The characters in this story are property of DC Comics. No other heroes appear in this story, though at least a couple will be mentioned.

Summary: A carefree teenager with no concern for his future, a new job, an accident, and a Mother's headaches. The story of how Wally West becomes the Flash.

My version of how Wally West got his powers and became the Flash. Wally is 17-years-old at the beginning of this story and a senior (or so to speak) in high school.

A SPEEDSTER IS BORN

CHAPTER 1-LIFE IN JEOPARDY?

In the Anatomy lab at Keystone High School, two adolescent boys are conducting a very special project. One of them is adding the finishing touches while the other boy stands guard by the door.

"Hurry up will you," speaks up the blond-headed boy by the door, "The security guard will be making his rounds any minute."

"Just give me two more minutes," replies the red-headed boy. POP! The balloon popped yet again. "Ah, better make that five minutes."

"Why don't we just forget about the whole thing," says the blond, "You're big-mouth already got both of us detection for the next week, and all I did was tell you to be quite."

"Ah perk up Don," says the red-head, "Where's you sense of fun. It's just a little joke. Besides, this boring class can use a little lighting up. Any punishment I receive will be worth it."

Don shakes his head, "You sure are optimistic aren't you, Wally."

Next Morning

The teacher gasp in horror as he turns on the light and the class enters the biology lab. The lab skeleton is dressed in a bikini bathing suit, with a blond curry wig, a sun visor, a tropical necklace, a bracelet, an ankle let, flip-flops, and sunglasses. A fake tan has been spread all over the bones, balloons have been stuck underneath the top to make breast, and a small bottle of suntan lotion is in the skeleton's hand.

Most of the class burst out in laughter. The teacher is fuming. He doesn't have to think twice to know who's responsible for this.

"WALLACE WEST! Report to the principal's office this minute!"

Later that day

"Ah man not again!" Wally says in horror looking at his report card, "When Mom sees this, there goes the senior class trip."

"Since when are you going on the senior trip," asks Wally's cousin Don Allen.

"Since I found out that Connie Moore and Julie Wright were going."

Don's twin sister, Dawn, shakes her head, "Wally, you're always so horrified at the sight of your grades, yet you never try."

"Well, studying is hard and boring," Wally protests, "And every time I try it, I get hungry and sleepy. Besides, what's the point of figuring things out with geometry formulas that you can figure out with a tape measure, the names of each muscle and bone in our bodies unless you're going to be a doctor, and that this Indian president did this or the history behind a painting that some Italian dude did hundreds of years ago?"

"You'd be surprised," answers Dawn.

"You're not going to improve your grades with that attitude Wally," says Don, "Dawn and I have offered a million times to help you study, but you hardly ever show up and when you do, you goof off and don't pay attend."

"Well you're not exactly the enthusiastic tutoring type Don," replies Wally, "Dawn's better, but it's not my fault that my brain doesn't absorb the information the way your brains do."

"You're not stupid Wally," says Dawn, "You're just lazy, as far as your studies are concerned that is. Well, I'm off to track practice."

Dawn leaves. The two cousins stand in front of the lockers, Wally leaning on them.

Wally looks confused, "What did she mean by that?"

"She means that you put actual work into the things that interest you, such as food and girls," answers Don, "You also never hesitate to comfort someone in need, check up on your friends, or to do the certain 'projects'. Such as helping the children at the orphanage, not to mention you'll little prank this morning."

"Well those things have a propose," replies Wally, "Besides, you accompanied me last night."

"You manipulated me into coming and I had nothing to do with it," answers Don.

"Admit it cuz," Wally gives him a playful punch, "You wanted to come. You need more excitement in your boring life."

Don shakes his head and gives a large exhale. "I have plenty of excitement with you, Dawn and now Carrie around," answers Don, "Anyway, what did the principle say?"

Wally shrugs his shoulders, "She was cool. In fact she really didn't say anything. Guess I'm off the hook," Wally grins, "She knows a good prank when she sees one."

Don shakes his head, "I wouldn't be so cocky Wally. Usually when she doesn't say anything, she calls the parents and the punishment is serve. You were warned last time that unless you're grades, attendance, and behavior didn't improve, you could be kicked out of school."

Wally brushes it off, "Aw Mom has a way of getting me out of trouble."

