DOUBLE D'S POV
"Alright class, please clear your desk and put everything away and under your seat. I shall be distributing the exam now,"
My announcement is followed by a roar of groans and moans. I chuckle everytime this happens. Students never cease to amuse me, even after a year of teaching. But I suppose I am still rather green in my field.
I sit down at my desk after passing out the exam. I do have to be alert when it comes to watching my students take the exam. Why, I recall Eddy trying to look off my paper back in high school! I did my very best to guard my paper at all costs. I certainly hope he could never see my answers back then!
It has been over a week now since Eddy came back to Peach Creek. I must say that it has been immensely delightful and interesting having my childhood friend stay with me, for the most part. When we converse, Eddy enjoys toying with me and playful banter, and it wouldn't be truthful if I were to say that I didn't enjoy it myself. Perhaps having him around has been comforting to me. It is almost as though he is filling a hole that has been deep inside me since he and Ed left Peach Creek. Or rather that hole has been there since I graduated and received my bachelors degree, and thus I had to contend with the pressure of my graduate studies. Or perhaps the hole has been there all along even during my adolescence, partly because my parents were never at home. Perhaps the hole was there back in those favorable days when the three of us were always together. I just didn't notice it then because I wasn't alone.
But adulthood has left me entirely and utterly alone.
.
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After gathering the exams I journey back to my homestead via my bicycle. The weather is most delightful and I can't help but gaze at the beauty of the red, pink, and burgundy leaves on the trees. They look even more stunning as they fall light as a feather and drift along the wind.
Nazz, Kevin, Eddy and I had originally made plans to mingle this past weekend, but regretfully we had to reschedule due to Kevin having prior obligations. Today is Thursday, and it is tomorrow night that we intend to intermingle together. I must say that I am a bit querulous over the impending event. I believe we shall unite at a rather lavish lounge. It is a new venue, and for that I'm worried that I may see one of my students there. Moreover, it is certainly a habitat with alcohol. I do hope I don't over indulge like I did last week with Eddy. More importantly, will Eddy over indulge? In which case, should we call a taxi service prior? I want the four of us to have a very pleasant time, but I also want all of us to be safe. Perhaps I am the most concerned with Eddy.
When I get home I immediately start grading the exams. Overall my class did average, for a midterm. It was a typical bell curve and that was what I was expecting. What I dislike about teaching larger size classes is not getting to have as many personal relationships with my students, and this semester I am teaching three large classes. When it's a smaller class I take the opportunity to memorize each and every one of my students' names. But in a larger size class I do not bother. I only get to know the students that participate the most, unfortunately.
I certainly miss that intimacy with my students though. Getting to converse quite often with the same students is delightful. What I enjoy the most is watching their faces when they comprehend what it is that I am teaching. That "lightbulb going off", as they say. I immensely enjoy helping others. This way I feel as though my life has meaning.
And I certainly hope that I have helped Eddy and have made his stay here more enjoyable. That's why I certainly don't mind cooking for him, like I am tonight.
I open the refrigerator and I can't help but notice that there is even more alcohol than what there was in there yesterday. How did this happen? Did Eddy purchase more spirits last night? Or has he already been home? Perhaps it's best that I don't mention anything to him about it. I don't want to upset him or cause another argument. That particular night last week made me so disheartened. I strongly dislike verbal altercations in general, but I especially dislike them with my dear friend.
Eddy isn't home just yet and perhaps that is a good thing. This will give me time to process things and not jump right into a confrontation. There is nothing I can do to make Eddy understand how I feel about this particular facet of his life. He is flippant when it comes to his alcohol consumption, unable to see it from my point of view. If only he would talk to me about why he feels the need to drink such copious amounts of liquor, then perhaps I could be more sympathetic.
Eddy shows up around 6PM. When I see him, I immediately ask him how his day went.
"Ah, alright," he says. "You?"
"Alright," I echo his sentiment. "I see you went grocery shopping recently?"
