Against All Eds: High Stakes

by Mr. Dusk

Set a few years after the events of Against All Eds. It is now senior year of high school for the majority of the cul-de-sac kids, and the future is anything but certain. With the kids slowly embracing adulthood, will they be able to come out on top with such high stakes? CANCELLED

4. Implied Odds

Co-Written by Neo H.B.B. Sam

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Implied Odds

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Whalin4Hoes62: hey jockstap

Whalin4Hoes62: yo balls for brains

Whalin4Hoes62: herd u and dat blond chick broke up last year

Whalin4Hoes62: she avaliable?

FullThrottleKev: leave me alone you douche

Whalin4Hoes62: hey kiddo whats up?

FullThrottleKev: nothing

Whalin4Hoes62: good game?

FullThrottleKev: what's it to ya?

Whalin4Hoes62: wow pipsqueak wuz right about u

Whalin4Hoes62: antisocial as hell

FullThrottleKev: go away!

Whalin4Hoes62: aight I'll jus go see what dat nazz girl is up to

FullThrottleKev: Stay the fuck away from her creepo

Whalin4Hoes62: why? She's legal right?

FullThrottleKev: Fuck off asshole

Whalin4Hoes62: sorry but I dont swing that way XD

Whalin4Hoes62: try ur luck with my bro's ex

FullThrottleKev: Holy fuck I will kick your ass if you keep this shit up

Whalin4Hoes62: pffft

Whalin4Hoes62: you're smaller than pipsqeuak now, the hell could you do to me?

FullThrottleKev: How about I poke you so hard that you fall to the floor? Didn't take much to bring you down the first time.

FullThrottleKev: at least Eddy could take a hit.

Whalin4Hoes62: oh man pipsqueak was spot on about the tough guy act too!

FullThrottleKev has signed out

Whalin4Hoes62: lol rude kiddo. I'll talk to ya soon.

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AnomalArt

B-Toast uploaded an anomaly!

It was a bizarre painting to say the least. B-Toast's art was a mostly minimal piece with the only color coming from wild splotches of green, pink, orange, and red paint that all seem to take up their own little areas on the large canvas. A green splotch was by itself on one side of the canvas, an orange splotch was opposite of the green one, and the red and pink splotches took up a large part of the canvas that was the center. The canvas itself looked as though it was torn into with an X-Acto knife in a fit of frustration as a broken off blade appeared to be stuck into the art. Although, there were only two cuts that separated both the green and orange splotches from the center.

My Family

I m a bit angry today becaus of my sister

she keeps bothering me with texts all nite complaneing about mom lik i care

it not like she gave a fuck when i waz treeted lik shit

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James E. Clair

/at/JamesClair

Putting this out there to remind everyone following me, anyone in the Peach Creek area is welcome to any and all social events hosted by moi just as long as they are on their best behavior and not bring any illegal substance, less the local authorities arrest you because I KNOW YOU'RE READING THIS DAD! Any questions?

SolidOak /at/FeelMyIronwood

/at/JamesClair Yh whats the E stand for anyway?

James E. Clair /at/JamesClair

/at/FeelMyIronwood Like I'll ever tell you.

CEOCash /at/ABigtimeExecutive

/at/FeelMyIronwood fity bucks says its edward #Irony

James E. Clair /at/JamesClair

/at/ABigtimeExecutive That's not what the E stands for.

SolidOak /at/FeelMyIronwood

/at/ABigtimeExecutive LMAO WTF XDDD

James E. Clair /at/JamesClair

/at/FeelMyIronwood IT ISN'T EDWARD!

SolidOak /at/FeelMyIronwood

/at/JamesClair its freakin perfect! Im sendin dis to everyone!

James E. Clair /at/JamesClair

/at/FeelMyIronwood YOU WILL NOT!

SolidOak /at/FeelMyIronwood

/at/JamesClair Already did on my account! LOL

James E. Clair /at/JamesClair

/at/FeelMyIronwood For fuck's sake...

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[From: Edd]

[Greetings Nazz, how are you spending your time on this brisk autumn day?]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:17 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Hey Double-D!