"Yea, like making you paint the house or signing you up for the church drama," replies Don with a chuckle, "And you couldn't even remember your lines."

"Shut up!"

Just then, a hot looking blond comes down the hallway. Wally is blown away.

"Hey. I've never seen her before. She must be new."

Wally dashes over to the hot new girl, "Hey doll. Have a burger to go with his shake?" Don rolls his eyes. Wally thinks he's quite the lady's man, even though he really has no clue.

"How about picking up a real burger and shake with fries on the side," asks Wally.

The girl doesn't seem interested, "I'm on my way to confession."

"Oh hot dog," replies Wally and slaps his hands together, "I'm overdue for a confession. I'll go with you."

Don pulls Wally aside, "Wally, what are you doing? We're Protestant."

"Dude, I use to attend Catholic school."

"That doesn't mean anything," replies Don, "And you were expelled."

"Keep your mouth shut," Wally dashes off to catch up with the girl.

Don slaps his hand on his face, "If only he was that persisted with school."

Wally comes home around 5:30pm.

"Wallace," his mother, Mary West, greets him firmly. Her arms are crossed and she's tapping her foot with a stern look on her face.

"Ah, hey Mom," Wally says nervously, "How was work?"

"Short," Mary answers firmly, "Wally, I got a call from the principle. I know about your little prank. Not only that, she informed me about your grades and failing attendance, and how you're still acting out in class. You almost got expelled from school today!"

Wally gasp, "Well, everything's cool, right?"

"Not cool," answers Mary, "In fact, I had to beg the school board for nearly an hour to keep you in school."

"Oh okay," says Wally, relaxing.

"Sit down," Mary points to the couch. Wally moves slowly and scoffs his shoes on the way.

"NOW!"

Wally huffs and stomps over to the couch and sits down. His mother stands sits next to him and takes a deep breath, "Wally, what do you intend to do after high school?"

Wally's surprised by the question, "Ah, I don't know. Sleep late, sit on the couch, watch TV, eat snacks, take longs naps..."

"Wally!"

"Spend more time at the orphanage, help more with habitat for humanity and go on a mission trip."

Mary sits down next to her son, "I know you mean those Wally, but what about job or school wise?"

"Go to school after my time is done? Are you kidding me?" Wally shrugs about the other part of the question, "I haven't really thought of that. I was hoping that I could just relax for maybe, a few years."

Mary shakes her head, "Wally, we've been over this. I've been patient with you for the longest time, just letting you be a carefree kid and all. However, it's time to decide what you're going to do with your life."

Wally doesn't really want to consider that, "Mom, what about living for the moment and not worrying about the future? You thought me that."

"There's a big difference between being prepared and actually living for the future."

Wally doesn't get it, "Okay, whatever that means."

Mary exhales, "Tomorrow after school Wally, I want you to go to the police station."

Wally's in shock, "The police station? What for?"

"I got your Uncle Barry to make you an appointment," answers Mary, "There's an opening in the mechanic department and you've got an interview."

Wally's mouth drops open, "A job interview? But Mom, tomorrow's Friday and I'm going to the fun center."

Mary shakes her head, "You're not going to the fun center for the rest of the school year. It's time for you to learn how soon real responsibility."

"But I don't want to be responsible!" protests Wally, "And I don't anything about cars."

"They'll train you," answers Mary, "Also from now on, I'm driving you to school every morning to make sure you actually go. And since you've failed the graduation test and the vocational test, you need to take the last alternative."

Wally gasp, "Mom NO! Not the GED test!"

"Yes Wally," says his mother firmly, "If you pass that, you'll be presented the GED diploma with the high school seal at the graduation ceremony. If you don't pass it, you won't graduate at all."

"But Mom..."

"End of discussion Wally. It's decided. Now go to your room until dinner. No nonsense."

Wally stomps to his room and slams the door. He flops on his bed and buries his face in his pillow. He feels as if he's going to cry.

"I'm sick of school, and I don't want work," Wally says to himself, "Why can't I be just a carefree kid? I have the rest of my life to be a responsible."

Wally turns on his back and looks at the ceiling. Then he looks out the window.

"What do I want to do with my life? I don't know. I never really cared until now. What am I meant to do?"