Married To The Clown

Chapter Thirty Eight 'Erin'

Athena's POV
Everything was so blurred around me.
I could hardly see a thing as I stumbled outside the club, hearing gasps of shock from the party goers waiting to get inside The Jokers club.
I heard someone call out to see if I was alright and even though I was far from it I quickly nodded my head and continued my walk to who knows where.
The mixture of night, blood, swelling and tears did not help my journey. I felt extremely weak just like I did all them years ago but at least I was still alive.
He had let me go!
Why?
The great mighty Joker, the most sadistic monster known to man who promised to kill me the next time he saw my face......let me go.

The whole situation had put me into shock.
I wasn't sure what I was doing, how I was feeling or where I was going.
It felt like my whole world had crashed down on me once more and before I could stop myself I slumped down onto the pavement.
I shouldn't have came back!
I wanted to be a home with my family, people who truly cared for me.
The music from the club was deafening and I knew I should really move further away just in case he came out and saw me but I couldn't physically bring myself to get up.
Blood and tears continuously streamed down my face and all I wanted to do was lie down and die.

I wasn't sure how long I was slumped down on the pavement when a car suddenly pulled up besides me. I didn't dare look up just in case it was him coming back to finish the job and finally put that bullet through my head.
I was beyond terrified of everything around me in this moment. I felt like a child who had just came face to face with their biggest fear.
I had though hadn't I?
The Joker was my biggest fear!

"Athena! Oh thank god, I've been so worried!" A sad voice called out which I recognised straight away.
"Erin!" I croaked out, relieved that it was just my friend.
I was instantly wrapped up in her arms as she fell to the floor.
"My poor girl! What has he done to you?!" She sobbed gently rocking me.
"He spared me" I whimpered in sadness and pain.
"Come on we need to get out of here and get you cleaned up!" Erin exclaimed gently pulling me up off the pavement.
"How did you know I was here?" I questioned, grateful to see her but suspicious.
"Jack called" she answered hesitantly.
"Joker! His name is Joker! I hate him so much Erin I wish he'd drop dead!" I spat through my sobs.
"Sshhh I'm sorry love, we'll talk about this at mine. There's too many prying ears around here" she whispered guiding me to the car.

The ride home had been completely silent but comfortable. I was thankful that Erin understood that I needed time to process things. Right now the woman was my hero and I felt blessed to have her.
When we had arrived back at her place she quickly pulled me inside and being the amazing nurse she was started cleaning up my face so I didn't look like a beaten up Carrie. Instead I now looked like someone who had just had a bad allergic reaction or someone who's just been beat to a pulp by their 'husbands' alter ego.

Now I was currently resting in the guest room wearing Erin's pyjamas.

She was currently checking on her boy to see if we had disturbed his slumber in any way while I got settled. Though I was very sad I couldn't help but let a small smile slip on my face at the thought of meeting my friends baby tomorrow. The same baby that sick man threatened if Erin got in contact with me.

I knew Erin was working for Joker but I also know she was being completely honest with me. I wish I could help her escape from him liked I did once.
The question was, would we ever escape his clutches?
No, the answer was no.
Deep down I knew my altercation with him was just the beginning.
"I'll see you at the wedding then dollface ahahahaaaaaaaa!"
"I'll see you at the wedding then dollface ahahahaaaaaaaa!"
"I'll see you at the wedding then dollface ahahahaaaaaaaa!"
His last words swam around my head repeatedly, tormenting and haunting me.
He was going to the wedding!
Ashley had invited him!
I know it was her wedding and she could invite whoever she wanted but why him?
Of all people it had to be him.
I was sure she was working for him too.
I wonder if he would bring queen Harley to rub it in my face how far I had fallen.
Not that it mattered because I wasn't going anymore.
Ashley and Jessica had infuriated me!
I wanted nothing to do with them or the wedding.
As soon as I could I would be going home and back to where I belong, with my family and away from the poison that is Gotham.

"How are you feeling?" Erin asked as she walked into the room quietly locking the door behind her.
"I honestly don't know Erin, how's little man?" I whispered sadly.
"Oh he's fine! That kid could see through the end of the world" she grinned slightly trying to lighten the mood.
Climbing into the bed she laid down beside me and pulled me into her arms, eloping me into her warmth and comfort.

"I'm sorry Athena" she whimpered after a few moments.
That's all it took for me to finally break down.
"How could he do this to me Erin? What did I do to him that was so wrong except love him?! All I did was love him. I stuck by him through everything and picked him back up when he was falling. My parents took him in and treated him like their own after his father brutally killed his mom. He's became just like his father Erin, pure evil! I once thought I could get my Jack back but he's gone! The love of my life is gone and I'm all alone" I sobbed into her.

"I'm here Athena! Don't worry I'll protect you I promise even if it kills me! I'm never gonna leave you again I swear" Erin cried gripping me tighter.

"Why? Why Erin? Why did he do this? I loved him! I loved him!" I continued over and over feeling myself becoming tired and before Erin could speak once more everything went black.