Archery Club
“First rule of Archery club.” Xavier's unusually-loud voice echoed through the courtyard. “You do not talk about Archery club. But considering there's…uh…A good few of you here.” He placed his hands on his hips. “Might be hard.
Wednesday glanced over her shoulder. The inaugural Saturday turnout was a surprising success. A far cry from the expected showing of eight. Her, Enid, Ajax, Caspian, and Bianca and Co.
When she arrived before lunch, she was shocked to find thirty-some-odd students huddled at the meeting point. She made her way to the front, bodies parting like the Red Sea for her. From the jittery conversation clouding the air, she understood why most were here.
They wanted to learn how to defend themselves in case of another attack.
Wednesday doubts an arrow would be able to do anything against a Hyde. They had no exploitable weakness. Just because she survived using archery doesn't mean anyone can. Swordsmanship would be a better skill to learn for it. But if the word about Bianca's fencing club was to be believed, they're also facing similar overflow.
She got to the front, glancing around for a familiar face. Xavier was balancing on a hay bale, swamped by nervous questions. Bianca, Yoko, Divina, and Kent were on the sidelines, giggling in each other's ears. She searched the crowd some more until she caught a flash of platinum blonde and nauseating pink.
She pushed through, stopping as she realized who Enid was speaking to.
Caspian.
Her interest suddenly peaked. What could they possibly be talking about?
It looked like they were having an engaging conversation away from prying ears. Enid had her hip jutted out, arms in a perpetual fold. She had a suspicious look that didn't quite fit her. Caspian stood there awkwardly, one hand in his jacket pocket, the other gesturing in the air.
Enid must've sensed her because she instantly turned her head, locking her green eyes with hers. She started marching forward when Xavier called attention, a sea of students coming between them.
“So um...” Xavier scratched the back of his neck, bringing Wednesday back to the present. “We'll be learning the basics today and y'know… the logistics of how everything's gonna work going forward.”
She muses he probably has no idea what he's doing.
“Please no one get shot on the first day. That would really suck ass.”
Weems was a stickler for safety. Xavier's club would need to be overseen by actual faculty if attendance remains this high. Exactly the opposite of what he was hoping for. He started this club to get easy extracurricular hours. Now he'd have to put in actual elbow grease.
“I don't have enough stuff for everyone So we'll need to work in pairs…” His voice petered out. ” …um?”
She broke off from the crowd, felling his confused eyes follow her.
She passed by a bemused Bianca and her friends.
She spared a glance at a curious Enid, Ajax now by her side.
Without stopping, Wednesday hooked her arm under Caspian's, wordlessly dragging him to the furthest lane.
“Uhh…ok then…”
She lets everyones stares roll of her like rain drops on a window pane.
They were already getting an unnatural amount of unwanted attention. What's a little more?
Xavier cleared his throat. “So lets talk safety rules…I guess.”
They trudged through the snow, Caspian speaking when they were out of earshot. “You couldn't have been any more obvious?” He muttered. His voice a mixture of bewilderment and resignation.
“Enid and Yoko were eyeing you like vultures to a carcass.” Wednesday dropped his arm when they reached the lane. “They were seconds away from pouncing.”
It was true. The instant Xavier mentioned partners, her eyes fell on him. But so did two other pairs. She doubted Enid was going to outright abandon her boyfriend, but Yoko on the other hand was a wild card. She needed to act fast if she wanted to speak with him.
“What was Enid talking to you about?”
Caspian gingerly plucked the bow off its mantel. “What do you think?”
Judging by his annoyed scowl, she deduces it was probably that night.
“I think she's blowing things out of proportion.”
“No shit. I tried explaining to her that I needed to head into town anyways. And that I helped you because I felt bad. But all she seemed to focus on was the image of us like…” He gestured vaguely. “Like that. She said something about scrubbing her eyes with bleach? What's bleach?”
“It's nothing to worry about.” Wednesday sighed. “Enid's an emotional person but she's not dim. She sees the logic in our arrangement. I'm positive she'll get over it soon enough.”
“Yeah, I guess your right.” He turned the bow over, inspecting it curiously.
“Now the real question is.” Wednesday folded her arms. “Why is she emotional about you?”
Caspian's mouth twitched before sniffling. “I honestly have no idea.”
