Chapter 12: Almost Honest
Back at the Kanker's trailer, Eddy was recounting the story of when he and his fellow Eds angered the cul-de-sac due to an extreme scam gone insanely wrong. He informed everyone present of where exactly he and his friends passed through, and the stunt Ed did in order to "save" Double D from falling from a rather dangerous height. Of course, the Kankers, having been through most of said locations, hadn't exactly been surprise at the where, but more the what aspect. On the opposite end, Chris and Skylar couldn't help but find the situation, to say the least, over-the-top, and wondered how they managed to get through all of that trouble.
"After Ed flung us off the Ferris wheel like an idiot, we all hit the Mondo-A-Go-Go sign, and we found my brother." said Eddy.
"Did you three celebrate once you did?" asked Skylar, naive to the actual nature of the situation.
Eddy paused to take a deep breath and say, "No. Look, I suppose I should explain why..."
Skylar, getting worried, says, "No, you don't have to, sorry I even brought up!"
"It's fine, you all deserve to know, especially Ed and Double D, being people I trust." said Eddy, before taking another deep breath.
Eddy begins to explain, "My brother always caused hell when he lived with me and my parents. I can remember one time, when I was 7 years old, he was out borrowing my dad's car, and not only did he get into an accident, he almost got a friend he had killed. I thought he'd get kicked out right then and there, but somehow the friend's parents didn't press charges against him. They were idiots not to."
A small, yet noticeable tear began rolling down Eddy's left eye, as he then said, "It wasn't just my parents he caused trouble to, he dragged me into trouble aswell. He always brought friends that somehow had lots of cash, and as a bonus for him, girls all around. I don't know how he did at the time, but he just did. For some reason, he then told me a week before he got caught, that apparently he'd deal in selling stuff that would belong to my parents, pretending like it was his own, and even the occasional odd drug."
Eddy then says, "Now, he and I are 20 years apart, so I, at the time which I was 9, thought to just follow him everywhere. He'd always drag me into talking to this girl, or hanging out with his friends, who I doubt were any better than him at all."
"What occurred within those encounters?" asked Double D, adopting an expression of concern.
"Essentially, they said stuff like, 'oh you're gonna just like Matt one day little guy', and other crap. All that stuff was so that he poison my mind to think that life was all about just... this shit that he thought was the 'hip and cool' so to call it. He always managed to hide the fact that he brought people to our house, but what got him in the end was when he gave me..." said Eddy, not being able to get his words out.
Noting the look of Eddy's face, Lee leans down to give him a small hug in attempt to comfort him.
Eddy managed to continue, "He tried to give me drugs and alcohol. I should say by tried to give... he forced it. I was lucky that the only time that he tried this was the last, as I didn't want any of it, finding it odd and just smelled terrible."
Everyone shot each other a look of extreme concern, with Chris saying, "What the actual hell... does that moron not know the serious consequences he could face?!"
"He never cared." said Eddy, "Look, he attempted to get me into it earlier, as when he'd drag me into his personal things, he'd force me to do things with... 'uncle'. That's how that shit started. He wanted something from me, he'd resort to that."
Taking a quick moment, Eddy then explains, "But back to what I was saying earlier, while he attempted to do uncle to get me to drink and stuff, my parents came home from wherever they were, and my dad saw Matt, with the drugs and alcohol on the table, and me, in a hostage position. Matt was attacked by my father, allowing me to run to mom, just to feel safe."
"Please tell us that rotten scoundrel got what he deserved." stated Double D.
"He did." said Eddy. "He went to prison for 1 and a half years apparently, and had to find someplace to work once he left, to live aswell, as my parents refused to associate themselves with him anymore. I never saw him again, until the incident I just mentioned."
Eddy proceeds to bury his face into a hug with Lee, with her wrapping her arms around him, and him saying, in a muffled sounding voice, "So now you know."
Everyone sat in their respective seats, not sure of what to say, as none of them, not even Ed and Double D, even fully understood how much of an impact this particular subject has on Eddy. Most notably, all of the boys couldn't help but feel extremely void of emotions, unable to grasp the fact that his friend, who usually is known for having very upbeat, sarcastic, and witty remarks, once had to endure what could be called hell in their personal opinions. They all understood that Eddy's deviant behavior didn't come from himself, it came from someone else entirely.
Meanwhile, Lee couldn't help but ultimately feel sad for Eddy, as never in her life would she imagine someone like him of all people, enduring something like that of al things. There was no question about it, in her mind, if this brother ever dared to try anything with Eddy again, he'd regret it faster than he can blink, as she refuses to let her boyfriend ever suffer through something so vile and abhorrent as what she has just heard now.
Over with Skylar and May, the two of them struggled holding back tears, as neither of them could ever wish for someone to ever live in an environment of manipulation and general danger such as that.
