Chapter Text
Growing up an Addams left an impression on the world around. With considerable distaste and horrendous societal expectations, centuries of Addams have rarely fit in with the world around them. It took a special type of person to be capable of understanding the complex simplicities that made an Addams.
Even amongst the more mysterious of society, the Addams family stood out.
No doubt, it would be no different at Nevermore. A decision made after Wednesday's recent expulsion. My sister had been steaming silently at being forced too closely to Mother's legacy, but I silently hoped it would be easier. Mayhaps I would not need to look over my shoulder at every turn. Or maybe I would need to be more on guard.
I remember my mom telling me about Nevermore as a child before the fire that took her and my dad. To the normies it was an accident, but to the outcasts their deaths were the greatest mystery. Unknown to all if it had been normies or outcasts that had done it. It was pure luck I managed to escape that day, though not unscathed. Wednesday expressed jealousy once at my being able to attend my own funeral. A precaution, so whoever had murdered my parents couldn't find me.
The day my parents died was the day Nightingale Addams was introduced to the world. No questions occurred when she slipped right in as the fraternal twin of Wednesday. Simple enough, as we shared a birthday.
This identity had stayed in place for close to eight years. Such close proximity to others and away from the Addams nest would truly put it's security to the test.
I flexed my gloved fingers against the car door. Pugsley was unlucky enough to ride upfront with Lurch. I wished I had been the unlucky one for the day.
"I promise you, my little vipers, you will love Nevermore. Won't they, Tish?", Father, Gomez Addams, turned his gaze back to Mother, Morticia, as though his world didn't function without her in his sights. I couldn't recall a time, even before they became my parents instead of my Aunt and Uncle, where this wasn't true.
"Of course. It's the perfect school for them."
"Why? Because it was the perfect school for you? I have no interest in following your footsteps," Wednesday said, caving in her silent treatment. "Becoming captain of the fencing team, Queen of the Dark Prom, President of the Séance Society."
" I merely meant that finally you will be among peers who understand you. Maybe you'll even make some friends beyond each other." Morticia said, her voice steady though a careful ear could hint the undertone of frustration.
"Nevermore is like no other boarding school. It's a magical place. It's where I and your Uncle met your mothers. And we fell in love." Despite hating the dopey, love sick gaze, I couldn't help feeling grateful for him mentioning my parents even in the smallest ways.
It couldn't be publicly acknowledged, but in private Mother and Father never forced me to forget them.
"You guys are making me nauseous. Not in a good way."
"Darling, we aren't the ones who got you expelled. That boy's family was going to file attempted murder charges. How would that have looked on your record?", Morticia asked Wednesday.
"Terrible. Everyone would know I failed to get the job done."
I closed my eyes as the trees passed us by. No need to be involved with this conversation.
"I put extra burn salve in your trunk, little fire", Morticia said, as Wednesday went back to her silent treatment. "The ingredients are in there as well. The nurse is supposed to have them on hand, but her's may not have the same potency."
"I know how to prepare it, Mother", Wednesday snapped.
"Thank you, Mother. I'm sure I won't be forced to endure the nurse's subpar brewing." I said in an attempt to diffuse, reflexively stretching my covered fingers.
"Do you need more before we arrive, dear?" Her dark eyes locked on to the movement of my hands.
"No, I've just kept them still too long." I said, turning my gaze back out the window.
It was in silence we drove through the gates of Nevermore. I climbed out of the vehicle behind Wednesday. The school was decidedly haunted in appearance and the rain only enhanced the gloom of it all. I could barely take it in as we were escorted through empty halls to the Principal's office.
It must have been class time, silent as it was. High schools were never silent.
"You certainly have unique names. I'm guessing Wednesday is the day of the week you were born?", Principal Weems commented.
"We were born on Friday the 13th." Wednesday answered.
It was easy to let her lead a conversation. Sometimes.
"Wednesday's name comes from a line from my favorite nursery rhyme, Wednesday's child is full of woe" Morticia said.
"You always had a unique perspective on the world, Morticia" Principal Weems said, with a strange smile. "Did you're mother tell you we were roommates back in the day? Along with another girl, Cyra Brite."
"Our aunt", Wednesday said, as I took in the woman in front of me a little closer. Obviously they hadn't been good friends as I had never heard of her. "And you graduated with your sanity intact?"
"Impressive" I said from my seat beside Wednesday.
Weems changed the subject sharply. "You've certainly had a very interesting educational journey. Eight schools in five years."
"They haven't built one strong enough to hold me. I bet this place won't be any different."
"It's more daunting with my sister around." My words almost an explanation as to why I fell into the same category. I had yet to be expelled. Wednesday always took the blame, even when I didn't want her to take it alone. I would hate to go through this torture without her. Misery loves company.
"What I think the girls mean is that they greatly appreciate this opportunity." Gomez said, shooting us a look that only I noticed.
"Nevermore doesn't usually accept students midterm, but given the girls' perfect grades and your family's long history with the school, I've spoken with the board and we've made an exception." There was that fake smile, again. Honestly, if I didn't know better I'd say she didn't want us here.
"Larissa, what about Wednesday's therapy sessions?" Morticia asked. "The court ordered them."
Unsurprising. The courts refused to see the favor Wednesday had done the world by making sure that imbecile could never reproduce.
Weems didn't appeared troubled by this. "The school has a relationship with a therapist in Jericho. They can meet twice a week."
"Only Wednesday", Morticia thankfully corrected. "Nightingale may want to go into town when her sister is there. They hate being too far apart."
"Did you hear that, my little storm cloud? You're in excellent hands." Gomez said before asking. "Did the nurse receive the instructions sent over?"
"Of course. Our nurse has requested that our potions professor do the brewing so as to make certain Nightingale's salve is correctly made. The teachers have also been informed that Nightingale may have to step out or need assistances with things due to her ailment."
Ailment. Makes it sound more like a sickness instead of severe burning on my hands. I stretched my fingers as Weems moved on to other topics.
"I've assigned you to your mother's old dorm. Ophelia Hall."
Morticia gasped excitedly.
Wednesday turned to Mother. "Refresh my memory. Ophelia's the one who kills herself after being driven mad by her family, correct?"
"Should we go meet your new roommate?", Principal Weems asked.
And so our sentence begins.