Shades of Cool, Tyler Galpin

EIGHT.   you got me nervous to speak

Andy met Wednesday the next morning in the science laboratory. Thing sat perched on the edge of one of the plants. "Hey, how'd the plan go?" She asked while keeping her voice low.

"Horrible," Wednesday hissed and glared at the hand. "How do you lose him in a bathroom with no windows?"

Thing only shrug.

"A left wouldn't have failed me."

Andy rolled her eyes. "Don't hurt his feelings."

"Well, now we're going have to find new evidence ourselves. Since, you know, someone lost our only lead." Wednesday snapped, glaring at the hand.

Before Andy could say anything, Bianca and her siren friends interrupted them. "I see you two finally made a friend. Even if it is a plant."

"We go for quality over quantity."

Bianca rolled her eyes and walked away. Andy nudged her arm.  "Come on, let's go sit down."

Approaching the desks, Wednesday paused when she realized the only two empty seats were next to Kennedy and Xavier. "There's an open spot next to me," he offered. His eyes shifted to Wednesday. "If you can stand sitting that close to an elitist snob."

Andy looked at Wednesday, the girl staring back at him unimpressed. "Yeah, I'll let the two of you air that out," she said and went to sit with Kennedy.

"Hey, Tim Burton," Kennedy greeted casually.

Andy furrowed her brows. "Huh?"

"Well, your sister has a nickname so I have to give you one," she explained. "You remind me of slightly less creepier version of Lydia Deetz. Ooh, maybe even Emily."

She just chuckled. Looking ahead of her, Andy watched as Xavier used his art manipulation to bring his drawing to life, which was a spider, and it crawled on the table in front of him and Wednesday.

"I doubt Wednesday is impressed by your tricks, Mr. Thorpe," Miss Thornhill scolded.

"Yeah, he used to make butterflies come to life for me," said Kennedy, making the class laugh.

Xavier rolled his eyes at her. He looked at Wednesday and smirked. "Admit it, you're a little impressed."

Wednesday slammed her hand on the creature and it disappeared. The loud twack sent the whole classes into fits of laughter. Xavier closed his book with disappointment.

"Ouch, that sounds like a bruised ego," Kennedy whispered, making Andy sigh.

"Wednesday, Andromeda, we're thrilled to have you join us on our journey into the world of carnivorous plants," Thornhill announced and stood up from her seat. She walked around to the front of her desk where all her plants were on display. "Now. . . who can tell me the name of this beauty?" She motioned to a white flower in a large glass case.

Bianca was the first to raise her hand. "Dendrophylax lindenii," Wednesday answered, disregarding the raised hand.

"Also known as the ghost orchid," added Andy, the class staring at the sisters.

"First discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1854—"

"And it's also known to cause hallucinations."

Miss Thornhill was taken back. "Very good, Wednesday and Andromeda." She praised, the younger sister cringing at the name. "You may have competition for first chair, Bianca."

Kennedy looked at her and grinned. "Nice one. I've been waiting for someone to give Bianca a run for her money."

"Perhaps you girls can identify the ghost orchid's greatest qualities?"

"Resilience and adaptability. It's able to thieve in even the most hostile environments." Wednesday answered instantly.

Before Andy could continue, Bianca took the floor. "But its mere presence can change the ecosystem, causing the established plants to reject it," she contradicted. Her eyes flickered the girl behind her. "And others like it."

Andy glared at her.

"Usually because the native species is allowed to thrive unchecked. Nothing a weedwacker couldn't fix."

"It can certainly try."

"Are we still talking about flowers?" Xavier butted in, causing the class to laugh again.

Kennedy shook her head. "Your sister is so cool," she whispered, staring at the back of Wednesday's head.

Andy's eyes cut to her. "Yeah. Sure."

"Thank you ladies for those illuminating sights," Thornhill announced after the argument was finished. "Clearly the plants aren't the only carnivores in class today."

Wednesday looked over her shoulder, locking eyes with her sister. They shared the same look. Then, Wednesday saw Kennedy staring at her and she knitted her brows together.

When class was over, Andy walked alongside her sister outside. "Well, that was awesome," she praised.

