Chapter 5
The afternoon bell had just sounded, signaling the end of the school day at Peach Creek Jr. High. As all of the students began shuffling out of the school building, on their way to freedom after spending hours confined in classrooms, Double Dee stood at his locker, retrieving his winter coat, as well as all of the books he would require to complete the assigned homework for the night.
As Double Dee organized his supplies, his mind couldn't help pondering the interaction he shared with Marie prior to lunch. Marie had provided Double Dee thanks for returning her sketchbook, something that he had never expected from a member of the Kanker sisters. To make matters even more perplexing, Marie had spoken the words in a calm, lady-like voice, in lieu of the cackle Double Dee had become accustomed to, providing a strong feeling of sincerity. These events, as well as the sketches he witnessed in the sketchbook piqued Double Dees curiosity about the blue-haired girl; as much as he hated to admit it, he wished to learn more about Marie, especially more regarding the reasons for her depressing drawings. Could this be the key to her anti social behavior?
Double Dee's train of thought was broken by the sound of Eddy palm-slapping the aluminum locker next to him, in a playful attempt to scare his friend.
"What's up Sock Head," said Eddy, "What's taking so long, we have to get going!"
Double Dee closed his locker, being sure to secure the combination lock, after which he picked up his backpack and adjusted his tie.
"Good afternoon Eddy" said Double Dee, "For your information, my preparations for this evenings studies are complete."
Double Dee completed adjusting his tie, and glanced at his stubby best friend.
"Do I dare ask why you are in such a hurry to leave today?", said Double Dee.
"Well it just so happens that I'm going to make some cash today." Said Eddy as he leaned up against the wall.
"Cash?", asked Double Dee, "Eddy, don't tell me you have decided to resort back to scamming to achieve your goals!"
"Relax Double Dee," said Eddy as he grinned, "There's no scamming involved, just a harmless little wager."
"A wager?" asked Double Dee, "I'm surprised at you Eddy, now you are resorting to gambling to make a quick dollar!"
"Save me the morality Sock Head," said Eddy, "It just so happened that while you were at your 'safety club' me and Kevin put down ten dollars on if I can hit one of his pitches out of the park at the ball field this afternoon."
Double Dee sighed.
"As much as I hate to become involved with situations such as this, I feel it is at least my duty as your friend to advise you against partaking in this challenge." said Double Dee.
"Relax," said Eddy, "I got this in the bag."
"May I remind you of the last time we played baseball." Said Double Dee, "I admit, I am most definitely not athletic in the slightest, but I will be honest and attest that your batting skills are subpar to say the least."
"I agree Double Dee," said Eddy.
"Please Eddy, I can..." Double Dee cut himself off when Eddy's words finally registered, "Wait, did you just say you agreed!?"
"Yep," said Eddy, "But I got a little plan that's going to make me $15 richer by this afternoon."
Eddy began walking down the hallway.
"C'mon, let's find Ed and meet at my house to get the baseball stuff, and I'll fill you in on my plan."
Double Dee sighed as he followed Eddy down the hallway towards the buildings exit.
Around twenty minutes later, the Ed's had arrived at Eddy's house. Double Dee had changed out of his school clothes, in the interest of avoiding soiling them on the ball field, and was currently wearing his usual orange shirt, brown blazer, blue jeans combination. Ed and Double Dee stood at the entrance to Eddy's garage as he rolled the door to the open position. Once the door was open, the boys walked into the garage.
"It's up here in the rafters." said Eddy, "Give me a boost Ed."
"Wilco Roger Eddy!" Said Ed as he performed a salute, after which he lifted Eddy towards the ceiling of the garage.
It only took seconds for Eddy to lay his eye on a large green duffle bag, which contained bats, balls, gloves, and other equipment required for baseball. Unfortunately, the bag was heavier than expected; upon being drug out of the rafters, the force of gravity took over as it fell to the ground taking Eddy with it.
"My goodness Eddy," said Double Dee as he rushed to Eddy's aid, "Are you injured?"
"I'm fine, just a little setback." said Eddy as he rose off of the ground. He proceeded to unzip the bag and inspect the bats contained within.
