by E. Cullen
Smiley walked away and took his beer breath and smiley face with him.
Act 21
Taco
I walked into Spanish class, though I was not really a fan of Spanish class. I could never learn the language that well. I was pretty basic when it came to speaking and understanding.
I would have loved to learn French or Italian. Those languages seemed like the language of love. Roosilly sat across from me; Alicia sat on my right, and Rebecca sat in front of me. We had a few minutes before class started up. I was really not in the mood for their shenanigans. I could feel the rumors and gossip time approaching.
“Ola! Ola! Edworth!” Rebecca shouted.
“Ola Edworth,” Alicia said.
“Hey, I see you’ve all been beefing up on your Spanish,” I said.
“Edworth, how are you and Bellduh working out? I see things are pretty tight with the two of you,” Roosilly said.
I tried to handle the situation with clarity and peacefulness.
“Things are just fine, thanks for asking.”
“There you have it Roosilly! All is well in the love department!” Rebecca shouted.
“In other news, that new kid with the weird hair has run away from home and has been declared missing. The cops are going to every house asking questions,” Roosilly said.
“Wow, that’s like, horrible news. Why would that kid runaway from home?” Alicia asked.
“I heard that kid was really into something deep. I heard she was doing drugs. She was dealing too. I also heard she was into some crazy other stuff,” Roosilly said.
“Like… who told you that?” Rebecca asked.
“A little bird told me. Who cares? It’s just some rumor going around,” Roosilly said.
“Well, maybe she was into some bad stuff, but she didn’t seem like a bad kid. She probably lost her head and wanted to see what’s out there. I’m sure she will pop up again around here,” I said.
The truth was that Smiley Beers was thirsty and took the kid and had too much of her blood to drink, but I didn’t want to get involved. I found out since I knew all and smelled all.
The Spanish teacher walked into the classroom. The class began, and the teacher started the class off by explaining that a fellow student had been away, and that if anyone had seen her should have reported to the principal’s office immediately.
They would never find the kid with the weird hair.
Act 22
Puppy Names
One night, Bellduh and I had decided to have a picnic in the dark forest. Bellduh wanted a puppy of her own, and we had decided to think of a name for it. We enjoyed drinking red grape juice and some cheese and cracker, though I was not fond of any of it. I had decided that I would buy Bellduh a puppy, and she was excited about it since she could not afford one.
“You do know that you would have to feed the puppy and walk it daily, Bellduh. A puppy is not a toy. You should name the puppy when you get it. I know that puppies already have names, but we should come up with our own name for it.”
“This is all so new to me, Edworth. Having a puppy is like being a mother. I would love it so much until the day I die; I swear.”
“No matter what happens, you don’t dare put a spell on the poor puppy, Bellduh. That’s not cool at all. So what’s on your mind about naming the puppy?”
“There are so many names I’d like to name my puppy, Edworth. I don’t even know where to start. How about Sherri?”
“Sherri sounds cute. How about something else? I think you should start with Annabelle?”
That sounds so old fashion, Edworth. I don’t know about Anabelle. There are just so many names to choose from.”
“Why are we even naming the puppy by a girl’s name? Do we even know whether it will be a boy or a girl?”
“You do have a point, Edworth, but let’s choose a girl’s name first before we move onto a boy’s name. How does Shea sound?
“What are you serious right now? Shea? Is that even a name?
“Edworth, anything can be a name if you decided it is a name.”
“Well, how does the name Rosa sound?”
“It sounds so Italian. Is the puppy going to be Italian?
“So we’re arguing about countries now?”
“No, I just think it sounds so Italian. Like, the puppy isn’t going to be in a gang. So let’s try to think of something decent.”
I wish that I had never decided to get Bellduh, a puppy. I quivered in disgust at how irritating Bellduh had become over puppy names. Bellduh was such a witch, if you know what I mean.
“Bellduh, I think you should decide on naming the puppy yourself. It would be much easier, don’t you think?”
