snakes and shapers // 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊
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❛ ━━･❪ ᗢ ❫ ･━━ ❜

It was time for Esmeralda to head to the Edgar Allen Poe statue. She wore her converse, they were the only shoes she's ever worn. She didn't know why everyone she knew wore platforms that fitted some people but not all.

She looked around to make sure no teachers were outside since it was past everyone's curfew. Once she made it to the statue she snapped twice.

The raven on his arm lowered down before it slid away for her to enter. She made her way down to the right where the stairs were. She made her way down before she spotted a library. She spotted that no one was there. The way there were paintings of people that might've been in the society.

She spotted Morticia and Gomez Addams. Wednesday had told her how they met, by a group the two were in. Then she spotted her mother and father. Her mother was a legend at Nevermore. Co-captain of the fencing team and president of the society.

"What are you doing here?" She heard a voice ask. She turned around to see Ajax. "Marice said you guys needed two more partners. Xavier told her about it," Esmeralda explained. "Huh." Ajax nodded. The rest of the Nightshades arrived.

Esmeralda and Ajax have been hanging out a lot recently for Thornhill's project. It was the only time they'd been hanging out, nothing outside of school.

Esmeralda sighed before she asked what was in it for her if she joins the Nightshades. "We have roof parties, campo it's, the occasional midnight skinny-dips," Yoko explained giving a smirk and wink to Divina. "And Yoko's an amateur mixologist." Divina smiled and added.

Ajax crossed his arms before saying, "She makes a killer virgin mojito. It can get pretty wild." Esmeralda nodded. "I make the best piña coladas. And if you want me in I can get you guys alcohol back in Jericho." She added. Marice nodded. "She does make them really good."

Bianca gave a grin, "All pledge to invite Esmeralda Zamora?" Bianca and Marice raised their hands as well as the others. Ajax was the only one who did not.

"Ajax just because you hate her doesn't mean she can't join. Besides you, the two have been hanging out a lot lately."Marice explained. Ajax groaned before raising his hand.

Bianca smiled, "Great! You can come back here where Xavier or Ajax can give you your things after Outreach day." Bianca smiled before she left. Everyone did after.

⚔︎

Today was Outreach Day when everyone at Nevermore was given a task like Pilgrim World, The Weathervane, and volunteering at Uriah's Heap or the Mayors office everything like that.

Weems smiled before she clapped. "All students will report for their volunteer jobs at 10:00 a.m sharp, followed by a community lunch at 1:00." Weems paused, "As you know, this year Outreach day culminates in a very special event, the dedication of a new memorial statue in the town square, which will also include performances by Nevermore students," Weems explained.

Enid gave an exciting giggle to Esmeralda who smiled before looking at Ajax. One of Ajax's snakes was still out, so as you know she couldn't tell who it was. Weems continued to explain as Esmeralda fixed her focus back on Weems.

Teachers had started to hand out papers with their jobs, "I got Pilgrim World." Esmeralda told Enid. "So did I! We're gonna have so much fun there!" Enid smiled and giggled. "Let's go ask Wednesday what she got," Enid told Esmeralda before she nodded.

The two girls made their way over to Wednesday who was barely receiving her job, "What'd you get?" Enid asked. Wednesday had opened and taken a look at her job, "Uriah's Heap, whatever that is." Wednesday had told them.

Esmeralda and Enid shared a look, "Ew. It's this weird, creepy antique store." Enid explained. "They do have some good dresses in the back though, Uriah said her dresses that get donated there fit any occasion. I'm planning on getting one there soon." Esmeralda explained.

"Let's hope you and Ajax get to outreach together." Enid smiled and told Esmeralda. Enid knew about Esmeralda liking Ajax. Esmeralda rolled her eyes and looked to Ajax who smiled before looking up at Esmeralda.

She gave a little wave and smile. Ajax waved back before looking back to Xavier. "Great, I got the Weathervane." Marice groaned. "This is the third time this year I've gotten the Weathervane."

Enid and Esmeralda had seen Weems come up to the four girls and gave them a nod that they had to talk to Wednesday alone before they left Thing had jumped out of Wednesday's backpack and rushed over to Ajax and Xavier to peek at their jobs.

"If everyone could follow me please!" Thornhill announced as students followed her to the school bus where they would drive to Jericho for Outreach day. Enid and Esmeralda were the first ones on the bus.

The bus ride wasn't long it was just quiet. Being the first one on the bus means you're the last one out. Enid and Esmeralda made their way to seats where Mayor Walker would welcome them to Jericho.

Mayor Walker had welcomed them for Outreach Day. "Okay, everyone. We'll see you back here at one o'clock for lunch. Enjoy!" Weems cheered. The students had gotten up and walked through Main Street.

