Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing pertaining to the Addams Family, beyond this personalized work of fiction. Thank you. :)
Gomez's POV:
What an absolutely monumental Halloween this turned out to be!! In spite of the critical lapses in judgement I may have made, this young man Stewart and his friends have certainly given me reason to hope for the better. I stood just outside the doors of our beloved mansion with my eternal darkness, my cara mia, Morticia as we saw these promising youths off. I regarded Stewart with one last offering of congratulations for his immense courage, and outstanding moral character before he joined his friends in the family hearse. His odd "skate-board" contraption in his right hand as he stood before us both with a pleasant smile on his face.
"Dear child! You have given this family perhaps the best gift it has seen in entire generations. Not only were you the first to realize the true design behind the challenge, you have chosen to rise beyond your fears in order to protect and safe-guard that which is truly precious! For this, you have earned yourself something far more meaningful than any sum of candy could ever offer you."
"Such a kind, brave soul at such a young age. You have much to offer the world around you young Stewart. Please rest assured your parents will never know of the events that transpired here tonight. We decided to inform them all that you children came to us after getting lost on the way back to your homes. As for your injury, we have stated to your mother and father you sustained it upon falling into a ditch whilst botching a stunt you attempted on your skate-board."
The child's face beamed in pure relief at the positive news he was granted. Though he may have suffered a terrible betrayal tonight, he will at least not have to bear the pains of enraged parents upon his return home. He responded to this news in kind shortly there after.
"PHEW!! That is a gargantuan load off my pre-teen back. I can't ever thank you wonderful folks enough for everything you've done for me. If it means anything at all, it was never my intention to make Wednesday upset. I'll admit I've been pretty scared of her up until tonight, but I've always tried to be friendly to her at school... even though she's never spoken a word to me until tonight, heh. I just hope we can all put this behind us and move on with our lives now after everything that's happened. If I can promise you guys anything, I definitely won't be forgetting this Halloween anytime soon!!"
We merely smiled at the honesty behind his words. Though he made a considerable effort to hide what he was truly feeling, all this poor boy wants is to return home to his family. As a devoted family man myself, who am I to deny him his wish? I gently tussled his hair with my right hand as I prepared to send him back to his parents just as he came before us this night: safe, and unharmed.
"You have nothing more to fear dear one. I was in the wrong for blindly assuming you knew of our ways and traditions. As it happens, our daughter has begun to speak to us once more, which as a father I cannot even begin to relay how comforting such an experience can be. Having said this, I believe that'll be all for now young Stewart. Go join your loved ones in our hearse, and please remember, that you will always be an honored guest in this household should you desire to visit us again. Have a most blessed and haunting of evenings my friend!"
The child's face once again beamed with delight as his response was both a sincere and grateful one.
"Thanks again for everything! Oh, and on behalf of me and all the rest of the guys, have a happy Halloween!!!"
With that well meaning sentiment, the young man darted off to where our family hearse and all his friends were waiting for him. I merely chuckled at the child's kind hearted nature. If he'd proven one thing with the utmost certainty, it's that genuine bravery does not come from one whom fears nothing. Instead, it comes from the one whom rises above their own fears in order to protect that which they hold dearest of all in their heart. The unshakeable resolve, and valor necessary to protect and safe guard what is truly precious to any individual. I tell you now, if such is not in fact true courage, then I dare not dream of what might in fact be it.
Having seen the child off, I turned to face my beloved once again. Her captivating, pitch black pools of radiant night bore deeply into my own as we began to comment on the proceedings of this most cold, haunting, and bewitching of Halloween nights.
"Ahh Tish... Could you have ever imagined a more perfect Halloween? With all these years we've seen go by, not a one of the challengers that have shown themselves before us, have demonstrated so much as a shred of the bravery, or decency as that lone boy has this night."
"I most certainly concur my darling. It amazes me how heroes may be found in the most unlikely of places. However, I feel it borders on tragic how many of them go unnoticed in this world of ours. That boy cared for nothing else but ensuring the safety of those closest to him, in spite of the temptations presented to him. There are fully developed adults, both male AND female alike, that wouldn't make such a decision, and yet here this mere child showcased more character and moral fiber than what we've seen in so long."
I laughed wholeheartedly in agreement at what my wife had just told me. For once, our family's traditions were honored in the way they deserved to be so! No longer did I have to feel like a witless, naive, fool for wanting to expect better of others. Of course with that being said, I could not neglect the fact that there were other guests that failed to rise to our expectations once again. No harm will come to them this night naturally, but they will have to pay a heavy price for what they've done here I'm afraid.
My Tish understood herself even better than I do. She in fact takes perhaps just a bit too much pleasure in teaching our guests that actions, both noble and heinous alike, can have most dire consequences indeed. She gave me a deliciously evil smirk as her eyes told me she was most looking forward to what was to come next.
