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Chapter Text

Wednesday could not seem to grasp the chatter that was happening amongst those at the dinner table. It all blended together--the nauseating verbiage exchanged by her parents, Pugsley speaking animatedly to Lurch whose grunt was the only noise louder than anyone else.  Her eyes glazed over, staring ahead at the wall. Her hand was on her spoon, but it had not picked up any soup in minutes. 

For all of three weeks, she’d been sent back home. Nevermore was closed until further notice. Overwhelmed by the death of Weems, the betrayal of the woman they’d known as Thornhill and the structural damage, students were sent to their homes early, with it not being due to reopen until the following autumn. By than, they hoped to have a new principal and a botanical science teacher. 

Wednesday had not returned to New Jersey initially. Her parents wanted to pay their respects to Principal Weems, her mother especially. They stayed at an inn on the edge of town, with its doors creaky and its rooms mostly vacant. At the funeral, she stood with other members of the outcast community, including a number of fellow classmates as they mourned. In a similar fashion to Mayor Walker’s funeral, the rain poured down heavily over them. 

Foolishly, she looked around for him under his umbrella. But he wasn’t there. 

Enid and Xavier both tried to pull her aside to speak to her, but Wednesday refused. She had not been there to socialize and had not wanted to go at all but Mother insisted that Weems would have wanted her there. She wasn’t convinced; majority of the time, the woman was blatantly exasperated by Wednesday than she wasn’t. Even if such a feeling was induced by her actions, she still never felt there was anything more to their relationship than what was on the surface. 

The cell phone given to her by Xavier still laid forgotten at the bottom of her backpack. The text messages from earlier came to mind, but those hardly mattered at this point. After the events that passed, a stalker was nothing to her. In spite of what Xavier had said when he gifted her the device, she knew he would try to get ahold of her before the summer ended. He was annoyingly persistent and unable to take a hint. 

Letting go of her spoon, Wednesday leaned back into her chair. The days, the weeks had been all but a blur. Settling back into her routine was unexpectedly jarring. There were no hummer meetings to attend, no incessant chipping from Enid or a strict schedule to follow. 

No espresso machines, no bitter tasting quads or him . 

Are you okay ? Thing was nearby, perched on his own spot at the table. 

She nodded subtly, not wanting to risk either of her parents to notice, asking unnecessary questions. Fortunately, they were not as intrusive as other parents were. They did not pester endlessly for details regarding what happened as they likely knew more than they let on, anyway. Somehow, they always did. A disadvantage of her mother having visions. But in this case, it was almost welcoming. She did not want to talk about it, to relive it or acknowledge it in any way. 

In any hope, she wouldn’t even go back to Nevermore when it was to open again. Her parents wouldn’t force her. There had to be somewhere else she could go. Somewhere she could be and put everything that happened in Jericho, at Nevermore in the past where it belonged. 

If only it were that simple. 

Her thoughts were consumed by him . A wide grin that stretched across his face. Messy golden curls that flung every which way in the wind.  A jacket; a brown jacket with a flannel underneath. Him. It was always him. Even if she so desperately wanted to part ways with him, her mind was thoroughly against doing so. 

And she hated it. 

She hated being so out of control and at the mercy of emotions which she’d tried to bury for so long. It was never a problem before him . But he had changed her without her even realizing it. He’d awakened something within her, brought a part of her she never knew existed to life. 

Since she was a child, she had been repulsed by the love and adoration her parents shared with one another. She never wanted any of that, to be like them and have what they had. Unlike others around her, she didn’t want her happiness to depend on the presence of another person. She didn’t need it. 

A part of her was ashamed, angry at herself for being so weak as to give into those adolescent desires so easily. She’d engaged in behavior that was so unlike her. The kind that she found to be absurd in anyone else. Most peculiarly, if she was being entirely honest, Wednesday had come to find out that she didn’t loathe his presence like she did with any other person. She’d never been one to socialize or find enjoyment in it. But Tyler was different. Vastly different from everyone else she’d ever known and not just because of his secretive outcast status. 

He seemed to understand her in a way others hadn’t. He wasn’t particularly off-putting which intrigued her. Something about him had drawn her in, lured her in much like a kidnapper was able to gain a child’s trust with a charming smile and empty promises. 

Thing had needled her endlessly after the Rave’N. He was utterly delighted that his blasted plan had worked, even more so when she never revealed it had been him all along and accompanied him with no protest. Wednesday had nothing to say to that, for she couldn’t explain herself or what had come over her. 

It was after it was all said and done, underneath her blankets with the room plunged into darkness did the realization of what occurred dawn on her. She could have sent him away with the truth instead of going along with it. She could chose differently on a few occasions. But she hadn’t. 

She could have not joined him for that unofficial date. But she hadn’t. 

“Darling, are you alright?” Her mother asked, shattering the thoughts that were going on inside of her mind. “You seem preoccupied with your thoughts this evening.” 

“I’m fine, Mother,” she said flatly so as not to arouse anymore suspicion. 

“My little storm cloud,” her father said fondly, “you know you can talk to us about anything, yes?” 

“I know, Father.” 

She had no desire to speak to either of them about this. It concerned no one but herself. Herself and him . But he was no longer in the picture. He was gone. Taken to a psychiatric hospital where he would be for the foreseeable future. The crimes he’d committed were stacked against him; he would likely never see the outside of a cell for the rest of his life. 

She could feel herself under Pugsley’s stare. She fought not to wring his neck. “What is it, Pugsley?” Her voice was sharp like a viper ready to strike. 

“You’ve been acting strange,” her brother said accusingly. “Ever since you got back.” 

Her brother, while not as clever as herself, was more in tune with her than she preferred. He knew when to not push her, when to leave her alone and when it was okay to be around her. He’d become well versed in knowing her normal behavior. It ticked her off, especially because now he’d opened a door she did not want open in front of their parents. 

Her cold stare lingered on him. “Pugsley, if you would like to sleep peacefully tonight without worrying if a knife will be plunged in the middle of your forehead, I suggest you focus on your soup.”

Hesitancy clouded his face. The look that conveyed he was teetering between continuing and stopping right there. She would have thought he’d have enough sense to back down. Evidently, she was wrong. 

“But-” He tried to get a word in edgewise, a sickening gleam of concern that made her want to inflict the most excruciating pain possible on him. 

“Pugsley is right,” Gomez was holding onto Morticia's hand like a lifeline. A reminder of what she never wanted to become. “Is anything troubling you?” 

“Might it be a boy ?” Morticia's eyes lit up, awaiting the day Wednesday would give into those irrational urges. 

It was all too much. The questions, the assumptions. She couldn't take it anymore. 

“ Enough !” 

She took in a deep, heaving breath, suddenly aware that the conversation around her had ceased, eyes snapped in her direction. The table trembled when she shoved her chair back, her legs working as fast as they could without running to retreat back to the sanctuary of her bedroom. 

There, she slammed the door, sliding back onto the floor, eyes shut. She couldn’t believe she lost control like that. It was unbecoming, pointless to let her emotions fly in such a display.  It was better to keep herself calm, better to not let any possible opponents catch it as a possible weakness and use it against her. 

Her parents would be insufferable now, worse than they usually were. Pugsley might have had questions too, but that wouldn’t stop them from prodding him to see if he knew anything before coming up to her room to pester her over it. It was enraging. Wednesday preferred a slow, painful death to her mother finding out about Tyler. Anything would do to avoid seeing the I told you so on her mother’s face or to hear her speak on the importance of love for the umpteenth time. 

She bit back a hiss at the sound of knocking coming from the other side. “Go away, Mother!” 

The knocking became more consistent, letting her know that it wasn’t her mother standing there. It was Thing. “I assume they sent you up here?” She was not fooled. Her mother and father likely wanted Thing to do a little digging for them, figuratively speaking. Thing tried to appear innocent, shaking itself back and forth, but Wednesday folded her arms across her chest, glaring at him fiercely. “ Thing !” 

Yes , Thing admitted. They’re wondering why you left so abruptly . 

“Of course,” Wednesday sneered. “They cannot possibly fathom that they might not be included in every single detail of my life.” 

Some kids would be grateful to have parents like yours that care , Thing had the audacity to tell her. 

“They can have them then!” She snapped. “I have no use for them!” 

If hands could sigh, Thing surely did. What’s going on? Why did you blow up at Pugsley?

“I thought it was self explanatory; he was poking his nose where it didn’t belong.” 

He always does that , Thing said. This was different.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you,” she muttered, not liking where this was heading to. 

Is this about Tyler? Thing had neglected to mention him altogether, ever since the truth came out. She sensed he felt guilty for trying to push them together and while Wednesday wanted to be angry with him--she couldn’t. It felt easier, though. Divert the target to someone else to place blame. Then she wouldn’t have to face who she was truly at war with-- herself . 

Thing may have landed a hand in the scheme of things--no pun intended. But it was she who willingly went on that date. It was she who patched him up, fingers brushing against the bare skin of his defined chest. It was she who closed the gap, kissing him in the middle of the Weathervane. 

She had no one to blame but herself. 

It does, doesn’t it ? Thing persisted. 

“Why would you assume it has anything to do with him ?” She was growing defensive, ready to put a stop to this nonsense, to put it all behind her. 

Because it does . He sounded so sure. If he had a head, an expressive face, it would be tilted upward, just daring Wednesday to challenge him. You’re thinking about him. 

“Bold of you to make such an assumption,” Wednesday was uncharacteristically made uncomfortable by his perception. He, just like Uncle Fester, had an uncanny ability to read her. She didn’t like that. 

It’s not an assumption , Thing refuted. I know it’s true . You miss him. 

Wednesday tensed up. Her thoughts had been wavering in and out of the current reality and back into the memories she’d much rather repress. Letting out a breath, she mustered up a glare but it hardly left an impression on Thing. 

You’re not denying it , Thing pointed out. 

She wanted nothing more than to throw him out of the window and see where he landed. 

“I don’t miss him,” Wednesday finally said, the words tumbling out of her. By all rights, she shouldn’t. “I simply don’t understand how he was able to....fool me.” The words were acidic on her tongue. Bitterness swelled up inside of her at having to acknowledge he’d succeeded in getting one over on her. Wednesday was clever and knew how to use it to her advantage. It frustrated her greatly that he’d done it so easily to her--beat her at her own game. 

But beyond that came something far more peculiar. Far more conflicting. 

And Wednesday was not willing to explore it. 

Thing was hesitating, halting his movement mid sign. Then, just before she could question it, he said, It doesn’t matter anymore. He’s gone now. 

Yes, taken to Willowhill. Wednesday didn’t think highly of the place as it likely didn’t have the capabilities to deal with Tyler and his hyde side. Than again, was there a place on this earth that could? He would be erratic without his master, the hyde longing for someone like Laurel to take control. And that begged another question; how would the facility handle the hyde’s desire to hunt and kill? Perhaps it might be subdued without Laurel’s influence, but that couldn’t be certain. 

With Gates dead, there was no chance of getting a confession out of her. Even with her body having been found at Nevermore, even with the abundance of witnesses, it didn’t necessarily prove that she’d controlled Tyler and forced him to maul those people to death. Majority of the blame would be placed on Tyler himself. He would have to face the consequences, whatever those may be. 

“He’s gone,” Wednesday repeated. Thing observed her silently. “He’s extraordinarily lucky I didn’t get to spend a few minutes with him. He would have been begging for death to come to him.” 

Her words lacked the heat they normally held. She was tired. She wanted to stop thinking about it. About him . 

Her ears picked up on familiar footsteps. Pugsley’s footsteps. Her door flung open by her own doing, coming face-to-face with her brother who was openly apologetic. She should have chastised him for showing such weakness, but all she said was, “What, Pugsley?” 

“I’m sorry, Wednesday,” Pugsley told her sincerely. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” 

“I’m not upset ,” she bristled. 

“I was just worried,” her brother fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot. “Mother says you had a long trip and Father thinks you’ll feel better after a nap but I know something’s wrong.” His eyes silently pleaded with her to tell him something , anything. “Why won’t you talk to me?” 

Wednesday straightened herself up. This was another one of Pugsley’s flaws. Falsely believing talking could solve anything. “There is nothing to say. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.” 

Her brother had the audacity to stick his foot through the opening of the door, preventing her from closing it. 

“Pugsley!” She hissed. 

Using strength she wasn’t aware he processed, her brother forced his way into her room. Worse yet, in the time she’d been gone, he’d grown a few inches, nearly surpassing her altogether. Now awkward with his slightly longer limbs, Pugsley looked like a cross between an adolescent and a young child, his face having not yet reached its own maturity. 

“I’m surprised you haven’t asked Thing,” Wednesday made sure her voice was flat. 

“I tried,” her brother was sheepish. “He wouldn’t tell me anything.” 

Thing spoke up, it’s not my place to say anything . 

At least someone in this house understood the basic concept of privacy. Although, that did confirm Pugsley’s suspicions that there was a problem. Wednesday had been trying to avoid that. 

“You should know the consequences of trying to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong,” she said icily. “If I wished for anyone to know anything, I would have said it at dinner.” 

Pugsley went silent. Wednesday was not fooled into believing that was the end. “Can you at least answer one question?” he pleaded. 

“What makes you so sure you deserve an answer?” 

“ Please ?” Pugsley looked desperate. It was pathetic. He’d always been the weaker one of them. 

“Very well,” she ultimately decided. “One question and one question only. And should I not want to answer whatever question you have, it is my right to do so.” 

Pugsley nodded. “Okay. I was-” 

“One more thing,” Wednesday said, her stare hard. “If this information gets back to Mother and Father, I will put you through torture that is so painful your descendants will be feeling the after effects.” 

“I know, Wednesday,” Pugsley said in a dismissive tone. 

She pursed her lips. He’d become rather immune to her threats while she was away and that just wouldn’t do. “Get on with it. I don’t have all night.” 

“Right, uh-” Oh, how Wednesday despised filler words. “Do you still hate Nevermore?” 

The question was unexpected, but she kept up her poker face. Wednesday had assumed it would be much more personal. Regardless, she didn’t have to deal with anything too intrusive. “Why do you ask?” 

“Mother and Father are considering enrolling me for next term,” Pugsley mumbled. 

“Speak louder, Pugsley. I refuse to listen to your mumbling,” Wednesday said sharply.  

“Sorry.” Wednesday’s eye twitched. 

“Why would they want to enroll you anyway? Have you, too, gotten expelled?” 

“No,” Pugsley shook his head. “But after parent weekend, they said they think it’ll be good for me. But Wednesday, I don’t want to go! I like my school here.” 

“Then tell them that,” Wednesday said. Her circumstances were different, Nevermore was truly a last resort as all the other nearby schools had expelled her over the years. If Pugsley was against the idea, their parents wouldn’t force the issue. After all, his behavioral record was not as extensive as hers was. 

“I wanted to, but-” Pugsley grimaced. “They were so excited, you should have heard them! Father says he knows I’d do well there. I don’t want to disappoint them.” 

“Sooner or later you will,” Wednesday told him. “You might as well start now.” 

“I’m not like you, Wednesday,” Pugsley looked distressed. Wednesday took a step back. She was not going to handle his delicate emotions. If he wished to be comforted, Mother and Father were downstairs. “I don’t want to disappoint them. But I really don’t want to go. I’ll miss them too much.” 

All this talking was beginning to wear on her. Pugsley was far too attached to their parents, having not yet separated himself from their smothering hold. Back when they went to Camp Chippewa, he was homesick. Only she had been aware and while she never brought it to his attention, lest one of those chipper campers or counselors found out, she was filled with disgust. 

“At some point, you will have to cut the umbilical cord,” Wednesday said, without caring how cruel she was being, “and stand up for yourself. Either tell them you refuse to go or deal with it.”

“I guess you’re right.” Pugsley’s eyes didn’t well up with tears nor did he run off, she noted with approval. Perhaps there was hope for him yet. “Oh, did Mother tell you that Uncle Fester is coming?” 

“No,” Wednesday looked straight at him. “When?” She hadn’t seen Uncle Fester since he came to the Weathervane with her. When Tyler was there , her subconscious reminded her. Her lips thinned out. 

Pugsley remained oblivious to this. “Later. I don’t know when. He has something to talk to Father about but said he could stay for a while to visit. That’s all I know.” 

“What about his job in Boston?” 

Pugsley shrugged. It was another ridiculous habit he’d acquired. 

“I see,” Wednesday looked at him critically. “Thank you for the information. You may go now.” Obediently, her brother went on his way and she shut the door. Thing was staring at her. She ignored him for now. 

It would be good to see Uncle Fester again. Usually, she had to wait much longer before he would stop by again due to his various jobs and being a wanted man in most states. Wednesday needed a distraction and this would be just the ticket. 

“I believe this evening just became significantly better,” she told Thing. 

Thing shrugged.

“This time, do not try to strangle him.” 

No promises , Thing said.

Chapter Text

“Darling? May I come in?” 

Wednesday’s typing slowed to a pause, irritated by the interruption. Her mother, without even waiting for permission, opened the door anyway. Wednesday did not look at her as she said, “I fail to see why you even ask when you do as you please in the end.” 

Her mother simply smiled. “How are you, my little rain cloud? I assume Pugsley has told you of your Uncle Fester’s visit? He should be arriving very soon.” 

“Yes, he has relayed the necessary information,” Wednesday said in her usual monotone. “As you can tell, I’m overjoyed.” She went stiff when her mother brushed a piece of her out of her face. It distinctly reminded her of his thumb caressing her cheekbone. While his gaze, so tender, was directed at her in no such way one had been before. 

“Apologies,” her mother misinterpreted her reaction and murmured, “I know you aren’t fond of physical affection.” 

She wasn’t. Wednesday abhorred it but managed to tolerate what was given to her by her family. Even so, she didn’t want any of them to know that, should they try to overload her with it. It was easier to let them think otherwise for her own sanity to remain intact. 

“Was there a reason you came in here, Mother?” Wednesday didn’t beat around the bush. Two hours prior, she’d dealt with Pugsley and now her mother was here. She fully expected Father to come by any second now. Probably to look for her mother. Lucifer knew they could hardly stand to be away from each other’s presence for more than a few seconds. “I’m quite busy as you can see.” 

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Morticia gracefully sat down on the edge of Wednesday’s bed, smoothing out her dress. “Come sit, Wednesday.” 

“I’m fine where I am,” Wednesday said, continuing to type. 

“I understand, but this requires your full attention,” Mother said calmly. 

Wednesday pulled her hands away from the typewriter. She supposed she could get this social call over with so as not to prolong it further. A sigh escaping past her lips, she did as her mother requested. 

“Wednesday, your hyde is in trouble.” 

Wednesday reared back, careful to disguise the shock on her face. She obviously meant him . But how did she even know about him? Her mother hadn’t met him. Unless, she knew the sheriff had a son and knew the two of them had been- 

“What are you talking about, Mother?” she schooled her face into a perfect stoic expression. 

“Your hyde,” Morticia said knowingly. “That boy you went on a date with, of course.” 

And suddenly, Wednesday was on her feet, wanting nothing more than to storm off. Unfortunately, she knew her mother would find her. “You know,” she accused. “You saw it in a vision!” 

“Yes, my dear. It came to me while your father and I were having our nightly tea. He’s a lovely boy, putting all of that together for you,” Motricia cooed. “And to think, you almost kissed! Why, you’re growing up so fast. I just knew Nevermore would be the perfect choice for you.” 

Wednesday was furious. She was not going to discuss this with her mother. “Is that all, Mother?” 

Morticia’s face grew serious. “I’m afraid not, Wednesday.” 

“Then on with it!” She was becoming impatient. It had only been twenty minutes thus far she’d devoted to her novel this evening. She did not want to waste anymore time on this tiring subject. “And why does this involve Tyler?” 

She shouldn’t have said that. Her mother’s eyes lit up for the second time that night. “Is that the dear boy’s name? He’s the sheriff’s son, correct? He resembles Frankie quite a bit.” 

“The point , Mother?” 

“Yes, yes,” Morticia said and then delved right in. “I received word from Cousin Itt; you remember that he keeps up with all the latest news for outcasts and creatures? He sent me a clipping from the Jericho Times about your hyde.” 

“He’s not my hyde!” Wednesday snapped. She would tell her mother that Tyler meant nothing to her, but there was no opportunity to do so. 

“Wednesday, darling, there’s no need to be shy. Your father and I are thrilled you’ve finally found someone suitable to meet your needs.” 

“I’m sure you’ve read up all there is to know about him,” Wednesday said dryly, “in which case, you probably already know what he’s done.” 

Morticia frowned at her. “Yes, while under Laurel Gates’ orders. He hasn’t done it on his own free will.” 

“He told me he liked to kill.” 

“How does it feel to lose?” 

“And how did he act when he told you?” 

“Does it matter? He’s clearly put on an act since the first day we met.” Wednesday’s soul burned every time she recalled that particular detail, how he’d outsmarted her without her suspecting a thing. A lie. Everything he’d done, everything he’d said to her was part of Laurel’s plan. 

“I wouldn’t be so quick to assume,” Morticia said to comfort her. 

“You didn’t know him.” 

“No,” she agreed, “but I do know a thing or two about hydes. Very few of them are the cold-blooded monsters they are made out to be. It’s their masters that make them who they are.”

Wednesday pondered her words. It made sense and she hated that it did. “He could have told someone,” she argued. “The sheriff had to have known it wasn’t a bear attacking everyone. But he said nothing ! He was complicit, Mother.” 

“I’ll grant you that,” Morticia said. “But that is also his child. With Frankie gone, he has no one else.” 

“Are you excusing his incompetence?” 

“I’m telling you that one day, Wednesday, you will understand,” Morticia said wisely. “The world isn’t black and white. Donovan was only doing what he believed was correct. I can’t fault him for that, even if he’s made mistakes along the way.” Out of the pocket of her dress, she took out the news clipping. Wednesday blatantly refused to read it, let alone look at it. 

“I don’t want to see it.” 

She would get sucked back in again and that was a place she just couldn’t be. 

“Are you sure?” Morticia said softly. Why couldn’t her mother take her word for it? 

“Mother, what’s happening is happening. He made his choice,” Wednesday said, confident in her opinion. 

“Under someone else’s directions,” Morticia finished. 

Wednesday was pricked by anger. It might have been true, but he should have said something! He knew what he was, what he was doing. And yet, he never thought to tell her. He’d known she was searching for the monster. Instead, he chose to be purposely clueless, act as the perfect small-town, good-natured barista. 

She could have done something about it. She could--Lucifer forbid--fetched her parents even! 

Why? Her subconscious shot at her. 

It was an interesting question, wasn’t it? Why would she have wanted to be of help? 

Wednesday didn’t want to sit around, acknowledging the answer. 

“He’s deceptive. To me. To everyone.” 

“I thought that was a quality you liked?” Morticia tilted her head. Without giving her a chance to answer, her mother rose to her feet. “I can see you’re not ready to talk about this quite yet. That’s alright. When you’re ready, I’ll be around.” 

“There’s nothing to discuss,” Wednesday said promptly. 

Morticia gave a sad sigh. “I meant what I said when we dropped you off at nevermore; sometimes you get in your own way.” 

With that, she left Wednesday in her bedroom alone. 

“There’s my favorite pig-tailed niece! Come greet your Uncle Fester!”

A genuine smile came over her lips, small as it may be. Wednesday didn’t even mind as he ruffled her hair. He was the only one allowed, the only one that wouldn’t lose a finger. “Uncle Fester, I didn’t think I’d see you so soon.” 

Her uncle shrugged. “My job didn’t pan out. Figured I’d come back for a visit since I heard you came home early.” The two of them began to walk towards the room Uncle Fester used whenever he stopped by. “Tell me, dear niece, about all the fun you’ve had. Gomez only knew bits and pieces. Don’t leave anything out now...” 

Wednesday ended up retelling the entire story to Uncle Fester. He was one of the very few people she trusted. He listened, considered her thoughts and ideas carefully and most importantly, he didn’t disclose anything to her parents that she didn’t want them to know. 

Every so often, he would interject a comment or two, relevant to that part of the story. He seemed particularly enthusiastic when she mentioned she’d been stabbed. “You know your great-grandparents met when your Great-Grandma Addams stabbed your grandfather? Boy, they were a match-made in hell.” 

She waited until the end to bring him up.

“Tyler,” Uncle Fester echoed. “Hmm, doesn’t ring a bell. Who was he again?” 

“The barista from the Weathervane,” she elaborated. “You shocked him.” 

Uncle Fester grinned lopsidedly. “Oh, yeah! Nice kid.”

“Hardly,” she said bitterly. “He was the hyde I was searching for.” 

“Really? A hyde?” Uncle Fester was excited. “Well, gee! Can you imagine having one of those in the family? You know, I thought your boyfriend was a little too normal looking but this makes a lot more sense! No wonder you liked him.” 

Wednesday was not doing this again. “I didn't like him, Uncle.” A wave of pain, a kind of pain she’d never felt before, came over her. “He meant nothing to me.” 

Those words she’d meant to say earlier were out. Why did it feel so.... odd to say out loud? 

Uncle Fester tilted his head. Lucifer, did it look all too familiar to that night at the crypt.

 “ Don’t do that, discount my feelings.”  

“Really? You two sure looked cozy in that booth together.” 

“He was helping me solve the mystery. I just had no idea how close the monster truly was.” 

“Are you upset about that?” Uncle Fester blinked. “I thought you of all people would be thrilled! Your very own monster friend and a hyde at that! Not many can say they have one of those.” 

“He deceived me,” Wednesday felt like she’d been saying this numerous times. She despised repeating herself. “He said nothing while I searched tirelessly for the culprit.” 

“Maybe he didn’t realize he was doing it,” Uncle Fester said. Wednesday scoffed at the absurdity. Her uncle shook his head. “No, no. It’s true. Kind of depends how much control a master has over them but it can happen. They’ll be completely clueless after they transform back and have no idea what they did or how they got there.” 

“They’d have to know eventually,” she argued. At some point , it had to be obvious something was amiss. Waking up naked, possibly in a different location should have tipped anybody off, let alone all of the reports of attacks in the area. Nobody could be that ignorant. 

“Perhaps,” Uncle Fester said thoughtfully. “Or he could have been ordered not to. Again, really depends on the amount of control he’d under but if he’s ordered not to, he can’t do anything about it.” 

Wednesday stilled. Truth be told, she never thought that Tyler might have any legitimate reasons for not telling her. “What would happen if he disobeyed the order?” 

“That depends,” Uncle Fester repeated. Wednesday rolled her eyes at the lack of answers. “It’s hard to say. If his master is-” 

“Was,” she felt the need to correct. “She’s dead now.” 

“By who?” Uncle Fester grinned manically.  Death always made him excited. 

“Me,” she admitted. “I crushed her skull after she was swarmed by Euegen’s bees.” 

“Look at you , my dear niece. Oh, boy; the rest of the family is going to be jealous after they hear everything you've been up to.” 

“I don’t intend on sharing anything,” Wednesday said firmly. 

“Really? why not?” Uncle Fester asked. 

She just can’t . She won’t risk that wave of pain returning. The kind of pain that felt nothing like what came over her during her torture sessions with Pugsley. This pain cut deeper. It was excruciating. 

“I’d just rather forget,” Wednesday’s voice was abnormally quiet. 

“Do you think you’ll be going back?” 

“I don’t know,” Wednesday was truthful. 

For all of Uncle Fester's wide smiles and manic laughter, he knew when to pull it together and be serious. She appreciated that. He didn’t probe her in hopes of getting her to tell him anything, unlike her parents. Dropping the subject altogether, he said, “Your dad’s cooking up roast alligator for tomorrow. Yum! I hope he leaves the scales on this time. There’s nothing like a good scale dipped in gravy.” 

Wednesday had to agree. The food served at Nevermore could not compare to that of her father’s. “I’m sure he will if you request it.” 

Uncle Fester plopped on his bed, leaning his back against the headboard, arms behind his head. He let out a breath of contentment. “It’s good to be back here. Lots of terrible memories here with you kids.” 

He used to live with them; Grandmama too. Then as she and Pugsley grew older, they took their leave, in search of what the world had to offer. That was after Nero’s untimely death. As close as she was with her uncle, Wednesday had taken his absence poorly. She didn’t cry , but she did refuse to see him the first time he came to visit after leaving. 

“And look at you ,” his smile was slightly toned down, fond . “You’ve certainly grown.” 

“Uncle, if you insist on exchanging meaningless small talk, I’ll take my leave,” she warned him. 

He held up his hands in a surrender position. “We wouldn’t want that. We have much to discuss.” 

“Regarding?” 

“I heard from Pugsley that you’ve got your own phone now,” he said. She huffed in annoyance. 

“He’s going to find himself without a tongue very soon.” 

Uncle Fester was unbothered by hearing this. “Thought you refused to take part in technology?” 

“It was a gift,” she said shortly. 

“ Oooh . From who?” 

“You wouldn’t know him. Xavier Thorpe.” 

“His father wouldn’t be Vincent Thorpe, would he?” Uncle Fester said. “I saw him sometimes when I dropped in to see Gomez.” 

“His son has become the bane of my existence,” Wednesday would not be able to refrain herself if she had to see Xavier again, listening to him try to worm his way into having a friendship with her. Or more, her subconscious bitterly reminded her. Still enamored with her, he was somehow oblivious to the fact she did not reciprocate such feelings. He was never forceful, she would have shown him the consequences in doing so, but he was cutting away the last of her patience. 

She would not be held responsible for what she did if he made her snap. 

“You know, his father didn’t like me,” Uncle Fester revealed. “I can’t figure out why.” 

“You should count yourself lucky,” Wednesday said. If only it were that easy with Xavier. 

Sometime later, she went back to her room. Thing was on her bed, springing to life when he noticed her. She thought nothing of it until he started signing erratically. 

“What?” She snapped. 

Look at this ! Thing was waving the clipped headline her mother had brought her earlier. 

“I’m not reading it,” she said firmly. 

You need to , Thing said. It’s important! 

“I don’t care,” she said stubbornly. She gritted her teeth when Thing yanked on the end of her sweater incessantly. The temptation to take a hammer to all his digits was strong. “ Fine !” 

Taking it from him, she scanned the piece of paper. 

And her blood ran cold. 

TEENAGER WHO KILLED AT LEAST A DOZEN IS SET TO HAVE EXECUTION MID DECEMBER

Chapter Text

Too dangerous . Those words kept ringing in her mind like a chant. 

Tyler was considered too dangerous . A threat to human life. Wednesday sank onto her bed, her mouth having gone dry. The article detailed a brief synopsis on the crimes he'd committed. The crimes Gates forced him to commit , a voice that sounded suspiciously like her mother said. 

She made herself finish reading. 

Evidently, on the way to Willowhill, he’d tried to attack the guards taking him there. He’d started to transform when they gave him a shot to relax. She noted there was no specific mention of what kind of drug they’d given him. From there, he was kept on a barely used floor made for hydes. There was no else around and he was given a single room. She knew from experience in joining Uncle Fester to break into similar facilities that the journalist was being particularly generous in referring to it as a room . It was more so to that of a jail cell; she imagined a bed, one that might not even be long enough for his gangly limbs, a stainless steel toilet in the corner of the room that provided no privacy for the goer and, if he were lucky which she didn’t think he would be considering the circumstances, there might be a window. Some of the more modern psychiatric hospitals had TV’s and other devices to keep someone entertained during their time of confinement. They were allowed to walk around the ward and even go outside if they weren’t considered a danger to anyone or themselves. Tyler would not have received such luxuries. 

His stay at Willowhill didn’t last long. He’d killed again. A young nurse named Wesley who had come to deliver his newly scheduled daily dose of medication. Security had found his bloody body minutes later. Tyler had thrown him against the wall with all his might, killing him instantly. 

The family of Wesley Nottingham was outraged, demanding justice for their loved one. Through the efforts of social media, testimony from them, the other staff members and from the outreaching of support from the families of the other victims, a trial had been set, dating back to a week and a half ago. It moved swiftly, faster than trials would normally take. She supposed this was an urgent matter, not made any better by all the attention it received. 

And then it was all decided. He wasn’t going to be returned to Willowhill. No one wanted a repeat of what happened to Wesley Nottingham. And a maximum security prison wouldn’t be available because it wasn’t equipped to handle his hyde side. That meant there was only one other option. 

Execution. 

By lethal injection, no less. It was the only suitable option. There wasn’t enough information on Hydes, no one willing to put themselves at risk to provide an alternative for him. And so, he was set to be executed in the second week of December. 

There was also a small paragraph about a charge being held against Sheriff Galpin for being an accessory to the crimes since he’d known what his son was. Wednesday didn’t read it. She tossed the newspaper clipping off to the side. 

