Chapter 5

2 years later…

Sebastian was nervous. While the admissions for Dalton aren't as stringent on academics as Barry's. He knew that he was taking a shot trying to get into his Uncle's alma-mater. He was sure that the high school had hundreds if not thousands of applicants to join their school. But Sebastian was determined. He knew what he wanted after that afternoon in Paris. Spending time with his Uncle and his friend, John Sterling. He knew he wanted to surround himself with people like that. Smart, ambitious, and driven. He could see it in his friend Jeff and Nick. Sebastian knew he couldn't find that same challenge in Central City.

He had crafted an entire campaign to encourage his parents to let him go to Dalton. He had sent his application himself. His Grandparents know of his plans. They have agreed to let him stay with them should he need it, and agreed to keep it from his parents, letting him try to convince his parents this was the move he wanted to do. He even consulted his Uncle on his essay for the admissions.

All this he did behind his parent's back. Only Barry knew what he was planning, having caught him sending the admissions in. He wanted to have all his ducks in a row before he brought it up to his parents. He wanted his parents to see he was responsible enough to be spending high school in another state. Smart enough to handle all documents and processes without needing them to be at his side. He had even managed to make arrangements with Grandfather Smythe, and the entire family knew that old man Seb is one of the most well respected lawyers in Ohio and had to be fully determined to convince him of anything. Grandpa Seb had agreed to let Sebastian stay in their home in Ohio with them and be his emergency contact for the school should he get in. The last step on his plan is to actually get in.

Jeff and Nick had gotten their acceptance letter for Dalton that week. He was expecting to get his sometime soon knowing that he lived farther than the dynamic duo.

He was in his room with the envelope he snuck from the pile of mail that arrived that morning. It was addressed to him with a stamped school logo at the seal. Barry snuck into his room.

"Did it come?"

Sebastian waved the envelope.

"I'm nervous, what if I don't get in?"

"You will." Barry reassured. "You're in the top ten in your class, taking almost all AP classes, and have about five different extracurriculars that I don't even know how you're sleeping. If the school did not accept you then they dont deserve you."

"You know it doesn't work that way but thanks for the effort." Sebastian murmured. "Okay."

Sebastian broke the seal and opened the letter.

"Well?"

"I got in!" Sebastian whispered in a daze. "I got in!"

"You got in!" Barry grabbed Sebastian in a hug.

"That's the last step right?" Barry asked "You're gonna tell mom and dad?"

"Yeah."

"Thank god." Barry sighed in relief. "You know I'm so bad at keeping secrets."

Sebastian laughed. "I'm surprised you lasted this long."

"Who's fault is that?" Barry said, smacking his brother's shoulder. "You do know Mom and Dad would've been supportive of this right? You didn't have to go through all this subterfuge."

"Yeah, but I want to go to a boarding school miles away from Central City." Sebastian reminded. "How long did it take you to convince Mom to let you dorm in CCSA?"

"Point taken." Barry admitted. "But you could've at least told Dad."

"Dad can't keep anything from mom if his life depended on it!"

Barry pouted knowing his brother was right. "So when are you going to tell them. Knowing you, you probably have a whole presentation planned."

"I'm planning to tell them tonight." Sebastian admitted. "Nick and Jeff are waiting for news if I'm joining them at Dalton or not."

"How is it that you know these guys for over two years and I have yet to meet them?"

"I don't know all your friends either." Sebastian pointed out. "And they live near Ohio. When we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Smythe, both of them were on vacation with their family."

"Let's go get breakfast." Barry said. "You're going to need your energy with the amount of convincing you need to do to get mom and dad to let you go."

"Don't I know it."


"So?" Sebastian asked after nervously presenting his case to his parents. Barry looked at him with a surprised look on his face. He knew his brother has been working on this since he started middle school. But he has to admit this was impressive.

Henry and Nora Allen knew that Sebastian was up to something. Sebastian was highly ambitious. With Barry getting a full scholarship up until he graduates high school, they were expecting Sebastian to need some sort of encouragement to join the private high school they were looking into at West Central City. What they didn't expect was for him to find a more competitive school miles away.

"But Ohio is miles away, Seb." Nora said. "Alex used to come home every night, you'd have to dorm at the school almost year round."

"I have already talked to Grandma and Grandpa Smythe, if I ever need help, I can call them." Sebastian said. "Most of Uncle Alex's friends kids are also going to be in the same year as me. I doubt I can even join, I don't know, a sports club without it getting back to you within a week."

"Your uncle didn't put you up to this did he?"

"I admit, it started because I wanted to be more like Uncle Alex." Sebastian said. "Then I saw him with his partners, his old friends from Dalton. I wanted to have friends like that too. Worldly, well rounded friends, who come from different backgrounds and career goals. I know I may never be the next great doctor or inventor, but I want something for myself. Something that I choose. And I think this is what I want to do."

