Geek Charming

Chapter 5

John Edwards (Marcel’s Father) POV*

*RING *RING

“Hello?” “Umm… Hello? Your son Marcel Edwards did not attend school today.” “That’s impossible! Marcel hasn’t missed a day since 4th grade.” I protested. “I am sorry sir, but he is absent. Would you like this to be excused?” “No. He will be at school in an hour.” I said in a stern voice. “Okay. Have a good day Mr. Edwards.” “You as well.” Where could he have went to instead of school/ I don’t know, but I am getting to the bottom of this. “Jackson!” “Yes sir?” “You are in charge, until I get back.” “Yes sir.”

Marcel’s POV*

“Marcel!!!” Oh no. Dads home. “MARCEL!!” “Coming sir.” Footsteps could be heard from downstairs. He was in rage. Dad met me halfway on the stairs. “WHY THE HELL AREN’T YOU IN SCHOOL??” “I wasn’t feeling well. I threw up last night… I am sorry sir….” I mumbled. I couldn’t let me dad know Ali was here. “You are going to school right now. Go get dressed!” He hollered. “But dad I am not feeling well. It’s just one day.” “That’s how it starts out with is just one day. Then it’s a whole week. Then you’re missing almost all of the year. No. My son wasn’t raised to be like that and he is about to either. Now get dressed.” “NO.” “Excuse me?” “I said no. I am staying home today.” “Why you ungrateful little bastard…” My father balled up his fist. Before I knew it I was on the ground, my face aching in pain. “Now get your ass up to your room and get dressed.” “Yes sir.” I whimpered. “Marcel?” Ali was standing at the top of the stairs. “Marcel. Are you okay?” “ Who is this?” Dad questioned. “This is Ali….. Yes Ali…. I am fine…”  “What is she do….. Is this why you skipped school? To be with this repulsive this?” “Don’t you dare call her repulsive. She is beautiful. Every inch of her is perfect.” “ How dare you talk back to me.” He spat. Ali made her way down by me gripping my hand. “You are pathetic. Hitting your 16 year old son isn’t going to solve anything. And yea. He stayed home to take care of me. You have no right to tell him who he can or can’t see. He is more of a man than you are.” Ali snapped. Dad face was now red. Before he was able to get ahold of her, I took action, punching him in his chest. He fell to his knees. I pulled Ali upstairs to my room, locking my door behind us. “Grab your stuff. We have to go. Would your mom mind if I stayed? I obviously can’t stay here. If I do let’s just say you won’t ever see me again.” I said looking in the mirror, touching the already purple bruise on my cheek. “My mom is never home, so she wouldn’t mind.” Ali stated, while helping me pack my duffle bag full of clothes and commodities I needed to last a week or two. “How are we suppose to get out?” Ali questioned. “Through the window. We’ll climb down the satellite pole.” “Oh. Okay.” Ali grabbed her car keys and made her way towards the window. “Ali. Let me go first. It’s been awhile since someone has climbed on it. I don’t need you getting hurt.” “Marcel. I’ll be fi…” “No! I am going first” I said sternly. I climbed down the wobbly satellite pole. I finally I reached the grounded, relieved the pole didn’t fall.  “It’s safe Ali…. Come on down…. If you fall I’ll catch you…” “That’s very comforting…” I was praying she wouldn’t fall. Her feet met the ground. “Ready?” “Yupp. You grab your stuff, while I go get my car.” Ali was back in a flash. “Don’t just stand there. Get in you dork.” I hopped in, throwing my duffle bag in the  back seat.  I reached for Ali’s hand, making her jump. “Sorry.” “It’s okay.” She said lightly squeezing my hand. One thought ran through my mind. It was when Ali said she loved me today.  Was she too tired to realized she said it or did she really mean it?

