Chapter 26
It was a beautiful Friday morning in Peach Creek. It was around 7:00, and all of the children have woken up and finished their morning routines. Kevin and Rolf tossed a football up and down the cul-de-sac, as Nazz and Johnny sat on the curb and watched the boys play. Sarah and Jimmy were roller skating on the curb in front of Sarah's house.
Eddy had just been woken up by Ed, who had remembered that it was Friday and that the school lunch would have pudding on the menu. Naturally Ed was excited, and barged into Eddy's room, forcing him to rise out of bed before he had wanted to. The two boys were currently walking out of Eddy's yard and towards the cul-de-sac.
"I can't believe it Ed." said Eddy, "The sock-head just blew us off for a Kanker. I mean come on, we showed that guy the way since he moved here, and now he's turning his back on us?"
"Didn't we try to scam him when first met him Eddy?" said Ed in his deep, staggering voice.
"Who cares, we looked out for him, and he looked out for us. Now that a girls in the picture, he's gonna completely forget about us. I mean it would be cool if the chick he was with was actually worth being with."
Ed absentmindedly listened to Eddy's babbling about Double Dee and Maries relationship as the boys made their way out to the cul-de-sac. As they took notice of the other kids, Eddy ran over to where Kevin and Rolf were playing.
"Hey Kev, come on pass it!" yelled Eddy as he held his hands up for Kevin to pass the ball to him.
"Yo Eddy!" said Kevin as he threw the ball to him, "How did it go last night?"
"How did what go?" asked Nazz.
Kevin and Eddy looked at each other.
"Oh yeah I forgot, nobody else knows yet." said Kevin. "
Knows what Kev?" asked Nazz.
"Nazz, remember how we thought Double Dee had a girlfriend," said Kevin, "Well he does, and it turns out that the girl he's with is Marie Kanker."
Kevin stared into his girlfriends face, expecting a surprised look and laughter. Nazz instead behaved indifferent to the news.
"No duh dude." said Nazz.
"What do ya mean, no duh?" asked Kevin, slightly irritated.
"I thought he would have told you guys, seeing as you're his best friends. I saw her leaving his house all the time for the past week out my window while I was doing my workouts. Come on dude, you guys didn't catch on." said Nazz .
Kevin, Eddy and Rolf stood speechless, they could not believe that something that remained under the noses for the past week was not a secret at all to Nazz.
"The Go-Go Nazz girl is wiser than she seems." said Rolf
"Well doesn't that strike you as odd." asked Kevin.
"Not really, I think it's kind of cute, her being rough and him being shy. Love works out like that all the time." replied Nazz as she pushed her hair back with her hand.
"Kind of cute?" asked Eddy annoyed, "Are ya freakin blind, Marie Kanker is a man-eater!"
"Just lay off of him and cut him a break." said Nazz, "You guys should support him, being his best friends."
Eddy stood annoyed after hearing Nazz's acceptance of what he saw as an abomination.
Johnny chimed in when he heard the news.
"Whoah Double Dee is dating Marie?" said Johnny, "I bet you never saw that one coming, did ya buddy!" he said to Plank as he laughed.
"Do my ears deceive me or did I just hear that love is in the air!" yelled Jimmy in his high pitched voice as he ran over towards the rest of the kids, Sarah tagging along right behind him.
"What's going on Jimmy?" asked Sarah.
"Sarah, spring has come early. Cupids arrow has struck Double Dee!" yelled Jimmy.
"Double Dee?" said Sarah.
"The head-full-of-brains Ed boy has become smitten with the second born Kanker girl." said Rolf to Sarah.
"Really?" said Sarah, slightly annoyed, as she still harbored a small crush on Double Dee. "I don't believe it."
"Oh you better believe it." said Eddy, "Just wait until you get to school and you'll see."
"Where is Double Dee Eddy?" asked Ed.
Even though he was the topic of the conversation, up until now, no one had ever even questioned where he was. He should have definitely been up by now, as he never missed a school day in his life. Eddy ran up to his door and knocked on it. After he received no answer, he walked around the back of the house and climbed the drainpipe to see if he was in his room. Double Dee was nowhere to be found.
"He's not in there." said Eddy as he emerged from the alley, "He probably went to school early for some nerdy club or something."
"We better get going too," said Kevin, "Come on Nazz, I'll give ya a ride."
