Chapter 11

Wally stared back at the Orphanage; as he stood by the open gate that his Aunt held open.

It was the day after he had made a leap into the unknown and now here he was, getting picked up by Aunt Iris, a small bag of things beside him.

Wally walked through the gate quickly, leaving the dark barren room of the orphanage behind.

Iris gave him a soft smile as he led him over to her car. He got in silently and kept his eyes focused downward once he buckled his seat belt.

Iris got in after, buckling up and glancing back at her nephew in the mirror.

"You want to get anything to eat before heading home?"

Home; what an odd word to say; he had a home now.

Wally gave a small shake of the head no and that was at least a response.

Iris nodded and started the car; heading off down the road so she could pass onto the main highway and out toward the suburbs.

The Allen house hold was just out of the main city in the suburb area around in. It was a nice little house that any growing family could need.

Two stories, three bedrooms, a good sized kitchen, and a nicely sized back yard. It was painted a nice pale yellow and seemed fairly new.

As Iris pulled up and parked the car outside the garage; she turned back and glanced at Wally. Watching as the child observed the house warily.

It was a big changed from the shabby house he had lived in before.

Wally looked over at her and she gave a soft smile in silent words that it was okay to get out of the car.

He grabbed the small bag of clothes and things and the blue bear he was now in habit of carrying around and got out warily.

Iris turned off the car and grabbed her key ring; getting out and watching Wally for a few seconds.

He was frozen still for a few seconds; red bangs covering his eyes but you could still see how scared he was.

She walked over and held out a hand in invitation for him to take.

Wally flinched a bit when the hand was held out, but hesitantly took it. His shaking became more evident to her when he did.

She slowly led him up to the door and unlocked it.

Letting him go into the empty house first.

He stood in the hallway looking just beyond to see the Living room and dining room as one open space.

Carefully Iris closed the door and moved him forward into the home.

"You want a tour or just go straight to your room?"

He looked around a little confused before looking up at her, giving no answer.

She took this at it was better to start small and show him the re-done guest room where he would be living for the next few years or so.

Up the stairs they went to open up to a decent sized hall with four doors. She led him down to the one nearest to the end.

Opening the door she revealed a pretty plain walled room.

"It may look plain now but you can do whatever you want with the space."

Green eyes looked around carefully. It was bigger than his old room and the one in the orphanage; the window wide and letting in lots of light.

He let go of Iris' hand and walked over to the full bed; putting the small bear on the red covers.

Iris watched as he looked around from the doorway; his green eyes scanning the room with curiosity he never verbalized.

"I thought maybe this weekend we could go get some new clothes for you and a haircut."

Wally's eyes snapped back to attention; giving a solemn nod of agreement.

"Thank you."

It was a whispered phrase but still he had said it. She smiled and nodded, reaching out her hand to lead him back down.

"Come on; I baked some cookies earlier this week and I think we have enough for both of us."

When people imagine adding a child to the equation to their normal lives they expect messes, and loud noises, and even a little bit of chaos; but also joy and laughter.

Right now the Allen's house was just trying to get everything situated.

Barry had come home around four and had found Iris already preparing dinner; with Wally nowhere to be seen.

A quick peck on the cheek for his wife before he looked around the home as if asking where the small child was.

"After I showed him around he chose to stay out back, I want him to adjust smoothly so I just let him stay back there. It's fenced so I don't worry about him wandering off."

Barry nodded and walked over to the back door; looking out of the glass.

Wally was sitting near the flower beds; staring up at the sky; his red hair getting moved by the wind.

The man stood their; his hand hovering for the door handle, it was an uncertain question that hung in the air as he reached for it.

He took in a breath and walked out; his shoes bending the green grass with every step.

Wally turned quickly to look at him, eyes wide in alarm.

Barry held up his hands in a small sign of peace, a soft smile on his mouth.

"It's okay, kiddo, I'm not going to hurt you."

Wally slowly relaxed but still looked ready to bolt.

Barry took a seat next to his nephew. He glanced over at Wally but looked up at the sky.

Wally sighed and hugged his knees; it was weird. He didn't want to be alone but he wanted to be away from people that wished to help.

Maybe he was fearful that they would realize he wasn't worth the help they were willing to give.

Awkward silence filled the space between them; wind blowing their hair and birds chirping happily.

Their saving grace was Iris, who peeked her head out and called them in for dinner.

Wally let Barry get up first and slowly walked behind him; glancing around the yard before entering the house.

Once entering the house he was hit with the smell of garlic and oregano. Never had he smelled something so good.

Peeking into the dining room made everything seem clear.

Three plates were set up around the nicely sized rectangle table; he stood there a little uncertainly before Iris came behind him, carrying a basket of steaming bread.

"Wash your hands then sit down at the table Wally."

She put the basket down before pointing to the kitchen.

Wally nodded quickly and rushed off, not wanting to delay the dinner. He found a stepping stool that was used to reach the high cupboards and washed his hand quickly.

Jumping down he walked over and sat down in the chair.

He looked around the table a little warily; Iris went around a put a good sized helping on Barry's plate and put a little on his.

"Th-thank you…"

She gave a soft smile as she sat down and waited for Barry. The blond came out of the kitchen a little while later, carrying three glasses with not much ease.

He put them down with a goofy grin on his face.

"See I didn't spill a drop…or that much."

He looked down at his shirt and shrugged, Iris only shaking her head at her husband's antics.

Barry sat down and handed the smaller cup over to Wally.

"Thank you…"

With everyone seated and food on everyone's plate they began to eat.

Conversation at the table was limited that night; which was uncommon in the Allen home but it was their first night with a child.

No use rushing the child to get used to his new surroundings.

They had plenty of other nights ahead of them to make family chatter anyway.

A/N: Ug I feel like it ended badly or that I am talking myself down since chapter seven. But apparently this story is becoming popular which surprises me entirely.

Remember there is always the possibility for me to go back and edit/ re-write chapters so this may not be permanent.

It doesn't help my mind keeps wandering over into what is going to happen in the future with Wally and how he is going to become one awesome little hero.