Chapter 8: Learning about Me
A/N: New Chapter! Sorry about the long wait, a lot has been happening with me recently personally so I've been unable to find the time to write any chapters, but never mind that. Again a huge thanks for support this series is getting, I wake up every morning and I see 'new follower' or 'new favorite' It's something great to see that people are really getting behind and enjoying this series, anyway enjoy the new chapter! :)
"What?!" Double D says stunned as he's still trapped under the tight grasp of the blanket, Marie lifts her head off of Double D's blanket and looks into her Study Buddy's eyes.
"That I'm staying for the week-" Marie is interrupted by an objective Double D, Marie tilts her head and moves back away from Double D.
"I understand that, there is no need to repeat yourself. I'm sorry Marie but I can't allow that" Double D gives the bad news, Marie pouts her lip out at Double D. Double D turns his head away not looking at Marie.
"...Why?" Marie asks with an unenthusiastic tone, Double D has a short sigh to himself.
"On Sunday my parents are returning home for their monthly check up, so I don't think it'd be in the best interest to allow you to stay here for the weekend" Double D explains, Marie's pouting look has disappeared.
"What about Saturday then? Please..." Marie pleads again, Double D looks back at Marie with a hesitant look.
"Well-" Before Double D could continue a heavy gust of wind can be heard outside, along with a heavy case of hailstones. Double D and Marie turn their heads to lookout the closest window to see how disastrous the weather is.
"I'm not going home in that" Marie says as she folds her arms, Double D turns his attention back to Marie.
"I'll allow you to stay the night and Saturday if you promise me to be on your best behavior" Double D instructs, Marie sits up with great eagerness.
"I'm always on my best behavior" Marie says slyly, just as Marie is about to move closer to Double D.
"I also expect you to work hard during the study sessions that we're going to be having on Saturday" Double D reminds, Marie moves back and rolls her eyes.
"I forgot I had to come here to study..." Marie thinks to herself as she looks over at Double D who is struggling to get out of the tightly wrapped blanket. "At least he's letting me stay over...kinda?" Marie questions, Marie leans over near Double D and assists him with the blanket. "Here I've got it" Marie says as she loosens the blanket.
"Thanks Marie" Double D thanks as the blanket is unwrapped, Double D is now free from the blanket. Double D stands out of his seat and has a small stretch as Marie sits deeply in her seat. Double D looks over at the clock on the wall "Now would be best if I make something to eat" Double D announces, Marie sits forward in her seat excited.
"Double D cooking for me? Can't wait to see what he makes-" Marie's thoughts are interrupted by a loud knock on the door, Marie stands out of her seat. "Who's that?" Marie asks, Double D shrugs.
"I don't know, I better go check" Double D replies as he hesitantly leaves the room "Who would be knocking on my door in this weather?" Double D wonders. Marie sits down in the seat and looks at the blanket she wrapped Double D in.
Again the loud knock on the door can be heard throughout the house, Double D walks up to the door and looks through the peep hole. "I'll just get his spare key" A familiar voice can be heard outside, Double D notices his two friends standing outside in the atrocious weather.
"Oh no...I forgot Friday night is 'Scam Night' I can't let them in to see Marie is here...Or else Eddy will get the wrong idea..." Double D tries to think of a plan as he unlocks the door, Double D pulls the door so that there is a small gap in the door so they can see each other.
"Told you he'd be here Eddy" Ed says confidently, Eddy simply shakes his head.
"Yeah...yeah do you want a medal?" Eddy says sarcastically, Ed gives an eager nod. "Come on Sockhead let us in" Eddy says as she pushes the door, the door isn't budging. Suddenly Double D begins to cough catching both of his friends by surprise.
"My apologies my fellow chums...*cough* I...have grown ill tonight..." Double D exaggerates, Eddy raises his eyebrow at his friends dramatics.
"Come on, let us in! It's raining cats and dogs out here" Eddy complains, Ed looks back to see if he can see any cats and dogs, he's very disappointed learning there isn't any.
"I'm...sorry gents, If I were to allow you access to my home...*cough*...you may grow ill as well and miss...a day of school..." Double D's eyes grow in size realising what he just said.
