Allez
To say that this wasn’t how Enid imagined her day going would be an understatement. Okay, When she’d gotten a job writing for a minor sports magazine she had expected to actually have to write something. What had surprised her was walking into the office Monday morning to find her editor in a heated screaming match with one of the other journalists. Almost as soon as Enid had entered, the editor’s eyes had lit up and he promptly walked over to her. Declaring that if Stephenson (Enid’s colleague) didn’t want to write the article then the new girl could just do it. Which he had then followed up with a comment that it was probably for the best since it wasn’t even a proper sport. Enid had then been escorted back out of office, being given only so many details as her Editor could fit in before they reached the elevator and she was sent on her merry way.
And that was how Enid came to find herself standing in front of a local recreational center. Double checking the address she’d noted down on her phone before tentatively pushing the doors open and making her way inside.
After a short walk Enid pushes yet another pair of doors open, happy that there were signs to tell her which way to go. Now that she’s here however Enid however finds herself at a loss. Not that there aren’t people. On the contrary there’s quite a few people spread around the gym she’s entered. Unfortunately Enid has no clue which one of them she’s supposed to talk to since her editor had given her little more than a name before shooing her off.
Seeing as she has few other options if she wants to actually get something done, Enid makes her way towards one of the smaller groups of people who were sitting by the bleachers that took up most of one side of the room
“Uhm sorry?” Enid said carefully as she approached the group, most of them turning their attention towards her “hi” Enid continued with a little wave as she flashed all of them a smile as a form of apology for interrupting them
“Hi” one of the girls replied, matching her tone to be as sugary as Enid’s but still somehow managing to sound annoyed that she’d been disturbed. The girl in question very much reminded Enid of pretty much every girl who’d given her shit in high school.
“so sorry for interrupting. I’m from Touchdown magazine” Enid continued, gesturing towards her employee badge that she had clipped onto her belt. Not much in the way of a press pass but it did kind of separate her from crazy fans looking for an autograph. Not that Enid thought there really were that many crazy fans in the world of fencing, but nonetheless “I’m kinda suppose to do an interview here?”
“oh it’s no problem” The other woman said her voice suddenly feeling much more genuinely sweet and she even went as far as to flash Enid a small smile, showcasing her stupidly white teeth “what do you need?”
“oh thank you” Enid laughed “My editor literally gave me zilch to go on. I’m supposed to talk with a W Addams?”
Almost as soon as the words had left her mouth the smiled dropped from the other girl’s face as fast as it had appeared
“oh you’re looking for the ice queen” The girl said. This time not even attempting to hide the annoyance in her voice “she’s out back. Through the doors and left” she gestured behind towards a smaller set of doors on the other side of the gym
“thank you so much” Enid smiled, still wanting to remain courteous. But the other girl had already turned her attention back to her group of friends. Not even acknowledging that Enid was talking to her
Pulling a face Enid started making her way towards the doors. Wondering what in the world she’d done to earn the other girl’s ire. And what someone had to do for her to refer to one as ice queen. Considering she was pretty darn frosty herself.
Enid however didn’t have a lot of time to consider much as she, after turning left down the hall, pushed open one last door and was suddenly face to face with a woman clad only in a sports bra and very much in the middle of changing
“oh shoot sorry!” Enid exclaimed throwing her hand in front of her eyes
“it’s a locker room” The girl deadpanned “it’s to be expected that other people see you change”
While Enid could admit that the other girl was right in her assertation it didn’t make her feel any better about barging in on someone changing. Or any more sure of where to look, even as the other girl finally pulled on a pair of pants
“although I don’t recognize you from the fencing team” the girl continued, bending down to root through her bag for something
“oh no I’m not. I’m actually looking for someone named Addams” Enid explained “I was told she was supposed to be around here somewhere”
“that would be me”
“oh great!” Enid took a small step forward and held out her hand. Which seemed more appropriate as both of them were now more or less dressed. The other girl however didn’t move her focus away from her bag and left Enid’s hand hanging in the air. Were everyone on this team just freaking rude?
