"No, nope, not happening" Iris snapped her head to look at me the moment I stepped out of my bedroom. Startled I stood frozen in the doorway wondering what is wrong with me. I'm wearing a dress which is too short for my liking but Iris said the colour complimented my complexion – whatever the hell that means. I'm wearing the heels which I don't think will be gracing my feet by the end of the night and I'm agreeing to attend this party, what else does she want from me?

"What's wrong with it?" I asked looking down at how I was dressed. I don't know why she is complaining I did shave above the knee for once. I mean why bother doing the whole leg when no one is going to see the top? I am making the effort tonight – she should be happy.

"Lose the glasses for a start, they hide your eyes"

"I can't see without them" I pointed out the obvious, I'm not some wannnabe hipster who wears fake glasses, I do need these to see what I am doing or anything that isn't right under my nose.

"I know you have contacts – use them and secondly we need to do something with your hair. Librarian is good for work but it's time to play now"

"I don't like wearing the contacts, they make my eyes dry up" I pushed my glasses further up the bridge of my nose as for my hair I don't see the problem with a classic ponytail. It's classy and elegant.

"Lose the glasses and I'll fire up the circling iron. Time to show everyone that Caitlin Snow is ready to play"

Without giving me time to respond she skipped off down the hallway to her bedroom. Huffing to myself I turned around and headed back into my bedroom. Digging out my contact lenses from the top draw of my dresser, I discarded my glasses and started the fiddly task of getting the two small discs into my eyes. I can worry about getting them out again later.

A good ten minutes and some heated words I finally had the little discs in my eyes and remembered why I didn't wear them often. My eyes already felt irritable and I haven't even left the house yet. Pulling the hair tie from my hair I allowed my hair to flow down my back as I stood and headed for Iris's bedroom knowing my hair is now in her hands but I trust her.

Pulling at the hem of my dress which liked to rid up with every step I took – or in my mind it did. I followed Iris into the country club where a large number of people had gathered for the Allen's anniversary party. I knew the Allen's are popular around here and I expected a lot of people to be here but nowhere near as close to who are here, almost all of Central City's high society are out in force tonight and that's just the people we passed on the way in.

"Stop messing, you look amazing – I'm a little jealous" Iris batted my hand away from the hem of my dress which I was trying to pull down for about the fifth time in the past five minutes.

"I feel as if my ass is hanging out" I laughed trying to resist the urge to tug on the dress again.

"I can tell you it isn't and even if it is you have a great ass so flaunt it – let's get a drink and then I'll have to go find my parents" grabbing my arm Iris dragged me over to the waiter stood holding champagne, making quick work of swiping two from the large tray and handed on to me as I took a causes sip. Champagne is one of these drinks that goes straight to my head. The last time I drank it I ended up in bed with some random guy – to this day I still don't know his name. I left before he woke up to spare us both the awkwardness, more so myself than him. "Come on – let's go say hi to my parents"

"Looks like Eddie is here already" I pointed out as he stood laughing with the Allen's.

It made me wonder if I would ever have anything like Iris and Eddie, I couldn't imagine anyone of the low number of people I've dated in the past stood laughing with my parents – not my dad anyways. Yet looking at Eddie he looked so as ease as if he had already been accepted by the Allen's, my dad would never accept anyone I chose, he'd only accept someone who he thinks has enough zero's at the end of his bank balance. Why he's so blinded by money I don't know, I'd prefer to have nothing than end up like my father.

"Mom, dad you both look amazing" Iris greeted them both with a hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to great Eddie who stood at her side. "You both know Caitlin; she's living with me at the moment"

"It's nice of you to join us tonight" Nora smiled placing her hand onto my arm.

"Thank you for the invite and congratulations" I smiled knowing a lot of couples these days don't make it to the second year let alone their thirtieth anniversary.

"Looks like you made it before your brother" Nora Allen spoke in a tone that said she expected nothing else from her son and eldest child.

"That boys owns a dozen or so watches and is always late" Henry added checking his own watch. I could be wrong but I'm guessing Barry is always late – just another reason why we would never work, I'm early if anything for something whereas it looks like Barry is always late… we could never work.