"Why cara mia... Do I detect just a hint of malice in your demeanor at the moment?" I ask with a mischievous tone of my own.
"Mm hmm hmm hmmm... You know me too well, Mon Cher. The terrors of our traditions never did end with the challenge itself did they? The horrors of the evening have only just begun!"
My heart raced in sheer intensity at my beloved's heated expression. It had to be purposeful by this point. She has to know what her passions do to me by now!
"Cara Mia!!"
"Mon Cher!!"
With the cries of our pet names since our wedding night, we both let out a ruckus laughter before our lips smashed against one another in a heated kiss. This persisted for a solid 5 minutes or so, just as the corner of my eye caught the hearse driving off into the night. Reluctantly, I pulled away from my black clad angel as I waved Stewart off before our hearse was out of sight. Morticia picked up on this immediately and began waving good-bye as we bellowed out a very special saying that holds a sacred place in the hearts of every Addams that has ever walked this earth.
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!"
And with that, so ends yet another splendid Addams Halloween tradition. Indeed, it might be the most meaningful one this family may ever get to experience. If there's one thing that I know with the utmost certainty, it will most definitely one for us all to remember!
Stewart's POV:
I could hear both Gomez and Morticia's yelling from over here. It was nice to get a proper goodbye in their own unique way, but my mind was far too wrapped up in the fact I was actually on my way home. It wasn't a joke or some stupid prank! Somehow, I not only survived a night in the Addams mansion, I'm also leading all my friends back home safely. I've been so convinced I was going to end up dead sometime during the night that I never even imagined this could happen. Don't get me wrong, I'm obviously extremely grateful to still be alive right now, but it felt so surreal! It really was too good to be true! I'm ALIVE BABY!!! YAHOOOO!!!
My friends and Paul were all busy counting up their candy collections, which suited me just fine. I was more than happy to just relax at the moment and revel in the fact I was very much alive. My folks weren't going to punish me for bringing Paul to a dangerous mansion with my friends, and everyone besides me wasn't even injured. A bit sore sure, and full-on exhausted, but everyone besides Bobby and Marcus were alive and well. I winced a bit at the soreness from my leg, but at least nothing was broken that I could tell thanks to the treatment I got from Henrietta. I should be able to walk on it without limping in a few days or so, probably even less if I just take it easy.
I was about to just stare at the window and think about what I'd been through, when Paul surprised me by scooting over to where I was seated, and tugging at my arm. I realized it wasn't my imagination and Paul actually wanted my attention. Wonder what could be on his mind right now?
"I didn't know what to get, so I just grabbed whatever it was you might have liked. I'll share the spoils with you when we get back home! Uhh... How you feeling?"
If this is the kind of change I can expect, consider me one happy older brother right now!! He not only thought of something other than satisfying his sugar addiction, he's even asking me if I'm okay right now! I guess it's as perfect a time as any to learn I haven't completely failed in my duties as an older brother.
"Well, you seem in a chipper mood right now. Maybe I should be asking you the same question?"
Paul's grin began to devolve into a frown which suggested he was ashamed of something. He looked down at the hearse's seat which instantly made me feel regret at what I'd just said. I wasn't trying to offend him by any means, it was just a little joke as he rarely was ever this considerate to me before! I was just curious (and perhaps just ever so slightly more suspicious) about what could have brought out this sudden mood change in him right now. I tried to make amends for offending him as I did right away.
"Hey listen Paul, I'm only kidding! I'm just not used to you being so considerate of me. What's the occasion?"
"... I'm sorry."
What is he apologizing for? It's all my fault we even came to this mansion in the first place. I should have showed him some back-bone and actually told him no for a change. If anyone should be saying sorry right now, it should rightfully be me!
"What could you be sorry for little bro?"
"I-... I'll tell you more when we get home."
Oookaaaay... way to brighten the mood I guess.
Paul just sat back in the center of the back row and closed his eyes tightly, obviously pretending to be asleep. It's clear that whatever bomb shell or nugget of wisdom I've overlooked for the moment, he doesn't want my friends to know about it. Not that it really matters to me, but all I hope for is it's not serious. It'd be hard to imagine something that could ruin my mood right now, but a depressed little bro with a big secret to tell me might just be one of those rare exceptions.
Jason and Tommy were of course still freaking out at the candy they'd gotten. They looked like they could barely contain themselves right now! I couldn't help but feel happy for them, at least some of us were still grateful to just be breathing right now. I was prepared to just get back to looking at the window once more when suddenly Jason and Tommy soon wanted my attention. Was I now everyone's favorite person in the world for nearly getting them killed? I wasn't sure how to feel about all this, but I just let them speak their minds as I was just happy to be alive and out of that death trap of a mansion!
