Bonus Chapter 1: Lakeside Retreat
The sun hung high over Peach Creek, casting a warm, golden glow across the water as the group gathered at the lake. The air was thick with the scent of pine and sunscreen, and the soft lapping of the water against the shore was the only sound breaking the peaceful silence. For the first time in what felt like forever, Marie felt light—free from the weight of the case, the pain, and the fear that had clung to her for months. Today, it was just her, the Eds, and the lake.
Marie was in her element, her black bikini making her look effortlessly cool, with her shades perched on her nose as she watched the boys prepare their spot on the sand. Ed was already splashing in the water, his infectious laughter ringing through the air, while Eddy struggled to unpack the cooler full of snacks, muttering under his breath about something or other. But Marie's attention was on Edd.
Edd had just finished setting up their towels and was wiping his hands on his swim trunks, his eyes catching hers for a moment. She shot him a playful grin, sauntering over and giving him a light nudge.
"Hey, smart guy," she teased, adjusting her sunglasses as she looked up at him. "You going to stay dry all day, or are you going to actually get in the water?"
Edd smiled, his cheeks flushing a little at her attention, as usual. "I was, uh, going to…ensure the snacks were all properly stored," he said, clearly flustered.
Marie rolled her eyes, amused. "You're adorable when you try to avoid things."
Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the water, her laughter ringing out as she pulled him along. "Come on, you're not getting out of it that easily."
He let out a nervous chuckle but didn't resist, following her into the lake as the cool water lapped at their legs. Once they were knee-deep, Marie splashed him lightly, grinning when he gave her an incredulous look.
"Really, Marie? There's so much bacteria in lake water." Edd said, his eyes wide.
She giggled. "Come on. Have a little fun, live dangerously." she teased, splashing him again.
Edd tried to dodge but ended up laughing, finally splashing her back as he chased her further into the lake. "Okay, okay! You win," he surrendered, smiling as he wiped his face.
Marie swam closer, her smile softening as she leaned in. "I always win, Double D," she whispered, her hand resting on his chest.
Edd's breath hitched, his face flushing as she got closer. Despite all their time together since everything had calmed down, she still had the ability to make his heart race with just a look or a touch. But now, instead of freezing up, he smiled back, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of her wet hair behind her ear.
"You're impossible, you know that?" he said softly.
Marie smirked, her fingers gently trailing down his arm. "Yeah, but you love it."
He laughed, shaking his head as his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. "Yeah, I guess I do."
They stayed like that for a moment, the world around them quiet as the sun sparkled off the lake. It was peaceful, easy, and full of warmth—a far cry from the chaos they had been through not so long ago.
As the day turned into evening, the group gathered around a crackling fire they had made by the shore. Ed was roasting marshmallows, Eddy was regaling them with exaggerated tales of their earlier adventures on the lake, and Marie leaned against Edd, her head resting on his shoulder.
The warmth of the fire mixed with the cool night air, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt right. Marie looked up at Edd, watching the firelight dance across his face, and she felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her.
"You know," she said quietly, "I'm really glad we're here. Like this. After everything."
Edd smiled down at her, his arm draped over her shoulders. "Me too. I don't know what I'd do without you, Marie."
She grinned, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. "Lucky for you, you won't have to find out."
Edd's face flushed, but he chuckled, tightening his arm around her. "I'm starting to get used to the flirting."
"Good," she teased, snuggling into him. "Because I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon."
They sat there in comfortable silence, listening to Ed's laughter and Eddy's ranting as the stars began to twinkle overhead. The chaos of the past was behind them, and as they stared out at the dark, peaceful waters of the lake, it felt like the future held nothing but possibility.
For the first time in months, Marie felt like she could breathe. She had Edd, she had the Eds, and most importantly, she had herself back.
And that was more than enough.
