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Year 1 Month 12 [Barry]
After the talk with Caitlin things returned to normal. As normal as they could be. She didn't bring up his mother in conversation, but she didn't have to. He knew that if he needed to talk she would be there for him, and that was more than enough.
"Sir, here's your agenda for the week," Jessie stepped in and handed him a folder with all the documents revolving around his appointments for the week. Whatever happened last weekend she was so glad for. His mood had certainly improved.
He went through the documents sifting through those that were truly important and others that could be delegated or postponed. "Jessie, please reschedule the budget presentations for pediatrics and obstetrics for Wednesday," his Friday agenda was too busy, "Reschedule all Friday afternoon appointments," he handed the documents back.
"All of them?" she hesitated. He'd only made a request like this a few months back. "I mean, do you want to reschedule them for earlier in the week?" There was no way her ogre CEO would think of taking an afternoon off. Surely, he wanted to make space for more important work. Which meant overtime this Friday. She held back a groan. Not again.
"Reschedule them for next week. Clear my afternoon schedule, I have something else to do,"
She eyed him curiously. What could it possibly be? It definitely had to do with his private appointment for the weekend. She was sure. Every year he marked off the same date as a private appointment. This year it happened to fall on a weekend. Yet he never took the day off. Or could it be a date with his wife? Oh, that was probably it! She didn't think he had a romantic bone in his body. The things you learn. She giggled like a mad woman in her mind, storing this knowledge away. Who knew when she could make use of it?
"...Jessie?" He called for the third time. Why was she looking at him like a lunatic?
She shook her head briefly to pull herself away from the fantasy. "Yes, yes sir!" She nodded and walked quickly outside of the office giggling in the process.
What had gotten into her? Whatever the case was, he needed to proceed with the next part of the plan.
"Hello?" He inquired to the other person on the phone. "Yes, I'd like to place an order for this week."
{-}
A few days passed and Caitlin noticed Barry was acting strange. Strange in an interesting way. When they drove back home together he would mostly initiate small talk, asking her about her day, school, work, anything new. Generally, she was the one to start a conversation whenever they were alone. Or just yesterday he brought her a small box of cranberry-orange muffins, out of the kindness of his heart. Or how he offered to take her to school the last two mornings.
Something was off. He wanted to ask her something
And boy was it amusing to see him try.
"So, how was your day today?" He asked as they both sat for dinner.
Today she hadn't worked, so they didn't drive back home, "It was good. Reviewing the last material for finals," she bit into her salad. "I'm ready for the semester to be over," she finished, while eyeing him in anticipation of what he would say next.
"You say that every time major exams come up," he stated.
She smiled faintly, "At least I got you to listen to my whining."
He smiled at that too.
"How was your day?" She asked after some silence.
He shrugged, "Nothing new. Meetings, contracts, rounds at the hospital."
"You make it sound so exciting," she teased.
"It's another job."
"You change people's lives Barry," she set her fork down, "don't take that responsibility lightly."
He looked at her, digesting her words. It was true. Running a hospital wasn't just figures and inventory, it was people. Not just those that worked with and for him, but those that were putting their lives in the hands of the hospital.
It was something his father had stressed to him since the very beginning. The main reason why he told him he wasn't fit to be the chairman of the whole hospital chain.
He would prove him wrong.
"So what was your good deed of the day?"
"Changing people's lives isn't enough?" He joked.
She rolled her eyes at him, "Ha, ha, very funny. No, seriously."
Had he done a good deed today? He didn't fire anyone, did that count? He stayed silent, deep in thought, thinking what was his good deed of the day. Something that would make him proud to share.
He snapped his fingers, "I got it!" He was full of pride, "I bought a drink for a kid." Sure, the machine ate his extra dollar, but he clearly saw the kid take advantage and get a free Sprite in the process. Sneaky child.
She nodded and gave him a round of applause. "Nice, nice."
He gave her a smug self-satisfied smile.
"What about yours? What was your good deed of the day?"
She pondered on the question for some time. She'd help a lady cross the street, but those were manners. She found three-hundred dollars but turned them in to the Campus Police. Tuition was coming due, surely someone would be stressing for that money. She helped a fellow student with his biochem homework, but that was nothing out of the ordinary. She remembered how hard that class was, it was the least she could do.
"Not sure."
Both of them got up and picked up their plates while heading to the kitchen.
"Perhaps, my good deed of the day will be doing dishes today?" She said with a grin. It was his turn tonight.
