Chapter 7: Playing Games.

The hot summer's day beat down on Ally's body. Sweat was coming out of every place possible. She was baring the weight of wood on her shoulders. Sarah and Harriet were walking next to her, both going through the same struggle as her. Austin, Wayne and Dez were walking ahead of them. All three of them were carrying more than them and Ally was wondering how they were managing to do it. Ally watched Austin's arm muscles tense, as he gripped onto the wood resting over the back of his shoulders, her eyes zoned in on a droplet of sweat trickling down his arm.

"Snap out of it Ally!" She yelled and then her eyes widened once she realized she said it out loud instead of in her head. Everyone turned to look at her.

"You okay Ally?" Wayne laughed and Ally blushed bright red.

"I-I'm fine," She stammered and she glanced at Austin to see he was smiling at her and she quickly looked away and down at the dirt path. Focus on the task Ally.

Frederick had come up with the idea of building two cabins ready for the winter, so they could move out of the camp. Wayne jumped straight on the band wagon and volunteered everyone to help. Dean and Kyle had gone on a run and collected all the tools they would need to do this, but the main thing they needed was wood, so groups were taking it in turns to fetch it. Wayne had immediately said Ally was in his group and she knew he did it to keep her away from Angela and she was grateful for that. It had been two weeks since their argument and everyone had kept them separate from each other. Ally found it amusing because she'd also stayed well away from Austin.

"So, did you talk to Dean?" Ally spoke in a hushed tone to Sarah. She casted a sideward glance at her and smiled.

"I might have done," She replied.

"And? What happened?" Ally pushed and Sarah's smile only grew wider.

"He like's me," She squeaked and Ally did a happy skip and Sarah laughed. "He said we can take it slow. Thank you for making me go talk to him, you're really good at giving advice."

"She is good," Harriet exclaimed. "Thanks for my advice as well. It really helped me see things clearer. Though I still haven't talked to him."

"I wondered why things were a little awkward," Ally retorted and Harriet frowned.

"I don't think he likes me anymore...I wish I hadn't of ran away. I've ruined my chances," Harriet stared at the ground and she moved the wood on her shoulder a bit to try to find a comfortable position. Ally smiled at her.

"I'll be back in a minute," Ally jogged over to the men. They were close, but too far to hear their conversation. She began to walk next to Dez, he looked over and raised an eyebrow.

"Something I can help you with Ally?" He asked, with a tone of amusement.

"Harriet needs to talk to you," Ally nudged him and he turned around and walked over to her. Ally picked up her pace and began walking next to Wayne.

"Harriet doesn't need to talk to Dez, does she?" Wayne asked chuckling and Ally smiled.

"Nope," She replied. "But I need to talk to you."

"What about?" Wayne rolled his eyes and Ally quickly brought her hand away from the wood to wipe at the sweat on her forehead.

"Harriet. She told me what happened," Ally explained and he groaned.

"I don't want to talk about it. She had her chance, it took me forever to build up the courage to talk to her and then she ran off," Ally could see the pained expression on his face and she sighed.

"She panicked. She likes you too, it's just she hasn't been with anyone since her husband died and it's hard for her. She regrets running away and she's upset because you won't even look her way," Ally explained and Wayne sighed.

"I suppose that makes sense," He mumbled.

"Wayne, your like what forty-"

"I'm thirty-five," He corrected.

"Okay, your thirty-five. You're both adults, talk this out. Everything will be just fine if you talk things out," Ally watched Wayne have a mental battle with his mind. He eventually gave in and turned around and walked over to her. Ally smiled and watched him walk away.

"Were you a relationship councilor before all this?" Austin laughed and he appeared next to her.

"No, but if this world ever goes back to normal, I think I should consider it," Ally chuckled.

"This world isn't going to go back to normal," He mumbled and Ally sighed.

"You may say that, but I bet deep down inside there's a part of you that believe's it will," Ally assured him and he rolled his eyes. Austin's eyes unintentional fell to Ally's chest. He could see it quickly rising and then his eyes dropped to her cleavage, he immediately looked away. Get a hold of yourself! He couldn't help it. There was no denying she was beautiful. All the men knew it, but Austin couldn't help the desire he had towards her. She seemed to be able to push through any obstacle that came her way and Austin admired her for that. Everyone admired her for that. She'd just walked into all of their lives one day and she'd touched each of their hearts in different ways. Excluding her they'd all been together since the outbreak and they all immediately became family, but then they stumbled across her and now she was apart of their family and they'd all do anything for her, because that's what families do for one another.