Oh you know, I'm just babysitting Mrs. Ellis kids. Yeah, that's how I'm spending my Saturday night. :P]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:25 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Intriguing, I can't believe you still babysit after all these years.

Good Lord, that reminds me of the incident where you ended up babysitting Eddy.]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:27 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[LOL yeah, I felt pretty bad for Eddy after he slammed his tongue in the door. I can't believe you made him think I was at his house on a date too, that was such a jerk move! Thank God his parents never found out about the party we had to, like it would have seriously killed my babysitting rep!

Speaking of Eddy, have you had any luck getting in touch with him lately dude?!]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:36 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Unfortunately no. And speaking of parties, it looks like Jimmy is throwing one, and you might want to park by the playground since all the other spaces are taken.

I've texted Eddy a few times today but he has yet to reply to any of my messages. Although to be fair, on weekends Ed and Eddy are usually assisting Eddy's father at his used car dealership.

In fact, I've noticed a lot of us are rather busy with part-time jobs just as much with school and extra-curricular activities.]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:38 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Jimmy's throwing a party? Why didn't anyone tell me? Well, I'll check it out if I can.

True, when I'm not at school or cheer leading, volleyball, track, whatever, it's looking after kids.

Well usually kids, last week I watched after Mr. Berner's kid who's 15, but he has legitimate disabilities so yeah..

My mom says it doesn't get any less busy in college either which honestly scares the crap outta me!]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:50 PM]

[From: Edd]

[I can concur to that. Even though I feel somewhat confident about how well I can handle the "real world" after graduation, I too hold some doubts in myself.

Many questions spring to mind whenever these thoughts occur. Which universities should I apply to and what should I hone my studies on? Am I still going to stay in touch with everyone or will we all go our separate ways? How will I be able to handle the sheer stress of the several surprises life throws in my face? Yet most important of all: will I be happy?

Granted I'll admit this is a lot to take in at once. That's why I'm taking baby-steps to my eventual full independence. Earlier today I submitted an application at Yeson's and I'm hoping I'll hear back shortly.]

[Sent: September 27th, 6:53 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Wow Double-D, those are some heavy questions!

Still, that's cool dude! I think Yeson's showed up when you were away. My mom gets all her groceries there so you'll probably bump into her a bunch!

At least you won't be a bum like Kevin is (-_-;)]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:06 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Well to be fair, Kevin works at the Jawbreaker Factory over the summer break. If I can recall correctly, Kevin informed me that his father assisted him in getting a job at the plant's warehouse, loading and unloading product from the trucks.

Sure he spends the school year mostly focusing on sports, but he's certainly not lazy despite his nonchalant demeanor.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:08 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Ahhh don't even get me started about him Double-D!1 :^(

Seriously dude, let's change the topic before you have to listen to me go on and on about him again.

So real talk: What kind of career do you see me doing in the future?]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:14 PM]

[From: Edd]

[My apologizes about that. Anyway, personally I can see you doing well in so many fields Nazz.

And I'm not saying that to flatter you, I really do picture you excelling in several areas.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:18 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Aw thanks man :))

But really, I have so many different ideas and I know I gotta pick one!

Like right now I'm thinking about working with kids since I like babysitting and taking care of them so that would be something I could do.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:23 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Anything related to child care is definitely a forte of yours.

But beware Nazz, tread carefully before turning a hobby into a career, lest it becomes a tedious job that drains all of your passion for the interest you once held.

Forgive my pessimism, but I've seen this situation occur a few times back in Canada before and it never ended well. You remember Rikki, a good friend of mine I made back in Manitoba? Anyway, her father was a pharmacist who also had a drive for metal detecting. Yet one day Rikki's father had a mid-life crisis of sorts that drove him to leave his job and try to make his earnings solely through finding whatever treasure he could stumble upon.

Needless to say, now they're on welfare and live in a trailer right next to Juan's.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:28 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[So what are you trying to tell me Double-D, don't do something I enjoy?!]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:32 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Find something you can tolerate Nazz.

For example, right now I'm currently star-gazing with a brand new telescope that was just delivered to me today. I simply adore astronomy. It's so relaxing and yet awe-inspiring to witness the surrounding universe from the comfort of my room. I've charted maps of the stars several times in my life and more often than not at the end of the day, this brings me happiness.