That strange sensation was back. It crept up over her, filling her entire chest until it ached . She shouldn’t be feeling this, let alone for him . Why should he deserve anything from her? Under his master’s orders or not, Wednesday was not a forgiving individual. It was impossible not to feel the rage beneath her, impossible not to feel it wash over her as she was unable to forget the memories of him . 

It was impossible not to envision all who he’d been; the boy who she thought of as nothing more than a normie, who had shown her a horror movie, keeping his eyes locked on her the entire time. The boy who had wiggled his way into her life whether she wanted him to or not. 

The boy who lied. The boy who manipulated her. The boy who had looked at her as nothing more than a pawn. 

What do you think ? Thing asked. 

She’d forgotten he was there. So consumed by the chaos inside of her, the rest of the world had faded away. “I don’t see why my opinion matters,” she murmured. Too dangerous, too dangerous . “It’s going to happen regardless.” 

That doesn’t mean you don't feel something , Thing clearly didn’t know his place if he was going to subject her to an interrogation. 

“Have you suddenly turned into my mother? You know better than to stick your digits in where they don’t belong.” 

  He’s going to die , Thing signed. 

“Yes, that’s traditionally what execution has meant,” she said dryly. 

And you’re going to let it happen? Thing was signing faster now. It was a good thing she’d mastered sign language at such a young age, able to discern his words easily. 

“I’m not his keeper,” she scoffed. “He’s made his own choices and he has to live with those consequences. For as short as that may be.” 

The ache was worse. Her whole chest ached--had she forgotten how to breathe? 

Gates made him do all that, though , Thing brought her back to the present, calming her. 

But then she remembered; Thing hadn’t been in her room at the time her mother was. “You were eavesdropping,” she accused, as if she hadn’t done that very deed ever in her life. That was nowhere near the point, though. 

For a good reason , Thing said defensively. He backed up somewhat, wary of what she might do. Good, It seemed she hadn't lost her touch, even with family. Would you have told me? 

He got her there, admittedly. She likely wouldn’t have repeated anything her mother had told her. “You would have heard it all from mother,” she said sourly. “Lucifer knows she can’t keep a secret.” 

I didn’t want to miss anything , Thing seemed to shrug. 

Nosy decrepit little bastard. 

Her eyes lingered on him, but only for a moment. Then it was her back that faced him, with her staring at the blackout curtains for no reason other than it becoming a distraction. Thing’s strange and abrupt treachery stung. She blamed it on him . “I thought we were in agreement about him ? Since when have you changed your mind?” 

We were, Thing said. But what your mother said made sense. Sounds like he was less in control than we believed. 

“That hardly matters.” The facts didn’t suddenly change as a result of that revolution. She was nowhere near close to feeling anything skin to compassion for him. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. And yet, her family was expecting so much out of her, wrongly assuming she would be marching down to wherever he was being held to stop it all. He was of no importance to her. Not anymore.  

Had he ever meant anything to her? Was he more than just someone who occasionally gave some help? 

Why? Thing was challenging her. He knew better than to do that. 

“I don’t have to answer to you,” she retorted. 

Maybe not , Thing conceded. But you keep saying that he lied to you- 

“Because he did.” 

And now you know he had no choice.  There was nothing he could have done , Thing said. 

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Wednesday decided. “He’s going to get what’s coming for him.” 

Is that what you want ? Thing asked her carefully. Do you really want him dead? 

Maybe she didn’t know what she wanted. 

“If I had my way with him, he would be begging for that injection,” Wednesday said hotly. 

Do you really mean that ? Thing asked again. 

“Of course I do,” she frowned. “I don’t say what I don’t mean.” 

And just like that, they were plunged into silence. 

Seconds trickled by, her bedroom opening with a resounding creak . She didn’t have to guess as to who it was, though the unwanted presence did make her consider alternative ways of keeping visitors out of her room. 

“What did you want, Mother?” 

She was the last person Wednesday was in the mood to deal with. Her mother had a way of barreling through in the most agile of ways. All while choosing to disregard that Wednesday preferred her solitude. 

The crumbled up news clipping laid on her bed off to the side. Her mother zeroed on it. 

“Oh, Wednesday. You did read it.” Her mother glided into the room, her face showing utmost sympathy. She was not put off by her daughter’s attitude. “Thing,” she said to the appendage, “could you give us a little privacy? Thank you.” The disembodied hand left shutting the door on his way out. 

And there they were. Alone once again. 

Wednesday was not one to shy away, tearing her gaze off of someone from intimidation. Her eyes remained on her mother, a second or two that felt too long to be brief, waiting for her to speak first. 

“I wasn’t sure if you would read it or not,” Morticia voiced her thoughts. 

“You have Thing to thank for that,” Wednesday said blandly. “It was not my own doing.” 

“I see. And what do you think of it?” 

“As I already told Thing, my opinion on the matter is irrelevant,” Wednesday knew where her mother was getting it, what she was trying to hint. 

“But you must have one?” 

“I do. He’s getting exactly what he deserves.” It was what anyone would say. But would just anyone feel the ache? The throbbing that felt like it was going engulf her. Wednesday didn’t even know if she fully believed her own words. 

“You don’t believe that dear boy deserves better?” 

“He doesn’t deserve anything, Mother.” She was even less sure now. Regardless, she kept on speaking like water streaming out of the faucet. “I must admit, I was not expecting the outcome. But there’s no reason to be surprised. Not after what he did.” 

“Under Gates’ orders.” There it was again. 

“I know.” 

But why? Why had Gates chosen Tyler? Why did he go along with it? What drew them together in the first place? 

“Wednesday,” Morticia grasped her daughter’s hands. “My dear little devil, you know the truth. You know exactly why you are so upset with this boy and it has nothing to do with the murders.” 

A fleeting feeling she couldn’t properly identify was sent down her spine like a chill. She yanked her hands away, her voice gone terse. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Her mother raised one meticulously kept eyebrow. “Don’t I?” The stare she was receiving was nothing like she’d seen before. “You and I are both aware why you have acted strangely these past few weeks.” 

Strangely , it best described an Addams. It was a low end compliment. But the word has a different meaning now. It tasted bitter on her tongue. 

“You’re mistaken,” Wednesday said plainly. Or close to it as she could be. 

“You’re a brilliant girl, Dear. Dare I say more than I was at your age?” Morticia said. 

“You’re willing to share the spotlight?” Wednesday said dryly. “How generous of you.” 

If Morticia was offended, she didn’t show it. “I will say, you do have a lot to learn.” 

“What are you getting at, Mother?” 

“I want you to be honest with yourself,” Morticia said earnestly. “My dear, I can see the conflict tearing you apart. I know where your heart lies, Wednesday. I know you feel something for the young hyde.” 

“You know nothing-” 

“Denying it will only hurt worse, my little raven,” Morticia’s eyes swept over her daughter. “You mustn’t let your fear get in the way.” 

“You clearly don’t know me at all if you think I fear anything .” 

“I know more than you believe I do,” Morticia stood her ground, staying calm. “That vision of your date was enough to confirm. You enjoyed yourself, dear. You let your guard down and allowed yourself to enjoy the moment. There’s never been another boy, another person to ever do the same to you. Now, why is young Tyler different?”  

Wednesday jerked away when her mother tried to touch her.

“Your father and I just want you to be happy. That’s all we've ever wanted for you and Pugsley.” 

“And yet, you continue to push your own desires onto me,” Wednesday said coldly. 

Morticia’s smile faded. “That was never my intention.” 

“Regardless of your intentions, that’s what it was.” For years now, Wednesday’s own wants and desires were dismissed by her mother who pushed her own ideas onto her. It was positively infuriating. 

She was halfway across the room when her mother started speaking again. 

“Before you rush out, give me one more moment of your attention.” 

Wednesday kept her back to her, her hands curled into fists. It would be easy to go on her way. This time, however, she did not go through with it. Wordlessly, she stalked back to her bed, staring at her mother with a pointed glare. “Talk.” 

She chose to disregard the self satisfied look she was on the receiving end of. “I’m well aware of how you view love as nothing more than a weakness.” 

“And you're going to try to convince me otherwise,” Wednesday surmised. 

“I’m not so sure anyone could convince you of anything, Wednesday,” Morticia looked at her first born with a smile. “You’ve always been very headstrong.” 

“Then what are you trying to do?”  

“I want you to open your eyes,” Morticia advised. “For all you do know, you are also prone to blocking out anything that doesn’t encompass your own views.” 

Wednesday folded her arms across her chest, not wanting to add to her mother’s delusions.  

“It’s time to start looking within, my raven. Acknowledge what is there and don’t try to push it away.” 

She was trying--trying to bury everything she remembered, everything about him until she could solidly coax herself into believing that it never happened like that. 

“You clearly don’t understand.” 

“I understand a lot more than you think I do,” Morticia said quietly, her hands neatly folded onto her lap. “Whatever you feel for this boy is--complicated.” 

“There’s nothing to feel,” Wednesday’s voice was not its normal monotone, much to her chagrin. There was something heavy in it, something she felt all over, weighing her down. 

“I don’t think that’s true, Darling,” Morticia remarked. “If it was, I don’t think the mere mention of the boy would invoke such a strong feeling within you.” 

“The only strong feeling that I have is the urge to stab him until he dies from the blood loss,” she said acidly. 

Morticia placed her hand on her chest. “Oh my. Is it that serious?” Wednesday was glad her mother finally understood. Except Morticia’s eyes began to fill with tears and she rang out praises to Hades himself. “This is all your father and I have ever wanted for you.” 

Wednesday sent a look of longing towards her window. Surely if she threw herself out, she would succumb to blunt force trauma almost instantaneously. 

“Is that all?” 

“Not quite yet,” Morticia said with a little shake of her head. 

“Marvelous,” Wednesday cursed under her breath. “Do tell me what else you’ve planned to discuss. I presume this is your way of ensuring we’ve met our mother-daughter bonding quota for the year.” 

“This would be rather convenient, wouldn’t it? Alas, no. This is far more urgent,” Morticia grew somber. “I understand we’ve reached an impasse regarding your feelings for the young hyde.” 

“Those feelings that you speak of are non-existent.” 

“But we’ll just have to set that aside for another day,” Morticia continued. “What’s important is that we figure out how to help--what’s his name? Oh, yes. Tyler.”

“You want to help him.” 

“I want you to help him.” 

She shouldn’t consider it. She shouldn’t want anything to do with the likes of him anymore. Doing so would mean drawing herself back in and that just wouldn’t do. 

“He doesn’t deserve my help,” is what came out of her. 

“He deserves a chance.” 

Wednesday’s eyes flittered over to her, having torn away once she’d verbalized her request. 

“Laurel Gates took away any chance he had at making a life for himself. Frankie had such hopes for him. She wanted him to live better than she had, to do everything she didn’t get to do. Now you may not like this boy as you insist and that’s fine, but so long as Tyler’s hyde side is known, he isn’t going to be given a fair chance. He, just as his mother was, is a pariah within our world. He isn’t the only one.” This managed to get Wednesday’s attention, loathed as she was to admit. 

“There are more?”  

“There are countless creatures banished from Nevermore and forced into hiding just to survive. Many creatures that are similar to hydes--woefully misunderstood.” Pleased that Wednesday was listening, Morticia scooted a smidge closer to her whilst still keeping her distance. “We cannot save everyone, but we can help Tyler. We can give him a choice once again and give him back the power that Gates took from him.” 

“You keep saying we , but I assume you’re mainly referring to me?” 

“I think it would mean much more coming from you, don’t you think?” Her mother smiled as if she wasn’t trying to send her daughter back to her attempted murderer. 

Than again, if this was anyone else but him , Wednesday might have been flattered by the whole thing. Nearly getting annihilated by a potential lover was the Addams way, so she’d heard. 

Lover? She froze, the realization of her thoughts dawning on her like a bucket of icy water coursing through her veins. Never in all her life had she regarded someone in such a way. 

Wednesday sat back and pondered her mother’s words, resisting the urge to squeeze her eyes shut as unwanted images of light brown curls and a crooked smile came into her vision. 

And the ache hurt like never before. 

She wanted to hurt him. Bludgeon him to death. Pour flesh eating chemicals on him so she could watch his skin peel away. She wanted to show him exactly why no one should make Wednesday Addams look like a fool. 

It’s what she told herself she wanted to do. 

“Should I....consider it,” she said with disdain, “how do you suggest I go about it?”

Chapter Text

"I think you should speak to your Uncle Fester, Dear," her mother suggested. "He will know what to do." 

Picking up her pace, Wednesday speed-walked through the Addams family home. Her mind was swarmed with thoughts, questions. She didn't doubt their ability to fetch Tyler out of police custody; it was what was to come after that was tricky. They couldn't evade the authorities forever. Although, if there was anyone who knew how to stay off the police’s radar, it was Uncle Fester. 

She just had to find him first. 

Uncle Fester was not in the guest bedroom. He was not in the dining room or library either. She double-checked all the nooks and crannies, just in case he was hiding, waiting for someone like her father to jump out at. 

Her lips thinned out, hands dropping to her hips. 

Where had he gone? 

Sharply rounding the corner, Wednesday smacked right into Pugsley. They both emitted pained noises, falling to the floor. Wednesday’s forehead throbbed. Her hand flew up to touch it, nerves boiling over at this simple mistake. She’d already been on edge, impatient to see her uncle and now she had to deal with this . She could have throttled Pugsley for not bothering to pay attention. 

“Ow,” he groaned, rubbing his face. 

"Pugsley, you fool!" She snapped. 

"You ran into me," he said in defense of himself, getting back up.

"Haven't I always told you to be aware of your surroundings?" She retorted. "I taught you better than this. You clearly have lost some of your sense while I've been away." 

"Sorry," Pugsley was on his feet first, offering his hand out to her. Wednesday was disgusted by his display of chivalry. Without her presence, he was easily influenced by the gestures and actions done by their father. 

She got back onto her feet on her own, smoothing down her clothes. “I was clearly right. Being here without me has become detrimental to you. What’s next? Are you going to become overly sentimental?” 

Pugsley’s arm dropped limply to his side. “Sorry, Wednesday. I forgot.” 

“Do it again and I shall remind you why it is imperative that you don’t,” Wednesday warned.

 She needed to focus on the topic at hand, her brother could wait. 

“Where is Uncle Fester? I need to speak with him immediately.” 

“Wasn’t he with you?” Pugsley looked at her. “I haven’t seen him since he arrived.” 

She cursed. She needed to find him quickly. “You don’t believe he’s left, do you?” 

“I dunno.” Her eye twitched at the botched English. It’s something she would have to deal with at a later time. “I don’t think so. Maybe he’s outside with Father. He did say he wanted to show Uncle Fester the crater.” Pugsley shrugged. Despite the numerous times she’d told him it was unbecoming to do so. He was acting more and more like their teenage cohorts. Far too much for her to be alright with. It was one thing to deal with outside of their home. No way in Hades would Wednesday suffer through it here. 

“Very well,” she said. “I will go check outside. If you see Thing, tell him to meet me there.” Whatever was going to happen, she would need his help. 

“Okay,” Pugsley agreed. 

Wednesday made it downstairs in a flash. She took a short-cut through her mother’s greenhouse, half-heartedly greeting Cleopatra. The carnivorous plant whined hungrily, trying to trap her with the long vines. Wednesday dodged them all, unimpressed when the plant bared its teeth at her. 

“I cannot feed you right now,” she told Cleopatra. “I’m sure Mother will be out soon. In the meantime, find some way to entertain yourself.” 

Mother, she remembered, had told her all about Cleopatra’s new diet. Meat with all the fat trimmings attached became too much for her stomach to handle, leaving her a groaning mess. They needed to transition to more lean meats to soothe her hunger. Evidently, that hadn’t happened yet. 

It was fairly easy to spot her Uncle Fester. Father was not with him as Pugsley had predicted. Although, he was correct in that their uncle was surveying the deep crater in the middle of their lawn, created by the passing thunderstorm a few nights ago. A great bolt of lightning struck the ground, the boom echoing for miles. 

Taking large strides, Wednesday hurried over to where he was. Sunshine peeked through the clouds. The cold air surrounded her. It was only then that she became aware she was out here with nothing but a thin sweater to keep her warm. “Uncle Fester,” she was out of breath by the time she got there. 

“Have you checked this out?” Uncle Fester asked, gesturing down to the crater. “You could do some digging on this thing.” 

“I haven’t.” 

“Pugsley told me it was from lightning,” Uncle Fester continued on, oblivious to the way her lips twitched, her demand nearly spelling out of her. 

“It was,” Wednesday responded and then added, “I need to speak with you.” 

“Oh?” Uncle Fester turned to her. Now she had his attention. 

“I’m in need of your assistance,” she told him. “It is....urgent. Mother suggested I come speak to you about the matter.” 

“Sure thing,” Uncle Fester agreed without hesitation. “What for, Kiddo?” 

“I need to...help Ty-the hyde,” she fixed her near slip up. It was easier. Easier to think of the hyde and not him . “He is scheduled to be executed later this month.” 

The words tasted metallic in her mouth, her mind reliving the moment when she’d read the headline. The moment when she felt her legs nearly give out on her. 

She refused to sit and think about why that could have happened. 

“How exciting,” Uncle Fester exclaimed. “How so?” 

“Lethal injection,” Wednesday said shortly. 

“And you want to stop it?” Uncle Fester questioned. 

She almost didn’t know what she wanted. Just a few hours prior, she’d told herself that he was getting exactly what he deserved, refusing to feel sorry for him after everything that happened. Maybe a part of her still felt that way. 

This had nothing to do with any feelings her mother was certain she held for him. There was no affection or love . Gates had ruined him. Used him as a pawn for her own twisted game. Her mother, much as she despised acknowledging it, was right. 

He deserved a chance. 

“I do,” she said. “I’m not certain on how to go about it. But I believe we could break him out and take him back here.” 

“Ah, the old escape from death trick,” Uncle Fester stretched his hands out, cracking his knuckles. “Well, you’ve come to the right place.  I can break out of anything.” 

“I know,” Wednesday said, and meant it. “That's why I need your help.” 

Uncle Fester rubbed his hands together. “Do tell, do tell. Where is the hyde being held at? I have a getaway bag for all places! Hospitals, prisons, you name it.” 

“I’m...not sure,” she suddenly remembered that the news clipping hadn’t specifically mentioned where he was now. Was it for safety reasons? She doubted anyone did so with his personal safety in mind. But perhaps they didn’t want the place where he was being kept ambushed by vigilantes. 

“Hmm, that makes it a bit tough,” Uncle Fester noted. “Do you know where he’s going to be executed? We could make a day of it and go then.” 

That was too close. They might not make it in time. She shook her head. “We shouldn’t wait. We must do something now.” 

He studied her, looking unusually serious. “What will you do after that?” 

“As I said, we could bring him back here,” was her answer. 

“And after that?” Uncle Fester asked. 

“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “That’s why I came to you.” 

Uncle Fester scratched his head. “Hydes aren’t appreciated in our society, my little niece. They’re rare and feared, even the non-blood-thirsty ones.” 

“I know,” she said. “Mother told me.” 

“You’d have to really figure out what you’d do with him afterwards.” 

“I know,” she repeated. He couldn’t finish out his schooling at Jericho High. He wouldn’t be accepted into Nevermore. And she imagined that he’d been fired by the Weathervane by now. He didn’t have a lot of options. That was if they could get the charges dropped. Majority of his victims had been normies, which meant they didn’t have the same leeway they might have against the outcast law enforcement. “I believe between the two of us we will be able to come up with a plan.” 

For the first time she could ever remember, Uncle Fester was doubtful . 

“I’m not sure what we can do, Wednesday,” he admitted. 

Wednesday wasn’t the kind of person to hope . Hope was for naive optimists. 

Whatever she might have felt was dashed instantly. 

“He’s without a master right now. He’s going to be erratic and unstable in a way we might not even be able to do anything about. And then there’s what to do with him afterwards,” he stopped to look at her, sighing. “Believe me, my dear niece, I’d love to help. I’m just not sure what can be done.” 

She’d never admit to the downward pull of her stomach. She’d never tell anyone about being overtaken with such strong disappointment that it physically hurt .  

She couldn’t say anything about any of that because it would mean she’d have to ponder why that was. 

Suddenly, Uncle Fester, who had been slouching with a scrunched up expression, sprung up. “That’s it!” 

“What?” Wednesday asked instantaneously. 

“I’ve got it! I know a way to help your hyde!” Uncle Fester did a little victory dance. 

“Would you mind sharing your idea, Uncle?” She said impatiently. 

He stopped dancing, taking her by the shoulders with a manic grin. “We’ll just send you back in time!” 

Wednesday stared at him. “Time travel is impossible.” 

“Ah, ah, ah!” Uncle Fester was just about to burst . “Your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpapa Addams created a necklace that lets you do just that!” 

“If that’s so, then why have I never heard of it?” She challenged him. 

“Time travel is a tricky concept, my little prodigy. Even just the smallest tweaks can cause the biggest changes,” Uncle Fester said. “Grandpapa Addams didn’t want the necklace to fall into the wrong hands so he hid it away. He told your grandmother on the night he was killed not to tell anyone about it. The necklace isn’t to be used except for an absolute emergency.” 

“Like this,” Wednesday understood now. She could go back in time to fix the mess that Laurel created, cutting Tyler out from the woman’s puppet strings and hopefully take care of her altogether. 

“Exactly!” Uncle Fester exclaimed. 

“Would I be able to bring Thing with me?” She asked. 

“He should be able to hop a ride,” he said. 

She nodded. “Where is the necklace now?” Wednesday asked carefully. 

“In a top secret place no one else is privy to,” Uncle Fester said mysteriously. 

Out of the corner of her eye, Thing scuttled into view. Pugsley had found him and told him of her whereabouts as instructed. It’s still in the floorboards in the torture chamber, isn’t it?

Uncle Fester frowned at the appendage. “You’re really starting to be a pain. Why must you ruin all my fun?”

Wednesday had no interest in witnessing another argument between them. “It’s in the torture chamber?” She interjected with a sharp breath. She’d never known anything was there, even though she’d gone down there countless times throughout her life. 

Uncle Fester, a little let down now that Thing had ruined his cryptic announcement, said, “Yes. Your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpapa Addams put it there many years ago when he was being hunted down by spiteful normies who wanted to rid the world of outcasts.” 

“Like Joseph Crackstone.” 

“Precisely,” Uncle Fester nodded. “They thought it was just a regular piece of jewelry worth millions. But someone figured out the truth and tried to steal it from your grandfather. The night he was killed, he hid in the house and refused to tell anyone where it went. Even your grandmother.” 

Wednesday remembered hearing stories about her great-great-great-great grandfather. Father told her that he was dragged out in the middle of the town in the pouring rain and hung. 

“It wasn’t until your Cousin Itt and I did some digging that we found it,” her uncle continued. “We thought it was lost for good. Lots of Addams have tried to relocate it but none prevailed.” 

“And you’re certain it’s in the torture chamber?” She said, holding her breath in anticipation. 

“Of course! We saw it with our own eyes. It’s a real beauty, that necklace is. Your grandfather could have gone into the jewelry business, that’s for sure.” 

“I need you to show me exactly where it is,” Wednesday told him. 

Uncle Fester looked at her closely. “You really do want to save the hyde, don’t you?” 

‘Save’ felt wrong in this instance, making her out to be some heroine that did all she could for the greater good. Wednesday did not correct her uncle. “Something like that, yes,” she said. 

Uncle Fester clasped his hands together. “Well, let’s get on with it, shall we!” 

Uncle Fester pushed open the door to the torture chamber, a lit lantern in one hand, held up to see in the pitch black room. Wednesday went in behind him, her eyes roving over the floor. She’d walked over these floorboards dozens upon dozens of times before; none of them ever creaked suspiciously, none of them were loose. None of them gave any indication that there was something hidden underneath. 

Thing came along with them, riding on Wednesday’s shoulder, gripping her knit-sweater from Grandmama for support. He pointed down at the floor, a piece that looked like all the others. There? 

“No,” Uncle Fester said. “It’s not right there.” 

“Do you know where it is?” Wednesday did not have the patience to wait for him to find it again. If she had to tear up this whole room, she would. 

“Of course I do,” her uncle assured her. “Just give me one moment. Hold this, young prodigy.” 

She took the lantern, watching as he covered his eyes with one hand, maneuvering around the room blindly, occasionally tapping a foot. This went on for less than two minutes. He found what he was looking for, exclaiming, “Eureka! This is it!” 

Wednesday dropped to her knees. Uncle Fester grabbed a crowbar from one of the work benches, wasting no time in prying the wood off. It was tossed to the side with a loud bang . She tore through the thin layer of worn out insulation, not reacting to the dust that was thrown into her face. All at once, she felt herself go still. 

There it was. 

Carefully crafted into a half-moon with a black pendant in the middle, it hung on a black chain. Wednesday picked it up with one hand, hardly believing she was holding it in this very moment. 

“Your Grandfather Addams made it on All Hallows Eve during the half-moon,” Uncle Fester, taking it into his own trembling hands. 

“What did he intend to do with it?” Wednesday said, rising back onto her feet. 

“No one knows. But it was speculated that he was going to use it so he could avenge your ancestors that were hung for being witches,” Uncle Fester told her. 

“I see,” Wednesday had felt the power in the necklace as it had laid in her hand. Addams power . “Do you know how it works?” 

“Boy, do I!” Uncle Fester said. “Do you have any particular time you want to go back to?” 

She’d have to go back further than the Blood Moon. She’d have to gain Tyler’s trust. That would take time. “When I first arrived in Jericho,” she said. 

“Sounds doable,” Uncle Fester draped the necklace over her head, letting the half-moon fall against her chest. “You seem to be in a hurry, so we can send you back now if you’ve got no objections.” 

“Yes,” she agreed. “That is preferable.” 

“Alright, you heard her Thing,” Uncle Fester addressed him now. “Hop on.” 

Wednesday turned to the appendage, practically feeling his curiosity. “You have proven yourself to be useful,” she said. “It would be wise of me to bring you along.” 

Thing perked up. Without hesitation, he hopped up onto her shoulder once again. 

Wednesday exhaled. There was nothing else to do now. “We’re ready.” 

Uncle Fester cupped the half-moon in his hands. “So you are, my dear nice. All you’ve got to do now is wish for what you want. Make sure you’re very clear. Wishes can be tricky.” 

“Yes, Uncle,” Wednesday took a deep breath.

But before she could say anything, he interjected with a warning.
“You must also be very careful, Wednesday. Do not tell anyone about this that you don’t trust. If the necklace ends up in the wrong hands, it could mean the end of everything that you know of.” 

“I will, Uncle Fester,” she promised. 

Somber attitude over, Uncle Fester smiled cheerfully. “Good luck! Oh, and if you see my past self, make sure he doesn’t eat any of those bees again. Not a good snack for the ol’ stomach,” he rubbed his abdomen for emphasis. 

“I told you not to eat them,” she reminded him. 

“What can I say? It’s hard to resist,” he smiled. “Now no more stalling! Let’s get you back to the past!”

Wednesday straightened her shoulders, closing her eyes. “I wish to be back in Jericho when Mother and Father drop me off at Nevermore.” 

She could feel wind circling her, coming out up out of nowhere from the floor. It enveloped her and Thing in a blue glow and within seconds, they were gone. 

Chapter Text

The first thing Wednesday was aware of was the hushed voices speaking above her. She’d not yet opened her eyes, a dull ache in the center of her forehead that radiated down behind her eyes. Cracking them open slowly, she came to find herself on the floor of Weems’ office. The woman herself was on the other side of her desk, hands pressed into the mahogany, leaning forward to observe her. It must have been a shock to her for her new pupil to drop to the floor so suddenly. 

Her past self had made it to Nevermore, not having reached the chairs to sit down as they were untouched. Wednesday became acutely cognizant of her mother’s presence, knelt beside her with sickening joy plastered all over her face. 

“Mija, you’re awake!” Gomez cried. 

“How are you feeling, Miss Addams?” Weems peered down at her. “Shall I fetch the nurse?” 

To be poked and prodded, treated for a problem that didn’t exist within her? Wednesday needed to sit up, not to lie on this floor any longer. Much to her chagrin, her mother assisted her. It was difficult to argue against it after they’d witnessed her collapse. She bit back some choice words at the feeling of a hand on her back. She was not an invalid. She could very well get up herself. Her mother gently guided her to the nearest chair where she sat down, the one her father had sat in. She’d yet to say anything, though Wednesday had an inkling of what was going through her mind. 

“I’m fine,” she said in response to the earlier question. “I don’t need to see the nurse.” 

“A glass of water, perhaps?” Weems tried. Wednesday couldn’t discern if the woman wanted to get rid of her or she was truly concerned. She held mistrust toward Weems for how she acted and reacted to things, not taking her seriously in spite of her being correct in the end. 

“I don’t think so,” she said coldly. Weems pursed her lips, settling back down into her chair delicately. 

“Well, then. Let’s continue.” 

The discussion was virtually the same as last time. The only difference was that Weems not being one-hundred percent convinced Wednesday was alright, suggesting she take a couple days to recuperate so the situation wouldn’t repeat itself during her classes. That just wouldn’t do. If she was confined to her dorm, it would be harder to escape, making it out to Jericho. It was doable, Nevermore certainly couldn’t keep Wednesday Addams from doing what she set her mind to, but there was Thorn-Gates to think about. 

At this point in time, she was still considered to be the normie teacher by the rest of the school’s population, as well as Ophelia Hall’s dorm mother. Wednesday needed to do what was necessary to ensure Thorn-Gates was thrown off her game, keeping herself one step ahead of her at all times. She needed to be if was going to get Tyler out from under Laurel’s thumb. 

“That won’t be necessary,” Wednesday said before either of her parents could interject, throwing a torch into her plans. 

“Perhaps we should see what your parents have to say, hmm?” Weems raised one eyebrow, seemingly daring Wednesday to challenge her on this. Tempting, but it might be wiser for her to slowly earn the woman’s trust, much as she’d rather not care. It could make the whole thing much simpler this time around, especially if she can’t change how the sheriff will react in this timeline. 

“Good idea. Mother, Father?” Wednesday turned her head to look at them. “What do you think?” 

Weems’ stare morphed into one of suspicion.

“We trust Wednesday’s judgment,” Gomez told Weems. 

“Yes,” Morticia agreed. “If she believes she’s fine, then I see no reason to drag this matter out.” 

It wasn’t what Weems expected to hear, nor what she wanted them to say. Alas, her hands were tied. With that, it was time to show Wednesday where she would be staying. Inwardly, she sighed at having to go through the whole ordeal again, reliving the same conversation she had with Enid before the wolf showed her around the school. Unfortunately, there was no way for her to get out of being shown where her dormitory was. She had no plausible explanation for already knowing its location. 

On the way there, it became increasingly clear there was unspoken tension between her mother and Weems. The shapeshifter was all but refusing to engage with Morticia, not at all interested to go down memory lane. It was fascinating to Wednesday, who was so used to people falling at her mother’s feet. She wondered if anything had happened when they were in school. If that was the case, her mother was either oblivious to it or chose not to acknowledge it. 

Her father walked beside her, smiling softly at her in that way he always had. “I know this isn’t what you want, Mija, but I’m sure this will be good for you.” 

“I would rather watch you and Mother act like the lovesick fools that you are than stay in this hell.” She had to keep up appearances, keep up what her past self had put on to avoid them becoming puzzled by her abrupt change. 

He didn’t take offense to what she had. Slowing down his steps, he leaned in as close as he could without invading her personal space. “My little devil, if this becomes too much for you, we’re just a crystal ball away.” Her father was more attuned to her than her mother ever was. Ever since she was a little girl, it had been like that. He understood her in a way others did not. 

“I know,” she said, though she knew it could never be an option. “Thank you, Father.” 

Wednesday hid a grimace when she followed Weems into what was to her dormitory. As of right now, it was decorated to Enid’s taste, being that she had the room all to herself. Just like the last time, the werewolf jumped up, prancing over with a much-too-big grin on her face, practically vibrating with excitement. There was only so much she could hear regurgitated again. Cutting her off before she could say howdy roomie , Wednesday spared a glance around the room. “It’s very...bright in here.”  

“Oh,” Enid had obviously expected her to say something more welcoming. “Yeah, I decorated it myself.” 

“I can tell.” 

Weems, maintaining that forced upon smile, sent her a warning look. 

“I’m Enid, by the way!” She introduced herself. 

I know , Wednesday thought. 

“Wednesday.” 

“That sounds totally unique!” Enid chirped. “I’ve never met a Wednesday before.” 

Thankfully, before her mother could repeat the origin of Wednesday’s name to Enid, Weems said, “I trust you can show Wednesday around and give the old Nevermore welcome?” 

“Don't worry, Principal Weems, you can count on me!” Enid said as though it were an honor to be bestowed upon. “I can take her right now, if you want?” 

