A.N. Hey guys, I just wanted to tell you guys that all of the songs that Marie writes and sings are written by myself. So if you were wondering what kind of songs they were or where they came from, they are all my lyrics. I hope you guys enjoy the story and keep sending in your interest. I'm so super sorry if I'm not updating on a regular basis. I am going back to College this week but I promise to try and update more!

Chp. Seven

Two weeks later

The clock chimes eleven and Marie lets out a sigh. The smell of burning bacon and rich black coffee hangs in the air like smoke. It's hot inside the diner, but Marie is thankful for that. Outside it is freezing cold but all of the snow is gone. The Peach Creek Cobblers played there victory game today and had probably just been released from the stadium. Marie didn't know who had won or lost, she just knew that as soon as the stadium emptied she would be throwing plates of eggs and cups of coffee like it was nobody's business. She was surprisingly good at waitressing. It had a rhythm to it, a system, and she kind of liked it. The uniform wasn't even that bad. It's just simple black dress with white on the ends of the cap sleeves, white pockets, and a white sailor style collar. Nazz had even made her feel more comfortable in it by buying her a pair of black tights and given her a pair of white tennis shoes. She smiles down at her shoes with the bright blue laces; Nazz was too kind for words. The bell to the diner door dings and in walks Edd dressed in a puffy parka and knit mittens.

"Good evening Marie, how are you?" Edd asks, sliding off his parka and hanging it off the back of his seat.

"I'm good, it's been slow so far, but it will be packed in here soon." Marie grins, "Where are the others? Did they win the game?"

"The Cobblers won," Edd grins, "The team is celebrating a bit and Kevin is getting interviewed by the town paper. Nazz decided to hang back with him."

"That's cool, what about the other Ed's? Didn't you say you were going to the game with them?" Marie asks.

"Yes, but your sisters made an appearance and they decided to hide out. I think they'll come here to meet me, I promised to buy Ed gravy fries if he passed his last exam with a B."

"I'm sorry they harass your friends so much." Marie sighs.

"Oh I honestly don't think Eddy minds it at all. I think he likes the attention he just is reluctant to admit it. Ed on the other hand still believes girls have cooties and come from outer space." Edd chuckles.

"Oh he'll grow out of it eventually, now do you want a cup of coffee while you wait?" Marie asks.

"Oh no it is far too late for me to be drinking coffee." Edd replies.

"So hot chocolate then?"

"With the mini marshmallows please."

"No problem hon." Marie grins and turns towards the drink station.

"You've really picked up the diner dialect haven't you."

"Oh yes, now everyone I serve is Sug, Hon, or baby doll. I'm a regular diner girl." Marie grins, dropping a few extra marshmallows into Edd's mug, "Here ya go."

"Thank you very much Marie." Edd smiles, gently blowing on his mug.

"Marie!" a voice calls from the cook's station.

Marie moves to the window and peaks in to see her boss/head cook leaning out to meet her. Clark was a nice guy but a bit of a kook when it comes to certain things, like specials and deals. He liked to think he was part of the cool kids when really he just needs to…he just has to stop.

"Hey so the Cobblers won right?" Clark asks.

"Yeah they did," Marie replies.

"Hip hopping," Clark cheers, "go put up the sign, Free Cobbler for everyone tonight, with an order of a beverage or meal."

"Yes sir," Marie nods and walks to the window.

She puts the sign of a giant peach eating a bowl of peach cobbler up in the window and heads back behind the counter. Edd grins at her from behind the lip of his cup and takes a sip. The overhead bell dings and in walks a disheveled looking Eddy followed by Ed. Marie tries not to laugh at the ridiculous looking hat Ed has on his head. It's a giant squid hat, which is so weird but so Ed all at the same time. He jumps and takes the dinner seat next to Edd and Eddy sits beside him, straightening out his jacket.

"Damn Kankers chased us under the bleachers." Eddy sighs, "I swear they live to-"

Eddy looks up at Marie and then looks down at Edd with a look of horror.

"You didn't tell us a Kanker worked at the diner!" Eddy growls.

"Oh dear," Ed shouts, "What are we going to do Eddy?"

"Oh my lord will you two calm down." Edd sighs, "I'm terribly sorry for their behavior Marie."

