One hundred and eleven
"Are you feeling any better now, Marty?" Margo asked with concern in her voice.
"I'll be alright," Marty answered back through the bathroom door at his home.
"I can't believe he ate 19 pancakes and has nothing to show for it," Kali said sympathetically.
"The restaurant Manager did say Marty could come back and try again. There are four days left until the contest ends," Wally replied.
"You're not seriously suggesting that Marty go back to Gilligan's and eat another 20 pancakes are you?" Margo said forcefully.
"Uh-NO! Never! Not me! Did I say that?" Wally stammered.
"Good, because I don't want to hear another word about any eating contest, especially this one. Got it?" Margo looked directly into Wally's face.
"Sure. No problem. Not now, not ever," Wally replied, backing up.
"You know Margo, it really isn't Wally's fault that Marty ate all those pancakes," Kali argued.
"Listen Kali, you don't know how long these two have been competing with each other: eating contests, drinking contests, lifting weights, and whatnot. It has got to stop! Now," Margo explained.
"But Margo, it's just a little harmless competition. It's normal, natural…" Wally argued.
"Wally, all I know is that your best buddy and loyal friend is now tossing his cookies in there all because he can't resist a challenge…" Margo began, growing angrier.
"I think you're talking to the wrong person," Kali interrupted.
"Marty?" Margo shot a quick glance toward the bathroom where Marty was. "I haven't even started with HIM yet!" she hissed.
"I think it's time for me to leave," Wally replied, feeling very tried from the long day. He was beginning to get hungry again, but didn't want to even broach the subject of food in front of Margo in the mood she was in.
"I'm beat too," Kali replied, turning to Wally and wrapping her arms around him.
"I'll give you a call later," Wally told Kali as he bent down to give her a good-bye kiss.
"G'night, Margo," Wally said, "Bye Marty, I hope you feel better," he yelled through the bathroom door.
One hundred and twelve
Wally wearily dragged his feet as he shuffled into his apartment with his suitcase in tow. The apartment was a mess, pretty much in the same state as he had left it hours earlier, but he was too tired for it to bother him. He'd clean it up tomorrow, that is, before beginning his search for a new place; he told himself.
Before heading for the bedroom, he stopped in the kitchen. He grabbed an unopened can of potato chips from the cabinet and began eating. By the time he reached his bedroom, the can was empty and he could barely keep his eyes open. Completely exhausted, he collapsed onto his rumpled bed and fell asleep.
One hundred and thirteen
Kali awoke to the mouth-watering smells of hickory-smoked bacon and fresh-brewed coffee. A glance at the clock beside her bed, told her it was nearly 10:30 a.m. already. Margo must be up, she concluded, breathing in the delicious aromas arousing her appetite. She hurriedly stepped into her bedroom slippers and slipped into her bathrobe.
After a brief pit stop in the bathroom, Kali headed down to the kitchen for a bite to eat.
"Good morning, Kali," Margo said cheerfully. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"Oh, no. Not at all, Margo," Kali replied, pointing to the sizzling bacon in the frying pan. "That smells wonderful!"
Margo smiled. "Pull up a seat and join me."
"How's Marty doing?" Kali asked, pouring herself a glass of orange juice.
"He fell asleep in the bathroom sometime after you went to bed. I don't expect he'll be up any time soon," Margo answered, setting the food on the table
"Have you thought any more about the party for Wally?" Kali asked. She wasn't sure if Margo was still upset about last night or not.
"The birthday party?" Margo replied. "Yes, I made up a food list this morning. Here's what I've got so far. I thought we'd pick up a few balloons and party decorations too. What do you think?" Margo handed Kali the party list.
Kali smiled. "That sounds great. I'd like to go with you to pick everything up, okay?" she asked.
"Do you think you can call the Watchtower this morning and invite the Justice League?" Margo asked Kali.
"Sure, what time do you want to start the party?" Kali asked.
"I thought if everyone came around seven o'clock, we'd have plenty of time to get things ready. I know it's a bit last minute, but that will help keep it a surprise for Wally, don't you think?"
"I agree," Kali answered. "Let me give the Justice League a call now," Kali added, washing down her last bit of breakfast with some coffee. She nearly collided into Marty as she left the room.
