I don't know why, but seeing Bruce Wayne again...it gave me butterflies. It was the first time I had actually felt safe in a man's presence. He wanted to go out for coffee. I threw everything into my bag, got up, and ran out after him. I watched him pull out of his parking spot and I ran to him, not thinking. I slapped my hands against his window and he jumped, looking over at me. He rolled his window down and I clutched my books to my chest. "Everything alright, Harleen?" he asked kindly. I brushed the hair behind my ears.
"I..I...I was going to ask...when you were free to go get that coffee?" I asked nervously. He gave me a smile.
"I'm free tomorrow actually." I smiled as he reached into his pocket and came back with a pen and a small business card. He wrote something on the back of it and handed it to me. "My personal number is on the back." He turned and started to back out again. "I'll see you around, Harleen." With that, he left the parking lot, and when he reached the stop sign, I was sure that I saw him take a glimpse in his rearview mirror. I flipped it over and saw his personal number there, just like he said.
For the rest of the day I was walking on clouds. I got home, still thinking about him. I dropped my stuff on the couch and grabbed my phone off the holder. I dialed my mom's number and waited for her to answer. "Hi, you've reached the Quinn residence. We are not home right now, so please leave a message after the tone and we'll get to you as soon as we can. Thank you," her voice said. I sighed heavily, not happy that her machine picked up.
"Hey, Mom, it's Harley. I just wanted to call you and tell you that today went great, and the best part? I met a GUY, Mom! A really sweet down to earth guy and you'll never guess who it is. It's Bruce Wayne! I'm going out with him tomorrow for coffee. Anyways, Mom, I gotta go, loads of studying to do. I love you. Call me back sometime." I pressed the end button and put it back on the holder. I wiped my brow and headed into the bathroom, picking up my disgarded clothes. I threw them into the hamper and heard my phone ringing.
I hurried to the phone, picked it up, and pressed it to my ear. "Hello?" I greeted happily.
"Harley?" I froze. That voice I knew it anywhere. It was Jack Napier, my crazy ex-boyfriend. "Harley, I know you're there, and I've missed you." I wanted to throw up at the way he said my name.
"What do you want, Jack?" I said, bitterly. He laughed and it scared me, sending chills down my spine.
"Aww, you remember my name, baby cakes! Listen, I'm heading to Gotham and I want to see you...why don't we meet up, huh? Just like old times?"
"There will be NO old times, Jack! If you come through Gotham, keep driving, because I refuse to see your ass."
"Oh, Harley, I'm sure your mother would be happy to see me." I froze, nearly dropping my phone.
"Stay the fuck away from my mother!" I covered my mouth, hoping that my neighbors couldn't hear me.
"I'll stay away from your mother's house, if you are home when I'm in Gotham."
"I'm not following."
"I'm saying that if you aren't in your apartment, I'll make sure to pay your mother a visit."
"You have my address?"
"You know I do, baby doll." I sighed heavily. "I'll be heading through Gotham around December...make yourself easy to find for me. I'll call you later." With that the line went dead. I started to cry. I needed to talk to someone...and be somewhere safe. I grabbed Bruce's card out of my back pocket and hurriedly dialed the number on the back. I prayed that he would answer.
"This is the Waynes' residence, Alfred speaking," the man answered. I took in a deep breath, forcing myself not to cry.
"Hi, my name is Harleen Quinzel. I'm a friend of Bruce's...is he at home right now?" I ran my fingers through my hair, the tears running down my face.
"Uh...Mr. Bruce is not in right now, I'm afraid. Is something wrong? You sound troubled." I shook my head, and stomped my foot in disappointment.
"No, no. I'm fine. It's just...I need to speak to him and I was wondering if he was too busy for me to come over...it's just...that...I...I can't really explain to be honest."
"Are you in any danger, Miss Quinzel?" I nodded my head.
"I don't know honestly...can you just have Bruce call me?"
"Yes, I will have your number written down for Mr. Bruce when he comes home. If Mr. Bruce wishes to come pick you up, what address should I give him?"
"Um...I'm in a apartment on campus. Building five, floor three, door 3Q."
"Alright, Miss. Please stay where you are and I'll get ahold of Mr. Bruce as soon as I can."
"Thank you."
"You're most welcome my dear." He hung up and I threw my phone. It hit the wall and I hurried to my room. I screamed bloody murder into my pillow.
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