My friend steps towards the fridge. "I mean, I bought more beer," he grabs one and takes the top off using the bottle opener on his keychain. Want one?"
"No thank you," I answer. I watch as he chugs his alcoholic beverage.
"It seems you prefer darker beverages, don't you Eddy?" I ask, feeling awkward with the silence.
"Yep," he replies. "I love my stouts!"
"I see," I say, observing. I watch him lean up against the counter and drink, with his left hand still on the counter. He's wearing a green and blue plaid, button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled up. The shirt compliments the jeans that have almost a hole in the left knee. His hair is spiky as ever and he's sporting a bit of a 5 o'clock shadow, which to my surprise is somewhat becoming of Eddy.
"I see how it is," he says. "Concerned about my drinking, right Sockhead?" He raises a brow.
"Perhaps a little," I answer. "But I assure you that my concern for you is certainly not me judging you. I only want to ensure that you are safe and happy, Eddy,"
His round, brown eyes take in what I'm saying. "I AM happy and safe, D. Promise,"
I look at him in silence. I am sure that my friend sees that I'm not convinced.
After taking another drink, he asks, "Is this about something else? Are you really worried about tomorrow night?"
"Well…" I stammer.
"So that's a yes," he says smiling. "Whatcha worried about exactly Sockhead? Us drinking?"
"Do you intend to drive tomorrow night, especially after having consumed alcohol and on the way back to the homestead?"
"Ahh, so that's what you're worried about. Tell ya what, we can take an Uber or something to and from the club. Would that make you feel better?" His eyebrows lift, awaiting my confirmation.
"Why certainly," I feel the weight of the world lift off of my shoulders. "Thank you, Eddy."
"Sure thing," he takes another swig. "Can't have ya worried all night, can we pal?"
"I would prefer not to be Eddy," I smile. "But I digress. Would you like to hear what's on the menu tonight?"
After finishing his drink, he tosses the beer bottle in the trash. "I was gonna ask ya why you're wearing that silly apron!"
I look down, forgetting that I have said apron on. I blush.
"Silly, Eddy?"
He chuckles. "I mean, it's you."
I sigh and lift a brow. "Anyways, would you care to hear what is on the menu tonight?"
"Heck yeah! Whaddya got?"
"Tonight I am cooking crepes with wild mushrooms and gruyere,"
"I don't know what that last thing is, but that sounds great!" he walks to the refrigerator and reaches for another beer.
"Why, it's a cheese Eddy," I say. "A french speciality I might add,"
"French-smench, I bet it's delicious!" He smiles.
"I certainly hope so," I keep the refrigerator door open and get out the ingredients. "This is a fairly simple recipe, so dinner should be ready in approximately 45 minutes."
He taps his laptop bag as it hangs off his shoulder. "Then I'm going to go through some work emails in the meantime." He sets himself up at the kitchen table and then asks, "So, what're you cooking for yourself?"
"Something of a similar fashion, but without the dairy," I tell him.
He smirks at that. "Naturally. But lemme ask, are yah actually going to eat it or are yah just gonna pick at it like last time?"
I frown at that. "Well, last time was tense, wasn't it? We ended up having a disagreement. Tension certainly doesn't promote an appetite."
He holds up his hands defensively. "Alright, alright. I won't bug you about it anymore."
I dismiss him and turn around as I gather all of the ingredients from the cupboards. I really don't like the thought of Eddy paying that much attention to my dietary habits. It causes a feeling of discomfort to stir from within. I wish people would just let me be and trust that I know what I'm doing.
I'm sautéing the mushrooms when I hear Eddy say:
"It's the same with you and my drinking. Just worried about you Sockhead, 's all."
I put down the pan on the oven and turn around to face Eddy. His hands are still on the keyboard but he's looking at me. I can't really make out his facial expression.