“Perhaps we should wait and give Miss Addams a chance to spend a few more minutes with her parents. Miss Sinclair, you may come out with me in the corridor for a moment,” Weems slid by them, Enid trailing behind her, shutting the door on her way out. Wednesday wondered what Weems might be talking to her about. She can’t imagine they would simply be standing there, waiting for her parents to leave. Perhaps she was telling Enid she must keep an eye on Wednesday should she try to make it out of Nevermore. 

“Well, this is it,” her father inhaled, a sad smile on his lips. 

“Dear, ” Morticia said, “we should continue this outside. Pugsley will want to say goodbye.” Her brother stayed with Lurch, sitting inside the hearse instead of attending the meeting with Weems. 

“If Pugsley wishes to say goodbye, he will have to come up here,” Wednesday knew he most likely couldn’t. Her father had been the exception, but boys were not allowed in the girls’ dorms. There was a chance Weems might let it slide, but it wasn’t that important to her. 

“Why don’t you go fetch Pugsley, Mon Cheri?” Morticia suggested, giving Wednesday the distinct impression her mother was going to use this opportunity to talk to her about the supposed vision she’d had in Weems’ office. 

“Of course, Cara mia,” her father swept her mother into a kiss, as if the brief separation would deprive him of much-needed oxygen. 

Wednesday sighed to herself. Hades give her patience....

With her father out of the room, Morticia had Wednesday all to herself. The young girl contemplated on throwing herself over the balcony. “This is certainly turning out to be a special day.” 

“Spare me the talk, Mother,” Wednesday said flatly. 

“Won’t you humor me?” Her mother’s smile did not fall away. “It isn’t everyday a mother gets to talk to her daughter about her first vision.” 

“It wasn’t a vision,” Wednesday told her, hoping she sounded exasperated enough that her mother would drop the subject altogether. Wistful thinking on her part. 

“You’re certain of that?” Morticia pressed. “You didn’t see anything?” 

“If I did, don’t you think I would have mentioned it?” Wednesday snapped, even though in the past, she never told her mother when her visions actually started, not until they were freed from the jail cell after digging Garett’s grave. 

Mortica was slightly disappointed. “Oh. Well, that's alright, Darling. You might just be a late bloomer and there is nothing wrong with that.” 

Except Wednesday knew better than to believe any of her falsities. Surely she didn’t feel that way. For as long as Wednesday could remember, her mother had been trying to make her into a mini Morticia. She must have been unhappy when Wednesday’s interest aligned with Gomez more than her. 

“Yes,” she was going to let her mother think this was the case for as long as she possibly could. “Perhaps so.” 

The goodbyes came and went. Yet again, she had to hear her mother warn her not to leave Nevermore. Loathed as she was to make her think it worked, Wednesday needed to remain here. At some point, she would need to decide on whether tonight was the night to visit the Weathervane, hopefully to catch Tyler alone, or wait until tomorrow when she would be taken to Jericho for her therapy appointment. 

She would bet Laurel was informing Tyler about her right now, if she hadn’t already. That must explain why she hadn’t been around when Wednesday came to the school the first time. 

It might be wise to send Thing on a lookout mission prior to her going to the Weathervane. 

Wednesday inhaled sharply all of the sudden. 

Thing! 

How could she have forgotten him? He’d been perched on her shoulder, so why hadn’t he been there when she awakened? Unless- 

She whipped open her trunk lid; Thing was buried underneath piles of her folded clothes, making his way up to the top. Of course! The spell must have brought him back to the same place he had been the first time. Strange, she would have assumed he would be with her but than again, it might have ruined things since her parents had sent him purely to spy on her. 

It worked! Thing jumped on her shoulder. 

“Yes, it seems it has,” Wednesday said. “But we don’t have much time. Enid is waiting outside for me. She’s supposed to give me a tour of the school, but I’m not planning on going.” 

Are you going to see him ? Thing asked. 

“I’ve considered it,” Wednesday said. “I need to get him alone. I’m not certain whether Laurel has told him to get close to me yet or not.” 

What are you going to say to him? Thing wanted to know. 

“I don’t know,” Wednesday had hardly enough time to think about it. Her mother might be convinced of Tyler’s innocence, but she was not going to be fooled again. What of him had been genuine? Anything? Or had it all been part of Laurel’s plan? It seemed highly unlikely Laurel had wanted to push them together by the elaborate date Tyler had planned. Or maybe that was part of the ruse. The unlikely was likely. It would be genius on her end, having him pretend to be in love with her until it all fell apart. 

She would do better in this timeline. She would prevent Laurel from resurrecting Crackstone and using Tyler like a toy until she was ready to toss him to the side. 

But she would not let herself believe for one second that he was doing anything out of genuine affection for her. 

The door burst open. Enid pranced in, her hair swaying. “Sorry, Roomie! I got caught up in talking to someone I know. He’s a gorgon and he’s totes adorable. I’ll have to introduce you guys later-- is that a hand?” She stared at Thing, not knowing what to make of him. 

Wednesday sighed. “Yes. His name is Thing.”  

“Oh,” Enid blinked. “Hello....Thing.” 

Thing waved to her. 

Her roommate recovered quickly. “So, Principal Weems wanted me to show you around,” she said as if Wednesday had not been present for that conversation. 

“I know.” 

“Right,” Enid muttered. “So, do you want to go now? I have some free time-” 

“No,” Wednesday began to unpack. 

“No...?” Enid looked a little lost. “But Principal Weems-” 

“My parents have spoken of this wretched school far more times than I can count. I’m well aware of where everything is,” Wednesday cut her off. 

“Oh, okay. But if she asks-” Yet again, Wednesday interjected. 

“If she asks, you will lie and tell her you did indeed show me around.” 

Enid’s eyes widened like saucers. “You want me to lie? I can’t do that!” 

“I fail to see why not.” 

“She--she could give me detention! Why can’t I just tell her the truth? I’m sure it’s not a big deal,” Enid fretted. 

Wednesday would not risk Weems getting suspicious. The woman would find any excuse to be distrustful of her and she didn’t need that getting in the way of things. “Because I told you not to.” 

The noise coming out of Enid’s throat stopped. Slumping her shoulders in defeat, the werewolf muttered, “Okay....” 

Wednesday began to hang up her clothes in the closet piece by piece. It was there she was suddenly taken back to the night of the Rave’N when Thing had surprised with the dress from Uriah’s Heap. 

When Tyler came to her door with a corsage, smiling that ridiculous smile of his- 

“Are you okay?” Enid asked somewhat cautiously. 

Wednesday realized she was standing there staring at nothing. “I’m fine.” 

“Are you-” 

“Yes.” 

Enid went quiet. She knew her roommate well enough to know it wouldn’t be for long. “You know, since you don't want that tour, we could use this time to get to know each other?” She said hopefully. “I already have all my homework finished sooo....” 

Wednesday’s hand slowed it as it hung up a pair of her jeans. Enid had proven herself to be useful in the last timeline. But that didn’t mean she could afford to lose her focus right now. She’d come back to complete this mission. She didn’t have time to entertain the wolf’s fantasies about them becoming best friends. “No,” she said, subtly watching Enid’s face fall out of the corner of her eye. “It is nearly time for me to write.” 

“Write?” Enid needlessly repeated. “Oh, you write? Like, like a novel?” 

“Precisely,” Wednesday replied. “I devote an hour a day to my novel and I don’t intend to forgo that schedule anytime soon.” 

“Can I read it sometime?” 

“No.” Enid would not have the stomach to tolerate Viper’s adventures. 

“Oh,” Enid was disappointed. Much like Wednesday’s mother when she believed her daughter had yet to see any visions. “I get it. I guess it's like your diary. I don’t let anyone look at mine.” 

“It is nothing like that,” Wednesday was offended at the comparison. Her novel was sophisticated, not the babble Enid tried to pass off as writing. 

“Sorry,” Enid offered, wincing at her blunder. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. I just meant it’s...secretive. Like diaries are.” 

The only sound that could be heard was the whooshing from the hangers as Wednesday slid them across the pole. Revisiting the previous question, she said, “I’m not really the talking type.” 

It took a second for Enid to process what she said. “Oh! That’s okay. I can talk for the both of us!” 

I know you can , Wednesday thought dryly.

“Did Weems or your parents tell you everything you need to know about Nevermore?” Enid said, starting to sit down on Wednesday’s bed. One glare from her had her roommate springing up. “Sorry...” 

“I would assume so.” 

“Did they tell you that you have to join an extracurricular?” Enid said. “It’s like mandatory.” 

“Yes, unfortunately.” 

“It’s not that bad,” Enid told her. “I mean, I guess if you’re not a joiner, it would suck.” 

Thing asked her, Are you going to join beekeeping again? 

“Most likely,” Wednesday was nearly finished in the closet. Enid, who assumed she was responding to what she’d said, didn’t find her reply odd. 

“Are you going to be in class tomorrow?” Enid asked. 

“Unfortunately.” 

“Oh! Do you have your schedule right now? We should totally compare!” 

Weems had given her a file with other introductory papers she was supposed to read through. “Why do you care?” 

She could feel Thing’s disapproving eyeless stare on her. It might be unfair to treat Enid similarly as she had in the previous timeline, but the ordeal hadn’t changed her entirely. Just because she opened up to the idea of having a few acquaintances didn’t mean she was going to become a different person altogether. 

“I just thought we could maybe sit together?” Enid said after briefly being taken aback by the hard tone. “You know, so you’re not alone.” 

“I prefer solitude, actually,” Wednesday did, majority of the time. Thing was peering at her rather pointedly, reminding her of the fight she and Enid got into, casting the wolf out the dormitory for a few days. It had shocked her, confused her how unusually lonely she was to be by herself. 

“Oh,” Enid shrunk a little, dismayed by her response. 

Stepping out of the closet, Wednesday hauled over her typewriter to her desk. Lurch must have brought it up for her. Enid was watching her every move. “We’re going to need to divide the room up equally. I’ll not have any of your color vomit on my side.” 

Instantaneously, Enid defended her color scheme. “It’s not vomit, it’s pretty.” 

“To someone with no taste, perhaps,” she said acerbically. 

Be nice , Thing signed to her. He was as fiercely loyal to Enid as he was to her. 

Wednesday rolled her eyes. “Just be aware I have a right to decorate my side as I wish, which means your window art is coming down.” 

“It took me forever to put that up there,” she protested. 

“Then I will give you a chance to take it down or I will do it for you,” Wednesday said calmly. 

Enid opened her mouth to argue but something stopped her. “Fine.” 

Wednesday nodded, satisfied. She noted the she-wolf shuffled her feet, rubbing her forearm. 

“Look, I don’t wanna argue with you. It’s nice to finally have a roommate. Can we try to get along?” 

She looked so hopeful. Wednesday would have enjoyed crushing that feeling the first time. Smashing it into smithereens. Things are different now. While they wouldn’t be how Enid was envisioning them becoming, Wednesday could concede that things could be easier if she didn’t keep trying to push Enid away and use her only when necessary. 

Besides, if she stayed friendly with her, she might be more likely to do favors for her. That would be helpful.  

“If you wish for us to get along, I expect my space and boundaries to be respected,” Wednesday said firmly. “If you cannot do that, you will be dead to me.” She let the silence hang over them before adding ominously, “Or quite literally.” 

Enid’s eyes widened slightly at the threat. “Oh. Okay. Of course! No problem.” 

Wednesday may have had her moments where she was a tad too overly harsh with Enid, but her roommate had overstepped as well. If she could prevent any headache inducing situations, she would. 

“So, uh-” Enid floundered, still trying her hardest to find common ground amongst the two of them. “What are you doing after class tomorrow? Maybe we could hangout?” 

“I doubt it,” Wednesday was too busy for that. Luckily, she had a perfectly valid excuse that wouldn’t have the she-wolf questioning her too much. “I have an appointment with Dr. Kinbott. Weems would be alerted if I skipped.” 

“Oh,” was all Enid could say. 

Wednesday made sure her typewriter was still in perfect condition after the ride. It was. Nothing was broken or cracked. Just as she was about to make her bed, a thought occurred to her. Enid couldn’t see it, but the corners of her mouth drew up into a slight smirk. 

“Enid?” 

The blonde straightened up at the sound of her name. “Yeah?” 

“Your question implied that you would be available after classes. Is that correct?” Wednesday faced her. 

“Yeah!” She said with enthusiasm which faltered after she remembered a crucial detail. “Are you asking me to hangout? I thought you had to see Dr. Kinbott?” 

“I do. But perhaps we could walk down to Jericho together?” It was a bit of a trek, hence the necessity for a shuttle to take the students down. But Wednesday didn’t mind. 

“Really?” Enid squealed. “Okay, sure! What a great way to have some roomie bonding time!” 

Or so it appeared. Wednesday knew she would jump at the opportunity. It was an excellent way to get out of Weems’ grasp. She likely trusted Enid and would thus allow her to accompany Wednesday instead of being driven by the woman herself. 

“You will need to tell Weems, then,” Wednesday advised. “She intended on taking me herself.” 

“Oh. Wait, why do I have to tell her?” Enid asked, confused. 

“She has deemed me a flight risk and will more than likely assume I am merely attempting to escape,” Wednesday answered. “She will believe you, though.” 

“Well, if I really need to...” Enid trailed off. “Wait, you’re not actually going to escape, are you?” 

Not this time , she thought. 

“Not at this moment.” 

Enid nodded slowly. 

“And if you would like me to sweeten the pot, I will allow you to indulge in an activity for us tomorrow if you do me a favor tonight,” Wednesday proposed. 

“What kind of favor?” Enid was suspicious. Then she was worried. “It’s nothing illegal, is it? I heard about what you did at your old school. I can’t believe you actually let loose some piranhas-” 

“No,” Wednesday said impatiently. “I need you to cover for me so I can sneak out.” 

Enid’s jaw dropped, a noise reminiscent of that of a mouse came out of her. “You--you can’t sneak out! What if you get caught?” 

She wouldn’t. However, should it happen, Wednesday was not afraid. 

“I will take my chances.” 

“Are you sure?” Enid persisted. “It’s your first day, well, not even. Weems will be ticked if she finds out you’re gone.” 

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Wednesday said shortly. “Now will you do it or not?” 

Enid bit her lip. 

It was nightfall. Wednesday waited until curfew came and went to climb down the balcony with Thing. Enid reluctantly agreed to cover for her, but only if she agreed to catch a bite to eat with her after her therapy appointment. Wednesday supposed it wasn’t the worst idea she could have come up with. 

Enid was confused when Miss ‘Thornhill’ never came by to ensure that they were ready to turn their lights off. “She does it every night,” she’d explained to Wednesday. “I don’t know why she’s not here.” 

Wednesday had a hunch. Walking briskly down into the town of Jericho with Thing on her shoulder, she hoped to get to the Weathervane before he left for the night. It should be closed at this time, but just like the night she’d found out about his hyde status-- don’t you mean the night you kissed? Her subconscious tormented her with flashes of when she’d closed the gap, when she brushed her lips against his own. The ache came back--he should be sweeping. 

Are you okay? Thing asked. 

She didn’t even notice that she’d stopped walking. 

“I’m fine,” she resumed her pace. 

Are you thinking about him? He wanted to know. 

“I’m revisiting the spot where I found out he lied to me the entire time I’ve known him,” she ignored the inner voices that reminded her how that night had been so much more than that. “Of course he is crossing my mind.” 

It’s okay that you are, you know , Thing said, trying to comfort her. 

She didn’t want it. 

She didn’t need it. 

There was nothing for her to be comforted about . Wednesday was not going to tolerate being treated like glass over some useless boy. 

“Drop it,” she ordered coldly, “if you don’t want to be thrown in the bushes.” 

Thing drooped down after that. What are you going to do? Are you going to say anything to him? Or are we spying? 

“I’ve yet to decide,” she said. Wednesday knew she couldn’t very well confront him with the truth. At this point, not much has happened yet, so she would be unable to explain her vast knowledge for future events without divulging the complete truth. Not to mention, she needed to make sure he wouldn’t go right to Laurel. Even if her mother was right and his devotion to her was only a result of the control she had over him as his master, Wednesday couldn’t risk her plans being foiled. 

She kept an eye out for the sheriff in case he was out perusing the streets for any unlawful anitics occurring. He might not know who she was yet, but he would be able to figure it out fairly quickly in the right light, no doubt going straight to Weems to report her for being out late at night. 

Just as she suspected, the Weathervane was shut down for the night. Wednesday snuck up to the door, peeking in. All the lights were shut off, chairs pushed back and everything was cleaned up as it should be. Tyler was not there. She cursed under her breath for the wasted trip. Worse, she would still have uphold Enid’s part of the bargain for her to stay tight lipped. 

What do we do now? Thing asked. 

“I don’t know,” Wednesday said through gritted teeth. They should have gone out earlier, and told Enid to tell ‘Thornhill’ that Wednesday was in the shower if she noticed her absence. 

It might be wise of them to make a stop at Tyler’s house. There, they could observe him. Wednesday suspected Laurel would not come there, rather, she’d stay in public where it would look less suspicious for a grown woman to be seen with a teenage boy.

She informed Thing of their change of plans, adding that they would check the Weathervane’s employee parking lot to see if Tyler’s car was there. It would be if he was around the vicinity. If it wasn’t, they would know he was either at home or elsewhere. Just as they were to turn around the corner, her ears caught the sound of a hushed voice. Eyes narrowing, she gestured for Thing to follow her. Wednesday crouched down, silently making her way down the sidewalk until she came face-to-face with a familiar set of shoes. 

Tyler. 

He jumped back, a strangled gasp leaving his throat. 

The sound caused Wednesday to look up, and when she did, she caught sight of his blue eyes. Why had it become difficult to breathe all of a sudden? The pain was palpable, almost unbearable when she laid her eyes on him. Everything she did her best to suppress since that night came bubbling to the surface. 

Her fingernails dug so forcefully into her palms that she left indentations. 

Tyler, of course, did not recognize her. He stared down at her, bewildered as to why she was on the ground. For the life of her, Wednesday couldn’t think of a single explanation that would sound rational.

Rational? Since when did she care about appealing to people? 

“Uh,” he broke the silence, blinking, “hi...?” 

Wednesday got to her feet, smoothing down her clothes. “Hello,” she said shortly. 

“Is there a reason you were crawling on the ground?” He raised his eyebrows at her. 

“There is.” 

When silence lingered between them, Tyler prompted, “Are you planning on sharing it?” 

“No.” 

“Right,” he nodded, vaguely amused. “That’s not weird at all.” 

Wednesday realized she did not see Thing, nor had Tyler, evidently as there was no reaction from him. “I happen to thrive on abnormality.” 

“Is that so?” Just like the day they’d met when she fixed the espresso machine, he was not afraid of conversing with her. It only served as a reminder of the facade he’d kept up. 

“It also happens to conveniently get rid of those that dare cross my path.” 

“Is that supposed to be a hint or something?” He said casually. 

“Or something.” 

He cracked a smile. He extended his hand for her shake. “I’m Tyler, by the way.” She did not take his hand, watching his arm fall at his side. He didn’t seem offended. 

“Wednesday,” she said. She waited for a split in his mask, awareness at the mention of her name. There came none. Strange. Laurel hadn’t said anything to him yet? Weems had likely told the teachers of her upcoming enrollment. Laurel had to have known. 

Unless he did know. 

Tyler clearly possessed the ability to keep himself in check. It was for that reason she’d never suspected he was anything other than he presented himself to be. 

“Nice to meet you, Wednesday,” he said politely. “And since I’m a nice guy and all, I’ll forget about the whole crawling on the ground thing.” 

“I’m a nice guy and all.” 

She’d fallen for that before. What could she believe now? Who was Tyler Galpin truly? Was he as innocent as her mother seemed to think? Taken advantage of by an unseemly woman? Or was his involvement much more than either of them imagined? 

It wouldn’t make sense for Wednesday to reply as harshly as she wanted to in regards to his teasing. “How generous of you,” she said instead. 

He smiled again. He did that a lot. Sometimes it was soft, sometimes it was just plain dopey. “So, uh, I haven’t seen you around Jericho before. You new in town?” 

“Unfortunately,” Wednesday drawled. “My parents are forcing me to attend their alma mater purely to rid me of my own aspirations. Between them and my new effervescent roommate, I’m considering hanging myself.” 

“Given the whole roommate thing, I’m guessing you go to Nevermore?” 

“Correct.” 

Tyler nodded, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. 

“I’m assuming you do as well?” Wednesday asked. 

“Uh, no,” Tyler shook his head, shrugging with a half smile. “I’m just a normie.” 

It took everything for Wednesday not to call him out on that right then and there. He knew. He knew that wasn’t the truth. He just had to have known. And yet, he was standing there, bold face lying to her. If she didn’t know any better, she’d believe it again. Him with his unsuspecting smiles and sweet barista boy persona he was able to play perfectly. 

“I see,” she said flatly. 

“Yeah,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “What’s it like over there, anyway?” 

“I have not had much time to see it for myself. I only just arrived today.” 

“Oh,” his eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion. It was just now October, an unusual time to start a school. “Okay.” 

“I do not have high hopes for it,” Wednesday said. 

“Why not?” 

“It’s no different than any other penitentiary disguised as a school,” she said plainly. She was not lying either. Having heard her parents ring out praises for years, she was not impressed with it after the last timeline. 

He laughed softly. “If it makes you feel any better, I think the same thing about my school.” 

“It doesn’t.” 

Wednesday folded her arms over her chest, shifting her gaze that would unsettle most people onto him. He didn’t react much, which was a pity.

“I’m kind of surprised to see you out here,” he remarked after a moment of silence. 

She raised her brow questioningly. 

“Doesn’t Nevermore have some kind of curfew?” He said. “My dad, he’s the sheriff, and he catches people out every once and a while.” 

“I viewed the curfew as optional.” 

He grinned. “Well, if you see a cop truck that says sheriff on it, hide. My dad won’t hesitate to take you back. He’s...he kinda has a problem with outcasts so I’d be careful around him.” 

“A problem?” She repeated. 

“Well, maybe problem isn’t the right word,” he backtracked. “He’s just kinda suspicious about outcasts, you know? Kinda gives them a hard time sometimes.” 

Wednesday said, “I see.” 

“Yeah...” He said lamely. “I don’t know what’s up with him. But just be careful, like I said.” 

If she said anything too familiar about his father, he would become suspicious. “I will keep that in mind,” she chose to say instead. 

A breeze flew past them. A few of Tyler’s curls swayed. 

“Say, Wednesday, do you like coffee?” 

She had a feeling where this was going. “That depends on whether someone competent is able to make it.” 

“I work at the Weathervane over there,” he pointed at the building. She looked over, only for his sake as she shouldn’t know of it yet. “If you manage to survive the night, you should stop in sometime.” 

A part of her wanted to, just to throw boiling hot coffee at his face. But this was all needed for the plan. She needed to gain his trust so she could get him away from Laurel and that couldn’t happen if she stayed away. “We’ll see what happens.” 

His cell phone beeped. She surmised that Laurel must have his number, given the grimace that flashed across his face. Wednesday said nothing as he checked it, glancing back at her apologetically. 

“You have to go,” she said with a brief nod. “I presume your parents are trying to get a hold of you?” 

She’d give him a convenient way out. Tyler went with it. “It’s just my dad but yeah. Kinda sucks being the kid of the sheriff. He’s always on my case. Anyway, I guess I’ll see you around?” He was hopeful. He didn't deserve to feel hopeful. 

He didn’t deserve a lot of things. Victim or not. 

Without answering his question, Wednesday turned on her heel. She walked away, leaving him to stare at her retreating back. When she was out of his line of sight, she began to glance around for Thing. Where had he gone? 

“Thing,” she hissed. “ Thing! ” 

The appendage jumped out of nowhere. I’m here! 

“Why did you hide?” Wednesday began the trek back up to Nevermore. “You had no reason to.” 

Sometime later, she laid in the darkness of her dormitory. Enid was peacefully sleeping amid her stuffed animal collection. Wednesday could not shut her eyes. She stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts running rampant, fingertips touching the amulet. Tomorrow began a race against the clock. The Blood Moon was weeks away but Laurel would be preparing, plotting. 

Deep down, Wednesday knew. 

No matter how torn she felt, she knew she needed to do something to help Tyler before it was too late. 

Chapter Text

Wednesday steered clear of gargoyles all throughout the next day. She didn’t have time for Rowan’s assassination attempt. His eyes followed her whenever he was nearby. She felt them boring into her back. At some point, she would have to do something about him, if just to avoid him getting in the way. 

She did derive immense pleasure in showing up Bianca in all the classes they shared together. With her already vast knowledge and splendid memory, she was able to give all the correct answers easily, leaving the siren defeated and seething. Their classmates whispered about the two, mostly in awe of Wednesday. She couldn’t care less about their opinion of her. 

At lunch, she found a corner in the quad to sit at.  Enid was off somewhere. Wednesday suspected it had something to do with one of the numerous clubs she was in. No one else dared approach her. Except for Xavier. Her dead eyed stare did nothing as he plopped down, smiling at her. Who did he think he was to think this was okay? “Did I give you permission to sit down?” 

“Do I need permission?” He wasn’t taking her seriously. He never did. Always taking her retorts as teasing one did among friends. He couldn’t have been more wrong. She wasn’t teasing and they weren’t friends. 

“What do you want, Xavier?” She said resignedly. 

His face lit up. It took Wednesday a second to become aware of her error. They’d not become reintroduced until after he saved her from being killed by Rowan by the gargoyle. “You do remember me,” he said happily. “I wasn’t sure if you would.” 

“I tried not to,” she said, feeling bored already. 

He didn’t look discouraged, which annoyed her. “Never thought you’d come here. You like it so far?” 

Wednesday chewed on her bite of fish, unimpressed with his line of questioning. “Why is that any of your business?” 

“Just trying to make conversation,” Xavier said amiably. 

“Don’t bother.” 

When he didn’t reply to that, Wednesday thought she might have struck a nerve. Hopefully that would be enough for him and he’d leave to go sit with Ajax and the other Nightshades. 

Alas, that wasn’t the case. 

“Bianca’s not too happy with you,” Xavier told her. Wednesday followed his gaze, landing on the siren who was sitting with her friends. “I heard her complaining about you. She thinks you’re a show off.” 

“Why do you believe I am in the mood for useless gossip?” She didn't wait for him to answer. “I sat over here intending to be alone. You are ruining my lunch.” 

“Then I won’t uselessly gossip,” he said as if that was the solution she was looking for. She rolled her eyes, knowing she was being condemned to this new kind of hell. “Heard you were sharing a dorm with Enid.” 

It grabbed her attention. “How do you know that?” 

“Ajax,” he said, pleased that she was freely conversing with him. “You’ve met him, haven’t you? He’s the gorgon-” 

“I know who he is,” she cut in. 

“Right. He’s got this major crush on Enid and they were kinda talking last night. She told him how she’s got a roommate who’s really pale and seems kind of standoffish but she thinks they’ll be really good friends.” 

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Wednesday remarked. “Though I do have to ask, did Ajax tell you all of that information voluntarily or did you pry?” 

He dropped his head for a moment, letting out a huff of laughter. “No need to treat me like a creep. Ajax told me.” 

She hummed. She wondered how long it would be until he began to paint portraits of her. It hadn’t been at all flattering as he seemed to think it was. 

“You know,” he started off nonchalantly, “if you’re not doing anything later, we could hang out and catch up? It’s been a while since we last saw each other.” 

“If only it’s been longer,” she said blandly, biting back a sigh. 

He rolled his eyes, taking her quip good-naturedly. 

“I have somewhere to be,” Wednesday said. 

“Oh, well maybe-” 

“I wouldn’t accept your invitation if I was available,” she said assertively. “Whatever delusions you are entertaining about my unintentional rescue of your life, leave me out of it, Xavier.” 

She got up and left him at the table all alone. 

Wednesday walked side-by-side with Enid down to Weems’ office. Her appointment with Kinbott was in an hour and a half; they'd yet to communicate their change of plans with Weems. Enid chirped like a particularly irritating bird, asking her questions about her day, reiterating what Xavier had said about Bianca and her foul attitude emerging after class. 

“No one’s ever beaten her at fencing before! You’re like a legend and it’s just your first day!” Enid enthused. “This is the biggest talk that Nevermore's had yet. Isn’t that exciting?” 

“Thrilling,” Wednesday deadpanned. 

“Oh, come on,” Enid protested her lack of excitement. “You can’t tell me it doesn’t feel good that they’re all talking about you like that.” 

“I don’t care what others think of me,” Wednesday said. “Their opinions are inane and have no impact on me. You’d do well to heed me on that.” 

“Are you giving me advice?” Enid beamed. “Oh em gee, we’re totally bonding already! My dad’s always told me patience pays off.” 

“There are other ways we could bond, though I am not sure you’d be interested,” Wednesday said smoothly just as they made it to Weems’ office. The door was ajar, so she let herself in, disregarding Enid’s protest that they should wait. 

Weems was at her desk, lifting her eyes at the sound of them entering. “Ah, Miss Addams.” Her eyes traveled over to where Enid hovered awkwardly in the doorway, not as confident as Wednesday was to fully strode into the room. “And Miss Sinclair. Have you two come together? I must say, I’m surprised but rather pleased to see you’ve found yourself a friend, Miss Addams.” 

“I’m quite surprised myself,” Wednesday said. “However, as it so happens, we’re only mere acquaintances, not having had much time to bond. We’ve come to you with a request.” 

“What kind of request?” Weems said carefully, lips pursing. 

Wednesday looked over her shoulder at Enid, a silent means of ushering her. Her roommate cleared her throat, going to stand beside Wednesday with her hands clasped behind her back. “We were wondering if we could walk to Jericho together for Wednesday’s therapy appointment?”

Weems was on high alert. “Did Miss Addams put you up to this?” 

To her credit, Enid shook her head fervently. “No, Principal Weems. It was my idea. I asked Wednesday to hang out but she said she had therapy today and I thought it would be fun to walk together and get some food afterwards.” 

“Hmmm.” Weems’s gaze flickered between the two of them, waiting for one of them to crack. “You remember what I told you yesterday, Miss Sinclair?” 

Enid flushed slightly when Wednesday raised her eyebrows. “Yes, Ma’am.” 

“And you will tell me if there are....any incidents?” Weems was now looking straight at Wednesday. 

“Yes,” Enid nodded obediently. “Of course. You’ll be the first to know.” 

It was silent for what seemed like an eternity. Impatience crept up within her. “I shouldn’t let this happen,” Weems began. “Your mother warned me you would try to escape as soon as the opportunity presented itself.” 

“My mother ,” Wednesday cut in, coating her words with as much contempt as possible, “believes she knows my intentions when in fact, she does not. I wouldn’t take anything she says too seriously.” 

“Is that so?” Weems was not impressed nor convinced. 

“Yes, and you can tell her I said that.” 

It was not the start Wednesday should be making. Attempting to cultivate a new image for herself in Weems’ eyes to avoid the hassle that happened in the previous timeline to the woman’s distrust of her would not happen at this rate. 

Enid’s eyes darted around nervously. “I could provide proof of Wednesday being with me if that would help.” 

Insulted by the proposition, Wednesday glared. 

Weems noticed. “If you two are serious about this, I might be able to allow it on the condition that Miss Sinclair provides tangible proof of your presence, Miss Addams.” 

It was the only way this would work out. Weems wasn’t going to budge. She simply had no choice but to agree. “I suppose that sounds reasonable,” Wednesday forced herself to sound indifferent. 

A small smirk appeared on Weems’ lips. She had to have known Wednesday was not pleased with the arrangement. “Then it’s settled. Have a nice day, girls.” 

“Thank you, Principal Weems!” Enid called to her on their way out. 

How many times would it take to cause permanent brain damage or death if she threw herself against the pavement repeatedly? Enid was set on getting her up-to-date on Nevermore’s gossip, all of which she already knew about. Wednesday nodded every so often to show that she was listening or a deadpanned how fascinating to placate her if she expected a response. Thing did not tag along, even though he wished he could when Enid invited him. He was hiding out in her dorm just in case Gates snuck in there. It might be unlikely given that she just arrived yesterday and hasn't gotten her hands on Fulkner’s journal yet, but there was a chance. A chance she could stop by to snoop and if that ended up being the case, Thing would catch her in the act. 

Discreetly, she reached up to feel the chain of the amulet. 

Wednesday was not a paranoid girl but this was highly valuable. She couldn’t risk not noticing if it wasn’t there. 

“I assume,” Wednesday said when there was a break in the chatter Enid was making, “you have a way of entertaining yourself during my appointment?” 

“Sure do! I’m going to take a look at Hawte Kewture and see if they have anything cute there. Did your parents tell you about the Rave’N? It’s a-” 

“I’m aware,” Wednesday cut her off swiftly. 

