Edd x Marie - A Heart's True Desire

Chapter 4: "Why Do I Feel This Way?"

Double D's POV

     It's been quite boring the last two days. The rain seemed to be endless, hence I couldn't talk to Ed and Eddy much, but not at all to Marie. I was unsure why, but for some reason that mildly put a damper into my mood. Nonetheless, it's a sunny day from what the weather report says so a much needed morning walk may be possible! I missed those, especially the breathtaking view of the sunrise. Ah, better be off! I do hope to see Ed and Eddy when I get back, hope they're still not bothered by what we talked about.

     It didn't take much time for my daily clothing and I to become acquainted once again, and I thought that I should wear my brown sweater just in case the cold gets to me. It felt great walking through the woods again, but as I reached the end I noticed the small hill which would make a splendid viewing point. The air was fresh and I could smell something sweet, it honestly caught me off guard, regardless, it was a lovely scent. 

     As I reached my destination to the top of this hillock, I noticed a figure under the alder tree, with a sketchpad in their possession as they stared intently at the sunrise. This mysterious figure soon became a bit more recognisable once I noticed the blue hair, and a cheerful greeting to accompany it.

     "Hey Double D!" Marie called to me.

     "S-Salutations M-Marie. A tad surprising to see you here so early." I honestly told her as I disliked my nervousness as it caused me to stammer on occasions.
     "Well the rain finally stopped and I decided to come here. It's my favourite spot and possibly my favourite tree...and...if you stay, I guess I'll have another favourite thing here." Marie giggled, almost not making it through her joke as she motioned for me to sit on the grass.

     "Don't worry, the grass has no germs that'll kill ya."

     I couldn't hold my chuckle, that was quite the amusing joke and had to commend her. It didn't take long for me to notice how much the rising sun illuminated her face with bright colours, wow. I observed her sketchpad, it was open and had some acrylic paper which I presumed were for painting. Huh, I never knew she was quite the artist. My inquisitiveness did not proceed unnoticed as Marie caught me viewing her papers.

     "Well, well. Ain't someone curious today."
     "Oh, I hope you don't mind. It's just that, I was never aware that you were into art." I replied.

     "Don't sweat it. I've been into art for many years. Here's a painting I finished up today, kinda resembles this sunrise, think you might like it." Marie told me this in such a soft way. I think she set my expectations to a minimum on purpose as I couldn't help but be mesmerised by her outstanding artwork, more so her talent. Marie perfectly captured the exquisite brilliance of a sun making its presence known. I concluded my stare at the image and transition that to Marie, I could see her eyes astonished by every word exiting my mouth, almost as if she didn't notice it before I had told her.

     "D-Double D..." Marie stared at me before placing her hand over her chest and continuing, "That was so...so...I-I can't really describe it. You really caught me off guard ha ha! I didn't think it was that great but it means a lot to me that you loved it. Thing is...I never showed my artwork to anyone before, it was just something that I kept private."

     "But, you believed that you should show it to me, Marie? Of all people?" I enquired, truly shocked.

     She paused for a moment before staring back at me. In the midst of staring back of her with interest of what she had to say, I took note of how beautiful her eyes were. They were blue, just about matching her hair. What a lovely combination...wait...what am I even saying? I mean, I am complimenting her and I guess there's nothing wrong with that but why do I feel so different about it? I guess I have something to look into later...once I can detach my attention away from Marie.

     I believe that I was in some sort of trance, peculiar indeed. I was only aware of this as I heard Marie giggling for some unknown reason, breaking my gaze to notice her cheeks had been flushed red now and it seems her laughter was directed towards me.

     "Heh, i-is there something funny Marie?"

     "Oh nothing...Just the way you were being so entranced by me, Edd." She added a wink to the end of her sentence. I wanted to ever so deny it with a passion but she was right. There was something different when she said my name, my real name. I fumbled over my words trying to think of some way out of it but that stage ended upon the placement of her finger onto my lips. I was silenced as she went on to answer my question that I previously enquired.

     "The reason why I decided to show you my artwork, the reason why I decided for you to be the first one to see them is simple. I trust you, Edd. I trust that you wouldn't hide the truth from me. Also, I can't think of someone else that I'd be as comfortable with when it comes to sharing something like this. I trust you, Edd."

     I placed my hand on her shoulder before I continued, "I'm honoured that you trust me, Marie. And...just so you know, I trust you as well." We both smiled with this and the time seemed to have gone over our minds as we both had to depart. Breakfast is important after all.

     We got up, adjusting our jackets and as I turned to bid farewell to Marie, she came up to me and...hugged me. I hugged her back as it would be the most impolite thing to do in this situation, one that I surprisingly didn't mind.

     "Thanks for hanging with me today, and thanks for appreciating my art, oven mitt." She smiled at me as I waved while assuring her, "No worries, Marie. It was a lovely time to spend in the morning."
     "Was it lovely because you kept staring at me during the second half?" Marie sent a smirk at me before leaving; I could hear the faint giggling. Huh, seemed like she couldn't hold it in. I chuckled before making my return back to my house. Though breakfast was on my mind, what I felt during that moment with Marie lingered as well. I couldn't fathom it yet, but soon I will. One thing for sure was that I enjoyed the time I spent with her. And it lead me closer to knowing who Marie Kanker was, one part would be that she was a tremendous artist! I couldn't have guessed that but...I honestly look forward to whenever I get to see her again.