Not Alone

At the sound of their familiar voices, Enid jumped to her feet and stepped out of the tiny waiting room and was met with the sight of Mr. and Mrs. Addams and Wednesday's brother Pugsley. They looked so out of place with their dark attire and appearance a huge contrast to the stark white of the ICU, the receptionist seemed a little put off by them, but to Enid, it was such a welcome sight. "You're here!" she exclaimed, instinctively running up to them and wrapping her arms around Morticia.

Morticia returned the hug, "Of course, dear. We got here as soon as we could."

"I know," Enid said, forcing herself not to break down from the overwhelming sense of relief that they were there and the burden of having to protect and advocate for Wednesday was no longer solely on her shoulders. "I know. I'm just so glad you're here. So much has happened…"

"Where is Wednesday?" Pugsley asked, almost timidly. He seemed quietly overwhelmed by his surroundings and Enid wondered if hospitals made him just as anxious as they did for her.

"They kicked me out to do some tests, they should be done soon," Enid said. She leaned in close and said in a hushed tone as she led them to the tiny and empty waiting room, "Thing's with her."

"Good," Gomez said.

"How is she?" Morticia asked.

"Not good. I think…I'm worried she might be getting worse. She's not getting better, nothing so far has been working and there's this…I don't know, Nurse Lorraine – she's the woman who's been looking after her – said that she noticed some anomalies… and oh, so much has happened since we talked last night…" Enid whimpered, trying and failing to contain her tears. Everything she was feeling, all her fears and worries and weight of the last two days suddenly burst out of her and she broke into sobs.

Morticia pulled her into another hug stroking her hair, "Oh you poor dear, I can see you're overwhelmed," She held her gently, mindful of Enid's injuries, as though she knew exactly where to be careful, avoiding all of her scratches and bruises. "You've been through so much in such a short time. And my goodness, you're so tense, child!"

Enid wasn't sure what to do with her comfort, but she returned the hug and buried her face in Morticia's shoulder, accepting it greedily as she let it all out. Why was Morticia comforting her? Her daughter might be dying, Enid should be doing what she could to comfort them.

You're such a disappointment…

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she cried, her voice breaking as she tried to reign it in. She didn't know what else to say.

"Enid, my dear, you have no reason to be sorry for anything," Morticia soothed.

But Enid knew what her own mother would say. And maybe she was right because how dare she be so selfish? Enid should be consoling them not the other way around. And yet here she was, taking in their comfort, clinging on tightly, hungry for the support that she should be offering them.

"You're the reason Wednesday is still with us," Gomez added, "you saved her life and we will forever be in your debt."

"Yeah," Pugsley said, placing his hand on her shoulder. Enid glanced at Gomez and Pugsley as she burrowed her face into Morticia's shoulder and basked in their comforting warmth. A reassuring calmness swept over her. She was still worried and scared, but it became more manageable. The tension in her shoulders diminished and she was able to stop crying except for a few rogue tears and hiccups as she tried to catch her breath.

Morticia pulled away to look Enid in the eyes, she cupped her hands over Enid's cheeks wiping away her tears. She lightly brushed her thumb over the deepest scratch on her face and tucked Enid's hair behind her ear in a motherly fashion. "Going up against a Hyde is no easy feat, even for a seasoned werewolf, and on your first transformation too. You are incredible, Enid."

"We are so relieved that you survived to tell the tale," Gomez said.

"But this is new," Morticia said, lightly tracing her fingertips over the bruised bump on her head. Enid didn't even flinch and aside from the ever-present throb, her touch was so gentle she barely felt it. "What happened?"

"Um…that's from…honestly, I was stupid," she said as the memory brought the tension back with a vengeance. It did not go unnoticed.

"What happened?" Pugsley asked.

"This morning when Wednesday was in the ER I wasn't allowed to see her. I…went looking for her and instead, I found Ms. Thor—I mean Laurel Gates. She was in police custody while being treated here and…I don't know, when I saw her something within me snapped and I barged in to confront her and…I almost got arrested."

To Enid's surprise, they seemed…proud.

"Oh, please tell me you got a few hits in first," Gomez exclaimed with a crooked grin.

"No, but it looked like Wednesday really did a number on her," Enid said.

