Love In The Midst Of Chaos

A/N: This is an AU/ZA story which will have spoilers. The reason why is because bits of The Walking Dead Comics, and AMC's TV series by the same name (which I do not own any of) will be throughout.

Chapter 1

A Chance Encounter, Retrospect, and a Little Boy.

Click clack click clack went the sound of Michonne's heels as she hurried down the crowded sidewalk. Each one of her steps met the concrete pavement with purpose. She had somewhere to go and was trying to get there sooner than later. That's why she'd left work ahead of time.

Once off the train Michonne was heading straight to Mama Ella's Southern Down Home Cafè. She wanted to get there before the rush of all those coming in to pick up their pre ordered Thanksgiving Day meals. Besides, she was hungry too, those ever cravings of hers were kicking in. She had to have something to eat soon! And the long train ride ahead wouldn't be helping matters much either.

Arriving just as the train pulled in, Michonne got on and took a seat by a window and prepared herself for the ride home.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Earlier in the day from her office, Michonne meticulously placed multiple orders over the internet from one of her favorite eatery's menu. It offered an array of delectable goodies. The kind that she liked to call True Southern Cuisine; just like her Gran made; robust, rich in flavor, filling, and past tasty. All kinds of deliciousness; a good amount of mouth watering home cooked dishes straight from the heart. From the savory, all the way to the sweet. Baked goods of all kinds and candies too! Everything cooked or made to perfection! One can taste the love in every bite!

And that is exactly how Michonne ordered off the food list. Love in mind with every bite. From savory meats, fried shrimp, her all time favorite, and different entrées along with a slew of sides in conjunction with a tripling all the way with the sweets. Which meant, as many deserts as she thought would satisfy the appetite. Hers!

Ordering a whole chocolate pecan pie, bread pudding with a hard egg cream sauce minus the hard. And three hefty slices of cake, from three different kinds of scrumptious and yummy. A dozen of brownie chocolate chip pecan cookies, along with two dozen pralines added in for good measure; they freeze well. Just because that's how she and her little Munchie likes it.

Since becoming pregnant, Michonne's found herself always hungry, and she didn't know if it were hormones, the baby, or stress from Mike. She and her Little Munchie just had to have something satisfying in her mouth. Candy, gum, meat, fruit, bread; it-did-not-matter! Almost anything edible! A jar of Baby Pickles didn't have a possible chance around her! Even vegetables that she didn't necessarily like, tastes good when those cravings of hers kick in.

Just the thought of that German Chocolate cake awaiting her had Michonne almost salivating. It was one of the many special baked goods offered at Mama Ella's that she was more than happy to have ordered .

And without a second thought; really having had forgotten exactly where she now was and what it may cost her. Absentmindedly Michonne reached inside one of her coat pockets and brought out a ripe pear and bit into it. But with only two good chews in, felt a tap on her shoulder that caused her to turn around somewhat annoyed.

Can't a girl eat a pear in peace?

And that bit of annoyance quickly turned into something else which surprised her. Because that tap came from a rather tall handsome young man standing to get off the train at the next stop. Who with a very charmingly lifted eyebrow was making exact eye contact with her, and pointing at or towards something.

Michonne with her pear up to her lips still, turned back around, and follows the direction of his slender hand and long finger. Soon she spots what it is that he's pointing at. It was a No Eating Or Drinking sign that was right in front of her. Doh! She sheepishly turned back and faced him again while slowly taking the fruit down from her very kissable and inviting lips.

Lovely, he thought.

"Sorry Miss," the man said with a smooth boyish grin. "Or is it Mrs? I really don't mean nor do I want to be presumptuous on either front...but the officer who patrols this compartment is a stickler for the rules, especially when it comes to the no eating or drinking one. It would have been such a pity if you were to get in trouble over such a small thing as that!" He points to the pear.

Mercy, that smile... Help me Lord!

Michonne could only imagine how she looked at that moment. A deer caught in the blinding headlights of that dazzling smile comes to mind.

"Wouldn't even be worth the cost, it's way too small," he continued and devilishly smiled some more. "Last week the Officer handed out a 350 dollar ticket to a lady for eating some chips. And that ticket almost turned into a 1,000 dollar one, along with a free ride to jail! She threatened to kick his seat into next week. But I'm being extremely conservative with my rendition of what really took place over a thirty cent bag of chips, and the words she used. Mixed company and all." Giving Michonne yet an even broader smile this time. And goosebumps!