"Justice League?" Marty asked, looking confused.
"You up already?" Margo asked, greeting Marty with a kiss. "Good morning, dear."
"Did you say something about a party for the Justice League?" he repeated.
"Yes, Marty, you remember, we're inviting the Justice League to Wally's surprise birthday party tonight."
"What? When did we decide to do this?" Marty asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Last night, don't you remember?" Margo replied.
Marty shook his head. "No, but I'm always the last to know anything around here," he answered. "You say we're having the Justice League over our house tonight?" he asked in disbelief. "I've got to get some more film for the camera," he muttered to himself.
"Do you think we should make this a costume party?" Margo pondered aloud. "I wonder if the Justice League members would feel more comfortable in their costumes if we wore costumes too."
"What? Are you crazy? They'll think you're belittling them!" Marty exclaimed.
"You think so?" Margo asked, "I just thought it may be fun. Besides, it would be easier for them to 'appear' together at our house without drawing much attention from our neighbors."
"I don't think so Margo. Besides, I want to get some photos with the Justice League; if we're wearing costumes too, no one will believe that's who they really are!" Marty complained.
"I don't think you'll have to worry about that," Kali said sadly. "I just spoke with Batman at the Watchtower. He agreed to pass on the invitation to his fellow Leaguers, but he didn't have much hope for many, if any, of them to attend."
"What?" Marty's face fell. "You've got to be joking!" he said sadly.
"Batman says that the Justice League will be on evening patrol across the country and their members don't normally take time off from work in order to attend birthday parties," Kali explained.
"You spoke to Batman?" Marty said in awe. "How does he sound? Does he really have a deep voice? Did he say he could make it? I can't believe you spoke to Batman…"
Marty was interrupted by the front door bell.
"I'll get it," Kali said, walking quickly to the door.
"It's probably the paper boy, tell him we'll pay him on Tuesday," Margo said, calling after Kali.
"What else did Batman say?" Marty asked eagerly. "Will he call us back?"
"I don't know Marty, you'll have to ask Kali that question. Do you want some breakfast? I made bacon, French toast, and home fries. There's still plenty left," Margo said, filling an empty plate for Marty.
"Sure. That's fine," Marty mumbled as he left the room. "Kali, did Batman say anything about whether he can make it to tonight's party?" he called out after her.
One hundred and fourteen
"What party?" Wally asked looking puzzled.
"Uh…." Marty stammered. "Party? What party? Who said anything about a party?"
"You did, Marty! What's this about a party? Wait a minute… did you mention Batman? Did you call him and invite him to a surprise birthday party for me?" Wally asked excitedly. "Wow! A party! That's great!"
Kali glared at Marty. "Thanks, Marty," she said sarcastically. "It's not much of a surprise now, is it!"
"Wally, what are you doing here so early in the morning, anyway?" Marty asked, trying to change the subject.
"It's not that early…Mmmmm, do I smell bacon?" Wally asked, walking past Marty and Kali. "Hi Margo!" he called heading toward the kitchen, forgetting everything else. "Can I have some bacon?"
"Come on in Wally, we've got plenty," Margo answered, waving him in.
Kali and Marty followed Wally into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Wally," Margo said, setting another plate of food on the table.
Marty sat down at his usual spot at the table. "What's this for?" he asked pushing his full plate of food away from him. "Ugh! Margo, have you any mercy? What are you thinking?"
"Marty, I asked you if you wanted some … never mind!" she replied, reaching for the plate Marty had pushed away.
"Oh, don't let that go to waste," Wally said, taking the plate from her. "I'll eat it!" he offered.
Wally finished both platefuls of food in the blink of an eye. "I don't suppose you any more?" he asked politely.
Margo laughed, "I never could get used to that huge appetite of yours, Wally!" she said, removing the empty plates and giving him a fresh plate of food.
"So, what's this about Batman and my surprise party tonight?" he asked, four seconds and three platefuls of breakfast later.
Margo frowned at Marty. "How does he know about this?" she demanded.
"I-I didn't…" Marty sighed. "And how was I to know Wally was the one at the front door?"
