Chapter 10: Black Earth Child

4:50 P.M...

Trotting up the steps, Edd walked into his room after hitting the landing at the top of the steps. He walked straight for his closet to grab a fresh outer garment to help deter the chilly atmosphere present outside. A blue flannel shirt was the first article he grabbed, placing it around his arms and buttoning it up almost to the top. His right front pant pocket vibrated; his phone had received a message. Grabbing his phone, he read the text he had received.

Yo sockhead, come over for a bit. I got some party stuff to go over with ya.

Finished reading Eddys message, he wasted little time in reply.

I'm sorry Eddy. I have other obligations I have to attend to. Maybe I can stop by later this evening?

Edd pocketed his phone, not waiting to see his friends response. Exiting his room, he reached the stairs and descended them quickly, relishing meeting Marie for a little bit of interaction. Reaching the front door, it suddenly flew open and in front of him stood Marie. Edd shrieked in terror at the sudden apparition of a person, but more so because Marie had a busted lip and a very bloody nose. Sobering from the initial fear, his nurturing instinct kicked into overdrive at seeing this girl he cared a great deal for in such a battered condition.

"Marie! Good Lord are you alright!?", Edd exclaimed as he grabbed both her arms, steadying her to exam her. She was beat up to say the least. Her lip was in all intents and purposes splayed open, not to mention the swelling that had made her look as if she had some sort of allergic reaction. Her nose was the worse of the two injuries however, as it was still trickling blood from both nostrils.

Marie hadn't registered that Edd was staring at her very closely. Realizing it however, her lips formed into a small smirk.

"Always so chivalrous, making sure the maiden is alright", Marie teased, wincing from the stinging her lip brought her.

Edd payed no attention to her as he led her slowly to the couch in the living room. He helped her lay down, propping her head up with some pillows as to help the bleeding recess. Marie situated in a comfortable spot, Edd ran upstairs to recover a first aid kit and a cold washcloth. Hands full, he raced back down to attend to Marie. To his terror, she had sat up, having turned on the television and watching some program.

"Marie Kanker! Lay back down, you needn't be sitting up!", commanded Edd.

Marie simply turned to him and blew a raspberry, turning back to watch what she had been viewing.

Edds cheeks grew a tinge of red to them as he marched over to her. Grabbing the remote from her hand, he cut off the television and stood directly in front of her. Marie simply looked up, with an expression that one could only assume was irritation.

"Eddward, dearest...you cut off the TV.", Marie said. "May I ask why?".

Edd stared back at her, unwavering to the spunky girl in front of him. He offered no reply as he directed her back down into a prone position which she amazingly allowed him to do. He soon got to work, wiping away the excess blood and began to apply ointments to the affected areas.

Marie had to admit to herself, she was surprised at how direct Edd was and how he commanding he was. She had to say, it was pretty damn hot...

Edd was rather quick at fixing up Marie. Throughout his younger years with Ed and Eddy, Edd had to become an avid nurse to help his friends and himself whenever one of their scams turned to disaster...which was always it seemed.

Putting away the unused medical items into the first aid kit, Edd turned to Marie who had been gazing at him the entirety of the time he had made her lay back down. He gave her a smile and took her right hand into both of his. Marie cheeks flared red at this behavior Edd was exhibiting. Sure, their date was a big surprise, but he really seemed to be getting even more comfortable with her...and he seemed to actually like it. Marie hadn't even heard the question Edd had asked...

"Marie? Hello?", asked Edd.

Marie blinked and gave a small smile. "Sorry Edd, I kinda phased out there. What did you ask?".

Edd cleared his throat. "I said, what on Earth happened to you? It looks as if you ran headlong into a semi-truck.".

"Oven-mitt...do you really think I look that terrible...?", Marie asked, feigning a pout.

Edd started to stammer out a rebuttal but his lips were sealed as Marie reached out and pinched them shut.

"Just kidding dummy", Marie joked as she released his lips.

"Well, I got into a fight with Lee and May...we've been going at it for a few hours I think...", Marie said, trying to remember the exact details.

"HOURS!?", Edd yelled. "How did y'all fight for hours!?".

Marie shrugged, "We're just used to it I guess. We are the Kanker sisters after all.".

Edd was astounded at Marie's claim. It made sense though that the Kanker's had extreme stamina, as Edd still vividly remembered how the trio of sisters hounded him and his friends down, always catching them unless they somehow gave them the slip.

Edd shook his head and sighed. "So...hours, you say? What began this extensive altercation in the first place?".

"Oh, I took the last Mountain Dew and the girls didn't see fit to it. So, we had it out.", Marie told him nonchalantly.

That answer didn't seem to want to go threw Edd's head. Marie, and her sisters, had an hours long fight...over a soda. Edd had heard it all it seemed.

Edd rubbed his temples as he slowly stood up.

"Marie, may I get you something to eat? A beverage perhaps?", Edd said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Do you have any Mountain Dew?", replied Marie laughing at her smart remark.

In the kitchen, Edd couldn't resist a small. Marie always seemed so carefree and well spirited. She really was continuing to make him feel deeper feelings for her. He had accepted this and was just waiting for the right time to present to her his proposition.

At Eddys house...

"So, Zooey, how ya been? I ain't seen ya since last Christmas, gimme all the juicy deets", said Eddy.

Eddy was sitting at his kitchen table, across from him was a rather attractive female with brilliantly brown hair. She reached for a glass of water in front of her, taking a sip before replying.

"Oh you know, keeping mom in check and just living I suppose.", replied Zooey.

"Ah come on, you got more than that. Tell your favorite cuz!", jested Eddy.

Zooey smiled at Eddy's remark, always enjoying their talks whenever their family got together for holidays and other functions.

"Well...Zach left me right after Christmas for one thing.", said Zooey with a sad smile.

Eddy's jaw dropped. Zooey had been engaged for nearly two years. Their wedding had been set up for this years Christmas.

"Are you fucking serious!? That fucking shithead!", said Eddy working himself into a fervor. "He was STUPID to leave you cuz. If I ever see that mother...".

"Eddy its OK, settle down.", said Zooey. "Really, I'm not that bothered by it anymore...but thank you for the concern.".

Eddy was still stewing internally however. Zooey had been like a big sister to him, even though they never got to see each other as much as they'd like. In the midst of violent ways he'd love to harm Zach, Eddy came across a wonderful idea.

Zooey took notice of a wide, toothy smile creep across her cousins face.

"Eddy...what is the creepster smile for?"., said Zooey with a laugh.

"Zooey...do you remember Sockhead?", said Eddy.

I'm lazy as fuck. Four months. I'm sorry...really, I am.

Thank y'all for the support. Old and newcomers, I have gratitude for you all. I hope you enjoy.

Because I'm bored, you guys can add me on Snapchat if y'all would like. My username is korvyn. I found out I don't like Tumblr. Snapchat I dig though.

Again, thanks guys.