Buzz's Bon Voyage Into Space party was in full swing in Andy's room. Pure excitement filled the air, as the toys were elated that two whole weeks had gone by since the fifteen year old Andy had opened the toybox and it still hadn't been closed. That, coupled with their enthusiasm over their friend going on the mission of a lifetime was enough to push any toy over the edge.
None of the Davises were home that night, so a fun beat was blaring from the speakers of the Fisher Price tape recorder. Toys were dancing around Buzz's cardboard spaceship packaging, which was placed proudly in the center of the room. Jump ropes were twirling, relay races were starting up, and even a beach ball was being volleyed through the room. At the corner of the bed, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head had popped in the Buzz Lightyear of Star Command dvd , and they settled down to watch with their adopted alien children.
A jazzed Wheezy started to sing happily into Mr. Mike's microphone, but Bo Peep playfully fought him for the mike. Woody came over then and settled their debate by grabbing the mike himself. Slinky shushed the other toys, and Woody waited until everyone was quiet before he started.
"Tonight we celebrate a milestone in the life of our favorite space toy," he began.
Buzz held Jessie tightly in his arms and regarded Woody with wide eyes.
"Now, Buzz, I thought you were a fool when you first got here. I mean, come on a toy believing that he's a real space ranger?" Woody chuckled. "That's just ridiculous!"
Buzz frowned. "Is the purpose of this speech to honor me, or mock me?"
"Oh.. right. Sorry." Woody winked at his friend before continuing. "But Buzz over the years you have proven yourself a heroic partner and a dear friend to us all. I speak on behalf of everybody when I say how happy we are that Andy has recognized how special you truly are and how proud we are that in just a few hours, you'll be a toy and a real space ranger."
All the toys in Andy's room exploded into applause and it took Slinky a few minutes to quiet everyone down again.
Woody laughed. "You're my best friend, Buzz, and I'm really going to miss you. Oh heck, we all will. Anyway, this song is dedicated to you. Congratulations, Partner." With that, Woody tipped his hat and pressed a button on the tape recorder. A pop rendition of Shining Star played through the speaker and all the toys laughed and clapped excitedly.
Jessie jumped up and pulled Buzz alongside her to dance. Woody and Bo Peep joined them, and then Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. Soon, the other toys followed and the party reached new heights.
When the song ended, the toys all went back to their activities and Buzz kept busy making sure he spent time with each and every one of them. Jessie didn't want to get in the way, so she hung back. She saw Bo glance at her from the other side of the room with a concerned expression, but she really didn't want to get into a conversation about feelings and how much she was going to miss her boyfriend. She debated on whether or not to go see Becca in Molly's room, but then she figured it would be rude to leave the party, especially in her new position as the Sheriff's deputy.
She shuffled her feet as she walked around the room and after a moment, Woody rode up on Bullseye. "Can I give you a ride, Little Lady?"
Jessie smiled and hopped on. "I s'pose you wanna discuss plans for after tomorrow?"
Woody shook his head. "Nah. This is a party! Business can wait til later."
Jessie grinned. "I like this new attitude!"
"Well, don't get used to it," Woody warned. "It's just for really special occasions, like today. Starting tomorrow night you have a lot of work to do," he said with a wink.
Jessie rolled her eyes. "Then I guess I'd better have some fun while it lasts."
Woody dismounted and pulled Jessie down. "Yeah, go on. Go have fun, Jess." Slinky and Wheezy came over then and the cowboy's attention shifted to them.
Jessie sighed as she watched them go. She looked from one set of toys to another, but she didn't find any games that she wanted to join at that moment. She wandered slowly around the edge of Andy's room, trying to look busy.
She stopped near Andy's bed to take in the party again and suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her from behind and a plastic hand clapped over her mouth.
