Marie walks closer to where he is hiding , while calling his name every few steps she takes with her soft and innocent voice . Edward doesn't know why Marie of all people, is trying to find him but knowing it's better to let her find him rather than wander to places where she might get into troubles. He smells his breath one more time to make sure the cigarette is at least subtle at best when he is talking to her . Waiting till she just one more step ,he steps out from his hiding spot and accidentally startling her , causing her to fall back but rather than letting her fall down to the dirty floor , he immediately reaches out and manage to catches her by her shoulders with his right hand , stopping her from hitting the floor . The two just look at each other like time has stopped . Edward is lost at her beauty, how soft and innocent she is while Marie stare into his almost purple eyes . Edward finally snaps out of it as he gently assits Marie back to her feet . He let go as he avert his eyes and hides his hands from embarrassment . Marie also do the same while going through her books to grab the homework note for Edward.
Marie : Here , your homework from our biology class .
Marie hands the note to him , asking him politely.
Edward turns to her as he gently takes the note and gives it a quick look .
Edward: Thank , i guess .
He tries to sound of tough as he is quite nervous inside right now .
Marie : Don't worry about it , I was just worry that you might get into troubles if you didn't have your homework done by not attending class .
Edward: You worry about me ?
Edward try sounding cheeky to hide his smile and excitement.
Marie blushes a bit at how he responded.
Marie : Well , i was just being a good girl like my mom would've wanted . Beside , you look like you don't even need to study much to solve it .
Edward: What give it away ? my observant teacher pet .
Marie pouts at the notion, trying to hit him with her jelly arms . Edward is a bit amuse at how adorable she is .
Edward: I'm kidding. Thank by the way.
Marie stops as she goes back to her book and take out the note from earlier then hands it over to him .
Marie : You are really smart , you just don't like showing it , do you ?
Edward takes the notes and sees it's his cheat sheet.
Edward: I have enough on my plate already, extra school work is not needed right now .
Marie : I understand . I didn't mean to intrude .
Edward: It's fine . You weren't by the way . Um , any who , I think you should head back to class .
Marie : Wait , you are not going?
Edward: I will , i just need to do something first .
Marie : Well , at least promise me you attend all your classes . I don't want to worry about you skipping class again .
Edward blushes and Marie could almost see the pink on his cheek but he turns away as he walks toward her .
Edward: Then I guess I should be going as well .
Edward said it to her as he walks past her . She follow him , feeling joyful that she managed to talk to him and helped him out in someway then she notices something, a smell .
Marie: Edward ?
Edward stops when she calls out to him .
Edward: What is it ? Is something wrong ?
He doesn't know why all of a sudden she decides to stop .
Marie : Edward, have you been smoking ?
Edward's eyes widen in shock as he swore he uses enough mint to mask the smell . Clearly he was wrong and his expression gave it away as Marie gets upset.
Marie : Edward , you know what smoking does to the human body . Especially when you are still young , you shouldn't even touch such things .
Edward: I ...
He doesn't want to argue since he knows he is the wrong . Marie starts to sounds angry at him .
Marie : Edward, you may not be a model student but at least you have to understand what is harmful to your body .
Marie sounds genuinely upset at the discovery which Edward tries to calm down the situation.
Edward: It's a one time thing ,alright? I was just a bit stressed out. I promise I won't do that again.
Marie : I don't trust you right now ,so hand it over .
Edward is surprised.
Edward : Hand over what ?
Marie : Your hands , if this is a one time thing then you won't have cigarette burn on your fingers .
Edward is awestruck at how concern she is but the same time embarrassed . He raises his hands up to Marie and she gently holds them. Caressing his skins with her soft skins , he can feel how warm her hands are compared to the constant chilling on his fingers. She carefully examine his fingers one by one then when she sees something unusual, she raises his hands up close to her face as she take a quick snip .
Marie : A light burn . You have been smoking at least a few weeks now, it's amazing you don't have the yellow teeth .
Edward: I brushes my teeth quite often .
He responds shyly as he knows he is caught red handed by someone he cares for and doesn't want to see him in a negative light .
She let go of his hands as he puts them back in his pocket while she takes something out of her pocket .
Marie : Here , uses this to hide the finger burns. As for the smoking , I...
Edward: You don't have to do this , I promise I will try to...
