"Okay, here we are," Barry replied as he stopped next to the front door of a quaint house just outside of Central City, setting a small roller suitcase down at his feet. He glanced to his side as Linda stopped at the top of the stairs, looking uneasy as she clutched the strap of the backpack slung over her shoulders. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Linda replied, "I guess." She glanced around the large wraparound porch. "Nice place."
"It is," Barry agreed, "and the inside's even nicer." Linda didn't appear convinced, and Barry sighed a little before walking over to her and putting her hands on her shoulders. "Look, I know this has gotta be weird, being in a unfamiliar place without your family around, but you're safe here."
"I know," Linda replied, "I'm not doubting that, but…," she glanced up at Barry, who waited expectantly, "why I'm still trying to figure out why my parents let me come out here in the first place? My powers haven't fully come in, and I haven't exactly been…trustworthy these past few months."
Barry's expression softened a little. "You're still bothered by what happened in January."
"I haven't talked with anyone besides you since it happened," Linda said, "and the things I said to them that night…," she trailed off, looking downward.
Barry sighed. "You know what happened when I came back from Smallville that night?" he asked. "They made sure I was physically okay, but…then they asked about you." Linda looked up, a little surprised. "Cisco didn't even bother checking out the damage to the suit until after he was sure you were going to be okay—and you know how he feels about the suit." Linda didn't appear convinced. "Linda, no one here is holding a grudge for the things you said and did that night—they know it wasn't you; they're looking forward to having you here just as much as I am."
"I know," Linda replied, "and please don't think I'm ungrateful, but I'd still feel a little more comfortable staying with you."
"And if I didn't live with my adoptive father," Barry said, "who happens to be a very good police detective and would be very suspicious as to why I'm hanging out with a sixteen-year-old girl," Linda raised an eyebrow, folding her arms, and Barry's eyes widened a little as he felt the color draining from his cheeks, "uh, not that you're not great company and all, but he doesn't really know—"
"Barry, it's okay," Linda replied, amused. "Clark already explained everything: you live with someone who doesn't know me, there's no room at Caitlin and Ronnie's place, and—"
"Everyone's in agreement that Cisco should not be left unsupervised with you," Barry finished, "and since Professor Stein has his own place—and his wife will be out of town—it's only logical that you stay here for the week." He walked over to the front door and pressed the doorbell; as Linda joined Barry, both of them heard a muffled, but eloquent, chime resonated through the house.
Linda's heart skipped and her stomach tightened as hearing picked up the sound of footsteps approaching; she fought the urge to take a peek, waiting as patiently as possible. A few moments passed before they heard the distinct click of the door unlocking, and she switched back to her normal hearing as the door opened. Professor Stein stood on the other side, dressed in one of his typical sweater and slacks combinations; he smiled when he saw the two visitors on his porch.
"Mr. Allen," he said before turning to Linda, and the young girl saw his expression change into something a bit more fatherly. "Miss Kent, it's good to see you again."
"Same here, Professor," Linda replied, smiling a bit. "Thank you for letting me stay here."
"Oh, it's my pleasure, I assure you," Stein said, standing aside. "Please come in."
Barry picked up Linda's suitcase and waited until Linda walked through the open frame before following. The young girl slowly made her way through the house, looking around at the pristine entryway; she stopped between the sitting and living areas. The furniture and décor—while pretty and elegant—were totally different than her own home (and not particularly her style), but she had to admit the numerous windows provided an enviable amount of natural lighting; the young girl knew she'd have to take advantage of that later.
"You okay?" Barry asked, seeing her expression as he shut the door.
"Yeah," Linda replied.
"You sure," Barry asked, unconvinced, "because you got this weird look on your face right now."
Linda smiled. "I'm just admiring the natural lighting, that's all."
"Natural lighting affords a more cost-effective electric bill," Stein said as he and Barry joined the teenager. "It's one of the numerous reasons my wife and I chose this particular residence," the corners of Stein's mouth curled slightly at Linda's expression, "though I right to assume that your admiration stems from a more artistic origin than an economical one?"
"A true artist never takes a break," Linda replied, patting her backpack. "I brought a few supplies to do some work, if that's okay."
Stein's smile increased a bit. "The morning light is brightest over there," he said, pointing to the bay window in the living room.
"Aurora musis artis," Linda replied, smiling. Barry raised an eyebrow, and Linda's smile faded. "Sorry."
"Don't be, my dear," Stein replied. "I think it's admirable to know more than one language, especially for someone your age; I know two, myself."
"No, it's not that," Linda said. "Latin is more than something I've learned since being on Earth; it's apparently connected to my Kryptonian heritage." Stein furrowed his eyebrows, confused. "To make an extremely long story short, there are some ancient artifacts I have that contain a set of Kryptonian symbols on them that translate into 'Caeulum videre iussit, et erectos ad sidera tollere vultus.'"
"'He bid them look at the sky and lift their faces to the stars,'" Stein replied slowly. "That's from Ovid's Metamorphoses."
"That we know," Linda replied, "but what we don't know is why it's there or the reason for these artifacts in the first place," she shrugged, "and, honestly, given everything that's happened recently, I'm debating whether I want to know anymore." She shrugged. "It seems like every time I deal with something from Krypton or related to Krypton—outside of my cousin—it always ends badly: my father, the caves," she took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure as she smiled sadly, "kryptonite."
Stein took a deep breath. "My dear, I can't even begin to imagine what you've experienced over these past few months, but I do hope you know that no one here faults you for your behavior while under the influence of the red kryptonite."
"I know," Linda replied.
"And, from what Mr. Allen explained to us," Stein continued, "it seems the incident did have a silver lining of sorts: it did explain that your visions were merely memories implanted by your mentor as a result of witnessing your father commit a horrible atrocity," he paused, "which doesn't sound much better than believing you're becoming mentally unstable—"
"Professor," Linda interrupted gently, "it's okay. I mean, it was rough at first, but I'm doing a lot better now: I haven't had any memories surfacing since that night, and I've managed to stay away from anything related to Krypton—save for Clark—for the time being." She smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, I promise."
"Well, if there's anything you need," Stein replied, smiling, "please don't hesitate to ask. You are our honored guest for the week."
"I could use a hot shower," Linda said, "and a little downtime."
"Well, your room is up the stairs and the second door on the left," Stein answered, "and the bathroom is the first. I had planned on dinner with Mr. Allen and the others around seven, so that should give you about four hours to get settled in and relax for a bit."
Linda smiled. "That would be great, thank you." She took her suitcase from Barry and clutched one of her straps as she headed up the staircase. After she was out of sight and the two men had heard a door closed, Stein's smile slowly faded into a look of concern as he tuned to Barry.
"How is she really, Mr. Allen?" the older man asked in a soft tone.
"All things considered," Barry answered, just as softly, "she's actually doing pretty well, and I know having time off from…everything, will be good for her." Stein didn't look too convinced. "Trust me, Professor, I have a feeling Linda's time here is going to be just fine."
(End of Chapter 1)