“I’m Enid Sinclair” Enid continued after letting her hand fall back down her side “I’m writing an article for Touchdown magazine and I was wondering if I could as you a few questions?”
“Wednesday” The other girl replied, still monotone, as she pulled a black athletic tank top from her bag and seemingly satisfied pulled it over her head
“you have time for the interview on Wednesday?” Enid asked trying to decipher the rather clipped reply “cause yeah that’s totally fine. My editor gave me all week to get it done for the next issue so we can meet then if you want and-“
“my name is Wednesday” the other girl, Wednesday apparently, interrupted Enid’s. Her voice shifting from fully monotone towards something that resembled the annoyed turn the girl out in the gym had used
“oh duh yeah of course. W Addams” Enid said tapping her hand against her head. Although inwardly Enid was really wondering who would name their kid Wednesday. Like weren’t both of them a generation too old for the crazy name fad?
“now if you’ll excuse me” Wednesday said hopping over the bench separating them and making her way around Enid with astounding speed “I have practice to attend”
“oh yeah of course” Enid said turning around to keep up with the shorter girl “just uhm… the interview?” Enid cringed at how she’d somehow managed to be both uncomfortably insistent and incredibly awkward all at once
“there are dire consequences for being tardy to practice and I have no wish to incur them” Wednesday said pulling the door open before glancing back towards Enid. Actually looking at her for the first time since she’d entered the room “but if you wish you’re welcome to wait until we’re finished”
Standing back dumbfounded, after being left alone in the locker room, Enid blinked a few times before following after Wednesday and making her way back out into the gym. Where the various girls assembled were now making their way towards a new arrival. A seriously tall and imposing woman who had what looked like a way too intricate hairdo considering she was dressed in an athletic set
“Alright girls!” the woman exclaimed. Her voice loud enough that it easily carried through the entire room and even making Enid jump a bit at the noise “Warmup laps! Twenty minutes of thirty of them. Once you’re done start setting up. I want ladders for footwork, weights and positioning laid out in stations!”
Obviously used to the drill most of the people in the gym started doing laps around the outer lines. Except a few who instead retreated and sat down on the bleachers. Not particular feeling up to joining the training session Enid followed the second group and sat by herself. Pulling out her phone in an effort to make time pass faster. And maybe do some reading up on fencing while she had the chance.
The girls out in the gym soon moved on from their laps and instead started on whatever stations that the woman, who Enid guessed was the coach, had talked about earlier. Which just meant that they were now taking turns at various weird looking exercises. One of which seemed to involve running sideways through a set of ladders laid out on the ground. It took Enid longer than she’d like to admit that they were, in fact, taking up fencing positions. The ladders forcing them to focus on their footwork as they moved through. The remaining stations seemed to revolve around much the same. With one seemingly focusing on holding various positions for a certain time. The coach moving between all of them and seemingly commenting and correcting various bits and pieces
“okay everyone pack it up and gear on!” the coach yelled after a while startling Enid so bad she almost dropped her phone “Addams, Kilmer get on the strip once you’re done”
Enid slowly put her phone away more interested as to what was happening as the girls all spread out in the gym and started putting on what even Enid could recognize as being fencing suits. What was probably most interesting was that while everyone else was in white, Wednesday’s uniform was fully black, a fact that was only highlighted as she made her way towards the center of the room once she’d suited up.
Once the rest of the girls had gotten their suits on they all sat down in front of what Enid could probably guess was the strip, or the piste. Waiting as Wednesday and the girl in front of her, Kilmer, had a wire attached to their backs
“alright girls” the coach continued “you know the drill. On my mark” the tension seemed to thicken in the room for a few seconds as the two girls positioned themselves properly with the coach watching “begin”
The next few seconds, or minutes maybe. Enid wasn’t quite sure. Were filled with a flurry of movements and clashing that was most likely important but Enid couldn’t really make heads or tails of most of it. Both girls would consciously leap forward or backwards with their swords, and every now and then a light would go off at which they’d return to the center of the strip and do it all over again. Enid knew enough that she could figure out that they were each scoring points somehow. But she had no clue who was scoring when or how they managed to do it.
