School of Ed
Leaves
Alarm clock chimes rang in Edd's delicate ears, awakening him to a new academic year. Pushing his cover off to one side, he slid, snake-like into his slippers, soft fabric caressing the tops of his feet. Walking over to his light blue curtains was a simple task, no tiredness showed in this young man's eyes whilst he greeted the morning light into his unnaturally clean room. Grabbing a dressing gown from the gold painted hook behind his bedroom door, Edd appreciated a sticky note adjacent; it was from his parents who had once more left for the week. Reading it, his mother's meticulous handwriting spelt out, 'We have left everything in the usual place Eddward, some grocery shopping towards the end of the week may be needed. Take care, lots of love Mother and Father.' Smiling, Edd knew he would be able to conduct science experiments in peace, chemistry was so much more exciting when he could create efficiently and alone with no noise from his parents own work. Working his way downstairs, older, crumpled sticky notes clogged the walls guiding Edd to the kitchen. A sparkling glass dining table met the prodigy, an orange juice carton and plastic jug waiting next to a cereal bowl, stainless steel spoon and a china plate. Double D, as he was known to his peers, adored this sight every morning, nobody to distract him, nobody to cause unnecessary sound, just quiet breakfast time.
Pouring himself a glass of juice, Edd reached for the cupboard, cardboard feeling his fingertips, he took the Chunky Puffs cereal box out of its regular habitat, still pouring orange juice and placing it back. Milk was next, Edd's fridge was modern, and expensive, bought the year previously by his parents as the last one was destroyed by Eddy in a 'scam'. A cold phial was suddenly wrapped in his spotless hands, its contents being poured on to the Chunky Puffs before being rudely thrust back in. Double D's orange was then disturbed; three crude cubes of ice tumbled downward, almost threatening to spill the bright liquid on to the immaculate floor work. Finally, Edd could sit down. Taking a seat, the teenager thought about his last year in compulsory education, Peach Creek High wasn't too far from his former place of schooling, Peach Creek Junior High. Double D relished throughout his teachings, 'A' grades dominated his reports; his teachers thought his exemplary work was miraculous considering the friendships he had.
Polishing off the last of the cereal, Edd contemplated what schemes Eddy would draft him into this year, wishing against anything at all being thought up. It was inevitable though; Eddy couldn't go two days, at most, without creating new plans for a few measly dollars. Jaw breakers were defunct in Eddy's mind now, apparently 'too useless' to own as they only lasted a short amount of time. Eddy was into clothing, cologne and material possession rather than sweets. Ed, the other member of the trio, went along with whatever ruled the day, his innocent nature dictating that he would rather be with his pals than investing. Black covered the dishwasher, Edd placing his food coated bowl and crumb scattered plate, the plate being used to present his toast before eating. Raising his head, the time on the fashionably designed clock read 7.58 a.m, digital figures passing knowledge unknowingly leaving Edd to go about his day. Walking back upstairs proved to be a chore, despite his alertness, Double D tripped halfway, causing his hands to reach out ahead in reaction. Grumbling, he eventually made his way back to his abode, taking his soft dressing gown off and placing it back on the gold hook. Edd's slippers came off also, pushed partially under the bed frame until night struck.
Taking his pyjamas off, the seventeen year old stood naked in his bathroom. Skinny arms opened the bordered door as he slung a towel over it and his ever precious hat. Warm water poured on to Edd, wiping away slight dust he may have picked up, his cleanliness a feature of his personality. Holding a personal sponge, Double D rubbed every part of his skin; masculine shower crème gave him an attractive emanation ahead of towelling off. Light coloured wallpaper gave the bathroom a grand burnished quality, illuminating all elements in the area. Over the sink, a white framed mirror hung, his eyes staring into it, Edd watched himself clean up, he had the odd thought from time to time that he should build his physical attributes so he could better himself during gym, as his mind passed over those thoughts, the young man exited the bathroom, entered his own room, got changed and left the house, awaiting the arrival of his companions so they make it to school.
Eddy was first to arrive, five minutes after Double D had locked his house up.
"Good morning Eddy," greeted the eager Eddward, "How are we this glorious autumn morning?"
Eddy simply scowled at his friend, "Great Double D, just fantastic, we get to start another year at school, awesome." His expression left little to be desired if Double D was honest with himself, "Where's Lumpy?"
"I believe Ed shall be joining us shortly, no doubt consuming his fourth helping of Chunky Puffs." Double D let out a small titter, before noticing Eddy frowning still, stopping abruptly and clearing his throat. They didn't see, but Ed was running down the street, laughing as usual.
"Oh, here he is Eddy," Double D pulled up his striped shorts, and un-creased his familiar t-shirt, "Ed, how are you my good friend?"
