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There were few things Wednesday Addams liked that didn’t involve the dark, macabre, occult or all of the above. What most people found disturbing she thought intriguing, and what others felt was appropriate she saw as a bore. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any interests, only that they didn’t align with others–who she thought were small-minded anyway. Enid Sinclair was one of those people. The slightest mention of death or unsolved murder cases would make her faint. Thank goodness for smelling salts. It also hadn’t helped that her side of the room looked like a unicorn vomited all over it, though that’s likely what Enid had in mind while decorating. Simply put, Wednesday thought they wouldn’t, couldn’t get along. There were too many differences.
It’s been weeks since then, weeks since she first moved into the new and mysterious world of Nevermore. She didn’t know what happened, or how it even happened. Perhaps it was during the night Enid told her she was a late bloomer and Wednesday saw her break for the first time, or after the Poe cup where she smiled with so much joy Wednesday didn’t think it possible, or the morning after Ajax stood her up and Wednesday saw the disappointment on Enid’s face; how she caught herself thinking she’d never do that. It was a silly thought, she told herself. But it kept happening. With every laugh and smile Enid sent her way, Wednesday reassured herself a thousand fold that her heart jumping or her fingers shaking ever so slightly didn’t mean anything.
More time passed before she reached the present. Somehow, despite many stating that she lacked basic social skills to make pleasant conversation, Enid and her were dating. She’s heard of it before, it’s the kind of relationship her parents had before marriage. But she couldn’t hope to live up to their impossible standards, like everything else in her life. This had to be different. Better.
“Hey, can I copy your answers?” Enid asked.
“Which answers?”
“You know, for Mrs. Thornhill’s class.”
“I refuse to be a pawn in your games Enid.”
“Oh come on, don’t be like that.” Enid leaned in. “Please? For your girlfriend?”
Wednesday’s fingers hovered mindlessly above her typewriter. They’ve been dating for a few weeks and that wasn't the first time she said it. So why then? Why couldn’t Wednesday focus? She sighed. Listening to her therapist’s advice was a mistake.
She composed herself. “It takes more than that to convince me.”
“Yeah right, like what?”
“Good question.” She went back to typing, Enid huffing an audible sigh behind her.
“Fine. Fine. I’ll watch that documentary with you.”
Wednesday’s fingers stopped. “Which one?”
“You know, the one about serial killers.”
She whirled around, eyes cold as she was serious. “Promise me.”
“What? Why?”
“Promise you won’t faint half-way through and force us to stop. Promise me and I’ll let you copy my homework.”
“Alright, I promise. Can I copy your answers now?”
Wednesday fetched her exercise book from one of the drawers and handed it to Enid. Her girlfriend gave her a toothy smile before diligently copying her homework. Wednesday went back to her story in the meantime. While there had been enough violence and death to satiate her desires, Enid felt the characters lacked a compelling arc to tie everything together. Chief among them was Viper, who was ‘always angry all the time.’ Wednesday explained that the hatred seething inside her misunderstood soul was the point of her character. Enid then accused her of writing a self-insert, but what was wrong with that? Some of the greatest novelists based the main characters off of themselves. If it’s a character arc she wants, perhaps Wednesday should experiment with Viper’s arc. Not a bad idea.
“Whatcha writing?”
“A new murder case.”
Enid looked over her shoulder. “Damn, what happened?”
“The man was murdered after having his legs violently sawed off. Clues are all over the crime scene, but they seem to lead nowhere.”
“Really?” Enid asked, skeptical. “Viper’s probably got it covered.”
“No, this case eludes even her. It’s the ‘compelling character arc’ you said she needed.”
Enid smiled. “Good then.”
“Are you done copying my answers?”
“Yep. So, uh, which psychopath do you wanna watch?”
“I heard there was a new series about Jack the Ripper on a large streaming platform. That would be nice.”
“Oh, you mean netflix? Sure. Let me set up my laptop though.”
