章節 9: What Come to Town
The two-week suspension had given her time to reflect, but now that she was back, the anxiety she'd tried to bury came rushing up all over again. As she walked through the crowded hallways, heads turned. Some students whispered behind their hands; others outright stared. A few had that smug, gossipy look that made her want to snap back at them, but Maggie kept her head down, focusing on her locker and ignoring the background noise.
She was stuffing her books inside when she heard a familiar voice. "Hey, Mags."
Turning around, she found Stephanie and Emily standing there, giving her sympathetic smiles. She let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
"Hey," Maggie said, trying to smile.
Stephanie gave her a playful nudge. "First day back after being the most infamous girl in school. How's it feel?"
Maggie groaned. "Like... Everyone's staring at me."
Emily crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Let them stare. You're awesome. They're just jealous you did what they wish they had the guts to do."
Maggie winced at that. "I'd rather not be known for that, thanks."
Stephanie shrugged. "Well, just keep your head up. It'll blow over eventually."
"Hopefully." Maggie muttered, slamming her locker shut.
Emily perked up. "Are you coming to practice later? Coach asked about you last week."
Maggie nodded. "Yeah. I need to get back in the swing of things. We've got a lot of catching up to do if we're gonna be ready for that competition."
Stephanie grinned. "Good! We missed you, and I'm pretty sure some of the girls on the squad are freaking out about the routine without you."
Emily laughed. "You know Alexis isn't going to like that you're back, though."
Maggie stiffened at the name, a wave of anger and anxiety bubbling up. "Yeah… I'm sure she's not," she said quietly. Alexis was the last person she wanted to face today, but she knew it was inevitable. The bell rang, cutting the conversation short. As her friends walked off, Maggie took a deep breath and headed to class, steeling herself for whatever the day would throw at her.
School Counselors Office*
In a quiet, warmly lit room with tasteful decor and framed inspirational quotes on the walls, Maggie Wayne sits across from Dr. Meridian, Gotham Prep's school counselor. Maggie's arms are crossed, her expression guarded, as Dr. Meridian looks over her glasses at her with a calm but perceptive gaze.
"Alright, Maggie," Dr. Meridian begins, leaning forward with a gentle smile. "I'm glad you're here. I know this week's been rough, so let's start with an easy question: what do *you* think happened?"
Maggie sighs, rolling her eyes slightly. "You already know what happened. Alexis was running her mouth, saying things about my family—things she doesn't know anything about. So I told her to shut up, and she wouldn't. She kept pushing, so I… I pushed back."
Dr. Meridian nods, listening without judgment. "I understand. It sounds like Alexis hit a nerve. Sometimes words can feel like a punch, even if they're not physical."
"Yeah, well, her words deserved a punch." Maggie looks down, fidgeting with the sleeve of her blazer. "It's not like I go around hitting people. But she wouldn't stop."
Dr. Merdian is quiet for a moment, then gently asks, "Did you feel like you had to protect something? Or someone?"
Maggie's gaze flickers briefly, caught off-guard. "I guess… yeah. My family. Alexis doesn't know them. She has no idea what I deal with, what my dad deals with. She just… acts like we're the same, like she could say whatever she wanted."
"Sounds like it's hard to feel misunderstood in that way," Dr. Meridian observes softly. "Sometimes, it can make things feel even lonelier, even though you have a lot of people around you."
Maggie hesitates, then nods. "Yeah. I mean, even at home… sometimes it's like I'm trying to figure out where I fit in. It's not just here."
Dr. Merdian offers a small, understanding smile. "You know, Maggie, it sounds like you've got a lot you're trying to protect: your family's privacy, your own place in it, even your own sense of who you are. And that's a lot for anyone to carry alone."
Maggie looks down, the defensiveness in her posture softening just a bit. "I didn't mean to get in trouble," she mutters. "I just didn't know how else to… shut her up."
"That's okay," Dr. Meridian reassures her. "Sometimes we all reach for whatever we think will stop the hurt. But next time, let's think about some other tools you might use. You don't have to handle this alone, Maggie. And I'm here to help you find ways to protect what matters to you without hurting yourself in the process."
Maggie nods, her expression a little more open. "Thanks, Dr. Meridian. I'll… try."
