Chapter 2
Wednesday got her chance to literally target Xavier later that day during fencing practice.
"Do you dare to duel me, Thorpe?" she challenged him.
His short hesitation confirmed her believe that something was wrong. Xavier wouldn't fear being defeated by her. When she turned out to be better at archery than him he didn't seem to mind much.
"Sure, Addams."
Wednesday showed a few of her more easy moves and Xavier didn't bad at parrying first, but it didn't take more than a minute for him to be out of breath. Very unusual for someone who did fencing, archery and jogging on a regular basis.
"So you're fine, yes?" Wednesday stated with her rapier at his throat.
Xavier sighed. "I'm a bit out of shape. Too much Netflix and fast food during the break."
"And that's the reason why you lost about 15 pounds? Stop trying to take me for a fool."
Wednesday closed the distance between them and started to examine what little she could see from his body in his fencing uniform. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and examined his shoulder when she was hit by a vision.
Xavier laying on a bed in the infirmary, deathly pale, eyes closed, barely breathing.
A picture of his chest which was basically a whole bruise.
When Wednesday came back to her senses she was laying on the ground, her upper body in Xavier's arms.
"That's it, you're going to the infirmary," Wednesday insisted.
"Says the person who was unconscious a moment ago."
Swiftly, Wednesday got up, grabbed Xavier's arm and pulled him towards the infirmary, not bothering to argue with him anymore.
When they had reached their destination Wednesday was greeted by the school nurse.
"Miss Addams, I see you made it three days without the need to come here this term. What is it this time?"
"We're not here because of me." Wednesday pointed to Xavier. "He is injured. Have a look at his chest."
The nurse raised an eyebrow. "What's the problem, Mr. Thorpe?"
Xavier sighed. "Wednesday, thanks for bringing me here. I think we'll manage from here."
Ignoring Xavier Wednesday turned towards the nurse. "He is out of breath easily and obviously in pain."
"Alright, then I'll start with a general exam. Where do you feel pain, Mr. Thorpe?"
"No exam and no answers until we're alone. Ever heard of medical confidentiality, Wednesday?"
Wednesday considered to argue further, but decided to grant Xavier's wish for now. Getting him examined was more urgent than getting answers. But she would get her answers. From Xavier or with good old snooping.
As soon as she had left the infirmary, Wednesday send Thing back in.
"And be careful not to get caught."
Wednesday waited outside, impatiently waiting for Thing to come back with more information, which he did about 10 minutes later.
He didn't notice me, but he warned the nurse that I might be there. She did examine his chest. There's a bruise, but not nearly as large as in your vision. About hand sized, right over his heart. Xavier is staying in the infirmary. The nurse did an X-ray to confirm "if it is what it looks like." I couldn't get close enough to see the picture. They sounded very worried. This is serious.
Wednesday frowned and ordered Thing to stay and hide until Xavier was asleep and the nurse was gone and then steal the X-ray picture.
She did her homework and tried without success to concentrate on writing. When Enid had gone to sleep Wednesday went to bed, too, but lay wide awake, waiting for Thing to return. When he did and handed her the X-ray picture Wednesday could barely hold in a gasp.
The picture showed a hole in Xavier's heart, as if he'd been stabbed.