“you look like someone who has no clue what’s going on” A voice suddenly piped up next to her. Makin Enid turn her head to see a boy around her age sit down next to her. A smile plastered across his face
“is it that obvious?” Enid replied. Making sure to keep her voice low the same as him, as to not disturb the practice
“eh just a bit” he shrugged making Enid giggle a bit “I’m Kent” He continued extending a hand which Enid grabbed and shook
“Enid”
“I don’t think I’ve seen you here before” Kent said his tone inquisitive
“oh no it’s my first time here. I’m actually writing an article for a magazine” Enid felt blood rush to her face as she said the last part. Aware of how silly that might sound considering she’d just admitted to not knowing much about the sport
“you’re here to talk to Bianca then?” Kent raised an eyebrow
“Wednesday Addams actually” Enid corrected
“oh you’re here for the ice queen?” Kent asked both of his eyebrows raising in astonishment
“why does everyone call her that?” Enid hadn’t exactly spent much time alone with Wednesday but she hardly seemed any more cold or rude than anyone else she’d met here so far. Kent not included. And Enid had barged in on her changing
“she’s just kind of cold you know” Kent seemed more than a little dismissive of the topic. Which only confirmed Enid’s notion that the nickname was nothing meant to be nothing more than rude. Just as she’d expected
“uhuh” Enid laced her tone with enough skepticism to make it clear that she didn’t buy it one bit. But otherwise let the subject lie and spared Kent “how about you tell me what in the heck is going on down there” she said instead. Gesturing towards the strip
“sure” Kent’s good mood was back in an instant as he quickly glanced between Enid and the strip “so how much do you know about fencing?”
“you hit people with swords?” Enid said which earned her a look from Kent that said she’d probably have to do better than that “you earn points by hitting your opponent with your sword. One point per hit” she tried instead. Kent looking a bit more approving this time around
“you’re not supposed to step off the strip in any direction. Aaaaand it’s usually first to fifteen?” Enid continued quickly realizing that she’d run out of practical knowledge about fencing. Pretty sure that they were those big white suits weren’t going to earn her any points
“okay that’s…”
“terrible?” Enid finished for him
“I was gonna say not wrong” Kent tried to which Enid sent him a disbelieving look “if a little basic” He followed up
“so they do saber fencing here” Kent began again indicating towards the strip where Wednesday and Kilmer were still going off on one another. Although the coach had seemingly started butting in more to offer advice now and then “which means that you only get points for hitting your opponent above the waist”
Enid nodded along her gaze fixed on what was happening on the strip. Trying to put whatever knowledge she got into use. And she could actually kind of see that neither of the girls ever went for each other’s legs despite there being ample opportunity
“the other thing about scoring is that you don’t just get it from hitting your opponent” Kent continued “you also have to have priority which is kind of complicated. But it generally means being in charge of the fight. Which you can often achieve by being the one attacking, or loose if you make some sort of mistake”
“so hit your opponents upper body to get points. But hits only count if you have priority” Enid summed up still focusing on the match
“exactly yeah” Kent nodded “which is what Weems is down there judging. Although she’s being pretty lenient since she’s stopping the fight all the time”
“Weems is the coach right?” Enid asked glancing briefly towards Kent who nodded in response
“yeah. One of the best coaches in the state. Country even. Which is probably why they have fencers like Addams and Bianca here”
“who exactly is Bianca?” Enid asked now actually looking away from the strip for more than a second. Although this was mostly because Weems had pulled both girls away to discuss something with them “you mentioned her earlier as well”
“Bianca Barclay” Kent elaborated as he leaned forward pointing towards the girl Enid had talked to earlier “She’s in the top 25 national fencers so which is why I assumed you were here to talk to her”
“I did actually talk to her earlier” Enid said “although she got a real attitude after I told her I was here to interview Wednesday”
“oh yeah I can imagine” Kent chuckled “they’ve kind of had a rivalry going for a while. They’re both great fencers, but Wednesday is a year younger meaning she gets a bunch of extra attention for being the youngest to do stuff. Which in turns pulls a lot of attention from Bianca”
“oh… yeah” Enid wasn’t about the to say that she herself was there to interview Wednesday for being one of the youngest female fencer to be considered for the Olympics
“they got in some huge fight a couple of months ago about Bianca being passed over for a sponsorship deal in favor of Wednesday”
“I mean that doesn’t seem like it’s her fault?” Enid said
“oh yeah not at all” Kent agreed “the problem was that Wednesday declined the offer which really set Bianca off for some reason. They’ve barely talked since”
Enid was about to inquire further into this split. Gossip always having been her weakness. But she was interrupted by the sound of Weem’s voice suddenly cutting through the room
“faster Addams!” she yelled after Wednesday had seemingly lost a point “you got to keep control of the fight. We both know you’re quicker than that!”
