The days went by and the whole theater crew found out that Johnny and Ash were dating. They also found out what lance nearly did to Ash. Even Mike, the mouse who didn't seem to care for anybody wanted to pummel him. With the comfort from Johnny and the gang, Ash got back on her feet. She basically erased Lance's existence from her mind. Buster put out a cash prize to whoever turns Lance into the police. However, Lance himself, regretting everything he done, ended up turning himself in. Much to Becky's dismay. So, the prize was given to Ash as a "get well" gift. She never actually spent it on anything though. She decided to save it for a special occasion. Ash eventually heard from Johnny's dad, that Lance was regretting what he did. Ash simply replied, that he better. At the same time, Big Daddy found out about Johnny and Ash. At first Johnny was nervous. But when Big Daddy's eyes gleamed and after he went on and on about how proud he was for Johnny. He thanked Ash for keeping his Johnny in check.
Now, Ash woke up from her recently re-secured apartment bedroom, with a smile on her face. She didn't smile for the past couple of days. But, now, with her feeling repaired from the kindness of the theater crew and her loving boyfriend Johnny, she felt revitalized. Putting the past behind her finally, she could forget Lance and move on with her life. More especially, on a day like today.
She hopped out of her bed and bounced her way to the calendar in her room. She grasped a red highlighter and circled around the date that said "Johnny's B-Day."
She squealed to herself with excitement as she knew exactly what to get him. The only problem was how she was going to get it to him. It was rather big and can't be moved easily. A week ago, Ash purchased it from the music store, but they said she needed to pick it up herself.
How am I going to get Johnny's gift to his other surprise? Ash thought to herself.
Oh I know!
She raced back to her room and pulled out her cell phone from a drawer. Scrolling through her contacts, she tapped Eddie's. Putting the phone to her ear, she began to tense up.
"Ugh… Please pick up, please pick up."
The ringer stopped and the phone clicked.
"Hey, Ash how ya doin'?" Eddie asked.
"Hey Eddie, yeah I'm fine." She said. "Hey I need a favor from you."
"Really? What is it?"
Ash sighed.
"I need you to ask Johnny, if you can borrow his truck."
The other end was silent. After a moment, Eddie spoke.
"Uh Huh… and how do you want me to do that?"
"J-Just tell him Nana oh I don't know…"
Eddie soon went into explaining how Johnny practically never lets anybody drive his truck. Also, if he was asked by someone for borrowing it, he'd profusely say he'll do the driving. So Ash's idea was out the window. She sighed and hung up the phone.
Now, how will I get Johnny's surprise to his other surprise?
Ash finally decided to take drastic measures. First, she called Buster, to keep Johnny in the theater today. Then, she called Meena, her best friend. Her new plan was going to be set in motion. However, when she tried to call her, it went to voicemail.
"Hey, Meena its Ash, I was wandering if you could help me with something."
Suddenly mid message the phone was picked up.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Ash, I was outside and…" Ash eventually politely hushed her.
"So, what is it you need help with?" Meena asked.
"Johnny's truck is unavailable, so… uh… We are going to have to push Johnny's gift to his other gift."
Ash expected Meena to try and talk her way out of pushing such a thing. But she happily complied and told Ash she'd meet her at the music store. Ash sighed in relief before slipping on her normal clothes and put her sleepwear in a basket. She slipped on her shoes and hopped out the door. Making her way downtown, walking fast, she eventually found the music store. Meena was already there looking around the store. She spotted ash.
"Hey Ash."
"Hey Meena, are you ready for this."
Meena nodded with a smile on her face. Ash went to the counter.
"Hello, I'm Ash." She said.
"Are you here to pick up an instrument?" Responded an old raspy voice. A tortoise hobbled out of the back room.
"Yes, I am."
"Alrighty, let me just look at the paper work here…" The old tortoise put on a pair of glasses and grabbed a clipboard off the wall.
"Ash… Ash… Ah here you are. Ashlyn… however you say your last name."
Ash chuckled to herself. The store clerk pointed towards the back.
"Your instrument is back there… Might I ask how you are getting it to him?"
Ash simply shook her head.
"You might find out if we get spotted."
Meena and Ash then began the trek. They pushed the thing out the store and down the street. Johnny's other surprise wasn't too far away. The torturous thing was pushing the large instrument up the large hill. Once they got to their destination, then began the fun part; getting it through the door. With Meena's strength they hoisted it up the stairs. Shoving it between the door frame, they managed to get it inside. Only at the cost of re-assembling the door. Everyone but Buster and Johnny were there. With their help, they put the thing in a permanent spot and covered it up in a sheet. Eddie gave the all clear for Buster to walk Johnny to his surprise.
While the two were on their way, Ash told everyone to hide. Nana, not being able to bend down or knell simply hid herself in a separate room. While the other's hid in creative spaces. After a while the lights were flipped off. The room was filled with darkness. Minutes went by and the anxious wait for the door to open was growing more and more intense. Ash started to become worried. But her worries were soon aside as the door knob began to turn. The light poured in from the hallway and when a large black figure appeared in the doorway the lights were flipped on.
"Surprise!" Everyone said. Nana appearing from the room, managed say it too.
Johnny's face glimmered with excitement as he read the happy birthday banner.
"Aw… guys thank you, thank you all!" He gleamed.
Soon, Buster appeared from behind Johnny and got everyone to sing happy birthday to him. Johnny's smile grew wider as they finished. The party had begun, with parts of dancing, karaoke and most importantly, CAKE! Meena of course, baked Johnny's cake. The cake was Johnny's favorite; half chocolate, half vanilla. The cake was gone in a heartbeat. With the last slice making up Johnny's second. Whom in turn gave it to Ash, for putting the whole party together. After she had finished. She decided it was time.
"Oh Johnny?" She singingly called for him. "It's time to open presents!"
Johnny soon found himself being dragged by Ash to an obvious looking present. Johnny pulled off the sheet to reveal his new piano. He gasped very loudly. He hugged Ash quickly and sat down in front of it. The glistened with newness. Eventually Johnny decided to try it out. He ended up playing "The Entertainer". However, Johnny stopped, his face looked troubled. He had realized something.
"Ash? Why is the piano in your apartment?"
"Well…" She said as she walked into her room and pulled out a black suitcase. "I figured to keep your piano where you are going to stay."
Johnny went wide eyed.
"A-Ash are you asking me to… move in… with you?"
Ash became super excited, not able to contain it.
"Yes!" She squealed.
Johnny stood up only to knell to Ash's height. Hoisting her up in an embrace. The hug was Ash's answer. Johnny was now moving in with Ash. The couple stayed embraced for a while. Even Mike's heart melted at the sight.