Chương 15: Harvest Festival I

Ezra stood in front of the mirror in his dorm room, adjusting the collar of his shirt. He was wearing dark wash jeans, a grey t-shirt, and a black leather jacket which was stylish yet comfortable. It helped him blend in with the other students at the harvest festival, not standing out as the new kid.

He glanced over at Ash, his phoenix, who was perched on the desk watching him get ready. "Well, how do I look?" Ezra asked. Ash let out a soft trill, ruffling his brilliant red and gold feathers. Ezra smiled. "I'll take that as a sign of approval. Wish me luck tonight."

He gave Ash an affectionate scratch on the head before grabbing his phone and heading out the door. As he walked across campus, he could see students streaming towards the fairgrounds on the edge of town where the harvest festival was being held. Ezra quickened his pace as he didn't want to be the last to arrive at the meeting place.

…

Now standing at the gates of Nevermore Academy, Ezra watched the stream of students heading out to the fairgrounds. He spotted Enid and Wednesday walking towards him. Enid had a huge smile on her face, clearly excited for the festivities. Wednesday wore her usual blank expression, dressed in her customary monochromatic colors. Enid, in contrast, was a burst of color. She had on light pink leggings with a pink sweater covered in a jacket. Her hair was braided with ribbons that matched her outfit.

"You both look great!" Ezra said as they reached him.

"Thanks!" Enid replied cheerfully. "I love your jacket. It looks good with your outfit."

Ezra smiled, pleased she had noticed. "Shall we head over?" he asked.

The three of them joined the steady stream of students making their way to the fair. As they walked, Enid chattered excitedly about all the rides and games. Wednesday remained silent, taking in the sights with a detached air.

Soon they reached the fairgrounds. The harvest festival was in full swing. Upbeat music filled the air, mixing with delighted screams from the rickety rollercoaster. Little kids ran about clutching stuffed animals won at the game booths. The smell of popcorn, hot dogs, and other treats wafted from the food stalls.

Enid's eyes shone as she tried to take it all in. "Where should we go first?" she asked eagerly.

Ezra grinned, infected by her enthusiasm. "How about we start with some rides?" he suggested.

"Yes!" Enid exclaimed. "Let's do the tilt-a-whirl first!"

Wednesday raised an eyebrow. "A spinning ride? How...thrilling," she deadpanned.

Enid rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Come on, Wednesday. Live a little!"

Wednesday sighed but followed them towards the ride's winding line. Ezra couldn't help but chuckle at her lack of excitement.

After a short wait, the three of them climbed into one of the tilt-a-whirl's spinning cars. Enid squealed in delight as the ride jerked into motion. Wednesday gripped the safety bar, face impassive as they began whirling faster and faster. Ezra whooped, feeling exhilarated by the dizzying speed.

When the ride ground to a stop, Enid staggered out looking windswept but exhilarated. "That was awesome!" she cried.

Wednesday smoothed back her windswept hair. "I believe I've lived enough for now," she said drily.

"There's plenty more to do," Ezra said. "What next?"

Enid scanned the fairgrounds. "Ooh, how about the funhouse? I love the mirrors."

Ezra followed her gaze to a building with a clownish facade. "Works for me. Wednesday?"

"Very well," she acquiesced.

They headed towards the funhouse entrance. As they stepped inside, warped mirrors and illusions surrounded them. Enid laughed at her wavy reflection. Wednesday regarded a mirror that made her look like a barrel. "Reminds me of my Uncle Fester," she remarked.

They wandered through the winding halls, dodging obstacles and watching their reflections distort. Enid posed and made faces, trying to outdo each silly illusion.

"This was so cool!" she exclaimed as they exited back out into the night.

Ezra glanced over at Wednesday after they exited the funhouse. "That was entertaining. How about we go to the haunted house next could provide some amusement for Wednesday," he suggested.

"That's not a terrible idea," she replied.

As they walked towards the ominous facade, Ezra studied Wednesday out of the corner of his eye. Her raven hair and pale complexion suited the creepy atmosphere perfectly. He wondered if anything could truly scare someone so unflappable.

Inside, they were immersed in dim lighting and eerie sounds. Fake cobwebs covered the walls and skeletal props hung from the ceiling. Enid let out a small shriek as a ghoul with glowing eyes jumped out at them.

"Really, Enid?" Wednesday said with a hint of disdain. "You're a werewolf. This should seem tame in comparison."

Enid flushed. "I know, I know. I just got startled."

They continued deeper into the haunting displays. A menacing figure brandishing a chainsaw roared to life, making Enid yelp again. Wednesday remained stoic, betraying no reaction.

Ezra studied her face. "So what do you think so far?"

"Juvenile," Wednesday pronounced. "Though I appreciate the effort."

Enid rolled her eyes. "You're impossible to scare."

They passed a hallway of shifting portraits with bulging eyes. A fake bat swooped down over their heads. Enid ducked but Wednesday didn't flinch.

"Have you ever been truly frightened?" Ezra asked her curiously.

Wednesday considered this. "When I was six I attended a sleepover where we watched a film that was moderately unsettling. But nothing since."

Ezra grinned. "A moderate fright at six years old? You have a strong constitution."

"Fear is often a pointless emotion," Wednesday remarked. "I prefer more productive feelings like resentment or ennui."

Enid and Ezra exchanged an amused look. Trust Wednesday to find boredom more useful than fear.

They exited the haunted house into the bright lights of the fair. Enid stretched her arms. "Where to next? Are you hungry?"

Ezra realized he was quite peckish after their adventures. "I could certainly eat."

Wednesday gave a slight nod when they looked at her.

They made their way to a food stall selling hot dogs and nachos. Enid and Ezra loaded up on the greasy fare. Wednesday opted for black licorice and a water. Enid tried to talk Wednesday into getting candy apples, but she declined. "Too sweet," Wednesday said with distaste. Now stocked up Arms laden with food, they headed off to the game section.