The sudden confrontation drew Enid’s attention as Wednesday looked towards Weems before once again taking her place in the middle of the strip. Her stance and body language the same as before. But yet Enid got the distinct feeling that she seemed angry, or maybe just annoyed.
Enid’s suspicion was confirmed as, the second she had taken her place opposite of Wednesday, Kilmer was assaulted with a flurry of blows and advancements so fast that she had no choice but to retreat until she was forced across the back-border of the strip. The whole thing happening so fast that Enid would probably have missed it if she’d looked away for even a moment
“alright Addams. You’ve made your point” Weems sighed just loud enough for Enid to hear “okay that’ll do!” she continued at her usual loud as hell volume “Addams and Kilmer switch out. Bump and Bryant you’re up”
The rest of the practice went along the same lines. Partners taking turn sparring against one another with Weems correcting and making comments, or even making other students answer questions as to what was good or bad about certain moves.
Enid did her best to stay focused on the various matches. And she did actually pick up a few points from Weem’s varying comments. But her attention slowly started slipping more and more. Especially now that Wednesday was no longer the one fighting. Which Enid had to admit had helped her staying focused. Even if she didn’t know why
Kent did his best to keep it entertaining for her by supplying his own comments to the various matches. But even that didn’t stop Enid from slowly switch over to scrolling on her phone. She defended this decision to herself with the fact that she was still doing research for her article. Which essentially meant she was googling Wednesday and looking through the few things that came up. Which was mostly a few other articles or videos of her at tournaments. Including one from last year where Wednesday had beaten her opponent so bad that even Enid could see it
It wasn’t until Weems blew her whistle and proclaimed that practice was over that Enid looked up from her phone again. At which point she got up and tried to find Wednesday in the crowd. Luckily the pitch black uniform made her fairly easy to spot and soon after Enid was jogging towards the other girl. The two of them meeting right outside the door that led towards the locker rooms. Wednesday looking more than a little shocked to see Enid
“Enid” Wednesday said her eyes widening “you’re still here”
“well you did say I’d have to stay until after practice if I wanted my interview”
“I did. But reporters usually leave when I brush them off in that manner”
“oh” Enid’s face fell as she realized that Wednesday had been trying to get rid of her “I mean I can leave if you want me to? I really don’t want to impose”
“No that won’t be necessary” Wednesday said even if she sounded somewhat unsure as she did so “I promised you an interview if you stayed and I will keep my word. If you’ll just let me shower first”
“oh yeah of course!” Enid beamed “take your time”
Wednesday merely nodded before making her way to the locker rooms. Leaving Enid standing by the door as more students walked past
Enid just leant against the wall by the door. Pulling her phone back out of her pocket to pass the time. Luckily it didn’t take long for people to start filtering back out. Most of them walking by Enid without paying her much attention. Although Bianca did give her the stink eye as she made her way past. Which Enid pointedly ignored, not wanting to be part of whatever feud was going on between the two girls. She was just here to get her interview and then she could leave. She’d probably already spent more time than she should waiting around for Wednesday.
