Forced Marriage (Wenclair)

Enid Sinclair

I can't believe it has been two months ever since I stayed with the Addams family. I first thought the family was super weird and that I wouldn't fit in because of how opposite we are. Everything changed after many weeks of sticking around and getting insight into their daily lives. It's not difficult for me to say, but I am so much more carefree with them rather than my parents. They're special to me.

Apart from the spooky group, Gomez and Morticia have brought up a family member of theirs that I haven't heard of. Fester Addams is Gomez's brother, who is Wednesday and Pugsley's uncle. They talked about how he loves to commit crimes, mostly robbery, and is planning to visit tomorrow. Although Fester is a criminal, I'm excited to see him.

Another topic we discussed is Wednesday's upcoming birthday. Almost two weeks until she officially turns eighteen. I hoped we would get to celebrate it, however Morticia and Gomez had to break the news to me about their daughter not wanting to throw a party or commemorate it in any way, shape, or form. I will respect her wishes, though I would like to buy her a gift. I'm confident she'll be happy to receive one from me hopefully.

Besides Fester coming over to see his family and Wednesday's birthday is nearing, there's nothing else occurring in the month of October. Or so I thought.

"You're the gayest person I have met, yet my oblivious sister doesn't know you are in love with her."

"I'm trying my best Pugs."

"Clearly you're not."

Pugsley and I are shooting at targets outside with bows and arrows. Wednesday is typing out her novel, Thing is preparing lunch alone, and Morticia and Gomez left early in the morning for a meeting. The youngest Addams invited me to do archery and chit chat together.

"What else am I supposed to do?" I interrogated the boy.

"I don't know. I'm not a professional when it comes to romantic relationships nor have I ever experienced it myself personally. All I could think of is to admit your feelings for her," Pugsley shrugged his shoulders before preparing to release the long bolt.

"Do you understand how hard that is? It's one of the most nerve wracking things to do. I've been trying to send hints and take things slow, but it's eating me away. I just wanna claim her already," I complained.

"Then claim her. I bet Wednesday feels the same way," the teen advised as he let the arrow hit into the target.

"Another date would be a good idea. I'll need to make it extra special for Wens. Then, I can woman up and confess my feelings for her," I said while applying the arrow to the bow.

"I'm rooting for you Enid," Pugs grinned pridefully.

"Thanks!" I smiled back before unlatching the thin dart as it struck the middle of the target.

As I watched Pugsley go next and waited for my turn, I heard my phone ringing from the inside of my shorts pocket. I dropped the items on the ground before I dug in to grab my device and pulled it out to see the name Yoko Tanaka, my best friend, calling me through Facetime.

"My friend is calling me. Give me a second," I alerted Pugsley who gave me a quick thumbs up.

I clicked the green button to answer the call. The screen switched to Yoko facing straight at the camera, sitting on a couch with her head resting on her hand.

"Sup wolf woman. Your favorite bloodsucker called you," Yoko greeted as her noticeable fangs were shown.

"Hi Yoko! How are you?" I was filled with glee to see my friend.

"Pretty dope if I'm being honest. How about you?"

"Same here," I gave a short answer.

"Sweet! It's been sometime since I have seen your face. How's the whole marriage arrangement going?" The vampire asked.

"Like what I texted you, it's sort of complicated."

"Still!? I thought you would have run away by now," Tanaka narrowed her eyes.

"Well... I'm actually comfortable here," I casually admitted.

"No way! Really? Did you get brainwashed or what?" Yoko was skeptical about my statement.

I chuckled before responding, "Pft! Nope. My in-laws and I get along just fine. They love me just as much as I love them."

"Sheesh Sinclair. You must've impressed them with your charisma. What about the girl you're marrying? Um, Wednesgay is it?" The bloodsucker thought effortlessly.

"Wednesday you mean?" I corrected Yoko.

"Yeah sure. Did you guys fall for each other?" My friend wondered.

"I fell for her, but I don't know if she is in love with me," I spilled the beans.

"It's pretty obvious that you need to pour your emotions to determine if your girl likes you or not," the vampire concluded.

"I know, and I'm planning on doing so. I need to gather ideas and bundle them into one. I want to make it memorable for her at least," I mentioned.

Yoko flashed a huge grin as she said, "And I can help you out."

