"Honey, are you awake?"
"..Come in."
The door shifted an few times before opening, in coming Wally with two mugs of coffee with the initials and colors plastered on. I gave an tired smile as he sat beside me before handing me the warm glass in my hands.
"I made sure to add extra coffee cream this time.. I know how much you hate your coffee bitter."
"Aw, you remembered! You haven't even made coffee in an long time.."
"Of course I remembered.. I could never forget anything about you."
His sweet comment reminded me of the reason why I fell in love with him in the first place. The sweet things he would say, the littlest things he would do, they were so simple but meant so much. I blew the steam before taking an sip from the drink.
The two of us let out contended sighs, sitting there with our coffee. It was silent for an while, debating who was going to strike up conversation first. Wally broke the silence first.
"So.. do you have any plans for today?"
"Hmm.. Well, I was thinking about visiting by the neighborhood and apologizing for what happened yesterday." My eyes stared down at my coffee, fiddling my thumbs together nervously. The coffee hit my stomach, causing me to have an bad feeling inside. I couldn't help but still feel guilty for what I did.
The second I mentioned the previous events, an switch in Wally clicked. It was if he dissociated and then came back to his senses. He would only clear his throat and let out an airy chuckle, wiping his mouth with his wrist.
"Actually why don't you stay inside today? You seemed to take it hard yesterday.."
"Huh? But what about the others? I don't want them getting upset for me for continuous days just because I didn't say-"
"Oh I'm sure they wouldn't mind the wait, Besides they could use the relaxation too. You don't just wanna jump into apologizes when you still have neighbors that are upset.."
I had to admit he did have an point. Everything that went down yesterday, it was for sure to keep grudges on an few people. I swallowed back an retort and breathed it out to an long sigh. I could use an relaxing day.. it wouldn't hurt to kill.
"I guess your right.. but tomorrow I'm going out to apologize to everyone! I'll probably even make some desserts to hand out!"
"Taken.."
Wally nodded, swinging his arms over my waist. My body tenses from his gesture, "Oh!" I watch as he curls up rubbing his cheek aganist my skin. An soft smile curves to my lips while he rests his head on my chest, my hands finding their way to rub the top of his head.
He rolls over onto me, his chin resting in the crease of my chest. He blinks once and then twice, his eyes moving lazily like an frog as they then dilated at the sight of me.
"You're so pretty.." he mumbled into my skin, his cheeks warming an orange tinge. My own cheeks grew warm at his sweet talk, despite my disheveled early morning appearance.
"What should we do today? Maybe cook something in the kitchen? Oh! Or we could go to art room and color!"
"Ah, maybe another time. Hey, how about we get ready and play some music..? It's been an while since we've sung something on that old piano."
My eyes lit up at the mention of the piano downstairs, remembering the good old times we spend singing together and learning how to play it with the others. I never was the best at playing instruments other than the ukulele and violin, all thanks to my parents putting me into classes.
Now days, I do thank them for teaching me some kind of musical talent.
"Oh! That sounds like an good idea Wally, we haven't played that piano in an long time!" I kicked my legs over the bed standing up. My legs remained slightly wobbly as I stretched my arms in the air cracking my back. Wally soon got up after me, taking an hold of my hand with his.
He gave it an small squeeze, his fingers grazing against my knuckles having my stomach swirl into butterflies. I felt the heat radiate from my cheeks, for sure I looked like an tomato at this point.
"You're cute when you blush Darling.." His voice softened, leaning closer to get an better look of my face. I only turned my face away with an smile, cracking an toothy grin.
"I'll let you get ready first okay? I know how long it takes for you to do your hair, especially with all of the hair spray." I jokingly spoke cupping my hand over the side of my mouth, earning an small chuckle from his lips. "I care very much for my hair honey.."
"Maybe a little to much."
__________
Wally finished up his shower an few minutes ago, Now being my turn to hop in.
