Nazz was always so used to being the apple of everybody's eye. Simple flirting would earn her anything she wanted, with bright adoration in her people's eyes. The fact that she had been cheated on and nearly… raped, hit her harder than she expected.
Ugh, that word…
It sent shivers uneasily up her spine. You heard about it all the time on the news, but Nazz never thought that she'd brush so close to a confrontation. She was scared. She was worried about Edd, but her thoughts of Marie glaring, silently blaming were enough to keep her away. It was true, she had been with the guy, but she just couldn't find a way to be there for him. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she just didn't know what to do with herself.
She didn't even know why she let Kevin off the law's hook. He could have easily been sent to juvenile dentition, but Nazz was afraid. Attempted sexual assault wasn't enough for a life sentence, and she didn't want to deal with a pissed off Kevin the day he was to be released. She didn't want to deal with anything. Sarah, Kevin, Marie, Edd. What was the point? Wasn't she the pretty girl not too long ago? Now she was the pity girl.
A buzzing sound echoed off the walls of her room, it was something she had grown used to. A lonesome house and insane silence. Her parents called her every day, making sure she was okay but it was never the same as having them there. The fact that she was an only child also brought out a sad side.
Honestly, her biggest pain was brought about when her parents were informed about that night and all they asked was a tender, "Are you okay?" over the phone. She felt the bridge of her nose scrunch as she thought about what a stupid question that was. It would have been ten times more comforting in person even if it was the worst thing to say. Of course she wasn't okay. She was scared, damaged, and in mighty need of a hug.
She picked herself up from the mess of her bed and trudged to where her phone lied. She glanced at it, the screen blinking to signal a new text. In a way, she didn't want to pick up but at the same time she wanted to unleash her unspoken feelings to the unfortunate person that messaged her.
With an unsure sigh, she picked up the phone. With a hesitant click, she turned the screen on. The phone brightened to life with her background, a picture of the cheer squad's pyramid, and nearly dropped her phone in a surprised state.
Kevin's name shone bright and bold on the plastic of her phone, appearing threatening and overbearing. Confusion welled up into her, completely insecure of her next decision. With an unsure swipe, she opened the message.
We need to talk.
Her room seemed 20 degrees colder than what it just was; an icy sludge ran through her veins as her blood seemed to freeze. Her breathing seemed to phase, becoming shallow and harder, a nuisance to her lungs as they felt heavier in her chest. With her body going numb, she hardly felt the tips of her fingers vibrate once more.
Open the door. I'm outside.
Nazz felt the chill sludge turn into an intense burning as she shot to her window. Opening her blinds as narrowly as possible, she scoped the area outside her house. Her breath hitched as she saw the motorcycle in her driveway. This was no joke, no lie. He was there. Outside. For her.
She backed away from the window, time falling slowly around her as her thoughts took over her weak body. She kept walking backwards, not stopping until she hit a firm wall. But what was strange to her was that this wall felt soft and warm. Not hard and cool.
She felt a heavy hand on her should.
"You should really keep the front door locked."
She barely had time to draw in a breath before the other hand was over her mouth.
"How are you feeling?" Marie asked Edd, both walking to the cafeteria, tired of being served.
Edd shrugged, "These past few days have been a huge impact, the doctors say I've made quite the astounding recovery."
Marie remembered them saying they would keep him for 48 more hours for observation but the physical therapy was taking a bit longer. This was no surprise as Edd has the muscle of a newborn. He couldn't walk as far without getting tired but that was something that he improved upon which each passing day. It had been four days since Edd woke up, and they both took it together one day at a time.
Marie went back to school the day after Edd woke up, expecting the pile of schoolwork would be dreadful enough. Each day, she took stacks with her to visit Double D; she'd work on them while he was at therapy or while they were together. He being struck by a baseball bat clearly did nothing to his IQ.
The pair walked down the line, ordering what seemed good to them and making small talk as each piled the food on their trays. Marie grabbed 2 bags of chips, two sandwiches, 3 pudding cups, and lastly a giant cookie.
As they walked down to Bonnie, Double D had a curious brow hanging, "You're going to eat all of that food?"
Marie nodded, "I'm hungry."
"That's more than I have."
"I'm failing to see your point."
Edd huffed humorously, "If you can finish all of that, I'll pay you back double what it cost you."
Marie thought, placing a mocking hand on her chin before slyly smirking, "You're so on."
They each paid for their own food, thanking Bonnie. Double D had even left her a tip. Marie felt a surge of admiration. Maybe it was because he now had a greater appreciation of life, but doing those little things really defined him as the sweetest soul Marie had ever met.