We finally arrived at Ali’s house. It was a two story home. It had a pale grey tint to it. “Please don’t judge me… I know it’s not welcoming, but it is nice on the inside… Looks may be deceiving…” She whispered, pulling the key out of the ignition. I pulled her over the seat, onto my lap, pushing the small strands of hair from her beautiful face. “Ali. Why would I judge you? I...I love you.” I whispered in her ear. “Marcel. I love you too.” Ali pulled me close, kissing me hard. “Before you I didn’t smile much. Before you I was miserable. Before you I never knew what it felt like to love someone or be loved by someone else. Before you I wasn’t scared to lose anything. Now that I have you I am scared to lose everything. Marcel. I love you. We embraced in another kiss. “Ali, we better get inside before things start to get… well..ummm.. You know… Ha.” “Oh. Ha. Okay.”

Ali’s POV*

We walked up my cracked sidewalk. And as my usual luck, which was bad, Jessie was sitting on my doorstep. “Fuck.” I mumbled. “Stay right here, while I deal with him.” I demanded. “Hey babe. I didn’t see you at school today. I thought I might pay you a visit. See if you were okay baby.” “I am fine. Now leave.” I spoke sternly. “Why baby?” Why can’t we do like we use to do?” If you catch my drift.” Jessie whispered, while grabbing my bum and waist. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Marcel, tears filling his eyes. I shoved Jessie to the ground, cause him to hit his head. “Leave!” I walked over to Marcel, wiping his tears from his flushed cheeks.  “Let’s go in…. Forget him…. He is a stupid jerk…..” “Okay.” We walked past the scumbag, who laid in pain on my sidewalk. Serves him right.

As soon as we walked in,I saw mom still in her pajamas, drinking a cup of coffee, and watching television. “What are you doing home so early?” “They cut my hours! I only work 6 to 2! Now we get to spend more time together!” I was in shock. The last time I had seen my mother was two weeks ago.  As much as I was happy to see and spend time with my mother, I had to help Marcel. He needed somewhere to stay and I knew my mom wouldn’t approve of a boy living here. “Who’s this handsome young man?” Before I could say anything, Marcel butted in. “Her boyfriend.” “Oh? I thought you were still dating Jessie.” “We broke up months ago……” I whispered. “I’m so sorry hunny.” “He wasn’t worth it. Anyways I have Marcel.” I said, pulling him close. “You two are just so cute! So what are you two doing this evening?” Mom asked. “Umm. Well. That’s what we need to talk about mom…..” “Oh no… You’re pregnant aren’t you? Oh goodness. Okay. Ali. We’re going to get through this together. I pro….” “Mom!! I’m not pregnant! It’s just Marcel needs somewhere to and since we have an extra room…. I was wondering if he could just stay here…..” I murmured. “Oh hunny. I’m sorry, but I don’t think it would be a good idea to have two teenagers living in the same house.” “Mom. Please…. He’s going through a lot… And it’s not like we’re going to do anything….. Please..” I begged.  *Sighs* “Fine… But he does his own house work. Like doing his own laundry, cleaning his dirty dishes, vacuuming his room, and anything else he dirties. He also must help pay for things as well. Deal?” I looked at Marcel. “Yes Ma’am.” He answered.

Marcel and I rushed upstairs. I gave him a small tour of the upstairs. After he knew where everything was, we both settled down in the living room, watching “Looney Tunes”. “You still ready for prom?” Marcel wondered. “Not exactly… I still need a dress and an appointment from a beauty salon.” “Why? You don’t make-up to cover up your natural beauty. Being the way you are is enough.” Marcel whispers. We both began singing “What Makes You Beautiful.”  “I love you Marcel James Edward.” “I love you Ali Diana Rose!” I cuddled up to him. I loved feeling his warm body against mine. I felt loved. Safe.

“Can we stay like this forever?” I asked. “Like what?” He questioned. “Like this. Watching old cartoons, cuddling, never fighting, talking about anything that comes to mind.” “Yes beautiful.” “You promise?” “I promise baby.” Marcel whispers, after kissing me lightly on my forehead.