The Grieving Process (Ch. 23 added!)

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

next chapter.

Chapter 13.

When Crane appeared after work on Sunday, he was more than surprised to find, from looking in the room’s window, Marie Proctor in a small argument with her daughter. The door was open slightly, and he decided against going in.
“Ginny, you’re going to get yourself hurt.”
“Mother, you are the one that sent me to him. You don’t know how much he cares about me.”
“He’s just your replacement for James.”
“I’ve moved on! Jonathan means so much to me, but he is not a replacement for anyone or anything, especially James! How could you say that?”
“I’m trying to look out for you.”
“There’s no need for you to watch over me anymore.”
He heard a chair move and scrambled away from the door as Mrs. Proctor left in a huff. Genevieve was visibly hurt by her mother’s remarks.
“…I heard what she said about me.”
“I’m sorry for her behavior. It was incredibly uncalled for.”
He sat down in the same chair he usually did.
“How have you been doing today?”
“Tired, better that you’re here, though.”
She grinned and Jonathan blushed as she kissed his lips.
“You can be so cute and boyish. I love you, regardless of what anyone thinks.”
Genevieve loudly yawned and stretched.
“Should I let you get your rest?’
She sleepily shook her head yes and he kissed her before he left.
_____

Why am I running? Jonathan wasn’t sure if this was a dream. He found himself in the corridor of a church, dressed in a tuxedo, running through door after door. The last door led to the sanctuary, where Genevieve stood on the pulpit. She was holding black roses, dressed in a large, beautiful blue wedding dress. The straps hung around her shoulders and her skirt flowed across the ground. He marveled in her, glowing like an angel.
“My love, you’re finally here.”
She extended her lace gloved hand and he grabbed it, pulling him upward next to her. A young priest appeared in front of them.
“Have you prepared your vows?”
Genevieve fished through her dress, finding a note in her bodice.
“Jonathan, my loving fiancé, I care more about you than anything. I wish we spend our time of living together as husband and wife. I do hope you feel the same way.”
“Yes, I do”, he felt himself exclaim.
“Then I pronounce you husband and wife”, said the priest with a smile.
She grabbed onto Jonathan and he felt himself swirling, euphoric. Soon they were dancing in an empty ballroom to a waltz.
“Mrs. Crane…” he whispered, in awe of her new title. She grabbed her large skirt and twirled around him, like she was floating. The roses flew into the air and showered around her.
“Genevieve…”
She blew him a kiss and continued to dance, whispering sweetly to him. He suddenly found himself alone, the only trace of her being the roses, hearing Scarecrow cackle around him.
Jonathan awoke with a start and looked at his alarm clock, which read 3:28 am. He ran a hand through his hair, alarmed at his dream.

[§ilvercell]

woah,wedding dreams?

[blue-eyed struck]

Ah you're right about the rape thing Jinna! Forgot!

I can't believe it was Jon who had a wedding dream. Usually it's women! He is so incredibly sweet in this story! I love him! *exalt* Don't bring out the scarecrow!! Let Jon stay the way he is!

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

chapter 14~

Chapter 14.

“All rise.”
Dr. Crane stood in the court as Eric’s arraignment began. Judge Childers, a frail looking man, took the bench.
“Eric Adams, you are charged with assault in the first degree. How do you plea?”
Mister Rodriguez, his very well-to-do lawyer, chimed in.
“Not guilty by reason of mental defect, your honor.”
Mister Finch quietly waited for him to finish.
“Your honor, this man beat a woman to the point in which she was unconscious and bleeding. He is not insane.”
“Dr. Crane will testify that my client is anything but sane, Judge.”
Jonathan nodded his head as Mr. Rodriguez directed the judge’s attention to him.
“Is that correct, Doctor?”
“Yes it is, Judge. Mr. Adams is suffering from uncontrollable bouts of rage, which are usually fueled by frustration. With proper treatment he could be cured.”
“And what if he isn’t”, Mr. Finch cut in with a pessimistic tone.
“Then we will do our best to keep him out of the public until he is.”
Judge Childers nodded and looked in Mr. Rodriguez’s direction.
“What’s your idea on bail?”
“Two million would be a good sum, I believe.”
“Mr. Finch?”
“No objections.”
“Two million it is! See you all tomorrow.”
The gavel resounded through the hall as Jonathan left to see Genevieve.
Oh, Eric, can’t you see that I don’t have good intentions for you?
_________

