Dating The Dark Knight

Chapter 14

APHRODITE'S VIEW

I was back at work today. Already pitching in for a new mural at the Mayor's office. The baker's called today, I was to bake and decorate a 5-tier cake for a couple's wedding the next day. As impromptu as it was, I didn't complain. It was Monday. I had time. The mural was to be presented 3 weeks from now. 

"What else do you think should be included at the base?" Brad asked us. Analise and I sat opposite each other. No glares today, she was just quiet and cooperative. Derek sat beside me, and next to him were Laura, Keith and Melanie. Rick was at his office, getting more specifications from the Mayor and the board in charge of the project.

"I don't like the background color." Laura said as-a-matter of fact. 

"Oh, thank God! I thought I was the only one. It's hiddeous. We can do better." Melanie added. I chuckled and considered the color. For new beginnings for Gotham, the color orange seemed too sharp...

"Alright, ladies...how about light blue?" Derek asked.

"Perfect." We all said in unison. Analise, Melanie, Laura and I. I glanced at Analise and she shrugged, her usually bitchiness, gone for the moment.

"Sounds good to me. You all know your part, so let's get the rough sketches done today." Brad announced.

"Not a problem, hun." Laura said and smiled. Brad winked at her and stood.

"Please, none of that in here." Analise told them and rolled her eyes.

"What are you so tight about? You're almost married." Melanie giggled. Analise stiffened and looked like she was about to snap, but she cleared her throat and exited.

"What was that about?" Derek asked.

"Don't know. Don't care." I replied. 

"Hey guys, we should all do something together. We never hang out outside work. How about we head up to that new resort downtown for the weekend?" Laura announced all of a sudden. We all focused on her and seemed to consider it.

"Don't see why not, I'm not busy." Keith stated, his arm around Melanie's shoulders.

"I agree." Melanie added.

"Sure, why not?" Derek laughed. Brad nodded in agreement and all eyes soon landed on me. 

"I don't know....I don't think its...safe." I said and sighed.

"Ah what? It is safe! I checked the place out and you'll love it, Aphrodite-" Laura began.

"No..no, Laura...not the place. Me. I don't think its safe for me to be around you all....anything can happen." I said calmly. They all seemed to realize what I meant and they considered.

"Nope. You're coming with us, sweetie." Melanie said.

"I don't know...I'm still kinda scared of you. You have a point." Brad stated and Laura jabbed him in the side and everyone else threw him warning glares.

"As silly as this might sound, I know you've got this under control. You've got great composure, Aphrodite. You'll be fine." Laura said and touched my arm comfortingly..

"Yeah, she's right. Come on, Aphrodite, please? Do we have to get Bruce Wayne in here to beg you? Cause we know how much of an influence he can be." Melanie laughed.

"Why does he have to come into this?" Derek asked, his tone clearly disgusted. "You'll be fine, just come with us for the weekend."

I sat there, thinking. I had been practicing all through last week...and I could confidently state that I had gotten better, even after the small incident in the containment room. I wondered why I had never considered controlling it. It was easy. My shield had worked and I learned a new trick.Maybe I should go....how was I supposed to know if I didn't try.