They settled on a booth, whose perimeter was cleared of others. Marie shrugged, she didn't care where they sat, she just wanted to talk to him. Double D placed his tray down and took hers from her hands, placing it on the other side. Respectfully, he ushered her in then followed on the other side.
Marie picked up her bags of chips and opened them, she allowed herself a second to look at them before picking one up.
"Who came while I was here?" Double D said quickly, before he had even taken a bite.
Marie stopped chewing on her food and swallowed slowly, trying to think.
"Um… Ed and Eddy came." Marie supplied, trailing off to see his reaction. His face lightened briefly before realizing she stopped.
"What about my parents? They were sure to be informed that I was here." Edd encouraged, playing with his food a little.
"Well, I didn't see them while I was here." Marie replied, not wanting to crush him completely. But that was clearly unavoidable as he sunk into his seat.
"Maybe they're busy," Edd whispered to himself, though Marie still heard.
Marie wanted to say how that was bullshit. How his parents were supposed to be there. But this was his last day here, tonight they would both be going to Edd's house, and tomorrow the both of them would be returning to school. The last thing she needed was to put him under a sort of pressure.
"So, tell me, what was it like?" Marie asked, starting her second bag of chips.
"Being in a coma? Uh… I wouldn't be able to tell you. I can't remember a thing." Double D mussed, his eyebrows frowned in thought.
"Well, you're okay now and that's what matters." Marie nodded, taking a drink from her cup.
"Marie! Eddward!"
Marie turned around, with Edd following her gaze. She smirked when she saw Ashton, head male nurse, jogging to them.
"Sup, Ash," Marie said, cocking her head as a welcome.
"Oh quit your ghetto, little girl," Ashton playfully mocked, "Anyway, two things, Eddward, it's time for your final test to get out of this place." He turned to Marie, a bright smile on his face, "And you get to meet my uncle."
Edd nodded, taking a final bite and sip of his food, noting Marie's progress as well. He stood, wiping the crumbs off his clothes, "Do you mind watching her? She's supposed to eat all that food."
Ashton nodded before taking a glance at the table, eyes widening, "ALL of this is her's?"
Edd smirked, walking away, leaving Marie and Ashton alone.
"So what's up Mr. Head Nurse?" Marie said, her hands unwrapping a sandwich wrapper.
"My uncle came down to congratulate me on the job! Plus, he sort of wants to meet Ariana." Ashton replied, sitting in Double D's spot.
"Your uncle likes this place, right?"
"Loves it, whenever he talks about it he gets this little spark in his eye but he said that he had to leave, and that's the hardest thing he's ever done." Ashton recalled, an excited grin on his face. "He's going to meet, ahmm, my new girlfriend Ariana tonight."
"So when do I get the pleasure?"
The grin on Ashton's face grew larger as he stood up, "In about 30 seconds," he raised his hands in a wave, "Uncle Luke!"
Marie turned her head around when she heard the deep, rugged voice of, what she assumed, was Uncle Luke say "Ashton!"
Marie's thoughts stirred, she got light headed at the view of the large but small man. Marie had seen this man before. He had a lean body with greater than lean muscles and his head had some short blue hair.
"Ashton…" Marie tried to manage but looked down at the table in the process.
Ashton didn't mind her but greeted his uncle as he drew near. "Uncle Luke, this is my friend Marie. Her boyfriend," Ashton teased," is getting tested right now, so we have some time."
"Why hello Mar-," Luke started, but stopped when he looked down at the girl, examining her blue hair and pale complexion.
"Uncle Luke? Are you okay?" Ashton panicked, leading his uncle to sit down in the booth.
"Ashton, I have to go," Marie said quickly, trying to avoid Luke's eyes.
"No you're not; hold on, my uncle is just acting weird right now." Ashton turned his attention to Luke, "Are you okay?"
"Ashton," Luke struggled, "can you give me moment here with this young lady?"
Ashton frowned, "Uncle, that's a strange request-"
"Ashton, five minutes and I'll explain everything."
Ashton turned his head to Marie, who was still looking down, and gave a hard look, "Five minutes, and I'll be sitting over there."
Luke turned his head, making sure his nephew was out of hearing distance, "Your name is Marie? Marie… Kanker?"
Marie felt a surge of annoyance flash through her, "Your name is Luke. Luke Deadbeat."
Luke flinched and had an uneasy look, "With that attitude, there's no need to question it, huh? How'd you know it was me?"
Marie glared at him, "I've seen a picture. A, meaning one. Seems you don't age much."
