Disclaimer: I do not own American Horror Story. I only own my OC.
A/N: This chapter is a continuation from the last chapter. Sorry for its not as long as the previous chapter. I'm just going to be honest and say some chapters will be longer than others. Maybe when I have time I will edit some chapter together if the story flows better that way.
Anyways, for this chapter I wanted to focus more on Madison and Layla regarding what happened to Madison. The next chapter will move on with episode two. Get excited because we all know what happens in that episode. And for all you Misty Day fans, you all know she makes an appearances as well. She and Layla are going to have quite the scenes together ^.^ I'm going to love writing their friendship as the story goes on. Also, I hope you guys like the little bit I put about Fiona knowing Layla's grandmother. Fiona knows her but how exactly? That's something Layla is going to wonder and find out as the story unfolds.
"There are two types of people in the world: those who prefer to be sad among others, and those who prefer to be sad alone." ― Nicole Krauss, The History of Love
Chapter 8: The morning after
Kyle Spencer wanted to be an Engineer.
He wanted to change the world for the better. Do some good in a world where there was a lot of damage.
That was Layla kept thinking about as Madison drove them back to the academy.
The whole car ride back was quiet. Awfully quiet. No one brought up the bus crash nor the ordeal Madison had gone through. When they had arrived at the academy and Madison parked the car, Layla had opened her mouth ready to say something. Anything really by this point. However, the second Madison saw this she acted quickly and aggressively got out of her car.
Zoe had ended up giving Layla a tearful gaze as they too got out. The light brown haired girl had been silently crying throughout the car drive and hadn't stopped. Layla's crying had stopped sometime throughout the drive. The sorrow, however, was still there. Neither girl said anything to one another as they went inside the academy. They were lucky enough not to be stopped by Cordelia. If she had caught them sneaking in, Layla had no idea how they would have explained what happened that night to her. Though Layla knew sooner or later they would have to come clean. There was just no way they could keep this to themselves.
Layla did end up crying again. Only when she was in her bedroom. Zoe and Madison were in the bedroom they shared, but even with the thick walls that were there, Layla could feel the strong emotions coming from Madison. It affected Layla a lot.
The Bradshaw girl didn't even change out of her dress. She just got under her covers and rested her head on her pillow. However, rest did not come easily. She cried that night for Madison and she cried for Kyle.
She cried a lot for the both of them.
Layla kept telling herself that things would have been better if they hadn't gone to that frat party. Far better. The beautiful blond curly haired boy she had met that night wanted to do something with his life. Kyle Spencer was an honest to God good person...and now he was gone. That was a tragedy.
And Madison...she didn't deserve what happened to her.
Layla did eventually end up falling asleep some hours later, with Orion tucked underneath her chin. Her trustful companion offered her a bit of comfort from the unfortunate events that took place that night.
Layla woke up feeling absolutely terrible in the morning.
Despite getting some hours of sleep, the horrible memories of last night came back like a slap to the face when she awoke. Layla looked like absolute crap when she saw her reflection in her bedroom mirror. The dress from last night was all wrinkly now but she really didn't give a damn. Layla didn't spare her reflection another glance as she moved on with her morning routine. After showering, brushing her teeth, and putting her hair in a usual side braid, Layla changed into a new set of clothes.
Today she decided on wearing dark washed jeans, a plain dark blue long sleeve blouse, and her black Converse. Not her usual choice of outfit considering she liked wearing dresses, but after last night she really didn't feel dressing like her usual self today.
Layla gently petted Orion on his head as thank you for keeping her company. She then left her bedroom to go downstairs for breakfast. When she arrived at the kitchen she saw how Nan and Queenie were already there. She went to say hello but stopped when she saw how their attention was focused on the TV instead. They were watching the news. Layla's heart raced when she started to hear what the news reporter was announcing.
"The Louisiana campus is still in shock over the tragic bus crash last night."
It was then after the reporter said this that Zoe walked into the kitchen. She came over to stand next to Layla as she intently started to listen as well.
