Chapter 1
"I was a naive boy when I was thirteen. If I had been stronger emotionally at that time I would not run away from home, I would confront my problems thereon. Use what I have learned from reading to confront it. Never would have suffered hardships. but also I was grateful for it. It opened up my eyes. I would never experience such things in my life that would shape me today. If I hadn't run away I would be still a "clean freak" as they would have remarked, and I would "freaked out "on just a small problem like it was the end of the world. I would still be in my former self, still thinking about what world would I wanted to see."
Edd closed his journal, he took a deep breath and exhaled. He repeated the process until his anxiety wears off. The teacher was in the middle of a discussion, but the constant stares of his classmates unnerved him. Marie's hand gave him comfort though, he just closed his eyes and started to reminiscent to where it all began.
Dearest Mother and Father
I am writing this letter to you.
For the nth time Edd. Known by his peers as Double D or Sock-head. couldn't write another sentence. He neatly folds the paper as he had done to the countless papers before now stacking beside his desk. He couldn't express what he was feeling now. Was it Anger? Despair? Or just hormones affecting his emotions and his rational thinking process. But the pain was there, inside him. The shouting of his parents arguing about something he couldn't hear. Was it because of financial problems? Work? Or worst Cheating. He shook his head of the thought. He was born and raised by well respected middle-class parents. A lawyer and a Doctor. There shouldn't be a problem, right?
Research and statistics from a well-respected research company show that having professional parents have a great benefit to the children. Such as good education, quiet and happy environment and good well being. But this was the exact opposite. Was the research wrong? Maybe the researchers didn't do their jobs well. As he could see, his life was not a happy environment. And he was not in a good well being save for his good education.
There was a loud crash heard across the room. He closed his ears. He tried to distract it with the recitation of the quotes from the greatest minds, none came. Instead, all of he could think of was Eddy's words and not the nicest ones.
"Who do you think you are! Because you know everything and you think you are always right! You think you can tell me what or not to do! This is my life asshole. You are not the boss of me! Go preach somewhere else!"
He and Eddy argued again this morning. It started about an idea Eddy come up with, and he doesn't like it on one bit. He lectured Eddy about its morality and consequences, but Eddy didn't like it. Eddy made hurtful comments to him.
Their first major argument they have when they were eleven, as they escaped from their peers from the disaster of their latest scam. To the safety of Eddy's older brother. He almost broke when he thought his best friends "Died" on the quicksand but turned out to be a bad prank. It was the first time he snapped.
And this morning was their second and maybe the last time, now thirteen, time changes fast. Eddy's scam became more legit as they improved their merchandise. Real products. From expensive beauty soap to cigarettes, Eddy made considerable cash. But soon he discovered Eddy had stolen them from an abandoned warehouse. Much to his dismay, he lectured Eddy about the morality of their cause. But his friend just snorted, he was gaining more money after all. He didn't stop lecturing Eddy about it until a comparison about him and his brother was brought up.
Then the unexpected happened. Eddy punched him. If it wasn't too for Ed's plead they wouldn't stop. It was then Eddy declared it was over between them. "Had enough of your shit" was the last words Eddy spoke to Edd. Eddy left him with Ed in tow, still crying but followed Eddy. His lip was still swollen from the scuffle.
The crashing sounds of kitchen-wares were getting louder by the minute. He closed his eyes and did his best to ignore his mother's cries, she was in pain both physical and mental state. Faint sounds of flesh hitting flesh were too loud for Edd. His father's grunts were clear indication he will not cease to cause harm to his mother, and her cries were getting louder. Tears falling from his eyes, he couldn't take it anymore. He had enough. He took his backpack and stuffed all he could carry. His books, few clothes and what items he needed.
Opening the window, he slips across it and walked away from his home unnoticed. A few good meters away from his house he turned around and take a last look. The fighting hadn't stopped. The crashing and screaming were heard throughout the neighborhood, but no one bothered. No one cared.
"And this is supposed to be a happy neighborhood." He muttered angrily as he walked away from his home.
Marie slammed the screen door as hard as she could, making sure she made her point. She was crying but she would not back down. The door opened and three people emerged. Her mother, Lee, and May. All were glaring at her. She had enough. Enough of her sisters bullshit, enough of her mother's ranting about how she should straight up. She hated it.
"I'll show you! When I come back here I'll show you who had the last laugh!"
She both raised her arms and flipped two middle fingers, then she got her pack and started to run away.