“Maybe we could go shopping together sometime!” Enid clapped her hands. “You are going, aren't you? Oh! Great idea: we should get dates and go as a group! Wouldn’t that be fun?” 

“I don’t have time for dances,” Wednesday brushed off the idea. The only reason she’d gone last time was because of Thing’s interference. 

And Tyler. 

Her stomach clenched uncomfortably. She didn’t have time to focus on memories. 

“What?” Enid was in disbelief, her voice coming out unnaturally shrill. “But the Rave’N is one of the biggest events Nevermore has!”
“You sound like you're regurgitating a sales pitch,” Wednesday said blandly. “Regardless, I won't be attending and you’d do well to remember that.” 

“Are you sure?” Enid tried again. 

Wednesday’s steely glare shut her up. 

But not for long. 

“Maybe you’ll change your mind,” Enid broke the silence. 

Wednesday had to take a deep breath to calm herself. This was something she’d need to change. Enid overstepping her boundaries, trying to persuade her into doing things even though she would explicitly state that she was not interested. 

It was like the surprise party all over again. Enid had no right to be angry over Wednesday not touching any of the cake after already knowing that she never wanted any of it. 

If there was to be a repeat offense for the Rave’N, Wednesday might just forgo this whole thing to commit homicide. 

“I won’t,” Wednesday said. 

They fell into silence again, thankfully this one was longer. Enid’s phone chimed, so instead of talking Wednesday’s ear off, she was typing fast on her device. It gave her a moment to think about her next move. Rather, that’s what she should have been doing. But her thoughts kept drifting back to last night when she crossed paths with Tyler. 

And it made her chest ache all over again. She hated to think of the reason why. 

“Can I ask you something?” Enid looked away from her phone long enough to ask. 

“You already did.” 

Enid bypassed her response entirely. “What’s therapy like?” She said tentatively. 

Wednesday side-eyed her. 

“I...I’m just curious,” Enid said defensively. 

Wednesday maintained eye contact with the wolf for another five seconds until she determined that the question had most likely been derived from the problems going on within her own life. 

“Excruciatingly dull.” Kinbott was not her first therapist. Just the first one that was court ordered. The previous schools she’d gone to thought it would be best for her to receive some help, apprehensive of her overall behavior and threats she’d doled out. It gave her great pleasure to make two quit and one have a breakdown mid session. 

“Oh,” Enid said in a small voice. 

“Why are you asking?” Wednesday said. 

Enid was fiddling with her phone again, but she seemed distracted this time, unsettled by the question. “It’s something I’ve thought about,” she admitted through a sigh. 

Wednesday understood this indirect reference to her mother. Even after Enid was able to wolf on the night of the Blood Moon, it hadn’t been good enough for Ester Sinclair, who soon found other ways of criticizing her daughter. 

“You want to subject yourself to that?” It was a kind of torture that was too much even for Wednesday. 

“I could use it,” Enid muttered, her gaze falling to the ground. 

“I’m sure Kinbott would love a new victim.” 

To her mild surprise, Enid snorted. “My mother would be furious. She thinks problems should be kept in the family.” 

“My family would be proud to share our problems.” 

“Yours sounds way different than mine,” Enid’s voice dropped, so did her eyes. She was still walking straight ahead, but her gaze was no longer confident, looking up further than her shoes. “My mom likes to pretend everything is perfect. And when we aren’t, she’s desperate to fix us.” 

It made sense. Enid’s mother tried doing everything she could to make her daughter wolf out faster, just so she could be like the rest of the family. That included trying to send her to a conversion camp. 

“She’s been trying to fix me for as long as I can remember,” Enid said quietly, pained at the reminder. “I can’t wolf out like everyone else can. “I’ve only got my claws, and that’s just not good enough for my mother.” 

Wednesday bit back a sigh of her own. So many of Enid’s problems would go away if she stopped letting herself be bulldozed over by her family. She cared too much about fitting in with her pack, fearing that she would get tossed aside if she didn’t live up to their expectations. 

Honestly, Enid’s mother was likely, though unknowingly, hindering her progress. The more stress she put on her daughter, the more she was going to have difficulty in shifting. Wednesday might have to do something about that, if only to give herself the much needed peace so she wouldn’t have to hear the wolf’s incessant lamenting. 

“Ignore her then,” Wednesday said, very matter of fact. 

“I can’t do that,” Enid was immediately against the idea. 

“Why?” Wednesday waited to hear the latest excuse. 

“You don’t know my mother,” Enid said delicately after a moment of thought. “I’ve tried to tell her I’m just a late bloomer and it’ll happen eventually, but all she can say is your brothers wolfed out by this age or telling me to try this and that because that’s what the book she read recommended!” 

She took a deep breath to calm herself, plastering on a fake smile. 

“Sorry. This was supposed to be some fun roomie bonding time.” 

They clearly had different definitions of the word fun . 

“What do you want to talk about?” Enid looked at her, her face clouded with slight embarrassment over what just happened.  

“I don’t care,” Wednesday could see they were getting closer to the town. That was all that mattered. 

A part of her wondered if she would see Tyler today, perhaps in passing. He was likely working today and she could not remember if in the other timeline he had an appointment with Kinbott on this day or not. 

“Right,” Enid said. “Not much of a talker. Got it.” 

Wednesday let her thoughts wander, thinking of what she should do in the meantime, while she would be working to gain Tyler’s trust. It would be prudent of her to get her father’s name cleared right away. The Sheriff was too engrossed in his obsession with arresting her father. He couldn’t see that Wednesday had been trying to help get the case solved, or rather do his job for him since he was so bent on showing his utter incompetence. It would have to wait. She couldn’t very well go digging up Garett Gates’ grave without reasonable suspicion to do so. She wasn’t supposed to know about this yet. 

This was forcing her to wait so she could act, forced to exhibit patience that she did not have. 

The therapy session made Wednesday want to rip her fingernails off one by one. Kinbott was even worse in this timeline, trying her hardest to pull some kind of emotional response out of her. The woman sat across from her, legs crossed, wearing a smile that made it all the more tempting for Wednesday to do what she could to get rid of it. 

“Would you say you feel guilty for what you've done?” Kinbott asked. 

“Not at all,” came her immediate reply. 

“Not at all?” Kinbott repeated, arching a brow. “You don’t feel any remorse for taking off a boy’s testical?” 

“Remorse is a social construct made to keep us controlled,” Wednesday said. “I’ve never felt remorse for anything I’ve done and I don’t intend to start now.” 

“That’s an interesting theory,” Kinbott wrote a few sentences down, none of which Wednesday could read from where she was sitting. 

“I assume you’re writing notes down. For Weems to read, perhaps?” 

“You don’t have to worry, Wednesday,” Kinbott’s smile was not trustworthy. “You’re protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. I will share your progress and some thoughts I have with Principal Weems, but I won’t be showing her everything. Does that make sense?” 

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” Wednesday knew better. She didn’t believe a word that anything that was said in these walls was truly confidential. That was a manipulation tactic to gain the patient’s trust. If this weren’t being used against her she might have appreciated it.

Kinbott changed the subject to something else once she wrote another sentence or two down. “What do you hope to accomplish this semester at Nevermore?” 

Nothing she could say here. 

“I don’t see why that is any of your business.” 

“It’s just to get to know you better, Wednesday,” Kinbott smiled again. “I want to know what your ambitions are. Helping me understand you as a person will make these sessions far more successful.” 

“I’m hardly considered a person.” 

“Oh?” 

“Some would classify me as a demon,” Wednesday said flatly. 

“Is that what your previous classmates called you?” Kinbott asked. “Is that why you attacked a handful of them?” 

“I attacked them for attacking my brother first. No one gets to torture him besides me.” 

“Is that right? So it seems you feel a certain sense of protectiveness towards your brother,” Kinbott noted. 

“I assure you that’s incorrect.” 

“Then explain it to me,” Kinbott crossed one leg over the other. “Why else would you have attacked those boys on your brother’s behalf?” 

“Vengeance,” Wednesday said. 

“But why did you want to seek vengeance?” Kinbott said. “Something must have made you snap.” 

Wednesday’s eyes drifted to the clock that sat on the wall directly behind Kinbott. The soft chime indicated they were through and she wasted no time in standing up to leave. 

“Hey, how was it?” Enid met her outside just as Wednesday came out of the building. 

“I would rather pull my teeth out one by one than say another word to that woman,” Wednesday glanced around for Weems’ vehicle. She wouldn’t put it past her to come into Jericho anyway just to ensure that Wednesday had done what she was supposed to. 

“It couldn’t have been that bad,” Enid said with her naive optimism. 

“I assume that by your empty hands you didn’t find anything suitable for the dance?” Wednesday changed the subject. 

“Not yet,” Enid sighed. “I guess I should wait. We haven’t been told the theme yet.” 

“That sounds wise.” 

For a split second, the two of them stood on the sidewalk in silence. A man pushed past them, grumbling under his breath. 

“Hey, I’m not really that hungry-” Perfect. Perhaps she could get out of this if Enid headed back to Nevermore early. “Wanna catch a bite at the Weathervane? It’s a coffee shop but it’s got pastries there too. I think you’d like it.” 

“That sounds acceptable,” Wednesday agreed. She could get a quad and get a chance to speak a few words to Tyler. She’d just have to ensure that Enid was not within hearing distance.  

Wednesday expected to find the espresso machine having a seizure as Tyler had last put it, but it was working as it should. She watched him work behind the counter, smiling at a customer he was serving. 

And then trouble started. 

“Young man, I want a refund,” a woman pushed her way to the front. There was a girl who was already there to pick up her coffee and prepare to leave or sit down. Someone who Wednesday believed to be a normie for she had not seen her at Nevermore. The girl was shoved slightly by the other woman, staring at her in disbelief before getting out of the way. 

“Oh, uh. What’s the problem?” Tyler asked, his hand on the register. He already looked weary. 

“I don’t like it,” the woman stated, slamming the cup down on the counter. 

Tyler floundered for a second. “Uh, well I can’t give you a refund for that.” 

“Why not?” She demanded, her voice getting a little louder. 

“Uh, maybe we should go?” Enid whispered to her. 

“Wait,” Wednesday commanded, her eyes locked on the interaction before her. A few other customers were starting to stare at them. 

“Company policy. I can get you something else if you want?” Tyler offered to placate her. 

“I don’t want anything else. I want my refund,” the woman snapped. 

“Ma’am,” Tyler was trying to remain calm, but he seemed like he was on the edge of losing his temper. “You’ve drank nearly all of this.” 

“So what? I decided I didn’t like it and I want a refund. Give me my refund!” 

“I can’t give you one-” 

“Where is your manager?” The woman began looking around. “I want to speak to your manager.” 

“He’s not here right now,” Tyler told her. “And if you could please lower your voice-” 

“Do you know how much money I spend here? I’m here almost every day. I know what your policies are and I know you can give refunds!” 

Wednesday wondered if Tyler would end up hyde-ing out right here. He was getting stressed, she could tell. 

“We can give out refunds but I can’t refund you for not liking your drink,” Tyler explained, his jaw clenched. 

“This is ridiculous -” 

Wednesday suddenly appeared at the woman’s side, startling her and Tyler. “What’s ridiculous is you arguing with a teenage barista who has no control over the policies.” 

The woman’s face went red. “How dare you!” 

Wednesday steamrolled right over her. “He has told you he is unable to give you a refund, yet you continue to behave like a spoiled child. Either order something else or remove yourself from the premise. If you cannot do that, I will surely do it for you.” 

“You listen to me, little girl-” 

“Call me a little girl again and see what happens,” Wednesday’s eyes flashed dangerously. 

She and the woman stared at each other for nearly a minute. Enid held her breath and Tyler was looking at Wednesday with nothing short of admiration. 

Finally, the woman did leave. Not without muttering obscenities and promising that she would never spend another dollar here . 

No one said a word at first. The entire cafe was silent. Tyler’s eyes darted from the door and back to Wednesday.  

“Wow...” He said, a slight smile emerging. “Thanks.” 

“Oh em gee ,” Enid breathed as she came up behind her. “That was amazing.” 

Wednesday did not acknowledge the praise. “Some people have no decency,” was all she said. 

Tyler snorted. “Tell me about it.” 

“Does that happen a lot?” Enid made a face. 

“Depends on the day. The regulars are usually nice. It’s not too bad on most days except when Pilgrim World gets busy,” Tyler answered, his eyes straying away from looking at Enid to focus on Wednesday. “So, uh, now that’s all over; what can I get you guys?” 

Enid ordered a cinnamon latte and a chocolate cake pop. Wednesday just wanted a quad. 

“Are you sure?” Enid asked, reaching for her wallet. “You can totally get something else.” 

“I’m sure,” Wednesday said. 

“Hey, don’t worry about that,” Tyler gestured towards Enid’s debit card as she was getting it out. “It’s on the house.” 

“Oh,” Enid said, surprised. 

“As a thank you,” he said, directing it towards Wednesday. 

Wednesday could feel Enid’s stare on her. “I’m gonna go find us a booth,” her roommate said. 

“Go to that one,” Wednesday pointed at the one she always sat at. “I’ll bring your beverage to you.” 

Wednesday refrained from rolling her eyes as Enid, who not so subtly glanced at Tyler, winked at her. “Okay Roomie,” she said, a squeal on the tip of her tongue. 

It left the two of them standing there. 

In close proximity. 

“When I said I hoped to see you around, I didn’t know it would be so soon,” Tyler remarked. 

“Neither did I.” 

“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” Wednesday couldn’t discern if he was truly sincere or not. “And I’m glad you survived last night.” 

“I suppose I had no choice. It would have been humiliating for my family if I gave up so easily,” she replied. 

“See, you’re tougher than you look,” he laughed lightly as he prepared the drinks. 

“I almost killed you.” 

“I survived.” 

“Beginner’s luck.” 

“I’m tougher than you think.” 

“Hey, you alright?”

She came back to the present. Tyler stopped making the coffee, concerned by her spacing out. 

“I’d be better if you didn’t waste my time with meaningless chit chat,” she said succinctly, needing to suppress the mild embarrassment that crept up. 

“Sorry, guess I should know better than to get in between someone’s caffeine addiction,” Tyler said. “Oh, and here’s that cake pop.” 

Wednesday took the sprinkled concoction into her hand with noticeable distaste. Enid truly had horrid taste. 

“Uh,” Tyler was seemingly trying to fill the silence, “so is that your roommate?” He motioned over to where Enid sat, typing away on her phone. 

“Do you think I would be with her otherwise?” Wednesday said. “I needed a way to escape the watchful eyes of my new principal. She seems to think I’m going to flee at any given moment.” 

“Would you?” He was looking at her now. 

“No,” she said. “I have business to attend to that prevents me from doing so, unfortunately.” 

“I couldn’t help but notice you guys are wearing different uniforms.” 

“I’m allergic to color.” 

He paused, blinking. “Seriously?” 

“Do you think I have any reason to lie?” 

“No, no. It’s just...Is that even possible?” 

“Clearly.” 

“Oh,” was all he could say. 

“Are you done?” There was a dull headache right in the middle of her forehead that needed to be subdued as soon as possible.  

“Yeah, here-” Just as Tyler finished the quad, Wednesday took a very large gulp of it. The bitter liquid gave her pleasant tingles, satisfying the craving she’d had. “Rough day?” 

“Rough doesn’t begin to describe it,” Wednesday took the other coffee, Enid’s latte, and brought it over to the booth. Much to her dismay, her roommate was sitting in her spot, so she had to settle by being across from her. 

“ So ?” Enid put down her phone, wiggling her eyebrows, unfazed when the cake pop was tossed at her. 

“What?” 

“What did you guys talk about?” Enid’s eyes were gleaming. 

“Hardly anything worth mentioning.” 

“Come on,” Enid whined. “I need details.” 

“You need to keep your snout out of other people’s business,” Wednesday’s fingers were wrapped around the cup of her now half empty quad. 

“That’s mean.” 

“It was meant that way.” 

Enid glanced over at the counter. “I think he’s interested in you,” she said with confidence. 

“We just met,” Wednesday wondered how Enid could somehow notice his attraction right away. If it’s genuine. 

“That’s what makes it adorable!” Enid kept her squeal contained in a whisper, but she was no less excited. “You definitely impressed him.” 

“My life’s ambition.” 

Enid rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think he’s cute?” 

“I’m not discussing this with you,” her voice became sharper, only succeeding in making Enid smirk. 

“You totally do!” 

Enid had tried several times before in the last timeline to get her engaged in girl talk. Wednesday refused every time and she wasn’t about to start now. 

“He’s looking this way!” Enid’s beam could possibly not get any bigger. 

“He is likely looking this way because you are making a spectacle of yourself,” Wednesday hissed. 

“Or he’s totally interested in you!” 

Enid’s enthusiasm was going to get her throttled one of these days. 

Her arm was suddenly gripped by the she-wolf. “He’s coming back over!” 

“Unhand me!” Wednesday hissed through grit teeth. 

Enid let go, her grin stretching across her face so wide that it could have split her face open. Wednesday wished it would. 

Wednesday turned around to see Tyler coming over to their booth with what she surmised was a fresh quad. He smiled, placing it on the table. 

“Thought you might like another one.” 

Enid let out a not so quiet aww .

“If this is your way of thanking me yet again, you are laying it on thick,” Wednesday told him, though she wasn’t going to give up another quad. 

“Maybe I just want you to be well caffeinated,” he said without missing a beat. “But if you really don’t want it...” He started to take it away, but she snatched it back. 

“I would be a fool to decline a free quad.” 

“Oh, now you’re assuming that one is also free?” He teased her. 

She knew what he was doing. Tilting her chin up, she said, “Is it not?” 

“Maybe just this once,” he said with a wink, rotating on his heel to go back towards the counter. 

Wednesday wished her eyes hadn’t followed him. 

Chapter Text

For the next couple of days, Wednesday laid low. 

She itched to do more, but ultimately knew better than to press any luck. Dutifully, she attended her classes, completing the required homework while indulging in her own interests when the opportunity arose. She was aware Weems was still keeping a close eye on her. Just as Enid had promised, she provided proof by capturing a photograph of Wednesday sitting at the Weathervane to show the headmistress later on. Other than proving that she hadn’t made any last ditch efforts after her appointment with Dr. Kinbott, it did nothing to ease her lingering suspicion towards Wednesday. 

Though Wednesday loathed to acknowledge it, Xavier had in fact been correct in his assessment about Barclay. She did not take Wednesday’s academic dominance over her well. On the second day of botany, she dared approach Wednesday with Divina and Kent trailing behind her. 

“You were impressive yesterday,” Barclay’s words did not match the shark-like smile on her lips. 

“And you were not,” Wednesday replied. “Perhaps you will do better today.” 

The smile on Barclay vanished. Her eyes hardening, she spat, “You got lucky. I wouldn’t count on it happening again.”

“I don’t believe in luck. But I do believe I’m better than you.” 

The two of them stared at each other until something in Barclay broke, and she stomped off toward a table on the other side of the room. 

Since that day, it was not unusual to find Barclay or her siren cohorts tossing a glare in Wednesday’s direction. Not once did it intimidate her, which she suspected that’s what they were trying to do. Evidently, her other classmates began to notice because one evening at dinner, Enid brought it up, seemingly concerned by the hostility between them. 

Once again, Wednesday was interrupted from a peaceful meal. She supposed it was better to be bombarded by Enid’s presence than Xavier’s, but it did not negate the fact that both were just as taxing as the other. Emitting a soft sigh, she made a halfhearted attempt to listen, knowing the she-wolf would be worse if she thought Wednesday was spacing out on her. 

“Is everything okay between you and Bianca?” Enid poured a nauseatingly large glob of ranch dressing on her salad, effectively drowning the lettuce. 

“I suppose that would depend on your definition of okay,” Wednesday spared a look in the siren’s direction and rolled her eyes at the pursed-lip expression she was on the receiving end of. 

“It’s like she hates you or something,” Enid had seen it as well.

“She might,” While Wednesday would thoroughly relish in taking Barclay down another peg in class, she needed to keep her focus elsewhere and not on petty schoolyard grudges. “As it so happens, she does not appreciate my superior knowledge.” 

Enid was nodding, trying to chew faster so she could speak. “Ajax said something about that,” a slight flush bloomed over her face at the mention of his name. Wednesday only barely refrained from rolling her eyes again. “She’s, like, always on top of everything.” 

Wednesday allowed herself a small smirk of satisfaction. 

“You’re like a genius,” Enid continued vibrantly. “You even got a perfect score on the pop quiz. Who does that?” 

“It was not that difficult,” Wednesday said dismissively. It hadn’t been the first time, even less so now. A simple fifteen question quiz, matching the latin name to the common name for some of the most well known plants. 

“Are you kidding ? I got a sixty,” Enid said gloomily. “I hope Thornhill isn’t a tough grader.” 

She was not, in fact. But Wednesday, of course, could not tell any of this to Enid. 

“My brothers had her,” the wolf continued to lament, “they said she’s okay but kinda weird sometimes.” 

“Meaning?” 

Enid looked up to meet her eyes. “I dunno. That’s all they said.” 

Wednesday hid her frown. She’d been hoping for a clue, perhaps one that she might have missed previously. 

Lips twitching, Enid seemed to be on the verge of wanting to inquire on something but looking hesitant to do so, be that for the subject matter or Wednesday’s possible reaction. It only served to irritate her. 

“Do you have something you wish to say?” 

“Did your parents, like, text you or anything-” 

“I don’t have a phone.” 

“Oh, right,” Enid had wondered where hers was being kept as they got into bed. The phone Xavier gave her did not make it back in time with her, so she merely gave Enid the same truth as last time, that she despised technology and refused to use it. Naturally, she was taken aback, questioning how she spent her time. “Well, do you think they’ll call you on your crystal ball thing?” 

“Most likely.” She expected to hear from them any day now. She would have assumed they would have called last night, eager to know how she was doing. 

“Oh,” Enid pushed around her salad. 

Wednesday bit back what she really wished to say. “What else is there?” 

Perking up a bit, Enid said, though mindful to keep her volume down seeing as they were in the quad, “My mom texted me last night. I thought maybe she was gonna wish me a happy first day or something but she just gave me some links on how to use homeopathic ways to induce wolfing out. It just really sucks, you know, because I feel like she cares more about me wolfing out than, like, being happy or healthy and I can’t tell her this because then she says I’m being dramatic . Totally doesn’t make me feel ignored by my own mother!” 

Wednesday observed her with an impassive expression. Enid, suddenly aware of the little outburst she had, looked embarrassed, horrified even at what she’d blurted out. 

“ Sorry . We only just met and you’ve already heard all my family drama.” 

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Wednesday said. “I asked you to continue and you did.” 

“Still...” Enid shook her head as if to rid those thoughts that were mulling about. “Anyway, enough about me. Are you going to Jericho today?” 

She’d thought about it. The Harvest Festival was rapidly approaching. It would behoove her to take the initiative to invite him to go with her. It was mandatory to attend anyhow, so she might as well use that time to be productive to better gain his trust. 

“Why does it matter to you?” Wednesday said. 

Enid giggled. “Are you going to see the barista again?” 

“His name is Tyler.” 

The smile on Enid’s face grew impossibly wider. “Oh em gee , I knew it!” 

“You knew what?” 

“You like him!” 

Wednesday scoffed. “You are incorrect.” 

“Then why else would you go see him?” 

Why else would you go back in time for him? 

“I never said I was going to.” 

Enid rolled her eyes. “Why else would you go?” She challenged her. 

“I don’t have to explain myself to you.” She didn’t like the smug look overtaking Enid’s face. It was of no business to her how Wednesday chose to spend her day. 

“I think you’re in denial,” Enid teased her. 

“Unless you would be willing to chance yourself being surrounded by silver, I suggest you stop.” 

Enid pouted. 

“Not that it is imperative you are aware, but I do intend on going into Jericho,” Wednesday watched Enid’s face light up, emphasizing her next word, “ alone .”  

“I wasn’t going to come with,” Enid replied, her excitement on Wednesday’s behalf poorly concealed. “Me and Yoko are going to go over what we missed on the quiz. We’ve got this whole study schedule figured out. Divina’s going to be there too. You can come later on, if you want.” 

“I have better things to do with my time,” Wednesday wouldn’t need to do much studying, if any at all.

Instead of being offended, Enid said, “Okay, but if you change your mind-” 

“I won’t.” 

Tyler was not working today. 

Outside of the Weathervane, peering in through the window, Wednesday frowned minutely. Some other barista was manning the front counter, overwhelmed by the looks of things. He had to have been younger than Tyler, it might be his first job. Another worker, a girl in her mid twenties, came over to assist him and show him the correct option for the cash register. She could spot his embarrassment from there, as well as the girl’s agitation. 

A small huff came through her nose. If he wasn’t here, where else might he be? It wasn’t his scheduled day for therapy, so it seemed more likely he was at his house. That meant she’d have to walk across town just to get there. 

“Hey.” 

She turned around. There in the multi-layered attire she was used to seeing him in when he wasn't in his uniform, Tyler gave her a grin, the barest hint of amusement visible. 

“You aren’t working,” she stated. 

“It’s my day off,” he said, his expression changing into something else. “Were you looking for me?” 

“I’m in need of a quad.” 

“Josh  can make you one,” Tyler said, eyes gazing into the window for a split second. Something must have made him have second thoughts, for he corrected himself, “Keely can make you one.” 

She’d made the mistake of ingesting a quad that wasn’t made by him. Clearly, the Weathervane was content with hiring just anyone off the street, seeing no reason to put them through proper training. 

“I don’t think so,” she said smoothly. 

“Why? What’s wrong with them?” 

Because you happen to be the only one that’s ever been competent enough to make one , she thought. 

“You’ve proved yourself not to be completely incompetent,” she said. “I see no reason to deal with anyone else and risk being given a mediocre beverage.” 

“That sounds like a long winded way of telling me you’re stalking me,” he teased her. 

“If I was going to stalk you, I would be far less suspicious. Being obvious is just as humiliating as facing an attempted murder charge. I’m better than that.” 

His eyebrows flew up to his hairline. “You got some kind of record I don’t know about?” 

“Would it bother you if I did?” 

“I’d do it again.” 

“I knew there was a reason I liked you .” 

She felt his stare rove over her, and had to wonder if his hyde side was itching to surface. She’d have to pay closer attention to him to see if she could spot any clues to indicate a change of personality or an internal takeover. 

“No,” he said when he eventually spoke. “Somehow, I’m not surprised.” 

A light breeze flew past them. Wednesday was again reminded of the night of the Rave’N. It gave a whole new meaning to his words, a brand new way of looking at it and him. Upon hearing them the first time, she’d thought of them as nothing more than admiration. Not many people react that way. It made her naturally curious, but she carefully hid it. Something was clearly different about Tyler Galpin. 

She just didn’t know what it truly was. 

The silence carried. Tyler cleared his throat, she only just realized that she’d been blatantly staring at him, allowing herself to become lost in her own thoughts. 

That couldn’t happen again. 

“So, uh,” Tyler rubbed the back of his neck, “I can’t make you a quad on my day off but you could come with me if you want.” 

“To where?” She said immediately. 

He shrugged. “I don’t have a place in mind.” 

“I don’t plan on wasting my time today.” She wasn’t just going to walk around when there was so much to be done. Even though up to this point, she’d hardly done anything. 

“Okay,” Tyler shoved his hands in his blue zip-up. “Well, if you’re not gonna come with me then I’ll be on my way...” He took a few steps to the right, Wednesday huffing once before falling into step with him. They wandered aimlessly, she noted. He didn’t seem to have a specific destination in mind, unless he changed it at the last minute now that she was with him. 

Neither one of them spoke. Wednesday, who did not usually find it hard to say anything, found herself at odds. There was so much she wanted to say, so many questions she wanted answers to, but now was not the time. 

She wondered what he was thinking about. Was he fretting because she was here with him? No, that couldn’t be it. He’d practically goaded her into coming along. Was he calm? 

Did he even know he was the one causing all of these attacks that the sheriff was so adamantly convinced it was a bear? 

“I take it you were not joking when you said you were intending to simply walk around?” He’d grown up around Jericho, surely there was nothing worthwhile to see when he would have seen them many times before. 

He shook his head. 

“Why?” She asked. 

“Why not?” He said. “You don’t take any walks when you’re bored?” 

“I’d rather do something productive.” 

“And yet you’re walking with me,” he pointed out, sounding pleased. 

She stopped, causing him to as well. “I can easily rectify that.” 

“No,” he said quickly. “Don’t.” 

“Why?” 

“What kind of question is that?” 

“A reasonable one. We’ve only just met and you seem intrigued by my presence,” she said matter-of-factly.  

He arched his brow. “I’d say it’s the other way around.” 

“That is incorrect,” she argued, cursing herself. Has she been obvious? 

“ Really? ” He drew out the word. “Then why were you looking for me back at the Weathervane?” 

“I told you I wanted a quad,” Wednesday said with her arms folded across her chest. Her blunder made her look like an adolescent filled with hormonal urges. Of course it would look like something else to him, as if she was harboring feelings for him and thus seeking him out. 

“Hmmm, I don’t think I believe you.” There was that smile again. 

“I don’t particularly care.” 

Only stopping herself from rolling her eyes, they resumed their walking. The streets of Jericho weren’t that busy at this time of day, so they could easily walk side-by-side without one of them having to slide over to give room for another pedestrian passing by. 

“You know, to answer your question,” he eventually said, “I walk because there’s nothing else to do.” 

“Why are you not with friends?” She took a bit of pleasure in seeing him wince. 

“Uh, well-” 

“Do you not have any?” 

“You don’t hold back, do you?” She raised her eyebrows. He sighed. “Is it pathetic to say that I really don’t?” 

“No.” He looked at her, grateful . “I don’t have any.” 

“You don’t?” he said, seemingly surprised. 

“I have no need for them,” she said, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. She wasn’t so that was true anymore. As conflicted as she might be, she wasn’t going to admit it outright. Especially not to him. 

“So you and I can’t be friends?” 

She stopped again, staring at him. No , she wanted to say. Oh, how she wanted to say more than no. But she couldn’t. Not if she wanted to complete her mission. 

“That remains to be seen.” 

It was good enough for Tyler. He beamed at her. The intensity of it had Wednesday needing to look away. 

“I should warn you that I am not friend material.” 

“I don’t believe that,” his voice was softer this time. 

He spoke as if he knew her. He didn’t. She’d thought she’d known him and that turned out to be false. 

Wednesday stepped off the sidewalk so they could cross the street, her mind so swarmed that she didn’t see the car speeding towards them. 

“ Wednesday!” 

Tyler yanked her back by the back of her Nevermore blazer. She would have tripped if not for him catching her. A few people that were scattered around stopped what they were doing to stare. The car that passed them honked the horn at them but neither she or Tyler noticed. 

“Are you okay?” He said, wide-eyed. 

His fingers brushed against her back where the blazer and shirt had risen up. 

Before she could answer him, she was thrown into a vision. 

Tyler was chained to a wall. His shirtless back was littered with scars. Some healing. Some fresh ones that oozed blood. He was trying to free himself, struggling to pull his wrists out. But it was all in vain, he was stuck there. 

Laurel appeared out of the shadows with a belt in her hand. Tyler’s belt, Wednesday realized. Laurel clicked her tongue in disapproval, approaching him slowly like a hungry predator. 

“What did I say about questioning me, Tyler? Didn’t I tell you not to?” 

She didn’t give him a chance to respond before she struck him. 

Twack! 

Tyler wailed in pain, pushing himself up as close against the wall of the cave as he could. Anything to escape the brutal beating. 

“I’m sorry!”

“Hmmm. I don’t think I believe you. I think you need a reminder on why you shouldn’t question your mama.” 

The whipping continued. And so did Tyler’s blood curdling screams. 

“Wednesday, Wednesday!” 

Tyler shook her repetitively. When she finally came to it, she pushed him away from her, needing to have a distance between them. She couldn’t be that close to him. Not again. 

By now, she noted that he’d lowered her to the ground, her palms were now pressed against the concrete. 

“Thank God ,” he sighed in relief. “Are you okay? You just passed out . Was that like a seizure or something?” Tyler, with eyes shining in concern; Tyler, who hadn’t yet suffered under the horrific beating, looked frantic. Wednesday was disturbed and that was not an easy feat. Slowly, she made her way to her feet again, with him doing the same thing, watching her closely like something else could happen to her any second now. 

“ Say something ,” he urged her, panic lacing his words. 

But what ? He couldn’t know that she knew of Laurel’s hold on him. Did he even remember? 

What had compelled Laurel to punish him in that way? What had he questioned her about? Was it regarding Wednesday? Or perhaps his mother? 

There were so many unanswered questions, so many that kept piling up. But she would know soon enough. 