"Don't be shy, pick yourselves out some gloves!" yelled Eddy.
Double Dee reluctantly walked towards the bag, and began going through it. He sighed as he retrieved a right-handed glove.
"As much as I wish not to participate," said Double Dee, "I just know I am going to be pulled into this in some way or another. That being said, seeing as I am left handed, I will utilize this one."
Ed searched through the bag for a glove of his own. He eventually came across an old leather glove that had looked like it exceeded it's useful life. It smelled of mold, and seemed to lack any padding whatsoever.
"I'll take this one!" Yelled Ed exuberantly, "It smells just like my room."
"Ed, please that is so unsanitary!" Said Double Dee, "At least allow me to disinfect it."
Double Dee retrieved his disinfectant from his rear pocket. Just as he was about to begin spraying, the sound of a power drill filled the air.
Double Dee turned to see Eddy at his fathers work bench, with one of the wooden bats clamped down onto the table. Eddy was using the drill bore a hole through the top of the bat.
"Eddy, what in lords name are you up to!?" yelled Double Dee.
Eddy powered the drill down and turned to Double Dee.
"Putting my plan into action." said Eddy as he grinned.
"Eddy, I hope you do not intend on 'corking' that bat!", said Double Dee, "Would you really stoop so low as to resort to cheating to earn a few dollars?"
"Relax Sock Head," said Eddy, "It's not cheating, it's just a little adjustment for reassurance. Besides, what Kevin doesn't know won't hurt him."
Double Dee stared at Eddy with a blank face, while Eddy delivered a sly wink.
"Very well Eddy," said Double Dee, "But if you insist on continuing down this foolish path, I suggest that you do best to keep the bore as straight as possible, as any deviation could result on a sudden fracture of the super..."
Eddy re-energized the drill, drowning out Double Dees words prior to him being able to finish. Double Dee put his face to his palm and took a seat on an old exercise bench, waiting for his friend to complete his project.
Around twenty minutes later, Ed, Edd, and Eddy had met up with Kevin and Rolf. The boys were currently making their way towards the baseball diamond near the playground. Of course, as they walked, Eddy and Kevin exchanged various forms of trash talk. Double Dee lingered behind the two, being forced to listen to one of Rolf's long-winded stories about his family. Ed naturally was in his own little world, making monster noises as he swung a twig he had picked up from the street.
Before they knew it, the boys were about to turn into the entrance of the baseball field.
"Just wait Shovel Chin." said Eddy, "Give it five minutes, and you'll be owing me fifte..."
Eddy was not able to finish his sentence, for when he and his friends turned into the ball field, his eyes beheld a most unwelcome sight.
Standing next to home plate was Lee Kanker, holding a metal baseball bat in a batters stance, while wearing her signature polka dotted shirt and blue jeans.
Behind her, wearing an old catchers mask, worn down chest pads, and gloves, was May, kneeled in the catchers position. She wore what appeared to be an old blue and white softball jersey. On the back of the jersey was the number 13. The word "Lonergan" was stitched across the top in white letters, in an arch formation near the shoulders. Mays blonde hair did not hang loose as it usual did, rather it was tied up in a tight pony-tail.
Lastly, Marie stood on the pitchers mound, dressed as she usually was, in a black tank top and green cargo pants, despite the cold weather. On her left hand was an old softball ball glove; in her right, she clutched a worn off-white softball.
The boys stood at the entrance, frozen in place at the sight of the girls. Kevin was the first to break the silence.
"Looks like they had the same idea." said Kevin.
Eddy clenched his teeth and groaned. His anger got the best of him, and he began making his way towards home plate.
"Eddy!", yelled Double Dee in a breathy whisper, "Are you insane, you know that the only possible outcome of a direct confrontation is a situation similar to the duct tape incident on Monday morning!"
Kevin placed his hand over Double Dee's mouth.
"It's too late dude, he dug his own grave." Said Kevin.
Eddy continued walking towards the sisters for a few more steps, after which he yelled at the top of his lungs.
"HEY KANKERS!"