"It's no trouble, so now that Ed's here do you want me to put in your order?" Marie asks, taking out her pad and pen.

"Order?" Ed asks nervously.

"Yeah, gravy fries extra gravy for passing a test with a B. Congratulations by the way." Marie says, "I'll put that in for you."

"Gravy," Ed mumbles, "GRAVY FRIES! Thank you Double-D."

"You're very welcome Ed." Edd replies with a smile.

She hands the order in to Clark and walks back over to Edd. Ding! The door opens and Marie looks up with a smile to see Nazz and Kevin walking in. Nazz rushes forward and takes the seat right next to Edd and reaches for Marie's hands.

"Hold my hands their freezing." Nazz grins, "We won!"

"Congrats to you," Marie says, giving Nazz's hands a squeeze, "And you Mr. Football star, heard you got interviewed."

"Yeah it's not that big of a deal." Kevin grins, "But if Diner girl could get me an order of the fried plate that'd be great."

"French Fries and Onion rings for the cocky jock, you got it." Marie grins, then turns to Nazz, "What about you?"

"Oh I don't know if I should have anything." Nazz mumbles.

"Oh come on don't be like that." Marie sighs.

"Nazz you've been on this diet for way to long have something to eat." Kevin adds in.

"Yes," Edd agrees, "As long as you take everything in moderation you have nothing to be worried about."

"Peach Cobblers free with a drink or meal." Marie chimes in.

"Alright Peach Cobbler and a hot chocolate." Nazz grins, "I'm starving."

"You got it." Marie grins, "I need my hands back to put in the orders though."

"Oh right." Nazz says with a blush, retracting her hands from Marie's, "Thanks for warming them up for me."

"No problem Hon." Marie says with a wink before placing Nazz and Kevin's orders in to Clark.

She makes Nazz's hot chocolate and by the time she finishes Clark is handing her out Ed's gravy fries, steaming and absolutely smothered in dark brown gravy. She smiles as she places it before him and hands him a fork. Ed ignores the utensil and basically shoves his whole face into the mound of greasy food. Marie tries not to look disgusted, Nazz and Edd already has a look of mild disgust at Ed's interesting eating habits. Nazz accepts her hot chocolate with a gentle smile and makes a point to avoid looking at Ed.

"Ed why don't you slow down and enjoy it?" Edd suggests.

"But gravy Double-D!" Ed whines before shoving his head back down into the messy pile of food.

"Jeez lumpy it ain't going anywhere." Eddy sighs.

"Hey Marie?" Nazz asks, "the talent show is next week, are you going to join?"

"I'm still not sure." Marie admits, looking down at her hands.

"I for one think it would be a great way to showcase your talents." Edd smiles.

"Yeah dude it would be really cool." Kevin adds in, "then you can get yourself a fan base."

"I'll think about it, but I'm just not one hundred percent." Marie sighs.

"Well if you do decide to do it, which you should," Nazz grins, "we'll all be there supporting you."

"I know you will."

The ding of the food bell draws Marie over to the cook window. She picks up Nazz's cobbler and Kevin's fried plate and brings it back to them. Before Kevin can even open his mouth to ask she has the ketchup bottle in front of him. He grins and squirts on a liberal amount before digging in. She leans onto the counter and looks out the window while the others eat quietly at the counter.

"Hey Kanker, can I get a Cola?" Eddy calls from the end of the counter.

"Eddy!" Edd hisses, "Please be more polite."

"Why are you being so nice to a Kanker?" Eddy growls.

"Marie is a very nice girl and she is also my friend. Please refrain from your rudeness and kindly asks for your beverage." Edd enunciates, narrowing his eyes at his friend.

"Fine," Eddy says through gritted teeth, "Can I have a Cola, please."

"Sure thing." Marie replies back, heading down to the drink machine and pouring a large glass with ice.

From behind her back she can hear Eddy and Edd arguing back and forth, about her. She knew it would happen eventually. Just because she didn't hang out with her sisters anymore didn't make her any less of a Kanker. She waits a minute before walking back to Eddy and placing the drink in front of him. He doesn't look up or thank her and she doesn't stick around for one. Nazz is halfway done her cobbler and immediately places down her spoon to grab Marie's hands.

"Ignore him." Nazz whispers, "He'll get over it. You're different and everyone will see that, in time."

