Saturday in the Park [Vicki Vale]

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Who knew that in the middle of Gotham City stood a beautiful park, filled with people, from family picnics to office parties the place was booming. Ethan had never seen so many people before gathered in one place before. 

One month, one month had passed since Ethan had arrived in Gotham City. In that time he had made a new friend by the name of Kory Anders, got a job at Arkham Asylum as a cafeteria line cook before being promoted as personal chef for miss Pamela Isley the villain known as Poison Ivy. 

Today was Ethan's day off from the Asylum and he quite enjoyed the bright colors of the outside world compared to the dark and gloomy color of the kitchen and the halls of Arkham. Today he decided, he was going to wonder Robinson Park by himself and take this opportunity to take some new photos of the people and the activities he was seeing for the first time in his life. 

Ethan was dressed in normal clothes today compared to the chefs uniform he has to wear at work. He was wearing a black button up shirt though the shirt remained opened revealing a simple white t-shirt underneath. He wore a pair of navy colored jeans and his sneakers which were black in color as well. 

*Click* went the camera as he took a few pictures of dogs jumping up to catch a frisbee or of a three legged race. *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* was all the sound Ethan could hear as the shutter opened and closed to capture these memories on film. He could still not believe his eyes when he saw all the people at the park. He was used to small numbers of people so this experience was new for him but he knew that to make it seem normal he had to muster up the courage to be around so many strangers. 

About an hour and a half had passed since Ethan had arrived at the park and he decided to go get an ice cream cone from one of the local Vendors in the park. Finally catching up to one Ethan spoked up to get his little frozen treat "Hello Sir, I would like to buy an ice cream cone, Vanilla if you have the flavor?" "Sure thing kid one Vanilla Cone coming right up" said the man "that will be $1.50" reaching into his pocket for his wallet, Ethan pulled it out and handed the man two one dollar bills. He received two quarters back as change "Thanks for the ice cream" Ethan said as he walked away with a treat in hand. 

"Hmm I wonder what I can do now" he said to himself after finishing his treat. Looking around he saw some of the people that were around earlier had one home and the activities had died down. After a few seconds of thinking, Ethan saw a blonde girl walking around the park. She looked like she may be looking for something or someone. Knowing he had some time left before the last bus comes that takes him home he decided to go up and talk to her. Casually walking up to the girl he introduced himself "Hello , my name is Ethan" he said "pardon my intrusion but you look lost and looking for assistance, mind if I help you miss?"

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It was a beautiful, sunny day in Gotham City, and Vicki Vale was taking a stroll. She loved spending time at Robinson Park, especially on weekends when she didn’t have to work. Yes, being a contracted employee for The Gotham Gazette had its perks. Vicki realized news happened every day, but she had disciplined herself to leave the reporting of it to her co-workers on Saturdays and Sundays.

Today, Vicki had planned to spend the entire day with her friend Bruce Wayne, but those plans had fallen through, which was no surprise to her. When it came to Bruce, she was used to being disappointed; things never seemed to work out for them as a couple. Instead of enjoying her company, Bruce was called into the office to attend to some last-minute business matters that had developed overnight overseas. Well, at least that’s what his voicemail had said. It didn’t really matter whether she believed him or not. The bottom line was he had stood her up. Again.

Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Vicki decided to call her only other friend, Vic Sage, to see if he was busy. Stopping at a vacant park bench, she took a seat and retrieved her cell phone from her purse. She was wearing one of her favorite outfits - - a green low-cut women’s tee with a brown pleated mini skirt and comfortable white T-strap sandals. She had dressed to impress Bruce, but she was glad her effort hadn’t been wasted as she noticed looks from male passersby.

Her attention waned when she got Vic’s voicemail. God, she needed to get out more and make some new friends - - preferably ones with no life, like her, on weekends. At the sound of the beep, she sighed heavily and left the following message:

“Hey, Vic. It’s Vicki. I took a chance to see if you wanted to go to lunch and catch that new Johnny Depp movie. My treat, of course! If you get this message within the next hour, return my call. If not, we can try to catch up some other time.  It’s been a while. ‘Bye.”

