November 19, 2018

CAITLIN'S APARTMENT

8:00 am

Lightning danced across Caitlin's apartment as Henry hung streamers and balloons across the loft. With a big sign that said 'Happy Birthday' streamed across the kitchen Henry smiled at his accomplishment. Walking over to the counter Henry placed a candle on the cupcake he had made this morning in his rush to make everything perfect. It was had an icy blue icing with a large snowflake on top and a stethoscope right in the middle. Bringing out the best of both Caitlin and Frost. Smiling, Henry subconsciously patted his back pocket making sure his gift to his mother was still there. Trudging out of her room with a robe on, Caitlin rubbed her eyes. In a flash Henry was by her side.

"Surprise!" yelled Henry causing Caitlin to stumble back.

"Happy Birthday," smiled Henry popping the confetti.

Giggling Caitlin looked around at the amazing displacement Henry created. "Wow, Henry! Thank you," smiled surprised that he remembered it was her birthday. Ruffling her hair Caitlin got rid of the little pieces of confetti in her hair as Henry went to get the cupcake.

Singing 'Happy Birthday' Henry walked up to his mother who wore a smile on her face. "Make a wish," encouraged Henry as held the lit cupcake up to her face. Looking at it Caitlin couldn't help but admire the detail Henry put into it. Closing her eyes Caitlin made a wish before blowing out the candle. Holding the cupcake Caitlin swiped her finger to taste the frosting before it was ripped from her hand.

"Heyyy," pouted Caitlin looking at her son who placed the cupcake on the counter behind him.

"Later," responded Henry before dragging her to sit on the couch.

"What is it Henry?" asked Caitlin looking at her son curiously who sat across from her.

"I have a gift for you," replied Henry grabbing the box from his back pocket before handing it to her.

"Henry," said Caitlin in awe gratefully taking the gift.

"It's not much, but it's something," said Henry scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I'm not sure if you'll like it. I made it myself. If you don't like it I can always get rid of it," rambled off Henry thinking his mother would not like the gift. Dismissing Henry thoughts Caitlin opened up the box.

Opening the velvet blue box Caitlin was meet with the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen.

It was a snowflake pendant hanging on a silver chain. The snowflake had mini little blue crystals around the edges. It was perfect!

"Wow Henry. This is beautiful. You made it?" asked Caitlin amazed by the craftsmanship.

"Yeah," said Henry running a hand through his hair. "I made it out of a few scraps I found. The crystals are real though. And the clasp is kept together by a Promethium layer. And hopefully when you get your powers back you can test out the new features I installed," replied Henry.

"New features?" questioned Caitlin.

"Yeah," answered Henry. "Could I see it for a second?" asked Henry with outstretched hands.

Handing the necklace over to Henry, the young speedster placed the necklace around his neck. Channeling his inner frost the necklace began to glow blue. Watching her son Caitlin stood in awe.

"When you use your ice powers the blue on the crystals glow," explained Henry.

"I see," confirmed Caitlin with a nod. Blinking away his frost powers Henry took of the necklace.

"May I?" asked Henry lifting the necklace in the air wanting to the honor of place it around her neck.

"Yeah," nodded Caitlin before turning around and lifting her hair away in the process. Standing behind her Henry clasped the necklace around her neck.

"There!" stated Henry once he was done.

Turning around Caitlin posed with the necklace. "How do I look?" asked Caitlin moving around like a model. Laughing at her antics Henry smiled at his mother.

"Perfect," replied Henry with a smile. He loved seeing her happy. "How about we head to Jitters to celebrate your birthday? My treat," suggested Henry.

"You mean my treat," emphasized Caitlin. "Since I'm gonna be the one to pay for it," smiled Caitlin knowing that she got him. He had no money after all.

"Well it's the thought what counts," shrugged Henry grabbing his and hers jacket.

"Ok. Just let me change first," replied Caitlin running back into her room.

Once finishing Caitlin exited the room in a form fitting green dress with the necklace Henry had gifted her on.

"Done," smiled Caitlin.

"Great! Let's go," gestured Henry towards the door.

