Beneath the surface || Wenclair

Chapter 3: psychological insights

Wednesday Addams sat at a small, dimly lit table in the corner of the coffee shop, her dark eyes fixed on the swirling patterns of the foam in her cup. The aroma of roasted coffee beans mingled with the soft chatter of students and the distant clatter of dishes, but the cozy ambiance offered her little comfort. Enid's recent behavior loomed heavily in her mind, and Wednesday couldn't help but wonder if something significant had happened over the summer, something that had left her friend unsettled.

Across from her, Xavier Thorpe leaned back in his chair, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You know, I can practically see the gears turning in your head. What's bothering you this time?"

"Must you always presume I am in need of your psychological insights?" Wednesday retorted, her tone sharper than she intended. She brought the cup to her lips, taking a slow sip to buy herself some time.

Xavier chuckled, unfazed. "It's not presumption if I'm right. You don't invite me out for coffee unless something is weighing heavily on you. So, spill it."

The truth was, she had been wrestling with a storm of thoughts since the day began. Enid's peculiar behavior had nagged at her all day, and the idea that her best friend was distancing herself lodged itself like a thorn in her side. Had Enid finally realized that Wednesday was not the person she had believed her to be? "Enid has been acting strangely," Wednesday finally admitted, her voice low and laced with concern. "I can't decipher what's happening in her mind."

"Strangely how?" Xavier probed, his interest piqued. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, his eyes searching hers.

"It's as if she is hiding something, withdrawing into herself," Wednesday said, her gaze drifting to the window as the sun began to set. "I can't help but think I've done something to cause this shift."

"Or maybe she's just dealing with her own stuff," Xavier suggested. "You know how complicated things can get at the beginning of the year. Plus, this is the year she's supposed to find her mate, right?"

Wednesday frowned, unwilling to accept that possibility. "I am not as oblivious as you think. I have spent years studying human and outcast behavior. Something is off."

"Okay, okay," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But remember this morning? You said she just... bolted. What happened?"

A frown creased Wednesday's forehead as she recalled the moment Enid had rushed out of the room. "She was snappy with me, but I thought it was just her way of dealing with whatever is troubling her. Yet, when she left, it felt... different. Like she was escaping."

Xavier tilted his head thoughtfully. "Maybe you're reading too much into this. It could be something entirely unrelated."

"Or perhaps she has finally realized that I am not the person she believed me to be," Wednesday said, her tone heavy with resignation. "That she needs to distance herself."

Xavier frowned, leaning closer. "You know, over the years, we've talked about this 'light infatuation' you have for her. You've denied it most of the time, but maybe you're overanalyzing."

"Infatuation?" Wednesday scoffed. "It's merely friendship."

"Sure, if that's what you want to tell yourself." He smirked, clearly unconvinced.

Her lips thinned, frustration brewing within her. "I refuse to indulge in frivolous feelings."

"Right. The infamous Wednesday Addams, who has feelings for no one," Xavier teased. "But what if Enid feels something too? She might be struggling with her own feelings."

"Perhaps," Wednesday conceded, the thought igniting a flicker of hope within her. "But how do I know? She could be just as easily trying to distance herself in preparation for spending all of her time with her new mate"

"Maybe just ask her," Xavier suggested, the mischief in his eyes still evident. "Communication, remember?"

She huffed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "You are insufferable."

"And yet, you keep coming back for coffee," he quipped, a grin breaking through his otherwise laid-back demeanor.

Their conversation lingered in the air, comfortable silence weaving between them. Finally, Wednesday set her cup down, a wave of determination coursing through her. "Very well. I will confront her about this. But it will have to wait until I can ascertain her state of mind."

"Sounds like a plan," Xavier said, his smile returning. "Just promise me you won't overthink it."

"I make no promises," Wednesday replied, but she felt a flicker of resolve ignite within her. She would not lose Enid without a fight, after all Enid had essentially forced her into this friendship and now she had no option but to stay.

As they finished their drinks and prepared to leave, Wednesday's thoughts were a jumble of emotions—anxiety, determination, and something deeper that she couldn't quite place. The first day of the school year had done something unexpected, make Wednesday Adam's confused, a rare occurrence. She knew that if she didn't figure things out soon, she might lose the one person who meant everything to her not that she'd ever let enid know.

The walk back to the dorm felt longer than it should have, the shadows around them growing deeper as they made their way, a sight Wednesday found comforting and much needed at the moment.

When they arrived, she felt a rush of apprehension as she opened the door. The room was dark, save for the faint glow of the moonlight seeping through the window. Enid lay sprawled on her bed, fast asleep, her headphones resting on the pillow beside her.

Wednesday paused, watching her friend's peaceful form, a mix of worry and affection swirling within her. For a moment, she let herself falter. What was she doing? She was Wednesday Addams, and she did not fawn over others. Yet, the sight of Enid stirred something deep inside her—a longing, a desire to protect her as she had once protected Wednesday.

As she stood there, the silence wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. She should be angry at Enid for her sudden withdrawal, for running away from her, but all she felt was an overwhelming sense of worry. Would she lose Enid? The thought alone made her stomach twist.

Then a flicker of Xavier's words echoed in her mind: Maybe you're reading too much into this. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps she was overthinking it. Enid was unpredictable, after all, and it wasn't entirely unusual for her to retreat when stressed. She could just be navigating her own complexities, her own challenges.

Wednesday glanced at the clock. It was late, and she should let Enid rest. With one last lingering look at her sleeping friend, she turned away, a sense of clarity cutting through the haze of doubt. Tomorrow, she would dig around and find out what was truly going on—the Addams way. Whatever had shifted between them, she would uncover the truth. She would not cower in the shadows, not when there were answers to be found.