Not long after Wednesday joined the stream of people exiting. Making her way towards Enid
“I’m ready” Wednesday said as she stopped by Enid’s side. Her hair still done up in braids but her clothes having been switched from the athleticwear Enid had seen earlier to an oversized hoodie and a t-shirt underneath. Both of them still black
“great! Where do you wanna do this? I’m guessing you know the area a little better than me”
“if you do not mind we can carry out the interview here” Wednesday said adjusting the rather large backpack she was carrying “or there is an acceptable café in the area if you’d prefer somewhere to go somewhere else”
“oh no here is great” Enid beamed “I don’t want to keep you longer than necessary. I’m sure you have plans”
“alright then” Wednesday said. Pointedly not acknowledging Enid’s indirect question. But rather making her way towards the bleachers. Enid merely shrugged and followed. She’d mostly just tried to be polite after all
“you know most reporters call and schedule interviews rather than just showing up to practice sessions” Wednesday said as they were walking. Her tone remaining the same as it had been but somehow still managing to sound more displeased
“oh my editor said he’d called ahead and arranged things” Enid wasn’t even lying about that either. Earlier as her editor had essentially pushed her into the elevator he’d stuck a piece of paper with an address in her hand, and told her he’d arranged an interview with some sort of fencing prodigy. The rest of what Enid knew about her assignment she’d pieced together from things she’d heard last week at the office and her google searches
“then either your editor was lying or he’s simply incapable of doing his job correctly” Wednesday continued. But the words had barely left her mouth before coach Weems suddenly barged towards them. Or more precisely Enid. Who ended up having to crane her neck to meet the eyes of this mountain of a woman
“do excuse me, but you wouldn’t happen to be with touchdown magazine would you?” Weems asked to which Enid merely nodded. Still feeling slightly tongue tied from the sudden interruption
“Then I must apologize for not realizing you’d arrived sooner” Weems continued extending a hand that Enid numbly shook “I spoke with your editor earlier about an interview and admittedly I missed the fact that you had already arrived”
“you spoke with him to arrange an interview with me” Wednesday cut in before Enid had a chance to reply. Or even introduce herself properly
“yes Ms. Addams I did” Weems replied fixing her gaze on Wednesday “because your constant dismissal of reporters has resulted in there being nigh zero public mention of you. Despite the fact that you are favored to be one of the youngest Olympians in the sport. It’s not only detrimental to your public image but also significantly lowers your chances of lowering your chances of achieving one of the few sponsorships available”
“I told you that I have no interest in sponsorships” Wednesday almost full on sneered at the taller woman
“and I have told you that you are free to donate the money to whatever charity you see fit. It is a matter of garnering enough attention that you might achieve your goal of attending the Olympics” Weems shot back. This clearly being a discussion they’d had before
“I’d rather be judged on my skill rather than my ability to sweettalk an incessant stream of reporters”
“I’m sure you would. But unfortunately for you both are often necessary to be successful. Now this young lady has been kind enough to come down here and I’m certain you can afford her some of your time”
“I have already promised Enid an interview” Wednesday groaned before stalking off. Leaving Enid and Weems standing alone
“well I do wish you good luck with that… Enid was it?” Weems sighed “and again sorry for how unorganized it’s been. We’re usually more present”
“it’s no problem really” Enid smiled. Although she did feel weird about apparently being involved in some ambush on Wednesday
“well that was something” Enid said as she caught up to Wednesday. The two of them reaching the bleachers and positioning themselves across from one another
“It was” Wednesday sighed. Closing her eyes seeming to be collecting her thoughts for a few seconds “and it seems it’s me who has to apologize for you being sucked into this argument between me and that unbearable woman”
“it’s not your fault” Enid shrugged “is she like your manager since she’s setting up interviews for you?”
