A/N: In this next chapter, Iris and Barry will bond in spite of her amnesia. Eddie wakes up from surgery with a shocking statement. Barry visits Linda to say goodbye. Dr. Wells tries to cover his tracks, and later Barry has his hands full, hoping to help Iris remember and to keep her close, but that may not be possible. Read on! Thank you so much for reading.
Remember, we're still in spoiler/speculation mode. So please be warned!
~o~o~
Chapter 7: I Will Be the One
Moments later, still at the hospital:
Shocked and appalled, everyone stared at Dr. Wells, and then everyone sat back down and waited for an explanation.
"So, it's true, all this time, you've been lying to us," Caitlin stated what they were all thinking.
"Let me explain." Dr. Wells wanted them all to know the truth; well part of the truth.
"Alright, start talking," Joe said. But he was impatient, worried about Iris and her amnesia or whatever it was.
"It's true; I am from the future," Dr. Wells confessed.
"But I saw you in the future myself. How can there be two of you?" Barry asked even though he suspected the truth.
"That's a real question," Dr. Wells stated, then, "The answer is yes," he lied. "One in the past and one in the future; Barry knows what I'm talking about."
Everyone glanced at Barry. "Yes, it's true. We met not too long ago, here in present time."
"You're joking right?" Caitlin asked shocked. He was silent. "You're not joking." She couldn't believe it.
"Yes, it's true. He contacted me, quite by accident, and explained the reasons why Iris and I were at odds, but we straightened everything out." He paused. "She was going to … break up with Eddie."
Dr. Wells had a feeling that was the case. "Barry, sometimes speedsters have two identities, past, and future. And sometimes when this happens, things tend to get confused about where they belong. Their minds get distorted about where they may end up and they also get angry and," he tried to explain.
"So, there are good ones and bad ones?" Cisco summarized the situation.
"Yes, and it appears the yellow speedster is outraged at you and Eddie and it seems Iris was caught in the middle."
Barry put it all together. "He killed my Mother, and now he wants to hurt Iris as well." He paced in front of them. "He could have killed them both. I should have been there."
"Please don't blame yourself. He was determined to hurt them. There was nothing you could have done," Joe said hoping to help him.
Moments later, a doctor came over to them. "Mr. West?" He asked.
Joe stood up. "Yes, Doctor, how is she?" He asked coming forward.
"Your daughter appears to have seen a shocking or unacceptable situation which may be too painful to remember, and it's then retained only in her subconscious mind. The technical term for this is repression." At their shocked expressions, he continued, "We did a brain scan and there seems to be no physical reason for her amnesia. It appears to be caused by trauma. I believe her memory will return in time. She needs stimulants from people and places that she knows and she will recover."
Barry and Joe had tears of relief in their eyes. "Can we see her?" Barry asked.
"Yes, you can sit with her." He paused. "She's asking for Barry," he replied.
Joe nodded. "Go on in," he said.
"Are you sure?" Barry asked.
"Yes, go on now," Joe whispered and gave him a shove.
After Barry had left, Joe turned to the Flash team. "Thank you all for coming." He shook his head so worried about his family. "This yellow speedster, he's determined to destroy Barry's happiness and we have no idea why he hates him so much."
Dr. Wells sighed. "I may have the reason," he said, hoping to deflect their suspicions away from him and onto Eddie.
Everyone stared at him confused by that comment.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, in Iris's room:
Iris was anxious, worried, and edgy thinking about what was going to happen to her. Her memories were still elusive. She was standing by the window. It was dark outside just like her mind, blank and totally empty. All she could do was concentrate on her feelings. She felt as if she were inside a long black void. There was no light, nothing to live for, nothing to give her any hope, but the one light she sensed she needed and wanted was out in the hall or she thought he was. Where was he? For those few minutes they were together, she had sensed they were more than friends but maybe she had been wrong about that.
Clothed in a hospital gown and a robe, looking impatient and ready to leave this place, but where would she go? Pulling her robe tighter around her, she felt alone, lost, and so very unhappy. Tears welled up, and then she reached for a tissue and tried to stay calm, but she was terrified.
She turned at the sound of someone entering her room. It was him and the way he looked at her, something inside lifted and for some odd reason she felt relief. "You're still here?" It was clear that she was definitely relieved to see him.