Kevin pulled his bike out of the front yard and allowed Nazz to sit behind him on the long banana seat. Kevin still kept a water bottle wedged in between his spokes and the bike frame, creating a characteristic motorcycle sound as he peddled away from the rest of the kids.
"Ed boys, would you like a ride to school on Rolfs tractor?" asked Rolf.
"No thanks Rolfy boy." said Eddy as the boys began walking towards the school, "We'll just walk."
"ED!" yelled Sarah's obnoxious voice. "Mom found out you haven't been walking me and Jimmy to school. Now you better take us today or your gonna wind up grounded for a week."
"Come on Sarah." said Ed.
"Fine, I'll go tell mom right now." said Sarah as she began skipping toward Ed's house.
"NO!" yelled Ed as he ran and grabbed Sarah's hand. "Please baby sister don't tell mom. Come on let's go to school."
Ed began pulling Sarah by the hand toward the end of the cul-de-sac.
"Come on Jimmy join the safety train!" said Ed as he grabbed Jimmy's hand with his other hand.
Sarah knew quite well that she and Jimmy were perfectly capable of walking to school themselves; she just wanted to torment Ed. With that Eddy was left alone with Johnny and Plank.
"Hey Eddy, do ya wanna walk to school with me and Plank? Plank tells good jokes." said Johnny as he shoved Plank into Eddys face.. Eddy groaned.
"Alright melon head, let's go." said Eddy as he and Johnny began making their way toward the end of the cul-de-sac.
The school grounds were completely devoid of life. Double Dee and Marie had arrived around 15 minutes ago and Double Dee was finally able to properly chain the bike to the rack. Double Dee had given Marie a pair of his older jeans that fit her well, as well as a blue t-shirt to wear to school. He simply wore his usual red shirt and blue pants. The couple was currently standing behind the school, in a small alley that seemed to act as a storage area for track and field equipment. They had found themselves there after Marie decided that she wanted to spend a little bit of 'intimate' time with her boyfriend, prompting her to seek a hidden location in case someone did happen to be on school grounds.
Double Dee and Marie were currently locking lips in the alleyway. Marie was leaning against the wall while Double Dee pressed his body against hers. Her left leg was bent, with her foot resting on the wall she was leaning on. She had her arms wrapped around Double Dees neck, while he placed his arms on her waist.
"Well this is a nice way to start the day, isn't it cutie." said Marie, smiling.
"I must agree with you Marie, this is an excellent way to start the day." replied Double Dee.
The couple resumed kissing for a few more minutes, until it was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Double Dee and Marie had the same English teacher, and they were both stunned to see her leaning out the steel door, presumably coming out to get fresh air. Double Dee and Marie still in each other's arms, stared directly into the teacher's eyes. Everyone was completely surprised, and poor Double Dee was embarrassed beyond belief.
Double Dee and Maries nerves were somewhat relieved as the teacher simply smiled at them and slowly closed the door, but not before saying a few words.
Marie giggled at what had just happened while Double Dee turned beet red in the face.
"Marie how could you possibly laugh at this predicament?" asked Double Dee.
"Relax Double Dee." said Marie as she giggled, "she could have reported us if she wanted to. Besides, you heard what she said, 'she was young once too.'"
Marie giggled once again, Double Dee couldn't help cracking a smile.
"You do realize that we have just dodged a proverbial bullet, don't you Marie?" said Double Dee.
"Yes I do cutie," said Marie as she leaned into his ear, "But that's the thrill of it."
Marie moved her head to look into Double Dees eyes once again, smiling. Double Dee sighed.
"Where were we?" he asked.
"That's the spirit Double Dee!" said Marie as she touched her lips to his and picked up where they left off before they were disturbed.
Before they knew it, they began to hear the sounds of people funneling into the school. They decided that it was time for them to leave the alley and seek a different activity to pass the time before school began. They took their seats at a picnic table that was located on the grass.
"It's going to be quite an awkward English class." said Double Dee chuckling.
"It sure will be," said Marie as she snickered back at him.
Meanwhile, the rest of the kids had arrived in the school, and were currently hanging out in the hallway, waiting for the bell to ring that signaled them all to go to homeroom. Eddy was currently talking to Kevin about sports, specifically the super bowl that was to be held on Sunday night. Naturally Eddy couldn't help involving money, so he placed a wager with Kevin over which team would win. Ed stood near them at his locker, fiddling with his books and his other junk he had contained within it. Nazz was at her locker as well, checking herself out in the mirror that she had hung on the door, directly next to Kevin's football portrait.
