Chapter 4
Wednesday approached the Sinclairs, Thing perched on her shoulder, Esther still in the midst of berating Enid, Murray standing off to the side desperately trying not to be involved in this.
It was rather pathetic, a grown man unable to stand up for his own daughter because of what exactly? Wednesday didn’t get it. She stood up for the ones who needed it. Pugsley, Eugene, Enid. She would do it for anyone who wasn’t able to do it for themselves, with the exception that she somewhat tolerated their presence. If not they were on their own, much like Murray. She wasn’t about to help this man who called himself Enid's father, he could barely stand up straight next to his wife let alone fight for something that was important. A waste of her breath.
As Wednesday got closer she caught the end of the conversation “-horrible scars and one wolf out at your age, you need to –” Esther was cut off short.
“Enid” Her attention was solely on her wolf, she couldn’t care less about the woman standing next to her “Nevermore will be taking a short break as I am sure you are aware, I invite you to stay with my family and I at our manor.” As Wednesday looked at Enid awaiting a response she couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked, her eyes held a slight brightness whenever she looked at her, and for some reason, Wednesday couldn’t help but hope it was reserved for her.
“No” Wednesday was reminded of the fact that they weren’t in fact alone and held back pulling a face. “Enid needs to come home, I am setting up numerous meet-ups for a potential mate, she’s going to need all the help she can get now.” Enid visibly shrunk into herself, breaking eye contact with Wednesday and almost folding in on herself completely.
“I’m afraid that was not a request for you, Enid can do as she pleases and will not need your help finding a mate as I previously stated, she has had plenty of interest here at Nevermore I assure you, though not that it is your concern, Enid will never fall short on options” Wednesday began clenching and unclenching her fists again, this time more knowingly. How could this woman call herself a mother? Sure she and Morticia don’t have a typical mother-daughter bond, however, they love each other unconditionally despite it never being spoken aloud, they both know it.
Wednesday drew her eyes away toward Enid again and felt the urge to encompass her in another hug, she resisted of course, and settled for stepping toward her and attempting to pull her mother's attention away from her.
Enid turned her head toward the dark-haired girl and their eyes met once more, Wednesday's heart lurched in her chest, Enid’s eyes still held the little light behind them upon making contact. “Wednesday I–” She was interrupted.
“No Enid. Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.” Esther pointed her finger in Enid's direction, perhaps becoming even more intimidating than before, to Enid that is, Wednesday was not about to be shut down by this very weak attempt to seem scary. She’s seen scary and this wasn’t even close. I mean she and Enid took down a hyde and prevented the death of a whole school full of students and this was supposed to be intimidating? Wednesday nearly scoffed aloud at the show in front of her.
Enid was about ready to give in, it wasn’t worth the battle. She would spend time at home, hide in her room wherever possible, go on whatever her mother considered dates for her, and turn down every one until Esther couldn’t be bothered to set them up anymore. She would be miserable but she would survive. She already had for this long, another couple of weeks wasn’t going to change anything.
But oh how she couldn’t help but light up at the idea of staying with Wednesday, what she wouldn’t give to spend more time with the smaller girl, seeing her at home, spending time with Thing, getting to know Morticia and Gomez, Pugsley too. She let her mind wander maybe she would get to grips with this need to be close to Wednesday, she would get it under control, and separate her crush from friendship.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Wednesday spoke up, Thing moving off of Wednesday to comfort Enid. “Being in your presence is very unfortunate, though I imagine that is the case for most people you surround yourself with. Your so-called partner behind you may as well be cowering in fear, it’s humourous really that the people who should want to be near you the most also can’t stand you. Enid will be staying with me, I do not believe you provide adequate care and support for a newly transformed wolf. ” Wednesday took a deep breath, visibly. That was unusual in itself, something about this so-called mother really rattled Wednesday to the point where she was unable to contain her usual presentation.
