The actual story will start next chapter. But first there were a couple of short scenes I wanted to write but they didn't really fit into the plot. The mood really varies between them, so I apologise if I give you emotional whiplash.
1. Sophie's 15th birthday (happy)
Time period – about a third of the way through Speedster Siblings
"I feel like I'm giving a gift to my own daughter," said Dr Wells as he handed Sophie a small, neatly wrapped, purple rectangle. On his face was the most genuine and open expression any of them had ever seen on him.
"Thank you, Dr Wells," said Sophie happily as she gently removed the paper, careful not to tear it. The gift was obviously a book, and as she exposed a corner of it she could make out a black cover with blue text. Slipping the paper off, she set it on the table and read the title aloud. "Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy?!" She let out a squeak. "I've been wanting to read this forever!" Still holding the book, she threw her arms around Dr Wells' neck. "Thank you!"
"Me next, me next!" cried Cisco, shoving a messily wrapped blob into her hands. "Open it!"
Sophie laughed. "Alright, calm down." She ran a finger along it in search of a suitable opening and tore off the paper best she could, even though part of the sellotape got caught on her hand. Eventually she gave up and opened it with scissors. When she finally removed the paper, which ended up as a crumpled, shredded heap on the desk, the gift was revealed to be a stuffed panda toy. "It's so cute! Thank you Cisco!" She hugged him and even gave him a little kiss on the cheek. "I call him Bert." She set him proudly on the desk atop her book and took a quick picture on her phone. "Guys we need a group selfie! Everybody in." The team got into position behind her and, following Sophie's example, pulled funny faces. "3,2,1. Good one, guys."
"Open mine now!" said Caitlin. She shyly handed Sophie a gift bag sellotaped closed. Sophie cut the tape with scissors and took a small black velvet box out of it. She snapped it open and lifted a thin silver chain with a lightning bolt out. "I saw it and thought of you," explained Caitlin.
"It's beautiful," gasped Sophie. "Can you put it on me?"
"Of course." As Sophie held her hair out of the way, Caitlin fastened the chain around her neck. It looked fantastic resting on top of her fluffy white sweater. Sophie hugged Caitlin then looked down to admire the necklace again.
"I love all your presents so much, thank you!" she said sincerely.
"What did Barry get you?" asked Cisco.
"I don't know yet. Me, him and Iris always do presents together at home. Speaking of, I was meant to be there ten minutes ago. Oops." She pulled a face. "Thanks again, see you later!" And she was gone, the breeze blowing the wrapping paper onto the floor.
2. Sophie and Barry visit Henry in prison (sad)
Time period – about halfway through Speedster Siblings
Sophie had a death grip on her brother's hand as they sat down on one side of the glass in prison, Barry holding the phone between them. It was Sophie's second time visiting, her first had been so upsetting she refused to set foot in there ever again. That was before the Reverse Flash.
Henry Allen walked into the visiting room and Sophie let out a muffled cry.
"Hi, Barry. Nice to see you again, Sophie. You look beautiful," said Henry calmly.
"Thank you," said Sophie, her voice cracking. She cleared her throat and composed herself, "Thank you."
"You all right, Barry?" asked Henry. He could tell something was up immediately. Sophie's presence was also no small indication.
"I screwed up, Dad. After years of searching I - we finally found him. We found the man who killed mom. The man in yellow, the one in the lightning. He's out there, and I had him. He got away. I was so close." The tears were falling freely down both their faces and Sophie snuggled into her brother's chest for comfort. "I promised you that I would get you out of here. Every day you spend in here has been because of him - until today. Now you're in here because of me, and I'm so sorry."
Sophie entwined her fingers with Barry's and placed her other hand on the glass so her father could place his opposite. Only a few centimetres of glass separated them.
"I…Barry, Sophie, this is not your fault. Look at me."
The two of them made eye contact with him.
Henry took a deep breath, trying to be strong for his children. "I know what you've given up. Every decision you've made in the past 14 years has been because of me and your mom. Normally I'm glad you have each other, but in this area I'm not. You're both as bad as each other in being too consumed with what happened to me and your mom to let yourself have a life. Well, let it go. Hear me now. The man in the yellow suit has taken enough from this family already. Don't let him take any more." His tone turned more serious. "Promise me you will not let this consume you. "Promise me."
"I promise," whispered Sophie, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.
"I promise," said Barry.
3. West/Allen/Queen family dinner (funny)
Time period – after Speedster Siblings
"Please may you pass me the salt, Sophie?" asked Joe politely.
The salt literally floated over to him while Sophie giggled.
"No superpowers at the dinner table!" protested Joe, plucking the salt out of the air and eyeing it distrustfully.
"It's not going to bite you, Joe," Sophie reminded him with an angelic expression on her face. "And you can't prove it was me…"
Joe rolled his eyes. "You're the only one here with telekinesis. It was completely you."
Sophie gasped and pointed to herself in a 'who, me?' gesture.
"It wasn't partially her, it was completely her," said Barry seriously.
"Are you going to use the salt?" asked Thea. "If so, may I use it after you?"
Joe looked down in surprise to discover he was still holding the salt at arm's length. "Oh, yes. Sorry." He sprinkled some on his fries and handed it to Thea.
"What even is this family?" Iris asked the world in general when she had stopped laughing enough to breathe.