Taking my time in the shower, getting squeaky clean and singing an few Frank Sinatra songs I slide out the shower and get ready. I head out the bathroom and notice Wally who's staring outside the window of our room. I walk over to him to see what he was staring at.
"You okay Darling?" I ask placing an hand on his shoulder. He didn't say anything besides continue staring. I furrow my brows in worry my grip on his sweater tightening. "Wally..Wally are you okay?"
"Do you ever miss the show..?"
I was caught by surprise by his comment, causing me to let go of his sweater that I had an hold of. "W-What?" I ask again, uncertain if he asked me what he did.
"The show.. do you ever miss it?"
His question had me thinking hard. I could see and sense that after all these years, he still felt upset and probably guilty for the cancellation. I only sigh and wrap my arms around his body, resting my head on his shoulder.
"Oh, of course I do honey.. I miss it more than you think.."
The room filled with an sad but comforting silence. We both continued to stare out the window, as if waiting for something to happen. Nothing but flying birds and the breeze of leafs on the morning day.
"What if it was just the two of us..? Our own Welcome Home."
"Huh? Our own Welcome home?" I leaned off his shoulder looking at him with an surprised expression. He finally stares over at me with his sweet smile, taking my hand with his.
"Yeah.. just the two of us."
"Oh, well that would be nice dear. But we can't forget the others...However.." I give his hand an tight squeeze, leaning my head back down on his shoulder. I close my eyes, smiling an soft smile at the thought of the two of us being together. "It would be nice.."
The soft chirping of birds broke the silence in the room, being the only form of noise for the two of us. Wally didn't say anything for an moment until he turned back towards the window squeezing my hand in return.
"Okay.."
I glance up at him, catching his remark. I raise an brow from the way he said it, sounding somewhat.. intimating. I couldn't help but find it creepy. I keep my mouth shut as the two of us hold hands..
_________
"Hey, wait up Hon!"
"Gonna have to catch up with me first Darling!"
My body was on fire as I chased after Wally, my feet were still slightly asleep from just waking up. He came to an halt outside of the front door watching as I stopped an few inches away from him. He kept the door open for me, standing aside with an innocent smile while I stood there chest beating and out of breath.
"J-Jeez.. I haven't b-been that.. out of breath since our honeymoon."
I fanned my face letting out an small "Phew!" once we headed inside with the cool air conditioner. The moment we stepped inside the door the fresh aroma of desserts overtook our noses. I closed my eyes humming in delight of all the options and choices there. Okay, gotta stay on track Y/N.
I gazed over for Wally seeing his face against the display of apple pie. I made my way over to him, standing beside him.
"Want one Darling?" I ask cocking my head to the side. He didn't reply to my question fast still stuck in his own trance. His eyes take an glance over at me, still having his attention to the pie.
"One would be nice.."
"Come on, I'll make one for you when we get home. I'll even buy an bunch of slices."
"Can't we just get one here..?"
"Well yeah, we could.. but believe me, Homemade makes you feel right at Home!"
My hand squeezed to his shoulder giving an look at the pie as well. It did look good I admit, but who knows how long it's been out for. I could tell with the look on his face, he was debating whether or not it was an good decision. "Ah.. okay."
"I promise I'll make you an fantastic pie.. just for you." I leaned towards him giving an quick kiss on his cheek. I watch as his pupils change to hearts, his eyes not daring to leave mines. His smile was contagious curving from ear to ear that I couldn't hold back an giggle.
We get our stuff and leave the cash on the counters before heading out. I swing the bag back and forth, my free hand occupied and intertwined with my husband's. I decided to catch an quick peek at him only to find he was already staring at me, making me shyly look away in embarrassment.
"You're truly an diamond, my Darling."
"Oh stop it.. You're gonna make me blush even more than I already a-!"
Wally's hand pulls me forward, giving me an quick spin. I managed to catch myself in time with my instincts, my foot immediately stomping behind me. I only smirk at him as I took his hand, the two of us dancing like fools on the way home.