“Fine. Go. You are already a misfit. This stay will only prolong your wait for a mate and increase your chances of ex-communication from the pack.” Esther no longer held back, she was not the only one who couldn’t continue putting up somewhat of a presentable front. Esther straightened up and faced Enid, almost entirely, wary of turning her back on this very, albeit tiny, threatening Addams. “I will be in contact while you are away. Do not ignore me, or there will be severe consequences.” With that, apparently done saying her peace she stalked away and out of sight. Murray gave a look to his daughter, one that said he was sorry but that there was nothing he could do. Enid wanted to share a look back of understanding, of acceptance but she couldn’t find in herself to do it, she wore the same blank expression not willing to show her sorrow to her father, everything was very painful. Murray went after Esther scrambling to catch up behind her.
Enid’s face held unushered tears and self-depreciation, none of that came out in her words, she had been doing this her whole life, no one needed to hear how broken down her family made her feel, she could keep it down, it was nothing new. She stared longingly where her mother and father had stomped away, how she wished things were different, that they should have come here and enveloped her in a hug like Morticia had done and praised her for wolfing out and taking on a vicious enemy no less. Wednesday broke her out of her thoughts. “I apologise if I have overstepped.” This took Enid by surprise, Wednesday did not apologise. Her beautiful friend had stood up for her in a way no one had done before, Wednesday was pure goodness, and Enid was in deep.
Enid took a deep breath and plastered on a smile, she ignored Wednesday's apology it was unnecessary “Thank you for being you. My mother could do with being around you more often, you knocked her right out of place” Wednesday only nodded in acknowledgement, this was not the place to continue talking about the vile waste of space that was a mother. Thing put his thumb up toward Wednesday, even he understood the gravity of this enough to not respond.
The Addams approached the girls almost knowing this was now appropriate timing. “Ladies, let us get into the car I’ve had Lurch already start collecting your things” Gomez spoke to the duo in front of him. Enid furrowed her brow “But how did you know I wou-”
Gomez grinned at the blonde wolf “I know more than you think mon doux loup” He picked up his wife's hand and kissed the back of it “Come let us go” Gomez, Morticia, and Pugsley walked ahead toward where Lurch had parked. Thing removing himself from Enid’s shoulder and onto Pugsley. Morticia turned to address the girls again, “We’ll wait in the car, go ahead and finish up here my dear” Morticia nodded to Wednesday which was reciprocated.
“I assume you wish to say goodbye” Wednesday gave Enid a once over as if checking her mental stability with a glance. She was emotional, but okay Wednesday decided.
“I should, I better go update Yoko and I guess I should find out what Ajax wanted” Enid looked off to the side searching for them. Wednesday's lip quirked at the mention of the snake-haired boy. “Shall we check we have everything from the room first?” Wednesday nodded and began the walk back to their room. Enid and Ajax weren't even together. That uncomfortable feeling in her chest ever prominent.
The two girls didn’t make it far before they were interrupted on their walk back. “Wednesday! Enid!” Wednesday would have been annoyed and threatened whoever was nearby only to realise it was Eugene and relaxed her shoulders a little. “Eugene, I apologise for not finding you sooner, I see you are back to adequate health,” Wednesday spoke before Eugene could.
The curly-haired boy grinned, it seemed he was also going very soon he was carrying a box full of items a bag drooping on his shoulders, and a wheeled suitcase stood next to him, too much stuff for the short break they were taking. “I am feeling much better Wednesday and just wanted to say you were right about the Hyde stuff” Wednesday nodded at the praise, she already knew she was right she had only ever been wrong three times in her life. “Also just wanted to say I will see you guys when we get back. Are you both going home?”
“I’m staying with Weds!” The unushered tears seem to leave the blonde's face at the distraction of Eugene present and the excitement setting in of realising she is, in fact, staying with her gloomy roommate for even longer.
Eugene's eyes widened, he looked genuinely concerned “Lock your door Enid, I don’t want you to die” Enid rolled her eyes “Wednesday isn’t a killer Eugene” Wednesday went to interject, immediately needing to defend herself “Well I have kil-”
“She won’t kill me is what I meant” Enid smiled knowing Wednesday would go off on a tangent about how she is in fact a terrifying killer. Though really she was pretty sweet, not that Enid would say that aloud then she would be killed. Wednesday nodded to Eugene at Enid's statement she would never.
