Chapter 2: Our Deal
A/N: Thanks for the overwhelming support from the first chapter! Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you liked the previous one!
Ed shields his eyes after seeing Marie sitting on Double D's desk, Eddy begins to lose his patience with the Kanker "Hey! What are you doing?!" Eddy yells across the classroom although Marie is just a table next to him.
"What does it look like shorty?" Marie taunts, Marie gives a demon like glare at Eddy. She turns her attention back to Double D, who is still scared at the fact Marie is his 'Study Buddy' Marie begins to tickle the bottom of Double D's chin "I'm just getting to know my study buddy..." Marie leans closer to Double D's face, Double D again backs away from Marie.
"Study Buddy?" Eddy questions, he stands out of his seat with his hands on his hips. Double D continues to back away from the persistent Marie, until he falls back on his chair. Double D lands to the floor with a loud thud, Double D is shell shocked.
"He's going to help me study for the...remainder of the year" Marie says, Eddy tilts his head confused. Lee and May overheard the conversation and begins to giggle amongst each other.
"Who says?" Eddy objects, Marie gives a mischievous smile towards Eddy.
"The head of year" Marie says with great confidence, Eddy sits back down in his seat with anger knowing he won't be able to defeat the head of year in making a decision, he knows full well. The door swings open Rolf enters back in the room with a huge smile, the head of year is closes the door behind him. The first thing he sees is Double D on the floor and Marie sat on his desk.
"Marie Kanker, please get off Edwards desk" He asks, Marie shrugs and hops off Double D's desk. Double is slowly picking himself back up off the floor, as soon as he picks his chair up Maire walks pass him. Marie gives him a flirtatious grin and wink, as she walks by.
"I'll see ya soon" Marie says, Marie returns back to her seat. The class is hushed by the presence of the head of year.
"You're all asked to return to your classes for today, can Edward and Marie Kanker stay behind" The head of year says, just like that the entire classroom empties in a hurry. Eddy leans over next to Double D, ready to give him some advice.
"Careful on what your getting yourself into, that's a Kanker we're talking about" Eddy warns Double D, Double D can't help but nod his head agreeing with Eddy. Eddy leaves along with Ed, before Eddy leaves his glares at the blue haired Kanker. The class is now empty, the head of year looks at his clipboard and takes out two sheets of paper.
"As you know Edward, the study program is-" before he could continue Double D puts his hand up, the head of year notices this. Marie looks at Double D concerned from a far.
"Please sir...can I speak to you in private?" Double D asks, Double D won't look over his shoulder worrying about what Marie is doing right now. Marie looks down at her desk, her once huge smile has been wiped.
"No problem, Marie can you please leave the room?" The head of year asks, Marie slugglishly stands out of her seat and walks towards the exit of the classroom. She looks over her shoulder at Double D who is doing his best not to look at her, Marie has a sigh of disbelief and exits the room. The head of year approaches Double D's desk and sits in the chair opposite him "What seems to be the problem?"
Double D takes a gulp, a drip of sweat drops from his head. He doesn't often speak up to authority but now seems right "Sir my concern is...Marie Kanker, she...she's..." Double D begins to stutter on his words.
"Difficult to deal with?" The head of year answers for Double D, Double D slowly shakes his head as if he doesn't want to admit it.
"Would I be able to...have another study buddy?" Double D asks, the head of year looks at Double D with concern.
"I was hoping you wasn't going to ask that, Marie is a difficult person to deal with but I have a lot of confidence in you" The head of year flatters Double D, Double D scratches the back of his neck embarrassed by the praise.
"Thanks sir, but...I don't think I'll be able to commit to this challenge" Double D says, the head of year sighs to himself.
"I didn't want to show you this but..." The head of year takes another sheet of paper, he slides over the piece of paper towards Double D which reads Marie's report, Double D peaks at the report.
"Sir, isn't this student confidentiality?" Double D questions the head of years actions, he doesn't say a word. Double D reads the grades and comments, Double D is stunned by the grades and comments, even Ed has a better report than this.
"You see, Marie is a troublesome child. Before entering middle and high school, I had a good understanding she was a good student, she just...struggled something happened" the head of year is saying things that he can probably get fired for, Double D looks up at the head of year. "I want you to help her rediscover her passion for learning, she used to be a star pupil like you" the head of year points at Double D.
"St...star pupil? What happened to her?" Double D wonders, Double D is not sure what to think. He looks at the door to see Marie trying to peek into the room, he turns his attention back to the head of year.
"If you don't want to do it, then just let me know now" the head of year says, Double D is in a major predicament.