We made our stop to the house, his hand around my waist the whole time.."Still got it.." He whispered in my ear, an shy laugh leaving me. He was getting rather more bold with his words lately. Possibly he was just gaining more confidence.
"Now we're set for the day! Wanna help me with these pies so we can head back to the bed?'
"Why, I would love too.."
___
After an few "kisses" from our "Kiss the Cook Aprons, (ifykyk) We starting on our baking. I left the more simple stuff for Wally to do, since he was an better cooker than baker. I whistled an simple tune of, "Fly me to the Moon" changing it up to humming as I placed the slices inside the pie.
An pair of arms came around my waist, burying their face into the back crook of my neck. Wally gave me an small squeeze to note it was him, being more clingy whilst I cooked.
He moves towards my cheek, placing an kiss on the right side before adding another then another. My cheek squished aganist his lip only growing my smile. He buried back to my neck instinctly tilting to the side.
"Pfft, come on that tickles.. I'm trying to cook Hon."
"You're such an good baker.."
"Thank you.."
His lip remained there like an mosquito that found it's favorite place to attack. I couldn't help but bite the side of my cheek starting to grow dizzy once his hand moved down to my hips. I could feel his lips curve to an smirk.
I felt my heart starting to beat rapidly fast in my chest, the curve of his lips making my stomach turn upside down. I rested my cheek on the side of his forehead, our bodies moving in sync side to side. I moved one of my hands to interwine with his.
"I could just eat you up like an apple. So sweet."
"That's an rather odd compliment.."
"Oh? I thought it was the truth.."
"O-Okay Wally.. really I'm just trying to- OW!"
As if pleasure to pain, pain courses through my body. I stumbled away from Wally, pressing my hand on the side of my neck where the pain was coming from. It was so fast that the adrenaline was kicked in. Both of our eyes were in clear shock at what just happened, though I was the most in awe.
"Did.. Wally, you just-"
"..." He could only stand there with an dumb expression, not knowing what he did wrong or not. I hissed and quickly removed my hand once the adrenaline started to kick off. His yellow hand reached out in an attempt to comfort.
"Y-..N/N.. I'm so-"
DING DONG
The two of us were interrupted from the ringing of the doorbell. Though it sounded bad to say, I was lucky to be saved from an moment like this even if it was the mailman. "I'll go get it.." I quickly spoke out not giving him an chance.
...
"What an gentleman you are.."
"What? Isn't that what would suppose to do in relationships?"
"That's not a way to treat an lady! If you want to "seem innocent" as you claim, then at least try to act like me. Which you can't!"
"Home" only let out another mumble from his lips, turning his way to the pies on the counter.
"Right but if she were to ever do it, it's "lady-like?" Don't act like I haven't seen the stuff you guys are into!"
Wally's face immediately flushed in embarrassment as Home called him and Y/N's behavior indoors out. He could only cross his arms and whistle to himself.
__
I walked over to the door, answering it to be met with the grey puppet himself. Frank looked somewhat nervous, his on edge demeanor making me feel nervous.
Y/N! Can't believe I'm saying this but thank goodness your Home.. I-i have to show you something that I found, q-quick!"
"You found something? Oh! is it another butterfly?
"No no it's.. hard to explain. Just come on, you wouldn't understand unless I show you!"
Frank was already on his merry way, leaving me behind. I let out an huff and grab an jacket from the rack running past the kitchen where Wally still stood in silence to himself.
"I'm heading off with Frank real quick, I'll be back! Check the pies, love you!"
________
"It's some sort of.. magical flower!"
"Stand back Julie, let her look at it.."
Julie kneeled up allowing for me to sit down and see what was going on. I was caught by surprise when I was blinded my admiration of such an flower, it's bright colors representing what looked like an rainbow.
"It's strange, I've never seen anything like it before. Julie, does it say anything about it's components?"
Julie flipped through the pages of the big book to identify what It was, only to come up with nothing. Their faces both dropped to disappointment only to look at me with an sad frown. "Nothing, do you think it could be an new discovery?" Frank asks, his finger curves under his chin while he hummed in thought.