Oooh! And dimples too! An invitation for some surefire trouble that a sistah wouldn't mind getting into!

And all of a sudden; just like that, Michonne Issabella Rènald wasnt hungry anymore. Well...at least not for food anyway. Embarrassed by that thought the girl blushed. And was so glad that her chocolatey complexion hid it.

Who are you? And what is your name…is it Andrea Harrison by chance? Because it is certainly not Michonne Issabella Rènald. Can't be!

"Thank you," Michonne said, finally finding her tongue and the ability to speak!

"350 dollars is waaay too much to have to pay for any one piece of fruit, no matter however good it was on its way of becoming. And this pear (she holds her barely bitten into fruit up) was well on its way of being just that for me. Something tasty, and extremely satisfying; a total piece of delicious!"

They were both smiling (and grinning like idiots) now.

Was she flirting? Was he? And with it all mingled up in an intervention too! Down girl. You do have a bun in the oven. And you don't even know the man's name...but who cares! I bet it's Good and Tasty anyways!

And Michonne's blush got even deeper.

Thank the Lord for Daddy's complexion.

And there was a noticeable lull between the two of them as they looked back at the other. Which was broken only by the sound of the train's PA system.

"Peloton Station," the voice said over the loudspeaker.

"Well, this is my stop," the man said slowly with a noticeable tinge of regret in his voice. "It was so nice meeting you. And I hope you have a very nice Thanksgiving."

"Thanks, and the same to you," said Michonne showing brilliant white teeth in the process.

"By the way...my name is Spencer, Spencer Monroe. Ahh...maybe we'll see each other around somewhere, sometime, or even here on the train again. Who knows!"

Hel-lo! Yes that boy was flirting too!

"Maybe we will. That would be nice. Oh...and by the way...before I forget...my name is Michonne Rènald."

Like I would ever.

"Well...I am so glad to have met your acquaintance Miss Michonne Rènald."

Spencer purposely allowed her exotic two names to roll off of his tongue like melting milk chocolate. Causing Michonne to get hot and bothered in places that had never been tapped in her life!

And him being the perfect southern gentleman even though a transplant by way of Ohio and then Washington DC, held out his right hand with those long slender fingers to shake hers while holding onto the train strap with his left. Michonne obliged, and held out her hand in order for him to take and shake.

And Spencer did, holding onto it a bit longer than need be.

And they each liked and enjoyed that feel of first contact. Smiling wantingly.

Oh yes, definitely the boy is flirting. And so is the girl! And I bet those long fingers could make me drool for A long time too!

Michonne looked under eyed and was yea shy of batting her hazel browns at Spencer when the train stopped and the doors hissed opened.

Dang it! Both having thought the same identical thing.

"Bye, Michonne." Spencer said all dimplely, as he reluctantly let go of her delicate hand. And looking like a Cheshire cat left the train. Then once off, Spencer turned to see if she was watching.

Michonne was.

He waved.

And she did the same.

Snap! He caught a girl lookin.

And the girl began to blush a whole lot more.

What a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful name to go along with her...Michonne. And no ring either. Now that's a bonus Spencer Monroe thought as he skipped down the train platform stairs to street level.

Too bad he had that dreaded late Latin class to go to. If not he would have loved taking Michonne out for a meal and drinks to get to know her better. Much better!

Mom this class had better be worth it! Who knows, you and dad may have just missed out on a superb future daughter-in-law! And man, I just met the lady too!

Spencer chuckled to himself. Then he got in a hurry once he'd crossed the street. Spencer really didn't want to be late for class. Professor Mary Terminus could be a real bear at times! That smile of her's was a very deceitful charàde.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

The train's outer compartment doors swished ever so softly as they closed. And it continued on. Michonne was still smiling at, and because of her encounter with Spencer. And took her slightly bitten into pear, wrapped it in a clean napkin; one left over from a previous snack or meal. Then placed it in her leather Hobo, bringing out a stick of gum in its place, which she then began to unwrap.

At least with you I can certainly chew and not be in danger of a ticket!

But before she could get it completely unwrapped and in her mouth, someone cleared their throat.

"Ahem."

Michonne looked over. It was a lady sitting across the aisle from her. She was trying hard to get her attention, and she did.