"Hey Stew! We both just wanted to say... thanks for everything you did tonight. You could have just saved yourself and kept Paul safe, but you went out of your way to keep us safe as well. That takes a lot of guts, and that's not something many kids our age have."
"Yeah dude! You were actually pretty badass tonight. I mean no offense, but it was totally unlike what we usually see from you haha."
I couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at Tommy's unfortunately truthful depiction of me. I am something of a scaredy cat when it comes to things in general, but the last thing I'd ever want to happen is any of my friends or loved ones put in any sort of danger. That fear in turn is what pushed me to do the things I did tonight, helping Jason with that armor suit thing and Tommy right afterward. Then I had to help Marcus who was getting double teamed, and every attempt I've made to keep Paul safe was just me doing what I felt was the right thing to do. If being a good friend and brother is what being a hero is all about, then I guess that's good enough for me.
"Thanks guys. I know you both would have done the same thing for me and Paul. We've all been friends since the 2nd grade, and I couldn't bear the thought of my 2 best friends not being able to grow up with me any longer. I only came here to make sure nothing happened to anyone. My only regret is that Paul got roped into this, but he just didn't want to go home. I'm just glad everyone's alright!"
Jason and Tommy smiled at my sentiments, but I could tell by their expressions that there was a tiny part of them that was still curious at what was going to happen to the other kids. At this point, I was more than content with just enjoying the ride back home. I was home free!! No more mindlessly running for my life while trying to protect my little bro from certain peril. No more backstabbing friends who tried to get me and Paul killed even after all we went through together. No more getting into pointless fist fights with a bunch of other kids that probably weren't even in my neighborhood!!! We were all finally safe and secure, just like we all should have been in the first place, or at least we will be upon finally making it back home.
I took one last look at Paul just to check up on him. He was still sound asleep, at least on the surface that is, but I know him well enough by now to tell when he was legit asleep, and when he was just faking it. His eyes from earlier told me he had something of great importance to tell me, but that he didn't want our present company to know about it either. That probably goes for our parents as well if I had to wager a guess. Well, no matter what it could be, I doubt it's all that serious considering we're all still alive and well... well most of us anyway.
A good 20 minutes went by, and finally I could see our house coming up in the distance! Man did it ever feel good to be home by now!! The family sized, black hearse pulled up to the front of my house, where my folks were clearly waiting for us, standing in open door-way with expressions that could be described as a mixture of concern and panic. I immediately tugged on Paul's shoulder to get him up and let him be the first one out of the car. He awoke somewhat dramatically with a stretch (hammy as ever naturally), before looking out at the window to his right. He said his goodbyes to both my friends, as well as our driver Lurch who simply let out a low pitched growl in response... Just gonna assume that's his way of being friendly.
Paul then darted off upon getting out of the hearse and ran straight into the loving arms of both our parents. He was finally safe, thank God. It turns out I haven't completely failed as an older brother after all. I gave both my friends a fist pound while silently promising to call them tomorrow for some skateboarding across town. I then followed after Paul by exiting the car as well, but not before giving Lurch a proper good bye and thanks for having made any of this possible.
"Thanks for driving us all home Mr. Lurch! Please give my regards to the entire family for their kindness too."
"Grrrooowlf!"
I loosely held back a frightened gasp as the enormous butler throaty growl nearly scared me into falling on the ground. Once again, I just chalked it up to his own unique way of being friendly as he offered me a thumbs up right afterward, confirming my assumptions on the matter in question.
Not wanting to waste any further time, I ran up to where my folks and Paul were all waiting for me. My heart began to bounce around in my chest like a bullet bouncing off every solid surface around me. I knew Morticia explained to me that they told them we got lost, and managed to find our way back home through them, but I still felt like an explanation was in order for us being out so late, let alone us even getting lost in the first place! We have to have been out for hours at least, it was a wonder the sun wasn't starting to rise by this point!
I reached the top step just before the door-way to where my home began. I saw Paul snuggling into the arms of our mother, while my dad raced toward me with both his arms extended outward, giving me a very clear idea of what he had in mind. I returned the favor in a hurry as I could start to hear the hearse drive off in the background. My father was laughing happily while I could also tell he'd been sobbing a bit. His tone of voice and general concern for us both began to melt my heart as I gave into my emotions as well. I just couldn't hold it back anymore!! There were no words to describe how I felt at this moment in time. I was back home, I was safe and sound, and the best part of it all was... I wasn't even in any risk of getting grounded!!!
