Chapter 11: Parents
A/N: Hello? *echo* It's been a long time since I uploaded a chapter, I really do apologize about that as I started Uni and I couldn't concentrate on making a chapter. I hope you're all still interested in this story, it's been a while so I apologize if I'm a little rusty. Don't worry I have a whole summer to continue to write stories and my aim is to continue and hopefully attempt to finish this story.
"Back then, did you have feelings for me?" The words echo in the mind of Double D, Double D scratches the back of his neck nervously. "Well...I..." Double D mutters, Marie looks on in anticipation. "I thought of you as my closest friend, who I could trust fully" Double D answers, Marie gives an unimpressed squint at Double D.
"Don't beat around the bush, tell me. Did you have feelings for me or not?" Marie repeats herself, Double D looks at the twinkle in Marie's eyes whose waiting impatiently for an answer. "It's a simple yes or no answer" Marie pushes.
"Come on Edward think...no matter what my answer is, it'll have major repercussions despite my answer" Edward ponders to himself, Marie begins to tap her feet on the floor. "I'll give you a real answer this time" Double D promises, Marie nods her head and leans forward in her seat again.
"Don't worry about your answer, it won't change anything between us two" Marie smiles at Double D, Double D takes a deep breath.
"I didn't have feelings for you" Double D answers, Marie closes her eyes listening. "I only thought of you as my closest friend" Double D continues, Marie bites the bottom of her lip as a smile emerges on her face. "I apologize if it's not the answer you was expecting" Double D concludes, Marie shakes her head as she begins to giggle.
"Ma' was right then" Marie speaks up as she leans back in her seat and looks up at the ceiling, Double D tilts his head.
"Right about what?" Double D questions, Marie looks forward staring at her study buddy.
"It's easy to fall in love, it's harder to get someone to fall in love" Marie quotes her mother, Marie's arms at her side begin to tremble and shake slightly.
"Hmm...that's an interesting philosophy" Double D comments, Marie again nods her head.
"But I won't give up, I will keep trying everyday to try and get you to like me the same way I like you" Marie promises, Double D looks at the watch on his wrist.
"Would you look at the time? It appears to be getting late, we seem to have lost track of time studying" Double D changes the subject, Marie sighs to herself and closes her notebooks. Double D begins to pack his equipment away, Double D keeps looking up and glancing at Marie.
"I hope I didn't upset her with my answer" Double D speculates, Double D finishes packing the last of his equipment away. Double D stands up out of his seat grabbing the attention of Marie to look up at him. "I'll just go into the kitchen and cook something for us to consume after all the hard work we put in today" Double D announces, Marie nods her head.
"Sounds good" Marie gives a short answer, Double D begins to walk towards the kitchen as Marie continues to pack her equipment away. Before Double D walks into the kitchen, he turns and looks at Marie.
"Marie?" Double D calls out, Marie perks her head up and looks back at Double D. "erm...if it makes you feel any better, I'm starting to really like you as a close friend again" Double D says, a huge smile emerges on Marie's face. Marie puts her hand over her heart, as Marie begins to giggle to herself. Double D walks into the kitchen to prepare a meal.
"I'm one step closer...we're starting to become close friends again" Marie thinks to herself, Marie finally finishes packing her last pencil away into her school bag as she stands out of her seat and stretches her arms. "I'll just keep trying Ma'"
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Double D begins to chop carrots frantically. Double D's arms are shaking slightly "Edward just focus...just focus..." Double D puts down the knife and places both his hands on the worktop. "It's no use, I'm struggling to concentrate after learning who Marie truly is. I can't get her out of my mind" Double D has a heavy sigh and continues to cut the carrots. Marie casually walks into the kitchen and stands closely behind Double D, that she's looking over his shoulder.
"Do you want me to help?" Marie whispers into the ear of Double D, Double D flinches slightly. Double D has a small gulp and puts down the knife again.
