"Now wait, wait, wait for me, please hang around
I'll see you when I fall asleep"

__________________________

"Rowan! No!", shouted Flora Primrose and watched as her best friend was being murdered by a monster. She watched in horror, fear in her eyes. Tears running down her cheeks. It was unbearable and barbaric. Cruel. The girl shouted again and the monster vanished. She ran to Rowan and hugged his body tightly, clinging to it. She cried, whispering sweet things to him like he would wake up any minute with a smile telling her it wasn't real. Telling her that he was still alive. Telling her that---

"Rowan!", yelled Flora Primrose in her sleep and sat up immediately on her bed, putting her hand on her forehead. She was sweaty. "You look terrible.", said a feminine voice. Flora's eyes landed on Wednesday Addams. She furrowed her eyebrows. "What are you doing here?", she questioned and looked around. "What am I doing here?" "You fainted last night due to exhaustion. I did too. Someone must have brought us back, I assume. ", explained Wednesday flatly and walked closer to the girl. "Sheriff Galpin is here to ask about Rowan and what happened last night." "Rowan is dead.", realized the Samodiva and sank into her bed. Wednesday stared at her. "Get dressed. I'm waiting outside." Flora only nodded and slowly got up. She replayed the whole scene over and over in her head while making herself ready. She put her hair into a ponytail and grabbed her backpack, swinging it over her shoulder. Flora took a few books she was currently reading and closed the door behind her. She sighed at Wednesday and nodded her head.

●●●

"How could you miss a dead body?", questioned Wednesday as she was walking down the hall with the Sheriff, Weems and Flora together. "Cause it wasn't there. No footprints, no blood, no sign of a struggle. Nothing, nada. My search party looked all night.", explained the Sheriff. "Looks like your search party hasn't searched enough.", commented Flora and hugged her books tighter to her chest. Larissa looked at her with pity. "Flora and I saw that monster kill Rowan right in front of us.", mentioned Wednesday and glanced at the brunette. The Sheriff turned his attention to her. "Rowan was murdered.", she confirmed it with a stern look. "Did you get a good look at this monster thing?", questioned the sheriff. "It didn't stick around for a chat.", answered Wednesday sarcastic while walking up the stairs to Weems' office. "They were red.", spoke Flora up suddenly, her expression darkening. "What?", asked Sheriff Galpin and turned to the traumatized girl. "The eyes of the monster were red. They looked kind of tortured in a way. A bit troubling." "Maybe it was one of your classmates.", suggested the man, turning away from the girl.

"Sheriff, I find that question offensive.", said Weems and turned around with a disbelief look. "I don't care, 'cause I got three other dead bodies in the morgue. Hikers just ripped apart in the woods." Flora suddenly looked up as she heard the first three words. I don't care. "You should care. My best friend was killed and his body has disappeared. That must wake your interest. Not some hikers.", said the girl with slight rage in her voice. "Besides, Lucas' father said they were bear attacks." Everyone looked at Flora. That girl could become real loud if she wanted to. The Sheriff turned his attention to her. "Well, the mayor and I disagree on that." "So you automatically assume a Nevermore student is the murderer, even though there's no evidence a crime was even committed.", stated Larissa and leaned on the staircase, eyeing Galpin senior. "I'm sorry. I forgot you only teach the good outcasts here, right?", said the Sheriff sarcastic, referring the word "good" to Flora. The girl shook her head. She would never admit it to Tyler but sometimes she really despised his father. Larissa put a comforting hand on Flora's shoulder and guided them all upstairs.

●●●

Larissa walked inside her office, offering chairs to the three people. "My guess is Rowan ran away. State troopers have put out an alert and I've contacted his family but they haven't heard from him either." "Rowan doesn't do such things. He doesn't even run.", commented Flora, not taking a chair. "What were you two doing out in the woods with him, Miss Addams, Miss Primrose?", questioned the Sheriff and let himself sink into the chair. Flora finally sat down, taking a deep breath. "I heard a noise in the forest and went to go investigate. That's when I stumbled upon the attack.", began Wednesday with her story. "Flora just followed me." Galpin senior nodded. "Then what happened?" "Flora fainted and I ran into Bianca Barclay and I told her to go for help. Next thing I remember, I was awaking in my dorm." "And just to be clear, this monster wasn't a bear or some other wild animal?" "Definitely not.", spoke Flora up and looked at the man. He stared back at her. "What do you remember?", he suddenly questioned the brunette. Flora's shoulders tensed a little
She fiddled with her rings. "Before fainting, I saw the monster. I saw it murder Rowan. I remember his screams and me not being able to move. Then I blacked out.", explained Flora with a trembling voice. Larissa felt Flora's anxiety rising up. "Thank you, Sheriff. I think Miss Addams and Miss Primrose are done now." "Actually, we would like to speak to Sheriff Galpin. Alone.", declared Wednesday. Weems agreed, unwillingly, and left the three alone.

Flora shared a look with Wednesday and stood up. "Someone is trying to cover up Rowan's murder. That's the only reason to scrub the crime scene.", stated the pigtailed girl serious. Flora nodded in agreement. "Is that your professional opinion as the daughter of a murderer?", asked the man sarcastic, getting a glare from Flora. "My father is twice the man you are, and the only thing he murders is the occasional opera in the shower.", fired the Addams back with a slight smirk. "It's been a long night
I'm tired of your games." "I'm not playing games. I'm telling the truth.", stated Wednesday again. "We are telling the truth.", confirmed Flora and pointed between herself and Wednesday. "You want to reject our claims but you can't.", added the pigtailed girl and stepped forward. "Why is that?", asked the Sheriff. "Because we know there's a monster out there. And Rowan is his latest victim." Wednesday and Galpin stared at each other for about a minute before a woman walked in.