Wednesday narrowed her eyes.
And pythons don't suffocate their prey.
She may be socially isolated from the rest of society, but she can tell when something is clearly going on.
“I thought you knew better than to lie to me?”
To her surprise, he actually made eye contact. “Not lying, doesn't make any sense to me either.”
She studied him. She can usually tell if he was lying just by his eyes. But there was nothing for her to find. For all intents and purposes, he was telling the truth. Perhaps If she didn't spend time with him, she'd begrudgingly leave it at that.
But unfortunately, she did.
Wednesday couldn't shake the feeling he was leaving out some key details. From observing how he operates - both from afar and up close - she can tell how he lies. He offers up half-truths. They usually come out more genuine while still satisfying the questioner.
After all, it's easier to lie when you aren't really lying.
Like when Nurse Abner caught him sneaking out. He was sneaking out, but not to where he said he was going. Or with the priest. He was returning the items but he conveniently left out how his pet stole them. And the whole Enid debacle of a few nights ago. Technically they did just come back from a 'stroll' of sorts.
Perhaps it really doesn't make sense to him why Enid reacted that way. But that surely isn't the whole truth.
“You're not telling me the full story, are you?” She noted plainly after several seconds of silence.
He doesn't reply, instead picking up an arrow. “Like you deserve the full story.”
“She's my friend.”
“So why don't you ask her?” He bit out bitterly.
The corners of her mouth quirked up. She wasn't expecting that kind of reaction. It must be a touchy subject whatever it was. She had her theories from rejected advances to straight-up elopement, but Wednesday was in no particular rush to solve this mystery. Whatever it was, it was petty and full of emotion. Two things she didn't particularly care for.
She should probably stay out of this one.
“Fair warning though,” He grits his teeth, readying a shot. “You'd have to get through her flurry of questions first.”
With a wavering breath, he let go of the bow string. The arrow fizzled through the air, barely reaching the halfway mark before falling flat.
Wednesday snorted. “Terrible.”
“Oh really?” Caspian exhaled exasperatedly, side-eyeing her. “I couldn't have known from the fact I missed the target completely.”
He gave her a proper sneer for once, letting his head sag.
Wednesday wanted to laugh. His dour mood only served to heighten her amusement.
He was worked up over what? Enid? The pubescent flare of raging hormones never fails to entertain her.
“Let me guess, never held a bow before either?” She commented wryly. She recalled his excuse during their first fencing class.
“I've seen centaurs do it,” Caspian murmured, drawing back another arrow. “Looks easy enough…you just pull back and…”
He let it fly. This time it traveled further but ended up in another lane.
She arched her brow. “Was that 'easy enough' for you'?”
“You know,” He cocked his chin indignantly. “If you spend half the time you do shitting on me and actually give advice, I'd be a dead shot right now.”
“I'm not here to baby you.” She retorted easily. “Besides, you being terrible due to inexperience is just a fact and nothing to be ashamed of. However, when faced with any challenge, your tendency of mistaking inflated arrogance as healthy confidence is also a fact. And something you should at least look in to.”
Caspian kicked at the snow lethargically. “Well, whatever…doesn't mean you have to be a proper dick about it.”
“I don't trust people to truly value the weight of their mistakes.”
“Oh, believe me, Addams,” he grumbled, yanking another arrow out of the quiver. “I know when I fucked up, don't need anyone else telling me I did.”
Even though he was at least a head taller than her, she gazed down at the frustrated boy in pity. It was entertaining pressing his buttons. But she had her fill of beating him when he was so clearly down.
She let out a tired sigh, unfurling her arms. “Widen your stance, tuck in your elbow, aim higher than you expect.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Is that actual advice I'm hearing?”
“It's everything you weren't doing.” She countered. “Do what you will with that information.”
He hesitated. Piece by piece he applied her words. Widening his stance. Tucking in his elbows. Before finally adjusting the arch a bit higher.
The arrow went whizzing through the air, landing next to the target.
Wednesday circled him. “An improvement. You lack power and stability. Straighten your back and engage your core. Again.”
After some shuffling and posture correction, he drew another arrow back.
This one cut through the crisp air, landing just inside the outmost blue ring.
A wide grin broke across his face.
She felt her own mouth curve slightly. “Good.”
“Hey, guys.”