"Cool! It's only school" Eddy says as he again attempts to push the door open with little success. "Come on, it's 'Scam Night'!" Eddy yells at the top of his lungs, Double D shakes his head.
"I'm sorry...it'd be for the best if I rest" Double D say as he holds onto the door, Eddy has a disappointing groan.
"Fine...have it you way" Eddy says as he turns his back on Double D, Eddy puts his hand on Ed's shoulder and leads him away from the door. "Come on Ed..." Eddy mutters as he walks with Ed. Double D gets a glimpse of his friends walking through hailstones with no protection, Double D has a small sigh as he closes the door. Double D leans his back on the door as he looks up at the ceiling.
"I hope I wasn't too harsh on them...I just can't let them know I have Marie in my house" Double D thinks about his actions.
Meanwhile outside on their walk home through the disastrous weather "He's become a lot more distant with us since being with the Kanker" Eddy says, Ed lifts his eyebrow as he looks down at his friend who is sheltering himself by using Ed.
"I thought you wanted the Kanker at our table?" Ed asks a rather clever question from Ed's perspective, Eddy looks up at Ed surprised at the question.
"I do...but the scams come first..." Eddy says vaguely, the two continue their walk to Eddy's place.
Whilst at Double D's house, Double D walks into the living room to see Marie laying on the sofa reading a magazine. Double D raises his eyebrow at Marie's quick nature of becoming familiar with her new environment, Marie rests the magazine on her lap and looks up at Double D "Who was it then?" Marie asks, Double D scratches the back of his neck.
"Just Eddy and Ed" Double D answers honestly, Marie takes her attention off the ceiling and looks up at Double D.
"What did they want?" Marie asks as she fidgets with her feet on the couch, Double D has a short sigh to himself.
"It was about coming up with an idea for a scam but I told them I'm busy" Double D again answers honestly, Marie sits up on the couch.
"I see..." Marie says faintly.
"Anyway, I'll just go into the kitchen and cook something for us" Double D announces as he's about to enter the kitchen, Marie gets a sly smile on her face.
"Don't forget, it has to be a candle lit dinner for two!" Marie yells, Double D halts before entering the kitchen. Double D looks over his shoulder at the smiling Marie and slowly shakes his head as Double D enters the kitchen. "Wait for me" Marie calls out as she stands up from the couch and follows behind Double D into the kitchen.
"Are you allergic to anything food related? If so please let me know" Double D asks as he opens the door of the fridge, Marie looks pulls out a seat in the kitchen and sits at the table.
"I don't think I am, what about you?" Marie asks as she places her elbows on the table, Double D closes the fridge door and opens the freezer door underneath.
"I'm not allergic to anything either" Double D answers, Marie leans her head on her open hands. Double D pulls out a packet of fish out of the freezer "Is fish okay?" Double D asks, Marie rolls her eyes.
"Yeah it's fine" Marie answers, Marie has a disappointing groan as Double D closes the freezer. "Come on think of something to talk about...come on...think..." Marie begins to plot as she looks at the back of Double D's head.
"What are you planning when you leave school? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Double D breaks the silence, Marie sits back in her seat and thinks intensely about the question. Marie gets a sly grin as she looks continues to stare at the back of Double D's head.
"I plan to be married to you, with 2 children and working at the Launderette with Ma'" Marie answers confidently, Double D again stops preparing the fish and feels his nerves rising, he begins to shake slightly. "Was it something I said?" Marie says playfully as she giggles at Double D's reaction.
"A...are you...being serious?" Double D asks hesitantly as he looks over his shoulder, Marie places her index finger on her chin and thinks about the question.
"Hmm...I guess you're right..." Marie agrees, Double D has a sigh of relief. "Maybe 2 children might be too much, maybe we'll just have 1 in the next 5 years" Marie answers, Double D places his hand on his forehead after hearing that, he feels a small blush appear on his cheeks.
"...That's not what I meant..." Double D mutters as he turns around to continue with the dish, Marie continues to stare at Double D. Double D's cheeks return to their normal color.