Enid and Esmeralda had made their way to Pilgrim World but Wednesday had stopped the two. "Esmeralda," Wednesday called out. Wednesday had handed the envelope with Wednesday's job at Uriah Heap. "Trade with me," Wednesday asked.

Esmeralda shook her head, "No thanks, I'm not trying to be weirded out at that kooky antique store," Esmeralda explained. "It's an emergency. I need to check out Pilgrim World." Wednesday explained.

"I'm sorry Wednesday but it's not a fair trade for me." Esmeralda con-cured. "Why would I want to spend the entire day there?" She asked.

"Because Ajax is volunteering there," Esmeralda's eyebrows shoot up. "Thing sneaked a peak at his assignment. But if you're not interested—"

"No! I'll trade with you. Thank you! You're the best!" Esmeralda cheered. Esmeralda scampered to Uriah's Heap. Enid and Wednesday had both walked to Pilgrim World.

Esmeralda had entered the shop. Ajax looked to see who entered. "Great, you're here." Ajax seethed. "Oh please, we both know you don't hate me. You were smiling at me not even an hour ago." Esmeralda explained.

Ajax rolled his eyes before smiling, "Fine. I know we've been hanging out for a while but now that I got to know you, I can't hate you. But parent's weekend is coming up soon so, we both play the part. Got it?" Ajax asked. Esmeralda nodded. "I get it. I can't hate you either, you're too sweet. The things Mari has told me I just couldn't hate you the day I bumped into you." She confessed.

"We should look around..." Ajax suggested, Esmeralda agreed before they both looked around. They both looked around before they looked at taxidermy animals on a shelf. They both had a confused looks on their face. "I'm pretty sure it's dead," Ajax announced. "See the tire treads across its tail?" Ajax took a look at Esmeralda's face.

"Who would do this?" Esmeralda asked. "Local artist scooped that fella up right here on Route 22," Uriah spoke as the two turned to look at her. "So if I'm saying this right, you're saying that someone goes out and collects roadkill and turns it into that?" Esmeralda asked.

Uriah nodded, "I can't keep it on the shelf. Have a whole section dedicated to these beauties." Uriah continued on. "And my personal fave..." She points. "family ferrets at a clambake. Too cute," Uriah scrunches her nose.

Uriah soon grabs two brushes and hands them to Ajax and Esmeralda. "Can you two make yourself useful and brush them out?" She asked. Esmeralda nodded uncomfortably before grabbing it.

"Hey... Uriah, how about we do it after an extended coffee break? Like a long one," Ajax suggested. Esmeralda placed the comb in her pocket before nodding. "Yeah! We can go to the Weathervane and grab you something." She agreed.

Uriah shook her head. "No need to paint for that overpriced hipster swill. I'm brewing Chaga." She told the two. Ajax and Esmeralda exchanged looks. It was her own blend.

"Better get teasing. You're in for a treat." She gives the two an uncomfortable smile before Ajax took one of the combs. Esmeralda took her's out of her pocket.

Esmeralda sighed before she grabbed one of the animals and brushed its fur. Ajax took a look at her before he realized something.

One of his snakes was out.

Ajax tried to place it back into his beanies but it would not go in. Esmeralda looked to Ajax to see what he was doing. "What are you doing?" She chuckled. Ajax looked at her, "Uh.. nothing!" He indicated. She noticed how one of his snakes was out.

"One of your snakes is out... what does it mean?" She asked acting like she didn't know what it meant. "Nothing. They come almost all the time." Ajax explained. "Mhm..." She nodded before she squinted her eyes and went back to brushing the taxidermy.

A customer came in. It was a homeless guy, Esmeralda continued to brush the animal's fur before she looked over to see him looking at the camera.

"Hi! Can I help you with anything?" She asked with a smile. The customer looked at her and smeared at her. What she didn't know is he had stolen the camera. Her smile fades before he walks away.

Ajax was busy looking at a rat and squirrel getting married. She walked to Ajax who looked confusedly at the bride and groom animals.

"That was a bummer, I tried to get a sale." Esmeralda told him, "Do you think they could ever work out? They're two totally different species." Ajax explained.

"Definitely, it depends on how they get along, not their differences. Take for example Shapeshifters and Gorgons. They hate each other but they related to each other very much. It would just be us... I mean them against the whole world." She gave an awkward smile after.

Ajax chuckled. "Wow. That was... deep." Ajax paused, "You know, by the way, I totally liked how Enid scratched the bottom of our boat at the Poe Cup." Ajax confessed. "Thanks." She smiled and hugged her arms together behind her back. "It was badass."

"But you're not mad that you loss? Marice told me how competitive you get sometimes. Take for example fencing." She guessed. "Nah, I just did a solid for Xavier. I mean, he's my boy and he's probably dating your best friend but he's super competitive." Ajax explained.

