Angel In Disguise

ten

angelica's pov - november 27th

She left. Abby had just left, not even bothering to shut the door completely. I could've ran after her, or made a run for it. God this is all so confusing. There is no way she can be serious. She loves me? Then why has she not offered to let me go back home?

How can you claim to love someone but berate them for mispronouncing words or mocking their accent. She is constantly grilling me for the simplest things. I can't wrap my head around the fact someone like Abby who is cold hearted and rarely smiles, loves me.

I had slammed the the door with a huff and locked it with the keys, setting them on the kitchen counter. I have no other choice but to wait for her to return. So that she can explain herself and I can tell her how I feel.

I don't think I love Abby but I can't deny the fact I look for her approval.

And for the first time in my life she acts as if I'm not fine china. She isn't afraid to hurt my feelings or ground me. I don't understand anything. I should hate her.

Why don't I hate her? She killed my dad. Maimed Ellie, who is practically my sister. Abby literally traveled states away and crossed a massive body of water to find Ellie. But decided to kidnap me as some sick joke. I think maybe it's because she had no choice but to do it all. She too was once a little girl who's dad was killed for the sake of saving my sister. Abby felt it was right to do the same.

Ellie and Abby are a lot alike, if the situation was different I think they'd get along. They both have been guided by anger.

After two days pass I wonder if Abby is okay, I have no clue where she would even be. I don't know anyone but Mike at the stadium so I don't dare ask. If they knew I was alone I have no doubt they'd do something to me. Abby told me not to trust anyone, I'm sure she meant it, that they aren't good people.

I keep busy decluttering the counter and wash our bedding.

After Abby had been gone five days I realize it's Monday, which means we're supposed to be hunting this morning. Abby took the shotgun so I spent some of my morning sharpening sticks to make arrows and binding more sticks to create a bow. My fingers hurt and I had to pluck a few splinters but I'm actually proud of my work. Maybe I could fit into this world after all.

Heading into the forest the sun has just reached it's peak but the autumn air stings my cheeks. I duck down behind a shrub and hold my breath. Waiting to hear a branch snap or water rustle in the background.

Just as I'm about to give up and head to another area I hear a loud growl and it feels like the earth shakes beneath my feet. I peak over the bush and catch sight of a medium sized wolf. Holy fuck, it was beautiful. Hazel eyes are outlines by dark fur, the rest of it's body a light grey.

Internally cursing I feel mad that Abby never mentioned these are local animals in the region. I tighten every muscle in my body, wondering if I should wait for it to pass or attack first. Maybe I should have already fled the forest in hopes to save my life.

Just as I load up two arrows I take cover behind a tree but it's too late. It already noticed me and it eerily starts stalking in my direction. With no other choice but to fight for my life in the chilly forest I take a breath and aim.

It runs towards me but I wait. It gets closer, I wait. Just as it's in striking distance I shoot my two arrows right into it's skull and run towards the creak with every fiber in my being. Afraid it wasn't enough and I needed to reassess the situation.

I sit loaded, waiting for my demise but it never comes. I stand slowly and look over at the wolf.

Lifeless.

The weight on my heart is heavy. It never gets easier killing but Abby has made me pretty good at it. For our survival.

I wait a few more minutes before laying the tarp down, dragging it's already cold body along all the fallen leaves. I struggle carrying it the forty-five minutes but I managed. It was a pretty heavy load to carry to town, especially with the rigid temperatures. My already sore fingers felt as if they had fell off.

Spotting Mike I wave at him, he has one of the guys assist me with pulling it the rest of the way.

"Wow! This fella is big! How did you manage this?" He cheers.

"Oh ya know, a hunters magic touch," I smile slyly.

He thanks 'our' hard work and I rush to get back home and wash the stains of blood off me. I'm glad he didn't question where Abby was, I'm not a great liar.

Just as I pull the keys out to unlock the door I notice Abby round the corner from the back. Before I can get her attention she bumps into me, her hand reaching for the doorknob. Her eyes shoot up to mine and she gasps. Her hair is slicked back in a tight braid and she looks tired.

I decide to break the silence, "Hi."

"Why are you covered in blood?" She asks while lifting my arms and looking at my waist tugging at the many layers of clothing.

"It's Monday... so I went out to hunt," I tell her as she pulls me inside. I set the keys on the counter and kick my shoes off. She then takes notice to the makeshift bow and arrows on my back.

"You made that? Wow.. that actually looks pretty good Angel," She says and I can't help the blush that's on my face.

"Thank you." I breathe out and decide to bite the bullet. "I think... I think we should talk."

"Yeah... yeah we should." She whispers while looking away from me, and I can feel my heart thump against my ribcage.

I walk towards my room and tell her we should both shower and meet in the living room when we're done, she just numbly nods and stalks off to her room. This is going to be awkward.