Disclaimer: I do not own American Horror Story or any of the characters. I only own my OC.
A/N: I was able to finish this chapter a lot sooner than I thought. I hope you guys will enjoy it. I'm thinking the next chapter will finally start to head into episode one of Season three. So you'll see Zoe show up and read her interactions with Layla ^.^ Anyways, this is mainly a filler chapter with just more Layla and her getting used to being in New Orleans. Her and Madison do share more scenes together and there also a brief appearance of a character I think you guys will enjoy a lot. Also I just wanted to point out that Layla is such a Harry Potter fan, which I'm sure you guys already knew based on the many references she's made. She also loves other popular fandoms as you guys will find out. Really, overall she's just an adorable nerd.(:
anonymouscsifan: I know a lot of people don't like Madison. For awhile I didn't either but she grew on me. If you've watched Season 8 you see how much she's changed for the better. Her character is definitely developing, which was something that should have been done in Season 3, but they didn't. I am glad she's changed now though for this newer season. It gives me ideas with how Madison will interact with Layla in Season 8 when she returns. Layla is not a replacement for Zoe. Zoe will be in this story and will hopefully show up in the next chapter. This is actually going to be an eventual Kyle/OC/Zoe fanfic. I know it's sad that Layla feels like her mother Katherine didn't want her anymore. Some people aren't meant to be parents, or were never never meant to be good parents, as you mentioned. Katherine Bradshaw is an example of that. Although she does love Layla, her love for her daughter is not as strong as it's suppose to be. Katherine will be mentioned several times throughout the story. As well as Layla's father. Who she severely hates, but is still afraid of him.
Laurel: Thanks for the review! Hope this chapter was satisfying enough for you. Even without the full Midday gathering. It is mentioned. Don't worry when Zoe arrives there is gonna be another Midday gathering scene. With a tad bit more dialogue because of Layla.
Jurana Keri: I'm glad you liked that I changed the scene. Although Layla didn't like the prank it was somewhat fun to write because the others got to witness Layla use transmutation, which is something Madison was very curious about as read in the last chapter. It's going to be interesting when Zoe does arrive because you'll read about how Layla isn't one hundred percent into the whole pranking thing that Madison has planned out. Or I guess it's more of a hazing thing. An initiation of some sorts.
TheNymphOfTheCherryTree: Madison is the one character we all love to hate. Her character is definitely complex but that's what I find interesting. She's a mean girl but I feel that her character could have been developed more especially because of the shit she went through in Season 3. She does have redeemable qualities because so far is Season 8 her character has changed. Especially after watching episode 6 of Season 8. I can say that I am now 100% a Madison fan xD I feel like by Season 8 her and Layla will have a better understanding with one another. And I see Layla eventually forgiving her for all the shit she did in Season 3. As for now though Layla and her are gonna have a interesting "friendship" if you can call it that. I know I am excited to bring in Zoe because that's when shit starts to go down. Her and Layla are going to be the ultimate best-friends and power couple later later on ^.^ It's interesting that you brought up Orion as Layla's familiar...I didn't actually think someone would bring that up but I'm glad that you did. Is he her familiar though? You'll just have to wait and see.(:
belladu57: Thanks! I'm glad you're liking the story!
Hpfan: Thanks again for your review! Layla's power of empathy is very important throughout the story. She's gonna struggle with it at first as you will read in this chapter and the following ones. But once she gets the handle of it you'll see how useful it can be. Empathy has always caught my interest as a power and I wanted to use it in this story for my OC.
SkittlezxBabex146: Aww I know, isn't Orion the cutest? Don't worry, Layla will eventually get Madison back for the whole locking her in the closet.
P.S. If you guys haven't tried the chocolate candy Sky Bar...OMG dude they are good. Totally unhealthy but what candy isn't? xD
"This is going to sound crazy, but... from the moment I first set eyes on you I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." ― Leigh Fallon, Carrier of the Mark
Chapter 4: The first sighting
It had been only a few days since Layla had arrived to New Orleans and she had to admit the city was...interesting.