"Really? How?" I was ready to hear her out.

"I'm inviting myself and our best of friends, Ajax and Eugene, over to your in-laws' place. We'll make a blueprint together for your unique engagement," Tanaka wiggled her brows.

"You guys won't," I rolled my eyes, not believing my companion.

"Yes we will. We got our flight first thing tonight. I was able to locate the house you're staying in thanks to the app where I can find your phone. I have the address and everything. Oh! And we booked a hotel room too!" Yoko put out.

My jaw dropped from the sudden information.

"Are you serious?! All this just to get me with Wednesday?" I was in disbelief.

"That and becausethe boys and I miss you. We wanna drop by to catch up on what we are missing out on. Also, we need to meet your forever wife," Yoko winked through the phone.

"Thanks for the support, honestly. I'm guessing Wednesday's parents won't mind some new company. Wednesday's uncle is coming over tomorrow. I'll check in with the adults and see if it's cool for you three to come over tomorrow as well."

"Cool beans little pup. I shall leave you to whatever you were doing. I gotta do some light packing and say my goodbyes to my wonderful Divina. Talk to you later Sinclair."

"Bye Yoko," I waved to the camera before the call ended.

I sighed heavily and turned off my phone as I slid it back into my pocket. I picked up the bow and arrow and joined back with Pugsley who ran out of arrows to shoot.

"Not to hide it from you but I heard something about your friends coming over," Pugsley brought up.

"Yup. They want to visit me, meet Wednesday, and help bring us together," I informed the boy.

"Ooh! I would like to be included in coming up with something to better your next date," the teen voiced.

"Sure thing Pugs. I bet you'll like my friends. They're a weird bunch like us," I compared them to us.

"I can't wait to see them."

"Me too."

Pugsley and I moved on from another topic as we carried on with hitting the target. We practiced for half an hour until Thing notified us that lunch was ready. Both of us returned the weapons and target back to the artillery shed. We walked back to the house when the Pontiac car pulled up on the driveway. There, Lurch opened the back door, allowing Morticia and Gomez out of the vehicle.

The young Addams sprinted to his parents to give them a quick hug. I approached the family and welcomed them back. We had a small conference about what each of us were up to. It later led to me discussing my friends coming over the next day as the family and I ate lunch.

"Will it be okay for them to hang around for a bit tomorrow? I understand if you say no because I know Fester is dropping by," I averted my eyes to Gomez and Morticia.

"That's perfectly acceptable! The more people, the more disastrous it'll become. We're looking forward to meeting your acquaintances," Gomez expressed blissfully.

"On behalf of them, thank you. I will let my friends know," I smiled in gratitude.

"Excellent, mia nuora! We'll need to plan a feast for our visitors. In the meantime, Tish and I need to pack a few things for my brother to take to his hideaway. Resume devouring your meal," the couple stood up from their chairs and left the dining area, leaving Pugs, Wens, Thing, and I.

"I had a notion that Yoko was your only confidant. Who are the other two you spoke about?" Wednesday inquired oddly.

"Ajax Petropolus and Eugene Ottinger? They're cool dudes. Ajax is a gorgon who is social. Eugene can control a whole crowd of bees. He's obsessed with them and any girl who is attractive. But do not freight because he is really sweet," I illuminated plainly.

"I never met a gorgon or someone who can control bees before. You have an interesting set of friends," Pugsley openly made clear.

"Yes I do. I'm very thrilled for them to come over and meet you guys," I beamed pleasantly.

"I'll be good-natured as long as nobody strains my patience," the raven maintained.

"That's my Willa," I intertwined my hand with Wednesday's before munching on my food.

"I hate being single," Pugs affirmed with a rested face.

Me too, Thing signed.

I couldn't help from giggling to myself at the two. I thought in my own mind that tomorrow will be a remarkable day. I can't wait for my own reunion with my friends while the Addams family have their own with Fester. It'll be a blast!

——————————

"Do you think I should've gotten Fester a present? I feel strange not giving him one," I began questioning Wednesday.

"Quit over analyzing it. He doesn't require a welcome gift. My uncle has plenty of artifacts to persist himself untroubled," she answered my question.

"You're right. Anyways, what is he like?" I cocked my head to the side.