"Ma? ya sure about this?" May asked.
"Let her be. I'm so tired anyway." their mother replied as she retreated to their home.
"Let's go inside ma." Lee only said as she ushered their mother inside.
May was going to say something but Lee just glared at her, despite her eyes were covered by her red hair. May knew Lee was hurt as well but she needed to keep her mouth shut. For now.
Marie walked away from the trailer park, she didn't take any glance back at her home. She rubbed her right cheek, she never got used on the pain of the slap her mother had given to her.
"Screw them." she cursed under her breath and took a cigarette from her pocket.
She didn't have any concrete plan on what to do, but she reminded herself that she was a Kanker and they are survivors. They never fear the unknown, all she had to do is walk into the bus stop and made a living in Lemon Brook city.
It seems fate had brought them together, as both were surprised when they meet on the junction road that leads to the bus stop.
"Marie?" Double D said first in a surprise
"Hey," Marie answered casually.
"What happened?" Double D asked as he saw a red on her cheek
"Don't want to talk about it."
"How about you?"
Edd just lowered his head. Marie saw the bag he carried and took the hint, she gasped in surprise.
"You mean?"
"Yes, I took the liberty to fled from my place of comfort."
"Guess we're on the same boat huh dreamboat."
"I guess you could say that Marie."
There was a long silence until Marie broke it with a question.
"Where are you going?"
"Any place that would help me declutter my mind for now."
Marie's heart was now racing, this could be a chance to get her and her dreamboat together. By looking at his situation she knew he wouldn't survive out there. Until an idea had struck her.
"Say, wanna join me in the city? Or you going to your relatives."
Edd couldn't decide, his head was still clouded by the events.
"as long as I'm away from this place." That's all he could say before the blue-haired Kanker dragged him to the bus stop.
They finally reached the bus stop and sat on the bench. Despite Edd being known to be antsy when near Marie, he didn't show it. He was still at loss from his thoughts. Marie just eyed him warily and then closed her eyes. She had her problems to think about.
"May I inquire what Ill fate had befallen on you?"
Edd asked, but his head didn't move an inch. He was still looking at the ground.
Marie was taken aback. Did Edd just had started a conversation with her, She thought.
"I'm sick of it. Sick of ma telling me I'm going nowhere if I keep doing this. That I will end up worst if I don't stop being carefree. But I said to her fuck off. I do what I want. It's my fucking life. " she ranted. She took another cigarette from her pocket and started to lit.
"So here I am," she said as she blew the smoke from her mouth. But threw the stick when she saw Edd's eyes twitch from the smoke.
"Sorry, I forgot you 'Disdain' smoking, but you know it felt good that I just let it out." Marie smiled at Double D trying to lighten up the mood.
"I fled because of the unwanted violence inside my home" Edd tried his best not to cry, he tugged his beanie to hide his tears.
She was taken by surprise. She was sure that Edd had been grown up by perfect parents, or that's what she thought until now. She patted Edd's back, she wanted to hug him but the visible recoil of him on her touch made her decide otherwise.
"Thank you," Edd said, this made Marie blush.
After the incident with Eddy's brother, the Kanker sisters were seen by a different light by Edd. Unfortunately, Eddy and Ed didn't share Edd's sentiment. Edd went and thanked Marie personally, much to the blue-haired Kanker's joy. But it did not make them friends instantly, they still bullied and tortured the Ed's but not the way they used to be. Marie would subtly flirt with Edd, much to his chagrin, but unlike Eddy and Ed, he wasn't chased by her. She would just smile but left him alone. But when a year has passed they became acquainted, they would greet each other and sometimes Marie would chase Edd along with her sisters just for fun.
Just two months had passed since they arrived at the city and all were a living hell for the duo. They both lived behind an abandoned building, occupied by homeless people inside. Their first day wasn't great, they tried to sleep on the park but forced to leave when police were patrolling the place. They found the building but went down the hill.
At first, they were welcomed by the homeless people who already live there, but a week gone by, someone took interest in Edd's pack. Stole some of his stuff and much to his horror some of his books were used as fuel to the fireplace. He freaked out much to the resident's amusement, but Marie defended him. Then a commotion occurred, when a guy threatened Edd. Marie punched the guy and they were kicked out. They lived outside since, having a single bedroll and a blanket to share.
The only problem for Edd is that he didn't save enough money. The money he had only lasted for three days, while Marie had no money at all, but she finds ways. She usually gets leftover foods recently thrown at the garbage, sometimes she would use her charms to get food from the guys.