"It could belong to an certain bug.. It would be best not to touch it." I note watching as an little caterpillar wiggles it's way up to one of the leaves. Both of us continued to stay trapped in thought about the mysterious flower when Julie piped up, pointing out something.
"Y/N! You're bleeding!"
"Huh?" I glance up at her raising an eyebrow at her comment, only to instinctly cup my neck.
"Yeah, seems like an bite. Did something bite you?" Frank lifted my hand from off my wound only to cause me to hiss. The two of their faces changed in an snap, sharp gasps leaving their mouths. I only cupped my hand back over hissing again.
"Hey, stop it! Just let me see it. Did something bite you like an animal?"
"No, of course not!"
"Are you sure? It was deep enough to draw blood.."
Frank crosses his arms narrowing his suspicious gaze my way. With both their eyes on me, I feel myself sink to the ground. I knew it would get myself teased by Julie and possibly ridiculed by Frank.. oh who am I kidding? He would do it anyways!
"It kinda just happened when me and Wally were cooking.."
"Just cooking huh? Must've been some fun cooking.."
"Frank!"
"But that still doesn't explain it." He replied, his cocky attitude making me get irritated. I huff through my nose and cross my own arms over my chest looking away.
Y : "That's cause it.. it was Wally."
J : "Ah ha! I knew you were into that type of thing!"
Y : "J-Julie! What-
F : "He bit you?
I let out an loud groan and bury my face into my hands. This was so embarrassing to admit, they would be the last two people on this earth that I would spill my secrets too.
"Ugh, yes he did alright! Can we stop talking about it now!" I blurted out clearly over the edge of embarrassed over this. They only stared at me with wide eyes letting out an nod. "Well, let's at least get you patched up so it doesn't get infected.."
Frank got off the ground giving me his hand. I took it and gave an small smile in thanks.
__________
"And I just wanted to say that.. I'm sorry."
"Aww, Y/N! There's no reason to be so sad and upset, we forgive you!" Julie's apologetic tone reassured me when she placed the bandage over my neck. I gaze over at Frank bringing in an few snacks setting them down on her table.
"So, how's life been holding up for you?"
"Ah, it's been alright.. How's about you and Eddie?"
This grew ooo's in the kitchen from Julie, Frank's face changing to an annoyed and flustered mess. "Tch-! We're fine.. An few days ago we went Butterfly catching.. I helped him with some mail.. I guess you could say it was-"
"An date!" Me and Julie clung to each other's hands, interwining as we squealed. Frank only scoffed and rolled his eyes at us acting like children.
"Oh stop it you two, your acting like immature kids."
"Oh come on, you know how much of an sucker we are for romantics Frankie, come on drop the details!" I began to drum my hands on the coffee table, waiting for the news that he planned to spare. Frank's eyes darted between my e/c ones to Julie's black ones, only to see we were serious about this.
Seeing that we weren't planning to stop anytime soon, he only let out an frustrated sigh from his lips, laying his elbows on the coffee table. "Well, I seen that he was busy doing his deliveries and while I was trying to catch an butterfly it happened to escape.. with Eddie being Eddie he caught the little guy for me."
Frank paused between his story, an slight smile curving onto his lips. "We caught butterflies for an while, I even shown him an few as well! After that he had to get back to his postal work, but spoke on how he still had to package up a lot of the boxes.. so I decided to help."
Me and Julie were nearly over the table, taking in all of the details at once. Julie slammed her hands on the table, her eyes bright with glee and stars. "DID YOU TWO KISS? HUH HUH?"
"W-What?! No, of course not.. not yet at least."
My smile faltered seeing Frank get so upset at the mention of it, I could tell it bothered him an lot. I cocked my head to the side somewhat confused by it all, seeing that the two have been together for some time.
"You two have been together for nearly 2 years, you still haven't kissed yet? I mean Geez, it took only me and Wally an few months.."