"That's my little scorpion," Gomez beamed proudly.

"That vile woman deserves to be punished harshly for what she did," Morticia scowled.

Enid swallowed hard, "Yes. She does."

"So, what happened then?" Pugsley asked, "You said 'almost' arrested."

"The officer who tried to arrest me was violent and I hit my head when he shoved me into a wall. He…he…he threatened to hurt me and wished Wednesday dead. Because we're outcasts," Enid said.

"So why did he let you go?" Pugsley asked. "Or did you escape?"

Enid told them about Santiago and how she claimed that she was trying to build a case against Laurel Gates and made a deal with Enid. She would arrange for them to allow her to see Wednesday in exchange for her side of the story. Afterwards, she stopped him from arresting her and who knows what else.

"I'm glad she intervened," Morticia said, "we should thank her."

"Great idea, Tish," Gomez agreed, "and as for him…did you get his name? Did you report him?"

"His last name is Magnuson, and no, I didn't report him. I don't think anyone would believe me. He tried to claim I was resisting arrest and it would've been his word against mine…" Enid shuddered. "And that's not all."

They leaned in, interested.

Taking a deep, shaky breath Enid told them about her second encounter with Magnuson. About how Wednesday had some sort of episode after he had just been in there, about how he gave her such dangerous vibes.

"Maybe he doesn't intend to actually hurt her – Thing did say that he didn't do anything, but everything he said sounded like a threat, and if he somehow triggered Wednesday to have a vision…that's got to mean something," Enid said. "My gut is telling me that he would act on every threat he made if he could. And I know that Laurel Gates and Tyler Galpin weren't working alone. I am scared that whoever else she was working with intends to finish what she started, and even if it is or isn't Officer Magnuson, there's still someone, maybe multiple people out there who want to hurt us."

"Well, dangerous or not, we're not letting him get anywhere near Wednesday or you, ever again," Gomez promised.

"Until she's well enough to fend for herself again, we will make sure that there is always someone with Wednesday to protect her from anyone who may wish to cause her further harm," Morticia declared.

"Excellent plan, Tish."

"She's going to hate that," Pugsley mused.

"And that's her prerogative if she does," Morticia shrugged, "but she would know the gravity of the situation and if any one of us in this room was in her position, I know she would insist on taking on guard duty and not trusting anyone else with the task."

Enid couldn't help but smile at how true that was. When they were exploring the Gates mansion and the Hyde attacked, Enid recalled with clarity how quickly she positioned herself between Enid and the Hyde. Enid had been so angry that Wednesday had tricked her into going that she never acknowledged before how the moment there was danger, Wednesday's first goal was keeping Enid safe.

But as the memory replayed in her mind from a new perspective, she could see how Wednesday never wanted to put her in actual danger, and how concerned she truly was for Enid and how she didn't hesitate to run towards the danger for Tyler the moment she knew Enid was safe and unharmed.

That's just what Wednesday did. When someone was in trouble, she didn't hesitate to run towards the danger. Enid wasn't there to see all the times it happened, but when Wednesday saw Rowan was in danger, she ran to help. Same with Eugene. And even after she nearly bled to death, she went after Crackstone to save the school and jumped in front of the arrow to save Xavier.

If the roles were reversed, Enid had no doubt in her mind that she would fight tooth and nail to make sure Enid was kept safe. She would not back down.

"Do you think she'll be OK?" Pugsley asked, sounding small and scared.

"Of course, my boy," Gomez said, "she's an Addams. You can never knock us down for long." Enid could see in his eyes that despite his words, he too, was afraid for her.

"But what if…what if the worst happens?"

"Let's not entertain that idea right now, Pugsley," Morticia said, "but whatever happens, we will deal with it like we always do, as a family. We all know that Wednesday will not go down without a fight. She will fight until the end, let's just hope that in this battle she will be victorious. In the meantime, we are going to do everything in our power to assist her."

As she spoke, she held up a large, old-fashioned medicine bag of black leather with a brass clasp that Enid hadn't even noticed before.

"What's that?"

"Our best weapon," Morticia replied. "You brought Grandmamma's tea, didn't you?"

"Yes," Enid said, "it's in my backpack in Wednesday's room."