After an extremely emotional and satisfying family reunion, I separated from my dad as he looked me in both my eyes. His own gaze was still partially misty from tears, but I could tell he was more than ecstatic to see we were both okay. That said, his stare told me he was expecting an explanation of sorts as to how we got lost to begin with. Just as I feared I would have to do from before, now came the time to best explain how any of this came to be without spilling the beans about how I'd been lying to them for weeks now.
"Oh thank God you're okay Stewart!! Do you have any clue how late it is right now?!? We've been worried sick about you for hours!! We almost called the police to have them search the neighborhood for you both!!! It wasn't until that family called us to let us know you both were alright that we decided against it. What happened out there Stewart?!?"
My mind began to race instantly as I scrambled to think of a way to keep myself out of the dog house right now. While being grounded definitely beats being dead and buried at a terrifying mansion, it's not something I generally look forward to being if I can help it. With only a few minutes to think, I started to spit out the best explanation I could hope to muster with what precious time I had to salvage.
"Uhh... well y-you see dad, me and Paul were planning on getting back home right after we finished raiding our usual houses for candy. My friends got the idea to journey a bit farther than we normally do just to see if anymore houses were available, and for a change of pace compared to what we normally do every year. I tried to advise against it, but my friends were adamant about-"
"... I pushed Stewart into going out of the neighborhood for fun this year. We were supposed to come back right after we collected as much candy as our bags could carry, but I wanted to spend some more time with him and the rest of the guys before it was time to come home. Stewart meanwhile tried to warn everyone about going out too far but nobody, including me, took his warning seriously. If it wasn't for my stupid and thoughtless insisting, we would have never gotten lost as badly as we have tonight. Even more important than that, Stewart wouldn't have gotten hurt if it weren't for me too... so if you're gonna punish anyone mom and dad... punish me."
My jaw dropped at what Paul just did for me right now. He not only owned up to his part in the terrible dangers we had to face. He was even willing to take the rap for me this time!! I mean WOW! I'm seriously starting to wonder if he didn't bang his head at some point during the night...
Our parents were just as shocked to see their perfectly innocent little angel, wasn't in fact so innocent for once. My mother in particular had her right hand to her mouth as she took in the words Paul just spoke as carefully as she ever had anything before, all on my behalf no less! It was genuinely amazing how much things were beginning to turn around for the better. Not just regarding the relationship between me and Paul, but also Paul's own character itself! He was becoming both a better brother, as well as a better person, and to think this all happened over the course of a single night! If I wasn't in the presence of both my parents right now, I would have scooped Paul up in my arms and given him the bear hug of a life-time!
"... I see. Well, if this is true, I'm quite disappointed in you Paul. You have to learn to respect the pressure Stewart faces as an older brother! Whenever we can't be there, he's the only one responsible for you, and the only one that can protect you if you get in trouble! The both of you could have gotten seriously hurt while you were out there. Do you know how me or your mother would be if anything happened to either of you?!?"
It felt more than a little satisfying to see dad take my side of things for once, but I couldn't deny he was letting Paul have it pretty harshly right now. It's weird how seeing Paul get what was coming to him not be as fulfilling as it probably should have been, but I decided Paul had taken enough abuse for one night. For that matter, so have I (in spades, I should mention).
"Hey dad, I think Paul's learned his lesson by now. He promised me while we were on our way home that he wouldn't try to pull something like this again. Thanks for having my back on this, but I think it's best me and him get cleaned up and then go straight to bed."
My parents both looked at each other as they just remembered seemingly in an instant that it was very late right now. Without another word in edge wise, dad silently ordered Paul to run up upstairs to get cleaned up, and then go straight to bed right after that. While that was happening, my mother finally caught sight of the injury I suffered at the hands of that explosion from the mansion. Like any concerned mother would, she rushed to my side and pulled my thin frame into a tight hug which was quickly squeezing the breath out of me. I began to gasp for air as mom soon let me go to show her concern for my injury verbally as well as physically.
"Oh my God, my poor little baby!! How did you get injury on your right knee?!? Does it hurt terribly?!?" She said lastly, as she began to shudder with fear and worry at the thought of me being in serious pain. Luckily, she wouldn't have to panic for long thanks to the treatment I got from Grandmama.
"Gasp... don't worry mom! The Addams family patched me up when we found them and they let us in for some shelter from outside. It really doesn't hurt me anymore, and it should be close to recovering as long as I take it extra easy for a few days or so."
My mother looked instantly relieved as she began to clap in front of me loudly. Her expression appeared to be holding some lingering confusion however as there was one question that she'd yet to ask me given where I've been all this time. I absolutely dreaded what I knew was coming now...
"Ohh by the way sweetie! I'm sure you saw Wednesday again at their house? Was this the night you two finally kissed?!?"
