Chapter 2: Do You Wanna Dance

"Do you want to dance with me?"

As soon as the words had left his mouth, the instant realization of what he said hit him like a freight train. The words hung in the air for an agonizing moment, twisting and turning but never subsiding. Marie stared blankly ahead, her gaze fixed on Double D, and within that moment, her stupor had ended, and a new affection arose on her face. Seeing this, Double D stood and extended his hand to her, inviting her.

"Come on it'll be fun."

The song began to play, and the mood changed once more, both felt it strongly. Marie's eyes were transfixed on his outstretched hand, no longer had she felt alone or lost, instead she was filled with excitement and curiosity. Slowly grasping his outstretched hand, she rose to her feet. Double D hadn't had much experience dancing, the only time he could recall ever doing so was at the school dance a few years prior. The entire event had been a fiasco, with the school having to briefly close for repairs, in spite of a botched dance and damage to the school, he had enjoyed himself that night, much to his surprise. Right now, however was different, much different than before, unlike that botched dance, this was his choice.

"Ok, Marie just follow my lead."

Uncertainty wormed itself into his mind, his breathing hitched, and he wondered, "What am I doing, this is crazy I can't dance!" These last few years had paid dividends for Double D's confidence but as the saying goes "old habits die hard." After all he had, without a doubt never done anything like this. Just as he began to question his decision and let his old vices get the better of him, he looked to Marie and the look on her face said it all. It dissuaded any doubt… she was smiling and seemed to be having fun. She coyly admired him behind her peek-a-boo bangs.

"Sure, thing muffin, show me your moves."

"Muffin" he thought, it was one of her many nicknames for him, funnily enough she hadn't said it this entire evening, it seemed her old self was beginning to return.

He pulled her close, and his nerves were set ablaze, but Marie's enthusiasm worked to lightly dull them. It was now that he really took notice of Marie. Her azure hair that always covered her right eye, her slim frame, and scruffy clothes. Double D was slowly becoming aware of his attraction to her, she had a certain unkempt appeal. He began to blush due to the sudden intimacy, Marie seeing this felt a sense of pride, and felt the urge to tease him. Just as she opened her mouth to speak however, she was pulled back by Double D and the two began a waltz. Neither of them had much dancing experience, chalked up mainly to Double D's anxiousness and Marie's brash personality.

"Feeling confident are we buddy boy?"

Marie slyly smiled at Double D and leaned in close and whispered

"Y'know if you want to get closer, you just gotta ask."

A lump formed in Double D's throat, he felt heat rising to his face and sweat forming on his forehead, "Even for Marie this is brash."

"I'm sorry if I was being to forward Marie, I didn't mean to-."

Double D was cut off by Marie leaning her head on his chest, all at once everything seemed to grind to a halt and his mind was transfixed on her.

He spoke softly "Are you okay Marie?" Concern and confusion were the item of his current thought process, it seemed that for all his plans and ideas they were for naught. "I've only made things worse, why did I think I could make her feel better?"

"Thanks, Double D, you're sweet, no one's ever done this much for me." Marie looked up at him. "If you were just a little different, you'd be a real heartbreaker."

Marie had begun to coyly draw circles on Double D, completely transfixed all he could do was stare at her, totally absorbed. He felt himself drawing closer to her face, Marie likewise followed suit. Soon they were merely inches apart. Double D could feel the heat of her breath on his lips. Its scent filtered through his nose, "Huh tater tots, oddly familiar."

"Marie are you sure-."

That was all Double D could say before he was stopped.

"You talk too much muffin."

Though the evening had been unexpectedly thrilling and slightly bizarre, Double D was satisfied his efforts to help had seemingly worked. Though now he had a whole new issue to contend with. "I think I'll stay for a while longer, just in case."

Just outside of the trailer park

After traipsing through the construction site both Ed and Eddy found themselves on the outskirts of the trailer park. The air which earlier had held a pleasant warmness had now been replaced with a bitter cold. Eddy began to shiver, while Ed remained firm, the walk from Ed's house to the trailer park was not a long one. Though in these conditions, one could be forgiven for not making haste.

"All right Ed, remember what I told you?"

Eddy said looking forward to Ed, who did not stop nor turn around and acknowledge Eddy's words. This briefly unnerved Eddy, he knew all too well that when Ed become focused on something, it was nearly impossible to stop or distract him. Save for a stray chicken or two. Finally, Ed spoke.

"Don't worry Eddy, I know the plan and it's a good one, it'll work for sure!"

