#abigail wright

Abigail hums to herself, her paint strokes focused and deliberate as she holds a pallet in her free hand. She chews on a strand of her long hair that falls from her bun, a habit she's had for years. Her tanktop is wrinkled from sleep, and her shorts hang loose on her hips. A show plays quietly on the TV, but she doesn't pay any attention to it.

A cat rubs against her legs, meowing for attention. She reaches down, running her fingers through its soft, fluffy fur. She nuzzles against her hand, purring loudly. Abigail pets her for a few moments, before standing back up, focusing again on her painting. It's for a showing, one she just barely managed to snag. Vicki makes enough for rent and bills, but it's been a struggle between paychecks.

The painting is a large shot of the Chrysler Building at night, all of its lights on and shining against the dark sky. Not a very inspired piece, made mostly to sell rather than spark her imagination. It's almost done, but she's sick of working on it. She's been painting non-stop for days, and this is the last one she has to finish.

Her focus breaks as she hears a door open behind her. She looks over her shoulder, and smiles when she sees Vicki shuffling out of their room in a robe, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she yawns.

"Morning, Vicki."

She says softly, and she groans in response.

"Morning…why're you working so early?"

She asks groggily.

"I gotta get this done."

Abigail says, turning back to her painting.

"It's almost there, just a few more things to add.”

Vicki walks over, leaning her head on Abigail's shoulder as she scans the painting. She hums, before saying-

"It looks good."

Abigail smiles, turning her head to kiss Vicki on the head as she says-

"You have to say that."

"I mean it! I'm sure it'll sell.”

Abigail sighs dramatically.

"It better! It's been so long since I got in anywhere..."

Vicki stands up straight with a kiss to her cheek, shuffling to the kitchen to fill the cat's food bowl.

"Do ya' want some coffee?"

"Tea, please."

Vicki nods in response, filling the water heater before starting a pot for herself. She grabs a pack of cigarettes from the counter, tapping it a few times on her palm before pulling one out.

"I have to go in today. I have time for coffee and a shower, I think."

She glances at the clock on the wall.

"I thought you were off!"

Abigail says, sounding annoyed.

Vicki opens the kitchen window a crack, letting cool air filter in as she lights her cigarette.

"I was supposed to be. But Carlie called me, told me there's a big meeting they need me at. Something about a new case."

Abigail groans, throwing her head back.

"I was looking forward to having a day with you."

The water heater clicks, and Vicki puts two teabags in a mug, adding a few scoops of sugar after she pours in the boiling water.

"I know, I know. I was looking forward to being here, but we need the money."

Abby looks back to her painting, grumbling for a moment before finally admitting-

"I know we do."

Vicki takes a long drag of her cigarette, snuffing it out before setting Abigail's tea down on the coffee table next to her. She settles on the couch with her coffee, splashed with a bit of milk.

"What's on?"

She asks, trying to change the topic.

"Uh..."

Abigail glances at the TV.

"Bramwell, I think."

Vicki grunts, but doesn't make a move for the remote, too lazy to change it.

She takes a small sip of her drink as she says-

"I can leave work early the day of your show, if you want. I'm sure they can do without me for a few hours.”

"No, no...you've seen all the paintings anyway."

She smiles down at her, adding-

"I appreciate the thought, though."

“Mm.”

Vicki mumbles, not looking away from the TV.

They sit in silence for a few minutes, Vicki trying to think about anything other than work, before Abigail remembers something.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you! My dad is coming to visit next week."

Vicki glances over at the wall, spotting the framed picture of Abigail and her father at her high school graduation hanging by with a few other family photos from them both.

“Thanks for the warning.”

“Oh hush, he loves you!”

They both giggle.

"I was worried when I first met him, to be honest.”

Abigail shrugs.

"I think it's normal to be worried when you meet the parents. Y'know..”

Vicki sighs, knowing what's coming.

“I still haven't met your dad.”

Taking another sip from the almost empty cup, Vicki responds-

"You know how far away he lives, Abby. You'll meet him eventually."

Abigail just rolls her eyes, and Vicki gives in.

"Look, when I get some time off we'll go and visit, okay? I promise."

She nods, smiling at Vicki again.

"Thank you."

Vicki stands up, kissing her cheek again as she says-

"I'm gonna hop in the shower.”

"Don't have too much fun without me!”

Abigail says, groping the air playfully to emphasize her point.

Vicki snorts, rolling her eyes as she walks to the bathroom, calling over her shoulder-

“Don't let your tea get cold!”