Not that Layla really knew but she just assumed that it was. After all this was her first time being in New Orleans. Based on years of social knowledge though she knew that the city was a well known tourist spot. However, since arriving she spent most of her time inside Miss Robichaux's Academy. The seventeen year old had yet to actually explore the city of New Orleans.
There was a reason for that though.
As Cordelia told her, she needed to control her powers. Unless she wanted to cause another scene like she did at school. Which Layla didn't want that. Another Transmutation incident out in public was something she tried to avoid doing now. Except she also didn't want to be swarmed with other people's emotions. With all the warnings Cordelia gave her didn't mean she was a prisoner stuck inside the academy. However, Layla at the moment didn't want to be around other people.
The Bradshaw girl felt she wasn't ready yet to go out in the open.
It wasn't the same as if she were just inside the academy with the others that were there. Not that were a lot of them to begin with. As Layla quickly found out during the Midday Gathering they had after her arrival. Since then Cordelia had been helping Layla control her powers. Or at least tried to. It was a lot easier said than done. Not necessarily with Transmutation but with her power of Pathokinesis. Layla was finding it hard to master that specific power. It was too overwhelming.
Especially after Cordelia told her about the tragic history of the past witches who had the same emotional power. Not that there was a lot of them. Coming across a witch with the ability of Pathokinesis was very rare. Especially nowadays, and there was a reason for that. Cordelia had been very clear on how glad they were able to get to her before her emotional powers were able to get the best of her...or actually the worst. And after hearing about the tragic past of those witches who had the misfortune of having this specific power, Layla too had been glad they got to her in time.
Despite being glad that she was found in time before anything awful happened to her, Layla was still unhappy with the reality of the situation. Although the academy was like her safe haven now, she didn't feel like she belonged. The Bradshaw girl felt really out of place. Then again she had always felt out of place. This time though it was because this academy wasn't her home...not that she had a real home anymore. It wasn't that she hated the other girls.
Well, Layla strongly disliked Madison for the prank she did. The other girls had apologized but Madison hadn't. That, however, didn't mean that Layla hated her. Still, she did her absolute best to ignore the blonde actress, unless she had to respond to something that more than likely Cordelia asked her nicely to do. It was hard to say no to Cordelia, especially since the older woman had been nothing but nice to Layla since her arrival. Cordelia was the only other person in the academy that Layla would openly talk to. She really had no difficulty speaking with her.
Now it wasn't like Layla fully ignored Queenie and Nan like she did with Madison, but even with them the conversation would be polite, short, and simple. Orion was enough company for Layla. At least that's what she would tell herself. In her mind Layla rationalized that she distanced herself from the others because that's what she was used to.
Growing up Layla never really had any close friends, and there was a reason for that. Overall though it was just easier to not form friendships or establish relationships. Even with the crushes she's had in the past, Layla knew she would never want it to become serious with anybody. Detaching herself made the hurt of getting rejected by those who were supposed to care for you hurt less.
If only she had followed that advice when it came to her own mother...
But it had worked when in school with the other students there. Except Layla wasn't attending school anymore. Well, she was but it wasn't an ordinary type of school. There was only three other students at the academy and as Cordelia had explained to her it wouldn't be surprising if the numbers never went beyond that. That was just the unfortunate truth of the situation.
Layla Bradshaw, however, was used to solitude and not having any real friends. A choice that she had come to make throughout her seventeen years of living. Unknown to Layla today was going to be different than the usual routine she had settled on ever since her arrival.
The seventeen year old was currently making her way to the kitchen. It was around the same time she would normally be eating lunch. When she walked into the kitchen she immediately caught sight of Queenie and Nan. Queenie was sitting on the left side of the kitchen table eating a sandwich, while Nan was sitting next to her reading a book. She looked to be completely engrossed by it. Layla could understand that. She too always got pulled in whenever she read a book with a good plot. Those were the ones that made her life a little better and less dull. Well, the dull part for when she hadn't known she had been a witch. When she thought she was completely ordinary. Normal...but now she wasn't.
