The Perfect Gift

Party Time! (Final)

By the time I made it back downstairs, the paint was dry and my present was ready to be wrapped. I knew Me-maw kept a plethora of wrapping paper for different occasions in her closet, so back upstairs I went.
I hadn't gone into that room since the day I moved in and I hesitated at the door, hand hovering over the knob. I was nervous, but why? It wasn't like I expected there to be anything or anyone behind the door, right? It was just a bedroom.
Finally, after a few deep breaths, I turned the knob and went inside the room. Anxiety jabbed at my heart in my chest while I rushed to find what I was looking for. The room remained as I had left it nearly a full week prior. I made my way around the queen-sized bed to the closet on the other side. There were at least a dozen untouched rolls of paper sitting against the back wall of the closet. I grabbed the first one I saw that had a birthday theme to it and practically ran out of the room.
Back downstairs, I did my best to wrap the medium-sized canvas, using one long piece of paper, a Christmas bow to hold it in place, and regular scotch tape to pin the sides back neatly. While I was wrapping though, it occured to me that I may not have thought this whole plan through.
Why didn't I just call the police instead of possibly putting myself in harm's way? What would I have told them anyway? 'Hey, I know it sounds crazy but I think my new neighbor whom I have known for less than a week might be a stalker because the handwriting on this birthday party invitation matches the handwriting on this pleasant-sounding note that got left on my porch with a doll that I can't find anymore. Either that, or I think he might have crawled out of a cartoon from the 70s like that girl from The Ring.' They'd haul me off to the hospital for sure! No, I had to do it on my own, but I did decide to grab the mace out of my purse on my way out the door.
Outside was surreal. It was comfortably warm with a gentle breeze and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Pear trees around the neighborhood were in full bloom with the little white petals dancing on the breeze every time it blew. The grass looked soft and all of the bushes were neatly trimmed. It was the perfect summer day.
The walk across the street, though short, felt so daunting. The second I stepped out of the house, I felt eyes on me. It was as if the house itself was watching me. I paused at the bottom step, took in the good weather for a peaceful moment, and made the walk up to Wally's door. I didn't see any other cars in the driveway or parked on the street, but I could hear other voices inside when I made it to the door. Again, I paused with my hand raised to knock so that I could still my nerves. The second my knuckles grazed the wood, the door flung open, and there stood Wally with a bewildered look on his face.
"Happy Birthday, Wally. I hope I'm not late." I apologized, but truthfully, I knew that I was on time, if not early. He didn't say a word nor move other than the quick flick of his eyes up and down. Did he just check me out? Before I dismissed the idea, Wally complimented my outfit with the biggest smile I had seen from him yet. He thanked me for the birthday wishes and offered for me to come inside.
Inside was...shocking. It was a carbon copy of not only the inside of Home from the cartoon but also of the episode I had back at my house. I couldn't believe it! I wanted to throw up at that moment, but an unfamiliar voice dragged me out of my head. A dark-haired man, probably about twice my height and just as big around as me, offered to take the present I was holding to put it with the others. In my shocked state, I agreed and handed it over.
All it took was a glance around the room and I knew something was up. Are these people in costume? A tall, heavy-set man with vitiligo and a messy mop of two-toned dark blue hair, a long-haired blonde woman with a honeycomb updo, another blonde woman with shorter choppy hair, a tall, buff man with dark almost blue hair, a red-headed man with a dad bod, and a tall woman sporting more rainbow than a pride parade, including her hair. This was the Welcome Home cast turned human! I wanted to vomit. This couldn't be.
I must have been too obvious about my discomfort, or maybe it was because I was standing in the middle of the room and staring like a deer in headlights. After all, the blonde with the updo bounced over to greet me with a smile and compliment me on my Wally costume. Costume? It was a themed party? Why didn't I think of that instead of jumping to crazy conclusions, again?
The woman introduced herself as Jules and offered to introduce me to everyone. I happily agreed and started following her about the room to meet everyone. The man who took my present was Frank, the other blonde woman went by Sal, the redhead was Edd, the two-toned blue hair was Bradley, the buff guy was Howard, and the walking rainbow was Patricia.

Maybe this party won't be so bad.

Wallys POV:
Judging by the nervous face that Julie was making behind Y/N's back, I knew she was already up to her games. I would have to confront her later about it though because at least for the time being, Y/N is starting to relax. I saw how nervous you looked while walking over here. I need you comfortable being here before I can take you back with us, with me.
Other than that small hiccup in the beginning and a few reminders to smile, the rest of the party went on without a hitch. We played party games, ate cake and ice cream, and I got the pleasure of having a conversation with you. Just the two of us in the kitchen together. It was there that you made a joke about thinking everyone was the original Welcome Home cast.
I laughed but I knew you were right. I was the one who brought them here out of the dark, after all. It wasn't an easy task either, especially on short notice, but I did it for you. I'd do anything for you. They all know to be on their best behaviour too, or I will be sending them right back. If things go well, then we should be making this street our new neighborhood. You just had to forget...
As the party progressed, I tried to find and create more time alone with you, but in one way or another, someone found some way to butt in. I was so close to losing my temper when Poppy, or rather Patricia announced that it was time for presents. That was my chance. I stood in front of everyone and announced that this party was not only for myself but for Y/N as well.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the pink tint to your cheeks as you stepped up to be next to me. Patience be damned, I wanted to hold you in that moment and never let go. I wanted to take you with me back into the dark and keep you all to myself. Holding your hand would have to suffice though.
As we sat on the loveseat together, I slid my hand over yours, awed by how soft and small it was, and gave a friendly smile when meeting your eye.
" Don't be nervous, apple blossom."

Y/N's POV:
If my face wasn't already red with embarrassment before, then it certainly was after being called a cute pet name like that. I couldn't believe that he was flirting with me so openly! I tried to laugh it off and offered to help pass gifts, but when I tried to stand, Wally pulled me back down by my hand and he refused to let go of me. So Jules and Frank handled gifts.
I did not expect to be included in gifts and I especially did not think that Wally's friends would have gotten me gifts. A cute set of hair bands, a recipe book, a new set of paintbrushes, and so on. I was so grateful to everyone and kept thanking them over and over again. Before I knew it there were only two more gifts on the table; Wally's gift to me and my gift to him.
Wally went first on my insistence. The look on his face when he revealed the apple painting was a mixture of so many that it was hard to place just one. Shock, awe, relief, fear? It didn't matter though, because it all ended in a happy smile and a long hug. The hug went on so long that I thought it might never end, but I was okay with that.
Why was I ever nervous to come here? This has been the best birthday that I have ever had. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend our birthday. I wonder how I ever could have been nervous around our friends... It doesn't matter.
Next, it was my turn to open the gift from Wally. Julie handed the little wrapped box to me, but after the paper was off, Wally took the little black box from me, moved to one knee, and opened the box to reveal a silver necklace with a baby pink apple blossom pendant.

"Welcome Home, Mrs. Darling."