“You’re involved whether you like it or not, you junkie.”
“So, now I’m a junkie. Well, you’re a witch.”
“Give me a break, Edworth. Just help me come up with some names if you really care about me.”
“Well, you leave me no choice, Bellduh. Let me think of something that you will love. How about you name the puppy Rositta?”
“Were you Italian in your past life, Edworth?”
“So, not good enough. I think I know what you want to name your puppy. A good name would be Ramsay.”
“Please stop, Edworth. This whole puppy naming thing is not helping at all.”
“Like I said before this whole thing should be your decision, Bellduh. It’s your puppy, so you can decide when I get you the puppy. Trust me, the name will just come naturally to you when you get him or her.”
“That sounds fair enough, Edworth. You do have a point.”
“That’s fine, Bellduh. Well, at least we didn’t think anything dumb to name the puppy. We could have come up with plenty of ridiculous names like, Ratmee, Rattree, Beatree, Roobetree, or like, Renezmea. All dumb names in my opinion.”
“Edworth, you are like so funny. You really are a junkie. Where would you come up with such dumb names like those? That was so made up and ridiculous. You’re lucky I don’t put a spell on you, Edworth.”
Bellduh was right about the names. They were so not intelligent at all and truly ridiculous. I had learned my lesson to never get into puppy names unless I wanted to feel the wrath of Bellduh.
Act 23
Proposal
Class ended, and I made my way out. I walked through the school halls. It was a long crappy day, and I was on my way to meet Bellduh. Bellduh had left me a note. She was so sneaky.
I read the note:
“Edworth, open and read it at the dark forest.”
Bellduh wanted me to open it when I arrived at the dark forest, but I didn’t want to wait. I wondered what it was.
I made my way to the dark forest. I wondered if Bellduh would have considered being a junkie. I think she wanted to talk about becoming a junkie.
I believed that I tempted her into becoming one. No one could resist. Bellduh would have loved being a junkie like me.
I wondered what she really wanted to talk about. She probably wanted to tell me that she loved me. I wondered how she would say it. I began to imagine how Bellduh would tell me that she loved me.
As long as she said I love you, I guessed that it was something, and it was better than nothing. As long as she said the words, that’s all that mattered.
It meant at least something if she had said the words. I was really sensitive on the subject.
I waited in the dark forest. It was a nice and peaceful. Suddenly, it started to rain. I imagined myself proposing to Bellduh. I could have just imagined what our wedding day would be like.
Bellduh would have been in her perfect white wedding dress. She would have waited for her dad to walk her down. My beautiful wedding would have been held in the dark forest. The skies would have been blue, and the birds would have been chirping.
I would not have wanted any rain on my wedding day. Everyone would have been there for my wedding day.
Jacub would have stood with his kind on one side and everyone el
se on the other side. Even in my imagination, Jacub still stunk horribly. I had to admit it was hard to imagine a Jacub that didn’t stink.
The other guests would have been on the other side to accommodate them from the smelly puppies.
Bellduh would have looked perfect, absolutely perfect. I never would have seen her so dolled up. She would have had a great big smile. Her eyes would have sparkled and would have stood out above everyone and anything.
I opened Bellduh’s letter:
“Dear Edworth,
I’m excessively shy to say these words in person, so I had to write them from the heart. This letter I write is for your beautiful eyes only.
Before you and I decide to go any further in our little fairy tale, I want to open up, like really open up about the real me. By the time you finish reading this letter, you will may decide to leave the dark forest, but if you are still there waiting for me, I know that you are willing to forgive me, tolerate me, and go even further than ever before. Not one person in Eclipse has ever experienced the relationship we have. I know I can be like such a witch sometimes. The truth is, every single day I think of you. The first time you set foot at Eclipse High, I knew you would be mine. Your lovely heavenly perfect hair and pretty delicate pale face just fascinate me. Your innocent looking eyes are heavenly. I don’t care if you’re a junkie.