"Nine members of the fraternity Kappa Lambda Gamma were on board. Seven of the boys died on the scene. Two were rushed to Troost Medical Center where they remain in critical condition. Officials will not confirm the identities of the deceased."
Layla and Zoe looked at one another, hope clear in their eyes. Two of the boys were alive. They were in critical condition but they were alive no less. The thought of Kyle being alive made Layla's heart start to race with joy. However, something within her was telling her Kyle was gone. She didn't want to believe it, but this feeling was too strong to avoid.
Layla lowered her gaze and tried fighting off the tears that wanted to escape her. She supposed she could go to the hospital and find out the truth for herself. But she seriously doubted she could handle hearing let alone seeing that neither one of those boys were Kyle. Her heart was already broken enough from last night. She ended up lifting her gaze again with what the TV news reporter said next.
"Tulane University will be holding a support group meeting for those who wish to send their love and prayers all day today."
As soon as this was said, Madison walked into the kitchen with a bored expression set on her face. She turned the TV off when she passed it.
"Hey!" Nan exclaimed, unhappy for the sudden interruption. "I was watching that!"
Madison didn't even spare her a look as she walked towards the kitchen counter. "Why? It's yesterdays news." She replied trying her hardest to sound nonchalant. "You got any Greek yogurt?" She asked Spalding who was standing near the counter. The butler spared her a glance and then walked over to the fridge to get what she asked her. As this happened, Zoe and Layla hurriedly made their way to where Madison was.
"We have to tell somebody what happened." Zoe told the actress in a low voice. "The one Layla and I met―Kyle―Madison he tried to stop it." Layla right away noticed and felt the irritation that surged through Madison when Zoe said this. "Okay, and he was on that bus."
Layla decided to add her own input when she noticed how Madison remained quiet and just scowled at them. "Madison, he didn't deserve for that to happen to him. He's innocent." She said to her in a soft but firm voice. Her voice was also as discreet as Zoe's had been.
Madison now focused her scowl mainly onto Layla. "Innocent my ass." She hissed. Madison didn't like hearing Layla defend this so called Kyle guy. Even if he hadn't raped her like the other frat guys had, in her mind he was still just as guilty. It was guilt by association.
Layla couldn't believe what she was hearing. She really disliked how Madison was saying that Kyle wasn't innocent, when in fact he had been. He hadn't raped her. Kyle had been the one to have found her and put a stop to what his frat brothers were doing to Madison. He chased after them and tried to stop them. But unfortunately Kyle had been caught in the crossfire and died unfairly. Well, maybe unfairly. As mentioned in the news cast there were two survivors from the bus crash. Though her intuition was saying otherwise. Having thought all this, Layla's expression became somber. "He didn't do anything." She heatedly insisted.
Zoe stared at Layla, surprised by how fierce she had become. Though she didn't fault her. Zoe herself wanted Madison to know the truth about how Kyle had nothing to do with her rape, besides trying to stop it and catch the real perpetrators.
Madison's scowl didn't falter and she was full on ready to tell Layla off when a new voice filled the air.
"What are we talking about?"
Layla and the others turned to look where the new and unfamiliar voice had come from. They were all surprised to see an older woman saunter further into the kitchen. She was dressed in a black dress. Her hair was blonde and around shoulder length. The woman looked to be in her late to early sixties, but she looked fairly well for her age. The black heels she had on made a clicking noise as she walked over to where Layla, Zoe, and Madison were standing. In one hand she already had a lit cigarette.
"College boys? Taken in the prime of their lives. Such a tragedy." She said in a mocking, half-hearted way. "Almost makes you want to cry, doesn't it?" She announced as she glanced at Zoe. Her stare though lingered on Layla. "But then, the world's not gonna miss a bunch of assholes in Ed Hardy t-shirts."
Layla frowned as she noticed how the woman was basically scrutinizing her. The woman grew quiet for a few seconds there, taking in the younger witch's outward form. She then spoke in an awed, disbelief kind of way.
"Jesus, you look like her."
"Excuse me?" Layla asked completely muddled. She was really shocked by her saying this. Just who was she referring to? Her mother?
