Philophobic : Tyler Galpin

31: The Inevitable

Wednesday, November 21st

[author's pov]

Tyler admitted everything to her.

Thornhill's hold over him when he kissed Wednesday, the dead bodies, and that his father probably knew. That his father was probably running in circles, trying to escape the truth that Tyler inherited his mother's curse. The Hyde.

Xavier had been arrested for "being the hyde," and she couldn't help, but feel as if she was responsible for it. Responsible for his arrest, Enid and Wednesday's end, and Wednesday's permanent expulsion from Nevermore. Victoria, unsure where to go in the midst of all of this chaos, decided to see Eugene. She suddenly felt responsible that he was there, even though it was Thornhill who'd started all of this.

All she wanted was for it to end.

She had walked from Tyler's house to the hospital when she saw Wednesday for the first time in days. She hadn't been at school since her expulsion... caused by kidnapping Tyler and torturing him.

But from what Victoria understood, Tyler had already exposed himself to Wednesday–telling her he's the hyde. The one behind the scenes. Wednesday just couldn't prove it.

As she neared the hospital doors, Wednesday approached her with a stern expression.

"Tyler is the hyde, you have to believe me," Wednesday said sternly as she pulled Victoria aside the building.

Victoria's silence and confusion settled in. She hadn't expected to run into Wednesday so now she was speechless. But her eyes spoke volumes as Wednesday's brows furrowed. Her grip on Victoria's arm loosened as she took a step back.

"You know already."

"I- I do," Victoria said pleadingly. "But it's not his fault, it was Thornhill this entire time. She's been-"

"I know," Wednesday said sternly. "But Thornhill's real name is Laurel Gates. She's the one behind this."

Victoria was relieved when Wednesday knew the truth, but she was also shocked when she revealed Thornhill's real identity.

"He's dangerous, Victoria. You can't-"

"No, you can't tell me what to do," Victoria snapped. "We- you can't go yet. We need to come up with a plan... please, Wednesday."

Wednesday's eyes seemed to darken. "What sort of plan? Do you even know where to start?"

Victoria thought.

All she wanted was to keep Tyler safe. But running away wouldn't do anything. She wanted Thornhill–Laurel Gates dead. She wasn't sure who to turn to. Depending on herself was the last thing she could do right now and she couldn't turn to Tyler. He'd be obligated to tell Laurel.

Victoria's eyes seemed to flash with an idea as she grabbed Wednesday's arm and ran out of the parking lot.

"Where are we going?" Wednesday asked.

Victoria knew this was the best and hard decision she was going to make. "To speak to my mother."

- ✦ -

"Tyler's location shows he's at the train station," Victoria said as she glanced at her phone. "Why is he there?"

Wednesday knew and answered, "Laurel probably sent him there to keep me here. To keep the prophecy going."

The two had come up with a plan by the time they made it to Weem's office. It was a risky one, but a risk Victoria was willing to take if it meant freeing Tyler.