They sat on the cold pavement floor. Marie gave her share of food to Edd. He was hesitant, he didn't know where the food came from or if it was still edible to eat. Marie took the hint and took a bite on the food.
"It's fine Double D. The guy threw it on the trash can and I took it before 5 seconds was up."
Edd raised an eyebrow, she can't be serious. Bacteria were already present on the garbage and there were trillions of them. Even a nanosecond the food would still be contaminated.
Marie sighed as she could read Edd's facial expression. She gestured her hand to point the group of homeless persons eating the same food from the garbage.
"I bet they didn't die the second they eat the food. And I bet they eat the same thing for years. They look healthy though." Marie did her best to convinced Edd. She sighed.
"You know I read an article that people living in the slums have a higher rate of immunity from terrible diseases than the ones who are clean freak you know." this time she used science to convince Edd.
don't want to be rude. He took the food from Marie and bit a small portion of it. The thought of germs and unsanitary made him almost puke. But Marie kept an eye on him, he gathered all of his will to swallow the food. He didn't die, nor the thought of feeling ill. He just took another bite and another until he finished his food.
Marie was looking at him, with a big grin on her face. Edd was feeling nervous.
"Is there something in the food isn't it?"
"Nah, I was just enjoying looking at you eating the food."
"Marie… did you give all of your food to me? But why? I…"
Marie waved her hand to cut him off.
"Hey, you need more food than I do. You haven't eaten for three days. I only eat once a day when times are tough on the trailer."
Edd was speechless. He knew the Kankers were one of the poorest on the peach creek but he never knew the situation they were in.
"Hey, no need to pity me alright."
Edd didn't say anything, here he was complaining about the life he had when others were less fortunate than him.
The next day was hard for them. The weather was awful and it was raining hard, the only shelter they got was a large box. inside, they both huddled on a single thin blanket. They still couldn't get into the building, as the people living inside were keeping an eye on them.
An old man suddenly approached them with an old umbrella on his hand. He was in his early fifties, with greying short hair and a short stubble on his chin. He wears a tattered ochre coat.
"Come with me," he called the two. But neither of them budged.
"I own a place and it's safer than here."
"Yeah nice try old man." Marie was not buying it.
" I know it's hard to trust anybody else, but look at your situation here, better trust me than die out her."
The two finally agreed and they followed the man to another abandoned neighbor building. They were another group of people living inside, they greeted the old man and gestured at the two teens. He introduced them as the new resident and the people didn't say any more word. He led them to the basement of the building where he lives. His room was unusual, it was clean and everything was organized. There was old furniture but was in good shape, books were stacked in order, it resembles an old office space.
"Name's Dalton Keynes by the way." he introduced himself as he removed his coat.
"Marie Kanker"
"Eddward Edwards"
"Nice to meet both of you. I know this place is not much but it will shelter you."
"Thank you for your kindness good sir but why?" Edd asked.
"I don't like to see some very young couple eloping and ending up killing themselves in hunger, this world savage after all," Dalton replied.
The two blushed as they were seen as a couple living together.
A few days later since they lived with Dalton they developed a routine of scavenging scraps to sell, foods to collect from leftovers to survive. The other residents didn't bother them unless a trade, they had a space on the corner of the building where they had two separate cots to sleep in. Edd and Marie grew closer, for almost three months they learned each other's characteristics. Edd had slowly learned to tolerate Marie's short fuse while Marie learned to cope up with Edd's OCD tendencies. Edd would flinch whenever Marie touched him, whether a pat or a tap on his shoulder.
Everything was fine for Edd until;
Edd just stared at the man. He had found a box of food in the trash bin, it was still hot and no sign of being consumed. Indicating the owner didn't want to eat it, he found it first and he was the first to grab it. But much to his surprise when a hand had grabbed his food.
"Sir, I believe it is mine."
"My turf my stuff," he growled.
Edd took a step forward to assert but ended on the floor. People stared but continued on their way.
"Listen, kid. You are new here and I live here before you are in your diapers. This is my turf and what is in here is mine now scram!"
The people just took a glance at Edd never bothered to help him up, others scolded him being on their path. It was a cruel world for him. It didn't help as he tried to search for food but other groups of homeless people shunned him away. Being spat on by unruly citizens and disgusted by some people. There was even a woman who tripped on the floor, and Edd tried to help out of generosity and due to his kind heart.