"That's cause you two couldn't keep your eyes off each other." Julie did an small "click click" with her tongue, nudging my elbow with hers. "Hey!" I retorted back only to get flustered at her sadly true statement about us.
The sound of the oven went off causing Julie to jump up from the floor. "ooh! That must be the cookies! I'll be right back!" She gave an quick wave rushing off towards her kitchen. The living room fell silent with just me and Frank, the atmosphere felt rather odd.
"So.. How's you and Wally holding up?"
"Oh? Oh, me and Wally! Yeah we're uhm.. we're fine. I guess.."
"You guess? You're never hesitant with him. What's up?"
"Huh? Nothing! Nothing what do you mean?"
Frank's eyes only narrowed deep into mines, as if he was piercing through my soul. It's as if I was being ridiculed by my parents, the effect made me feel like I had to confess. I didn't really have much of an choice seeing how stubborn we both were being.
"Alright alright.. I mean, it hasn't been as good as it was before."
"... Do you mean that in-"
"NO! get your mind out the gutter Frank! I mean our relationship. Yeah, he's back to being more affectionate and stuff but on top of it he's being more creepy.."
"Creepy? Hasn't he always been an bit on edge? I mean, haven't you seen the behind the scenes during Welcome Home?"
My ears perked up at the mention of "Welcome Home." It's been so long since I've last heard of even seen of the VHS's, I had them stored away in Wally's basement since I would catch him during strange moments of the night watching it. It was pretty ominous thinking about it now.
"No.. Why?"
"Well it.." Frank paused again between his words, as if he was contemplating saying it out loud. His eyes glanced around the room possibly making sure Julie wasn't no where to be seen eavesdropping. "During the time of production.. I would overhear Wally talking.."
"Talking? About what?"
"About Home.."
Home. That word just stabbed me straight through my puppet heart.
"There have been reviews of people saying their VHS's were hijacked or something.. they would see creepy images or hear whispers.."
"Seriously? I've never heard of this.."
"There was once I.. I overheard Wally talking about someone. It was like.. After the show he would still refer to someone as Neighbor. He slipped up with me once and when I confronted him about it, he just said it wasn't anyone."
"Well, sometimes he would go in his gallery and stay there for an long time. But he doesn't talk to Home, I can just assume he's probably in there drawing."
Frank leaned closer over the table, his eyes staring deep with mines. I could tell he was serious with what he was saying, he would never lie about something over this. The thought of the reviews and hijackings make me think of what possibly was going on deep in the company of Playfellow.
"I'd say go in there and find out what he's doing. Who knows what he's hiding in there.."
"I don't wanna invade on his privacy. He told me strictly to not go in there!"
"There's times Y/N where you have to take matters into your own hands! If Wally really is doing things behind your back that you don't know about, don't you deserve you know? I mean come on, You've guys been married for 5 years now."
Frank did have an point. Before Wally did his whole "disappearing act" on us, He would talk with Home constantly and stay in that room. Not only that, but the memory of those disturbing haunting images of those eyes and spirals.. I need to go back in there.
"I guess your right.. I mean I haven't been in that room since forever, he practically keeps eyes on me and locks it when he's in there."
"See, Be an daredevil for an change! No shame in a little mystery and mischief.."
"Ah, I think I'd rather stick to being an Angel.."
As if on cue Julie came out with oven muffins over her hands and an pan of cookies. She set the pan down only to have me and Frank flinch back from the burning smell of the Cookie Chip cookies. The both of us slowly turned to her in concern and confusion, an nervous look flushing over her face.
"A-Ah ha ha.. eat up!"
________
"Bye Frank! Bye Julie!"
"Bye Y/N! See you tomorrow!" "Bye Y/N!"
I finished up my stay at Julie House, taking an few of the burnt Cookies with me. I wasn't gonna eat them of course, but as Julie kept pressuring me to take them I didn't really have any choice. I stopped in front of our House, taking an look up.
From the blinding colors, to the dancing plants and moonlight in the sky reflecting off my face it was such an peaceful moment to take in. I found myself closing my eyes allowing the cool breeze to brush aganist my face. I missed quiet moments like this in the night, the nights me and Wally would go walking just to find some frogs or flowers.
