Chapter 10: We Met (Part 2)
A/N: The New Chapter is here! (Finally) Sorry it's been awhile since the last update, I've been really busy with work that I wasn't able to get the time to write any :( Thanks again for all the new follows and favs, it really does motivate me to write more. Here's the New Chapter, hope you all enjoy this long chapter :)
The morning sun sneaks up on Lemon Brook, Marie's bedroom door slowly creeps open. Ma' peeks in to see Marie is still sound asleep in her bed, Ma' enters the room with book in hand as silently as she can with soundless footsteps. As Ma' continues to walk as silently as she can, Marie turns over on her side. Ma' freezes on the spot, but Marie's eyes are still closed. Ma' has a sigh of relief as she takes a few more steps forward until she's at Marie's bedside. Ma' places the book on the table next to Marie, Ma' looks down at her sleeping daughter as she gently brushes her hair off her forehead. "Marie..." Ma' says softly, there is no response. Ma' sits on the side of Marie's bed "Marie...it's time to get up..." Ma' begins to gently sway Marie from side to side. Marie's eyes slowly open, suddenly Marie sits up with worry.
"Oh no...I fell asleep...I need to find that book!" Marie voices her concerns, Ma' looks at Marie with a nostalgic smile.
"Don't worry, I found the book for you. It's right here" Ma' says as she grabs the book and puts it on Marie's bed. Marie looks down at the battered book, Marie has a sigh of relief as she looks up at Ma'.
"Thanks Ma'!" Marie replies as she tightly wraps her arms around Ma', Ma' wraps her arms around Marie embracing her in a warm hug.
"You're welcome" Ma' says as the two break away from the hug, Ma' stands up from being sat on Marie's bed. Ma' puts her hands on her hips as she looks down at Marie, who tilts her head at Ma'. "You can't sit here in your pajamas all day, you've got school today. Not unless you want to go to school in your pajamas" Ma' says playfully with a joyous smile. Marie raises her eyebrow as she quickly hops out of bed, almost knocking the book on the floor. "I'll be in the kitchen getting Breakfast done" Ma' explains the morning plan as Marie opens her closet. "When we're finished eating Breakfast, I'll brush your hair for you" Ma' finishes the plans. Marie continues to look through the mountain of clothes in her wardrobe. "Did you here me?" Ma' asks.
"Loud and clear Ma'!" Marie says with great eagerness as she turns around looking at her mother, Ma' looks at Marie with a joyous grin.
"That's my girl..." Ma' says as she walks away to exit the room, before going downstairs she peeks into Marie's room. "Don't take too long hun'" Ma' reminds, Marie nods her head as she continues to look inside her wardrobe. "This is a big change from yesterday..." Ma' thinks to herself as she leaves Marie alone.
The alarm beside Edward's bed rings as he sits up in bed, Edward has a small stretch as he looks over at the disruptive alarm clock. Edward places his hand on the top of the alarm clock and clicks a button, as the alarm quits ringing. Edward squints his eyes as he slowly climbs out of bed in the seemingly empty house. Edward begins to wipe the sleep out of his eyes as he approaches his desk with a collection of books. "Morning Jim" Edward greets as he looks down at the small green cactus. "You're making a lot of progress Jim" Edward says as he carefully leans closer towards Jim. Edward straightens his back as he looks back at the alarm clock, Edward has a short as he opens his wardrobe and picks out his clothes and a towel. Edward carries them out of his room.
Meanwhile at Marie's home "After breakfast I want you to go upstairs and brush your teeth" Ma' instructs as she carries a bowl of cereal in front of Marie, Ma' places the bowl of cereal on the table. Marie nods instantly as she lifts up her spoon and begins to eat, Ma' looks on at Marie with a nostalgic smile. "Yesterday she wouldn't even have 1 flake of cereal...now look at her..." Ma' thinks to herself, as Marie looks up to see Ma' staring at her. Marie halts from eating a single flake.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" Marie asks as she playfully puts her hand on her face to feel for anything. Ma' slowly shakes her head as sits opposite of Marie.
"Don't worry, there's nothing there. Other than one thing..." Ma' replies as she smiles mischievously, Marie begins to feel around her face rapidly after hearing that.
"What? What is it?" Marie demands.
"Your beautiful smile that's all" Ma' compliments, Marie puts her hands down away from her face. Marie gives Ma' an unimpressed look, Marie looks around the table to see it's only her and Ma'.
"Where are Lee and May?" Marie asks curiously as she picks her spoon back up.
"Pa's already taken them to school, their schools start early" Ma' answers, Marie slowly nods as she continues to eat her breakfast.
Whilst at Edwards home, Edward stands patiently looking at the toaster. Edward switches his gaze to the worktop where his plate and knife sits. "Oh...the butter..." Edward thinks to himself as he slowly walks to the fridge, Edward opens the fridge and takes out the butter. Edward gently closes the door and walk back to the toaster to wait. Edward has a short sigh as he stares at the teasing toaster.
While at Marie's home "Have you got everything kiddo?" Ma' asks as she looks down at the prepared Marie, Marie has her school bag on her back. Marie looks up at Ma' with a contagious smile.
"I've got everything!" Marie says with eagerness, Ma' gives Marie a skeptical look.
"Have you got the book for Edward?" Ma' asks, Marie nods with great enthusiasm.
"It's in here" Marie says as she points at the bag on her back, Ma' gently nods her head as she looks down at Marie.
"Pencils? Pens? Paper?" Ma' questions, Marie vigorously nods at all the school supplies.
"Yep, can we go now?" Marie asks, Ma' rubs the bottom of her chin as she looks down at Marie.
"Ah...did you remember to brush your teeth?" Ma' asks as she clicks her fingers, Marie immediately stops looking in Ma's eyes. Ma' raises her eyebrow whilst looking down at her daughter.
"...Maybe..." Marie mutters, Ma' folds her arms.
"Maybe?" Ma' repeats, Marie looks up at Ma' who doesn't look impressed. Marie nervously scratches the back of her head.
