The Woe We Deserve

Chapter 7

Xavier was alone in his shed, painting. He blasted music on his speakers, some Spotify playlist called "Down in the Dumps" because that about summed up his state of mind.

Not five days ago, he had sat in the same stool, Wednesday Addams braiding his hair. He had allowed himself to hope for romance, only to be promptly shut down.

He wanted to paint her, but he felt so pathetic thinking about it he decided to go more abstract instead. He flung paint at his canvas with no rhyme or reason. The random splattering of paint on and off the canvas was somewhat therapeutic.

But of course, he couldn't even sulk in peace before Wednesday showed up to disturb his alone time.

She snuck into the shed, and he pretended not to see her. He wished it was just his imagination, but when she cleared her throat, Xavier reluctantly turned to face her. He waited for her to speak first.

"Hello," she said.

"Wednesday."

She took a few steps toward him, eyeing his canvas.

"A little more abstract than your normal work," she commented.

"Not feeling too inspired. This is just for fun."

"Hmm." She reached for a brush and looked at him for permission. "May I?"

Xavier shrugged and stepped aside to let her try. Wednesday dipped the brush into the paint and whipped it at the canvas like she was wielding her fencing sword. Blue paint flew across the air and landed on the busy painting. She smiled.

"You're right. This is fun."

"Go crazy." Xavier pulled a chair out of the splash zone and watched her go at it.

He wanted to ask her what she wanted, but he had to remind himself that he had agreed to stay friends, and friends are allowed to visit for no reason at all. It wasn't like her, and he was sure something was up, but he wasn't going to be the one to bring it up. So instead he watched as Wednesday Addams tried her hand at splatter painting, making a mess all over his work and his studio, and eventually herself.

Once she had had enough, she stepped back and put the brush down. She looked down at her black jeans and black sweatshirt and seemed to realize that her outfit had been contaminated with some color.

"It'll wash right off," he said.

"I'll be lucky if I don't break out in hives."

Xavier rolled his eyes at her. She wiped her hands on her jeans and leaned against the table.

"You're probably wondering why I'm here," she started.

"Not really," he said nonchalantly. "You've made quite the habit of dropping by unannounced."

Wednesday cleared her throat. "Right. I know. I... will stop doing that."

Xavier narrowed his eyes. "If you say so."

"Yesterday... when we talked," she sighed. "I may not have been thinking clearly."

"What do you mean?" Xavier asked, stone-faced.

"Enid blackmailed me into telling her what happened. Why I was gone from class."

"Man, you're really starting to be a bad influence on her."

"Thank you. Anyway, she did make some good points that I hadn't considered."

"I'm all ears."

Wednesday cleared her throat and fiddled with one of her braids, avoiding eye contact. "Well, for starters, she reminded me that when I went on that date with Tyler it wasn't completely painful."

Xavier scoffed. "Yes. Let's please talk about your ex."

"He's not my ex," she bit back. "And I'm not—it's about him. I hate him. Okay? But the actual date wasn't horrible. And I'm sure it would be even less horrible if it was with you."

Xavier gave her a puzzled look, but he let her continue.

"And I've been concerned about the fact that we are both trapped on this campus, and I know it would be unpleasant if we did start dating and things didn't work out."

"You literally got me arrested last year," he interrupted. "I think I can handle a break up. If it came to that."

"Are you going to let me speak?" she snapped. Xavier raised both hands in a sign of surrender. "Thank you."

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through her nose. "She called me a chicken."

"A chicken?"

"Yes."

'You're here because Enid called you a chicken?" he chuckled. "Wish I knew that's all it takes."

"I am scared," she admitted. "I stay far away from things I'm bad at. Like feelings. And intimacy. But I'm a big believer in facing your fears."

"Okay..."

"So that's why I'm here," she concluded.

"To face your fears?"

Wednesday nodded.

"I don't really know what to say to that," Xavier admitted.

"I'll admit I was expecting a more enthusiastic response," Wednesday mumbled.

"Enthusiastic? What am I even responding to?" he asked, clearly frustrated. "You haven't exactly asked me out."

"I thought it was implied," she replied.

"No. That's not how that works." Xavier shook his head in disbelief and paced in front of her. "You're unbelievable. You... you drive me crazy, you know that?"

"Yes. I know." She watched as he continued to pace and shake his head, looking completely out of his mind. It was quite entertaining. "Should I just go then?"

Xavier stopped dead in his tracks and gave her a look she could only describe as murderous. It was fun to be on the receiving end of that look for once. She knew she deserved it.

"Xavier. Would you go on a date with me?" she asked with as much composure as she could muster.

"You're serious?" he asked.

"Why would I joke about this?"

"You have a pretty twisted sense of humor," he scoffed. "Did you hit your head on your way here?"

"Do you want me to beg?" she snapped.

"Actually, that would be lovely."

Wednesday glared at him and turned on her heel, but his hand was on hers before she could take two steps.

"Okay, okay. Sorry," he chuckled. "I couldn't help myself."

Wednesday turned to face him, glare still intact.

"I would love to go on a date with you, Wednesday."