Here I am, two days back in Gotham. It's been more than a year since I was here last...
I keep wondering if I'll run into Nathan. He's probably forgotten about me, which I don't mind. I would've forgotten about him too if he wasn't the first person I was with.
Honestly, the reason I keep thinking about him is because I don't know if it's wrong that I'm thinking about him. Like is it bad that I think of a past ex. Does that make me a bad girlfriend?
I should probably ask Mary for help. I still have time to see her before I need to babysit for the Graysons.
I make my way to the door when a knock comes from outside.
I open the door and see Mr. Cicero standing there, "Good afternoon, Miss Hallie."
"Mr. Cicero, what are you doing here?" I narrow the door's opening.
"I came to discuss a few things with you. May I come in?"
"I was on my way out actually.", I say, ready to close the door in his face.
"It's rather urgent, Miss Hallie. But, I suppose, I could find someone else to perform in the sideshow." He nods, taking a step back.
"What?" I hold the door a little wider.
"I will be switching to a different tent and timeslot. Your Uncle and I spoke and we agreed this would be a good opportunity for you to show your talents. He would've delivered the news personally if he wasn't such a busy man."
"I get to put on a show? By myself?" I look around, thinking of the chances this is a prank.
"It's a lot to put on you and I'm sorry to say everything must be ready by tomorrow night." He nodded.
Of course, there's always a catch!
"That's too soon! I need more time-"
He holds his hand up, "No need to worry, I will help you with all the technical jargon. But I'm afraid it will take up much of your time, you might have to cancel any plans you made."
"I still have to babysit for the Graysons tonight, but-"
He pushes himself inside, "I'd have to leave around that time anyway. We should get to work then, shall we?"
I wasn't thrilled when he made his way inside. But I sat with him at the kitchen table as he explained everything that needed to be done.
I didn't understand most of what he said and simply agreed to whatever he suggested.
I don't know why I had to be the one to do all the planning, why couldn't my Uncle do it? Mr. Cicero is practically doing it himself, I'm just writing down what he says.
I could be using this time to practice or something.
It was nighttime when we were finally done. I would have to go straight to the Graysons' trailer.
"That should be most it, I'll speak to your Uncle about the rest tonight. Make sure to give him a name for your act before tomorrow. Good luck with everything, Miss Halle." He gave me a nod goodbye as we walked out the door.
"Have a good show, Mr. Cicero.", I say before closing the door.
I hurry and grab my backpack before heading to the Graysons' trailer. Mrs. Grayson met me at the door, clearly ready to leave.
"Hey, hun.", she says as she lets me inside, "There's a bag of dino nuggets in the fridge. Jacob has a cold, he's in bed since he can't play with the rest so they won't get sick. Give him his medicine at eight. And between us, my Alphonse's kids might be a little hungrier than the rest, give them as much they want, it's alright."
John's uncle had shared custody with his youngest kids, so they weren't always here, but when they were he didn't spend much time with them. They were sweet kids, all the young Graysons were. While all the older Graysons were busy workers.
"Alrighty. There was something I need to talk to you about, actually, Mrs. Grayson." I say, fidgeting with the end of my shirt.
"Is everything alright, Halle?" She looked down at me with a worried look.
Her concerned face made me realize she's the closest thing I'll ever have as a mother figure. Hell, the only one I've seen act like a mother.
I don't why, but it made it hard to tell her my news.
"Yeah, I-" I take a breath, "-my Uncle is allowing me to perform as a magician... Tomorrow will be my debut." I couldn't stop fidgeting,
"Tomorrow? That's so soon." Her eyes are wide as she puts her hand on her cheek.
"Yeah, he just told me today. I would've given you more time to find a new babysitter if I could. I'm so sorry." I shake my head, a tight knot forming in my stomach.
She pulls me into a hug, "Congratulations, Halle. You've been a great help, the kids and I will miss you, but we'll find another babysitter." She grabs me by my shoulders and smiles at me, "You go out there and wow the world with your magic."
"Thank you, I-" I look away as I wipe a tear from my face. "Thank you, Mrs. Grayson, it means a lot." I smile and nod.
"Of course, hun." She pats my shoulder. "I have to go make sure the boys are ready for the show." She turns over to the kids who were all playing, "Everybody, be good, this is Hallie's last night taking care of you. So enjoy your time with her while she's here."
I look at her in disbelief as she leaves the trailer.
The kids all run at me, screaming and some crying. There was a storm of protests and questions as the kids ambushed me.
I calm them down after a long while of comforting and answering their questions. Then I put on a movie for all of us to watch, including Jacob.