"I beg to differ, Eddy. I don't feel as though your drinking and my eating habits are the same," I assert. But immediately after I express that, I feel a tinge of regret. Perhaps Eddy is actually right for once.
"Geez okay okay," his gaze goes from me back to the computer. "But you know what I'm saying."
I turn back around and continue sautéing the mushrooms. I do not bother retorting to Eddy since I do concur with him slightly. But I wouldn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that I agree with him.
.
.
It isn't too much longer when I'm finished with dinner.
"I'm afraid I will have to ask you to remove your laptop from the dinner table Eddy, as dinner is ready to be served," I say while I remove my apron and fold it.
"Finally!" He grins and he puts his laptop back in his backpack. "It smells so good!"
"Now Eddy, I would advise you to wash your hands before supper," I say with my index finger extended.
My brunet friend rolls his eyes. "OkayDAD,"
I giggle and watch him reluctantly wash his hands.
Once he sits back down, I bring the crepes to the table along with the extra seasonings and accouchements.
"Bon appetit!" I smile and sit down.
But to my surprise Eddy doesn't budge. "What about your food, Sockhead?"
"Oh yes!" I jump up and finish putting together the crepes minus the gruyere cheese.
Finally when I sit down again, Eddy serves himself.
I watch my friend take a bite of his first crepe. "This is amazing, Double D!" He says after washing it down with a beer.
"I'm delighted that you like it," I say, cutting into my crepe. "I wasn't too sure if you would enjoy French cuisine,"
"I like anything that tastes good, Sockhead!" He exclaims, cutting another piece.
.
.
Dinner was rather pleasant this evening. Eddy and I discussed the usual, which was mostly work. He explained the accidents and the quotes that he worked on today, and I informed him how my students did on the last test. I couldn't help but notice that my friend only drank one beer with dinner. I of course didn't say anything. It's best not to bring up any sensitive subjects. After all, I do not know just how long Eddy intends to stay here in Peach Creek. I would like to enjoy every minute of it if I can.
After dinner and cleaning up the dishes, I decide to finally finish putting away the laundry I started earlier. I iron a few shirts and hang them in very precise places in my closet. All my clothing is color coordinated, from lightest to darkest. How grateful I am that I am not colorblind, like father!
Father…
I suppose it's been a long spell since I've seen mother and father. They moved out of the old house in the cul-de-sac and bought a more luxurious home. It's strange, although we do not live far from each other I rarely ever see them. I do understand that they are very busy traveling most of the time, both for business and pleasure.
I wonder if they would ever like to see me sometime?
Once my clothes have been ironed, properly hung and now sorted away neatly in my closet, I work on the towels. In the same fashion, I fold and sort them.
Then something dawns on me. Drat! I forgot to replace Eddy's bathroom towel today! See, I have been replacing it everyday before he returns home from work.
Perhaps it's not too late now to do so?
I take one of my largest and softest white towels that is already folded in my arms. I walk to his room only to find that his bedroom door is open. He must be in the bathroom, then.
I step over to the guest bathroom and as I had imagined the door was closed, with the light on. I can also hear the bathroom fan on. I feel my breath getting shorter, not quite sure knowing if I should interrupt him during his personal matters.
I lift my hand to the door and gingerly knock.
"I'm sorry to disturb you Eddy, but it just so happens that I—"
In my mid-sentence the bathroom door comes flying open and what I see before me takes the words out of my mouth.
There Eddy is, standing there with nothing on but a towel around his waist and a small towel draped behind his neck. He has his right hand on the doorknob and his left hand drying his wet hair with the small towel. The steam from the recent shower hits me at once and I can't help but wonder if that's why I'm transpiring profusely? In addition, I can't help but notice the tone and definition in his chest and arms. Even his belly isn't soft anymore!
"I-I-I… w-what I came here for, I mean, th-the reason I'm here, E-Eddy—"
"You okay, Double D?" He raises a brow, sincerely confused.