Barry was stunned at his emotions upon seeing her like this and her reaction to seeing him again. A part of him, an enormous part of him, wanted to pull her close and tell that he loved her; that he would never leave her; no matter what happens. But inside, he felt as if he were losing her all over again; he desperately needed her to remember. Their entire lives were inside her mind waiting to come out and there must be a way to bring those memories back; there has to be.
He came closer and whispered, "Yes, I'm here; how are you feeling?"
Her eyes watered. "I can't remember anything; there's nothing there," she sadly replied then she couldn't hold it in anymore; she broke down.
He couldn't bear it, then he rushed over to her and pulled her into his arms. "It's alright," he told her and stroked her hair; the feelings welled up inside of him, causing him to pull her closer. "It's Okay; you're going to be Ok. Don't cry; please don't cry. You'll have me in tears if you don't stop," he whispered teasing her a little, but his eyes were blurry too.
She awkwardly pulled away and after a few more sniffles, she wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry; I'm just afraid that I'll never," she couldn't finish. He interrupted her.
"You will remember, but it will take time. The doctors are sure of it."
Her eyes brightened in spite of her tears. "Truly?"
"Yeah, honestly," he replied. "You should rest for awhile." He helped her get settled then he pulled up a chair and feeling bold, he took her hand and she didn't pull away.
She stared at him; her eyes roamed over his face, trying desperately to remember. Then she cocked her head to the side, and whispered, "Are we more than friends?"
He was a bit stunned, but he couldn't lie to her, not anymore. "Yes, we are."
"How long have we known each other?" Iris had a feeling it must be a long time; not sure where that thought came from.
"Our whole lives, actually," he replied thinking of all their wonderful memories.
"Oh, I see; that's a long time," she whispered feeling so many things. Of course, she knew about love but was he the one who truly loved her or was it someone else? She had to know, "You're in love with me … aren't you." It was a statement. Her heart pounded with dread or excitement, she wasn't sure. She waited breathlessly for an answer.
The way she phrased it, it sounded as if she wanted it to be true. Maybe she sensed their closeness; that was the only explanation for all of these questions. "Yes, I am, very much so," Barry replied firmly. He shouldn't get his hopes up, but he couldn't help it. Maybe she was just curious; which was Iris through and through.
She didn't believe him, not at first. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better … are you?"
"No, I'm not. I honestly can't remember a time when I didn't love you, and that's the truth," Barry replied.
She needed to know more, but for some reason, what he might say terrified her. But she was determined to find out, then, "I'm in love with you; aren't I?"
"Yes, you are," Barry replied, knowing in his heart that it was true.
Suddenly nervous, she whispered, "Wow; that's a lot to take in."
Now Barry was worried. "I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have told you."
"No, it's Okay really; I'm Okay." She looked so relieved that Barry had to smile. She smiled at him but only for a moment. But then, Iris suddenly had a headache. Her mind was in turmoil. Memories of him confessing his love for her months ago came into her head, but the pain was unbearable so she pushed it away. She was in agony. "Arghhh, it hurts; it hurts!"
Barry panicked. "I'll go get the doctor." He also rang for the nurse; then rushed from her room. The nurse came forward. "Please help her; she's in pain." He managed to say; his eyes watered.
Joe came forward. "What happened?"
Barry was terrified for her. "I don't know; we were talking and she just leaned back and grabbed her head. She's in pain, Joe, a lot of pain." He paced back and forth. "I don't want to leave her, but I have to find him, Joe; I have to. He wanted to kill her, but seeing her like this; he knew. He knew this would devastate us." His head began to pound. "What's happening?" He managed to sit down.
"Barry, what's going on?" Joe was concerned about him.
"I don't know, but the pain seems to be subsiding." That was odd, he thought.
Minutes later, the nurse came out to see them. "The doctor gave her a sedative, and she's resting. She'll be out for a while."
"Joe, you go and please stay with her. She's so afraid, but I have to leave." He was thinking maybe telling her about their feelings brought on the pain. He hoped that wasn't the case, but it hurt him to his soul to see her like this and to think he was the cause of it; it was too much.
"Of course, I understand," Joe said and left him to be his daughter.
~o~o~
The Flash team approached him. Cisco had a thought. "Barry, I was wondering about your pain, that you and Iris were suffering together. That was actually weird."
"Yeah, I know, and I certainly can't explain it," Barry said.
Dr. Wells didn't find it strange at all. "You two are connected in more ways than love Barry."
Barry frowned. "What do you mean?"