"If he keeps giving you trouble I can pound him?" Kevin offers.

"That's really unnecessary." Marie mumbles, "Thanks though."

Nazz doesn't release the grip on her hand, even when the bell rings and a stream of hungry football players and cheerleaders comes in and begin to pile into the booths. Marie sighs and straightens up, preparing for the onslaught of orders and possible harassment from the crowds of popular people. Nazz squeezes her hand and gives her a smile.

"No one is going to bother you," Nazz smiles, "I promise."

"Someone messes with you let me know." Kevin adds in, "I'm going to go hang with the team; I'll be back in a few minutes ok?"

Marie nods and watches as he enters the area where his team sits and is immediately pulled into a booth with them. They are laughing loudly and talking about the other team before Marie can bat an eye.

"I'm going to go join the girls and Jimmy for a few." Nazz whispers, "I'll be close by if you need anything alright?"

"Sure thing." Marie nods.

Nazz gives her hand one last squeeze before moving from her stool and heading towards the booth where Sarah, Jimmy, and a few other cheerleaders were sitting. Marie grabs her note pad and slides her pen behind her ear. Edd grins at her and gives her a tiny thumbs up which she returns. Floor now full she heads for the first booth and proceeds to take drink orders for each of the tables.

Nothing goes horrible wrong in that period of time. All the tables get there drinks and food orders are put in and before she knows it Marie is back behind the counter leaning in close to Edd waiting patiently for the first tables food order to come out. She watches Nazz out of the corner of her eye laughing and giggling. Edd has his own eyes tilted in Kevin's direction. Eddy and Ed are blowing straw wrappers at each other childishly and Marie doesn't have the heart to tell them to knock it off.

"Aren't we an odd couple." Marie finally says, turning her full attention onto Edd.

"Yes I suppose we are," Edd sighs, "Pining after people who…who we probably should not."

"I don't think shouldn't is the word I would use." Marie mumbles, "We just like people who other people think should like other people. That sounded better in my head."

"Well," Edd chuckles, "I understand what you mean. But at least your infatuation is reciprocated. You can tell whenever she looks at you. Her whole face lights up. I believe my…feelings are lost on someone who does not notice them."

"Bullshit," Marie grins at the scowl that comes over Edd's face from her bad mouth, "He likes you too, he just doesn't know how to man up and admit it."

"And you do?" Edd sighs, "I apologize but you have not done much in the ways of confessing your true feelings."

"No…" Marie mumbles, "I haven't. But I have a plan that I may need your help with. If you're willing to help me out that is?"

"You know I'd be more than willing to assist in your endeavors Marie." Edd smiles, "What exactly is your plan?"

The bell dings and the first table's food is waiting to be served. Marie holds up her finger and slides the hot plates onto a large round tray before carrying them over on her shoulder. She serves the first table quickly and with little trouble. After refilling all there drinks and making sure the food was good the bell dings and she is delivering more food. The cycle continues until everyone is eating and Marie has nothing left to do but wait for the dishes to empty. The door opens just as Marie comes back to Edd and in walks Lee and May. School spirit was never there thing in their youth but now Lee and May were decked out in matching Peach Creek Cobbler T-shirts, tied up high on their waists. May has her favorite pair of red jeans on and Lee is in a pair of jeans that sit high up on her hips. They are fast approaching The Ed's when they take notice of her. Lee sends her a dark glare and May averts her gaze and tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her hair.

"Marie, didn't know you were working here." Lee barks out stepping behind Eddy and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Eddy tries to shrug her off but it is apparent that Lee is not going to be letting go anytime soon. Ed looks very nervous as May comes up and leans in close on his side. Marie has no response for them, at least nothing pleasant to say. She instead pulls out her note pad and as civilly as possible asks.

"What would you like to order?"

"I'll take a cream soda and some fries." May says in a cheerful tone.

"That stuff will go straight to your hips May," Lee snorts, "Come on dreamboat let's get our own booth."

Eddy protests but Lee manages to drag him to a corner in the back. Maybe Edd had been right; Eddy didn't mind the attention all that much. He didn't seem to be trying to escape once the two were in the booth together. May takes Eddy's now empty seat and looks down at the counter with a frown on her face. Lee always could say the worst things. Ed is looking around confused like he doesn't know if he should be talking to her or running. Marie goes to the counter and has Clarke make her a Cream Soda float and brings it over to May who looks up in surprise when Marie sets it on the counter before her.

