Fake it till you make it

Chapter 10

The entire walk back to the manor, despite Enid being shoulder to shoulder with the young Addams, fingers firmly laced together, she refused to meet her dark eyes and a pout had taken up residence on her soft features.

And for the life of her, Wednesday couldn't figure out what specifically it was that had Enid quite so petulant.

They made their way up the front steps of the looming manor, the house giving a faint creak to greet the girls as they walked over the threshold.

"Yes, hello, House. We have returned." Wednesday murmured under her breath, Enid looking over at her with furrowed brows at the statement.

"You talk to your house?" She looked at Wednesday like she couldn't possibly be weirder.

"Yes. I was remiss yesterday in introducing you properly, and therefore wanted to thank it for allowing you inside." Wednesday replied.

Of course, she could be weirder.

This was Wednesday Addams.

"R-right. Because that makes sense. So, is it a sentient house or something? Cursed?" Enid asked as she tentatively touched the banister of the stairs.

"No one really knows for sure. But House, depending on its opinion of you, will either help or hinder. House can sometimes be... Opinionated." Wednesday offered diplomatically, a floorboard raising as she walked to trip her in warning.

Wednesday huffed with irritation, glaring at the offending floorboard that was slotting itself back into place innocently.

"Well, hello House. I'm Enid. It's nice to officially meet you. Thank you for letting me stay inside your lovely walls." She said warmly with as much cheer she could muster despite feeling ridiculous speaking to a semi sentient house.

The banister warmed slightly under her hand, which Enid hoped was a good thing, the floorboards tilting her to encourage her upstairs.

"I think it likes you." Wednesday mused, following her upstairs.

Enid forced Wednesday to shower first, despite her protests, relieved when she finally came out smelling like herself, her scent untainted.

Enid quickly had her own shower, wanting to be back at her raven's side as quickly as possible, eager to re-scent her.

But the memory of the bears came flooding back as she shut off the water, stepping out and wrapping a towel around herself.

She remembered how Wednesday had hugged them so effortlessly, and the jealous feeling instantly returned with an all-consuming vengeance.

She hastily dried herself off, pulling on her clothes, ignoring the fact that she'd selected one of Wednesday's pilfered black hoodies to dress herself in, before leaving the bathroom, pout back in place and fire in her eyes.

Looking up and observing Enid's expression, Wednesday quirked an eyebrow with curiosity.

"Your expression suggests something has bothered you. Enlighten me."

"Nothing." Enid growled out; unsure she could even explain properly if she wanted to.

"Then, pray tell, why are your claws out?" Wednesday countered, standing up from her desk to walk over to the vibrating blonde.

Enid looked down at her hands, gasped and quickly hid them behind her back, sheathing them with embarrassment.

"I..." Enid looked away, anger melting away only to be replaced with sadness and hurt. "I thought I was special." She finally got out, making Wednesday stop a few paces in front of her, confused.