Everything was calm and tranquil until the front doors to the school flew open with force, causing the metal doors to impact the concrete walls next to them. Everyone turned around to see Lee Kanker walking through the threshold. Behind her, May entered the doors in a more calm and lady like fashion.
Lee walked down the hallway, her eyes honed in on Eddy. She eventually reached Eddy's position and grabbed him by his shoulder, slamming him against the locker.
"Alright buddy boy, where is she!" yelled Lee.
"Get your stinky paws off of me!" yelled Eddy, "I don't even know what your talkin' about."
At this point, the rest of the kids were staring at the situation unfolding before them, all except Ed, who was enjoying a leftover apple that he had found in his locker.
"Marie left the trailer last night and never came home." said Lee, "Did you see her with Double Dweeb this morning."
"He wasn't at his house this morning, so no I haven't seen him." Said Eddy, "And how is it my problem that your sister didn't come home."
As the two continued to bicker, the front doors to the school opened once again, much more gently than last time. Everyone turned to see Double Dee holding the large black door open from the inside. Marie entered shortly after, thanking Double Dee for holding the door for her. The couple joined hands and began walking down the hallway together. The hallway was in complete silence, and everyone stared as the couple passed them on their way to Double Dees locker. When they reached his locker, they bid each other farewell, and with a quick kiss, Marie began walking to her locker.
"Excuse me shrimp." said Lee as she released her grip on Eddy. "I gotta go have a word with her."
Lee stormed off down the hallway, following the path Marie had taken. May quickly ran behind her, joining in pursuit of her sister.
"Did ya see that?" said Eddy to Kevin, "He just blew us off again."
"Calm down dork," said Kevin, "I highly doubt that Double Dee would forget about us just because he has a girlfriend."
Double Dee finished exchanging his books at his locker and walked down the hallway to join Eddy, Kevin and Ed.
"Good morning gentleman." said Double Dee with the same enthusiastic personality as always, "How are you all on this beautiful morning?"
"Oh great Double Dee, everything is just peachy keen." Said Eddy annoyed at Double Dee.
"If your sarcasm is alluding to the events that transpired last night, the only thing I request is that we put all of that ugliness behind us and continue our lives as is. You are still my close friend Eddy, and I would never ditch you totally just because I have found a girlfriend. Therefore, I hope you can find it in your heart to at least try to accept my relationship with Marie, and maybe get to know her a little more. You then might see the beautiful person she really is."
Eddy groaned.
"Ah come on Eddy, lighten up." said Ed, "Double Dee is our best friend, and a friend of his is a friend of mine."
"The one time you say something worthwhile, it actually means something." said Eddy.
Eddy thought about the discussion he had had with Lee the night before. Although they hadn't come up with a specific plan to get Double Dee away from Marie, Eddy knew that if he was eventually to put whatever plan it may be into action, he could not be a suspect. He knew he had to accept this abomination at least for a few days.
"Ah Ed's right." said Eddy, "Come here you!"
Eddy grabbed Double Dee in a headlock and began giving him a noogie once again.
"Dog Pile!" yelled Ed and Kevin as they tackled their two friends, joining in on the friendly fun. Nobody suspected that Eddy was just along for the ride.
"I am so glad that you guys have accepted this so quickly!" said Double Dee.
"Anything for my best friend," said Eddy, "You just better watch she don't eventually want me instead of you."
Eddy could not believe that he had just spoken those words out of his mouth. Declaring that he wanted a Kanker to like him, even in a joking manner, was too much.
"Eddy, you couldn't steal Double Dees girl if you tried." said Kevin as the boys walked down the hallway toward homeroom.
"Shut up dork!" said Eddy laughing.
"Hey, that's my word." replied Kevin.
The morning flew by quickly, with art class being the highlight of Double Dees morning. He shared this class with his two best pals, as well as Johnny 2x4. However, more importantly, he also shared this class with his beautiful girlfriend. The seats in the class were assigned by last name; Marie, her name beginning with a K sat in the third row of desks, while Double Dee, sat in the fifth row. Ed, sat in the first row, spending his time in art class drawing monsters from movies he had seen the previous night rather than following the teacher's directives. Eddy McGee sat a few seats down from Marie due to their last names being in close proximity. Lastly, Johnny and Plank sat at the far left end of the row in front of Double Dee.