With that, Vicki hung up her phone and returned it to her purse. Then she started walking again, looking around to see if perhaps Bruce Wayne was anywhere in the vicinity. There was still a slight chance that he’d rendezvous with her here like he was supposed to, and Vicki held on to that tiny bit of hope.

When Ethan Young introduced himself, Vicki was startled back to reality. She hadn’t seen him walk up to her and jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice. She was flattered when he offered her his assistance. The first thing she noticed was the camera hanging around his neck. Then she smiled and looked to see if there was a wedding band on his left ring finger.

“Let me help you first, Ethan,” she said, reaching over his broad shoulders and smoothing out the twisted camera strap on the back of his neck. “Nice camera. Nice smile, too,” she added with a wink. “My name’s Vicki. Vicki Vale. Hey, you might want to upgrade to an HD camera. Not many photographers use film anymore. I recommend a Nikon.”

Vicki shared another smile with Ethan as she studied his handsome features.

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"Oh, thanks" he said in an almost nervous tone when Vicki reached to straighten the back of his camera strap "Vicki, thats a nice name. Yeah" he chuckled "it is an outdated camera , but hey it works" he added, "maybe someday I'll buy an HD camera." Ethan wondered why Vicki was smiling so much, did he have something in his hair, and she found it funny, or did his twisted strap made him look funny before she straightened it. 

He checked out Vicki for about ten seconds before he broke the silence "So what is a pretty girl like you doing all alone in a park?" he asked hoping he was not being too forward. Ethan had trouble talking to girls and women, he grew up around cold-hearted men and there were rarely any women around the camps. Ethan decided to take a shot in the dark and ask Vicki a question "Would you like to take a walk around the park? It's a nice day, and I figured maybe we might as well enjoy it....that is if you don't have any plans?" he said with a small smile.  For some unknown reason, Ethan felt weird around Vicki, different than when he was around Kory, or Miss Ivy.

What he did not know was that he was developing a small crush on Miss Vale, but  he had no idea that's what it was, for he never felt like this before. Growing up in a place of violence and death made him almost forget how emotions worked. He knew how to feel sad,  angry, or even hate but he never had felt love. His parents died when he was only five, so he never had someone tell him how emotions worked. Even the cartel lords were cold-hearted towards him, and only taught only him how to kill. They always told him, emotions would just get in the way, and make him sloppy which is why he could kill without feeling bad, or any remorse.

This new feeling inside of him was warm and welcomed by his semi-cold heart. *Maybe she will be different that the other people I have meet, but what if I'm wrong, and something bad happens* Ethan thought on the inside though he smiled and seemed friendly on the outside. Though his thought were racing one thing did keep coming up...her beauty. She looked beautiful in her outfit, and it made Ethan feel a little bit nervous, because compared to his own outfit she looked like a model.....

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The awkward expression on Ethan’s face made Vicki smile. His innocence was genuine and endearing. Then she thought about what she’d said about his camera and hoped she hadn’t embarrassed or offended  him in any way.

“Don’t get an HD camera right away,” she advised. “They’re pretty expensive. The camera you have now is fine to learn with. Save your money and invest in a better camera after you’ve honed your photography skills.”

When Ethan asked her to take a walk in the park with him, Vicki beamed.  The way he waited for her reply reminded her of an adolescent school boy waiting for permission to do something he really wanted to do. It was very refreshing to be with a man who wanted to be with her. She couldn’t help but wonder if her luck was suddenly changing for the better.

Vicki shrugged her shoulders. “A walk, eh?  Sure.  Why not?  It’s a beautiful day, and I don’t have any plans . . . yet. See, I’m waiting for a friend to show, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. And I’m waiting on a phone call from another friend, who probably won’t call me.”

She cringed when she realized what she had said.

“Sounds pathetic, doesn't it?” she sighed. “I need to make more friends!  Well, there’s no better time to start than the present, right?  Let’s go . . . friend!”