Luke stiffened, "How would you feel if I said sorry?"
"I'd leave and hope to never see you again," Marie hissed.
"I don't know what to say, I was going to visit the trailer after I said hi to Ashton here. I'd hope to see your mother-"
"Why? So you can knock her up and leave again, if she's even there?"
"-and you…"
Marie clenched her jaw, "It's been…" She paused, "You know what, how about you tell me how long it's been? Do you even know how old I am?"
"It's been 16 years, nine months, and…" He glanced down at his watch, "31 minutes since I've seen you last, and you're 17."
This shocked Marie; she had been three months in that picture of him and her. Could he really remember everything or was it all a bluff?
"Was what Ashton said true? Do you have a boyfriend that's here?" Luke asked, trying to take advantage of her shock.
Marie brought herself back, "What's it matter to you? You haven't seen me in over 16 years."
"Marie, I've always cared-"
"IF YOU CARED YOU WOULDN'T HAVE LEFT, LUKE."
Ashton appeared next to her in a flash, his eyes hard as he eyed his uncle. "Luke, what's going on?"
Luke ran his hand through his short hair and sighed, "Ashton, Marie is-"
"No," Marie interrupted, getting Ashton's attention and silencing Luke, "this man is my deadbeat father, Cousin Ashton." Marie stood up, pushing her cousin out of the way before walking off.
"Marie is your daughter, uncle?" Ashton questioned, making sure she had left.
Luke sighed sadly, a frown on his tan face that highlighted his small scar on his cheek, "That's my daughter and your cousin."
Ashton hardened and stood, "Alright, I'll see you tonight uncle. If you excuse me, I have to go check on my cousin."
Ashton walked away, not bothering to look back but instead sped up to catch up to Marie. Luke was left alone with his ghosts of the past, taunting him.
Luke had never wanted to leave Marie, but her mother made it impossible for him to stay. He loved Marie's mother, Christina, with all his heart and was absolutely thrilled when they became parents. It was just that… Christina had a bad record. She was constantly out at night and cheated on him with every chance she got. It weighed over him and, eventually, she came back home with a blond, buff idiot claiming she was pregnant with his baby and that Luke was no longer welcomed.
Luke tried to win her back, tried to take Marie with him, but he couldn't. He still sent his checks but his complies to see her were constantly ignored. He huffed; he hoped that Christina used the money for her kids rather than men and booze. He recalled Lee, though she was hardly over a year when he had met her, she wouldn't remember him even if he babysat every night for months while Christina was out.
Luke sat, feeling less of a man than ever. He was always scared to return, always scared to take these matters with the court. Well, he was done. He was going to win back his daughter and make things right.
He stood up and walked out of the cafeteria. He was going to have dinner tonight with Ashton and his new lady friend so that meant he had a couple hours to kill.
Once he made it back to his car, he got in and drove to the nearest bar.
Nazz had calmed down some, with some explaining by Kevin, as she held the blunt in her hand. Kevin was sitting next to her, waiting for his turn to hit.
"I'm sorry, I was drunk that night and I didn't mean to," Kevin said, trying to suppress his cough. Once he got Nazz to smoke some, she had been willing to listen.
"It's done, let's not worry about it." Nazz replied calmly, closing her eyes. She'd grown up in a hippie home, so she was no stranger to smoking. She had quit when she started to date Double D, but now she questioned why she ever stopped. It was great!
Nazz passed him the blunt, and Kevin looked at it, fidgeting. He raised it to his lips and puffed it, trying to calm his nerves and steel his confidence.
"It's just that," Kevin coughed, "I've had a thing for you for years now. I was a bit mad when Edd became your boyfriend and when I found him with him and the Kanker, it annoyed me." He drew a little closer to Nazz, taking a final puff before passing it to her eager fingers.
"Why didn't you ever say anything?" Nazz said, before putting it to her lips, huffing it in. She pulled it away, opening her mouth to allow the smoke a fog-like release.
"I dunno," Kevin admitted, "but I've always liked you."
Nazz turned to him, the last of the smoke creeping its way out of her mouth, and drew near him. She put her free hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer to her. Kevin knew what she was doing and placed his arms around her, drawing her whole body near. With a smoky aroma surrounding them, their lips touched and eagerly started to move. Kevin slid his hands down her back, grabbing a hold on her and squeezing. Nazz smiled but continued to kiss him, and Kevin followed suit.
He was glad that he had picked this weed, it was somewhat known for its forgiving like quality.