Layla suddenly jumped in place and let out a gasp when she felt someone bump into her right shoulder. When she turned around she saw that it was just Madison that had passed by her. The unexpected contact made Layla think about her father for a brief moment there. This tended to sometimes happen when someone would make physical contact with her. Sometimes she would have a full blown freak out depending on how physical the contact had been. This one wasn't as bad...so Layla had been able to sooth away her sudden fear. But clearly she hadn't calmed down as fast she wanted to.
Madison had seen her reaction and was thoroughly muddled to the point of annoyance. "Jesus, relax. What's your deal?" The blonde asked looking at her oddly. She was standing in front of her now, arms crossed over her chest. Madison took notice how Layla looked to be more bothered than any ordinary person would have been with just having their shoulder bumped into.
Layla was quiet, unable to find her voice. The harsh stare Madison was giving her added more to her shyness. She lowered her eyes towards the ground.
The silence grew between them, causing Queenie to glance towards them. She had been listening though as she finished what was left of her sandwich. Out of nowhere, and without even glancing away from the book she was reading, Nan spoke up. Loud and clear. "She doesn't like to be touched."
Madison harshly eyed Layla before letting out a scoff. "What did daddy touch you the wrong way or something?" She asked not at all meaning what she was saying. However, when she saw the crestfallen face Layla had on her eyes widened. That harsh look she had on before faltered. "Oh shit...did he?"
Layla was quick to reply. She lifted her gaze from the ground to look at Madison. Although she was ready to answer, her voice sounded shaky from embarrassment and fear. Fear that was still there because of her father. "It wasn't like that." She meekly explained. Her father was many things but he wasn't that deprived. However, that did not excuse him from everything else he did to her and her mother. He was still a bastard. A cold hearted bastard.
"She's right." Nan answered, this time looking up from her book. She had on a serious expression. "But it was still abuse."
By now Queenie had finished her food. She ended up throwing Nan a glare of warning after she heard her speak again. "Nan, that's enough." From personal experience, Queenie knew that sometimes Nan couldn't help but blurt out what a person was thinking. Nan didn't mean to cause trouble, but sometimes because of her power it just would lead to trouble.
From what she said on the new girl though Queenie could tell this was information Layla didn't want the others to know. Queenie could relate to that. She for one knew what it is like not wanting others to know about her personal information. She had a gloomy past and she could tell Layla did as well. Queenie's glare suddenly lessened when she saw Nan get a guilty look on her face. It was like the same one she got when they had done the closet prank on Layla when she first arrived.
"I'm sorry." Nan sheepishly apologized to Layla. She had yet to have full control of her own powers. Being Clairvoyant has its perks but it also had a lot of inconveniences. Sometimes she just couldn't stop herself from blurting out what the person was thinking inside their own heads. A person thoughts could be loud and intrusive, and as she's come to realize Layla's thoughts were pretty loud.
Layla directed her attention onto Nan. Her face was blank before she gave her a small smile. No matter how much she didn't like Nan saying that about her personal life out-loud, Layla couldn't find it within herself to be mad at her. After all Nan had a power that was somewhat the same as hers and was hard to control.
In fact, in Layla's opinion having the ability to constantly read people's mind was worse. She right away saw Nan nod her head, indicating she must have heart her last thought. Layla once again couldn't find it within herself to fault Nan for that. "That's okay." She softly told her. Nan smiled before returning to read her book.
The kitchen once again became quiet. Not necessarily peaceful but it wasn't awkward either. It soon ended though when Madison spoke up. She was still standing in front of Layla, but her arms were no longer crossed over her chest. There was also no harsh or judgmental look on her face. She actually appeared to be unreadable at the moment. Not at all like her usual mean girl self.
"Look, I'm going out to the store to get some more cigarettes." Madison nonchalantly told Layla. "Wanna tag along?"
Layla's furrowed her eyebrows, thoroughly puzzled. She pulled at the end of her jacket sleeves. Was she really inviting her? Layla's mouth opened but no real words were able to come out. She was just too confused and shocked by her invitation. "Uh..."