The memory of when me and Wally first confessed on an night like this. An romantic and unforgettable everything. As the wind continued to consume me, the whispers of an certain voice rung in my ear.
"This way Neighbor.."
My eyes immediately opened wide I could've sworn I seen an glimpse of huge eyes looking back at me through the windows where Home's eyes would usually be. My once calmed moment changed to an sudden uncomfortable atmosphere, as if I was being watched by something or someone.
I didn't waste an second to rush back into the house, closing and locking the door behind me. I set my keys down and took the jacket off tossing it on the coat rack. My eyes trailed over at the gallery room, that single door that casted an light over it from the moon.
The curiosity was killing me, I could hear Frank's voice telling me to open it. I squeezed my eyes shut and took an deep swallow of my salvia in my throat. I lifted my foot and took an single step forward.
"Honey, you're home.."
My body finches, my head turned to face with Wally. He was in his robe, his long blue hair covering half of his face. He had his arms behind his back as if he was hiding something. I raised my eyebrow growing curious to what he had.
"What is that..?"
"Well.. when I finished up the pies I decided I would go pay an visit by Barn's.. that's when I stopped and found.." He moved his hands from behind his back, revealing what he was hiding. The look on my face changed to pure shock, the only sense of my expressing being in my eyes.
"That's.."
"I seen it and figured you might like it."
He placed the pot in my hand the rainbow colored flower once again in my vision. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what to say, my mouth could barely form an sentence.
"It's.. beautiful Wally.."
"Just like you. Hey, you wouldn't mind if i set it in the gallery right? I would love to paint an portrait of you with it."
"Oh! Well.. sure, I guess that would be nice." I gave an small smile handing him back the pot. Our hands brushed against each other's for an second while I passed it, making my body shiver. "Once I'm done, we can set it in our room. I think it'll look pretty.." Wally looks back at the flower lightly touching the petals of it.
"Yeah it would.."
______
As nighttime fell, the house grew quiet. The only sound was from outside, being of crickets and owls rustling in the trees. While Wally was beside me mumbling in his sleep, I was wide awake with my hands clamped together staring blankly up at the ceiling.
I couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried. No, it wasn't because of Wally constant mumblings of him "sleeping" having dealt with that for years I've gotten used to it. It was instead the burning sensation of knowing what was going on IN that gallery room.
I shot up from the bed, gripping the sheets underneath me. I furrowed my brows firmly coming to my decision. I have to check what's going on.
So, with my quiet footsteps I made my way towards the bedroom door and opened it slowly, only cringing when the door began to squeak loudly. I turned my head around to check if Wally was awake, only to hear him stop mumbling and instead shift in his sleep.
I sigh in relief and leave and the room making my way downstairs. I could've sworn the moment I turned towards the hallway where the art room was, it seemed so much farther than usual. It possibly could've been because of the anxiety I was feeling. I couldn't help but have second thoughts about doing this, but with my curiosity I quietly sped-ran to the door.
I stopped in front of the gallery's door, looking up at it. My hand reached for the knob of it, sweaty as ever. I wipe my hand on my gown and open the door revealing nothing but pure darkness. The thunder struck into the room causing me to flinch and gasp sharply.
My hand clasps over my mouth immediately darting my eyes towards where the stairs were. I waited for any noises or sounds to alert that Wally was awake, only to get nothing again. I huff out an breath and step an foot inside the room, the rush of nausea hitting my stomach.
I cringe and close the door behind me, turning around to look around the room. My footsteps creaked underneath me as I walked around, bits of black paint and papers tossed messily over the wooden floor. I knew Wally was an messy painter, but never was he this much of an mess. My eyes dawn over the "magical flower" I was gifted, an sense of comfort coming over me. It was really pretty I had to admit.