They made their way off the dirt path and they saw the other group waiting to leave by the camp. When they saw them, they took off in search of more wood. They made their way down the hill and over to the large area where the barn was. There was an area of land nearby, where they were going to build the cabins. Ally dumped the wood to the ground and collapsed onto the dry grass and groaned.

"The pain," She fake cried and Sarah giggled, falling to the ground next to her. "Do we have to get started on this now?"

"Yes we do," Wayne retorted and Ally groaned, pushing herself up, her body swayed a little bit, but she regained her balance.

"Oh, Ally your bleeding," Harriet gasped and Ally furrowed her eyebrows.

"I am?" She puzzled and Harriet reached out and touch the back of her shoulders and Ally hissed in pain. She tried to turn her head at an unusual angle to see, but she couldn't.

"The wood must've cut through your skin," Harriet evaluated and Ally smiled at her.

"I'll be fine," Ally assured her and Harriet shook her head.

"You're a stubborn ass, you know that right?" Wayne chuckled and she smirked.

"I do try," Ally remarked and she glanced at Austin to see he was grinning at her.

"Howdy' people. How was the trip?" Frederick asked and he walked over, leading a horse behind him.

"It went fine," Dez said and Frederick smiled.

"Good, I think this plan is going to be great," Frederick stepped closer to her and the horse began to nudge Ally's arm and she laughed. "I need some more medical supplies."

"Okay, we can get that sorted," Wayne nodded his head and took the list Frederick had taken out of his pocket.

"I'll go," Ally volunteered and everyone turned to look at her.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Wayne responded.

"I'll be fine. I won't go to the town we went too. I'll stick to the normal place, I won't be long," Ally explained and Wayne glanced at Austin.

"Would you go with her?" He asked and Austin nodded. Wayne handed the list to Ally and she slipped it into her pocket. Frederick discreetly passed her another piece of paper and he raised an eyebrow and Ally decided not to ask him about it in front of everyone. She nodded her head at him and he smiled in thanks.

"You can take Wesley here. It will be much quieter traveling with him instead of the truck," Frederick handed the reins to Ally and she glanced at Austin.

"Do you know how to ride a horse?" Ally asked.

"Of course I do," He responded as if she'd just insulted him. He swiftly got up onto the horse and Ally eyed his hand which was extended her way. "C'mon, let's go."

"O-Okay," Ally stammered and she grabbed his hand and he helped her up onto the back of the horse. She immediately wrapped her arms around Austin's waist, when the horse moved a little, a small squeal escaped her lips. Austin chuckled and gripped the reins tight.

"We'll be back in a while," He called back and he tapped the horse. "C'mon boy," The horse took off and Ally's grip tightened around his waist from the sudden movement. "You know I like to breath," He remarked with a snicker and Ally loosened her grip on him.

"Sorry," She mumbled sheepishly.

"Though I didn't say I didn't like it," He chuckled and Ally's face flushed bright red. They came to the dirt path and descended down it. The heat beat down on them and Ally's stomach was doing flips. She glanced at the back of his head and smiled. She wasn't sure if it was some petty crush or not, but she felt something between them. Whenever he smiles at her it sends a burst of feelings to her stomach and it ends up banging around like a circus in there.

"Are you going to be okay without your crossbow?" Ally asked and she looked to see all he had was a gun and a knife attached to his belt. She only had a knife, she just hoped they didn't run into too much trouble.

"I'll be fine, though I do miss it. It's like my third hand," He explained and Ally smiled.

"I think this is the first time I've seen you without it," She retorted and he chuckled.

"I bet your missing your bat. I've seen you swing it around like crazy, it's quite amusing to watch you fight with it. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of it," He glanced over his shoulder and glanced at her. She beamed up at him and a faint blush appeared on his cheeks, he turned away and looked ahead. Ally suddenly remembered the other piece of paper Frederick have given to her. She pulled it out of her pocket and her eyes widened when she read the words on the paper.