"Uncle Fester is caring and respectable. He enjoys plotting schemes and uses his electrokinesis power for amusement. If Fester gives you his hand to shake, I suggest you don't give in for he will electrocute you," Wednesday warned me ahead.

"I will keep that thought in the back of my mind," I noted.

"Is there anything else I should be aware of involving your friends?"

"Well, if Yoko acts weird or inappropriate, ignore her. She's like that around couples or people that she wants together."

"Shall I bring a stake in case?" The psychic wanted to know.

"That's not necessary. Yoko is just being Yoko. She will zip her mouth shut for this occasion I think," I replied.

Wednesday wasn't able to say anything when my ringtone went off. I shoved my hand into my pocket to take my phone out and see that my vampire friend is calling me. I tapped on the green button to answer and placed my device near my ear.

"Yoko, hey. What's going on?" I spoke first.

"We are here so open up woman!" I heard the bloodsucker's voice from the line.

"You're here already!?"

"Yes, now chop chop."

"Okay, okay. Bye," I quickled ended the call as I looked at Wednesday.

"Speak of the devil. Your comrades arrived," my crush pointed out the obvious.

"Yes they did. I will get the door. Be right back," I left the couch.

I exited the living room and went to the foyer. I stepped forward to the door and unlocked it before pulling it open. In my view are the three friends I hung out with the most as teenagers.

"What's up friend!? Long time no see," Yoko pulled me in for a group hug that included the boys joining in.

"Yoko, Eugene, and Ajax! It's good to see you three," I returned the hug.

"You too Enid!" Eugene retorted as my friends pulled away from our embracement.

"Come on in and make yourselves at home," I stepped aside and opened the door wider.

"Thanks," Yoko lifted her glasses to rest on her head as the trio entered inside.

After Ajax was the last person to go inside the manor, I closed the door behind me. I went ahead of my friends to later show them the way around the house.

"Holy crap! I love this place already," Yoko exclaimed as she examined the decor.

"It's spooktacular! Do you guys happen to have any beehives around the property that I could take home with me?" The bee fan asked.

"Not in this spot nope," I replied.

"Worth asking for," Eugene shrugged his shoulders.

"Where's everyone else at?" Ajax searched around the foyer.

"Wednesday is next door, her parents are figuring out what to make for dinner with their butler, and Wednesday's brother is upstairs I believe," I speculated.

"Omg, let's see your wife," Yoko was eager to see her.

"We will, but first, Wednesday is not a fan of any form of physical touch. Also, don't feel bad just because she's not smiling or has a serious face. That's how she is," I gave my friends a heads up.

"Cool cool. Now hurry up and introduce us to her," the vampiric woman suggested.

"You're so impatient. Come on," I rolled my eyes before leading the freaks over to the living room.

There, I found the love of my life sitting on the loveseat in a fashionable manner. But when she caught my friends standing next to me, she quickly rose to her feet and took a few steps forward. I heard a familiar low whistle come out of Yoko when she got a brisk inspection of Wednesday.

"Dang Enid! You caught yourself a good looking fish from the sea," the vampire nudged me on my ribs.

I paid no attention to her statement and introduced my friends by pointing at them individually as I said their names, "Wednesday. This is Yoko, Ajax, and Eugene."

"Pleased to meet you Wednesday. You're so lucky to have Enid because she's the hottest werewolf you'll ever see," Eugene blurted out.

"Straight to the point bee boy. But yes, we are pleased to meet you Wednesday Addams. How's the lycan treating you?" My girl best friend held onto the back of my shoulders while shaking me slightly.

"Enid has made me suffer with her abundance of hospitality. Although, the further time we consumed, the more I grew accustomed to her," Wednesday addressed.

"Typically Sinclair. She has that effect on overwhelming people she meets with her friendliness persona."

"Way to expose me Tanaka," I drawled towards the bloodsucker.

"You're welcome," she held a smug appearance.

"So Wednesday... What is something you like about Enid?" Ajax questioned as he shoved his hands in his pants pocket, accompanied with an expression I cannot identify.

"She's not afraid to display herself and dedicate her needs and wants. Moreover, Enid is reputable and will prioritize someone before herself. I find it to be irrational and simultaneously, valorous," Wednesday declared in a well spoken voice.