All three sisters glanced over towards Eddy; at the same time, they also laid eyes on all of his petrified friends still standing in the entrance of the field.
May lifted the catchers mask she was wearing, revealing her smiling face while standing up off of her knees.
"It's the Eds!" yelled May in her signature adenoidal voice.
"Well, well, well!" said Lee as she walked towards Eddy, and leaned down into his face, "Looks like my little man couldn't wait for Friday to show me some lovin'"
Lee snickered as she flicked Eddy in the head with her finger, causing him to flinch slightly. Eddy became even more angry, his face turning a bright red hue.
"Get off the field!" Yelled Eddy, "We had plans to play ball all day!"
Lee laughed maniacally.
"I love a man that takes initiative." said Lee, "But as much as that turns me on, we ain't goin' nowhere shrimp."
Eddy ground his teeth for a few seconds, after which Lee had an idea. She walked towards Eddy and placed her hand under his chin, forcing his face up to look into hers.
"On second thought," said Lee, "Because I'm feeling generous today, why don't I let ya have the chance to take the field from us."
Lee leaned close to Eddy's face.
"Unless you're not up for the challenge." said Lee quietly.
"Oh I'm up for the challenge!" yelled Eddy, "And I'm going to win!"
Double Dee, still standing with his friends, slapped his forehead with his palm, after which he slowly slid it down his face.
"Curse Eddy and his competitive ways", mumbled Double Dee. He knew that Eddy's brash attitude would eventually lead to his downfall; and judging by past experience, the consequences would also be passed on to he and Ed.
"Perfect" said Lee. She glanced over towards May, lifting a large portion of her curly ginger bangs away from her right eye to deliver a wink. May returned a sly grin.
"Okay lover boy." said Lee as she let her hair back down and turned towards Eddy. She pointed her index finger towards May.
"All's you have to do is hit one of May's pitches, and the field is yours." said Lee.
Eddy glanced over towards May, whose face was adorned with a competitive grin. Eddy smiled and turned towards Lee.
"Ha!" said Eddy, "Piece of cake! How hard can it be to hit a pitch from a girl?"
Eddy laughed as Lee and May shared a sly smile. May removed all of the catchers gear she was wearing, and handed it to Lee. She promptly outfitted herself, and took a kneeling position behind home plate as May began walking toward the pitchers mound.
Marie, surprisingly, had not said a single word since the Eds had arrived. While Lee and Eddy bickered, she had spent her time standing on the pitchers mound, staring in the direction of the rest of the boys. In particular, her eyes were focused on Double Dee; however, in lieu of the usual amorous stare that usually adorned her face when gazing upon her "Oven Mitt", her face was quite featureless and somewhat somber, as if she was in deep thought.
Her trance was broken as May approached the pitchers mound.
"Marie!" yelled May obnoxiously, "Get your big butt off of the pitchers mound, I got work to do!"
Marie's facial expression turned to one of annoyance, as she removed the glove from her hand and threw it into May's chest.
"There ya go Bucky!" yelled Marie, "Satisfied."
May placed the baseball mitt on her left hand.
"Geez, I only had to call you about four times before you finally answered!" yelled May, "If you missed your man that much, why don't you go say hi!?"
"Good job May, you finally said something smart!" yelled Marie as she walked away from the pitchers mound. May replied by sticking her tongue out.
Double Dee had been too preoccupied with the events occurring near home plate to notice Marie approaching. Marie took advantage of Double Dee's inattentiveness by sneaking behind him on and leaning into his ear.
"Hiya Dreamboat" whispered Marie, as she leaned closely into his ear.
Double Dee jumped, slightly startled by the sound of a voice he was not ready to hear. He slowly turned, his face as white as a ghost and sweating bullets, and faced the familiar freckled face he had been conditioned to fear.
The rest of the boys stood completely still, watching Marie's flirty advances on their nerdy friend from mere feet away. After a few moments, Ed was the first to break the silence, screaming at the top of his lungs as he turned around and ran out of the exit of the playground.
Kevin and Rolf watched as Ed disappeared from view, after which Kevin began making his way toward the bleachers.
