Chapter 2
"Things have escalated quickly, there are things that are not my control and the best that I can do is whether how I should react to it and how do I act upon it. Through an old friend, I learned about the dark secrets and sad things about my acquaintances. But I know I will see them again. It's just a matter of time. All I can do now is to keep Marie and myself safe and avoid any problems in our new life here in Peach Creek. This is our new beginning after all."
The students didn't take off their gaze on the couple. All of them couldn't handle the surprise. Edd who just finished writing his journal just took deep breaths. Marie, on the other hand, was pissed on the constant stares they received, starting from the hallway and to the room.
"I know this is a big surprise to all of us but let us focus here." the teacher tried to diffuse the situation.
"Wow…so much for a big entrance." Marie mused as she tried her best to gave the students her best glare.
It worked apparently as the students one by one turned their heads to the board.
"Just focus on the class." Edd just whispered.
After their homeroom, they proceed to their other classes. Both him and Marie decided they would take the same class together. Save for the art class and auto shop for Marie and advanced mathematics for Edd. Marie always dreamed to go into an art school or to apply Mechanical Engineering degree, while Edd wants to pursue his dream at Civil Engineering, Architecture was also a fine choice as Marie taught him how to draw well.
Lunch came as the two sat together at an empty table on the corner of the mess hall, they received odd looks from the students. Whispering about them was a hundred percent sure. But they paid no mind. They were happily eating and they had more problems to think about than to worry what others would think of them. It was a peaceful lunch for both of them until a familiar face came rushing towards the couple.
"Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit! Is that you dude!" a familiar voice caught the couple's attention. The chattering in the mess hall stopped in an instant, they watched Johnny 2x4 rushing to the couple.
Johnny came crashing to their table, making Edd almost jumped from his seat. Marie looked surprised but she kept her composure. Johnny gave the couple a toothy grin and was about to hug Edd, but Marie stood up and put a hand on Johnny's chest pushing him gently away from Edd.
"Whoa, easy there wood boy." she gently pushed Johnny away from Edd.
"Hey." Johnny made a protest, but he returned his attention to Edd.
"Salutations Johnny." Edd greeted. He felt nostalgic as he finally saw an old friend.
Johnny wears a green checkered with jeans with tears on the knees, he was wearing sandals. Much of his appearance didn't change since he left. He still shaves his head but he sports a small goatee on his chin.
"Holy shit dude! We thought you're dead. I..I thought it was a joke when I heard it but it is you guys. It has been a long time! Five years?! it's like I'm looking to a ghost! " Johnny couldn't contain his emotion. Edd could sense it well, who could blame Johnny.
"Yes, but we still live Johnny, Marie and I are both well." he smiled at Edd but his face turned sour when he looked at Marie. She returned the favor with a middle finger.
Edd made a false cough to diffuse the situation. He knew very well that the Kankers are freaked out by Johnny and Johnny didn't like the sisters as well. The two looked at Edd and they stopped. Marie just took a bite from her food while Johnny continued to speak to Edd.
"But dude, you looked different now, and what is surprising is that you are married to a Kanker! Marie Kanker! Man, you should tell me about how you live together." he flailed his arms in exasperation.
People around them were now interested, they stopped eating minutes ago after Johnny's outburst, they were also curious about it. But the sight of Marie's glare made them return to their food, the way she gives her glare makes people unnerve. This was not gone unnoticed by Edd, he always wondered how Marie get people scared. He motioned for Johnny to sit and told him to keep his voice down.
"Yes, Johnny. Marie and I have settled down, and we intend to finish our education here before going to college. But sadly I cannot humor you about the private matters of our married life." Edd said as he took a bite on his food.
"Geez dude, I was hoping you could tell some juicy bits but it's cool." Johnny was a bit disappointed.
Marie just scoffed, she didn't want people snooping their noses on her and her oven mitt's privacy.
"By the way may I inquire where is plank?" Edd tried to divert the subject to a different one. But the question made Johnny recoil. His face was hurt.