My face instantly turned beet red and silently made me grateful at the fact that my friends and neighbors weren't here to revel in my embarrassment. I know that moms go crazy for this kind of stuff by now, but jeez is itreally asking that much for a bit of subtlety with things like this?!? I scratched the back of my head with my right hand as I gave an honest reply to my mother's enthusiastic question.
"Nah, I think it's safe to say I'm just gonna avoid Wednesday from now on. We had a little talk at her house tonight, and as it turns out she was just bothering me for the time at school. If I'm being honest though, after the weird and strange things I've seen tonight at their house, pretty sure I'm not gonna go there again willingly anytime soon. Sorry to disappoint you mom."
She did in fact look disappointed, but offered no further reply as she just shook her head while I let out a loud and noticeable yawn. My parents immediately remembered I had to have been pretty exhausted being out this late. My mom and dad both put one of their hands on both my shoulders as they led me into the sanctity of my own home, and begun helping me change out of my now quite frankly worn and gross costume, and back into my normal clothes which were waiting for me in the bathroom like they always were after laundry day. Before I could make the trip back upstairs however, my dad tightened his grip on my left shoulder as he clearly had something important to tell me before I went up.
"Oh Stewart... Do you remember what we talked about a couple of days ago?"
"Yeah dad, every word of it I remember, and for what it's worth, you couldn't have been more right about Paul."
My father spun me around to meet his loving, emotional gaze. He beared an expression of indescribable pride, like I'd just helped to bring peace to the world itself. He soon snatched me in his arms once again in a hug that made the one my mom just gave me feel like a gentle cuddle. He soon spoke to me in a quiet, but clearly very emotional tone as it was obvious he was doing his best to hold back further tears as he had a reputation to uphold as the man of the house and all. Regardless of that though, it just felt incredible to have all this praise on me after the hellish night I've been through.
"... You've made me more proud than I could have ever imagined. Whether or not you believe this yourself, you are one of the best brothers anyone could ever ask for Stewart. I love you son."
Okay, that got to tugging on the old heart-strings a bit! Still... must... not... cry!!!
"Thanks dad. I love you too!!"
Our embrace lasted for a few more moments until he let me go to head up the stairs. I walked up the steps as quickly as I could to get into that shower, and back into my bedroom so I could get some sleep finally! This night has easily been the most exhausting one I've ever had to experience, and will hopefully ever experience at least until the day I go to college. Not in a million miserable years did I think I'd be wheeling it for miles at a time, running for my life with statues and suits of armor trying to kill me, a pitch-black cavern that someone could fall down in the hard way, a green-house of horrors, a freezing waste-land that apparently used to be a freezer (somehow), and even an exploding pumpkin patch. At this point, I'm not even sure what to think of the family. They're obviously far weirder than I ever dared to dream, but I guess in a strange way, they helped push me to become braver than I've ever been before. That being said, I reeeeaaallly need a break from everything right now!
After a 20 minute shower and a quick change into some fresh clothes, I slipped into my room with barely a sound. Upon getting inside, I noticed Paul was freshly in his PJs and currently sitting down on his bed, with a pretty troubled look on his face. A jolt of worry found it's self straight in my heart as I wondered what could be bothering Paul so much right now. What did either of us have to worry about? By all accounts, we've won!! Between the candy we earned in our neighborhood, as well as everything Paul could grab from their vault, we both scored enough candy to last us at least a decade if not even longer. Even though I suffered an injury, it's obviously nothing serious and Paul pretty much got off without a scratch to his name (thank God). With the exception of the traitors in our group, everyone should have gotten home safe and sound by now, and after what's happened tonight, I'm all too positive I'm never interacting with Wednesday again. I don't have the slightest clue what's with her, but all I know is I've had more than my fair share of crazy with this night alone.
"... Hey. You got a minute?"
Paul spoke up with a flat tone to his voice as he sounded quite depressed about something. I replied in as straight-forward a way as I could manage.
"Sure man. What's up with you? I thought you'd be counting the candy before bed, heh."
Paul offered no immediate reply to my counter question, but instead stood up directly in front of me rather than answer my own question. I soon met his gaze with my own as he slowly lifted his head to face me directly.
"I just... I never really said thank you, for everything you did for me tonight."
My heart tightened up at the thought of Paul showing genuine gratitude towards me. It was a combination of happiness and anxiety as it meant a lot for him to appreciate much of anything. With that said, all I was doing was acting the part of a big brother. It feels good to hear naturally, especially from someone you care about, but it's not something you expect to be thanked for very often.
"... You're very welcome Paul, but there's no reason to thank me for doing my job. It's all my fault you even ended up in that mansion to begin wit-"
"NO IT WASN'T YOUR FAULT!! IT WAS MINE, ALL MINE!!!"
