So, I lied. Like a lot. I posted an author's note four weeks late, and I'm officially 7 weeks late posting his chapter. I'm sorry there was stuff going on, (school, family, relationship issues … etc.) but I'm good now. No promises on the update schedule, but I'll do my best. Thank you for the wonderful reviews and to those people who decided to follow the story: Thank You So Much. It honestly means a lot because I've no confidence in my writing (it's more of a hobby than a big thing for me) and having people say they like it makes me feel better. Moving on … Here's a new chapter:

~SevenSneakyFoxes~

The next morning was dismal. A light mist fell silently. Edd loved when it rained. In fact, he'd been sitting out in the rain for an hour before his neighbor quickly traversed the distance between their houses.

"Edd, unlock the damn car!" Rave yelled at him.

"Good morning James." Edd replied, lazily grabbing his backpack and strolling to the driver-side door.

"Why does it have to rain?" The two slipped into the car.

"Well, technically, because the atmosphere cooled down enough that—"

"Stop talking." Edd backed out of the driveway chuckling as he went. "Who were the people that visited you yesterday? I saw Nat and two others."

"Ah, old ... acquaintances of mine coming to say 'hello'."

"'Acquaintances.' You make it sound like you never had friends."

"I hadn't, well, aside from Ed and Eddy. My childhood was a rather lonely one." He pulled into the high school parking lot and cast a glance in Rave's direction. The two swiftly exited the car.

"I didn't take you as the kind to be alone." Sarcasm oozed from Rave's words.

"Oh, no, no. I was the epitome of a social butterfly." Edd waved lamely as they parted ways. The halls were, as was typical of a high school, full of students who'd rather be elsewhere. He ran the risk of running into people he'd rather not see.

There was a crowd of freshmen standing in front of his locker. Nowadays it seemed like they swarmed. He leered at them, willing them to part and as if sensing the atmosphere change. They all turned, together, and scurried away. He silently proceeded as scheduled. Or, at least, he tried. It seemed the fates were against him today. A lone redhead appeared to his left.

"Hey Double D." Kevin threw up his hand in a last minute minute wave. Edd huffed and, after retrieving his calculus textbook, closed his locker.

"I feel no need to talk to you Mr. Barr, as all of our previous conversations were rather dull." It was a weak excuse, but it would have to do. Edd had no time to dawdle. He was a busy man, and had many ... things to take care of. He'd only taken two full strides when Kevin caught up to him.

"Geez Edd, you just got back. I just wanted to welcome you home."

"Why on earth would you want to do that?" Just as the redhead began to open his mouth Edd stopped dead. "It was a rhetorical question, dimwit. Don't answer." He marched on.

"You really have changed, Double D."

"Really? What could possibly make you think that?" He smirked, dark and disturbing as the door to his calculus class fell shut. Kevin could only stare at the oak door. Who was this new Edd?

Save the little confrontation with Kevin in the hallway that morning, Edd's day was free of further interruptions to his daily schedule. Up until now that is. The school's pool was surrounded by several swim team students, as would be expected. What was not expected though, was the sheer number of people allowed to watch the practices.

The bleachers across the pool were almost completely full of students. Admirers and fans, meaning teenage girls, alone took up the front five rows. Rave was sitting in the furthest corner from all the commotion reading what looked like a script. Edd sighed and set his stuff down a safe distance from the water and set off on his mission to find the swim team captain.

"Edd?" He trekked on, trying to ignore the familiar voice. "Edd. I know you hear me. Eddward!" A hand grasped his wrist forcing him to turn around and face the owner of the obnoxious voice.

"Sarah, what a pleasant surprise." He feigned innocence.

"I want you to know that I'm not happy with you. My brother came home the other day upset and I know it wasn't Eddy who upset him. He may forgive easily, but I don't." She scowled at him.

"That is very funny." He shrugged her words off and stood up straight, towering over her. "I've no time for your misdirected anger. Now, if we're done acting like we're ten, I've some place to be." The girl looked shocked as Edd turned to stalk away. What was it with everyone expecting something from him? This day had gone to shit so quickly he hadn't even been able to enjoy any part of it.