She instantly wiped her face neutral. “Xavier.”
“Thorpe.”
Xavier sauntered over to them with a practiced smile. He stopped awkwardly close to her, his overwhelming pinewood cologne engulfing her nose. He had a strange look, a mixture of thinly veiled curiosity and fake aloofness.
“You guys taking it alright?” His olive eyes danced between them.
“He finally hit the target.”
“Kinda hard when you have the embodiment of negativity over here,” Caspian flashed her sarcastic smile which she rolled her eyes at.
Xavier shrugged. “You wanna switch off?”
“No.” They objected in unison.
Wednesday shot her brows up incredulously, sharing a surprised look with Caspian.
She doesn't know what felt worst, being caught off guard by the boy, or being completely synchronized with him.
She'd take the former any day of the week.
“Oh…” Xavier furrowed his brows at the two. “Well…I was kinda hoping you'd say yes Wednesday.”
“What do you mean?” She blinked her concern away, refocusing on the artist.
”I may need your help checking up on these guys. There's a lot more than I was expecting.”
“This is your archery club, not mine.”
“Yeah but you know, since we're friends…” He gestured between them. “We kinda help each other out…when we need it.”
She just stared blankly up at him. “Why not ask Bianca?”
“She's not as good as you.”
Wednesday glanced around. Caspian was by far the worst out of everyone, but that wasn't saying much. The techniques some of these kids were imploring would either damage the bow or their faces.
“Fine.” She conceded. “I'll help you. But for no more than 20 minutes. Perhaps I'll witness someone take an arrow to the knee.”
Xavier smiled curtly. “Much appreciated.”
He looked like he had more to say. However, she instantly turned to Caspian who was fiddling with the arrow's fletchings.
“Keep shooting, remember, aim for the target.” She moved past him.
“Oh haha real funny!…Charmer that one.”
“Uh huh…”
She noted Xavier's less than enthusiastic murmur.
Wednesday waltzed down the aisle of walking safety hazards. With each step she took, she got more excited that she may actually witness a gory incident. But when an arrow landed precariously close to her foot (she sent a withering glare their way), she determined she probably should help these wanna-be Robin Hoods. For her survival if anything.
She was aiding her 5th student when she was called.
“Lock your knees, and use three fingers to draw the bow string back. Thread the arrow through your index and middle for a more consistent shot.”
“L-like this?”
“If you're looking to poke out your eye, then exactly like that.”
“Hey, Wednesday! Over here!”
She whipped her head.
Bianca and Yoko stood a few lanes away. The Siren was waving with a wide grin she did not like.
Wednesday inhaled sharply. “Fire. Now.”
“But-”
She shot him a nasty glare. The werewolf boy swallowed thickly, squeezed his eyes shut, before released the string.
The arrow landed in the inner black ring.
“Hey… I did it! Let's go! I didn't expect that!” He laughed excitedly.
“Huh.” Wednesday tilted her head. “Neither did I.”
“Hold on…” The boy gulped. “W-why?”
Wednesday just gave him a disappointed look. “Shame you closed your eyes.”
“Wait,” He took a step back. “What's that supposed to mean?…H-hey!”
She whisked away, stalking over to Bianca and Yoko. Yoko whispered something in Bianca's ear before splitting off, heading directly for her.
Wednesday eyed her the whole way, but the sunglasses-wearing vampire was as unreadable and indifferent as ever. They brushed shoulders. Wednesday furrowed her brows. She doesn't think she'd even said two words to the girl. What was the matter with her?
She shook her head. As she neared, the siren's smile only grew. It unsettled Wednesday far more than she'll ever admit.
“Hey, American psycho.” Bianca taunted.
“I prefer Hannibal Lecter. What do you want I haven't got all day.”
“Woah, short girl with a short temper. Now which stereotypical coming-of-age flick did you walk out of?”
She made to leave.
“Hey relax,” Bianca smirked. “I need help.”
Wednesday paused, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. “I highly doubt that.”
“Are you saying I'm good at this?”
Bianca Barclay was frustratingly exceptional at archery as with all things it seems. Her aptitude with the bow was nowhere near her prowess with a foil, but she was up there.
“We both know you don't need my help.” She reiterated.
“Well, you're right.” Bianca snorted. “But a few pointers wouldn't hurt.”