"erm...I don't require any assistance" Double D answers, Marie has a small pout. Double D turns around to face Marie, to realize he's only inches away from her face. Double D takes a few small steps to his side. "You deserve a break from working so hard with studying, you may watch television and relax for the rest of the evening" Double D continues, Marie shrugs.
"I can't turn down that offer, let me know when the food is ready" Marie says as she skips out of the kitchen, Double D has a sigh of relief as soon as she exits. Double returns to cutting up the carrots.
Whilst in the living room, Marie lays on Double D's sofa and looks through Double D's channel history. "Ugh...all he watches are documentaries...there must be something else he watches" Marie quits looking at Double D's channel history, Marie begins to flick through the channels. "Lookie here, cartoons!" Marie finds something she likes.
Whilst at Kevin's house, Kevin and his usual group of friends sit in the living room hanging out with each other. "I need to get that girl back for what she did, it still hurts" Kevin says as he rubs his forehead where the apple struck him. Nazz shakes her head at Kevin.
"Well you did kinda start it Kev, when you threw it the Eds" Nazz comments, Kevin simply shrugs his shoulders. Rolf takes a gigantic sip from his drink that no one wants to know what he's drinking. Jonny watches on whether or not he's taking in the information no one knows.
"They've been scamming us all the time, I had to do something" Kevin says, Kevin continues to rub his forehead. "Now that he has one of them weird girls, we can't do anything to them!" Kevin announces his displeasure, Kevin folds his arms. "There's nothing we can do now" Kevin accepts defeat. Jonny looks to the side of him at Plank leaning against a cushion, Jonny picks up Plank.
"What was that Plank?" Jonny rests Plank against his ear "You mean when I bumped into her? Oh yeah now I remember" Jonny converses with Plank. "You're right she didn't do anything to me...Plank you're a genius!" Jonny stands up and pushes Plank in the face of Kevin. "Plank has an idea!" Jonny says.
"The wooden board thinks?" Rolf adds, Kevin pushes Plank out of his face.
"Get that thing out of my face" Kevin says, Jonny shakes his head at Kevin.
"But Plank is serious this time, he has an idea on how to help you!" Jonny says, Kevin simply roles his eyes. "Plank says, I once bumped into Marie causing her to cut herself under her eye" Kevin sits forward laughing.
"Haha, what did she do to you? Stuff you in a locker and sawed Plank in half?" Kevin speculates, Jonny quickly shakes his head.
"She didn't do anything! She just said 'watch where you're going'" Jonny answers, Kevin taps the bottom of his chin as Rolf takes another sip.
"Why would she do that? She'd usually beat you up for that" Kevin wonders, Nazz's eyes keep darting back and forth between Kevin and Jonny.
"Plank says she's acting differently and more nice" Jonny quotes, Kevin quickly shakes his head in displeasure. Kevin stands out of his seat.
"It doesn't make sense, why would she do nothing to Jonny but do something to me after just throwing an apple..." Kevin places his hand on his forehead trying to connect the pieces together. Nazz clicks her fingers together.
"Wait a minute, you threw the apple and it hit Double D right?" Nazz asks for confirmation.
"Yeah, what's your point?" Kevin replies, Nazz taps the bottom of her chin.
"Marie seems to like Double D, maybe she doesn't like anyone hurting Double D?" Nazz questions, a grin emerges on the face of Kevin.
"Now I get it...she won't hurt anyone that hurts her, but if they hurt the one with the sock she'll hurt us." Kevin comes to the conclusion. "This is the perfect time to mess with her!" Kevin plots, Nazz shakes her head in disagreement.
"Don't do anything Kev, it's just mean" Nazz speaks up, Kevin begins to pace up and down around his living room.
"It's not mean, look at how many times those weird girls were mean to us! It's time for payback for years of torture from her" Kevin clenches his fist tightly, a smirk appears on the face of Kevin. Rolf switches his attention to Jonny and Plank.