Enid pulled out her laptop and sat on her multicolored bed. Wednesday rolled her eyes at the thought of lying on it for more than three seconds, but her therapist said ‘compromise goes both ways.’ The advice had served her well, as she found a way to solve interpersonal issues without resorting to violence. Practical, but not quite fun. With a heavy sigh, she sat beside Enid on her rainbow bed while her girlfriend logged into her ‘netflix’ account. An endless selection of movies and shows bombarded Wednesday’s eyes, easily surpassing ten thousand hours. To think people paid money to sit in front of a screen for more than an hour. Society was collapsing faster than she anticipated, interesting.
“Did they ever find him?” Enid asked.
“No. It wouldn't have been as interesting otherwise.”
"Yeah, but like, this guy actually existed. He killed real people.”
“All the more reason to watch.”
“Um, because he killed a bunch of people?”
“That and uncovering the mystery of his identity.”
“Whatever you say Willa.”
That was the end of their conversation. Not because Wednesday had nothing to say, but because the first episode had finally loaded. They finished the entire series that night, or as some people would call it, binged. It was as every bit as grotesque, disturbing and violent as she had been promised. She was not disappointed.
Victorian England was a dark dreary place. While she’d like nothing more than to travel back in time, the era’s primitive criminology allowed men like Ripper to run loose. His fixation on murdering prostitutes is common among serial killers. They were easy targets, and no one in puritan Victorian society would miss them. Though what piqued her interest above all else was the proximity of his murders. All around the same area, around the same time, always at night. Perhaps he lived there; it’d certainly make sense. The area was a run down ‘slum’, he’d likely be one of the working class and thus only had time to murder before working hours. A criminal on a tight timeline. Wednesday was impressed by his time management skills. If not a working man then perhaps a doctor, gone mad like in her favorite murder mystery novels. Maybe, maybe not. She’d have to look into it further.
Enid seemed far less enthralled, yawning and texting all throughout their ‘binge’ session. Wednesday could excuse the first as simple exhaustion, but the second was a clear act of indifference. Of course, she’d expected this. Enid and her had vastly different interests; she’d probably make her watch Legally Blonde to make up for it tomorrow. ‘Compromise works both ways’. She could imagine it now, the two of them sitting on her bed while watching a 2000s ‘girl power’ film. Enid went as far as to call it iconic. Strong words, ones that Wednesday had several opinions on.
“I think I had enough Ripper docus for today,” Enid peaked at her phone, “Oh fuck, it’s already one AM. First period’s at six-thirty too…”
“Go to sleep, I’ll continue watching the documentary.”
“Alrighty. Turn it off once you’re done, kay?”
She nodded silently. Enid yawned a final time before crashing into her pillows, her blonde nest of hair hiding her tired face. What a mess. Wednesday paid it no mind and went back to the documentary, piecing clues together but finding no real answers. As much as she hated to admit it, solving a centuries’ old case at the crack of dawn wasn’t easy. Fine then, she’d do it tomorrow. Wednesday turned off Enid’s laptop and set it aside. It was only one AM, her favorite time of the day given its absolute silence. Normally she’d go to the balcony and play some Vivaldi on her cello, but that’d wake up Enid. She tried to slide off the bed but a strong grip held her in place. Ah yes, how could she forget? Werewolf were notoriously clingy to their mates.
Past attempts to escape had failed so she wouldn’t bother trying. Wednesday let out a sigh before she lied beside Enid on her unicorn vomit colored bed. She glowed even in her sleep, warm as the blankets that wrapped around them. Wednesday trailed a hand across her face; might as well since Enid wouldn’t remember it. It pained her to admit it, to acknowledge these feelings, but caressing Enid’s sleeping face was…pleasant. It brought a calm, a silence she never thought possible. Some would call it peace of mind, but the twisted machinations inside her brain could never be tamed. This must be what petting a dog felt like, only better since Enid didn’t drool all over her. She wouldn’t dare.
It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. It couldn’t have taken long if they were next to each other.
~~~
Despite its attempts at performative progressiveness, the fact Jericho’s main stream of income was a relic of a bygone era marred by extreme prejudice showed the town’s true nature. Wednesday remembered when she blew up Joseph Cracktone’s ridiculous statue during outreach day; it’s what he deserved. Knowing that the general populace wouldn’t take well to two outcasts walking amongst them, Enid suggested they put on costumes. Well, she said ‘dress up’ but Wednesday figured the outfits would be so ridiculous they might as well be costumes. She tolerated it; today was Enid’s turn.