Nora knew she cannot argue with her son on this. But she was still hesitant. She looked towards her husband. "Are you gonna say something?"

"Are you sure about this, Champ?" Henry asked. "Ohio is not just next door. We can't just drive to you at a moment's notice when you need us. You're going to be on your own a lot."

"I won't be on my own." Sebastian reassured. "I'll have Grandma and Grampa Smythe. I can call anytime I need you."

Henry looked at Nora and shrugged much to her bemusement.

"Let your dad and I talk about this first, Sebastian." Nora said. "This is a big decision for all of us."

"Okay."


Natalia Smythe was a spry woman in her early sixties. Living in Ohio with her husband was peaceful, but with her son in Paris with his wife, and her daughter in Central City with her husband, she missed out on having rambunctious grandchildren getting into all kinds of mischief. She loved her three grandsons and one granddaughter immensely. Which is what excited her most on the most recent development on one of her precious grandsons planning to study in her son's alma mater

The Allens arrived at the townhouse in Westerville at Mid August. Natalia had excitedly greeted her daughter and son in law as they got out of the rental car.

"You're here!" She hugged her daughter tightly before greeting her Son in law. "How was the flight down here?"

"Hi, Nat." Henry greeted after receiving his own hug. "It was a little bumpy, but Bas managed to survive it."

"I think I lost most of my lunch at the airport after we landed." Sebastian groaned as he got out of the car. "And the smell of Barry's fish dish almost made me hurl on the plane."

"It didn't taste much better than it smelled." Barry admitted.

"There are my grandsons!"

She grabbed both boys in a tight hug, one arm wrapped around each of her twin grandson's necks. Both teenage boys are already a few inches taller than her causing both to crouch down so she can reach them. They each had an arm around their enthusiastic grandmother.

"I missed you boys."

"We missed you too Grandma." Sebastian croaked under her grip.

"Yeah, we did." Barry croaked beside him. "Anything new with you and Grandpa?"

She released both boys to their relief. "So sweet of you to ask, Barry. I'll tell you all about my big Bowling Tournament. It's a hoot!"

Barry looked at Sebastian behind their grandmother's back with wide eyes anticipating her ramble. Sebastian laughed at his brother's expense.

"We'd love to hear about it later, Grandma," Sebastian said, guiding her inside. "Barry and I have to unload the rental first. How about later we can have tea with Grandpa and I'll tell you all about the play I did this Summer before coming here."

"I'm so excited to have one of you youngsters live here again." Natalia said, pinching Sebastian's cheek. "I get to hear all about little mischievous adventures, especially from you my little Guppy."

"Leave the boy alone, Natty."

Sebastian Smythe stood on the front porch greeting his family. The older man still stood tall and respectable. White hair slicked back, sweater over a collared white shirt, some well worn pants and comfortable loafers. The former State's Attorney looks as healthy as he did in his prime.

"And there is the old Sea Bass." Natalie said cheekily reaching up to kiss her husband to let him know she's teasing. He gave her a playful face as well before greeting his family.

"Come on in, I'm sure you're all tired."

"We're good to unload, Grandpa Seb." Barry responded, grabbing his duffel bag from the trunk. "I wasn't the one hit by the turbulence."

"I'm feeling way better now that we're back on solid ground." Sebastian grumbled. Grabbing one of the suitcases he brought to Ohio. "The smell of the processed fish with the bumpy ride made me lose everything I ate before the ride."

Sebastian Smythe rolled his eyes at his bickering grandsons and led his wife into the house. The two boys managed to get all the leftover bags from the rental into the living room where they started sorting them out.

"Bas, you and Barry can stay in the guest room if you'd like." Grandpa Seb said. "I'm sure you'd like to settle into a room instead of the family room when you're not in your dorm. Or you can settle in your mom's old room after you settle in Dalton."

"I think the guest room is fine, Grandpa Seb." Sebastian responded. "Mom and dad are settling in mom's old room while we're here. I don't want to make a mess of things."

"Go on and bring your bags up then come back down for lunch." Grandpa Seb instructed. "Your Grandma spent all morning cooking. I'm sure you're all hungry."

Sebastian and Barry quickly brought up their bags and washed up before heading to the kitchen where their parents and grandparents were already settled.

The Smythe-Allen family happily enjoyed a meal together. Natalie totally forgot about her bowling tournament story being engrossed in her grandson's exploits and mischief. Sebastian told the tales of his latest Summer Theater Camp before heading to Ohio. And Barry told his grandparents about the latest upgrade that he managed to do on his robot that still got quarantined by his CCSA professor despite having controlled the fire. "That was irresponsible of you to let it almost burn another student a second time, Barry." Grandpa Seb scolded lightly. "What if someone got injured?"

"No one got hurt." Barry protested. "Mrs. Thompson managed to find the fire extinguisher. And my robot wasn't the most dangerous one there. Wall-E 2.0 lives to see another day!"