With that, Vicki wrapped her arm around Ethan’s, and they began their stroll. To her surprise, Ethan didn't say a word. Instead, he seemed to be taking in everything going on around them  - - the sun shining, the birds singing, the children playing.  Vicki was flattered that  he was enjoying just being with her.  It made her feel very special.

After a few moments, she decided to engage in conversation once again.

“So, Ethan,  I know you just didn’t drop out of the sky and land here like Superman,” she laughed. “What’s your story? Do you live in Gotham City, or are you visiting?”

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“Thanks” said Ethan “that would save me some money. Also photography is more of a little hobby I have than a skill for me, I prefer cooking though that I think is more fun.” When Vicki told him yes to his offer to go for a walk, a happy feeling came over him, and a smile formed on his face.

“Oh don’t say that, you seem like an interesting person. Anyone who would stand you up is sure missing out,” Ethan responded in a pleasant tone. He was not expecting Vicki to wrap her arm round his own arm, though he did like it. He had never been this close to a woman before, and it made him nervous thinking he would mess up or something. He looked at a few things here and there but remained quiet during the beginning of the stroll.

*Superman?* he thought *Who is Superman, and why would he be dropping out of the sky?* Ethan began to talk about himself, but he did not reveal everything to Vicki. “I was born and raised in Argentina, I lived there until I was five, and then we moved to Brazil. I just arrived in Gotham about a month or so ago. I live in a small apartment on the South Side of the City, and I work over at Arkham Asylum as a personal chef to a Miss Pamela Isley but I think she is more widely known as Poison Ivy.” Ethan hated to be so vague about his past, but he had no choice for he thought she would not like him if she knew of the things he had done and the people he had killed.

Ethan was happy to be walking with Vicki holding onto his arm, she seemed different than most girls and he liked that about her. Unexpectedly, Ethan's stomach let out a small growling sound signaling his earlier snack was nearly gone, and that he needed a refill soon or he would embarrassing himself even more in front of Vicki with his bodily noises.

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Vicki’s eyes brightened when Ethan said he loved cooking, and she wondered if that was just another fun hobby for him or if he was a professional chef. He made her day by telling her that anyone who stood her up was denying themselves the great pleasure of her company. She actually blushed at his comment.

Vicki thought Ethan was an easy-read. She could tell by his facial expressions and body language that he was nervous about being with her. She tried to put him more at ease by subtly applying pressure to his bicep. He had a strong arm, and she could tell by the way his black dress shirt fit his form that he kept in shape. She couldn’t believe how good-looking, charming, polite, and courteous he was. And he cooked, too? Wow. How did she get so lucky as to find such a quality man in Gotham City? Yes, this guy was definitely a keeper.

She laughed out loud when he asked who Superman was. “Superman is a super-hero who fights crime and protects the citizens of Metropolis,” she answered. “He’s the most powerful being on Earth, an alien immigrant from the planet Krypton. What planet are you from?” she teased, hiding a smile. Then she patted his arm and added, “Just kidding.”

Vicki listened intently as Ethan shared his background with her. She thought it was fascinating that he was born and raised in Argentina, which explained his light Brazilian accent. She assumed he was bi-lingual, which made him seem even more sexy and mysterious to her. She wondered if he could sing or play a musical instrument. Soon she had a list of things she wanted to know about him. It was far too long to be covered in a single afternoon . . . and the perfect reason for them to make future plans to see each other again.

Vicki thought it was sweet that Ethan lived in a modest apartment in the suburbs of south Gotham. Although it was the most populated part of the city, it was home to many middle-class families who didn’t like living in the concrete jungle. Not many businesses lined the streets. It was a more residential area, with its two-story homes, gardens, public schools, and churches. She was familiar with the quiet and peaceful sector , but like the rest of Gotham, it had its share of criminal activity as well. She wondered if Ethan had been around long enough to know that.