"Sheriff? You're gonna want to see this.", said the woman with a disbelieving light laugh and revealed someone behind the other side of the door. Flora's eyes widened and she dropped her things immediately. "Rowan!", she yelled out and ran to her friend, hugging him tightly. Rowan returned the hug and stroked Flora's hair, calming her down. She faced him with tears in her eyes and furrowed eyebrows. She saw him getting murdered. He was laying dead in her arms! The girl broke up the hug and collected her things before running out of the office. Rowan faced Wednesday. Something wasn't right here.

●●●

The young girl kept running until she saw the lake coming in sight. She threw her backpack and books on the grass and got on her knees. Her attention was on the small pound that surrounded the school. Whenever Flora would feel sad or anxious she would come down here to calm herself and to think. She couldn't cry again. There was no reason for that. She knew what happened. The truth. "Hey Flower.", spoke a voice behind her. "Daisy.", said the girl and watched her older sister sitting down next to her. The older brunette put an arm around Flora and pulled her closer to herself. "I miss her too.", she answered and made a small water bubble, handing it to her little sister. Flora took it and started to play around with it. "It's not only mom. It's Rowan as well.", confessed the brunette and threw the bubble into the tree's roots. "Rowan? But he's back isn't he?", questioned Daisy and looked at her sister.

"You can't bring back the dead Day.", answered Flora and locked eyes with the older girl. "I don't understand." "Rowan is actually dead. I saw him getting murdered with my own two eyes. I may wear glasses but they're still as good as dad's cooking skills.", said the brunette a little raging. She was right. Their dad was an amazing cook. Daisy pulled her little sister close in a hug. "I believe you then.", she said and kissed the top of Flora's head. The girl returned the hug and buried her face into her sister's shirt. She really needed that so badly. "Whenever you're ready to talk to me, just come by my room and we'll have a chat with herbal tea.", whispered the older Primrose and faced her little sister. Flora smiled lightly and nodded. "Let's go help the others paint their boats. I'm sure some extra pairs of hands will be needed." Both sisters stood up and walked hand in hand up the small hill towards the other Nevermore students.

Divina waved at Flora Primrose, signaling for her to come over. She handed the girl a brush with gold paint and directed her quickly. The girl could see from the corner of her eye Wednesday and Enid talking. She locked eyes with the pigtailed girl but soon dropped it due to her attention being caught by no other than Marilyn Thornhill who had a chat with her older sister. Daisy was very open about her opinion of the normie teacher. She didn't dislike her. In fact, she just didn't really trust her with certain information.

"She's a special girl, isn't she?", asked the redhead with a smile on her face. "She certainly is. Flora has a way of sneaking into people's hearts. My mother told me that once she was home from the hospital I never wanted to leave her side. In fact, I insisted on her sleeping in my room.", chuckled Daisy at her memory. "You two are very close. Flora speaks highly of you.", mentioned Marilyn and looked at the younger woman. "I'm hoping to live up to those expectations." "I'm sure you are.", said the teacher and put her hand on Daisy's shoulder. The girl felt a sudden shudder to run down her back. It was unsettling and somehow familiar. "I'm not sure I'll be able to drive Flora to therapy this afternoon.", confessed the Primrose, eyeing her sister. Marilyn fixed her glasses. "I can do that, dear. I'm sure she would like to say her goodbyes to Rowan." "Goodbyes? Why?", questioned Daisy confused and furrowed her eyebrows. "You didn't hear? Principal Weems expelled him effective immediately. His train leaves this afternoon." Daisy slowly nodded her head and turned her eyes back to her little sister.

"I have to go, Divina. Flower delivery to a friend.", mentioned the girl and put away the brush. She briefly hugged her friend and skipped past Daisy and Marilyn, a smile growing on her face. She paused in her tracks and ran back to hug her sister. "Delivery to Eugene.", she explained quickly and sent a smile to Marilyn. The woman understood and followed her. Daisy only waved and walked towards Enid, helping her with the boat. Her thoughts however were still by Rowan. Something wasn't adding up to the whole 'he's actually alive' story.

●●●

Marilyn let Flora inside the conservatory. The girl let the smell of flowers settle in. She moved forward to her corner and looked through the plants. She collected the pot with different kinds of wild flowers and put it on the table. "They need water.", mentioned the girl and felt the fertilizer being dry. Marilyn nodded and got some water for the girl. Flora smiled at her favorite teacher and used her abilities to get some liquid into the pot. "You must be thrilled to have such power. Being connected to nature looks like a dream.", mentioned the redhead and sat down on a stool, watching the brunette work. Flora chuckled. "It's not always that easy. The connection can be exhausting." Marilyn smiled lightly at the girl. "You handle it pretty well, Flora.", commented the woman and saw the girl blushing lightly. She stopped watering the flowers and inspected them. "They are perfect. The little guys are going to love them!", said Flora excited and locked eyes with her teacher. "Thank you for helping, Miss Thornhill." "You're very welcome, sweetheart.", answered Marilyn and squeezed the hand of the girl. Flora got the flower pot under her arm and her books in one hand. Marilyn stood up and held the door open. "Please water my other plants, especially the yellow roses and the poppies.", instructed the girl with a serious expression. Marilyn nodded and hugged her favorite student. "Don't forget therapy later. Daisy can't drive you due to writing a test with one of her classes so I'll do the honors.", announced the woman happy. Flora nodded and sent her a grateful smile. "See you later then, Miss Thornhill." Both waved at each other and Flora made her way towards the bee hives.

