or just scream, but as I looked into his curious but caring blue eyes, all I could do was sigh. "You're right," I mumbled. Dick's face brightened at my words. "But I'm still telling you nothing." His face fell into an expression of both annoyance and raw determination. He leaned in, and our noses were suddenly only inches apart.

"I have been on your side since day one," he said slowly, in an eerily calm manner that scared me more than him yelling at me ever would, "I don't know where you would be right now if it weren't for me, but you definitely wouldn't be here. Now, I have been trying to see the good in you, but I can't help you if you won't let me."

"I don't need your help," I said, trying to sound defiant, but my voice ended up coming out like a pathetic squeak. Dick just stared at me for a second, searching my eyes for something he couldn't find. His closeness was really beginning to set in, and suddenly I felt uncomfortable, violated even. I felt like he was staring into my mind, reading my thoughts. I had a sickening hunch that he knew more than I wanted him to.

"I'm not an idiot, Julia or Alex or whatever. I'm a detective," I stopped breathing, now fairly convinced he could read my thoughts. He opened his mouth to most likely yell at me or something, but then closed it, now seemingly thoughtful. He leaned back, getting out of my personal space. "I'm also a friend," he whispered faintly as he walked away.

I was so shocked and confused that I just stared at the spot where he once stood. My mind raced, thinking a million thoughts a second. After seemingly an eternity, I shook my head slightly to rid myself of my thoughts. 

"He's such a..." I muttered to myself as I started walking back to my hammock.  

***

I swung hypnotically back and forth in my hammock, staring up at the sets of stairs above me. I felt almost happy. No, not happy. Content maybe. I mean, to be fair, I wasn't currently running for my life. I wasn't being yelled at, or yelling at other people. As far as I knew, Father had forgotten about me. It seemed to be a lifetime ago when Father had called on me and explained the plan. In reality, it was only a little bit longer than a month ago. I laughed bitterly as I recalled how I figured I would be done with this mission in a week or two. I was supposed to become friends with the team, earn their trust. I failed that miserably, I thought to myself. I was supposed to find out some information. At least I did that. Then, I was supposed to kill them. But now I can't.

The sudden and random thought slapped me in the face.

Yeah right, I thought, I can kill them. Easily. 

Currently, I was furious with them. Hurt. Bitter. I felt betrayed, which is extremely ironic. But I couldn't forget their original kindness towards me. I couldn't help but smile when I remembered the girls' simple but meaningful offer of help. When I remember Robin and Wally hanging out. Even the short moments I had with Kaldur and Conner were fond memories.

Too soon, I realized that I put my guard completely down. As I swung back and forth feeling sorry for myself, I didn't notice my two attackers.

"Crap," I muttered as toxic fumes engulfed me.