"Excellent," she said, "we are going to need it. In here are some potions and spells that Grandmamma taught me. She is a gifted Healer, and while I was not blessed with her healing abilities, she has been a wonderful mentor."

"It's just too bad she's taking an extended vacation in the Amazon jungle," Gomez said, "she's off the grid and too far from civilization to arrive in a timely manner or she would be doing this herself. But I know Tish is more than capable."

"Thank you, mon cher," she said. He took her hand and kissed it.

"I am hoping that our methods combined with modern normie medicine will help with Wednesday's recovery," Morticia continued.

"I hope so," Enid said. "So far, she hasn't responded to any treatment."

"We've heard," Gomez said, his eyes full of concern.

"And we think we know why," Morticia added, her expression grim, "though I hope we're wrong."

"Why?"

"We only have our suspicions, but we won't know until we see her and gather more information about what actually happened to her," Morticia said, "but…" she stopped mid-sentence when the door to the small waiting room opened and a nurse entered.

"You're definitely Wednesday's family," she said looking them up and down. "She's ready for visitors."

"Wonderful," Gomez said as they all stood.

The nurse held up a hand to stop them, "Only two visitors at a time. Sorry."

"But we're her family," Morticia said, "she needs us. All of us. Together."

"Where's Lorraine?" Enid asked, "Maybe she can allow it?"

"Her shift is over and I am in charge now and I am not going to make any exceptions. We've already gone above and beyond accommodating Wednesday by letting her have the room to herself. You're just lucky we're not busy and full," she said.

"And we appreciate how good you have been to our daughter," Morticia said, "but…"

"I'm sorry, but no."

"It's all right, my love. You and Enid go, I will sort this out and Pugsley and I will join you shortly," Gomez said.

"There's nothing to sort out," the nurse said, "I am not allowing it and that's final. If I have to I will get security involved."

Gomez grinned, "You don't know who we are, do you?"

"No, should I?"

"That's all right," he said, "you don't have to know who we are. And to be quite honest, I don't feel comfortable abusing my status as an Addams to my advantage, but my daughter needs us. I am sure you understand."

"I don't care who you are.  Hospital policy.  Rules are rules."

"Agree to disagree.  Rules are great and have their place, don't get me wrong, but sometimes, in some circumstances, they are made to be broken.  We have much respect for your insistence on adhering to the rules so I promise I will not get you in trouble. Tish, go to her. Pugsley and I will be with you soon," he glanced at the nurse and said pointedly, "I will get this taken care of. I just need to make a few phone calls."

The nurse scoffed, but Enid and Morticia did not stick around to see what happened next as they left for Wednesday's room.

Enid led the way inside and when they passed the curtain that had obscured Wednesday from view she sensed Morticia stopping in her tracks and Enid turned to face Wednesday's mother as she laid her eyes on her comatose child.

It was then that Enid saw it. The mask of calm slipped a fraction and she caught Morticia's chin quiver ever so slightly, her eyes reflecting unspeakable pain. She approached Wednesday slowly, with care as though approaching too fast would break her. She reached out to her, hovering her hand over her still body from her feet to her head, not touching her. Her hand trembled and stopped at Wednesday's sweaty forehead and she seemed like she was going to finger-comb her bangs off her face but she pulled her hand away to clutch at her chest without once making contact with Wednesday.

"Oh, my darling Wednesday," she whispered, her dark eyes glancing at all the machines monitoring her vitals and keeping her alive, sparkling with unshed tears. She didn't even notice Thing crawling out from his hiding spot.

"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" Enid asked softly, placing a comforting hand on her arm.

Morticia nodded, "Yes. It's one thing to know how bad it is, but another to see it for yourself." A tear escaped her eye and she discreetly wiped it away, trying to remain stoic and composed.

"It's OK, Mrs. Addams," Enid soothed, wrapping her arms around her, this time as a giver of comfort, "if anyone has a good reason to cry it's you. If you need to."

Morticia returned the hug, "Thank you, my dear. You are so kind. I don't know what we would do without you. You have saved Wednesday in more ways than you can possibly know. Words can never express how grateful we are that she has you in her life." She pulled away and looked her in the eyes, her dark eyes glistening, "And if anyone can help save her now, I believe it will be you."

