"If I am not doing schoolwork, I am reading crime novels. Detective novels are also interesting, but I prefer non-fiction. Real life cases can sometimes be stranger than fiction," Barbara explained as she showed Sarah her bookshelf. After pushing it aside, the display previously behind her bedroom door came into view. "My dad doesn't know this is here. He found the last one, so I had to move it. You won't tell him, will you?"

"He told me about the previous display he found." Sarah examined the display. "But don't worry, this stays between you and me."

"Thanks." Barbara smiled back.

"You are missing a lot of recent disappearances though. Like Jason Bard." Sarah pointed out.

Barbara froze at the name, knowing she hadn't updated the display since the incident at the Isley mansion. "Yeah, I just haven't had a chance to."

"He was your friend, wasn't he? I know he thought so." Sarah looked at the girl with sympathy.

"He didn't deserve this. I feel like I am responsible for his- his disappearance." Barbara wiped her eyes, turning away from the display.

"Your father feels the same way. He feels like the department couldn't protect him," Sarah sighed. "I have tried telling him not to blame himself. But-"

"Oh, he's here," Barbara interrupted, hearing the sound of a car pulling up. "I have to put this back."

"Here, let me help." Sarah pushed the shelf alongside Barbara. The display was once again covered and hidden from sight.

"So did you interview those women?" Barbara asked as she and Sarah started climbing down the stairs.

"Yes, I did. Their stories didn't change. They were consistent with one another's." She frowned. "I, personally, got a bad feeling around them. But my instincts aren't enough to hold them."

The front door opened, revealing a tired and frustrated James Gordon. He merely gave them a gesture of acknowledgment as he stalked over to the kitchen.

"James, do you want me to make you something?" Sarah followed the man into the kitchen.

"No, I'm fine. I just want a cup of coffee," he answered, opening up cabinets in search of a coffee mug.

"I can make it for you, dad." Barbara came forth. "I know you had a long day."

"Yes, let Barbara make it. Just sit down and rest." Sarah motioned over to the living room with a smile.

"You should be going home, Sarah. The curfew will begin soon." Barbara heard her dad say as he walked into the living room.

From her spot in the kitchen, all Barbara could hear were hushed whispers. She knew they were talking low on purpose. She knew that was why Sarah wanted to be in the living room.

Whatever the subject was, it sounded serious.

Barbara stared blankly at the opened cabinet filled with mugs as the coffee brewed nearby. She already had a mug in hand, but decided to take out another one.

For Sarah.

~

Snow flurries clung to Barbara's hair as she walked over to the library, bringing out its color much more. Her red hair already made her stand out, but today the contrast of it against the white scenery made it more vibrant.

Unbeknownst to her, this was why people were staring. But all she knew was that they were staring. Her breathing had sped up and was coming out as vapor in the cold air. As she grew closer to the library, that stomach-churning feeling all too familiar returned.

She was being watched.

She felt someone's eyes on her as she picked up her pace. Not daring to look back, she listened for any footsteps following behind. But if there were, she could not hear them.

They were known to be silent.

"What do you want-" She spun around, only to find there was no one behind her.

A small giggle was heard from the side. Barbara glanced in its direction, frowning as she saw only a couple walking arm-in-arm on the other side of the street.

This time the man laughed, leaning in closer to his partner. The woman whispered something into his ear before giving a sly look to Barbara. The girl could only grimace as she recognized the woman under the hat.

"Oh, Mr. Dent, you really are a fool," Barbara remarked as she identified the man beside Pamela. "That's one thing Mr. Wayne and I can agree on."

Pamela turned her attention back to Harvey, strolling further along the icy pavement. He was completely smitten with her. She crossed her arms in disgust, watching as they continued in the direction of the library.

It was then Barbara decided to take the long way around.

~

The smell of spaghetti cooking welcomed Barbara once she returned home.

As did Sarah Essen's car.

Barbara raised an eyebrow as she walked into the house, hearing her dad and Sarah laughing from the kitchen.

"Hello," she greeted the adults with a nod.

"Barbara! I was wondering if you would make it in time. The spaghetti's just about finished." Sarah grinned as she stirred the sauce.

"How was your day?" James asked, giving his daughter a hug.

"Uh, it was okay. Why are you being all touchy-feely?" Barbara shrugged him off.

"Can't I be in a good mood? Things have been so dreary lately and today I feel happy." He gave Sarah a knowing smile.

"Barbara, can you set the table?" Sarah returned his glance with a smirk.

"Sure..." Barbara scrunched her face before doing what she was told.

Once the table was set and the spaghetti was served, the three of them took their places at the table. Barbara couldn't help but notice how affectionately the adults looked at each other.

Then she saw the ring on Sarah's finger.

Sarah caught Barbara's stare and smiled. "Do you like it?"

Barbara gasped. "Wha-What is going on?"

"James, I think it's time we tell her," Sarah suggested.

"I agree." He placed his hand over Sarah's. "Barbara, Sarah and I are engaged."

Barbara could only blink in response.

"I know this is a surprise, but Sarah has made me feel a way I haven't felt in a long time. She is an amazing woman who I have come to love. Raising you without a mother has been difficult, but I know she will be a great influence. She truly cares for you and wants the best for you like I do." James's hand squeezed hers. "It may take some time to adjust, but I expect you to welcome her to our family."

Barbara lowered her head, staring at the plate in front of her. "When is the wedding?"

"Oh, not until the summer. We are in no hurry." James was still holding Sarah's hand.

"Barbara, I love your father very much. And I love you too. I know I could never replace your mother, but I hope you can accept me as a something close to one," Sarah said with an earnest smile.

Barbara hesitated. "So... are you going to be moving in soon?"

Sarah gave a nervous laugh. "Not until after the wedding, of course."

"Well, you're right. This is a surprise..." Barbara muttered.

"A pleasant one, I hope." James reached over to his daughter.

"Am I the last person to know?" Barbara made no attempt to return her father's affection.

"No. We plan to announce it at the annual GCPD Christmas party, which I convinced your father to let you attend. I want you to be there for the announcement. I think you've been punished long enough." She turned to face her fiancé. "It was so nice of Mr. Wayne to host the party at his building, don't you think?"

"Yes, but I swear that man cannot be older than me! How does he look so young for his age?" James shook his head.

"Are you jealous of him, James?" Sarah laughed.

"How could I not be? He looks better than I ever did!"

Barbara suddenly stood up, unable to stomach this any longer. "Can I be excused? I'm not hungry."

"But you have to eat something-" James started to say but Barbara had already rushed off. She had barely closed the door when she sank to her knees, covering her mouth as she let out a sob. Ripping off her glasses and tossing them to the nightstand, Barbara continued to cry as she crawled into bed. She curled up into a fetal position and covered her whole body with the blankets. She didn't even bother changing into her nightgown. She didn't have the energy to.

"That woman will never be part of this family," she snarled. "That woman will never be any mother of mine."

Barbara curled her hands into fists. "How could you betray mom like that?! How you could tear our family even further apart?! You were the one who moved us to Gotham! You were the one who made mom leave us!"

"How could you do this to her? How could you-" She broke down again. "I am truly alone now."