“Okay but just be safe” Eugene looked slightly relieved. “The bees will be okay during the break I got into contact with some guys in Jerico, and I have taken most of the important stuff with me” he patted the suitcase next to him.
“Good work Eugene” Wednesday offered the short boy some praise. “I look forward to reconvening with you when we have returned”
“Thanks guys, catch you later” The boy turned and left the girls to it.
“Come, lest more interruptions find us” The girls stalked to their room yet again.
This time upon making it to their room, Lurch had cleared out the essentials of what they needed, clothes, toiletries, Wednesday’s typewriter, and violin, even some of Enid's sparkly toys had been taken.
“Looks like Lurch got pretty much everything” Enid spoke as she surveyed the room. “I still don’t get how you all knew I was going to end up staying with you”
“I know your relationship with your mother is … strained so I had informed my parents prior to prepare”
“You did?”
Wednesday nodded.
Enid approached Wednesday again eyes full of emotion. Wednesday could feel her heart rate increase at the proximity of the girl, and the thought that they were very much alone. The need to step back nearly overwhelmed the dark girl. Nearly.
“Thank you so much for this, really Weds you have no idea how grateful I am to you.” Enid’s eyes shone again with unushered tears. Enid looked as though she was going to wrap the girl opposite her in another hug but resisted, knowing Wednesday had probably had enough hugs from her.
Wednesday wasn’t sure how to respond so she gave the girl another nod though she knew Enid understood. Both girls started toward the door to leave, Enid grabbing another fluffy pink cat to accompany them on the journey home. Wednesday’s inner thoughts reeling, she wanted to check on Enid but she wasn’t sure how. Aware that this was probably a rare moment alone she seized the opportunity and spun around to face the blonde.
“Enid I-” She stopped herself gathering her words, clearing her throat, “Did you–” she made another noise in thought “Your mother-” She stopped again this time shaking her head. Enid stood there waiting, she would find the words she always did. Wednesday took a breath “What I’m trying to say is, Enid, are you okay?”
Enid nearly burst into tears at the question but held herself together. She began nodding frantically, way too much for someone who just said that they were okay
However, she didn’t have much longer to overthink it before Wednesday had wrapped her arms around the taller wolf. It was somewhat awkward, Wednesday did her best, and Enid responded instantly and collapsed into the shorter girl. Enid could hear Wednesday's heart thumping in her chest but put it down to the fact that they were hugging again and this was Wednesday. Enid nuzzled into the shorter girl completely melting into her touch, definitely no longer awkward. Pink cat lost to the floor in the weight of the hug. Wednesday felt her eyes shut, she would never tell a soul that she was in complete bliss right now. Enid felt better, nothing was better than having Wednesday like this. Neither girl looked as if they were going to let go anytime soon that was until there was a knock at the door. Wednesday abruptly pulled away as if realising how long they had been connected.
Enid didn’t react to Wednesday she knew that was a lot, so she moved to answer the door.
“Oh Hey!” Enid’s voice was a pitch higher than usual, Wednesday moved to look around the wolf to see who would elicit that reaction.
Of course, it was Ajax. Wednesday's heart rate had just calmed only to pick up again, this time in a rage. Enid glanced back at Wednesday gauging her reaction.
“Hey Enid, I was wondering if we could talk” Ajax looked nervous but also prepared.
“Oh um sure, I was just about to leave though, is it important?” Enid spoke softly wanting to get rid of the boy but also not wanting to be rude, she did like him, at least at some point she did.
“Uh yeah sort of yeah” He spoke more confidently this time. Ajax moved to step inside of the room. Enid slightly moved, though slightly pushed, which was more accurate. He started speaking again before he was fully inside, “So I know afte-” Ajax froze when he saw Wednesday in the room “Oh” Now it was Ajax who was suddenly talking a pitch louder than before.