After School – Cheer Practice*
Maggie entered the gym, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The sounds of squeaking sneakers and girls chatting filled the air as the cheer squad warmed up on the mats. As soon as she stepped inside, a few heads turned, some offering tentative smiles, others glancing nervously toward Alexis, who was hanging with her group on the other side of the gym.
Coach Jenkins spotted Maggie and blew her whistle. "Wayne, about time! Let's see if you still remember how to tumble!"
Maggie tried to relax, focusing on —cheerleading. She dropped her bag and joined the girls stretching, keeping her distance from Alexis and her group.
Emily and Stephanie gave her encouraging looks, and Maggie felt a little more grounded with them nearby.
As practice began, Maggie threw herself into the routine, determined to prove she hadn't lost a step. Backflips, handsprings, and aerials felt like second nature as her body moved in sync with the team. She pushed herself harder than usual, trying to shake off the nagging feeling that people were still watching her, judging her. Halfway through practice, Coach called for a water break. Maggie wiped sweat from her forehead and grabbed her water bottle, retreating to the sidelines. That's when she heard the snide voice behind her.
"Look whose back."
Maggie tensed but didn't turn around. She knew that voice all too well.
Alexis strolled up next to her, flipping her hair over her shoulder, her expression oozing smugness. "Bet you're loving all the attention now, huh? The pyscho who freaked out on me."
Maggie clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Maggie finally turned, her eyes flashing with anger. "Either leave me alone or we go for round 2."
Alexis laughed, stepping closer. "Maybe this time I'll kick your ass."
"Hey, back off, Alexis!"
Jason's voice rang out across the gym, sharp and protective. He stood by the gym entrance, glaring at Alexis with a look that could cut steel. Roy was next to him, arms crossed, and eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, unless you want a real reason to get suspended this time."
Alexis rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Oh, great. The bodyguards are here."
Jason moved toward Maggie, positioning himself between her and Alexis. "Fuck off, Alexis."
Maggie could barely process what was happening. The anger, and the relief of seeing Jason and Roy.
Alexis crossed her arms, her smirk faltering slightly under Jason's glare. "Whatever. This isn't over."
With one last glance at Maggie, Alexis turned and walked away, her posse trailing behind her.
Jason watched her go; his fists clenched. Then he turned to Maggie, his expression softening. "You, okay?"
Maggie nodded, though her voice cracked when she spoke. "I'm fine. I just… need to get back to practice."
Roy stepped up, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let her get to you, Mags. She's just trying to mess with your head."
Maggie managed a weak smile. "Yeah. I know."
2 Months Later-Gotham Cheer Invitational – Gotham City*
The gym at Gotham City University was packed with spectators, the energy in the air electric. It was the biggest cheerleading competition of the season, and Maggie Wayne's heart raced as she and her squad prepared backstage. The rhythmic thumping of feet and cheers echoed through the gym, filling her with equal parts excitement and nervousness. She adjusted her uniform, trying to steady her breath. Most of her family was away, off on a Justice League mission, and though they couldn't be there to support her, Alfred had shown up, seated near the front of the bleachers. Sitting next to him was Roy Harper, her boyfriend.
"You've got this, Mags!" Roy had shouted earlier with a grin, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Indeed, Miss Maggie, we're quite proud already," Alfred had said with his calm, steady tone, ever the beacon of support. Maggie gave them a quick smile before heading into the prep area with her team.
As the teams rotated through their routines, the anticipation only grew. Maggie's squad was set to perform next, and she could feel the buzz of adrenaline coursing through her. The pressure was on—not only because Gotham Prep had a reputation to uphold but also because it was Maggie's first competition. The spotlight was bright, and all eyes were on them.
"Alright, team, this is it!" Stephanie, said, her voice filled with determination. "Let's give them a show they won't forget!"
Maggie joined the others, getting into formation. The music began, and the squad sprang into motion, each move perfectly choreographed. Maggie's tumbling was on point, and the stunts soared through the air effortlessly. The crowd erupted in applause as the team executed their routine flawlessly—everything was going smoothly. Until the gym lights flickered. For a moment, the music stuttered, and the entire room was plunged into silence. Maggie paused mid-tumble, glancing around in confusion. The audience murmured uneasily, unsure of what was happening.
Suddenly, there was a booming laugh. A voice, shrill and mocking, echoed through the gym speakers.