“I’m fine,” Wednesday observed him, noting how he seemed to be on the verge of a fit throughout her silence. At last, he relaxed, if only a little, though she knew he had endless questions of his own on the tip of his tongue. 

“You’re sure?” He said doubtfully. “Should I, like, take you to a hospital or something?” 

“No,” she said right away. 

“You would’ve hit the ground if it weren’t for me catching you,” he protested. 

“Are you expecting a thank you?” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice. “Should I grovel at your feet?” 

“ No ! But I think you should get checked out or something ,” he said, looking just as stubborn as she was. 

“It’s not necessary,” Wednesday said with a tinge of irritation in her tone. Calming herself down, she added, “Tyler, I’m fine. Should you attempt to prolong this conversation, I’m not above using other measures to keep you quiet.” 

He wasn’t taking her threat seriously. Not to mention, he clearly didn’t want to listen, torn between listening or taking her against her will. Oh, she dared him to try. 

“ Okay ,” he said with hesitation. 

“Good, now drop it,” Wednesday ordered. She had no intention of drawing this conversation out of any longer. 

Tyler’s lips thinned out. Much to her annoyance, it wasn’t long until he had something else to say about it. “Do you wanna sit down? We can-” 

“No,” she shut that down quickly. “Now come with me.” She’d had enough of walking around. Besides, she didn’t want his father to see them associating together yet. That was better left for another time. 

“Where?” He said cautiously. 

She huffed. “I am not answering ridiculous questions. Do as I say or you will be left behind.” Wednesday walked off, not looking back to see if he was following her or not. She knew he would. And she was proven correct. The fallen leaves crunched underneath his boots. 

They veered off the sidewalk away from the center of town. Wednesday had grown sick of it already, more than ready for some peace and quiet. What better place to get it than in the woods? 

The deeper they went, however, it instantly brought back memories of when he’d murdered Rowan. 

He saved you , a voice that sounded suspiciously like her mother said. He saved your life that night. 

It might have been true. But it was all for Laurel’s plan, she reminded herself. She couldn’t get sentimental. Tyler only kept her alive so she would be around for the Blood Moon. Laurel’s plan wouldn’t have worked without her. 

He hadn’t done it for any genuine reason. 

“Are you planning on murdering me out here?” Tyler said jokingly from behind. 

Despite it not being the exact location her almost-execution took place, it was a bit too on the nose for Wednesday’s liking. 

“I wouldn’t tell you if I were. I prefer an element of surprise,” she said without looking back. 

“Sure...” He said. 

When she was satisfied with how far they’d gone in, she smoothed down her school skirt, sitting on a fallen tree branch, crossing her legs at the ankles. He sat on the ground, feet tucked underneath him. Around them, the trees were bare, their leaves having fallen off ages ago. A bird or two chirped in the distance, squirrels scurrying along with no interest in the two humans. 

“Okay,” Tyler said, leaning back with his palms pressed into the earthly ground, “I’m here. Now what?” 

Wednesday chose to simply stare at him instead of answering right away. Once again, she found herself intrigued how this seemingly innocent townie had a deadly monster lurking just below the surface. A part of her wanted to stir things up so she could see if the hyde could be awakened. 

Even though she knew better. 

It would have to wait another day. For now, it was vital of her to pretend she knew nothing. 

Realizing that she wasn’t going to respond, Tyler asked her, “So, how do you like Jericho so far?” 

“I don’t,” she said, which brought out a laugh from him. 

“Honestly? Same.” 

“I’m not particularly impressed by Nevermore either,” she said. That part wasn’t truly a lie. She never did find it as enthralling as her parents had. It was just a small step up from all the other normie schools she’d attended over the years. “You are the only person not to bring out any homicidal urges within me.” 

He snickered, not taking her seriously. 

“You doubt me?” 

“No offense, Wednesday,” he grinned, “but if you’re trying to scare me it’s not working.” 

“And why is that?” 

“You’re like.... tiny ,” he said with a grin. 

It wasn’t what she’d expected to hear, truthfully. Indignantly, she glared at him. 

“That is an exaggeration. I’m roughly five-one.” 

“And I’m like, five-nine, five-ten,” he pointed out with a smirk.  

“That means nothing to me.” 

“Yeah?” He huffed out another laugh. 

“I don’t need any additional height to take a man down,” she said calmly. Or a vengeful pilgrim. “I’m quite capable just the way I am.” 

He held up his hands in surrender. “I believe you.” 

Something told her that he didn’t, that he must be thinking  she was trying to overcompensate by acting tough. That wasn’t Wednesday. She didn’t try to act that way. That was just who she was. 

“Can I ask you something?” Tyler said. 

“You already have,” Wednesday deadpanned. 

“No, seriously,” he said, all kidding aside. 

“What is it?” 

“You told me you just started going to Nevermore,” Tyler began. Wednesday knew where this was heading. Unlike the last time, he’d obviously not used his internet resources to look her up. Perhaps because meeting this time around had not been as memorable. 

“Yes,” she interjected some impatience into her voice. “What of it?” 

“Why did you start just now ?” 

“Do you find yourself entitled to my private life?” She could have simply told him, but decided to make him work for it. 

“Would you take me down if I said yes?” He said nonchalantly. 

She rolled her eyes, ignoring the snicker that came from him. “Clearly you are easily amused.” 

“Clearly,” he echoed. 

Wednesday peered down at him for a few seconds more. “I was expelled,” she decided to tell him. 

“For what?” 

“Teaching a much needed lesson.” Wednesday was not naive enough to think that any of the school staff were going to do anything about it. Those boys were involved in various activities provided by the school, often strutting around in their uniforms on game days like they were of importance. Should anyone come with complaints about their behavior, they had the full support of the administrative staff. No one wanted to see them being pulled from participating. And so, nothing was ever done about it. Wednesday never went to say anything to any of them, but she paid close enough attention to know when someone else did. 

She could have sworn to have seen his eyes dilate in response for a split second, only to return back to normal. Was that Hyde peeking out or was that a reflection of Tyler himself? At some point, she would know his true personality, but for now, all she could do was settle for the slew of questions she had in the back of her mind. 

Chapter Text

Weems would be calling Wednesday into her office at some point to discuss how it was compulsory for Nevermore students to be involved in an extracurricular activity. To avoid this, Wednesday utilized her lunch period on the fourth day of class to find Eugene. She did not wait to tell Enid of this, taking her tray and scanning the quad for any sign of him. It didn’t take long to find him; he was sitting in the back corner alone. 

Engrossed in his phone, simultaneously bringing a spoonful of food to his mouth, he was startled when Wednesday approached him, setting down her tray just enough to get his attention. He was taken aback by this, staring at her dumbly for a few seconds. “Uh, hi. You’re the new girl, aren’t you?” 

“Yes,” Wednesday said plainly. “Wednesday Addams.” 

“Eugene Ottinger,” he introduced himself, pushing his glasses back up his nose. 

Silence descended over the table while Wednesday unrolled her silverware from its napkin. 

“I’m here to inquire about the Hummers Club. I’d like to join.” 

She missed the way he was gaping at her just now, her head tilted down to neatly cut up her meat. It wasn’t until she realized that he hadn’t said anything did he rearrange his facial expression into something less stupid. 

“You want to join the hummers?” He whispered in disbelief. 

“Yes,” she answered. “I understand we’re to participate in an extracurricular activity. None of the others are suitable for my taste.” 

“Wow,” Eugene was grinning widely. “Girls usually aren’t interested in beekeeping.” 

“I’m experienced with various wildlife species,” Wednesday said. “Many of which are toxic to humans. Bees couldn’t possibly be that difficult to handle.” 

“I wouldn’t underestimate them,” Eugene warned her. “Bees may be small, but they can be just as deadly.” 

Believe her, she knew. She remembered how they’d swarmed Laurel before she had the pleasure of stomping on her head. 

“I presume you have a scheduled time for us to meet?” She said. 

“Wednesday’s and Friday’s,” he told her. “There’s a lot to do now that the new semester started. But you don’t just have to come on those days. I usually come by the beehive everyday to check on them.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” 

“You’ll have to come by sometime later to see if you fit into the bee suit,” Eugene continued. “I think it might fit, but could be a bit big. Principal Weems said I could get a few suits made in case anyone else wanted to join.” 

She heard the rest, the unspoken truth that no one else besides her had joined. No one else was particularly interested in bees, no one quite like Eugene. 

“Alright,” she said. “I have a free period after this, I can stop by after that.” 

Eugene beamed. “Great! I actually have class but you can go on ahead. Do you know where the bee shed is? It’s-” 

She cut him off. “I’m aware. I’ve seen it already.” 

With her back to the rest of the quad, she didn’t see who was behind her. Although, across from her, Eugene’s face took on a startled look, then mellowed out into pure adoration. It gave her an inkling of who was there, not that the overwhelming smell of fruity perfume didn’t already do that. 

“Enid, next time do not bathe in your perfume,” Wednesday said without looking over her shoulder. 

Her roommate reluctantly came to sit down by her, shooting Eugene a slightly awkward half smile. “What are you doing over here?” She asked Wednesday. “I thought we were going to sit in our spot?” 

Somehow, the table she normally sat in did become their spot. Enid dutifully sat there with her instead of accompanying Yoko, Divina and the others. Since that first day, Xavier had stayed away, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t glancing at her repeatedly or attempting to talk to her in the hallways or in class. 

“I needed to speak with Eugene about something,” Wednesday responded. 

Enid looked over at him. Eugene’s cheeks went pink, he pushed his glasses up again. Her smile became a little more fixed and she determinedly did not look at him anymore, keeping her gaze on Wednesday instead. “Oh, about what?” 

“She’s joining the Hummers!” Eugene was eager to tell her. ‘Do you wanna join too? We’re always open to new members.” 

Enid bore a deer caught in the headlight expression. Her first inclination was obviously to decline. Wednesday remembered how afraid she’d been to be in the bee shed. “Oh, I can’t,” she said apologetically, never the one who wanted to intentionally hurt somebody’s feelings. “I’ve already joined like four clubs and I just won’t have time, you know?” 

Eugene’s face fell in disappointment. “Oh,” he said, trying to sound indifferent to the rejection. “Sure, that’s okay.” 

Enid must have understood that Wednesday was not going to pack up and leave for another table. She began to eat as well. “Did you hear about the party Xavier’s throwing?” 

Wednesday did not and didn’t care either. “No.” 

“It’s a welcome back party,” Enid told her enthusiastically. “It’s tomorrow in his and Rowan’s dorm. Ajax invited me to come. There’s gonna be food and music but not like too loud so we won’t get caught. You should totally come!” 

Eugene had perked up upon hearing about this party. It made Enid suddenly realize that it was likely rude of her to be discussing this in front of him. 

“You could probably come too,” she said politely. “I’m sure Xavier won’t mind.” 

“Wow, a party? Good thing my moms bought me a new shirt before school started!” 

Wednesday purposely ignored the pleading look she was on the receiving end of. “No.” 

“What?” Enid was devastated. “Why?” 

“I have better things to do than waste my time at useless get-togethers.” 

“You don’t have to stay the whole time,” Enid tried to negotiate. “Just come for an hour.” 

“I won’t be going,” Wednesday said firmly. 

“But it might be fun, Wednesday,” Eugene said, clearly hoping he’d have someone else he knew there. 

Wednesday wouldn’t give in. She had no plans to waste time by attending social events. 

“Please?” Enid’s eyes were bigger now, her lower lip stuck out. 

“Ask me again and a select few of your stuffed animals will go missing.” 

Enid blanched and immediately shut up. 

“Well, what are you going to do instead?” Eugene asked her. “If you’re going, do you want me to come with you so you’re not alone?” 

“No,” Wednesday said. “I don’t need to be accompanied anywhere.” 

“Wednesday’s a bit independent if you can’t tell,” Enid said to Eugene with an eye roll, momentarily forgetting the reason why she hadn’t wanted to sit down here in the first place. ‘Well, maybe Thing wants to come. Do you think he might? I hate to think of him staying in our dorm all day.” 

“He won’t,” Wednesday said. “He’s content where he is.” 

“Is he?” Enid said doubtfully. “Or are you just saying that?” 

“You think I’m lying?” 

“I think Thing deserves to have some fun too,” Enid said, treading carefully. She did not want to put her stuffed animals in any danger but it was clear she felt strongly about this. Well, Wednesday wasn’t going to let Thing go off with her when he was needed. 

Eugene chimed in, likely to diffuse any tension, “So when is the party?” 

“Tonight,” Enid told him with some reluctance. He must not have noticed, a grin of excitement growing on his face. “But you can’t tell anyone . It’s supposed to be a secret.” 

If that was the case, then Enid should not have been told. 

Eugene nodded seriously. “Don’t worry. I won’t.” 

The gears started to turn in Wednesday’s head, an idea forming. A change of plans might be in order. Originally, she and Thing were going to head out to the Gates Mansion to investigate and take back any pieces of evidence with them. If Laurel was already using Tyler as she suspected, then there should have been jars of the body parts taken from the victims. 

However , if all of the Nightshades happened to be in Xavier’s dormitory for the party, she could easily use that time to sneak into their library to take Fualkner’s diary sooner. If that were to happen, then she would have to ensure that the diary was well hidden. Laurel might not believe she was responsible for its disappearance but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t go into a frenzy looking for it. 

She wasn’t going to waste the opportunity this time and let it out of her hands again . 

She would need to find out, though, if all of them would be in attendance. It was pure luck that it was Eugene who asked Enid about who all would be there. That was less of a risk than if Wednesday herself had inquired of it. 

“I don’t know if you’ll know them,” Enid forewarned him. “Mostly Nightshade members.” 

“Even his ex?” Eugene asked, surprised. “What’s her name? Bianca.” 

Wednesday would like to know the answer to that too. 

“You know Bianca?” Enid wasn’t expecting this. 

He shrugged. “Everyone knows her. She’s pretty popular.” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes at this meaningless drivel. 

“That’s true! I just didn’t realize the younger uh-” Enid had mostly been going to say kids but didn’t want to offend him, “students knew about her. Anyway, yeah, she’s going too. I didn’t think she’d want to because it’s Xavier, you know? It sounds too awkward to me.” 

Enid continued to babble, with Wednesday tuning her out.

This was perfect. Barclay was an obstacle in the way, nothing too difficult that she couldn’t get past but it would be infinitely easier now that she was going to be preoccupied. 

She just needed to inform Thing about their change of plans for the evening. 

A shadow came over the table from behind. “Hello girls, Eugene,” came the voice of Laurel Gates. She easily feigned a friendly tone, glancing at each one of them with a smile, though if you asked Wednesday, Laurel’s gaze was on her just a few seconds longer. Eugene and Enid piped up with their own greeting, while Wednesday did not. “How is everything today?” 

Both Enid and Eugene gave polite responses. 

“Miss Addams,” Laurel was addressing Wednesday now. 

“What?” Wednesday said coldly. Enid was alarmed by her abrupt change in tone, especially to a teacher. 

Thornhill made no indication that she was bothered. “I wanted to come introduce myself to you personally. I meant to do this the night you arrived but I was simply too busy. I apologize for that.” 

I’m sure you were , Wednesday had nothing to say to her or her bold faced lies. 

Thornhill clasped her hands together. “Are you settling in okay? I know this must be a big change for you. I can’t even imagine. I hope Enid here has given you a big Nevermore welcome.” 

Wednesday wished she had a nice steak knife to carve into the much too wide smile Thornhille bore. It would surely look better. 

“I sure have, Ms. Thornhill,” Enid said when it became apparent that Wednesday was not going to say anything. She shot Wednesday a questioning look, which was ignored as well.  

“I hope you’re all excited for the Harvest Festival,” Thornhill said to them. “I myself am looking forward to it.” 

For what reason? Wednesday thought. 

“ Are you?” She directed her question at Thornhill, an undercurrent of hostility to her words. 

Eugene and Enid stared at her, confused. 

“Why, yes,” Thornhill’s mask, just like Tyler’s, did not crack. She had the audacity to insult Wednesday’s intelligence by pretending to be puzzled by the inquiry. 

Enid jumped to save Wednesday from potentially getting detention. “You’ll have to excuse, Wednesday,” she said quickly. “She’s a bit tired. It’s been a long day.” 

It was a lousy excuse. But Thornhill seemed to buy it, even for just appearance sake. She smiled again. “Of course. I of all people know how hard it is to acclimate to a new environment. I’ll leave you three alone so you can finish your lunch. Have a good rest of your day.” 

“Have a good day, Ms. Thornhill,” Enid and Eugene said simultaneously. 

Nightfall came. 

The academy settled down with most of the students returning to their dormitories, some in the library, others out on the courtyard this mild evening. The sun had already set, the burnt orange in the sky gone, the moon rising to its place. 

Once class had concluded, Enid raced back to their dorm to get a head start on her homework so she wouldn’t have to think about it during the party. The whole time she was distracted; thoughts of Ajax making her giddy, a wide smile blooming over her face. It was sickening. 

Off on her side of the room, Wednesday completed her botany homework, paying especially close attention to the poisonous plans mentioned in the textbook. If one of those just so happened to make its way into Laurel’s- ahem, Thornhill’s office, then that would be a tragic accident, would it not? 

It hardly took her much time at all to finish. Within minutes, her school materials were neatly placed back into the designated folder for that class then back into her backpack. Enid shot her a look of disbelief. 

“You’re done? Already?” 

“Yes,” Wednesday said. On her desk, Thing was using a nail file to trim down a broken piece that splintered when he got caught in the door. Enid had shut it on him by accident, bursting into tears, thinking that she’d severely hurt him. 

“You need to share your secrets,” Enid said with a longing sigh. 

Well, those secrets wouldn’t be anything Enid was expecting.

“Perhaps you just need to get better study habits,” Wednesday quipped. 

“Come on, what is it? Are you like some super genius? Yoko thinks so.” 

“You’ve been talking about me?” Wednesday said coolly. In truth, she didn’t care. She’d known when she first arrived the last time that people were whispering about her. It was fairly obvious when it stopped the second she was within hearing range. 

Enid paled, then backtracked, afraid she’d offended Wednesday. “Yoko was asking you and figured I’d know since we’re roomies and all.” 

“Hmm,” was all Wednesday said. 

Enid shut her textbook, the worksheet from class was evidently her bookmark. It was wrinkled on the edges and would become worse when it was stuffed into her backpack again. “I can’t think anymore,” she groaned. 

“It’s not yet been half an hour,” Wednesday pointed out. 

Enid jumped to her feet, beginning to roam through her closet for an outfit to wear. She disappeared inside, her voice carrying out. “It’s long enough! I’m too excited for Xavier’s party to focus.” 

“Is it the party or the company you’re anticipating?” Wednesday deadpanned. 

Perhaps she shouldn’t have asked. A stream of giggles left Enid’s mouth. 

“The answer is clear, then,” Wednesday was dealing with anticipation as well. Naturally, she had a better grasp on hers. 

Enid skipped out, holding an array of skirts and sweaters to choose from. All of them were pastel colors, though there was one bright pink skirt peeking out. “I’m hoping tonight will go really well and he’ll ask me out,” she admitted. 

“He asked you to attend this party with him.” 

“Yeah, but like, as a friend. I don’t want to be his friend! ” Enid whined. 

“I see no reason why you can’t ask him out if it is so important to you,” Wednesday retorted. 

“I guess but it’s way more romantic if he does it,” Enid held up a clothing combination, wanting Wednesday to help her choose something. She did it without even questioning her own absurdity! “What do you think?” 

“Enid, I’m not going to do this,” Wednesday rose to her feet to do something constructive. “I have better things to do with my time.” 

Enid slumped in disappointment. “Could you help me, Thing?” She asked the disembodied hand. “I really want to look good. I’ve already got my earrings picked out.” 

Thing scuttled over there, climbing up the bedpost to settle himself on one of her pillows. 

“Okay, which one says I like you but I’m not trying hard?” 

As soon as Enid went out the door, Wednesday waited a second or two more just in case she returned, claiming to have forgotten something. When she didn’t, she ordered Thing to move. From there, they kept an eye out for Weems or any other teacher that might be on the prowl. 

They made it to the statue with no hassle. The hallways were deserted. 

Thing rested comfortably on her shoulder, prepared to jump into action. She snapped her fingers, and the statue slid back. 

She was in. 

As predicted, the Nightshade’s library was empty. They were all gone to be in Xavier and Rowan’s dormitory.

Ah, yes. 

Rowan was still alive at this time. And a former Nightshade member at that. She would have to watch out for him, should he come down here as well or see her leave. 

There had been no attempt on her life in this timeline as of yet. Rowan was staying hidden in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. 

Would he try at the Harvest Festival like last time? She recalled that she’d bumped into him when she and... Tyler were trying to escape from Lucas Walker and his friends. 

“Go,” she told Thing. 

Behind the portrait of Ignatius Itt was the vault. Thing was able to remember the password and in under a minute, Faulkner’s diary was in her hands once again. 

The vault door shut with a soft click . Wednesday flipped to the page that contained the drawings of Hydes. It brought her back to that night when she’d seen him transform in the woods, the way his clothes had ripped apart, his fingernails had lengthened , his teeth had grown sharper. 

She snapped it shut again. 

“Ugh, I can’t believe I even bothered to go.” 

Wednesday grabbed Thing and together, they hid in the darkness under the staircase. 

Barclay’s heavy footsteps came down. She was frustrated and venting to someone. 

“I should have known better. He hardly said two words to me.” 

“You sound like you want to get back together.” It was Divina, her tone conveying her confusion. “Do you?” 

They stopped on the middle of the stairs. 

Barclay didn’t answer her right away. “I don’t know.” 

“You’ve got to stop pining after him, B.” 

“I’m not pining,” Barclay rebuffed. 

“You sound like it,” Divina said. “Xavier broke up with you . Let him live with it.” 

Barclay sighed. “I know.” 

“He’s the one dumb enough to believe that you were using your powers on him.” From the dim lighting, Wednesday could see the silhouette of Divina putting her hand on Barclay’s arm. “You deserve someone better.” 

“Maybe you’re right,” Barclay considered. “He’s obsessed with Wednesday Addams anyway. Did you hear him? He was disappointed she didn’t show up.” 

“Did he expect her to?” Divina snorted.  

“He thought Sinclair would be able to convince her.” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes. 

“Forget about him,” Divina told Barclay. “He’s an idiot. Why don’t we go back up to our room and have some wine my cousin mailed to me?” 

“You got your cousin to mail you some wine?” Barclay was already walking back up with her. 

“She owed me a favor.” When they left, the light was gone, plunging the library into darkness. 

After that, Wednesday went back to the dorm. She needed to find a temporary hiding place for the diary. But where could that be? The last time, Thornhill had raided the place to get it back. There was no safe spot here, so she might have to look elsewhere. 

For the moment, she tucked it away in her backpack, throwing it over her shoulder and telling Thing she was going out. 

Where ? He asked. 

She turned sideways, opening the large window. “To Tyler’s.” She had her reasons for going there. It was imperative in order for this weekend to be successful. “If Enid asks, do not tell her my exact whereabouts. Come up with a lie and make it believable.” 

Slipping out into the night, Wednesday trekked all the way to the Galpin house. The sheriff should still be out on petrol. As for Tyler, she didn’t know if he would be there or not. 

It should be fairly easy to ask him to accompany her to the Harvest Festive. It was not a date and she wouldn’t entertain the thought. However, through his act of trying to befriend her, he was trying to reel her in, in the hope that she would fall for his dejected persona over not having any other friends. It wouldn’t take much at all for him to agree to go. 

From the end of the street, she could see that a light was on in his house. It must have been his bedroom, she surmised. Once she was in the yard, she climbed up a tree that led to the window. That window was locked, but the curtains were pulled off to the side. She could see in the room, the soft light that came from a lamp, him sitting at his desk, typing on his computer. He was unaware of her presence, and that only lasted a few more seconds. 

He rose to his feet, glancing down at something on his phone. She waited there patiently, staring. 

And then, it happened. He noticed her. It startled him. He flinched so hard that his phone fell to the floor with a loud clatter. 

“Wednesday?” His shout was muffled by the glass. 

He stared at her, she stared back. He opened up the window, and out wafted some of the cologne he was wearing. 

“uh...Hi?” He said by way of greeting. 

“Move so I can get in,” she ordered. 

“Uh, sure. Come on in. Make yourself at home,” he said sarcastically, though some of that was ruined by his befuddlement. 

She slid through, eyes taking in everything to see. 

Tyler was still, scratching the back of his neck. “So, uh, not that it’s not great to see you but what are you doing here? And how did you know where I lived?” 

“I have my resources,” Wednesday replied. 

“Right...” He muttered. “Anyway, you really shouldn’t be here right now.” 

“Why?” Had she caught him at a bad time? Was he about to run an errand for his master? 

“I don’t know when my dad’s getting home and he’d lose his mind if he saw you here.” 

Wednesday raised a single brow. 

“Plus, I was gonna take a shower soooo,” he shrugged awkwardly. 

“That can wait,” she stated. 

Perplexed, Tyler said, “Why?” 

“Because we need to talk. Sit down, Tyler.” 

Chapter Text

Wednesday’s unexpected arrival threw him for a loop. 

It was just his luck that Laurel sent a text over to him just seconds prior to him realizing the girl was there, standing outside his window with a deadpan expression. 

If his brain hadn’t been so scattered, he would have caught onto the unique smell that accompanied her, or heard her soft footsteps even through the glass. 

And now here she was, intending on having a talk with him. 

Hyde was incensed at being ordered by anyone other than Master. Tyler mentally counted to ten to calm him so he wouldn’t run the risk of transforming in his bedroom. 

“I knew it,” Hyde was snarling, sending painful wavelengths that Tyler barely held back a flinch from. “I knew I heard someone.” 

Indeed he had; it was brushed off by Tyler, who’d thought of it as nothing more than his other half’s paranoia. 

“Talk about what?” Tyler said warily. He resisted the urge to look at the clock on his phone- the seconds were counting down. Laurel didn’t like to be kept waiting. There were consequences, she’d told him at the beginning, and thus far, he’d been able to avoid them. 

Wednesday’s eyes roved around his room, face unreadable. “They say you can know a lot about a person based on their bedroom,” she said, not yet looking at him. 

A crease formed in the middle of his forehead. “Uh, okay?” 

“For instance,” she continued as if he’d never spoken, “yours suggests you have no significant relationship with your father. Your bedroom is your primary eating space, given the empty bottles, chip bags and macaroni and cheese containers.” 

His face flushed with red. He was quick to explain it, despite the background noise of Hyde. “She’s the enemy, you useless sack of hormones!” 

“It..it was just once. I don’t do it a lot.” 

Why was he trying to tell her this anyway? He had no reason to feel embarrassed about his living situation, although he was surprised at how accurate her assignment was. 

She hummed, taking a couple steps forward. Tyler was at a loss as to what to do. Dumbly, he took one step backwards to get out of her way. 

“Your reaction says otherwise.” 

“I wasn’t-it wasn’t a reaction,” he protected, voice coming out a bit too loud. 

Wednesday took a seat on the edge of his bed, her ankles crossed. “Sit down, Tyler.” 

“Don’t let her order you around! She’s not Master. Only Master orders us!” 

Tyler sat back down on his computer chair. His head became full, full of choose and incoherent babble. 

“I’m gonna rip her. I’m gonna rip her to shreds!” 

“This is rather unorthodox of me,” she started primly. Tyler had no clue where she was going with this. 

“Okay...” 

“As I’ve learned, Nevermore requires us to attend certain events. I’m convinced it’s for their own sadistic pleasure. If you’re not doing anything Friday evening, I wanted to know if you’d attend the Harvest Festival with me?” 

Her voice had gone a bit quieter near the end of her question, not out of shyness, but as if she were battling reluctance that almost kept her from saying it out loud. 

It was the last thing he thought she would say to him. She just didn’t seem like that kind of girl...

“This is good,” Hyde purred in his ear. “We can keep an eye on her. Master will love that.” 

“You really want me to go with you?” Tyler said when he recovered from his surprise. 

“It’s self preservation,” she said quickly. “The headmistress of Nevermore expects me to fully immerse myself in her school and this decrepit town. Not to mention, she’s still anticipating for me to escape. With you being the sheriff’s son, you’re a model citizen in her eyes. It will reflect well on me. This is purely from a transactional standpoint. You give me what I want, and you will have a...friend for the evening. I believe it’s more than fair.” 

“You must accept. Master will be proud. You want to please, Master, don’t you?” 

Tyler was taken out of his-and Hyde’s-thoughts when his phone buzzed. It was still on the floor, vibrating down there with a couple of texts coming through. 

Laurel wasn’t happy. 

He glanced down there, lifting his head back up to see Wednesday staring, waiting for either an acceptance or a rejection. 

“Sure,” he said. “I’d love to go with you, Wednesday.” 

“Good. Meet me by the parking lot at six forty-five.” 

“It’s a date,” he said without thinking. He could have sworn that for a split second, anger flashed over her face and then vanished just as fast. 

“No,” she said automatically. “It’s not a date.” 

It was said harshly, puzzling him. 

“Okay,” he said slowly. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just a saying.” 

Silence descended over them. 

“Is that all you wanted to talk about?” Tyler tried to probe her. It felt like there was more, unless he was imagining it. 

“Why are you trying to keep her here? You’re late as it is. You know not to keep her waiting.” 

“Yes,” Wednesday was back at the window now, one already out. “Do not forget our designated time.” 

“I won’t,” Tyler promised just as another text message came through. 

Wednesday’s gaze fell on the phone. “You might want to get that. Someone is getting impatient.” 

Tyler’s mouth was too dry to respond to that. 

He hated going to the cave. 

Unfortunately, it was their go-to meeting spot. Laurel did this to ensure they had privacy. While he understood her reasoning, it didn’t do anything to lessen the uneasiness that spiked whenever he was here. 

After Wednesday left, he went into a frenzy gathering his phone and his keys, jumping into his car to take off into the night. He’d sent her a short message, apologizing, promising that he’d explain when he got there. 

He was approaching the cave now, a swirl of anxiety fluttering in his stomach. Tyler felt like a piece of crap doing this to her-making her wait, unintentionally angering her. She was going to give him everything she said she would regarding his mom. He just had to do what she wanted first, even if this plan of hers was a little unclear. She didn’t elaborate on the whole thing just yet. 

The cave was dark except for one dimly lit candle. 

Not much was kept in here to avoid suspicion should anyone find this place. With his added strength, Tyler rolled the rock back over to seal it up. 

“It’s about time, Tyler.” 

“You’ve done it. You’ve upset her!” 

He winced, turning around. “I’m sorry,” he said meekly. “I didn’t mean to. I saw your text and-” 

“Enough,” she snapped. A chill fell over him, mouth shutting immediately. Laurel took a deep breath to calm herself down. “I’m going to assume you have a reason for ignoring me.” 

He nodded vigorously. “I wasn’t trying to. Wednesday Addams came to my house-” 

He wasn’t able to finish. Laurel’s eyes tinged with interest. “She came to your home?” 

“Yes. I don’t know how she knew where it was. I didn’t give her my address.”

“How interesting,” Laurel murmured. “And then what happened?” 

“She asked me to go to the Harvest Festival with her,” he answered. “She thinks I'll be able to stop her headmistress from nagging her or whatever.” 

It almost felt wrong to be telling her for some reason. But Tyler shook it off. 

Laurel’s face relaxed, she was not as angry as she had been. If anything, her eyes shone with slight amusement. “As much as I hate to acknowledge it, the girl is clever enough to use you. Larissa has spoken to me a few times regarding Wednesday’s adjustment to Nevermore. She's certain the girl will try to escape during the festivities.” 

“Does this mean I should go with her?” Tyler said, a bit confused on what he should do. “I mean, I already told her I would but I can cancel if you want me to.” 

He shivered when Laurel's hand stroked along his jawline. She was always doing that, finding ways to touch him. 

That soft touch, though, turned a little rougher when she gripped his chin, forcing him to look at her. 

“Tyler, honey. You know you're not supposed to make decisions without asking Mama first. Isn't that the rule?” 

“I'm sorry,” he stammered out. “I panicked. I didn't know what-” 

Laurel shushed him, now placing her hand on his cheek. “It's okay. Mama forgives you. This will work out quite nicely for us. You remember what your mission is, don't you?” 

“Yes,” he nodded. 

“Yes, what, Tyler?” 

He was uncomfortable saying it, in spite of having done it before. His toes scrunched in his shoes, hesitancy taking over. “Yes....Mama.” 

She didn't permit him to know everything, but the gist of it was clear: get to know Wednesday Addams. Befriend her, gain her trust. 

The night they met, Tyler didn't know it was her . Not until the next day, hours after Wednesday and her roommate came into the Weathervane, did Laurel tell him to watch out for her. 

It was almost a shame. That night, it'd just felt incredibly easy to talk to her. She wasn't bad looking either. 