Barry helped her dry the dishes in silence. Suddenly, he cleared his throat. This was a perfect transition to what he needed. "I have a good deed in mind."
{-}
His hands were sweaty. He was nervous, like he hadn't been in a long time. It was so cold, but he felt like nothing could quench the burning anxiety that was consuming him. He took a deep breath for the umpteenth time. What if he was asked to leave? What if he ruined everything somehow? What if—?
He was pulled away from his thoughts as he felt a petite hand lace with his.
"You can do this," she told him encouragingly. She knew it had taken a lot of courage for him to even decide to come. "And if you need me, I'm here,"
He gave her a ghost of a smile. "Thank you for coming," he said gratefully.
"Thank you for having me," she gave him a little squeeze and rang the doorbell.
He looked at her one last time, and was so relieved that she had agreed to come with him. He hadn't come to visit his mother's grave since that day, and he wasn't sure he would have the strength to do it at all. Much less, if that meant he needed to see his father in the process. He hadn't forgiven him fully, but the person he needed to forgive first was himself, before he could take a step of that magnitude.
Slowly, the door opened. Henry Allen greeted them with mild surprise. After his conversation with Caitlin, he knew she would fulfill her promise of talking to Barry. However, what his son decided to do was something he couldn't predict. Seeing the aftermath of that conversation...his heart was ready to burst with happiness.
"Come on in," he said enthusiastically.
Barry nodded and Caitlin walked in with a polite smile.
Henry didn't fail to notice they were holding hands.
{-}
"I wasn't expecting any company today," Henry said good natured, but Barry felt as if daggers went through him. "Make yourselves at home, I'll bring some refreshments."
"You don't have to sir," Caitlin pitched in quickly, "let me do that."
"Nonsense dear, you're my guests."
"I insist," she gave him a look and then looked at Barry, before quickly turning to the elder doctor once more, "just let me know where the kitchen is, I'll take care of the rest."
Then it dawned on the elder man what the woman was trying to do. He held back a smile. Nora would have loved her, "Just keep walking in that direction and to your right, you can't miss it."
Caitlin nodded and excused herself.
Barry watched her leave, and wouldn't be surprised if her plan really was to leave him alone with his father.
"So," his dad started, "how have you been son?"
"Fine,"
"Good, I'm glad,"
Barry nodded.
Additional silence ensued.
His son would not make things easy. No matter. He was always up for a challenge, "I was thinking of creating a partnership with Gotham City's Children's Hospital."
His son nodded once again, "That's good."
There was no need for small talk, he could get straight to it. What was the point of wasting more time in this critical moment, "I'm glad you're here son."
Barry finally looked at his father. They've been seeing each other for the last couple of years. Henry, like a father that walked on eggshells around his son. Barry, like a son that wanted nothing to do with his father. However, for better or worse they worked together, and that made their relationship more contrived.
For the first time in a long time, Barry was seeing the emotion behind his father's eyes. He could see the infinite tenderness in his green eyes, so similar to his own. His father was truly happy to have him here. For them to rekindle that close relationship they once had. Afterall, his father had always been his hero up until that day.
The wound hadn't healed, but he wasn't picking at the scar anymore.
"I'm doing this for mom," Barry clarified.
His father understood too well. He wasn't expecting anything more. This was enough. "I'm still happy to see you son."
"How have you been?" Barry asked. For the last number of years they've only had a working relationship. Nothing more and nothing less than that.
"I've been doing well. Excited to see the family grow," he motioned to Caitlin that was coming back with a tray full of glasses of water and cookies.
The implication wasn't missed to Barry. He was so relieved Caitlin hadn't heard that.
"I wasn't sure what to bring, so I brought a bit of everything," she placed the tray on the center table and passed out the drinks.
She noticed there was an awkward atmosphere in the air. She was familiar with that. Caitlin had her fair share of awkward situations with Barry —she understood what needed to be done.
"Dr. Allen," both men turned to her, "this is my first time here, would you mind showing me around?"
Henry smiled, "Of course Caitlin," he stood up and offered her his arm.
She stood up and took the elder doctor's arm while giving Barry a discrete thumbs up.
He saw his father and wife walk away and a small smile came to him. Silly woman. She knows me too well.
"That was subtle," Henry commended.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Caitlin said innocently.
{-}
It had taken him eleven years. Eleven long years to come here. To talk to her. To say hello. To say goodbye.