My ears were blasted by Paul bellowing out what he thought of me blaming myself for what happened tonight. I was completely overwhelmed by the deafening boom of his voice, before realizing he just wrapped both his arms around my waist in an almost crushing bear hug. I was completely shocked Paul could hug anyone or anything with that much force! He was practically squeezing the life out of me at the moment, but I gently laid my right hand on his head as I could tell he just broke down in tears. I have to wonder just how long he was holding all this back. It was probably when we saw each other again after I recovered from my injury. I did what any half-decent brother would do and just let him pour his heart out before getting him to calm down.
"I... sniff, I had no idea they'd have all that prepared for us back at the mansion. All I wanted was to spend time with you, I never imagined we would be taking a trip straight to hell itself, but now because I had to be such a selfish ass, I almost got us all killed, and for what?!? Some stupid, fancy candy that no one's ever heard of?!? You wanted us to go back home, and I thought you were just worrying for no reason at all, but all that time, you only were trying to protect me. You got hurt tonight all because of me!!! What kind of brother does that?!?"
My heart began to grow a few times heavier than what it usually was. Paul's tearful confession was pushing me further and further into turning on the ole water works, with absolutely zero chance of it stopping any time soon. While his recklessness did push us into exceptionally dangerous territory this night, it'd take a pretty huge jerk to make a 10 year old kid feel even worse about himself than he already felt at the moment. I wrapped my own arms around his back and did what I could to comfort him.
"... Paul, you don't have to hate yourself to acknowledge when you've made a mistake. If tonight should have taught you anything, it's that some mysteries are better off staying in the unknown. I was probably gonna have to go to the mansion anyway to keep my friends safe, and besides I wanted to talk with Wednesday about the nightmares I've been having lately. This night was probably inevitable in the grand scheme of things, but you could have made things much easier by just going back home. Having to keep you safe on top of everyone else, was breaking my heart every second of the way. I just can't bear the thought of losing you, and being only 1 high-strung, 12 year old kid, I was bound to mess up at some point."
Paul stopped sobbing for just a moment to lift his head up and look at me. His expression was one of pure sadness. His eyes were both red and watery to the point of looking like an allergy attack had hit him. His body began to shake and jolt which told me he was crying so hard he was starting to hyperventilate, and his hands tightly gripped the back of my PJs causing me to silently hope he hadn't started to rip them. He spoke up again, with his voice sounding far more distraught and depressive than what it was before.
"I-I... I j-just don't get it S-Stewart! W-Why... w-would you go so far... for m-me? You even p-pushed me out of the w-way of an e-explosion!!! You s-should have left me behind and j-just saved your f-friends instead. J-Jason and T-Tommy have been better b-brothers to you than I've ever b-been..."
My stomach twisted itself in knots at hearing Paul say that. Oh sure, I may bitch about him a lot, but abandon my own flesh and blood? Forget about him and save someone else in the mean time?!? Never. That's not up for discussion either, my little bro was the first friend I ever had, and as much as we argue with each other, we've always been there for one another, either as a play-mate, a skateboard buddy, or just when we needed someone else to talk to. That's how it is with family; it's not something you can replace like an object or even friends. It's a group that you're lucky enough to be born into, which some people aren't even fortunate enough to have. I gave Paul the best answer I could to try to talk some sense into him as it was torturing me to see him get like this. I swear it always has to get to this point! He acts like a smug, unfeeling, brat to mask his own fear and pain, and it's only when he gets pushed past his breaking point that he starts bawling like a broken faucet. I'm obviously used to it by now, but that doesn't make it any less annoying!
"... Because I'm your brother Paul. No matter how much you might piss me off, both deliberately and joyfully so, I could never abandon my little baby bro in any situation. Whether or not either of us asked for it, we're family, and family's not like objects you can just replace whenever they start to break. It's a thing you're just lucky enough to be a part of, and so many people in different parts of the world don't get to enjoy that experience themselves sadly. We should both just be lucky we ended up being a huge part in each other's lives."
Paul finally slowed down his crying spree as his breathing and panting were beginning to soften. I figured he was just taking a small break from letting it all out, but his now quiet breathing and light snoring told me he was now fast asleep. This couldn't have been more convenient for me as I was beyond exhausted at this point and more than looking to just go to sleep already. I lifted my little bro's now sleeping frame with both arms and carried him over to his own bed. After I placed him down as gently as I could on it, I quickly slipped him into his covers. I took a few seconds to look at his now sleeping form. He truly looked at peace, like what I was telling him from earlier actually sunk in to some extent. At least that's part of my duty as a big brother fulfilled. With this, I turned around to face my own bed as I prepared to finally turn in for the night. Thank God, and it's about time if you ask me!
