Central City, Missouri
22 Hours Until Now
I walk up the steps and knock on the screen door.
It only takes a few seconds for the door to swing open.
"You're 23 seconds late..."
I smile as I look through the screen door. One of the more annoying qualities of time travellers
"Grandma Iris, I..."
She smiles as she unlatches the screen and beckons me in.
"Come on in, Bart."
I follow her into the living room. Almost all of the room's wall space is filled with pictures. There's Grandpa Barry in and out his Flash uniform, Wally and Linda, Jay with Joan, and even me.
"I'd ask you if you want something to drink, but I know you'll say no."
I follow her into the kitchen and lean against the threshold into the kitchen.
"How do you know if you don't ask?"
"Do you want something to drink? All I have is coffee and green tea."
"Eww, no."
She arches her eyebrow as she puts the coffee on.
"Look, Grandma..."
"I know why you're here Bart and yes."
I feel a bit flustered as I try to talk.
"...Ar-...are you sure?"
"Yes. Don't forget, I did a bit of reading during my time in the future. I guess, in hindsight. I shouldn't have...but, anyway. Yes Bart."
"What else can you tell me?"
"Like most good things, you'll have to work at it. But it'll be worth it. Believe me, it's worth it..."
Grandma Iris turns to leave the kitchen.
"Are you coming to my graduation tomorrow?"
She smiles before she retreats to her room.
"Honey, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
3 Hours Until Now
"James Henry Abercrombie."
My heart's thumping as I stand a few people back.
The sun beats down on my graduation gown, it's Flash scarlett. You gotta love the twin cities and their blatant love for all things Flash.
"William Matthew Adams."
Will walks across the stage and smile as he plucks the diploma out of the principal's hand.
"Bartholomew Henry Allen."
I take a deep breath as I walk across the stage, my eyes drift a bit as I look out into the crowd.
Kara, Wally, Jay, Joan, Grandma Iris, Linda and the twins are watching. I even spot Tim sitting with Vic and Gar. (Who stick out like sore thumbs by the way)
I take the diploma with my left hand and shake the principal's hand with my right.
"Congratulations, son."
I smile as I break the handshake and start to walk off the stage. I feel about ten feet tall as I join my other classmates.
"Thanks."
1 Hour Until Now
"Alright, guys. Burgers are almost ready tell me what you want on them."
Jay flips the burgers while Wally watches from behind.
"You're flipping them too soon. They won't cook right."
"Son, I've been cooking out since before you were messing in your undies."
It's a little party held in my honor, of all things. Jay managed to get a picnic area down by the river. Actually, it's my graduation and celebration of Wally and Linda finding a new house.
Gar turns into a butterfly and plays with the twins while Vic and Tim sit on a picnic table and talk about current events.
"Just dissapeared?"
"That's what Cassie said. She went to go see him and they said Conner was gone."
Before I can listen in anymore, something grabs my arm and pulls me towards the river bank.
"Come here, Bart. I haven't given you your graduation present yet."
Now
I sit on the river bank and look out at the water while Kara sits next to me, holding my hand.
"It's not a good a view as Mexico, but like I said. Having you here makes it 100% better."
I take a deep breath and start to stand up.
"Walk with me?"
Kara smiles as we both stand up and walk down the riverbank hand in hand.
"Sure."
The sun's already starting to sink low in the west, casting an eerie shadow on Blackgate and making it look like a haunted house off in the distance. My throat feels as dry as the Sahara as we crunch through the sand and mud of the riverbank, my toes digging into the muck.
"You know, Kara. I was thinking..."
"Uh-oh. Two thoughts in two days? The end is nigh!!"
I manage a feeble laugh as my hand digs inside my pocket.
"Y-yeah...anyway. I know we haven't been together long, but we have a good thing going. I can feel it...."
The little devil and angel pop up on my shoulder. The angel is Max, the devil is Impulse.
You dumbass, Bart!!!! Don't do it! Don't do it!
Bart, don't listen to him, my boy. You must do what is right. Search your feelings For what you know to be true....
Thank you Obi-Wan.
Don't call me that....
Max and Impulse dissapear as quickly as they came.
Kara stares at me, eyebrow arched.
"Umm...you okay, baby?"
I nod and swallow
"I'm fine, better than okay. Like I was saying, We have a good thing going. And, I think we should go farther...
I gave you my heart and my body. There's only one thing I have left that's worth a damn..."
I break free from her hand and start to kneel down. The diamond ring Grandma Iris gave me, the same one Grandpa Barry gave to her, flashes in her blue eyes. My knee crunches in the sand as I look up at her.
"My name..."