"Wait!" called out Caitlin causing Henry to stop. "Not without my cupcake," said Caitlin rushing over to retrieve the sugary treat.

"Mhhm," hummed Caitlin taking a bite. "It's really good. You want some?" asked Caitlin holding the cupcake up to his face.

"I think I'll pass," replied Henry with a shake of his head. He had baked it for her after all. Besides his job was to keep her busy. The team had planned a surprised birthday party for Caitlin. Henry's job was to keep her distracted while the rest of the team set everything up at Star Labs. And so far he was doing an amazing job.

Finishing up the delicious cupcake Caitlin wiped away the crumbs before fixing her lipstick. Looking at herself in the mirror Caitlin nodded ready to go.

"Ok I'm ready," replied Caitlin with her arms raised waiting for the speedster.

Laughing at her Henry shook his head before lifting her off the floor and speeding towards Jitters.

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JITTERS

9:30 am

Sitting down across from each other Henry and his mother happily indulged in their food. Caitlin had ordered a latte and blueberry muffin, while Henry had ordered almost half of the pastries and sipped on a hot chocolate.

"Good?" asked Caitlin looking as her son scoffing down the food like someone as about to take it away from him.

"Mhmm," mumbled Henry with a mouthful.

Laughing at him Caitlin shook her head. Noticing that her drink was done Caitlin stood up about to grab another. "You want anything?" asked Caitlin pointing towards the front of the coffee shop.

"Another hot chocolate please. Ohh! And some chocolate chips," added Henry biting into the soft cookie.

"Sure," smiled Caitlin making her way towards the front.

As she was walking her phone chimed notifying her of a text. Pulling out her phone from her back pocket, Caitlin noticed it was a message from Snapchat. Unlocking her phone Caitlin watched as the little creatures wished her a 'Happy Birthday'.

Opening the doors to Jitters, a man in a sweatshirt and track pants jogged in. He was drenched from head to toe from the heavy raining pouring outside. The grey sweatshirt he wore clung to his body showing the defined muscles he had. Shaking his wet hair the man welcomed in the warm heat the coffee shop provided as it sheltered him away from the storm.

While the man was adjusting his headphones and Caitlin was smiling at her screen, they failed to see that they would collide into each other. Bumping into each other both participant fell to the ground.

"Oww," groaned Caitlin rubbing her head after colliding with something that felt like a brick.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry," replied the man offering his hand to help her up.

Taking his hand Caitlin was lifted off the ground. Looking at the person she had collided with Caitlin was taken a back. The person standing in front of her looked like a god. His chiseled jaw and taut muscle that bulged everywhere drew her to him.

"Damn," whispered Caitlin under her breath.

"I'm terribly sorry miss," apologized the man. "Are you ok?" he asked looking her over for injuries.

"It's fine," assured Caitlin. "It was my fault. I wasn't look where I was going," brushed off Caitlin still staring at the magnificent god-like man in front of her.

Noticing her staring the man smirked. "I'm Robert Jones by the way," said the man with a charming smile holding a hand out.

"Dr. Caitlin Snow," smiled back Caitlin shaking his hand.

"A doctor! That pretty impressive," replied Robert looking her over.

"Thanks. I've always wanted to be a doctor every since I was a little. Being out there on the field..," rambled off Caitlin as Robert looked at her with a smile on his face. "I'm rambling again, aren't I?" questioned Caitlin catching herself before talking his ear off.

"I thought it was cute," said Robert with a smile causing Caitlin to blush. Noticing Caitlin's phone still laying on the floor, Robert moved passed her to pick it up. Glancing a her screen for a millisecond Robert noticed that she got a notification reminding her of her birthday, before giving the phone back to Caitlin. Taking her phone back Caitlin inspected it for any cracks.

"It's your birthday," blurted out Robert looking at her.

"Uh....yeah," said Caitlin taken a back. "How did you know?" wondered Caitlin.

Blushing Robert scratched the back of his head nervously. "You...uh, got a notification reminding you of your birthday," gestured Robert to her phone.