As for the movie, the local theater happened to show a rerun of Mean Girls. She didn’t know what that was but quickly found out. Despite revolving around the minutia of teenage life she hadn’t expected the pettiness, the betrayal, even the almost death of Regina George. If the movie was rather R she had no doubt Cady would’ve stabbed Regina using her fake knife during the halloween party, or that Regina would’ve devised a more wicked plan to expose everyone at the school. Perhaps she’d douse Cady in pig’s blood during the spring fling. That would’ve been fun. Instead the movie went for a typical message of friendship and whatnot. Wednesday thought they were too tame, but Enid seemed to enjoy it fine.
They soon left the theater and walked down the busy streets. The air breezed by, stars flashing in the night sky.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Enid said.
“Now we’re even.”
“Did you like it?”
“The movie, or your incessant quoting of every line?”
Enid chuckled. “Both.”
“To an extent.”
“Come on, I know you liked it more than that.”
“I didn’t.”
“You did.”
“I won’t repeat myself.”
Enid shrugged. “Fine.”
“I just thought it was–”
“Too boring? Not enough blood?”
“Yes. I’m surprised Cady didn’t start plotting Regina’s murder the moment she kissed Aaron.”
“Not everyone likes to casually plan murders Willa.”
“Shame, homicide can be greatly fulfilling.”
“Right…Um, have you ever…killed anyone before?”
“No. I haven’t found a reason to, not yet anyway.”
“Oh. So when you say you’re gonna kill someone, you don’t mean that literally?”
“I didn’t nail-gun Ajax’s heart, did I? It’s a figure of speech Enid.”
Enid hummed. “Damn, guess you’re right. Sorry for assuming by the way, I should’ve just known that was just you being you.”
“Don’t be, I take it as a compliment.”
Enid laughed. “Alright.”
A smile crept up her lips, but Wednesday stopped herself. Her therapist’s words then echoed in her mind. ‘Showing emotions don’t make you weak.’ Perhaps if she’d grown up as an outcast, mocked and hated for everything and anything she did, she wouldn't be as inclined to put her heart on her sleeve. Wednesday took a moment to think. While she’d still sworn off crying, a small smile wouldn’t cause any harm, which disappointed her slightly. The smile she held back perked up and lingered while she looked at Enid. Colors and sunlight and loud despondent noises were all things she loathed, but Enid made them tolerable. Enjoyable.
“Can I hold your hand?” Enid asked.
Wednesday looked around. They were surrounded by people. “You get a finger.”
“Hell yes!”
“Calm down, it’s only a finger.”
“I mean, it’s better than nothing so…”
Wednesday rolled her eyes. She wrapped her pinkie around Enid’s who gladly took it. It was ridiculous. This was ridiculous. Wednesday hoped she wouldn’t end up like her parents, constantly proclaiming their love for each other while torturing others with public acts of affection. No. Well, she hoped not. But that was the reason they transferred her to Nevermore, wasn’t it? to mold her in their vision. Or was this yet another presumption she had to ‘unpack’? How exhausting. She focused on Enid instead. It was easy to take her mind off things when her girlfriend’s smiling face stared back at her, proud they were holding hands in public; technically anyway. It was just a finger, but small things like these mattered so much to Enid. She didn’t quite understand why. One day she will.
"By the way," Enid started, "I'm totally down for another serial killer binge sesh."
"And will you text the whole way through again?"
"Sorry. I won't this time, promise."
Wednesday almost smiled. "Fine then, we'll watch more Ripper documentaries once we return."
"Still trying to crack his secret identity?"
"That and to further explore the miserable downright wretched Victorian era."
Enid hummed. "I think you'd like it there."
"I would. Yes."
They returned to the dorms and binged far too many hours of Ripper documentaries. Enid stayed true to her word and kept her eyes on the screen, occasionally glancing at her either due to fear or confusion. Perhaps it was the candy colored movie or the impromptu outing, but Wednesday’s mind lagged behind her train of thought. What usually took her seconds to piece together now took minutes, and what took minutes turned to hours. It was an outrageous display of incorporation on her body’s part, one she hadn’t experienced in a very long time. Perhaps she spent so much time adjusting to Enid’s schedule that her internal clock shifted; now it craved sleep during the time of day when she’s most productive. Ridiculous. But Wednesday knew better than to argue with her biology, so she settled for mindlessly watching the rest of the show. It must’ve been the movie, it melted her brain to mush so much a yawn escaped her.
