Out of My League

Chapter 7: Hit Me with Your Best Shot

Hit me with your best shot

Why don't you hit me with your best shot

Hit me with your best shot

Fire away

- Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar (I like the Catherine Zeta Jones version too)

The next morning, I was surprised to wake up to Alfred opening up my curtains. I didn't even know someone had shut my curtains. Still, after a bit of stretching, I shot Alfred a grateful smile. "Good morning Alfred," I greeted at the elderly gentleman.

Alfred's expression remained stoic. Maybe that's where Bruce learned his amazing poker face skills. But he did give me a nod of acknowledgement in return. "Good morning, Miss Woods. Master Damian instructed me to see how you were today."

"Where is Damian?," I asked as soon as Alfred mentioned him.

"Master Damian went with Master Bruce to the office today. He... insisted that he should learn how Master Bruce ran the company," Alfred replied, still standing idly by my windows.

I chuckled, imagining how insistent Damian could be. "I'm sure he was very insistent."

"Yes. It somehow involved breaking half the vases in the lobby and getting into a fight with Master Tim." I could've been mistaken, but I could almost swear I saw his lips twitch into a smile. Before I could ask anymore about the fight, Alfred cut me off. "Perhaps you'd like to hear more about this morning's events over breakfast?"

And on cue, my stomach rumbled hungrily. Alfred raised an eyebrow, almost looking superior. He definitely had some sort of freaky superpower.

"I shall set the dining table immediately," Alfred stated before heading for my door. He didn't even wait for my response.

"Alfred," I called when he reached my door.

Turning back around, he faced me. "Yes, Miss?"

"Would it be alright if I just had my breakfast in the kitchen? The dining table seems too big for just me," I replied.

"Of course, Miss. I'll go prepare your food right now," he said.

I threw my blankets off and swung my legs out of bed, hoping to follow Alfred. "I'll help," I offered. As I stood, my body screamed in reluctance, but I ignored it. If I stayed in bed for another day and allowed the pain to win, I'd never get back on my feet. Staggering, I approached Alfred.

"I think a shower would do you some good, Miss Woods," Alfred replied instead. "And a change of clothes. Master Bruce has stocked your walk-in closet with new clothes, just as he did for Master Damian and Master Bart. You'll find everything you need in there. As for your breakfast, I can manage it just fine."

Glancing down at myself, I could see that my bandages did need changing. I was also still wearing the shirt Bruce had ripped open when my wounds had begun to bleed again. Biting my lip in reluctance, I could see Alfred had a very good point. Looking back to meet Alfred's gaze, I gave a rueful smile. "I guess I'll see you later, then," I said.