"Hehe, he's so cute when he blushes..." Marie thinks as she takes her attention off Double D, Marie begins to twiddle her thumbs around. "What about you in the next 5 years?" Marie asks, Double D opens the oven and places the fish inside. Double D stands to his feet after being given enough time to think about the question.
"I'm not sure..." Double D gives his answer, Marie looks at Double D with a stunned face.
"What? How don't you know? You're like top of the class getting good grades, you can do anything" Marie leans forward in her seat as Double D sits opposite her, Double D detects Marie's voice is much lower than usual.
"I'm just not sure what I want to go onto studying next, I excel in all my major subjects so it's a difficult choice" Double D answers, Marie folds her arms on the table and rests her head on her arms, she remains looking into Double D's eyes.
"At least you have a choice on what you can do next, all I know is I'm working when I leave" Marie comes to her conclusion, Double D raises an eyebrow at Marie.
"Why not continue your studies?" Double D asks, Marie gets a small grin on her face at that very question.
"You know as well as I do, I suck at school. I think I'll do better working" Marie replies, Double D looks down at the floor and back up at Marie.
"...You're not that bad at studying, you should have more confidence in yourself" Double D reassures the girl sat opposite him, Marie gives Double D a warm smile. Silence engulfs the room as the two try to think what to talk about, Double D scratches the back of his neck.
"Being at school is one thing, being at my home with Marie is another. For some unknown reason it's tougher to talk to Marie when we're not inside the school" Double D speculates.
"...Come on Marie think...talk about something! I'm not becoming shy now am I?" Marie wonders as she looks at Double D, Marie takes a deep breath and as she's about to speak Double D stands out of his seat.
"T...the fish should be ready" Double D announces, Marie nods her head as Double D walks over to the oven to take the fish out. "Perhaps Marie is being on her best behavior? Which might be why Marie is so quiet?" Double D guesses as he dishes up the fish on the plate, Double D places the plate in front of Marie.
"Thank you" Marie says as she looks down at the fish, the steam heat of the fish is visible as it leaves the batter of the fish. "All he did is stick it in the oven? It looks so good!" Marie thinks to herself as she picks up her knife and fork, Double D takes his seat opposite Marie. Marie takes her attention off her meal and looks up to see a smiling Double D facing her. Marie looks down at her meal as she cuts a section off the fish, she places the meal in her mouth and begins to eat.
"Woah! This tastes great!" Marie compliments as she takes another bite of the fish, Double D gives Marie a strong nod before starting to eat his meal. "Where did you get this from? I want to make some of this!" Marie asks enthusiastically as she points down at the fish with her knife.
"It's nothing too special, just something from the local market" Double D answers as he puts down his knife and fork, as he takes a sip out of his glass of water.
"Take me next time!" Marie demands as she leans forward, Double D puts down his water as he gives Marie a hesitant smile.
"erm...sure, I'll let you know when I go next time" Double D stutters as he speaks, Marie gives Double D a thumbs up and a heart warming smile. Marie is about to take another bite out of the fish, just as she's about to take another bite she looks around the kitchen she's in.
"It feels kinda empty..." Marie thinks as her eyes dart from right to left around the kitchen, Marie notices the sticky notes scattered around the kitchen. Marie puts down her knife and fork, she looks deeply into Double D's eyes. "H...he's lonely..."
"What's wrong?" Double D is interrupted as Marie holds up her hand to interrupt him, Marie looks around the table to see two empty seats around the table that have been there the entire time.
"You're lonely aren't you?" Marie asks a blunt question, Double D shakes his head as he continues to eat his meal.
"Where did that question come from? Lonely? I'm not lonely" Double D thinks to himself as he continues to eat the meal he prepared. Double D finishes eating his meal as he looks up at Marie who hasn't took her eyes off of him. "Trust me, I'm not lonely" Double D answers Marie's suspicions.
"I...if I wasn't here, you'd be eating alone..." Marie notices as she begins to pick at the fish with her fork, Double D simply shakes his head as he stands out of his seat and takes his finished plate to the sink. "Where are your parents?" Marie's tone of voice is deep and serious, a major contrast to her usual tone.
"They're working, the two of them are hard workers. The jobs they have require them to spend a lot of time away from home" Double D answers as he scrubs the discarded plate in the sink. Marie places her hand over her mouth surprised at what she's asking him.