"You and Iris are like these ancient beings from decade's past and the future that always manage to find each other, but it's never easy. The fates always pull you apart, but then there you are again, back together. So, you feel her and she feels you. It can't be changed and it can't be denied," Dr. Wells thoughtfully replied.
"Wow," Caitlin muttered. "Barry, you and Iris are blessed. I'm happy for you."
"Happy? Well, I'll try and hold that thought," he muttered genuinely worried about them.
"I know you're worried, but don't give up; have faith. Ronnie and I found each other again."
Cisco touched her shoulder. "He'll be back; he will." He hoped to keep her spirits up.
"I know, but it's hard sometimes," Caitlin said holding it together.
"I have to find him somehow. Please help me find him," Barry begged his friends.
"Let's head back to the Lab and this time, we won't fail; I can promise you that," Dr. Wells said.
They headed to the Lab, determined to find the yellow speedster.
~o~o~
Unfortunately, Barry had one stop to make before he returned to the Lab. He had to see Linda. He called her first and she was at home. He knocked, closed his eyes and waited. She opened the door for him.
"Hey, Linda," Barry said and walked inside.
"Hey yourself," she said and closed the door behind him. It was written all over his face. "I know why you're here. It's about the double date; isn't it?"
"Yeah, about that," he began.
But she interrupted him. "Barry, I'm not blind. It was obvious that Iris has feelings for you and you still care for her; don't you." It was a statement.
"Linda, please believe me; I do like you very much, it's just," he couldn't finish.
"You love Iris." It was a statement.
"Yeah, I do. I wanted to get to know you and maybe, you know," he started and realized how lame it sounded.
She chuckled. "Well, there's no need to explain. Love is like that; believe me I know."
He needed to get to the Lab, but he needed to tell her about Iris. "Well, I should probably say this; it may be all over the news tomorrow."
"What is it?" Linda asked.
"Eddie and Iris were attacked by a meta-human, a yellow speedster, similar to the Flash. They're both in the hospital. Iris has no memory of us, of our lives in the past and Eddie will survive, but barely."
"How horrible for Eddie and for Iris. So, she has no memory at all about her life?" Linda was stunned.
"No, none at all." He sighed heavily and rubbed his tired eyes trying not to break down.
"Oh, Barry I'm so sorry," she whispered and touched his shoulder. "If I can help in any way, please let me know."
"Thank you, Linda; it means a lot. And one more thing, Iris hasn't been at Picture News very long, and," he began.
"Don't worry about it. I'll make sure her job is secure," Linda said, giving him a sad smile.
"Thank you, Linda." A moment, then, "Well, I have to go."
"Of course," she said and tried to smile.
"Goodbye, Linda."
"Goodbye, Barry." She escorted him out.
~o~o~
Back to the Lab:
On his way there, he called Joe. Iris was still asleep. Joe had checked up on Eddie and the doctors indicated that he would be waking up soon and then he could be interrogated. Barry wanted to be there when that happened. Joe assured him that he would call as soon as Eddie was cleared to speak to them. Barry hung up.
Once inside the Lab, there was no bounce to Barry's step. In fact, it felt as if the world was out to destroy them. They were holding onto each other for dear life but would it be enough to keep them together? At this point in time, he began to have doubts. Was all of this my fault? Is Iris better off without me in her life? Just the idea sent him into throes of pain and regret. He couldn't live his life, not without her.
"How's Iris?" Cisco asked.
"No change; still no memories of her life; nothing is there; nothing," Barry sadly replied.
Everyone glanced at each other. "She will recover; I'm sure of it," Dr. Wells spoke the truth for a change.
"I hope you're right, but it could happen again if we don't find this guy," Barry said firm in his resolve to find him.
"Are you sure the yellow speedster is Eddie's future self? It all sounds far-fetched to me," Caitlin said.
"Yes, he is. I don't know who else it could be," Barry replied.
Cisco was quiet, far too quiet. Dr. Wells picked up on it. "Cisco, do you have any thoughts on this?"
"Well, maybe; you see, Detective West and I were getting close; very close to who the yellow speedster could be and," he thoughtfully replied then he hesitated.
"And?" Dr. Wells prompted.
He glanced at Barry and Caitlin. "It's nothing; just a hunch," he finally replied.
"Cisco, we need every idea, every suspicion, anything to catch this guy; now please, what were you thinking?" Barry asked.