"It doesn't matter, Margo. Really. I think it's terrific that you guys want to throw a party for me." Wally leaned forward and gave Margo a hug. "I just can't believe you got Bats to come!"
"Actually, Wally, we didn't. The truth is, I don't think any of the Justice League will be able to make it," Kali said apologetically. "They'll be on patrol tonight and won't be able to take the time off. I'm sorry," Kali took hold of Wally's hand."
"Let me see what I can do. Go ahead with the plans for the party. I'll take care of the guests. What time do you want everyone to arrive?" Wally asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Seven o'clock," Margo answered quickly.
"No problem," Wally said rising from his seat. "I've got to get going. There are a few things I've got to take care of before tonight's party."
Kali walked Wally to the front door. "I'll see you tonight then," Kali murmured into his left ear as she snuggled close to him.
Wally wrapped his muscular arms around her, holding her tight. "I love you so much, my Kali girl," he whispered.
One hundred and fifteen
Wally tossed the last garbage bag into the apartment house's trash bin out back.
"There! That's that" he said, heading back to his, now neat and spotlessly clean, apartment.
It was times like these that he really appreciated his super-speed abilities. Who else could clean their whole apartment in four seconds flat? Now he needed to concentrate on finding a new place to live, he reminded himself.
He stopped at his mailbox before heading back upstairs. As he removed the mail from his box, he debated whether he should take the elevator or the stairs back up to his apartment. Racing up a few flights of stairs was always refreshing and fun for him; and at this time of day, there was rarely anyone around, so the chance of being seen dashing up the steps at super-speed was very unlikely. Besides, he knew that anyone else using the stairs would, at best, see him only as a 'faint blur' and nothing more.
He decided to go for it and ran as fast as he could all the way to his apartment.
That felt so good, he decided to change into his Flash costume and zip around town for a little bit. As he put his unopened mail down on the kitchen table, a handwritten note slipped out from the pile and dropped to the floor.
Wally retrieved the paper and unfolded it. The note was from the owner of his apartment house:
Dear Tenant,
Please be advised that I have entered into a sales agreement to convey property ownership of this apartment building to United Business Industries, Inc.. You are hereby being given notice to vacate your apartment within the next 30 days. I regret any inconvenience this may cause. You may direct your questions and concerns to my business manager, Clifford Barrister 555-4524 ext. 28.
Sincerely,
P. H. Trenton, III
Kali is going to need to find a new apartment too, Wally realized. She'd probably just stay with Marty and Margo, he reasoned. Or would she? It wasn't the most convenient location for her to live at while commuting to her University classes. Maybe they could get a place together, he thought. Would she consider moving in with him?
The idea of sharing a place with Kali exited him. It was convenient, it would be great! He loved her and she loved him, what could be wrong with them living together? he asked himself.
The little voice deep inside, objected. What happens if they break up? They'd be stuck sharing an apartment. How awkward would that be? He immediately regretted evening considering that possibility. He had no doubts about his feelings for her. He knew his love for her was true.
Suddenly it dawned on him, if they were so sure about their love, couldn't they… shouldn't they…
One hundred and sixteen
It felt good, zipping around town visiting his regular spots. Flash made his first stop at Hamburger Haven to fill up on his favorite stack of burgers and bucket of fries. He was surprised to find Faith Morgan working there. She was able to take a break from work and sit with him a while.
She told him that her daughter Joy was so 'taken' with her new hero that she couldn't talk about anything else.
"That's great Mrs. Morgan," Flash said. Joy was an adorable little girl. He wondered if he and Kali would have kids. He couldn't imagine not, but Kali still had four years of college ahead of her so, he was sure there wouldn't be any children in their immediate future.
"How are Jimmy and Johnny doing?" he asked her. He knew they would have a hard time fighting charges of robbery and attempted murder.
"They were taken to Juvenile Hall," Faith explained. "Our defense attorney is trying to negotiate a sentence of community service for the boys. He feels that since my sons have no criminal records, they may be better off doing community service than serving time in a detention center. He is going to suggest that the boys work for the owner of the florist shop. If he agrees, maybe the boys can return home." Faith looked hopeful.
"I'm sure it will all work out for you," Flash said, trying to sound encouraging.
