Oliver

I can't help the smile that forms across my face as I find myself marching thorough the school corridors with Joe in close pursuit. It's been over ten years since I was in school and marching towards the Principals office, and doing it again albeit in a different school it fills me with a sense of Nostalgia. At least this time I'm not In trouble. The reason behind my visit is brought to the forefront of my mind by the sight of my Son sat outside the Principals office and my smile slowly fades. The school has not yet been contacted, they have no idea that his Mother is missing, that leads me to the conclusion that Connor must be in trouble. I gesture to Joe that the small boy at the end of the corridor is him; My Son, and Joe nods in acknowledgement.

Every step further down the corridor, brings me that little bit closer to him, and my chest begins to burn in response. Overwhelmed by how terrified that I am that he won't like me, I continue towards him wondering; Can I even tell him who I am? should I pretend that I don't know him?, what would Sandra want? I can barely breath from the uncertainty of what is to come and my thumb skims the tips of my fingers in response. Joes senses this and lays a hand on my forearm and gives me a fatherly 'it'll be ok' look which as much as I appreciate, does nothing to quell the nausea that I very nearly succumb to.

When we reach Connor, his head lifts in adjustment to the shadows created by us towering over him. He catches a glimpse of Joes Badge and instantly begins to panic

"I'm so sorry mister, p..p..please don't arrest me I was just watching out for Emily. He hurt her, and my mom told me that you should never hurt a girl"

Joes laughs and squats so that he is level with him "Hey kid, I'm not here to arrest anyone. Sounds like your Mom is a very clever woman and that you did a good thing."

"Mrs Clunkard doesn't seem to think so" Connor spouts off, gesturing to the door beside him. His eyes catches mine and he looks at me suspiciously before turning his attention back to Joe "Why is he here?"

"This is Oliver he's a friend of mine and a friend of your Moms. Your Mom has been held up and has asked us to collect you from school today, but first we need to clear it with your Principal"

"Okay. Do I get to ride in a Police Car?"

I stifle the laugh that I feel bubbling through my chest, trying desperately to keep my cool composure, while Joes tells him that he will see what he can do. The school secretary appears and Joe moves out of earshot to explain that he needs to meet with the Principle.

While we wait, I take a seat next to Connor and while I try to piece together what I am going to say next he speaks six words that have my world spinning and my stomach very nearly emptying its contents in the middle of the corridor

"I know that you're my dad"

When I have managed to swallow back the tang of bile in my throat and words on the tip of my tongue, Connor continues to talk "My Mom told me that you were my father and that you died when your boat got lost at sea. She never told me that you came back. But I saw you on the news. How come it took you so long to come for me?" He asks, looking away trying to be brave.

I blink back the tears that are threating to fall. The thought of this small boy pining for me for the last four years, wondering why I never came home. I am mindful of what Sandra would want, but I can't let Connor think that I turned my back on him. I reach my hand out to him, curling my arm around his back, desperate to hold him and to make him understand but I retract it, knowing full well it is too much too soon, Instead I explain in the best way I can.

"Connor, I didn't know that you were my Son, I only found two weeks ago. But I am here now and I'd like to be your friend if that's ok?"

I watch on, my heart breaking at the sight before me, as he tries to covertly wipe a tear from his eye, not wanting to give away how much he is affected by my presence. When he is sure that the tears are no longer visible his lifts his head and with an air of nonchalance he replies.

"I guess."

I shakily inhale, the relief I feel is palpable and I try and keep my cool exterior for Connors sake. I engage in life threatening activity every day, fighting tooth and nail with people that are more evil than I ever believed could exist and yet here I am terrified of an eight year old boy.

In my best attempt diffuse the situation I gesture to the lightning bolt symbol on his backpack . "You like the Flash huh?"

Connors eyes light up at the mention of Barry's alter ego and I can't help the pang of jealousy that follows

"Yeah he's the best, he's a hero, he can run so fast. It's really cool"

"Yeah, wow, that is pretty cool" I agree, turning my body to face and engage him. "So how come you uh, are you know sat outside the Principals office" I try to ask nonchalantly and Connor quietly eyes with me suspiciously, clearly deciding whether or not he wants to discuss it. With his head hung low he fiddles with his hands and begins to speak

"Eddie, he hurt Emily. He's always being mean and today he pushed her over on purpose. So I hit him" Connor raised his eyes to meet mine. When he sees my non- judgemental reaction he continues "I just wanted him to stop. And now I'm going to get suspended. Miss. Clunkard is a real badass""

"A badass huh?" I Chuckle

"Yeah a really big badass, and Mom is gonna ground me for sure."

"Okay, Well maybe she will but you could explain that you were looking after your friend and she will see what a really noble thing you did. Tell her that now thinking about it you could have handled it better; I mean violence should be a last resort. Maybe you could have told the teacher?"

"Okay thanks. Maybe you could have a word with her?" Connor queried, a small smirk appearing on his face

"Nice try kid" Says a voice beside us, and I turn to see that Joe has returned. "Come on let's get you out of here"

I grab Connors rucksack and stand, watching him mirror my movement and stand beside me, ready to make our way through the musty corridor. When we reach the main entrance the hairs on my neck stand on end; I can feel eyes on us, and by the look on Joes face he feels it too. I quicken my pace and scoop Connor into my arms as a figure appears by the school gates with his hand inside his jacket. I hear Joe release the safety on his gun and in quick succession as though we had planned it, I swivel toward him and catch the car keys that he throws in my direction before opening fire on the man behind us.