Chapter 6: Is this a Date?
A/N: The next chapter is here! You guys probably know what I'm going to do now...which is thanking everyone for their support on this story, I can't stop thanking everyone for their support on this story we're only into Chapter 6 and we already have over 25 followers! I can't thank you all enough for your support for this story, hope you all enjoy this new chapter :)
May lays on the bed reading a magazine, she lays on her back with the magazine held out in front of her. Marie enters the bedroom with a small smile on her face, as soon as she spots May is in the room with her Marie's smile goes away. May acknowledges her sisters presence sits up in the bed and throws her magazine to the floor "What were you and Ma' chatting about?" The curious blonde Kanker asks. Marie sits on the bed ready to go to sleep.
"Just about school and stuff" Marie lies to her sister, May shrugs her shoulders and lays down in her previous position. May picks up the magazine she threw and continues to read it. Marie finishes her preparations and lays down in bed next to May. "Tomorrow after school...is my appointment at the opticians, I'll let my study buddy know tomorrow..." Marie looks over at May who is nearest to the alarm clock. "May can you set the alarm clock for 7:45?" Marie asks, May who is engulfed into the magazine.
Marie nudges May into her side grabbing her attention "What?" May sounds like she's annoyed, Marie gives May a glare.
"Are you deaf? I said set the alarm clock for 7:45" Marie tells her sister, May nods her head and leans over to the alarm clock. May begins to push buttons on the alarm clock, she looks at the time that she set and shrugs.
"Done it Marie" May says enthusiastically, Marie nods her head and turns around facing away from May. May continues to read the magazine in front of her, she looks over at the door and back to Marie. "I wonder where Lee is" May speculates, Marie whose eyes are already shut.
"She'll be fine, probably just doing something" Mare lowers her sisters concerns, Marie loses her fight with exhaustion as her eyes slowly close.
During the middle of the night, when Marie and May are asleep. Lee enters the room with Double D's records "I'll show her it now" Lee plans until she spots her two sisters already asleep "When do these two ever have early nights?" Lee questions her sisters, Lee simply shrugs and puts Double D's record in the bedside table draw and hops into bed. "I'll show her tomorrow morning then..." Lee lets out a large yawn and lays her head on the soft pillow.
Morning arrives, there is a lovely sunrise over the cul-de-sac. Double D is walking to school with his two closest friends "Pow!" Eddy yells as he punches his fist into his open hand. Double D slowly shakes his head whilst Ed remains to have his usual unreadable expression.
"Now your starting to exaggerated the story" Double D says, Eddy gives Double D an unimpressed look.
"What do you know? You was knocked out by an apple" Eddy says, Double D rolls his eyes as his friend continues to ramble on "The Kanker took Kevin out in a few seconds, if we have a Kanker at our table...no one will mess with us!" Eddy says with a huge smile on his face.
"Eddy I disagree with your idea" Double D voices his concern, Eddy's smile is short lived as it now returns to a disappointing frown "I need to keep Marie out of trouble, being a bodyguard for Eddy will just get her into more trouble" Double D plans ahead of his friend. Eddy puts his arm across Double D's shoulders, much to Double D's dismay.
"Just imagine it though, no one will mess with us if we have a Kanker by our side we can rule this school!" Eddy says his plan to Double D who isn't phased by his plan as he was expecting this from his short friend.
"What happened to the 'Never trust a Kanker' motto?" Double D fires back with a big question, Eddy backs away from Double D.
"Motto? We don't follow motto's" Eddy tries to avoid the question, the three continue their walk to school as they see other students rush to school.
"Right...anyway why Marie? Why don't you use her sisters instead?" Double D attempts to get Marie out of Eddy's plan. "I need to make sure Marie stays away from Eddy, she's made amazing progress and I can't let Eddy ruin it for her" Double D defends his study buddy.
"You can control Marie, she seems to be your friend now. A friend of yours is a friend of mine, come on..." Eddy attempts to persuade Double D which doesn't seem to be working "I see the reason why you don't want Marie on the table with us..." Eddy points out, Double D tilts his head.
"Do you now?" Double D wonders, Eddy nods his head and gets a sly grin on his face.
"You've got a soft spot for the Kanker, you'd rather spend quality time with her" Eddy says, this gets an immediate reaction from Double D who quickly shakes his head there is a small blush on his cheeks. Ed gasps shocked at what his friend is hinting at.