I nod quickly. "TOWEL!" I spurt out. "Yes, I meant earlier to give you a new towel. My apologies that I am just now getting to it," I offer him up the towel that I now have a death-like grip on.
My half-nude friend grabs it with one hand but his eyes never leave mine. An insidious smile creeps on his face.
"'Kay. Thanks, Sockhead," he continues wearing that all-too-familiar smirk while he slowly closes the door.
Heavens, I didn't mean to do that! I walk away from the bathroom door, still feeling terribly flustered.
But I must say, Eddy looks… healthy. He is a very fit young man. I can't exactly place the strange and unpleasant feeling building in my chest - is it perhaps envy? I don't want such a negative emotion to fill my head when it comes to my cherished friend, but it's so hard to control one's feelings. It's especially difficult to control the unfavorable ones.
I retreat to my room, making a quick detour from the hallway. I don't want to face Eddy and have him ask why I froze up just now. He looked so humoured, like he knew how flustered I was. The last thing I need is for him to pry, because I really don't have a concrete answer for him. This is a feeling I'm unaccustomed to and I don't think I could cope with such a confrontation.
I let out a long breath when I'm alone in my room, sitting on my bed and attempting to reflect. Perhaps I should just go to sleep.
.
.
I sleep restlessly and when morning comes, I feel all but refreshed. Weighing on my mind is the possibility that something will go wrong today. It's strange that the feeling of anxiety is what hits me as soon as I turn off my alarm clock. I get out of the bed and put on my gym clothes while gathering my thoughts. My stomach gurgles already while I'm putting on my clothes. Truthfully there have been times were I have had difficulty sleeping because of my hunger. I have been prescribed sleeping pills but I only take half of the prescribed dosage. I am much more relieved now that I can get some sleep as opposed to previous sleepless nights. Perhaps my nightly routine is improving?
When I enter the kitchen I know right away that Eddy has already been here. He left the kitchen light on, the cabinet to the dishes is open, and there's an empty bowl and spoon in the sink. I walk over to the window and I don't see his red Honda parked anywhere. I feel a tinge of disappointment knowing that my friend left this morning without me seeing him. Why am I feeling this way? I suppose I do look forward to seeing him bright and early. I know that Eddy was never quite the morning person like I am, but it's rather intriguing to watch him face each morning with much more gusto now than he did when we were younger. I suppose my friend has matured, in many ways. I must say that I'm delighted and proud to see the results of him growing up into quite a successful and handsome fellow.
Perhaps it's just coincidence or perhaps it is a stroke of fate, but either way, I sure am elated that Eddy's company assigned him to Peach Creek for the time being.
.
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After going to the gym, bathing, and then attending a hot yoga class and bathing again, I returned home and started my lesson plans for the upcoming week. I had been working on them for quite some time before my phone rings, jarring me from my studious state.
Why, it's Nazz!
"Good afternoon Nazz," I answer.
"What's up, Double D?" She greets me cheerfully. "Are you excited for tonight?!" She asks.
"Yes, but I am a little apprehensive as well."
"Like, what are you worried about?"
"For starters, I do not even have clarity as to what to wear," I confess, but it's the truth.
"Just wear a button-down shirt! That's what Kev is wearing. But like, make sure you have nice shoes too though,'Kay?" She advises. "Why don't you just send me a pic with what you're thinking about?"
"... I suppose that is a sage idea," I surmise.
"You'll look great dude, I promise!" She reassures me. I don't respond, and then she says, "What else are you worried about?"
"Well, Eddy said that he will call an Uber for our commute, so I'm no longer concerned about that,"
"Well that's nice of him," she says. "How are things going with you two?"
"Swimmingly well Nazz," I respond and I'm sure she can hear the smile in my voice. "Granted, Eddy is messy, and yes, I wish he consumed less alcohol, but overall I have really enjoyed hosting my dear childhood friend,"
"Awwwww!"
"I apologize Nazz, but I'm not sure as to what you mean by that sound?"
