The Second Act » Tyler Galpin

18

Enid Sinclair, the bubbly blonde werewolf with her vibrant dipped dyed hair and larger-than-life personality, was a stark contrast to Wednesday Addams. Enid's infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm seemed almost out of place in the eerie surroundings of Nevermore Academy. She chattered animatedly about her classes for that day ahead.

Wednesday, on the other hand, sat beside her with her usual air of indifference. Her expression remained stoic, her thoughts veiled in the enigmatic aura she carried like a cloak. She listened to Enid's words but didn't offer much in return, her quiet presence somehow amplifying the intensity of the silence that seemed to follow her everywhere.

Around them, other students engaged in lively conversations, each with their own peculiarities and peculiar interests. Nevermore Academy was a haven for those who didn't quite fit in elsewhere, and the eclectic mix of students was a testament to that fact. The pair of girls sat at the wooden table, breakfast presented in front of them but Wednesday didn't have an interest in eating. There were rumours that Tyler Galpin was seen back in town.

"Did you hear there's a new student?" Enid asked suddenly, getting Wednesday's attention. News travelled quickly around Nevermore thanks to the vampire students who were known for lingering in the dark shadows of the night. One caught a glimpse of a new admission to the girl, being escorted by their principal.

Wednesday, who had been lost in her own thoughts, shifted her gaze toward Enid. Her dark eyes met Enid's lively ones as she responded in her characteristically calm tone, "Yes, I heard. Another addition to our peculiar little school, it seems."

Enid's excitement didn't wane. "I can't wait to meet them! I hope they're interesting, like us." She flashed a grin that seemed to radiate positivity.

Wednesday merely raised an eyebrow, her expression remaining inscrutable. "Interesting is a relative term," she replied cryptically. "It could be Tyler," Wednesday suggested. Her tone getting dark. The boy had escaped the mental hospital and still hadn't been caught yet.

Wednesday's mention of Tyler Hyde sent a chill through Enid. The mere thought of his menacing presence was enough to make her shiver. "I really hope it's not him," she whispered, her voice filled with unease. Tyler Hyde's actions had left scars on Nevermore Academy, and the idea of his return was unsettling, to say the least. Wednesday, ever the stoic figure, merely nodded in agreement. Trouble had a way of finding its way into the lives of Nevermore's students, but they had learned to adapt and endure, no matter the challenges that came their way.

As the unknown figure walked into the cafeteria, silence rippled through Nevermore Academy. Wednesday's sharp eyes locked onto the new arrival, her expression unreadable. She noted the unknown girl had long brown hair that flowed like cascading waves and lighter-toned brown eyes that surveyed the room with curiosity. The fact that the girl wore a borrowed school uniform was a clear indicator that she was the new student in question. It appeared worn compared to a few other students who wore the blue uniform blazer.

Enid glanced at Wednesday, noticing the intense scrutiny her friend was subjecting the newcomer to. "Looks like we have our answer," Enid whispered, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension. It was clear that the arrival of this mysterious girl had captured the attention of the entire cafeteria

Libitina felt a wave of nervousness wash over her as all eyes turned in her direction. She stood in the cafeteria doorway, aware that she was now the center of attention among the unusual student body of Nevermore Academy. It was an overwhelming experience, and she couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this peculiar place.

Wednesday observed Libitina's entrance, her expression still inscrutable. Her dark eyes bore into the new student, assessing her without a hint of emotion. Enid couldn't help but glance at Wednesday, her concern evident. It was clear that Libitina's presence had stirred something within Wednesday, and Enid knew better than to underestimate her friend's intuition.

Overwhelmed by anxiety, Libitina hurriedly retreated from the cafeteria doorway, eager to escape the intense scrutiny of the students. Her nervousness made her lose focus, and she ended up colliding with another student named Xavier. As their paths crossed, Libitina's rushed movement caused Xavier to stumble slightly. With his tousled, shoulder-length brown hair swaying, Xavier quickly regained his balance, shooting a curious look at Libitina. His green eyes held a brief but inquisitive gaze on her.

"Whoa there, careful," Xavier remarked with a friendly smile, his tone light and understanding as he extended a hand to help steady her.

Libitina's embarrassment caused her cheeks to flush a deeper shade of red, but she managed a somewhat shy smile, politely declining Xavier's offered hand. Her reaction didn't go unnoticed, even amid the bustling cafeteria. Among the onlookers was Wednesday, a girl who had harbored a fascination with Xavier since her arrival at Nevermore. Despite her interest, she maintained her distance from the handsome and seemingly charming young man.

Enid, perceptive as always, couldn't help but detect a brief flicker of jealousy in her friend Wednesday's otherwise expressionless face. Wednesday's gaze remained fixed on the scene as Libitina retreated further away, and Enid couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her friend's mind.

Xavier, still somewhat puzzled by the encounter, watched the unfamiliar girl disappear into the dimly lit corridors of Nevermore Academy. Her hurried departure left him with lingering curiosity about the new face he had just encountered, and he couldn't help but wonder about the circumstances that had brought her to their unique school.

Wednesday shook her head as she turned her attention to her breakfast. "Not a word Enid." She warned. Enid nodded in understanding, deciding not to press further on the matter. She respected Wednesday's boundaries and knew when to let certain topics rest.

Xavier's curiosity got the best of him as he couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious new student he had encountered in the cafeteria. With a hint of intrigue, he joined the table where Wednesday and Enid sat. He didn't want to pry too much, but he hoped that maybe they had some information about the newcomer. Xavier leaned in slightly, keeping his voice low. "Did either of you catch the name of the new girl who just rushed out of here?"

Wednesday's dark eyes seemed to clench into a glare. "No, I didn't have time to interrogate her for that valuable information for you." She muttered darkly.

Xavier held up his hands in a placating gesture, not wanting to earn Wednesday's ire. "I didn't mean to upset you, Wednesday. It's just... she seemed a bit flustered, and I thought maybe she needed some help." He tried to explain his curiosity.

"Well then, why don't you go be the knight in shining armor and save her?" Wednesday suggested.

Xavier chuckled, appreciating Wednesday's sense of humor. "I might just do that, sometimes we all need a little help."

"Not all of us need help, Xavier." Wednesday's tone was cold as she had lost interest in eating.

"Of course, I didn't mean to imply that," Xavier replied. He knew Wednesday hated having to rely on others to help her solve a murder mystery, or forbid they help her save the school from Tyler. "Maybe people just prefer to be alone." Wednesday didn't let that mocking comment get to her, she had far better things on her mind to worry about a silly romance. She was weak once and wasn't going to make that mistake again.