"She feels threatened by me. She thinks she has to prove herself to say on top," Wednesday proclaimed remotely, looking ahead of her. She stopped in her tracks and made sure nobody was around them. "You and I have to get back into the woods. I have a plan but I need you to work with me."

Andy could spend all day trying to convince her sister that her ideas were crazy and would only get them in trouble, but then she wouldn't be an Addams. They lived for trouble. "Okay, yeah. What's your plan?" She whispered.

"I'm going to have Enid cover for me during beekeeping club this afternoon."

Andy's lips curled into the back of her mouth. Before she could stop it, a loud laugh escaped from her. "You're in b-beekeeping club?" She cackled.

Wednesday's eyes glared into hers. "Bring it up again and you'll lose your tongue." She threatened and walked away, her sister still a laughing mess.

Andy left to meet Xavier for archery which left Wednesday alone, something she preferred. Her silent walk was interrupted by heavy footsteps coming up behind her. "Wow. That was intense in there," Kennedy's obnoxiously loud voice pierced her ears.

"You don't know the half of it," Wednesday muttered. She walked in the direction of the quad. "Why are you here? Don't you have a club or something?"

"Well, I used to be in archery with Xavier but then we had that messy break up and I don't like to be spend him anymore than I have to, so. . .and Bianca and I aren't friends anymore so that rules of choir. I usually just volunteer in the library. It keeps Weems off my case."

Wednesday hummed. "Remind me again why the two of you don't like each other?" She questioned as the two of them entered the quad.

Kemnedy followed her to a table and they sat down. She laughed. "Is Wednesday Addams really interesting in teen drama?"

"Not in the slightest, but it seems you won't leave me alone, so, I suppose I'm forced to listen," Wednesday answered blankly.

"Alright. Well, it's not the easiest 온라인카지노게임 to explain." When she got no repose, Kennedy took that a sign to keep going. "I was going through a really hard time after my dad died and I kind of. . .lets just say I was a real bitch more than I usually am. Xavier and I broke up over it. It was really my fault. I've stopped blaming him," she explained, frowning slightly. "Anyways, but last year over the summer, him and Bianca started dating. She didn't even tell me she liked him. And then she just. . .stopped being my friend all together." There was sadness in her voice. "We were best friends. I don't think I'll ever understand why she did that to me."

"Sounds to me like she's jealous."

Kennedy blinked in shock. "What?"

Wednesday remained stoic. "Bianca wanted what she couldn't have and she found the opportunity to take it even if it meant hurting you. That's what jealous people do."

"Trust me, Wednesday, there's nothing to be jealous over. To everyone here, I'm Kennedy Eden, the crazy girl," she expressed sadly, trying to keep a smile on her face. "I'm not the easiest person to love."

Wednesday just stared at her. "Yeah, well, neither am I. And I thrive in it."

Kennedy just laughed. "Sure you do."

"But if you ever decide you want to kill her, I know the perfect place to hide a body."

Another laugh and Kennedy smiled. "No, no need for that. But thanks for the offer. I'll keep it in mind."

Wednesday simply nodded.

When the afternoon rolled around and she was finished with archery, Andy waited in her room for Wednesday. Thankfully, Kennedy was at the library which made it easier to not have to lie to her about where she was going. She sat on her bed staring at her ring, the turquoise stone dull in the dark, moody light of the black room. But it was still beautiful. The shade of blue was one of her favorites. The longer she stared at it, the more she started to see green in the stone, then she saw a pair of blue green eyes in her head. Tyler's eyes.

She was thankful that Wednesday had bursted into the room so she could forget about them. "No roommate?" Her sister asked upon seeing not seeing Kennedy.

"She's at the library."

Thing crawled into the room behind her. "Enid agreed to help us if I apologized to Thing about what happened with Rowan, and Thing only agreed to help if I. . ." Wednesday explained., choking on her words.

Andy raised her brows. "What?"

"If I apologize to you."

It didn't matter if she spoke the words like she was choking on poison, Andy was just in shock that she said it at all. "Apologize to me? For what?"