"Better not to talk about it, dude," Johnny replied sadly.
"Oh… apologies." Edd said as he knew it was wise not to push it any further.
Ten minutes had passed and their chatter was about how the cul de sac has changed, and with it how everyone had changed. This made him worry, especially to his friends.
"Eddy became the right-hand man of the gang leader here known as the Skull, he is the founder of The Red skulls. Eddy made a reputation after he started selling stuff years ago, you know what I am talking about dude. Skull soon discovers Eddy and take a liking on him. Eddy didn't hesitate on doing dirty stuff as long as there is money. He is later known as "The Accountant". he collects money dude, and he is in charge of the scams and any business the gang is involved in. Including drugs and any gang crime. And he had a violent encounter with the orange head Kanker, I've seen it, dude, here at school. That switchblade missed her eye but left a scar on her face though. It took ten teachers, ten! To stop them. I know you already heard the story about that fight. Plus he became more assertive since he had many thugs with him."
"Typical to that loudmouth shorty. Thinks he's a fucking boss. And what he had done to my sister he deserves a fucking beating." Marie commented, she couldn't contain her anger. Edd grabbed Marie's hand and gently squeezed it, comforting her.
"How about Ed?" Edd asked
"Ed, he was working as an assistant in a local comic store here, his uncle owns it. He used to hang out with Eddy but three years ago he started to hang out with Rolf instead. We hang out sometimes on Rolf's new farm, But sometimes I see him going with Eddy, and I had a feeling it doesn't end up good always. Because every time he was with Eddy, he was crying. he was mumbling about being a bad person. He didn't say what he did, but I could see there are gashes on his knuckle. Poor guy I cannot do anything for him. then I guess you already know about him and May became a thing? But didn't last though."
Both the couple was in shock. When they returned to the trailer park a few days ago, May didn't say anything about being with Ed. May didn't say anything, but they will ask her about it in the future.
This made Edd worry for his friend. He knows very well that Eddy can manipulate their kind-hearted friend. He needed to see him somehow.
"Naz and Kevin are together now. They are seen as the perfect couple here in the school. Kevin is the star player and won the championships four years straight, Nazz became the school president at the same time the head cheerleader. Like I said perfect. But something is off." Johnny continued.
"What do you mean?" Edd asked
"Not surprising for miss perfect I think there's nothing off in the first place." Edd gave her a look and she replied with a "zipper on her mouth" gesture.
"Well, call me crazy, or maybe a conspiracy theorist dude but I've seen it! Nazz and Kevin, they always wear this badge on their chest, it looks like a rose. And guess what they are members of "The Society". I know this is bullshit to you. " he explained, the worry in his eyes was visible.
"Let me guess a group of elite members of society, always smiling, looking idyllic on the outside but total assholes on the inside. Super rich? Controls the town?" Marie said sarcastically.
"I know you think that I'm just a stupid pothead." Johnny sighed.
"Hey, Johnny… we believe you." Edd assured his friend.
"You're just saying that to.. you know what never mind."
"No. Just trust us." Edd again reassured Johnny.
"Yeah, we've seen shit before just trust us." this time Marie gave an assurance to Johnny.
"Anything to add?" Edd asks.
"Jimmy and Sarah are recent members. Jimmy's family were longtime members and he made Sarah as a member too due to being BFF's. These guys are weird. I followed them once and I found out that every Friday night they gathered here at the school gym, they wear a mask with a blank face, and chanting weird stuff. Then a crooked old guy would always appear and doing some fucking ritual, he always carries a knife and sacrificing dogs and cats, you could see the lost pet posters everywhere? That's them." this time Johnny spoke in a whisper. He knew it would be dangerous if someone overheard them.
Edd and Marie exchanged worried looks. But they did their best not to show it. Edd glanced back at Johnny and asked another question.
"What about Rolf?"
"Rolf bought land outside peach creek, and he just does what he always does. Every two days he visits his new farm and will bring some cool stuff back. Like I said before Ed always goes to his new farm maybe because he had too many chickens now. and besides, he also grows my weed. He's the only friend Ed and I can rely on now. The others have their own world." Johnny said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Johnny, were here now." Edd made a comforting smile.
