The Pursuit of Happiness

4. The "Ultimate" Scam

I forgot to say this in the other chapter, so I'll say it in this chapter. The character Nathan Goldberg does not belong to me. Anyways, enjoy peeps!
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(Edd)

I'm in class, diligently taking notes, even though I don't need to. I already studied this chapter during the summer. I still can't believe that I walked to class with Kevin and Nat. It was quite enjoyable. Although it was practically me and Nathan talking. Well, more like he was talking and I was listening, with the occasional chuckle at his ridiculous comments. I like Nathan, he is the polar opposite of Ed and Eddy. Almost like a breath of fresh air.

*Too bad Kevin didn't look like he was enjoying himself*

I looked over to where he was sitting. He was trying to hold a laugh. I guess Nathan said something to warrant a laugh. I sighed and looked out the window right next to my desk.

During our walk, Kevin just looked at the ground the entire time. Occasionally, he let out a grunt when Nathan directed his comments towards him. But now, he looks completely normal.

*Maybe walking with them wasn't such a good idea*

The bell finally rang, indicating that it was time to leave. I looked around for Kevin, but he was nowhere to be found. I frowned. I thought we had finally made a connection. Maybe I shouldn't have enjoyed that conversation with Nathan?

*But I like him, he's quite comical*

I packed up my books so I can proceed with the rest of the day. I was still upset about not seeing Kevin, so classes were kind of a blur. Soon it was time for lunch. I went to my locker to grab lunch bag and immediately went to the cafeteria.

I spotted Ed and Eddy waiting in line. I walked over there.

"Greetings gentlemen, how has today been treating you so far?" I said with a tiny smile.

"Double D! I missed you!" Ed shouted. He opened his arms towards me.

"Please Ed, no hugs--WHOA!!" Ed hoisted me in the air and started swing me from one side to the other. I can hear Eddy laughing. Some best friend.

"Ed! Cease and desist!" He finally stopped what he was doing and gently put me down.

"Thank you Ed." I said, trying to straighten out my disheveled clothes. I turned towards Eddy. Heavy with sarcasm, I stated "Thank you SO MUCH for your help."

"Oh lighten up Sockhead. Why don't you grab us a table while we wait in line?" Eddy replied, wiping a tear from his eyes.

"Fine."

I found a table and sat down, ready to open my lunch. As soon as I opened my mouth to eat my sandwich, I felt a chill go down my spine. I shuddered.

*It feels like somebody is watching me*

I quickly looked around for the culprit. My blue eyes locked on a pair of green ones. It was Kevin. His eyes...that stare...it was so intense.

I should have looked away. It was the most logical thing to do. I knew my face was as red as Kevin's hair right about now. But I didn't want to look away. My eyes stayed locked on his.

*He's blushing too... Will he look away?*

But he didn't look away. He continued to look deep into my eyes. It was as if our eyes were dancing; a blue and green waltz that wasn't known to anyone but us. It was our secret world and I didn't want to leave.

My view of Kevin was soon obstructed by an overly excited Ed, who was eager to eat. Sadly our dance had to end.

"What's going on with you and Kevin, Sockhead?" I jerked my head to face Eddy. He had a weird look on his face. He must have noticed me staring at Kevin. That look made me nervous.

"No-nothing at all Eddy." I stuttered. My confidence was not as strong as I hoped. Eddy narrowed his eyes.

"Shovel-chin didn't touch you, did he?" Eddy asked, folding his arms. He's always been so over protective.

"Don't be so absurd Eddy. Kevin hasn't made any sort of physical contact with me." I said sternly. Although... would that be such a bad thing?

*Now is not the time Eddward*

"Okay, well as long as he isn't messing with you, I don't have to beat his ass."

I winced at his words. I wish he and Kevin could be friends. They are alike in so many ways. Their biggest commonality is their temper.

"Anyways Eddy, I believe you still need to tell me about this scam of yours." I said, desperately trying to change the subject. It worked.

"Oh yeah! Listen up, Sockhead. I have the perfect idea and I don't want you spacing out again." He pointed his fork at me.

I rolled my eyes, waiting for him to continue.

"Every year there is a shitty homecoming game, to promote shitty ass school spirit. After the week is over, the students return to their shitty old selves" Eddy said, shoveling food in his mouth.

"Your point?" I inquired. There was a disgusted look on my face. I don't know why he insists on eating what they consider "food" in this establishment.

"My point, Sockhead, is that why do we have to return to our shitty selves?"

"Well, if you used proper language, you wouldn't refer to yourself as fecal matter." I sarcastically responded.

" Eddy is poop Double D?" Ed stopped eating and looked at me.

I started laughing. I couldn't help myself. Ed joined in and after a while Eddy let out a chuckle.

" My apologies Eddy, you may continue." I said wiping a tear from my eye.

" I was saying we should make some money off this homecoming bullshit!" He stated.

"And how do you suppose we do that?" I felt uneasy. This is usually the part where Eddy includes something illegal in his scams.

"We take homecoming merchandise and resell it for a profit!" And there it is ladies and gentlemen.

"Eddy, are you insane?!? That's stealing! We could get into serious trouble!" I shouted.

People started looking at us. I realized where we were and started to shrink in my seat filled with embarrassment.

"Keep your voice down idiot!" Eddy whispered. Soon people resumed to what they were doing.

"Besides," Eddy continued, his voice returning to normal, "All you have to do is get the homecoming stuff from the sports department, Mr. Swim Captain." He smirked.

"I beg your pardon?!?" I was shocked. I can't believe he would ask me to...to steal! I've never stolen anything!

"You have the key to all of the equipment, clothes, and souvenirs Double D. You're a captain, it's one of the perks." Eddy shrugged.

"It will be just like the old times, Double D. Don't you miss us?" Ed poked out his bottom lip. His cheeks are filled with food.

"Yeah, lumpy is right, don't you miss your best friends??" Eddy scowled.

I sighed and looked at Ed. "Of course I do Ed, it's just that...you see... stealing is...oh alright I suppose." I gave in.

"I knew we could count on you Sockhead!" Eddy finished his lunch, feeling content now. I just looked at my food, having lost my appetite.

I did miss hanging out with them. I was just so engrossed in my studies during high school, trying to make sure I was ready for college, that I rarely hung out with Ed and Eddy. Not to mention the fact that over the summer Kevin took most of my time...oh no, Kevin. What will he think about this?? The football team did multiple fundraisers in order to raise enough money for that merchandise. They were going to sign some of that stuff and raffle it off at the end of the week homecoming party.

I put my elbow on the table and rested my chin in my hand. I blew out air.

*So much for being friends with Kevin*