There Are Days That I Don't Deserve You

~In A Tight Spot~

Bad things happened to heroes. That wasn’t news. Steph had been threatened, beaten up, and kidnapped (once by her own dad), and a couple times the bad guys had tried to kill her. None had succeeded, and even during the other stuff she hadn’t felt like she was in a huge amount of danger. Well, not most of the time. There was always Batman or Batgirl or Robin on the way. Plus the people who tried to hurt her often underestimated her, and that worked to Steph’s advantage. Especially as Robin—the bad guys were too busy laughing at a blonde Robin with boobs, and they let down their guard enough for her to get her licks in.

Now, though, she was scared. After standing up and moving her arms rhythmically within the limits of the cuffs, she got enough feeling back to try working on escaping. First she took stock of her situation. The cuffs were welded to a chain that ran up to a high ceiling somewhere in the darkness overheard. She was nauseous from the blow to her head, and aching all over from the fight earlier and hanging unconscious by her wrists. Her kit was gone, including the lock-picks normally stashed in her gauntlets. She just had her costume itself and her wits.

After a few moments, Steph realized why this situation frightened her so much. It wasn’t being held captive, it wasn’t waking up alone in a big dark room and having to wonder what the bad guys wanted. It was a small detail: the welded cuffs. Someone had taken the time and trouble to weld a set of steel handcuffs to a chain. That meant they used this setup a lot, and didn’t want any chance of someone slipping away.

It meant this might’ve been an unplanned capture, but whoever had her had done this before.

~Love and Other Headaches:
Won't See Me Closing In
[Chapter Thirty-Three]

Enter The Joy That Is Fandom

February 2015

A Minute Ago | | A Minute From Now

kalalanekent

13 November 2010 @ 12:10 pm

There Are Days That I Don't Deserve You

Sorry for going silent like that, guys. I just needed a little time to get my head around what we're going to do next. Thank you all so much for all the loves and encouragement. I think that's what kept me from falling apart after the family really told me what the finances were like over there. Anissa and I made the decision that we're cancelling Christmas presents this year. It's more important that we help Mom, Dad, and Boo out. We're also going to tell them that they're not getting presents for us, either. It sucks, of course, on all sides, but it's more important for them to get back on their feet. Besides, Christmas is more about love than gifts and they've bought me so many over the years. It's my turn to give back.

And I find that I'm actually okay with it. It's the not the end of the world. We can find a way to get them out of this hole. It can be done.

I think I'm going to find a way to make the usual cookies and all, though. I don't want us to miss out on everything.

But again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the loves. I really does mean everything in the world to me. I love you guys so very much and I'm grateful for each and every one of you. *hugs you all extra-tight*

Also, chapter in the next hour or so. :D ;)

Tags: f-list love

On the Verge of:

determined

30 comments | Notes To The Assistant Editor

30 comments —

( 30 comments — Notes To The Assistant Editor )

autumnrae89 on November 13th, 2010 05:25 pm (UTC)

How I missed this IDK. I've been friends only-ing my f-list but I still missed it. :(

I think everyone puts too much stock in presents anyway. Sure I'd love a new iPod but is my world going to end if I don't get one? I' 99.9% sure it's not. Money's hard for my family too right now so I get you, my dad's not been working (and retiring in 4 months) and my mum unable to work for the past few years. It's like I keep saying to her, just stop. As long as we're fed and warm with a roof over our heads, what else is there?

Christmas is the same time every year. So who cares if you have to miss one out of how many? :) Don't feel bad Lois, it's just one of those things that hurts now but in the long run will feel much better. :)

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 05:53 pm (UTC)

It's okay. That entry was just a title and then an LJ-cut. And posted at a weird time.

Me, too. I mean, in my case, I usually end up waiting until the end of the year to get everything I want, but I can afford to get my own new boots and a couple of new blouses and such. I've just been asking for a few books and DVDs and things. The Superman figure I wanted will likely be around next year. It won't hurt to wait. And I can get it myself. The world won't end. Not a big deal.

And yep, we're pretty much in the same boat. If I can just help them keep the lights on, food in the house, the cellphones on, than I'll be happy. I'm not making too terrifically much, really, but I can find funds to spare and, bless her, Anissa is going to be pitching in, too. I don't know if we're going to make much of a dent, but we're damn sure going to try.

Christmas will have to be creative this year, no doubt about it, but I'd rather have them safe and happy than any present in the world. It's just one year. And it's absolutely for the best. We'll make it up later.

*hugs* Good luck over there, too, bb. All my love and hopes over that way!

