Chapter 11: Unveiling Secrets

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"Alright, let's get to opening these goodies," I said excitedly, rubbing my hands together.

The first present I unwrapped was an advanced microscope from Iris. Next, I pulled out several books about mechanics from August and Ralph, followed by a book from Harrison Wells that I had asked Joe to get me. Despite being an adversary, Eobard Thawne's brilliance shone through his papers. His work on harnessing dark matter to create a new type of fuel with minimal greenhouse effects and its potential medical applications was revolutionary. His theories could advance science decades ahead, leading to exotic evolutions that might alter our understanding of physics. The Flash himself defied physics with his connection to the Speed Force.

"So, how are you liking the surprise party so far?" Iris asked.

"Well, I can definitely say I'm surprised," I replied with a grin.

Iris smiled. "We all planned this together, not just me and Dad, but also Ralph and August."

"They're good people. I feel lucky to have friends like them," I said. It was true; I was genuinely surprised Ralph believed in my father's innocence and that August existed in this universe too.

There was something else on my mind, though. I needed to talk to Joe about his ex-wife Francine and the son they had together, Wally. It took me a while to track them down, but it was worth it. I wanted Iris to have more time with her mother before it was too late.

"I need to talk to your dad for a minute," I told Iris.

"Is something wrong?" Iris asked, curiosity piqued.

"Sorry, but it's not my place to say," I replied.

Iris looked puzzled.

"Everything will be explained once I've spoken with Joe," I assured her.

I set my glass of wine on the table and stood up. "Joe, can I talk to you in private?"

Joe raised an eyebrow but nodded, motioning for me to follow.

Once we were out of earshot, Joe asked, "Okay, what did you want to talk about?"

"Francine. You said she was dead, but apparently, she's not," I said bluntly.

Joe's face froze, and his expression turned cold. "I don't know—"

"Don't lie to me, Joe. It's an insult to both of us," I insisted.

Joe sighed, realizing I had caught him. "How did you know?"

I smiled. "Since my mother died, I did a bit of investigating into Iris's mother's death. I was surprised to discover not only is she alive, but she also has a son named Wally."

"She had a son?" Joe asked, astonished.

"Yes, his name is Wally West. Iris deserves to know her mother is alive," I said.

Joe's eyes widened. "I have a son?"

"Yes, she was pregnant when she left Central City 20 years ago. Wally should be around 20 now," I explained. If memory serves me right, Wally West was about 22 in season two of the show. Joe's reaction was understandable. He had just learned he has an adult son he never had a chance to raise. At least Wally would now have time to spend with his father.

"His real name is Wally West," I added.

"Wally," Joe repeated, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "If it was a boy, that's what I wanted to name my son."

Joe struggled to hold back tears. I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Joe, what happened wasn't your fault. You didn't know Francine was pregnant."

"Yes, it is, Barry. It's my fault," Joe said, guilt-ridden.

"No, Joe, it isn't. You couldn't have predicted this," I replied firmly.

"It's my job to predict things, as a cop and a father," Joe argued.

"I understand you feel guilty and are blaming yourself. You want me to tell you it isn't your fault to make you feel better. I can't do that because it is your fault. What matters now is what you choose to do. Are you going to stand here moping and blaming yourself, or are you going to do something about it?" I stated passionately.

"How on earth am I going to tell Iris all of this?" Joe asked.

"Start slowly, beginning with Francine leaving," I suggested.

Joe sighed. "When did our lives become so complicated?"

"We live in a complicated world, Joe. There's still so much we don't know," I said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I understand you're afraid to tell Iris the truth about her mom, but over time, she will forgive you. If you keep this secret buried, it will resurface eventually. I just want Iris to have as much time as possible with her mother."

Joe raised his eyebrows in suspicion. "What are you talking about?"

Should I tell him about Francine's rare disease that is killing her? No, not yet. He already has enough on his plate with learning about his son.

I sighed. "When I lost my mother, it was the worst feeling in the world—loneliness and pain that aches in your heart. I want Iris to have as much time as possible with her mother because, in a flash, something bad could happen."

Joe sighed, rubbing his face. "Alright, Barry, I'll tell her."

"Iris," Joe called out.

"What is it?" Iris asked, wondering what her dad wanted.

"Joe has something he needs to tell you that he hasn't been entirely honest about," I said. I knew I might be throwing Joe to the wolves, but he needed to understand that secrets only make things worse.

"Iris, your mother is alive," Joe confessed.

"What? But that's impossible. She's dead," Iris said, bewildered.

"Exactly how Barry put it. I… haven't been entirely honest. Your mother was a drug addict. I got her into rehab, but a few days later, she disappeared."

"She's—she," Iris stuttered, unable to find the words.

"Yes, Iris, she is alive. When my mother died, I wanted to know what happened to yours, and surprise—your mother turned out to be alive," I said.

"This is what you were talking about earlier when you said you needed to talk to Joe?" Iris asked, still in shock.

"Look, I know it's a lot to take in, but your mother is alive. Do you know how lucky you are?" I said.

Iris looked down, silent for a few seconds. "I need some time alone."

"Iris," Joe began.

"I want some time alone," Iris demanded.

I sighed. Did I make the right choice by telling Iris her mother is alive? I hope I did. I want her to have more time with her mom before it's too late. The challenge now is dealing with the fact that Francine is suffering from MacGregor's disease. If I can find a cure, I could not only save Francine but also prevent Victor Fries from becoming Mr. Freeze—killing two birds with one stone.

I sighed again. While I've managed to create nanobots that could revolutionize medical treatment, finding a cure for this rare disease is another matter. Then an idea struck me: Ramsey Rosso. I could enlist his help. With his expertise and my nanobots, we might have a chance to cure Francine.

Joe sighed. "I hope you're happy."

"Joe, I understand you're upset, but you have to realize that secrets can only stay buried for so long before they resurface," I said.

Joe snorted. "Iris is right; there's something different about you."

"Good different or bad different?" I asked.

"Good different," Joe answered. "You just seem a lot wiser and experienced."

I smiled. "Well, what can I say? I learned from the best."

Joe laughed at the quip but quickly became serious again.

"I need you to talk to Iris," Joe said.

"Let me guess—so she can process all of this?" I assumed.

Joe nodded.