Chapter 1: Welcome Home
This story is dedicated to severelybabykryptonite for inspiring me to write.
"Welcome home.", the customs officer said then handed Michonne her passport.
After a finishing her master's degree in Microbiology, she decided to take a much needed break and pay her cousin, Tamara, a visit. She planned on staying for no more than a month before heading back to Chicago in time to begin her PhD program. The moment she wheeled her cart with her luggage into the arrivals area, she saw Tamara's dimpled smile in the crowd waving at her frantically.
"Michonne!", Tamara yelled out and ran up to her and gave her a big hug almost knocking her off her feet.
"Hey!", Michonne replied and gave her cousin a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Born in London, England to Zimbabwean parents, Tamara and Michonne's were first cousins. Their birthdays were only a week apart. They went to the same prep school, had the same friends, did just about everything together. One would've thought that they were sisters. They were only children to their parents and while growing up, they shared clothes and toys and lived at each other's homes. They were closer than most siblings. It was hard on Michonne when her and her family first moved to Chicago after her father got a teaching position at the university there. Her mother, an experienced administrative nurse, worked at the teaching hospital. Michonne always considered England to be her home. Since moving to Chicago, Michonne spent Summers with Tamara. So, in some respects, it was as though she hadn't left. Well, with the exception of the last three years. She hadn't been back in all that time as she'd been busy with holding down a full-time job while studying.
"So glad you here. How long has it been? Three years? Girl, I've got fun things lined up for you. Parties. Hot guys. Week-ends at the cottage. Did I say hot guys?", Tamara said flashing that huge smile of hers while driving on the freeway.
"I can't believe it's been that long. Thanks for letting me crash at your place.", Michonne said.
"Hey, you know you don't need to mention it. We're practically sisters. Besides, you ought to know my mantra by now. Mi casa es su casa baby.", Tamara joked.
"It's good to be here. I missed you and I missed England.", Michonne said.
"Soooo what's new in Michonne's life?", Tamara asked.
"Nothing but a snore bore living for the past three years. I am so burnt out like you wouldn't believe. I really need a break.", Michonne said.
Unlike Tamara, Michonne was the book-worm type. She spent the majority of her time studying. Tamara, on the other hand, was more the hanging with friends and partying kind of gal. Although she didn't consider herself a nerd, she was always at the top of her class right throughout school. Studying came easy to her. After she graduated with first-class honors from University of London, she got a computer programmer job and pulled in a decent wage.
"Yeah. You study too hard. One month? That is hardly a break. I can't believe you are going back so soon. We'll see what we can do in that time. It is time you got a little enjoyment and perhaps a chap.", Tamara said.
"Speaking of chaps, how is Simon?", Michonne asked trying to shift the conversation away from her.
"Simon and me we're good. He did his bar exam last week. You're going to see him later today.", Tamara said.
"I've only seen pictures of him so it would be nice to finally meet him.", Michonne said.
"Oh he is dying to meet you too. He's bringing a friend.", Tamara said. She exited the highway and headed west on Drewsbury street.
"Ohhh. I can see where this is going.", Michonne groaned.
She didn't like when other people played match maker and tried setting her up with some guy. She had been on blind dates before and they all turned out to be disasters.
"Aw come on. You shouldn't arrive at the party without a date. Not this party. This one is happening, baby.", Tamara said.
"Party? When? Tonight? You know how I feel about parties. As for blind dates. Don't get me started.", Michonne said knitting her brow.
Feeling a bit jet lagged, she felt a head-ache coming on and rubbed her temples.
From the time Tamara learned that her cousin was coming for a visit, she and Simon went into action. Simon suggested introducing a friend of his to Michonne. This friend of his was not interested in starting a relationship with someone, let alone to date and so it took Simon and Tamara a lot of coaxing and convincing to get him to meet Michonne.
"Mich. Relax, ok honey. Don't worry. If it will make you feel better. I won't leave your side. Ok?", Tamara reassured and smiled at her again.
"You promise?", Michonne asked.
"As you Americans say, scout's honor.", Tamara said holding her right hand up with her palm facing forward. She found a vacant spot on the one-way street and parked in front of a row of buildings.