I viewed the few portraits that hung on the wall, ranging from apples, to portraits of myself. An smile curved my face as I notice one of them being of myself and Wally, the day of our wedding. Despite it being an painting
i could feel the life and feeling he placed into the portrait. From the admiration in his eyes as he stared at me, to my calming and closed eyed smile as we held each other. I felt myself missing those old days.. when things just felt right.
I stop in my tracks when my foot steps in something wet, scrunching my face up. I lift my foot to see red paint on the ground however the more I lifted my head I found foot prints that lead towards and dark corner, an television placed perfectly hidden. I glance around the room for any signs of someone and make my way to the television.
It was quite old, the big screen nothing but black. I pressed the side to turn it on, waiting patiently for it to boot up. I stare at the static screen of colors looking over to the bunch of VHS tapes, an few places on top another with others messily over the place. I pick up one of the tapes and few the tape that had an name labeled on it.
"RONALD D."
"Ronald Dorelaine.." Just saying his name made me sick to my stomach. I place the tape aside and begin to rummage through the other tapes, finding an few from around the time Welcome Home was airing. "1969, NEW NEIGHBOR!" "1972, PLAY BALL!" "1974, AN FRIENDLY GOODBYE!"
My lips curve to an frown seeing the last episode state an friendly goodbye. The day that the show ended up getting cancelled so suddenly. "I can't believe he still has this.." I spoke to myself, grazing my thumb against the neat hand writing. I figured that maybe the company slid Wally the tapes after the cancellation from how upset he was.
Now thinking about it..the company. playfellow..
"Playfellow..Playfellow." i scanned through the many VHS's, trying to find an possible tape for my suspicion. And then, I found it. I held it up to the dim moonlight casting through the window, the words in big font letters written in black marker.
"ARCHIVES - PF COMPANY"
"Bingo." I whisper to myself sliding the tape into the television. I scoot myself back from the screen, sitting criss cross in my lap. I hear the faint sounds of people talking causing me to lean in closer. The static on the television began to die down, finally revealing the view in front of me.
There sat an few of the producers at desks, their formal attire and strict mean mugs on each of their faces. Small talk could be heard in the background, possibly the video being taken during busy hours of the time.
"Come, sit down with me."
The sound of Ronald's voice caught my attention, watching as he scooted over to his front desk to sit down. The chair of to the side moved with someone apparently sitting in it, though I couldn't see the other side of them.
Ronald leaned back in his chair, an annoyed sigh leaving his lips as he rubbed his forehead in his hand. "We have an problem with the company... The Sesame Workshop wants to sue us."
"Well, I would've expected less.. Due to the fact we have puppets and our companys have been at war practically. Has the show been doing good?"
"Well.. that's the problem. The stakes have gone down and parents are complaining about their tapes being hijacked or something.. probably just trying to mooch off of us. Once we get this check from the puppets were kicking them to the curb like the others.."
Like the others? Is he implying there were puppets before us? That can't be true, they were an new company at the time that's impossible. It wouldn't make any sense...
"How about you and.. what was it's damn name again.. Darling?"
"Wally. Yeah, that damn puppet." Ronald reached over grabbing an cigarette and lighter. He placed it between his lips, mumbling to himself as he set the lighter. "He was good in the beginning, but over the years he's gotten frazzled. During one of these episodes I had to take him backstage and give him an good smack or two. Teaches him right not to fuck it up again.."
My face scrunched up in anger. That pig, he's been abusing Wally longer than I've thought. The poor thought of someone as sweet as Wally getting treated in such an way without him telling anyone broke me in two. I couldn't help but feel guilty, as if I should've asked him about it from the beginning.
The man off screen leaned back in his chair, silence filling the room. Ronald looked down at his desk, an sigh leaving his lips. "Be an shame to discard these puppets like the last ones. Can't have anybody knowing any of our dirty secrets. Especially that Wally guy.. If he goes to the police about us were definitely getting shut down."
"And what do we do if he does..?"
"Oh, he won't trust me. I'll make sure he keeps his damn trap shut, including that wife of his."
