Gotham Girls #2: Nights For Nightwing (Batman) [Watty Awards 2014]

Chapter Twenty - Justice

‘Why didn’t you tell me? I spent so long feeling like an idiot, thinking maybe there was something going on between you and Nightwing and now, you’re the same freaking guy!’ I felt as angry as I was embarrassed at how secretive Dick had been. He should have trusted me. He should have known I wouldn’t have told a soul. But no, he decided not to tell me and leave me to run around like a headless chook.

‘Lani, I wanted to tell you, but I...’

‘But you what? Decided, “Nah, she doesn’t care that much to know more about me. I’ll leave it.”? Great decision.’

‘Lani, that isn’t what I meant! I wanted to tell you, I tried, but –’

Suddenly Mrs Claymont walked in, in a big grin across her wrinkling face. ‘You were all amazing! I really have to thank Batman for his help with that madman, but all in all, tonight went fantastically!’

My face was burning as I glared at Dick, who seemed eager to explain the situation. If he had told me sooner, so that I didn’t have to face nearly as much embarrassment, I would have been fine! But leaving it until now? Until after I’d poured my heart out to him about how I felt – I couldn’t deal with it.

‘Yeah, thank Batman for his help!’ I spat, narrowing my eyes in the direction of Mr Grayson as I began to walk away, not wanting to be a part of the conversation. Mrs Claymont looked surprised and a little confused at my reaction, but I didn’t spare it a second thought. I wanted to tell someone, anyone, just how horrible I felt, but I knew I couldn’t. If I did, Dick’s secret would have been exposed.

Aimlessly, I manoeuvred the school grounds, passing my Drama class and thinking about how easy the class was. With a fantastic teacher and Trent in my class, it was easily the best class I had, though now, the memories didn’t cheer me up. I leant into the window, looking at the classroom – the chair were all stacked, as they were at the end of every lesson, and something about the room seemed eerie, like it wasn’t the place I had enjoyed so many fond memories. It just felt too different.

‘It’s unfortunate to think how quickly this year has passed,’ I heard a voice speak from behind me. Mrs Claymont shuffled forward, placing a tender hand on my shoulder as I rested my forehead against the window. ‘I know you’re annoyed at Richard. He told me that he understands.’

I turned around, blinking away forming tears before they could become too apparent. ‘Why would he do that?’

With a smile Mrs Claymont patted my shoulder. ‘He did it because he cares about you.’ She removed her hand and started looking up into the night sky dramatically before continuing to speak. ‘Now, I don’t know what happened between you two, and I knew it’s not my business to pry. But from the sounds of it, someone owes someone an apology.’

Right as I was about to argue, I shut my mouth and thought about what it would have been like for Dick. If he had promised to always keep his identity a secret, then he would have to make sure I was trustworthy. But wouldn’t he have known that I was from the first few months he knew me?

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense for him to leave it so long, and the worse I felt about making a scene. I had to apologise to Dick.

‘Thanks, Miss,’ I said, running back to the Auditorium. Mrs Claymont, however, remained by the Drama classroom, sighing sentimentally.

Despite the darkness surrounding me, I still knew my way around the school and found the Auditorium quite quickly, now almost completely empty – aside from a group of people huddled together. I was too focused on one thing to realise who they were, so when I found Dick, I grabbed his hand and pulled him away from everyone.

‘Lani, I –‘

‘Don’t worry, I get it now. I’m sorry for being stupid. I understand exactly how you must have felt each time you tried to tell me. I didn’t realise then, but I realise now.’ My hands were shaking as I spoke, and I couldn’t hide how red my face was going, but when Dick pulled me close to him and kissed me, my face couldn’t have become any redder.

I lost track of time before he pulled away, smiling at me with that dazzling smile of his. ‘Yep, you’re definitely worth it.’

‘That sure had more emotion than Romeo and Juliet,’ Tim piped up, winking at us as I turned around. I didn’t even realise he was there, but it wasn’t only him; Em, Bruce and Alfred were also standing near him, along with two people I recognised immediately.

‘Mum! Dad!’ I screamed, running over to them and embracing them in the tightest hug I could muster.

‘See? I knew she could fend for herself. And she certainly found a keeper,’ Mum commented, winking at me as Dick found himself blushing slightly. At least I wasn’t the only one now.

‘Honey,’ Dad said, looking around somewhat desperately, ‘where’s the loo?’

‘Oh, I need to go, too,’ Mum added, joining Dad in scanning the auditorium.

I smiled stupidly and pointed to the back of the hall. ‘There should be a toilet at the back of the Auditorium.’

With thanks, my parents rushed off, looking as though they were about to tackle each other in order to get a place in the bathroom.

‘Well, isn’t this a cute couple?’ Em stated, grinning at me as I moved back next to Dick and she found her place next to Tim. ‘All we need to do now is find these lovely two a love.’

Alfred smiled politely before shaking his head. ‘I do believe I am a little old for love. Besides, I have this mischievous group to care for.’

We all giggled, including Bruce, who answered with, ‘The only love I need is justice.’

He had no clue just how true that statement would be.