"I'll go brush my teeth..." Marie says sounding defeated as she turns her back to Ma', Ma' nods her head as she sees Marie climb the steps.
Meanwhile at Edwards home, Edward places his hand on the door handle. Before he pulls it down he turns around looking at his spotless home "Have I got everything?" Edward wonders as he takes his hand off the handle. Edward taps the bottom of his chin "I've got my reading material, my school supplies...I believe that's all I need" Edward nods his head. Edward place his hand on the door handle and pulls down the handle, to head off to school.
Whilst in the classroom, Marie slams the book on the desk in front of Edward. Edward raises his eyebrow as he looks down at the colorful book. "Here's the book" Marie announces as she looks at Edward with a joyous smile.
"Hmm...it definitely looks interesting" Edward hesitantly says as he picks up the book, Marie stand there nodding.
"I'm sure you'll love it, it's one of my favorites" Marie proclaims as she struts towards her seat. Marie sits in her seat and looks ahead at Edward who's analyzing the book. "Come on, you don't read a book by looking at the front of it" Marie comments, Edward simply shrugs as he puts the book down on the desk and opens it. Marie slowly moves her chair until she's beside Edward. Marie casually peeks down at the book to see what page Edward is reading. "This is like one of my favorite parts" Marie proclaims as she puts her index finger on the page.
"Oh I see" Edward gives a short reply, Marie takes her index finger off the book. Edward nods his head as he continues to read the recommended book.
"This is when everyone else leaves the dolphin for-" Marie interrupts herself as she looks down at Edward who is silently reading the book "Sorry I'll be quiet" Marie apologizes as Edward turns the page of the book. Marie continues to watch Edward as he concentrates on reading the book.
"So far it seems I was correct about the Dolphin collecting knowledge in terms of what he eats, he grows stronger and smarter after every meal..." Edward analyses as Marie rests her elbows on the table and places her head in her open hands.
"Who knew watching someone read...can be so boring?" Marie thinks to herself as she looks down at a blank piece of paper on the table, a small smirk emerges on Marie's face as she sits up straight and grabs a pencil.
"My suspicions are getting more and more precise, as the Dolphin learns more about the world it dwells in, he's gaining more acquaintances and allies" Edward comments as he turns another page of the book, Edward looks up and takes a peek of Marie sketching on what was a blank piece of paper.
"If I add a bit of shade here...a bit there..." Marie instructs herself as she gently brushes the pencil on the sketch, Marie places her pencil on the table as she picks the paper and holds it in front of her at an angle. Edward nods his head as he closes the book, Marie darts her eyes at Edward. "What did you think?" Marie asks curiously, Edward takes a deep breath ready to speak.
"I found it to be a thought provoking book, in terms of how knowledge can be passed down through generations. It did well in creating the right atmosphere and setting for the main protagonist to feel challenged, which motivates the reader more to support the protagonist even further" Edward critiques, Marie immediately tilts her head.
"In English?" Marie asks, Edward taps the bottom of his chin as he looks down at the book.
"erm...I found it to be a good book, thanks for allowing me to read it" Edward says as he looks up at Marie.
"I knew you'd like it!" Marie says with great enthusiasm, Edward scratches the back of his neck.
"Well it did have it's own fair share of moments within in the story" Edward says nervously, Marie simply shrugs and places the paper in her hand on the table as she slides it over towards Edward.
"There you go" Marie says with a cheerful smile, Edward raises his eyebrow as he looks at Marie. Edward looks down at the paper to see a rough sketch of a someone reading, Edwards eyes widen as he stares at the picture. "What do you think?" Marie asks with curious intentions as she leans forward in her seat awaiting the critique.
"That talent...from such a young age to sketch a picture that good in such limited time..." Edward thinks to himself as he slides the picture closer to him and lifts it off the table to get a closer look.
"Come on...it's not that bad is it?" Marie questions as she tries to lean closer, Marie loses her balance and almost falls off her chair, Marie regains her balance and sits back in her seat. Marie gives an embarrassing smile towards Edward as she scratches the top of her head.
"Do you draw all the time?" Edward asks, Marie shrugs her shoulders at Edward.
"Whenever I get bored, I draw a little" Marie says in a meaningless tone, Edward shakes his head at Marie's tone of voice.
"You have a lot of talent in terms of drawing" Edward comments as he places the piece of paper on the table in front of him, Edward slides the drawing over closer to Marie. Marie looks down at her sketch, whilst Edward keeps his eyes on Marie.
"erm...thanks I guess?" Marie says as she shrugs her shoulders, Edward has a short sigh to himself as he slides the book over towards Marie. "Talent with drawing? It's just something I do for fun when I'm bored" Marie comments.
"Alright, good work this morning with today's reading session. After lunch we're going to be doing some speaking and listening" Mrs. Wheatly instructs the class, the class in an orderly fashion leave the room.
Meanwhile at lunch time, Edward and Marie sit on an empty table by themselves. Edward begins to take out his lunch from his bag, whilst Marie is already eating her lunch. Marie pauses before taking another bite out of her sandwich "What do you have?" Marie curiously asks.
"Just a ham and cheese sandwich with the crusts cut off" Edward explains as he lifts the sandwich off the table.
"Do you make your own lunch or something?" Marie asks, Edward puts down his sandwich and takes a sip out of his blackberry juice box.
"Correct, Mother and Father are-" Edward gets interrupted before his explanation continues.
"Your Ma' and Pa' are busy with work?" Marie answers the question, Edward swiftly nods at the statement.
"Correct again" Edward answers, Marie simply shrugs as Edward finally starts to eat his sandwich. Marie occasionally glances over at Edward, there eyes meet with each other as Marie opens her mouth ready to speak.
"What's your Ma' like? You've seen my Ma' is she anything like yours?" Marie asks a blunt question, Edward lowers his half eaten sandwich as he taps the bottom of his chin.
"I guess you could say they're similar in some ways, your mother and my mother seem to have a common interest in jewelry" Edward answers confidently.
"How did you know my Ma' loves jewelry?" Marie curiously asks, Edward turns his head in Marie's direction to see a raised eyebrow.
