the rest of the ride to wednesday's home was quiet and awkward, filled with tension.

wednesday refused to look at tyler for more than one reason as she thought about what she had just done. meanwhile, he couldn't stop looking at her, checking every couple minutes to see if she had yet looked at him. he wanted her to, he wanted her to show him some sign of recognition.

he supposed it would just make him feel better, make him feel like she didn't hate his guts but he knew that was just the truth after everything that happened. she did hate him now and he wasn't sure what would change that, if anything. he took her opening the car door for him as his sign that maybe she didn't fully, and he wouldn't expect anything more. she didn't need to give him anymore than that and he understood.

***

as they arrived at the gothic home tyler gaped at it through the window before suddenly feeling small and embarrassed, with being kind of beat up and sitting naked in the car. what a bad first impression that would make.

once the car came to a stop wednesday got out and her parents and brother greeted her lovingly until her mother looked past her and spotted tyler, who was refusing to look towards the family, feeling extremely awkward, "wednesday, why is there a naked boy in the car?"

at the question her father also looked at her, wanting an answer. he looked more amused than anything but there was a bit of concern in his eyes. seeing a naked boy knowing he had been sitting next to their daughter for a car ride would be a concerning thing for any parent.

pugsley was just curious as he looked at tyler for too long until their mother brought him close to her and scolded him.

wednesday glanced back at tyler for a moment before looking back up to her mother, "it's a long story. take him inside and get him some clothes, then i'll explain over supper."

her mother had a slightly suspicious look but followed her daughter's instructions, directing lurch to take tyler inside the large home. "you must explain yourself well young lady," her mother warned as they all headed inside after them.

"trust me mother, after i tell you who he is you'll love him, much to my disgust," wednesday replied, silently seething. she knew her parents would adore him once they found out he's a monster and criminal but it was a huge part of the story of how he got there so they'd have to be told.

and she was not looking forward to it.