"You like the Kanker?!" Ed injects into the conversation.
"What? You couldn't be any more incorrect with that statement. I'm just worried that her performance in class may decline if she concentrates on protecting us" Double D fell into Eddy's plan, Double D covers his mouth with his hand knowing this is what Eddy wanted.
"You have nothing to be worried about, this won't do anything to her in class" Eddy gives an uneducated answer, Double D begins to scratch the back of his neck.
"Well..." Double D gets interrupted by a push in the back, the three Eds are pushed out of the way by a familiar looking blue haired farm boy who goes by the name Rolf.
"Out of the way!" Rolf says as she pushed the Eds out of the way, the three Eds regains their balance. Eddy notices the farmer shoved him out of the way.
"HEY! Do you know who you just pushed?!" Eddy yells out, Rolf looks over his shoulder to see Eddy raising Double D's arm. "That's right, Marie Kanker's friend Double D!" Eddy yells. Rolf noticing what he's done bows his head.
"You have my apologies Sockwearing Ed Boy, it wont happen again!" Rolf says, Rolf raises his head back up from the bow. Double D shakes his head at Eddy telling him to stop what he's going "Please don't get your blue haired friend..." Rolf pleads, Double D motions with his free arm that it's fine whilst Eddy continues to have a demonic grin "You have my thanks" Rolf says as he continues to rush to school. Eddy lets go of Double D's arm.
"Did you see that? No one will mess with us if we say you're friends with a Kanker" Eddy shows that his plan works, Double D just shakes his head again.
"Eddy...please just stop this plan" Double D pleads, the three continue their walk to school. "I don't care about if people mess with us, as long as I'm helping Marie get her grades that's all that matters to me" Double D comes to the realization, Eddy simply shakes his head.
Meanwhile at the Kankers trailer, the alarm goes off at 8:45. Marie sits up and climbs over Marie to see the the alarm reads '8:45' Marie clenches her fist tightly as she looks down at her blonde sister who is still deep in her slumber "May you're such an idiot..." Marie thinks to herself as rushes through her morning routine. Lee slowly sits up out of bed, Lee has a small stretch and yawns loudly. Lee spots out of the corner of her eye Marie trying to get ready as quick as she can, Lee opens the bedside table draw next to the bed.
"Hey Marie I have something to show you..." Lee says mischievously, Marie who is too busy brushing her hair in the mirror. "Hey Marie!" Lee yells, again Marie isn't paying attention as she puts her shoes on and grabs her bag. "MARIE!" Lee yells as loud as she can, again this doesn't wake May. Marie turns around to see her frustrated sister.
"What?! I'm in a rush!" Marie shouts, which doesn't wake May up.
"I have something to show you abou-" Lee gets interrupted.
"Save it, I'll look at it later" Marie says as she stands up and runs out of the bedroom, Lee shakes her head and looks at her sister who is still asleep.
"Nothing will wake her up..." Lee mutters as she stands up out of bed, she closes the bedside table draw.
Double D is sat in the classroom with his equipment out ready for learning, he looks at his watch to see it's almost 9:00 when lessons start. Double D looks at the door to see students entering but non of them is Marie. Double D takes his attention off the door and back down to his notebook "I knew Eddy was shameful, but this is just ridiculous using Marie's situation for his own gain" Double D assesses the situation, suddenly the door opens as the school bell rings. It's non other than Marie Kanker who is out of breath and slowly walking to her seat, she drags her bag across the floor. Marie almost faints on her seat, Double D looks over at Marie concerned.
"Marie? Are you okay?" Double D asks, Marie who is still panting after running all the way to school. Marie raises her head that is soaked in sweat from running the long distance.
"I'm...I'm fine...H...ad to run...to...school..." Marie says with the last of her remaining breath, Double D looks at Marie with a lot of worry and concern.
"No worries Marie, just catch your breath back" Double D reassures his Study Buddy, Double D bends down and begins to unload Marie's equipment from her bag to her desk. Marie gets a glimpse of Double D assisting her.
"Why is he getting my stuff out for me? I can do it myself, but it's probably just Double D being selfless..." Marie wonders as Double D finishes unpacking Marie's stuff on her desk. "Thanks" Marie says as she picks her glasses case up off the table. Marie puts her glasses on for lesson.