"Oh right," said Caitlin in realization blushing even more. Looking at the beautiful woman in front of him Robert couldn't help but smile at her shyness.

"How about I buy you a cup of coffee," began Robert. "To apologize for bumping into you," added Robert with a grin.

"Oh no, its fine," said Caitlin dismissing his worry.

"Please, I insist," pleaded Robert. Looking into his sad blue eyes, Caitlin couldn't say no.

"Ok," Caitlin gave in causing Robert to pump the air in victory making his arm flex. Glancing at his arm Caitlin couldn't help but bite her lip. What had she gotten herself into.

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Walking over towards the cashier Caitlin and Robert stood in line making small talks while they waited for their turn.

"So your a physical therapist?" asked Caitlin looking at Robert.

"Yeah," replied Robert. "I usually help athletes recover back from their injuries," answered Robert as Caitlin began to ask some technical terms with the different type of bones in your body and how you can recover from it. Getting deeper into the conversation Robert couldn't help but smile. Most woman were only into him for his body. They thought that he only had a pretty face but no brain. It was great to talk to someone who actually thought of him as more than an image. Someone who got him.

"Next in line," called the cashier breaking the pair out of their conversation.

Walking up to the cashier Robert began to order for them. "Can I please get a cup of coffee with two sugars and cream," replied Robert as the cashier wrote down his order. "And the lady will have?" said Robert turning towards Caitlin waiting for her reply.

"No Robert, it's fine," assured Caitlin. "Besides I'm ordering more things," said Caitlin feeling bad to make him pay for it.

"It's fine, Cait. It's my treat," assured Robert laying a reassuring hand on the small of her back. Lord help her, this man was making her weak in the knee. With a nod of her head Caitlin ordered her's and Henry's drink along with some chocolate chip cookies. After writing down their order the cashier told them to wait at the side. With his hand still on Caitlin's back Robert directed her towards the pick-up section.

"Thanks," thanked Caitlin.

"It's no problem," assured Robert looking at her. Staring into each other eyes the pair shared a moment.

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9:45 am

Munching on his food Henry wondered what was taking his mother so long. Looking up Henry began to scan the coffee shop for his mother. Spotting the familiar wave of auburn hair Henry sighed in relief. Upon closer inspection Henry noticed his mother talking to a tall muscular man. A man who can give his own father a run for his money. And they looked like they were about to kiss.

"Oh hell no!" said Henry marching up from his seat in anger.

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Looking into each other eyes the pair began to lean in. As the space was closing in they were interrupted by the cashier calling their order. Blushing the pair went to retrieve their order. After retrieving their order Robert turned to Caitlin.

"So, I was wondering...if you're not busy, maybe I can take you out on a date. And we can celebrate your birthday together," said Robert nervously. Looking at the man standing in front of her Caitlin couldn't believe it. This hunk was actually asking her out. Well happy birthday to her, indeed. Smiling Caitlin was about to reply when she was interrupted yet again.

"Hey mom. There you are," said Henry emphasizing on the mom part.

"Henry, what are you doing," said Caitlin through gritted teethes. Why does he always have to ruin everything.

"Oh, I just came to check on you," said Henry dismissing her as he eyed the man in front of her.

"Mom? Your his mother?" asked Robert looking at Caitlin.

"Yeah, she's my mom," answered Henry. "Who the fuck are you?" spat Henry glaring at the man.

PARALLEL [Note: These 2 men will soon be making an appearance]

"Henry!" shouted Caitlin shooting daggers at her son for being rude. "I'm sorry Robert," began Caitlin apologizing on Henry's behalf.

"It's alright," assured Robert looking at the young man who couldn't be older that sixteen. He looked too old to be Caitlin's biological son. Maybe she had adopted him. That could explain his rudeness and why he was so protective of her. Maybe she was all he had. Looking at Caitlin Robert gave her reassuring smile. This woman was a saint raising a young man who had a broken past.

"I'm Robert Jones. It's a pleasure to meet you," smiled Robert with his hand extended for a handshake.

Looking at his hand Henry looked back at the man. "What do you want?" glared Henry.

"Henry!" chided Caitlin.