She fired a shot, the arrow landing a few inches from the bulls-eye.
Wednesday scrutinized her. Everything from her silvery blue eyes to her mischievous smirk to her proud posture. It was glaringly obvious she didn't call her over for advice. But by her irritatingly mocking attitude, she needed to play her little game. Wednesday hated games, but she hated being tantalized a tad bit more.
“It looks like your feet want to open up” Wednesday took the opportunity to scuff up her perfect boots with a kick. “Let your back foot out a bit.”
Bianca made an odd pained noise. She glowered at her before setting up the shot.
“Ready for the fencing tournament after the break?” She started conversationally.
The siren took a deep breath, closing one eye before letting the arrow fly.
It hit the bullseye. Not directly dead center, but it counted nonetheless.
“Hoping I give you pointers for that as well?” Wednesday droned sarcastically.
Bianca blinked her surprise away. “Haha-ah…” She tutted, drawing up another arrow. “I can't wait to knock that superiority complex down a peg. Maybe two.”
Wednesday dryly noted how she reverted back to her old stance.
This time, the arrow landed in the second outer ring.
“Funny enough I can afford to wait for your defeat,” Wednesday smirked at the misfire. “Like a devastating thunderstorm, why rush the inevitable?”
Bianca side-eyed her before discreetly pivoting her foot back. “Well with the new altered break schedule, I'll be practicing with Coach Vlad.”
“Altered break?”
“You don't know? They're giving us the option to stay for the break cause of the extended Christmas one .” Bianca let out smoothly, adjusting her shot.
The arrow landed in the bullseye again, much to her visible chagrin.
Wednesday frowned. “And people are choosing to stay here?”
She doesn't detest Nevermore like she use to, but home was still home. She assumed most would be eager to leave.
Wednesday decided she'll stay for the break. While the Tyler case was still fresh in her mind. Who knows, perhaps it'll be beneficial if 95% of the student body left. If not for the case, then for her inner peace.
“Well I am. So is Yoko, Divina, Kent, Xavier, and Ajax. Being a Nightshade has its perks. I can only imagine what we can do with an empty school.” Bianca relaxed her shoulders, turning to face her. “Speaking of, I've been meaning to-”
“Hiya ya'll!”
Bianca jumped.
Wednesday stiffened.
Enid.
She skipped towards them, coming to a stop with a clasp of her manicured hands. She gave Wednesday a 'we need to talk' look. “Sorry Bianca, can I steal my roomie for just a quick sec?”
“Enid! It's actually perfect you're here.” Bianca's pearly smile from before came back wider than ever.
Enid made a face. “Huh? Why?”
“Well…It's been unanimously decided to officially offer you both a spot in the Nightshade Society.”
Enid gasped.
Wednesday blinked. That was not what she was expecting.
“Wh-what…” The werewolf stammered. “A-are you serious? Is this for reals!”
“Mhm.” Bianca smiled slyly. “As real as I'll ever be.”
“Why would I want to join that wretched cesspool of a club-”
“WE'RE so glad you reconsidered, isn't that RIGHT Wenya?” Enid cut in sharply, turning to her slowly like something out of a horror film.
She bit her tongue, words lodged in her throat. Her roommate's tea-green eyes were so intense Wednesday thought they'd leave a permeant mark on her skin.
“What changed your mind?” Enid blinked back to her bubbly self.
She was practically vibrating with excitement.
“A certain someone put in a good word for you.” Bianca rose a knowing brow.
Enid froze in her vibrations. “Oh…”
Wednesday darted her eyes between the two. They were apparently having a telepathic conversation right in front of her. Something was definitely going on.
“And for basketcase over here, she's a legacy so we have to honor that.” Bianca cleared her throat, dragging her eyes to her. “So…ya'll in?”
“O-M-G do you even need to ask?”
“I'll take that as a yes then...” Bianca smiled strangely as Enid bounced on her heels. “The first meeting is on the first Sunday of March break so about 2 weeks from now. We plan on having a late-night dip in the indoor Jacuzzi hot tubs.”
“J-jacuzzi hot tubs?” Enid's eyes turned into saucers. “So cool…”
Wednesday knew about those hot tubs. It's usually filled to the brim with lounging students. She still doesn't know why the academy has them, it literally has no health benefits.
