Outing
Today, Enid had convinced Wednesday to take a day off from her investigations and research. She had begrudgingly dragged the brooding girl to Jerico, and after getting their usual orders at the Weathervane, they went shopping for school supplies. They stopped by a few clothing stores—nothing too bright to accommodate the goth’s preferences—before Enid finally agreed to visit Uriah's Heap where Wednesday delighted in picking up trinkets and strange curiosities.
When they finally got back on campus, they decided to sit by the lake to admire the tranquil scenery and relax a little before returning to their dorm.
Enid’s plan for the day had been simple: spend time together, enjoy the simple pleasures of student life on a weekend, and maybe, just maybe, let Wednesday know how much she meant to her. So far, it had been a perfect outing.
When she planned the day in advance, Enid had also tucked the book of French poetry Wednesday’s mother had given her during her last visit into her bag. As expected from the mysterious woman, the offering had been delivered with a cryptic remark about its future usefulness. Since then, the girl had downloaded Duolingo on her phone and committed to daily French lessons, determined not only to understand the book but also to express her feelings to Wednesday. After all, what could be more romantic than confessing in French? Perhaps the raven would better understand the language of love when it came to matters of the heart.
As they sat on a neutral-colored blanket near the water, Enid rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small speaker. She connected it to her phone and played soft classical music to set a gentle mood. Wednesday seemed calm, and despite the busy trip to town, she looked satisfied with her thrift store finds as she examined them in her bag. She leaned back against a tree, the rustling leaves blending with the sound of the lake.
“You really thought of everything,” Wednesday said, her voice calm with a hint of intrigue. She leaned back against the tree, her dark eyes fixed on Enid, watching her closely, as if trying to decipher her intentions.
The bright girl shrugged, flashing a quick, nervous grin. “Well, you’ve been working so hard lately. Someone’s got to make sure you take a break once in a while.”
Wednesday’s lips twitched, her expression measured but tinged with warmth. “And that someone is you?” she asked, her tone dry but carrying a subtle hint of hopefulness.
“Obviously,” Enid shot back, her voice playful. “You’d happily brood all day if I let you, but that’s not happening on my watch.”
The goth tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering as she studied her friend. “You’re oddly determined,” she said, her voice softening just enough to hint at appreciation. “You’re too thoughtful for your own good.”
Enid leaned in slightly, her confidence growing. “Well, you deserve it. I will need to remind you how much.”
Wednesday arched a brow, her smirk faint but unmistakable. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice low and teasing as she shifted closer to the other girl, her dark gaze steady and piercing.
Enid felt her cheeks flush under Wednesday’s attention. “Nothing! Just… you’re welcome,” she blurted, her earlier boldness faltering.
The dark gaze lingered on the flustered girl for a moment longer, something unspoken flickering in her expression. Wednesday smirked softly, letting the moment stretch, before turning her attention back to the book in her hand, leaving Enid’s heart racing.
“How’s French treating you so far?” she asked, looking at Enid through her messy bangs. “This book is full of classical poetry. It’s not an easy one to start with.”
“Well, I’ve been trying to learn with an app and stay consistent with my lessons, but I still can’t understand it,” Enid admitted, her tone dejected. “Still, the creepy owl teaching it is kind of growing on me. With its menacing double-meaning sentences and obsession with schedules, it reminds me of someone. Don’t you think?” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.
Unimpressed, Wednesday rolled her eyes, her fingers brushing over the book’s edges with deliberate ease. “Do you want me to read something to you?” she asked, her gaze flicking to the wolf, her tone calm and even.
Enid nodded quickly, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Yeah! I mean, only if you want to. Your voice would be… perfect for it.”
Wednesday’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Alright,” she said simply, opening the book. Her voice was low and velvety, the French flowing with a natural rhythm, like a soft melody carried on the breeze.
Enid tried to follow the words, but her attention faltered. Her gaze lingered on the raven instead—the way her lips shaped each word with precision, the soft rise and fall of her tone. The meaning of the poem escaped her, but the sound of Wednesday’s voice seemed to weave an intimacy that made her heart race.
As Wednesday read, the world around them felt distant. Enid’s breath hitched as her eyes traced the dark girl’s profile, the sharp lines softened by the afternoon light. Every word seemed to linger, drawing Enid deeper into the spell Wednesday was unknowingly casting.
“ […] Vénus, la Déesse immortelle,
Tu as fait mon cœur bien heureux,
De l'avoir fait être amoureux
D'une si noble Damoiselle.”
Wednesday finished with a gentle cadence, her voice lingering on the final syllables before silence settled between them. She looked up, her dark eyes meeting Enid’s. “What did you think?”
Enid blinked, startled out of her reverie, her cheeks warming. “Uh… I caught the last part,” she admitted, her voice a little unsteady.
Wednesday tilted her head, her faint smile returning. “The last part?” she echoed.
Enid nodded, fumbling slightly. “Something about… a heart and a woman ?”
Wednesday’s expression softened as she closed the book. “Something like that yes : it can be translated to “Venus, the immortal Goddess, you have made my heart so happy, for having made it fall in love with such a noble Lady.”
The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Enid’s breath caught, her heart pounding as the weight of the moment settled over them.
Wednesday tilted her head, her dark eyes searching the bright girl’s face. For a moment, neither of them moved. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken possibilities.
Enid shifted closer, her hand brushing against Wednesday’s. The other girl didn’t pull away. Instead, she glanced at Enid’s lips, a flicker of something uncertain but longing crossing her face. The wolf’s heart pounded in her chest. This was it. This was the moment.
Gathering her courage and doing her best to remember her lessons, Enid leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Alors… veux-tu baiser?”
Wednesday froze, her eyes widening in shock. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she abruptly stood, brushing imaginary crumbs from her skirt. “I… I should go,” she stammered, her usual composure entirely gone. “Thank you for today, Enid.” Without waiting for a response, Wednesday turned and walked away quickly, leaving Enid sitting there, stunned and confused.