"Yo man we're outta here," said Kevin, "We'll be at the bleachers. Watching the dork go up to bat is too good to miss."
"Rolf wishes you the best of luck Double Dee Ed Boy." said Rolf quietly as he followed Kevin's suit.
Double Dee watched as his friends made their way into the metal bleachers, taking seats in the highest row in the interest of watching Eddy combat the Kanker sisters. After a few moments he turned his head back towards Marie, who was smiling with her usual sly grin.
Double Dee, not knowing how to react to the situation, wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead with his forearm. He decided to attempt to speak.
"H..Hello Marie," said Double Dee.
"Hey Oven Mitt, are you excited to see me?" said Marie in a flirtatious manner.
Double Dee stood as still as a statue, feeling as though he was paralyzed, trying to determine how to handle this unprecedented situation. As he stared into the young woman's face, a face that he had ran away from in fear for the last year, his thoughts returned to Marie's sketches and the gentle behavior she had displayed earlier today.
As the two teenagers remained locked in their gaze, Eddy, Lee and May had taken their positions in preparation for their little contest. Eddy had taken the batters position next to the plate, with his "modified" wooden bat clutched in his right hand. Lee was currently standing behind home plate, next to Eddy, her catchers mask resting on top of her head. She glanced towards Eddy.
"Alright short stuff, the rules are simple." said Lee, "Three strikes, you're out of here."
"Bring it on." said Eddy, after which he tapped his bat on the ground.
Lee snickered as she lowered the catchers mask and kneeled down.
"Alright, let's get it on," said Lee, "Sink EM' May!"
May lifted the ball with her right hand, and placed it inside the glove on her left hand. She eyed down the field towards Eddy, who now held his bat ready to receive the pitch.
May removed her right hand, and casually brought it down and behind her back. She then proceeded to toss the ball, as if she was tossing a bean bag or a horse shoe, towards the batters box. The toss was extremely sloppy, and uncontrolled, as the ball arced to a height of around ten feet, before landing around 15 feet away from home plate, very far to the left and way outside the strike zone.
"Ha!", yelled Eddy, "Forget your glasses at home? You gotta at least give me something I can hit!"
Eddy laughed maniacally as Lee stood up and yelled towards the pitchers mound.
"Yo May, stop screwin' around!" yelled Lee as she walked towards the ball and picked it up off of the ground. "Let's get this over with so we can practice! I got a demolition derby to watch tonight and if you make me miss it you'll be sorry."
Lee tossed the ball back to May, who caught it in her glove.
"Alright, geez Lee," yelled May as she reset herself, "Just cause it's that time of the month doesn't mean you gotta be so nasty."
"Just pitch the ball Bucky!" yelled Lee as she kneeled back down and punched her right hand into the catchers mitt.
May placed the ball into her glove with her right hand as she did before, however this time she appeared much more serious. She closed her right eye, and slightly stuck her tongue out, licking her lips as she always did when aiming.
A few seconds later, May placed her left foot slightly in front of her, and raised her right hand cradling the ball behind her. In one swift motion, she quickly swung her right hand forward up over her shoulder, and down past her hips, releasing the ball towards home plate in the process; a perfect execution of what would commonly be referred to as a windmill pitch.
The ball left Mays hand and began traveling at an extremely high rate of speed towards home plate. Eddy, standing at home plate, was not prepared for a pitch of such caliber; he had hit balls from Kevin, the self proclaimed greatest athlete in Peach Creek, countless times. However, the speed and accuracy of this pitch far exceeded the abilities of the red haired adolescent.
"Oh shit!", yelled Eddy as he ducked down in an attempt to avoid the ball. What Eddy had failed to realize is that even if he did not duck, the ball would have never touched him, as it had traveled directly over home plate and found itself snug in Lee's catchers mitt.
"Strike one." said Lee as she snickered and tossed the ball back towards the pitchers mound. She glanced down towards Eddy, who had dropped the bat and was kneeling on the ground with his hands over the back of his head with his fingers interlocked.
"Come on half pint!?" said Lee, "What happened to that go-getter attitude of your? Don't tell me you're going soft on me. It's just a pitch from a girl right?"