“Oh, is Wednesday Addams tired?”
“...maybe.”
“Do you wanna maybe cuddle?”
Wednesday gave it a moment’s thought. “Yes.”
Enid squealed before her arm slid around Wednesday’s shoulder. Any form of physical affection repulsed her, which she enjoyed. She leaned on Enid’s shoulder to stoke the disgust brimming inside her stomach, her hand on Enid’s lap almost making her vomit from nerves. The good kind, nerves that left her jittery from fear. Enid’s hand felt warm against hers, supple and smooth like a fresh corpse. All things Wednesday liked in a dead body, along with early signs of decomposition. But Enid wasn’t a corpse, far from it. She never encountered someone more full of happiness, fear, sadness and every emotion under the sun. Enid’s fingers wove a web around her fingers. How cheesy, but Wednesday didn’t entirely hate it.
“Can I kiss you?” she whispered.
Wednesday raised a brow. That came out of nowhere.
“Sorry. It’s just that you’re so close, and you look really pretty–Ah fuck, what am I saying?”
“No, it’s fine.” Wednesday paused. Heat ran up her neck. “You get one kiss today.”
Enid leaned in so very close, but not enough to close the distance. “Only one?”
“Don’t push it.”
“Right, sorry.” Her hand cupped Wednesday’s face. “I wanna get a good look at you before I do though.”
“Why?”
“So I can always remember what you look like when you’re flustered.”
Wednesday pursed her lips. “I’m not.”
“Sure Willa.”
Their lips met. In many ways it was like getting punched in the face. Air left her lungs and caused her whole body to go limp; her thoughts scrambled and her emotions running wild. It was only for a moment, but Wednesday could only think and feel and breathe Enid. Her touch, her musky lycan scent, the fur on her sweater and the dye in her golden hair. She pulled away, struggling to control her wild breathing. She'd been bested by a kiss. No, she had to do better.
“Do you want another one?” she asked.
Enid stopped. “You mean another kiss?”
“Yes.”
“Shit, I guess today’s my lucky day.”
This time Wednesday initiated, quick and assertive as any good fight should be. Enid hummed in amusement before she pushed back, and her girlfriend’s inhuman strength held her down on the bed. Wednesday let a surprised, rather pathetic yelp. She couldn’t help it. It’s not everyday that a powerful supernatural being held her in place. That’s right. Past her smiles and silly jokes, Enid was at least ten times stronger than she was, though she’d never say it out loud. The thought rushed adrenaline through her veins, that Enid might just lose control and kill her. Better yet, transform into a terrifying monster. Wednesday tried to force air down her throat, but Enid’s kisses lingered down her cheeks and to her neck. Her heart blared inside her chest. Her ribs were about to crack open.
“Stop.”
Enid pulled away. “Fuck, sorry. Did I get carried away?”
“No. It was just…overwhelming.”
“Oh okay, I get it. I don’t wanna force you to do stuff you’re not comfortable with.”
“Believe me, you’ll know if I’m uncomfortable with something.”
“I’m sure I will.” Enid caressed her cheek so very gently. “I think we should go to sleep.”
“Fine. But I’m having a late night cello session tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
“And we’ll sleep on my bed this time.”
“That’s fine too.” Enid hopped off her bed and crashed on Wednesday’s. “Your pillows are softer anyway.”
Wednesday laid beside Enid, arms crossed on her chest. “Really? I haven’t noticed.”
“Probably because you sleep like a corpse.”
“Probably.”
~~~
Wednesday found her second year at Nervermore far more boring than the first. With all its elitist secrets uncovered, the school's air of mystery faded and was replaced with familiarity. While she didn’t entirely abhor routine, her stricter schedule meant there was less time for personal projects. Assignment after assignment, test after test, one mind-numbing essay to the next; it drove her to insanity. Release came only when she finished her projects, catharsis taking root inside the depths of her dark twisted mind before she was handed yet another assignment to slave over. Her latest project required her to write a ten-thousand word essay on poisonous plants. Many sleepless nights later and Wednesday had every plant's latin name imprinted on her eyelids; she dreamt of it in her sleep and wrote of them during the day.