It shocked Vicki that Ethan worked at Arkham Asylum as Poison Ivy’s personal chef. It was the last place on Earth she’d have guessed. While his general overview was satisfying, the brief summary peaked her curiosity. Before she could ask about his family, she heard a rumbling from Ethan’s stomach. “You’re not one of those chefs that cook but don’t eat, are you?” she laughed. “I think it’s time for lunch. I know a new place close to here, The Pub and Grub. Want to go? My treat. It has darts and a pool table!”

Looking at her watch, she sighed, officially declaring Bruce Wayne a no-show in her mind. And it didn’t look like Vic Sage was going to return her phone call either. God, she hated being right about those two men. They were so predictable.

Vicki made small talk as they exited Robinson Park, crossed the street, and proceeded north toward the restaurant. She didn’t mind directing the conversation, but she didn’t want to do most of the talking either. “So, Ethan, tell me about your family. Do you have any brothers or sisters?  I’m an only child, myself.”

Suddenly, she stopped herself short and looked at Ethan sincerely. “I’m sorry for asking you so many questions,” she apologized. “It’s the reporter in me coming out.”

As they passed a newspaper stand, a copy of The Gotham Gazette was displayed in plain view with Vicki’s name plastered across the front page. She watched carefully to see if Ethan would see it and speculated his reaction to the name recognition.

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Ethan was a little nervous about being with someone as beautiful as Vicki.  He also felt a little foolish that he didn’t know who Superman was, but when Vicki’s grip tightened on his arm, he knew everything was okay.  It was a signal to him that it was all right for him to be himself with her.  At least, that’s what he thought it meant.

He thought he was boring her by telling her about his life, but he soon realized he had captured her attention and kept on talking.  It was nice being with someone who found him interesting, but he was careful not to tell Vicki everything about his dark past.

Ethan made sure Vicki knew he loved eating food as much as he did preparing it.  When she laughed about his rumbling stomach and asked him to lunch, he was very happy to accept her invitation.

Ethan didn’t expect Vicki to ask him about having any brothers and sisters.  He simply replied, “I had a twin brother, but he died.  Also, my parents are no longer living.  I have an uncle, Rafael Sandoval, who lives in Dos Rios, Texas, and that’s it.”  

Thinking about his brother brought a tear to his eye, but he tried to wipe it away quickly before Vicki could see it.  He loved his brother and still missed him very much.

As they exited Robinson Park and walked by the newspaper stand, Ethan saw Vicki’s name underneath the headline of the newspaper, and his eyes widened.  “That’s where I remember your name from!” he exclaimed with shock and surprise.  “You wrote that article on Wonder Woman meeting Bruce Wayne last week!”  Then he raised his arms and crossed his wrists over his head and shouted, “For the glory of Gaea!”  Then he moved into some bullets-and-bracelets poses, making “fwooshing” noises while pretending to catch projectiles on his wrists.

Ethan smiled at Vicki.  “You said you’re an only child.  What about your parents?  Are they still alive?  Are they living here in Gotham City, too? I would love to make dinner for us all sometime.  That would be fun.”

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Vicki noticed the tear in Ethan’s eye, but didn’t bring it to his attention as he wiped it away.  He had lost his entire immediate family; she couldn’t even begin to imagine how that felt.  In response, she gave his arm another hug, assuring him with a non-verbal cue that it was all right to express his emotions with her.

Standing at the newspaper stand, Vicki thought it was ironic that Ethan knew who Wonder Woman was, but he hadn’t even heard of Superman.  Yes, Ethan was definitely male, all right.  She laughed at his impersonation of the Amazing Amazon and knew where she could get him some fake bracelets for a gag gift in the future.

When Ethan asked her about her parents, Vicki cringed on the inside, although she remained pleasant and cheery on the outside.  She wished she could tell him that she and her folks were one big happy family, but that was the farthest thing from the truth, which Vicki was known for.  She had been estranged from her parents for almost a decade.  She was the one who made the effort to keep in touch by sending annual birthday and Christmas cards, but they didn’t interact with her at all.  Out of sight, out of mind, she guessed.