"You think you'll receive a reward from me kid? Nice try. I can help myself." the woman spat as she stood up and pushed Edd aside as she continued to walk as nothing had happened.
Edd was stunned with the woman's attitude. Throughout the day he ended up with nothing, his stomach was rumbling and the people were not as nice as he would expect to be. He went back to his place empty-handed. He went to the top of the building, his safe place. It has been three months since he left, three months of hardship and hell. He wanted to go back but the thought of domestic violence and uncaring parents had prevented him to go back otherwise. He didn't notice Marie walked towards him, worried over him. She knew when he came to this place there is something wrong with him.
"Are you alright Ed-"
Edd couldn't take it anymore. He suddenly stood up with tears running down from his eyes.
"Why my life is in such a state of disarray! I did everything by the manual! By the books! I did everything to be polite to people, to find sincerity in their hearts but all I see in this world is uncaring. Are we not civilized? Why do people act like savages towards others!"
"Double D, people don't always go on what you wanted. This life will not give a damn on what you wanted."
"It isn't fair! Why you Marie seemed to fine with this? Is it because you were born with the same status as these uneducated people?"
Marie recoiled, she was hurt by his words. She clenched her fist
"You know Edd. Life isn't fair. It's not always fair for everyone. You think you have a perfect life because you had both parents and have jobs. Because you had the best buddies in the world? We'll guess what Einstein. This fuck up the world is real! You know what every day I had to fight to keep on living, I ignored what people think about me I do what I can to live." Marie couldn't control her tears.
Edd just sat down, he bent his knees to his chest. Marie went and sat beside him, her anger has subsided. Unsure what to do, she tried to put her hand on his shoulder but she hesitated.
"Suck it up kid." a voice came from behind.
Dalton leaned on the door, he took a lighter and lit a cigarette on his mouth.
"The girl is right, boy. This world is not about rainbows and butterflies. Do you think you know this life because your smart and know it all? Those things were never applied to the real world kid. Look around you? Do you think folks will just listen to your ranting? I just kept an eye on you and had my reservation with all your ranting. You remind me of my youth. Had the greatest job in the world but one day it all came down. The life you know it disappeared in an instant. Life is not easy but you had to fight every day just to live. "
"What happened?" Marie asked
"I'm a CEO in a company, had a few cars, big salary, big house a wife and kids and a few girls. I indulge myself in decadence and I felt I'm at the top of the world. Until I didn't see one day I fell into a deep hole. Lost everything. What was left was just myself and I had to fight with others for scraps. I thought I know it all, I thought I was the best. I take everything for granted. But look where I am now kid." Dalton explained.
Edd gathered his thought. He was the smartest in the whole cul-de-sac, and he was the mild-mannered one. But he realized something. He would sometimes force his ideals to his peers, much to their chagrin. Eddy would scowl and Ed would give him the puppy dog eye. Other kids would raise their brows and would laugh at him. He didn't realize until now. He made inventions to Eddy and prided himself with it, he would make great lengths of explanations in it that no one would listen. He would freak out when others would not follow his rules and standards. He became an overbearing throughout the years as he didn't realize. Pride. It was the reason why he and Eddy were fighting after all. He would not take time to give Eddy a benefit of the doubt, because he thought he was always right. And it cost their friendship.
Edd lifted his head. It was Dalton with a bag on his hand. He took something inside and threw it at Edd. The Familiar green-covered book caught his attention and much to his surprise his favorite book was still intact. The collection of quotes and ideas from the greatest people in the world.
"Found this outside the place you once stayed, I had a hunch this was yours."
He quickly took his book and opened a page. Tears coming down from his eyes, he understands now. He wanted people to follow his ways, he wanted things to be just the way he wanted. But life didn't give it to him, it took a big u-turn and made his life a living hell.
"Thank you," he said to Dalton
He turned to Marie and made an apologetic smile
"I'm sorry Marie. And thank you." Edd started sobbed
Marie finally wrapped her arms around him, she buried her face to his hair. She felt her tears were running down from her eyes. She felt his pain.
"Come on kids it's getting colder. I bought some hot burritos for us to share." Dalton said as he turned.
Another month has passed and the days were getting better for Edd. With the help of Marie, Edd had slowly overcome his anxiety about uncleanliness. He also started to follow Marie's ways, being a little assertive and gutsy. He applied it once when he and a fellow homeless person both found a loaf of bread on the garbage. It was still fresh, but the guy quickly used intimidation. Edd was first taken aback but he remembered Marie's advice, he didn't back down and looked the man in the eyes indicating he wouldn't back down. But he didn't need to fight, instead, he proposed a win-win solution. Share equally. It ended greatly for Edd.