But what if I pursued astronomy in college? Honestly the options are rather limiting, most involve simply staying in the realm of academia or being cooped up all day inside an observatory. What would happen if I turned what brings me excitement and joy into my means of getting by paycheck to paycheck? What was once a pleasant activity would quickly become dissatisfying, dull, and worst of all, a passion gone.

That's why for the moment I'm taking up a part-time job at Yeson's. It's a basic starting job with several menial tasks, but it will give me some money to spend while at the end of the day I can still look out at the stars with glee.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:38 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Wow, just wow Double-D.

I mean dude I know you've always been a smart guy, but tbh you were always pretty naïve.

What happened in Canada to make you lose your hope like that? I'm not saying what you said was wrong, but wow, that was some depressing stuff.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:47 PM]

[From: Edd]

[I've told you many of my escapades in Canada. Surely in all retrospect after recollecting those, you might be able to put that puzzle together.

Hopefully I'm not coming across as incredibly full of myself. Contrary to popular belief, I don't know all of the answers Nazz. Who knows, perhaps you could say, become a kindergarten teacher for instance and not grow tired of interacting with children for a majority of your adult life. All I'm saying is to be careful and remember that with high reward comes high risk.

You've always been so kind as to look after the others and I that I just want to be able to do the same.]

[Sent: September 27th, 7:51 PM]

[From: Nazz]

[Sorry for the late reply, had to clean up some vomit and couldn't find any paper towels. :/

I get what you're saying dude and I know you're being sweet. A little bittersweet like a chocolate bar without lots of sugar (former fat girl, I know my candy). Still, I really do appreciate what you've had to say man.

Anyway I think I see Mrs. Ellis pulling up in the driveway. I'll probably head home soon, maybe just stare at the sky all night after you went on about stars. Better still do it while it's decent outside and there's not a lot of bugs.

It's been rad talking to you. :)]

[Sent: September 27th, 8:27 PM]

[From: Edd]

[Alright, take care Nazz!

Andromeda will be visible in a couple of hours, be sure to check out that constellation while you still can!]

[Sent: September 27th, 8:28 PM]

XxXxX

The video starts with the camera recording out a window. Lee was raking leaves in front of the Kanker's trailer. Unfortunately for her, Eddy's brother had his trailer right next door, and he started yelling at the eldest Kanker sister.

"Hey girl, you legal?" Lee slammed her rake on the dirt-ridden ground, dust flying into the air. Marie was snickering as Eddy's brother spilled his liquor and continued approaching her older sister. "I'll slip ya twenty bucks to suck me off. I know you can use the money!"

"I ain't some cheap street whore, you dick!" Lee yelled back.

"Fine, fifty bucks! You can buy yourself a new tank top!"

"Go fuck a hole in the ground!"

"I'll glady fuck you on the ground if that's what you're getting at."

Lee kicked her rake at Eddy's brother, missing her intended target but knocking over the six pack he had right next to his whale trailer. "That's it, I'm gettin' mom's gun!" She stomped inside her trailer, nearly breaking the hinges off the screen door in sheer rage. "Move it Marie!" she screamed, rushing towards the couch like a bull charging at a matador. Marie couldn't jump off in time and was tossed aside as Lee lifted up the couch with one arm and grabbed a Benelli brand firearm that rested underneath the sofa with the other.

"What the hell are you doing Lee?" Marie quipped. The recording was starting to dip in quality, with the camera constantly shaking to make for some blurry footage.

"I'm going hunting, what's it look like I'm doing?" Lee pumped the shotgun, "I'm putting down a sick dog so get outta my way with that fucking camera Marie!"

Suddenly, Lee yanked the camera out of Marie's hands and chucked it out the window. The screen cracked and started to emit static upon impact outside. As the camera now lied on its side, it was picking up audio of Marie loudly complaining and Lee kicking her down door down, snapping it off the top hinge. Lee now point the barrel of the shotgun right at the lens, the screen resembling a dark, bleak tunnel now.

"This is a warning shot you fucking prick!" The recording ended within a second of that last bit of audio.