But there wasn't any use dwelling on it. 

Laurel smiled brightly. “You're doing so well, honey. I'm very proud of you.” 

Her words made a warmth spread through his chest. It wasn't often he was given praise. Whenever it did come his way, he soaked it up with much pride. 

“Thank you,” he said bashfully. “Was there, uh, anything else you needed?” 

“Ah, yes!” She exclaimed, her hands clasping together. “In fact, there is. You see, there's been a few hikers around the area and one in particular has gotten a little too close.” Her face was grim, reflecting her dismay. “I need you to take care of it for me. Can you do that?” 

Hyde was eager to serve his master, his enthusiasm echoing in Tyler's ears. 

“Yes,” he agreed. “I'll take care of it.” 

“Excellent.” 

She'd turned on her heel, walking towards the candle when Tyler's voice stopped her. 

“When I'm done, can you show me some of my Mom's stuff?” 

He was hopeful, holding his breath in anticipation. 

“Tyler....” Laurel was facing him again, trying to keep her annoyance in check. He recognized that smile; it was fixed, tight. “I told you I would show you once you did everything I've asked of you.” 

“I know,” Tyler said, not maintaining eye contact. Hyde was roaring at him to stop, to not keep questioning Master but he couldn't help it. “But I was just hoping you could show me something...” 

The heels on her boots clicked as she strode over to him. “Why are you asking?” 

The intensity of her eyes made him swallow. “I just want to make sure I see it.” 

The temperature in the cave seemed to plummet. 

“What does that mean?” Laurel said rhetorically. “Are you insinuating I won't keep up my end of the bargain?” 

“No!” Tyler said hurriedly. “That's not what I meant. I didn't mean it like that-” 

“In what way did you mean it?” Laurel interrupted. “It sounds to me that you don't trust me.” 

Tyler didn't know how to redeem himself. He could only shake his head. 

“Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?” 

He didn't answer her fast enough. Laurel yanked on a patch of his hair, making his eyes water. 

“Answer the question, Tyler.” 

Her voice was hard, angry. 

“No,” he whispered. 

She let go, but he couldn’t feel too much relief. There was nothing from the bond to clue him in on how she was feeling, nothing that he could sense. 

That made him antsy. 

It might be on purpose, keeping him on edge. Laurel was precise in everything that she did, this was no exception. 

The air around them was hot, stifling, like there wasn’t enough of it. The candle flickering, sending a shadow over her face, illuminating the brown hue of her eyes. 

“And yet this is how you repay me,” she said in disapproval. 

His mouth opened, despite having nothing useful to provide on his own behalf. 

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to punish you, Tyler,” she said in the face of his stunned look. 

“Wha-what?” 

“Rules are rules,” she said, a small smile appearing. “I told you there are consequences. Didn’t I tell you that?” 

Dread was pooling in his stomach. He was well aware of what her punishments entailed. 

“I’m sorry,” he knew it was no good, but he’d try anyway. “I shouldn’t have said that-” 

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Laurel agreed. “But it’s too late now. Take off your shirt.” 

“No, wait! Please-” 

“If you don’t cooperate, you’re going to make it worse,” Laurel said calmly. “We both know that’s not what you want to do.” 

No, it wasn’t. Tyler learned that from previous experience. 

“Hand over your belt, too.” 

He hated this part and wished he could refuse. As a child, he’d been spanked by his dad but even he never drew out his belt to use on Tyler. 

Sliding it out of the loops, his legs somehow still keeping him upright in spite of how loose they’d become, he handed the belt over to her. She took it, pleased. 

Inhaling and exhaling shakily, Tyler pulled off his outermost jacket first, then moved on to the other layers until his upper half was completely bare. 

She placed one hand on his back, guiding him over to where the chains were. 

Facing the wall, his wrists were locked in the cuffs, the soft click sealing his fate. 

“Don’t worry, my darling. It will be all over soon.” 

Tyler squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself. 

The first thwack hit the middle of his back, nearly making his knees buckle under him. He tried not to make much noise, a strangled sound catching in his throat. 

Out of his peripheral vision, he could see her shadow, her arm rising, rearing back to strike him again. 

It happened again and again , his own belt used against him. Pain, pain so unimaginable it was almost numbing. Pain that seared through him like trails of fire. It was dizzying, his world spinning, clouded with black spots. 

Screams of agony ripped from his throat, echoing.  

 Tyler pushed himself as much as he could against the cave wall, anything to inch himself out of the way. His arms strained against his confinements, nothing could break him free. 

“ Please! Please stop! I’m sorry!” 

He didn’t see it, the ghost of a smile on Laurel. A smile of sickening delight. 

He didn’t know how much she was enjoying this, breaking him down until he was a pathetic mess. 

“Hmm, I don’t think I believe you. I think you need a reminder of why you shouldn’t question your mama.” 

Just as he was on the verge of passing out, Laurel had mercy on him. 

After everything he endured, Tyler was barely able to hold himself up. At last, his knees collapsed, and he hung there, arms held up by his shackles. 

No longer making any more noise, he simply stayed there , his stare dazed. 

He’d lost count of how many blows landed themselves across his bare body, or when Hyde had gone silent, as if retreating to the very back of Tyler’s mind for his own sanity. 

Footsteps crept up behind him, and then he was freed, slumping down to the ground as if he were a puppet whose strings had been cut. 

Laurel bent down, bringing him up into a sitting position. A whimper left him when she brushed up against the welts that littered his back. 

“I know,” she said, voice soft and sweet. “I know. Mama hates to do this. But it had to be done.” 

Using her thumb, she wiped away the tears under his eyes. 

“Take a washcloth to your face, sweet boy. It’s all red.” 

Tyler managed to nod. 

Laurel smiled sympathetically. “Why don’t you sleep here before you leave? I’ve got something for you to lay on.” 

Sleep sounded so nice right now. His eyes were fluttering anyway. But- oh , he shouldn’t. It was late when he arrived, who knows what time it was now. His dad would be getting home, and he’d be none too happy about Tyler’s car missing from the driveway.

He shook his pounding head, grimacing at how strenuous that turned out to be. 

“No? Why not?” Her fingernails raked through his sweaty hair, scratching at his scalp. She often did this- she liked his hair, so he’d been told. It made him uncomfortable on some level, which offended Hyde, who felt like Tyler should have been honored to have their master touch him. 

This time, he didn’t have the energy to feel much of anything.  

“Need to get home,” he mumbled. The fluttering was happening slower and slower, he struggled to keep his eyes open. It was a battle he wasn’t so sure he’d win. 

“Darling, you’re exhausted,” her breath was near his ear, a slight shiver going down his spine. “Stay here, just for a little while. I’ll wake you before morning.” 

She rose to her feet, retrieving a rolled up blanket for him to lay his head on. Tyler was gently guided down onto the floor of the cave, her hand caressing the side of his face. Her smile was softer this time, the one she’d give him during those times she’d called him her special boy . 

Tyler was asleep before he could feel the touch of her lips on his cheek. 

Just as she said she would, Laurel woke up hours after he’d fallen asleep. It felt like he’d hardly slept at all, and he still had to drive back. 

It was nearing two in the morning, Tyler knew he’d be in for it once he made it home. His dad would already be there waiting up for him. There’d be no sneaking in, not when his father would be sitting at the kitchen table, facing the door. 

Tyler’s phone was almost dead, although at fifteen percent, it held enough power to show him the four missed calls from his dad. 

In his car, he had to sit forward to avoid his back resting against the seat. Pulling on his shirt had been an ordeal of itself, Laurel had instructed him to put some ointment on those sores and they’d heal right up. 

It was kind of messed up, but he tried not to mull over it too much during the drive. The radio was off, leaving him to his thoughts. He gripped the steering wheel, breathing in and out while preparing himself for the explosion to come. 

Once he turned the corner, his house coming into view, his heart sank upon seeing his father’s trunk in the driveway. He’d hoped this wouldn’t be the case, even while knowing that wasn’t likely to be true. 

It was useless to try, but he’d do it anyway, holding his breath as he shut the door. He walked slowly into his house, partly out of cautiousness, partly because every step was excruciating. 

He opened the front door, mild surprise coming over him to find that it was dark inside. Maybe he’d get up to his room without a fight escalating. 

One flick of the switch on the wall and on came the lights. 

He should have known better. There, by the end of the stairs, was his father. He’d changed out of his uniform, dressed in a t-shirt and night pants. 

Face lined with agitation, arms folded across his chest. That was his signature way of showing off how done he was with the entire situation. 

Tyler started on damage control. 

“Dad, listen-” 

“ Listen? You think after waiting for you for four hours I’m gonna listen to whatever bull crap that’s gonna come out of your mouth?” 

“Would you just listen for a second-” 

“You better start explaining yourself now -” 

“I was just out and lost track of time-” 

His dad wasn’t letting him finish anything. He effectively cut Tyler off every time. 

“You lost track of time? And who were you hanging out with? If it’s those boys again-” 

“ No! No, it wasn’t them!” 

“Then who was it? Can’t imagine their parents are happy about them strolling in at two in the morning,” Donovan was right up in his space now, poking Tyler hard in the chest with a pointed finger. 

Hyde seethed at the blatant disrespect, itching to teach him a lesson. 

And as for Tyler, he couldn’t deal with any of this right now. His body was throbbing , he was so tired he could have slept anywhere, and now his dad was yelling at him loud enough to wake the neighbors. 

He just needed a freakin break. 

“Can we just skip this? Just tell me how long I’m grounded so I can go to bed,” Tyler snapped. 

“Oh, now you wanna go to bed? You weren’t too worried about that when you were ignoring my phone calls!” 

“I told you I lost track of time! God! ” 

“Don’t take that tone with me, Tyler!” His shout had spooked Elvis-wherever he was, who’d whined at the noise. 

“Then stop yelling at me!” Tyler shouted back at him. 

“I’ll stop yelling when you tell me where you were and who you were with,” Donovan exhaled, eyes smoldering. “You think I didn't notice you disabled the tracking on your phone?” 

Tyler knew he would. He just thought it would be much sooner. Laurel told him they couldn’t risk anyone finding out about what they were doing or the fact that they were meeting up in the first place- especially not the sheriff of the town. She’d shown him how to disable the app so he wouldn’t have to worry about his dad intruding on them. 

“So what if I did?” Tyler was feeling ballsy all of the sudden. He didn’t know where that came from. Hyde, maybe? “Maybe you should trust me instead of following my every move.” 

“ Trust you? You come waltzing in at two in the morning, not telling me anything and you want me to trust you?” 

“You could try!”
“You’re out of your mind,” Donovan was ranting. “If you think for one second, I’m gonna trust you, you’re-” 

“Maybe if you tried as hard as you do with your deputies, then this wouldn’t be a problem!” 

The truth came rolling out, the force of it hitting his father square in the face. His expression didn’t change much other than a slight flicker, a barely noticeable twitch. Tyler never meant for it to come out this way, or ever, really. 

It was too late to pretend it didn’t happen. He’d have to face it now and whatever came out of his father in response. 

Or lack thereof. 

Neither one of them moved, neither one of them made a sound. Tyler wasn’t used to this, the silence. Both he and dad had this instinctual need to fight, hence the long, drawn-out arguments that routinely occurred around here. 

Donovan took one last long look at him, suddenly looking heavy with all the emotions he was concealing. Tyler stood completely still, not knowing what was coming next. 

He watched his dad walk over to the switch, pulling it down again, plunging the room into darkness once more. 

“Go to bed. Or don’t. I don’t care what the hell you do.” 

He called for Elvis to join him, the dog eagerly climbed the stairs and then came the sound of his bedroom door shutting. 

All while Tyler remained in that same spot.

It hurt too much to lay on his back. Even laying on his side like he’d done back in the cave was too much pressure on the wounds near his shoulder. 

He’d never been a stomach sleeper, but it looked like he’d have to deal with it for the time being. 

The exhaustion he’d felt earlier seemed to dissipate after what happened downstairs. Tyler couldn’t get back to sleep, it frustrated him. 

The words exchanged between them kept replaying in his mind. Some part of Tyler wondered if he’d hurt his dad by saying what he’d said. 

Another part of him didn’t care. His father hadn’t seemed to care about Tyler when he was leaving him home to go to work at the station or missing all the quality time the two of them could have spent together over the years. 

Why should he care if his words had cut Donovan Galpin to some degree? He should be regretful. 

Tyler reached over to pull on the chain for his lamp, sitting up in his bed, his legs tucked under him. 

For a moment, sitting there was all he did. Then, he untucked his legs, leaning over to pull out a photograph that he’d hidden under his bed so his dad wouldn’t find it and demand him to get rid of it. 

It was a picture of his mom. 

Taken back years ago when Tyler was just a couple years old. His dad must have taken the picture since he wasn’t in it. It was just Tyler and his mom outside on a nice autumn day. He was held in her lap, looking up at her with a wide toothy grin. 

His mom was smiling down at him, one finger on his nose. Tyler swallowed thickly, tracing her face. 

He missed her so much. 

She died when he was so young, too young to know her properly. He never got to fully appreciate her or celebrate various milestones in his life with her cheering him on. 

At one point, when he and Lucas Walker were the best of friends, he’d felt enormously jealous of how doting his mother was. She packed Lucas’ lunch, leaving loving little notes in there for him to find even when he expressed his embarrassment about it; she came to his baseball games, held him the few times he’d cried during childhood. She did everything Tyler would have wanted from his own mother had she still been alive. 

A tear slipped down his cheek and onto the picture frame. 

I wish you were here, Mom . 

I miss you. 

He missed everything that could have been. He missed the memories they could have made. Did Dad even miss her? It didn’t feel like it half the time, not when he’d practically rid the house of any trace of her. 

Tyler wasn’t even permitted to talk about her or ask any questions. The few times he did when he was a kid ended up with him angry and in tears while his dad stomped away. 

Why did Dad try to keep things such a secret? What was he trying to hide? 

The photograph was put back under his bed, the light turned out and he was back on his stomach. He needed to get some sleep, or try to so he wouldn’t be completely dead on his feet tomorrow. 

Chapter Text

The Harvest Festival was all anyone could talk about on Friday afternoon. 

Some students did genuinely enjoy it, be that the rides, the food or the chance to socialize with their friends, even if their attendance was deemed mandatory. Others, like herself, did not share those sentiments. 

Enid was chirping about it ever since she met up with Wednesday to go to Botany. Evidently, Xavier’s party had gone quite well. She’d come back to their dormitory sighing repetitively, her eyes glazed over in a ridiculous manner. She’d fallen back onto her bed, hands clasped together. 

For some reason, Wednesday indulged her, asking how her evening went in the most monotone voice she could muster. 

Enid sat up at once, squealing. “It was amazing!” 

“I’m sure it was,” Wednesday was rearranging her sheets, smoothing them out to neat them. Enid paid no mind to her tone. She was still coming off the rush from her night out. 

“It was kinda awkward at first, ‘cause like, we didn’t know what to say to each other. But then we started talking about hockey and the Poe Cup and that helped!” 

“That’s certainly fortunate,” Wednesday replied, not yet looking over at her. “I can only imagine the disaster that would have ensured had you not.” 

Enid was still oblivious, which suited her just fine. Her grin, if possible, had widened even further. “We talked almost the whole time!” 

“Does this mean you’ve agreed to accompany each other to the Harvest Festival?” 

The silence that followed forced Wednesday to shift her eyes over to the other side of the room. “Not exactly,” Enid responded, slightly less upbeat. 

“Meaning what?” 

“He didn’t ask me,” she pouted. “I thought he was totes gonna but he didn’t. He was like, close I think, but then Xavier said we had to get out of there because one of the teachers was coming around to check rooms.” 

Wednesday bit back a sigh at Ajax’s incompetence. How difficult was it to ask a simple question? 

“That’s okay, though,” Enid said with semi forced cheerfulness. “We can go together and get to know each other better.” 

That was certainly not in the plan. Wednesday had to think fast. 

“That’s not going to work,” she said, ignoring the way Enid’s face fell. “I’ve already asked someone to accompany me.” 

Enid’s disappointment didn’t last long. She gasped. “Who did you ask? Oh em gee, do I know them?” 

“I’ll save your last two brain cells from short circuiting: it’s Tyler.”

It was clearly a mistake to mention his name. Enid managed to produce a sound that was incredibly high pitched, clapping her hands. 

“Eeek!” 

Wednesday shot her a flat look, unamused by the reaction. 

“Is it like a date?” Enid said excitedly. 

“No,” Wednesday said sharply. The word still brought forth memories she’d rather keep buried. “It’s nothing like that.” 

But Enid did not know that, of course. Not in this timeline. She said, voice teasing, “Are you suuure?” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes at the juvenile behavior. “I’m certain. Now drop it.” 

“Oh, come on,” Enid went to grab her by the forearms but Wednesday was quicker, shooting her a look with narrowed eyes as a warning to stop immediately. “You’re totes crushing on him.” 

“I’m doing nothing of the sort.” 

“It’s obvious,” Enid continued, as she clearly did not value her life. 

“You’re ridiculous,” Wednesday said harshly. “I have no affection for Tyler, nor will I ever and you’d do well not to bring it up again.” 

“But-” 

“ Drop it ,” the words came out as a hiss through her grit teeth. In the midst of her raw, white- hot anger, there was pain. Pain that was accompanied by the flash of soft blue eyes. Unimaginable pain that made the air suffocating all of a sudden. “I don’t want to hear another word of this.” 

She stalked off to the bathroom, slamming the door so loud that the walls rattled. 

To preserve her plan, Wednesday had to corner Ajax. It wouldn’t bode well for her if Enid, lonely and seeking companionship to soothe her woes, sought after her during the festival. 

She waited until he was alone on his way back to his dormitory, going in right behind him and shutting the door. He flinched, whirling around to find the culprit. 

Wednesday raised a brow at his gobsmacked expression. “Is there anything you’d like to say?” 

“Uh...” He said dumbly. “What are you doing in my dorm?” 

“We need to talk,” she stated. “Sit.” 

“You know, you’re not really supposed to be here-” 

“I don’t care,” she interrupted him. “ Sit or I’ll force you to comply myself.” 

Ajax clamped his mouth shut, obeying. If only everyone could be this easy. 

“I’m not going to waste time,” Wednesday began. “I’m aware that you hold affection for Enid Sinclair and the feeling is mutual. I’m also aware that you two attended a party hosted by Xavier.”

“Uh...yeah,” he said slowly. 

“Whether you’re aware of this or not, Enid is keen on attending the Harvest Festival with you. She was disappointed when you didn’t ask her the night of the party,” Wednesday said.

Ajax was stunned. “Really? She- she wants to go with me?” 

“Are you truly so obtuse that you couldn’t tell?” She said with an eye roll. Enid was hardly hiding her affection for him. “Never mind that,” her tone became a bit sharper when he opened his mouth. She was in no mood to hear anymore stupidity that might come from it. “You’re going to ask her to the festival and it will be today. Is that understood?” 

“Uh....” Ajax scratched the back of his head. “Sure, I guess.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she warned him. “Should you not do as I say, there will be consequences. Do you understand?” 

He paled a little, eyes widening. “What kinda consequences?”

Leaning in so that their faces were mere inches apart from one another, Wednesday said coldly, “You need not worry about that right now. Just be aware that they are far more horrifying than you could ever imagine.”

With that, Wednesday turned on her heel and went on her way. 

Ajax had heeded her threat. At lunch, he strayed away from his usual table with Xavier, heading straight towards the one Wednesday was seated at with Enid and Eugene. As soon as she noticed it out of the corner of her eye, a flush came over Enid’s cheeks. 

“Hi, Ajax!” She squeaked. Wednesday, her face emotionless as ever, chewed on a piece of pear while Eugene was clearly fighting to keep the jealousy at bay. 

“Uh, hey,” he said, his eyes darting over to Wednesday out of nervousness. Although, perhaps it could also be attributed to the fact that he was going to have to muster up the courage to ask her out. “Do you mind if I sit here with you guys?”

“Yes,” Wednesday cut in. Eugene nodded vigorously in agreement. 

Enid shot her a look, immediately turning back to Ajax with a much too wide smile. “No!” She said loudly, attracting the attention of a couple nearby classmates. Realizing that, Enid bore a look of embarrassment and adjusted her volume. “No. You can sit.”

“Cool,” Ajax said, taking a spot beside her. Across the quad, Wednesday could plainly see Xavier’s head sticking out to the side, watching them. 

She ignored Ajax’s greeting to her. Eugene was less than thrilled with the arrangement, sulking and pushing around his mashed potatoes. She sent a rather pointed expression Ajax’s way, which he understood. 

“Hey, Enid,” he started. Her head whipped up- she’d been looking down at her tray. “I was wondering if you, uh...”

By now, she was hopeful. Waiting in anticipation. 

Wednesday, however, was feeling rather impatient. There was no need to draw this out any longer than necessary. 

“Yes?” Enid said when he didn’t finish. 

“Do you have a date for the Harvest Festival?” Ajax blurted out. 

If Enid was going to emit an ear piercing screech, Wednesday would have to do something about that. 

Nothing of the sort happened, though. Enid was struck speechless. It was unfortunate it didn’t last very long. “With you?” 

Eugene was just as stunned, dropping his fork on the table. 

The corners of Ajax’s mouth turned into a little, shy smile. “Yeah. You wanna go together?”

Even worse, for Eugene that is, Enid was ecstatic . She broke out into the widest smile Wednesday had ever seen from her, barely managing to suppress her excitement. “Yeah! I’d love to!”

“Really?” Ajax said as if he couldn’t truly believe it. 

Wednesday was nonplussed by the whole thing. Looking beside her, she noted that Eugene was devastated. It was inevitable, she reasoned. There’d never been anything to suggest that his feelings were requited, despite his tendency to overanalyze the simplests of interactions in the hope that he’d discover otherwise. 

“Guess I’m going alone,” he said glumly while Ajax and Enid began working out the details of their evening. 

“She was never going to go with you in the first place,” Wednesday said bluntly. “I can’t understand why you hoped otherwise.”

“I thought we had a chance,” Eugene said. 

“You thought wrong.”

He chewed on his lower lip. “Well, maybe we can go together? You don’t have a date, do you?”

Those blasted words pulled Enid away from her conversation with Ajax. “She totally has a date!” She said joyously.

“It is not a date-”

“His name’s Tyler,” Enid said as if she hadn’t spoken, “the barista from the Weathervane.”

“Oh,” Eugene was slightly disappointed. “I’ve been there before. He seems nice.”

“He’s totes crushing on Wednesday,” Enid said with a grin. “And she totes likes him back!”

“Enid, I have dismembered people for less. It would do well for you to cease speaking immediately.”

During this moment, Ajax’s smile slipped off and he was peering at her in a calculated way. “Tyler?” He repeated. 

She knew why, of course, given the altercation between Tyler and Xavier. “Yes, what of it?”

“Well,” Ajax said carefully, “it’s just that-”

He cut himself, going quiet, obviously thinking of how to put this. 

“What?” Wednesday prompted him. 

“What’s wrong?” Enid asked, her brow furrowing. 

“It’s just...Tyler and Xavier kind of have... history ,” Ajax hinted, keeping his voice down despite it being unnecessary. There were enough conversations flowing that Xavier wouldn’t possibly hear him. “Him and his normie friends attacked Xavier and destroyed one of his murals.”

Enid gasped. “But...but Tyler seems so nice!”
Wednesday tamped down on a derisive scoff. If only she knew. 

“Yeah,” Eugene added, “I’ve bought coffee and he’s always been really friendly.”

Ajax shrugged. “He probably has to so he doesn’t get fired. Xavier tried to get his dad to make it happen.”

“But?” Wednesday promoted. 

“It was kinda a lost cause. He’s got his own dad backing him and the mayor.”

“The mayor?” Eugene said cluelessly.

“One of his friends, Lucas Walker, I believe, is his son,” Wednesday elaborated. 

“How do you know that?” Enid said, her lips turned downward into a small frown. 

“I’m not obtuse, Enid.” She came up with a quick lie. “It’s clear given the context. What other reason would the mayor interject himself in such trivial affairs?”

“I guess,” Enid considered her words. “Maybe you shouldn’t go with Tyler, after all. You can hang with us or I can take a raincheck and-” 

“Save your breath,” Wednesday put a stop to it now. “I’m going regardless of what you think I should do.”

“What?” Enid blinked and tried to convince her otherwise. “But that doesn’t sound like such a good idea. What if he tries something with you?”

“I’d like to see him try,” she said darkly as the memories of him transforming before her and the other of him cradling her face delicately was enough to instantaneously make her appetite vanish. She rose to her feet, gathering her belongings and picking up her tray. 

“Where are you going?” Enid said. 

“Elsewhere,” Wednesday said plainly. “I have things to do.”

She left Eugene sitting there at the table, making her way across the quad. Unfortunately, Xavier noticed she was leaving, and he hurried after her. 

“Hey,” he said, falling into step beside her. 

“What do you want, Xavier?”

“Just thought we could talk,” he said, following her as they dropped their trays off at the designated spot. 

“Why?” She said, to the point. 

“We haven’t really had the chance to.”

“That was on purpose,” Wednesday said blandly, her displeasure evident when he grinned, laughing lightly. 

“You know, the Harvest Festival is this weekend,” he started, and she was unable to suppress the urge to roll her eyes at how hopeful he was. 

“What of it?”

He gave a one armed shrug. “I don’t have anyone to go with and since this is your first one-” 

“No.”

There’d been a small smile that slowly faded. “What?”

“I’m not going with you to the festival.”

“W-what? Why?” Xavier was terribly confused. “You have to go, you know. You can’t skip.”

“I didn’t say I was skipping,” Wednesday said. “I’m simply not attending with you .”

For a moment, too brief if you asked her, Xavier stopped walking as if too dazed to continue. But then he caught up with her again. “Who are you going with?”

“I don’t believe it’s any of your business,” she eyed him with distaste.

This momentarily stopped Xavier in his tracks. “Well,” he said lamely, “I guess not but I’m just surprised....I didn’t think you’d take anyone else.”
“Anyone that isn’t you,” she corrected. He was abashed and did not contradict her. “Nevertheless, I am, and you’d do well to keep your opinions to yourself. They’re not wanted or necessary.”

He faltered, his mouth opening and closing several times. “Can I ask who you’re going with, at least?”

She was not impressed by his persistence. “I’ve already told you it’s none of your business.”

“But-”

“But nothing,” she interrupted. “I don’t have to divulge any personal information to you. If you cannot remember that, I have other means of ensuring you will.”

If only he were as easily intimidated as Ajax had been. Xavier clearly believed himself to be above common sense, thinking that either she was not capable of inflicting harm or wouldn’t due to the nature of this nonexistent friendship between them. Either way, Wednesday was immensely vexed. 

Visibly crushed, though personally she would’ve liked to see him quite literally be this way by a boulder, Xavier seemed to accept her word for once. But he still wasn’t happy about it. “Are you excited?” 

“For what, exactly? An evening forced upon me in the hope I’ll succumb to adolescence urges and socialize?”

“It’s not that bad.” He was still following her as she made her way back to Ophelia Hall. “It’s pretty fun. There’s a bunch of rides and stuff. You can even win a cool prize.”

“When you put it that way, I suppose I can’t refuse,” she deadpanned. Whatever he’d been going to say in response didn't matter; she entered the hall, making sure the door slammed shut in his face. 

The night of the festival came. Prior to leaving, Wednesday was in her dormitory, once again contemplating on how to get rid of Enid Sinclair without drawing attention to herself.

Her roommate had worked herself into a frenzy over the endless options for an outfit choice, how she should apply her makeup and what jewelry would complete her look the best. It’d started as the sun went down, and at the time, Wednesday had done her best to ignore her, her mind preoccupied with how this evening could go. 

However, her patience greatly waned the longer she was forced to endure Enid’s nervousness.  

Are you bringing the diary with you? Thing asked, mindful to wait until Enid disappeared back into her closet to ask. 

“Well, I’m not going to leave it here,” Wednesday said, voice hushed. Laurel would likely be at the festival, but she wouldn’t take any chances in case the woman stayed behind to look for the diary. She had to have noticed it was missing by now. Wednesday kept it on her person at all times just to be safe. “Now, do you remember what you’re supposed to do?”

Thing gave her a thumbs up. 

“Good. I’ll expect you to be here by the time I get back,” she said. 

Thing was not going to accompany her. It was for the best if he and Tyler did not cross paths just yet. She did not trust him not to go running to Laurel, eagerly informing her of Thing’s existence to use as a means of manipulation towards her. 

Just like last time. 

And so, Thing would be putting himself to good use instead of hiding away all night in her backpack. While Wednesday would use this opportunity to edge her way into Tyler’s good graces, Thing was going to make his way to the conservatory in search of any useful information he could. 

“Thing, are you busy?” Enid’s voice could be heard. 

Wednesday’s eyes flickered over to the other girl’s side of the room, then back at the appendage. “Go,” she said quietly. “Leave now. I’ll deal with her.”

Thing scuttled away and out the door before Enid even realized it. 

She wandered from the closet to the bathroom. “Thing?” She repeated. 

“He’s not here,” Wednesday responded. 

Enid was in the midst of brushing her hair. She frowned. “Where’d he go?”

“He’s out for the evening,” Wednesday replied. “He’s gone on his nightly walk and won’t return until later.”

“Oh,” Enid said, disappointed. “I was hoping he could help me with my makeup.” She started to smile a little at Wednesday, who understood her unspoken question. 

“Don’t bother to ask. The answer is no.”

“Fine,” Enid sighed. “Aren’t you a little nervous, though?”

“What would I have to be nervous about?”

“You know,” Enid hinted with a ridiculous show of wiggling her eyebrows. Wednesday knew what she was referring to but continued to only stare. “With Tyler. You don’t have to go with him.”

“I can attend with whomever I please.”

Enid groaned. “I totally respect your independence but like, just promise me you’ll stay where people can see you.”

This was quite offensive to hear. Wednesday was not a child and didn’t appreciate being treated like one. And she told Enid as such. 

“I didn’t mean it like that!” Enid exclaimed. “I just mean....you know, in case he tries something. Don’t go in the woods or something.”

Wednesday could not help but roll her eyes. If anything were to take place, it would not be along the lines of what Enid was thinking. 

Twirling a piece of her hair around her finger, Enid spoke again. “I heard Xavier asked you to go with him.”

“Yes, he was quite keen on it too,” Wednesday said. “Nevertheless, I put a stop to it.”

If she ever accepted what was to be considered as a date by Xavier , she was taken to an asylum immediately. 

Later, the bus pulled into the parking lot. Wednesday was one of the last students to exit, scanning the vicinity for Tyler. He was not there as of yet. He was probably on his way here after his shift. Besides, they were early by ten minutes as the festivities hadn’t started. 

She spotted Sheriff Galpin walking around the perimeter with one of his deputies, deep in conversation. In this timeline they didn’t meet yet, so he didn’t notice her as the two of them passed, but she watched them with her eyes never wavering. 

It’d taken a few placating words to get Enid to leave her alone.  Her roommate was still at odds with leaving her alone with Tyer, even going so far as to suggest all four of them stay together. That could simply not happen. Wednesday strongly opposed the idea straight away.

Then there’d been Xavier. He tried to linger so he could find out the identity of her company. Although a fight between them could potentially be interesting, it couldn’t happen tonight. 

After Xavier was sent on his way, much as he didn’t want to go, Wednesday made the decision to sneak off into the woods to wait. She was already getting a mild headache from the chatter of excited townsfolk and Nevermore students alike. She didn’t make it too far before Principal Weems made her presence known. 

“Ahh, Miss Addams.” Wednesday turned to face her. “There you are.”

Wednesday’s face was stony. “I wasn’t aware you’d been looking for me.”

“I needed to make sure you’re where you need to be,” Principal Weems said coolly. “And not off galivanting into the town.”

“You need not worry about me. I have no intention of leaving.”

Predictably, Principal Weems already made up her mind about Wednesday and did not believe her. It was within good reason, really, but it still came as a slight annoyance to her given the circumstances. “Be that as it may, but you are not the first strong willed pupil that I’ve had experience with. I will be keeping a close eye on you regardless.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” Wednesday caught sight of familiar golden brown curls. She tilted her head up when their eyes met. “Tyler, good. I’ve been waiting.”

With Principal Weems still standing there, Tyler approached her. He wore the same clothes as he did in the last timeline, a smile on his lips that was friendly looking to anyone that so happened to glance their way. 

“Hey,” he greeted. “Sorry I made you wait. I just got off work.”

“It’s fine,” Wednesday said, knowing that Principal Weems’ curious gaze was on them. 

“I wasn’t aware you knew Mr. Galpin, Miss Addams.”

“Yes,” she said, “we met after my therapy session when Enid and I stopped for coffee.”

