To Romance a Kanker

Ch.8: New Frontier

Of course, Eddy had not fallen asleep after our talk. I decided to stay with him for a bit longer, just simply chatting. Mainly about video games. He had a nice collection, but the envy of the neighborhood was Kevin, who had all of the systems, including the newest ones.

I would awake at nine that morning, yawning and stretching, my TV still on from when I had gotten home. Yes, I am one of those people that fails to sleep without noise. Smiling, I got up, heading to the bathroom. After doing my business, I walked out to see my Uncle Steve, who informed me Double D was waiting outside.

Slipping on my sandals, I walked out, a blast of wind hitting me. The wind was to be a bit big that day, about eight miles per hour. Double D smiled.

"Eddy is on his way to therapy" he informed me as we began walking.

"Is he okay?" I asked. Double D nodded slightly. "As best as he could be, I suppose."

AKA he was trying.

We would turn left after leaving the cul-de-sac, going straight down the road. Double D explained that the kids had a tendency to walk to school together whenever they could. I chuckled.

"It was always a bus for me, so this will be fun. I'll have to make sure to bring my inhaler with me."

"By the way, did you give Eddy that Indica?"

Double D nodded quickly, saying he had delivered it before he came to my place.

"Did you enjoy the high from the other day?" he asked. My grin allowed him to grin. "Oh yes. My Aunt and Uncle smoke too. More for recreation than anything. Heck, all of my family is down with Mary Jane."

He nodded politely as we soon crossed a crosswalk, standing in front of Peach Creek Jr. High. It was a two-story building, all of the typical sports fields in the back. Double D explained that he was a nurses assistant during his last hour, and he had his own key to the school.

Turning the key, I was impressed when we entered. The lobby was a combination of white and orange that reminded me much of Cheboygan, and their mascot the Chiefs.

He gave a smile of remembrance as we gazed into the Gym. "Last years dance was one to remember. The gym got destroyed. Oh yes, we got in a lot of trouble over that ordeal."

"Speaking of that, do you and Marie get along?" I asked. He nodded at once, leading me down the hall.

"Yes. We smoke together, and it is not uncommon to see her sneak into my personal sanctum even now. After the incident with Eddy's brother, we had a heart to heart. I told her the truth about my place on the romantic spectrum, and she accepted it, though I knew her heart hurt from the revelation."

I nodded, deciding not to press.

"However, she seems to be alright. Perhaps her seeing how well Ed and May get along was some sort of help. Either way, whenever my...David, how do you feel personally about the LGBT community?"

My answer was quick. "They are people like everybody else. They choose to love in their way, and nobody has any right to say it's wrong."

Double D smiled widely. "My boyfriend would love hearing that from you. I am bisexual. He is a freshman at the high school, and an associate of Jimmy and Sarah's."

"I hope you two are in for the long haul" I said sincerely. "Are you out to the cul-de-sac?"

"Yes" Double D responded. "I have not received any flack. Not even from Eddy's father, who is a devout Christian. He does not feel it is his place."

I would smile at that. Double D then surprised me as we walked upstairs to see the elective classrooms. "Have you had romantic interests?"

I nodded. "Just one my fifth and sixth grade years. Her name is Summer. I was going through a lot at the time, and she helped me realize... that my father sucked. I want nothing to do with him" I said firmly.

Double D understood. I sighed. "My mom is with a good man now that loves her. He treats my sister like his own which I love. Anyways" I said, us walking back downstairs.

"What is Marie like?"

"Rough around the edges. She is a tomboy and immensely proud of it. She is also an art prodigy. Her work is that good. She enjoys sports like football and wrestling too."

"A girl after my own heart" I smiled.

Double D continued. "I can bring you to the Trailer Park if you want to say hello."

"Nah, no thanks. I was just curious."

Double D raised an eyebrow but allowed it. We split up at the street leading to the cul-de-sac, as I was in the mood for a peanut butter cup.

And so were two Kankers in meeting me.