Episode 2 of *Wayward* kicks off with Abbie being warmly welcomed into the hallowed halls of Tall Pines by the enigmatic Rabbit and the stoic Mule. Meanwhile, at the scene of the incident, Riley’s lifeless body is being carefully loaded into an ambulance as the police launch into a round of intense questioning directed at Laura and Alex. Alex, with a guarded expression, recounts the night’s harrowing events to Dwayne and Walter, carefully omitting the chilling moment when Riley had whispered that Laura was one of "them." Sensing the tension, Dwayne and Walter offer Alex a reassuring nod, telling him he did the absolute right thing by safeguarding Laura and their unborn child.
Back at school, Leila frantically dials Abbie’s number, but her calls go unanswered. Her concern deepens when she spots the janitor emptying out Abbie’s locker. Desperate for answers, Leila confronts the janitor, but he remains tight-lipped. Undeterred, Leila marches into Turner’s office, her demand for information ringing out. Turner, with a composed demeanor, informs Leila that Abbie has been taken to Tall Pines. Leila’s voice trembles with emotion as she insists it should have been her instead. Turner, with a hint of sympathy, explains that the exorbitant school fees for Tall Pines are far beyond what Leila’s mother can afford. Overwhelmed, Leila unleashes her frustration, smashing Turner’s meticulously arranged Zen Garden before storming out in a whirlwind of anger.
Outside, she frantically calls Kyle, pleading for him to come and pick her up. As Kyle arrives, Claire intercepts them, her expression a mix of concern and determination. She hands Leila her hard-earned babysitting money, her words laced with sincerity as she declares that all she wants is for Abbie to come back safely.
At Tall Pines Academy, Evelyn’s voice booms over the microphone, addressing the assembled students with an air of authority. Abbie’s new roommate, Stacey, saunters into the room, her demeanor a blend of curiosity and confidence as she introduces herself. Stacey reveals that she’s spent her life bouncing in and out of various institutions, but this marks her first foray into the world of Tall Pines.
With a twinkle in her eye, Stacey takes it upon herself to show Abbie the ropes, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and strictly adhering to the school’s myriad rules and regulations. She explains that her own role at the school is that of a “pigeon,” a position that entails ensuring everyone maintains impeccable hygiene standards. Turning to Abbie, she informs her that she’s been assigned the community role, a position of responsibility and service.
As they wander the corridors, Stacey’s critical eye falls upon Daniel’s room, which she deems unsatisfactory. Without hesitation, she blows her whistle, delivering a third strike for the week—a transgression that carries serious consequences. Turning back to Abbie, Stacey outlines the developmental milestones at the academy, a structured progression that begins with the burrow phase, followed by break, build, and finally ascend. Each phase is marked by a distinctively colored bracelet, a symbol of achievement and progress.
Just then, Evelyn’s voice crackles over the speakers once more, announcing that it’s time for morning activity B, signaling the start of another day filled with challenges and discoveries at Tall Pines.
Elsewhere, as Kyle and Leila made their way to Vermont, they engaged in a tense discussion about their plan. Kyle was consumed by paranoia, fearing he might end up behind bars for transporting two minors across borders. Leila, thinking him a coward, tried to persuade him to go through with their scheme. Playing along, Kyle pretended to agree and then asked Leila to dispose of the drugs hidden in the car before they crossed the border. As soon as Leila stepped out of the vehicle, Kyle accelerated and sped away, leaving her stranded by the roadside. Leila attempted to hitch a ride, but no one stopped to help her.
Meanwhile, Alex was unable to sleep, haunted by the recent events involving Riley. He broached the idea of putting up a wall to seal off the room where Riley had died, so they would never have to use it again. Laura inquired about what Riley had said, and Alex brushed it off, claiming Riley was just having a bad day. Alex suggested they leave, but Laura reminded him that they lacked the financial means to do so. She remained optimistic, convinced they could build a life at Tall Pines. Reminding Alex of the baby they were expecting, she managed to calm him down. Alex planted a kiss on her forehead before heading out for a run.
Out in the yard, Abbie gazed into the forest. Rory, Riley's roommate, approached her and revealed the existence of a hidden fence deep within the woods, implying that anyone attempting to flee on foot wouldn't get far, especially without proper footwear. He recounted Riley's escape the previous night. When Abbie asked about the bruises on his face, Rory claimed a bird had hit him. Abbie then inquired about using the phone she had spotted earlier, but Rory referred to it as a "Judas," warning that they were always being listened to. He then handed Abbie a crayon.
On his way back from his run, Toast spotted someone and darted off, separating from Alex. Alex then stumbled upon Leila, who demanded to know why he had been chasing her through the woods like an axe murderer. Alex explained that he had thought she was in trouble, but Leila clarified that she was simply taking a solitary walk in the woods. Toast reappeared, and Leila informed Alex that she was heading to Tall Pines to assist a friend. When she asked where they were, Alex replied that she was already in Tall Pines and that he had just moved there.
Alex offered Leila a ride to Tall Pines, but she declined. During lunch, Daniel forcefully pushed Stacey's face into her lunch tray. Stacey blew her whistle, prompting the guards to rush in and drag Daniel away. They administered a sedative as Abbie tried to check on Stacey and accidentally brushed against her. In response, Stacey scratched her.
Later, Alex went grocery shopping and encountered Hugo, who apologized for the incident involving Riley, assuring him that it would soon be resolved. Upon returning home, Alex found Evelyn already there for dinner, a gathering he had forgotten about. They eventually sat down to eat together, and Alex showed Evelyn the sonogram. Evelyn was thrilled for them and delighted that the house could still nurture new life.
When Alex inquires about the former occupants of the place, Evelyn responds with an enigmatic statement: "If something is unloved for too long, it ceases to exist." She then turns to Laura, suggesting they engage in a game while Alex indulges in another bottle of wine. Abbie, after experiencing her first scratch, curls up to sleep on the floor. Upon Alex's return with the wine, he discovers Evelyn and Laura deep in conversation about Laura's parents. Laura informs Alex that they are participating in the "hot seat," a game centered on self-accountability. Evelyn probes Laura, asking if she believes being abandoned by her parents will render her an unfit mother, but Alex swiftly attempts to divert the conversation from this sensitive topic.
Evelyn assures Alex that Laura is capable of self-protection and urges him to join the game. Alex misconstrues the game's purpose as an opportunity to be rude to one another, whereas Evelyn clarifies that it's about honesty. She offers Alex a reassuring promise to be there when he needs to discuss Riley, before making her exit. Meanwhile, Leila stealthily boards a bus that's pulling into Tall Pines.
Alex is jolted awake from his slumber by a loud, distant banging. Armed with his gun, he follows the sound, which leads him to Laura, who is sleepwalking. Gently, Alex guides her back to her bed. As the episode draws to a close, Aby attempts to peruse the handbook, simultaneously using a crayon to scribble a letter to Leila in the notes section. The scene then shifts to Leila, who is sprinting towards Abbie, desperately trying to free her, only to be restrained and dragged away by the guards.