"My parents had great dreams and aspirations for me that I didn't share,” Vicki answered honestly.  “I think that maybe they feel that I have slighted them in some way, maybe disregarded their insight.  They don't talk to me much anymore.  I reach out to them, but they don't really reach back.  It hurts, but I can't live my life for someone else; I have to do what I feel called to do.  Maybe, someday, we'll see eye to eye again."

She sensed an awkward, serious mood developing.

“Even though my family doesn’t get together often, that shouldn’t stop you from making me dinner sometime,” she added perkily.  “Hey, when you get your own cooking show on the Food Network someday, I’ll be able to say ‘I knew you when’!” she added with a giggle.

When they reached the restaurant, they had to wait for a table, and so Vicki talked Ethan into playing a game of darts.  “Are you any good?” she asked him as they made their way over to the far wall.  “You’re a chef; just imagine the darts as little knives!”

Watching his facial expression, she hoped she hadn’t embarrassed him, especially if he wasn’t much of a marksman.

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Ethan tried not to show any reaction when Vicki told him about her relationship with her parents.  He felt bad for her.  Her comment about him having his own cooking show brought a smile to his face, and he liked her suggestion of making dinner for her in the future because he’d get to see her again.

“It’s a date!” he replied enthusiastically as they reached the restaurant.  In his mind, he was already planning the menu.  “Just tell me when, and I’ll be there.”  Then he grinned awkwardly.  “I guess I’ll have to be there, because I’m making the dinner!” he chuckled.

The hostess who greeted Ethan and Vicki said there was a fifteen minute wait for a table, and so Ethan gave her his last name so she could put it on the seating list.  When Vicki suggested playing a game of darts while they waited to be called, Ethan pretended not to be interested at first, but then he finally gave in to Vicki’s request.  He laughed at her comment about the darts being little knives.  Actually, he imagined them being the poisonous darts he used in the past when he was an assassin, but he didn’t tell her that.

During the two rounds they played, Ethan didn’t want to show off in front of Vicki and made sure he came across as a terrible dart player.  Being an expert marksman, he could’ve targeted the bullseye and claimed it all day long, but he decided not to do that.  It felt good to let Vicki win.  He loved the way she jumped up and down and squealed with excitement every time her darts landed on the board, not quite at the bullseye, but pretty darn close.

“You’re good at this!” he complimented her as he walked to the board to retrieve the darts.  He was about to start playing again when the hostess called Ethan over the intercom: “Young, your table is ready.” 

With that, Vicki grabbed Ethan’s right hand and started toward the table with him in tow.  Unknown to Vicki, Ethan still held three darts in his left hand.  When he was sure she wasn’t looking, Ethan hurled all three darts at the board at the same time.  The end result was they all hit the bullseye dead center with exact precision and pinpoint accuracy!  

As the other patrons standing around stared at the dartboard in amazement, Ethan kept walking, smiling to himself and beaming with satisfaction.

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Vicki’s lunch with Ethan made her forget all about being stood up by Bruce Wayne.  She hadn’t expected to have such a great time.  It had been too long since she’d laughed so much.  Before she knew it, almost two hours had passed.  Hating the thought of their time together coming to an end, she decided to keep the conversation going.  After three more topics of discussion, she finally accepted reality when the waiter brought the bill to the table.

“I really enjoyed this,” she told Ethan, retrieving a business card from her purse and giving it to him.  “Here's my number.  Please call me.  I'd like for us to keep in touch.  You can reach me at my home or at the office.”

Vicki watched Ethan with admiration as he shifted in his seat, pulled out his wallet, and put the card inside it.  Deep down, she hoped he’d remember her and call her.  Soon.  Even as she thought this, half of her was lost in imagination, swimming in his brown eyes, luxuriating in his kisses . . . .

Vicki blinked hard and tried to focus on the conversation.  

After paying for their meal, Vicki escorted Ethan out of the restaurant and to the nearest bus stop so he could catch the bus home.  All the while, she smiled to herself, thinking how great it had been hanging out all afternoon with a normal, ordinary guy for a change.

(Yeah, right.)