A Bat and Her Beginning

Chapter 10: Recovery

Barbara's POV:

I wake up to the sound of my beeping heart monitor. This times both of my eyes open. Everything is real fuzzy at first and then the previous events become very clear and vivid in my head.

I look around, I'm in Gotham General Hospital. In my room my dad sits in the corner snoring. I roll my eyes, his snoring is very obnoxious. I'll let him sleep though. I'm sure that, like me, sleep has been a rare thing for the past week or so.

I smell the fresh March air coming in through my window. I knew I missed my freedom, but I never realized how much I had missed fresh air. I hear the birds chirping and know everything is fine again.

I push my self slowly up in the bed. I'm still so sore. I would specify where but it's just all over.

I look to my bed side table where my dad's phone sits. Next to it a nicely wrapped box that has a tag reading:

"To: Barb
From:Dick"

I tear the paper off the box gently, trying not to wake my father. Inside it a brand new iPhone X and Apple Watch. There is also a note...

"Hope this is a more useful present then my dumb class ring. Love you!"

He's so sweet. I had had an iPhone 5C when the Joker broke it. It getting pretty worn down. I turn the phone on expecting to have to activate it. But it turns on to the normal home screen, all my pictures, my emails, and contacts where already in it. There were no notifications except one. A text message from Dick, who had taken the courtesy of adding hearts by his name.

Dick: I know what your thinking. I'm a dumb spoiled little rich boy that had no right to buy you this phone. But once they found you and said you were gonna be alright I talked with your dad and he agreed that you deserved this. All I expect in return is a phone call when you wake up and are ready to talk, and have visitors. Oh and also in return I expect your love.

I'm so glad you are okay! (I know you're not really, you're pretty banged up but you know what I mean) I missed you more than you will ever know. I love you Barb.

I smile at this. It's official I have the sweetest boyfriend in the world. I think back to the night I was taken and all the panic in his voice and how scared I was. He was trying so hard to keep me calm. The thought of this makes me begin to cry.

My dad hears me crying and opens his eyes. He walks towards my bed and wraps his arms around me. He softly whispers in my ear, "Your safe now. I will protect you no matter what."

These words make me sob harder. I had missed freedom and fresh air. But most of all I was scared I would never see him or Dick again. I nuzzle myself into his chest. I know that I am safe and loved just sitting here in his arms. I cry for twenty minutes before I run dry and just can't cry any more.

I look up at my father and smile, "I'm so glad I'm back." At which point he begins to shed a few tears and then stops himself quickly. He has to be brave in front of me all the time.

He looks down at me with nothing but love in his eyes, " So hun, what do you need? Food? Clothes? Magazines? Girl things?"

I think for a second, "Could you go get me a good meal? Oh and like hygiene stuff?" As far as I could tell there was nothing, "Like good soap, shampoo, a razor, a comb, and a tooth brush and tooth paste. And an outfit or two."

He nods, "Ok while I'm gone if you need anything call me on your new phone," he's expecting me to be surprised. Then he looks to the table with the wrapping paper shreds and the empty box, then he sees it's all laying in my lap, "Dang it Barbara, I wanted to see the excitement on your face when you opened it! You do like it don't you?"