Marie : No no , I don't want you to do something this difficult without a reward since I heard quit smoking is quite challenging even for short time smoker so ..
Edward sees Marie is blushing a bit .
Edward: Is she trying to ask me out ?
Edward thinks to himself.
Marie : if you can quit , I will ask you to be my date for the winter dance .
Edward jaw drop in his head as he can't believe what he just heard . He is flabbergasted as he tries his best not to jump around in excitement.
Marie : I know it's not much since I'm not the most pretty girl around and the last time we tries, it didn't work out so well but I do like you and I want to help you .
She speak so slowly like she is trying not to die from embarrassment. Mustering the strength to say every single words was like lifting weights off her chest .
Edward: No , no . Well , I mean yes , I will quit smoking and I would love to go the dance with you. I would love to .
The word love come of his mouth so naturally and still he can't believe he actually said it .
Marie: Then , do .. we .. have a deal ?
She extends her hand for a shake slowly as she doesn't have the strength anymore after hearing the words love from Edward .
Marie : He does have feelings for me , oh my God, I'm so over my head right now .
Followed by internal screaming like a little girl that receives her first ever toy , she extends her hands out for a shake . Edward sees her hand and slowly reaches out , still can't cope with how unreal this how ordeal is . From sneaking out for a cigarette to getting himself a dance with his long time crush . Some how , a normal bleak looking turns out to be a day where dream come true . The two shakes then quickly pulls back and turns away from blushing too hard .
Edward: So ..
Rubbing the back of his head to even try to say something.
Marie : So ...
Fiddling her finger in front of her face to stop her frantic thoughts.
Edward: We should, go back to class .
Marie : Yes , We should . We should .
The two turns back to the way they arrive . They start walking but they keep darting their eyes side to side , swiping a glance at each other to see how are they doing and both can see they are still blushing . They walk so close to each other that they can almost feel their hands touching one another from time to time . Marie keeps adjust her glasses and books to keep her shaky busy while Edward starts thinking about how he will ask Marie to be his girlfriend after the date . The two arrived at the empty school yard as most students are already back inside to get ready for class . Edward stops Marie as they just shy a few steps away from the yard .
Edward: Hey , Marie .
He asks her softly .
Marie turns to him , curious about what he might ask her.
Edward: I appreciate your help , it's mean a lot but I don't us to be seen together. You are a model student , hanging out with me could get you into trouble, not just with the teacher ,but the students as well .
Marie is moved by how concern he is for her .
Marie : I , I can understand but how can I keep track of you . what about our promise?
Edward pulls out his phone from his jacket , quickly swipe open and write a new contract.
Edward: You can give me your number. You are welcome to call me at anytime .
Marie quickly pulls out her phone and gives him her contacts.
Marie : Great , I will call you by tonight?
Edward: Sure , anytime .
The two smiles at each other for a while before the bell finally awaken them . Marie puts her phone away then runs off first , waving him goodbye as she goes back inside first . He watches and wave at her till she is finally outside. Confirming that the coast is clear, he jumps in celebration and joy as he just got himself a potential date and it is his long time crush as well . He quickly calm himself down as he stops jumping but feeling the joy , he can't help but smile as he walks inside back to class. All the students in the hallway immediately moves out of his way when he enters afraid to his next victim, especially when they see he has smile on his face . Most think he just finished an unfortunate students out of his money when he is just happy that he has something to live for now . He makes to his locker , quickly gets his stuff and head straight to the classroom, joining Eddy at the backseat . He hears the bell and students start pouring into the class , including Marie who glances at him and blush slightly before entering her seat . He smiles back as he opens his book to study . Eddy noticed his body unusual good mood so he asks while the teacher hasn't arrived.
Eddy : What is with the good mood ? Did you find a whale or something ?
Whale in money term is someone quite loaded . Edward turns to the side , a bit annoyed by his brother but decide to let it go since Marie is here and he doesn't want to disappoint her so soon .
Edward: Just focus on the lesson, Eddy . Even if I found one , I would be a fool to give the money to you . I rather buy Ed a nice jersey than even give you 5 to buy candy .