Listening to my beautiful Addams say what she likes about me gave me butterflies. My heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly because of her heartfelt words. If I could, I would have given Wednesday a huge bear hug and kissed her face a million times. I have to say in my head that she is the best future wife anyone can ask for. Tomorrow will be my time to shine and show her what kind of wife I can be when we marry each other.

"Ugh! Your lovesick affirmation is making me miss my girlfriend," Yoko pouted.

"Your fault for torturing yourself," I phrased with no guilt.

Right as Tanaka was about to protest, a loud knock on the front door was heard. All eyes were facing in the foyer room. It was until Wednesday went around us to get the door.

"When should we begin sketching a date idea for you and your bride? Yoko told us you need help to confess your love for her," the bee lover specified.

"Maybe when we are alone, we can talk about it," I published a proposal.

"Not gonna happen. Eugene, Ajax, and I can do it here in the living room while you're busy flirting and seducing Wednesday," Tanaka smirked teasingly, making my face really red.

"It's a good thing Wednesday is not in the same room as us to hear you or else I would've had her bring a stake," I mumbled to the vampire.

Yoko stretched her smile and uttered, "You are so easy to mess around."

"Enid," I heard my name being called.

I gazed at the direction the sound came from to see Wednesday standing right beside a man with all black attire and a panama hat. He is extremely pale and taller than both Wednesday and I. With the smile spread on his face, he looks innocent. According to the Addams family, he is a criminal mastermind, not that it bothers me or anything.

Wednesday continued, "This is Fester. Fester, Enid."

"Hey kid! Nice to meet you," Wednesday's uncle held out his hand.

Me totally forgetting what the short girl told me earlier about Fester and his power, I didn't hesitate to shake his hand. We firmly grasped one another's hand before I felt a spark of electricity running through my hand and arm. I yelped and let go of Fester's hand while shaking my hand to get rid of the small pain I felt.

"N-nice to meet you too," I grinned while mentally slapping myself for not remembering the psychic's warning.

"Yo, that is so awesome! Can you try it on me next?" Yoko proceeded towards Fester and put her hand out to him.

I couldn't help but let out an audible breath from my friend being a daredevil. Fester went along with it as he released a small lightning bolt to Yoko who shrieked. Then, the rest of the Addams family came out of the kitchen and upstairs to the living room.

The space we were in is now crowded as if we are having a gathering. Everybody presented each other fully and managed to adapt each individual's presence. Eventually, Lurch, Gomez, and Morticia served us food and beverages in the living room. My friends were extremely careful to not ruin any furniture while we all carried on becoming acquainted with new faces.

"I must say, my niece has added you onto the catalog of her favorite people," the bald man hinted.

"Really? I didn't know she even had a list of favorite people," I was a bit baffled.

"Her list is not long. I know she has you and I on that list for sure," Fester beamed pridefully.

"Wow! I'm honored to be her favorite person," I genuinely smiled.

He reciprocated my grin as he professed, "Same here kiddo. I would like to congratulate you and Wednesday for being close to getting married. I know she is in good hands accompanied by you."

"Thank you Fester. I look forward to seeing you at our wedding ceremony," I verbally gave him an invitation.

"I'll be there one-hundred percent," Fester's lips quirked upward before taking a sip of his drink.

Fester and I moved on to another topic and went into deep discussion when Gomez politely intruded our conversation to pull Fester aside. I didn't mind it and allowed the brothers to do their own thing. Before I was completely alone, Ajax swooped in to chat with me.

"Hey Enid," the gorgon saluted.

"Hey Ajax. How are you feeling?" I wanted to know if my friend is doing okay.

"I'm feeling alright. Uh, do you think we can talk privately somewhere?"

"Yeah, we can. I doubt anyone is in the guest room."

And I was right. As I led Ajax to the room, there was no one around, and it was silent with a bit of distinct noises coming from the sitting room. I leaned myself against the wall with the snake haired man standing across from me.

"What is it that we need to talk privately about?" I was close to furrowing my brows.

"This family is insane. I can't believe you're marrying Wednesday. That girl has the look where it can kill you right off the bat if you take a glance in her direction. Are you positive the Addams are not holding you for ransom?" Ajax clenched onto my shoulders tightly.

"Ajax... I care about them more than my own parents. Hell, I love Wednesday to death. What makes you think they would do that to me? Especially when they welcomed you here at their own house," my little smile disappeared.