She giggles. "It means that you guys are so cute!"
I raise a brow. "Cute?"
"Yeah, totally!" She says. "I can't wait to see you two together tonight!"
"PUH-lease," I start. "I assure you Nazz, seeing me and Eddy 'together' is nothing to get excited over,"
But then something dawns on me.
"... By 'together', you do mean reunited, correct?"
I hear even more giggling on her end.
"I mean it however, Double D!" She exclaims. "Hey, can you promise me something?"
"Without knowing what you want me to promise you, I cannot make any guarantee. But I am open to hearing your proposal,"
"Promise me you'll actually try to have fun tonight, 'Kay?" She asks. "Like, try not to worry so much."
I breathe in slowly. "... I'll try," I answer hesitatingly.
"'Kay dude. Don't forget to send me those pics later!" She says.
.
.
After I shower and get dressed in a button-down emerald green shirt and slightly baggy jeans (Nazz said the green "brings out my eyes") I venture to where I keep all my footwear in the closet and look for my most suitable shoes. Fortunately, I do have a couple of nice black leather dress shoes, so one of these pairs will be suitable. I do believe that my ascot hat will go neatly with what I have on.
Once I'm fully dressed and shaved, I decide on what fragrance I should wear.
Sauvage by Christian Dior? No, perhaps that one is a little too loud.
Cool Water by Davidoff? Classic, but perhaps a little too faint. Especially in an evening lounge. Why, with all the strong alcoholic libations, I seriously doubt Eddy could smell a more conservative scent over the atmosphere of the night!
Wait a minute- I want Eddy to be able to smell me? Other than having proper hygiene of course, why in the world would I want my longtime, childhood friend to….?
I shake my head to physically deter the trajectory of wherever that delirious train of thought of was leading to.
Extreme Blue by Michael Kors it is. I believe this will be the apropos scent that I was searching for.
After spraying a tasteful amount of said cologne, I look at myself one last time. While I suppose I look alright, I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something…
Right, a photograph.
Now, I'm not one for so-called "selfies", but I did promise Nazz a picture and thus I must follow through on my word.
I stand and look at my reflection, not particularly smiling or striking any pose of any sort. Rather I just stand and simply take the picture.
I do not send any text as I send the photograph to my friend via text message.
I put my cell phone and my wallet in my pocket. I can't help but feel quite anxious before I leave my room. I place a hand over my heart and take a deep breath, knowing that tonight should be a fine, splendid evening. Albeit should be.
I walk over to Eddy's room and I see the bedroom light beaming through the bottom of the door. Additionally, I can hear him humming an upbeat song to himself. I chuckle, remembering that this is just like how he used to get ready for a "night out" even as an adolescent. He would always happily sing to himself; always excited and eager for the next adventure.
I wrap firmly on the door. "Eddy?" I ask.
"'Sup, Sockhead?"
"Are you ready, Eddy?"
"Just a sec,"
I hear some shuffling, then the door opens.
My breath stops, taking in Eddy's attire for the evening.
He stands before me wearing a gray shirt with a few buttons at the top, underneath a navy blue blazer. The sleeves of the blazer are folded up to his elbows. This reveals the gold watch on his left wrist which matches the gold chain around his neck. The gray shirt is tucked into fitted jeans, and he's wearing dark brown leather shoes. His hair is spiked perfectly and I can't help but smell the strong- but alluring- scent of his cologne.
My friend of shorter stature stares at me for a moment before his lips curl up into his all-but-familiar grin.
He tilts his head to one side. "Why dontcha just take a picture, Double D?" He asks grinning, with one of his thick eyebrows elevated.
"... a picture…?" I echo, not quite following.
"Yeah," he says, taking his cell phone out of his pocket. Texting on it, Eddy walks right past me and into the family room. He casually looks over his right shoulder.
"Ya know, so it'll last longer?!" He grins, brimming with his usual arrogance.