Having his father greet him warmly, brought him some relief. He wasn't ready to deepen their relationship. To fix what was broken. Not yet. However, that day seemed much closer.
He knelt down and placed the bouquet of white roses and pale pink carnations for his mother, with the utmost respect. White roses as a symbol of remembrance, because she had always stayed in his heart and always will be. Pink carnations, because those were her favorites. Ironically enough, they symbolized ever lasting motherly love. Even after she was gone, she still told him how much he meant to her. That thought alone made his eyes sting.
He inhaled deeply and finally got the courage to speak.
"It's been a while," he said softly. There was so much he wanted to say, that all the time in the world wouldn't be enough. "A lot has changed in the last eleven years," he said, "I'm running my own hospital now, can you believe it?" When he was little he always played doctor with her. She was always his favorite patient. "I haven't gotten another dog after Krypto," his mom would always tease him that he would become a veterinarian because of how much he loved animals. His parents had gifted him Krypto, a golden retriever, on his middle school graduation and he had his parents look after him when he left to Gotham.
He looked up and saw Caitlin and his father talking by the kitchen window. "There's something else that I want to tell you," Caitlin laughed at something his father had said, "I got married."
His mother would have been ecstatic, perhaps planning the whole wedding. He could already see her looking for the venues, talking about dresses with the auburn haired woman, and somehow they would both agree on the food. "I have a feeling you would have liked her very much."
She was a good person. He knew that from the very beginning.
"Sometimes she makes me want to pull my hair out," he laughed lightly, "especially when we first met," the thought was a fond memory now, "But most days I'm just…" he stopped himself and looked up from his mother's grave to his wife. He had been very adamant about admitting this out loud. However, if he couldn't tell his mother, then who could he tell?
"Most days I'm just happy that she's here," he said barely above a whisper.
A year had passed since they married. It seemed like a lifetime ago when they met to sign their agreement. When he barked at Cisco for choosing such a problematic and stubborn woman. When he introduced her to his father, and her unflinching honesty made the old man laugh. A calculated kiss at their wedding. The days they argued. The days they laughed. Those mischievous smiles. Movie nights. Pool parties. A heated kiss just a few months ago.
A lot had happened in that one year.
"She reminds me a lot about you actually," it wasn't physical. It was the warmth and the acceptance that both women brought him. His mom always believed he could be anything he wanted to be, be it a doctor, or a superhero. Caitlin made him believe he could be better, do more, be more, and she accepted every side of him —even the ones he wasn't very proud of. "She has a big heart. Just like you mom. Perhaps that's why dad likes her so much."
Which was nothing more than the truth. Since the moment he introduced her, Henry was taken. It was obvious to him, and another reason he wanted to keep his distance from her. Something he failed miserably at.
He blamed that simpleton charm of hers.
{-}
"Your wife was very beautiful Dr. Allen," she said as she admired a picture of the three of them. Barry was probably eight or nine at the time.
"She was," he said wistfully. "I wish you could have met her."
Caitlin nodded, "I wish so too."
"I'm sure she would have loved you," Henry said as she looked fondly at the image of his wife. He missed her, some days like today, the thought was almost unbearable. "She always said our son needed someone that could both ground him and push him,"
Caitlin smiled shyly, "I'm nothing special."
Henry shook his head, "You are," they stopped in the kitchen and the elder doctor directed his gaze towards the yard, where his son was gifting his mother a bouquet of flowers. "Thank you for bringing him here today."
She waved her hand, "Not at all. It was his choice," she explained, "Barry was the one that wanted to come. I just tagged along,"
"He wouldn't have come if you hadn't spoken to him," Henry countered.
She scratched the back of her neck nervously. The details of that conversation could remain a secret between her and Barry. "It really was nothing special," she dismissed the praise quickly, "I'm glad that you received him with open arms, he needed that," she smiled fondly at the older man.
"How could I receive my son any other way?" He took a sip from his water and looked at his son briefly before turning back to his daughter-in-law. "Trust me, he didn't inherit his hot headedness from me."
She laughed. "Not sure Mrs. Allen would approve," Then again Dr. Allen seemed like a very nice and reasonable man. So it made her wonder.
Henry joined her, "She would not have wanted to hear you call her Mrs. Allen," she always said that made her feel old, whenever anyone called her Mrs. Allen, "If she were here, she would tell you to call her Nora, that's her God-given name so it should be used," he recited as Nora had said so many times before.