Enid whimpered. “Wait…hold on.”
“What do you mean 'hold on'?” Bianca furrowed her brows.
“That's a little close to my March Wolf out,” she bit her nails. But at the Siren's contempt glare, she flashed a reassuring smile. “But it should be fine, no...no it is fine…yeah it's fine, wait…no it's fine!”
Bianca relaxed. “Meetings at the pool at 10 pm, don't you dare be late.”
“10 O'clock, got it!”
Bianca turned back to the target block, drawing up another arrow. She did a double-take when she realized they were still there.
“So…” Bianca nudged her head awkwardly. “You said you wanted to speak with her?”
“I did? Oh yeah, right. Bye, Bianca!”
Enid waved giddy, dragging Wednesday by the arm.
“I don't like it.” Wednesday huffed after they were a good distance away.
“Why not? It's gonna be SO much fun you don't even know!”
“I don't like the way Bianca spoke.” She recalled her Cheshire grin. “Why offer it to us now of all times?”
“Ummm maybe because March break is coming up and the entire school will be gone so that means we have free reign over everything?” Enid rolled her eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “C'mon Wenya, turn off your detective brain for just a second and enjoy the moment!”
“We both know I will never do that.”
Wednesday didn't like the sinking feeling in her stomach. Bianca hated the idea of her becoming a Nightshade, so why the change of heart?
Enid made a manic laughing sound as she swung their conjoined arms.
“Calm down before you burst a blood vessel.” Wednesday tore her arm away from their little yellow-brick-road waltz.
“Eek! This is all ever wanted! To finally be cool enough to join a cool club!”
Wednesday pursed her lips. “Are you insinuating all your other clubs aren't cool?”
“Of course not! I'm insinuating all my other clubs aren't secret or exclusive, which the Nightshades are!” Enid hummed, high on elation.
She can practically see the imagination bubble hanging over her roommates head.
“I thought you had plans for the break?” Wednesday chided, continuing forward.
Enid waved it away. “I'll stay. All I'm missing out on is a few board games nights, some scraps with my brothers, and my mom's famous smoked ham…which I mean now that I think about it…” Enid licked her lips before shaking her head determinedly. “No.. no no no, I've been waiting for this for all of 3 months! The ham will just have to wait.”
“What happened to it being just a stupid club?”
“It was stupid how Ajax couldn't get me in. But now it's of average intellect.” She smiled hopefully. “Maybe even higher since you're gonna be there… because you will be there.”
Wednesday scoffed. “You think flattery will get you anywhere?”
“I can't do this alone I need you!” Enid pouted, shaking her arm before Wednesday can move it away. “Oh my god, what am I gonna wear? I should start planning… All my bathing suits of for the beach, not for the hot tub! Oh no this is THE worst.”
She yanked her arm free. “There's a difference between swimming attire?”
“Of course there's a diff-” Enid let in a patient breath, looking at her like she was some confused child. “Yes, Wednesday. There is. Do you have a bathing suit?”
Wednesday actually didn't mind swimming. But she never planned on doing it here. “No.”
“Well then, we'll just buy you one when we go into town tomorrow.”
Wednesday dug her heels in the snow. “Jericho's open?”
Enid stopped as well. “Yeah, where have you been these past few days? Student council posted it on their story-” She cut herself off. “Ohhhh..."
“Yes, Oh.” Wednesday knitted her brows. Did she forget who she was talking to?
Jericho was open for business and she was the last person to know? How can she know Jericho's police payroll yet not the towns visitation status? She knew Weems was working on a solution and that they'd open up soon. But she never expected it to be so soon. That means no more sneaking out at night or during therapy, sticking to the backstreets. She can search for answers in broad daylight.
Wednesday shook her head in disbelief. “What happened to newsletters and morning announcements and bulletin boards?”
“Like anyone pays attention to those anymore.” Enid rolled her eyes before looking off into space. “I can't believe I'm a Nightshade!”
“Perhaps you spoke too soon.”
“What?”
“About Ajax. Bianca said someone put in a good word for you.”
“Oh…” Her voice wavered before she brightened up again. “Yeah…Ajax! Of course!”
Wednesday narrowed her eyes. Something was most definitely going on. “Enid, what are you not telling me?”