"EDDY!" I yell, completely flustered. I feel my face burning up and I don't know what else to do but to take a pillow from the couch and toss it at him.
I giggle, watching Eddy put his hands up in defense. "Woah, Sockhead! It's not like you to get all violent and wanna duke it out!" He laughs.
"PUH-lease," I protest.
Eddy keeps laughing and my eyes cast a glance at the clock on the wall. It is now precisely 8:47.
"Oh dear," I say. "Eddy, I fret that our lack of punctuality may result in Nazz and Kevin waiting on us. We're supposed to arrive at the lounge at 9, did you—"
"Call an Uber? Yep, he'll be here in 5 minutes," Eddy says, looking at his phone.
Drat! I detest it when Eddy completes my sentences!
I feel a vibration from my phone and I take it out of my pocket. Why of course it's Nazz!
"OMG you look sooooo HOT, Double D! 3 3 3 3"
Once again I feel myself flush, and I cover my mouth with my left hand to stifle my giggles.
"What's so funny, wiseguy?" Eddy asks, his right hand still holding his phone and his left hand in his pocket.
"Oh, nothing at all Eddy," I surmise, perhaps a little too optimistically.
"Suuuuure," he responds skeptically. "But something made you laugh. Was it a meme or something?"
"A meme?" I ask, knowing that the word is vaguely familiar yet I am not quite sure what it is.
My friend rolls his eyes. "Show me." He commands, reaching his hand out, palm facing up.
"Heavens, no!" I retort, pulling my cellular phone closer to my chest protectively.
"C'mooooon," he whines and advances on me. "Just show me your lousy phone!"
Using my height against Eddy, I hold it up high over my head. "Why Eddy, that is an envision of one's privacy, mind you!"
He squints his eyes in a very sour expression before he jumps and yanks the phone out of my hand. He quickly walks away from me.
"EDDY!"
"Oh em gee, you look soooooo hot, Double D…?"
Eddy reads the text slowly and in a monotone voice. He turns to face me, smiling from ear to ear.
I, on the other hand, am utterly humiliated and wish that I could simply sink into the floor.
"... Yer sure Nazz doesn't have the hots for ya, Sockhead?"
"Good Lord, Eddy," I spit his name and retrieve my cellular device. "I believe we have already covered this territory, thank you!" I snap.
I look right away to ensure that Eddy didn't explore anything else in my phone besides the text from Nazz, and fortunately enough it was still on that screen.
"C'mon Romeo," I hear him say. "The Uber's here," he opens the door, waiting for me.
I check one last time to make sure I have my keys and wallet, and then I put my cellphone back in my pocket.
"Very well then," I say, regaining my Composure.
Eddy holds the door open, still with that mischievous smile on his face.
I walk through the door and after Eddy closes it behind me, I lock it.
We get in the backseat of the car and greet the driver. I look at the time on the car's radio, which now reads 8:55.
"Goodness," I say. "I'm certain Kevin and Nazz are there already, waiting on us," I start to get out my phone to text Nazz.
"It's not even 9:00 yet Sockhead," Eddy turns his head to me. "Relax."
I sigh and lean back in the leather car seat. I hesitate but decide to put the phone back in my pocket. I look over to the right and I see Eddy approve with his tranquil expression. He turns his face and looks at the road ahead, past the car seat.
I observe how he's seated. He has his right elbow propped up in the corner of the window, his legs ajar and he looks as aloof and masculine as ever. In this moment, he seems perfectly content and at peace with the world. His tranquility makes me feel a little more at ease, even if I suspect that we aren't going to be punctual tonight.
I turn to my left and look at the window. Tonight, the stars are clear as day and the moon is a perfect crescent, making night darker and the stars shine brighter in contrast. Perhaps I do fret a little too often over frivolous matters. Additionally, when was the last time that I decided to leave my homestead and fellowship with my peers?
Perhaps I should make an effort to enjoy myself tonight.