The older blonde woman took a drag from her cigarette, still observing the young witch. Less severely than before. "Your Grandmother, Rosaline. I can see the resemblance." She gestured by using the hand that she was holding her cigarette. "The eyes alone are a huge give away."
Layla's shock continued to grow. In her own opinion, she didn't really think she looked like her Grandmother Rosaline. Not physically anyways. Personality sure. Although as time will pass, Layla will come to know how others will either agree or disagree with that. But at this very moment there was this woman saying she resembled her grandmother and that her eyes were a huge give away. Layla though had a feeling that it had more to do with what was behind the eyes rather than the color. Still, that wasn't was truly puzzling her.
This woman knew her grandmother. How exactly did she know her? And just who was this woman? Layla wanted to ask her these questions but she figured now wasn't the best time all things considering. Also, just by how the woman presented herself, Layla could tell she was either someone very important, or she thought of herself that way. Though even Layla had to admit she couldn't pass the sense of magic strength coming off of her. Layla knew for sure this woman was a witch. She had no doubts about that.
"Who are you?" Madison asked, full with her usual attitude. She really didn't like how this lady showed up out of nowhere and was now acting like she owned the damn place. Spalding was even looking at the older woman with a look of respect and adoration from the side-lines. The task of getting Madison her Greek yogurt was completely long forgotten.
The older blonde woman did well on casually ignoring the Hollywood starlet's question. "You know, I've got to hand it to you. A bus flip? That's not easy." Her eyes then took a steel like gaze on her. "But you are a sloppy little witch bitch."
Madison's reply was quick. "Go to hell, you stupid old hag." She sneered at her and then turned away. Layla immediately got a nervous expression set on her face, as did Zoe after hearing Madison say that.
Madison didn't get away that far before the woman lifted the same hand that she was holding her cigarette. With a simple flick of her wrist she sent Madison flying until she hit the kitchen wall. There was a loud thud sound. Layla and the others then watched as Madison slid down onto the kitchen floor from the impact.
Layla's green eyes widened from having watched that play out. "Well, damn." She said aloud causing Zoe to glance at her. She too looked just as surprised as she did.
"Say that." Queenie said with a small amused grin. In her opinion it was about time someone did that to Madison in regards to her attitude problem. Even Nan had to admit to herself how that was a rather entertaining thing to witness.
"Now, I've read all your files." The woman began informing all of them. As she was doing this she finally put out her cigarette using one of the clean plates that were on the counter. "And you're never going to become great women of our clan sitting around here at Hogwarts under the confused instruction of my daughter."
Layla's expression then turned into one of realization. So this was Fiona Goode. Their Supreme. Cordelia's mother. Now that she knew who she was, Layla could clearly see the similarities between Cordelia and Fiona. Layla let out a sigh. Well, Madison sure messed up acting the way she did with her.
Fiona caught Layla's gaze and she threw her a quick grin. "We're going on a field trip." She announced and then cringed when she got a better look at the bright orange t-shirt Queenie had on. "Jesus. Go change your clothes. Wear something black." She told all of them before finally leaving the kitchen.
Layla ended up changing into a black dress like Fiona had ordered. It was a button-down, sleeveless, past knee length dress. She still had on her black Converse. Her hair was now down with her natural waves in display. Before leaving the academy though she grabbed a black sun hat. Layla could tell by just looking out the kitchen window from the academy that it was going to be scorching day. She along with the other girls, was curious on where exactly Fiona was taking them on this "field trip."
Their Supreme was leading the group followed by Madison, Layla, Nan, Zoe, and Queenie. The older witch was going through the French Quarter. Despite being in New Orleans for a month now, Layla still looked around as if she were just seeing the city...because in a way she was.
"Where are we going?" Madison's annoyed voice rang out from in front of her. "It's too hot and my freaking vagina is sweating."
Fiona ignored her comment as she spoke. "To Popp Fountain. A kind of holy place for our order. Back in the 1970s, Mary Oneida Toups led an alternative coven down here. She and her sister witches would gather there, proudly and publicly, very much in the spirit of the times." She earnestly informed them. "But it was damaged during Katrina. And authorities used this as an excuse to declare this sacred space a safety hazard. It's been closed off ever since."