Edward turns away , redirect his attention to his book . Eddy is a bit offended but knowing what Edward said was true and class is about to start , he let it slide but it does linger on his mind . The teacher enters the room as the student settle in their seat and in minutes, the class start . Not much happened as the class was uneventful which in turns make Eddy fall asleep in class along with some other students like Rolf and Kevin . Marie is busy writing down her study while Edward simply watches Marie from the distance, admiring her beauty . He doesn't even notice how much time has passed till the bell rings , everyone gather their books and leaves the classroom to get to one more period in before lunch start . His last class doesn't share with Marie so he is a little bummed out but he wants that dance more than anything so he decides to attend anyway . Eddy skips the last one since he doesn't share it with Edward so he is off the hook for now . Edward knows too well Eddy will skips so he already planned to have Eddy clean the house tonight when he is off to work and will have to attend Ed practice session after to add to the punishment.
Lunch arrives and everyone quickly gathered in the cafeteria after finishing their class . Edward goes to find Ed and Eddy to buy them lunch cause he is in charge of their allowance since their mother only trust him with anything these days . It was hard to find his brother, they were just by their locker . Edward pulls his brother away to the cafeteria and make them get in line to buy lunch . Ed stays in his classes , mostly so Edward will reward him with an extra pudding while Eddy will only get a sandwich and salad for ditching class , as for himself , sand as Eddy since he doesn't have a taste for greasy food but will try one time to time . With all their lunch purchased , Edward leaves his brother to eat their lunch while he is busy on the phone , finding spare parts for his bike that he is building at the junkyard.
Eddy : Yo , D ?
Edward looks away from his phone with a annoyed face .
Edward: What is it , Eddy?
Eddy: Check that out .
He points to the middle of the cafeteria where Marie, Lee and May are trying to find a table to sit in but they are refused at every turn , even by their friends who simply can't help them . Marie with her glasses , books in one hand , lunch bag in the other is following around like she is lost . Edward feels bad but it only gets worse as when Marie tries to ask Sarah for a seat , Sarah refuses rudely siting that there are no room left despite the table cleanly have enough room to house all 3 girls . Marie is a bit saddened that one of her own neighbors would refuse to help despite always been so friendly to her . Edward is upset and a bit angry as he stands up .
Edward: You two , behave. I will be back .
Edward leaves the table , goes to Marie who is about to leave the room to have lunch out in the yard since there is no seats left . She just left through the door when Edward catches up with her . Lee and May immediately gets defensive about his presence while Marie calm everyone down to let Edward speaks .
Edward: I saw you guys didn't have a table to sit in . Go to mine, the table at the back .
Marie : I appreciate the gesture ,but what about your brother?
Edward: They are harmless when I'm there , you can rest assured.
Lee barge in the conversation.
Lee : Hold up , why is the big bad Double D help us , are you trying to get to our best friend here ?
Lee sounds her suspicions to Edward who is feels at ease knowing Marie has someone that care for her .
Edward: May be you are right , may be I'm trying to get to Marie but do you want to eat outside , in the cold wind ?
Edward puts on his usual threatening tone as he counter Lee assumptions.
Marie : Lee , it's OK. I'm actually a bit under dressed today so I can't really handle the cold very well .
Lee : but do you know who this is?
Lee point to Edward who sneak a glance at Marie and she does the same to him .
Marie : May be he is feeling generous today, we should give people a chance .
Lee : you ..
Edward interrupt them .
Edward: What do you know , she agree , now come on , let go .
Edward starts gather them and guide them back to the cafeteria. When the three best friend enters the cafeteria with Edward next to them , everyone assume he just extort them out of money for a table . Nobody really dare to raise their voice as they walk through the crowd . They finally reach the table and when the three girls start taking their seat , Eddy raises his objections.
Eddy : Hey , what gives , aren't we already done with these girls ?
Edward shots down a menacing stare at Eddy to shut him up while Ed is just enjoying his extra pudding.
Edward: Now , just enjoy your lunches while I have some study to catch up with .
Edward sits down and starts turning his book pages . Eddy gets back to eating his lunch with Ed , so does Lee and May . Marie is taking bites out of her dish but she mostly focus on Edward. Seeing him just casually turning the pages and not even sighing in boredom.
Marie : Is he a genus or something? No one can read that advanced biology book that quickly without coming across something that is overwhelming for the average person.
She thinks to herself as Edward puts the book away and starts eating along with the others . Marie looks away to avoid being seen staring at Edward but she can't help fascinated by him .