Thing scurried onto her bed. He pointed a finger at Wednesday. She rolled her eyes and huffed. "Andy," she started and sat on the edge of her bed. "It's come to my attention that I need to reflect on my actions. . .I know that I'm cold hearted, selfish, and morbid most times, but. . ." Wednesday took a short pause and gulped. "You are–You are not most of those things."

Andy blinked. "Uh huh."

"But you're still my sister, and I. . ."

Her stomach did somersaults. She remembered what she discussed with Kinbott in therapy and her dynamic with her siblings. They never said I love you to each other. There was a a small ounce of hope in her that maybe she would hear them.

"I'm pleased that you've decided to help me on this."

Sigh. Andy's eyes cut to Thing and the hand laid flat on the bed, a way of telling her that was probably all she was going to get. She had to accept it. Andy mustered up a smile. "Thanks, Wen. Of course I'm helping you."

Wednesday gave a singular nod and stood up. "Now, come on. We gotta go before Weems catches up."

She walked toward the door and Andy looked down at Thing again. He signed I love you to her. She half smiled and signed it back.

The Addams sisters met Enid in Eugene's beehive shed. "If Weems comes sniffling around, keep your distance, look down, and don't say a word," Wednesday instructed as Enid put on the white beekeeping suit.

Andy swatted a bee away from her face.

"Payback is going to be a bitch," Enid swore.

"I'd expect nothing less."

"What she means is we're appreciative, Enid. Swear," Andy stepped in, shooting Wednesday a stare.

"Blab and I will squeeze you like a honeycomb and have Andy feed you to the bees," Wednesday threatened but Eugene was just happy that she was there.

"Snitches get stung. It's hive code. I should be thanking you. This is the most girls I've ever had in the shed. Other than bees," Eugene said excitedly, flashing his braces at them.

Another bee landed on Andy's nose and she swatted it away. "Shocking," she spoke sarcastically.

"Plus, I've always had a thing for werewolf chicks. And your sister's hot."

"The chances that Enid or my sister becomes romantically interested in you is less than 1%," Wednesday confuted rudely. "Besides, you're not Andy's type apparently."

His eyes lit up. "So I've still have a shot? Yes!"

Andy had enough of almost being stung. "Okay, can we go?" She begged.

"Yes. Come on." Wednesday confirmed and the sisters exited the bee shed.

"Exactly what are we looking for?"

"Anything that can prove Rowan was murdered that night. Blood, clothing, a knick-knack. . .whatever teenage boys carry," Wednesday explained.

Andy nodded. "Gotcha." She tied her hair back and out of her face. "So, I gotta ask, what's up with you and Xavier?"

Wednesday looked at her so fast, she almost got whip lash. "What?"

"It's clear you don't like him. I mean, elitist snob? Where'd that come from?"

"Because that's what he is. Don't make me seem crazy. You know who his father is," Wednesday pointed out. The sun began to set the further they got into the woods. "Why are you asking? Is he another boy you want to add to your list of school girl crushes?"

Andy almost chocked on her own breath. "Excuse me, I don't have school girl crushes. I'm just curious if there's anybody you are interested in."

"I have many interests and relationships aren't even in my top 100," Wednesday states with blunt sarcasm.

She rolled her eyes. They fell into silence, searching the ground below her for any clues or evidence.

A pair of hands muffled the scream that escaped her lips and Andy felt herself behind pulled back behind a tree. A spike of fear caused her to go numb and she immediately grabbed the arm of the person and tried to pry them off, only for them to tighten their grip on her. Andy stopped when Wednesday appeared in front of her, holding a finger to her lips to tell her to keep quiet. Then, she heard the sound of a whimpering dog and other footsteps, and Sheriff Galpin walked by without noticing them.

When their cover was safe, Andy elbowed the person holding her in the gut and then she stomped on their foot. The person groaned and released her. Andy spun around and her eyes were wide when she saw it was Tyler. "Tyler, what the hell?" She hissed quietly.

Tyler was doubled over in pain. "I don't know why I wasn't expecting that."

"You're lucky it wasn't a fist to the face," said Wednesday, glaring at him.

