Shattered (Black Cat Chronicles, Book Two)

14. Return to Normal

Going back to school was something else after my stint in Arkham. Everyone was talking about how the Sirens and the others broke out, my friends were freaking out over my leg, and the routine of school was different than the routine of Arkham. There were a few times I didn't acknowledge my own name, I was so used to being called Rosie. It was like those stories you hear about undercover cops going too deep and forgetting they're just undercover. I'd forgotten how to be myself, and all that was left of me was the story I had created of Rosie. I had to learn how to be Alexis again, and I needed to learn quickly.

"Alexis, fucking pay attention to me!" Gabe said, smacking my arm with his textbook.

"What the fuck, are you trying to break my arm too?" I complained, rubbing my arm.

"No, but I've been calling your name for the past five minutes," Gabe said, rolling his eyes at my dramatics. "We gotta get at least some of this project done before the end of class, dude."

"Sorry, I got distracted," I told him, shaking my head as I turned my attention back to the project. "Hey, how's it going with that one football player?"

"Not into him anymore, he's a prick now," Gabe shrugged. "But I'm talking to a guy in my photography class now."

"Look at you, getting some," I teased.

"Shut up," Gabe laughed, shoving me slightly. With that, we went back to working on our semester final: a project about the establishment of the federal banking system. I chose the topic just so I could be Hamilton trash (don't judge me), and Gabe was immediately down for the idea. We got to leave a few minutes before the bell rang so I wouldn't get trampled by the kids rushing to get to class, and so Gabe could help carry my things to my next class, even though I always ended up carrying my backpack anyways. "I thought you said you were gonna drop calc."

"I was, but the teacher wouldn't sign my damn paper," I said, rolling my eyes. "He said I had too much potential."

"That's bullshit," Gabe said.

"Wow, I think I have at least a little potential," I laughed.

"You know that's not what I meant, bitch," Gabe laughed as he leaned against the wall next to the classroom door.

"Alright, jerk," I told him. "But nah, I gotta stick with this until the end of the year, which completely sucks."

"You'll be fine," Gabe said. "I have faith in you."

"That makes one of us," I joked. Gabe shot me a look that told me he didn't completely believe I was only joking. "Stop, you know I'm kidding."

"Mhmm, sure," Gabe replied. The bell rang, and as the kids from the class left, so did Gabe. Almost immediately, Adhara replaced him and actually helped me with my backpack. We went back to our normal table group in the back of the class, the four tables now only seating two of us. Before it happened, Lorna used to sit at one of the other desks in our group.

The class passed by quickly, but I was already ready to ditch after lunch. Unfortunately I was restrained to one leg because of certain reasons that shall remain unnamed, so I was stuck at school. Once school ended, Dick and I were on my way back to my apartment. Even though I insisted that I was fine, Dick didn't want to let me walk to and from school like I normally did. And even though it was majorly out of his normal way to school, Dick and Alfred would be waiting for me in a town car every morning and afternoon. It was sweet, but I kind of missed being able to just wander around after school and be by myself.

"You still getting caught up on schoolwork?" Dick asked, shaking me out of my thoughts. I nodded.

"Yeah, I still gotta do a few more things for chemistry, and then finish up that project with Gabe, then Jaydon, Tom, and I need to start our project for English, and Alex and I are working on a new duet for choir," I listed off as the car came to a stop in front of my building. Dick and I got out, telling Alfred a quick goodbye before walking into the building. Dick was talking, saying something about helping me with my work, but my mind wandered off, not really paying attention. Once we were in the elevator, I was fumbling around for my keys. Dick put his hand on mine, stopping my frantic search.