The Woe We Deserve

Chapter 29

"Why do we have to do a Parents' Weekend every semester? You think all these parents would be sick of touring the same musty buildings year after year," Xavier complained while he aggressively ate his bacon.

"Tell me about it."

"Your parents... there's not chance they'll sit this one out, right?"

"My mother would never give me the satisfaction," she replied darkly.

"I figured."

Wednesday observed her boyfriend as he picked at his eggs, dejected. "You're scared of meeting them."

Xavier frowned. "Scared isn't the word I'd use."

"Then what is?"

"Nauseous."

Wednesday nodded. "They tend to have that effect on people. But I assure you, they're not that bad. They probably won't hurt you."

"That's not what I'm worried about," he said.

Wednesday looked perplexed. "Then, what?"

"Wednesday!" He said exasperated. "When they find out about... you know... they'll never accept me as your boyfriend!"

Wednesday smiled. "You don't have to worry about them accepting you. In fact, my parents hating you would be a plus."

"Thanks," he said sarcastically.

Wednesday's smile faltered. "You really care what they think?"

"Of course, I do!"

"Oh. I see."

Xavier buried his face in his hands. "I'm doomed."

"While I can't relate to seeking my parents' approval... I promise, they are going to like you so much—I'll hate it."

He peaked at her between his fingers, face still planted firmly in his palms. "Really?"

"Of course." Wednesday sighed. "My mother will be overjoyed to find out I'm dating one of my classmates at Nevermore. It's the first step to following all of her footsteps."

"Um... yay?"

"Yay for you, anyway."

"Wednesday," he said more seriously. "Would it really be the end of the world if your parents were supportive of our relationship?"

"I am starting to feel unwell," she lied.

"Really?"

She nodded and jumped to her feet. "I have to go. I'll speak to you later."

"What...?"

She was already gone.

**************

Wednesday rushed to her dorm, sneaking through the busy hallways to avoid getting caught.

She planted herself in front of her desk and placed her crystal ball in the middle of the table. She waited patiently for somebody to connect with her back home.

Pugsley's chubby face came into focus through the mist. Wednesday sighed.

"Wednesday!" he yelled. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful. Can I speak to an adult?"

"Sure! Uncle Fester is here. He's going to babysit me while Mom and Dad go see you for Parent's Weekend."

"That seems like sound parenting," she said sarcastically. "But I need Mother or Father."

"Mother or Father," he said in a mocking tone.

"Don't make me choke you through the crystal ball," she threatened.

"You can't do that!" He ran away just in case.

A few minute later, her mother came into view.

"Wednesday! What a surprise! Shouldn't you be in class?"

"I am feeling unwell," she explained.

Her mother rolled her eyes. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked. It's not like you to call just to say 'hi'."

"Fine. There is something I need to discuss with you."

"We are driving over tomorrow. What could be so urgent?"

"Mother, I will cut to the chase." Wednesday said. "I am dating Xavier Thorpe, Vincent Thorpe's son—Vincent Thorpe being the man who—"

"I know Vincent Thorpe." She said with an eye roll.

Wednesday watched her mother closely, anxiously awaiting her reaction.

"That is wonderful news! I am glad Nevermore is allowing you to grow and explore different things."

"It's wonderful," she said through gritted teeth.

"Well, I am so happy you called to talk to me about this. Though it's very unexpected."

"Yes. Very." Though something about the mother's tone made her wonder if she was actually surprised by the news. "It is—for some reason—very important to Xavier to gain your approval. I believe he is concerned that you will hold his father's actions against him."

"I see," Morticia said. "You can't choose your family."

"I am well aware," Wednesday muttered under her breath—Morticia pretended not to hear it.

"I would just like to ask you, to please... not scare him away."

Morticia looked at her daughter, and Wednesday swore she was about to cry. "This is all so wonderful."

"Mother, please get a grip," Wednesday snapped. After a moment, she added, "I don't even want to know how Dad's going to react."

"That might scare him away," her mother replied.

Wednesday groaned. "That will be all. I have to go back to class."

"I thought you weren't feeling well!"

"Education is more important. I think I'll power through," she said rapidly before rushing off.