"I shouldn't have asked something so personal...why did I ask that?" Marie immediately doubts the questions she's been asking, Marie finishes the last of her fish and brings it up to Double D.
"I wouldn't have been eating here alone anyway, Ed and Eddy usually stay over" Double D adds with a melancholic tone, Marie nods her head agreeing with Double D. Double D takes the plate of Marie and begins to clean her plate in the sink.
"Sorry about that, I didn't mean it" Marie apologizes, Double D looks to his side at Marie who has her head lowered.
"Don't worry I didn't take it personally" Double D reassures, Marie lifts her head and gives Double D a short smile. Double D looks over Marie's shoulder to see there is still a little time before it's time to rest. "What if we-" Before Double D can continue he sees that Marie has tilted her head with a mischievous smile. "erm...what's wrong?" Double D asks.
"Remember what I said about this weekend?" Marie asks, Double D looks at Marie confused. Marie leans closer nearer to Double D's face "I said I'm going to show you how to stand up for yourself" Marie reminds, Double D slowly shakes his head.
"That isn't necessary I-" Before Double D could continue his wrist has already been grabbed by Marie, he's starting to be pulled into the living room.
"Marie I'm able to walk by myself" Double D clarifies, Marie stops in the centre of the room as she releases Double D from her tight grip.
"We're going to do a little role play, I'll be the bully and you be...you..." Marie says as she stands facing Double D, Double D rolls his eyes at Marie's attempts.
"Please Marie, I don't think we need to do this" Double D says as he folds his arms, Marie clenches her fists tightly.
"So you're saying you want people to walk over you for the rest of your life?" Marie asks the key question, Double D scratches the back of his neck.
"Well...I wouldn't put it that way..." Double D says hesitantly, Marie takes a few steps back away from Double D as she points directly at him.
"Then it's settled, I'm teaching you to stand up for yourself" Marie says enthusiastically, Double D has a short sigh to himself expecting the worse. "I'm going to be a bully whose here to...take your lunch money, okay go!" Marie instructs as she struts forward in front of Double D. "Hey! Give me your lunch money" Marie says as she lightly pushes Double D who takes a few steps back, Marie looks into Double D's eyes to see fear and confusion.
"erm...I don't have any lunch money?" Double D questions, Marie takes a few steps forwards towards Double D.
"Oh really? I guess I'll have to beat it out of you" Marie says as she tries to hide her smile, Marie holds her fist up towards Double D.
"Okay here" Double D says as he pretends to hand over money to Marie, Marie places her hand on her forehead and shakes her head.
"Wrong...you're not meant to hand over the money" Marie says disappointingly, Marie walks over to the couch and sits down. Double D shrugs his shoulders, as he sits beside her on the couch.
"I was threatened with physical violence, there's nothing I could do" Double D answers, Marie has a disappointing groan as she looks up at Double D.
"Say something like 'Try it!' or 'Bring it on'" Marie gives examples, Double D leans back until his back hits the back cushion of the couch.
"Well the idea of stealing lunch money is definitely cliche and unrealistic in terms of nowadays. I just don't believe it's right to get into a physical confrontation over anything" Double D lectures.
"Come on...you can't say all fights aren't worth fighting, you can't let people walk over you" Marie drills in, Double D leans forward in his seat. Marie looks to her side at her Study Buddy.
"You're right, but school scuffles aren't worth it. So please be on your best behavior at school from now on with no fights" Double D switches the subject of the conversation onto Marie, Marie gives Double D an enthusiastic nod.
"Okay!" Marie says with great eagerness, suddenly a loud yawn escapes Marie. Which seems to be contagious as Double D catches the yawn as well, Double D stands out of his seat.
"I believe that's a sign we should head to sleep" Double D announces, Marie squints her eyes and begins to rub them. "You can sleep in my room, I'll sleep on the couch" Double D instructs, Marie at the sound of that quickly stands up.
"What? I can't do that, it's your bed. I'll sleep on the couch I don't mind!" Marie protests, Double D raises his hand up.
"The guest never sleeps on the couch, the guest must sleep on a bed" Double D explains as if it's a rule of the household, Marie has a small groan.
