The lack of sun that day depressed Lennon. Of course, the sun would have depressed her more, so she held the grim fog over Gotham as a good sign. She made her way to her car during the morning break, sheepishly smiling at her fellow students that would call out, “Hey, weren’t you that chick this morning...?”

By the time Lennon reached her baby blue Porsche, she wanted to die, or at least get out of school for the rest of the day. She chided herself for using up all her “allowable” cuts for that semester already, and decided against risking Saturday school. She popped open the trunk, and switched books for her next few classes.

As she was about to close and lock up her car, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Déjà vu from the night before hit her suddenly, and she froze from the shock. No...

“Len!” a familiar voice called, cheerily. She slowly turned to face a grinning Dick Grayson. She attempted, and failed, at a smile back. “What’s wrong?” her boyfriend questioned.

“Huh? Oh, nothing. It’s nothing.” At least, I hope it’s nothing.

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry about it.”

“I heard about your little stunt this morning,” he commented, deciding it best to change subjects. “Was it absolutely necessary?”

Lennon was slightly annoyed at his tone. “You know I can’t be late to Health anymore. And stop acting like my father!”

Dick sighed. “I’m sorry, honey. I worry easily, you know.”

She shrugged forgivingly. “Yeah, I know. Forget about it. ‘Sides, I just think of it as practice for gymnastics.”

Dick laughed at the silly grin she gave and then hugged her tight. Lennon gazed up into his deep, blue eyes, which never failed to intrigue her. Slowly, he leaned down, pulling her into a soft kiss.

Lennon jerked away almost immediately, her face a mask of surprise. She reactively backed away from him.

“Len? Are you okay?” he asked, trying to move towards her, his intention to try and calm her down, but she kept backing away.

“I...I, uh...” she stuttered.

“What is it? Lennon? Please, tell me...”

“No, I...” She obviously struggled for what to say, turning to leave. “I’ve got to...got to go to...to class! Yes, sorry, dear, but I can’t be late. Talk to you later.”

Lennon ran off before Dick could speak another word. He stood there a moment, quite confused and extremely worried, before turning and walking away.

Lennon collapsed onto the nearest bench. I can’t believe it...I just can’t believe it...but there’s no denying it. Dick Grayson is Robin. He...I...That jerk!!

So lost in thought, Lennon didn’t notice Babs approaching her. She jumped when her friend greeted her.

The red-head kneeled in front of Lennon, noting her best friend’s irritation. “Len, are you alright? You seem mad about something.”

Lennon glanced at Bab’s compassionate face and sighed. “Everybody seems to be asking me that today. It’s just...just a tiff with Dick. I’m probably making something out of nothing.”

Babs patted Lennon on the knee. “You wanna talk about it?”

“Nah. It’s nothing. I’m sure it’ll blow over.”

Babs smiled at her and Lennon did her best to return it. “Come on. Let’s get to History class. Ms. Hellman’ll blow her top if we’re late.”

Lennon stood composing herself, and the two friends walked along the halls of the campus.

“So, Len,” Babs said matter-of-factly. “What’s this I hear about you flying into Health this morning?”

“My goodness, the whole school does know about that...”

“Kind of hard to miss someone streaking over their heads on the rooftops, especially if it’s everyone’s favorite gymnast.”

Lennon laughed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“It’s the price of fame, my dear. The price of fame...” “Whatever, Babs...”

P A N T H E R E T T E