As usual the teacher tells the students to work in pairs for the lesson, as the two look over the Maths question sheet. "Does this mean...this answer is...erm..." Marie hesitates as she looks at the question and her workings out in her notebook "I think it's...73 degrees?" Marie answers, Double D looks down at the question and her notebook.
"That's correct Marie, can you do this one though?" Double D asks as he points at the next question, Marie looks down at the wordy question. Marie gets a sly grin and looks over at Double D.
"Our date is after school..." Marie whispers, Double D raises his eyebrow confused.
"D...date?" Double D says nervously, Marie gives a devious grin at Double D.
"You know...my opticians appointment" Marie says, Double D rocks his head back understanding what she means.
"Oh good...it's not a date" Double D utters, Marie gives a challenging smile towards Double D.
"It is" Marie pesters.
"It isn't" Double D replies.
"It is..." Marie flirtatiously whispers.
"It isn't..." Double D responds, Marie breaks into a small giggle but covers her mouth from her giggles being heard. "What's so humerus?" Double D asks, Marie calms herself down with a short sigh "All I'm saying is I don't believe an appointment to the opticians would be a romantic place for a date" Double D explains his thoughts on the matter. Marie leans forward and rests her head on her hands.
"Really? Where would you take a girl on a date then?" Marie curiously asks, Double D looks unprepared for that question and leans over looking at the question list.
"We must get on with these questions" Double D attempts to avoid the question, Marie knows Double D too well and knows this. Marie leans a little closer to Double D, until her face is inches away from his cheek.
"Come on...I won't tell anyone..." Marie whispers, Double D takes a big gulp as he begins to sweat slightly with a Kanker invading his personal space.
"L...let's just answer these questions..." Double D hesitantly mutters, Marie doesn't accept this as an answer as she remains to be inches away from Double D's cheek.
"How about I'll tell you mine first and then you'll tell me yours?" Marie attempts to strike a deal with Double D. Double D has a short sigh to himself.
"W...will you get on with your work after that then?" Double D asks, Marie gives an enthusiastic nod as she sits back away from him. "Darn...I've never thought about where I would take a girl on a date, it's never been something that I've thought about...maybe I'll just say what Marie says?" Double D plots a plan, without knowing if there will be any backlash to the answer.
"If I had a boyfriend, I'd take him to the movies on a date" Marie says confidently, Marie looks intently at Double D.
"erm...me too" Double D says, Marie's eyes shoot open as wide as they possibly can. Marie suddenly gasps, she covers her mouth using her hand. Double D looks up concerned at what he just said judging by her reaction "Oh...no what did I just say?" Double D wonders. "What's wrong?" Double D asks, Marie regains her composure and turns her attention back to the question sheet.
"Oh, it's nothing..." Marie says reservedly, Double D simply shrugs and leans over to look at the question sheet as well. "We have something in common! We're one step closer!" Marie is stunned at her discovery. Marie peeks over at Double D thinking about what they have in common "Hmm...maybe we like the same type of film?" Marie wonders. "What's your favorite type of film?" Marie asks, Double D tilts his head.
"Type of film? Do you mean genre?" Double D asks for confirmation, Marie nods her head "I'll have to say it's sci-fi" Double D answers, Marie gives a disappointing look and returns her attention back to the question sheet.
"One step at a time Marie...One step at a time...I hate sci-fi..." Marie thinks to herself knowing Double D's favorite genre is the one she hates.
The school bell rings signalling that it's lunch time, both Double D and Marie finish packing away their equipment. Marie turns to Double D "Can I eat lunch with you today?" Marie asks confidently, Double D scratches the back of his head.
"I'm not sure if that's wise, after what happened yesterday-" Double D gets interrupted.
"It won't happen again, he isn't here today I knocked him clean out. He won't be messing with you any more" Marie promises, the two leave the classroom side by side.
"My concern is I don't want you to get into any more trouble, I know you said it won't happen again but I have a hard time believing that" Double D voices his concerns, Marie looks at Double D with an upset expression.
"I...I thought you trust me?" Marie speaks up, as she looks down at the floor whilst the two are standing outside the cafeteria door.