“....I see,” Principal Weems’ eyes shifted from her to Tyler. Straightening her posture, she said, “Very well. I’ll leave you to it then. I hope you both have a nice evening and do be sure not to be late when we’re due to leave.”

Wednesday did not verbally respond. She grabbed ahold of Tyler’s wrist, forcing him to follow her into the actively growing festival. When they were a sufficient distance, she let go, turning around to look at him. 

Tyler rubbed at his wrist. “So, uh, what do you wanna do first?”

She had no desire to do any of this, but to pull him in she would need to compromise. “I suppose you may choose our first activity,” Wednesday answered. 

He shrugged. “Okay. How about the Ferris wheel?”

“Very well. I’ve never been on one before.”

“Really?” His eyebrows flew up to his hairline. “Not once?”

“I’ve had no reason to,” she said. “I don’t partake in amusement rides.”

Nodding slowly, Tyler said, “Good to know.”

Wednesday found herself growing increasingly irritated with how crowded the place was getting. It seemed that the majority of this decrepit town was here tonight. One man nearly bumped into her and could have spilled the two giant beverages he was holding onto her. At one point, she tensed when Tyler placed his hands on her shoulders, steering her in the right direction until the crowd began to lessen. 

The two of them stood in line, not exchanging any words between them. Wednesday subtly paid close attention to him. He was gazing ahead, hands into his pockets, looking casual and so unlike the blood-thirsty monster that lurked inside of him. The epitome of the all American teenage boy. 

There was something else too, she noted. He appeared tired, on guard. Did it have anything to do with Laurel? She didn’t know for sure but suspected that it was the case. 

“You’re quieter than I initially believed you’d be,” she said, observing how he jumped. He must have been lost in his thoughts if she’d unintentionally spooked him. 

“Huh?”

“You’re quiet,” she repeated, “and although the silence is appreciated, you acted differently at the Weathervane.”

“Oh, uh-” Tyler came up with an excuse, his expression startled at first, morphing into something more neutral, “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”

For now, Wednesday wouldn’t call him out on such an obvious lie. 

When it was their turn, Tyler let her go inside before him. An obvious case of chivalry, even more so to convince her of his seemingly harmless nature. Wednesday bit back a scathing remark, sitting as far away from him as she could, which was hardly much given how small these seats were. After he’d climbed in, the bar was pushed down, clicking and up they went so the next two people could get in as well. 

It was the closest they’d been since that night. 

Most peculiarly, Tyler did not lean back against the seat. He was arching forward. It took Wednesday a second more to understand why. 

Her vision. 

It must have happened already. She vividly remembered witnessing Laurel whip him, how his screams of agony had echoed in the cave. 

Truthfully, it did give her a sense of satisfaction, at least somewhat. On some level, it did please her that he was in pain. After everything he’d done, he deserved it. Besides, him suffering at the hands of Laurel would make it easier for him to trust Wednesday later on. 

The Ferris wheel began to lift higher in the air but they were not yet set to start. Their feet dangled, his arms hanging on the bar while hers did not. 

“What else do you do at these things?” Wednesday said. This time, she didn’t have to repeat herself. 

“Oh, I haven’t gone to many of these,” Tyler said. 

“I would have assumed as the son of the sheriff, your presence would be mandatory just as mine is.”

Tyler snorted. “My dad probably prefers it when I stay home. He’s, uh, not been too happy lately.”

“Meaning?” 

“It’s nothing,” Tyler must have been aware that he’d said a little too much, and tried to brush it off. 

“Clearly it is if you felt it was necessary to mention it,” she pointed out. 

Now that he was stuck, Tyler eventually gave in. “He’s just upset because I came home late the other day. I’m supposed to have a curfew but it’s not like he’s ever really around to enforce it.” He went quiet, licking his lips. “Sorry. You probably don’t want to hear about my problems.” 

“It’s fine,” Wednesday said dismissively. “My mother causes much frustration for me so I certainly understand.”

Tyler sent her an appreciative smile, looking all too familiar to the one she’d seen in the past timeline. Wednesday looked away, her gaze falling onto the forest behind the festival. 

“So, uh, how are you liking Nevermore?”

“I’m not,” Wednesday replied. 

“Oh. Sorry to hear that.”

“I could do better teaching myself,” Wednesday said. “Instead, I have to waste time attending meaningless classes led by individuals who could barely be counted as educators.”

He chuckled quietly. “That bad, huh?”

“I’m sure your school is hardly much better.”

“Never said it was,” he shrugged, then subtly winced. “Mine sucks too. At least I get to graduate this year.”

“You’re a senior, then,” she noted. This was news to her. In the past timeline, Wednesday and him never got around to talking about trivial matters like this. She’d naturally assumed they were close in age, though. 

“Yeah, finally,” he said with a smile. “What about you?”

“A sophomore.”

“I hated sophomore year,” Tyler recalled. “It was worse than being a freshman. But I guess it all sucks, really.”

At last, the ferris wheel began to go. It was slow moving, giving her a good vantage point when they were up at the top. Wednesday caught sight of Rowan; he was weaving through the crowd in a hurry, looking over his shoulder as if he thought he was being followed. Hmm. This time she wouldn’t let herself get too close to him, not right now. 

But that didn’t mean she couldn’t keep an eye on him. 

“Hope you’re not afraid of heights,” Tyler joked. 

She shot him a disdainful look. “I’m not.”

After another minute or so of silence, Tyler said casually, “I heard what your principal said to you.”

“Some cultures consider it rude to eavesdrop,” Wednesday leveled a look at him. 

“Is it really eavesdropping if anyone can hear it?” He countered. She didn’t say anything in return. “I wasn’t trying to but she wasn’t being very quiet about it either.” 

And your keen hearing is helpful as well , she thought. 

“She’s yet to realize that my mother was wrong,” she said. “Until that happens, I’ll have to deal with her suspicions of me.” 

“Trust me, I know how that is,” he muttered. 

“Yes, it’s become quite clear you and your father don’t see eye-to-eye.” 

“That’s an understatement,” Tyler scoffed. 

This was going well. Reeling him in by relating to him on familial matters was effective. 

“Why is that?” She went straight for the kill. Startled by the question, Tyler gaped at her. 

“What?” 

“Why don’t you get along with your father?” She asked. 

“Oh, uh-” 

“You’ve mentioned it a couple of times since we first met,” she pointed out. 

“Sorry, I guess I have,” Tyler said, looking a bit trapped in this ride. “It’s nothing big. We just don’t get along anymore?” 

Wednesday waited for him to elaborate, keeping her eyes on him. 

His fingers tapped nervously on the rail. “We used to,” he said. “But then, uh, my mom died and things haven’t been the same since.” 

There was a genuine sense of sadness that came over him. He clearly missed his mother, but Wednesday pushed past this. 

“I see,” she said. 

“Yeah...” He said, voice lowering. “We barely talk these days. I’m lucky if I see him once a day. He spends all his time at the station or around town.” 

There was some deep rooted bitterness that Tyler harbored towards his father. It must have escaped her last time, with her mind preoccupied, but in this moment, she heard it. It could not be mistaken as part of his ruse, this was real . Hurt brought on by years of neglect and abandonment. Hurt that ran deeper than the sheriff ever knew. Or perhaps he did. Maybe to some extent he knew how badly he’d messed up, moreso after everything that went down. With his wife long gone, and then his son being taken away for murder, she wondered if Donovan Galpin spent many sleepless nights wondering when everything had gone so wrong. 

“Consider yourself lucky,” Wednesday said. “I’d prefer it if my mother left me alone. Unfortunately, she finds sick enjoyment inserting herself into my life.” 

He let out a brief chuckle. “Is your dad around?” 

“When he isn’t attached to my mother as if he's starving for oxygen, yes,” she said. 

He cracked his knuckles, not looking at her. “Are you guys close?”

“Define close,” she drawled. 

Without a smile, he said, “Do you hate him?” 

Wednesday didn’t have to think about this long. While there were characteristics of her father that she would gladly change, overall he was easier to deal with than her mother. “No.”

He smiled sadly. 

“You hate yours, then?” 

The answer never came. The ride was over, and they were back on the ground, the conversation coming to an end. Maneuvering amongst the crowd yet again, they managed to avoid Xavier entirely which pleased her. 

“So, uh,” he shoved his hands back into his pockets, “what do you wanna do now?” 

What she wasn’t going to do was circle back to this question repeatedly. An idea formed but then Tyler seemed to have one of his own. 

“Hey, are you hungry?” He asked as a couple of the food stands came into view. 

“Not particularly. I assume you are?” She said. 

“Haven’t ate since lunch,” he scanned the menus at the top of the stands. “I’ll probably get a funnel cake. You can have some if you want.”

“Why would I want any of that?” She said with an eye roll. 

“It’s good,” he defended. 

“I doubt it.” 

“You doubt- have you ever had one?” 

“Obviously not,” Wednesday said. 

He was adamant on her trying it. She could have refused altogether, but did not and instead, let him have this one. While waiting for him to pay, she zeroed in on Principal Weems, who was conversing ahead with Sheriff Galpin. Both of them appeared stressed, trying to be discreet so as not to attract attention. 

Sheriff Galpin pointed somewhere behind him, somewhere that couldn’t be easily discerned due to all the people and attractions. 

Her gaze shifted. 

And there he was- Rowan. He stood over by one of the booths across from her, making eye contact with her. 

Wednesday did not look away immediately. Rowan’s eyes were cold, his gaze pulling her in until suddenly, she yanked herself out of it. 

“Hey, so I didn’t know if you wanted anything to drink so I got you a water,” Tyler was back, carrying the two beverages and funnel cake he’d bought. He smiled down at her. “So, where do you want to sit?” 

He was very clearly meaning to stop at one of the empty tables. Wednesday, however, did not want to surround herself with everyone here so she ordered him to follow her. 

“Come along.” 

“Uh, okay,” he obeyed, and the two of them maneuvered past other booths and attractions, the noise of the crowd all blending together. She could see that he was looking a little confused as to why they were walking away from the festival. It’d hardly been that long and she was already dealing with a slight headache. 

Wednesday led him out to the parking lot. It was much quieter out here. She breathed, finding them a spot in the very back to sit. He didn’t fuss at having to sit on the ground, just tried his best not to drop what he was holding while still being mindful of how much pain she presumed he was in. 

Then, he extended his arm to her, offering his funnel cake. It did not look appetizing whatsoever. Even so, she tore a small piece off to taste. It was far too sugary for her liking, and her feelings on the matter must have shown on her face, for it had him snickering over it.  

“Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about you stealing any of it,” he teased. 

She wrinkled her nose, wiping the powdered sugar off her fingers with a napkin. “Certainly not. I should have known you have horrible taste.”

“It’s not horrible,” just to prove his point, Tyler ripped off a piece for himself, shooting her a closed-mouth grin while he chewed. 

Wednesday deliberately ignored him, her gaze flickering elsewhere. “So,” he said, stretching his legs out so they wouldn't become cramped, “are you enjoying yourself?” 

She barely refrained from rolling her eyes. This was certainly not how she preferred to spend her evening. “I suppose it could be worse, though I won’t go as far to say I’m enjoying myself.” 

“Fair enough,” he said. He smiled at her. “I’m really glad you asked me to come with you.” 

“Are you?”

“It’s better than staying home alone,” he said. 

“I would like nothing more than to be left alone,” she said. 

“Really?” He stopped eating for the moment. “You don’t mind that?”

“Of course not. I much prefer solitude,” she replied. “But I take it you don’t?” 

“No,” he muttered, taking a drink of his cola. “Not really.” 

She suspected that was yet another reason Tyler fell for Laurel’s deceitful nature. She seemingly gave him the companionship he craved, whereas other people in his life all but abandoned him; his mother’s death tremendously affected Donovan Galpin’s ability to parent, thus he gradually stepped back from Tyler’s life altogether. Then there were his friends whom he drifted apart from after coming back from boot camp. 

It was really no wonder he was susceptible to her devious ways. 

Without looking at her, he handed Wednesday the beverage he’d bought for her. It was nothing more than water, which he explained by offhandedly saying he didn’t know what to get her. 

It was only because it was unopened that Wednesday accepted it. She was feeling parched anyway. 

“Wednesday?” 

“What?” She said. 

“Do you wanna play twenty questions?” It was a sudden change of subject, one that had her eyebrows raising.
“Why would I want to participate in a juvenile game?” 

“I said I wanted to get to know you,” he refrained from reaching out to her, though it did not escape her that he gave off the impression that he wanted to. “And I think you want to get to know me too.” 

I know enough about you , she thought sourly. 

“What makes you think I do?” She countered. 

“You haven’t left.” 

“I will after you’ve proven yourself useful.”

“Maybe I don’t believe you,” he said. 

“We’ve already been over this. I do not care,” she said. 

He pouted a little. “Please? Just twenty questions, I promise.”

It seemed harmless, if not for the reminder that this was simply a way to bring back any useful information to Laurel. “Twenty,” she said. “That’s it.”

He brightened up. “Well, I don’t have to ask your favorite color,” he said with a laugh. 

“Does your humor often rely on stating the obvious?” 

“Just when you’re around.”

She fought not to throw his cup of cola in his face. “Very well,” she said, resigned. “Go on and start.”

Pleased, Tyler asked, “Uh, okay. What’s your favorite food?”

“That’s what you’re going to ask me?” Wednesday said, unimpressed. 

“It’s like the most basic question,” he said. 

“And not one that requires a lot of thought put into it.” 

Despite her acidic response, Tyler grinned. “Humor me.”

“I don’t have one,” she said. 

“Oh, come on. Everyone has a favorite food.” 

“I don’t,” Wednesday said plainly. “But I suppose you do?” 

“Pizza,” he answered. 

“That’s a predictable response.” 

“What can I say? I’m a simple guy,” He flashed a grin. “Alright, you go.” 

“I just did.” 

“You didn’t really ask me,” he pointed out. She bit back a sigh. 

“You are quickly becoming a nuisance.”

“My dad would probably agree with that,” he quipped. 

“I don’t suppose you have any hobbies then?” She said. 

“I do, actually. Video games and baseball,” Tyler told her, and she determined that he wasn’t really thinking about what he was saying given his next words, “I was actually on the baseball team before-” 

He suddenly paused, eyes flickering away. She knew why, of course. It was after the mural incident. 

“Before?” she prompted. 

Grimacing, Tyler toyed with his funnel cake, getting his fingers covered in the sticky powdered sugar. He let out a long sigh. “I was hoping you wouldn’t find out yet.” 

She waited to see what he’d come up with this time. 

“Find out what, exactly?” 

Licking his lips, Tyler inclined his head forward. “You see those guys over there?” 

She did. Up ahead were Tyler’s former friends maneuvering around all of the people. Lucas Walker strutted around, lips tugged up into a smirk. Briefly, she wondered what they were up to this evening, given that they hadn’t met yet and she hadn’t beat them up, leading to them attempting to get revenge on her. 

“Yes. Am I correct to assume you know those people?” She said, as if she didn’t know. 

“Yeah. That’s, uh, Jonah, Carter,” he pointed to each one, “and the guy in front is Lucas Walker.”

“As in the mayor’s son,” she noted. 

“Yeah,” Tyler said, his eyes falling down to the paper plate that held his funnel cake. “We were friends for a while. But we don’t talk anymore.”

“Because-?” 

He quickly looked at her, but only for a second or two. “I don’t really like talking about it.”

She guessed this had to do with the mural incident. “You brought it up,” she pointed out. 

“Yeah...” He muttered, his voice lowering significantly, “Well, it’s nothing. We just kinda drifted apart.”

She finally decided to come out with it when it became apparent that he wouldn’t. “After you returned from boot camp?”

Surprise flashed through Tyler’s eyes. “How do you know about that?”

“No one at Nevermore understands the concept of talking quietly,” she lied swiftly. “I heard some people talking about it at lunch.”

 Tyler’s shoulder deflated. “So you know all about-” 

“Xavier’s mural, yes.”

Here was the point he’d try to convince her that he’d changed, believing that she would be disgusted by his behavior. On the contrary; there’d been something inside of Wednesday that intrigued , impressed, even. She remembered thinking that he was different, so unlike the normies she encountered everywhere else. 

And then he’d gone and proved her wrong. 

“Look-” 

“You don’t have to explain yourself,” she cut him off. 

“-I swear I’m not that-” 

“Tyler,” her voice was sharper, he quieted down instantly, “I don’t care.”

A couple seconds of silence passed by. “You don’t?” He sounded amazed. 

“No. Why would I?”

She hadn’t cared. If she’d known the truth, she still wouldn’t have. 

He shrugged, struggling to string together words. “I thought you outcasts stick together or whatever. I was going to tell you eventually. Just not now...”

“You obviously don’t know me well then,” she said without thinking. As soon as the words left her mouth, Wednesday cursed herself for such a careless error. Luckily, the comment wasn’t too strange to Tyler. 

“No,” he said, voice slow and hopeful, “but I’d like to.”

A part of her tensed, but she pushed her rising anger down, remaining impassive as she said, “I already told you I’m not friend material.”

“That’s not going to stop me.”

Yes , she thought. And I know why . 

Tyler seemed to misinterpret her silence as acceptance; of her processing what was just said. She’d let him think that way for now. He then decided to be truthful for once. “Me and the other guys probably should’ve faced charges for what we did. Xavier’s dad tried to make that happen. I don’t know how, but Lucas’ dad managed to get him to drop the charges. I don’t even think Lucas or the other guys got punished for it.” 

“But you did.” 

“Yeah,” he said. “Dad was furious. He made me quit the team and made me go to boot camp in summer. I would’ve been fired from the Weathervane if it wasn’t for Dad.” His face darkened a little but quickly subsided. “It’s one thing he's done for me, at least.” 

Wednesday moved one of her braids from her shoulders to the back of her. She breathed in the night’s air, watching the festival goers from her limited view. “Do you miss it?” 

“What, baseball?” He clarified. 

“Yes.” 

“Yeah,” he admitted. “It sucks. I know it sounds stupid, but I was hoping to get a scholarship.” 

“You think you’re that good?” 

At this, he laughed lightly. “I don’t know about good .” He sobered, the slight smile fading away, “I just wanted a way out of this place.”

His voice was filled with a sense of longing that made her determinedly keep her gaze ahead and not towards him. He sounded believable, than again, could she really know? 

Her posture straightened even more when Rowan stumbled in between the line of parked cars. He was disheveled, hair all over the place, a wild gleam in his eyes that seemed to grow when he made eye contact with Wednesday. 

Slowly, she rose to her feet with anticipation. 

Tyler was still seated, looking between them both, not knowing what to do. 

“Rowan,” she acknowledged. 

He got right up in her face. Wednesday normally would have never allowed this, but she was interested to see what he’d do. By now, Tyler was on his feet, his beverage and funnel cake still on the ground. 

“Whoa, dude-” 

Rowan paid no mind to Tyler. His focus was completely on Wednesday. “You don’t think anyone knows, do you?” He hissed out through clenched teeth, practically trembling with rage. “They might be oblivious but I’m not . I know exactly what you are.” 

She wasn’t intimidated in the least. In fact, Wednesday was rather unimpressed. To her right, Tyler was rendered speechless, and she knew it wasn’t part of his act. “Is that so?” She drawled. “And what am I, Rowan?” 

Rowan’s mouth opened in a nasty snarl. He was gearing up to use his telekinesis on her just like the last time, but Wednesday was one step ahead of him. She swiftly kicked the back of his knee, causing him to drop face-first on the ground. 

Enraged, Rowan was back up in an instant, his glasses cracked and barely hanging on. Wednesday prepared a blow to his abdomen but that was not necessarily, because a fist from Tyler came out of nowhere, colliding into Rowan’s eye. The former Nightshade let out a yowl of pain, falling back onto the dusty ground, clenching his injured face. 

Unfazed, though slightly annoyed that she hadn’t finished him off herself, Wednesday turned to Tyler. He was holding his fist close to him, breathing heavily. He did not look at her, but rather Rowan, and if she were correct, she was certain his eyes were looking more yellow than they had been seconds ago. 

“What is your problem ?” Tyler's voice was different. Lower, gravelly. She suspected this was Hyde. “Why are you bothering her?” 

This was clearly a way to keep her protected- for Laurel’s plans, not out of genuine concern. 

Blood came squirting out of Rowan’s nose, some of which he choked on. “She’s going to destroy us all,” he said, words coming out slurred, pointing a shaky finger at her. 

“Based on what?” Wednesday wondered if he would disclose the real reason or not. 

Even through his pain, Rowan shot her a frosty glare. “I'll prove it. I'll prove it to them all!” 

Wednesday couldn't help but notice that Tyler had gone very still, staring down at Rowan with pure hatred. In order to avoid a possible transformation right here in the parking lot, she ordered Rowan to leave. 

“Go.” 

“Make me!” Rowan spat a mouthful of bloody saliva down on the ground towards her feet. She wouldn’t tolerate his disrespect; taking a step forward, Wednesday’s own face reflected a coldness that would have sent anyone else in the opposite direction. 

“I believe I’ve made myself clear. You’re to go now if you don’t want to end up in a body bag.” 

She didn’t see it for herself, but Tyler’s face took on a strange expression, his eyes dilating as if he was turned on by the threat. 

Staggering to his feet, hastily grabbing his broken glasses to put back on his face, Rowan’s eyes flashed at her. “I’ll prove it,” he repeated, scuttling away, looking over his shoulder once or twice. “I will! You just wait!” 

He disappeared back into the festival. 

“What was that?” Wednesday shifted her gaze to find Tyler was back to normal. Hyde, however close he’d been to the surface, was gone. The yellow was out of his eyes, the anger faded, replaced with worry for her sake. “What was that guy’s problem?” 

“He’s delusional,” she said, taking note of his now bruising fist. “You’ll want to ice that.” 

Tyler had the decency to look embarrassed. Gently moving it to ensure that it wasn’t broken, he said, “Uh, yeah. Sorry about that.” 

“Don’t be. I would’ve done worse.” 

Predictably, Tyler tried to defend himself. “I’m not usually like that.” 

“I didn't say you were.” 

Still, he continued, “I thought he was going to hurt you.” 

“Regardless, you don’t have to intervene,” she told him, smoothing down her shirt needlessly. “I can certainly handle Rowan myself.” 

“Uh, sure. Noted.” 

From there, silence fell over them but only for a moment. Tyler stood where he was awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. She could tell he was itching to ask another question. 

“What was his deal anyway? What did he mean that you would destroy us all?” 

His curiosity was very clear. He must be questioning her so he could relay the information to Laurel. Last time, the only reason he’d saved her from being strangled by Rowan himself was so she could be used for Laurel’s plot. 

“It’s not important,” she brushed it off. 

“Are you sure? Seemed pretty serious...” 

“I’m sure,” she said curtly. “Never mind him. It’s clear he’s losing his mind.” 

She picked up her water to take a drink from it. Tyler still wasn’t done with the conversation, though. 

“Aren’t you worried about him hurting you? You’re safe at school, right?” 

The irony, coming for you , she thought, 

“I’m fine,” she said out loud. “He’s not going to do anything with an audience.” 

“He tried to in front of me,” he pointed out. 

By all rights, it was a good point. Previously, Rowan had waited until she followed him into the woods so they were alone. It was strange that he’d allowed himself to risk being found out. 

“Look, if you want, I can tell my dad.” 

“No,” she said instantaneously. 

“But-” 

“No,” she said, her voice getting sharper. 

“He could help,” Tyler insisted. 

She shook her head. “He would not.” Rowan’s problem was far more complicated than any normie could possibly comprehend. Despite having him out of the way would get rid of yet another obstacle to deal with, something was telling Wednesday not to. Not yet. “You need not worry, Tyler. I can handle him.” 

He was doubtful, letting out a breath. “Okay, I guess. But tell me if he bothers you again.” 

“I’m not a damsel. I don’t need you to save me.” 

She didn’t want him to. She was fine on her own. 

Wednesday hadn’t realized he was getting into her space, just a little bit. She looked up at him, felt his body heat against her, and couldn't help but take notice of his soft eyes. 

 He was trying his hardest to deceive her, to give off this impression of innocence. 

“It’s okay to ask for help, you know,” he said softly. 

She was taken back to the crypt. Remembering how close they’d been after he showed her that horrid movie. Why, why was she thinking about this now? 

“Save it for someone who wants to hear it,” her voice sounded off to her own ears. What the hell was wrong with her? 

The noise around them was morphing into one. Neither one of them spoke. It was only when a scream of excitement rang through the air that things seemed to snap back to normal. 

In a tone that was slightly off for him as well, Tyler said, “We never did finish that game.” 

Right. Twenty questions. 

“If you still want to, anyway,” he added with a shrug. By the look in his eyes, he hoped she would. 

“Very well.” 

They didn’t sit back down. His cola was surely watering down, the funnel cake was likely cold as well. 

It was his turn, so Tyler thought it over then asked, “What about you, what are your hobbies? Any sports?” 

“Of course not,” she said derisively. “Sports are beneath me.” He laughed loudly. 

“That doesn’t sound conceited at all.” 

“I have no use for it,” she said. “There are much better ways to spend my time.” 

“So what, you’ve never gone to a baseball game before?” 

“Of course not.” 

Tyler chewed on his bottom lip for a second, looking contemplative. “Alright, but what do you like to do?” 

“I write,” she answered. “I already have a book I’m working on.”

“Really?” He was interested. “What’s it about?” 

“A teenage detective named Viper.”

“Wow,” he seemed impressed. “Are you gonna publish it?” 

“Obviously,” she said. 

“Sounds like you have some big plans,” he said. 

You have no idea , she thought but did not say. 

For her turn, Wednesday thought of a better question than one that was exceedingly dull and meaningless. “What is your greatest fear?” 

His eyebrows flew up. “Going right for the kill, huh?” 

“Naturally.” 

It was anyone’s guess whether he would respond truthfully. Wednesday didn’t think he would.  

“I guess being alone,” he eventually said. 

More irony given the fact that in the end, he’d had no one. 

“Do you read? You seem like a mystery novel kind of girl,” he said, asking the question this time. 

“Yes, but only to those that I deem worthy of reading,” Wednesday had high standards. She would not consume anything that wasn’t worth her time. 

“Of course,” he laughed. 

“I quite like those that highlight medieval torture techniques,” she said smoothly. He grinned, unaware of why she’d said it in the first place- although it was true, she did appreciate reading those kinds of books. 

Instead of waiting for her to ask another question, Tyler looked off to the side where the festival was occurring. He exhaled through his nose, hands absentmindedly shoved into the pockets of his jeans. 

And truthfully, Wednesday was growing bored. Even with the unexpected encounter with Rowan, she was in need of something to do. 

“You know,” Tyler started but did not get a chance to finish that thought. Wednesday’s keen audacity senses caught onto the faint sound of Sheriff Galpin. He was speaking to someone else but getting closer. 

“You never saw me,” she interjected. Tyler, who wasn’t yet aware of his father’s nearing presence, looked confused. 

“What?” 

She didn’t stick around much longer, wanting to postpone the inevitable meeting with his father - or rather, re-meet - until later when he would regard her with less suspicion. He might distrust her anyway, as he was still holding onto that grudge against her own father at this time, but she was sure that his initial impression of her hadn’t helped. 

Before the sheriff could take notice of her, she hid in the bushes, leaving Tyler by himself. 

“ Tyler ,” Donovan’s sharp voice rang through the air, tinged with agitation. His son responded similarly, his body tense, wary yet guarded eyes taking him in. “What are you doing here?” 

They faced one another, the air around them sudden suffocating and thick. 

“Enjoying the festival like everyone else,” Tyler said tersely. 

“Out here?” Donovan gestured around them. 

“Yeah,” Tyler’s voice took on an edge. She heard it, the repressed emotions that he didn’t let most people see. “Is that a problem?” 

Donovan studied his face, his own maintaining an impressive expression. “Are you meeting anybody out here?” 

“What?” Tyler said, loud and full of irritation. 

“You heard me. If I find out you're meeting up with those boys again-” 

“We already had this conversation!” Tyler exclaimed. “Besides, I thought you didn’t care what I did?”

“You better watch how you speak to me,” Donovan warned. 

“Or what? You’ll ground me? It’s not like you’re ever around to enforce it.” 

“ Hey ,” Donovan’s temper was starting to unfold, though he still tried to keep himself in check in public. “I didn’t hear you whining when I bought that computer of yours.” 

“Sure, Dad, that fixes everything,” Tyler rolled his eyes, looking away but not where Wednesday was. A second or two trickled by, the tension as thick as ever not yet evaporating away. “I just wanted to get out of the house for a little while. Is that a crime now?”

He was calmer than he had been a moment ago, exhausted, defeated. 

“You never come to these,” Donovan was not keen on keeping the peace. He still wanted answers. “Why tonight?” 

“I told you-” 

“And I think that’s a bunch of bull,” Donovan cut over him. “Now you wanna tell me the real reason?” 

“Oh my- I did tell you!” 

“You listen to me-” 

“No, you listen!” Tyler’s voice had risen a little. “Don’t get tired of being suspicious of me all the time?” 

“Maybe if you gave me a reason not to be, I wouldn’t have to,” Donovan retorted. He took a deep breath, shaking his head. 

“Like that’d stop you.” 

It was muttered surly, not quite quiet enough that it could have gone unnoticed. 

Wednesday was carefully concealed within the bushes so Donovan had no idea she was there, although she could see him, listening to them go back and forth, the real cause going much deeper than how it started. 

She could use this to her advantage, she considered. It was an excellent way to get him to trust her, using his anger towards his father. 

Tuning back in, the argument between father and son was about to be over. Tyler himself looked like he was close to fleeing. 

“I don’t want to hear anymore attitude from you,” Donovan said, taking one step into his son’s personal space. “And I want you to go home. Elvis probably needs to go out.” 

He was walking away after that. It should have been the end of it, usually Tyler tried to keep their verbal sparring to a minimum. And yet, his face hardened so rapidly, everything he'd never said bubbling to the surface all at once. 

“No.” 

The footsteps halted. Donovan’s back faced Tyler until he slowly turned back around. “What did you say to me?” 

“I said no.” 

Donovan’s mouth opened but Tyler was faster. 

“What the hell is wrong with you? Seriously? If you’re not barking orders, you’re ignoring me. Did you do the same to Mom, too?” 

The sheriff’s eyes filled with a pain she’d never seen on him before. That soon vanished, replaced with something smoldering. “You keep your mother out of this.” 

“ Why? ” Tyler’s voice dropped, sounding much colder. “Why should I?” 

“ Tyler -” 

“You never talk about her,” Tyler cut him off, shouting. The noise was drowned out by the chaos of the festival. “We don't even have any pictures up anymore!” 

The sheriff’s breathing had changed. He was taking in air, rubbing a hand over the lower half of his jaw, looking anywhere but his own son. “You don’t understand what you’re talking about.” 

“What’s there to talk about?” Tyler asked with a sardonic laugh. “You’ve never talked about her. You act like she never existed-” 

“ That’s enough!”

Donovan Galpin got up into Tyler’s face, just barely holding himself back. It was a long few seconds; neither one of them did anything, neither one of them moved. The sheriff didn’t seem to be the type to strike his son, than again, she’d never seen him as angry as he was right now. 

Just when she was certain something would occur, it didn’t. The sheriff pulled back in defeat, walking away without another word. 

She waited until he was further away before coming out of the bushes. “I can certainly see why your relationship with him is strenuous,” she commented. 

Tyler had been watching his father walk away, not tearing his eyes away. “Yeah,” he murmured almost absentmindedly. 

“If you would like, I can deal with him for you,” she said as an offer. 

“Deal with him?” Tyler repeated, caught off guard but still interested. “What do you mean?” 

“Simple,” Wednesday gave him a small smirk. She still found Donovan partly at fault for what transpired in the previous timeline as he must have known what his son was, he just refused to believe it and act on it. “Just tell me where he parked his vehicle.” 

Luckily for her, the sheriff's truck was parked a black down from the festival. With most, if not all, of the townsfolk attending, it meant there were no eyewitnesses for what she was about to do. 

“Are you sure about this?” Tyler had followed her out of curiosity. They were on the sidewalk, just beside his truck. Wednesday opened her small backpack in search of her specialty screwdriver that would unlock practically anything. Uncle Fester made it especially for her in case she was ever in need of escaping. “How are you even going to get inside? We don't have my dad's keys.” 

“We don't need them,” she said matter-of-factly. 

“We don't?” 

Wednesday inserted the screwdriver, twisting and the door came open. “No,” she said in the face of Tyler's surprise. “We don't.” 

“Uh, okay,” he said with a short nod. “Is that some outcast thing?” 

“My uncle made it for me,” she said as she sat in the front seat. “Don't bother getting it,” she saw that he was about to go around the car to get in on the passengers side. 

“Why?” 

With her hand on the gear shift, she deadpanned, “Unless you would like to sustain any possible injuries, I suggest you don't.” 