“Hey, I'm doing the questioning around here!” Enid scolded, pointing an accusing finger at her.
Wednesday shooed it away. “I wasn't aware I was being questioned?”
“Well…you are,” Enid huffed. “Well, now you are. That's why I wanted to talk to you.”
She exhaled tiredly. Here she goes again. “It's about me and Caspian that night, isn't it?”
“Y-yeah…What did he say?” Enid shyly tucked a strand of blue hair behind her ear.
“Just that you have questions for me. But before you start, be aware I told you everything you needed to know that night. There really isn't anything else to it.”
“Why did you go to him for help?” Enid pouted. “You could've asked me. Is it because he's a…” She glanced around superstitiously. “You-know-who?”
Wednesday blew her bangs out of her eyes. “I didn't plan on working with anyone. He caught me sneaking out and wanted to tag along as it fit his own agenda ”
“Returning the jewels Gerald stole.”
“Correct.”
Enid nodded, before making a face like she just bit into a sour lemon. “Why did you agree to be…held like that?”
Wednesday bristled at the memory. “There was no other way.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Well believe it. Trust me, I would've chosen an option with less human contact if there was one.”
“How did it feel?”
Wednesday's mind went blank for a second. She must've heard wrong. “…Come again?”
“I-i mean like your ankle!” Enid's eyes went comically large, her mouth twisting in horror. “Like how did it feel…your ankle? Being broken then fixed and all..magically…that is. Not the 'being held in his arms' part. I can imagine that just fine -NOT…that I imagine that in my spare time!”
Wednesday didn't respond right away. Choosing to scrutinize her flushing roommate.
“It felt like it was broken, then fixed magically.” She noted dully.
“Coolio,” Enid flashed an awkward thumbs up, unable to meet her eyes. “Is it better now?”
Wednesday had two options. Press Enid about whatever…that was or change subjects. Since day one, she suspected Caspian had a crush on her roommate but she didn't know Enid felt the same. There was evidently more to this drama. However, she should probably steer clear of it. The last thing she wants is to be drawn into a lover's spat.
“Yes. By the way, I hope you didn't stress Thing out too much. He's on a medical leave, not vacation.”
Enid visibly relaxed at the change of subject, her cheeks going an acceptable shade of pink. “Sorry about that, he just looked so lonely and I you know I can't resist his puppy-dog look. He just chilled in the back. It was obvious when he spazzed during charades that he needed some rest.”
Wednesday stood there a bit longer. She's been saying Enid can do better than Ajax, but Caspian? He was more capable and knowledgable yes, but the prospect didn't sit right with her. Wednesday was vehemently against them getting together for some reason. It just felt…wrong in her opinion. Like walking around school with a glass of water instead of a water bottle. Technically allowable, but wrong on so many levels, even for her.
“So.."Enid pulled her from her thoughts as she skipped onwards. "Find anything useful for your case?”
Wednesday followed her. “What do you know of Westford?”
“Isn't that the next town over?”
“Tyler visits it often.”
“Sorry,” Enid shrugged. “I don't know much about it. Other than it having a totally tragic racially charged native-American past.”
Wednesday gave her a look. “What town in America doesn't?”
“No but this one's racist racist. People even say it's haunted by native spirits looking to exact vengeance on the pilgrims who slaughtered them.”
“People also say all fats are bad when it comes to nutrition.”
Enid frowned. “Isn't fat bad for you?”
Wednesday let out a long sigh. It was her turn to look at the girl like a confused child. Poor, poor Enid.
“How about Jericho and Gates lore?” She tried.
Enid pressed her lips. “What do you wanna know?”
“Anything about a secret room in their basement. Some family heirloom? Perhaps a precious town artifact?”
Enid thought about it before pouting her bottom lip.
“Again, out of luck. You might wanna swing by Uriah's heap. The owner is a bit…” Enid searched for the right word. “Cooky…but her family lived here since the beginning of time.”
“Hm,” Wednesday recalled her original volunteer assignment from Outreach Day. she probably would've enjoyed it if she didn't have to switch with Enid for pilgrim world. “I think I'll pay Ms. Jorgensen a visit then.”
“But after our shopping spree that is!” Enid cooed, giving her a look that told Wednesday she was not taking no for an answer.
Out of no where, Enid's toothy smile faltered. Something catching her eye.
