Getting to know you

Back in Action

It took a few weeks, but Dick was finally cleared for the field again. He had been ecstatic, even when he was told he was just going on patrol. Who cares if it was just patrol? He was getting out of his room, to an area where he could do as many flips as he wanted.

Wally had come along the first night, just to make sure nothing happened. Dick took down three muggers and one drug dealer, so it was a good haul. He felt better than ever, and everyone could see it. He looked happier, as well.

Dick returned to the Mountain the next day. The team had smothered him in hugs, eventually making him topple because of the weight. He laughed, but had made no attempt to get up. A hug was a hug, and he'd missed so many of them in his life.

Dick was starting high school in a week. He was going into the twelfth grade, and he was nervous. He'd heard from Jason how cruel the kids could be, and he didn't want to face any bullying. Bruce had told Dick that if they began to bully him, he was to tell Alfred or himself.

The first day was nerve wracking. Dick had to ask for directions for every class, and there were times he felt like everyone was judging him. He could hear whispering, and he swore he heard his name mentioned once or twice. They probably hated him.

Dick would've eaten alone, had it not been for Tim. He told Tim how out of place he felt, and how he'd heard people talking about him. He could barely eat, feeling nauseous. Dick didn't think he liked school.

Dick usually sat towards the back, when he could pick his seat. He felt like people couldn't look at him back there. He couldn't be judged. People might talk about him, but they couldn't stare at him.

Dick was sat with three kids at a table in his biology class, and he felt awkward. They clearly knew each other, laughing at inside jokes. He didn't think he could be friends with anyone but Tim here. They just seemed like they didn't like him.

One of the kids turned to him. "You're the newbie, right? Dick Grayson." "That's me." "Cool. I'm George Mason, but feel free to call me Mason Jar. That's Roach Boy, and Young Colt." They waved as their names were called. "Mind me asking why?" "Not at all. My momma's from the south, and has tons of mason jars. Roach boy is James Cockroll, but he's a bug expert. His dad's studied them for years. Young Colt is Colton Spinard, and his brother works with horses. During the summer, he goes down and help with some of the younger horses."

"That's pretty cool." "What about you? What do you like?" "The stars. Whittling. Legos, but I don't think I can tell everyone without being called childish." "How bout Old Fashioned? You got an older name." "I guess that's fine. I don't really have any other friends, besides my brother." "Stick with us, then. We'll show you the ropes. We know what it's like being outcasts."

Turns out they were band kids. Dick found it hard to understand their humor sometimes, but they were fun to hang out with. They sat with him and Tim at lunch the next day, sometimes inviting their other band friends. Dick swore at least half the school were band kids.

They made him feel welcome. They kept him away from the snobbish kids, and clued him in on some of their jokes. When finding out he also played an instrument, they wanted him to join. Unfortunately, the band director wasn't letting any new students in, which many of the band kids had protested. He told them he'd wait until next year.

His last class was the one he felt the most alone in. There were no band kids there, and he felt like a stranger. He kept his head down, noticing how everyone seemed to be whispering about him. The teacher seemed overly strict to him, glaring at him like he'd killed her cat. He hadn't even done anything!

When the bell rang, Dick was ready to leave. Everyone else was, and he was ready to go home. However, she always called his name, telling him to stay after class. He didn't know why.