Heal: Horizons ~ A Sequel

Chapter 6: In Awe

The next day I slept in until noon. I would've slept even more if it weren't for Dwight knocking on the door. Tiredly, I trudged over and answered it. "Negan is back. There's a meeting in the mess hall in a few minutes. He expects everyone to be there."

"Wait... So did he mention me specifically?" I asked with a glimmer of hope in my voice. Dwight gave me a sympathetic look and slowly shook his head. "No. I just figured you should be there too." He spoke, looking down as he did so.

I sighed. Still nothing from Negan. Maybe once I showed my face, he'd speak to me afterwards or something. I couldn't continue like this any longer. For one, I was angry at him for leaving and letting things go unresolved. But on the other hand, I was devastated that he would do that to me. It really made me feel like he was just done.

I didn't know what I'd do without Negan in my life.

"Okay well thanks anyways, Dwight.. Especially because you're always willing to help me with everything." I offered him a small smile.

"No problem, Bella." He smiled back.

Once I closed the door, I got dressed in a high-waisted pair of jeans, a flannel, and then threw my hair up into a high pony. "Cute enough." I shrugged as I studied myself in the mirror.

Everyone was already in the mess hall by the time I got there. Luckily, I was able to slip in there without anyone noticing how late I was. I stayed in the back of the crowd and looked up at Negan.

He was standing on the ledge, leaning the rail with a smug look. It didn't take long for his eyes to finally find mine. I could've sworn the rest of the people in the room disappeared in that moment. We held a long stare, until he closed his eyes and looked down.

Still. Nothing from Negan.

He quickly picked his head back up, probably not wanting to look vulnerable or weak in front of his people. Everyone was kneeling except for me but he didn't say a word about it. "Let's get this shit started shall we?" His voice boomed through the entire room.

"We had one of the most successful fuckin' supply runs we've had in a long ass time. The sanctuary is now restocked on medicine and all kinds of food. Since I'm such a great fuckin' leader, I decided to have a small celebration dinner tonight. The chefs will be makin'...." He trailed off once his eyes met mine again.

I crossed my arms and gave him a challenging stare. "Uh.. The fuck were you guys makin' again?" Negan asked, his voice cracked slightly as he tried to regain his composure. He never sounded more unsure in his life. Lots of people glanced up to see what was wrong with him. As bad as it sounds, I took some kind of satisfaction in seeing him get distracted by me so easily.

"Um s-salmon, sir." One man spoke up nervously.

"Salmon! That's the kind of shit we get to eat at this place because we're just that fuckin' amazing. Isn't that right?" He asked, seeming more himself this time. Everyone said their Yes Negan's and then the meeting was finally dismissed.

I stood there and waited. For what? I didn't even know... Maybe just a small sign from him? But of course there was nothing. I felt like all of my suspicions have been confirmed: He didn't care.

My eyes began to welt up with tears as I hurriedly stormed out of the mess hall. Small sobs escaped my lips as I pushed past people. It was completely impossible for me to think straight. Once there was enough room, I ran.

I let my feet take me anywhere until I couldn't run anymore. The hall was dim and quiet. There was no way anyone would've possibly found me there. I just stood there in the middle of the hallway, crying breathlessly.