13 Tears Don't Fix Anything
Wednesday sat on her balcony talking to Thing. She was so focused on the conversation that she didn't notice Enid until the werewolf plopped down beside her.
"How did you get a cello out here?" Enid asked, eyeing the large instrument skeptically.
Wednesday nodded toward the disembodied hand perched on the railing. "I had an extra hand."
Enid's eyes went wide as she took in the sight of Thing. The hand scuttled over to her, giving a little wave. She leaned back, equal parts creeped out and fascinated.
"Shouldn't you be out there with the rest of them?" Wednesday asked, tilting her head toward the wolf howls in the distance.
Enid sighed, picking at her neon nail polish. "Ezra asked me the same thing earlier." Wednesday raised a brow at the mention of the mysterious boy's name.
"I'm actually a late bloomer when it comes to my werewolf abilities," Enid explained. "Right now, all I've got is the claws. No wolfing out or anything yet."
She went quiet for a moment, staring up at the moon. "I kind of broke down and told Ezra about it today. Cried like an idiot in front of him. So embarrassing."
"Why would you cry over something so trivial?" Wednesday asked bluntly.
Enid shot her an offended look. "Because I was upset! Haven't you ever cried before or are you above that too?"
Wednesday considered the question. After a moment, she said, "When I was six, a group of bullies forced me to watch as they killed my pet scorpion Nero by running him over with a bicycle."
Enid looked horrified but Wednesday's expression remained neutral. "After I buried what remained of Nero in the snow, I did cry. But I also swore it would be the last time. Tears don't fix anything."
Enid sat quietly as Wednesday shared the childhood story. It was likely the most the gloomy girl had opened up to anyone at Nevermore so far.
"Well, your secret's safe with me," Enid finally said, offering a small smile. "Still think you're weird as shit though."
The slightest hint of amusement crossed Wednesday's face. "The feeling is incredibly mutual."
With that, the two sat in silence on the veranda, an unlikely pair bonded by their status as outcasts at Nevermore Academy. The wolf howls eventually faded away as the full moon dipped below the horizon. Wednesday set down her cello and retreated inside, leaving Enid alone on the balcony pondering the perplexing girl.
...
Two uneventful days passed at Nevermore Academy before Ezra found himself walking towards the cafeteria one morning. As he entered the large hall and grabbed a tray of food, he heard Enid calling his name. She was sitting at a table with two other girls he hadn't met before.
"Ezra! Come sit with us!" Enid said cheerfully, patting the empty seat next to her.
Ezra smiled and made his way over, setting his tray down. "Thanks Enid. How's it going?"
"Great!" She gestured to the two girls. "Let me introduce you to my friends. This is Yoko Tanaka and Divina."
"Nice to meet you both," Ezra said with a polite nod.
The girls returned the greeting. Yoko was a stylish goth vampire, while Divina was a siren with striking sea-green eyes.
The group fell into easy conversation as they ate, discussing classes like Botanical Sciences and Werewolf Reproduction and gossiping lightheartedly about various students and teachers around Nevermore Academy. Ezra was starting to feel more comfortable settling in at the strange supernatural school, thanks in large part to Enid's outgoing and bubbly friendliness that provided a stark contrast to the shadowy, gothic mood that permeated the campus.
Though still adjusting to the idea of a school for outcasts like vampires, werewolves, and sirens, Ezra found himself relaxing and even laughing along with Enid and her friends as they traded amusing stories and observations in the lively dining hall.
After a few minutes, Wednesday Addams silently joined their table, taking a seat across from Ezra. He raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Well hello there, Addams," he said. "Fancy seeing you slumming it with us commoners."
Wednesday merely blinked at him. "I go where I please."
Enid steered the conversation toward the upcoming Harvest Festival that weekend. "So are you guys excited for the festival? I heard they're bringing in rides and games and stuff this year."
"It sounds like fun," Ezra agreed. "I've never actually been to something like that before."
"Really?" Enid asked in surprise. "Well then, since it's your first festival, how about I show you around and we can experience it together?"
Ezra smiled warmly at the offer. "I'd really appreciate that Enid, thanks."
Enid beamed, clearly excited at the prospect of attending the event with Ezra. "You're going to love it, I just know it!"
At that moment, Wednesday cut in. "I'll be going as well."
Enid looked at the goth girl, caught off guard. "Oh, um, you will?"
"Yes," Wednesday stated plainly. "As I understand it, the event is mandatory for all Nevermore students to attend."
"Right, of course," Enid said. "Well great, the more the merrier! We can all go together." But Ezra noticed she looked a little disappointed that it wouldn't just be the two of them anymore.
Ezra turned to Wednesday with a teasing smirk. "Well, well, a harvest festival doesn't seem like your typical scene Addams. I'm surprised you're so eager to attend."
"As I said, it's required," Wednesday replied coolly. "But I suppose observing human amusement rituals can be...educational."
Enid nodded. "Yep, Principal Weems makes sure all the students go. It's supposed to help build goodwill between the school and the town or something like that."
"Ah, well I look forward to experiencing this infamous festival then," Ezra said, taking a sip of his drink.
The conversation moved on to speculating about what rides and attractions might be at the event. Ezra's mind was filled with curiosity about what his first ever harvest festival might entail. And he had to admit, the prospect of experiencing it with Enid and Wednesday made it all the more intriguing.
...
[A/N: If you like the story so far feel free to give a review and throw some powerstones my way!]