"Eddy, I sincerely apologize for those unfortunate circumstances you had to endure. I thank you for trusting us to explain your hardships throughout such a vile and debase nature." stated Double D, breaking up the silence
"Exactly." said Skylar, with a hint of worry. "Eddy, my dearest apologies, I didn't realize how sensitive a topic this was... I'm sorry. If I knew that how it was, I never would've said anything. Can you forgive me?"
"It's fine Skylar, you didn't know beforehand, so I'm not mad at you." responded Eddy, reassuring Skylar.
Skylar gives a small smile in response, before then Chris notices how she has slight tears on her face, and uses a napkin to wipe them off, receiving a smile from her in a process. He then says, "I'm glad you ditched that person for your own sake man. You've got actual friends here, and a loyal companion right with you who will respect you for who you actually are. You are who you CHOOSE to be, NOT either what others make you, or think you should be brother, always remember that."
"Thanks." said Eddy, starting to feel better. "Honestly, you guys are more family than he ever was. Sorry for making the night be all dark with this, kinda felt like I should've saved it for later."
"Don't worry about it sweetie, you wanted to say something, and we all listened. Also, he ever comes back, he'll regret it so badly, you can be sure." said Lee, before wiping the tears off Eddy's face, which makes him take a moment to recompose himself. Afterwards, Lee ends up giving Eddy a kiss, with him returning the favor. The two of them break it off after 10 seconds, with smiles on each of their faces.
Double D checks the clock, noting that it is 8:30 PM and telling his friends, "We might have to leave and rest up for tomorrow soon fellows."
"Why? It's only going to be Sunday tomorrow, so you've got nothing to worry about." responded Chris.
"Allow me to explain." said Double D. "I plan to get my studies done much earlier, so that the rest of the time spent throughout the day can be utilized more effectively and free of any worry. I'd suggest we all do that, as it will not only relive ourselves of the stress of working, but also gives you all the freedom to do whatever your hearts desire!"
Everyone gave quick glances at each other, and ultimately realized that Double D was right. Skylar says, "You're right. Chris, you and I are working on Math tomorrow."
"Okay sure I guess, but where? My house or your house?" asked Chris.
"I'll come to your place at around 1 PM." said Skylar.
Chris nods in approval, and says, "Then it's settled."
Over with Double D and Marie, the latter suggests, "I think it's better if you and your fellow Eds join us here to study, as we have most of the assignments together, right?"
"I suppose that's reasonable enough. I shall ensure Ed and Eddy are ready for our studying session tomorrow afternoon." responded Double D.
"Hang on, do we even know what topics we're even doing? Cause it seems like we're all over the place right now!" stated Lee.
"How's Math to start with?" suggested May, unsure of where to start.
Everyone agreed with the idea, as the teacher didn't assign anyone partners, instead telling the class to simply get the worksheet done, regardless of whether or not it's done with a group of people or not.
"Well, that's agreeable." said Chris, "It does help that Science and History didn't assign work, so while it might take a bit, it shouldn't be so bad."
"See, I knew someone would see the logic!" states Double D, "At any such rate, I shall be heading on home."
Double D then turns to Marie and gives her a quick kiss, before then getting up to go to the door, with Eddy saying, "I'll call it in for myself aswell. Lee, see ya tomorrow."
Eddy and Lee share a quick hug, while Ed tells May, in a cheerful manner, "Well May, I shall see you tomorrow too!"
"Same to you Ed, I love you!" responded May, leaning in to give Ed a kiss, which lasted 5 seconds, before then Ed joins his fellow friends.
"Well, since you guys are leaving, I may aswell." said Chris.
He turns to Skylar, giving her a thumbs up and says, "See ya tomorrow then, take care."
Skylar simply gave him another thumbs up aswell, and so, the boys waved goodbye to the girls for now, as they began making their way to the cul-de-sac. Once the boys are far away from the trailer, Marie says, "Man... I feel bad for him."
"Telling me, I'd never believe that ever occur, not once." stated Lee, adopting a melancholy expression.
Looking to change the tone of the entire conversation between the girls, Marie asks May, "Well, how do ya feel, being big Ed's girlfriend now?"
"What do you think?!" responded May, giving her fellow sister a hug.
"Happy for ya sis." stated Lee, "But I think it's princess of darkness's time to shine now!"
Skylar couldn't help but chuckle a bit before saying, "Ahh... the classic peer pressure eh?"
Marie then recalls the plan that Chris had told her about, and while she still plans to still keep it a secret at his request, she also decides to give Skylar a clue, albeit an ominous one at that, saying, "Better yet, maybe it's HIS turn, after all, the boys have been the one asking, right?"