"Can I assist Marie? Am I really capable of doing that? I...I can't turn down anyone crying out for help or assistance no matter who they are. But this is Marie, a Kanker. But...she did have a passion for learning, maybe I can be the one to help her rediscover it" Double D's thoughts are bouncing around his mind.
Meanwhile on the outside of the classroom, Marie is still peaking in the classroom to see what she can see. "What's happening in there? They're probably talking about me..." Marie has come to the conclusion, she stops peaking into the classroom door and turns around looking at a locker "H...he's probably said 'I don't want to help her' am I really that bad?" Marie ponders as she looks at her reflection in the shiny locker. "It's not my fault I struggle in school..." The door swings open, Marie looks over her shoulder to see a shiny head peaking out.
"Marie, come in please" The head of year demands, Marie slowly follows behind him into the classroom.
Marie as soon as she walks into the classroom sees Double D standing in front of the teachers desk, again Double D is refraining from keeping eye contact with Marie. Marie folds her arms and stands next to him, the head of year stands in front of the two of them. He slides over the two sheets of paper towards the two of them. "With the study buddy program, your class schedules must match to meet Marie Kankers needs..." The head of year explains, Marie perks her eyes up at Double D with a smile on her face knowing they're both going to be study buddy's.
"Yes! We're totally going to be study...thingies" Marie thinks to herself as her mood grows to happiness. Double D currently has a strict expression looking down at the schedule.
"Due to Marie Kanker, passing in Art you won't need to be in that lesson with her" The head of year says, Marie looks slightly disappointed but she couldn't careless she's nearly in every lesson with Double D. "Any questions?"
Marie lifts her hand in the air immediately, the head of year nods in her direction "Does this mean he'll sit next to me in lesson?" Marie asks curiously, she looks back at Double D and gives him a wink. Double D again does his best to ignore the affection that Marie is giving him.
"Yes, he'll need to be close by near you so he can assist you" the head of year answers, Marie smile grows even more. Double D takes a small gulp imagining how things will turn out during the lessons. "Also, if you both ever feel it's necessary, I'd recommend planning on going to each others homes to study after school" The head of year recommends. There is a twinkle in Marie's eyes.
"Me? Going to Double D's house?! I'm actually glad I'm stupid!" Marie tries to hide her enjoyment but it is becoming increasingly difficult as she starts to fidget around.
"A Kanker at my house? What would mother and father think? Or me at the Kankers trailer...I am now starting to fear on if I'll ever see the light of day again" Double D starts to become concerned, Double D picks up his schedule as does Marie who does it in an enthusiastic way.
"Your first lesson is Science, you both better get going" The head of year says, he hands the two a note to give to the teacher. The head of year waves the two of them off as the two leave the classroom.
As soon as the door shuts, Marie immediately wraps her arms around Double D embracing him in a warm tight hug, Double D struggles to breath, Marie lays her head on his chest. Double D using the last ounce of his strength is able to push Marie off of him, Marie takes a few steps back allowing Double D to regain his breath. "Haha, do you want to skip science? So we can...be closer than just study buddy's?" Marie attempts to flirt, Double D shakes his head.
"Er...Marie we...we must go to class, it's for your...future and..I'll..." Double D's nerves causes him to stutter with his speech. Marie notices this and has a light sly, she approaches him and puts her index finger on his chest.
"Killjoy, ok...ok we'll go to class. You owe me though" Marie winks at Double D, Double D immediately blushes Marie giggles at his red face. The two continue their walk to the science class "Walking down the hall with my muffin, I can really get used to this..." Marie smiles as she walks down the hall with her man.
"I hope Marie doesn't act this way during lesson" Double D thinks to himself as the two arrive outside of the science classroom. Marie nudges Double D in the side getting his attention.
"Last chance pumpkin, we can skip class. I know this great place we can hang out at" Marie attempts to persuade Double D, Double D hesitantly looks down and opens the door.
The two enter the classroom, they're both greeted from stares from all around the classroom. Double D notices a familiar looking two also staring at him, Eddy and Ed. Double D's nerves are getting the best of him, as they step into the classroom Marie immediately grabs his hand and leads him into the classroom. Eddy looks shocked at what is happening."Damn...Kanker..." Eddy mutters, as Marie gives the teacher the note. Marie again continues to lead Double D to her table, Marie sits in her seat Double D sits beside her as far as he can.
"It's the Kanker curse Eddy!" E d voices his concerns, Eddy shakes his head as he watches his friend being held captive by Marie Kanker.
