Memories Part 3

The next day came, and Singh sat down with Barry's journal.

He flipped to the next entry and took a deep breath.

February 3, 2001 - age 12

School sucks. Don't get me wrong, I love learning, but I hate that we have to learn at school. I wish that I didn't have to go to school. It would probably be fine, but freaking Tony Woodward makes it more like hell.

Singh felt the slowly becoming more familiar sensation of being pulled into a memory.

The hallways of Barry's middle school was flooded with tweens and teens. Singh made out younger Barry, head down, maneuvering through the hallways.

Suddenly Barry was shoved to the side.

"Hey freak."

Oh boy was David angry.

Barry sighed and picked himself up, only to be shoved down again, more forcefully.

"What do you want Tony," Barry asked bitterly.

"You know what I want twerp," he said, "Where's my math?"

"What math?" Barry asked with fake innocence.

Woodward's face darkened. He shoved Barry into the lockers. "Where's my homework nerd?"

David felt a twinge of Barry's fear, but it was drowned out with a rush of defiance. Just as Tony brought his hand back to punch Barry, Barry looked past the bully and said, "Hey Mrs. Mavel."

Even Singh turned around to see the teacher. The teacher who wasn't there. By the time they turned around Barry was gone, darting around the corner.

Tony growled, "I'll get you you little freak!"

Singh was pulled out of the memory and was filled with a whole lot of anger. He definitely did not like that kid.

He shook his head and flipped to the next entry.

February 10, 2001 - age 12

Today I found Tony picking on an elementary kid. I stepped in. I don't regret it, but it was certainly painful. I wish my mom was here.

Barry was running towards the group of bullies huddled around a fifth grader. The poor fifth grader was getting shoved around by Tony and his goons.

"Hey!" Barry yelled, dropping his stuff and running over to them. "Leave him alone!"

"Or what?" Tony sneered, "You gonna kill me? Like your old man killed your mom?"

Barry's face darkened, but he stood his ground. "I said leave him alone."

Tony shoved the kid aside. The kid ran off, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire that was sure to come.

"You've got a lot of nerve Allen," Tony said, stalking closer.

Barry swallowed, but continued to hold his ground.

Singh was proud of little Barry but also nervous.

Two of Tony's goons grabbed Barry's arms, preventing him from escaping. Tony balled up his fist and sent a mean right hook in Barry's direction.

Pain blossomed across Singh's face in the same place that the punch landed on Barry's face. But it was only a fraction of what Barry felt. It made David feel sick.

The punches continued and so did the names and insults. Barry took it all without shedding a tear. But he did let out pained cries. And each cry of pain wrenched the strings around Singh's heart.

"Why don't you run home to your mommy," Tony sneered, "Oh wait. My bad."

The goons carried Barry behind some bleachers and dumped him there unceremoniously. The frigid February air bit at Barry's skin.

Now that he was all alone, he let the tears come.

Sobs racked Barry's body.

Singh's heart ached for the boy, but he also felt Barry's anguish.

Singh gasped as he came out of the memory. He held his head in his hands and took deep, calming breaths.

"Oh Barry," David whispered.

Singh picked up his phone and scrolled through his messages. He had one from Joe. Barry was stable and people could come visit. He still couldn't believe that Joe let STAR labs take him, but so long as he was stable.

David picked up the journal and headed to his car.

He took the long route to STAR labs, stalling. Once he got there though, he still stayed in his car for another fifteen minutes.

He sighed and opened to the next journal entry.

May 23, 2001 - age 12

It's Iris' birthday today. I got her a bracelet she really wanted. I really hope she likes it. She hasn't payed much attention to me, but I don't mind. She's having fun with her friends. So I helped Joe make her cake. That was fun.

"Happy birthday Iris!" Barry said, smiling.

"Thanks Barry!" Iris said, giving Barry a quick hug before running off to join her friends.

Barry was about to follow, but caught the wary looks her friends were giving him and decided to go hide in the dining room.

David felt the disappointment that Barry felt.

Barry sat, slumped at the table. He doodled a birthday cake and balloons.

"Hey Bar," Joe said.

"Hi Joe."

"You know, I could use some help with Iris' cake." He said.

Barry smiled softly, "Sure thing Joe."

Barry followed Joe to the kitchen and they started making chocolate peanut butter cake. Barry was quiet. It was depressing.

Joe smirked a bit.

Then, Barry had flour thrown in his face.

Barry coughed, startled. He looked at Joe who was grinning and mixing the dry ingredients. Barry smiled.

Singh could sense it was one of the first real smiles Barry had in a while.

Barry scooped up some flour and tossed it on Joe.

Joe looked down at his flour covered shirt. "This means war."

The he proceeded to crack an egg over Barry's head.

Barry laughed and returned the favor. His laugh just lit up the whole house and Singh couldn't help but grin.

Soon enough, the kitchen and the two boys were covered in ingredients for chocolate cake.

Barry and Joe were cracking up. Joe was holding his side and Barry was rolling on the floor in laughter.

"Alright Bar," Joe said, finally regaining his breath, "let's finish up this cake."

STILL TO BE CONTINUED....

**********

A/N- Doink. I had to out in a happy memory because it's gonna get real angsty real quick. Hope y'all are enjoying this!

Love y'all! :)