Encore: Chapter Seventeen

Mina's POV

“Why did you lie about me being hypnotized?”
“Firstly, you have committed no crime. Secondly, I think he has a chance. He needs you.”
I scoffed. “If he needs me, why am I leaving him? Shouldn't I be with him?”
“He needs you out here. You have to help him adjust once he gets out.”
I stared at the vigilante. “...You really think he has a shot, don't you?”
There was no reply. I continued.
“But how can I support him when I can barely support myself?”
The Batman handed me a small card, and my eyes widened once they glimpsed the monogram.
“...Bruce Wayne? But...why would he want to help me? How could he help me?”
“Word around Gotham is that he's seeking entertainment for his next charity gala.”
“...I can't take this.”
“Trust me.”
                                       
An audition for Bruce Wayne. I was trying my best to not hyperventilate. I had gone through my closet, only to realize that I didn't really own anything suitable for an audition of this magnitude. Aida had let me borrow a dress, so I felt a bit more confident.
I was surprised that someone had actually answered my call, and even more so when they had told me that they were expecting my call. I nearly fainted when they told me that they would let me audition. I was truly thankful for the opportunity, but was still resisting the urge to run away from the Manor.
Instead, I kept my feet firmly planted on the doorstep, gazing up at the two-story tall doors looming over me.
The door opened a little after I knocked, and I was greeted by a lean butler in a sharp tuxedo. My urge to run away dissolved into trying not to be sick from nerves. I swallowed.
“Are you Miss Mina Todd?” he asked.
“Yes,” I replied strongly, summoning all my strength.
He smiled. “We've been expecting you.”
I nearly fainted.
Stepping into the hallway, I was not at all calmed by the sights of statues, staircases, and a chandelier.
“May I take your purse?” He asked.
I resisted the urge to jump and handed him my purse, which was a little wrinkled from being clutched in my hands.
“Of course, thank you...?”
“Alfred Pennyworth.”
“Thank you, Mr. Pennyworth,” I said, trying to remain polite.
“The party will be hosted in the ballroom,” He continued, leading my to a door on the left. “You will audition there.”
I gulped and thanked him again.
The ballroom was even larger, with two chandeliers, lounges and chairs at the edges of the room, and paintings suspended on the walls. In the far corner was a small, elevated spot of floor. There was a piano, so I guessed that that would be where performances would be.
I drew a shaky breath when I noticed that Bruce Wayne himself was sitting just in front of the stage.
“Miss Todd has arrived, Master Bruce.”
“Thank you, Alfred.”
Bruce Wayne stood, and I was nearly terrified. He was tall, and looked fairly strong. I noticed a fading bruise on his strong chin, and tried to think of how he'd gotten it.
I smiled nervously and we shook hands.
“Hello, Mina, how are you today?” He asked warmly with a broad smile.
“I'm doing well, thank you,” I replied, feeling at ease with his happy presence. He seemed well-adjusted for someone who had watched their parents' murders. I wondered how he dealt with the frustration; maybe he did yoga.
“Before you begin, tell me a little about yourself.”
I thought. “Well...I was born to a single mother, moved to Gotham once I turned eighteen, and spend most of my time working or doing community theater.”
“There's probably a bit more to it than that,” he said knowingly.
I nodded slowly. I didn't think he was urging me to tell him more, and I wasn't planning on it.
“Well, Mina, please stand on the stage.”
I did as I was instructed, forcing deep breaths down my throat.
Bruce Wayne settled into a seat, with Alfred standing just behind him.
“Start whenever you need to.”
I could usually preform well enough onstage, when the lights were in my eyes and the audience was darkened, rendering me blind, but right now, I could see clearly see those watching me.
What if Patrick was here? I took a deep breath, filling my diaphragm, and began singing.
“I'll be seeing you in all the old, familiar places,” I sang, my voice echoing in the empty room. “that this heart of mine embraces, all day through...in that small cafe, the park across the way...”
It felt as thought my heart was burning. Patrick, I miss you. I want you with me. “The children's carousel, the chestnut tree, the wishing well....”
                                       
“I'll be seeing you in ev'ry lovely summer's day, in everything that's bright and gay, I'll always think of you that way!”
I was fighting back tears, dwelling on the memories the song brought back. “I'll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new....”
The room was silent.
“...I'll be looking at the moon...but I'll be seeing...you....”
The applause broke the tension and I managed a small smile.
I never thought I'd be here, of all places. It was hard to imagine myself in a cocktail dress, center stage of a charity gala, being paid to preform.
After Bruce Wayne's spiel about me, where I couldn't stop blushing in embarrassment, I stepped off stage and was invited to join the party.
I fought my way through the crowds, stopping to chat and accept praise on my voice and ensemble. Bruce Wayne's friend Selina Kyle helped me into a deep purple dress with a sweetheart neckline and tight, knee-length skirt.
I was wearing my green brooch on the sash at my waist. No one seemed to notice.
The gala was one exciting blur. I was stunned when I noticed Alfred standing guard at a box brimming with money. I was even more surprised when I noticed how many of those dollar bills were hundreds.
Several attendants were milling about the room, offering drinks. I politely refused, trying not to cringe at the sight of alcohol. Instead, I fiddled with the pearl necklace at my throat, feeling as though I shouldn't be there.
I honestly shouldn't, I realized. The only reason I was here was because Batman felt sorry for me for making a stupid deal with a criminal.
“Miss Todd?”
I turned in surprise, making eye contact with a grinning Bruce Wayne. At his side was a redhead.
“Mina, this is my friend Veronica Vreeland,” he said, gesturing to the woman at his side.
“Charmed,” she chirped, holding out her hand. I smiled and shook her hand.
“Likewise!”
“Miss Todd, you preformed wonderfully tonight,” she said. “I'm hosting a fundraiser for the Gotham Zoo in about two weeks. Would you mind entertaining again?”
I smiled at the opportunity. Was it possible I could make a living for two people doing what I loved?
“I wouldn't mind. I'd love to preform,” I said.
And just like that, I'd accepted another show.