"A pregnancy test!" She shrieked and Austin jumped, he looked over his shoulder at her. "Austin, someone might be pregnant."

"You don't say!" He retorted with sourness in his tone. "You scared me half to death!"

"S-Sorry," She stuttered and he rolled his eyes and looked away from her. "I wonder who's pregnant," She pondered and Austin scoffed.

"Whoever it is, is screwed anyway," He muttered.

"How could you say that! Julie made it didn't she, when she gave birth to Lexi, she was fine. I know I wasn't there, but I can see Julie as living proof!" Ally yelled and Austin laughed, bitterness in his tone.

"We almost lost her, she was on bed rest for a month. She didn't wake up for two weeks," He grumbled and Ally glared at the back of his head.

"Yeah, well she survived and whoever may be pregnant can," She retorted and he shrugged his shoulders.

The small town came into view soon after and Ally was surprised to see the streets empty of creepers. They got off Wesley outside the pharmacy and Austin tied him up. Ally flung open the door and Austin yanked her back by her shirt.

"Are you fuckin' stupid!" He yelled and Ally pushed his hands off her and she glared up at him. "You can't just walk in there like that. There could be someone in there or there could be creepers. You wait for me to go in first!"

"You're not in charge of me," She challenged and he growled.

"You bet your ass I am," He towered over her and Ally suddenly felt small. She tried to keep herself tall, but Austin's powerful gaze was bringing her down.

"I'm sorry, I just forgot," She whispered and he walked inside slowly, observing the aisles. He looked over his shoulder and signaled for her that it was safe to come in. Ally stepped inside and pulled the list out of her pocket. She passed it to Austin, keeping her gaze permanently attached to the floor and she walked off in search of the pregnancy test. She pulled her knife out of her belt.

Ally's eyes fluttered across the items on the shelves, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about Austin. The fire in his eyes when he'd pulled her back, felt like it had been transferred into her body. She felt heat rushing through her veins and she didn't understand what was wrong with her. She made her way down the next aisle and she caught sight of a lone pregnancy test on the shelf. She grabbed it and walked down the other aisle to find Austin. She saw him straight away, he was putting things into a bag. He glanced over at her, then quickly looked away and continued to take the things they needed off the shelf.

"Have you found everything?" Ally asked and she walked over to him. "Let me help you," Ally reached out for the list, but he pulled it away from her.

"I can do it," He replied firmly and Ally frowned.

"Austin what's wrong?" She asked and he glared at her. "Have I done something-"

"Yes you've done something wrong! You could've died! What if there was a creeper in here and it just took a bite out of you! I wouldn't be able to do anything!" He yelled and he backed her up against the shelf, his face lingering right in front of her. "I'd have to put a cap in your head and then carry your dead body back to the farm to be buried! You can't do that, surely you would've learnt to check a building before you enter from being alone for so long!" He screamed and Ally saw the anger seething through his body.

"I already said I was sorry," She replied. "I just forgot...It was a mistake."

"Yeah, well that mistake could've cost you your life!" He spat and his hands rested next to her head. Ally could feel his hot breath against her face and she tried to hold her scowl on him.

"Why do you care so much, hm?" She questioned and he glared at her.

"I..." Austin paused and Ally's face softened.

"Austin-" Ally got lost in his eyes, it was like an unapparent trance was going on between them. She knew she could stare into his eyes forever. Austin brought his hand from the shelf behind her head and he ran a hand through her hair, his fingers brushed against the ends. Ally licked her bottom lip and Austin's glanced down at her plump red lips. She could feel the burning desire for him, igniting through her veins. He could feel it to, he wanted her so much, but he wasn't sure she wanted it. "Kiss me," She whispered and a small smirk played on Austin's lips and he happily obliged, crashing his lips against hers. Ally was stiff underneath his kiss for a second and she embraced the new feeling that was the result of his kiss. Austin rested his hands on the side of her face and she placed hers lightly against his chest. Their lips moved in perfect timing with one another, his body firmly pressing up against hers. Their need for one another becoming apparent to each other. Ally snaked her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist, crushing her into his body. Austin nipped at her bottom lip and she opened her mouth allowing him access, he groaned into her mouth when their tongues met one another. Ally began to bury her fingertips into his hair and she tugged on it lightly, urging their bodies closer, wanting more of him.