"So the wooden board is a genius!" Rolf stands out of his seat and snatches Plank out of Jonny's hands.
"Give him back!" Jonny tries to reach up to regain possession but Rolf is too tall for him, Rolf holds Plank above his head.
"Oh...great wooden board of knowledge...tell me where my great Nano is!" Rolf demands, Kevin and Nazz simply look away from Rolf. Jonny looks up at Plank and nods his head.
"Plank says the last place you saw her" Jonny answers on behalf of Plank, Rolf arms tremble as he drops Plank. Jonny swiftly catches Plank and glares at Rolf.
"The last place I saw her..." Rolf ponders, suddenly Rolf's eyes expand. "In the fridge!" Rolf suddenly breaks into a sprint to leave the living room "I'm coming great Nano!" Rolf declares. Nazz scratches the back of her head.
"What was that all about?" Nazz questions, Kevin simply shrugs.
"Who cares? All we know now is, one of them weird girls can't harm us..." Kevin plots.
Whilst at Double D's home "yummy! That was delicious again!" Marie announces, Double D smiles across the table at Marie. "I'm going to be very lucky in the future" Marie places her elbows on the table and puts her head in her hands. Double D tilts his head.
"Why is that?" Double D wonders as he collects Marie's plate, a smirk emerges on Marie's face.
"When I marry you, I get to eat food like this all the time" Marie gives a flirtatious line, Double D nervously flinches. Marie begins to giggle at Double D's nervousness.
"Well I better get these dishes washed and-" Double D is interrupted.
"Save them for later, why not relax for a bit? You've worked hard too why don't you sit down and watch TV too?" Marie questions, Double D looks at the dirty plates in his hands and puts them in the sink.
"But I must wash-" Again Double D is interrupted and Marie hangs out he bottom lip with a sad puppy dog expression.
"Please..." Marie pleads, Double D sighs.
"I guess you're correct, the dishes are a minor concern that could be cleaned at a later date" Double D agrees, Marie smiles as she stands out of her seat and escorts Double D into the living room to watch television.
During that night, "They made the Hungry Dolphin into an animated series?" Double D wonders as Marie sits quietly watching the program. "I wonder how different it is to the-" Double D is interrupted.
"Shh..." Marie says faintly, Double D puts his hand over his mouth to remain quiet.
After the show finished, a loud yawn escapes Marie. "I'm so tired after watching that..." Marie lays her head down on Double D's lap as both her eyes close, Double D scratches the back of his neck.
"Marie?" Double D calls out as he taps Marie on the shoulder, one of Marie's eyes open.
"Shh...I'm sleepy..." Marie mutters.
"Wouldn't it be best if you sleep upstairs on a bed? It would be much comfier." Double D recommends, another yawn escapes Marie.
"I'm much comfier here though..." Marie says, Double D's face begins to turn a shade of red.
"Please Marie" Double D pleads, Marie groans as she lifts her head off Double D's lap. Marie sluggishly stands out of her seat and begins to slowly walk out of the living room. "Goodnight Marie" Double D wishes, Marie faintly waves her arm in the air.
"Goodnight hun'" Marie leaves the living room, Double D has a small stretch and lays down on the sofa. Double D stares at the ceiling above him, a smile emerges on the face of Double D.
"It's actually satisfying not having someone here to converse with" Double D's eyes begin to close.
Whilst upstairs in Double D's room, Marie throws herself onto the bed with her head face down on the pillow. "I should come here more often, spending time with my man and great food on top of that" Marie's eyes start to gently shut.
Next morning arrives with a sunrise over the cul-de-sac, Double D sits up on the sofa. Double D has a small stretch, Double D looks at his watch. Double D stands up out of his seat in panic "I overslept?! Mother and Father will be here in 10 minutes!" Double D as quickly as he can leaves the living room and climbs upstairs.