The nonchalant way Ed spoke managed to both concern and allay Eddy, Eddy knew deep down that his plan might not work. But he was as confident now as he'd always been in regards to one of his schemes.

"Oh, that's good, you had me worried for a sec there lumpy."

They reached the end of the wood line that divided the trailer park from the rest of civilization. A feeling of sheer dread washed over them, all at once, the brash confidence supporting Eddy drained away, and Ed's simpleminded determination vacated his brain. Standing at the clearing, soaking wet, tired and increasingly fearful Eddy began to think. Attempting to hurriedly gather back his elusive courage and act on his plan.

"It sure is dark out here Eddy."

Ed was right, it was dark, indeed the only source of light to be found in the park were a few old sputtering hanging lights. Rows of which drooped over each mobile home in a network of grimy glow. Neither had been here for some time, the years since had been mostly uneventful. With the Kankers, having apparently given up on their conquest of the Eds. Not that they minded, the welcoming peace they had been given seemed to signify a new beginning of sorts. That's why tonight's events had been so puzzling. Neither Eddy nor Ed, nor anyone in the entire cul-de-dac could have said why it happened. For only the Kankers knew, and sooner or later, so would the rest of the Eds.

"Yeah you ain't kiddin', I can't even see their trailer."

Eddy squinted and began panning around, trying in vain to the spot familiar blue trailer. Peering into the dim scene of the trailer park, yielded little results, frustration rising, Eddy murmured.

"Geez, c'mon how hard can it be to find a stupid trailer, I've seen it like a thousand times!" He continued. "This sucks Ed, I thought we were done with the Kankers."

Ed joined in the search, scanning through the rows of mobile homes, like a sentry at his post, Ed was immovable in his dogged rescue of Double D. Conditions outside hadn't helped the search either, with both the rain and darkness proving to be a formidable blanket of protection for the decrepit domicile. Then towards the back of the park, Ed finally spotted it, the target of their pursuit.

"Eddy I found it, it's in the back, I see it!"

Eds demeanor changed completely, resembling less of an unyielding guardian and became more akin to an excited puppy.

"Dammit Ed, keep your voice down!" Eddy quickly grasped a hand over Ed's mouth, his reprimanding continued, "You trying to wake the whole place up?"

Ed calmed himself, he apologized "Sorry Eddy, but I found it."

Both began to move into the trailer park at a considerable pace, swiftly infiltrating the muddy residence. Sidling up the trailer, Eddy and Ed crouched near the front window. Eddy whispered.

"Watch my back Ed, I'm gonna take a look."

Cautiously Eddy peered up, expecting a scene of absolute horror, involving Double D and three amorous Kankers, instead he was greeted with a different but still none the less frightening sight. Lee and May were nowhere to be found, all Eddy could see were Double D and Marie. Doing something Eddy never thought possible, they were dancing, worse yet Double D seemed to be enjoying himself. "They're making like Romeo and Juliet in there!" Eddy thought before sinking back down.

"What'd you see Eddy?" Ed said curiously

Eddy couldn't believe the sight he had laid eyes on. It had seemingly gone against everything that they had known up to that point. The Kankers were evil and not to be trusted. What he'd seen shook him and therefore didn't have the heart to tell Ed. Swiftly Eddy changed the subject.

"Alright, this is it lumpy, you remember what I told you about the plan?"

With gusto, Ed repeated the plan from earlier.

"Sure, thing Eddy, I got it memorized, first thing-."

But before Ed could continue, a sound grabbed both their attentions, at first it was hard to hear over the rain. That quickly changed and soon it could be heard very clearly despite the weather. It sounded like a car, but neither was completely sure. From the entrance of the park, a pair of headlights abruptly illuminated the gloomy surroundings. Both feeling like deer caught in its gaze.

"Quick Ed, we gotta hide!" Eddy exclaimed

Abruptly Eddy dove near a pile of discarded tires and carboard boxes, Ed followed suit hiding behind a nearby trailer. The lights drew ever closer, anxiety gripped them and before long the lights had come to a stop right in front of the Kankers trailer. Both watched as the lights shut off and Lee and May Kanker stepped out of the truck. Being Kankers their banter could be heard throughout the entire trailer park. Ed and Eddy having no trouble hearing them.

May seemed to bounce with every step, jubilantly hoping for her sister's success.

"You think they're making out in their Lee?"

"Maybe, I wouldn't doubt it, but it better just be that, if Double D knows what's good for him."

Lee's excitement, if you could call it that, was much more subdued. Almost disinterested, but Lee had just as much as May to gain from this. Eddy looked to Ed and the same thought crossed but their minds in an instant. "This is bad."