"Thanks, guys. I think I should leave now, there are things I need to do." Johnny said as he stood up from the table.
"Whatever information you have to feel free to share, we might need it."
Johnny smiled and he turned to Marie, he nodded at her and left the couple alone.
The school bell has ringed finally, the students one by one left the cafeteria. Edd and Marie stayed behind a little longer, as the last student left they took their queue and started to walk out of the cafeteria.
"And I thought we had escaped some weirdo's back at New Dawn, but no, the same stuff is happening here. I had a feeling they will cross our paths," she growled.
Edd leaned closer to and took her arm. Marie always cooled down whenever she felt Edd's skin touched hers. She may be pissed all the time but her oven mitt was always there for her.
"It is not our control Marie."
"Then what? This is going to be a problem, I can feel it."
"External thoughts are not a problem. It's your assessment of them." He replied with a smile.
Marie groaned he's at it again. His philosophical quotes to solve any problem.
"It means we have to be calm and two steps ahead on anything."
Marie smiled, this was the reason why she fell in love with him. They went to their respective classes and will meet outside the school when the class was over.
The day was over and the students flocked the school main door. Marie was the first one to reach outside and waited for Edd, she fights the urge to smoke. Back at New Dawn High, she would do what she wanted, but here she needs to control herself. She smiled when her oven-mitt had appeared from the door.
"Shall we go?" Edd offered his arm which Marie happily cling on it. The sight of the two's closeness seemed to be alien to some students. But the couple didn't care about what others think about the couple.
They both walked to the school parking lot, they caught a group of three eyeing them. They were leaning on a nearby tree, smoking. They all wear a red hoodie, and Edd could see a black skull patch in it. Red Skulls, Eddy's gang. Edd thought. As they passed the trio of red skull gang, they soon followed the couple. she looked at Edd and nodded at him. He nodded back, this was their signal. Trouble.
"Wow the skank finally gets her prize." one of them said.
"Thought you both died. I think you killed him in the woods and raped his lanky ass body." the other one with the blonde hair added.
Marie stopped in her tracks and turned to face them, she tried to confront them but Edd grabbed her arm, he gently pushed her forward towards their car.
"Oh.. still feisty are we? Maybe you like to suck my dick.. come on babe I bet mine's bigger than him.. I bet it's just a size of a twig." one with a black hair soon added. He opened his zipper and exposed himself.
There was a burst of laughter from the trio, people started to gather at the scene but the bystanders were silent. They were too afraid at the Red Skulls.
Marie was seething, she was in a total rage. She was about to charge when Edd stepped forward and confronted the three.
"Please, cease this instant and leave us alone." Edd again pleaded.
The three all bursts in laughter, taking this as a joke they stepped forward towards Edd. Ready to hurt him. It took five steps and they were good feet at Edd.
"what are you going to do?" the brunette threatened.
Without further words, two fists landed on the black-haired bully's head. One was between his chin and neck and the other was on his right temple. In an instant, he was out cold. The other two guys were too stunned to see an incoming assault. A hard frontal Kick on the blonde's sternum sent him flying a meter away, his friend the brunette suffered from the worst fate as Edd quickly grabbed his head and landed his knee on his face. Followed by a vicious assault of punches, the bystanders could see blood on Edd's fist. Three more punches and the brunette was out cold. Edd turned to the blonde who was staggering to get up. He didn't take any chances as he rushed to him and kneed him on the stomach followed by slamming his head on the concrete floor. In three minutes three men lying on the cold concrete floor, bloodied and dying.
There was now a commotion, as people piling up. Marie rushed to Edd as she grabbed him away from the scene. People are making way for both of them as they passed. And Marie could see the fear and shock from their eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"I am fine… they just wouldn't stop do they?" Edd stared at his bloody fist.
Marie was very worried at Edd, she clasped her hands to his bloodied hands. And rested her head on his shoulder.
