Chapter 25: Going Home

Judy held Rupert nervously as Barry Allen helped her into the house of Harrison Wells. Dr. McGee had shared the test results with her and now Judy was trying to decide what to do about them. The joy that surged through her shared link as Harrison Wells greeted them in the hallway jolted her. The similar joy which surged back from Harrison was even more of a shock. It was obvious that in the nearly three weeks her son had been with the man he'd bonded with him.

"Da-da-da-da," Rupert managed.

"Better watch out Harrison, I think that was directed at you," Joe West declared. He was healing fast and had been recuperating at Harrison's house. He didn't want to miss a minute with Rupert.

"He's very vocal!" Judy marveled. She watched the group. Caitlin was talking Barry and Cisco through getting everything in the right place. Really there wasn't much they had to do. A few more happy surges through the link and Judy knew what she had to do about the test results. Once they were alone in the room with just Harrison she felt the need weigh oppressively down on her.

"Something on your mind Judy?" Harrison asked the question. It made sense, he was probably getting feedback from the link with her nervousness.

"Yes," she said bluntly. "I have something I think I need to tell you. I think I can trust you."

"I assure you, Judy, Chrissy doesn't know the real me like she thinks she does. At least, not anymore," Harrison assured her. A look of sadness filled his face as he spoke about his former friend.

"I have powers too," Judy declared. He didn't seem shocked so she continued speaking rapidly. "They showed up shortly after the explosion. It was little things at first. Zits vanishing when I stressed over them. My hair changed colour one night while I was sleeping."

"You have control of your body," Harrison guessed. Judy nodded.

"Yes. Then about fifteen months ago my baby brother died of cancer." She took a deep breath and kept going. "The only thing he wanted in the world was a son and he never got that. About two months after his funeral I found out I was pregnant."

"Your body responding to your brother's desire which you'd internalized," Harrison guessed. Judy nodded. "Parthenogenesis."

"Yes. Only, when he was born, he didn't develop as fast. He grew fine well enough but his motor movements and mental development wasn't on par. Tina is my best friend so she offered me a job and I told her about Rupert. So, we tested his DNA."

"Basically identical to yours but with the SRY gene," Harrison hazarded another guess. Judy nodded again.

"After you and Joe found Rupert he started to change. He's caught up with where he's supposed to be in all developmental areas. His eyes are bluer. His hair is darker, almost redder. He's happier." Sighing, Judy looked down at her happy son. "So Tina and I tested him again."

"His DNA has changed?" Once more Harrison seemed to not only be following but was right there with her.

"Yes." Judy bit her lips and then looked up at the group.

"In what manner has it changed?" From the look on Harrison's face, Judy figured he knew the answer.

"He has a father now. There's a second DNA contributor. It's no longer identical to my own," Judy declared. Harrison seemed oddly silent. "We compared his DNA to your's using a paternity test. 99.999% match."

"He took my DNA and incorporated it into his own," Harrison clarified. Judy nodded.

"Look, I know you didn't ask for this and I won't ask you for anything," Judy started. She looked at him, sitting there with an unreadable expression on his face. "Please say something. I have no idea how to continue this conversation."

"Judy, I cannot begin to understand what you are feeling," Harrison said after a pregnant pause. He guided his chair forwards and reached out to Rupert, gently lifting the child into his lap. "But I can tell you that you and Rupert will both always be welcomed here. If there is ever anything I can do for you or him I'll be more than happy to do it. I understand if you don't want me to be part of his life, but I would love it if you'd let me participate in some way."

It was more than Judy had hoped for. Rupert now not only had a genetic father but a man who wanted to be his father. Plus, Harrison didn't seemed bothered by the powers Judy and Rupert possessed. She might still be a single mother but she had someone else she could go to for help now. Tears started to fall from her eyes.

"Come one now, none of that," Harrison lectured. "I'll show you where we have you set up and then I will give you a tour." Laughter spread through the room as Cisco raced in and snatched Rupert from Harrison's grasp. The young engineer then dashed off with Barry following. It seemed they had some mischief planned with the infant.