Chapter 16

It was a brisk winter afternoon in Peach Creek. The time was 4:30, and all of the children were already home from school. The cul-de-sac was tranquil, and the only person outside at the time was Eddy, who was performing yard work for Mr. Jenkins. Sarah and Jimmy were in Ed's house, playing cops and robbers. Ed was in the basement, reading his comics even though he was told to do his homework. Kevin was sitting on his living room couch, with his arm around Nazz watching a movie. Double Dee was in his room, preparing himself for his girlfriend to come over for dinner with hisfamily. He was quite nervous, as he had never had a girl over to meet his parents before.

Marie must have been feeling three times the anxiety Double Dee was feeling. Marie stood in the Kankers bedroom in front of the wall mirror inspecting herself, having just got out of the shower, she was naked but wrapped in a white towel from her chest down. In front of her on the dresser were various beauty supplies and perfumes.

As she stared into the mirror, stroking her blue hair in her hand, she couldn't help but wonder if she was really as beautiful as Double Dee said she was. Up until she entered her relationship with Double Dee, she had never felt beautiful or feminine, although she had always dreamed of such things. She hoped that Double Dees parents would like her; she didn't exactly look like the perfect match for Double Dee, and she was afraid of the first impression she would give them. She hoped they didn't already know of the Kankers reputation, and that she could start on a clean slate with them.

After she was finished admiring her hair, she quickly began to get dressed. She went through the closet in an attempt to find something nice to wear. After testing a few outfits in front of her in the mirror, she settled on a green, knee length dress. She placed the dress on the bed, and promptly found a pair of black legging in the dresser. They belonged to May, but the three sisters often shared each other's clothes, so she knew it would be no big deal if she wore them. She slipped the leggings on, and then slid the dress over her head. She grabbed one of Lee's brown belts out of the closet and placed it around her waist. After she was finished getting dressed, she placed a pair of black conservative high-heeled boots on her feet.

After making sure that everything was in order in the wardrobe department, Marie turned her attention to her hair. Her hair was still combed out of her face, exposing her right eye. After a few minutes of thinking, Marie decided to keep her usual sweep hair style, but complemented it with a red head band. Once she was finished with her hair, she began applying various forms of make-up, after which she checked herself in the mirror to be sure she looked okay. Marie replaced her usual black wristband with a golden bracelet, a gift she had received a few Christmas's ago. Lastly, she removed the rusty red nail polish from her fingernails and repainted them with a sparkling blue color.

Marie took a minute to look at herself in the mirror. She had never imagined the dolled up girl she saw in the mirror to be her. She felt beautiful, and was proud of the way she looked. For the first time in a long time, Marie was able to smile while looking at her own face in the mirror.

Marie really hoped that Double Dee would like the way that she looked. In addition, she was extremely nervous about meeting his parents. She knew it couldn't be all that bad, if Double Dee invited her to meet them. She just hoped that they liked her and welcomed her into their home.

Marie picked up her purse and placed a few of her accessories into it, just in case she needed to touch up. She exited the bedroom and began descending the stairs. She was relieved to find Lee sleeping on the couch in front of the TV. Now she didn't have to deal with any questioning about where she was going or why she looked the way she did. Marie briskly, yet quietly walked across the trailers floor and slowly opened the door. She walked out into the cold winter air.

The winter sun had already set, and the trailer park was barely lit, as there was only one street light for the whole lot. Marie stealthily walked out of the trailer park and through the construction site to the cross street. Marie found herself at the front door of 215 Rathink Avenue, Double Dees house. Her heart was pounding as she reached over to push the illuminated doorbell button. As she pressed the button, she heard the sound of the doorbell melody, specifically "Westiminster Chimes", resonate through Double Dees house. After what seemed like forever to Marie, the door knob began to shake, after which the door began opening with an audible squeak. Marie smiled as Double Dee appeared from behind the door, dressed in a blue button down shirt with a grey tie, as well as black dress pants. Double Dee opened the door fully and stared at Marie.

Double Dee was absolutely speechless when he saw Marie standing before brainy boy literally checked her out from head to toe. He was quite sure that his jaw would have dropped to the floor if it wasn't attached to his face.

Marie took notice that Double Dee was literally speechless. Her smile began to go away, as she thought Double Dee was disappointed in her new look. She began to look towards the floor. Double Dee broke the silence.

"Hello Marie." He said smiling.

"Hello Double Dee." said Marie, blushing slightly.

"Marie, you look absolutely stunning this evening." He said rather nervously, Marie looked up into his eyes.

"Really." she said, smiling once again. "I didn't know if you'd like me like this, you know all dolled up."

"Marie, I would like you regardless of the circumstance, for it is the girl inside that I have fallen for." said Double Dee as he put his hand on her shoulder. "Your appearance, while amazing, is simply an avatar for your inner beauty."

Marie smiled from ear to ear as she looked into Double Dees eyes.

"Thank you Double Dee, you are so sweet," she said, "You look very handsome yourself as well."

"Thank you Marie." said Double Dee. The two stared at each other until Double Dee heard the sound of two people walking on the hardwood floor into the living room behind him. He turned around to see a rather tall, thin man, as well as a small slender woman. Double Dee turned toward Marie.

"Marie, I would like to introduce you to my parents." said Double Dee, he turned back towards his parents. "Mother and father, this is my special friend, Marie."

"It is very nice to meet you Mr. and Ms…." Said Marie, as the oven alarm went off, drowning out her last word.

Marie shook both of Double Dees parent's hands, both adults smiling at her as she smiled back.

"Shall we be sitting down for dinner now?" said Double Dee.

The group of four walked out into the dining room. Marie and Double Dee took their seats around the table. They sat next to each other each with a smile on their face, as they waited for Double Dee's mother to bring the roast out to the table.