"Don't worry Oven-mitt, you always say everything would be fine."
Soon the ambulance was called and teachers came rushing to the scene, and there were surprised by the carnage. In a nick of time, Noel and Teresa also arrived and came to check on the two.
"Wow. Some carnage you did here." Teresa said as she eyed the three men lying on the ground.
The ambulance came and the paramedics were stunned, they asked if there was a rumble or a gang war. But much to their surprise the people pointed at Edd. Noel just sighed, he looked on the two with disappointment but Teresa elbowed him. She glared at him making him sigh again in annoyance.
"Alright, kiddo's what happened?'
After a quick explanation, Noel and Teresa went to the teachers and explained that it was self-defense, even the bystanders had sided with Edd. They were given a warning but one more violent confrontation and Edd will be expelled.
Out of the distance, several people watched the couple. They were unsure of what to do. Some argued to approach them as Johnny did. But others said it is best one at a time.
The next day, everyone was talking about the fight that occurred the previous day. The talk was about that someone beat out the members of The Red Skulls, and others revealed who the culprit was. Some were worried as Edd didn't know who he had just mess with. The chatter died down whenEdd and Marie walked on the hallway of the school, the students quickly gave way to the couple, eyeing them.
They passed a group of people on a locker giving them death glares. Edd was uncomfortable on the cold stares the group of people gave him. They didn't wear the same red hoodie with a black skull, to the ones he encountered yesterday. It gave him the indication they are also members of the Red Skulls but more subtle. He cursed himself. He had just escaped trouble from different groups in New Dawn High, but it seems that this school had somehow spawned dangerous delinquents.
They arrived on their locker, they requested to have a shared one. Edd told Marie that she would go ahead first as he would get something on their locker. He didn't like the idea of splitting up but he assured Marie that it is okay.
When Marie left he opened his locker and started to place his belongings inside but he felt someone was behind him, he sighed as he muttered that it wasn't one of those Red Skulls standing behind him. He is expecting the worse.
"Hi. Double D? or would you like me to call you Edd?" Instead, he was greeted by the voice of a girl.
He turned around and see a brunette with reading glasses and clutching four books, Edd noticed they were all advanced subjects. She also had a smile that gave her cuteness.
"Salutations," he replied politely
"I know you don't recognize me but I've known you back since sixth grade."
"Really," Edd replied sheepishly.
Even though he was not as popular as Kevin and Nazz in school, he knew the other students know him and Ed, and Eddy. Since they did their scams in school and Eddy who was doing his yearly end of the class prank, tagging him along and Ed.
"Yeah." the girl said with a giggle.
"So, what can I do for you," Edd asked, he smiled at her.
The girl was smiling back at him, she didn't say any word but keep staring at him for a good minute before she came into realization.
"Oh…" the girl awkwardly stared at the floor trying to come up with a better word.
"Uh.," Edd replied awkwardly.
"It's just, you know wanted to make friends. I didn't have the courage back then, but you know you just came back here and I thought maybe you need some new friends here." she made a nervous laugh, she was blushing, Edd noticed the little red on her cheeks.
"Well. It won't hurt to have acquaintances here on school."
"Great, can I have your number, coz I believe we'll be in the same class." She pointed out her books.
Edd realized she was right, they would be in the same class. He turned back inside his locker to find a pen and paper, the girl was giggling but little did she know a blue-haired girl was standing behind her, with her arms crossed. Her expression was blank but was smiling, the time Edd had turned he froze. The girl was confused at Edd's body language, but she felt something beside her. She turned around and was also frozen when the stern gaze of Marie Kanker Edwards bore into hers, she dropped her books. The people stopped in their tracks to watched the scene unfold. Some were uttering a silent prayer to the poor girl, never knowing what wrath a Kanker would bring into her.
Marie was just still smiling and went beside Edd, who was still trembling.
"I think we are late for class." Marie just said coolly as she led Edd away from the girl.
When they were five steps away from the trembling girl, she turned her head and gave a last glare. Sending a strong message.
