Chapter Text
“Linda, I have to get home. My curfew was at 11:00. It’s now 11:45, my dad is going to kill me” Iris stated looking at her phone hoping the time would come to a stop.
Her dad was super protective but had learn to give her some freedom. Which being a cop for a living didn’t always make that an easy thing for her dad. Iris didn’t want to risk losing his trust or her freedom... she had to get going soon.
“I know. Just give me 20 more minutes, and we’re gone.” She said staring at Eddie Thawne. The hottest Senior at Central City High.. at least that’s how Linda would put it when they talked.
Personally, Iris didn’t see it. He defiantly wasn’t her type. Not that she had a type… or anyone for that matter.
“Linda, I need to leave before my dad gets home and sees that I’m not there. So, either go talk to him or move on…” she demanded as Linda continued to stare down Eddie.
Iris was beyond annoyed, usually she didn’t mind but lately she found herself missing the way things were. The quiet movie nights, the brownies, and her best friend… Barry.
She missed Barry Allen so much it hurt. The parties and the overall cliche of it all became dull and boring.
Her social status at Central City High had been on the rise, but she missed her normal low-key moments with Barry, her adorable nerd of a best friend. He just had this way of making the time stop… like you were both standing still. While everyone, and everything else had stopped moving.
However, since he started dating Becky Cooper his free time was non-existent. And as much as she hated to admit it; she wishes he was still a low-key loner. She wishes they were still them.
Linda park was a good friend and Iris loved her dearly, but Barry just got her, and she missed that. But for now, she needed to be happy for him and make moments of her own. Maybe even meet someone.
Iris being so lost in her thoughts hadn’t seen Tony Woodward walk up behind her. He was new to Central City High.
Having just transferred from Key Stone he had already landed a spot on the football team and was now more known then Eddie Thawn. He was the new shiny toy and every girl wanted... except Iris.
He once asked her out at another party, but Iris quickly shot him down. She couldn’t explain it, but her instincts could tell something was off about this guy.
She didn’t trust him, and she didn't care to find out.
“Hey West.” Tony said eyeing her up and down. Iris now on full alert turned around just to catch his eyes leaving her body. Now on her face she felt small and claustrophobic. He was invading her personal space, and didn’t seem to notice how uncomfortable she was around him.
Or maybe he did and just didn't care. Either way Iris needed an out. From this guy and this party...
“Hey Tony. I didn’t know you were here.” She lied. She has seen him the moment they arrived through the door. Plus, there was never a party the football team didn’t miss. Tony being 6 foot, and almost as big as the door frame was hard not to miss.
“Well I saw you... Been working up the courage since our last conversation. I mean getting shut down by one of the prettiest girls in school is hard to recover from.” He laughed.
Iris was nervous. She didn’t want to come off as an ice queen by shutting him down again. But she also didn’t want to lead him on.
“Tony, I- I’m sorry if I was a bit rude last time. I just- well right now is not a good time for me to be dating.” She lied again. “School is just starting, and-’’she begin but was cut off by Tony...
“Whoa West- No hard feelings yeah. Were good.” He assured her, taking another sip of his drink. No doubt it was alcohol. Iris knew her dad would not like that she was around under-age drinking. So she simple would leave those things out. Besides, as long as she didn't partake and go crazy she was in the clear.
“Yeah. Sure.” she relaxed.
“So how long have you and Linda been friends…” he asked.
“Since we were kids. Her, me, and Barry Allen grew up together.” Iris said. Mentally asking herself why she mentioned Barry when he only asked about Linda.
“Wait Allen-I know him; his dad works for my dad at the hospital.” Tony bragged. Making it clear his dad was the boss.
From what Linda tells her, Tony's dad was a rich businessman who owned a few hospitals. Barry's dad Henry Allen was a doctor at Central City General. Iris found herself annoyed at how he mentioned Henry... like he was below them.
“Yeah. He's the best. Does a lot of good for a lot of people?” Iris said looking behind her for Linda while glancing at her phone for the time.
“Damn it- sorry Tony I need to go- Linda!” She yelled holding up her phone. Hoping Linda would get the hint. Iris was beyond late now.
Linda who had finally got the nerve to approach Eddie was looking at iris with pleading eyes. Iris knowing exactly what she was about to say and started shaking her head at her friend. Iris now wishing she had her own car but sadly knowing that would be awhile.
“No- Linda I have to go. It’s almost 12:00 o’clock now.” She said getting less patient with her friend as the time passed.
Before anyone could say another word, Patty Spivot and Caitlin Snow walked up. Not shocking... where there was one you could usually find the other. As head cheerleaders they were at all the parties. Patty Spiviot mostly hosted them all but tonight Eddie Thawn her ex-boyfriend, but still best friends had that job tonight.
Caitlin use to be friends with her but with time and popularity her clothes and personality changed...
She knew caitlin parents had divorced and as much as Iris tired to be there, it wasn't what she wanted. But Iris understood all about changes and how they can come out of nowhere and knock your entire world off its axis.
“Hey Tony, can you give us a ride? Ronnie's car has a flat and he is waiting for a tow truck, and we don’t feel like waiting.” They both said sounding annoyed that they had to ask to begin with.
“Sure. No problem.” He said turning to leave but then stopped. “Hey West, you need a lift too?” he asked.
Iris cursed silently in her head. She turned to Linda who was making her way to where they were standing.
“Yes- she would.” Linda blurted out.
Not saying a word Iris dragged Linda to the side.
“Linda have you lost your mind. She whispered. Hoping no one else could hear them.
“You know how I feel about Tony, not to mentioned I don’t even hang out with any one of them.” She stated.
“Iris I know ok but just do this please… Eddie has finally given me the time of day and I really like him, and I promise I will make it up to you times a million.” Linda pleaded.
Iris felt stuck she knew Linda only used that phrase when she really wanted something. Besides it was late, and she needed to go home. She looked behind her and saw Tony staring dead at her while Patty and Caitlyn looked annoyed that she was holding them up.
“Ok as long as you’re sober.” She stated, giving him a cautious yet warning stare.
Smiling Tony pointed to the cup he was drinking, “Its water West. I’m sober, and alert.” He said while still smiling as he took out his keys and turned towards the door. Iris followed.
Iris didn’t know why but as soon as she left, she had this sinking feeling in her stomach. Almost like a instinct of sorts. She didn't understand anything anymore, she hadn't felt that since the night her dad got the call..
The night they lost her Mom, and little brother Wally.