Lee laughed as Eddy rose up off of the ground, dusting off his jeans while picking up his bat.
"Shut up," yelled Eddy as he retook a batters stance, "That pitch was lucky, throw it again."
"I love a man with determination." said Lee as she knelt down, preparing herself for the second pitch.
Out in the bleachers, Kevin was laughing hysterically at Eddy's dilemma while sitting next to Rolf. Seeing these events unfold, he decided it was time to alter the wager he had made with Eddy during lunch.
"Yo Dorky!," yelled Kevin, "How about we make this interesting and put the money on this instead. If you can hit one of those pitches, you get my fifteen dollars, if not ya owe me fifteen by Friday."
Eddy glanced over towards Kevin, who was laughing at his predicament. Eddy's ego was most certainly not satisfied by his cowardly actions while attempting to hit May's first pitch, and accordingly he was highly annoyed by the situation. To add to the situation, Kevin had just offered him the prospect of money if he were able to save face. Naturally, Eddy could not resist.
"Deal!" yelled Eddy, "Now all of you shut up and let me concentrate."
Eddy, with a look of discontent on his face, placed both of his hands on the bat, preparing for the second pitch.
May once again, wound up and delivered a high speed windmill pitch. The result of the pitch was the same; the ball had once again laid at rest directly in the center of Lee's catchers mitt. However, Eddy had not ducked away from the pitch this time, he remained standing in a batters position, failing to realize that the ball had even passed him.
"Strike two," said Lee as she snickered while raising hand right hand, with the ball held between her index finger and thumb towards Eddy's face for demonstration.
"WHAT!?" yelled Eddy in an obnoxious voice, surprised and annoyed at the same time.
May snickered from home plate. At the same time, Kevin was pointing at Eddy as he laughed uncontrollably, almost falling off of his seat. Rolf followed suit doing the same, albeit with his hand on his forehead.
Lee tossed the ball back to her blonde haired sister as she chuckled at Eddy's misfortune.
"What's wrong Eddy, can't take the heat?" asked Lee as she knelt down snickering.
Eddy ground his teeth as he reset himself back into a batters stance.
"Just pitch it." said Eddy softly.
As these events were unfolding on the baseball diamond, Double Dee and Marie remained completely oblivious. Double Dee remained fixated on Marie's face, with an expression of fear and curiosity, as Marie stared at him with a smile.
Double Dee took notice that the smile on Marie's face was not one of an amatory nature; rather it seemed to be genuine.
"Double Dee," said Marie breaking the silence. Her face morphed into one displaying an air of concern, something that Double Dee had never seen before.
"Y..Y..Yes Marie?" asked Double Dee.
Marie glanced toward the ground, placing her hands behind her back.
"Listen, while we have some time alone while my sisters and your friends are distracted..." said Marie.
Double Dee listened, preparing himself for Marie to forcefully suggest that they should take part in some form of romantic activity. Surprisingly, Marie looked up into his eyes, with what seemed to be an expression of concern.
"There is something I have been meaning to get off of my chest for quite some time." said Marie.
Double Dee was speechless and quite confused, as he had never heard Marie speak in such a lady-like voice. He had become quite accustomed to her trademark cackle. He regained his composure, and decided to to respond.
"S..Su...Sure Marie," said Double Dee in a fearful manner. "Please proceed."
As their awkward and unexpected conversation was commencing, May was preparing herself for her final pitch, which, if not hit, would seal Eddy's fate. May once again aligned herself, to execute another windmill pitch. As she wound up, Marie continued speaking.
"Double Dee," said Marie, "I just wanted to say I...I...um"
Marie stumbled as she attempted to form her words, completely uncharacteristic of her usual boisterous persona, surprising Double Dee.
As she struggled to find the right words to express whatever she was going to say, May had completed the motions of her windmill pitch and once again, the softball was careening at high speed towards home plate. While the ball was moving much too fast for Eddy to track, he had decided in a split second, to attempt a swing, in the hope of a miracle.