Whilst in Double D's room, the door quickly opens and Double D runs in to see Marie is still asleep. "Forgive me Marie" Double D begins to gently shakes Marie "Marie...Marie...please wake up" Double D says, Marie's eyes begin to slowly open to see Double D waking her up.
"Isn't this a great sight to see in the morning" Marie says slyly with half a grin on her face.
"My parents are expected to arrive in 8 minutes and 37 seconds, I don't mean to be rash but would it be acceptable if you leave?" Double D asks, Marie pouts as she sits up in Double D's bed and stretches.
"No breakfast...no fair..." Marie says, Double D puts his hands together.
"I promise I'll make you breakfast next time, would you be able to hurry my parents won't take kindly to a stranger in their home" Double D explains frantically, Marie slowly gets out of bed as Double D is pacing up and down.
"It's fine, I understand I'll leave but you owe me" Marie says as she winks at Double D, Double D looks at his bedroom door expecting the worse. The two leave the room as quick as they can.
The two of them enter the kitchen "It'll be for the best if your getaway is through the back door as my parents may see you" Double D explains, Marie casually shrugs as Double D opens the door for her. Marie turns around to Double D and embraces him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, I really enjoyed myself" Marie whispers, Double D finds himself smiling.
"You're welcome, you worked really hard this weekend" Double D compliments, Marie is about to break away from the hug, but she spots Double D's bare cheek. A grin emerges on the face of Marie.
"One quick peck won't hurt" Marie plans, as Marie is about to plant a kiss on Double D. Marie freezes on the spot and her arms start to nervously shake, she feels her heart beating faster and faster. "This is weird, I've kissed him thousands of times but this time I can't!" Marie wonders, Marie breaks away from the hug. Double D's smile fades away as he looks at Marie's red face.
"Marie are you feeling okay? Your face is red." Double D notices, Marie squints as she turns around away from Double D.
"Oh...it's just mornings, my face is like this in the morning...it's fine" Marie answers as she fleas out of the back door, Double D shrugs as he closes the door. Double D looks around the kitchen to see the dirty dishes, Double D's eyes are as wide as they can be.
"I need to clean right away-" Double D's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a loud knock on the door. "Drat, It appears I've ran out of time" Double D leaves the kitchen.
Meanwhile in Double D's back garden, Marie opens the back garden door and exits the garden. Marie pulls out her mirror and looks at herself in the mirror "My face is red...when do I ever blush!" Marie shakes her head but suddenly stops in her tracks "I forgot my bag...It should be fine, he'll bring me my bag at school" Marie continues her long trek home.
Whilst at Double D's home, Double D nervously places his hand on the door handle and pulls the door open. To see his father, a man twice his size and build with sharp spectacles on his face. "G...good morning father, is mother not with you?" Father looks down at Double D.
"She has far too much work to get done, so it's only me visiting you today" Father answers, Double D's legs begin to shake and tremble. "Are you going to have me stand out here all day?" Father asks.
"Oh sorry, please come in Father" Double D stands out of his Fathers way as he enters his home. Father scans the perimeter in his home, Double D closes the door.
"Hmm...you should be more direct with your Father, don't just have me standing outside for so long!" Father scolds, Double D nods his head.
"I understand Father, it won't happen again" Double D accepts his mistake, Father groans as he walks away from Double D and into the kitchen, Double D follows behind him.
"What a shocking mess, I raised my son better than this" Father says as he points at the sink with 2 dirty dishes inside it.
"My apologies Father, with exam season coming up I have to focus on my studies" Double D answers, Father shakes his head and walks towards the sink.
"That's no excuse, an untidy home is an untidy mind. How many times have I told you this!" Father scolds again, Double D looks down away from his Father. Father squints as he looks at the sink.
"Why is there two dishes? Did you have an uninvited guest?" Father examines, Double D scratches the back of his head.
