When Marie got home, her phone rang almost as soon as she stepped inside.
From the kitchen, her mom shouted "Get the phone, Marie!" as she was too busy making a dinner that looked entirely too greasy and unhealthy in Marie's opinion.
"Hello?"
"Um…Marie Kanker?"
She immediately recognized Edd's voice. "Hey Double D," she smiled to herself although she couldn't recall ever giving him her number…
"Oh, hello!" the uncertainty disappeared from his voice as Marie answered him. Realizing that she was probably wondering, he added "Excuse me, but I needed to talk to you so I got your phone number from Johnny."
Marie shuddered at the mention of the little weirdo. Unfortunately for her, he was her lab partner and they had exchanged numbers in order to discuss projects. Too bad Marie actually cared about her grades, otherwise she'd never have to deal with him.
Chasing the thought away, she focused back to Edd. "No problem. So what d'you need?"
"Well," he cleared his throat. "I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to give me a ride to school tomorrow. My car is being repaired and the school bus departs too late… I like to be at school early, you know."
Marie rolled her eyes and let out a slight laugh. Edd was always so adamant about being early. "Sure, what time do you want me to pick you up?"
"Well…I think 7:30 is sufficient."
7:30! Again she rolled her eyes. School didn't start until nine. They'd get there at about 7:45, and that was way more time that she would like to spend at school. Still, this was Edd…
"That's fine. I'll see you tomorrow," she replied, wondering how she'd be able to wake up early enough.
"Thank you so much Marie," Edd told her gratefully. "I'll make it up to you."
"Okay, bye," she knew Edd was a man of his word and would make it up to her, but she couldn't help but think that it had better be worth spending an extra hour at school.
X
Edd hung up the phone, wiping the sweat off of his palm onto his pants. He was nervous about calling Marie, but he had done it. Proud of himself, he sat in the chair of his computer desk, thinking.
The story about his car and wanting to be early was true, but he could have called Eddy, who also had a car. Truthfully, he just wanted to be with Marie. She was the first person he thought of when he had to ask for a ride to school, and he was a little surprised at that. Sure they spent every lunch together, but did he really know her that well? She probably woke up late and spent as much time at home as she could before heading off to school. This made him feel a little guilty for asking such an inconvenient favor, so he offered to make it up to her. The problem was he didn't know how.
Other than books, he wasn't sure what Marie liked. He thought of her interest in wrestling and mechanics, but he definitely wasn't going to take her to a wrestling match or a car show. No, this had to be more like a date.
He rested his chin in his hand and stared at his desk. A computer, a keyboard, a cup of pens, a newspaper, a notebook—a newspaper!
He flipped through the pages, seeing if he could there was some kind of an event that he could take Marie to. Unfortunately, there weren't any bands playing that she might have liked—Edd had looked through her iPod when she lent it to him once—which would have seemed like the perfect place to take her since she liked music so much. There weren't any art galleries open that week either…
Stopping at the movie page, he considered taking her to the theater. He didn't want to be cliché, but it was his last resort. Running his finger down the list of movies showing, he came to a halt.
Grinning, he remembered that a movie adaptation of one of his and Marie's favorite books was being made. I guess I didn't keep track of when it was premiering, he thought to himself. It was perfect. He could make up the favor without being totally bored out of his mind doing something only she enjoyed. Although movies were a typical date, Edd felt that this one would mean so much more. After all, books were the basis of their current friendship.
Suddenly Edd became worried. Would it be too awkward if this was like a date? Afterall, he was sure she had no romantic intentions for him. His excitement died down at this. I wouldn't want her to be uncomfortable, he thought. He laid his head down on his desk, trying to come up with something else that could replace his movie idea.
After a few more minutes of fruitless thinking, he decided to stick with the movie. Who's to say that a boy and a girl can't just go to the movies as friends? It doesn't necessarily have to be considered a date, he assured himself. Feeling excited once again, he looked up the show times at the theater. He didn't want to go on a school night, so he figured that Friday would be the best day. He and Marie could go right after school and possibly have dinner together without the worry of getting home early enough to do homework.
Satisfied with his plan, he began working on his homework for the night without having to think about a way he could return Marie's favor.
X
Marie groaned when her alarm woke her up at six the next morning. Pounding on the clock until she finally hit the snooze button, she slowly but surely got out of bed. Ugh…I shouldn't have stayed up so late, she told herself. Groggily she took a shower, clothed and prepared for school. Still half-awake, she looked at the time.
7:20. Her eyes sprang open and she felt more awake as she realized that she had to go pick up Edd. She grabbed her backpack from a pile of clothes she had plopped it down it upon the other day and carelessly threw it on the seat of her rusty truck.
She sped down to Edd's house and waited in front. Apparently he had been watching for her because as soon as she pulled up, he came out.
"Good morning, Marie," Edd smiled at her. Noticing that her backpack was blocking him from sitting, he began to move it but immediately stopped.
"Uh…Marie?"
She looked at him curiously and he pointed in the backpack's direction.
Stuck to one of the straps was a lacy black bra.
Marie's eyes widened and she hastily shoved it into the glove compartment. "Sorry," she muttered, blushing furiously.
Edd pretended that the incident hadn't occurred at all and climbed into the truck.
As Marie had estimated, they arrived at around 7:45. Edd handed her backpack to her, and she blushed again, reminded of the earlier situation.
"So, what do you usually do here so early?" she asked, trying to take her mind off of the offending garment.
"Hmm…I'm going to go over my homework in the library. Care to join me?"
She nodded. Oh Edd, she thought, you're such an overachiever.
Upon entering the library, they sat on their usual couch and Edd pulled the small table closer to spread his papers out on. Marie leaned back on the couch, trying to stay awake. Fearing she'd quickly fall asleep, she grabbed a book out of her backpack and began to read.