Grandpa Seb rolled his eyes at his cackling wife from Barry's story. He stood up from his chair and went over to the couch where he pulled out two identical paper bags. Both boys' eyes widened in excitement when their grandfather handed them the bags.

"With both you boys heading to high school, your Grandma and I have something for you both."

They excitedly pulled out two almost identical leather messenger bags only differentiated in color. Barry was admiring the brown leather while Sebastian excitedly checked out the compartments of his black bag.

"Both you boys are going to be intelligent and professional young men." Grandpa Seb said. "I believe it's about time for you to get your own professional looking satchel."

"Thanks Grandpa, Grandma!" Both boys stood to hug each of their Grandparents before switching and hugging the other much to Grandma Natalie's amusement.


Sebastian Smythe was in his home office doing some light work when someone knocked on the door.

"Hi Grandpa." Sebastian Allen said, opening the door. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. I did." Grandpa Seb motioned for him to approach and closed the Manila folder on his desk, he took off his reading glasses to look at his grandson. Still at the beginning of his teenage years, his grandson already stood taller than his wife. Stance balanced and confident from what he knows is years of dance and theater his grandson enjoyed. His gaze was so full of curiosity at his grandfather's study and trying so hard not to show it. It reminded him of his own children at that age.

He sat down with his grandson on the couch in his study.

"I wanted to see if you were settling in alright."

"Yeah, Barry and I managed to unpack my bags in the room." Sebastian said excitedly. "Thank you for letting me stay here Grandpa, I promise I won't get into any trouble."

"I somehow doubt that." Grandpa Seb teased much to Sebastian's surprise. "You're a teenage boy, Sebastian. I'm sure you will get into your own mischief. If not with your friends, I'm sure your Grandma will rope you into enough to add more white hairs on my head."

Sebastian laughed.

"Which is what I wanted to talk to you about." Sebastian had a good relationship with his Grandparents. He knew that Grandpa Seb had some rough edges and he wasn't a stranger to his stern looks. But this is the first time he had seen this strict yet sincere look from his Grandpa. "I want you to listen to me, well."

Grandpa Seb was face to face with his namesake. He looked at the bright and innocent green eyes of his grandson. "You are about to start your high school years. And this time is going to be the most exciting and the most confusing time of your life. And you're going to be spending this time away from your comfort zone. You know your Grandma and I love you very much."

"Of course, I know." Sebastian affirmed. "I never doubted that."

"Good." Grandpa Seb said approvingly. "I want you to know the rules while you are here. While under our care, your Grandma and I will be responsible for you, young man. And while living on campus will give you a lot of freedom, we expect you to try your best to be your best self."

Grandpa Seb patted and held his grandson's cheek in his hand, his finger caressing gently at the young boy's face. "I know our little Guppy will be cheeky and mischievous. And we are expecting a lot of your little trouble making ways even without your partner in crime here."

Sebastian gave his grandfather an innocent look which caused Grandpa Seb a small chuckle. "But we want you to be responsible."

"Grandpa, you don't need to worry so much about me." Sebastian said. "The dorms have almost everything available. I'm sure I can handle taking care of myself while I'm there."

"Responsibility is more than just taking care of your physical needs." Grandpa Seb said. "It also means taking care of your mental well being. Accepting and owning up to your mistakes. Promise me, you will try your best."

Sebastian nodded solemnly at his Grandpa. "I will, Grandpa. I will make you proud."

"That's my boy." Grandpa Seb said. "And I want to promise you my boy, that I will be here for you. For whatever you need. Whatever mistake you make. I will always love you and we will go through it together."

"Does that mean, I won't get into trouble if I stay out late at night?"

"Oh you still will." Grandpa Seb said playfully at Sebastian's pout. "But I will make sure you are back home safe and sound before we talk about any punishment."

Sebastian sighed half expecting it. He knew his Grandpa Smythe was known to be the strictest of his Grandparents. "I guess that's fair."

Grandpa Seb nodded. And hugged his grandson. He was excited to have his grandson with him for the next few years but also uneasy about what kind of mischief he knew his energetic youngster could get into. Especially with his wife surely joining him.


Okay hehe a little heart to heart from Grandpa Seb and his little Bas.

I was on the fence on what to name the Grandpa. Since I figured, Bartholomew sounded like an ancestral name. And frankly so did Sebastian. So I wanted to created Grandpa Sebastian Smythe. Grumpy and Caring Grandpa Smythe husband to the Wildfire Grandma Natalie. (Grandpa Bart will be a separate thing but that's debatable if I will go through with it XD)

In case anyone is confused.

Grandpa is Sebastian Smythe

Main Character is Sebastian Smythe - Allen.

Anyways, one more chapter before we head on to Sebastian's adventures in Dalton.

Let me Know what you think :D