"Think Edward think!" Double D panics "erm...that was from breakfast this morning, I forgot to clean the dish I had for dinner" Double D lies, Father walks around the kitchen.
"Quit being so forgetful, once you forget something it will have major repercussions on you!" Father lectures, Double D hesitantly nods his head. Father folds his arms looking across at his son. "Let's see how clean your room is" Father says, Double D looks up at his Father.
"Yes Father, right this way" Double D leads his Father out of the kitchen.
Whilst at the Kankers trailer, Marie opens the door and enters. "I'm home!" Marie announces. Marie darts her eyes around to see it's rather empty and quiet in the home. "I guess Lee and May are out?" Marie shrugs as she walks into the kitchen.
"Well if it ain't my little Marie" A voice calls out, Marie spots in the kitchen her Ma' sat at the table with a cup of tea in her hand. "Did you enjoy your little sleepover?" Ma' asks, a nostalgic smile emerges on Ma's face. "It feels like it's been forever since I asked that haha" Ma' begins to chuckle. Marie smiles as she sits in the seat opposite Ma'
"Morning Ma' I really enjoyed it" Marie answers, Ma' squints at Marie.
"You seem a little red? Are you coming down with something?" Ma' asks out of concern as she reaches her arm out and puts it on Marie's forehead.
"Oh it's nothing" Marie replies, Ma' puts her hand off Marie's forehead and sits back in her seat.
"Hmm...your head isn't warm..." A sly grin appears on the face of Ma'. Marie raises her eyebrows looking at Ma'.
"What are you smiling about?" Marie asks, Ma' takes a sip of her tea and looks directly into the eyes of Marie.
"You're in love again?" Ma' drops a bombshell, Marie's jaw drops at what Ma' is hinting at. "It is isn't it, have you gotten over that Edward boy you liked back then?" Ma' wonders, Marie hesitantly shakes her head. "So you like two boys then? Edward and another one?" Ma' questions, again Marie shakes her head.
"It's Edward I like, there's no one else I like" Marie answers, Ma' has her final sip of her tea and places it on the table.
"Then who's house did you stay over at then?" Ma' asks yet another question, Marie takes a deep breath.
"It was Edward" Marie answers, a huge smile emerges on Ma's face.
"So you found him then..." Ma' says.
Meanwhile at Double D's house "I hope the room is as you expect" Double D says, Double D looks over his shoulder to see his Father climbing the last of the steps.
"You know I struggle with steps, yet you didn't help me?" Father asks, Father has reached the top of the steps. "I'm disappointed in you not assisting me up the stairs" Father says.
"I'm sorry Father I-" Double D is interrupted.
"Save your apologies for another time, just wait until your Mother hears about this" Father warns, Double D has a dissatisfying sigh. Double D walks towards his room and opens the door, Father is the first one to enter the room.
Again Father enters the room and scans the room entirely to see an untidy bed "This is truly shocking, you're bed is a complete mess!" Father shouts at the top of his lungs, Double D hesitantly enters the room.
"Father I overslept this morning so I-" Again Double D is interrupted.
"Overslept? What if you overslept for work? You'd be fired off the spot!" Father lectures Double D, Double D's legs continue to shake and tremble. Father walks over to the side of Double D's bed and glances down at his pillow. Father slowly bends down and picks up something off of his pillow. "What is this?" Father asks as he holds a few strands of blue hair in his hand. "Long blue hair...what is this?!" Father asks, Double D begins to sway from side to side.
"erm...erm...I'm taking part in a school play...my characters wig has blue hair" Double D explains, Father continues to stare into Double D's eyes. "Sometimes rehearsals overrun and I have to sleep in my costume" Double D lies again, Father wipes his hand to get the blue hair off his hand.
"Hmm...taking part in a school play...what a waste of valuable study time" Father mutters his dismay, Double D has a sigh of relief. "Make your bed next time, as soon as you get out of bed" Father instructs.
"I will Father." Double D answers.