"Your house, your rules I guess." Marie sounds defeated, Double D gives a small nod.
"I'll show you to your room" Double D says as he leads Marie out of the living room.
Double D opens the door to his room, "This is my room, please come in" Double D instructs, Marie hesitantly enters Double D's room. Marie upon entering notices how tidy his room looks in contrast to hers, Double D stands beside his bed. "If you feel the need to use the bathroom, it's just down that hall. If there are any problems don't be afraid to wake me-" Before Double D could continue.
"This isn't a hotel, don't worry I know what to do" Marie says, Double D attempts to hide a smile at Marie's joke. Marie wonders around the room and comes face to face with Double D's bed, she places her hands on the mattress and pushes down. Whilst Double D looks down at her with a curious eye. Marie lifts her hands off the bed and turns her back to it as she sits down on it "Are you sure you're okay with me stealing your bed?" Marie asks as she looks up at Double D.
"It's no problem at all, my parents taught me to treat all guests with a high level of respect" Double D answers as walks away from the bed, Marie keeps her eye on Double D as he moves around the room.
"Can't I just sleep on your parents bed? Or you just sleep on your parents bed? I feel kinda bad with you sleeping on the couch" Marie wonders as she lowers her head as she looks at the spotless floor.
"No guests are allowed access into my parents room and I don't believe it's right for me to sleep in my parents room" Double D replies, Marie slowly nods her head as she lays back on the bed and looks up at the ceiling. Marie gets a mischievous grin on her face.
"Do I get a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight then?" Marie asks flirtatiously, Double D scratches the back of his neck as feels something tingle in his spine.
"...Goodnight Marie" Double D says as he rushes towards the door, Marie giggles at his nervousness.
"Goodnight Study Buddy" Marie says as the door shuts, Marie's smile has turned a frown in rapid time. Marie clenches her fist with the blanket in her hand, Marie turns over and buries her face in the pillow.
"He's lonely, what parent doesn't want to see their kid grow up? He must sleep here every night...alone...with no one around..." Marie feels a lot of anger growing inside of her, Marie turns her head off the pillow and looks at the blank wall. "It hurts knowing that he's hiding it..."
Meanwhile downstairs, Double D lays down on the uncomfortable couch. Double D stares up at the dark blank ceiling "It feels most unusual having someone staying over at my home..." Double D thinks to himself as he looks down at the floor where he sees his bag laying there, Double D sits up in a panic "I forgot to give Marie her new prescriptive glasses" Double D feels his eyes become heavier as he lays his head on the cushion of the couch. "I'll give it to her...tomorrow..."
Next morning arrives with a cloudy sky above the cul-de-sac, Marie gently opens her eyes to realize she's in a mysterious room. Marie sits up panicking to only realize it's Double D's room "I totally forgot I'm at Double D's house" Marie rests her back on the pillow as she lays her head on the wall. "At least I got some sleep, sometimes it's hard with May snoring" Marie jokes, suddenly there is a faint knock on the door.
"Marie can I come in?" Double D calls out, Marie shrugs her shoulders but as she's about to answer Double D. Marie places her hand on her head to feel it's a mess, Marie quickly tries to flatten any hairs that's sticking out of her head.
"erm...come in!" Marie calls out, the door handle is pulled down as Double D enters the room. Marie places her hand on her head as she continues to tidy her hair up, Double D enters the room holding a tray with a plant of toast on it and a glass of orange juice. Marie lowers her hands and tilts her head.
"er...what's the occasion?" Marie asks, Double D gives a small smile as he places the tray on Marie lap.
"Nothing, I just think it's a kind gesture to give my guest some breakfast" Double D answers as he opens the wardrobe in his room, Marie shrugs her shoulders and takes a sip of the orange juice.
"If he does this for a guest, I wonder what he'll do when I'm his wife?" Marie speculates as she puts down her glass of orange juice, Marie picks up a piece of toast and begins to munch on her breakfast. "Thanks" Marie struggles to say with a mouthful of toast.
