Whispers in the Shadows (Wednesday Addams x Fem Reader)

2. First Impressions

The morning sun cast an eerie glow over Nevermore Academy as I made my way to my first class. The hallways were filled with students, each lost in their own world of dark attire and peculiar accessories. I clutched my schedule, trying to make sense of the twisting corridors and ancient architecture.

My first class was Literature with Professor Thornhill. The classroom was lined with bookshelves crammed with dusty tomes and strange artifacts. As I found an empty seat, I noticed the girl with the dark braids—Wednesday Addams—sitting near the front, her back straight and her expression as unreadable as ever.

Professor Thornhill, a tall woman with sharp features and a stern demeanor, began the class with a discussion on Gothic literature. Her voice was a monotone drawl, perfectly fitting the subject matter. I tried to focus, but my eyes kept drifting back to Wednesday. There was something about her presence that was impossible to ignore.

"Y/N," Professor Thornhill's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Would you care to share your thoughts on the significance of the raven in Poe's work?"

I swallowed nervously, feeling the eyes of the entire class on me. "Uh, well, the raven represents death and the narrator's descent into madness," I stammered. "It's a symbol of the inescapability of grief and loss."

Professor Thornhill nodded approvingly. "Well said. The raven's symbolism is indeed a profound exploration of human despair."

I risked a glance at Wednesday, who was watching me with an inscrutable expression. Her eyes were dark and piercing, as if she could see right through me. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding in my chest.

As the class continued, we were assigned a group project to analyze different themes in Gothic literature. To my surprise, I was paired with Wednesday. The rest of the class murmured in hushed tones, clearly curious about how this unlikely partnership would unfold.

After class, I approached her cautiously. "Looks like we're partners for the project," I said, trying to sound casual.

Wednesday's gaze was unwavering. "It appears so," she replied in her monotone voice. "We should meet in the library after classes to discuss our approach."

"Sure, sounds good," I said, trying to hide my nervousness. As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Working with Wednesday Addams was bound to be an interesting experience.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of new faces and unfamiliar classes. By the time I arrived at the library, I was both exhausted and eager to get started on the project. The library at Nevermore was a vast, cavernous space filled with towering bookshelves and dim lighting. It smelled of old paper and mystery.

Wednesday was already there, seated at a large wooden table surrounded by stacks of books. She looked up as I approached, her expression as unreadable as ever.

"You're punctual," she observed.

"I try to be," I replied, taking a seat across from her. "So, where do we start?"

Wednesday pulled out a notebook and opened it to a page filled with meticulous notes. "I've compiled a list of potential themes we could explore. I suggest we focus on the portrayal of the supernatural in Gothic literature. It's a recurring element that offers a rich field for analysis."

I nodded, impressed by her thoroughness. "That sounds great. We could look at how different authors use supernatural elements to reflect the fears and anxieties of their time."

"Precisely," Wednesday said, a hint of approval in her voice. "We'll need to divide the work. I propose we each take two authors to research and compare our findings."

"Agreed," I said, feeling more confident. "I'll take Poe and Shelley, if that's okay with you."

"Very well. I'll handle Stoker and Lovecraft," Wednesday replied. "We should meet here again tomorrow to share our progress."

As we began our research, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of curiosity about Wednesday. She was unlike anyone I had ever met—intensely intelligent, yet distant and enigmatic. There was a certain magnetism about her that drew me in, even as her aloof demeanor kept me at arm's length.

Hours passed as we worked in silence, occasionally exchanging notes and ideas. By the time we called it a night, I felt a strange sense of accomplishment and a budding respect for my mysterious partner.

"Good night, Wednesday," I said as we gathered our things.

"Good night, Y/N," she replied, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned and walked away.

As I made my way back to my dorm, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something significant. First impressions could be deceiving, but there was no denying the intrigue that Wednesday Addams stirred within me.