**ooo0ooo**
Tamara's place was the envy of many. What used to be a winery, the building was converted into three bedroom town-houses. Michonne imagined that it must have cost her a pretty penny especially being located down town. It was spacious and quite modern. All the appliances and fixtures were brand new. The kitchen was hardly used as Tamara often ate out. Being close to great restaurants, she seldom needed to cook. That and being only fifteen minutes away from work, there were certain advantages of living down town. The public transportation was easily accessible and so she hardly needed use of her car. Weekends were the times when she did most of her driving like going out of town or to her parents house.
It was 10:30 pm and both girls were dressed and ready. They waited on their dates to arrive. Tamara grabbed four wine glasses from out of the cupboard in the kitchen while Michonne sat across from her at the counter and chatted with her.
"You've got a great place here. I like it.", Michonne complemented.
She felt well rested having slept for five hours after arriving.
"And that bed is so deliciously comfortable.", Michonne added.
"Thanks. I'm glad you got a good rest. ", Tamara said.
"So, what do you know about Simon's friend?", Michonne asked.
Though she didn't like blind dates, she decided to be cheerful about it. Besides, it was just a party. What harm would there be in meeting the guy, she thought inwardly.
"His name is Rick and he is a farmer.", Tamara said selecting a wine from the wine rack.
"Farmer, huh. Will he be wearing overalls and water boots to the party?", Michonne said.
She giggled to herself as she imagined this Rick fellow wearing a straw hat and twirling a strand of grass between his teeth.
"Oh behave. He's actually cool.", Tamara said.
She knew how active an imagination her cousin had and couldn't help but chuckle along with her when she saw the comical smirk she had on her face.
"So what time did Simon say they'll get here?", Michonne asked and checked the time on her watch.
"They're here actually. He just texted me. He's parking right now.", Tamara said and opened the bottle.
Ding-dong. The doorbell chimed.
"That's them. You mind getting the door luv? Thanks.", Tamara said while she poured the wine.
Michonne headed for the door. On the way, she paused in front of the mirror in the foyer.
"Hey get a move on will ya and stop fussing. You look fantastic. Okay!", Tamara yelled at her cousin from across the open-concept kitchen when she saw her checking herself out in the mirror.
Ding-dong. The doorbell chimed again.
In two quick strides, Michonne got to the door and opened it. Standing on the opposite side was a guy she'd never seen before. He was by himself. Although she hadn't met Simon in person before, this guy didn't look anything like the pictures of Simon she'd seen. So, she figured he was Rick.
"Hi.", Michonne said holding the door open.
The first thing she noticed about the handsome young man standing before her were his eyes. They were an unusual shade of blue. Coincidently they were the same color as the fashion earrings she was wearing. Turquoise. His lips were slightly curled up at the corners and were ruby red in color. They were not too wide, not too thin. Just the right size. His hair, neatly cut, was dark brown, thick and wavy. Standing at about four to five inches taller than her, he was considerably of good height, athletic built, and, well proportioned. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest. She hoped he couldn't hear it thumping away. Wow, was the word that came to her mind. She forgot her place as she gazed at his lips and his eyes.
"Oh. Simon went back for a bottle wine in his car. I'm Rick.", Rick said putting his hand to his chest and then extending it to her.
Michonne reached out and shook it. His hand was unbelievably warm. He noticed how slender and soft hers felt in his. He tried not to gawk, but, her silver sequined sleeveless dress hugged her in the right places and her legs were beautifully shaped like that of a dancer. Her arms were slender and toned. Her complexion, a beautiful deep brown that was smooth and blemish free. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Her goddess-like body, flawless smooth skin, soft brown eyes and full desirous lips spoke of a mysterious exotic beauty he immediately felt drawn to.
"Hi. I'm Michonne. Nice to meet you.", Michonne finally responded but plum forgot to let go of his hand.
Hands that warm, who would want to let go off them. Oddly enough, they both felt an unexplainable connection as they held hands and stared into each other's eyes. Seconds later, when Simon arrived and bounded up the steps, they came to their senses and let go.
