A Love Rekindled

Chapter 18

Wednesday stood silently in front of the door, her hand hesitating briefly before she knocked. She rarely felt nervous, but standing at Enid's door felt oddly significant.

The sound of approaching footsteps on the other side of the door brought her back to the moment.

The door swung open, revealing Enid’s familiar, bright face. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Wednesday.

“Hey,” Enid greeted, her voice soft yet cheery.

“Hey,” Wednesday replied, her tone steady.

“Come in,” Enid said, stepping aside and motioning for Wednesday to enter.

Wednesday stepped inside, her sharp gaze scanning the space. The Sinclair house was inviting, cozy in a way that was utterly foreign to her.

The warm lighting and subtle scents of vanilla and cinnamon felt almost intrusive to her usual preference for gloom.

“Not bad,” Wednesday remarked, her tone neutral but laced with approval.

Enid chuckled, shutting the door behind her. “Come on, let’s head to the kitchen. I hope you don’t mind, but there are desserts waiting for us.”

Wednesday followed her through the hallway, the muffled sounds of conversation growing louder as they approached the kitchen.

Esther and Murray were already seated at the dining table, along with two unfamiliar young men who bore an unmistakable resemblance to Enid.

“Hi, Wednesday,” Esther greeted, gesturing toward the table. “Come, eat with us.”

Before Wednesday could respond, Enid tugged her toward an empty chair beside her.

“So, how was your trip?” Esther asked as she sliced into her cake.

“It was... decent,” Wednesday replied.

Esther smiled. “Oh, and these are Enid’s brothers,” she said, gesturing toward the two men. “This is Caius, her younger brother, and Xander, the eldest. They just got back from Italy a few days ago.”

Both brothers offered friendly smiles. “Nice to meet you, Wednesday,” Caius said, his tone soft.

Wednesday gave a curt nod in return. “Likewise.”

“So, I hear you two are roommates again,” Murray said, his tone casual as he sipped from his mug.

“Yes,” Wednesday replied. “It was... unexpected.”

“You’re also studying together?” Esther added, her curious gaze shifting between them.

“Mom, we’re roommates,” Enid said with a laugh. “Of course we study together.”

Esther nodded but didn’t seem entirely convinced. “You know,” she began, her voice softer, “when you left her... she wasn’t doing well. She struggled with her exams, skipped classes. Weems was ready to expel her if I hadn’t intervened.”

“Mom,” Enid interjected, her tone sharp with embarrassment. She glanced at Wednesday, her cheeks flushed.

Wednesday, however, placed a steady hand over Enid’s, silencing her. She turned her gaze toward Esther, her expression calm but resolute.

“You’re right. I didn’t treat your daughter well in the past,” Wednesday admitted, her voice even. “I was careless with her feelings, and for that, I hold regret. But I assure you, I’ve changed.”

Esther’s lips pressed into a thin line as she studied Wednesday’s face. “Oh, so you’re back together now?” she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.