Burn | Xavier Thorpe

Reasons to hate Festivals

"Are you sure you can trust that normie?", Enid asked Wednesday as she looked at Tyler. It was refreshing that someone else didn't trust the boy from the coffee shop. He looked normal and he acted normal, but something about him made the hair on my neck stand up, not that Wednesday would care. He was her only way out of this place.

"I trust that I can handle myself." No doubt Wednesday already had plenty of plans to murder him and hide his body should he try anything.

"Well, good luck and safe travels", Enid said. Holding out her arms she stopped as soon as Wednesday leaned away. "Still not a hugger. Got it."

Enid skipped away, leaving the wolves to rip each other apart.

Wednesday wondered over to a darts stand to wait for Tyler and with nothing better to do at the moment I decided to follow.

The game proved laughably simple when compared to throwing darts at flies to pin them by their wings. No doubt the worker's eyes would fall out of his head should he appear any more stunned by our success.

"Jeez get any better at this you'll be taking home a whole pack." Xavier said, standing beside me, his arm brushing against mine after I let the final dart fly.

"Pandas don't travel in packs they prefer their solitude", Wednesday informed him as I let my arm brush against his in silent greeting.

"Alright, subtle hint taken." Xavier said. He glanced down at me, his fluffy hair falling into his eyes, "Are you included in this solitude or can I steal you for a little while?"

"I'm curious what this festival has to offer beyond blinding lights and ear bleeding music. I'd rather listen to Enid's playlist than this", I said to him. 

I step away from the booth, turning towards my sister. We'd said little to each other in the last few days. I knew my refusal to follow along this time had hurt whatever feelings she allowed herself, but there was information I needed that I couldn't simply leave without.

"No doubt, we will see each other again." Wednesday said to me.

"I won't ask where you plan to go, I would hate for Mother to be able to trick it out of me." She had this uncanny ability of getting information out of all of us eventually. 

"She would." Wednesday agreed as Tyler approached.

"Hey again", Tyler said looking between Wednesday and I. "I don't remember catching your name"

"Nightingale."

"Does your family not choose normal names", Tyler asked, with what could be considered a lazy smile. Neither cheek tearing, nor nonexistent. 

"The world has too many of those, in Mother's opinion", I answered. With an understanding nod towards Wednesday, I dragged Xavier away, my gloved hand digging in to the sleeve of his coat. I could see Weems glancing between Wednesday and I as we separated. No doubt I had made her life a pinch more difficult

"You're leaving your sister with him?", Xavier asked, brow furrowed.

"Wednesday can handle herself and she refuses to miss this opportunity." I said as I stopped in the middle of the festival unsure of where to go.

"Opportunity?"

"She's leaving. Tyler's driving her to the train station because there are no taxis in Jericho."

Xavier went quiet. I glanced up at him and was uncertain how to interpret the look on his face.

"You're not going with her?"

"No, Nevermore is interesting. I plan to stay until I no longer find amusement." It would be the first time I went to any school without Wednesday and I couldn't say I enjoyed that idea.