Chapter 1 – The Sudden Moment
I remember those good old days where the guys and I would just sit, relax, and enjoy the summer as we did our scams. It's been about three years since I've last seen the guys. Eddie went to jail for robbing the old jawbreaker store; which since has been closed down due to the lack of customers, and numerous cockroaches. Ed was placed in a mental institution in Ohio after the numerous attempt of getting "together" with one of Rolf's chickens. Oh boy, those were the days and now all I got now is our spot that we used to chill at, the old junkyard.
"Man, I wish I could see the guy's again, too bad they are so far away now. I have no friends and all I can do is reminisce the memories of the moments we shared," I say with the feeling of my throat clutching shut in frustration as I begin to cry. I punch the steering-wheel of the broken down bulldozer and let my screams of torment and pain fill the air.
"This isn't fucking fair! Why do I lose everything?!" I clutch the wheel and burry my face into it, trying to gain some consolation.
All of a sudden, a stranger rests their hand on my shoulder, "You know that is not true, correct?"
I know that voice, in terror I turn my head. "Marie, is that you?" I stutter.
She cackles, "Yes, it is I lover-boy. I've been here the entire time, you started to worry me, so, I just came here to talk. What's troubling you?"
I shake in fear, hoping not to be kissed by her. She is pretty and all and probably the most attractive of the Kanker sisters. I reply, "You know how it is Marie, my friends are gone, I got no one left. Hell, even my family doesn't care for me anymore! I am alone! No one could care if anything happened to me!"
She suddenly kisses my cheek gently, unlike she usually does as she would hunt the guys and myself. It is really different this time, it has a meaning; my cheeks begin to blush. It actually feels nice, and kind of right.
"That's not true, Double-D. I always liked you and thought of you as more of what we have even to this day. I even saved my first kiss, for you. I'm always here for you, if you need anything just give me a call or text," Marie then hands me a piece of paper. I hold it up close so I can see it. It's so hard to see considering my eyes are blurry from the flood of tears that came down my cheek.
"What is this?" I ask, even though that I may sound stupid asking something so obvious.
"It's my cellphone number, what did I just say to you about a few seconds ago?" She starts giggling.
"What are you up to, Kanker? Is this some kind of scam to humiliate me again?" I pull out my wallet and gently snug the piece of paper into one of the slits for safe keeping.
"Not at all, we haven't spoken in years since you left Peach Creek Jr. High to go to Cyber School. Things change, and so do people. I've done a lot of changing for myself in the last few years. After three years in high school, you change for sure, Double-D." Marie steps off of the Bulldozer and looks back at me.
"Would you possibly want to go to the Peach Creek theatre tomorrow, Marie?" I say this caught in the moment, my heart is racing. I always thought she did this stuff to me because she just wanted to raise my hopes up, which in return made me frightened of even speaking to her.
"Sure," she smiles. "Like a date or something, right?" I see her blush.
"Yea, like a date or something." I pull my hat into my head, embarrassed, as I tell her that.
"I won't make you regret it Double-D. I'll be waiting for a call tonight! Bye, Squirt!" Marie then rushes in the direction of the trailer park smiling stupidly.
Oh my God! What have I done? I arranged a date with Marie Kanker! Stupid teenage hormones! I should still go at least; I did offer to take her out tomorrow night. Maybe dating Marie will be a good thing. She did seem sincere of her confessions, just maybe this is the right thing to do.
For once in the last three years, I don't feel so alone. I wipe my eyes dry, and hold my cheek where she kissed me. I can still feel the warmth of her lips pressed against my flesh, and it feels nice. I walk dazing in and out of this reality recalling the tender moment she gave me. A feeling I'll always remember.