"Actually, Flash, I really think it will," Faith answered. She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. "Thank you for saving Johnny from my husband. If you hadn't been there, I don't know what would have happened. My husband, Henry, has had a drinking problem for quite some time now. I think this has finally opened his eyes. He wants to get sober and work on our marriage. He enrolled in a sobriety program at an alcohol abuse treatment center and when he gets out, we will be going for family counseling."
"I'm glad to hear that," Flash replied. "Is there anything I can do to help? Do you need anything? Want me to stop by and visit the boys? Do they need anything?"
Faith smiled. "No thanks, Flash. You've done enough; you've been a true godsend." Faith leaned forward and kissed Flash on the cheek.
Faith had to get back to work so Flash decided to take this time to call the Watchtower and invite his fellow Justice League members to his birthday party.
About a mile north of Hamburger Haven, was a small park with lots of trees, and a small duck pond. Along the duck pond were several wooden benches circling the pond. Aside from a few ducks splashing around in the pond and the occasional pigeon, the park was empty.
Perfect! Flash sat down on a bench near the splashing ducks and called the Watchtower through the communication device in his suit.
"J'onn, is that you?" he asked, when the Martian answered the call.
"Yes, it is I," J'onn replied. "Are you calling in for assistance?" he asked.
"No J'onn, I'm calling to invite everyone to my birthday party tonight. It's at Marty O'Malley's house at seven o'clock."
"Your birthday party? Is this the party Batman mentioned? I thought it was supposed to be a surprise," he answered.
"You're surprised, aren't you?" Flash joked. "Tell everyone to be there at seven, okay?"
"Flash…"
"Don't say you're not coming," Flash warned.
"Flash…"
"Come-on J'onn, you gotta come. We'll have lots of Oreos," Flash knew well the Martian's weakness for his favorite cookie.
"Flash, Oreo or no Oreo, there is no one here. I am the only one monitoring from the Watchtower," J'onn explained. "Everyone else is out on patrol."
"They'll be back in time for the party, though, right?" Flash said confidently. "Just make sure they know when and where it is. Okay?"
"Flash. They are not going to make it to your party. I am sorry," the Martian said apologetically. "We have a responsibility to those we serve."
"But you're coming, right?" Flash asked.
Silence.
"J'onn?"
"Yes. I will come."
"Good. But that's still not going to make much of a party is it?" Flash commented.
"I am sorry. I can not do anything about the others attending your party," J'onn replied.
Marty, Margo and Kali are going to a lot of trouble to throw this party for him and if only one guest shows up… Flash didn't want to disappoint them after they went to all this trouble…
"Listen, J'onn, You gotta do me a favor," Flash began.
"What favor?" J'onn asked suspiciously.
"I want you to come to my party as each of the Justice League members," Flash explained. "Just show up as say… Batman and stay for a while, doesn't matter how long, but long enough to look good. You can disappear into the bathroom or have some excuse to leave early and then you can go outside, morph into someone else and make another appearance. You don't have to stay at the party very long just long enough."
"Flash, that is deceitful. It goes against my…" J'onn answered back.
"It would mean a lot to me, J'onn. And who is it going to hurt? You're actually doing the others a favor… Think about it. You're coming on their behalf… sort of an ambassador so to speak."
Silence. Flash was getting to him.
"Oreos. J'onn, lots of Oreos. All eleven delicious varieties of Oreos," Flash began reciting the different varieties of Oreos, "Double-stuf Oreos, Fudge Covered Oreos, Double Delights, Mint and Creme Oreos…"
"Okay-Okay!" J'onn surrendered. "I will do it!"
"Thank you J'onn, this means a lot to me," Flash replied.
I'd better stop at the store and pick up some Oreos, thought Flash, as he left the park.
One hundred and seventeen
Kali and Margo returned home from their shopping trip. They picked up several trays of deli meats, fruit, cheese, and fresh veggies at the grocers and boxes of party decorations including an assortment of helium-filled balloons, 'Happy Birthday' ribbons, and banners at the party shop.
"Marty! We're home," Margo called out as she carried a large box of party decorations into the house.
Kali followed right behind her carrying a large tray of food.
"Marty? Are you here?" Margo repeated.