"You found little Edward with the hat?" Ma' questions, Marie nods her head. "This is a time of celebration! You found him" Ma' waves her arms in the air. Ma' leans her arms across the table "So tell me hun' have you told him how you feel?" Ma' asks, Marie scratches the back of her neck.
"I didn't" Marie answers, Ma' tilts her head whilst looking in Marie's eyes.
"I know you too well, I know when you're lying to me. Tell me the truth" Ma' lightly demands an answer. Marie sighs knowing she's defeated.
"I told him" Marie answers honestly, Ma' smiles. "He told me, he's happy us being close friends" Marie answers with her head held down.
"Hmm...that's good news, the more time you spend with him the more he'll get to know you and further your relationship with him." Ma' lectures, Marie lifts her head up looking at Ma.
"Do you think so?" Marie asks, Ma' confidently nods.
"You'll be with him in his time of need and realise you're more than just a friend to him" Ma' says, a smile emerges on Marie's face. "I know how these things work hun' I'm just happy you found the guy that gives you happiness again" Ma' stands out of her seat and approaches Marie, Ma' gives Marie a warm hug.
"Me too" Marie whispers.
Meanwhile at Double D's house, the two of them enter the living room. "At least the living room looks tidy" Father compliments, Double D breathes a sigh of relief. Father slowly sits down on the sofa, Double D hesitantly sits beside him. "How are your studies going?" Father asks.
"They're going exceedingly well, the head of year even informed me that after High school I'll have a great opportunity to enter any college I please" Double D informs, half a smile emerges on the face of Father.
"At least you're doing well in your studies, do you think your scores will be higher than mine when I was your age?" Father asks, Double D quickly shakes his head.
"You set an all time record at Peach Creek that I don't believe will ever be broken" Double D answers, Father clenches his fist tightly.
"It's a child's duty to exceed their parents! With a humble attitude like yours you will never succeed" Father is blunt and harsh with his words, Double D looks away from his Father. Father shakes his head as he looks beside him at the two school bags sitting next to him. "Wait a minute...why do you possess two bags?" Father asks as he picks up the two bags.
"erm...I...er..." Double D stutters as Father reads the names on the bags.
"Who is Marie Kanker?" Father asks as he opens the Marie's bag and grabs her notebook out of her bag.
"I'm undertaking a tutor program in which I help a student that is struggling with their studies" Double D answers honestly. Father begins to chuckle while looking at the notebook.
"Haha, you're not doing a good job. Look at the scruffy handwriting and multiple grammar errors." Father criticizes the work, Double D clenches his fist tightly. "This child is nothing but a fool, looks like her future career will be flipping burgers or cleaning." Father continues to flick through the notebook "constant spelling errors, this is a travesty. I didn't know someone this dumb existed" Father hits the final blow, Double D stands out of his seat.
"Father you are being very unkind, I am assisting this person to succeed in her studies. She has made major improvements that you don't know about" Double D voiced his piece, Father puts the notebook on the side table near the sofa.
"People like this are going to take your kindness for weakness. The more you help a slacker, the more of a slacker you become" Father says, Double D looks away from his Father. "You must be strong, a strong man does not assist the weak the become strong." Father continues his lecture.
"Father, I don't agree with your statements. Marie has made excellent progress in her studies, I have no doubt she will pass her exams" Double D gives his opinion, Father carelessly shrugs.
"I don't see why you'd care if someone does well, in reality you need to look out for yourself and not others." Father says as he picks up Marie's notebook again and flicks through it, Father stops on a page and pauses for a second. "Oh I see what it is now..." Father glances at the notebook with intense, Double D tilts his head. "Look at this" Father says as he holds the book up to him. Double D spots in Marie's notebook, his name and Marie's written with a heart surrounding it. A faint blush appears on Double D's face.
"It's just who Marie is Father." Double D says, Father begins to shake his head.