"No thanks are necessary" Double D says as he pulls out a traditional orange shirt out of his wardrobe. Marie has a small stretch as she finishes the last of her breakfast, Double D notices this and approaches her bedside. "Here you go" Double D places a glasses case on the tray in front of Marie, Marie picks up the glasses case and opens it. "Remember what the optician said, you have to wear the glasses all the time not just in lesson" Double D reminds, Marie pouts as she looks up at Double D.
"Do I have to?" Marie asks as she pulls the glasses out of the glasses case, Double D gives a small nod. "Okay..." Marie says as she puts the glasses on, Marie opens her eyes to see the world around her looks so much clearer. Marie moves her head looking around the room at the labels on all of Double D's stuff "Woah...I can actually read every label in this room..." Marie thinks with delight. Double D picks up the tray from Marie's lap, as he walks towards the door.
"Be ready this morning, we're going to start studying as soon as possible" Double D instructs, Marie does her trademark pout as she looks at Double D who has his hands full with a tray and some clothes. Double D exits the room, Marie's pout disappears as a smile emerges on her face. Marie looks around the room with her new spectacles on with a lot of joy that her vision has improved a lot, Marie slowly climbs out of Double D's bed and has a small stretch. "Just me and Double D...all day...today..." Marie adds a little strut in her step as she walks towards the door.
Meanwhile outside in the alley of the cul-de-sac, the usual group of residents hanging around. Kevin and Rolf are leaning against a fence, whilst Nazz is facing them talking to them. "Then I was like dude and they were like really?" Nazz continues her story, suddenly the boy with head the size of a watermelon interrupts the conversation. Jonny runs into the centre of the conversation, much to the dismay of the others.
"Plank saw something!" Jonny announces to what he considers his friends, he holds Plank up into the face of Rolf. Rolf place his hand on the top of Planks level head and lowers it.
"If this is about the goo-goo eyed Ed boy and the one who scares the milk out of Victor I don't want to hear it" Rolf blabbers on, Kevin quits leaning against the fence and stands up straight. Nazz tilts her head confused at what Jonny is going on about.
"What?" Kevin asks, Kevin looks at Rolf for any support but he simply shakes his head.
"What's happened?" Nazz asks, Jonny darts his head back and forth between the three of them. Jonny takes a deep breath before speaking to the rest.
"Plank saw Double D and Marie together!" Jonny announces, Nazz gives Jonny an unimpressed look at Jonny. Kevin gets a grin on his face realising his suspicions earlier are true, whilst Rolf looks away as if he's not part of the conversation.
"Like, Double D is helping Marie study or something" Nazz answers in case there was any chance of any misunderstanding.
"Cactus head is right, I saw them as well after my detention" Kevin says his piece, Rolf looks back at the conversation.
"Is what he of a thousands heads saying is true?" Rolf asks for confirmation, Kevin nods. Nazz folds her arms looking at the three lads stood in front of her.
"Guys, Double D is just helping Marie study that's all" Nazz repeats herself, Kevin shakes his head disagreeing with her.
"When they were walking home, she was resting her head on his shoulder. They're together no doubt about it" Kevin explains what he saw, Rolf's eyes are dinner plates at that discovery. Jonny takes a few steps back away from the group, Nazz taps the bottom of her chin thinking about it.
Whilst on the other side of the fence, Eddy is leaning his ear against the fence hearing everything. While Ed is stood there looking at the flies buzzing around his head, Eddy quits eavesdropping and approaches Ed with a smirk on his face. "Ed did you hear that?" Eddy whispers, the two begin to move away from the fence.
"Hear what?" Ed asks, Eddy has a disappointing groan.
"Are you deaf? That Sockhead and the Kanker are together, the plan is working Ed..." Eddy says as he rubs his hands together maliciously. "Now that we have a Kanker as our bodyguard no one will mess with us at school" Eddy plans. Ed taps the top of his head trying to think.
"What about the scams?" Ed asks, Eddy has a short sigh after hearing that.
"You're right, if Double D spends time with Marie...we'll lose our scam planner" Eddy voices his concerns along with Ed, Ed raises his one eyebrow.
"Our 3 won't be 3 any more, it'll be one less" Ed states the obvious, Eddy looks up at his tall friend.