“not in any official capacity. But her and my mother are old friends, so she has certain freedoms. Like conning both of us into this situation without explaining it properly to either of us”
“to be fair there is a chance she explained it to my editor” Enid laughed “he kind of put me up to this without giving me a whole lot of details. To be honest I don’t even know all that much about fencing”
Wednesday’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment at Enid’s admission. Which was probably the most emotion Enid had seen the other girl express since meeting her. Although her rampant expiration with Weems did certainly come close
“your editor tasked you with writing an article on a sport you’re unfamiliar with?”
“we’re a pretty small magazine so sometimes it’s just needs must” Enid shrugged “plus my editor can have some… interesting opinions about the validity of certain sports”
“and I’m guessing he doesn’t afford fencing much in that regard”
“not particularly” Enid admitted feeling more than a little embarrassed considering the fact that she was talking to someone who’d dedicated most of their life to the sport “so I guess he just stuck it on the newbie to get it over with”
“I do wonder why he’s even bothering with an article if he doesn’t consider the sport worth his time” Wednesday mused graciously unfazed by how Enid’s boss had handled the interview
“I mean it sounds like Weems sweettalked him into it. And I overheard him talking about how one of our competitors, Spectrum, were going to run a similar article but apparently had to drop it”
“there was a reporter from that magazine a couple of weeks ago” Wednesday nodded “I extended him the same offer I did for you, but he wasn’t here once practice was over”
“Guess I’m getting an exclusive scoop” Enid joked, and took Wednesday’s lack of murderous glare as a sign her joke had landed
“You wouldn’t be wrong. This would be the first interview I’ve given outside the context of a tournament in a few years” Wednesday said seemingly thinking nothing of it. Even if the fact did astonish Enid a little bit. “and we should probably get the interview started” Wednesday added with a expectant brow raised in Enid’s direction
“oh yeah of course” Enid exclaimed. Fumbling to pull her phone from her pocket “do you mind if I record it?” which Wednesday didn’t so Enid quickly fired up her memo app and placed the phone between the two of them. Hoping it would pick both of them up well enough in the gym
“so” Enid started, suddenly realizing that she should have probably spent more time preparing actual questions rather than betting on her ability to wing it. Wednesday obviously took note of the pause as her expression changed ever so slightly. Waiting for Enid to pose her question
“with you current ranking you are set to become one of the youngest fencers to join the US Olympic team. Having already been the youngest to take the podium at a senior event” Enid managed to string together. Thankful that her small bit of research from earlier seemed to be enough for her to string together something semi coherent “and I was just wondering how you’re feeling about that?”
Wednesday’s face betrayed nothing at Enid’s question. Although there was a pause as she seemed to consider her answer. Which Enid couldn’t really blame her for since she’d had to ask a fairly general and open question to make up for her lack of expertise
“I feel that I’d like to be judged on my skill rather than be sensationalized due to my age. I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and my age has played no significant role in that” Wednesday responded after a while. Her voice steady as if she was reading her answer off a script
“yeah of course. But people’s fascination with your age is directly correlated to your skills as a fencer isn’t it?” Enid shot back, hoping to dig a little deeper into the issue
“I’m certain they’d be a lot less interested if I wasn’t a national medalist yes” Wednesday’s lips twitched a bit at the remark as if she was fighting a slight smile at her own joke. Or maybe rather a smirk “but nonetheless their need to focus on my achievements solely due to my age, means that other athletes, who are likewise skilled, get overlooked just because I’m younger”
Enid merely nodded along, letting Wednesday continue her point rather than cut in
“and likewise I’m often compared to people because we’re the same age even if the comparison is otherwise completely unrelated. Or downright unfair”
“an unfair comparison?” Enid asked
“there was girl in the upper youth ranks a couple of years ago who was hounded by constant comparisons to me” Wednesday explained “and while she was skilled we were still competing at two entirely different levels. The comparison did nothing but undermine her achievements in a misplaced effort to make mine seem more impressive”
“that does seem pretty annoying”
“it’s downright infuriating” Wednesday sighed “and a large part of why I generally tend to avoid engaging with reporters. Since it seems that they’re going to twist my words no matter what I tell them”
“well… I’ll do my best not to do that then” Enid smiled, happy that her attempt at humor, even if her intent was sincere, earned her the small twitch that she was already getting to know as Wednesday’s smile
The rest of the interview went in the same fashion. Enid having to improvise her way through various questions. But Wednesday always managing to approach them from an angle that gave Enid a ton of material for her article. As well as letting get to know the other girl better. Even if it was in a professional setting. Enid got to learn more about Wednesday’s frustration with herself and other fencers had been treated. Enid definitely noticed parallels between what Wednesday was describing and what Kent had told her earlier about Wednesday’s split with Bianca. She however chose to keep this to herself as there had to be an upper limit to even a reporters prying. And because she didn’t think it would do anything other than possibly piss Wednesday off. Something Enid definitely wasn’t looking to do just as they seemed to be getting on.