In some stroke of luck, Eddy had swung at the right time. The bat struck the ball with an audible crack; unfortunately for Eddy the force of the pitch was too much for his poorly modified bat. As Double Dee had tried to warn him earlier, the inadequate modification of the bat did not hold up and cracked into two pieces on impact.
The topmost piece of the bat was sent airborne towards the pitchers mound, spinning wildly before coming to rest about halfway between home plate and the pitchers mound.
Unfortunately, the ball did not come to rest as quickly as the bat fragments. The hit forced the ball into a rapid trajectory down the first base line into foul territory. Unbeknownst to Double Dee and Marie, who were currently focused on the unanticipated conversation the were having, they did not realize that the ball was heading towards them at a rapid pace.
"YO, HEADS UP!" yelled Kevin from the bleachers.
Double Dee turned to look towards home plate, and to his horror realized that the softball was on a direct collision course with his face. There was no time to duck, and before he knew it the ball had collided with his face, injuring his nose and knocking him down.
"Oh shit," yelled Kevin as he and Rolf rose from their seats on the bleachers, running down to the field as fast as they could.
"Oh my God, Double Dee!" yelled Marie as she placed her hand over her mouth. Shebegan running over towards Double Dee, who was lying on the ground. She leaned down on her knees beside Double Dee, picking his head up with her arms examining his face. Double Dees nose was bleeding out of both nostrils, but he was still conscious albeit dazed. Marie quickly reached into her pocket and pulled out a slew of tissues.
"Are you okay Double Dee? asked Marie in a gentle voice as she looked into Double Dee's eyes.
Double Dee's response was delayed slightly, as he was still confused as to what had happened.
"I am fine," said a dazed Double Dee, "Ed, please return that microscope to it's designated labeled position."
Double Dee's last statement was obviously uttered in confusion as to where he was and what he was doing.
"Thank God," said Marie as she made the sign of the cross on her chest with her free hand. She grabbed the tissues she had in her hands and pinched Double Dee's nose in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
"Double Dee, you have to tip your head back." said Marie as she guided Double Dee's head back. A few seconds passed, after which Marie was able to help Double Dee to his feet. She passed the duty of pinching the tissue to Double Dee.
"Keep holding your nose," said Marie, "Can you stand okay, are you dizzy or anything?"
Double Dee had regained his stance and gazed at Marie, who to his surprise was displaying a look of genuine concern.
"I am quite fine now Marie," said Double Dee, "Your rapid medical assistance is most appreciated."
Double Dee, while still slightly delirious, could not believe the attention that Marie had shown towards his injury. The Kankers had been around the Ed's many times when accidental injuries occurred (and were even the cause of some of the injuries), but the general reaction was always one of laughter, rather than one of concern. Likewise, he could not believe he was just put in a situation where thanks towards Marie was warranted.
Marie smiled at Double Dee for a few seconds before turning her attention to the field. May stood on the pitchers mound, staring at the site of the injury with a blank stare. The situation at home plate was a different story, as Eddy and Lee bickered over the outcome over the final swing.
The fact that Lee and Eddy were fighting over the results of the contest, rather displaying attention to Double Dee's injury, seemed to infuriate Marie to the point of her face turning beet red. It didn't take long for her to explode in anger
"YOU IDIOTS!" Yelled Marie. Her characteristic cackling voice had returned, "DON'T YOU KNOW PEOPLE CAN BE KILLED BY BALLS BEING HIT OFF OF BATS. HE IS LUCKY TO JUST HAVE A NOSEBLEED, AND YOU TWO ONLY CARE ABOUT YOUR STUPID CONTEST!"
Lee and Eddy stared over over towards Marie, as if they were frozen in time. Lee was currently gripping Eddy by the collar, lifting him up off the ground, while Eddy had grabbed Lee's forearms in an attempt to free himself. Both, still maintaining their grip were completely in silence as they stared towards the blue-haired Kanker sister.
Lee lowered Eddy to the ground and released her grip.
"Big deal," said Lee, "The big guys still standin', so he ain't hurt too bad! Why don't you just give him a nice get-well smooch. I'm sure that will make him better."