The next morning, I awoke to see Paul had already been up before me for a couple of hours by now. I could tell because he was already fully dressed in his usual clothes. I turned my still groggy head toward my alarm clock, which read 10:00 AM. Crap... I usually get up around 8:30 to get an early breakfast, but with everything I've been through last night it's not like it could have been helped one way or another. I should be fine as long as I can grab a muffin or a quick bite of cereal. Paul stood by his bedside as he saw me wake up, politely greeting me before asking me a question.
"Morning bro. You ready get up? You promised Jason and Tommy we'd meet them at 12:30 today for some boarding around the neighborhood."
Ahh that's right! I did make that promise just before I left the car from last night. It's a good thing I still have 2 whole hours left to work with, that should give me all the time I need to freshen up, get some breakfast, and be out the door by 11:00 at least. I returned Paul's greeting in kind as soon as he finished speaking.
"You bet little bro. I trust you saved me some hot water today?"
"Actually, yes! I guess your luck is finally turning around for a change. Oh, and about last night? If you squeal a word to anyone, even mom and dad, you can kiss your skateboard good-bye."
Heh... charming as ever. Some things just aren't meant to change I guess, but funnily enough... I kinda like that right about now. It feels dependable, like something you can trust in and rely on.
"I'm shaking Paul, you have my word I won't say a thing to anyone."
Paul said nothing, but gave me a kind smile while flashing me a thumbs up, which I returned without hesitation. It really did my spirits some good to see how well our relationship was improving. I felt like I was talking to a best friend for life, rather than just my pain in the ass, kid brother that never misses an opportunity to pester me. I quickly jumped out of my covers in an effort to get ready for the rest of the day ahead of me. I took about 20 minutes to shower up before I strutted down-stairs into the kitchen to get some grub in me. It wasn't anything special, partially because I slept in for much of this morning, but an egg omelet with cheese, a blue berry muffin, and 2 bowls of cereal coupled with plenty of milk gave me all the energy I'd need to start skateboarding around the neighborhood with my friends and bro.
Before I announced to my folks that I'd be out with my friends skateboarding, my mother gave me an odd looking card of some kind. I had no idea where it could be from, but my mother gave me a pretty juicy hint in the form of awkward giggling, and a slight tinge of red building up in both of her cheeks as she did so... Ohh God.
My dad gave us the usual parenting shtick about us not staying out for too long (lesson very well learned, I promise you), and not talking to strangers (self-explanatory). We soon raced out of our front door on our boards when Paul began to ask me something related to what had went down last night. If I'm being honest, I'm kinda sick of thinking about them after all these weeks of fear, panic, and stress, but I caved in just to get it over with as quickly as possible.
"So what are you gonna do about Wednesday now that this is all behind us? Are you two friends now, or... y'know?"
"U-huh, no! Why does everyone keep trying to pair us up?"
Paul looked embarrassed like he just asked the world's dumbest question. He soon explained why he was asking what he was in order to clarify what he was getting at.
"Relax dude. As crazy as this sounds, I'm not trying to annoy you. I just figured since she's been such a major part of all your nightmares lately, maybe she was hiding secret feelings for you that she didn't have the courage to admit?"
I could tell Paul's curiosity was genuine as he didn't have his usual snarky tone with him whenever we talked casually. He seemed to honestly want to know what was the deal between me and Wednesday, but as he would soon find out, there wasn't a "deal" to speak of anymore. I still didn't know her very well at all, and I really do need a break from all of them after what I went through. Truth be told, I'm not sure I ever want to see them again for the sake of not only my safety, but everyone else that's important to me as well.
"Are you serious? After all the nightmares I've suffered for weeks now, everything we both went through last night, and somehow you think we're going steady? In what universe does any of that make sense to you? No offense Paul, but I'm just happy to be free of it all finally. No more ominous visions, no more horrific night terrors, and lastly no more creepy, haunted, death trap of a mansion where we all could have died after one wrong move. We should both be grateful we're even having this conversation right now!"
Paul just shrugged both of his shoulders in response to this, having nothing else better to say or add to the discussion from there. He quickly changed the subject of the conversation with his next question.
"Alright so... what about you and I? Does our relationship stay the same, or do we have to start acting our age from now on?"
"What do we look like Paul, those creepy twin sisters from The Shining? Of course we're still gonna be the same childish goobers we've always been! It'd be way too weird for us to go all soft and mushy on each other just because we went through a life-changing experience! The only thing I want from you is to know when to stop joking, and learn to take certain things more seriously. You think you could start doing that from now on, for me at least?"
Paul took a few seconds to contemplate his decision while I looked at the streets we were now crossing through. In just about 10 minutes from now, we should be reaching Jason's house, and Tommy should already be there waiting for us. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to have a sleepover given how exhausted we all were from last night. A good 5 minutes passed by when Paul finally turned his head back to look at me as I prepared myself to listen to his answer.