Caitlin fell silent. Barry hadn't liked the fact that she had called Nora by her name when they were having that discussion. She didn't want to overstep any boundaries so she didn't argue further on the matter.
After a comfortable silence, she spoke again, "Days like this are hard," she said more to herself than to the doctor.
"Very," Henry agreed. "But knowing you're not alone, gives you the strength to move forward," he said wisely.
"Barry is very fortunate to have you," she said sincerely. She understood the meaning behind his words. Henry didn't want to leave Barry alone, so he was the one there from the shadows, giving his son strength. Even when Barry didn't even know it or acknowledge it. It was amazing how much parents gave to their children. She admired him all the more for it.
"I could say the same thing."
Caitlin took a sip from her water, avoiding his eyes.
"Should you go out there with him?" Henry asked.
The woman looked ahead and saw Barry talking with his mother. A conversation that was long overdue between them.
She shook her head softly. "He's doing just fine."
{-}
The day went smoothly after that. Henry ordered them all dinner, and while Barry was mostly silent, the atmosphere felt lighter between the two men. There was still a long way to go, but they were headed in the right direction.
On their way back home. Caitlin remained silent, looking at Barry from time to time, but letting him digest the pivotal day he'd had. She was proud of him. Only he understood the magnitude of this day. Having seen his father as a father once more, instead of a business partner, a boss. Going to visit his mother. Something he hadn't done since her funeral. Barry was growing, maturing, living. She was happy to be there to see that.
"Cait," she heard him call.
It was funny how the nickname had stuck. It seemed almost like second nature to them, and in some ways it felt very intimate. Not that she would say that out loud. Barry would surely have choice words about that notion.
"I'm thankful that you were there today," he looked at the road ahead.
She smiled, "You have nothing to thank me for."
Nothing was said until they arrived at their house.
Caitlin entered first. Barry stayed behind to get something from the trunk.
She opened the door and turned on the lights, while hanging her coat by the coat rack near the entrance.
Barry came in with a rectangular box with a red bow. He cleared his throat to get her attention. She turned around and curiously eyed him and the box, but didn't say anything.
He had gone over what he would say to her and when it came down to it, his mind was drawing a blank. How frustrating. He took a deep internal breath and pushed forward, hoping not to embarrass himself, "I kept thinking what would be a good way to express my gratitude for today and— "
"Barry you really didn't have to," Caitlin said gently.
"I wanted to," he said with confidence, "and I hope you accept this gift," he finished while handing her the box.
She smiled at him, "Don't mind if I do," she carefully opened the box and in it had a small flower arrangement, with some cherry blossoms, baby's breath flowers, and… "and orange rose, how pretty," she said delighted.
"It's actually a peach rose," he clarified indifferently.
She moved her head a bit, "No, this definitely looks orange to me," she said.
"It's peach," he insisted while remaining calm.
Caitlin examined the rose carefully and after a few seconds she stated, "Let's compromise and call it a coral rose."
He shrugged in response, "If that makes you happy," he really wanted to insist that the rose was a peach color, but refrained, to avoid sounding petty in front of her.
Later that evening he looked up the meaning of roses. The florist had been very adamant on him getting the peach rose since it symbolized sincerity and gratitude. Which was exactly what he was going for. He hadn't quite looked into the symbolism of roses aside from that one — to confirm that he had been told the truth. Yet, his curiosity won over and he decided to look up the meaning of the coral and orange roses.
Orange Roses —
This bold flower signifies enthusiasm, energy, fascination and desire. They are a great gift for a romance that started as a friendship. Depending on the intention, this flower can take several meanings. For many, this flower represents intense desire for the recipient. It's a great gift to take your relationship to the next level *wink*
He raised a curious eyebrow. Moving on…
Coral Roses —
Are the perfect gift to give someone you are very excited about! Someone you want to get to know better or spend more time with. Their meaning lies somewhere between love and friendship. They are the perfect gift for a budding relationship.
He turned off his reading light and looked up at the darkness in his room. He wondered if the rose held any meaning for Caitlin.
Maybe coral hadn't been a bad compromise after all.
{x}
We are wrapping up year one. Just one more chapter to close out that year. Promise it will not take as long as this one to put out. Next chapter will take us into the mind of Caitlin and a little bit of her past.
Thank you to those that take the time to read, it warms my heart. And a big hug and special thanks to those that actually leave a review: Rosewelllostcause, Shyesplease, and John Robinson for your kind words last chapter!