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The next morning Jazz wakes up to the smell of bacon. She frowns in confusion. Why would her parents be cooking?
Then she remembers. They’re in Gotham. Their parents left them behind. The kind librarian, Barbara, took them in. Jazz opens her eyes, sitting up and nudging Danny awake. He grumbles for a moment before freezing. Probably realizing like she did where exactly it is they are.
“Morning, sleepyhead.”
“Morning.” Danny replied with his eyes still closed.
Jazz sighed. “Come on. It smells like she’s getting breakfast made. And we still need to see about buying tickets.”
“I could fly us.” Danny said through a yawn.
“Have you ever flown that far?”
Danny didn’t respond.
“Do you even know in which direction Amity is?”
Danny huffed. “Fine. I just didn’t want you to have to spend your money.” he mumbled.
“Danny, look at me.” she waited till he did so. “Money isn’t important. What matters is making sure that we’re safe. So, if I have to spend some of my money buying us tickets home, then that is perfectly okay. Got it?”
He didn’t really look reassured, but he nodded. Jazz didn’t push it.
“Come on. You wouldn’t want to eat a cold breakfast.”
—----
Barbara had just finished setting the table when the kids walked in.
“Good morning! Did you guys sleep alright?”
“Yes, thank you.” The girl, Jazz said.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“It was no problem. I hope you guys are okay with eggs and bacon. If not, I’ve got cereal.
“This is good thanks.” Jazz said.
Barbara waited for them to start eating before speaking again.
“Where are you guys from?”
“We’re from a small town in Illinois.” Jazz said.
“Are you both in school?”
“Yeah, Jazz is about to graduate, and I’m a sophomore.”
“Are you planning on going to college, Jazz?”
“I’m still looking at my options.”
“What about you, Danny, what do you do when you’re not in school?”
“I, umm… I just hang out with my friends.”
They talked for a bit longer before Barbara set down her fork.
“Look, Jazz, Danny, If your parents are… being difficult you could stay here.”
They both stiffened. “Our parents are fine. They’re just busy.” Jazz said.
“Still,”Barbara responded, “if they’re really busy I know people who could help you, places you could stay. I have a friend, who I think went through something similar. And I’d like to help, if you’ll let me.”
“Look, we’re fine.” Danny said.
“I understand.” Barbara sighed.
They sat in silence, fiddling with their silverware. Barbara tried to think of what to say next. If she insisted too much, they’d push her away. She needed to be patient, let them know that they could trust her.
“Thank you for the food and for letting us stay, but we need to purchase some bus tickets back home.” Jass finally said, setting her fork down.
“Of course. Let me take the dishes to the kitchen and then I’ll help you.”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
Barbara smiled trying to keep the resignation of her face.
—
Later after she’d cleaned up breakfast she went to the living room and pulled out her laptop.
“What town are you guys from?” she said while pulling up the bus travel website.
“There’s no bus stop at home, but I think there’s one in Wellsburg. It’s about an hour from home, but we can call a friend to pick us up from there.”
She nodded, clicked a few more buttons then handed over her computer. “Here, you can fill in the rest of the information and then I can print your tickets off.”
“Thanks.” Jazz said, then turned to look at her brother. “Can you get my credit card from my bag?”
“There's no need. I can pay.” Barbara said.
“Oh no, you already let us stay. We couldn’t possibly let you buy tickets as well. Jazz said, waving her off.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s just some bus tickets.”
Jazz hesitated before handing the computer back.
Barbara smiled at her, trying to be reassuring. The siblings were glancing at each other and shuffling uncomfortably. She wouldn’t be surprised if they weren't used to people helping them. She just hoped they’d let her keep helping.
She looked back down at the computer. “You have two hours before you need to be at the station. Is there anything you’d like to do? I've got some board games.”
Jazz looked at Danny.
“Sure,” he shrugged, “why not.”
—
Barbara stared as the bus left then pulled out her phone and started trying to find more info on the kids. She’d seen their last name when she printed off the tickets so it shouldn’t be too hard to find the basics.
If she wanted them to be safe she’d have to try and find some proof of neglect. At least Jazz had accepted to put Barbara’s number in her phone. Barbara had reassured her that they could call her whenever, and that she’d always be willing to help them. She’d just have to hope that they’d be okay in the meantime.