●●●

"Delivery!", announced Flora Primrose happily and held the flower pot high for the bee boy to see. Eugene skipped over to her and got the pot, putting it near his hives. Flora's eyes met a familiar face. "Are you interested in ancient beekeeping, Wednesday?", questioned the brunette with a small smile and put her hands on her hips. "Funny. He asked me the same thing.", mentioned the pigtailed girl and nodded towards Eugene. "That's great! You met my favorite beekeeper already." "Mmh. Are you also part of this club?", questioned the girl, eyeing Eugene. "The hive life isn't for everyone. Most kids are afraid of venomous insects.", explained the boy with a little disappointment. "I'm not!", said Flora and raised her hand. "I just deliver flowers every now and then." "Are you willing to feel the sting?", asked the bee boy and got a small smirk out of Wednesday. Both turned towards Flora. The girl rose her eyebrow. "Okay but we have to be fast. I have a place to be soon."

"Bees have been producing honey in the same way for 150 million years.", began the boy to lay out his facts while Flora and Wednesday walked out now dressed in white hummel suits with net protection. "They're nature's perfect community. All working to achieve a common goal. Fun fact, it's also one of the few ecosystems in which females dominate." Wednesday seemed to be interested in far much more important things than to listen to Eugene talking about his favorite insects. Flora turned around to nudge her friend but realized that the girl was gone. "Don't worry. She'll come back.", said the girl supporting and put away the protection net. "The flowers are wild so perfect to produce honey. That will cost you two full jars." "Okay! And I won't forget to put them out in sunlight again, don't worry.", mentioned the boy with a smile. Flora returned the smile and glanced at her watch. Her eyes widened and she quickly hugged Eugene, handing him the suit as well. "Bye bee boy! Don't forget my honey!", she called out and ran as fast as she could.

●●●

Flora ran while fixing her uniform quickly. She was late, late, late! The girl stopped and buttoned her blazer. She looked up to see Rowan stuffing his stuff into her teacher's car. She slowly walked over, interrupting Wednesday and Rowan. "What are you doing?", she asked, the question aimed at her best friend. Rowan turned his head towards Flora. "Principal Weems thought it would be good if we said our goodbyes properly. That's why Miss Thornhill is driving me as well.", explained the boy. Flora had an unwell feeling. "As well? Where do you have to be?", asked Wednesday and also turned her attention to Flora. The girl looked down at her black shoes. "Therapy.", she piped out. "Wednesday. You shouldn't be here.", said Marilyn Thornhill and mentioned for the two other teenagers to get into her car. Rowan opened the backseat and slid inside. Flora send a nervous smile at Wednesday before closing the car door. The purple bug then began to leave the school grounds, making the way towards the train station.

●●●

Flora and Rowan got out of the car and faced each other. At first the girl hesitated but eventually hugged the boy tightly. She closed her eyes before any tears could run down and ruin her mascara. Rowan's hug however was rather...stiff. It didn't feel like him at all. "Call me once you're home, okay?" "I will.", promised the boy and got his suitcase in one hand. Flora got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek lightly. "If you asked me out on a date again I would've said yes.", she whispered between them and let out a sad chuckle. Both were friends from the start. Flora tutored him in herbology and he tutored her in mathematics. Difficulties were rare even though the Primrose was friends with Bianca. She always made sure the boy didn't get harrassed by the siren. The girl knew tho, that this wasn't her Rowan because her Rowan was already dead.

Flora sat back into Miss Thornhill's car and both waved at each other. They watched the boy going inside the train station and Flora could swear she saw a literal hand following behind him. "Off to therapy?", asked Marilyn as she started to drive towards the centre of Jericho. Flora nodded slowly and got out her book to continue reading. Marilyn glanced quickly before turning her attention back to the road. "It's interesting.", answered the girl quietly. "The story is about a group of elderly people who solve crimes every Thursday." Marilyn smiled and pulled over to the office. "Tell me all about it later.", she answered and smiled as the girl climbed out of the car. The brunette smiled back lightly and walked quickly inside the building.

●●●

Her sessions were right after Tyler's. The girl in fact requested to see a therapist by herself. It helped her to cope with certain things and understand them better. "Hey orange juice girl.", greeted the sheriff's son his favorite customer and held the door open for her. "Hey back coffee guy. Save me a drink later, please. I need it.", said Flora and walked inside.

A cheery Dr. Kinbott was waiting for her. The therapist liked talking to the young girl. Her mind was beyond her years and it was interesting to hear everything she had to say. "Hello, doctor Kinbott!" "Take a seat and then we can start.", said the woman and watched the girl putting down her bag. "Shall we?" Flora nodded. "You claim to have seen your friend die, is that correct?", asked the blonde while checking her files. Flora nodded again. "Why's that?" "Because I saw him dying. I was there and I held his lifeless body.", started the girl. "Maybe we should start from the beginning. Why were you there in the first place?", interrupted the therapist quickly and prepared her pen. Flora sighed. She sounded like Sheriff Galpin this morning. "I was with my friends when I heard someone yelling Rowan's name. I shrugged it off but the voices in my head told me to follow it. So I did. You know the rest, I guess." Doctor Kinbott finished writing everything down and looked at the girl. "You hear voices?", was the only thing she questioned. "Well, yeah. Sometimes." "Perhaps those, uhm, voices as you refer to them, are trying to say something to you. You've mentioned in one of our last sessions that you're a Samodiva?", repeated Kinbott, getting a nod from the brunette. "Maybe the voices are your relatives from your mother's side. Perhaps they want to contact you." Flora blinked in confusion. But they told her to go after Wednesday and Rowan? Were her relatives watching her per her mother's request? "Maybe. I'm gonna have to ask my sister if this is a communication way for them." Kinbott wrote that down too. She will definitely ask her sister about that.