Austin's hands went under her top and his fingers dug into the bare skin of her hips, releasing a groan from her lips. They both separated their lips from one another and Austin placed his forehead on hers, they were both panting for air and their lips were red raw. Ally couldn't believe that he'd just kissed her. She never thought he'd return her feelings, but apparently he does.

A tapping sound broke the moment.

They both broke the trance between them. They looked out of the pharmacy window to see a young boy there, pointing and giggling at them. He had long brown hair and a cute baby face, he looked around nine years old. He had a machete knife attached to his back and a gun on his belt. Austin released his hold on Ally and he stared back at the boy. Ally walked past Austin and walked out of the pharmacy.

"Who are you?" Ally asked softly and the boy turned to face her.

"Nevil," He giggled and she smirked at him.

"Are you lost Nevil?" She asked and he shook his head.

"No silly, I'm all alone," He remarked and he placed his hands on his hips.

"Where's your family? Do you have a group?" Ally pushed and Austin walked out and joined her.

"My family was killed a while ago and I've been on my own ever since," He explained and a frown appeared on his face.

"Well, you can come back with us," Ally held out her hand for him to take and he did.

"We can't take him back, he could be dangerous!" Austin piped up and Ally scoffed.

"He's like nine! What harms he going to do, we can't leave him here on his own!" Ally scolded him and Austin frowned.

"Whatever," He muttered. "There's not enough room for three people on the horse."

"Nevil can ride him and we'll walk," She retorted and she helped Nevil onto the horse and she grabbed the reins. "Come on," She looked at Austin and smiled, he stared back at her, rubbing the back of his neck. She knew they were going to have to talk about what had happened in the pharmacy, but now wasn't the time.

...

Ally watched Nevil race around with Lizzy, George was leaning against a tree and scowling away at the pair. Ally could tell he was jealous and it was amusing to watch. Wayne had accepted Nevil straight away, not even giving it a second thought. He told Ally to keep a close eye on him to make sure he was comfortable being here. Most of the men were down on the field getting started on the cabins. Ally was sat down on the porch steps, tapping her foot to a nonexistent beat. She'd given the pregnancy test to Frederick and he'd taken it away to hand it to the person, so now it was just a waiting game to see if the person was pregnant. She wondered if it was Julie again or Trish.

"Hi," George sulked and he kicked at the grass. Ally tapped the spot next to her and George flopped down onto it. Lizzy giggled really loudly from where she was playing with Nevil and George growled. "They're so annoying!"

"George, sweetie. Don't you think you're overreacting," Ally concluded and he glared at her.

"He's taking Lizzy away from me! Stupid Nevil!" He fumed and his face was bright red with jealousy.

"George, calm down. Why don't you go join them?" Ally suggested and he shook his head.

"Because it's always 'Nevil this' or 'Nevil that', I was friends with her first!" He began waving his arms around in a dramatic manner. Ally could see he was jealous and she found it cute.

"George, she's just playing with him. It's always been you and her, she just likes that there's someone else around that she can play with. Give her time and she'll come back to you," Ally placed a hand on his shoulder and he sighed.

"We were meant to go down to the lake for a swim today, but she doesn't want to anymore, she wants to stay with Nevil!" He spat.

"How about you go and help your dad with the cabins?" Ally suggested and George sighed.

"Sure, whatever," He got up and walked off, his shoulders hunched over and his head hanging low.

"Poor boy," Ally muttered and the door behind her opened and out stepped Harriet and Angela.

"Oh," Angela said when she laid eyes on her. Ally stood up and glared back at her. Harriet's face was stiff, she kept glancing between the pair.

"I'm gonna' go," Ally walked down the steps and began to walk off.

"Ally!" Angela called after her and Ally spun around on her heel, coming face to face with her.

"What?" Ally asked, folding her arms.

"I thought you should know...I'm pregnant," She announced and Ally felt her heart drop. She felt it drop to her feet. Hell, she even heard it.

