10, lonely

The room felt quieter once Pugsley left, the door shutting with a soft click. Ari sank down on the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. Her thoughts were still tangled up with Liam's words, his hurt expression burning in her mind.

Gia hesitated for a moment, then padded over and sat beside her, their shoulders almost touching. "He didn't mean it like that, you know," she said gently, her voice low.

Ari sighed, resting her chin on her knees. "Yes, he did. And he's right."

Gia tilted her head. "Right about what?"

"That I've been... different. I mean, I didn't even notice. He's been feeling left out and I was too caught up with Pugsley to realize it. That's not me, Gia. I don't forget people. I don't..." Her voice broke, and she let out a shaky breath. "Liam was my first real friend here. He made me feel like I belonged. And now I've made him feel like he doesn't."

Gia studied her quietly for a moment before giving a small shrug. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean it's too late."

Ari lifted her head, blinking at her. "What if he hates me now?"

Gia chuckled softly, bumping her shoulder. "Liam? Please. That boy's practically glued to you half the time. He's just... hurt. He wants you to notice him again, Ari. And maybe you should."

Ari bit her lip, considering that, her chest aching with guilt. "I don't want to lose him."

"Then don't," Gia said simply, leaning back on her hands. "Talk to him. Show him you care. Because I know you do. You've just been... distracted."

Ari gave a faint smile at that. "Distracted by Pugsley, huh?"

Gia smirked knowingly. "Exactly. And don't get me wrong, you two are kinda cute. But Liam's your friend, Ari. He needs you, too."

Ari nodded slowly, determination settling in her chest. "You're right. I'll fix this. I have to."

"That's my girl." Gia smiled warmly and pulled Ari into a hug. Ari leaned into it, her arms wrapping around Gia's middle, finally letting herself breathe.

"You always know what to say," Ari murmured against her shoulder.

Gia chuckled. "Well, somebody's gotta keep you from spiraling." She pulled back just enough to look Ari in the eyes, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "You've got a good heart, Ari. Don't let one fight make you think otherwise."

Ari gave a small smile, though her eyes were still watery. "You're too good to me."

"Of course I am," Gia said with a playful roll of her eyes before squeezing her again. "Now... tomorrow, you go find Liam. Apologize, spend time with him, remind him why you're his favorite person."

Ari laughed softly, finally feeling a bit lighter. "Yeah. Tomorrow."

Gia nodded firmly. "That's the spirit."

"Gia?" Ari's voice was small, hesitant.

"Yeah?" Gia turned her head, curious.

Ari chewed on her lip before blurting, "I probably made you feel like that too. And... I'm sorry. And I love you."

Gia blinked, a little stunned, before her lips curved into the gentlest smile. She shook her head and pulled Ari into another hug, even tighter this time. "You don't ever need to apologize to me, Ari. I know you love me. I've always known."

Ari buried her face in Gia's shoulder, warmth spreading through her chest. "Still... I needed to say it."

"Well, I love you too," Gia said softly, ruffling Ari's hair like an older sister would. "Always have, always will. Even when you're distracted by that Addams boy."

Ari let out a laugh, muffled against her. "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"

"Not a chance," Gia teased, leaning back just enough to look at her. "But that's what best friends are for."

———————

Meanwhile, Liam stormed out into the cool night air, hands shoved deep into his pockets, the tension in his shoulders practically radiating. The courtyard was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant laughter from students gathered near the fire.

"Woah, who angered you, vampire boy?" Ajax's voice called out, breaking the silence. Liam flinched slightly at the familiar teasing tone but didn't turn around immediately.

"I—It's nothing," Liam muttered, trying to keep his voice even, though the tightness in his chest betrayed him.

Ajax tilted his head, stepping closer, a grin tugging at his lips. "Nothing? You don't storm out like this for nothing. Spill it, or I'll assume someone insulted your favorite hoodie... again."

Liam finally looked at him, jaw tight. "It's... complicated."

Ajax raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Complicated, huh? You mean like the time Enid ignored me all summer? Or like the time she's been acting like I don't exist since school started? Yeah, I get it. Painfully complicated." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Look, I know that feeling. She was with me, then poof gone. Ignored me. And now she's with someone else. Brutal. But trust me, bottling it up doesn't help."

Liam let out a long breath, running a hand over his face. "It's not the same... It's Ari, and... I just..." His words trailed off, frustration mixing with guilt.

Ajax clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Ah, the Sinclair problem, huh? Got it. You care about her, don't you?"

"I... maybe more than I should," Liam admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ajax smirked knowingly. "Then stop hiding it, vampire boy. But don't be stupid about it either. You're better than that."

Liam nodded slowly, letting Ajax's words sink in, though the turmoil in his chest didn't vanish completely.

"Am I wrong for getting angry at her?" Liam asked, his voice low, almost lost in the night breeze.

Ajax leaned against the railing, arms crossed, eyes narrowing with mock seriousness. "Am I wrong for getting angry at Enid?" he countered, the memory of his own summer wounds flashing in his expression.

Liam blinked, confused.

"So... no?" he asked hesitantly, searching Ajax's face for judgment.

"Yeah. No," Ajax said firmly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Not wrong at all. Feeling something means you're human... or vampire, in your case."

Liam let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, feeling a little lighter but still restless. "Guess... I just don't want to mess things up with Ari."

Ajax's smirk widened. "Then stop worrying and start acting smart. You'll figure it out."

Liam nodded, staring out into the dark courtyard, the tangled mess of emotions still swirling, but at least now a little clearer.

————

Ari tossed and turned in her bed, the moonlight spilling across the room. No matter how she tried, sleep wouldn't come. Something gnawed at her chest—Liam, the tension from earlier, the mess of emotions she hadn't sorted. Finally, she sighed and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

She slipped on her shoes and quietly left the dorm, hoping to find Liam before he wandered too far. First, she went to his room.

"Hey, Ari," his roommate mumbled, half-asleep, "he's not here."

"Thanks," Ari whispered, not bothering to explain why she was looking. She left and walked toward the empty night, the cool air brushing against her face.

As she rounded the corner near the outer gardens, she saw a tall, dark figure moving with purpose.

"Wednesday?" Ari called out, quickening her pace. "Where are you going?"

Wednesday didn't stop, her usual deadpan expression in place. "To Willow's Hill. I need to get my uncle Fester out of there."

Ari blinked. "You... what?"

"Would you like to come along, or are you just going to stand there and ask questions?" Wednesday replied, her tone flat but commanding.

Ari grinned, the thrill of adventure already bubbling in her chest. "I'm coming. Let's go."

Without another word, Wednesday led the way, and Ari followed, their shadows stretching long behind them under the moonlight. They moved silently through the grounds, careful to avoid the watchful eyes of any night patrol.

Ari's heart raced—not just from the risk of sneaking out, but from the excitement of being with someone like Wednesday, someone fearless and untouchable.

Soon, they reached Miss Capri's car parked near the edge of the school. Wednesday opened the trunk with ease. "In," she commanded, gesturing to the small space.

Ari crawled inside, the trunk closing around her with a soft click. The car hummed to life, and before she knew it, they were rolling toward Willow Hill, the night stretching endlessly ahead of them.

————

A/N

So Umh

You guys should thanks DestinyStackhouse6 for new chapters she gave me idea😁😁

Another chapter in the morning