Lee snickered as Double Dee stared at Marie. Marie appeared to become even more angry for a split second, and appeared as if she was going to retort. However, in the blink of an eye, a look of confusion appeared on her face. She glanced towards May, then shot a glance towards Kevin and Rolf, who were now standing within feet of her and Double Dee. Finally she turned towards Double Dee, who was still pinching his nose with the tissue. All were waiting for a response.
Marie paused for a few seconds, after which an amorous grin reappeared on her face.
"Ah you're right Lee," said Marie as she pulled a tube of lipstick and make-up mirror out of her pocket. She quickly applied the lipstick, "They do say love is the best medicine!"
"That a girl Marie!" yelled Lee, after which she turned her attention to Eddy, "I would say that I think it's about time to give you your prize for hitting one of May's pitches. That's not something that you see everyday."
Lee leaned down into Eddy's face, while placing her index finger under his jaw.
"But unfortunately for you," whispered Lee, "That little stunt you pulled with corking the bat ain't gonna go without punishment. We Kankers take pride in being morally upstanding citizens after all."
Lee laughed maniacally, as she pulled a tube of lipstick out of her jeans. She turned towards May.
"May, since your Big Ed isn't here, why don't you come help me give Eddy his punishment?" said Lee.
"Don't mind if I do!" said May as she began walking towards Eddy, giggling maliciously.
Eddy's face donned a fearful expression, after which he attempted to escape towards the entrance of the ball field. He was body tackled to the ground almost immediately by Lee, after which May arrived to her aid, removing the hair tie securing her ponytail in preparation for use as a makeshift "Hog Tie."
"Man, we're out of here!" yelled Kevin, "C'mon Rolf."
Kevin and Rolf promptly fled the ballpark in an attempt to avoid the chaos that Eddy was unfortunately enduring.
Marie giggled as she watched the events unfold.
"Well, while you girls are helping Eddy understand the error of his ways, I'm going to give my cutie his medicine!" said Marie as she began moving towards Double Dee.
Double Dee winced and moved backwards, countering Marie's approach, until he found himself backed into a brick wall, unable to move any further.
"Pucker Up Oven Mitt!" yelled Marie as she placed her arms around Double Dees neck. She quickly turned towards the ball field see Lee and Marie dragging Eddy towards the scoreboard, distracted.
Marie turned to Double Dee and leaned into his face. Double Dee closed his eyes, expecting a series of wet sloppy kisses, but was surprised when Marie stopped just before reaching his lips.
"Quick," said Marie with a concerned look on her face, "Get out of here, I don't want to see you get caught up in any of this."
Double Dee stared into Marie's exposed eye, shocked at what he was hearing.
"Go!, while they are still distracted." said Marie, as she pushed Double Dee towards the entrance of the ball field, but not before giving him a slight peck on the cheek, "And make sure you put ice on your nose when you get home."
Double Dee stared at Marie for a few moments, utterly confused at what was transpiring, before promptly turning around without saying a word. He began running towards the street, and disappeared around the wooden fence.
Marie stared with a melancholy look for a few seconds, after which she rejoined her sisters, who were currently administering Eddy's "sentence."
Double Dee spent the next few hours completing all of his chores, all the while applying ice to his nose as Marie had suggested; stopping momentarily only after receiving a phone call from Eddy's cell phone, with a request for help. The Kanker sisters had used a series of bungie cords to tie each of Eddy's limbs to the four corners of the scoreboard, placing him on display after covering his face with lipstick stains. Eddy had been able to free one of his limbs to retrieve his cell phone to call for assistance.
After assisting Eddy, Double Dee returned to his house to complete his chores. As he worked, his mind attempted to comprehend the events that had transpired at the ball field. In particular, he couldn't help but wonder what Marie had wanted to tell him before their conversation was interrupted by the rogue softball. He also was confused by Marie's sudden care for his well being, especially her medical care involving his injury as well as her letting him escape from their attack. He began to wonder if these actions were the result of gratitude for returning her sketchbook, or if there truly was something more to Marie's personality than he had been made aware.
Double Dee put his thoughts to bed for the time being, as he had completed his chores and it was now time to work on his all important biology essay.