"I know how these things work, you're just very vulnerable and gullible to notice." Father hints, Father closes the notebook and puts it back in Marie's bag. Father rubs the bottom of his chin "You have a girl mooching off you now, she pretends to care about you when really...she doesn't" Father says, Double D raises his eyebrows. "She only wants you because she knows you're going to succeed, so then she won't have to put in hard work if you're there with her. It's how these slackers work son." Father explains, Double D shakes his head.
"I'm only doing this to help her in her studies, that's all." Double D says, Father shakes his head.
"I know you are, but you can't tell when you're being used by someone." Father says as he turns his back on his son, Double D looks at the back of his Father's head. "I'll be back next month for a visit with your Mother, if she's finished all her work. Remember to keep the house clean and tidy your room" Father says his parting words as he leaves the living room, Double D follows behind him.
The two stand at the front door, Double D opens the door for his Father. "Drive safely" Double D comments, Father nods his head. Father is about to exit but stops in his tracks.
"Son, this is for your benefit. Stay away from that girl, she's just going to bring you down and stop you from succeeding" Father says, Double D chooses not to reply. Father walks towards his car, as Double D closes the door. Double D leans up against the door.
"Thank goodness he's gone, Father will never understand what kindness can bring to others" Double D thinks to himself as leans against the door.
Meanwhile at the Kankers trailer, after Ma' had finished embracing Marie in a warm hug. Marie stands out of her seat in a rush "Oh no, I forgot to tell him we have to see the head of year on Monday morning..." Ma' looks at her daughter.
"What's wrong hun'?" Ma' asks, Marie looks across at Ma'.
"Oh I forgot to tell him something about tomorrow morning" Marie says her concerns, Ma' taps the bottom of her chin. "I'll have to call him" Marie announces, another smile emerges on Ma's face.
"Hmm...so he gave you his number as well? Well this is escalating quickly" Ma' comments, Marie quickly skips towards the phone and dials the number in.
Whilst at Double D's home, Double D sluggishly walks towards his ringing phone. Double D picks up the phone "It's probably Mother lecturing me about what Father said" Double D speculates. "Hello, Edward speaking" Double D answers.
"Erm...hi it's Marie, I forgot to tell you something about school tomorrow." Marie answers. Double D looks at his phone in surprise.
"How did you acquire my number?" Double D asks, Marie stands stunned at the question asked.
"I can't say I read it in your student records...erm...aha!" Marie plots a lie "I used your phone to call my Ma's phone, it saved your number" Marie lies, Marie's feet begin to become fidgety, which Ma' is taking notice of.
"Oh now I understand, what is it about school tomorrow? If it's about bringing your bag, don't worry I was going to bring it anyway" Double D says, a smile emerges on Marie's face.
"So kind..." Marie snaps out of her daydream trance "Thanks, but it's about meeting the head of year tomorrow morning at school. He wants to speak to both of us" Marie informs, Double D nods his head.
"Thanks for letting me know..." Double D says half heartedly, Marie squints her eyes and picks up on the tone of his voice.
"Are you alright? You don't sound like yourself." Marie asks as her grip on the phone tightens, Double D's arm begins to shake slightly.
"Oh it's nothing to be concerned about, I'm fine. I'll see you at school tomorrow bright and early" Double D says his goodbyes.
"Okay, goodbye" Marie says, the phone hangs up. Marie sighs to herself as she puts the phone back onto the hook. Ma' approaches Marie and stands behind her.
"What's wrong hun'?" Ma' asks, Marie simply shrugs as she turns around at Ma'.
"I don't know, he just didn't sound like himself" Marie answers, Ma' rubs the bottom of her chin.
"Hmm...just keep being their for him. He needs you more, than you need him sometimes" Ma' shares her wisdom, Marie gives an enthusiastic nod.
Next morning Double D is on his way walking to school by himself "'You can't tell when you're being used by someone'" Fathers words ring in the mind of Double D, Double D simply shakes his head. Suddenly Double D feels a sudden jolt in the side of his abdomen, causing Double D to flinch.