"Same with Enid. She's actually happy that we won for once after our three years here." Esmeralda told him. Esmeralda noticed that this is the only time they'd gone talking to each other without yelling at each other.

"Ajax. You realize this is the longest conversation we had without like yelling at each other right?" She proposed to him. Ajax nodded. "I didn't realize but I really like talking to you either way." Ajax shared.

"But I was taught not to engage with Shapers and others. Mom said Shapers bad news, but you're not really bad news." He added. He explained how he didn't want accidentally stone someone.

Esmeralda touches his arm, "I wouldn't be scared to be stoned by you. I mean it's temporary, but your mom is permanent." She smiled.

Ajax nodded, "She tried many years to make it temporary. My dad was afraid that during some time of their marriage she might stone him, that's why she took me with her and moved over here." Ajax explained. Esmeralda nodded. "But you mean that? Like you wouldn't mind getting stoned by me?" He asked. She nodded. "Of course! I'm not afraid of you guys."

Ajax found the opportunity to ask Esmeralda something. "Hey, so I was thinking of sneaking behind the greenhouse tonight, and I wanted to bring someone to come with me," Ajax explained.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "The greenhouse? You do know that's where a lot of kids go to hook up there, right?" She asked. "Esmeralda! What I'm trying to ask you is if you want to come to the greenhouse with me!" He ranted.

"Oh!" Esmeralda laughed. "Is that why you asked me about the rat and squirrel to see if they would work out?" She asked and he nodded, "Okay! So you wanna meet by the greenhouse tonight?" She smiled and nodded. "Yes!"

"Okay." Ajax smiled before he asked another question, "Should we still pretend to hate each other though?" He asked. "Definitely." She gave a smile. Ajax nodded as Uriah called him to help move the badger dentist to the front window. Esmeralda smiled and cheered quietly. Esmeralda smiled and looked back, "I can't believe he finally asked." She told herself.

⚔︎

Bleachers were arranged around each other. Enid and Esmeralda both looked for seats closest to the ends. Enid smiled at Wednesday before waving to her Wednesday just looked at her.

Mayor Walker had given a speech before Wednesday and the Jericho marching band had started to play Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac. Esmeralda loved Fleetwood Mac and other bands but she had to admit Blondie was her favorite.

Esmeralda smiled with Enid and Kent. Esmeralda looked to Ajax from afar as she waved. Ajax smiled at her. "What's the deal with you and Ajax?" Enid asked. "Nothing, I just waved to him." She concluded before shifting her gaze back to the band and Wednesday.

After a few minutes, the fountain explodes melting Joseph Crackstone's statue. Everyone climbs out of their seats scavenging. Wednesday continues to play a different song.

People run in different directions as smoke blows across the park.

"Esme!" Ajax called out. Esmeralda turned her gaze. "Are you okay?" He asked. She nodded before Enid drags her away. Ajax stood there as Esmeralda looks back at Ajax.

⚔︎

It was nighttime and Esmeralda was getting ready to go meet Ajax at the Greenhouse. She tried to find the right outfit to make him impressed.

"Marice," She called out. Marice drops her phone onto the side before she stands up, "Yeah?" She asked. "Can you help me? Please I don't want this to go wrong." Esmeralda implied. Marice nodded and walked to her closet,

Marice was known for having the best outfits outside of Nevermore. She picked her most best outfit. "This one. I think it fits you best." Marice noted. "I should change I don't want to be late."

"Who are you even meeting at the greenhouse?" Marice asked, "Fine, it's Ajax.." She replied. Marice gave a smile before going back to her bed and on her phone. Esmeralda had walked to her closet to change into the outfit Marice had given her.

She walked out before showing Marice. "I have to get a picture of this!" Marice smiled before taking a picture of Esmeralda in her outfit.

Esmeralda grabbed her bag before opening the door and waving a bye to Marice. "Wish me luck!" She closed the door and made her way down to the greenhouse.

It was dark and she had a smile on her face, she spotted Thornhill traveling the halls, but she didn't think much of it and continued to make her way to the greenhouse.

Once she was there she waited by the bus for Ajax. She fidgeted with the sleeve of the long sleeve shirt. She grabbed her phone from her pocket and checked the time. It was way past her curfew and everyone else's.

She sighed before texting Marice.

He's not here, it's 9 pm.

Marice had read it before she replied.

Do you have his number? If not I'll ask Xavier to text him and ask him what's taking him so long.

Esmeralda hearted the message. Marice texted Xavier about Ajax and how he never showed up. Esmeralda paced back and forth before she decided to go back to her dorm and go to sleep.

Ajax had stood her up.