Madison let out a sigh. "Consider this as my way of apologizing." She drawled. "For the comment I made and for the closet incident." The blonde actress was never one to actually say the words 'I'm sorry'. This was the closest she'd get to saying that. Whether Layla accepted the apology, that was up to her. Madison did her part. However, she grew slightly impatient when Layla had yet to make up her mind. "You can stay here and wallow or go out." She said, her voice took a hard tone. "This is New Orleans after all. Why stay locked up all day?"
Although Layla didn't want to leave the academy to go out in the open, she kind of liked that Madison was being somewhat civil with her. Layla could actually feel that she was trying. There was still attitude and her usual bitchiness but Layla felt the regret that was within Madison for the comment she made about her father. It wasn't full on regret, but it was there. That had to mean something...right?
Layla decided to give in. Besides, what was the worse that could happen? They were only going to the store to buy cigarettes for Madison. Shouldn't take that long to go in and out of the store. She felt like she would be able to handle her powers for that amount of time anyways. Plus this seemed like a perfect change to practice her control as well in front of other people.
"Alright." Layla finally answered her. She became unsure again though when a question suddenly popped into her head. "Should we tell Cordelia before we go?" Layla asked. Despite agreeing to go, Layla didn't want to leave and get in trouble. She felt more comfortable if either her or Madison asked Cordelia permission.
Madison waved off her concern. "We won't be gone that long."
Layla was still unsure and was ready to say her concerns, but once again Nan spoke up.
"I'll tell her." Nan reassured Layla. She looked up from her book to give her a smile before focusing on her book again.
Madison glanced at Nan before moving her gaze onto Layla again. "There you happy? Now let's go before I change my mind." She didn't wait for Layla to reply as she made her way out of the kitchen. The blonde let out a loud gasp just when she was about to turn the corner.
Orion had chosen that moment to make an appearance. The black cat caught sight of the blonde girl and not long afterwards hissed at her before hurrying towards Layla. He affectionately ran through her legs before going on his merry way.
Watching the cat act sweet around Layla made Madison let out a huff. Once regaining her composure, she narrowed her eyes to where the black cat had gone to. Layla could see pure annoyance when looking into her eyes. "I swear that cat is bipolar."
"You're one to talk." Queenie scoffed at what Madison said. "He just doesn't like you." That got Nan to let out a laugh as she continued her reading.
Layla found what Queenie said to be true. She'd come to realize that Orion didn't seem to really like anyone besides her. The only other person the cat was semi-decent with was Cordelia. Despite not liking anyone else, Orion was nowhere near as hostile towards Queenie and Nan as he was with Madison. Orion really disliked Madison. It'd only been a few days since her arrival, and Layla already lost count of the times Orion had hissed at the blonde actress. It was like a daily routine if the black cat ever crossed paths with the teen celebrity. Layla would be a liar if she didn't admit it was kind of a funny scene to witness. It was one of the few things that actually really made her laugh.
Queenie's comment resulted in Madison giving her glare before flipping her off. The blonde then proceeded to walk away again. This time more dramatically. As least to Layla it seemed to be dramatic with the way her hips swayed. Layla sighed, figured she should follow her. Before fully leaving the kitchen, Queenie caught her attention.
"Good luck." Queenie muttered, slightly shaking her head. "You're gonna need it with that bitch."
Layla wasn't that shocked to hear Queenie use that kind of language. Especially when it was directed towards Madison of all people. As she'd come to learn, Queenie always had something to say about Madison. Not that it was some huge secret of how Queenie was no fan of the blonde actress. Layla could tell from the moment they met that there was animosity between them. Layla also learned this thanks to the unique power Queenie had.
The darker skinned witch had the ability the transfer pain onto others. Like a voodoo doll. Or as Queenie liked to call to herself the "Human Voodoo Doll." It was by far the most unique power Layla had learned about. One would be incredibly stupid to mess with a person who had that power. Clearly Madison hadn't learned that lesson yet. Not with the interesting Midday gatherings and dinners they've had so far. Madison's own powers of Telekinesis, along with her mean girl attitude had a lot to do with that.