"Perhaps so, just hope he doesn't go over excessive, as that would be bonkers in a bad way." said Skylar, staring off into the distance.
"What do you mean by that, you love the guy don't ya?" asked Lee, unsure of what Skylar meant.
Skylar explains, "Look, I want him to love like a person, not a bloody animal, such as being obsessed to the point where he can't go one second without expressing something rather redundant, only caring about the physical expressions, you get me?"
"I'm sure he'll listen, but if not, we can give him a bollocking, as you would say." said Marie, intimidating a British accent, making Skylar laugh a bit.
"Hopefully so. Either way, I think I should perhaps plan my own way to ask him, in case he can't come up with something." states Skylar, "Perhaps a little custom gift would work, but I shall see to it."
Marie couldn't help but laugh in her own mind, as Skylar has very little idea of how she'll be surprised.
Meanwhile, with the boys, while en route to the cul-de-sac, everyone had mostly remained silent, unsure of what to say to one another. That is, until Ed asks his friends, "How did I do guys?"
"Lumpy, I didn't think you had it ya, but you did! You've made me proud!" responded Eddy, giving Ed a fist bump to his right shoulder.
"Congratulations Ed, you really showed your capabilities to approach someone in a romantic manner tonight!" said Double D with a smile.
Chris claps for his friend while saying, "What they said man, I liked how you used a song to express yourself though, fun nod!"
Eddy then adopts a grin and says, "I think we know who's turn it is!"
"What might you be talking about Eddy?" asked Double D.
"Chris! It's your turn man!" stated Eddy, earning a slightly irritated look from Chris.
"I get it, you want me to ask her the question, don't ya?" responded Chris, sounding annoyed.
Eddy catches up to him and says, "Come on man! Look at you and her! You didn't even give her a hug when you left!"
"Really? You're going to go THAT route?" said Chris, facepalming. "Look, I have a better plan to ask her the question. In fact, if all goes well, I'll be able to get the things I need tomorrow, and ask her the upcoming week."
"Might I ask what might you be considering as a gift possibly?" asked Double D.
Chris explains the whole idea he has to Double D in the same way he did with Marie the other day; detailing the specific items and the reasoning for said items.
"So yeah, it's her favorite album of Black Sabbath, so I just came to the conclusion that it would be the perfect gift for her! I know I would like something like that, so it just clicked to me." stated Chris.
"A rather reasonable and solid idea!" said Double D, "I wish you luck with it, and if you require any assistance, I shall be more than happy to provide whatever I can!"
"Thanks, I'll be sure to keep that in mind." responded Chris.
Once he had said that, he then felt a buzz from his phone, indicating a phone call. He checks his phone and sees that it's Kenji, and promptly answers, saying, "Hey dude, what's up?"
"I trust that your get together with Skylar went well?" asked Kenji.
"Yeah it did." responds Chris, "I'm heading back home with the Eds right now, something you wanna ask me brother?"
"Not a question, but rather to inform you that I shall be busy at Hilde's house, working with her on our Spanish assignment. It shan't take a while, we merely must find a topic to discuss, and all should be wrapped up in around 90 minutes tops!" explained Kenji.
"Well, have fun dude, haha." responded Chris.
Ed gets curious, hearing the conversation, and asks Chris, "Is that Kenji on the phone? May I talk to him?"
Chris nods his head in approval and passes the phone to Ed, "Hi Kenji!"
"Oh! Greetings Ed, how might you fair?" asked Kenji.
Ed told Kenji the way the entire date went from his perspective; detailing how he managed to ask May "the question", how she reacted, and how he felt glad about the entire situation. Kenji, as expected, applauded Ed for his effort.
"Glad to hear it Ed." responded Kenji.
Ed gives the phone back to Chris, and the latter says, "Oh yeah, by the way, that little thing we did before you left worked wonderfully. Heck, they didn't even recognize me, and Skylar went crazy, hahaha!"
"While I enjoy the occasional jest, it's good to hear you didn't provoke her in any large manner, so to speak." said Kenji.
"Please, you know that I... well, yeah. I'd never go THAT far, come on now!" responded Chris.
Kenji laughs a bit before saying, "I'd hope so, for your benefit my friend. I shall be going now, take care of yourself!"
"Same to you my brother, see ya!" said Chris, before then the two of them hanging up.
Double D, now able to speak without interrupting, says, "I'm fairly surprised that someone as formal as Kenji would indulge into such acts of silliness."
"Hey, you heard what he said, he occasionally likes doing a jest or two, haha." responded Chris.
All four of the boys arrive to the cul-de-sac, and bid their adieus to each other before heading into their respective residences, and either resting for the night, or doing some other type of activity before sleeping for the rather busy day they'll be having tomorrow.