Messy - Abby Anderson x Fem Reader

Chapter 11 - I'd rather you than him.

The next day...

"Let's go see Mel, hmm?" I murmur to Lev, rubbing my cold hands as we step down from the porch of a resident's cabin. All day we've been running errands for Thomas since he says we've gotta make up for our sudden stay - I'm pretty sure Leanne talked him into that just to prove how much she still hates me.

"Okay," Lev replies, hopping down the steps behind me as I make my way down the path to the daycare further in the settlement. It's a little bit of a walk to ensure that it's well protected in case anything were to happen to this place. Just the thought brings a shiver down my spine. "Are you cold?" he asks, jogging up right beside me and looking up at me.

I meet his worried gaze and shake my head, shoving my hands in my pockets for warmth. "I'm good, Lev. Don't worry. Are you cold?"

"I'm okay," he mumbles, looking back down as his shoes imprint in the snow with each step.

The paths are quite empty today as there are three groups out on patrol. Abby went along too and I think one of the guys have taken it upon themselves to mentor her. I can only imagine how much of a fool he'd realise he is once he sees her save his ass.

And no, I'm not jealous. I'm... aware of Abby's ability.

I'm also simply trying to make light of the situation we're in. Yeah, that's it. I want to move on from the sight of Abby crying over Owen's body, and the sight of my hands soaked in his blood... The memory makes me let out a shaky sigh as my footsteps slow down to a halt. I try to take a deep breath as I close my eyes. I need to forget about it.

"Y/N?" Lev asks quietly, stepping in front of me.

"I'm fine," I mutter, my voice wavering slightly as I bring my cold hands up to my cheeks. The sensation of my cold skin shocks me a little which forces me to take another deep breath. Opening my eyes, I look at Lev and try to soften my gaze. "Let's keep going." And I keep walking.

Lev moves aside, watching as I go but he soon follows after.

Once we make it to the nicely decorated daycare and step inside, I relish in the warmth, my shoulders relaxing as I look around. Rugs cover the wooden floorboards and are littered in small handmade toys as well as plushies. Cushions drown in every corner, acting as insulators - overall, it's a comfortable place.

"There she is," Lev mumbles, pointing to a corner where Mel sits on a chair, a young girl sitting in her lap as they gush over a stuffed animal. It's a cute pink shark which the young girl is holding and wafting in the air as she giggles. It's almost the end of the evening so it's not a surprise that there's only one kid here.

"Hey, Mel." I don't walk over as I want to keep my distance from the kid. Somehow, the sight of that child being happy makes me a little uncomfortable, or maybe it's envy.

Mel glances up at me, continuing to hold the girl, and her expression hardens a little at the sight of me. "Hey," she says quietly back. She looks to Lev before looking back up at me again, her hands slowly loosening around the young girl.

"You doing okay?" I ask, lifting my hand in a way to gesture at her, more so referring to her pregnancy. I also make sure to stay planted by the door while Lev curiously approaches the young girl in Mel's lap. I think he finds interest in her plush though rather than herself.

Mel notices Lev's interest and slowly manoeuvres the young girl off her lap and onto the cushions on the rug. The girl doesn't protest, dragging the shark along the carpet with force while giggling. Lev sits down in front of her silently. "The kids are helping, but they also make me grieve harder. If that makes sense," Mel mumbles, standing up as she heads over to me, cupping her decently sized belly. I'd object and help her sit down, but I don't want to step into the child enclosure.

"Yeah, kids suck." I sigh deeply and pull out a strand of my hair to avoid feeling so naked with it tucked back. "Uh, you know... Has Eve said anything to you?" I ask, curious but also nervous about the answer. I know she's unhappy with me, and for a good reason, which is also why I can't be upset with Abby for hating me too.

Mel heads over to stand beside me, her body facing the young girl and Lev who both begin to smile together and play. "She hates you," she says bluntly but quietly to me, and slowly as if curious. Maybe Eve hasn't given her any details, thank god.

I suck in a breath and look down at my snow-stained boots.

"You really have a habit of leaving people, huh?" Mel asks quietly, turning her head to glance back at me with her dark big eyes. Despite her hardened expression, I don't take it personally. I do avoid her gaze though as I listen to the giggles shared between Lev and the little girl, and the small sounds the girl is making to mimic growls. Mel's words do trigger a pang of irritation within me though as I know what she's referring to. "Didn't realise you and Abby were close," I mutter, a little colder, obviously taking a jab at their strained relationship which I've noticed. She seems to shut up at this.

We focus on the girl and Lev for a moment, the sight only bothering me more and more by the second. The urge to go intensifies as my mouth goes a little dry, and I make a decision in my head.

"I'm leaving," I suddenly announce, my voice gravelly as I turn on my heel to place my hand on the doorknob. Mel turns swiftly to face me, a little surprised. She can probably tell I'm uncomfortable but that's not my concern at the moment. "Glad you're doing okay," I mutter and I step out the door, knowing she'll take care of Lev anyway.

The cold bites at my nose as I exit, and I shudder, shoving my hands back in my pockets hastily as I head back on the empty path. As if just in time, the settlement's gates open as a few horses trot in, going over to the stables. Once the gates close behind them and the team all exit out of the stables (probably to go rest for the night), Abby and a taller guy trail behind.

The grin on his face makes my stomach churn and my eyes narrow as I watch the way he looks at her, my footsteps halting. Her eyes dart between him and her own hands as she fiddles with her jacket sleeve while he continues to speak to her, that stupid grin on his stupid face-

Shut up. Shut the fuck up, Y/N. Just walk away.

My fists clench inside my pockets as I realise I seriously still like her, don't I? God, I'm fucked. I sigh deeply and turn on my heel, heading back towards my home, just missing the disgusted look on her face and the way she turns away from him just to see me walking away.