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Expand) (Link)

(no subject) -

autumnrae89 on November 13th, 2010 06:39 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

kalalanekent on November 17th, 2010 06:01 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

autumnrae89 on November 17th, 2010 08:11 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

kalalanekent on November 18th, 2010 06:18 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

autumnrae89 on November 19th, 2010 12:13 am (UTC) (Expand)

elliania on November 13th, 2010 05:55 pm (UTC)

you don't need present to celebrate christmas. as you said, christmas is about love and family, and you're exactly doing that, the best way you can. i'm sure they all will be greatful.

you are precious. *hugs*

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 06:32 pm (UTC)

I just wish they had told me before now that it had gotten that hard. Hearing your mom crying on her birthday because she had to pawn something to get groceries? That's a sound no one should ever hear. I don't want to ever hear it again. Presents are nice, but I feel so much better at the thought that this will make things easier for them. Anissa and I are getting married next year; what are presents compared to that?

I love you, too. Thanks, Kat. *snugs back*

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Link)

saavikam77 on November 13th, 2010 05:58 pm (UTC)

I totally hear you about going presents-free. I WISH my family would do either that or a one-gift-only secret santa, since there are so many of us, and NONE of us can afford to do gifts for the whole family. :/ It's such a waste, when so many of us have issues getting everything we want to for everyone. I'd rather just do cookies, anyway.

However, I have no problem doing gifts for close friends (that are few and far between in my case, which makes it easier. :p). That's something that feels more GOOD and less like an obligation.

And you now this well, too: having a December birthday on top of Xmas when things are tight sucks major ass. :(

*snugs you tight*

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 06:49 pm (UTC)

I need to put up some Christmas icons. I just realized I haven't added since Halloween. Gotta get my new Clois ones up, too.

Our family is pretty small by comparison, there are five of us and then Anissa and the in-laws, so Christmas presents have never been an issue. I think that's the reason why the decision wasn't as hard as I expected it to be. There will be plenty of time to enjoy Christmas the way we're used to later.

*poke* The fact that close friends are few and far between is the best example of the rest of the world's stupidity I can think of. :P But that's fine because that means that those of us that love you are all the more blessed. Sorry, I just had to get that in there. *snugs you extra tight*

Yeeeeah, the birthday thing is pretty sucky, since I'm the last one in the family for them, but that's the lot of a December baby. XD

*hugs you extra tight*

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Expand) (Link)

(no subject) -

saavikam77 on November 13th, 2010 08:02 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

kalalanekent on November 17th, 2010 06:19 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

saavikam77 on November 17th, 2010 06:35 pm (UTC) (Expand)

sean_montgomery on November 13th, 2010 06:59 pm (UTC)

I have no money right now and I totally understand how this is.

I think life is hard for all of us right now, Twin. You're right about Christmas, though. I consider it huge that I get to see the family after everything that's happened around here. You still have your phone, right? I just realized I haven't texted you in a while. Bad me. :)

Lots of love and hugs to you. We'll get through this. *mutters* Somehow...

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 07:50 pm (UTC)

We're (Anissa and I) okay and that's the most I can ask for. We're not struggling with the bills or any of that, even though we're not well-off by any stretch of the imagination. I'm lucky to have the family I have and that I can do this for them. I just wish we could do more. Yep, I still have my phone and text me any time. I miss you, you know?

And I'm so glad you'll still be going to see them. When are you leaving?

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Link)

thekiller00 on November 13th, 2010 07:40 pm (UTC)

A while back you sent e a copy of Little Secrets and I was wondering if you could do the same with Heirs once its finished.

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 07:46 pm (UTC)

Sure. We're actually starting to get all of that together now. We'll be doing a close-out party in a few weeks and it should be ready then. I'll keep you posted.

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Expand) (Link)

(no subject) -

thekiller00 on November 13th, 2010 07:47 pm (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 07:54 pm (UTC) (Expand)

bistyboo1974 on November 13th, 2010 07:46 pm (UTC)

You're doing a fantastic thing, giving up gifts in order to help your family through a very tough time. You're really capturing the true spirit of the holiday by being so selfless. ♥ *SNUGS*

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)

kalalanekent on November 13th, 2010 07:53 pm (UTC)

*blushes* They did so much with so little when we were growing up. It's going to be weird to not be getting things, I'll be honest, but what good is some big fancy present when there's no heat in the house? Or lights to see it with? Better to put the money where it will do the most good. It's not even doing something selfless. It's doing what has to be done. There will be plenty of time to spoil each other later.

*snugs back*

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread) (Expand) (Link)

(no subject) -

bistyboo1974 on November 14th, 2010 02:55 am (UTC) (Expand)

(no subject) -

kalalanekent on November 15th, 2010 06:51 pm (UTC) (Expand)

januaried on November 13th, 2010 09:08 pm (UTC)

*massive hugs* Good on you for deciding and being okay with it. Don't worry about the tea or anything you had in mind for me; srsly, buying groceries is definitely more important! And we know we all love each other, which is what counts. ♥

(Reply) (Thread) (Link)