Nazz knew that being with him was wrong, but she needed this. She had been through enough. Kevin apologized and she accepted it, what kind of old friend would she be to dispel it? He had even brought some of the best dope she'd ever had and admitted to liking her. If that didn't deserve some making out, what did? She wouldn't go as far as this, that required time, and this was a thank you.
She pushed harder against him, playing for dominance and Kevin came back twice as hard, opening his and her mouth in the process. That's where the real game began.
"Christina!" Luke yelled as he stomped into the bar, the blaring music silenced most of him but the ones near him turned. They each spoke silently to one another, wondering what was about to happen.
Luke walked past each one, looking around for the woman that was almost sure to be here.
That's when he saw the flaming red hair and countless males around her. Luke stopped in front of her, glaring, as she pulled away from kissing another man.
She looked him up and down and whistled, "Damn, Bubba, yah sure do look good."
He clenched his teeth at his old nickname, "I don't go by Bubba anymore, it's Luke."
She swooned, mocking him, "Oh sooooorrry, didn't know dah big boy went back tuh bein' all fancy."
"Why haven't you ever answered me? What did you tell Marie about me?" Luke asked with his jaw clenched.
Christina looked at him, a drunken grin spreading, "Mah-ray? Oh yeah, I told 'er that 'er daddy was a good fur nutin' slime ball."
"I tried to be everything for her and you ruined it! Like hell I'm going to waste another day without my daughter in my life, she's going to know the truth." Luke promised, and turned to walk away.
He left the bar and glanced at his watch, it was about time he got ready for dinner.
Marie took Edd home that night, a bit upset from seeing her father, but nothing so bad as to make Edd question her. She collected some bags of groceries from the trunk and followed Edd, who was carrying her overnight bag, in. She'd be staying, as a friend, in his house for a few days to help him get back on track. Marie didn't bother asking her mother, because she didn't care what she would say. So she asked Lee. Lee made a snide comment, but agreed to it.
"Jesus, there's a lot of sticky notes," Marie commented, noting the yellow bits were on just about every surface of the living room. She heard Double D sigh and begin to collect them, reading each one and growing a sour look.
"What do they say?" Marie asked, not liking his look or the silence.
"Take a day rest then begin your chores again. We are going back to work. Don't fall behind anymore in school, Eddward." Double D mocked bitterly.
"Eh, good thing I'm here to help," Marie shrugged, sitting on the couch. She found the remote easy in the clean room and turned it on. "Care to join me?"
Edd humored her, throwing the notes on the table and sat next to her. "Anything you recommend?"
"Don't we still have those movies?" Marie remembered, looking for them. Edd nodded and walked to the DVD collection, pulling some out.
"Oh, let's go with Lonely Nightmare!" Marie said, seeing its case in his hand.
Double D sat back down next to her. He took her presence in, realizing that, almost a month ago, she was the cause for his break up. Now, he was still sad, but something in him didn't allow him to hurt anymore. He had hardly thought about it with Marie here.
He viewed her from the corner of his eye, how the TV light reflected off her bouncy blue hair and how soft her skin looked. She had the tiniest of smiles playing on her lips, clearly enjoying the movie. Double D felt something in his chest twitch, as in realizing her gentle beauty. She was so unlike Nazz, the blond bombshell, but still, she captured his attention. He'd grown so used to being by her these past few weeks and he could honestly say that she didn't make him feel weird. It was funny enough that she had chased him around as kids but now they were friends.
Edd smiled once the movie was over, even though it was one of the saddest most horrific movies he had ever seen. He smiled because Marie had fallen asleep while watching it, and her little breaths just made him smile. He picked her up bridal style and went into the guest room.
He laid her down, noting that she had begun to shiver. He got a blanket from the closet and placed it over her, tucking her in. Once finished, he examined and made sure that was okay, since he didn't want her to wake up in the middle of the night.
He left the room, feeling satisfied with himself. He actually felt a pinch of happiness to know that she was here, if he needed her. He went into the bathroom and started a shower.
They were going to school tomorrow.
What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? Tell me in a review and I'd sure appreciate it. Also, if you really want to see another chapter up soon, review. It's the only way to know what happens. Unless you're me and you already know what happens. Ha, suckers. Now, this was sort of a long chapter so I'll remind you of some stuff.
Marie has just met Luke, her father.
Ashton is now her cousin.
Nazz needs attention, so she turns back to Kevin and starts to smoke again.
Luke confronts Christina, Marie's mother.
Edd and Marie now live together, temporarily.
They are going back to school. Tomorrow.
Take your pick and review. See y'all next chapter.