"Do you still have nightmares?" Flora didn't look up. Instead, she played with her hands, avoiding the concerned look on her therapist's face. "Yes.", whispered the girl. "Recently the one with Rowan. But in general yes. I do." Kinbott nodded. "Are you taking any medication? Or is your sister making something for you?" "My sister makes tea often for both of us. Our mom used to make it so we could fall asleep easily." "Mhm. Okay.", nodded Kinbott. "Maybe try to sleep without the tea. See if that helps." "I will try.", promised Flora. "Aren't you going to ask me about why I'm thinking my best friend is actually dead? Even tho I just said goodbye to him?" Kinbott locked eyes with the brunette. "No. It's up to you if you want to speak about it. Maybe in the next session once the shock is over but I won't make you." Flora smiled genuinely at the woman in front of her. She was the first person, besides her sister of course, who didn't even question her on that matter. Just like that their session was over. The girl began to put on her backpack and looked once again at her therapist. "Flora, don't stress yourself about school. Or about anything at all. You're very smart. Don't worry about that." Flora smiled lightly at her and walked out of the office.

●●●

Flora stopped by the car and put her backpack inside. Marilyn looked at her confused. The girl didn't pay attention to it and ran to the coffee shop on the other side of the street.

"You promised me a drink.", mentioned the brunette and smirked at her friend. Tyler returned the smirk and gave her a mug to go with orange juice inside and a little bit of ice. She prepared her wallet with a two dollars bill but the Galpin boy shook his head. "On the house today.", he answered and smiled. Flora kissed his cheek gratefully and took a sip. "Tyler Galpin, you're my hero. I owe you one!", she said and ran outside. The girl looked up from her cup and felt like someone was watching her. She turned around a few times and saw a familiar brownish curly hair. The person noticed and began to run immediately. "Hey!", yelled the girl out and followed them. Marilyn Thornhill got out from her car and looked worried.

Flora ran a few blocks, making cars to stop suddenly and the people yelling at her. "Stop!", she demanded once they reached the centre of Jericho. The girl used her abilities and stopped the stranger. She walked up to them and couldn't believe it. "Andrew!", she whispered and eyed the older boy. "Hey cousin.", greeted Andrew his baby cousin with a smugly smile and waved at her. Flora scoffed and let him go. "What the hell are you doing?", she asked and sipped from her juice. "Keeping an eye on you. We heard about the incident with your classmate and wanted to make sure you were alright.", explained the boy and brushed over his clothes. Flora rose her eyebrow. Andrew rolled his eyes. "Grandma wanted to make sure you were alright. So did Daisy and I." "Daisy? My sister Daisy?", questioned Flora in disbelief. Andrew nodded. The girl put down her cup and stared. Daisy talked to their family members? "Well I'm gonna tell Grandma that you're okay. Gotta bounce.", said the boy and hugged his baby cousin, giving her a kiss on her forehead. Flora didn't even look up after her cousin left. She only stared at the ground. She didn't even noticed the worrying hug of Marilyn that almost suffocated her.

"Are you okay? What happened?", she asked and looked around while keeping Flora close to herself. The girl pushed her away lightly and changed her expression. She was furious. Sour at least. "I followed the voice in my head and for the first time I'm going to kill somebody.", answered Flora and began to walk towards the purple car, Thornhill not far behind her. The teacher didn't even question the sudden behavior change. She immediately drove them back to Nevermore. Flora was ready for confrontation, even tho she usually avoided it. But this time was different.

●●●

Once the car stopped, bursted Flora out and made her way immediately to her sister's bedroom. The girl stormed inside and closed the door, anger written all over her face. "I saw Andrew." Daisy froze into her seat. She closed her eyes and slowly turned around. Her little sister stood there, arms crossed and a disapproving look on her face. The same one their mother had. It was scary.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright.", said Daisy and smiled lightly at Flora. "And you spoke to grandma about that?", asked the brunette with pulled together eyebrows. "She let Andrew follow me, making me think I was being stalked!" "I'm sorry Flower. It was the only way for me. I can't always be around you.", apologized Daisy and tried to explain. But Flora didn't want to know. "You don't have to be around. I'm capable of taking care of myself pretty well! I'm 16 Day!", exclaimed Flora and threw her hands up in frustration. "I'm not a kid anymore." Daisy got up and walked towards her little sister. She cupped Flora's face in her hands. "You will always be my kid.", mentioned the older girl and smiled. "I'm your guardian, Flower, and sometimes I need help. Grandma was the only one left to talk to since dad is busy with mom. He can't be bothered." Flora looked up with hope in her eyes. "Is he close to finding it?", she questioned. Daisy's smile slowly faded. "It's complicated, sweetheart." Flora shook off her sister and grabbed her backpack. "I have botanical science.", she mentioned and opened the door. "Next time you let Andrew follow me make sure he doesn't get noticed." "Flora!", yelled Daisy as the door got slammed. Daisy sighed in frustration and laid down on her bed.

Taking care of her baby sister was exhausting, especially since she was a teenager. But she was right. She should've told her about their cousin checking on her. The woman got the picture of her parents from the bed side table and stared at it. She needs you two. So do I. She clinched the picture to her chest and closed her eyes, sighing. Soon it should be over and everything will be back to normality. Hopefully. Please dad, find a way.