"Don't let Lee get to you ok?" Marie says, "Do you want me to get you something to eat, I'm sure whatever you don't eat Ed over here can finish for you."

"I don't know…" May mumbles, spinning her straw around in her glass, "I'm not sure if I'm hungry."

Marie bites her lip and looks at Edd, who stares right back at her questioningly. She bites her lip and Edd mouths something to her that takes her a few minutes to get. After his third time mouthing it she understands what he's trying to say and smiles.

"Hey May how did you like the new Black Lagoon Monster's from the Deep comic?" Marie asks, watching Ed perk up and look over at May.

"It was alright," May mumbles, "The monsters were creepy enough. They had three eyes and an antenna with a light on the end of it like an angel fish or something."

"The part where the lagoon monster captures the camp counselor and tries to drag her to his underwater lair is my favorite part." Ed gushes and continues to imitate what he says is the Lagoon monster.

May laughs at his impression and joins him and soon the two are discussing other cult comics and May is offering Ed sips of her drink which he gladly accepts. Marie returns to Edd and gives him a smile.

"You are good." Marie sighs, "thanks for that."

"My pleasure, but might I ask, is Lee always so….callous?" Edd asks, looking over at Lee in the corner.

"Yeah…she can be." Marie mumbles, "I better go clear the tables and give out the checks, I'll be right back."

"Take your time." Edd replies back.

She clears the tables quickly and puts in a few orders for Peach cobbler before she hands out the first few checks. Most of the tables leave right away after dessert is finished and Marie has twenty dollars in tips tucked into her pocket. Kevin's table of jocks remains and he remains among them, laughing and joking as they order another round of sodas. As she passes them out one of the boys at the end of the table knocks over his drink and spills it all over Marie's feet. Marie grimaces at the feeling of sticky wet soda clinging to her toes but doesn't say a word.

"Sorry weirdo," He grinned, "I saw your face and knocked over my drink."

"Good one." And the rest of the team laughed with him, except for Kevin.

She was afraid for a few minutes that he wouldn't say anything, that all his talk about friendship was just a joke. That the time the four of them had spent together was just out of pity and that the time she helped him with his bike was just nothing. He quietly glared up at his friend and leaned forward. His friend caught the look and stopped laughing, looking very confused by Kevin's reaction.

"Apologize." Kevin stated simply.

"Dude what are you-"

"Apologize, now." Kevin says again, his tone darker.

"Ok, geez," his teammate mumbles, and then turns to Marie, "I'm sorry."

Marie simply nods and places the check on the table before turning and leaving. Her shoes make an awful squishing sound as she walks back around the counter. Nazz is waiting for her there with a look of anger on her pretty face.

"I should punch Derek in the face, he's such an ass." Nazz grumbles, "Can't believe he spilt soda all over your shoes."

"It's alright," Marie sighs, looking down at her stained shoes sadly, Nazz's blue laces were stained with brown cola.

"Hey," Kevin says sliding in next to them, he hands over the check for the jocks meals and then pulls a twenty out of his pocket and hands it to her.

"Your dinner was only-"

"Tip." Kevin says simply, "I'm sorry about them harassing you. Don't worry I'll make them run laps like crazy once basketball season starts."

"Thank you," Marie smiles, "For sticking up for me."

"No problem," Kevin grins, "I have to head out for the night but I'll see you guys on Monday yeah?" Kevin asks, placing his hand on Edd's shoulder.

"Of course," Marie says and Edd nods in agreement.

"I have to head out too then, Kevin's my ride." Nazz sighs and takes hold of Marie's hands and squeezes, "I hope the rest of your shift goes better."

"It will, don't worry." Marie smiles, "thanks for stopping by."

"Of course," Nazz beams in return, "Call me tomorrow and we'll hang out ok?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Nazz gives her hands one last squeeze before slipping from Marie's hands and heading for the door with Kevin. A few waves are exchanged before the two are completely gone from view. Marie lets out a soft sigh at watching Nazz go. She wishes she could have spent more time with her tonight, but work and the game came first. Edd is sitting on his stool looking calm and content.

"So," he mumbles, "what was this plan you were going to tell me?"

"Well…"