“Um, Willa? I think you should take a break.” Enid’s voice pulled her back to reality.
Wednesday turned to face her, eyes bloodshot from academic madness. “I can’t, it’s due tomorrow.”
“You still have, like, twenty-four hours, so chill.” Enid paused. “When was the last time you slept?”
“That’s irrelevant. The essay, I have to finish it today. I have to.”
“Aw geez, you’re doing that thing where you mumble mindlessly.”
“I don’t need sleep, I need more words. Words. Fill the essay. Get As. Words…Essay…deadly plants…”
Enid pulled her from the typewriter and plopped her on the bed. All the strength left her body when she crashed against the soft mattress, the sandman beckoning her to sleep with his tortured eyes and raven hair. It almost worked. Almost. But then she remembered that failing to submit the essay on time meant getting an F. How could she maintain a spotless GPA if an F plagued her report card? Normally she liked plagues, but her grades didn’t need to spontaneously drop dead. She rose like Frankenstein’s creation and dragged herself back to her desk, much to Enid’s frustration.
“Wednesday, get off that thing. You need to sleep.”
“What I need is a 4.0 GPA to get into an ivy league school.”
“That’s like super cool, but you can’t go to college if you don’t pass highschool.”
Wednesday stopped. “I am the best student this school has seen since–”
“You just can’t if you’re half-awake all the time.”
“I’ve been through worse. Torture, for one.”
“Alright, I don't even wanna know.” Enid pulled her away again. “Bed. Now.”
“You sound like my therapist,” Wednesday grunted, collapsing on her bed.
“In a good way or bad way?”
“She said my obsessiveness could be harmful if left unchecked, so bad.”
Enid hummed. “I mean, it’s nice when you obsess over five hundred year old murder cases, but sometimes you just kind of…Uh, lose yourself. Like right now, can you even move your hand?”
What a stupid question. She couldn’t lift a finger. “No.”
“Yeah, that’s what I mean. Look, just get some sleep and I promise you’ll finish that essay before tomorrow.”
“And how do you know that?”
“I just know you will.”
Wednesday wanted to call her bluff, but sleep swept her away faster than the Justinian plague destroyed Rome, again. Like its most famous general-emperor, she wanted to question why her body betrayed her. ‘Et tu, Wednesday?’ While she wasn’t bleeding out on the senate floor, unfortunately, the monochromatic colors left her body and left it cold. Still. Like the bodies in a morgue. Hours passed while she laid lifeless on her bed. Once Wednesday woke up, the sun had been swallowed by stars and Enid was texting on her bed. It was ten, no, eleven PM. The easy was due tomorrow at eleven fifty-nine PM. She pushed herself up and returned to her desk. Her girlfriend was right, her thoughts flowed clearer and faster after a nap. The essay was done in another hour, and Wednesday slipped it inside her binder for safe keeping.
“Told you you’d finish it before tomorrow,” a smug voice said.
Wednesday sighed. “Take the win Enid.”
“How about a smooch instead?”
“You know I loathe that word.”
“That’s good, right?”
“...Yes.” She kissed Enid’s cheek. “That’s all you’re getting today.”
Enid grinned and Wednesday was concerned it’d stay that way. Then something peculiar happened. It wasn’t a full moon, but her girlfriend’s wolf ears popped up. Then a tail appeared on her behind; her claws and teeth sharpened like knives. She’d seen this happen before, back when Enid liked Ajax and spoke of him, but never to this extent. Perhaps it’s because she hadn’t wolfed out back then, or maybe she simply liked her better. Wednesday was inclined to believe the latter.
“Sorry, I got too excited.”
“It’s fine.” Wednesday leaned in to inspect Enid’s canines; she could tear apart a man’s jugular with those. “This is pleasant.”
“Thanks,” Enid’s tail wagged up and down, “I, uh, don’t hear that a lot.”