"Getting popular are we?" Marie said calmly.
This was not a good sign for Edd. Five years of living with her, Marie had finally controlled her outburst with his help. But at the price of being silent and unpredictable. When pissed, she would never say anything and he would be surprised by a punch to the face and sometimes a flying object to the head. He had seen countless people who pissed Marie ended up on the floor unconscious, she was a volcano, never knowing when to blow.
"Well. It's just a normal thing high school students would do for socializing," he said defensively.
Big mistake.
"Well my "Husband" there was a saying; only a woman understands another woman and they hated each other. The way she looked at you and giving you those smiles and don't start me with those giggling of hers I know what she is up to." She said.
Edd was now sweating, the emphasis of "husband" was a clear sign of being in trouble. Like a code word for impending doom.
"Since you were a nice guy after all, and a "Sociable" person. I'll let it slide. But remember, I don't want it to happen again. Like the last time." Marie said, but her tone was on the verge of crying.
Edd squeezed her hand gently and cupped her face.
"It won't happen again." He said as he gently kissed her forehead. They went to their class without any more incidents.
It was lunchtime and Edd was outside the girl's room, he was waiting for Marie. He was still uncomfortable with the glances other students gave him. He after all made a few ruckuses since yesterday, but he did his best not to pay any attention to any of them. But one thing was bothering him. He didn't see any signs of them. Eddy, Edd, Nazz, Kevin, Rolf, Jimmy and Sarah. Even May was nowhere to be found. Are they avoiding them? But he knew he was also not ready to meet his old acquaintances. His thought was interrupted when a familiar voice greeted him.
It was the girl from the locker, she gave Edd a nervous smile. He knew she was still afraid of what had happened earlier
"I'm sorry, I forgot that you are married to her. At first, I didn't believe it, I thought it was just a rumor but it was true after all." She said.
"Yes, Marie and I had tied the knot when I reached 18, she was ahead of me a year."
"Umm... where is she."
"She still inside." he pointed
"Oh, by the way. Alice is the name. Alice MacGregor." she extended a hand
Edd shook her hand and smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Alice."
"Well, see you in class," she said as she went on her way.
Edd nodded, then he turned and recoiled comically when Marie was standing behind him.
"Let's go. Alice will be waiting for you." Marie said, giving Edd a painful squeeze on his arm.
The day was finally over. The couple was about to enter the car when a familiar glasses-wearing girl approached them. Marie just ignored her as she entered the driver's seat, Edd turned and face her.
"Sorry, you forgot your notes," she said as she handed the notes to Edd.
Alice soon walks away as soon as Edd received his notes. He took a glance at Marie, but she was looking the other way.
"That is the third time," she said.
Edd was about to speak but he was cut off.
"Don't worry I'm not mad. You are in the same class after-all. But do something stupid and I cannot promise anything Eddward." she called out his name.
He knew this was serious, he tried to reach his hand to her but she moved away. Edd just smiled, five years with her had changed him a lot. He learned how to tame a maverick like Marie, he knows what she wanted. He grabbed her head and kissed her forehead, she made a little resistance but he trailed his lips down to kiss on her nose. Then he finally kissed her lips. Then he hugged her as he buried his nose on her hair.
"I made a vow. I would not do ludicrous things." Edd assures her.
Marie didn't show it but she was happy.
They left the school and decided to eat on a fast-food chain, they soon arrived exactly 30 minutes and entered the building. They were greeted by a young cashier, the same age as them. She asked for their order, without warning he cashier smiled at Edd, not caring about the blue-haired girl clutching on his arm.
"Can I take your order?" the cashier asked.
"A moment," he said.
"Sure take your time cutie." she smiled and winked at Edd.
Edd in return just blushed but he focuses on their order.
"Bold bitch." Marie thought. She could see the cashier's glance at her, she knew what the cashier was thinking. But she had a plan.
She grabbed Edd's left hand and placed it on top of the counter with hers, both hands intertwined and two gold rings were now visible to the cashier's eyes. She showed a surprising look, and Marie was grinning, but she is not finished yet.
