Protect Me Dark Knight

20: Permenatly Damaged

*2 weeks later*

Walking around the manor, I carried a tray slowly to a guest bedroom John was staying in. Balancing the tray in one hand, I lightly knocked on the wood door and then opened it softly. "John?" Our eyes met and a toothy smile crossed his lips. "Hey Gina." Grinning back I placed the tray of warm food on his lap and then sat by his feet. "How are you feeling?" "I'm not injured anymore baby girl." Shrugging, I looked out the window at the colorful garden. Other than his quiet munching, it was silent. "What's on your mind?" Keeping my eyes out the window, I spoke with an ache in my chest, "Bruce hasn't spoken to me since the day you were shot. He's been avoiding me completely. I think he may be seeing someone else." My voice was hollow and it hurt to think about the possibility. No comforting words were spoken from John and dread squeezed my heart tighter in its grasp. "Please." I locked eyes with him as my head began to become foggy, something it did while I was under a lot of stress since the Asylum. "Promise me you won't give up on Bruce. You mean a lot to him." John's words were quiet but innocent. I let out a broken breath at his failed support. Shaking my head, I felt tears threaten to spill over and a tunnel of black came into my vision as I lost my balance. "Regina?" My heart beat faster than it should and I fell to the cool marble floor. "Regina!" With the impact on my head, I slipped into the welcoming darkness of unconsciousness.

The itchy nightgown was the first thing I noticed when I woke, then the voices. "What do you mean she just fell? She just suddenly passed out? That's ridiculous and you know it!" Mr. Wayne's agitated growl made me wince as John answered. "She came in and I knew something was off immediately. The bags under her eyes had gotten worse, it looked like she hadn't slept in days. She's been very quiet and has been keeping to herself lately. Whenever something would happen that made her think or angry she would leave the room." A hiss of hair left his what sounded like gritted teeth. "Not that you would notice. You haven't seen her in weeks." My chest throbbed and I tensed. "You know I've been busy with the Joker. I had plans before the Island and I've had to reschedule them." Bruce's voice was lined with emotion. I kept my eyes closed as they argued until I fell asleep again.

This time when I woke, I felt a hand in mine and it made me flinch away. Opening my eyes, milk chocolate ones met my green ones. "Gina?" Without a word, I looked away before tears filled them. "Hey, sweetheart. What's wrong? You're okay." His pathetic words made rage corse threw me suddenly. "Than why am I here Wayne? If I was okay then why is this the first time I've seen you since I almost died?" My words were filled with venom as I snapped at him. He sat back in his chair and held his breath. Looking out the window at the city, I felt empty again. Bruce didn't have anything to say. The whoosh of the hospital door caught my attention but I didn't look to see who had entered the tense room. "Hello Mr. Wayne. Miss Smith! I'm glad you're awake!" Closing my eyes briefly, I composed myself to the best I could and met the the eyes of the doctor. "When Mr. Blake brought you in, he was very worried that you had suddenly passed out. He claimed that it was out of the blue. But Miss Smith," Her blue eyes peered over her glasses at me with caution, "I'm positive you knew it was coming. I would much rather you tell Mr. Wayne here what happened than me." With that, she left me mortified. "What is she talking about sweetheart?" Shaking my head frantically, my heart sped up greatly and my thoughts grew tangled. "Relax. What's wrong?" Bruce's voice was laced with concern as I blurted out the horrifying words. "I had an anxiety attack!"