"I was wondering if it's OK with you, that I take your guardian out later this evening?" asked Robert respectively.

"No way man," said Henry shaking his head.

"Henry!" yelled Caitlin. "I would love too," she said looking back at Robert.

"No your not," argued back Henry. "Your not going anywhere with him," added Henry.

"Henry I can make my own decisions," argued back Caitlin. "I'm an adult," she stated calming herself not to yell at him.

"It's fine," assured Robert sensing the tension between the two. "Maybe I can give you my number instead," suggested Robert.

"That would be lovely," smiled Caitlin.

"She won't need it. So why don't you scram," barked back Henry.

Sensing the you man protectiveness of the woman standing in front of him Robert backed off. "Alright. Well maybe will see each other again," said Robert hopefully as he looked at Caitlin.

"Maybe," wished Caitlin hoping that Henry didn't ruin her chance with him.

"It was nice meeting you Caitlin," said Robert stepping forward towards her. Standing where he was, Henry glared as Robert planted a kiss on his mother's cheek. "Happy birthday," Robert before leaving the coffee shop.

"Thanks," whispered Caitlin breathlessly as she watched the god-like man exit the coffee shop. Rolling his eyes Henry snatched the paper bag from her hand beginning to eat the cookies. Turning towards her son Caitlin glared at him as he looked at her innocently.

"What?" asked Henry.

"I'm gonna kill you," replied Caitlin dragging Henry by the arm towards there seat.

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Walking back towards there table, Caitlin pushed Henry back into his seat.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" exclaimed Caitlin sitting opposite to him.

"Relax," sighed Henry. "He wasn't that cute anyways," teased Henry looking at her.

Rolling her eyes at her son Caitlin crossed her arms. "That wasn't funny," stated Caitlin looking at him pointedly. "Why is it that every time a hot and attractive guy walks up to me you shoo them away," began Caitlin as Henry closed his eyes trying to block her out. "I don't see you acting that way towards Barry. Why are you acting that way with me. Why are you-" rambled off Caitlin.

"Because there not my dad! Ok?!" yelled Henry cutting her off. "They can never be him. They can never be 10 times the man that he is, even if they tried," stated Henry backing his father up. He didn't want his mother dating because he feared she would fall deeply in love with them. He feared that she won't fall in love with his father and he won't be born.

Looking at her son Caitlin sighed. She finally understood why Henry was always acting so protective towards her. He was scared that she would replace his father.

"Henry," sighed Caitlin reaching over for his hand. "I know how much your father means to you. He means a lot to me too. But right now, in this time, your father and I are not together," explained Caitlin.

"And as much as it pains me to say it, he's happy," said Caitlin as Henry looked down. "He's with Iris. And there in love," said Caitlin looking into the distance.

"He has someone to go home to. And I- " said Caitlin as her voice broke making Henry look up at her.

"I have no one," ended Caitlin with tears in her eyes. Although it was nice coming home to Henry, Caitlin felt that it wasn't enough.

"Barry's not the only one who gets to be happy. I deserve to be happy too," said Caitlin with a hard gaze.

"And I'm not just gonna sit on my ass and wait for Barry to realize that I'm the woman he's suppose to be with. I'm gonna go out there and meet someone. Fall in love and feel like I'm wanted," expressed Caitlin.

"And I know that you might be concern that this will change everything. But I promise you Henry. There is nothing in this world that would stop me from having you," assured Caitlin. "I will make sure that you are born when the time comes. But for now, I can do whatever I want," said Caitlin hoping her son would understand.

Looking at his mother Henry nodded his head. She was right. He had no right to tell her how to live her life. She is free to do whatever she pleases. She probably would have been doing that if he wasn't here.

"You right," nodded Henry. "I'm sorry about my behavior. I guess I was just scared, that's all," explained Henry.

"It's fine," assured Caitlin. "As long as you promise not to act so protective when another guy walks up to me," teased Caitlin although she was half serious.

Closing his eyes Henry sighed. "I'll try," promised Henry making Caitlin smile. "But if he tries something funny, I won't hesitate to send him into a brick wall," Henry commented causing his mother to laugh.

