The Great Possibility

Chapter 5: Acceptance, Lessons and Plans

Joe had called Iris earlier during the day for family matters around 8 at his house. Iris knew what this might be but maybe she could use this to an advantage and convince her dad about Caitlin. Of course, she did not know that he had already made up his mind about her after hearing it first from Barry. Barry also showed the footage to Joe of what Iris did. He started to massage his temple and pinched his nose. He knew Iris was acting weird, but he had never thought it would come to this. He saw this type of behaviour from Iris once when she was younger. Iris had wanted ta toy from a little girl and had lied and bullied her for the toy. After the incident, Joe disciplined her harshly, making sure that this never happened again. This was all before meeting Barry of course. Joe had felt his heart grew when Barry came into his life. Barry was about to guide Iris well with their friendship along with his parenting. He thought that monster that showed itself was gone forever. Turns out, it was just hiding. It grew more bitter, more jealous as she grew. And he had to deal with it. Before it would tear the West family apart. Including Barry.

Barry arrived early for once and waited for Iris to settle this. Joe noticed the cuffs on him and questioned him.

"Barry, why are you wearing the cuffs for?"

"I showed you the video Joe, it pisses me off that Iris was capable of doing that. She wanted to show that Caitlin was the monster, but she was the monster. Now, I'm afraid of losing control like the first day when I came back. I don't want my anger to control me. I rather not hurt anyone or flash her to the station for assault and have Captain Singh ask why Iris is being processed. Oh, and sorry about hitting you when I came back."

"Barry, it's fine. You weren't in your right mind. Besides you are my son, I forgave you already."

"Thanks Joe."

"But are you sure about wearing the cuff? I know you can get pretty emotional, but doesn't it seem a bit too much?"

"Maybe it is Joe. But I rather be safe than sorry. This new speed, I'm still get need to get used to it. Don't really want to hurt anyone if I get too emotional. Plus, I have this fear. Sometimes, it creeps into my mind and I'm constantly afraid of it."

"What fear? This is the first I've ever heard of it."

Barry sat down on the couch while Joe sat on his armchair. Joe could see that this weighted heavily on Barry and he began to tell him.

"I haven't told anyone about this, but I promised myself after coming out of the Speedforce, no more secrets, be clear-headed when I decide." Barry sighed before he continued. " As a person, we are vulnerable to our emotions. Sometimes even allowing it to control us like it is controlling Iris. Ever since Thawne showed up in my life, I can't help thinking how similar we are. When I say that, before going into the Speedforce, I was ruled by my blindness of the idea of Iris. I was being selfish, sacrificing people for my own gain. I was ruled by love. And not the good kind. The kind that turns into an obsession. That drives every fibre in your being to do anything for that love one at the cause of others. While Thawne was ruled by his hate for me. He made it his mission to make me suffer from the start, sacrificing Eddie, Ronnie, so many others for his gain. He was ruled by anger. He was the reverse of me but at the same time, we both was so much alike, and it scares me that what if someday, I turn into what he was: A killer."

As Barry was saying this, he started to cry. He had held this fear for so long and it felt like a burden has been lifted. As finishing, Joe stood up from the armchair he was sitting and gave his son a tight embrace. Joe had never known he carried this fear in him, but he was glad that Barry told him. After a few minutes, they broke apart and Joe had his hand on Barry's shoulder and gave him the best fatherly advice he could ever give his kids.