This time she did let out a soft, silent cry, bowing her head closing her eyes and letting her tears fall, but she regained her composure and gently wiped them away, giving her a warm, but sad smile.

"How?" Enid asked.

"That I don't know just yet, but I have a strong feeling," she replied. She turned her attention back to Wednesday's still, pale form and noticed Thing. "Oh, Thing, wonderful Thing. I am so sorry, I did not see you there."

He signed that it was understandable given the circumstances and asked about Gomez and Pugsley.

"They will be here shortly. Gomez is just negotiating hospital policy," Morticia said without a shred of doubt that he would succeed. "And Lurch is here too, he's running a few errands for us and will be here soon as well."

Thing signed his response.

"We missed you too," she said, gracefully taking a seat next to Wednesday. She reached out as though to take her daughter's hand but stopped a couple of inches short of touching her. Instead, she pulled her hand away, staring at her with troubled, glistening eyes. She didn't seem to know what to do.

"Talk to her, Mrs. Addams," Enid suggested softly, "Our friend Eugene, he was the one who was attacked by the Hyde and was in a coma. He said he could hear Wednesday when she visited him and knew when she was there so if that's true, then she can hear us. At least sometimes."

She turned her head to face her with a haunting smile. There was a look that said she didn't believe that was true, but all she said was, "Thank you, Enid. I have heard that, and I will. Perhaps when we are alone. I have things I wish to say in private."

"Oh, I um, I can go…if you need to…"

"Nonsense, child, you stay. Wednesday needs you. She needs all of us more than ever before. I can talk to her in private once she is on the mend. First, we need to get to work. I don't think we have much time."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Please, fetch what is left of Grandmamma's tea," she instructed, "I need to see how much there is."

Enid did as she was told, "Now what?"

Morticia looked in the tin that contained it and seemed relieved, "Perfect. There is just enough."

"What are you going to do with it? It didn't help before."

"I know. And it should have. As it is now, this tea is an all-purpose medicinal tea. It's not a cure-all, but it is designed to help aid the healing process. It helps with most ailments, including infection. On its own, it should have at best stopped the infection from spreading and at the very least slowed it down," Morticia explained.

"I remember you saying that," Enid nodded, "but it spread way too fast."

"Yes," she reached into her black medicine bag and pulled out a small mortar and pestle made of stone and then some small vials and bottles wrapped in black cloth and set them on the swivel tray by Wednesday's bed. "And yet nothing we've tried so far is helping. Not our medicine, nor the normie medicine, which is why I fear that what is ailing Wednesday is not entirely natural, so we will need something far more powerful."

It took a second for her words to hit, but when they did Enid swallowed hard, her heart suddenly racing, "What do you mean, 'not entirely natural'?"

"You said that Xavier Thorpe tried to shoot Crackstone with the arrow, correct?" Morticia asked, inspecting the vials and putting aside what she needed.

"Yes."

"But Crackstone stopped it and fired it back at him."

"That's what Wednesday had said, yes."

"I know you weren't there, but did she say how he fired it back?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Do you know if he used telekinesis or magic?"

Enid had to think about it, "I um…I'm not sure. If it was telekinesis, wouldn't that make him an outcast?"

"If so, he wouldn't be the first outcast to think they were above the rest and declare that their gifts come from some higher power in order to justify their evil acts against us," Morticia said darkly, her eyes meeting hers. If Enid didn't know her, she would've been terrified by the look in them. "And he certainly wouldn't be the last."

"I don't think it was telekinesis though…oh wait, now I remember. Wednesday did say he used magic," Enid said, "she said something about him having a magic staff."

"That's what I am afraid of," she lowered her gaze and the mask slipped again, revealing her pain. She looked back at Wednesday, again reaching out but not touching her, pulling her hand away just before she could make contact. Like she wanted to take her hand but for some reason was afraid to.

"Mrs. Addams?" Enid asked, her heart pounding with fear.

"I had my suspicions, but I was hoping I was wrong…" she said, her voice breaking, "but it would explain so much…"

"What is it?"

"I believe that when Crackstone flung that arrow with whatever magic he used, there was a spell attached…" her voice trailed off and she focused her gaze on Wednesday's face, "I fear that Wednesday has been cursed."