The halls of Gotham General were silent, save for the beeping machines, at 7 in the morning. Genevieve was awake, watching a brightly-colored kids’ show.
“This is really informative for something meant for kids under six.”
The very happy hostess was singing with a man in an 8 costume about the number.
“How long have you been watching this?”
“I was flipping and found it. I’ve been up for a while, didn’t expect to see you here so early.”
“Eric was arraigned this morning, first person on the docket, it seems. They start the trial tomorrow. Should I get you a nice pair of pants or a skirt and…”
“No, no, my mother already got them for me. We made up over the phone around some ungodly hour. But, she just left a while ago. She bought me this really nice outfit yesterday before she came here.”
She pointed to a seat where a mass of cloth slumped in the cushion. Jonathan picked it up to notice it was a blue silk blouse and a black skirt.
“Wow, this is very nice. You’ll look stunning tomorrow.”
He put down the clothes and sat by her, eager to tell his dream.
“I had the strangest dream, you were in it…”
“Did you really?”
“Yes, I was running in a church at first, breaking through door after door. I finally stop in the sanctuary and I see you, looking brilliant in a blue wedding dress holding black roses. You say “My love, I’m glad you’re here” and grab my hand, pulling me up to the pulpit. A priest appears and you say your eloquent vows, saying you want us to be married so we can stay together until our lives are over. I say yes and the priest says we’re married. We end up in an empty ballroom, dancing to a waltz. You let go of my hands and twirled around me, telling me how much I mean to you. You toss the roses in the air and you disappear. And then I woke up.”
Genevieve was smiling happily.
“So I was Genevieve Crane? Hm...your dream is very interesting; I wouldn’t mind being your bride.”
Her smile was shy and Jonathan couldn’t help but kiss her.
“I have to go, I’m sorry. I probably won’t be back for lunch.”
She frowned and nodded.
_________

“Did I do well, Doc?”
“You didn’t say anything, Eric. Mr. Rodriguez spoke for you.”
Dr. Crane was talking to Eric in his solitary cell.
“Well…yeah…”
Jonathan took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Genevieve should have been his supervisor; he was more likely to screw something up.
“Mr. Adams, if we are to win you this case I need you to become what I need you to be, an anger-driven man.”

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

where is everyone? here's the next chapter.

Chapter 15.