Immediately Marie places her elbows on the table and her head on her hands, she constantly stares at Double D. "Marie, you need to concentrate" Double D comments as he tries to listen to the teacher.
"It's not my fault, that your looking so good dreambow" Marie flits, Double D can feel his face getting redder.
"Marie, Edward concentrate!" The teacher yells, Double D lowers his head in shame. Marie shrugs it off and sits back in her seat.
"This isn't going to well...she isn't listening..." Double D speculates as she looks at Marie who is more concentrated playing with her hair. "This is going to be tougher than I expected..." Double D keeps peeking over at Marie during the teacher lecture, she draws doodles in her notebook mainly consisting of 'Marie+Edd' Double D places his hand on his forehead.
"What's wrong muffin you want to draw something too?" Marie asks, Double D keeps darting his eyes back and forth between Marie and the teacher. Double D begins to lose concentration as well.
"Marie...please pay attention" Double D attempts to plead with the Kanker, Marie winks at Double D and blows him a kiss. Double D's face becomes immediately red like a tomato.
"Edward, Marie you both have detention tonight!" The teacher loses her patience, Double D turns his attention towards the teacher. Double D feels his world collapsing on him, the whole classroom gasps at the thought of Double D getting a detention.
"B...but Mrs..." Double D stutters on his words, everyone is able to see the fear in Double D's eyes. Marie shrugs and lays her head on her desk ready to go to sleep, Double D looks down at Marie "How can you not be concerned about this major predicament?!" Double D vents his anger in his thoughts.
"Marie, Edward. I expect to see you both here after school, for a 1 hour detention" The teacher writes both of their names on the board. Eddy and Ed begin to chuckle at their friends misfortune.
"That's hilarious...Double D in detention.." Eddy whispers to Ed, they both hide their chuckles by covering their mouths. Meanwhile Double D is still shaken up by the thought of a detention.
"I...It's my first lesson with Marie as her study buddy and I've already been handed a detention! Will this go on my final record?" Double D's hands begin to shake constantly as the lesson progresses, Marie doesn't lift her head off the desk for the remainder of the lesson.
The school bell sounds telling the information to the students that lunch has begun, Marie stands up out of her seat. "See ya honey" Marie says as she winks at Double D, Double D looks away from Marie trying to not acknowledge her presence. Marie leaves the room, Double D remains seated as he puts his equipment away in his bag. Eddy and Ed approach his desk with a smirk on their faces.
"Haha, seeing you get a detention hilarious" Eddy mocks his friend, Double D finishes packing up his equipment and looks unamused by his friends teasing.
"I don't find any amusement in my moment of distress" Double D says, Eddy rolls his eyes and sits on Marie's desk.
"I don't get it, why are you helping a Kanker? We hate them" Eddy asks, Double D opens his mouth ready to answer.
"Evil Kankers, Double D!" Ed yells, which can probably be heard down the corridor.
"It's part of a program where I'm going to assist Marie in her studies so she can improve" Double D explains as he stands out of his seat, Eddy hops down off of Marie's desk.
"That still doesn't answer why your helping a Kanker, can't you just tell the head of year to get lost?" Eddy asks, Ed chuckles at Eddy's choice of words.
"I was thinking about it...but..." Double D begins to think back at the head of years story about Marie once being a bright student.
"But what? Nothing can persuade you to help a Kanker, look you even got a detention for it" Eddy begins to pester Double D, Double D lowers his head after being reminded he has a detention.
"Don't remind me" Double D mutters under his breath. Eddy grabs Double D's wrist and pulls him out of the classroom.
"Quit your bellyaching, I've got a scam that will knock the sock off your head" Eddy says, Ed follows behind the two of them. The three friends leave the classroom.
"I'm sorry Eddy, I must protest I'm in a bit of a predicament at the moment that I need to adjust to" Double D protests, as he breaks away from Eddy's grip.
"Come on, we can't do it without you" Eddy says, Double D begins to take small steps backwards away from his friends. "This is about the Kanker isn't it?" Eddy challenges, Eddy has struck the nail on the head.
"Er...maybe" Double D turns and runs down the corridor, Eddy watches his friend disappear from his sight.
"Don't worry Eddy, you still got me" Ed reassures Eddy, Eddy gives a disappointing groan as he walks down the hall.
"That Kanker has him wrapped around her finger, I'll need to sort this out" Eddy thinks to himself until he sees a familiar group of kids walking towards him. "First things first, the scam comes first" Eddy gets his mischievous smile back.
