Poker Face | Bruce Wayne

seven

33 YEARS EARLIER

The chauffeur popped open the passenger door to the sleek black vehicle. A woman with light hair appeared inside, giving the man a warm smile and a nod. He did the same to the back of the car, where an older man exited. Two small children jumped out behind him, chattering rambunctiously amongst themselves.

The little girl wore a pale blue dress, twirling around after the older boy to show off her new dress shoes. "I am sooo excited. Maybe they'll have the tiny, puffy thingy-s!"

Other people were still arriving around them, getting out of luxurious vehicles dressed in black tie clothing. The boy rolled his eyes but laughed with the girl. "They're called cream puffs, dummy."

"Devin Jeremy!" the woman scolded, scowling at the boy. He blinked at her innocently. She sighed, walking over and adjusting his blue tie which matched the girl's dress. "Don't call your sister that."

The girl giggled as their mother left. "Ha ha, you got in trooubleee."

"Oh, shut it." He pushed her gently before running to catch up after the woman.

She squealed in surprise, almost toppling over, but being caught by a firm hand on her back. She looked up to find her father, and she pouted. "Dad, Devin pushed me!"

His usually cold face broke into a loving smile. "He did not!"

"He did, too!"

A chuckle rumbled in his chest as bent down to face her. "Should we see if Uncle Thomas left some snacks out for you? Maybe that will make it better."

She drew in a long gasp, her eyes widened brightly as she clasped her hands over his. "Really? Do you think he did? Like... like the puffs?"

"How about we go find out?" He stood up, leading the excited six-year-old to the doors where the rest of the guests were entering. She struggled to keep up with her father's strides, hurrying up the small set of stairs. She stayed close to his side. She knew that if she didn't, she would get swept away in a crowd of high heels and sharp suits.

The warm lights were a nice reprieve from the chilly nighttime air outside, and goosebumps ran up her pale arms. Her father took her down a long hallway before entering a grand room. Chatter and soft music echoed around the vaulted ceiling, and waiters dressed in matching black tuxedos whisked around the floor with silver platters of food.

They finally reached the other side of the room, where she saw the familiar man. He had black hair, the sides peppered with gray, and a charming smile on his face. He talked amongst a group of other men and women, one being her mother.

"Uncle Tommy!" The girl shrieked, pulling away from her father and running towards the other man.

He turned around, eyes skimming the crowd before landing on her. He grinned. "Meredith!"

He plucked her from the ground, twirling her in a circle and resting her on his hip. She giggled, grabbing the man's face with her small hands. "Uncle Tommy, I-I was wondering... I was wondering if you... if you had the chocolate puffs?"

"Meredith," her father sounded strict once again as he joined the small group. "Is that a proper way to greet people?"

Her face fell in shame as she turned back to Thomas. "Sorrrryyy. How are you, Uncle Tommy?"

He had a chuckle similar to her father's. "I am doing very well, Meredith. But you know you can't have dessert until you've eaten dinner." He studied her face before leaning closer to her ear. "However, I think Alfred can make an exception just this once, hm?"