Edward: Ed , Eddy will attend your practice session and the both of you will clean the house when you get home , alright?
Ed : Sure thing , bro .
Eddy : Hey, what makes you the leader here , I'm the oldest .
Edward: And I'm the one who does your homework and buy your dinner , so shut up and do something helpful for your brother for once .
Edward raises his voice , sounds genuinely angry and authoritative to the fear of the three girls but something stands out to Marie . He has a part time job . She keeps that mental note to herself as she and her best friends avoid getting drawn into the three brother argument.
Edward: With that settle , ladies , if you so kind . I have something to attend to , enjoy your stay at our table .
Edward takes his leaves , disappeared out the cafeteria in seconds . Marie wants to follow but remember what they promised and his warning, so she stayed behind.
Eddy : Guess I'm stuck with you all day , Lumpy.
Ed : Yay .
Eddy rolls his eyes to the oblivious Ed as the three girls continue to eat their food in silence. As for Edward, he has something to taken care off first before going back to class and it's something he doesn't want Marie to know . Going to the area of the school where the senior bullies tend to hang out, he drops off his books to the side before he turns the corner to find a junior student , a notorious bully who picked on freshman on their first day st school . While Eddy participated in this behavior, Edward always make sure what Eddy with chores took return to their owner and punished Eddy later but when someone else does it and Edward knows about it , he won't be so easy . When he turns the corner, he already found the bully , Zeke Spencer already cornering a freshman for his lunch money .
Edward: Hey punk , that's my prey .
Zeke turns around and the poor boy immediately took off running, escaping Zeke clutches to his annoyance.
Zeke : You little shit , you just cost me my lunch .
He shouts at Edward but he remains unfazed.
Edward: You won't runs anyone pocket while I'm around.
Zeke : You think you are some hot shit . I eat punk brat like you for breakfast.
Zeke stands up straight, flexing his arms out to show his larger size than Edward but Edward doesn't care .
Edward: The only reason I haven't fucked you over right now cause you might turn tail like a bitch and snitch to the teacher after I'm done with you .
Zeke : Big talk for a freshman . Don't worry , I won't call the teacher when I'm done killing you .
Edward : Come on then .
Edward starts walking towards him and Zeke is amuse by how confident Edward is .
Zeke : I will make an example out of ...
Edward immediately sprint forward after entering the 3 feet mark distance from him to Zeke as he lunges at Zeke with a high knee with blinding speed . Zeke barely react in time , raising his arms up to block the knee but Edward is ready for that as he swings a mean left hook at Zeke , sending him to the wall to the side . Zeke tries to swing back when he bounces of the wall to make a counter but Edward punches him square to the face as planted his fist right into Zeke face , breaking his nose and slamming his head into the wall . Zeke starts bleeding from his noise as he collapse on the ground, dazed as Edward gets on top and starts pummeling with decisive strikes ,landing on Zeke face . After just 10 hits , Zeke is already tap out and gasping for air as blood fills his mouth . Edward gets off him , standing over his defeated opponent.
Edward: Now be a good boy and don't bother anyone ever again or I'll make you eat soup for the rest of your life .
Zeke can only wheeze in pain and cough blood as Edward cleans his bloody fists with a paper towel he brought with him just for the occasion. Picking up his book on the way out , he take a deep breath then let it out to get his composure back as he returns to the hallway. His knuckle are a bit red after the fight but he can barely feel any pain which something he is already accustomed to . He doesn't like to fight or bully anyone but his harsh life made him the way he is , kill or be kill . At just 6 , he already won his first fight with someone older than him . His mother was coming home drunk after a rough day at work and a man was accompanying her home . When they get back to the trailer , his mother doesn't want to go further but the man want to do it regardless. A fight broke out and in her drunken state , she couldn't defend herself. Edward saw this and pick up a big wrench , from the toolbox , telling his brothers to pick up something they can use as a weapon and they went to work . Edward lands the first hit from behind the head ,on the head to dazed the fucker . The guy turn around only to find a bat swing right to face as he fumble his way put of the trailer . The three kids continue to beat him until he got into his car and drove away into the night . After that Edward was no longer a child . While Ed limited intelligence has made him forget about that night and Eddy overestimate himself for the feat , Edward sees it was awakening call for him . Life will be tough and violence will be needed if he and his family need to survive .