"Well, it could be another speedster. I get the feeling that there are multiple ones, not just Eddie." At their curious glances, he continued, "Think about it. In the future, there are lots of ways to simulate speed and maybe people found a way to duplicate you, Barry, or someone who has similar powers. Anything is possible."
"Anything is possible," he parroted. "You may just have a point." Then he thought about what his future self and what he had told him about speedsters. Dr. Wells was depowered so it couldn't be him, but he never mentioned any other speedster in the future. But that didn't mean that they didn't exist. The next question that entered his mind had him utterly terrified. Was it possible that all speedsters from the future were evil out to destroy him or just insane, wrecking mayhem and death? He prayed it wasn't true.
But before he could think more about that question, his cell phone rang; it was Joe. Eddie was awake and ready to make a statement.
"I have to go. Eddie is ready to talk to the police. Please keep me informed about your hunch, Cisco. I think you may be onto something." Then he was gone.
Dr. Wells was silent as he watched Barry leave. He had been so tempted to kill Iris, but their children needed to be born. It was the only way to secure his future and his plans. Iris's memory loss would definitely buy him some time, how much time depended on Eddie and his desire to keep Iris to himself.
~o~o~
Back at the hospital:
Barry rushed inside and checked in on Iris. He slowly opened the door and Joe was there. "How is she?" He whispered. She was still asleep; he could see that.
Tears blinded then he couldn't resist; he smoothed her hair. She instinctively turned her head to the side and murmured his nickname, "Bear."
Barry was losing it. He covered his mouth with his hand. Joe touched his shoulder. "Let's go outside."
Barry had to be shoved from the room. "That one word gave me hope."
"Yes, it's a start. Barry, look at me. I did speak to Eddie briefly, but he won't talk to anyone else, except you."
Barry wasn't surprised by this. Eddie knew they were a couple now. He's probably furious with him, but he was recuperating from his injuries and did not want to start an argument. He sighed. "Alright, let's go."
~o~o~
Eddie was sitting up in bed. His chest was wrapped in bandages, his arm was in a sling and his head was covered. Intravenous medication was being pumped into his arm. He looked like he had been hit by a truck.
Joe and Barry glanced at each other.
"Are you ready to talk now?" Joe asked.
"Well, I suppose I am," he replied staring at Barry. "How's Iris?"
"She's going to be fine; just tell us what happened out there," Joe asked.
Eddie had asked around and he found out about Iris and her amnesia. He was a vengeful man and so he lied. "Did she tell you Barry that she wanted to stay with me?" He smirked at him.
"What are you talking about?" Barry asked.
"Oh, that's right, she doesn't remember. She wants to be with me, and when I'm ready to leave the hospital, she's coming home with me; not you."
Barry stiffened. Joe held him steady. "You're lying."
"I don't think the doctors will agree with that. She was with me when she was hurt; not you. She's lived with me for months; not you. She loves me; not you. She told me that on numerous occasions." At his apparent shock, he turned the knife. "Actually, we talked about getting married and having children."
"You're lying; why are you lying?" Barry was beginning to think that it was true. Eddie was actually evil.
Joe had to put a stop to this. "Eddie, just tell us what happened."
He sighed. "Iris and I were taking a walk. She held my hand, and then after she confessed that she had made a mistake about you, we were attacked by the yellow speedster. I've seen him before at S.T.A.R. Labs, but he said a few things to me," he continued and realized he may have said too much.
"What did he say?" Joe asked.
He lied again. "He said that he knew that Iris and I were together in the future and he wished us well, but in order for that to happen, Iris's memories had to be erased. I begged him not to, but he did it anyway."
"You knew he was going to hurt her?" Barry wanted to kill him at that moment. "You're insane."
"I tried to stop him; I did try," he said bringing up false tears. "We fought but I was no match for him. He threw me over the railing like I was a ragdoll. I thought I was going to die." He wiped at his eyes.
Barry and Joe glanced at each other. "That's all for now," Joe said. "We may have more questions for you later."
"Of course, I'll help in any way that I can," he said but that sentiment did not reach his eyes.
Barry was furious; he wanted to strangle the man.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: After All, Al Jarreau.
A/N: Sorry to end it there. I sincerely hope we've seen the last of him, but I guess not. Eddie is not a good man; he coerced a grieving Iris into his bed and took advantage of her kindness. Barry and Iris are being bombarded by both sides to keep them apart. Will their love survive this war, and believe me it is a war? Stay tuned for more in about a week. Thanks and please leave a comment/kudo if you get a moment. Thanks so much.