"We...we'll come to that when we need to, Double D isn't stupid he'll know what to do. We might have to start thinking of scams during lessons" Eddy plots, Ed gives a strong nod. "At least we have our bodyguard now...no one will mess with us..."
Meanwhile at Double D's house "Marie please take a seat" Double D says as he points at the seat opposite him, Marie looks at the set up to see a table and two chairs around it with all the necessary equipment. Marie skips as she walks into the room, Double D is first to take his seat.
"Coming!" Marie sounds motivated, Marie pulls out her seat and sits down opposite Double D. Marie looks down at the table to see a 'Study Schedule' that has designated times "Did you do this?" Marie asks as she picks up the schedule.
"Yes, first we'll start with the English homework we were given" Double D instructs as he pulls out the sheet of paper on the table, Marie gives a powerful nod as she places the schedule down.
"What do we have to do?" Marie asks as she picks up a pen, Double D reads through the homework sheet.
"Write a 1500 word story, you can choose for it to be 1st person or 3rd person. The story must relate to the theme of 'Memory'" Double D reads out, Marie looks at Double D with a face of concentration.
"Hmm...1st person is from my point of view right? Where I say 'I' 'Me' 'My'?" Marie asks for confirmation, Double D puts down the sheet of paper and faces Marie.
"That's correct" Double D replies, Marie gives a warm smile as she looks down at her blank notebook. Marie taps the top of her pen on her cheek.
"Does it have to be 1500 words? That sounds long..." Marie puts a lot of emphasis on the final word, Double D looks back down at the homework sheet.
"I'd say write between 1400 and 1600 words to be safe" Double D advices, Marie nods her head as she continues to look down at the blank notepad.
"I've got it!" Marie says with enthusiasm as she begins to write on her notepad with great eagerness. Double D tilts his head confused at Marie's sudden shift of attitude, Double D breaks into a short smile as he sees Marie write away.
"She's definitely improved a lot, her keenness towards learning is astounding" Double D comments on Marie's new attitude
A short time passes as Marie notices that Double D hasn't written anything, Marie lifts her head. "Are you struggling with the homework or something?" Marie asks, Double D immediately shakes his head.
"I finished it the day it was handed to us, I believe it's best to get it out of the way as soon as you receive it" Double D explains, Marie gives another warm smile towards Double D.
"Well aren't you keen" Marie says as she gives Double D a playful wink, Marie returns to writing her story. Double D feels a blush grow on his face as he looks away from Marie to hide it.
"This is the first time that this has crossed my mind...why does Marie like me?" Double D wonders as he looks over at the passionate writer. "Say Marie..." Before Double D could continue he's interrupted.
"Hold onto that thought, I'm almost done..." Marie says as she writes the last few words of the story, Marie slams the pen on the table and leans back in her seat. Marie opens her eyes and looks across at Double D, Marie leans forward in her seat. "Sorry about that what were you going to say?" Marie asks, Double D feels his nerves rise again as he scratches the back of his neck.
"Oh never mind, can I take a look?" Double D asks, Marie slides over the notebook towards Double D. Double D clicks his pen ready to mark it, Marie waits patiently as Double D begins to read the story that Marie wrote. Marie keeps her eyes on Double D in regards to his reactions to the story and if he's writing in her notebook.
A short time passes as Double D lifts his head from looking down at the notebook and looks at the hesitant Marie, Marie takes a deep breath expecting the worse "I found the story to be rather powerful in terms of structure and setting, the theme 'Memory' you used a good twist of being trapped in a memory and what happens to people who are trapped within a memory, is that what you were going for?" Double D asks, Marie tilts her head at the fast talking Double D.
"erm...I guess?" Marie shrugs her shoulders, Double D slides over the notebook towards Marie.
"I've marked some corrections in terms of grammar and spelling" Double D comments, Marie gives a disappointing groan.
"Ugh...grammar..." Marie mutters, Double D points at a section on Marie's notepad.
"Whenever you write a sentence or a piece of dialogue, re-read what you wrote to make sure it makes sense. There wasn't a lot of mistakes but I do believe this was a good piece of work" Double D gives advice and praises, Marie looks down at her notepad with correction on it.