Meanwhile in the deep pits of the janitors closet, the Kanker Sisters have gather around for lunch. Whilst enjoying their lunch, Lee looks up at her blue haired sister "So what's with your man being with you?" Lee asks, Marie looks up at her tall sister.
"I'm meant to be failing in my lessons, so I have my man helping me" Marie says, Lee and May look at each other and begin to laugh hysterically. "Hey! What's so funny?" Marie asks, Lee and May attempt to calm down from their laughter.
"T...That means May is smarter than you haha" Lee tells the truth, Marie looks down at the cold floor.
"She's right...haha your dumber than me haha..." May begins to connect the dots, that it's just as insulting to her as it is to Marie. "Hey!" May calls out.
"At least your smarter than Marie" Lee says, May gives a strong nod as the two laugh at their sister.
"Shut up, both of you. At least I'm spending more time with my man!" Marie shouts out, as she stands up from her seat. Lee and May stop giggling amongst each other.
"Yeah...you're right numbskull haha" Lee continues to laugh at her sisters misfortune, Marie walks towards the steps to leave the room.
"I don't need to put up this!" Marie slams the door on her way out, she can hear her sisters still giggling in the janitors closet. "They're both just jealous I'm with my man, I'm not that dumb am I?" Marie speculates.
The final lesson of the day begins, Double D is sat next to Marie again who seems down in the dumps. She is sitting hunched over looking down at her desk, Double D notices this, he's about to ask about it but chooses not to.
"Double D?" Marie calls out, Double D is debating with himself whether to respond or not.
"Do you need assistance?" Double D asks, Marie shakes her head. Marie takes a deep breath before asking the question.
"Do you think I'm dumb?" Marie asks bluntly, Double D is confused by the question. Double D begins to tap the bottom of his pen on his notepad whilst thinking what to say.
"What on earth is she asking? I wouldn't label her as dumb, I think the right word would be challenging but I wouldn't classify her as dumb" Double D thinks to himself, as he opens his mouth ready to answer.
"I am dumb then...it took you a while to think about it" Marie has dropped her persona and is speaking from the heart to Double D, he notices this. Marie looks down at her notepad full of doodles.
"You're not dumb, I just think...you need a little help that's all" Double D is doing his best to try and not sound insulting. Marie looks back up at Double D, her expression is different no joyous smile it's rather plain.
"I see" Marie simply says, Double D looks at the teacher to see he's distracted by another student.
"I think you're rebelling against the need for assistance, when I believe that is what you truly need" Double D explains, Marie gives Double D a questionable look.
"Huh?" Marie is confused by the long words that Double D used, Double D taps the bottom of his chin to try and shorten it down.
"erm...you need help but you don't want it, when we all need help in some way" Double D shortens the meaning of his previous sentence, his words have struck a cord with Marie.
"I need help, but I don't want it? I don't need help, I'm good by myself...I've...I've...maybe he's right? But asking for help makes me sound weak" Marie thinks to herself, Marie opens her mouth ready to speak "Asking for help makes you look stupid and weak" Marie folds her arms.
"We all need help in some way, it doesn't make you look weak trust me" Double D listens to the words he's saying "What am I doing? She'll probably get angry or upset or something!" Double D is expecting the worst, he lowers his head looking at his neat notepad. "Never mind what I said" Double D says, Marie shrugs her shoulders and lays her head on the desk.
"Need help in some way? I never see Double D asking for help, he's wrong. I'm just dumb, like Lee and May said" Marie doubts herself.
The school bell tolls, meaning it's the end of the day. Just like that the classroom disburses and exits the room, before Marie could leave from her desk she feels a hand grabbing her wrist, she looks to see who it is Double D has a tight grip. "Are you going to the detention?" Double D asks.
"No, why would I? I skip them all the time" Marie says, she attempts to take another step but Double D keeps his tight grip on Marie.
"Sorry Marie, but we must follow the instructions and go to detention" Double D says, Marie pulls her arm out of Double D's grip. Double D looks defeated at Marie, Marie looks into the eyes of Double D.
"Don't look at me like that..." Marie thinks to herself, Double D has a short sigh to himself as he puts his equipment away in his bag sluggishly, Marie groans to her self. "Okay...Okay I'll go..." Marie says, Double D gives a reassuring smile.
The two arrive outside the detention classroom, Double D's nerves get the best of him as he gently shakes as he opens the door. The two enter the room, the teacher who is busy wiping the board. "Er...Mrs we're here for detention" The teachers turns around seeing the two of them, Marie isn't paying attention and is staring down at her feet.