"She's doing the guilt trip strategy...come on Edward don't fall for this..." Double D psychs himself up, Double D turns to Marie ready to say his verdict. Double D makes a rookie mistake and looks into her melancholy eyes. "...I'm going to regret this..." Double D second guesses his original decision. "Okay you can have lunch with me" Double D grants Marie's request, Marie gives Double D a heart warming smile. Just as Marie is about to open the door to the cafeteria, Double D grabs her wrist "You have to be on your best behavior though..." Double D reminds Marie.
"Come on muffin, I'm always on my best behavior" Marie says as she pushes the cafeteria doors open. Double D rolls her eyes at Marie's confident behavior.
The two enter the cafeteria, they spot the two usual suspects at the regular table non other than the two other Eds. Double D leads the walk over to the table, Eddy is waving the two of them over. Eddy stands out of his seat and sits besides Ed so Double D and Marie are able to sit together, the two sit at the table next to each other. Marie is sat very close to Double D, that they're within elbow room of each other when there is much more room on the seat. "What happened to the no Kanker motto?" Marie speaks up after what felt like an eternity of silence.
"Thing change..." Eddy says with a cheesy smile, Double D rolls his eyes at Eddy new found behavior towards Marie "A friend of Double D is a friend of ours..." Eddy repeats what he said earlier this morning, Marie gives Eddy an unsettling look. Double D gets out his lunch and begins to eat it, the atmosphere at the table is oddly quiet. "Let's talk about what happened yesterday, what you did to shovel chin..." Eddy brings up the topic that gets a menacing glare from Double D that's screaming don't go there.
"What about it? He hurt my man and I'm not going to accept that" Marie says, Double D takes a sip out of his drink before speaking.
"Just ignore it next time Marie, doing something like that will just make predicaments a lot worse" Double D advice's much to the dismay of Marie, who pouts at his comment.
"Come on, you shouldn't have to put up with that" Marie says, Eddy notices the conversation the two are having and gets a sneaky grin.
"The Kanker is right...I mean...Marie is right, you shouldn't have to put up with that. Not from guys like that, he got what he deserved" Eddy agrees with Marie, Marie nods agreeing with Eddy. Double D notices that Eddy is motivating Marie to carry on with that behavior.
"Eddy is just doing this for himself, he's praising Marie for that behavior so that she'll do it again for his own gain. Eddy is being a bad influence on Marie" Double D can read Eddy like a book "I disagree as it caused Marie to get a detention, which I don't think is acceptable right Marie?" Double D says, Marie looks disappointed in herself.
"He's right...I should be thankful Double D is giving me a second chance with the deal of going to his house" Marie reflects on her actions, Double D takes another sip of his drink "You're right, I'm sorry Double D" Marie says as she wraps her arms tightly around his arm.
"I forgive you, just don't do it again" Double D instructs as he slips his arm out of Marie's grasp. Double D stands out of his seat, he picks up his rubbish and walks towards the bin leaving Marie alone with Eddy.
"You seem to care about him..." Eddy says menacingly, Marie nods slowly. "I think he likes what you did, he gets bullied all the time from guys like him. I'm sure he's happy he's got someone looking out for him" Eddy reassures Marie, Marie raises her eyebrow at Eddy's words.
"Why are you telling me this?" Marie asks, Eddy gives a vindictive smile.
"I'm just helping my friend to be happy...I think he's really happy around you, he might not show it but I know he loves it" Eddy begins to play on the emotions of Marie.
"Do you think so?" Marie speaks up, Eddy gives a confident nod. "Who knew Eddy is this nice? If that's how Double D feels I should be more closer to him" Marie looks across at Double D who is putting his disposables in the bin. "Maybe...Eddy can help me get closer to Double D? He knows what Double D likes and doesn't like, maybe Double D's taste in girls?" Marie is falling into the plan Eddy has set up, Double D returns to his seat to have his arm be brought into a tight hug by Marie.
"This is working perfectly, the more the two get closer the less likely we'll get beaten up..." Eddy rubs his hands menacingly, Double D notices this out of the corner of his eye.
"He's up to something..." Double D speculates at Eddy's true intentions.
"All we have to do is work on the feelings of the Kanker like a puppet and the string is Double D..." Eddy plots his plan knowing he's using his friend as the reason for Marie's protection of the Eds. Eddy nudges Ed in the side, Eddy looks at Ed with a surprised expression "Ed? How long have you been there?" Eddy asks, Ed looks down at his short friend.
"I've been here the whole time Eddy..." Ed says, Eddy simply shrugs.