Edd was reminded of his plan when he saw her get out her book, and decided to bring it up.
"Marie, I want to thank you for bringing me to school, and so early too…"
"It's okay, Double D. No problem," she replied, though her brain was screaming for more sleep.
"No really, I should make it up to you. I was wondering if you'd like to attend a movie with me. The "Perks of Being a Wallflower" movie is playing now, and I know how much you like the book…"
Marie sat up, excited. "Yeah, let's go see that together!"
"I'm glad you like the idea," Edd smiled at her. "How about we go on Friday after school?"
"Of course, that's awesome! Good plan, Double D," she complimented him. There was an awkward moment in which Marie almost hugged him but decided against it. I don't want to accidentally freak him out, she thought as she retracted her body from leaning towards him.
Edd noticed this action and tried not to be disappointed. He would have actually liked to have been hugged by her…
Focusing back to their respective activities, they read and worked until the bell finally rang at nine o'clock. Marie helped Edd gather all his papers into his backpack.
"Thanks," he smiled at her. "I'll, uh, walk you to your class."
"That's ok, Double D," Marie replied, afraid that she was blushing.
"No, I insist," he offered his hand for her to take to get up from the couch, acting very gentleman-like.
An excited giggle slipped out from Marie. Oh god, I'm acting like a total spaz…she thought, mentally kicking herself for acting so girly.
She thanked Edd as they reached her class, and he hurried off to his. People looked at her a bit curiously as they saw her get dropped off by Edd, but their stares were quickly averted as she gave them a menacing glance.
X
Edd made it to his class on time, fortunately. Normally he would have been there much earlier, but for some reason, he just couldn't leave Marie. He enjoyed her company too much. I've never thought anyone was more important than my school work…but Marie— He shook away the thought as his name was called for attendance and realized he needed more focus. In English, they'd be working in pairs and as he listened for his name he discovered he was grouped with Nazz. He uneasily looked at her from across the room where she giggled and waved. His eyes flickered over to Kevin who sat only a few sits away from her, giving him a look that oozed of hate.
Edd sweated a little. He knew that Nazz had a small crush on him, but he felt nothing for her. Sure, he had liked her a few years back, but that was a long time ago. Kevin couldn't move on though…
As everyone began moving near their partners, Edd glanced over at Kevin again who gave him another death glare. As he made his way towards Nazz, she scooted a little too close than what was comfortable for Edd and her possessive boyfriend gritted his teeth. Edd tried to give him a look, silently telling him that he wasn't happy about the situation either, but Nazz touched Double D on the shoulder and Kevin looked like he just couldn't take it any longer. Edd stood up and moved his desk so that he was sitting across from her rather than right next to her, which seemed to appease Kevin, and he finally turned around and left them alone. Relieved, Edd started working with her on the assignment, but every so often Kevin would turn his watchful eye upon him, checking to see if he was doing something he wouldn't approve of.
Class was over and Edd was grateful to get away from the flirty cheerleader, lest he somehow provoke her boyfriend to become jealous. Never had he rushed so much to leave a class, and he almost didn't see Marie waiting outside the door for him.
"Hello," she laughed, seeing his frantic and surprised expression. "What's wrong with you? Are you that eager to get to lunch?"
"Uh, long story, Marie. Let's just go downstairs."
Marie shrugged his strange behavior off. Probably just another one of his Edd-ism's…
As they reached the cafeteria, Edd had visibly relaxed and was now happily chatting with his blue-haired friend. After they had gotten their food, they sat at their table and hurriedly ate, getting a small conversation in between bites.
Luckily it was a very slow day at the library. Only a few students browsed through the selection of books, but no one checked anything out. Marie and Edd had reshelved the majority of the books on Monday, so they were able to relax on the couch and just read.
While Marie was reading her book, she yawned several times. Man, I really shouldn't have stayed up so late when I knew I had to get up early, she scolded herself again. The words on the pages started to blur as she felt her eyelids getting heavier…
Suddenly Edd felt something hit his shoulder. He looked over to see Marie slumped against him, breathing slowly. He smiled to himself; it was his fault she didn't get enough sleep. He continued to read his book, not daring to move as he didn't want to wake her. Several times she nuzzled her face into his shoulder, making him blush brightly.
He checked his watch. Five minutes before the bell. He didn't want the loud ringing to startle Marie out of her sleep, so he gently shook her awake. Sleepily she moved her head.
"Double D?" She was still in a stupor.
"You fell asleep, Marie. Get ready, it's almost time for class."
Edd had to stifle laughter as she stared at him blankly before dropping her head back onto the couch.
"Come on, Marie, you really have to wake up now." He shook her again, a little bit harder this time.
"Yeah yeah, I'm coming," she replied frowning.
Edd couldn't help but be amused at her grumpiness; her eyes were squinted all the way to her next class. The bell rang, making her a little more aware, but she still seemed dazed. I really hope she doesn't fall asleep in class, Edd thought to himself.
Getting an idea, he walked over to the water fountain and cupped his hand. When he had a little pool of the cold water in his palm, he walked over to Marie and threw it at her face.
"HEY!" she screamed at him, little water droplets sticking to her face.
Not bothering to hold back his laughter, he quickly walked away before she could catch up with him.
I know this was pretty uneventful still, but I was in the hospital this week and I didn't have the time to write until today!
I promised drama, and indeed there will be drama, it will definitely come up in the next chapter! I just hope it's dramatic enough for you...
I've noticed that I kinda pick on Nazz a bit. I really don't mean to do this, but it just happens! It's inevitable for me. XD
Thank you so much to EVERYONE for reading, reviewing, adding to story alerts and favorites! You don't know how happy it makes me to know that someone is enjoying what little ol' me is writing. Again, thanks! I love you guys! :D