"That sounds more than fair. I'm just glad we can still keep annoying each other on a regular basis. What's the point of having siblings if you can't make them rip their hair out?"
I couldn't help but laugh at what he just admitted to me. It was nice to see we were in fact closer than ever before, but that our relationship and the way we interacted with each other didn't have to be different at all. We'll always be pains in each others asses, but thankfully we both should now know to be serious when we have to be.
"I hate to admit this out loud, especially in public, but... you're a really cool brother Stewart."
My heart warmed up considerably at what he just told me. That was probably the most meaningful compliment I've ever received, or ever will receive in this world from anyone. I couldn't be happier at the fact it came from my own brother. I repaid his compliment with one of my own.
"And you're the best little brother anybody could ask for Paul."
We both gave each other a fist bump of epic proportions before I wrapped my arm around him as we continued to skate off toward Jason's house. In the back of my mind, I remembered that card my mom gave me before I left the house today. A part of me wondered what it might have said, but a much greater part of me had enough of taking chances on random things that I never wanted any part of to begin with. Even so, I decided to read it briefly as I was riding my board, preferably without Paul butting in. The note had some typical halloween style decorations on it, with some neat hand-writing on it which I recognized as Wednesday's. It read as followed.
"Thank you again for visiting us at our mansion. You've given us the best Halloween we've had in decades. I left my phone number at the bottom of this card if you ever wanted to visit us again... just in case.
Sincerely, your friend. - Wednesday Addams of the Addams Family."
Hmmm... allow me to respond to that offer in the following way.
I sent it flying over my shoulder and into a storm drain, never to be seen again. Paul to my brief aggravation, noticed I just threw something over us both. Predictably, he asked me what it was I just threw.
"What was that you just threw?"
"Absolutely... nothing."
With that said, we both continued to board our way to the house of one of my best friends, never to be troubled with any of this insanity ever again, and it's good riddance as far as I'm concerned.
Even after everything I've been through, I'm not sure whether or not I believe in destiny, or if everything as we know it just happens by chance. I'd like to think you can make your own destiny as life goes on, but I know there's plenty of things beyond my capacity to understand. That won't stop me from acting on the things I know to be true though, like protecting the people and things that are important to me, like my family and friends.
As for the Addams family and Wednesday, I guess I'm just not meant to understand them, but just like before this all started, as long as they keep away from me and my loved ones, it doesn't really matter to me what they end up doing from here. I think I might try to get moved to another class to get away from Wednesday all together, but that's probably just wishful thinking on my part. I'm not interested in getting a girlfriend right now, and even if I was, odds are I'd prefer one that won't drug me just to get me into her house one night. As for us being friends... maaaaybe one day? When everything settles down, but until that day comes (if ever), I've got all the love and friendship I could ever want. I've got an awesome brother, loyal friends, loving, devoted parents, and enough candy to last me for a life-time! Call me crazy, but somehow I think I'll manage just fine.
In the end, I'm just happy to be alive right now. Thanks for listening to my story, whomever might be listening out there, and until next time...
... Later! :)
A/N: I know I know!! Many of you might be pondering the reason as to why I decided to have Stewart and Wednesday go their separate ways, and if you'll give me a few precious moments of your time, I believe I may be able to explain.
For starters, this humorous little saga was designed with 2 key visions in mind. The first being that the "normal" people in fanfics involving the Addams family, such as Stewart and his friends, automatically have to be depicted as somehow corrupt or evil by default to make the Addamses look normal by comparison. The second being that the shy, awkward boy always has to get with the girl in the end because the plot demands it. Based on this trope, I envisioned a scenario where 2 people can come into each other's lives, and leave just as abruptly as they encountered one another. The reality is not all people are meant to be friends, let alone lovers with one another. That of course, isn't the same thing as being each other's enemy either. There's some people in life you just don't feel much of anything towards, which is largely Stewart's perception of most people outside his own social circle. He just wants to get through each day with as little drama or damage as possible, and for the most part focuses on the people that are genuinely important to him. To a degree, the same could be said of the Addamses themselves as well, though they are of course quite friendly and generous with all they come into contact with regardless.
In the end, I understand completely if not all will be happy with this decision of mine, and should you desire to see a continuation of this saga sometime in the future, do not hesitate to notify me of it whenever you wish! In time, I have another Addams story to be pushed out in a few weeks if I can manage the time for it, and I also intend on releasing an Ed, Edd, N Eddy fanfic over the course of this coming weekend! Overall, I sincerely thank all whom have offered any support to my work here, as well as every last view count that this story has earned. Peace and blessings be upon you all, and I look most forward to seeing you in the next tale I have constructed, farewell!!!