"I'm right here" a deep voice spoke from behind me making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. His breath hitting the bare skin of my shoulder as he tried to catch his breath, it's clear he ran into the room.

Barry's cologne filled the air around me due to how close he stood allowing me to dive into his scent, my cheeks started to flush as I thought about him, his hot breath hitting my face as he hovered over me panting, his skin slick with sweat against mine as we lost ourselves in each other. Barry brought me back into the real world again as his arm brushed against mine as she stepped around me to greet his parents. Deciding to give him some room I took a step backwards only to fall over my own feet. Barry's arm grabbed my waist pulling me into is chest, saving me from land on my ass in the middle of a room full of people.

"Easy" he laughed wrapping bot arms around me for support, holding me against his chest a little longer than I was comfortable with in a room full of people. "I know I'm used to girls falling at my feet but never this early into the night" and any feeling I had for Barry Allen just died. Is he really comparing me to the airheads and bimbo's who throw themselves at his feet hoping he will take them home. I'm insulted.

"You can let go off me now" I pushed myself out of his arms. "Thank you for catching me" I added as to not sound ungrateful or rude.

"Caitlin, are you ok?" Iris asked as I straighten myself out and adjusted my dress again.

"Just a clumsy moment, if you'll excuse me" I made my exit before anyone could stop me. Making sure I didn't fall over myself or anything else on my way out of the door.

Grabbing two more glass of champagne from the waiter on my way out, I didn't care anymore. I want to get wasted – after all I've already made a fool out of myself in front of Barry and now he thinking I'm just like the others hoping he will take me home. I'm nothing like them but one little mistake and now I'm on his list of worshipers as I like to call them. Armed with my two champagne flutes, I exited the main building of the country club and headed around the corner to have some time alone and to pull myself together. Taking a seat on the long brick wall that led down the side of the country club, I began to drink my champagne and hopefully find a way to prove to Barry Allen I am nothing like them other girls – not that his opinion matters or anything.

Having spent a good twenty minutes if not longer sat on the wall, drinking champagne and feeling sorry for myself, hoping to have come up with a plan on how to redeem myself only to realise that I can't, what happened can't be undone so my plan for the rest of the might if to avoid Barry Allen for the rest of the night – if not the rest of the night. Tucking my purse back under my arm, I headed back into the club house where the room had filled even more so than when I left. Just proving how popular the Allen's really are.

Pushing my way through the crowd hoping to find a corner to sit in until it was acceptable to go, I noticed Iris stood to one side of the dancefloor with Eddie and smile at how happy she looked then my eyes feel on Barry who was surrounded by half dressed women – then again how I'm dressed tonight I can't call them as my dress feels just as short of theirs look. When I see Barry in these situations – not that I've seen him in it maybe times. I can't help but feel sorry for him, does he even enjoy the attention because I can never tell due to the blank look on his face. I know he's smart as I've seen what he is capable of so why does he surround himself with bimbo's and airheads who only talk about makeup and shoes? Doesn't he want someone he can have an actual conversation with?

"Hey beautiful can I get you a drink?" a guy around six foot two with brown hair and blue eyes stepped into my path, blocking it so I couldn't pass him.

"It's a free bar" I reminded him

"Can I order you a drink then?"

"I'm more than capable of ordering my own drink thank you. now if you don't mind I would like to pass" I shot him a smile indicating with my hand that I would like him to step back to wherever he came from because I'm not interested. It's almost laughable really, if I came here with my glasses on and hair tied up he wouldn't have even looked at me – they never look at me but put on a little makeup, a short dress and use a curling iron, suddenly they see you.

Holding his hands up he stepped to the side allowing me to pass him, only for a hand to grab my arm. Spinning around I prepared myself to give him a piece of my mind until I noticed my father stood there and suddenly I become a five year old girl again who about to be told off by her father. His eyes looked me up and down as a look of disapproval crossed his face – which only makes me happier that I dressed like this.

"What are you wearing Caitlin, have you become a whore since you left my house" he asked his tone showing he wasn't impressed but I didn't care. Thanks to Iris I no longer have to live by my father's rules, maybe leaving was the best thing I have ever done in my life after all.