The lunch time bell rings signalling the end of lunch, the next class is gym meaning Double D isn't in the next lesson with Marie who has Art. Marie stands out of her seat and pinches Double D's cheek "See ya Study Buddy" Marie says as she strolls off out of the cafeteria.
"What are we doing in gym?" Eddy asks as he stands out of his seat with his friends with the same name.
"I think it's table tennis Eddy" Double D answers, Eddy nods his head in approval for this sport.
The Eds stand around the table tennis table, Eddy grabs a table tennis bat and spins it on his hand. "What about winner stays on?" Eddy asks his friends, Ed gives an enthusiastic nod whilst Double D gives a careless shrug. Ed walks around the table opposite Eddy and grabs another bat.
"I'm ready Eddy...that rhymed" Ed notices, Eddy grabs the plastic ball and hits it across the table towards Ed. Double D watches from the sidelines at both of his friends playing the game.
"I wonder which opticians Marie booked her appointment at, there is one in city center which is a good bus ride away. While there is a smaller one which is a walk away from the school" Double D wonders as he taps the bottom of his chin. The rally finishes between Eddy and Ed, Eddy wins after delivering a powerful yet accurate shot.
"Haha, you're out Ed. Sockhead it's your turn" Eddy says as he points the bat in his hand towards Double D, Double D walks pass Ed who has sunk his head low after loosing to Eddy.
"Don't worry Ed, better luck next time" Double D reassures his friend who is now standing on the sidelines. Eddy grabs another plastic ball, he throws it in the air and catches it.
"How about we make this game a little interesting?" Eddy teases, Double D folds his arms wondering what Eddy is planning. "Best out of 3, if I win you go with the Kanker plan I have" Eddy explains, Double D raises his eyebrow.
"What if I claim victory?" Double D asks, Eddy looks down at his racket and back across to Double D.
"I'll ditch the plan on using the Kanker" Eddy lays his deal out on the table, Double D leans over on his table and taps his finger on his racket.
"If Eddy is one thing...he's a man of his word...sometimes? If I win I won't need to be concerned with Eddy's plans on using Marie for his own gain...then again if I lose I have to follow through with his plan" Double D lists the options, Eddy continues to stand there with a grin on his face. "Eddy is much better than me at table tennis, so I think this is a deal I must refuse" Double D has come to his decision "I refuse your stipulation to the match" Double D announces, Eddy shrugs.
"Oh well..." Eddy utters, the two play their game of table tennis.
After playing their game for a short amount of time Double D wins 3 games in a row against his friend. Double D tilts his head confused at the thought he defeated his friend at the game "How did I win? If I would have took that deal, I wouldn't have to worry about Eddy's plan" Double D has some form of regret by not accepting Eddy's deal. Eddy lifts his racket up from the table disappointed with himself.
"You did good, just think if you went with the deal I would have had to given up on my plan" Eddy diabolically says, Eddy gets a small grin on his face and looks up at Double D. "We'll do another best out of 3, the same deal. Do you want to do it?" Eddy asks Double D again. "Letting sockhead win the last game, might persuade him to play again...this time I'll play my A game..." Eddy is sneaky in terms of his plan.
"I did defeat Eddy...something I haven't done in a while, but does lightening strike twice? I don't know what to do..." Double D is at a cross roads, Double D takes a deep breath and looks across the table at his friend "I'm sorry Eddy, I'm not going with that deal" Double D answers as he puts his table tennis bat on the table. Eddy shrugs his shoulder and puts his bat down on the table as well.
"Unlucky, lumpy you're up" Eddy says as he walks away from the table, Eddy keeps his eyes locked with Double D "He probably knew I let him win" Eddy assumes that Double D knew what he had planned.
The final bell rings, Double D waits at the exit door for his companion. Eddy passes by Double D who turns back towards him "Are you coming?" Eddy asks as he takes a few steps down the steps.
"I've...er...got a club meeting after school" Double D lies to his friend, Eddy simply shrugs and exits the school premises. Double D stands there looking at his watch "Where is she? She said after school is the scheduled time for her appointment at the opticians" Double D wonders as he looks over his shoulders at the seemingly empty corridor. Suddenly he feels two hands jab the side of his abdomen, Double D feels a jolt in his body.
"Boo!" Marie playfully says as she lowers her hands from Double D's sides, Double D turns around to see Marie with a joyful expression.
