Wednesday's Week

Ready, Set, Woe

Thing and I fled. Not because I couldn't take Marcus. No, quite the opposite. We ran through the library. I could hear his bat wings flapping close behind me. I ducked before he clawed my ear.

I led Marcus out of the library. My breathing felt labored, but I ignored the sharp pains. I imagined my best theatrical horrified face before I threw myself into the next room. I fell to the ground just as Marcus emerged through.

"Stop! Please-" I cried out as if I were truly afraid. Marcus turned back to human form. But what he hadn't realized was that I led him straight to where Weems was discussing with the strangers from the other schools.

Weems stood up, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Wednesday is gonna pay-"

The siren turned to Marcus, "Stop and take a step back." He obeyed.

Principal Weems floated between, "Professer Argyle, we do not use our siren songs on students at Nevermore." She turned to Marcus as I was helped up by the Vampire woman. "We also do not case around students."

"He tried pushing me off a roof," I added. Marcus glared at me.

Weems guestered to step outside. "Excuse us for a moment." She said to the others. "Wednesday, what happened."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Marcus didn't explain." I winked at Marcus and shoulder checked him before walking off. I could hear the beginning of Weems scold and threats at the bottom of the stairs.

"I heard you scream," Xavier appeared in the doorway.

I folded my arms, "How did you know that was my scream?"

He scratched the back of his neck, "I've heard it before in my dreams."

"No need to coming running over here. That was my enjoyment scream." I disclosed.

Just before he could say something else a crowd of students meandered in. They were being led by a Nevermore student who seemed too exhausted to know which direction they were going.

I watched them pass and made eye contact with a female gorgon and a very gothic looking normie. I'm sure he wasn't a normie, but there were no siren eyes or fangs or claws to designate him to a clique.

"Everyone at Nevermore is a team until we beat these schools, understand?" Xavier pointed to me after the door closed.

I smiled sadistically, "I'm always on team Nevermore." And then I left Xavier to continue his pouting.

The roof would not be my bed tonight. I didn't want to deal with Marcus or his friends anymore. I was tired of speaking with anyone.

The cold air brushed against my face as I stepped into the woods. Joseph Crackstone's crypt was empty now after I killed him for a second time and he disintegrated. I opened the door, thankful touching it didn't send me into a vision.

I walked around, lighting the candles. The warm glow filled the room. I climbed up onto the stone casket. And laid down on the top of it. Lots had happened here.

Tyler had taken me on a date as well as left me to be stabbed by a zombie pilgrim. They had thrown me a birthday surprise and Goody had sacrificed her essence to save me.

I closed my eyes and stayed dead still.

Morning came too soon. The only thing that told me the sun was up was my internal clock. I sat up, relishing the sore pain in my muscles. It had been awhile since I had slept on a stone slab.

Birds sang their cheerful tunes as I marched my way back to school. The sticks and leafs crunched under my feet.

"You look awful," Enid said as she poked her head from their fort as I entered the room.

I pulled out my braids, "No need for flattery." The brush pulled at my hair, causing my scalp to tingle.

"So..." Enid stood up, holding her hands behind her back. "As you know, the contest starts today. I just want to say that the lone wolf mentality isn't going to win you anything."

I turned from my closet. "I do know how to cooperate when it's imperative. You sound like Xavier right now."

"You talked to Xavier? Did he tell you about the plan?" She asked.

No. Then again, I had forgotten Enid was a Nightshade. "No, he has not."

A bell sounded across the whole campus. Weems was summoning us. I changed quickly and followed the Ophelia girls outside to the outdoor grass area. Principal Weems stood at a podium. She looked even more translucent today, as if she were fading away.

"Students of Nevermore! Today commences the first ever competitive sport event against other schools! Please welcome 'Salt's cry', 'Eternal', and 'Sun's children'!" Her voice echoed. The doors opened and the other students entered dramatically. How cheesy.

A towering wall of muscle from the 'Sun's Children' picked up his fellow students and hoisted them into the air. Enid whimpered beside me, "Just remember. We have the home field advantage."

"It won't matter too much when he steps on you," I interjected unhelpfully.

The other schools staff stepped beside Weems. She continued, "The weekend will be full of various activities. We have a sign up booth in the fencing room and the library. There are different games for everyone, so make sure to participate!"

Enid clutched my arm, "Come on, we've already picked out your games." She began to pull me away. Just as she pulled me through, I saw a camera flash. I turned to the offender. Yoko stood their motionless. I couldn't read her eyes behind her glasses.

"Enid!" Yoko appeared before us. I looked back from where I had just seen her. How did she move so fast? "You'd better hurry before you lose a slot." She grabbed her hand and dragged her. I was an unwilling participant in this human chain. They took me to the one in fencing room.

I pulled back from Enid, "Explain what you meant by the plan."

She stopped and looked about to make sure no one was watching. "We are going to put two members of the nightshades in every event."

"I'm not a nightshade, remember?"

Enid shrugged her shoulders, "Honorary. You and Eugene are a part of this."

The room was crowded with eager students. Enid wiggled her way through. "I won't be doing anything today but cheering! You and Eugene are doing 'Define the Monster'" I didn't know what that was but I'd learn soon. I hesitantly put my name on the sheet. I didn't like not being apart of the plan. The only other Friday events were swimming and rock climbing. They wouldn't start until after lunch since Weems wanted everyone to mingle.

"Sick belt," a voice sounded behind me.

I turned around to see the female Gorgon from suns children. She had a dark green beanie over her head and a matching ensemble with a dark green slip dress over black shirt and tights. Her black boots had snakes painted on them. I looked down at my belt. "It holds everything." I pulled back my jacket to show the knife strapped to it."

She smiled and repeated herself, "Sick."

The crowd dispersed and I pulled away from everyone. The dark hallways seemed endless. I had mastered them quickly first semester during my deep investigations.

Principal Weems office stood before me. I went to continue down the hallway when I heard a sound. A glass shattered. I moved closer to the door. It was cracked open.

Weems floated beside the fire. A picture frame was shattered on the ground. It was not one she put on the mantle. Her shape shimmered. Her hand went through the fire and came back unscathed. Then she reached for something on the mantle. To my surprise, she picked it up. A vial of blood. She opened it and wagged it up her nose. Her figure got slightly more concrete and less translucent.

I pulled back, unsure what I had witnessed, but knowing I needed to leave. On the way outside, Thing caught up with me.

"Where have you been all day?" I scolded.

I'd rather sleep on a bed then in a crypt

I rolled my eyes. He was so dramatic.

The giant bell wrung, informing everyone that the first event would begin soon.