"Hello Father and you wanted me to get a wealthy husband. This is what they're all after" I found my confidence again. For one in my life I didn't care about my father opinion. I knew he would be here tonight and I'm happy Iris talked me into coming because I can finally tell him what I think. I'm not longer under his control. I am a twenty eight year old woman who can look after herself and for the first time finally has control over her life. Snatching my arm out of his grip I look at the bar tender "Double vodka cranberry please" I smiled before wiping the smile of my face and looked back at my father.

"I'm very disappointed in you" he shook his head as he eyes my dress once again.

"Well I've been a disappointment since the day I was born so nothing new there" I shot back knowing he wanted a son not a daughter so why change a habit of a lifetime?

"What happened to you, this isn't you?"

"I got free from your control that's what happened. You can't tell me what to do anymore" I took a step closer to him, showing him I'm not scared of him anymore. I've spent too long allowing him to twist and bend my life to how he wanted it. I've broken up with boyfriends in the past because he didn't approve and I didn't want to disappointment him but I've finally seen the light – no matter what I do I'll always be a disappointment so why even bother trying anymore. Reaching my hand out, I took the vodka cranberry from the bar tender with a smile.

"You listen here lady. You do not get to speak to me like that ever. I am your father and you will respect me" he hand gripped my upper arm tightly as he spoke slowly – his way of making sure I understand every word he was saying.

My mouth became suddenly dry which made me wonder why I ever even attempted to stand up for myself as my father always wins – how else would he have gotten to where he is now. Just when I think I am free of him he is still controlling my life. All my life I have tried to make him proud of me, finishing top of my class, choosing a career he approved of. Every decision of my life has been what he wanted and it's still not enough. If I was to marry someone who he wants me to it still wouldn't make him happy – nothing ever will.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I steal Caitlin for a dance?"

My breath caught in my lungs and my body froze as Barry placed is hand onto my lower back. Slowly turning my head I looked up at him to see the bright smile on his face, his pearly whites shining as he looked at my father.

"Of course" my dad smiled as is grip loosened on my arm as he released me from his hold – no doubt I'll have marks there in the morning I thought to myself.

"Thank you" Barry said leading me away from my father and onto the dancefloor.

It's clear to say my plan isn't working. How am I supposed to ignore Barry when he will not leave me alone? Taking my untouched drink from my hand he placed it onto a nearby table as we passed. If anything I'm even more pissed off at my father because I know that look, he thinking something is going to between Barry and me when it's not. Hell he might even approve of Barry after all he is an Allen and my father knows they are worth a lot of money which in turn makes me angrier with Barry for playing into my father's hands.

Manoeuvring into the middle of the dance floor where an number of other couples stood dancing, Barry turned to face me placing his hands onto my waist which in turn made my arms automatically wrap around his neck as we began to sway side to side in time to Jessie Ware's Wildest Moments.

"Are you ok?" Barry asked a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"I'm fine" I felt myself smile in return as I readjusted my grip on his neck to a more relaxed hold than the almost death grip I had to begin with. "You didn't have to do that" I informed him.

"I noticed things getting hostile between you and when he grabbed you I had to do something. He might be your father but that doesn't mean he can treat you like that. No woman should be treated like that" I noticed him looked to his left making me automatically follow his gaze which led back to my father who stood watching us.

"Well thank you for rescuing me – you can go back to whatever you were doing" I said knowing he probably had something better than to dance with me. I'm sure he has enough girls lining up to dance with him without wasting his time on me.

"It's chill, might as well finish the song" he laughed a sound that almost made my knees weak.

"What if there is another damsel in distress that needs rescuing?" I joked

His hands might feel good on my hips and dancing with him might feel right but my plan is to avoid him and this is the complete opposite to what I planned. The last thing I need is to get accustom to his arms when it will never happen again. I'd prefer to never know what it feels like to have him touch me instead of being tortured by the thought it will never happen again.

"They'll wait" he winked making me want to melt into a puddle on the floor.

What didn't help is how close he is holding me to his chest; I could feel every line of his body through is suit, his cologne took over my senses like nothing before and I didn't like what it was doing to me. It would be so easy just to slip him out of his jacket, to run my hands down his chest to undo all his buttons and allow my hands to feel the flesh beneath.

"Have you finished your unpacking?" Barry asked dragging me from my thoughts of his skin, more importantly my lips on his skin.