Genevieve was rolled out of the hospital on Tuesday, dressed appropriately for court. He thought she looked stunning, as usual, even if her sleeve was rolled up to accommodate her cast. The drive to the courthouse was short and Genevieve sat to wait for herself to be called.
“I’m sure you’ll do well, darling”, he ensured her as he left. The courtroom was rather empty, save the usual suspects. Dr. Crane was called as he walked through the door.
~
"Dr. Crane, is it by your observation that Mr. Adams is, in fact, out of control when upset?"
Mr. Rodriguez had started his examination after Jonathan took his oath to tell the truth.
"That is correct. Eric has no real control over his emotions. It's probably taking a great deal of concentration to keep him as calm as he is now."
Jonathan's eyes darted towards Eric, whose head was down looking at the table.
"And this has been your conclusion since you first began talking to Eric, correct?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Mr. Rodriguez sat down as Mr. Finch stood nearby his table.
"Dr. Crane, you've put a lot of criminals in Arkham from your analysis of the mind."
"They all needed rehabilitation, not just a term in prison."
"I see. Even when you put away Peter Albarn, who had been seen by another psychologist as sane, but happened to grow insane under
your care?"
Dr. Crane remained calm as he adressed the stressors that led to Mr. Albarn's anxiety attack and subsequent breakdown. After he finished,
the procecuter no longer had any questions.
~
“State your name for the record.”
“Miss Genevieve Angelique Proctor.”
Jonathan felt his stomach turn as Genevieve nervously sat in front of the court.
“Miss Proctor, state your occupation.”
“I’m currently unemployed.”
“Miss Proctor, is it true you are a widow”, asked Mr. Finch
“Yes, my husband was James Patrick.”
“And do you know Dr. Crane?”
“Yes, he’s my psychiatrist.”
“Miss Proctor, what happened on the night of April 10th of this year?”
“I was brutally beaten by Mr. Adams.”
“What injuries did you suffer?”
“I have four broken ribs, a broken arm, a broken right index finger and numerous bruises.”
She pointed to her cast and splint as she spoke.
“Tell us what happened as best as you can.”
“I came home from work and retrieved my mail. Mr. Adams came up to me and said “I don’t take rejection kindly”. I told him “Listen, Eric, I have no interest in dating you.” and I…pushed him away and walked off. He followed me and grabbed me, knocked me down. He began to kick and punch me, I started to cry and scream…then I woke up in the hospital.”
Mr. Finch nodded as he paced.
“How long has Mr. Adams been bothering you?”
“It started around when I returned two weeks ago from vacation.”
“What did he do, at first?”
“Let’s see…he brought me tissues, I was prone to cry a lot at work. He used to check up on me every hour, ask how I was and such. I really didn’t like it. And then, he asked me out, and I told him that I wasn’t interested. But he really wouldn’t take no as an answer. It was the first time he got physical with me; touching me…I really don’t like being touched by people I don’t know well.”
Mr. Finch nodded and sat down. Mr. Rodriguez stood, fixing his already perfect green tie.
“Miss Proctor, had Mr. Adams ever grown angry in the workplace?”
“He did on occasion, but only when he was frustrated. He’d kick the copier and someone would have to calm him down. It was never to the point in which it got out of hand.”
“And, if you don’t mind me asking, why do you…detest…him so?”
“Mr. Adams is a creep, if I have to say it. I don’t like his attitude towards me or the other women in the office. We do not like how he jokes about everything and butts into conversations. It’s quite annoying after a few months, let alone three years. I don’t appreciate his comments on my clothing or him saying “You look nice”, regardless of motive. I was not looking for attention of any sort.”
Genevieve breathed deeply and put her hands into her lap.
“No further questions, your honor.”
“Witness may step down.”
Genevieve walked promptly out of the courtroom and Jonathan followed shortly after. She was sitting on a bench, quietly waiting for him.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah, of course, I’m fine.”
Jonathan helped her up and put his arm around her as Genevieve put her head onto Jonathan’s shoulder as they walked off.

[blue-eyed struck]

I'm reading your chapter right now! I missed 2 chapters!! Boy, you update fast! Thanks! ;D I'll comment as soon as I'm done!

[blue-eyed struck]

Great writing Jinna! I really like how you switch to different environments. Jonathan's office to Genevieve in the hospital room to Eric in the courtroom! It keeps the story fresh. It's so nice to see Jonathan's sweet caring side! Obviously Eric is the character to despise here and it'll be nice to see Dr. Crane use a little fear toxin on him!

The very happy hostess was singing with a man in an 8 costume about the number.

LMAO! That's just too funny! Sesame Street-inspired!?

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

another chapter, comin' up!