They were close, so close they could feel it. Millions of thoughts ran through Double D's mind, not a single one of them coherent. He looked into Marie's eyes, and she into his. What in reality only, lasted a few seconds, instead felt like hours. Double D had a decision to make, to either step away, or take the plunge. He leaned closer, he expected Marie to say something, anything really. Instead she was, completely enraptured in him, for the third time this night Marie's eyes changed again. They had gone from vacant, to confident, to now enamored. Marie closed her eyes, this slightly perplexed Double D. Normally when Marie showed her "affection" she was eager. Yet this time she seemed almost hesitant, just as he was about to bring his lips to hers. A noise caught their attention.

Suddenly the front door swung open with the force of a hurricane, Lee and May stepped inside, each carrying bags of snacks. Double D and Marie quickly stepped away from each other, in a vain attempt to hide their affection. Lee noticed this and was not fooled, embarrassment cascaded off the both of them in waves.

"Woah, what's with the rush, you two playin' lip games or something?"

Lee's teasing served only to bolster Double D's increasing insecurity. By now his face blazed a bright shade of crimson, and he gently pulled his hat over his face in order to hide his chagrin. But if timidness was what affected Double D, then indignation was what Marie now felt. Frustration at her situation, and how she was so close to finally getting what she wanted, only to be foiled by her two rowdy sisters. She noted Double D's expression and thought to herself. "God, all I want to do is kiss him until I can't breathe anymore, but he wouldn't want that. I gotta help get him out of here."

Marie's thought were halted by her sister May, who eagerly approached her with fervent questions.

"So, what happened, did you guys make out or what?"

May's genuine excitement at her sister's romantic escapades was endearing, but at the moment was proving to be a sore spot for both Marie and Double D. Annoyed, Marie snapped.

"Shut it May, nothing happened, end of story."

May was slightly taken aback by Marie's dismissal, May in turn became annoyed, mainly due to Marie's offhanded disregard for her enthusiasm.

"Hey, it's not my fault you two were crawling over each other!"

Marie's annoyance quickly shifted into frustration, bordering on anger. Her face twisted into an irate sneer. But before she had a chance to continue bickering with her sister, May turned her attention to Double D. Who by now had become intimate with the inner lining of his hat.

"C'mon Double D, what'd you guys do, tell me."

Double D felt bad not being honest with May, but he couldn't bring himself to divulge his and Marie's moment. Not only did the idea of telling May and Lee about their dance and conversation bother him. He knew it wouldn't be right for Marie's sake. She trusted him, and he wouldn't betray it under any circumstances. He had no choice but to lie.

"I'm sorry May but Marie is right, nothing happened, it was all very dull and not particularly interesting."

He could see May's enthusiasm slip from her face, replaced with a disappointed solemn gaze. It hadn't felt good to deceive May, but Double D valued Marie's privacy over May's nosy curiosity.

"Ok, fine whatever you say, I didn't want to know anyways."

May slinked past Double D and made her way to the couch, flopping down on it with a lazy thud. Marie looked to Double D; sensing his discomfort once again, she gave him a faint smile to try and help alleviate his uneasiness. Seeing this Double D responded in kind, both smiling to ward off each other's troubles. Suddenly Lee started in on May.

"Oh, come on May, it ain't so bad, forget about it, these two lovebirds will spill their guts in no time, right Marie?"

Lee looked back to Marie with a knowing stare, a hint of facetiousness carried on her visage. Unperturbed, Marie countered plainly.

"In your dreams Lee, I got better things to do then humor you two all night."

Double D cracked a smirk at the banter between the sisters. Taking Marie's back talk in stride Lee continued.

"Maybe Double D can humor us then, how about it?"

Unprepared for this sudden on the spot questioning, Double D hurried himself mentally for a rejoinder, he began to stutter trying in vain to quell Lee's brazen interrogation.

"W…well…I…I don't know what to s-say Lee, I g-guess I…uh."

He trailed off awkwardly still fighting to find the words to convey his plight, eyeing Marie he looked needily for help. Seeing his state, Marie intervened.

"Can it Lee, he's had enough, don't you get it, he's not lettin' on so just leave it before I pound ya."

Lee finally backed down from her hassling of the two and seemed to concede. Looking to Double D she nonchalantly proclaimed.

"You guys ain't worth the trouble anyways, I was just teasin' that's all, if it makes you feel any better I-."