"The pregnancy test was for you," Ally gaped and Angela nodded. Ally placed a hand on her heart.

"W-Whose the dad?" Ally asked.

"Ally, I wasn't lying about me and Austin. I know I said it loudly just so you could hear, because I wanted to get a reaction out of you, but it did actually happen. Austin's the dad," Ally felt the sinking feeling fade and it was replaced by a huge heatwave of anger, unbearable anger that made her want to explode and destroy everything in her path. She'd let him kiss her. Ally stumbled backwards a bit and Angela smiled, resting her hands on her stomach. Ally's hand clenched into fists and she spun around, taking off in a sprint. She raced towards the field and she flung open the metal gate. She saw all the men on the other side of the field, working away in the heat. Ally caught sight of Austin talking to Wayne, his back to her. She ran over, past the barn and she ignored the distant pain in her ankle. Elliot was the first to notice her and he tapped Dez's shoulder and pointed at her sprinting figure. Ally sprinted over and she stood behind Austin, Wayne glanced over his shoulder and Austin turned around, he immediately saw the anger seething throughout her body, she was panting for air and red in the face.

"When we kissed at the pharmacy, was it just a joke to you!" Ally screamed and Austin's eyes widened.

"Ally-"

"Oh, I forgot to say congratulations!" She sneered.

"For what!" Austin spat.

"You're going to be a daddy!" She snapped.

"Excuse me?" He asked and Ally stepped closer to him, getting up in his face.

"You told me that what Angela said was a lie. You told me you'd never say things like that about me. You said you never had sex with her. Well, you clearly did because she's pregnant! She's pregnant with your baby! I'm not some quick fix you can have whenever you feel like it! You can't just kiss me and think I'm going to be okay with you being cold with me after! I hope you and Angela are going to be happy together, because you're a match made in heaven! I am done with her games and I'm sure as hell done with yours!" Ally yelled and she became aware of everyone's eyes on her. "I-I'm leaving," Ally turned around and walked away.

"Whoa, Ally hold up girl!" Wayne shouted and he chased after her. He grabbed her arms and pulled her towards him. "You can't leave."

"What's keeping me here?" She sneered. "Lizzy's fine. The only thing that was keeping me here was him. I didn't realize it till now, I was just holding onto the hope that something might happen between us."

"What about me? What about everyone else, we're family now. You can't let people get you down, I'm here for you, Harriet's here for you! Everyone's here for you! You're not leaving!" He yelled and Ally's head hung low. She knew he was right. She couldn't abandon everyone else.

"Wayne, I'm sorry," She mumbled and he reached out his big, strong arms and embraced her tight. Ally laced her arms around his waist and nuzzled her head into his chest. She listened to his racing heartbeat and squeezed him tighter.

"Girl, there's nothing to be sorry about. I don't like seeing you down, your like a ray of sunshine, you gave this group hope when you brought Lizzy back and I'm not letting you go so easily," He spoke into her hair and Ally smiled. "Let's go for a walk," He unwrapped his arms from her and walked off ahead. Ally wiped away her stray tears and scurried after him.

...

One Week Later:

Ally sat in the long grass of a field. She'd gotten' adventurous on the farm and she stumbled across this field. There was a lonely tree in the center of the tall grass and Ally had decided to keep it company. It reminded her of the field she'd been in, when Lizzy had stumbled across her. It also reminded her of when she'd been with Freddie and Nicky. Sometimes they'd pick a field at random and set up camp for the night, they'd sit around the campfire and have a laugh, it was like the world hadn't ended. She could still hear their distant laughter in her head, but she knew she was never going to get them back. She'd grown to love the pair dearly and Ally knew she couldn't let that happen to her new family, she'd die before she let anyone hurt them.

Ally glanced at the sunset. It was such a beautiful sight and it brought warmness to her heart, but then it got clouded when she pictured Austin face. Stupid, idiot! Ally thumped her hands against the ground. He'd respected her words and stayed well clear of her, but he'd also stayed well clear of everyone else. Harriet's the only one whose seen him, but that was only when she stumbled across him hunting in the woods and all he did was grumble swear words at her and she left. He deserves it, he deserves to feel pain! Though, Ally still felt guilty about the situation, she should've at least given' him a chance to talk, he should've had a chance to fight his own corner, but she'd been to blinded by her anger, to blinded by Angela's words.