Chapter 16.
Genevieve was discharged from the hospital early Wednesday morning, dressed in what he had bought her days ago. Jonathan helped her into his car and drove her home. The drive was eerily silent for the first few minutes.
“Is something wrong”, Crane finally asked.
“No, nothing, I’m just sort of tired. Five in the morning is a bit early for me, I must say.”
“What are you going to do for work?”
“I’ll find something, don’t you worry.”
Genevieve smiled again and looked lovingly at the doctor. Jonathan felt his cheeks turn hot, always blushing at her sweetness.
“It’s so cute when you blush, Jonathan. Your cheeks turn pink and your ears grow a bit red. I would kiss you if you weren’t driving.”
“Thank you, Genevieve”, he spoke shyly.
He couldn’t help but look at her while they were at a stoplight. She sat with the best posture with her legs somehow crossed in the car. She flicked her toes to make her shoe come off her heel slightly as they waited for the green light. It was rather early, so there were few cars on the road, making their trip much shorter than when Jonathan had driven here before.
“Can I come up with you”, he asked nervously.
“Oh, of course you can!”
He got out the car and opened the door for her, even though she stated it wasn’t necessary.
Genevieve unlocked the main door of the building and slowly walked up the steps.
“Will you be alright, especially with your ribs…?”
“Yes, I’ll just have to get used to it, and to use caution when I do walk down.”
Genevieve stopped at her door and unlocked it, sniffing in her house as if she just came from a long trip.
“It’s so nice to be home, where there isn’t an undertone of immaculacy. It’s not much, but it’s mine.”
“Why is your apartment so under furnished?”
“I only moved in a few months back, I just never got around to making the place look…finished.”
Jonathan nodded as she walked to the kitchen.
"I'm going to go back to bed when I finish breakfast, just so you know."
She opened a cabinet and gathering a bowl and a cup, proceeding to get a box of cereal, milk, and orange juice.
"Would you like anything", Genevieve chimed sweetly as Jonathan was having another look around her living room.
"Oh, no, thank you anyway."
"OK, whatever you say…"
She went about eating on her kitchen counter and Jonathan sat beside her.
"I'm sorry; I am being a bit nosey…"
"Oh, don't worry. I don't really mind."
Midway through a spoonful, Jonathan touched her arm.
“I should get going, so goodbye for now."
"Will you still come and see me?"
"Yes, of course. I'll take you to dinner or shopping, whatever you want."
"You'll spoil me rotten!"
"But you're someone I want to spoil."
She grinned and kissed Jonathan goodbye.
_______

"Do you thing the jury's buying this crazy business, Doc?"
Eric had grown unsure of his future, and wanted to be assured by Dr. Crane.
"Eric, if they find you guilty, you'll have to deal with it. You haven't played it believable yet. Try your hardest tomorrow for your testimony."
"…How's Ginny?"
"I don't think she'd want you to call her Ginny, or even Genevieve."
"...How's Miss Proctor?"
"She's alright, still has that broken arm and finger you gave her", he snapped.
"I feel bad about it, I flew off the handle, and I don't know what came over me."
You should feel remorse, have you seen what you've done to her?
“Add this in your testimony and the jury just might believe you. But I’m promising nothing as of now. I’ve just given you a plea.”
The jury better believe you’re mad…I have grand plans for you.

[blue-eyed struck]

awwww! I love love love your Jonathan! It's so adorable how he keeps blushing at the sight of her! ^_^

I don't know how Jon stands not reaching over and choking Eric to death when he's so close to him and he's asking him about 'Ginny'! Grand plans indeed!

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

another chapter. oi, i need to start writing again! i have no real clue when this story will end. oh, yah, Scarecrow shows up in this one.

Chapter 17.

Jonathan had come to see Genevieve again on his lunch break, deciding on taking a walk in City Park.
“Tell me about your family, Jonathan.”
“I’m an only child…my mother’s been dead for years. My father left us when I was young.”
“Oh, how sad, I’m so sorry.”
“No, please don’t apologize. You’ll never need to apologize to me.”
She looked at him, almost unsure by his comment.
"Have you told anyone we're dating?"
"No, I could be booted off the case if I did. I wish I could, you're a fantastic person."
She chuckled, looking at the pavement.
"Flattery gets you everywhere, Jonathan."
"Have you?"
"My mother knows…but that's all."
"Then our relationship is under wraps?"
"I guess so."
She held his hand and toyed with his fingers, Jonathan actually taking full notice of hers. Her nails weren't very long, painted in a dark hue of her trademark color.
____