After they’d spent most of an hour talking with one another Wednesday had to excuse herself. Enid, who’d already gotten way more than what she needed for her piece, had thanked the other girl for her time and the two of them had parted ways outside the recreational center. Wednesday making her way towards the parking lot while Enid had to catch a bus further down the street. A car still being pretty high on the list of things that Enid wanted to buy for herself once she had the money
A couple of hours later Enid was standing outside her apartment struggling to get the key into the lock while having to deal with the two grocery bags hanging from her wrist. Finally succeeding after way too many failed attempts Enid made her way inside pushing the door shot with her foot as she made her way into the kitchen.
Placing the bags on the counter Enid eyed the small heap of washing up in the sink and sighed before walking across the room and knocking a couple of times on a closed door, a bit harder than strictly necessary.
“Yoko wake the hell up already it’s like four thirty already!” she screamed through the door hoping to illicit some sort of response “and it’s your turn to do the dishes!”
That time Enid’s yelling was met with a slightly muffled annoyed grumble that Enid knew well enough that she knew her roommate was getting out of bed, albeit somewhat slowly. In Yoko’s defense she worked the nightshift at a local bar. Making her pretty nocturnal even on her days off. But even so she shouldn’t be sleeping until well into the evening. Plus there was an upper limit on how long even Enid was willing to tolerate heaps of dirty dishes in the kitchen.
A few minutes later, which Enid spent putting away the various items she’d bought, the door to Yoko’s room swung open and the girl in question joined Enid at the counter.
“I don’t suppose you brought any breakfast?” Yoko asked squinting as she scanned the various groceries that Enid had yet to put away. Seemingly unhappy with the spread of fresh greens and fruit. Enid being the driving force behind why anyone in their household got their five a day
“you’re asking if I brought breakfast for you at 4 in the afternoon?” Enid asked raising her eyebrows incredulously at the other girl who just shrugged in return and looked expectantly at Enid
“there’s cereal in the cupboard” Enid sighed in defeat as Yoko happily reached for the cupboard where they kept their dry goods
“ew you got the old people stuff” Yoko grimaced as she stared down at the box of shredded wheats that Enid had deposited in the cupboard just minutes earlier.
“it’s good for you” Enid rolled her eyes “if you’re gonna be ruining your appetite before dinner it might as well be somewhat healthy”
“okay mom” Yoko sighed as she grabbed a bowl and sat down at the table “and don’t worry I’ll have plenty of appetite for dinner. What are we having?”
“we’re not having anything until someone does the dishes like she told me she would yesterday” Enid said placing the last of the produce in the fridge before turning to face Yoko “but after that I found this recipe for a spinach bake I wanted to try plus most of the ingredients were on sale soooo”
“what do you have against food? Like seriously?”
“there’s nothing wrong with eating healthy. And don’t call me mom again” Enid warned holding up a finger towards Yoko
“if the shoe fits” Yoko mumbled shoving a spoonful of cereal into her mouth. Not even having bothered to get the milk from the fridge
“being responsible by going to work and buying veggies doesn’t make me a mom” Enid shot back
“I go to work too!” Yoko argued “I have nighters both Thursday and Friday this week okay?”