Layla didn't end up saying anything to Queenie. She just nodded her head before quickly following behind Madison. She knew Queenie was right though. If she was gonna spend time with Madison, Layla felt like she would need all the luck she could get.
Layla didn't expect to break out into full conversation with Madison once she was in her car. But the seventeen year old also didn't think it would be quiet and awkward between them. Not that she felt any awkwardness coming from Madison. No...all that was on herself.
The Bradshaw girl wanted to say something...but she couldn't figure out what to say. That just happened to be the downside when purposefully detaching yourself from others your own age. One never knows what to say, let alone act. Layla gave up trying to initiate conversation. She sighed as she started taking off her jacket. Once she had the clothing item off, Madison got a side glimpse of her t-shirt.
There was writing in cursive on the front of Layla's white t-shirt that said: I am from another universe. The t-shirt also had the design of some space ship and the moon. The sight of it nearly made Madison want to groan. That was some sci-fi nerd shit.
Madison had to admit that she didn't know much about Layla. She only really knew four things about her.
One: Madison knew of Layla's powers.
Two: Layla was an incredibly clumsy ass girl. Madison had lost count of the times Layla had either bumped into things or had either tripped or almost tripped. The girl was a walking disaster. It was like she had two left feet. Madison felt that if Layla were in a horror movie she'd definitely would have been killed. And the reason why would because she tripped and fell during the climatic chase scene. Madison imaging that in her head found that to be amusing and ironic. Ironic because funny enough she had played the helpless victim roll in a horror movie before...and her character had died because she had tripped.
Three: Apparently Layla had been abused by her father. Hence why she was always so jumpy. Which was something Madison wouldn't have known that soon if not for her out of hand comment and Nan's Clairvoyance.
Four (and this was probably the nicest one): Layla had an alright sense of style. Now it was nowhere near her own sense of style, but Madison had to admit it was cute in it's own way. Not that she would ever admit it out-loud. Still, her thinking that was a high compliment.
However, that lame t-shirt of hers ruined the whole outfit. When the light turned red, Madison fully looked at the t-shirt with distaste. "Ugh, please don't tell me you're one of those nerds who likes Star Trek."
Layla for a second there had no idea what she was talking about. It was until she followed Madison's gaze onto her t-shirt. Finally understanding what she meant, Layla shook her head. "Of course not." The Bradshaw girl said trying her hardest to sound serious before her voice got lighthearted, throwing Madison completely off. "I'm more of a Star Wars gal."
Madison just rolled her eyes. Figures she would be a nerd. An uncoordinated nerd at that.
Layla no longer found it hard to talk with Madison. Her dissing her t-shirt was the icebreaker of things. Although she didn't like Madison hating on her t-shirt, Layla found her dislike for it rather funny. She decided to go with it and continue the conversation in a rather comical way. "I'm also a huge Harry Potter fan." She boasted rather proudly, knowing full well it would annoy her. "I love the book and movie series. I even took the sorting hat test online and I got Ravenclaw."
This time Madison couldn't stop the groan that escaped her. "Oh God, please just stop talking." She looked forward again when the light turned green.
Layla stopped talking, but she didn't hide the smile she had on from Madison for the rest of the car ride.
When they arrived at the store, which happened to be a convenience store, a thought popped up. Layla suddenly felt stupid for not thinking this sooner. "Wait." She exclaimed. By now Madison had parked and was already out of the car. She hadn't closed the door yet as she raised one of her perfect eyebrows in question. An annoyed expression was set on her face.
"What?" She asked the dark haired girl.
Layla gazed around the parking lot. By the looks of it there wasn't a lot of cars parked there but she was still on high alert. She steadied her eyes onto Madison's. "Aren't you afraid someone is gonna recognize you?"