"I'm out here!" Marty's voice called from somewhere out back.
"How does it look?" he asked proudly.
Marty had strung a multi-colored string of flashing Christmas lights along the wooden deck in the back.
"Doesn't it look great?" Marty said, pointing to the lights.
"Very pretty," Kali said, impressed.
"What a great idea!" Margo answered. "Can you give us a hand unloading the car?"
"Let me put these empty boxes away first, okay?" Marty answered.
"Have you heard anything from Wally?" Kali asked, before returning to the car.
"Wally? No, why?" Marty asked, stacking the empty boxes on top of one and other.
"I'm just wondering about the Justice League…" Kali replied, a hint of doubt in her voice.
"If anyone can get the Justice League out here, it's Wally. Just you see; they'll all be here. I'm sure of it. By the way, did Margo pick up any film for the camera?"
"Film?" Kali paused before answering. "I don't think so…"
"Oh no! Margo? Margo!" Marty called out, frantically racing from the room.
One hundred and eighteen
Superman had just arrived at the Watchtower to check in before heading out for his regular evening patrol in Metropolis. Things were very slow today and in spite of his attempts to stay focused on his work in Metropolis, Superman couldn't get his mind off Flash.
The poor guy had been through a lot these past few days and Superman felt that Flash could use some extra support from his friends. So, when Batman first received Marty's invitation for the Justice League to attend to Flash's surprise birthday party, Superman's instinct told him that they should go.
He was surprised and even disappointed in his fellow Justice League members, noticing how easily Marty's invitation was dismissed. They seemed not to give it so much as a second thought, citing the necessity of their regular evening patrol work. Even so, Superman's conscience had continued to bother him.
Superman was surprised to see the rest of the Leaguers had also returned early to the Watchtower as well. Why weren't they out on patrol? he wondered. Then again, things were very slow for him, so perhaps it wasn't so odd that the rest of the team would return back to the tower earlier as well. Superman headed over to the group.
"You think we should skip tonight's patrol in favor of going to Flash's birthday party?" Batman asked in amazement.
Did Batman mention Flash's birthday party? Superman thought that discussion was over.
"Yes, at least for a short time," J'onn answered. "It would mean a lot to Flash if everyone could at least make an appearance. It doesn't have to be for long, and we can all return to patrol duty again afterward," he explained.
"I think we need to enlist more members in the League," Batman suggested. "It's time we extended the invitation to join our group to the others. It would make our work force stronger and more effective. Just last week, I ran into Spiderman…"
"I agree with you, Batman," J'onn interrupted, "But, the issue at hand is Flash's birthday party. Certainly a break in our patrol work would not impede the effectiveness of our work, especially if we agree to attend the party in shifts," J'onn suggested.
"I believe it would be a show of support to Flash as well," Superman added. "He's been through quite a bit lately and I think he would appreciate our presence at his party," he explained.
"Okay then, if there are no objections we'll all meet at Marty O'Malley's at seven tonight," J'onn concluded.
One hundred and nineteen
After a few more stops around town, Flash was ready to return home and change out of his red costume.
Funny how people considered him 'in costume' as Flash, but he truly felt more 'costumed' as Wally than he ever felt as Flash. It was just that he never really felt like himself when he wasn't free to use his super-powers; and being 'Wally' did just that. At least that was how he felt before he met Kali.
Now that he had Kali, he was freer to be himself. Even as 'Wally', he wasn't so restricted. In fact, it didn't matter what he wore, or whether he was a super-hero or not when he was with her, because when he was with her, all she wanted was for him to be himself. She loved him for who he was, not for who he pretended to be. Fast or slow, in costume or not, Flash or Wally, it didn't matter because there were no secrets to hide from Kali. It made all the difference and it felt good.
Wally showered and shaved before dressing. He was anxious to leave for the party, as it would be starting soon and he wanted to be sure to get there before the others.
Wally stopped in front of the mirrored closet doors to survey his appearance. He couldn't help but smile when he saw his reflection in the mirror. Dressed in a three button black tuxedo with matching black silk bow tie, Wally looked positively regal.
He slipped a small white satin box into his pocket and grabbed his car keys as he headed out the door of his apartment.