Wednesday turned around to follow her line of sight. Caspian was speaking to Yoko Tanaka of all people. Something stirred in her abdomen. Wednesday felt the sudden urge to butt in on their conversation.
“Yoko and Caspian seem to be getting along.” Enid tried sounding gossipy, but it came out harsher and ruder than usual. “Divina thinks she has a crush on him. I don't think she's his type though.”
Wednesday side-eyed her suspiciously. “Plan to write about it in your blog?”
“Don't tempt me.” Enid snorted. “I made a pinky promise with him. I wouldn't gossip about him as long as he helped me in Witchcraft and Sorcery.”
“Oh…” She paused before whipping her head at her. “So that's how you have such high marks.”
Wednesday was top of class in every subject. Except for the one she tied Bianca in that is. The only class she wasn't leading by a large margin was Witchcraft and sorcery, Enid trailing her by a few percentage points. Wednesday found it suspicious how she grasped the course's mind bending concepts seemingly over night when just last term she barely passed. Caspian slipping her his notes makes perfect sense.
Enid bit her nails. ”Yeah, dunno if it's even worth it now, I never even wanted to be a necromancer. I just wanted to keep my doors open.”
They eyed the two from afar. Caspian propped himself up casually, using the bow as a makeshift cane. From their perspective, they couldn't see Yoko actually talk. But from his signature half grin, she deduces it wasn't simply an exchange of archery tips.
“It looks so…easy for him to get along with anyone. I mean... I can see why…it's nice talking to him.” Enid sighed to seemingly no one but herself.
Wednesday noted how solemn her voice sounded. This didn't sound like an innocent crush at all.
She should definitely stay out of this one.
"He's a social butterfly Enid. They're supposed to be like that.”
“Yeah but,” Enid frowned. “Even you seem to get along with him. You guys exchanged more words his first day than we did our first week! And we live together!”
Wednesday didn't know how to respond to that. She thought about pushing back against the notion that they 'get along' but decided against it. It would show she cared about what others thought of her, which couldn't be further from the truth.
She settled for a pressing of her lips. “Is that a problem?”
Enid didn't reply right away. Wednesday turned slightly to find her staring longingly at the two.
“No,” Enid let out a airy breath. “Just interesting...”
She eventually tore her gaze away, flashing a smile that didn't fully reach her eyes. But something quickly caught her attention which did. “Speaking of crushes…”
“Hey, guys.”
Wednesday fought the urge to roll her eyes. If she had a nickel for every time Xavier snuck up on her from behind today, she'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
“Howdy Xavier.” Enid waved, smirking. “See ya later Wenya.”
With a small wink, her roommate skipped away.
Wednesday pivoted to face Xavier head-on. “My 20 minutes are up. I'm going back now.”
“Caspian looks busy at the moment.” He popped his lips. “Wanna join me in a game of horse? Lord knows I can use some competition.”
She wouldn't mind shooting something (even if it wasn't live). But she also didn't want to spend any more time here than she needed. She had to brush up on Connie Jorgensen and her family lineage to see if she was suitable for questioning.
Wednesday pondered the offer. “If I beat you, can I leave early?”
“Not a fan of the club?” Xavier grimaced.
“Not a fan of people.”
“Yeah…I get what you mean.” The taller boy rubbed the back of his neck before straightening up. “He…why don't we schedule a time for us to practice fencing?”
Wednesday raised her brows at his hopeful gaze. “You're fencing captain for Hamlet hall. We're competing houses.”
The lengths he'll go to simply to get her alone was astonishing.
“I know but like, let's be honest, it's a battle for third for the rest of us mere mortals.” Xavier pointed out. “No competition here. I can show you some more art stuff if you want?”
Wednesday bit her lip. It wouldn't hurt to get some extra practice in, on an opponent no less. And she was still very much interested in Xavier's abilities.
“I suppose.”
“Great!” Xavier beamed, leading the way to his lane. “I was thinking…”
Wednesday went to follow him, but not before sparing one last glance back at her archery protégé.
He seemed less occupied with the sport and more with the statuesque vampire.
Wednesday shook her head disapprovingly, spinning away.
That was the enigma of Caspian Lee.
He may be a lousy archer inside the range, but he seemingly had no issue shooting his shot outside it.