"Well, well, well! A cheerleading competition in Gotham? How cute! But what's a big event without a little *chaos*?"
The crowd gasped as a man in a garish, brightly colored suit leaped onto the gym floor from behind the bleachers. It was The Trickster—a notorious troublemaker from Central City, known for his unpredictable pranks and dangerous schemes. And now, he had somehow made his way to Gotham. Maggie's heart sank. She wasn't prepared for this. No Bat-family around to handle it. Just her—and Roy, who had no idea what kind of chaos he was about to get caught in.
"Who's ready for a little fun?" The Trickster laughed, tossing out handfuls of what looked like confetti, though Maggie knew better. He wasn't one to play around harmlessly.
Roy stood up from his seat, looking as confused as everyone else, while Alfred remained seated but alert, his eyes narrowing at the sight of The Trickster.
The villain snapped his fingers, and suddenly, strange metal spheres rolled out onto the gym floor, each one beeping ominously.
"Uh, Mags? What's going on?" Roy called out, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. He looked from Maggie to the rolling spheres, his usual cocky grin replaced with concern.
Maggie didn't have time to explain. She rushed over to Roy and grabbed his arm. "Roy, those things are dangerous. We need to get people out of here."
"I'm guessing they aren't part of the show, then?" Roy asked, his tone serious now.
"No," Maggie said grimly. "Not unless you want the gym to explode."
She turned to the cheer squad and shouted, "Everyone get out of the gym! Now!"
The panic spread quickly as people scrambled to exit the building, the bleachers emptying in a rush. The Trickster watched with glee as chaos erupted, his grin widening.
"Run, run, little cheerleaders! Let's see how fast you are when the real fun starts!" He pulled a small remote from his pocket, his finger hovering dangerously over a red button.
Maggie's mind raced. She couldn't just let him set off whatever trap he had planned, and there was no one else around to help.
"Roy, stay back," she warned, stepping toward The Trickster.
"Maggie, what are you doing?" Roy called after her, but she ignored him. This wasn't his fight.
The Trickster's eyes lit up as Maggie approached. "Oho! What's the plan, cheerleader? You gonna throw some pom-poms at me?"
She had no suit, no gadgets, and no backup. But she wasn't helpless. Years of training with her father had prepared her for moments like this.
Without a word, she lunged at The Trickster, her movements swift and precise. She knocked the remote out of his hand with a well-placed kick before grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. The Trickster yelped in surprise, clearly not expecting a cheerleader to take him down.
"Whoa!" Roy shouted from the sidelines. "Where did that come from?"
Maggie didn't respond, her focus entirely on disarming The Trickster. She managed to pull a small device from his pocket, one that controlled the spheres scattered across the gym floor. With a swift motion, she disabled the bombs, the blinking lights on the spheres fading to black.
The Trickster struggled against her hold, laughing through the pain. "Not bad, little girl! Didn't know you had it in you."
Maggie glared at him, tightening her grip. "You picked the wrong city to mess with."
By now, Alfred had calmly approached, his hands behind his back as he surveyed the scene. "I believe Master Bruce would be most proud of you, Miss Maggie," he said, his voice calm even in the chaos. "Though I daresay he won't appreciate the mess."
Maggie forced The Trickster to his feet, holding him firmly. "I'm sure he'll understand."
Roy rushed over, still wide-eyed. "Uh, Mags? That was… intense. You, okay?"
Maggie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just need to make sure this clown doesn't pull anything else."
As she handed The Trickster off to the arriving police, Roy shook his head in disbelief. "Seriously, what kind of cheerleader knows how to do that?"
Maggie managed a small smile, her heart still racing. "Let's just say I have a unique skill set."
Roy grinned. "I'll say. Next time, maybe warn me before you go all ninja on a guy."
Maggie laughed, the tension easing slightly. "I'll keep that in mind."
As The Trickster was escorted out in handcuffs, the competition was, unsurprisingly, canceled. But as Maggie stood with Roy and Alfred, watching the last of the chaos settle, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Even without the Bat-family around, she'd handled things just fine.
"Miss Maggie," Alfred said as they prepared to leave, "I must say, you handled that rather brilliantly."
Maggie shrugged, smiling despite everything. "Guess I learned from the best."
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