●●●

Yoko and Divina spotted their brunette friend and squeezed her between them in a hug. Both could sense the uncomfortable feeling Flora had. It was kind of unusual for her. All three walked into the conservatory and Flora immediately freed herself and walked towards her beloved plants. She watered them quickly and sat down besides Ajax. "Here's the homework.", she whispered and slowly pushed it towards him. The gorgon smiled and copied the essay quickly, trying to remain unsuspicious. Flora heard Bianca insulting Wednesday and rolled her eyes. "Plants are sometimes better friends than humans.", mentioned Flora with a slight smirk and winked at Wednesday while defending her. Bianca shook her head and sent the girl a glare which she immediately passed away. Flora liked Wednesday and she always wanted to say something like that to Bianca, even tho they were friends. The siren knew it wasn't meant in a bad way. Hopefully. "There's a free seat next to Xavier.", said the brunette and nodded towards the artist who was drawing. Wednesday nodded back and walked over. Xavier looked up while Flora immediately looked down.

"Still not talking?", asked Ajax and leaned forward, preventing Xavier from seeing Flora. "Nope. I'm waiting for him to apologize.", answered the girl and opened her textbook. "I doubt Wednesday is impressed by your tricks, Mr. Thorpe.", mentioned Miss Thornhill, grabbing Flora's attention. She looked over and saw a huge spider. The girl's eyes widened and she immediately yelped, hiding herself. Wednesday squashed the drawing emotionless. "Hey, it's gone.", nudged Ajax his friend lightly. "He did it on purpose. He knows I hate spiders.", whispered the girl frustrated. "Miss Primrose.", said Marilyn stern, eyeing the Samodiva. Flora turned her attention towards her teacher and blushed lightly. She leaned on her hands, taking everything in. "Wednesday, we're thrilled to have you join us on our journey into the world of carnivorous plants. Now...", began Marilyn and pointed towards a flower behind her. "Who can tell us the name of this beauty?" Bianca immediately raised her hand. "Dendrophylax lindenii.", said Wednesday straight up, getting a glare from Bianca. "Otherwise known as the ghost orchid.", added Flora slightly, repeating the stuff she knew. "First discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1854.", continued Wednesday. Marilyn smiled. "Very good, Wednesday. Looks like you may have competition for first chair, Bianca." Flora and Ajax giggled slightly.

"Wednesday, perhaps you can identify the ghost orchid's greatest qualities.", challenged Marilyn her newest student. "Resilience and adaptability. It's able to thrive in even the most hostile environment." "But its mere presence can change the ecosystem, causing the established plants to reject it.", joined Bianca with a confident attitude. "Usually because the native species is allowed to thrive unchecked. Nothing a Weedwacker couldn't fix." "You can most certainly try.", added Bianca with a nice tone. Flora's eyes wandered from one girl to another. "Are we still talking about flowers?", questioned Xavier, easing the situation and getting a few laughs from the students. Flora's eyes snapped, getting her out of her trance she was in. "Thank you ladies, for those illuminating insights. Clearly the plants aren't the only carnivorous in class today.", mentioned Marilyn, meaning this as a slight joke. She gave the teenagers a few book pages to work through for the rest of the class.

Flora concentrated on hers, writing down what she knew while giving her other notes to Ajax who passed them to other people in the classroom. Wrong answer. The girl stopped and dropped her pencil. She looked up and scanned the seats. Everybody was doing the tasks. Weird. She grabbed her pencil back and continued. Wrong again. That was enough. That voice in her head had to stop. She rubbed her temples in hopes to get it away. "Flora, are you okay?", asked Miss Thornhill with slight concern in her voice and walked up to the brunette. The girl immediately stopped and smiled. "Yes, just a small headache from reading. It happens sometimes.", she answered. Marilyn just nodded and walked back to her desk, eyeing the Samodiva. Flora let out a sigh once the bell rang. She packed her stuff and noticed a crinkled note on her notebook. Meet me outside. Further information later. WA Flora chuckled to herself and left the conservatory in company with Ajax and Yoko. However, she couldn't stop thinking about the voice in her head. It was lurking, waiting for another moment to make its presence known.

●●●

Flora Primrose has been waiting for over 10 minutes outside. She began to think it was all a prank from Wednesday and she was just trying to make her look stupid. "She's not coming.", whispered the girl to herself with a disappointed gaze. Tap tap. Flora looked around. "Hello?", she called out. "Wednesday?" Tap tap. The girl slowly looked down and shrieked. It was a hand! No body seen. The hand waved at her and stretched out a note. "Follow Thing.", she read out loud and gazed down. "Your name is Thing?", she questioned. Thing gave a thumbs up. Flora gave one back. "It suits you. Can you lead me to Wednesday?", she asked. Thing tapped a few times and began to walk. Flora followed behind him.

So she was right earlier about seeing a hand. It must have been Thing. Wednesday had her suspicions about Rowan and wanted him to investigate. He seemed nice. For a hand without a body.

●●●

Flora wandered in the woods together with Thing, trying to find Wednesday. The girl wasn't afraid of the fog that surrounded the trees. She never was. Her mother told her when she was little that the fog was only a friendly blanket that hid their kind from humans. It provided some sort of shielding. "Is it far, Thing?", asked the girl and rubbed her hands together. It was a little bit chilly. Thing pointed to a small silhouette. "Took you long enough.", deadpanned Wednesday, her arms crossed over. Flora only shook her head. Wednesday noticed shivering of the brunette and pulled out a pair of black gloves. She handed them towards Flora, mentioning for her to take them. The girl did gladly and put them on, enjoying the warmth they provided. "Go back.", said Wednesday towards Thing and nodded towards Nevermore. Thing saluted and waved at Flora who returned the favor.

