HOPE. (HarleyXIvy)

Chapter 8

I stared wide eyed at Joker, he was staring back at me with the same expression of shock and confusion. Was this another trick? It ought to be right? I stayed silent, waiting for the blow to come from somewhere... But nothing happened. 

Silence hung in the air. 

"Why are you here? You're supposed to be with Ivy?". 

I took more steps into the room, closer to Joker. He leaned up in his chair and studied me, "You sent me those flowers, you... you taunted me" I said. His face scrunched up, he looked at me like I were insane, last time I knew he was the crazy one here. He stood up slowly and on instinct I took a step back, his face was different when he came into the light. 

Something about his eyes was different. Peaceful... 

My mind was fighting itself, what was going on? Joker must be playing another game with me, this wasn't him. Why hasn't he hit me yet? Punished me for what I did. "Harleen I didn't send you anything... After I awoke years ago I kept my distance" he said, even his voice seemed different. I took another step back, letting out an empty laugh that made him flinch. 

"Really J, after everything you've put me through, after everything you did to me. You've decided to what? Turn a new leaf and let me have the life I deserved!?" I shouted, Joker bowed his head and scratched the back of his neck. After some time he looked up and I almost tumbled to the ground when I saw raw tears in his eyes. 

"I'm so sorry Harleen, I know what I did to you was terrible, sick. I was sick, no matter what I do or say will fix all the bad that I've done. I've hurt so many people, I've... killed so many innocent people-", "What changed?" I asked cutting him off. A hint of a smile graced his pale face as something crossed his mind. 

"I met a girl". 

I took some steps forward closer to him, needing to make sure I didn't hear him wrong. "You what?" I asked listening. He looked into my eyes and a spark passed through the forest of green, "I met a girl Harleen, she's my Ivy" he repeated. At the mention of my love's name my heart squeezed, I missed her. I missed Hope...

"Another innocent soul for you to play with?" I snapped, he suddenly grew taller, boulder. His eyebrows narrowed, "I'd never hurt her Harleen, she took care of me without knowing who I was, she showed me the gentle love I needed and healed my broken mind. Amelia is my redemption". 

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I wanted to believe this was some sick, twisted joke but everything told me he was telling the truth. I was lost for words, what were I to say now? The man standing before me was once a monster... Now he's just a man. 

One thing came to my mind right now. 

"Joker-",

"It's just Jack".

"Jack, if you didn't send those flowers then who did?". 

Jack closed the distance and placed his arm on my shoulder, I refrained from flinching when our skin touched. He looked down at me and I up at him. His face was serious, kind and gentle. I was freaked out by the sudden warmth. 

"I don't know Harleen.. But I swear to you, for everything I have put you through I will find whoever did and make sure they never bother you and your family again". 

I felt he meant every word. However, I was still being cautious. I didn't know what would happen tomorrow, if I would still be alive. What I did know now was,

I had to put my trust in the man that once was my biggest nightmare...