"Marie...please don't do that" Double D says, Marie simply shrugs as the two exit the school building.
"Sorry I'm late for the date, it won't happen again" Marie says maliciously, Double D slowly shakes his head.
"Like I said, it's not a date" Double D reminds Marie, Marie raises her eyebrow at her Study Buddy.
"It is" Marie repeats.
"It isn't" Double D corrects.
"It is" Marie repeats herself yet again, Double D has a short sigh over the argument.
"Anyway, which opticians is it? Is it the one in the city or the local one?" Double D asks, Marie looks to her side at Double D.
"I think it's the local one, Ma' said it was that one" Marie answers, Double D gives a short nod.
"It'll only be a 5 minute walk, this shouldn't take long" Double D says, Marie nods agreeing with Double D. During the walk Marie looks down at Double D's close free hand, Marie looks intently at his hand. Marie slyly slides her hand into Double D's hand, Double D immediately moves his hand away from Marie.
"What's wrong?" Marie asks.
"Why are you trying to hold my hand?" Double D asks, Marie continues to try and place her hand into Double D's hand.
"Why wouldn't I? Anyway we're friends, friends hold hands all the time..." Marie says, Double D gets a small grin on his face.
"I don't think friends hold hands, unless they're in a romantic relationship" Double D explains, Marie sees that Double D was concentrating on what he was saying, that she got the opportunity to grab his hand that she takes. Marie grabs Double D's hand tightly.
"Gotcha, anyway it's dark outside I don't want to lose you" Marie says, Double D looks up at the sky to check if her statement is correct.
"She does have a point, it is rather dark but I don't agree with her holding my hand...but whatever makes her happy...I just hope no one sees us" Double D worries.
Meanwhile on the other side of the road. "Plank, you're such a chatterbox. That's why we're suspended from school tomorrow" Jonny speaks to his expressionless companion, whilst looking down at his friend he looks up to see Double D and Marie across the road. "Is that..." Jonny squints his eyes to see if he's seeing what he's seeing. "Double D and...Marie?" Jonny begins to connect the dots, until he looks lower to see the two of them are holding hands. "They're...holding hands Plank, friends do that all time..." Jonny shrugs his shoulders.
Jonny looks down at Plank "What was that?" Jonny holds Plank up to his ear, Jonny immediately gasps and holds out Plank in front of him "You really think that?" Jonny asks for confirmation, Jonny raises his eyebrow at his wooden friends discovery "That the two are on a date?" Jonny asks, Jonny motions Plank to showing that he's nodding at what Jonny said. "That is incredible Plank..." Jonny says as he runs off into the shadows.
"Did you hear something just now?" Double D asks, Marie shakes her head. Double D's hands begin to sweat constantly knowing he's walking down a street holding hands with a girl.
"I didn't hear anything, why are you so nervous? All we're doing is holding hands..." Marie says flirtatiously, Double D has a small gulp. Double D looks up to see they're standing outside of the opticians, the opticians seems to be empty. The two enter the opticians.
The opticians is strangely empty, it's got the common set up of any opticians. A waiting room, a reception and large white doors where the eye examinations take place. Double D slides his hand out of Marie's grasp, the two walk up the receptionist who is sat at an old computer. "Name please" The Receptionist asks, Marie stands confidently in front of The Receptionist.
"Marie Kanker" The blue haired Kanker says, The Receptionist taps on the keyboard. Double D looking across at The Receptionist as she quickly types, The Receptionist finishes typing on the keyboard and looks up at Marie.
"I'm sorry we have no scheduled appointment for a Marie Kanker" The Receptionist says, Marie tilts her head confused before leaning over the counter towards The Receptionist. Double D looks surprised at the thought that Marie doesn't have a booked appointment.
"Try checking under the name Marie..." Marie whispers across at The Receptionist who nods her head and taps down onto the keyboard. Marie quits leaning across at The Receptionist.
"Ahh...yes we have you booked, The Optician will be with you shortly please take a seat" The Receptionist says as she points across at the empty waiting room. Double D tilts his head wondering what Marie said to The Receptionist. Marie walks over to Double D and grabs his hand, she leads Double D over to the waiting room. The two take their seats in the waiting room, Double D looks over at Marie. Their eyes make contact with each other.
"What's up?" Marie breaks the silence, Double D rubs the bottom of his chin thinking whether or not to ask the question.