Ally had taken to observing Angela, watching her every move. Whenever Angela caught her, she'd place her hands on her flat stomach and smile. Ally knew something was up, no one can be that much of a bitch! Ally pulled out her knife and began to stab at the ground with it. She'd only been talking to Wayne, Lizzy and Harriet. She just wanted to be alone to her thoughts for a while, she needed to sort things out up in her head. It was the only way forward.

"Hi."

"Shit!" Ally screamed, almost jumping ten-feet in the air. She whipped her head around to see Mary poking her around the other side of the tree. She was smiling down at her and Ally giggled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," She apologized and then took a seat next to Ally. "How you holding up?"

"I'm fine, I guess. I've just got a lot of things rushing through my mind," Ally explained and she slipped her knife back in her belt.

"I think the way you stood up for yourself was great. You've got some real backbone. Austin needed to hear every word you had to say," Mary placed her hand on Ally's knee. "I admire you."

"Thank you," Ally replied sheepishly. Mary laughed and Ally raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I've just had a random craving for sausages and gravy," She groaned, licking her lips and Ally laughed.

"My mom used to crave that when she was pregnant," Ally smirked, but her smile soon faded and Mary bit her lip. "Y-Your pregnant!"

"I wasn't going to tell anyone yet, I haven't even told Elliot," She explained.

"Elliot's the dad!" She yelled. "That's great, two pregnant ladies...Wait, I only got one pregnancy test."

"Yeah, it was for me. I told my dad and he told me he'd get it all sorted for me," Mary elaborated and Ally felt her blood beginning to boil.

"So, what about Angela?" Ally pushed.

"She must've got one for herself," Mary proposed and Ally shot up to her feet and Mary got up with the help of the tree.

"How, she hasn't even left the farm! T-That cow! She's lying!" Ally fumed and she began pacing around.

"Why would she do that?" Mary asked and Ally gestured to herself.

"She hates me," Ally replied firmly. "Oh, I've screwed up. Austin's never going to speak to me again. God, I need to think before I speak. I'm such a screw up!" Ally grabbed at her hair and Mary marched over. She grabbed her by the shoulders and began to shake her.

"You're not a screw up! You're one of the most bravest women I know! Now, let's get our ass's back to camp and sort the queen bitch out!" Mary yelled and Ally was taken aback by her words. Mary had always been timid and polite, this side to her was someone Ally wanted to see more of.

"Okay," Ally confirmed and they both marched through the long grass and made their way to the dirt path. They stormed past other fields and they both had determination in their eyes. Ally's veins were pulsing anger and guilt, she couldn't believe she had been so blind, how did she not see this was Angela playing one of her sick and twisted games. She was glad Angela wasn't pregnant, because now there was nothing stopping Ally taking her to the ground. Mary was shocked at her outburst of anger, maybe it was the hormones, but she couldn't wait to reveal Angela's lie.

After five minutes of furious stomping, they made it to the camp. Everyone was setting up around the campfire, ready for dinner. Ally saw Angela siting on one of the chairs next to Sarah and she was giggling about something. Ally couldn't wait to wipe the smile off her face. Everyone's eyes turned to them and Wayne quickly observed who she was heading for and he stepped in front of her.

"Ally, it's not worth it," He said sternly and Ally smiled up at him.

"I think Angela has some confessing to do," Ally walked past Wayne and stood before her. Angela's eyes beamed with realization, she gritted her teeth and stood up, coming face to face with her. Ally saw Austin siting down on one of the chairs nearby, his eyes were burning into her face.

"I don't have nothing to confess," She retorted, crossing her arms.

"I know your not pregnant," A few gasps followed after and Angela's eyes widened slightly. "You lied about being pregnant."

"I didn't lie!" She snapped. "I'm pregnant!"

"No, Mary's pregnant, not you!" Ally yelled back and then she froze. "M-Mary, I'm sorry. I didn't mean too."

"It's okay," She sighed and she casted a sideward glance at Elliot, who looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"You're such an evil bitch!" Angela screeched and Ally turned her attention towards her. "It's bad enough that you killed my sister and her boyfriend!"