"I saw your Mother wearing what seems to be a Pandora bracelet and what seems to be a multiple number of rings on her fingers, it's usually common for Mothers to be interested in jewelry" Edward gives his lecture, Marie squints at Edwards explanation.
"My Ma' has like a ton of shiny stuff in her room from necklaces to rings" Marie keeps the conversation going, Edward gently nods his head.
"Here I am a boy, wrapped in a conversation about jewelry...why did I bring this up?" Edwards asks himself a key question, Marie leans forward in her seat.
"How about your Pa'? What's he like?" Marie asks, Edward raises his eyebrow at the question.
"He's quite strict and serious in terms of how I run things at home. He said it's a sons duty to be more successful than his father, so he constantly pushes me to succeed" Edward explains, Marie leans back in her seat away from Edward.
"Is that why you have to read big books? Because your Pa wants you to?" Marie says in a low tone, Edward has a sigh to himself.
"I guess you could say that, but it's just my father wants me to do well" Edward answers, Marie simply shrugs.
"Sounds like my Pa' he wants me and my sisters to do well too" Marie says with great enthusiasm, Edward slowly nods his head. "I guess that's how all Pa' are like then" Marie guesses. Suddenly the school bell tolls signalling the end of the lunch time period, as the cafeteria empties.
"Can everyone sit in a circle on the floor for me please?" Mrs. Wheatly instructs, the class follows through with Mrs. Wheatly's instructions as the class sit in a circle on the floor, Marie moves swiftly to make sure she's sat next to Edward. "Good everyone, today's speaking and listening will be about what you all want to be in the future" Mrs. Wheatly explains, Edward looks down at the carpeted floor.
"That's rather difficult, Mother and Father always says 'Focus on what's happening now, instead of the future. The present always happens, the future may never happen' I have never thought about this..." Edward lectures himself, Marie looks beside her to see Edward thinking heavily about question.
"What's up with him? It's not like it's a hard question" Marie questions, Mrs. Wheatly takes a few steps to stand in the center of the circle.
"We're going to start with..." Mrs. Wheatly darts her eyes around the circle "Brandon, what would you like to be?" Mrs. Wheatly asks, a confident grin emerges on Brandon's face.
"That's easy, a football player" Brandon says arrogantly, Marie rolls her eyes at the answer.
"That sounds exciting, why do you want to be a football player?" Mrs. Wheatly asks, Marie's eyes shift from Mrs. Wheatly back to Brandon.
"I'm really good at it, it's also very fun too" Brandon gives his generic answer, Mrs. Wheatly gives Brandon an enchanting smile. Mrs. Wheatly again looks around the circle, her eyes dart from student to student.
As Mrs. Wheatly gets to the final number of students to choose, Edward is still looking down at the carpet. "I don't mean to sound like a stick in the mud, but there is a large case of generic answers 'I want to be a fireman, policeman and more.' I guess Mother and Father were right 'The real world doesn't affect children yet'" Edward criticizes the speaking and listening exercise.
"Marie? What would you like to be?" Mrs. Wheatly asks sweetly and softly, Marie looks up into the eyes of Mrs. Wheatly.
"Something to do with drawing" Marie gives her answer, Edward looks beside him at the confident Marie.
"Oh I see, you want to be an Artist?" Mrs. Wheatly guides Marie into an answer, Marie casually shrugs whilst looking at Mrs. Wheatly.
"I guess so" Marie gives a short answer, Mrs. Wheatly's eyes instantly switch from Marie in her gaze to Edward.
"Last we have Edward, what would you like to be?" Mrs. Wheatly asks in her usual sweet sounding tone, Edward takes his attention off Marie and looks up at Mrs. Wheatly.
"That's a rather problematic question, I'm not too sure what I aspire to be in the future" Edward avoids the question, Mrs. Wheatly raises her eyebrow at Edwards answer.
"What about being a doctor or a writer?" Mrs. Wheatly attempts to lead Edward into one of her answers, Edward slowly shakes his head.
"No disrespect, I find it too soon to decide what we aspire to do in the future" Edward gives his opinion, Marie turns her head looking at Edward. Students around the circle are now all staring at the conversation between the two.
"I understand, it's fine if you haven't decided what you want to be" Mrs. Wheatly says as she walks to the front of the classroom, Edward has a short sigh of relief. Edward looks beside him to see Marie is staring at him.
"What did you say?" Marie asks, Edward rubs the bottom of his chin.
"erm...I'm not sure what I want to be in the future" Edward shortens the answer, Marie rocks her head back understanding what Edward means. Mrs. Wheatly claps her hands together, grabbing the classes attention to look at the front of the class.
"Good work today from everyone, class will finish soon so pack everything up. Remember everyone it's show and tell tomorrow, please bring something tomorrow to talk about." Mrs. Wheatly instructs, suddenly the circle disburses and the student steadily go back to their designated table, Edward begins to pack his equipment away into his bag.
"I still don't get what you said" Marie says as she wonders over towards Edward, Edward finishes packing his equipment and looks up at Marie's confused face.
"There is no need for any concern, anyway what are you thinking of bringing tomorrow?" Edward changes the topic of discussion.
"Hmm...good question" Marie gives Edward a small smile, Marie taps the bottom of her chin thinking about what to bring. Suddenly Marie clicks her fingers "One of Ma's bracelets" Marie says confidently, Edward raises his eyebrow at Marie's decision.
"Why one of your mothers bracelets?" Edward questions, Edward lifts his school bag off the table.
"I don't know, it looks nice I guess. It's also something easy to talk about" Marie answers, Edward slowly shakes his head.
"But there is always a chance something that valuable could get misplaced or lost at school, perhaps something else?" Edward questions, Marie shakes her head.
"There's nothing else I can talk about, don't worry my Ma' will be fine about it" Marie says confidently, Edward looks up at Marie with a concerning look. "There's no need to worry, It'll be fine" Marie says stubbornly, Edward has a distressing sigh.
Later that evening, Marie sits on the messy sofa with Ma' as the two of them are watching television together. Marie rests her head on Ma's lap gently, as Ma' place her hand on Marie's shoulder. "Did you like school today hun'?" Ma' asks.