"Boo! Gotcha again" Marie says enthusiastically, Double D turns around to see Marie.
"Oh...morning Marie" Double D says, Double D hands over Marie's school bag. "Here you go" Marie takes her bag off of Double D. Marie swiftly opens the school bag and checks inside it, Double D tilts his head.
"I'm just checking to make sure you didn't take a headband or a bracelet for yourself" Marie says as she closes her bag, the two continue their march to school.
"Why would I take something like that?" Double D asks, a mischievous grin emerges on Marie's face.
"So that you have something that reminds you of me" Marie leans closer to Double D, Double D slightly backs up away from Marie. Marie giggles at Double D's nervousness.
"On another subject, what do you wonder the head of year wants to converse with us about?" Double D takes the attention off him.
"I dunno, could be anything" Marie faintly shrugs her shoulders.
The two enter the seemingly empty school, the two walk down the empty corridor. "School feels a lot more frightening when no one is present" Double D comments on the deserted corridor. Marie squints at Double D.
"Really? I feel that way when people are around" Marie shares a comment as well, the two stand outside of the head of years office. Double D knocks silently on the door, Marie looks at Double D disappointedly. "He's not going to hear if you knock that quietly" Marie says, suddenly Marie with all her strength knocks loudly on the door.
"Come in!" The head of year shouts from his desk, Marie gives a sly grin at Double D stating she was correct. The two enter the office.
The head of year is sitting at his desk, he looks up to see the two entering his office. "Good morning, Edward and Marie." The head of year welcomes the two of them. "Please take a seat" The head of year holds out his arm pointing at the two seats in front of him. The two study buddies take their seats. "I bet the two of you are wondering why I brought the two of you here this early in the morning" The head of year says.
"Yes sir" Double D replies, whilst Marie sits back in her seat looking directly at the head of year.
"First of all I would like to know how the program is going from your perspectives, you go first Edward" The head of year instructs. Marie looks to his side at Double D who is thinking about his answer.
"Well I think it's been a success so far, Marie has jumped many leaps and bounds in her school work in just 1 week. I'm happy that my mere presence classroom is improving her grades. It's not just me, as I believe she puts a lot of hard work and effort in her school work" Double D finishes his lecture, a smile emerges on the face of Marie.
"Hmm...I see, she's also been getting a lot of praise for her change of attitude and attention in classes from teachers. How about you Marie how do you feel about the program so far?" The head of year asks, Marie quits staring at Double D and looks at the head of year.
"I've...been enjoying it, it's nice to have someone who can help me with my work. He helps me if I'm doing something wrong and gives me hints on how to do it right" Marie gives her answer, the head of year grins at the two of them.
"This is definitely good news that the program is working well" the head of year informs, but his grin soon disappears. "Next week, we will be having mock exams to test the progress of all students. I'm just letting you know so the two of you can prepare yourselves for it" the head of year tells the two of them. Double D nods his head as Marie rolls her eyes.
"Ugh...mock exams, what's the point? All that matters is the real exam" Marie keeps her opinion to herself.
"Also Marie Kanker, due to the recent school record fiasco there will be a strict punishment" The head of year warns, Double D looks to his side at Marie.
"Let me guess, detention for a week or something?" Marie jumps to a conclusion, the head of year shakes his head.
"Lower that tone" The head of year instructs, Marie folds her arms in a huff. "Due to breaking into an office and stealing a students personal details there will be harsher punishments." The head of year warns, Double D puts his hand over his mouth.
"Is it two week detention then?" Marie continues to push her luck.
"If you're in any more trouble you will be suspended indefinitely" The head of year lays down the law.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this new chapter, it's long overdue. Sorry if it's a little rusty, it's been a while and hopefully I can pick up on form. I hope you all enjoy the summer of new chapters to come!