Eric actually made a convincing psychopath. He wasn't off the wall, but definitely seemed like he was going to strangle someone. Jonathan tried hard
to hide his grin, occasionally even grimacing. But after Eric had finished, he had to leave to the men's washroom and have the largest laugh he had possibly ever had.
This has become too easy, he thought.
And it will only be easier once we have him. The toxin...he will fear us more and more each day!
Scarecrow had cut in on his thinking process yet again.
We'll have our fill of it from my other patients...
What about the lovely girl you know? I'd love to see her terrified of you...
Genevieve is not one I want to frighten, especially after last time.
Scarecrow sighed angrily.
You and your compassion...one day I'll shred it from you.
~
"Aren't you finished with your testimony?"
"Yes, I'm now viewing the others."
Dr. Crane was once again stopping in to talk to Eric, something her half hated and half enjoyed. Mainly because as he listened to each word he spoke, the hunger to complete his plans simply grew. Eric payed no attention to Dr. Crane's occasional off-hand remarks, let along his sometimes sarcastic and pessimistic tone.
"Why?"
"Don't ask idiotic questions, Eric. It's to benefit you, alright?"
Crane had grown angry, and wished to try his toxin on him. He didn't have it quite perfected yet, but maybe he would die and everything would be over.
“OK, Doc. I know you’re looking out for me.”
Eric smiled again and Dr. Crane left his cell.
It’s all for Genevieve, he reminded himself as he put his hands into his pants pockets and strolled carelessly down the corridor.

[blue-eyed struck]

Muhahaha! The Scarecrow has finally appeared! Excellent Chapter! I hope you'll continue writing. I will be gone for a week, so I'll post a comment for your next chapter (if you've already posted it) when I get back!

[§ilvercell]

i remember posting for this chapter,does anyone else notice posts disapearing from the boards?

[blue-eyed struck]

*waits patiently for next chapter* well...not too patiently! I want to see what happens with Eric and whether Ginny and Jon (hehe. Sounds so cute when you say it out loud!) will get married!

[girl in the sharkskin tuxedo]

i just put the finishing touches on this! it might be a day or so before i post the next chapter, i haven't even started on #19! d:

Chapter 18.

"Oh, hello!"
Genevieve beamed when Jonathan showed up at her doorstep after work. She was dressed in a black tank top and a pair loose sweatpants.
"I just wanted to stop by..."
"Oh, I was just cooking! I made this really good spaghetti and some garlic bread...Would you want any?"
He nodded, unable to refuse her. She made him a plate and she was right, she did cook pretty well.
"This is really good..."
"I got the recipe from my mom a while ago. I used to be too busy to cook, me and James went out a lot."
She sat down nearby Jonathan and smiled at him.
"How was your day?"
"It was alright...I'm really hoping Eric doesn't screw anything up."
"What do you mean?"
"How did he get a job above you? You're much more capable and smarter than him."
"I'm not sure. I guess they didn't believe a woman could handle all the responcibility of looking after part of a department."
She sighed and Jonathan put his arm around her.
"If they could only see what I see in you."
She put her head on Jonathan's shoulder, and he could smell the vanilla perfume she wore floating lightly into his nostrils.
"I hope you don't find this odd, but you smell very nice."
"Thank you. It's just Vanilla Musk, nothing special. I like to smell nice, but not like a fruit. I used to wear something that smelled like mangos, and it didn't exactly work out."
They smiled at one another and briefly kissed. It was really a marvel that he had fell so deeply in love with her, and she had yet to meet Scarecrow.
"You got spaghetti sauce on me" she muttered as she wiped her mouth.
_______

The trial was over. Now it was up to the jury to decided Mr. Adams' fate. Jonathan's stomach began to worry him again as he walked out of court, anxious and terrified at the same time. What if they just tossed him in prison, without his dues paid? He would come back for her. He sat up for hours, mulling over the past testimony in his head. Eric's, the DA's psychiatrist, Eric's friends...and then Genevieve's. He remembered hers the most, the way she figeted in the seat, how she hardly looked up. She was terrified, and he didn't want her to feel that anymore. Though the same fate of terror would lie ahead for the idiot, the addle-brained man that he stood to defend, he couldn't stand that fear from her. He smiled at the thought of Genevieve happy, no longer as worried as she once was. Gotham would always be dangerous, but at least it would seem less so to her by him doing this. He slept that night, but not very well. For a hour, he tossed and turned wildly until he exhausted himself to finally rest. His dream was oddly peaceful, him and Genevieve were on a picnic.

[blue-eyed struck]

I love the funny bits!

I used to wear something that smelled like mangos, and it didn't exactly work out.

lol!

Geez, he talks about scarecrow as if he's his brother! As if, 'Oh I can't wait unitl you meet my other half, the scarecrow!' It's going to be very interesting once she does!

Keep 'em coming Jinna!