"It was okay..." Marie gives a short answer, as Marie's eyes are locked on Ma's free wrist which is wearing a black bracelet.
"Just okay?" Ma' curiously asks as she moves her hand and places it on Marie's head as she gently brushes her hair with her fingers. "What did you do today?" Ma' asks.
"We talked about what we want to do in the future" Marie answers truthfully, Ma' continues to brush Marie's hair using her fingers.
"That sounds like a lot of fun" Ma' praises hoping to spark a conversation, Marie again remains silent.
"All I have to say is 'Ma' can I borrow your bracelet tomorrow?'" Marie reminds herself, Marie takes a deep breath as she's about to speak.
"Did your little friend like the book you lent him?" Ma' softly asks, Marie rolls her eyes at the question.
"He read it really quickly, he really liked it" Marie gives another short answer, Ma' gently strokes the hair out of Marie's eyes.
"That sounds good, maybe he'll lend you one of his books" Ma' mentions, Marie's eyes widen at the thought of having one of Edward's books.
"It'd take me years to just read the first page" Marie thinks to herself, Ma's gaze shifts from the television to Marie.
"You seem quiet hun' is there something wrong?" Ma' asks concerned, Marie takes another deep breath and closes her eyes tightly.
"Can I borrow one of your bracelets tomorrow?" Marie asks with intensity, Ma' raises her eyebrow at the question.
"Why do you need one of my bracelets?" Ma' asks, Marie quits laying her head on Ma's lap and sits up in her seat, Ma' turns her head looking at Marie.
"erm...it's show and tell tomorrow, we're meant to bring something in to talk about..." Marie says as she fiddles with her hands, Ma' notices the uneasiness on Marie's face. Ma' has a short sigh to herself. "I promise I'll look after it, I won't lose it" Marie promises, Ma' stands out of her seat and puts her hands on her hips.
"You better, because this bracelet isn't mine any more" Ma' says as she slides the black bracelet off her wrist, Marie tilts her head at Ma'
"Whose bracelet is it then?" Marie asks, Ma' looks down at her daughter. Ma' crouches down to Marie's level, until she's facing her face to face.
"Hold your hands out sweetie" Ma' instructs, Marie nods her head and holds her hands out open. Ma' places the black bracelet in Marie's hands, Marie clutches tightly on the bracelet.
"It's yours now, you might need to wait a few years for you to grow into it" Ma' recommends, Marie looks up at Ma' with a confused expression.
"I don't get it, why are you giving me this?" Marie curiously asks.
"I was going to give it to you at the end of the week for being good by going to school, but seeing as you need it now. You deserve it" Ma' says, Marie hops out of her comfy seat and embraces Ma' in a tight hug, Ma' returns a tight hug back.
"Thank you so much!" Marie says overjoyed with happiness, Marie breaks away from the hug as Ma' slowly stands back to her feet. "I'm going to show Lee and May!" Marie announces as she skips out of the room, Ma' places her hands on her hips as she sees her daughter leave the room.
"She's been eyeing my bracelet all night, she might as well have it" Ma' thinks to herself as she sits back in her seat.
Meanwhile at Edwards house, Edward wonders around his room. "Now what can I bring to show and tell? I need something that is at the very least interesting and something I know a lot about" Edward thinks to himself as she slowly approaches his desk, Edward allows a green plant catches his eye. "Jim, would you like to join me for show and tell?" Edward asks as he lifts the cactus off the table.
Later that night, Marie rests her head on her soft pillow. "Come on...when is tomorrow?" Marie impatiently thinks to herself as she turns over on her side, Marie's eyes open to see Ma' tiptoeing into her room as silently as she can. "Ma'?" Marie says sounding dazed.
"You're still not a asleep I see" Ma' states the obvious, Marie pouts at Ma'. Ma' breaks into a short smile.
"I can't wait to show this bracelet tomorrow" Marie says as she lifts her right arm up showing the loose dark bracelet on her wrist.
"Remember to be careful with that bracelet tomorrow, it's yours not mine any more" Ma' reminds her daughter, Ma' crouches down to Marie's level.
"I'll take extra special care of it tomorrow, I promise" Marie promises again, Ma' nods her head as she stands to her feet.
"Don't forget to get some sleep, goodnight hun'" Ma' wishes as she makes her way towards the door.
"Goodnight...Ma'..." Marie says whilst sounding groggy, Ma' looks over her shoulder to see Marie fighting with sleep. A nostalgic smile emerges on Ma's face, as she exits the room and silently shuts the door.
While on the journey to school next morning, the traffic is at a standstill. Ma' has a short sigh and turns around at the passenger seat to see Marie with a delightful smile and admiring her new bracelet. "Did you get any sleep last night?" Ma' curiously asks, Marie takes her attention off her bracelet and looks up at Ma'.
"I got a little sleep..." Marie answers dizzily, Ma' raises her eyebrow at Marie. Marie notices the look Ma' is giving her "I tried but it was like sleeping the night before Christmas" Marie answers truthfully.
"I wouldn't have thought a show and tell would be similar to Christmas" Ma' thinks to herself, Ma' continues to watch her daughter admire her new bracelet. "What do you think your little friend Edward's bringing?" Ma' asks, Marie casually shrugs her shoulders at the question.
"I don't know, he likes books he might bring one of his favorite books" Marie guesses, Ma' slowly nods her head at the possible guess.
"You might be-" Ma' is cut off by an impatient driver honking their horn at her car, Ma' takes her attention off her daughter. Ma' rolls down the nearest window and peeks her head out looking back at the driver behind her "Are you blind?! The traffic isn't moving!" Ma' shouts at the top of her lung, Marie gently laughs at her mothers sudden outburst. The traffic begins to gently move forward, as the two of them make their way to school.
Later that morning at school, Edward sits in his seat at the table. Edward delicately places Jim on the table, Edward has a short sigh as he stares at his green friend. "I certainly hope everyone will enjoy seeing you Jim" Edward hopes, suddenly Edward feels a sudden jolt on his shoulders causing him to flinch slightly.