"I don't understand." Zoe commented, bemused. "What are we supposed to do if we can't get in?"
Fiona's response was quick and avid. "Tear the wall down. When witches don't fight, we burn."
Madison let out a huff. Layla could picture the actress rolling her eyes behind the sunglasses she was wearing. "This is seriously the worst field trip ever."
"Each one of you has a unique gift. Or even two." Fiona stressed out as she glanced at Layla over her shoulder. "But that's not enough to be a real witch."
Her words left an impact in Layla for some reason. She had never really thought of herself as being as someone powerful. Nor did she want to even be a witch. Yet here she was being affected by what Fiona had said.
"And you're a real witch?" Madison asked snidely.
"She's the Supreme." Nan announced, giddy.
Layla had to admit that the shocked look Madison got from looking at Nan after saying that was more than amusing.
Fiona found this amusing as well. She didn't need to see Madison's expression. The awkward silence that followed was more than enough for her to imagine the expression she had on. "You know that one..." She said referring to Nan. "She's smarter than all of you combined."
Layla agreed with that. Nan was very clever even despite having Down Syndrome. Layla could see why people would underestimate her because of that but she personally never had.
They suddenly came to a stop half way at the end of the street when Fiona noticed that Nan had fallen from the group. It didn't take long for Fiona and the girl to figure out where Nan had gone to. They all then entered an ancient looking house. From the moment that Layla entered the house she got a sick feeling in her stomach. This place has some serious bad vibes going on.
Fiona sensed this as well but did well on ignoring it. The older witch instead lead the girls further into the house. Layla reluctantly followed. As she did this Zoe threw her a worried glance. She could tell something was wrong based on how anxious Layla looked at the moment. Layla tried to give her a smile as reassurance, but she was pretty sure it looked more like a grimace. Layla and the others then came to a stop when they saw Nan. The clairvoyant witch was with another small group listening and watching a woman, who Layla right could tell was a tour guide. Ah, so this was a museum of some sorts.
"You want me to get her?" Zoe quietly asked Fiona.
Fiona shook her head. "No." She simply answered as she stepped into the room where the tour guide was in.
The tour guide, who was a plump woman who looked to be in her late forties, immediately looked at her. "Oh, excuse me. You can't just barge in in the tour without purchasing a ticket." She told her.
Fiona stared directly into the tour guide's eyes and smiled. "You're giving us a tour for free."
Instantly the tour guide nodded her head. "For free. Of course."
Layla and the others were awed by how quick Fiona had managed to asset the situation. The Bradshaw girl though knew that the reason why the tour guide woman had a change of mind was because Fiona had used Concilium on her. Not that Layla should have been surprised. Fiona was the Supreme after all. She was able to do all the Seven Wonders, and Concilium was one of them.
The tour guide then continued speaking as if she hadn't stopped to begin with. "The Code Noir a decree that dictated the conditions of slavery, did not exist on these grounds. It was replaced by the Madame's own code of terror. And the torture she inflicted on her slaves would spawn 179 years of hauntings."
Layla had to release another shaky breath of air she had taken. Well, shit. No wonder she had gotten major bad vibes the moment she stepped foot into this house.
A person who actually paid for the tour spoke up. "Wasn't this house owned by the guy in Face/Off?" This was asked as they all moved further into the house.
"Correct." The tour guide answered. "The actor Nicolas Cage was a previous owner."
Layla got a bemused expression. That was such an odd thing to know, let alone ask, but she accepted the information anyhow.
Once in the next room, the tour guide began talking again. "Madam LaLaurie was infamous for her vanity. She fought the rigors of age with sacrament of expensive creams from Europe and something else far from exotic." Layla right away did not like the sound of that and she knew what the tour guide would say next would be horrific...and she was correct. "The secret ingredient to the Madame's beauty ritual was a poultice made from human pancreas."