“wait for real?” Enid asked her shoulders sagging “but Friday is girls night”
Yoko sighed and looked apologetically at Enid “I know I know but Tammy called in sick so either I take her shift or no one else can and it’s the end of the world and blah blah blah. If you want you can hang out with me? Joseph ain’t showing his face on a Friday night so drinks on me?”
“nah I’ll probably have to work on my article anyhow” Enid sighed. Sad that their night was apparently cancelled and not really feeling like replacing it with sitting around while Yoko was handling assholes and drunks. Even if she got free drinks as long as she stuck with the cheap stuff
“you’re writing an article?” Yoko’s eyebrows raised in surprise reminding Enid that in the turmoil of the day she hadn’t as much as shot her roomie a text about the development at work. Being that they’d let her write her second ever article all on her own
“oh yeah! Abrams wants me to write a segment on this fencing star who might be going to the Olympics” Enid beamed excitement suddenly filling her when she thought about the article. Earlier she’d been mostly too focused on having to figure out how to actually do it to really let it sink in. But now she felt giddy at the prospect of something she’d get to write herself being published. No matter how small their magazine was “I actually interviewed her earlier”
“… Enid you know nothing about fencing” Yoko deadpanned staring at Enid quite pointedly
“oh trust me I know” Enid laughed “I watched them practice for hours and literally all of it went right over my head”
“you had to watch them practice for the article?” Yoko asked in between another bite of cereal
“oh no I just got there pretty early and then Wednesday said I’d have to wait until they were done practicing if I wanted an interview”
“Wednesday?” Yoko raised an eyebrow
“yeah she’s the one I’m writing the article about”
“oh no I figured” Yoko laughed “I’m just wondering who the fuck names their kid Wednesday”
“I know right? I thought the exact same thing. I mean I didn’t actually ask her of course but it is a bit weird right?”
“very weird” Yoko shook her head “but this Wednesday girl essentially said that if you wanted to talk to her you had to sit through hours of watching a sport you know nothing about?”
“I mean she didn’t know that” Enid tried justifying it “plus there was a guy there who explained it to me”
“buuuuut you still did it” Yoko asked
“yeah?” Enid hesitated not really knowing what the other girl’s point was as she shot her a smug look. Her mouth full of cereal
“bottom” Yoko deadpanned after a few seconds of tense silence. Her smug smile only growing wider at Enid instantly starting to sputter and blush at the accusation
“Yoko!” Enid managed to exclaim after a short moment
“I’m just saying”
“yeah well you can stop because it’s nothing like that” Enid glared at the other girl who was still smiling smugly. Much to Enid’s annoyance
“oh no of course it isn’t” Yoko said her voice so laced with sarcasm there was no chance of misunderstanding “you’re just beaming like the sun totally unrelated to spending the day with a cute girl”
“no one said she was cute?” Enid shook her head “and I’m just happy about getting another article okay?”
“I just know that look on you” Yoko mused “just like when you spent the weekend doing volunteer work with Shannon”
“please don’t remind me of that” Enid cringed at the memory of the memory “things are strictly professional between me and Wednesday. She’s nice but”
“I’m sure she is” Yoko cut in
“but it’s just for the article”
“uhuh” Yoko hummed disbelievingly
“I swear I’ll make you cook your own food” Enid threatened. Already getting tired of Yoko’s insistence that there was something between her and Wednesday. Or rather that Enid wanted there to be something
“okay okay chill” Yoko said in defeat “You and fencing girl are just professional reporting buddies then”
“exactly" Enid nodded. Satisfied with her win. Because there really wasn’t anything going on between her and Wednesday. Sure the other girl was nice enough once you got used to the general coldness. But they’d barely talked for more than an hour and Enid had more than learned from her mistakes about falling headfirst for people before really getting to know them. Hadn’t she?