"Oh, I forgot about the wife.. what was her name again.. Y/N?"
"Yep Y/N.." Ronald placed the cigarette between his lips again, taking an long drag from it. He blows the smoke from his lips, tapping his fingers on his desk. "Y/N Darling.. It would be an shame to discard someone like her especially with the looks on her. Ha, you should see the reviews the guys leave on her.."
The two both share an laugh, one that disgusted me in such an way. What pigs. The man off screen sat up in the chair, holding his hands together. "I'm being serious however Dorelaine.. We have been getting complaints from parents about the show, mainly with Wally. Kids claim that they have these.. visions."
"Well their kids, kids don't know Jack besides sitting in front of an television."
"Would you listen to me? Their saying that they see your damn puppet acting creepy, almost like an santantic cultist! Now I know he signed that contract but what about-"
The television behind to static out, causing the conversation between the two to go unheard from. I let out an frustrated sound and shake the TV an little. "You can't be serious? Come on! What's the contract about?!"
I held the sides of the television asking such an silly question as if I would get an answer. It only changed to pitch black for an moment leaving me with nothing. I let out an defeated sigh and drop my head down. I was so close to finding out the truth.. so close.
"I know your there.."
My head flew up immediately hearing his voice. My eyes met the television again, seeing nothing but the pitch darkness and Wally's shaky eyes. I couldn't help but feel an sense of dread and fear over my body, staring at nothing but his piercing eyes. I've stared at them many times however this time felt different. I couldn't explain it.
"You.. can help me. You and I haven't spoke.. but I've seen you.."
My eyes widned. But.. this isn't an episode so.. who is he referring to? I lean closer to the screen, narrowing my eyes for any unnoticed signs. The screen went dark again for an few seconds and quickly flashed an photo.
The photo was of all of us.. the neighborhood. We were all happy and smiling. As the photo remained on screen, red crayon began to stratch out the familiar faces, Julie, Frank, Sally, Barnaby. One by one each of them would be crossed out, as if they were irrelevant to the picture.
It does this to each individual until it stops, leaving just me and Wally. It was nothing but silent. I felt on edge wanting to back up from my screen, the eerie tape giving me goosebumps. I was scared to move, as if I made an single movement eyes would be on me.
"My dear Y/N. She means an lot to me.. she truly does. I would do anything to see her happy.. Oh, how could I betray such smiling faces of my friends, I don't want them to leave.. But you.. You wouldn't leave me right?"
The screen cut to Wally's eyes again, his tone of voice remaining monotoned but there's an ounce of what sounded like fear in them.
"I don't wanna hurt anyone.."
The tape ends abruptly leaving me breathing heavy and my heart racing in my chest. What the hell was that?! The tape pops out the television leaving me there with confusion, questions and an uncomfortable fear. I didn't wanna waste another moment being in this uncomfortable gallery, so I quickly got up and turned to leave.
I go to leave when I stop at the sight of an paper on Wally's easel. I glance around the room and make my way over stopping in front of it. I pick up the piece of paper and kneel down. My eyes scan through the paper, noticing it was an former complaint from an parent. What really caught my attention was the heartbreaking apology Wally left on an sticky note. I rip it off and frown.
"Wally.." i whisper to myself, nothing but heartache in me. I turn the sticky note around and see an pair of red eyes draw in crayon. Not only that, but the drawings of everyone in the neighborhood crossed out. Barnaby had an line by his neck, Julie had spirals behind her, Eddie was strached out. What drew my attention most were the letters in messy font spelling "Neighbor" at the top. My brows furrow in confusion, raising an curious brow.
"Neighbor..?"
The thought didn't give me an second to register, instead feeling an sharp stabbing pain in the side of my neck. I cry out in pain, dropping the note and falling to the ground. My shaky hand reaches up to feel at my neck, pulling out an needle.
My eyes go wide, my vision blurry as I stare up at the black towering figure over me. Unknown who it was, the only voice being heard belonging to Wally confirmed my suspicion.
"I told you not to come down here."