The feeling of being sick to her stomach returned with a vengeance as did the anxiousness. As the group now moved to go upstairs, Layla could not find the strength to climb the stairs that lead attic. She knew that if she went up there that it wouldn't be good for her. Fiona, Madison, and Nan were already up there with the rest of the group but Queenie and Zoe were still behind waiting for Layla to move. They were puzzled as to why she wasn't moving but then saw the twisted pain-filled like expression she had on.
"Hey, you okay?" Queenie asked her.
"I-I can't go up there." Layla said finally able to move away from the stairs. She backed away until she was close to hitting one of hallway walls.
Zoe made her way towards her. "Do you want to go outside?" She suggested softly.
Layla nodded her head."Yeah, I think that would be for the best."
"Go, I'll let Fiona know." Queenie informed them.
Layla and Zoe began making their way towards the front door but just before they were too far away, Layla glanced over her shoulder. "You don't have to listen to all those past horrors." She spoke aloud, causing Queenie to look at her. She was just about to climb the stairs when she heard Layla say this.
"I know, but I want to know how it ends." Queenie said in a firm voice. It did unease her immensely to hear of all the horrible pain LaLaurie caused on the slaves that had been under her roof. She, however, needed to know if justice was served or not. Layla didn't say anything, and instead gave her a subtle nod.
Layla and Zoe then made their way outside to the front. Layla took a seat on a bench that was closest to them. Zoe sat down next to her. "Sorry, I just needed air." She told the light browned eyed girl. "I couldn't stand being there any longer...not after learning all that."
"No, it's okay. I get it." Zoe replied, understanding. "It was awful to hear all that."
Layla let out a huff. "It just felt so stuffy there. So...bad." She said in a firm tone. "It felt almost like someone was being suffocated or something. Trapped." Layla shook her head at her absurdity. "Sorry, don't listen to me. I think I'm still shaken up from yesterday."
Zoe grew quiet, her gaze lowered. "I think I might go to the support thing they are having." She finally said, lifting up her gaze onto Layla's again. "The one the news mentioned this morning."
Layla stared at her in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah...do you want to go?" Zoe asked her.
Truthfully as messed up as it sounded, Layla didn't want to go. The only person she was truly mourning was Kyle. Even if there was a small possibility that he might be alive, Layla knew that deep down he truly was gone. She wanted to say all this to Zoe but instead she said something else. Which wasn't really a lie but it wasn't really the whole truth either. "I really don't think I can handle being around that much heartache right now."
Zoe didn't at all mind her answer. She actually felt relief when she said that. Which of course just resulted in Layla looking at her oddly. Zoe did her best to not let that stare get to her. "Okay, well do you mind telling Fiona I went out for a walk?"
"No." Layla answered quietly. Her gaze never faltering on her.
Zoe gave her a small smile before getting up from the bench. She started walking away but Layla calling out to her caused her to stop walking. Zoe looked back at her.
"You're just going there, right?" Layla asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Nowhere else?"
Zoe stared at her. She did her best to sound and look convincing. "Yeah."
Layla took her answer. "Okay." She said and then without saying anything else looked elsewhere. Zoe's gaze on her lingered before she began walking away.
Layla sighed hearing Zoe's footsteps go further away. That girl really needed to work on her lying. She herself could more than understand wanting to go to the hospital. The Bradshaw girl wanted to do that but the harsh reality of her finding out that neither one of the survivors were Kyle would have really crushed her. More than she already was. Layla just hoped that Zoe could handle the truth when finding out if Kyle really was alive or not.
Sadness. Shame. Revulsion.
That's all Layla had been feeling since they all arrived back to the academy...minus Zoe of course. It's been about an hour now and she still had yet to return. When Fiona and the others returned, Cordelia immediately had asked her where Zoe was. Apparently Fiona hadn't answered that question despite Layla telling her Supreme that Zoe had gone for a walk.
That was exactly the same answer she gave Cordelia. Telling her Zoe went out for a walk to clear her head. She didn't like lying to Cordelia but Layla told herself that she wasn't lying. She was telling Cordelia exactly what Zoe told her. Needless to say, Cordelia was not happy that Zoe had gone off on her own but she nonetheless accepted the answer because it came from Layla.