"I see you've met Rick. Michonne. Finally we meet. How are you?", Simon said and gave her a warm hug and a peck on the cheek.
"Fine, thank you. It's good to finally meet you, Simon. Come on in guys.", Michonne said and invited them in.
Before they all left for the party, they talked for half an hour over white wine. Michonne began to warm to the idea of going to the party with Rick as her date. He seemed like a nice guy. Although he was soft spoken, he was quite witty and smart. In no time, he had them laughing and holding their sides at his jokes. She learned that like her, he was born in England and lived in the US from when he was a kid. He returned five years ago when his uncle left him a farm.
The party venue was only a ten minute walk from Tamara's place. On the way there, Michonne and Rick chatted away as if they were long time friends. As they walked behind Simon and Tamara, Tamara whispered to Simon,
"Looks like they have hit it off quite well. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed. I think they make a grand couple. Just imagine. He almost didn't come.", Simon whispered.
**ooo0ooo**
The party was already in full swing well before they arrived. The moment they stepped inside, they could feel the energy in the air rise along with the music thumping away in the dimly lit space. Spot lights of various colors spiraled about casting colored glowing spots upon any surface. It was hard to tell how many people were present, there was hardly enough space to walk the way how it was so crowded inside. After meeting the hosts, Michonne and Rick found the dance floor and danced to upbeat club music while Simon and Tamara went to the bar. Michonne felt at ease around Rick. They had similar taste in music. Admittedly, she was having a good time. Having danced up a storm, they went on the roof-top terrace for some fresh air.
There were people on the terrace dancing, chatting or taking in the gorgeous view of the city. Two large loud speakers were on the roof belting out the same selection of music being played downstairs, but not as loudly. At least there, Rick and Michonne could hold a decent conversation without having to shout or lean in and say, eh or what. Not that Rick would've minded in leaning a bit closer to Michonne for she smelled divine. Earlier on, he'd actually looked forward to slow dancing with her and hoped the DJ would play something less up-beat. Well, that's if she wouldn't mind.
"How long will you be staying?", Rick asked referring to her visit.
They stood behind the rail that overlooked bars, shops and restaurants.
"One month.", Michonne replied.
"That's awfully short. Can't you stay longer?", Rick asked.
"I got to get back in time for classes.", Michonne replied.
There was a short silence. The light wind picked up. The cool night air was a pleasant welcome.
"What are you doing tomorrow?", Rick asked.
"Tamara will be at work, so, nothing. Why?", Michonne said.
"How about coming with me to the farm.", Rick suggested.
"I'd love that.", Michonne said smiling. She thought that the country air would do her a world of good and actually started to look forward to going.
"Is 6:00 am too early for you?", Rick asked.
"Nope. I'm always up at 5:00 am anyway", Michonne said.
"Great. I'll pick you up at six.", Rick said and smiled.
The music finally switched to something slow. Adorn by Miguel began to play. Here's my chance. Rick thought inwardly. They both got quiet and Rick detected a slight akwardness and apprehension. He decided to take the bull by the horns and ask anyway.
"Care to dance?", he asked.
"Sure.", Michonne replied.
Rick heart leaped for joy in his chest. He felt like doing a happy dance like a kid. But, he kept his cool and slowly stepped closer to her. Looking into his eyes, she also stepped closer towards him. Then, they reached for each other and slowly embraced. They held each other and rocked and swayed to the beat of the music. Michonne at first felt slightly nervous but soon relaxed in his arms. She rested her head on his chest. His warm body, the sound of his steady beating heart and his scent to her felt like home.
She wondered how could it be possible to feel relaxed and safe in the arms of a man she just met a few hours ago. She barely knew him and yet being with him felt right. Coiling his arms about her he hugged her closer and thought how complete she made him feel. She didn't mind being held this way. Not in the least. She hugged him back tighter, closed her eyes and sighed softly. Holding him felt like the most natural thing to do. He rested his cheek on the side of her head and closed his eyes. They didn't realize but they both had smiles on their faces as they danced on the rooftop.
~*xxxox0xoxxx*~