“If you’re talking about Ajax, then know that he’s weak and could never appreciate this side of you.”
“Uh, no. When did I mention him, like ever?”
“Forget what I said.”
“Wait.” Enid chuckled, holding Wednesday’s hands. “Are you jealous?”
“Jealousy is fickle as it is futile.”
“Nah, I see it on your face. You’re defo jelly.”
Wednesday frowned. “I refuse to speak of this further.”
“Alright.” Enid kissed her hands, a smirk on her lips. “Cara Mia.”
Her heart nearly jumped out her chest. “Where did you learn that?”
“Remember when your dad pulled me aside on family day? He said that would melt your cold heart. So, did it work?”
“No, and your pronunciation was off.”
“Aw.” Enid’s ears flopped down.
Wednesday rolled her eyes. “If you want to know how to speak Italian ask me, especially if you’re going to pull something like that.”
Her girlfriend’s ears instantly perked up. “Alright! Next time I’ll definitely ace my pronunciation.”
“Hm.” Wednesday rubbed Enid’s fingers. They were warm. “I have to warn you, I’m not easily impressed.”
“Gotcha. Can I, uh, get another kiss? Or should I wait till tomorrow?”
“I’m feeling charitable today.”
“Oh.”
Wednesday planted a brief kiss on Enid’s cheek, but that was enough to send her tail wagging like an overjoyed puppy. That’s precisely what she would be had she not been human, a needy attention seeking puppy who wanted constant affection. It was the kind of torture Wednesday loved. Maybe her girlfriend had gotten a little too excited, but she thought it was a good idea to sweep her off her feet. Although Wednesday preferred to be hoisted over the shoulder like a corpse, she tolerated getting carried bridal style to Enid’s bed. Her girlfriend could’ve easily snapped her like a twig; what fun that would’ve been; but instead placed her down like a piece of fine china. Wednesday’s skin didn’t crawl in contact with Enid’s colorful bed sheets, which disturbed her more than what her girlfriend might’ve been planning.
“What’s this about?” she asked.
“I just wanna carry my girlfriend around.”
“And what do you plan to do after?”
“Nothing.” Enid leaned in. “Maybe kiss her some more, if she’ll let me.”
“Your canines are showing, I’ll get bit.”
“Don’t you like that kind of stuff?”
“Touche.”
Enid chuckled. She lay beside Wednesday. “It’s fine.”
Wednesday thought for a moment. “You celebrate valentine’s day, don't you?”
“Yeah, I wish I could celebrate with you.”
“Why have you never asked?”
“I thought you wouldn’t like all that lovey dovey stuff.”
“I don’t–”
“See?”
“Let me finish.” Wednesday sighed. “On account that we’ve been dating for a year, I’ll let you be as affectionate as you want on valentine’s day.”
Enid sat up. “Oh fuck, really? But valentine’s day is, like, tomorrow.”
“So be it.” Wednesday turned her back on Enid. “You’re also allowed to hold my hand in public.”
Enid hugged her from behind and squeezed the air out her lungs. “Thanks so much Willa!”
“Enid…Can’t breathe…”
“Oh fuck,” she let go, “Sorry, are you okay?”
Wednesday caught her breath. “Yes. I actually enjoyed that.”
“Oh, uh, then do you want me to do it again?”
“Save it for tomorrow.”
Enid gave her a salute. “Alrighty!”
Wednesday rolled her eyes. Exhaustion lulled them into a deep slumber as the night went on. Enid chewed on her canines and hugged her so tight Wednesday hoped her lungs would implode. Dozing off wasn't easy like that, not that she cared. There were many nights where she lied awake in bed, pondering one murder case after another. Tonight would be no different, at least, she thought so. Enid’s face rubbed against her cheek, warm hands wrapped around her own cold appendages, fur and hair dye and a pink rainbow sweater chuffing against her. How could she think of anything else like this? She let out a defeated sigh before turning to Enid. The girl was practically a mess; her frayed hair went everywhere and her tail wagged even in her sleep. Even then, despite all that, she’d still kill for Enid. She only needed to say the word, not that she ever would.
Wednesday rubbed Enid's cheek, whispering under her breath. “Cara Mia.”