After excusing herself from Cordelia, Layla went to her bedroom. She spent the rest of the time doing research online. Useful research that she hoped would help Madison. Once done with that, Layla closed her laptop, grabbed the piece of paper she had written on, and exited her bedroom. She then knocked on Madison's bedroom door. Which was where all those strong emotions were coming from.
Layla heared some noises coming inside, and shortly after the bedroom door opened.
"What the hell do you want?" Madison answered with a glare. She had on a bathrobe and her hair was wet and tangled. From the looks of it she had just finished getting out of the shower. Despite Madison's glare, Layla noticed that her dark green eyes didn't have that same fire as they usually did. Madison's eyes were also red and puffy. Evidence that let her know she had been crying.
This deeply upset Layla because Madison was usually so strong. At least appearance wise. It was so weird and wrong seeing her look so weak. Especially because Layla knew the reason why.
"Here." Layla said handing a small piece of paper that she brought specifically for Madison.
Madison snatched it out of her hands and gazed at it with peaked interest. She, however, quickly replaced that interest with bratty attitude. "What the shit is this?"
"It's a number I got from the Planned Parenthood website for sexual assault victims." Layla solemnly answered her. "You don't have to tell them your name, you can be anonymous."
Madison right away let out a humorless filled laugh. "There's no way I'm going to use this." She then made a show of crumbling up the piece of paper and threw it on the ground.
Despite feeling a slight pang of chagrin from seeing that, Layla did her best to remain well composed. Madison was hurting. Layla knew she was no matter how much Madison wanted to deny it. Madison could act like she didn't give a damn, but Layla knew the truth and she always would. "Madison you were raped." She softly reminded her. Not as a way to emotionally wound her more than she already was but as a way for her to realize she needed help. "You need to talk about this. If not with me then maybe―"
"I'm not telling anybody shit." Madison snapped. "Especially not you."
Layla inhaled and then exhaled slowly. "I'm just trying to help you." She told her in an even-toned voice.
That didn't lessen the glare Madison was still giving her. "Well, do me a favor and don't."
"You're gonna have to talk about it eventually." Layla carefully told her. Her voice wavered a little as she continued to speak. Past memories regarding her father's abuse were now replaying in her mind. "Trust me, I know what it's like bottling things up. You'll break...and it won't be pretty."
Madison's glare on her softened a little. Layla's words sunk in. She suddenly remembered how Layla had suffered through abuse. It wasn't exactly the same thing that she went through but Layla still got hurt in a different way. For Layla though it was a regular occurrence since it had been her father who had abused her growing up. Madison started to feel her eyes fill up with tears. She let out an annoyed huff. "Stop using your powers. I don't need you to make me cry." She said, trying to convince herself that she wasn't really crying.
"I'm not using my powers on you, Madison." Layla earnestly told her. "That's all you...and it's okay. Cry if you want, I'm not gonna judge."
Madison angrily wiped at her cheeks. "Then why are you here? If not to judge."
Layla gave her a small, empathetic smile. "Because I want to be here and because you need a friend."
Madison let out a light scoff. "We're friends?" She questioned with a halfhearted eye roll. Despite sounding displeased, she really was curious to hear what Layla had to say.
"Right now we are." Layla answered.
After hearing her say that, Madison grew quiet as she simply stared at Layla. She blinked rapidly a few times, doing her best to not let anymore tears escape her. "You really are a nice person." She finally said after what felt like forever to Layla.
The Bradshaw girl thought she had gotten through to Madison. She felt relief, content to have helped her in some way. Except what the actress said next threw her off. Madison's voice hardened. Not in an angry way but it was in a tone of voice that resembled disappointment. "That's only gonna get you so far in life." Madison then without saying anything else slammed the bedroom door on her face.
Layla stood on the other side of the bedroom door, shocked. The dark haired girl really had no idea how to react to that. One second she thought she was making progress with Madison, and then the next nothing. Layla let out a sigh, finally gaining a hold of herself as she walked back to her own bedroom. Even in there though what Madison said still repeated over and over again in her head.