"You have another surname?" Double D asks, Marie gives a short nod and looks away from Double D. Marie's gaze returns to the floor, Double D continues to look at Marie.
"erm...yeah, it's nothing" Marie says, Double D looks at the sudden hesitant behaviour of the Kanker and continues to persist.
"What's your other surname?" Double D asks, Marie's eyes open widely and looks away from Double D until all he can see is the back of her head.
"Like I said, it's nothing to worry about..." Marie avoids the question, Double D has a short sigh and quits persisting in the matter as he turns his attention to the old magazines on the table next to him.
"Marie?" The Optician calls out, Marie stands out of her seat and looks back at Double D.
"Aren't you coming?" Marie asks, Double D slowly shakes his head.
"I think it's best if it's just between you and The Optician" Double D says, Marie looks disappointed at her Study Buddy.
"How do I know you won't run off leaving me?" Marie asks, The Optician taps his bulky fingers on the door out of impatience.
"I won't, trust me" Double D says, the word 'trust' hits home at Marie Kanker who gives a nostalgic smile towards Double D.
"Okay, I trust you" Marie says as she walks into the room with The Optician, Double D picks up a magazine and begins to read it.
"They seriously need to update their magazine collection...this one is from 1999" Double D thinks to himself as he continues to read the magazine, his glance changes from the magazine to the door "Why is she hiding her surname? It can't be any worse than Eddy's middle name...Skipper..." Double D reflects on the past.
Marie takes her seat in Optician's chair, The Optician opens up a folder with Marie's details on it. "I see, so you haven't had an eye check in quite some time what made you chance your mind?" The Optician asks as he closes the folder of Marie's personal details, Marie looks up at the ceiling.
"My boyfriend out there told me to go because I've been struggling in class" Marie says confidently, The Optician nods his head and looks over his equipment.
"I see, do you often wear your glasses all the time or just in class..." The Optician continues the eye examining procedure with Marie.
A short time passes as Double D puts down the old magazine "Oh...the 90's will you never quit blaming technology..." Double D thinks to himself, suddenly the door opens. Marie walks out with a miserable expression, The Optician walks behind her. Double D stands out of his chair ready to leave "What's wrong with Marie? She doesn't look happy at all" Double D notices the obvious.
"I'm sorry Marie, but from this eye check I've come to this conclusion" The Optician says, Marie simply tuts as she walks over to Double D.
"Marie what's wrong?" Double D asks, Marie pouts her bottom lip out.
"He told me I have to wear glasses all the time, not just in lesson..." Marie says with disgust, Marie folds her arms like a toddler in a temper tantrum.
"What's wrong with that Marie?" Double D asks, Marie tugs tightly on Double D's shirt.
"I'm going to look like a total nerd" Marie worries about her self-image, Double D shakes his head and turns to his side at Marie.
"You won't, I think you look good wearing glasses. If it helps your performance in lesson, then it's probably for the best" Double D reassures Marie, Marie's loosens her grasp on Double D's shirt.
"So you think I look attractive wearing glasses?" Marie asks a question that sounds similar to another question she asked earlier. Double D feels like this is the deciding question to whether or not she'll go through with the glasses, Double D scratches the back of his neck.
"Well..." Before Double D could finish, Marie interrupts and turns to The Optician who has been the third wheel in the conversation.
"I'll wear them" Marie says, The Optician nods his head and hands over a prescription note to Marie. Double D has a short sigh of relief that he didn't need to answer that question.
"Tomorrow after school, please give this slip to the receptionist where she'll give you your new glasses" The Optician says, Marie takes the slip out of The Optician's hand.
"Damn...I can't I've got detention tomorrow..." Marie mutters until she looks up to her side at Double D. "Can by boyfriend collect them instead?" Marie asks as she places her hand on Double D's far shoulder, Double D shakes his head slowly.
"B...boyfriend?" Double D questions, The Optician gently nods his head.
"That's fine, as long as he hands in that slip to the receptionist" The Optician says as he points at the slip in Marie's hand. Marie gives an enthusiastic nod. While Double D is still surprised at Marie lying to The Optician that he's Marie's boyfriend.
During the walk home from the Opticians, Marie tightly holds onto Double D's hand as they walk home. "You didn't answer my question, do you think I look attractive wearing glasses?" Marie asks, Double D's eyes shoot wide open not sure what to say.