Wednesday brightened at the reaction and began to leer at the boy spurring on his fear, he was terrified of her, and that was exactly how she preferred it to be. “Um, Enid” Wednesday couldn’t help but notice how often the boy stuttered and filled his sentences with ‘um’ and noises of similar sounds. “Could we actually talk outside for a sec” he gestured with his head subtly toward Wednesday.
“Come on Ajax if it's that important just say it. Wednesday doesn’t care anyway” Enid cringed a little doesn’t care was a little strong, she hoped Wednesday didn’t notice or in fact didn’t care.
Ajax looked back at Wednesday and swallowed slightly, but continued anyway “So I was going to say after the situation and having a near-death experience and all” Enid tilted her head a little in confusion at his words, near-death experience was strong, he was barely around.
“But um yeah it made me realise how important you are to me and you know I would love to get back together again” Enid’s eyes bulged she didn’t expect him to say that she glanced over at Wednesday again who looked like she was about to tear the boys head off she began stalking in his direction. Enid moved around to the other side of Ajax and intercepted Wednesday's approach.
Wednesday allowed her path to be stopped by Enid “Look Ajax everyone is running on high emotions right now let's just talk after break and we can see where we are at” Enid gave him a wary smile. Wednesday was comforted by Enid’s lack of enthusiasm toward the snake boys' request.
“So you’ll think about it” He seemed to light up at the idea, not realising the danger he was just in moments ago by the small goth.
“Sure yeah, whatever” Enid gave him another smile and nodded “Look I have to go I have people waiting” She tried to usher him out the door.
Ajax seemed to think that this meant yes and began grinning at the girl, “Great I’m so excited to get back, I’ll text you” It looked as though he was going to move in for a hug but Wednesday seemed to make her presence known again which stopped him in his tracks. “I’ll see you around then” Settled with a wave, he walked away.
Enid slowly turned to look at Wednesday, Ajax leaving seemed to have made her calm “I wonder what my mother would think of Ajax” She spoke aloud but it was mostly to herself.
“You should not concern yourself with your mother's opinions, they are almost entirely wrong, especially when it comes to you.” Wednesday felt herself growing annoyed, was Enid seriously considering dating this freak again? After he had up and dumped her just days before?
“I know Weds, it's in my nature I feel that I need to appease her, and maybe Ajax as a mate might do that, he’s not a wolf but he’s a guy who is you know somewhat attractive at some ang-” Enid began to go off speaking her thoughts as they came to her.
“Do you like him? As more than a friend” Wednesday tried to pose the question as if she was coming to a solution, which she was, but also she wanted to know.
Enid didn’t need a second to think this through “No”
Wednesday felt the relief flow through her as Enid’s answer came “Then there is no need to consider him an option.”
Enid stared at Wednesday as though trying to convey her feelings in a sentence, sort of she wanted to see a reaction to what she was about to imply “I think I like someone else” Enid rocked on her heels nervously.
The momentary relief Wednesday felt was long gone. So after all that, Enid liked someone else anyway, she felt her body heat up uncomfortably, her fists clenching, this was starting to become a terrible habit. Wednesday didn’t want to dwell any longer moving to leave the room, Enid would be at the manor for now whether she liked someone else or not she wouldn’t see them for some time, Wednesday still didn’t really get why she despised the idea of Enid spending time with anyone but herself, that feeling in her chest came again.
“Let us find Yoko and get back to the car” Enid was disappointed Wednesday didn’t get what she was really saying but it didn’t matter they had more time to themselves back at the Addams’. “Let's just go, I’ll call Yoko from yours, I just want to leave now” They had said enough goodbyes for now.
Wednesday nodded grateful that they could leave. Fists still clenched she began the walk out.
Just as Wednesday heard the door to the room close, she felt a hand unfurl her fist and grip it tightly. Wednesday looked up at Enid, surprise written all over her face, Enid didn’t look back at her just tugged her along to follow. Wednesday allowed her to and in turn, allowed her heart to start racing again. So they walked hand in hand back to the car, Wednesday’s face bright red heart thumping a mile a minute and Enid a tight grip and a smile adorning her face.