"So what grade would you give it?" Marie asks, Double D taps the bottom of his chin as Marie waits in anticipation.
"I'd say possibly a C+ or perhaps a B" Double D says, suddenly Marie stands out of her seat with great enthusiasm that almost knocks the chair back. Marie gives Double D a joyous smile, Double D returns one back.
"Woo Hoo!" Marie cheers as she skips around the table and closer towards Double D, Marie wraps her arms around Double D embracing him in a warm hug. Double D raises his arms about to give her the hug back, his arms lower as he decides against it. "You're like the greatest Study Buddy I've ever had!" Marie praises, Marie loosens her grip on the hug and moves back.
"I'm the only Study Buddy you've ever had" Double D sours the mood, Marie gives a sly smile as she pinches his cheek.
"That makes it even better" Marie says as she quits pinching Double D's cheek, Marie skips back around to her seat.
"Next we'll get the Maths homework sheets out of the way" Double D instructs as he pulls out the Maths homework sheet on the table. Double D hands over the sheet to Marie who looks at the homework sheet without squinting. "If you need any help feel free to ask" Double D reminds, Marie nods as she looks at the Maths homework sheet.
"Thanks, I'll let you know if I need any help" Marie says as she turns a page over in her notebook and begins to write, Double D continues to watch Marie working on the homework. Marie raises her hand as if she's in a classroom "Can I have some help?" Marie asks, Double D nods as Marie slides over the notebook towards him. "It's question 3, I don't get it" Marie states, Double D reads the question.
"Ahh...yes remember what I taught you in Maths about listing the possible numbers-" Before Double D could continue he's interrupted as Marie slides the notebook over towards her.
"Now I remember, thanks!" Marie gives thanks as she continues with her work, Double D squints his eyes at Marie as she continues to work.
"She seems to be rushing through the work...but the more she rushes the more chance there is of her making a mistake" Double D points out as she's writing rapidly in her notepad.
"Quicker I finish, the more time I can spend with Double D without the books" Marie plots, Double D has a short sigh grabbing her attention as she looks up at Double D. "What's up?" Marie asks.
"I've been meaning to ask you something..." Double D sets the mood, Marie drops her pen on her notepad as she looks directly into Double D's eyes.
"Are you confessing? If you are I say yes!" Marie jumps to a conclusion, Double D slowly shakes his head much to the dismay of Marie.
"It's not a confession" Double D confirms, Marie gives a pouting look towards Double D. "You can choose whether or not to answer it, it's up to you" Double D warns.
"Come on, just say it!" Marie motivates Double D to continue, Double D gives a gracious nod as he takes a deep breath.
"H...how come you l...like me?" Double D asks a key question, Double D looks across at Marie who has her head lowered and her arms have dropped to her side. "You don't have to-" Double D gets interrupted yet again.
"If I answer this question...you have to answer one of mine as well" Marie gives Double D a deal who hesitantly nods and accepts to the terms. "Y...you were my first friend..." Marie says shyly, Double D tilts his head.
"What? We met at the end of middle school" Double D says, Marie slowly shakes her head.
"W...we met at the start of elementary school..." Marie says hesitantly, Double D shakes his head.
"I...I'm sorry Marie but...are you sure?" Double D's voice cracks as he tries to remember if what she's saying is true. Marie lifts her head looking at Double D, Marie's face is blushing heavily.
"Yeah...back then I didn't have the blue hair, pale skin and dress like this. I had long brown hair and fair skin..." Marie snickers at what her appearance used to be like "My surname wasn't Kanker as well..." Marie explains, Double D taps the bottom of his chin as he tries to remember if what she's saying is true.
"I...I..." Double D stutters on his words.
"My name was Marie Bardsley" Marie says the truth as her eyes dart down looking away from Double D.
"S...she looks...looks so different..."
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this new chapter! A little teaser about what's going to happen in the next chapter is a flashback to how Double D and Marie originally met in elementary school and what actually happened between the two! Hope you're all as excited for the next chapter as much as I am! I'd say 'Keep up the Good Work!' But you all never disappoint in terms of support on this series, so another huge thanks! Looking forward to seeing you in the next chapter.