"What is he actually?", she asked and began to walk with the other girl. "That's one of the greatest Addams family mysteries.", mentioned Wednesday and pulled the brunette quickly before she could trip over a branch. Both continued to walk further into the forest until they heard footsteps. They turned around but got quickly grabbed by someone who pulled them behind a giant tree. Tyler held his hands on their mouths while watching his father and their dog walking away. Wednesday freed herself while Flora remained in Tyler's hug. She slowly put away his hand from her mouth and looked up at him. "Sorry. I didn't want Elvis to pick up on your scent." "Thanks. How'd you throw them off?", questioned the pigtailed interested. Tyler showed a small bag. "Coffee grounds?", asked Wednesday. "Deer-hunting hack. One of the perks of being a part time barista.", explained Tyler and looked at Flora. The girl smiled and hugged him. "I assume your father didn't bring the bloodhound to play fetch." "His name is Elvis, Wednesday.", mentioned Flora and let go of Tyler. "He doesn't tell me shit. You must think it's weird I'm stalking him." Wednesday remained stern. "No, I consistantly stalk my parents.", she answered and looked at Flora. "I only stalk celebrities online but everyone does that.", confessed the brunette and walked behind Wednesday with Tyler together.

"What really happened the other night at the festival?", asked the boy eagerly. The girls remained silent. "Look, I swear I won't say anything to my dad." Wednesday stopped in her tracks and turned around. She nodded at Flora. It was okay to tell him. "I thought Rowan was in danger. Turns out I was wrong. Then he proceeded to use his telekinesis to try and choke me to death until Flora showed up." Tyler's gaze went to the short brunette girl. "Holy shit. Wh...Why would he do that?" "No idea. That's when this monster came out of the shadows and gutted him.", continued Wednesday to explain. Tyler's gaze didn't leave Flora's. She must have been crushed, seeing her best friend being murdered. "I'm sorry.", he whispered and took her hand in his, squeezing lightly. "So you really saw it? And it didn't try to kill you both?" "It actually saved us from Rowan.", piped Flora out with a small smile. "That's the part I'm trying to figure out.", mentioned Wednesday. "I came out here and got Flora with me to find something that can prove he was murdered and that we haven't lost our minds. Yet." "Yet? Seriously?", questioned the girl and eyed her somewhat friend. But the pigtailed was much more interested in a pair of glasses she just found. Flora moved forward and kneeled besides her. "Rowan's glasses.", she whispered and locked eyes with Wednesday. But as soon as Wednesday touched them she began to have another vision. "Wednesday!", cried the flower girl out and shook her friend. "Do you know where the library is?", was the only thing the black haired questioned. Flora nodded slowly out of confusion. "Lead me there." Wednesday began to walk away, leaving Flora and Tyler alone. The brunette briefly hug her favorite barista boy and promised to call him later.

●●●

The library was a quiet place where Flora liked to meet up with her friends for studying. Even if some were there for something completely different. "I keep seeing that same purple book.", said Wednesday while Thing and Flora were looking at the different spines and covers. "I don't usually find students in here looking for actual books except Flora. Most sneak in to make out.", mentioned Marilyn Thornhill and eyed the two girls. "We accidentally walked in on two vampires fanging.", said Wednesday and looked at Flora. "She can't unsee that." "Kind of traumatizing but also like not.", joked the brunette and got a chuckle from Marilyn. "Is there something I can help you both find?", asked the teacher. Wednesday shared a glance with Flora. The girl nodded enthusiastically. You can trust her. The pigtailed showed her a picture of an old symbol. "It's a watermark from a book we need.", explained Flora quickly. "I think it's the symbol to an old student society. Um...the Nightshades.", as soon as the name left Marilyn's lips, Flora began to tense a little. This was supposed to be a secret, you know. "Like the deadly flower. Color me intrigued.", mentioned Wednesday. "I was told they disbanded years ago.", said Marilyn and shrugged. Flora accidentally pushed a few books down and yelped. She murmured a sorry and picked them up, placing them back.

"Any idea why?", asked the pigtailed girl. Marilyn shook her head. Wednesday walked over to her backpack and put the paper inside. Meanwhile Flora got Thing to climb inside hers and went over to join the conversation. "My mother is a carnivorous plant aficionado. I assume I get my red thumb from her.", mentioned Wednesday and eyed Flora. "My mom is basically mother nature. After my grandmother. Samodivas are mostly known as nymphs, a myth from Bulgarian folklore.", explained the girl quickly and got a nod from Wednesday. "Are you and Morticia close?", asked Flora with a small shimmer in her eyes. "Like two inmates sentenced to life on the same cell block.", said the girl and eyed the brunette. Flora nodded and sadness washed over her. "I know it can't be easy showing up mid-semester. I've been here a year and a half, and I still feel like an outsider.", mentioned Marilyn and sat down, looking between the two girls. "Because you're the only normie on the staff?", asked Wednesday and eyed the redhead. Marilyn began to shuffle around. "Flora and Enid told me." "To tell you both the truth, I've never really fit in anywhere. Too odd for the normies, not odd enough for the outcasts. I thought Nevermore would be different, but there's still a handful of teachers who will barely acknowledge me.", explained Marilyn. Flora send her a small smile. She truly felt her teacher. "I act as if I don't care if people dislike me. Deep down...I secretly enjoy it.", confessed Wednesday, getting an amazed look from the girl besides her. "Never lose that, Wednesday." "Lose what?", asked the girl confused. "The ability to not let others define you. It's a gift." "Doesn't always feel that way.", mentioned Wednesday and felt a small squeeze on her hand. She looked down only to see Flora's hand on top of hers, gently. She was still keeping distance because she knew how much Wednesday despised physical touch. The black haired however didn't pull away. "The most interesting plants grow in the shade.", said Marilyn and smiled at the two girls. Wednesday quickly got Thing out of Flora's backpack and nodded. She then proceeded to walk away, leaving the two alone.