Double Dee could not focus on his drawing, he was completely infatuated with Marie, although it was only the back of her head that he could see. Marie was completely focused on her art for the most part; she seemed to be putting a lot of effort into whatever she was doing. It certainly wasn't the still-life that everyone was supposed to be drawing. Nevertheless, she kept glancing back at Double Dee, smiling every time she did so. Double Dee and Marie continued to glance and share smiles at each other throughout the whole period.
Eventually, the bell rang signaling lunch, and all of the students began shuffling out of the room, handing in their drawings for grading as they left.
The couple met up at the door and continued into the hallway.
"Hey you." said Marie, as she poked him in the arm, "It seems like forever since I last saw you, what was it, four hours ago?" Marie laughed.
"That's still too long for me." said Double Dee smiling at her.
"You can't resist melting my heart with your sweetness for one day can you Double Dee." said Marie smiling from ear to ear.
Double Dee blushed, as he smiled at his girlfriend.
Eddy and the rest of the crew were already at their table eating lunch. Eddy was eating the school pepperoni pizza, while Ed divided his time between eating fried chicken he had brought in and eating the schools pudding that he was so excited to eat that morning. Rolf joined them at the table, feasting on a sandwich made up of various parts of marine mollusk, one such part consisted of an octopus tentacle. Kevin had decided to eat lunch with Nazz that day, and was currently flirting with her over pizza at the next table over. The red and blonde haired Kanker sisters sat by themselves at their usual table, eating what appeared to be left over hotdogs from the previous night.
Marie and Double Dee entered the cafeteria holding hands, and once again caught the eye of all of their friends. They walked over to an empty table and took it for themselves. Eddy was annoyed, but had to keep up his charade as to not give suspicion.
"So what have you brought to lunch today Marie?" asked Double Dee.
"Only the best delicacy that mankind has ever created." Marie said sarcastically, yet enthusiastically, as she pulled her lunch out of the brown paper bag. "A hotdog complete with ketchup as bonus touch." Marie giggled, and Double Dee joined her.
"I only have a ham and cheese sandwich topped with a little mayonnaise and a thermos full of fruit juice." said Double Dee, "It isn't much either, but it gives me the energy I need for a productive afternoon."
The couple began eating. Double Dee finished chewing his food before he began talking.
"So Marie, what was it you were working on so intently in art class?" asked Double Dee.
"Its top secret." said Marie as she grinned at Double Dee, "It's not finished yet, but I promise you will see it when it's done."
"Okay Marie," said Double Dee as he cracked a smile. As the couple shared laughs and made jokes, unspoken tensions radiated through the lunchroom. As Ed pigged out next to him, Eddy's insides were burning with a fiery rage. The same was true for Lee, who was sitting all the way on the other side of the lunchroom.
Eddy's tense stare was broken by a tap on the shoulder by Kevin, who had left Nazz for a few seconds to talk to Eddy. Eddy turned up to look into his face.
"Hey dork," said Kevin, "Take a look at them."
Eddy glanced back over at Double Dee and Marie sharing a laugh.
"Ya know, I had my doubts too when I first heard about this." said Kevin, "But you can tell that they really enjoy being with each other by the way they act. I mean, what gives me and Nazz the right to be together, but not them."
Eddy could not believe the words that were coming out of Kevin's mouth. True, he had learned far more about Kevin since they became friends; he would even go as far to say that they are really almost identical in personality, as much as they would have hated to admit it prior to last summer. But he had never thought that Kevin would be as willing to accept their relationship as Nazz was.
"Yeah I know, isn't it great." said Eddy, every word he said being a lie.
Kevin eventually rejoined Nazz for the remainder of the lunch period. Time passed, and the bell that ended lunch eventually rang. Double Dee and Marie stood up from their table, and began walking out of the cafeteria.
"It's a shame, we won't see each other the rest of the day." said Double Dee.
"Yeah, but you can bet your heart on it that I'll find a way to see you tonight after school." replied Marie.
"Lee will probably start something, but it will feel good to be able to just say that I'm going to your house." said Marie as she chuckled.
The couple stopped when they reached the intersection where they had to separate. They shared a quick kiss on the lips before saying goodbye once again, and heading to the first of their afternoon classes.