"E-Excuse me?" Ally stammered and almost everyone was up on their feet now. Ready to stop the fight.

"I heard you and Sarah talking a few weeks ago. You told her about these two people you were traveling with, Freddie and Nicky! She was my sister and you killed her!" Angela launched herself towards Ally, but Dean reached out and pulled her back. Ally felt a pair of strong, warm arms, wrap themselves around her waist to restrain her and she knew who it was straight away. Angela kept trying to come at her, but Ally was to overwhelmed with sadness to care.

"I-It wasn't my fault!" Ally screamed and she tried to launched herself forward, but Austin slammed her back against his chest. "I couldn't do anything!" Ally cried, tears falling off her face. "I have to live with that image in my head everyday. Watching those things rip into more people who I love!"

"You could've helped them!" Angela screeched. She was squirming against Dean's hold, a sob escaping her lips.

"We'd just woken up when they attacked. The creepers had already taken a bite out of them before I could grab my weapon. They were gone in a blink of an eye!" Ally sobbed and her knees felt weak. Austin's hold on her waist tightened.

"Yeah, well I wish they'd killed you and not them!" Angela shrieked and Dean let got of her, because of her words.

"Yeah, well sometimes I wish they did too!" Ally shouted and all the commotion seemed to stop at her words. Ally was panting and an endless supply of tears seemed to be pouring from her eyes. "Angela, you have no idea what it was like. Those two, were the only people I'd been with before you guys. We were the best of friends and Nicky thought you were dead, she'd told me that her sister had disappeared at the beginning of it all and she knew there was no point in hoping she was out there. If I'd known her sister was you, I would've told you. Nicky is one of the best people, I've had the privilege of meeting. She'd saved my life so many times and I knew one day I'd return the favor, but when that day came I was useless! I couldn't do anything! I wish I'd reacted quicker and I wish it had been me and not her, but this is life! Angela, we don't get to decide our own fates anymore, these creatures do...I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything, but don't you think I've been punished enough with it, I carry that guilt on my shoulders everywhere I go!" Ally stared into Angela's eyes, waiting for her to made a rude remark, but she didn't. Angela just stared back at her.

"Austin," Wayne whispered and he stared at him, nodding towards the other direction and he understood that Wayne wanted him to take her away. Austin pulled Ally back and he guided her away from the crowd of people. They both walked down the dirt path and the night air took over the deadly silence. Austin kept glancing at her wondering whether he should break the ice or not, but he thought he deserved an apology for the way she acted, she'd humiliated him in front of everyone. Ally wiped her tears away and she stopped in her tracks and Austin turned to face her.

"Austin, we need to talk," Ally whispered and Austin nodded his head. "I'm so sorry Austin. I didn't mean to react like that, but you have to understand why I was so angry. I thought she was pregnant with your baby and after what had happened at the pharmacy, my emotions had go haywire."

"Well, if you want to forget about what happened at the pharmacy, then we can," He responded flatly and Ally grabbed his arms.

"I-I don't want to forget about it," Ally stammered. "I just need to know that we're okay. That we can at least still be friends."

"Friends?" Austin laughed. "Do you have any idea how much your words hurt me!" He yelled and Ally's hands fell from his arms. "You think I'm someone who likes to play games with people! Is that what you think of me? If anything your playing games with me! You need to pull your head out of the clouds princess, this isn't a goddamn fairytale. Do me a favor and stay the hell away from me!"

With that he left. He left her all alone on the dirt path and she was left to watch his silhouette fade into the distance.

AN: So sorry about the delay. I haven't given up on this story. It's just I've gone back to school and this year is my most important year, it's packed full of exams and it's been a lot to take in all of a sudden and I've been given way too much homework for my liking. There may be a slow delay with chapters for a while, but I'm never giving up on this story, so hang in there for me. So, thoughts on the chapter, I decided to spice things up a little bit, this is all leading up to the main...Turning point for the story? I don't want to give too much away, because that would be a spoiler! Thank you to all of you lovely, beautiful, fabulous, reviewers, you really help give me that extra boost in life, so millions of hugs to you guys!

CookiesForMyTummy,x