"Boo!" Marie calls out, Edward turns around to see his table buddy. Edward takes a deep breath to regain his composure, whilst Marie giggles lightly. "Gotcha!" Marie says as she points at Edward.
"You seem to be in a joyous mood this morning" Edward comments, Marie simply shrugs as she moves around the table to her seat opposite Edward.
"Why wouldn't I be? Look what Ma' gave me!" Marie says as she sits in her seat, whilst showing off her wrist with the black bracelet. Edward leans forward in his seat to have a closer look "It looks great doesn't it?!" Marie says with great enthusiasm.
"It certainly does, remember though don't misplace it or-" Edward is interrupted when Marie holds up her hand.
"You sound just like Ma' don't worry, It'll be fine" Marie reassures, Edward quits leaning forward and sits deep in his seat. Marie looks at the table to see a green plant on the table, Marie leans forward looking at the suspicious plant. "What's this? Is this your show and tell?" Marie questions, Edward gives a confident nod and grin.
"Yes it's a cactus that I've been growing for a number of-" Before Edward can continues Marie is about to place her hand on the cactus, suddenly with great reactions Edward grabs Marie's wrist stopping her. "Please don't touch it, it's also a dangerous plant that can hurt when touched by a person" Edward warns as he releases Marie's wrist from his grasp.
"Okay...bet it wouldn't have hurt" Marie says, as she sits back in her seat. Edward folds his arms as the classroom door swings open, Mrs. Wheatly enters the room.
"Good morning everyone!" Mrs. Wheatly greets with enthusiasm, Mrs. Wheatly looks around the room to see a number of students with their show and tell items "Please can you put your show and tell items away, we'll have a look at them at the end of the day" Mrs. Wheatly instructs, the class cooperates as they take them off the table. Edward places Jim underneath the table, while Marie puts it in her bag. Edward watches Marie as she places it in her bag, Marie notices Edward is watching her. Marie playfully sticks her tongue out at Edward.
During the activity in the lesson, Edward darts a look across at Marie. "How did you get the bracelet from your mother?" Edward asks, Marie looks up across at Edward, Marie gives Edward an unimpressed look.
"Easy, Ma' said I've been so good that I deserve the bracelet" Marie truthfully says, Edward slowly nods his head.
"Do you like the bracelet?" Edward asks an obvious question, Marie gives Edward another unimpressed look.
"I love it, I'm going to keep it forever. It looks so cool!" Marie says with great enthusiasm, Edward has a small grin on his face. "Is it the same for you and your plant? Are you going to keep that forever?" Marie asks, Edward raises his eyebrow at that very question.
"I'll try to keep it as long as it's lifespan lasts" Edward answers, Marie simply shrugs and carries on with her work.
At the end of the day, Mrs. Wheatly stands in the front of the classroom with the students surrounding her sat in chairs. Mrs. Wheatly claps her hands together whilst standing next to another student, the class follows along with Mrs. Wheatly and claps as well. "Thank you, Ryan for showing us your baseball card collection" Mrs. Wheatly praises. Ryan sits back in his seat, as Mrs. Wheatly looks around at the circle of students. "Next we'll have...Brandon" Mrs. Wheatly instructs, Brandon stands out of his seat confidently and struts into the center of the circle with his show and tell in hand.
"I brought the football jersey of my favorite team, The Lemon Brooke Leopards." Brandon says as he holds up the white and purple kit, Mrs. Wheatly slowly claps as the class listens on.
"That's nice, why are they your favorite team?" Mrs. Wheatly asks, the classes eyes darts back and forth between Mrs. Wheatly and Brandon.
"Well...they win a lot, they're also much better than the Peach Creek Cheetahs" Brandon proclaims, Mrs. Wheatly nods her head and claps Brandon as the class claps along with her. Brandon lifts his arms in victory as he struts back to his seat. Edward simply rolls his eyes at Brandon's show and tell demonstration. Mrs. Wheatly again looks around the room to find her next pick, Mrs. Wheatly as she pauses and makes eye contact with Edward.
"Edward, can you show us what you brought?" Mrs. Wheatly politely asks, Edward nods his head and picks up Jim that was placed under his chair, Edward carefully picks Jim up and nervously walks into the centre of the circle. Edward takes a deep breath as Marie watches on closely.
"My show and tell is Jim, my cactus" Edward says as he clutches Jim tightly in his hands. The class watch on unimpressed "It's often confused for a tree, when indeed it's known as a plant" Edward explains, Mrs. Wheatly smiles casually at Edward. Edward takes a small gulp before he continues "Upon closer inspection of Jim, you'll see he has sharp needles all over him. A touch from a human can cause serious pain for the person" Edward explains, Edward looks around the circle to see a lot of the students are looking elsewhere, Edward makes eye contact with Marie whose leaning forward listening with determination on her face. Edward gives Marie a short smile, as Mrs. Wheatly claps her hands together.
"Very well done, tell me Edward more about...Jim" Mrs. Wheatly struggles remembering the name, Edward nods.
"erm...he's expected to grow much larger over the years, if it's dealt with correctly." Edward gives a short answer, Mrs. Wheatly smiles as she claps the class copy Mrs. Wheatly's actions and clap along as well. Edward bows his head as he walks back to his seat, Marie gives Edward an enthusiastic clap as he sits next to her. Edward slowly places Jim underneath his seat.
"Woah, I didn't know that stuff." Marie compliments as she leans forward closer to Edward, Edward leans back in his seat to save his personal space. Marie continues to have a smile on her face as she leans back in her seat. Mrs. Wheatly again stands within the center of the circle and analyses the last remaining student to deliver a show and tell.
"Marie, can you show us what you brought?" Mrs. Wheatly asks, Marie gives an eager nod at Mrs. Wheatly.
"Wish me luck" Marie whispers under her breath at Edward, Edward returns a smile similar to what Marie gave him. Marie casually skips to the center of the circle, Marie looks around the circle to feel the piercing gaze from the number of students surrounding her. "erm...I brought one of my bracelets, that my Ma' gave me" Marie says shyly as she holds up her bracelet that is sliding down her wrist, Edward leans forward in his seat.
