Shadows of Nevermore

Chapter II

The entrance hall of Nevermore Academy buzzed with activity, students flitting around like animated shadows. Amidst the noise and movement, time seemed to stand still for Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair. They hadn't spoken in a year, and the unexpected reunion left Wednesday internally reeling.

Why is she here? Wednesday's mind raced, a tempest of conflicting emotions churning beneath her stoic exterior. She hadn't known Enid was now the werewolf studies teacher. As she took in the sight of her old friend, a strange sensation tugged at her chest—an unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling.

Enid looked different, yet the same. She was dressed smartly, in a tailored jacket and trousers, but with her signature colorful flair—a bright scarf and earrings that sparkled in the dim light of the hall. The scars across her face, remnants of past battles, were still there, adding to her fierce beauty. The sight of those scars triggered a flicker of something within Wednesday, a reminder of their shared past and the bond that had once connected them.

"Hello, Wednesday," Enid repeated, her voice softer now, tinged with emotion.

Wednesday's response was cool and detached, masking the storm within. "I heard you the first time. I didn't expect to see you here."

"I... uh... I got a job here," Enid said, her smile a bit strained. "I'm the new werewolf studies teacher."

Wednesday blinked, processing this information with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Interesting," she said finally, her tone neutral, betraying nothing of the turmoil she felt.

They stood there, an awkward silence hanging between them, broken only by the hum of student chatter. Wednesday's mind wandered to darker places, memories of battles fought and blood spilled, of secrets shared and now seemingly lost. Why did it hurt to see Enid after all this time?

Pugsley, ever the buffer, stepped forward with his usual cheerfulness. "I can't wait for class, Miss Sinclair! It's great to see you again."

Enid's warm smile returned, lighting up her face. "Good to see you too, Pugsley. Ready for your final year?"

"Absolutely," he replied with enthusiasm. "I might even try out for the Pitch Slaps, just like you said I should."

Wednesday's eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Pugsley. "You knew she was here and didn't think to mention it?"

Pugsley looked genuinely puzzled. "Sorry sis... You never told me you and Miss Sinclair were friends."

Enid's smile faltered just a bit, and she cast her eyes down briefly, visibly upset but not saying anything. The momentary flicker of hurt in her eyes did not escape Wednesday, piercing through her defenses like a needle through cloth.

Wednesday's gaze shifted back to Enid, the words catching in her throat. "I... assumed you were busy with your own life," she said, her voice lacking its usual edge, a rare softness peeking through.

"Yeah, well, things change," Enid said quietly, her eyes meeting Wednesday's again. There was a mix of hurt and hope in her expression that Wednesday couldn't quite decipher, a reflection of her own tangled emotions.

The hallway seemed to grow louder around them, students bustling with excitement for the new school year. Pugsley, sensing the need to defuse the tension, slung his bag over his shoulder.

"Well, I should probably get to orientation. Don't want to be late on the first day. Catch you both later?"

"Have a great day, Pugsley," Enid said warmly, watching him walk away.

As the noise of the bustling hall surrounded them, Enid turned back to Wednesday. "It's nice of you to drop him off at school."

Wednesday's expression remained stoic, her dark eyes fixed on Enid with an intensity that could make anyone else squirm. "Nice has nothing to do with it. I moved into town."