Work Text:
Barbara was working the closing shift at the library. She was putting some books away when she overheard a conversation.
“Do you know when mom and dad are going to pick us up?” said what sounded like a teenage boy.
“No, I– Oh, wait they just messaged me.” said what Barbara thought was a slightly older teen girl.
Silence.
“Jazz?
“They left.”
“What?”
“Someone posted about a possible sighting in Metropolis. They said they’ll be there for a few days.”
There was more silence. Barbara stayed quiet.
“So, they left us behind.”
“Yeah.”
“Again.”
“...Yeah.”
Barbara closed her eyes, thinking of Tim and how he had been left home alone so much. And these kids… their parents had abandoned them too.
“Well at least we’re not helpless.”
“I hate them.”
“Jazz–”
“No, Danny. I hate them. They’re supposed to be our parents. They’re supposed to take care of us.”
“I know. They always chose something else over us. Why aren’t we enough, Jazz?”
“I don’t know.” she sniffled.
“Jazz, hey, look at me. We’ll be okay.”
“I'm sorry, Danny. I'm just so tired.”
“I am too.”
Barbara was about to speak up when they continued.
“At least i have a credit card this time so it won’t be like the time they forgot is in Bridgton.”
“Yeah, that sucked. We were lucky we were able to sneak onto that semi.”
“Well, tonight we can get a hotel room and then get bus tickets tomorrow.
“I could just... you know. Do my thing.”
“I guess, but we should at least get a hotel for tonight. I don’t want to try traveling while you’re exhausted.”
“That’s fair. But–”
Barbara finally decided she should make her presence known. She cleared her throat as she made her way around the bookshelf.
The two teens startle. They looked like siblings. The girl was a redhead with teal eyes, and the boy had black hair and blue eyes.
“Hello, I’m Barbara. I work here at the library. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation.” she paused as the siblings glanced at each other, the boy reaching over to grab his sister’s arm.
“What do you mean?” asked the girl, Jazz, if Barbara was correct.
“You need a place to stay tonight? It’ll be hard to find a good hotel at this hour. I’ve got an extra bedroom at my apartment, and you’re welcome to stay the night. You won’t owe me anything.”
“Why?” asked the boy, Danny.”
Barbara considered for a moment. “I have a friend who went through a similar situation as you guys, so I’m familiar with what it's like to have your parents be too busy. And you wouldn’t be the first kids I've let stay the night. I can help you find bus tickets in the morning. I’m familiar with most of the routes and can let you know which ones are the safest and quickest.”
The girl glanced at her brother, who stared at Barbara. There was a moment where his eyes seemed to glow and Barabar felt as if he were really looking at her. She suppressed a shudder at the intense feeling.
Then he turned to his sister and nodded.
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you. I’m Jazz and this is Danny.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. I have to finish locking up so I’ll meet you by the door.”
They nodded and started gathering their stuff.
Barbara went to finish the rest of the closing shift duties.
She also had a call to make.