"Oh...that looks fantastic, what do you like about the bracelet?" Mrs. Wheatly asks, Marie looks up at Mrs. Wheatly, Marie takes a deep breath ready to answer.
"It looks cool I guess, most bracelets are colorful but this one is dark and mysterious, I find it different" Marie answers honestly, Mrs. Wheatly slowly nods her head as Edward raises his eyebrow.
"Hmm...interesting..." Edward thinks to himself as he rubs the bottom of his chin, Mrs. Wheatly looks around the room to see the students talking among each other not paying attention. Marie darts her eyes around the room to see majority of the students have lost their concentration, Marie has a short sigh to herself in relief.
"I'm actually glad they weren't listening, I would have been even more nervous" Marie thinks to herself, Marie looks at her empty seat to see a familiar face next to her empty seat leaning forward listening with intent. Marie gives Edward a warm smile, as Mrs. Wheatly claps her hands together leading the class to clap a long as well. Marie slowly steps towards her seat.
"Well done Marie" Mrs. Wheatly praises, Mrs. Wheatly steps into the center of the circle and looks at her watch. "You've got 10 minutes left of the day, you've all been so good today I'll let you all go home early" Mrs. Wheatly announces the class cheers in unison, as the student quickly run back to their tables. Edward picks up Jim from under his seat and follows Marie to their table. Marie gives Edward a questionable look, as Edward places Jim on the table.
"Why did you name him Jim? How do you know it isn't a girl?" Marie curiously asks, Edward looks down at his green plant.
"erm...good question...he looks like a Jim to me?" Edward guesses as he faintly shrugs, Marie giggles softly at Edward.
"Hehe...really now?" Marie continues to giggle as she places her equipment into her bag, Edward continues to watch Marie carefully with the bracelet around her wrist. Marie lifts her head up to see Edward is watching her bracelet, Marie puts down her bag and slides the bracelet off her wrist. "Here you go, you can have a look at it" Marie says as she slides the bracelet across the table to Edward, Edward looks down at the bracelet with a skeptical look. "Come on, you can pick it up. I trust you" Marie motivates, Edward has a short sigh as he picks the bracelet up.
"It is rather becoming, I believe it'll look quite fetching when you grow into it" Edward compliments, Marie raises her eyebrow at the statement.
"Is that good then?" Marie questions, Edward nods his head as he continues to fiddle with the bracelet in his hand.
"Yes, what it means is-" Edward is cut off by a huge hand snatching the bracelet out of his weak fingers, Edward looks up to see the thief is Brandon with the bracelet in his frying pan like hands.
"Lookie here..." Brandon says as he looks down at the bracelet in his open hand, Marie immediately approaches Brandon face to face. Edward stands behind Marie, Edward looks down at his hands where the bracelet once was.
"Give it back!" Marie demands as she lunges attempting to grab the bracelet out of Brandon's hands, Brandon moves his hands from side to side avoiding Marie's attempts at getting her bracelet back.
"Come on...you're not even trying..." Brandon taunts, Marie again tries to grab the bracelet from Brandon to no avail as he hoists his arms up high out of her reach. Brandon laughs away as Marie's face becomes filled with anger. Edward lifts his head up and looks at the scene in front of him.
"Brandon, please give back Marie's bracelet. I don't want to be forced to tell the teacher" Edward warns, Marie looks over her shoulder at Edward. Edward sees small signs of tears building up in Marie's eyes, Brandon slowly lowers his arm.
"Yeah...you're right..." Brandon says, Marie has a sigh to herself as she puts her hand out for the bracelet. Brandon puts his hand above Marie's hand ready to give the bracelet.
"Give me it" Marie instructs, Brandon nods his head as a sick grin emerges on his face. Edwards eyes widen at that grin, suddenly Brandon tightens his grip on the bracelet and throws it towards the open window. Marie rushes towards the open window along with Edward to see the bracelet drop on the grassy premises of the school. Brandon folds his arm with a diabolical grin on his face "My bracelet!" Marie yells as she turns away from the window and runs forward pushing Brandon out of the way as she rushes out of the classroom. Edward puts his arm out ready to stop her but it was too late, Edward quickly grabs his and Marie's bag and follows in quick pursuit.
"Marie wait!" Edward calls out as he leaves the classroom, Brandon chuckles to himself.
The two stand outside of the schools premises in the location where Brandon threw the bracelet, Marie's head darts from right to left in a panic looking for the bracelet. "Come on where is it?!" Marie panics, Edward stands behind her catching his breath back. Marie drops to her knees and begins to search the green bushes, Marie's hands are shaking uncontrollably.
"Marie?" Edward calls out, Marie continues to look in the tall green bushes on her knees. "I'm sorry...it's my fault I should have-" Edward gets interrupted by the emotional Marie.
"Please...just help me look for it..." Marie pleads, Edward nods as he looks up at the window that it was thrown out of. Marie continues to push plants out of the way in a struggle.
"Hmm..." Edward utters as his eyes dart from the window to the grassy terrain, Marie looks over her shoulder at Edward. "Judging by the height of the window and the force and direction in which the bracelet was thrown it'll be...over this way..." Edward points in the direction he guesses, Marie stands back to her feet and follows Edward. "Marie, I'm sorry for-" Edward is again interrupted.
"Shh...let's just find it" Marie instructs, Edward nods his head as he stops in place and points at the bush he's guessing it is. "Is this where it is?" Marie asks, Edward gulps as he nods his head. "Okay I'll get it" Marie says as she's about to put her hand on the bush, Edward grabs Marie's wrist before she touches the prickly bush.
"Marie, that's a thorn bush it'll really hurt if you go inside it or touch it" Edward instructs, Marie shakes her head and attempts to break from Edwards grasp.
"I don't care, just let me get it" Marie demands, Edward doesn't let go of his grip. Marie shakes her head at Edwards stubborn nature.