Life was starting to feel better for the two, as they were accustomed to their new lifestyle. But still, they were both planning to get their lives better, they didn't want to spend their lives being homeless. They needed to come up with something as they both vowed themselves to do something great.
Until a fateful day. The duo was strolling the city, they tried to explore the alleyways of the vast buildings of Lemon Brook. Edd had suggested to memorize the city and explore more places to scavenge. They were busy with their exploring that they didn't realize until it was too late that people were following them. Edd's heart quickened, he glanced at Marie. Her face was normal but faint signs of being scared were visible. They slowly turned their heads and saw their stalkers.
There were four of them. A man with a red cap, the other one with a worn gray jacket, the third guy the chubby one and the fourth guy was grinning madly with his missing front teeth.
"Marie." Edd nervously said.
"I know Double D," Marie replied.
Edd sensed that they were in grave danger, he glanced at Marie and he knew she was also scared but she was good at hiding it. They quickened their pace, but the men were catching up on them. They were now running as they took few left and rights on the was like a labyrinth maze until there is no way of escaping it as they hit a dead end. Edd was now scared but he mustered all of the confidence he had and turned to face their stalkers. But in an instant, a fist was landed on his stomach.
As Edd clutched his stomach, two men quickly grabbed Marie. The one with the jacket holds both of her arms and the one with the missing teeth was on her legs. The third one with the red cap, who punched Edd let out a chuckle. The fourth guy who was the chubby one went to Marie and started to lick her neck. Edd was horrified as he squirmed his body but the pain was unbearable. The cap-wearing guy just stood in front of Edd, he was enjoying Edd's pain. The man holding Marie's leg had started to unzip her pants, much to the chubby man's delight.
"Please! Desist from this immoral action." Edd wailed.
"What?" the red cap guy mockingly said as he made a hearing gesture and laughed hard.
He gave Edd another hard kick to the stomach. Three men were laughing, then turned their eyes on Marie. Her pants were now on her knees. Marie closed her eyes, she desperately moves her body to set herself free. But to no avail, the men were much stronger than her. Fear now overcame her, she started to cry.
Edd watches helplessly as the Men forcing themselves to Marie. The men tried to get rid of her underwear but Marie fought back, she squirmed her body and she tried to kick her legs. The men just laughed. Remarking how a fighter she was, the chubby man was still going on his licking on Marie's body. The rest were watching in delight. Edd crawled towards them, he knew he wouldn't stand a chance but he had to save Marie. Tears now coming from his eyes. He fell helpless. The Redcap guy saw him and just smiled at him, Edd closed his eyes. He knew his attempts were futile as he stopped from crawling.
"Somebody Help!" Edd desperately shouted to no one.
A bottle was thrown to the man holding Marie's arms, it hit his head and was staggering on the floor. The guy with the missing teeth holding Marie's legs quickly sprang up but a brick hit him on the nose. This made Marie to quickly get up on her feet and kicked him on the nuts. The chubby guy was in a panic, but Marie tripped him with her leg. The red cap guy tried to react but he was assaulted by three men. Few guys also came out of nowhere and started to beat up the jacket-wearing guy and the toothless guy. The chubby one rose and punched Marie on the jaw, she landed flat on the floor.
Edd was horrified, he needed to act fast as the chubby guy was now coming towards Marie. Finally saw a pipe and quickly picked it up, he hit the hooligan on the head. He dropped the pipe when the chubby guy was now kneeling on the floor, clutching his head. But Marie quickly picked it up and started to hit him on the head. He fell on the floor, but Marie continued her assault on him. His face was now bloodied and his head was almost destroyed.
"Marie! Cease this instant! I beg of you! Please!" Edd now clutching a crying Marie.
But Marie didn't heed Edd's pleads, instead, she continued her assault. She only stopped when her strength was diminished. She was sobbing as Edd tightened his embrace on her. He was also crying. They were both scared.
Soon a familiar face approached them. Dalton and his friends had come to rescue the duo. He explained that one of his friends had seen Edd and Marie were being followed. The men were known to be great troublemakers in the area. If he hadn't acted quickly something worse would have happened.