"All done, thanks for helping" I replied with a smile, more than happy that the room was in almost darkness so he couldn't see how red my face is going once again.

"Anytime, you're a friend of Iris's and believe me I will do anything to keep her off my back" he laughed once again.

I could be wrong but this feels like the longest song ever, it feels as if I've been casually rocking back and forth for the best part of an hour – not that I can really complain I mean I'm spending time with Barry even if my plan isn't to. I guess life just doesn't work out how you plan it.

"Well thank you for the dance Caitlin"

"Anytime" I replied but wanted to kick myself. Out of everything I could say I said that – how lame. "Do you by any chance remember where you left my drink?"

"Just get another from the bar" his hand landed on my lower back again as he led me off the dancefloor.

"I didn't even touch it but fine" I sighed stepping out of his touch and heading towards the bar without another word.

Ordering another drink which only makes me think the bartender is going to think I'm an alcoholic as it wasn't even ten minutes ago I ordered the other. I stood and waited for it being poured, scanning the crowd of people. If I have become an expert at anything in my life so far then it would be people watching. If they don't notice you're sat there then they aren't going to see you watching them. Taking my fresh drink from the bartender with a thank you, I dug into my purse and handed him a tip as I had to chance to do so now and started heading for my original destination before if got ambushed my some random guy, my father and then Barry.

"I told you that dress was a killer" Iris appeared from nowhere, her arm linking with mine as we made our way through the crowds.

"Excuse me?" I asked confused as to what she was talking about.

"Barry, I saw you both dancing together. Is that love in the air?" she looked around us which made me laugh.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but you're reading too much into nothing. He saved me from my father nothing else. He probably doesn't even remember my name now" I played it off as nothing – not that I had to try hard because it wasn't anything so really I'm just saying it as it is. I'm Iris's friend that is all – he said so himself.

"Don't be a quitter – Quitters never win" She nudged me.

"Quitting, there isn't anything to quit" I replied wondering what goes on inside her head because she is clearly seeing things that I am not.

"Who's quitting what?" Eddie asked as we came to stand beside him and of course Barry, since arriving back in Central City I didn't see him until that day at Iris's and now I want to avoid him he is everywhere.

"Nothing" we both replied in unison.

"Well that isn't suspicious at all" he looked between the two of us with a look that said 'You're fooling nobody'. "How about a dance baby" Eddie held his hand out to Iris who happily took it, turning to give me a look which I knew right away what she was doing. Her plan is to get me alone with Barry again which she only confirmed by waving goodbye to me as she followed Eddie onto the dancefloor.

"Looks like were alone again – do you need saving again?" Barry joked moving to stand beside me.

"No but I do need some air – it's really warm in here" I said making a quick exit before he could say anything to me.

It's official the universe is clearly against me tonight, with all the people here tonight why do I keep ending up beside Barry? Stepping outside onto the patio I found an empty table and sat down. Sighing as the cool breeze brushed over my heated skin. Placing my purse and drink onto the table, I closed my eyes and tried to gather myself more so my thoughts. Why Iris is so insistent on getting me alone with Barry I don't know, I told her I'm not interested yet she is still pushing it. It might have been a lie but she doesn't need to know that.

As the crowd of people filter out leaving Iris, Eddie and me alone in the room and Barry somewhere else around here, I sat in one of the now vacant chairs sipping on another vodka cranberry – this being what I can only guess as number six or seven either way I can feel the effects of it, well the vodka and champagne. I looked at Iris and Eddie cuddled together on the chair beside me and couldn't help but smile at how cute they are together but seconds later wanted to groan internally in annoyance as Barry headed towards us.

"The cars will be here in five minutes" he sat down opposite me sliding his phone back into the inside pocket of his jacket.

"About that" Iris sat up on Eddie's lap to look at her brother. "Can you take Caitlin home? I'm going back to Eddie's and we don't have room to drop her off"

"It's the opposite direction" Barry moaned.

"I can walk, it's not that far" I narrowed my eyes at Iris knowing full well what she is doing – the same thing she has been doing all night, getting me and Barry alone together.

"Bar please, you can let her walk home alone" Iris shot back at him, ignoring me.

