A Little Sane

Chapter 16

Abbe's eyes fluttered open. The TV was still on low and she could smell coffee. She set up slowly just as Mercedes and Jerome walked out of the hallway. Mercedes smiled. 

"Oh good. You're awake. We started coffee if you drink it. We have just been hanging out in our room and being quiet coming back through so we didn't wake you up."

Abbe shook her head, smiling.

"Oh no please. It's your place. Don't worry about me. Thanks for making coffee."

Mercedes set on the couch next to Abbe.

"Uh Abbe... We need to tell you something..."

Abbe was visibly nervous. Jerome sighed. He set on the arm of the couch next to Mercedes and rubbed her back.

"Me and Jerome just got new jobs..."

Abbe spoke cautiously.

"They're not legal are they...?"

Jerome shook his head no. Mercedes spoke with no hesitation.

"We now work for Diabolo Cruize."

Abbe's eyes grew wide. Mercedes tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"Actually Abbe I... Kind of need a favor..."

Mercedes could feel the tension in the room. Abbe held her breath.

"Would you mind watching the twins, whenever we go on runs..?"

Abbe let out a huge breath. She looked so relieved.

"Oh... Of course I'll watch the twins.. I thought you were about to ask me something... Crazy..."

Mercedes laughed.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. It wouldn't be often. And I really do like you, but... If you hurt my babies I'll have to hurt you."

Abbe gave her a smile.

"Never. I promise. I love kids!"

They could hear the babies from down the hall. Jerome jumped up and ran down the hallway. Mercedes laughed. 

"I'll be back."

Jeremiah stared at his new bombs. He had such fascination for his work. Ecco carefully stood next to him. He turned to her with a wide smile and beaming eyes.

"I cannot wait to show her these. I engineered them better than the last ones. They will work faster, but also be more efficient. I already have other bright minded engineers and contractors lined up to rebuild Gotham. If we have to sacrifice a few Gothamites that's okay. At least I'll have my Queen."

Ecco groaned inwardly. She rolled her eyes. It was a good thing that Jeremiah wasn't looking at her anymore.

"She's married to Jerome. How are you going to have her?"

Jeremiah laughed and smirked.

"Oh, I don't need a traditional wedding. She will stand by my side. She is going to have a very transformative experience and I do envy her so."

Ecco cautiously spoke.

"What about me...? I've been here..."

Jeremiah tilted his head.

"Whatever do you mean? You will do what you have always done. You keep forgetting your place Ecco. Do you not have some more chores to do?"

Ecco sighed as she walked out of the room. Jeremiah smiled to himself.

"My beautiful Mercedes. I am so excited for you to reach your full potential. I know your life has been hard my love. I want to be at the top and I want you with me that way I can protect you."

Jeremiah thought about Jerome. His face showed visible anger though no one was around to see it. He thought about his entire childhood. He was always in the shadow of Jerome. He had to run and hide like a coward. Jerome's School based IQ was not as proficient as Jeremiah's. Jerome was very street smart, but Jeremiah didn't see that as useful as book intelligence. He felt his brother was the worst idiot to ever live. He had no vision. He was mindlessly destructive. It angered Jeremiah that Jerome was recognized for everything. It made Jeremiah extremely angry that Jerome even got the girl and had kids with her. The only reason Jeremiah could stand those kids is because they were half of Mercedes. He shut off the lights and left the bombs to the chilled air.

Mercedes set next to Abbe at the kitchen table.

"Hey I can go with you to get your stuff if you'd like."

Abbe took another sip of her coffee.

"What about the babies?"

Jerome gently rattled a toy in front of Aislinn.

"Oh I actually just pumped a couple of minutes ago. The twins will be okay with Jerome this morning. It's no trouble. I'd love to help you."

Jerome gently kissed Mercedes on the cheek and grabbed his mug to get more coffee. He sudden display of affection added more confusion to Abbe. Their relationship was very interesting to her. It was still very difficult for her to believe that Jerome really had a lighthearted side to himself. Mercedes smiled and went back to eggs. Not much communication from the kiss. Mercedes finished her plate and looked at the time.

"We better get going Abbe. I don't want them to start throwing your stuff out."

Jerome walked over and picked up both of their plates. He placed them in the sink.

"I'll turn on Cartoons for the kids in their chairs and I'll wash the dishes. Don't worry."

Abbe watched as Mercedes looked at him with amazement.

"Seriously where did you come from?"

Jerome's maniacal laugh filled the air and gave Abbe chills, but she noticed how calm Mercedes was.

"I came from the circus doll face."

Mercedes shook her head smiling. She leaned in and gently kissed him. She turned to Abbe with a smile.

"Let's go get your belongings before those animals auction them off."

Abbe laughed and followed Mercedes out of the apartment.