"She tends to do that a lot.", said Flora and looked at her favorite teacher. "You two seem to become friends. That's great.", said Marilyn and leaned against the door frame. "If you can call it friendship. I like her a lot but it's complicated." Marilyn eyed the girl. "But that's not why you're sad." Flora looked up. "What?", she asked. "You're sad. I can see that.", said Marilyn and crossed her arms. "Is it because of your mother?" Flora froze. Should she answer to that? Or should she not? "Not really. My sister kind of did something stupid without telling me on behalf of our mom. Family is pretty complicated for us." "I understand.", said Marilyn and walked forward. "Families can be difficult. Especially when you live thousands of miles away. And when you see your sibling everywhere you're going." Flora nodded. But there was something else. "About the thing you said earlier, I get it. It's hard being different." Marilyn chuckled lightly. "Because you're the only Samodiva besides your sister. But that is exactly what makes you so special.", said the redhead and put her hand on Flora's cheek. "It's okay to feel that way. It's okay to feel sad." Flora's eyes filled with tears and she hugged Marilyn tightly. "Thank you.", she whispered between them. Marilyn stroked her hair comfortingly and pulled away to look into her eyes. "And it's also okay to have a crush on someone." The brunette felt her cheeks getting hot. Was Miss Thornhill assuming that she was crushing on Wednesday? "Oh my! I'm not! I was just being friendly. She gave me her mittens earlier and I decided to return the favor.", explained the girl quickly. Marilyn only smirked. She didn't believe that one bit. "Whatever you say." Flora frowned playfully. "But seriously, thank you.", she said towards her favorite teacher and smiled brightly at her. Marilyn smiled back. "You're always welcome, flower girl. You're something very special and I hope everyone gets to see that one day." With that, left Marilyn her favorite student alone, her smile still remaining and her eyes full with hope.

●●●

The same night after her roommate got back from talking to Xavier, the brunette decided to break the ice between them. She put down her book and plugged her earbuds out, looking directly at Bianca. "I'm sorry." Bianca looked up from her phone. She rose an eyebrow, her blue eyes locking with Flora's brown ones. "What for?", asked the siren confused. Flora took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for spending more time with Wednesday than with you." Bianca only stared and bursted out laughing. Flora looked confused. "What's so funny?", questioned the girl. Bianca continued to laugh and faced her friend again. "It's only been 3 days, Flower. 3 days nothing less." "But I thought you were angry with me.", shot the brunette and stood up from her bed. "After fencing, yes, but Yoko persuaded me otherwise. You have to be kind to people. It's who you are. A little naive sometimes but that's it." There was this word again. Naive. Flora hugged her best friend tightly, falling down on Bianca's bed. "Don't you ever do this to me!", she whispered, making Bianca to giggle. The siren promised and both stayed like that for a while.

Physical touch was something Bianca Barclay would usually avoid but it was one of Flora's love languages. She learned to accept that and go along with it. It was very important to the Primrose girl.

Flora woke up frantically, finding herself all sweaty again like this morning. "We must have fallen asleep.", she whispered to herself and unwrapped Bianca's arms from her waist. The girl got up slowly and opened the dorm door. She walked around the empty hallway, on her way to the Nightshades library. She snapped two times and walked down the stairs. The book she borrowed the night before had to be returned or else the ghost of her ancestor was going to haunt her for the rest of the school year. The girl put the red book away and decided to borrow another one. A sudden thud stopped her. Flora turned around and saw a black book laying on the ground. If We Were Villains. She picked it up, tracing the title with her fingers. "Are you sure?", she asked in the blank air. A cold breeze flew through. The girl giggled and hugged the book. "Alright then. I hope it's good.", she said and left the library, unaware of the person hidden in the shadows, watching her with enthusiasm. That girl was something interesting.

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"And you're not upset about not participating?", asked Divina again for the 5th time that day while Flora was helping her with the make up. The girl finished the eyeliner and smiled at her work proud. "Absolutely not. I'm not a fan of water sports or water in general." "But you're a nymph?", spoke Bianca up and looked at her best friend. "Ironic isn't it?", said Flora and laughed lightly. Bianca only rolled her eyes and pulled the brunette to a stool. She wanted to draw a golden bug on her cheek for supporting the team. And the girl of course agreed. "You look pretty.", said Divina and smiled. Flora locked eyes with her. It wasn't rare for people to call her beautiful since she was a Samodiva. They were known for their beauty. However, it was rare to hear it this sincere. "Thank you, Di. Really." The moment lasted only a minute before Daisy Primrose walked inside the tent. "Gold Bugs, go to your boat." The team listened and all hugged Flora before running out. The brunette intertwined her hand with her sister's and both made their way to watch the annual Edgar Allan Poe Cup. Their fight was thrown over board like most times and never picked up again.

The sisters quickly pushed themselves through the crowd to get to the front while Larissa Weems held her speech like every year. "Hey!", whispered Flora towards Yoko who greeted her back with a hug. The girl looked way better than yesterday. "The medicine is working I see." "Better than expected. You're a genius Flower." Flora flipped her hair back and giggled with her friend. "Girls!", scolded Marilyn the two. "It's starting." Flora focused her attention to the front and saw her older sister on the small stage. "Miss Primrose, will you do the honors?", said Weems and handed Daisy the gun. "Let the Poe Cup begin!", yelled out the young teacher and opened the competition. "Woohoo! Go, go, go!", shouted Flora together with Yoko in unison. Both girls continued to cheer and have fun and missed to see where Kent was. Him and Flora wanted to meet and watch the competition together but instead he decided to help Bianca. Which of course Flora didn't knew.