Dalton quickly led the kids away from the place and led them back to his place. It takes a few days before the duo recovered. Marie had constant nightmares about the event, but Edd was there to comfort her. Dalton did his best to assist the two.
It was the fifth night since the incident, Marie was still lying on her cot. While Edd sat beside her, he was still in shock at the event but seeing Marie in a vulnerable state, he did his best to comfort Marie. He always sat beside her never leaving side. Edd placed his hand on Marie's forehead.
"Marie. I'm sorry."
Marie quickly understood what Edd had meant, she placed her hand on his and gave a tight squeeze.
"I know… you did all you can do."
"But you almost…" Edd swallowed hard, the thought of Marie defiled in front of him was too much to bear.
"Hey, the good side is were both alright, besides I did him good." Marie faked a smile but Edd didn't buy any of it.
The sight of a dead person in front of him gave him a nightmare and he can see from Marie's eyes the fear and trauma but she didn't show it.
"Marie... I.."
"Don't worry sockhead, Everything will be fine, besides I already have what I need."
"What is it may I inquire?" he asked.
"You.. sitting beside me touching my forehead and giving me a sponge bath." Edd blushed. He didn't realize is that he and Marie are getting closer.
Marie just chuckled.
Dalton wasn't far from the two, he knew there will be retaliation against the couple. He walks to the couple's direction.
"Better get out of this place kids. It's not safe for you two here anymore. Word is that some of their friends were searching for you two. They want some payback."
"Just go home, kids." Dalton sighed
"Agreed," Edd replied.
After what they have been through, he knew it was wise to admit that this was a bad idea, after all, he just has to live his old life again. He had just to endure domestic violence and Eddy's alienation of him until he was in college.
"No." Marie sternly said
Both Dalton and Edd gave her a quizzical stare.
"I made a promise that I won't come back until I had something to show on their faces and didn't you say you would find a better place Edd? You made a vow you will find yourself and be better than your parents." Marie was now serious. She even used Double D's name.
Edd didn't say a word. He knew that even he wanted to go home, there was something inside him that tell him to explore new possibilities in his life. Months being with Marie had changed him a little. Does he wanted to go home with its promise of comfort or will he accept the hardship and learn something new. He had to choose.
"Look, if you two planning to runaway. There's a train station at the edge of this city. Just head north and you will see it. It is not a passenger type but a cargo one. Drifters come and go by that train station, but be careful security became tight."
Dalton explained as he put things on Edd and Marie's pack. As he finished he gave the two their bags and ushered them.
"How about you?" Edd asked worried that the thugs might go after him as well.
Dalton just smiled.
"Nah. I now live here kid, they won't bother me. But I can't protect you all the time. Just trust each other no matter what happens." Dalton assured the duo.
Edd and Marie looked at each other and nodded. They readied themselves and after an hour, they exited Dalton's place and headed north towards the train station. Dalton watched the two disappeared from his sight, he took a deep breath as he closed the door.
"Be safe kids," he muttered.
It took them almost an hour and a half to reach the rail-yard and saw a single train had just departed from the station. They ran towards the train tracks but at the same time trying their best not to be seen, as few silhouettes of security guards with flashlights in the distance. as the last cargo train was gaining speed. Marie quickly hopped on the last empty railcar, she turned and she draws her hand to Edd. He did all his best to catch up to Marie, but he was thinking hard. If he takes her hand his life would change forever, if he stopped right now he could go back to Peach Creek and mend the broken ties he tried to sever.
Marie was waiting anxiously, as her heart feels a twinge of pain. She had a hunch that Edd would stop and go back to Peach Creek. Leaving her all alone. She could also tell from the look on his face. He was thinking hard.
But she was surprised as he grabbed her hand. She pulled him inside, they were both sprawled on the wooden floor and both were breathing hard.
"Hey, we will drop in the first town that this train will stop," Marie said.
"Everything… will… be… alright… Marie..." Edd said between his breaths.
Marie mumbled as he opened his eyes, he turned his head towards her. She was looking at him.
"I said I promised myself to be a better person when I come back to Peach Creek. Someday."
He closed his eyes and repeated the wise words he read when Dalton returned him the book
"A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. By John C. Maxwell."
Damn right he was. That fateful night Edd and Marie promised themselves they would become better persons. They planned how to change their lives. But Little did they know, their life would change forever once they set a foot on New dawn.
A/N: The characters and the show are owned by Cartoon Network and created by Danny Antonucci except for the cover art, I drew it. Feel free to like and review. Thanks for reading :-)