But before Lee could finish with her concession, a noise from outside had drawn everyone's attention. From what could be heard, it sounded as if it came from Lee's truck. Instantly Lee hastily tore past Marie and Double D. May arose from the couch in a leery daze, sidling up to Marie, who herself was put off by the unexpected commotion. Lee brazenly swung open the trailer door to the outside. The bitter cold from the rain poured into the trailer with a sudden callous fervor.

What greeted the group outside was an unexpected display of absurdity. Eddy was banging on the hood on Lee's truck in an apparent act of hysteria. Lee spotted Eddy who had a panicky look on his face. For a moment a seething anger threatened to erupt, before Lee realized that Eddy, a boy she hadn't laid eyes on for a significant while was stood before her. A tidal wave of elation ran through her and she exclaimed.

"Eddy is that you my little pipsqueak, what are you doing to my truck?"

Eddy began to flush with heat, despite the frigid rain. He had no answer, no explanation to justify this act of lunacy. All he could do was wait, and hope that Ed understood his plan and followed it to the t. May, Marie, and Double D stood behind Lee trying to look around her to see the spectacle for themselves. May turned around to Double D and asked skeptically.

"Hey what's he doing here Double D, you didn't tell us Eddy was coming over!"

Double D himself was at a loss for words, he was happy to see his friend again, he'd thought seriously about the idea of being trapped here all night. The only excuse that he could give was a simple shrug. May turned away and mumbled.

"I should've bought more nosh."

Lee stepped outside with the rest of the group following close behind. She spoke up once again.

"C'mon Eddy, its freezing out here, get inside while you still have a pulse." She then slyly added. "Or maybe you want me to drag you inside, I can do that if you want."

"Please for the love of everything holy, Ed you better be ready, or I'll kill you" The thought stuck in Eddy's mind, he had no choice but to continue buying time.

"Don't worry about it Lee, its cozy out here, I got it covered."

Lee had known Eddy long enough to recognize a blatant lie, she knew that Eddy was here in some vain rescue attempt. The only question left was where Ed was hiding.

By now the entire group had exited the trailer and stood bewildered at the site before them. Eddy continued with his attempt at a distraction, all the while Marie leaned over to Double D and whispered.

"Eddy's a good actor, he's got spunk, to bad Lee's gonna tear him a new one."

Double D was torn, on the one hand he wanted nothing more than to be done with this Kanker sister business and to return to his movie marathon with his friends. But at the same time, he'd come to regard Marie with a sense of affection, so simply up and leaving seemed "distasteful" to put it bluntly. But he wouldn't have to think on it long, because as he began to respond to Marie's comment, Eddy's plan came into action.

"If you want sock-head back just say so Eddy, I'd gladly give him back, him and Marie had their fun anyways."

Marie flared with anger due to her sisters' blasé attitude regarding her privacy, then again, the sisters were no strangers to revealing each other's dirty secrets if it meant they could get a rise out of one another.

"Yeah Lee, that'd be great, just give us back Double D and we'll be on our way…won't we."

Eddy placed a great emphasis on the last two words of his sentence, a moment later, silence filled the air, only being complimented by the sound of pouring rain. Lee looked back to May and Marie; a look of confusion plastered on her face. May herself was just as befuddled as Lee, both looked to Marie, evidently hoping the third sister could provide some sort of assistance. But Marie as well was confused, she to couldn't make heads or tails of what Eddy meant. Double D looked to Eddy, their eyes met and almost immediately Double D knew what Eddy had in mind, though he couldn't say for sure whether it would work or not. Lee turned back to face Eddy, ready to verbally thrash him for being needlessly obtuse.

"Ahem…I said won't we!"

Just then, before anyone could discern exactly what was transpiring, a tall bulky figure came bounding around the corner of a nearby trailer. None of the Kanker sisters had any time to react before the figure was upon them, knocking over both Lee and May in the process, leaving Marie unscathed and unsullied from the muddy ground. May looked up from the ground, mud cacking her shirt and clearing her vision saw the man of her dreams. It was Ed who had come from out of nowhere, he picked Double D up and slung him over his shoulder. Just as quickly as he'd arrived Ed to off in a flash, with Eddy joining in the retreat. May couldn't help but give her Ed words of encouragement.

"See you later big Ed, come see me again will ya?"

Lee looked to her sister with bewilderment and contempt, Marie however looked to Double D as he bounced sluggishly on Ed's shoulder, Double D looked back one final time for the night at Marie, the two shared a look of trouble. Marie seemed to recognize Double D's need to leave , despite her protests, and Double D likewise somehow knew that this would not be the last of his and Marie's rendezvous.