"I lost it, I'll get it" Edward comments as he loosens his grip on Marie's wrist, Marie shakes her head at Edwards demand.
"No I-" Marie this time gets cut off from speaking.
"If I didn't let Brandon snatch the bracelet we wouldn't have been in this situation!" Edward raises his voice, Marie looks down at the grass on her shoes.
"But I can-" Again Marie gets interrupted by the passionate Edward.
"I don't want to see someone else get harmed for my mistake" Edward says with eagerness, Marie lifts her head and looks around at Edward, Marie has a small grin on her face.
"Thank you..." Marie says softly, Edward nods as he gently slides both his and Marie's bag off his shoulder, Edward places the two bags on the grassy floor. Edward takes a few steps forward, Edward motions his head side to side if he can see anything. Marie looks at the back of Edward's head "Be careful" Marie instructs, Edward goes to his knees and crawls into the thorn bush. Marie curiously peeks at the thorn bush.
"Ow...Ow...Ouch...this hurts..." Edward feels the thorn scrapping and scratching his skin, Edward slowly lifts his head as he sees a familiar black bracelet in the center of the thorn bush, Edward struggles fighting through the sharp thorns digging into his body. Edward slowly crawls over towards the bracelet, Edward puts his hand on top of the bracelet to see plenty of scratches on his hand.
On the outside of the thorn bush, Marie leans against the school wall waiting patiently for her friend to return. Marie twiddles her feet around, whilst looking at the thorn bush. "He should have let me do it" Marie thinks to herself as she buries her head into her knees, suddenly Marie hears noises from the thorn bush as she sees a familiar looking figure crawling out of the thorn bush. Marie stands to her feet in anticipation, Edward crawls out of the thorn bush covered in scratches, the most distinctive scratch is on his cheek. Marie puts her hand over her mouth at the sight, Edward slowly stands to his feet in pain.
"Here...you go" Edward says as he lifts his arm up and opens his hand revealing the once thrown bracelet, Marie takes a few steps forward towards Edward. Before Edward could say anything else, he was wrapped in a tight firm hug from the girl standing in front of him. "Ouch" Edward mutters, Marie stops hugging Edward and steps back.
"Sorry I didn't mean to hurt you" Marie apologizes, Edward smiles at Marie. Marie slowly takes her bracelet back from Edward, Marie immediately puts the bracelet on her wrist. "Are you okay? You're not too hurt are you?" Marie asks with concern, as Edward gradually sits on the grassy floor.
"I'll be okay, nothing that a few bandaids can't fix. I've got some in my bag so-" Before Edward could continue, Marie is already opening Edward's bag and takes the bandaids out. Marie with bandaids in her hand kneels next to Edward "There is no need for any level of concern, I can put it on myself" Edward suggests, Marie shakes her head as starts to put the bandaid on Edward's hand, Edward flinches slightly from the pain.
"Just stay still, your making it harder for me" Marie recommends, Edward has a short sigh and allows Marie to put the bandaids on him with no issues at all.
"As long as Marie has her bracelet back, that's all that matters" Edward looks on the bright side, a small smile emerges on Marie's face as she puts the final bandaid on the cheek of Edward. Marie leans forward and gives Edward a peck on the cheek where the bandaid is, Edward quickly flinches. "Marie?" Edward questions as he looks over his shoulder to see Marie with a reddened face.
"Erm...Ma' says scratches heal faster if you kiss them..." Marie says softly as she twiddles her thumbs, Edward places his bandaid full hand on his cheek whilst looking at Marie. Marie feels her breathing becoming heavy and her chest tightens, Marie puts her hand over her chest.
"What's this? My heart feels as though it's going to explode!" Marie thinks to herself as she looks up at Edward.
"Marie are you okay?" Edward asks as he lowers his hand away from his cheek, Marie silently nods her head as she stands to her feet. Marie offers her hand to Edward, Edward places his hand in Marie's hand as she helps lifting him to his feet.
"From that day, I learned about who he really is. A selfless person that thinks more about others than about himself, that day was the start of...a beautiful friendship. We hung out more and more often through the months, at school and sleepovers when Lee and May wasn't there. The more and more I saw of him, the more and more I breathed heavy and my chest hurt" Marie narrates.
2 Months later, Marie rests her head face flat on her pillow. "When ever I see him or think about him, it hurts" Marie tightly clutches her chest, Marie hears a faint knock on the door. Marie lifts her head of the pillow and looks at the door to see her mother standing there with a worried look. "Hi Ma'" Marie says unenthusiastic, Ma' raises her eyebrow as she takes a few steps forward into her room.
"Hiya hun' how are you doing?" Ma' asks as she sits at Marie's bedside, Marie looks at her mothers concerned face.
"I don't know, I don't think I'm well or something" Marie answers, Ma' folds her arms looking down across at her daughter.
"What's wrong? Does your head hurt or something?" Ma' asks, Marie simply shakes her head.
"My chest hurts and I feel like I can't breath" Marie voices her concern, Ma' puts her hand over her mouth worried. "It happens every time I..." Marie stops herself as a blush appears on her face, Ma' squints her eyes as a grin emerges on her face.
"Every time you..." Ma' leads Marie to finish, Marie has a short sigh to herself as she musters the courage to say it.
"Every time I...think of...Edward" Marie finally says it, Marie quickly buries her face into her pillow. Ma' giggles softly at Marie's shyness.
"It's perfectly natural for a girl to like a boy" Ma' reassures, Marie lifts her head off the pillow and gradually sits on the side of her bed facing Ma'.
"Why?" Marie asks, Ma' scratches the top of her head.
"Well...you enjoy spending time with Edward so... it's normal that you start to like him even more..." Ma' casually says, a bright blush emerges on Marie's face.
"Yeah so? How do I make it stop?" Marie questions, Ma' gets a smirk on her face and looks to her side at Marie.
"The way to make it stop is..." Ma' sets the mood, Marie leans forward towards Ma' listening with purpose and intent. "Tell him how you feel" Ma' recommends, Marie quickly shakes her head.
"But...what if he doesn't like me back?" Marie asks, Ma' raises her eyebrow whilst looking down at her daughter.