"I'm sure you would. But I'll also help you kick his ass," winked Caitlin as Henry smiled. A buzzing sound pulled Henry's attention from his mother. Looking down at his phone Henry got a notification form his father telling him that everything was set up, and to give him a text when they have arrived at Star Labs. Sending a quick text back Henry turned to his mother.

"Come on. Let's finish up," encouraged Henry. "I want to take you somewhere once we're done," Henry finished the rest of his cookies.

"Where to?" inquired Caitlin.

"It's a surprise," responded Henry.

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10:30 am

CORTEX

After sending a quick text to his father, Henry came to a stop at Star Labs. Setting his mother on the floor Caitlin looked around. The Cortex was completely empty. Everything was exactly as they left it yesterday.

"Where is everyone?" asked Caitlin turning towards her son.

"Beats me," replied Henry with a shrug.

Looking at him curiously a beeping sound pulled Caitlin from her thoughts. On the screen a message popped up.

"Follow the frosty trail," read Caitlin.

Seriously, Uncle Cisco, thought Henry. You couldn't have thought of anything more creative.

"Frosty trail," repeated Caitlin looking around the room. "I don't see a frosty trail," replied Caitlin.

Rolling his eyes Henry began to create a frosty trail leading outside to the Cortex. Feeling the air temperature drop Caitlin looked behind her. She saw a frost trail cascading the wall.

"Was that there before?" asked Caitlin looking at her son.

"Must be you," smirked Henry making Caitlin roll her eyes at the thought. Exiting the Cortex, Caitlin began to follow the trail with Henry on her heel. Walking down the hall the frost began to spiral across the wall with each step they took.

"Ok, now I know that's definitely not me," said Caitlin noticing the icy spark in her son's eyes.

"Guilty," said Henry with an icy palm raised.

"Where are we going?" asked Caitlin.

"Just follow the trail," replied Henry.

Knowing that she wasn't going to get him to spill anything Caitlin followed the trail. It eventually led to the lounge where it was pitch black.

"Henry," Caitlin looked back at her son who had mysteriously disappeared.

"Henry!" called out Caitlin taking a step back from the lounge. Suddenly the lights went on as everyone (except Nora) jumped from their hiding spot shouting surprise.

"Happy Birthday!" they all yelled in sync as confetti and streamers exploded.

"What-How-When-I," began Caitlin a loss for words as she took in the scene. "Thank you guys!" she exclaimed hugging everyone (Henry, Barry, Cisco, Harry, Joe, Iris, Cecile and her baby).

"Wow this is amazing," she said looking at the decorations line along the walls.

"Only the best for you," winked Cisco passing her a glass of champagne.

"To Caitlin," said Barry as everyone raised their glasses to her. "And may she celebrate many more," ended Barry as everyone downed their alcoholic drink (except Henry his was non-alcoholic).

"Alright! Let's bring in the cake!" cheered Ralph as Harry wheeled in the cake.

"Ice cream cake, really?" asked Caitlin with an amuse smile. The cake even had a frost symbol on top.

"Only the best," smiled Henry kissing his mother on the cheek. Ice cream cake was his favorite.

With everyone huddled around, Caitlin closed her eyes before making a wish. Cheering the team distributed the cake before talking among each other.

"That's a nice necklace, Caitlin," noticed Cecile. "Where did you get it?" she inquired.

"Henry made it for me," replied Caitlin wrapping her arm her son pulling him into a hug. Blushing furiously Henry hid his face behind his mother.

"It's very nice," praised Joe. Talking among each other the party commenced. Looking around Caitlin smiled. She couldn't have asked for a better birthday. Spending it with her son and friends.
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HOPE U GUYS LIKED THIS CHAPTER. WE GOT TO SEE THE REASON WHY HENRY IS SO PROTECTIVE OF HIS MOTHER. I HONESTLY DON'T THINK I'M THAT GOOD OF A WRITER, BUT I'M GLAD THIS BOOK IS GETTING A LOT OF VIEWS. I WILL UPDATE ASAP. DON'T FORGET TO LIKE😉.