Your red soft lips touching mine can stay locked forever. When I touch you Edworth, your coldness is a little hard to get used to but you’re hot. I just have to admit that you’re sweet and perfect. There is something sweet about you. That would be cool if we would like actually be the same temperature. You must love that idea; I bet. If we were ever to be together forever, I wonder if you would be able to tolerate me in the morning. I like to spend a lot of time on my hair in the morning. I have to make sure my make-up is just right. I love looking at myself in the mirror. I spend even more time putting on my make-up. I find it makes me prettier. I whiten my teeth with strips; it really works. I only buy the best clothes, and I get manicures when it’s time. Girls have to do what girls have to do. I guess you can say I am very high maintenance. I wonder if I will have to worry about any of that if I become like you. I love it when our eyes meet Edworth. You suck the life right out of me. Your butt is nice and firm. That’s a butt to die for. Trust me, a lot of girls want to slap that butt of yours. When my hot skin touches your cold body, it makes me shiver. It's a real rush. Together, we are the perfect couple. All the girls wish they were me. It’s really true. If only I could read your mind, Edworth. I would love to be able to get inside your head. What are you really thinking, Edworth? Some things are best left to the imagination. Whatever you decide will either haunt me forever or make me the happiest girl in Eclipse. Just remember, I will always be there for you. I won’t ever forget about you. I will be the shoulder you can place your head on. I mean, if you decide you just want to be friends, I’m fine with that. Well, I will actually turn you into a frog. Well, this is it. I leave you now until we meet. I will always love you.
I’m always your witch,”
Bellduh.
After reading that letter, I decided one thing.
Bellduh Swansinner was a total weirdo. Truthfully, after reading that letter it didn’t matter. Bellduh’s beautiful blood was all that mattered to me.
I have never felt so alive in my life with Bellduh. Her scent was what hypnotized me. Her kiss is what completed me, well, it was more her blood. I wanted Bellduh since she was everything I could ever want in a witch. I needed her blood, and I felt weak without it. I never would have let anyone come between us. My decision was made. I wanted to convince her to become like me, a junkie.
She was to be a junkie like me forever. Only time would tell. The wind gently blew through my hair, and it suddenly started to rain.
I wondered where our honeymoon would be. I’m sure Bellduh had some good ideas about where we could travel. I was getting way ahead of myself. I was still waiting for Bellduh to make her way here. The time was getting closer. I was excited, and I could feel my legs shaking. The thought of Bellduh made me shake. I had the feeling that I was not alone here. I could sense movement.
Junkies approached me from across. I had never seen them before. I saw several of them that all dressed the same way. They were wearing pink leotards. It was obvious that they had come from the circus freak show.
“You must be Edworth Cuddles. I have been told so much about you, Edworth. My name is Farse. What a delight it is to meet you.”
Farse offered his hand, and I shook it. He had long red hair, obviously the ugliest of them all. He introduced me to his followers, Pain and Panic.
“Yes. It is a pleasure. Are you part of the Voltweety?” I asked.
“I think you know who we are, Edworth. We know about your dad too. Don’t worry Edworth, we are not here for him. We came here for you. You belong to the freak show.”
“Rumors spread fast in the junkie world. I know you have been seeing Bellduh Swansinner. Is it true, Edworth? Is her blood as sweet as apple pie?” Farse asked.
“Please don’t hurt Bellduh. She is just a helpless wicked witch of the west. She is everything to me. Her blood is beyond words. Why did you come here?” I asked.
“We would very much like to meet this Bellduh Swansinner. You know you can’t be with her, Edworth. She is not one of us. She is not a junkie. She is a witch and an evil one. How long did you think this fairy tale would last?” Farse asked.
“I will make her like one of us then. I will change her into a junkie, and we will join the circus. Please trust me.”
