Eddy

Fuming, Eddy quietly lay in bed. He was upset, but really didn't know why. So Edd and Ed had gotten a date, so what? But Eddy knew it was because, once again, he was behind. Everyone had things before him. Or he just kept losing things. Tears welled up in Eddy's eyes as he remembered the day his parents told him about his brother disappearing. He had just left. Without a word to anyone, he was gone. Eddy shut his eyes and turned onto his stomach, almost smothering himself in his pillow. No one ever seemed to stick around in his life, besides Edd and Ed. But they had always been there. Eddy now pushed himself up; his eyes dry, and reached for the end table drawer. He pulled it open and stretched to remove the small package. Eddy sat up against the headboard and opened the packet. Tipping it over, Madeline's face smiled up at him. Smiling back. Eddy sifted through the pictures. Madeline had been an "average girl" never really falling in any category. She had seemed "preppy" but hit it off wonderfully when introduced to Christina. She fit with everybody, but she had chosen Eddy.

The next few pictures were random ones of her and him together, things he had collected when they were together. He missed her, especially now. He couldn't stop thinking about her. But Eddy no longer had her number and wouldn't have the guts to call her anyway. Leaning against the headboard, Eddy closed his eyes and felt the pictures slide off his fingers and into his lap. He just sat there, feeling the slight need for sleep creeping on him. He didn't fight it off and just dozed.

Eddy's thoughts drifted back to the cul-de-sac. He remembered all of the troubles they had all faced when they were kids in that neighborhood. Kevin and Nazz began dating and there were certain rumors going around the school a little later. Also when Jimmy had to be taken away for a few months. No one knew where he went and his parents had been tightlipped while Sarah only continued to become more sullen. Everyone was making plans once they graduated. Even now, escapes were still being planned. Both Sarah and Jimmy were still in high school but chose to leave home anyway. They said there was nothing left for them there. Eddy imagined the cul-de-sac desolate, since the adults never seemed to frequent the place.

Feeling a twinge of pain, Eddy opened his eyes and sat forward. He had never envied Double D for his life. He may have been brilliant but his parents were literally never around. And when they were, they were strict. No wonder the guy had so many problems growing up. Now he had gotten rid of the hat and obsessive compulsive disorder. Eddy did know that it wasn't completely cures since Double D kept a very exact folder of all his mental problems. Double D seemed to be the worse out of the bunch but ended up being the best adjusted. He accepted life now, and all of its dirt. He had always been an observer but had taken a more active role. Although, the fact still remained that Edd had grown up with virtually no family and Eddy had never realized it. Then again, he was never so observant.

Things had gone the same way with Ed. Eddy scowled as he realized he had no right to be upset with his friends. They were going on with their lives, as they always had, and Eddy was just jealous. He knew he should try dating again but was too afraid. This was a new place and Eddy didn't feel like getting rejected when he already felt so low. Sighing, Eddy picked up the photos and carefully put them back in the packet. As he resealed it, Eddy felt the familiar pang of hurt. He missed her. Eddy kept Madeline's smiling face in his mind's eyes as he put the packet back into the drawer and closed it. Eddy stared at it a moment, still stretched out, and bit his lip. He wondered if he should get rid of them. Shaking his head, Eddy leaned back. He couldn't. He glanced back at the drawer.

Could he?