Madison didn't appear nervous about. In fact, the blonde actress now looked rather overjoyed at the thought of being recognized. She shrugged her shoulders. "Why hide from my fans?" She smirked before finally closing the car door on her face.
Layla sighed and got out of the car. She once again followed behind Madison as they entered the convenience store. Once inside she took notice that there was a group of guys that looked to be college aged. They were talking with one another apparently deciding on what to get with the drinking options. Layla had to hold in her eye roll. Typical frat boys.
There was also two other girls in there who also appeared to be college aged but they were already heading towards the cashier. However, their attention, along with a few of the boys near the bear section shifted onto Madison when she walked towards the cashier. It really did not take long for the store customer's to recognize the teen star. Layla just sighed before going to the aisle that was in the opposite direction. She did not want to be near a crowd.
The excitement she was getting from all of them was making her want to bounce around and smile like crazy. However, she was doing the breathing exercises Cordelia had taught her, along with her counting.
100...99...98...97...96...95...
Layla kept doing that until she got a better handle on herself. She felt proud that she was working through the emotions. Then again, excitement and happiness were emotions that were the easiest to control. It was the others that worried Layla. Luckily the convenience store at the moment only had upbeat emotions.
She stopped her walking when she arrived at the candy section. Layla smiled at the sight of the candy. One specifically caught her interest. Sky Bar. She loved that candy. The chocolate candy bar was really unhealthy for people, but damn if it wasn't delicious to have. She actually couldn't remember the last time she had a Sky Bar. It'd been years that was for sure.
Just as Layla took a hold of the chocolate bar...she felt it.
All of a sudden Layla felt a warm feeling go through her body. This time her breathing exercises and counting were of no use. This feeling made her toes curl in a rather pleasant way and her heart start to race like crazy. She felt her face start to warm up as well and her breathing started to escalate. It was like the feeling she had felt when she saw that girl staring at the guy from school. Only much more intense. Clearly someone had been feeling this strongly towards someone in the store. Who exactly? Layla had no clue.
Thankfully, Madison's voice brought her out of her thoughts.
"Are you seriously going to buy that?"
Layla right away let go of the Sky Bar she forgot she was still holding.
Madison gave her a bemused expression at the way she had let go of the candy. The blonde then took notice of her exterior appearance. Layla looked flushed and in need of some fresh air. "What's with you? Why's your face all red?"
"I-I-I gotta get out of here. Can we please go?"
Madison figured she was acting odd because of that emotion power she had. She knew it probably be a smart move to leave now before Layla attracted attention onto herself. The last thing they wanted was for Layla to have a full blown freak out. Despite knowing it was crucial to leave, Madison acted the nonchalant part. "Whatever, I got what I came for." She said as she held up the pack of cigarettes. She was able to flirt her way to get them for free from the cashier when she had been chatting it up with some of her fans.
As they left though, both girls failed to notice the boy with curly blonde hair that had been in the convenience store with them all along.
Kyle Spencer had been browsing around the store's aisle collecting snacks for him and his frat buddies when the most captivating girl he had ever seen came into his view. Who was that girl? He knew the blonde girl that was with her was an actress. Madison Montgomery, but he had no idea who the dark haired girl had been. There was just something about her. Something that made his heart start to race in the most loveliest ways possible. He had never felt this way before in his life.
It was so weird...but also strangely satisfying and welcoming.
Just as he finally got the courage to try to talk to her, she left with that blonde actress. Kyle barely caught sight of them as they walked out the door. When he went outside the convenience store he tried looking for her, but she was already gone. He let out a sigh, disheartened. He was saddened by this that he didn't even turn to look at one of his frat brother, who came to stand next to him.
"What's up, man?"
Kyle shook his head, still dazed. "Nothing..." He managed to say. "I just thought...you know what, never-mind." His buddy furrowed his eyebrows before going back into the convenience store with the rest of the lot. Kyle though stayed in place for a few more seconds. He couldn't stop thinking about the dark haired girl. Even after he and his frat buddies returned to campus, the dark haired girl's image was very much implanted inside his head...and Kyle was not at all bothered by that.