The tall boy spoke, "Double D I am just gravy, another year as the school mascot!" Ed guffawed and Double D congratulated him on sticking to it. Eddy had already walked on ahead.
Double D turned to Ed once more, concerned, "Ed...You haven't noticed anything wrong with Eddy in the past week have you? He seems more grumpy than usual this morning."
"No way Double D, Eddy is always like that." Ed ran on to catch him up.
Double D sighed, walking along the cracked pavement, golden leaves blew in unison with the chilled wind, Edd kicking them skyward. That chilled wind felt cooler once he realised who was behind him.
"Hey Double D, wait up!"
It was Nazz.
"Oh my..." Edd mumbled under his breath as Nazz caught up, "Why...erm...hello Nazz, lovely um, morning, wouldn't you say?" His hands were shaking violently, a ladies' man he was not.
Nazz's blonde hair cluttered her face, covering her deep, blue eyes. Most of the cul-de-sac thought she was perfect, the one all the boys wanted.
"So, are you looking forward to the new year? What subjects you doing?"
Double D felt the nerves, his knees now buckling; there were only so many self help and dating books he could read.
"I've got Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and English to look forward to." Eddward felt himself relaxing, academia always aided with the nerves.
"Cool! I'm doing Gym, History, English and Art class, should be fun." Nazz closed her eyes as she said that, Double D staring at her long lashes.
"Quite."
They both walked on, Double D listening to Nazz rather than speaking.
*****
Blustering wind hurried the students through the entrance, dual doors banging loudly preceding each person. Nazz had rushed off to class, Double D adjusted his hat confidently ushering himself to Biology. Eddy's red footwear was covered in dried on mud, breaking off with every step, he observed the 'smart Ed,' bumping into the intelligent one as he rushed to Gym. He had surely toppled Double D over with the force he applied. He hadn't managed it, Double D was merely stunned, watching Eddy storm off. Musing to himself, Edd thought nothing of it, making his way to class before he got detention. Double D dreaded lunch.
*****
Sitting at the stained table, Double D unrolled the beige paper bag. His mother had prepared his meal with efficiency, sandwiches made with granary bread and a fresh red apple. Chewing into the food, he made sure he wouldn't drop any debris on to the already filthy woodwork, seeing it as encouraging others to do the same. Ed and Eddy were sat away, near a multi-paned window, the shorter one's face sour still. Double D tried thinking of possibilities but came to no conclusion; it may have been just a bad day. Tucking in to his shining apple, Nazz sat promptly next to him causing him to misplace its trajectory and get some skin stuck in his 'gap'. Edd gasped, apologising for inconvenience, Nazz asked him, "Are you alright Edd?"
"Please excuse me Nazz, it seems I have lodged some fruit between my teeth," blushing as he spoke.
"Okay...um, I'll go then." She trailed off and walked to where her old friends Kevin and Rolf were eating.
"Curses," The accident prone youth stated, "I wanted her to sit near me..." Double D ate his apple, before making his way to lesson. Disheartened, he left the cafeteria with a feeling of slight rejection. Out of earshot, Ed and Eddy talked about his faux pas.
Edd ended the day on a high note; his teacher praised him for the chemistry project the pupils were assigned over summer. A grin eclipsed his small face just as he raced home, unlocking the front door, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. Promptly making his way upstairs, Double D buried his head in book after book, completing the homework he had in under an hour. A ringing informed him that his mobile phone had gone off, rushing once more, Edd picked up the phone.
"Hello?" He asked, not knowing the number.
"Hey Double D," Nazz's dulcet tones glided through his delicate ears once again, "You wanna hang out sometime? I'm off work most nights this week."
Quivering, his eyes darted to each end of his room, "Why...yes Nazz, I'd um, love to, just a question, how did you acquire this number?"
"Rolf passed it on, and that sounds great, just send a text or talk to me at school about it, see ya!"
"Bye..." Nazz had put the hung up just as he spoke.
Edd felt overjoyed but then started worrying about Eddy.
"Oh dear, I should go over." Double D grabbed a jacket as he left, prepared for a bitter night.
Untended paths towards Eddy's backyard door led the concerned Edd to it. Ringing the bell, he awaited Eddy's presence. A moment or two passed before he appeared, he'd just bathed, his three distinct strands of hair dripping after half drying off.
"What?" Eddy's tone of voice disappointed Double D.
"Pardon my intrusion Eddy; I was simply wondering what was bothering you. Today was rather shocking."
Eddy stood still; his eyebrows low, seemingly hovering over the dark brown eyes.
"Piss off Sockhead." Eddy promptly slammed the oak-made door in the confused Edd's solemn face, watching him leave.
Eddy then turned his vest-covered back, slumping on the wall, sliding at snail's pace to the floor. When he sat on the ground, the once always optimistic scammer stared absently at his rotating fan and tears started streaming down his already damp face.