Andy cringed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It didn't hurt that bad," he lied and stood up straight, trying to catch his breath. "Sorry. I didn't want Elvis to pick up your scents," Tyler explained, keeping his voice low.

"Thanks. How'd you throw them off?"

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a bag of half empty coffee beans.

Andy grinned. "Of course."

"Coffee grounds?" Wednesday inquired, obviously not finding it humorous.

"Dee hinting trick," Tyler elaborated and put them back into his pocket. "One of the perks of being a part time barista."

"I assume your father didn't bring the bloodhound to play fetch."

"Yeah, he doesn't tell me shit."

"Sounds like someone I know," said Andy, casting her sister a look which resulted in an eye roll.

Tyler grinned slightly. "You must think it's weird I'm stalking him—"

"No. I constantly stalk our parents," Wednesday interrupted and continued walking.

Andy rolled her eyes. She looked at Tyler and smiled. "Accompanying us on our adventure, coffee boy?" She teased and followed her sister.

Tyler blinked a few times and found his footing, quickly following behind her until he was next to her. "Wait, uh, so what really happened at the festival?"

The sisters glanced at each other.

"Look, I swear I won't say anything to my dad." He promised.

Andy paused and looked up at him. "Remember when you said you believe me?" She recalled and he nodded instantly. "I need you to keep that belief."

"I thought Rowan was in danger. Andy ran after me because, well, sister intuition," Wednesday took over, eyeing her sister. "Turns out we were both wrong. Then he proceeded to use his telekinesis to try and choke us to death."

"Then I used my powers to distract him long enough so that held let go," Andy interjected.

Tyler's eyes were wide as he listened to the 온라인카지노게임. The two of them took off walking again and he was quick to chase them. "Holy shit. Wh. . .Why would he do that?" He pointed at Andy. "And did you just say that you have powers?"

"'No idea," answered Wednesday. "Then this monster came out of our the shadows and gutted him."

"Whoa, whoa, so. . .so you really saw it?" Tyler inquired, still in shock.

"I didn't just see it," Andy spoke and turned around to face him. "I looked into its eyes. Those eyes. . .I don't even know how to describe them. It was terrifying. More terrifying than when Wednesday strapped me to my bed with her tarantulas."

"I was ten and father made me apologize for that," said Wednesday bluntly.

Tyler looked between them oddly. "Okay. . .and it didn't try to kill you? The monster, not the spiders."

"It actually saved us. That's the part we're trying to figure out. Andy and I came out here to find something that can prove he was murdered and that we haven't lost our minds."

Andy blinked. "Well, that I haven't, anyway. . ."

Wednesday placed her arm in front of her sister and they stopped walking. She grabbed a hold of Andy and dragged her down, the younger sister giving her a questionable look. She then gasped when she saw a pair of broken, circular glasses on the ground. Rowan's glasses. "These are Rowan's. I knew it was a cover up," Wednesday declared.

Tyler lunged forward when both of the sisters fell to the ground. "Andy!" He grabbed her before she hit her head. Her eyes were rolled in the back of her head and she was white. It was exactly like what happened at the festival. "Hey, Andy!"

After a couple minutes, their sisters came to and Andy's eyes, back to their normal brown, bored into his. "A-A-Are you okay?" Tyler stuttered.

Andy was frozen. "I'm fine," she muttered and managed crawled out of his hold, her pale face turning red. She crawled over to Wednesday. "Did you see it, too?"

Wednesday only nodded.

"We have to get her back," Andy voiced and they stood to their feet. She placed a firm hand on Wednesday's arm in case she fell again. She glanced at Tyler. "Umm. . .t-thanks for helping us," she stammered.

Tyler, his face also scarlet, nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Of course. Um. . .just to clarify, you're okay, right? Like from what happened at the festival?"

Andy inhaled a shaky breath. "Yeah, I think so. I've been trying to, uh, not think about other things to distract myself."

"Like what?"

For a second, she forgot that her sister was there. "Wouldn't you like to know," Andy responded with a tiny smirk and she led her and Wednesday through the woods.

Tyler exhaled a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Your lame attempt at flirting is painful to watch." Wednesday stated.

Andy frowned. "Is that what that was?"