Ajax did not say anything. His face had some guilt written on it. At first, I thought he was being protective of me since we've been friends for over three years. However, there is something else that my gut feeling told me to say aloud.

"Please don't tell me you are jealous because I'm not available in the market," I had the courage to tell him.

"I am, and I can't help it. I really wanted you and I to be together. I had been thinking about you lately," the gorgon boy scratched the back of his neck.

I exhaled deeply and told him, "Look Ajax. I have my eyes on Wednesday. She's been coming out of her shell because I'm there to guide her. She is a wonderful person."

"But I can be a better partner than Wednesday. She's not even your type. You two are most definitely the complete opposite in my perspective. Just give me a chance and leave her for me. We can ditch this place right now," Petropolus pleaded desperately.

"I'm sorry Ajax, but I'm not changing my mind. I really wish you the best. Hopefully you will find someone better than me," I grabbed ahold of Ajax's hands and removed them from my shoulders.

"I mean, does Wednesday even like you? She seems like she is miserable and gloomy daily."

After finishing his sentence, my eyes moved from Ajax to Wednesday who was standing a few feet behind him. The gorgon male noticed I was staring past his left shoulder and turned to find the psychic gawking into his soul.

"Because I present myself miserable and gloomy does not indicate the reality that I am. To answer your question, that's specifically for Enid to acknowledge. I recommend you don't meddle into our marriage solely because you didn't get to Enid first like I did," Wednesday folded her arms and glared at the male.

"R-right. My bad. I'll just leave. Tell Yoko and Eugene that I'm taking a flight back home and to not worry about me," Ajax gave me a disappointed look before walking away from the guest room.

I watched as he opened the front door and departed from the house. Left in the room is Wednesday and I alone. I did not have a lot to say from the situation I was in a few seconds ago.

"Were you aware he had a liking for you?" The raven queried.

"Sort of, but I disregarded it as him being super affable. I feel a little bad," I truthfully claimed.

"Don't allow him and your emotions get the best of you. Ajax shouldn't have forced you to be with him. Instead, you needed him to be a supportive friend which he failed to become. I assure you he's not obligatory for the time being. If it improves your sorrowful feelings, I can lend you a peck on the cheek."

Speedily, my face lit up and a smile emerged as I stated, "Yes please!"

Wednesday nodded before raising both her hands and gently placed them on each side of my jaw. Her soft and small hands sparked a warmth in me immediately as she stood on her tippy toes and planted her smooth lips on my left cheek. I grew happier and my imaginary tail is wagging immensely. One thing's for sure, Wednesday knows how to make me feel better.

——————————

"Damn Ajax. We have to cut our visit short because I know damn well he's moping his way back to California. I'll keep you updated with his mental status," Yoko gave me two thumbs up.

"Thanks for that and for coming over. The Addams really loved your guy's company," I gaped at my two friends.

"Anytime Enid. Hopefully we'll come back soon to explore New Jersey together," Eugene visualized.

"You guys better," I drawled playfully.

"We will, we will. Oh and before I forget. Here's what we, Puglsey, and Thing came up with for your date," the bloodsucker handed me a piece of folded paper.

"Thanks?" I took the paper.

"Yeah, you're welcome. Anyways, our Uber is here so we better get going. Bye friend!" Yoko waved as she exited through the front door.

Eugene waved as well while saying, "Bye Enid."

"Bye guys! Take care!" I waved back to my companions.

Once they both entered their Uber car, I shut the door. Today was overall an interesting day. Ajax had feelings for me. Fester needed to leave earlier with his belongings from Gomez and Morticia because he was afraid the cops will pass by the house and recognize his touring motorcycle parked on the driveway. And now my friends left to comfort the gorgon and wrote down ideas for my big date with Wednesday.

Speaking of ideas, I unfolded the paper to check out what my fellow friends had jotted down. There was a list numbered with a few words next to the numbers. They were actual steps of what to do from the beginning and end of the occasion. My jaw dropped because of how brilliant and romantic this plan sounds.

I would leave out a few things and substitute it with my own ideas since I still want to continue respecting Wednesday's boundaries. As far as the rest of what my friends, Thing, and Pugsley have written down, this will not only be the best date, but this is enough to make my love confession. I'm hyped and anxious for what my crush has to say about it. As long as I get to stay in her life, then I'll be okay.