"Oh...er...just sit over there for 10 minutes both of you and then you can go home" The teacher instructs, as she points at two seats in the centre of the classroom. Double D nods his head as the two sit in their seats, it's oddly quiet. The sneaky Marie wries on a piece of paper and slides it over in front of Double D.
'Now you see why I don't go to detentions' The writing is scruffy and barely readable, Double D smiles at the written note. Double D looks up at Marie who is smiling back at Double D.
"Maybe it isn't that bad? Being with honey muffin makes me happy..." Marie thinks to herself as she lays her head on the desk, the door suddenly swings open. It's a familiar bold head, the head of year enters the room.
"May I speak to Edward?" The head of year asks, the teacher nods her head agreeing. Marie lifts her head off the desk, seeing Double D leave the room with the head of year.
"Probably going to say 'this is your last chance, you don't have to help Marie' after I got him a detention today, it doesn't look like me and muffin are going to be together for long" Marie comes to the conclusion.
"Edward, there is no concern with this detention. It won't go on your final record" The head of year says, Double D nods his head.
"Thank you, sir" Double D says, the head of year places his hand on his forehead and squeezes slightly.
"Sorry you had to experience detention, do you still want to be Marie's study buddy?" The head of year asks, Double D looks over his shoulder at the room that Marie is in.
"Do you think I'm dumb?" Marie's words echo in the mind of Double D "All she needs is a little help, I think I can help her" Double D has come to his decision "I'll still be Marie's study buddy" Double D says, the head of year gives Double D a short smile.
"That's good, If I was you try to set something up with Marie. Maybe a day where you study together and in class, ask her if she needs help" The head of year gives Double D some advice.
"Yes sir, but if I ask she doesn't accept my assistance" Double D voices his concern, the head of year shakes his head.
"Keep persisting, she'll end up telling you what's wrong" the head of year advises. Double D nods his head, he heads back into the classroom.
The teacher stands out of her seat "I think you've both been here long enough, get home. Next time don't talk when I'm talking in lesson" The Teacher lectures, Marie simply shrugs.
"Yes Mrs" Double D says, Marie stands out of her seat and follows Double D out of the door.
The two youngsters walk down the empty hall, Marie skips along slightly ahead of Double D "Marie?" Double D calls out.
"What Study Buddy?" Marie teases as she turns around, the two stop in place facing each other.
"I...If you're struggling...in class...I can help you" Double D says, Marie turns her attention back to the cold floor. Double D looks concerned at Marie who doesn't seem to want to look up "She'll probably tell me, she doesn't need help" Double D tries to predict what she's going to say.
"He's trying so hard to help me...why?" Marie asks herself, Marie takes a deep breath and looks up at Double D, a smirk emerges on Marie's face. "I'll ask for help, if I think I need it" Marie gives a reserved answer.
Double D has a short sigh to himself "At least it's a start?" Double D and Marie both walk down the corridor. "Say Marie?" Double D calls out as they leave through the double doors of the school.
"Hm?" Marie mutters.
"No more detentions" Double D instructs, Marie rolls her eyes.
"No promises" Marie mutters again, the two walk down the steps of the school. Double D taps the bottom of his chin before the two part ways.
"Hmm...how about a deal?" Double D grabs Marie's attention with those few words.
"That if I pass my exams you'll be my boyfriend?!" Marie says as she leans closer to Double D, he sees a twinkle in her eyes. Double D backs up slightly, Marie goes back to standing up straight.
"No, if you don't get into any trouble or any detentions during weekdays. On the weekend..." Double D says, Marie's smile becomes wider and wider from every word he says. "I hope I don't regret this..." Double D doubts his deal already "You come over to my house to study?" Double D lays down the deal "Letting a Kanker in my house? Eddy would say I'm crazy"
"DEAL!" Marie says joyously as she embraces Double D in a tight hug, Double D is struggling to breath. Marie notices this and lets go of her hug, Double D stands there shaken up about the deal.
"Remember though, you can only go my house if you don't get into any trouble whilst at school" Double D retells the rules of the deal. Marie gives Double D a sly smile and a wink.
"I'll be on my best behaviour..." Marie says as she walks away from Double D, the two part ways from each other.
"I might regret this...but it may end up helping Marie" Double D questions himself.
"Me! Going to Double D's house! This time invited! Ma's going to be so proud!" Marie praises.
A/N: Something is actually happening with the study buddy program! On the next chapter I'll try to include more characters, this chapter was done in a way to establish the relationship between Double D and Marie at the moment. In the next chapter there should be more characters included. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.