"I'll answer, if you tell me your other surname" Double D lays out the challenge, Marie rocks her head to the side.
"No chance, I'm not accepting that. Just tell me if I look attractive wearing glasses?" Marie continues to persist in trying to get an answer out of Double D.
"Only if you tell me your actual surname" Double D reminds Marie of the deal, Marie shakes her head.
"I'm not doing that, I probably know your answer anyway" Marie says confidently with a joyous smile.
"Really? Care to tell?" Double D asks a multiple question, Marie winks at Double D accepting the question asked.
"That you'd say 'Marie your the most beautiful girl in the world, will you go out with me?' that'd be your answer" Marie puts emphasis on what she believes what Double D would say. Double D rolls his eyes at Marie's answer.
"I admire your confidence but that wouldn't be my answer" Double D cuts down Marie's answer, Marie doesn't back down as she gets another sly grin on her face.
"Oh I know what I did wrong, instead of saying 'will you go out with me' you'd say 'will you marry me?' instead'" Marie with another confident answer as she bounces up and down after saying that, Double D's nerves get the best of him as begins to sweat and scratch the back of his neck.
"T...that wouldn't be my answer as well" Double D says, Marie quits bouncing up and down as the two walk up to the cut off point where the two need to part ways. "Well I'm going this way" Double D says as he points down one path, Marie nods.
"I'll see you tomorrow then" Double D says as he walks down the path way to his home, Marie looks off at Double walking down the path. Marie waves her hand.
"See ya! I'm missing you already" Marie yells back to Double D, that makes him break out into a small blush. Marie stops waving and walks down her path to the trailer park.
During his walk home Double D reflects on the day he had "I'm questioning my sanity for saying this but...I...I had fun with Marie today, I've seen a different side to her that I don't think a lot of people know about, I'm glad I'm Marie's Study Buddy" Marie remains on the mind of Double D as he continues his long walk home.
Marie enters her blue trailer home, as soon as she walks in she sees a usual sight of Lee and May sitting on the couch watching TV, things never change in the Kanker home. Marie drops her bag in the room and sits beside her sisters "What's on?" Marie asks, Lee looks to her side at her sister.
"Nothing much...remember this morning, when I said I have something to show you?" Lee asks, Marie nods her head faintly. "I'll show you..." Lee says as she stands out of her seat and enters the bedroom. Marie sits there watching the television with her blonde sister, who is staring at the TV without blinking.
"She's rotting her brain..." Marie comments to herself on May's behavior. Lee walks out of the bedroom, holding something behind her back. Lee stands in front of Marie blocking her vision of the TV that Marie doesn't mind.
"When I show you this, promise me not to crazy or anything..." Lee wants Marie to make a promise, Marie shrugs her shoulders not worrying about what she's got.
"I promise, just show me what it is" Marie says impatiently, Lee nods her head and pulls her arms out from behind her back. Lee holds the records in front of Marie's face, Marie leans her head forward squinting to read it says 'Edwards Records' Marie immediately tries to grab it. Lee moves it back out of Marie's reach.
"Nu uh, you promised not to go crazy" Lee teases, Marie hasn't taken her eyes off Double D's record.
"How did you get Double D's record?" Marie asks as she tries to grab the record again, Lee shakes her head again.
"I have my sources, anyway look at this" Lee opens up the record and holds it out in front of Marie who is squinting at it intently. "You know this study whatever program he's doing" Lee says, Marie nods. "Look at this here, he joined the program just to help his grades. He's not doing this for you, he's doing this for himself" Lee drops a bombshell on Marie who snatches the record out of Lee's hand. Marie puts her head down into the record, her head is just inches away from it. Lee stands there with a confident grin on her face.
"H...he only joined because he wanted to get a grade because he's failing gym? Why didn't he tell me? So he's only doing this for himself...not because he cares about me...or if I get my grades up" Marie becomes overwhelmed with emotion as a tear drops down off her cheek.
"Marie, are you okay?" Lee asks, Marie wipes her face using her wrist.
"I'm fine...I just didn't know...that he's so selfish..."
A/N: That was a long chapter...hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Let me know if I should keep them this length or possibly shorten them down so they're in different parts instead of one long chapter. Keep up the good work on the overwhelming support! I hope to see you all again for the next chapter! :)