"Fine – ok – You win. I'll take her home. Anything to shut you up" Barry held his hands up in surrender.

"You're the best brother ever" she laughed her head finding Eddie's shoulder again.

"So you tell me, every single time you get what you want" Barry shook his head at her, his eyes quickly glancing in my direction.

"Looks like I have to get this one home. Caitlin it was nice seeing you again and Barry I'll see you next weekend for golf unless I see you before" Eddie looked between the two of use while getting Iris up onto her feet again.

"Sounds good" Barry stood up giving both of them a hug goodbye.

"Goodnight" I said to both of them as they headed for the door.

Once they had left Barry turned to look at me, this is where I expect him to say he isn't dropping me off and he just said he would to shut Iris up. "Let me go and settle the bill for tonight then we can leave" he smiled before following in Iris's footsteps.

That is not what I was expecting then again he could just leave now and I'm stupid enough to sit and wait her for him to return. Finishing the remainder of my drink, I placed the empty glass onto the table and looked around the now empty room – A room so much different from hours earlier.

So lost in my thoughts I never noticed Barry re-enter the room until he tapped me on the shoulder making me jump "ready to go?" he asked

Nodding my head yes I stood up and collected my purse before following him outside to the black town car waiting for us. Barry being the gentleman motioned for me to enter the car first which I did scotching across the seat so he could slide in beside me.

"You don't have to do this – I can walk" I told him feeling guilty for making him go out of his way just to give me a ride when I can easily walk. It wouldn't take me longer than thirty minutes to make it back to the house.

"Iris is right; I can't let you walk by yourself – not this late at night"

I nodded my head and looked out of the window as Barry gave the driver Iris's address and told him to go there first. The car pulled away from the entrance of the county club as I watched the scenery pass by.

"For the record I think your father is a jerk for what he is doing to you" Barry spoke grabbing my attention once again.

"You know?" I questioned almost surprised that he even cares.

"Iris told me, I hope you don't mind. I asked her why you ended up living with her and she told me and I think it's complete bull"

"My father likes control and this is just another way of control me" I shrugged turning to look at him, the streetlamps lighting up his features as we passed them making him look even more breath taking than he is.

"I couldn't even imagine how you feel."

"It's what is it, I made the decision and now I have to learn to live by it. My father wants me to crawl back to him and I'm not giving him the satisfaction. It was tonight I finally realised that my whole life has been control by him. School's I attended, what majors I took – everything"

"Well you're free of him now" Barry told me and oh how I wish that was true.

Just like that my father proved that even if I'm not living under his roof or living off his money he can still control my life and I don't think I will ever be free from him. The car fell into silence as we cruised down the almost empty streets of Central City. Even with everything going on with my father I am happy to be back here, this is where I was born and raised. It's a big part of who I am so being back here no matter where in the city is – its home.

Sooner than I realised the car pulled up outside of Iris's house, sighing I opened the door. "Thanks for the ride" I told Barry realising now how grateful I am that I didn't have to walk.

"My pleasure, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other now you're living with Iris"

Laughing I nodded my head and got out of the car and started headed towards the door more than ready to get these stupid shoes off my feet and just climb into bed and forget this night every happened.

"CAITLIN"I heard Barry shouting me as I got to the door. Turning around I saw him running towards me.

"Missing me already?" I joked

"You left your purse in the car" he held my purse out to me.

"Thank you – do you want to come in for a drink or something? Never mind you probably just want to get home" I shook my head wondering why I was being so stupid of course he doesn't want to come in for a drink – what was I even thinking? Digging into my purse I pulled my key out and opened the door.

"A drink would be nice – give me two seconds" Before I could ask him what he was doing, he jogging lightly down the walkway. Opening the front door I stood waiting wondering if he was coming back or not. After about a minute he returned with a large smile on his face. "I told the driver to leave – so about this drink"

Stepping inside the house, I held the door open for him as he followed me inside. Closing the door behind us both, I kicked my shoes off by the door and sighed at the feel of them on the cold hard floor.

Too be continued…

What do you think will happen next?

I'm so sorry this took so long to be updated but I had it saved for a while and forgot the post it then decided to add to it so now here it is

Do you think Iris is doing the right thing by getting involved?

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