"You keep trying, when you like someone you keep trying. When you find someone you really like, if you let him get away you'll regret it and wish you told him" Ma' advises, Marie looks down at the dark blue carpet on her floor "If spending time with him makes you feel happy, then it's best not to let someone like that get away" Ma' looks to her side at her confused daughter whose face is as red as a tomato.
"I...I'll...tell him" Marie says nervously, Ma' joyously claps her hands together as she embraces Marie with a warm hug.
"That's my girl" Ma' says whilst wrapping her arms around Marie tightly "I bet it feels good saying that doesn't it?" Ma' questions, Marie snuggles her head closer to her mother as she nods.
"It does" Marie says without a care in the world, her chest has quit aching and she's regained her breath back, the two break from their hug as Ma' stands up off of Marie's bed.
"You better get some rest, it'll be a big day tomorrow for you" Ma' recommends, as Marie lays down in her bed. Ma' pulls the blanket over Marie, as Marie gently rests her head on the soft pillow. "What are you going to do tomorrow?" Ma' playfully asks, Marie looks up at her mother.
"T...tell him how I...f...feel" Marie says nervously as she clutches her blanket tightly, Ma' takes a few steps back towards the door.
"Sorry, I didn't hear that" Ma' says freely as she places her hand on her ear, a cheery smile emerges on Marie's face.
"I'm going to tell him how I feel" Marie says softly, Ma' takes a few steps back until she's standing next to the door.
"Louder! I can't hear you!" Ma' says wilfully, Marie's smile has grown even larger.
"I'm going to tell him how I feel!" Marie says full of energy as she raises her fist in the air, Ma' motions with her arm similar to Marie.
"That's right, goodnight hun'" Ma' says sweetly as she switches off the light and gently shuts the door. Marie yawns loudly as she turns over on her side, Marie holds her wrist with her black bracelet up to her face.
"I'm going to tell Edward how I feel..."
The next day at school, Marie stands outside of her classroom combing her hair. "I'm going to do it..." Marie psychs herself up as she takes a deep breath before entering the classroom, Marie shyly places her hand on the door handle. Marie pauses as she lowers her hand down from the door handle "How am I going to say it?!" Marie worries as she starts to fiddle with her hair "How about, 'Edward, I really really like you do you want to be you know?'" Marie ponders as she quickly shakes her head at that option. "How about, 'Edward, I have these feelings for you...I...'" Again Marie shakes her head quickly at the very thought "I'll just wing it" Marie comes to the conclusion as she puts her hand on the door handle and pulls it down, Marie takes a deep breath as she enters the classroom.
Marie opens her eyes to see there is a number of students in the room, Marie looks around to see if she can see Edward. "He's not here yet" Marie thinks to herself as she wonders over to her empty table, Marie places her bag underneath the table and sits down. "You can do this Marie" Marie motivates herself, suddenly the door swings open. Marie stands out of her seat to see if it's Edward, Mrs. Wheatly walks into the room. Marie silently pouts as she sits back in her seat, Mrs. Wheatly turns to the classroom with a frown on her face. Marie's eyes are constantly locked with the classroom door, Mrs. Wheatly claps her hands together grabbing the classrooms attention. Marie shifts her head to look at Mrs. Wheatly.
"I'm sorry to tell everyone this class" Mrs. Wheatly pauses as she looks around the classroom to see a number of eyes staring at her "Edward has moved school, so he'll be no longer be joining us in class" Mrs. Wheatly drops the bombshell, Marie instinctively puts her hands up out of panic.
"D...did he move classes or something?" Marie asks, Mrs. Wheatly reads the concern on Marie's face. Mrs. Wheatly takes a deep breath before speaking again.
"Unfortunately, Edward has moved schools" Mrs. Wheatly repeats herself, Marie lowers her shaking hand as he places her hands on the table. Marie's face begin to turn red as her arms begin to shake uncontrollably, tears begin to build up in Marie's eyes.
"I never got to tell him how I feel..."
"After that day, I never went back to that school. My grades went down and my attitude changed. I didn't even want to come out of my room, Ma' did her best to tell me everything was going to be fine. All I could think was 'I missed the chance to tell him how I feel' When my family moved to Peach Creek, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you. I wanted to tell you who I was, but I remembered you never said 'goodbye' to me, I thought I would be angry with you. Then I remember how kind you were to me, you was my friend...no you were the best friend I ever had" Marie narrates.
Meanwhile back at Double D's study session, "How come you didn't tell me sooner that you knew who I was?" Double D asks, Marie looks up at Double D with a twinkle in her eye.
"I just couldn't, it'll just bring up some bad memories about when you left me." Marie says in a melancholic tone, Double D has a short sigh to himself. "How come you didn't tell me you were leaving?" Marie asks as she leans forward across the table.
"I wanted to, but my parents were in a rush to move. They only told me the day when we were moving that I was moving and switching schools" Double D answers, Marie smiles in relief.
"I'm happy about that, I thought you didn't tell me because you didn't consider me as a friend" Marie says as she leans back in her seat, Double D raises his eyebrow at Marie.
"You were my friend and you still are my friend" Double D says with a small grin on his face, a huge smile on Marie's face emerges.
"I'm happy to hear that, so now you know why I like you. Now you know why I tell you I like you everyday, because I missed the chance years ago" Marie reflects, Marie looks up at the ceiling above her "'If spending time with him makes you feel happy, then it's best not to let someone like that get away' You're right Ma' he did make me happy spending time with him and still does" Marie thinks to herself nostalgically, Double D wipes the top of his forehead with his wrist as Marie leans forward again on the table. "You said you'd answer one of my questions if I answered yours right?" Marie asks for confirmation.
"Yes we did make that agreement" Double D answers, Marie gets a sly grin on her face looking across at her study buddy.
"Back then, did you have feelings for me?"
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this new chapter, it won't take too long for the next chapter to be uploaded! Although you all know what I'm going to say is 'Keep up the good work with all the favs, follows and reviews' you've all already have done a fantastic job! Hope you all have a great day :)