Chapter 11

As their loved ones were preparing for the big party, Eddy was standing in the ticket line with Lee at the Peach Creek movie theater. For Lee, the cold night served as a perfect metaphor for the condition of her heart. However, her mood had improved slightly when Eddy invited her on a date to see the latest movie starring her favorite actress.

"Yo babe," Eddy told Lee after paying for their tickets, "I'm glad you agreed to let me take you out for your birthday!"

"Yeah, well my favorite actress is in this movie, so I wanna see if she can pull this role off!" replied Lee.

The two made their way to the concession stand, whereupon Eddy bought the popcorn, candy and sodas: Sno-Caps and Dr. Pepper for Eddy, dark chocolate Raisinets and Sprite for Lee.

"Another reason I decided to go on this date: the opportunity to eat junk food!" Lee exulted. "Ever since our mom became a dental hygienist, she's been busting our asses about keeping our teeth clean. I swear, it's 'Annamae, caramel will get stuck in your braces' or 'Annalee, lollipops are cavities on a stick.' If we had a fireplace, Mom would probably take all our candy and burn it!"

Eddy chuckled slightly after Lee's diatribe.

"Damn it Eddy, as bland as my Mom's cooking is, you wouldn't think she had a job as a caterer! It's like she's afraid of sugar!" Lee continued. "Even her cookie dough cake is made with some kind of sugar substitute!"

"Wow...harsh," Eddy responded. "I'm surprised Tabby let you out of the house!"

After receiving their refreshments, Eddy had one more thing to do.

"Hey Lee," said Eddy as he reached in his coat pockets, "I know you didn't want a party, but I still wanted to give you a present."

Much to Lee's surprise, Eddy produced a box of Lee's favorite foreign chocolates and a bouquet of roses.

"Happy birthday, babe!" Eddy told his girlfriend, grinning.

Lee's heart could not help but melt slightly upon seeing her boyfriend present her with such beautiful gifts.

"Eddy," said Lee as her eyes watered beneath her glasses, "these roses are beautiful. Thank you so much! But candy, roses and a movie...it must have cost you a fortune!"

"Hey, nothing but the best for my gal!" Eddy replied.

With that, Lee gave Eddy a passionate kiss on the lips. Afterwards, the couple made their way hand in hand to their movie.

The previews were just starting as Eddy and Lee took their seats. After seemingly endless "coming attractions" and the deafeningly loud THX screen, the movie started.

After 15 minutes...30 minutes...45 minutes, it was clear the movie the couple had decided to see was a disappointment, to put it mildly. Eddy sat, bored, while Lee (her head on Eddy's shoulder) had fallen asleep. Seeing his girlfriend so peaceful, Eddy gently stroked her hair before waking her up.

"Lee, Lee!" Eddy gently shook his girlfriend. "Wake up! Do you wanna go home?"

Lee yawned and stretched before answering. "Yeah, let's get the hell out of here!" she replied sleepily.

The two made their way back to the refreshment stand. Returning to the outside, Lee spoke again.

"Listen, Eddy, even though the movie sucked, I appreciate you taking me out. Why don't we go back to my house for some dessert, if you know what I mean?" Lee asked her boyfriend in a seductive voice.

Eddy's face turned red, and he started to sweat. He was so caught up in the moment, he had forgotten he invited all the kids in the Rethink Avenue cul-de-sac to Lee's party.

"Sure," Eddy replied enthusiastically. "Sounds a hell of a lot better than that crappy movie!"

Lee giggled at Eddy's statement, after which the couple began making their way home. Eddy and Lee spent much of the journey talking about the movie, mocking its various flaws.

Upon reaching the Kanker-Lonergan home, Eddy's thoughts suddenly returned to the present.

"Um..Lee?" asked Eddy.

"Yes, Eddy?" Lee replied.

"There's something I have to tell you," said the short Ed boy.

Lee unlocked the front door, finding the living room pitch black. She flicked on the light switch, where she saw an unpleasant surprise.

"Happy birthday, Annalee!" exclaimed the chorus of the Kanker-Lonergan clan and Eddy and Lee's friends.

Lee's jaw dropped to the floor.