After a while the Black Cats came back on land with their flag and won the Poe Cup finally. Usually it was Bianca. Time to break habits I guess. Flora cheered with her friends and she couldn't be happier.

Nymph. Flora looked around, her smile dropping. Who was that? Follow me. No. She shouldn't. Follow me. Don't give in! Whatever you do, don't. give. in. Do it as I say, follow me. No! Do not allow the voice to be stronger than you! Little Nymph, please. Please? The voice was begging her? Follow me, little Nymph. She gave in. The girl pushed herself past the crowd and past her friends who finally won. Everyone was watching her.

"Flower?", asked Daisy her little sister. No response. Bianca tried to stop her but the girl pushed her aside. It was like she was in a somewhat trance. The older Primrose walked slowly towards her. "Flora, come back!", yelled the girl. But Flora didn't listen. The voice was stronger. Much stronger. The girl stopped on the edge. Jump. And she jumped. "No!", yelled out Daisy and ran but got stopped by a few teachers. Xavier and Ajax immediately jumped after the girl.

She was sinking and continued to sink. However, she was not afraid. Somehow she knew she shouldn't be. Her eyes fluttered open and in front of her was a woman. A very beautiful woman. She stretched out her hand, waiting for Flora to do the same. As the girl wanted to do that, the image of the woman changed into a very dark one. Flora tried to scream but couldn't. Of course she couldn't. She was underwater. Instead, she tried to swim back to the surface. But the spirit of the woman held her back. And just like that her eyes closed again.

Xavier and Ajax pulled Flora back out of the water and laid her on the ground. Daisy immediately sank down to her side and hugged her little sister. Larissa made space for the duo. "Please, wake up.", whispered Daisy and kissed Flora's temple. Slowly but weakly, the girl began to open her eyes and stood slowly up. Daisy of course helped her. "I saw her. The voice in my head. She made me do that.", whispered Flora and looked at her sister with tears in her eyes. Daisy nodded and decided to walk back to the school with Flora. She needed to lay down immediately and tell her everything she saw and heard. If her theory was right, it probably was the same voice she heard when she was younger.

●●●

Daisy laid a cool aid on her sister's forehead. She turned around making some herbal tea for both of them. After such a shock you just needed one. Flora looked at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts. The spirit woman tried to drown her. She tried to kill her! A few tears rolled down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away. "Who was she, Day?", asked the younger Primrose. "It felt like I've seen her before." Daisy looked up from what she was doing and poured the tea into two cups. She handed one gently towards Flora and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I was around the same age as you when I first met Dabria. She started communicating with me. Mom warned me about it before but I didn't listen. Thought it was some silly fairytale Samodivas told each other.", began Daisy and laughed lightly. "Turns out I was wrong. Dabria began to talk to me and manipulating me into making silly decisions until one day she went too far. Suddenly I didn't feel my body anymore and I felt myself walking towards the lake. That was the time we were for a family picnic in the park. Dabria took control over my body and before I could jump got mom between the lake and me. She hugged me tightly and made the spirit disappear. Later on I found out who she was."

"Dabria? The name sounds familiar to me.", said Flora and touched her chin while thinking. "She was one of the first Samodivas. One of the few who were dangerous. She found joy in drowning others and watching them suffer. It wasn't untypical for us back in the day but time changes. The elders found out about it and banished Dabria from the Forest into the infinite ocean. Before she drowned herself she vowed to take every Samodiva that was born, mostly female, down with her. Since then she's been controlling, manipulating and killing young nymphs in order to satisfy her darkest wishes.", finished Daisy explaining.

"That sounds horrible!", said Flora and sipped from her tea. "Not so much, actually. You can learn to disobey and use her to your own benefits." Flora blinked a few times. Use her? Why would she ever use a dangerous being that was haunting her mind? "She can help you to get stronger. Dabria isn't as bad as she is described to be. Trust me.", explained Daisy and put her hand on top of her sister's. Flora looked unsure but decided to trust her older sister. She had experience after all. And Dabria was kind of good as an inner voice. The spirit was right about her homework being wrong and that should mean something.

Knock knock. The door to Daisy Primrose's room crept open and revealed Flora's friend, Ajax. "I'm here to pick you up and see how you're doing.", mentioned Ajax in the small round and smiled. "If it's okay with Miss Primrose of course." Daisy rose an eyebrow. "Miss Primrose is fine with it, as long as Miss Flora makes it to bed on time." Ajax nodded and walked over to help Flora stand up. She took his hand and walked behind him. Daisy watched with amusement and closed the door behind. Her little sister was lucky to have such friends around her. It helped a lot.

●●●

Ajax and Flora stopped in front of the statue that led to the Nightshades library and both snapped two times while smirking at each other. The statue of Edgar Allan Poe moved and let the two last members of the society in. Down there, the rest of the Nightshades were waiting with Flora's robe. Yoko and Divina helped the girl to put it on and Xavier handed her her mask. The girl stared at it for a moment before hugging the boy tightly. "I missed you too.", he whispered and closed his arms around her. "Thank you for saving my life.", she whispered back and broke up the hug. They smiled at each other and put on their masks. However, the party never started because an uninvited gast crashed it without actually knowing.

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Hi welcome back! This chapter is a little intense so a few trigger warnings: drowning, mentions of death and murder. Okay that's done. Now, enjoy!

DEDICATIONS

LilyMoonlight14
undeadbelova
Maggithesheep
theivydorms
alwaysmuggleborn
pippaswife