Chapter 19

It was almost the end of last period at Peach Creek junior high, and on this particular day, all of the denizens of the cul-de-sac had just finished gym class. It was time for the winter fitness test, and much to Double Dees chagrin, it was the day all of the students were to perform the rope climb. Naturally, Double Dee had only reached an eighth of the way up the rope before his muscles gave way. Eddy, even though he boasted about his strength, was only able to make it slightly further than Double Dee. Plank, of course failed the test, as he was not even able to make it a single inch off of the ground. The rest of the kids performed moderately well, however, Ed was the only person able to successfully climb all the way up the rope, with Eddy promising him a cup of gravy would be waiting for him at the top.

At this time, all of the boys were piling into the locker room to get changed back into their ordinary attire. Eddy, Kevin and Ed were the first to walk in to the locker

"Did you see how fast Ed flew up that rope?" said Eddy while laughing.

"But Eddy, you promised gravy would be up there." said Ed disappointingly.

"Yeah, but I also got your picture in the school newspaper. Apparently no one has been able to climb that stupid rope in 10 years." replied Eddy.

"Don't laugh too hard Eddy." Said Kevin, "Just remember how last year, you know got halfway up and then slid down like an idiot. Your hands were mummified for a week!"

All of the boys began laughing at Eddy, who simply groaned as they did so. Just then Double Dee walked in through the door. This was the first time in a few days that the Eds were in the same room and able to speak with Double Dee. He had not been around outside all of the previous days because he was with Marie, and that combined with Eddy's servitude to Mr. Jenkins, the two have not spoken very much for the last few days.

"Good afternoon gentlemen." said Double Dee as he waved to his friends.

"Hey sock head, how's life been treating ya?" said Eddy.

"Great, I am glad you asked Eddy, I apologize dearly for not making time for you two over the past few days. Please forgive me as I have been very busy." said Double Dee as he quickly took of his gym shirt and shorts, and neatly folded them before placing them in his gym locker. He quickly threw his ordinary clothes on and closed his locker.

"Yeah, I'm sure you've been getting busy." yelled Kevin, as he began laughing at his own joke, Eddy and Ed joined in on the fun.

Double Dee forced a chuckle while standing blushing, slightly embarrassed at his last statement.

Just then, Rolf entered the locker room.

"What is with all of the merriment. Something I missed, yes?" said Rolf, with his usual thick accent.

"We were just busting Double Dees chops again." said Kevin as he finished laughing.

"Ah, the Double Dee Ed boy who is smitten with the female." replied Rolf smiling .

Double Dee closed his locker. He had to get out of the situation somehow, as he promised to meet Marie behind the school directly after the bell, which had just rung.

"Friends, as much as I would love to stay and chat, I really must be getting home. Mother has asked me to help her resort the linens, as well as repair the curtains. I will see you sometime later. Goodbye friends." yelled Double Dee as he ran out the door.

"See ya Double Dee," said all of the boys simultaneously, although Double Dee had already ran out the door by the time they were able to utter the last statement.

As soon as the door closed, Kevin began speaking

. "Dude, my mans been acting weird these last few days, a little too weird." said Kevin.

"You took the words right out of my mouth man." said Eddy, "Me and Ed were just talking about that the other night."

"What happened?" said Kevin.

"We caught Double Dee coming from the direction of the construction site all dressed the hell up and reeking of cologne." said Eddy. "He claimed that he was coming back from his girl friend's house. Now keep in mind he said that she lived in Lemon Brook. Then why was he coming from that direction?"

"Good point, but he could have been making a stop from somewhere else." said Kevin.

"Unlikely, he was way too jumpy, I know the guy, he's hiding something." said Eddy.

"Brainy Ed boy is now snake in the grass Ed boy? Rolf is confused." said Rolf.

"Listen," said Eddy as he formed a huddle with he and his three friends, "after tonight, my punishment is over. We'll form up a steak-out team, and track Double Dees every move. We'll find out the truth about this Maryanne of his, if she even exists."

"Righteous!" yelled Kevin as he placed his hand in the middle of the huddle.

"Rolf wishes to expose the lies as well!" said Rolf as he placed his hand on top of Kevins.

"Let's do it!" said Eddy, while joining in.

"Gravy!" said Ed, as he finally placed his hand in the middle.

As the boys all split up and finished changing, Eddy grinned as he came up with a fun idea.

"Wait boys, I have something that can make this ordeal a little more interesting?" said Eddy.

"And what is that?" replied Kevin.

"Let's put some money on this." said Eddy smiling.

"What are we talking." said Kevin.

"Well, what's your opinion on the matter?" asked Eddy as he smiled at Kevin

. "Alright, I'll play devil's advocate and bet that he does have a girlfriend." replied Kevin.

"Alright, perfect." said Eddy. "Ten dollars goes to whoever is right. I say he's lying, you say he's honest, deal?"

Eddy held out his hand to shake it.

"Deal." said Kevin as he shook Eddy's hand. Upon declaring the deal, the boys ran out of the locker room to begin enjoying their half-day, afternoon freedom, while Eddy would spend the next few hours finishing up his last hours of servitude.