It didn't take long for him to understand what she meant. 

“You’ll get in trouble,” he said. 

“I assure you, I won’t.” 

“But what if my dad talks to your principal? She saw us together. He’ll know I lied.” 

It could pose a problem, true. “My roommate will cover for me.” Enid would likely be willing to say she and Ajax were with Wednesday after she and Tyler parted ways for the night. 

“Okay...” He said, doubtful. 

“Stand back,” she ordered. He did, taking a few steps backwards while she switched the gears into drive , quickly exiting and getting on the sidewalk.  

There was a very slight hill that went downward, leading right down to a building that wasn’t currently in use. Wednesday watched with satisfaction as the sheriff’s beloved truck started to move, gaining a bit of speed as it crashed into the abandoned building. 

“Let’s go,” she said calmly. A wide grin spread over his face. 

“Holy crap. You’re my hero.” 

As the night started to wind down, Wednesday and Tyler returned to the festival, going through the now dwindling crowd to get back where the bus was at. 

“I suppose I didn’t have too terrible of a time,” she said, making sure she sounded indifferent. 

“Me either,” Tyler looked down at her with a smile he couldn’t contain. “That was seriously really cool what you did back there.”

“He had it coming.” 

“Are you saying you did it for me?” Tyler said, teasing her. “That's really sweet of you.” 

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she scoffed. “I have my own reasons.” 

“What reasons?” His eyebrows flew up for the second time that evening. “Has my dad been bothering you? Is that why you didn’t want him knowing you were with me?” 

“No.” On their way back, they passed by Principal Weems. She was openly scolding two of Wednesday’s fellow Nevermore classmates that she didn’t care to remember the names of, other than recalling that they were in her Botany class. They hung their heads, embarrassed, especially given that a few normies were looking their way, not bothering to hide the fact that they were listening in. “Your father despises my family for no reason other than his own prejudice.” 

“He does?” This was clearly the first time he was hearing this. “Why?” 

“He believes my father is responsible for murder,” she said tonelessly. “He’s innocent, yet your father refuses to believe it.” 

“Who does he think your dad murdered?” Tyler asked, mindful not to speak too loud. 

It was the worst possible timing. One that would surely make it difficult for her to deny the plausibility of tampering with and damaging the sheriff’s truck by claiming she’d been with Enid. 

Coming out from one of the portable restrooms was Xavier. He was alone, like he had been when they arrived. One look to his left had his eyes on Wednesday, and ultimately Tyler. 

He was struck speechless, mouth agape. Wednesday treasure the silence, for she knew it wouldn't last. 

“Maybe I should go,” Tyler’s eyes darted between the two of them. “Maybe I’ll see you around?” 

He didn’t wait for her to answer. Just as he was walking in the opposite direction, Wednesday responded. 

“Are you going to be working tomorrow?” 

He stopped. “Yeah. I’ve got the afternoon shift.” 

“Good,” Wednesday maintained eye contact with Xavier. “I’ll be there.” 

She didn’t see his lips upturned into a small smile on his way out of the festival. 

On her way over to where the bus was, Xavier followed her once he snapped out of the stupor he'd been in. “Wednesday!” He caught up with her. “Wait up!” 

“What, Xavier?” 

“You went with him? Are you kidding me?” 

“Must we go through this?” Wednesday was not going to entertain his whining. They’d stopped walking, now in the middle of things. Now exasperated, she contemplated on using her specialty screwdriver to plunge through his carotid artery. “I don’t see why it’s any of your business whom I chose to associate with, Xavier. The sooner you learn that, the better.” 

“You don’t understand,” Xavier blurted out. “Tyler’s not a good guy.” 

It was a rather unfortunate thing to concede that Xavier was correct, but she was never going to give him the satisfaction of knowing that. 

“What don’t I understand?” She knew it was coming. And she’d take great pleasure in destroying any of his hope that this piece of information was what it’d take for her to finally accept his yearning for friendship- and eventually more. “I’m already aware of what happened.” 

“....What?” His brain short circuited, not that it was difficult to make that happen. “You- you know? ” 

“Yes,” she said. “Ajax informed Enid and myself of this at lunch.” 

“And you still went with him?’ Xavier was flabbergasted. It was a glorious sight.  

“You sound surprised.” 

“He-he assaulted me!” Xavier’s shout had attracted the attention of a few people. “He punched me in the face!” 

She was unaware of that part. Than again, he did punch Rowan so it wasn’t far-fetched to believe. “I don’t care.” 

“What?” Xavier couldn't believe what he was hearing. “You’re not serious.” 

“I am,” she stated, more than ready for this conversation to end. “Quite frankly, I don’t know why you think I care.”

Honestly . His feelings were the least of her concerns. 

Chapter Text

Wednesday sat in the middle of the shuttle, her face turned to the window but not looking at anything in particular. Tyler had vanished back into the crowd minutes ago, nowhere to be seen. He must be on his way home now, unless Laurel had already told him he would come to see her afterwards. 

A couple of seats away, Xavier looked back at her every so often, a petulant pout on his lips. She would not acknowledge him. 

Up ahead, Enid and Ajax bordered. Her roommate was carrying a large multi colored stuffed animal - a duck- giggling as she came up the aisle. “I’m gonna sit with Wednesday, okay?” She said to him, briefly stopping the line of students who were behind the two of them, some of whom were visibly annoyed.

“Sure,” Ajax said agreeably. His eyes flickered down to her face and with a moment’s bravery, he leaned down to kiss her cheek. 

Enid seemed to stop functioning altogether. She was frozen, mouth open but no sound coming out. 

Any other time, Wednesday would have let this happen without intervention. Enid would be greatly embarrassed by this behavior later on. But Thing was still at Nevermore, no doubt having gathered evidence, so Wednesday yanked Enid down onto the seat so everything could continue to run smoothly. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, or later, I guess when we get back...” Ajax went to the back of the bus where the other Nightshades were, while Enid stared ahead with wide eyes. 

“Oh. Em. Gee. He just kissed my cheek.” 

“You speak as if that’s rather remarkable,” Wednesday met Xavier’s eyes, staring him down until the artist looked away.

“Is is,” Enid said, incredulous that she’d think otherwise. “We just had the best date ever. At least, I’m pretty sure it’s a date. I should probably ask. But it felt like a date. He even won me this super cute stuffed duck? Isn’t he cute?” 

The stuffed atrocity was taking up more space than it was worth. Wednesday inched away, wanting nothing to do with its glimmery pink and purple fur. “I hardly think you need yet another stuffed animal. You have plenty, do you not?’ 

“You can never have too many!” 

Rowan was one of the last to show up. The blood was wiped off his face, his face neater than it was earlier, though his glasses remained cracked. Their eyes locked on one another, just for a second or two. He turned to sit with Xavier, a soft exclamation of what happened to you was heard. 

“I assure you, it’s possible,” Wednesday said with noticeable distaste. The shuttle doors closed once everyone had climbed on, Principal Weems being the last. She was currently doing a head count to ensure no one was risked being left behind. 

“So,” Enid was tapping her feet incessantly, her legs still so as not to jostle the duck too much. “Did you like the festival? How was Tyler?” She’d purposely lowered her voice. “Did he try anything?” 

“No,” Wednesday said just as they began to pull out onto the road. “He did not.” 

“That’s good,” Enid said, relieved. “I was obvi paying attention to Ajax, but like, also worried about you.” 

“You had no reason to be.” 

Enid chose not to argue over it. Instead, she said, tone a little more upbeat, “Did you go on any of the rides?” 

“Yes,” Wednesday replied. “We rode the ferris wheel. That was it.” 

Luckily, she would not have to deal with any further questions from the blonde. She gasped, practically bouncing in the seat. 

“That reminds me! We rode that too and almost kissed! It was, like, so magical.” 

“Fascinating,” Wednesday deadpanned. 

Enid’s enthusiasm was not dulled by the lack of reciprocation from her. “We were up high and he looked at me and I was looking at him-” She was just barely holding onto a squeal, Wednesday could tell. Had they not been on the shuttle with Ajax nearby, she would have let it out. “We kinda leaned in, you know, but then the ferris wheel started moving again and we kinda jerked a bit and pulled away.” 

“You sound disappointed,” Wednesday noted. 

“A little. I mean, it's not my first choice for a kiss but like, it's kinda romantic. I've seen it in movies before,” Enid said. “But it's fine. I can't wait to get back and tell Thing all about it. He should be done with his walk, right?” 

“It's likely,” Wednesday said. She'd have to wait until Enid fell asleep to speak freely with him. 

“Okay, cool. Oh, and can I ask you something?” 

“What is the occasion that requires you to ask for permission? You haven't done so yet.” 

Enid chose to ignore that. “I keep seeing you wear that necklace chain but I haven't seen the necklace. Is it cute? Is it like one of those necklaces with the letter of your first name on it?” 

“Why do you care?” Wednesday had an absurd urge to place a hand on the amulet. Of course Enid was bound to notice its existence at some point, but she couldn't risk attention to it. 

“I was just wondering,” Enid said with a shrug. “You don't seem like a necklace kind of girl. More like a choker girl. Have you ever worn a choker?” 

“No. But my mother and father will sometimes take turns wearing one to pretend to save one another from death.” 

Enid was going to respond, but faltered. “That’s not-” 

“If I were to wear one myself, I could surely get out without help,” she said dismissively. “They will use anything as an excuse to fornicate.”

“Right...” Enid was disturbed. She turned away from Wednesday, effectively taking her attention off of the necklace. 

The shuttle drove the short distance from the lot and back to Nevermore. The students on board chattered quietly, some recounting their evening, others yawning in anticipation for bed. Wednesday kept her gaze on the window, watching as they passed through the town. 

It was as if she was betraying herself by letting her thoughts wander back to Tyler. 

Frustration bubbled beneath her- at herself, at him, at not being able to spot what part of his personality was true and what was fabricated by the ruse. 

It burned Wednesday to her core. Just thinking of earlier when he’d been so close, she could have taken care of him once and for all. She could have plunged a dagger in his chest, watched him crumple to the ground, helpless as the life would start to fade from his eyes and she would be the last thing Tyler Galpin would ever see. 

She should have. But she didn’t. 

The shuttle came to an abrupt stop, the doors opening. Principal Weems rose gracefully, preparing to send them all off to their respective dormitories when Coach Vlad suddenly came into view, one hand up to stop them. 

Principal Weems straightened. “Students,” she said with authority, “stay here for a moment.” 

Naturally, as soon as she stepped off and the doors closed once more, the students dissolved into a flurry of conspiracies and questions. 

“What’s going on?” 

“Why is Coach Vlad there?” 

“Something must’ve happened.” 

“What could’ve happened? We were all there.” 

Enid was gripping her stuffed duck a bit tighter. “You don’t think anything happened, do you?” She said nervously. “It’s probably nothing. Maybe something he forgot to tell her earlier.” 

“If that were the case, why wouldn’t he wait until she returned to her office?” Wednesday narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Coach Vlad was standing close, yet far enough away that she couldn’t read his lips. However, judging by the hand that flew up to Principal Weems’ mouth, it gave her the distinct impression something sinister had occurred. 

“Maybe he just didn’t wanna forget,” Enid said weakly. 

Wednesday kept her thoughts to herself as Principal Weems came back on the shuttle, mouth tight. “Students,” her voice was steady for the most part, though there had been a slight tremor that Wednesday caught, "Return to your dormitories at once. Do not linger in the corridors. Go on, go.” 

Confused by the urgency in her tone, her classmates stood up and began to trickle off the bus. Wednesday and Enid were the last to get off, waiting as people got off one by one. 

“What’s going on?" The blonde whispered to her, worried. 

“I don’t know. But I intend to find out,” Wednesday was certain it had to do with Laurel. 

“Uh, how?” 

Principal Weems was standing beside the vehicle, noticeably tense. By now, Coach Vlad had gone back into the school. “Keep up, ladies,” she said. “Go on, get inside.” 

Wednesday picked up her pace, not out of fear, but to get back to Ophelia Hall where she could speak to Thing. Enid squeaked, realizing how far Wednesday had gotten in front of her.
“Wednesday! Wait up! Don’t leave me out here!” 

She had to jog to catch up, breathless when she finally did. Personally, Wednesday was not impressed with her cowardice. A werewolf should be braver than that. 

“And what did you mean that you intend to find out?’ Enid managed to keep her voice hushed, a great feat for her considering the panic that was already there. “What if it’s, like, dangerous?" 

“Even better,” Wednesday replied, taking quick strides. The hallway was relatively empty, with most taking the instructions from Principal Weems seriously. Others who didn’t, they were being redirected by a teacher, whose words were sharper than usual. 

“Oh em gee,” Enid stopped. Wednesday did as well, looking over her shoulder. “Do you think Thing’s okay?” 

She was instantly reminded of Thing being stabbed. Of Uncle Fester reviving him. Of her chest aching, her throat tight and the beginnings of tears in the corners of her eyes. 

“He’s fine,” Wednesday shoves the memories aside. She wasn’t going to think about that. About what Tyler let happen. 

“But what if-” 

“He’s been in my family for generations,” Wednesday cut in, “He’ll be fine.” 

“If you say so,” Enid mumbled. 

Back in their dorm, nothing was out of place. Nothing suggested anyone had been there. Even so, Wednesday’s eyes flickered around in search of any confirmation that Laurel had been here. Enid had no such reason to think anything could be amiss, so she collapsed on her bed, sighing heavily. 

“This has totes been a crazy day.” 

Wednesday barely heard her. There were no signs of Thing. She expected to find him laying around on her desk or bed while waiting for her return. 

He should have been here by now. 

“Okay, I know I’ve already talked about Ajax, but you’ve got to hear how the night went,” Enid said, sounding positively giddy. Wednesday found it sickening. 

“Save it for someone who cares,” Wednesday told her bluntly. Enid deflated a little, pouting, but not for long. She sat up in alarm as Wednesday was on her way out of the room. 

“Where are you going?” 

“Out,” came the response. 

Enid practically flung herself off the bed, nearly falling face first on the floor but topping herself in time. “What, why? We just got back!” Her voice rose an octave. “Weems said we had to stay here.” 

“What of it?” Wednesday leveled a look at her. “I need to find Thing.” 

"What?” Enid swiveled her head around, seemingly just realizing that the appendage was not, in fact, here. “But you said he’d be back!” 

“Clearly, he isn’t,” Wednesday said snappishly. “If you don’t intend to waste anymore of my time, I’ll be on my way.” 

She didn’t get very far. Her hand reached out for the door knob, only to be pulled by Enid grabbing ahold of her arm with a desperate hold on it. Wednesday’s temper quickly rose, she whirled around. 

“Let go,” she enunciated each word carefully. Enid obeyed, dropping her arm as if it could have burned her. 

“Sorry! But you can’t go out there. Trust me, I’ve watched enough horror movies to know that someone’s probably out there waiting for you.” 

“I’d like to see them try.” 

Enid groaned. “I’m serious, Wednesday. You can’t go out there alone. It’s not safe!” 

She had no time for this. Wednesday said, “If you intend to stop me, I’ll be forced to use lethal force and I’m not picky about what I use.” 

It should have been enough to deter her. Unfortunately, Enid Sinclair was stubborn when she wanted to be. “Then-then I’m coming with you!” She was unsure of her decision at first, but made up her mind seconds later, crossing her arms defiantly. 

She could have done well on her own. Had this been different, Wednesday would have effectively ensured Enid was incapacitated. She had no time to work with, however. “Fine,” she said through grit teeth. “But I expect you to be quiet and stay out of my way.” 

“Totally,” Enid said quickly. 

The door was opened, Wednesday peeked out there and found no teachers around. She gestured for Enid to follow her. 

“So, uh, where are we going exactly?” The blonde whispered as they made their way down the empty hallway. 

“I’m not sure yet.” She had to find Thing. And if possible, find out what had happened. “Probably the conservatory.” 

“Why there?” Enid said, perplexed. 

Wednesday thought up a lie in seconds. “Thing likes to take his strolls down there. It’s possible he’s lost track of time.” 

“You don’t think whatever happened involved Thing, do you?” Enid was much quieter this time, out of freight more than obeying Wednesday's order. “What if somebody broke in and Thing ran into them?” 

“If someone broke in, why would Principal Weems have allowed us back inside?” Wednesday rolled her eyes. 

“Oh. Right.” 

Just before they turned around the corner, Wednesday halted, stopping Enid by holding her hand out. Her keen auditory senses heard the hushed whispering between a couple of teachers that she did not have. A man in his late fifties with balding salt and pepper hair, holding a hand to cover his mouth,  and a woman younger than him whose red-rimmed eyes indicated she’d been crying. They were in the middle of the hallway, having stopped briefly, his hand grasping her shoulder consolingly. 

“What are they saying?" Enid hissed in Wednesday's ear. 

Wednesday’s teeth clenched. “It’s rather difficult to understand them when you’re talking.” 

When she turned back, the two were walking in the opposite direction, much to her frustration. 

They went through a door, it closed with a click. Wednesday and Enid came around the corner fully. 

“Are you sure we should be doing this?” Her roommate said doubtfully, not to mention uneasy. “She looked really upset.” 

Wednesday said to her plainly, “If you wish to return, do so. But I won’t be.” 

If only Enid Sinclair did not possess such loyalty. She stood up straighter, mouth thin with determination. “I’m coming with you. I won’t leave you alone.” 

“Then I expect you to be useful,” Wednesday told her flatly. Before Enid could protest, she crept towards that same door. 

Outside, there was no one in the nearest vicinity. It was dark and calm, the wind gently blowing, an owl hooting off in the distance. She would have assumed with how tense the faculty was behaving, someone would have been patrolling the area. 

Than again, Nevermore’s security was clearly lacking if one of their own could so easily fool them. 

“Do you really think he’s still there?” Enid asked. “I mean, what if he left? Maybe he went back to our dorm?” 

Unlikely, Wednesday thought. If he was still out, it must have meant he found something useful. 

“No. He’s still out here. I’m sure of it.” 

“Okay,” Enid muttered, blowing out a long breath. “Seems a bit weird to take a stroll in the conservatory. How did he even get in anyway? I’m pretty sure it’s , like, locked after classes are over.” 

“He’s resourceful,” Wednesday said. 

“Right....” Enid said from behind. “But how are we going to get in?” 

They crossed the courtyard, staying hidden in the shadows just in case someone was out there and they didn’t know it. 

“I’ll take care of that,” Wednesday said. 

“How? You’re going to break down the door, are you?” Unbeknownst to Wednesday, Enid looked at her back in horror. 

And risk getting caught? What did Enid take her for? “Of course not. I have a much better approach.” 

“Which is?” 

“I’ll pick the lock,” Wednesday said. Enid relaxed. 

“Oh. That’s okay, then.” 

That was if Laurel wasn’t already there. All those times she stayed late in the conservatory supposedly taking care of the various plants was just a lie. She’d been using them for her own gain - most notoriously, as a way to unlock the hyde within Tyler. 

The building was coming into view. She felt something in her freeze; the lights were on, dimly so. Wednesday could see movement. Laurel. She must be in there right now. 

Alone. 

It was rather convenient. If Enid were not with her...

“Someone’s in there!” Enid whispered. 

Before Wednesday could point out the stupidity of the obviously stated truth, the door opened. 

Enid made a strangled noise of surprise when her mouth was covered and she was dragged behind the trees. “Silence,” Wednesday ordered, turning from the frightened werewolf to what was going on in front of her. 

Reggie Anwar came out, holding onto a clipboard. An assistant was right behind him, pushing a gurney with a dead body on it, covered by a white sheet. 

“Oh. Em. Gee,” Enid was breathing heavily. Wednesday hardly paid her any attention. 

Principal Weems was the next person to exit the conservatory. Laurel, or rather, known by her alias, was standing beside her. 

“Do you have any possible idea what could have happened?” Principal Weems asked. She looked worn standing there, perhaps from the long day and now this.

Reggie gave a sigh. “I’m not sure. I didn’t see any signs of foul play or forced entry.” 

“So we can conclude there’s not a murderer running about, yes?” Principal Weems said forcefully. 

“We’ll need to have the sheriff investigate to be sure,” Reggie said cautiously. “I can’t say for sure.” 

“Pardon me, Reggie, but I need to know now. I have students to care for.” 

“I understand, Madam, but I can’t give a final say just yet,” Reggie said, tiptoeing on the line between polite and exasperated. 

Laurel had seemingly perfected her worrying expression, eyes darting between Weems and Reggie Anwar. “Is it possible he’s had a heart attack? Surely, that’s a possibility." 

“It’s possible,” Reggie considered. “But I can’t know for sure until the autopsy.” 

“And when will that be?” Principal Weems said sharply. 

“Preferrably in the morning. I’ll have to see.” 

Principal Weems shifted her footing, clearly on edge. It was not clear who she was talking to when she asked, “Do we have any idea when Sheriff Galpin will get here? He should have already arrived.” 

That was going to be difficult. Wednesday’s lips curled into a smirk, remembering how she’d vandalized his vehicle earlier this evening. 

“I believe Vlad said he’s going to be here as soon as possible,” Laurel said. “There’s been an incident but he wasn’t told what happened.” 

Principal Weems held a hand to her head. “If it isn't one thing, it is another.” She lowered that hand, addressing Reggie. “I’d like you to get Edward out of here before any of the students see. I’ve sent them all to their dormitories but I’m not naive enough to believe that they will all stay there.” 

“Who’s Edward?" Enid whispered but was immediately shushed by Wednesday. 

“I’ll do my best,” Reggie nodded respectfully. Then, he and his assistant made their way past Wednesday and Enid, and were out of sight soon enough. 

This left Weems with Laurel, standing there in silence. The redhead was doing her best performance yet; anxiously chewing on her thumbnail, taking repetitive deep breaths. It must have tugged at Principal Weems’ heartstrings. She laid a hand on the younger woman's arm as a comforting gesture. 

“How are you doing?” Her voice held a gentleness Wednesday had never heard from the woman before. 

Laurel took in one last deep breath, nodding and mustering up a smile. “I’m fine.”

“Are you?” Principal Weems prodded. She wore an expression of sympathy. “I cannot imagine anyone in your position would be...alright.” 

“Really, I’m fine,” Laurel said quickly. “It was just very...unexpected.” 

Enid gave a low gasp. “Do you think Miss Thornhill saw-” Her face was rapidly paling at the thought of seeing a dead body. Wednesday did not respond, though her eyes did narrow. 

Obviously Laurel had a hand in this man’s death. She would guarantee it had to be by the same method she used to kill Weems in the previous timeline. 

“I can imagine so,” Principal Weems said, and silence followed. “If you find yourself in need of a chat or a cup of tea, my door is always open.” 

“Thank you,” Laurel said with a smile that Wednesday saw right through. “I appreciate that.” 

There was some more chitchat, though brief, with the two women finally walking back up towards the school. Wednesday waited until it was all clear before she came out of the trees. Enid tumbled out a moment later, a leaf stuck in her hair. 

“That was cray cray,,” she straightened up her appearance. “I mean, a dead body and Miss Thornhill found him? And they're just not gonna tell us? I'm pretty sure that's illegal.” 

Wednesday ignored her babbling. There wasn’t much time until the sheriff or one of his deputies would get here. She needed to be fast. 

“Thing,” she said, mindful not to raise her voice too much. “Reveal yourself.” 

A few leaves blew around from the breeze, otherwise nothing changed. Wednesday tapped her foot. 

She was not worried. Impatient, rather. Thing knew to listen to a direct order. 

And then - scuttling out of nowhere, it seemed, Thing showed himself. Unharmed. 

“Thing,” Enid said in relief. “Thank God, you’re okay. I was so worried!” 

I had to hide, Thing told Wednesday. Or they would have found me. 

“What’s he saying?” Enid asked. “I’m still trying to learn sign language but it’s really confusing.” 

“Did you see what happened?” Wednesday said, staring down at the appendage. 

I’ll tell you later, Thing said, and she nodded in understanding. 

“Well?” Enid said with a hint of panic. “What did he say?” 

“Nothing that concerns you,” Wednesday said, facing her. Enid sputtered. 

“What do you mean nothing that concerns me? I came with you, you could at least tell me what’s up!” 

“I don’t owe you any explanation, Enid,” Wednesday said shortly.  “You chose to come. I didn’t ask you to.” 

She thought Enid was going to whine over this some more, but she did not. “Fine,” the blonde said with a moment. “Let’s just go back before Weems catches us.” 

“You may go back. I won’t be.” 

“What?” Enid said in disbelief. “What do you mean you’re not going back? You’re not escaping, are you?” 

Wednesday was beginning to get tired of that accusation being thrown out. “No. But I intend to investigate the conservatory.” 

“Uh, why?” 

“To find evidence, of course,” Wednesday said. 

“You do realize there was a dead body in there, right?” Enid said, looking quite nauseated at the thought, which was rather ridiculous given her outcast status. “That’s really creepy, Wednesday.” 

“Then you can stay out here and wait," Wednesday said nonchalantly, knowing Enid would never take her up on the offer. 

In fact, the blonde made a whining noise. “Wednesday. Ugh. Fine, I’ll come in.” 

Nothing was out of the ordinary. Had Wednesday not known what she did, she wouldn’t have suspected anything took place here. She looked around just as she’d done back in the dormitory, searching for anything that might catch her eye. 

“Enid,” she said calculatingly, “tell me if anything smells different in here.” 

“Okay...” Enid scrunched up her face. “Why?” 

“I’m not going to say it again.” 

Her roommate grumbled, indignant that she was being treated like this but nonetheless complied with her demand. She took in a big whiff of the air, nose twitching as she pointed in two different directions. 

“Well?” Wednesday leaned forward in anticipation. 

She was dismayed, and more than a little frustrated when Enid shrugged. “I mean, it does smell different, but I think it was that guy that was here.” 

“And you’re certain that’s all you smell?” 

“What were you hoping for?” Enid said curiously. 

She wasn’t going to divulge anything. “It doesn’t matter,” Wednesday said, resigned. When Enid wasn’t looking, her attention on the outside as she kept watch, paranoid that someone was going to return any second now, Thing wiggled his digits to get Wednesday’s attention. 

He was over here, Thing led her to a spot on the floor. It was in a dark corner, further away than where Weems had perished.  Wednesday knelt down, her gaze on the tile. There was no blood, no marks, nothing at all. Reggie Anwar had been correct to say that there wasn’t anything to suggest foul play. 

And yet, and yet. 

She knew better than that, of course. Laurel had something to do with it, even if Wednesday couldn’t prove it right now. 

I found him when I got here, Thing told her. He was already dead. 

How curious. The conservatory would have been empty after classes had concluded for the day, and with students and some of the faculty focused on the upcoming event in town, it would have given Laurel plenty of time to commit the crime. 

But the question was, who was this man? 

Was Edward his first or surname? She didn’t recall a teacher by that name, unless it so happened to be one that taught other classes. In the last timeline, there hadn’t been a man by that name who was murdered by Laurel or Tyler. For some reason, she’d gone off her initial plan. 

But why? 

“Did you see his mouth?” Wednesday said quietly in order to avoid Enid hearing. Even with her heightened hearing, the blonde was not focused on them. She was still peering out the window. “Was he foaming?” 

I didn’t get a chance to look, Thing said. Wednesday exhaled, annoyed. Coach Vlad was already here. 

Curses. If it was anything similar to what Laurel had injected Weems with, there would be no proof of poisoning other than the toxicology results. 

Speaking of that, Wednesday had an epiphany. 

With this being a much earlier kill, Laurel wouldn’t be able to risk Reggie Anwar suspecting her of being involved- she’d have him killed, whether by her own hand or Tyler’s. 

“We’ll talk about this later,” Wednesday told Thing, eyes flickering over to Enid. “After she falls asleep.” 

Thing gave her a thumbs up. 

From her spot on the ground, still on her knees, something caught Wednesday’s eye. 

Off to the other side of the room, swept aside and looking inconspicuous to the average person, were clippings of Atropa Belladonna. Laurel must have been gathering more to interject Tyler with, unless she planned on using it on someone else. 

Could someone have startled her, unintentionally forcing her to act quickly and use what she had on hand? 

“Wednesday!” Enid squeaked. “The sheriff is here!” 

It wouldn’t bode well for her to meet Donovan Galpin this way. He would already harbor hostility towards her because of her father. Unfortunately, it would behoove her to have his help - he was much less likely to do so if he found her in the middle of an active crime scene. 

“We’ll sneak out the back,” Wednesday said, grabbing Thing. It would seem that investigating would have to wait. “Move, Enid.” 

She didn’t have to tell the blonde twice. 

*

Enid was fast asleep, snoring lightly from her side of the room. It had taken a bit to calm herself down, between the evening she’d had and finding out someone died on campus. Thing was sympathetic whereas Wednesday was not; he stayed with her as she went through her nightly routine. He’d missed that- having someone give his digits the attention he deserved. 

 A lamp on Wednesday’s side was lit, she sat up in the middle of her bed with her feet tucked under her, instructing Thing not to leave anything out. This was too important, the stakes were too high. She couldn't not have all the information. 

“What happened after you left?” Wednesday demanded. 

I didn’t go to the conservatory right away, Thing said. I found Laurel sneaking around. 

“Where?” Wednesday said immediately. “Did you follow her?” 

Yes, Thing said. She was waiting outside the Mad Science room. 

What was she doing there? That hadn’t been part of her plan the last time. 

“Do you know what for?” 

If Thing had a head, he would have shaken it. No. But she was impatient. Someone else was in there. 

“Someone that’s working with her?” 

I don’t think so, Thing said. She was waiting to go inside and left before whoever was in there to come out. 

“We need to find out what she’s up to,” Wednesday said firmly. “It must have something to do with Crackstone, but I’m not sure how.” 

This didn’t make any sense. Why was Laurel changing her plan? Surely it had to do with traveling back in time, but why? Was it possible that the future had been tremendously affected by a few minor adjustments? Perhaps whoever Edward was, his death was necessary. Without Rowan’s death, though unintentional as it was, someone else needed to make up for the lack of extra body part. 

But why here? 

Why not in the woods like the other deaths? Wednesday thought. Right now, she had more questions than answers. And she didn’t like that at all. 

“And then what happened?” 

She disappeared, Thing said and she could practically feel his own frustration. I didn’t want to waste time so I went to the conservatory instead. 

“And you found Coach Vlad there already,” Wednesday recalled his earlier comment. 

Yes, Thing said. But I’m not sure if Laurel had anything to do with it. 

Wednesday reared back, narrowing her eyes. “What do you mean? It has to be Laurel.” 

Unless someone helped her, Thing hinted. 

“Tyler was at the festival. I had my eye on him.” 

Thing held out his palm, finger splayed in his version of a shrug. I don’t think she could’ve had the time. 

“She doesn’t have an accomplice other than Tyler,” Wednesday said as her thoughts started to come together. 

He hadn’t been at work prior to the Harvest Festival. Somehow, he managed to get into Nevermore, likely from Laurel’s aiding as a teacher and-

She stopped herself, blowing out a breath. No. That wasn’t quite right. 

Even if Tyler was responsible for the man’s death, it begged the question how? He could have certainly been poisoned, it was plausible and if that were the case, they’d find out in the coming days. 

Anything else sounded illogical. Had Tyler transformed, there would have been signs. Wednesday remembered the bodies of Rowan and the others, how mutilated they looked, how willing the townsfolk had been to believe it was caused by nothing more than a bear. The coroner would have mentioned any gruesome injuries if they were sustained. 

“It can’t be him.” 

It has to be, Thing argued. Who else would it be? 

“I don’t know,” she said, voice on the verge of a snap. She had to keep it down to avoid Enid awakening. “I haven’t figured it out yet.” 

But she would. Laurel, try as hard as she might, was no match for Wednesday. No one was. 

Not even Tyler. 

The thought came to her spontaneously. A pang of something hit her all at once, nearly taking her breath away until she recovered. Her stomach pulled all the way to the floor, the air in the room much stuffier than before, hot and uncomfortable. 

Someone else might be working with them, Thing said. 

“I would have found out the last time.” 

They could have escaped, Thing said, and Wednesday had to admit the idea had merit. Laurel could have made sure you didn’t find out. 

“Perhaps,” Wednesday considered. A third person working with them presented a whole new challenge, not that she was intimidated. Disgruntled, yes, that she could have missed vital information but she was not intimidated. 

If this was the case, they’d have to look at it from all angles: could this person be a normie, and if so, what compelled them to help Laurel? Could it be another outcast? Was this person a teacher or some other part of the faculty that allowed them to be in the school without suspicion? 

“We’ll need more evidence. See if you can get into Laurel’s office to find anything. We'll have to keep an eye on the coroner before she kills him again, and I’ll arrange a trip to the Gates mansion soon." 

Without Tyler this time.