Too Fast {Barry Allen}

Three | Barry Allen

It's been four days.

That's how long since I found out that Barry Allen was awake. That's also how long I've been avoiding the West family. Especially Iris.

She has called multiple times, asking when I'm free this week in order to plan this dinner to introduce Barry and I. I've been dodging her calls or giving vague excuses, but I can't hold out forever.

I'm so nervous and anxious about the whole idea of seeing Barry. The only time that I've actually been in his presence is when he was unconscious; not counting the time I bumped into him on the street before he was struck by lightning because I had no idea who he was.

What if he doesn't like me? Or I don't impress him or something? He is a really smart CSI, so he probably has a higher IQ than I do, though mine is pretty good. Barry has been in my life ever since the night of the Particle Accelerator. I've thought about him for nine months, worrying if he would ever wake up. I just don't want to lose him, even though I technically never had him.

I was on my way to the hospital to do a few hours as a candy striper, but I desperately wanted a hot chocolate from Jitters. Even though it was a coffee place, they made the best hot chocolate I have ever had. I made sure that Iris wouldn't be working today so that I could grab a cup before my shift.

I quickly walked up to the register and paid for my regular order. It was quickly prepared in a to-go cup and handed over to me by a barista. I smiled at her kindly, saying thank you.

When I turned around, I jumped with a gasp. Iris was standing right behind me with her arms crossed.

"Iris," I panted, glad I didn't spill my drink. That wouldn't have been pleasant. "Oh, you almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry, but you brought this upon yourself," Iris shrugged, not looking apologetic one bit. "You've been avoiding me."

"What?" I furrowed my eyebrows, adopting an innocent look. "Of course I haven't. Why would I be avoiding you? You're my best friend."

"Yes, I am," Iris agreed, letting her hands fall back to her sides. "Which means I know when you are dodging something. Which is why you are not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."

I sighed, realizing I was not getting out of this situation. "Because I know you just want me to meet Barry."

Iris shook her head in confusion, saying, "I don't understand."

I went over and sat down at one of the open tables, waiting for Iris to join me. I took a sip of my hot chocolate before replying, "I'm not sure if I'm ready to meet Barry just yet."

"What do you mean? Why?" Iris asked, leaning forward on her elbows.

"I've been spending the last nine months by his bedside," I explained. "I've gotten to know him through you and Joe. But he doesn't know me. It's awkward, because I know so much about him, but he hasn't even met me. And I'm nervous. What if he doesn't like me?"

"Wow," Iris raised her eyebrows, clearly not expecting that to be my response. "I had no idea you thought that. Which makes me feel terrible for doing this."

"Doing what?" I asked, puzzled by her words.

"Hey, Iris."

I turned around and lost my ability to breathe for a second. It was him. Barry Allen himself.

My eyes scanned his face. I had almost forgotten that his eyes were blue, a clear bright blue. His light brown hair wasn't as flat as it usually was from lying down while in a coma, but brushed to the side. He was wearing a navy blue sweater, dark jeans, and a black jacket with red converse shoes.

He was looking at Iris, but his gaze traveled over to me. When his eyes met my own, my mouth fell open slightly.

Barry Allen was here and staring at me. Help...

"Barry, this is a friend of mine," Iris' voice was suddenly beside me as she got up from her seat. "I was telling you about her earlier."

I snapped out of my staring, not wanting Barry to think I was a creep. I stumbled down onto my feet, realizing that I was almost a head shorter than him.

I cleared my throat before holding my hand out. "Hi, I-I'm Natalie King."

He smiled widely, nearing killing me by showing off his dimples. "It's nice to meet you, Natalie. My name's Barry Allen." He reached out and shook my hand.

As his skin touched mine, a shock hit my hand, zapping up my arm and spreading through the rest of my body. I gasped, pulling away.

Barry recoiled from my hand with a confused look on his face. He must have felt it too.

"Sorry," I apologized. "Static electricity, I guess."

"That's alright," Barry shook his head, giving me another smile.

"You know," Iris spoke up from next to me, "Natalie was helping my dad and I by taking care of you while you were in a coma."

My head snapped to Iris and my eyes widened in surprise. What the hell was she doing? Why would she tell him that?

"Really?" Barry asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. 

"Yeah," I breathed out. "I've known Joe since I was a kid. He's a good friend of mine. I was at the hospital when you were brought in after the accident."

"Ah," Barry stared at me. "You work at the hospital?"

"Well, yes and no," I opened my jacket, showing him my candy striper uniform. "I'm a volunteer. Not a doctor or nurse."

Barry nodded. "That's great."

"Isn't it?" Iris agreed with Barry. "She is so generous and kind. Natalie has been a real friend. While you were at the hospital, she watched over you when my dad and I couldn't be there with you. Even after you were brought to Star Labs, she visited you to make sure you were doing okay."

"Oh," Barry whispered, astonished.

"Well, I'm going to be late," I quickly grabbed my bag and cup of hot chocolate. "I got to get to the hospital. I'll see you later, Iris. It was nice meeting you, Barry. I'm glad you're okay."

"Yeah, you too, Natalie," Barry gave me a small smile as goodbye.

I hurried out of Jitters, not looking back. 

God, I can't believe that just happened. 

I grimaced at my thoughts. If I had known Iris would ambush me like that and force the situation on me, I would've locked myself in the basement for the foreseeable future. I can't believe that happened. If Iris had warned me, I couldn't at least prepared myself to see Barry. 

The moment my eyes landed on him, I wanted to throw myself into his arms. Even though I've practically never spoken to him, I felt like we were already friends. I was so happy he was awake, I wanted to hug him. 

But I couldn't.

To Barry, I was a stranger. He didn't even recognize me from the day he bumped into me nine months ago. Was I someone so easy to forget? 

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Taking it out, I saw I got a text message from Iris.

From: Iris

To: Natalie

I'm sorry. Please come to dinner. Tomorrow at 6 pm.

I sighed, shaking my head. Well, I already met Barry. Might as well come to dinner, right?