“Bellduh is coming here right now isn’t she? We know this, Edworth. We see all and know all. We will wait for Bellduh to come here, and we will decide her fate,” Farse said.
“I was actually just leaving. Bellduh and I are just friends.”
“We are not fools, Edworth. If you leave, your dad will pay the consequences by joining the circus and Bellduh will be ours for sure,” Farse said.
Suddenly, the greatest smell in the world graced us. Bellduh finally arrived. She looked at the Voltweety and smiled.
“Did you start the party without me? Edworth, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” Bellduh asked.
“Farse, this is Bellduh Swansinner. Bellduh, meet the Voltweety. This is Farse, Pain, and Panic.”
“So… it is true. Bellduh smells absolutely scrumptious!” Farse murmured.
“You have really dirty minds. Please stop thinking like that. I don’t swing that way. I can read minds. It’s a rare gift. Please keep your dirty thoughts to yourselves,” I said.
“Are you still trying to read minds, Edworth? Come on now, we know you are a fake. If I may, Bellduh, may I have a taste of that beautiful red stuff? I pay top dollar for just a taste you know. What do you say?” Farse asked.
I was embarrassed that the truth about me was out. I was a fake. I couldn’t read minds, but I really was good at telling what people were thinking. I could just tell what was on someone’s mind, really; you have to believe me.
“Bellduh is not for sale! Stop asking! We will follow your strange rules. Bellduh and I will be together forever and become junkies in love,” I said.
“Let’s see if Bellduh can feel my wrath,” Pain said.
Pain used her power to try tickling Bellduh, and succeeded. Bellduh was dying of laughter because she felt like Pain was tickling her. Bellduh was enjoying it.
“This witch is stronger than I thought. I am unable to make her beg for mercy,” Pain said.
‘What, are you serious? You tried to hurt me? Is that all you have? Seriously? Keep going! That actually felt great!” Bellduh said.
“I don’t understand why my power has failed me? This can’t be. I feel really weak now. I must go back and regain my strength.”
“How excellent! You don’t feel Pain’s powers. Let’s see if you can resist Panic’s power,” Farse said.
“I’m sorry Farse; I am unable to use my powers on Belld
uh. She has some sort of power I can’t understand,” Panic said.
“Satisfied? Bellduh will make a great junkie! There is no need to test her anymore. We will be together forever,” I said.
“Wait, wait. Me? A junkie? When did this happen?” Bellduh said.
“Let me do the talking, Bellduh. These junkies will suck you dry if you don’t agree.”
“Bellduh, my sweet and lovely Bellduh. You are a real asset to our kind. When is the big day? You and Bellduh must be the same, or we will drink her sweet blood, and you will join the circus freak show. You don’t have a choice now,” Farse said.
“Really? Great! I never signed up for this. Can I turn back if I change my mind?” Bellduh asked.
“Excuse me? Edworth, your love Bellduh, is not the sharpest witch, is she? Well, at least she smells perfect. She also has a gift,” Farse said.
“Hey! I may not be the brightest witch out there, but at least I know what love is. Don’t make me cast a spell on all of you,” Bellduh said.
Pain and Panic giggled behind Farse.
“Don’t make fun of Bellduh. She may be off, sometimes, but she’s my girl. She’s not the sharpest witch in the west, but she is alright.”
“So, it is settled. Bellduh, you and Edworth will have to be junkies together. Don’t even think about running away, or we will find you and make you join the town circus. Bellduh, we look forward to seeing you as one of us junkies. Hopefully, you will have a higher I.Q,” Farse said.
Pain and Panic giggled. I started to giggle. I couldn’t help it since it was kind of fun making fun of Bellduh’s I.Q.
“That’s not funny,” Bellduh said.
“I will make sure Bellduh and I become junkies in love. Please leave us now. We would like to continue with our lives.”
“We will leave now, Edworth. We will meet again, and I hope you look forward to being a junkie, Bellduh. Until we meet again,” Farse said.