"I want that honey," Marie said in her sweetest tone as she pointed a box of tater tots meal.
Edd nodded and ordered their food.
"Thanks love ya," she said as she gave a kiss on Edd.
The cashier's shoulders slumped slightly, seemingly humiliated. But she didn't show it and acted as nothing had happened. They took their order and went to a table.
"You shouldn't have done that," Edd stated.
He noticed. Good. Marie thought.
"And you shouldn't have blushed." she retorted
"But she only gave a compli.." before he could finish he was cut off.
"Say it and you'll die," she said in a whisper.
It took a moment for him to realize, much to his horror. This day was a bad day for Marie, his encounter with Alice and the cashier had made him realized that Marie was fighting her jealousy and he was a fool.
Edd didn't say any more word, but he did only one thing to appease Marie though. He took a piece of tater tots and placed it on her mouth. Marie was defiant, but she finally opened her mouth. Edd smiled at her and she smiled back. The two shared laughter a minute later. After the food about a mile away from their home, Marie told Edd to stop their vehicle.
Edd complied as he parked the car beside the road. The place was empty as no nearby houses nor any buildings were nearby. Save for the trees. Marie ordered Edd to move their car further to hide their vehicle under the trees. When complied, and the area was safe. Marie moved to the backseat, Edd, without a word quickly followed to where Marie was.
"I need it." She said. As she removes her shirt.
"As you wish my dear," he whispered to her ear. Then gave a quick bite on it making Marie moaned.
Edd just smiled. Even with the darkness, he could still see Marie from the illumination of the full moon. He could see as bright as day at Marie's perky breast, he helped her removed her pants. He was stopped when he tried to remove the black beanie on her head.
" I would like this on my head," she said. Edd just chuckled.
They kissed deeply and started to remove each other's articles of clothing, save for Marie's beanie. Edd started to suckle on Marie's breast while she was stroking his shaft. They both grunted in pleasure, and Marie was enjoying it the most as Edd turned his attention from her breasts down to her clit where she could feel his tongue playing on it. Having enough she gently pushed him aside and returned the favor. This time Edd was the one enjoying the oral sex. Marie expertly sucking and licking his head, he placed his hand on her head and instinctively bobbed her head to go faster. Marie complied until she was pushed further. The sound of gagging gave him slight satisfaction. It was his primal instinct kicking in and so was Marie's. he let her go and he let Marie straddle on him. The sensation of hot flesh gave Edd a great sensation, he knows Marie felt it too as her pace becoming faster. Edd assisted as he rocked his hips, they go faster and faster. They didn't care if their care was making a loud creaking sound, all Edd could hear was Marie's moaning and the flesh pounding flesh. It took five more minutes for Edd to release his into Marie. He felt her back arched as he held her tightly. Marie recovered and she hugged Edd.
"I love you," Marie whispered.
"I love you too." He replied as he kissed her.
They finally arrived at their home. It was a little distant from the town center, almost like at the edge of the town. It was a two-story house, with no other house a kilometer away. It was almost isolated but they preferred it. It has two trees on their backyard and a small tool-shed on the back. They entered their home and was greeted by their foster parents. Noel and Teresa. They asked the young couple about their day. The two replied with their concerns, and about their friends, they chatted for an hour until there was a loud cry from the young couple's bedroom, this was Marie's queue as she bid the rest goodnight. She went upstairs to their room.
"So kiddo, you think you're gonna be alright here.?" Noel asked.
"You know we could always leave for another town if you like." Teresa offered.
"No. I think we're staying here. Until we graduate high school. And Marie and I have unfinished business here. We have to face our problems after all not hiding from it." Edd smiled.
Teresa just smiled and Noel just nodded. In five years under their care. The once clean freak and OCD genius have now become mature. Edd excused himself as he went to his study room. He started to write in his journal. He then remembered the events five years ago. The day he and Marie arrived at the town of New Dawn and meeting Noel and Teresa.
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 :-)