"He's quite a looker...rather charming too! Now wasn't he?" she said with a smirk. And gave Michonne a look that said, "And he had you all hot and bothered, and in a really good way too! Now don't lie, because you know he did!"

Horrified, but not wanting to let on that she was embarrassed by being rude, Michonne did all that she could do. Politely she smiled back at the mischief-maker, and then turned back, and began looking out the window of the fast moving train.

Shoot! Her and who else?

Unfortunately for Michonne that mental question was quickly answered in the form of multiple snickers. It was not only the lady, but quite a few more passengers in their compartment that had witnessed that whole flirt fest thing going on with her and that delicious Spencer.

However, after a while of thinking and stewing over the whole thing, a devilish grin began to spread wide across her face. "Yes he was a looker and a real charmer too! Mercy! A double threat if there ever was one. And one that I wouldn't have mind getting into a whole lot of trouble with for at least one, two, three or maybe more hours this evening." Michonne whispers dreamily to herself, as she watched the passing and changing landscape.

Mama ain't dead, just pregnant.

There it was again, that strong hunger had returned, but this time for food. And the need came back with a vengeance!

Putting her hand on her still somewhat flat belly, Michonne thought, Behave now Munchie, this stick of gum will have to do for the both of us. Daintily she slid the now unwrapped piece in her mouth and began to chew. This will just have to do little one. This will just have to do.

Sadly for her, those two chews of pear had only made the hunger worsen. Just like that banana she'd eaten on her way to the train had. That's why she'd taken the pear out and had begun to eat it in the first place! That so much enjoyed little Spencer interruption only staved off the inevitable.

Both the pear and the banana had been two of four pieces of fruits Michonne had taken out of Andrea's gift basket back at work. That said basket, along with a very hefty check had been waiting for Andrea when she arrived at her office that morning. It was a gift; a very large basket filled full of different kinds of fruits, European Chocolates, and Sweet Biscuits sent by a very very grateful client.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

"I did save his bacon!" Andrea laughed out loud after reading the short note attached to the basket. And then proclaimed without any shame whatsoever, "I am just that great!"

And that was no lie, because she was just that! Great at what she did. However, obviously humility was not one of the girl's strong suit. But who needed much or any humility when they were superb at what they did and do. And Andrea had an abundance of satisfied clients to proved it. If her hubris didn't bother any of them, then why should it be a problem for anyone else!

"Are you sure that's going to tide you over until you both get home?" She asked while looking over some papers at her desk, and then back at her friend, and quite amused. And the mother-to-be preoccupied. Michonne was quite busy putting pieces of Andrea's fruit in each one of her two coat pockets before leaving for her early and long Thanksgiving holiday.

"Very funny!" Michonne replied still looking down, making sure that the two pieces of fruits in each pocket fit. With the ones easily bruised on top.

"I don't want you nor my niece or nephew starving before the two of you get there." Andrea pointing to her friend's small barely there baby pouch as she continued. "And...ah, how did the two of you like those grapes? Tessah and I, or anyone else wouldn't e-ven know. They all left with you!"

Michonne looked up, scrunched her nose, and poked the tip end of her tounge out at her best friend. No lie, she had been raiding that basket throughout the day.

"They were rather tasty thank you very much," she replied unamused.

I'm a pregnant woman here. Give me some slack and make some allowances! I'd do the very same for you! You know!

Andrea chuckled. Knowing all too well about Michonne's raging appetite, and cravings. She honestly believed that it was more stress related than anything else. All due to Mike's constant dark goings-on towards her. That alone is the culprit, rather than the baby, or hormones.

His animosity towards Michonne had reached an all time high. Especially after what he did. Then when realizing way too late that he could no longer controlled her or the situation; that he'd overplayed his hand in more than one way. So Mike chose to aggravate instead.

"You know you can take the whole thing with you, and why don't cha?" Andrea said continuing her rib. "There are still six pieces left. The chocolates and sweet biscuits are off limits; private stash only!"

However, Michonne knew that not to be true. Because all she had to do was go into Andrea's office store which was the bottom right hand drawer of her desk, and get whatever it was that she so desired.

And a locked drawer wouldn't be a problem either, because Michonne knew exactly where the key was. Just like Andrea knew where she kept the key to her office store. Which just happens to be a whole wall unit; not some pitiful drawer.

Lily, a friend of Michonne from work, who now lives in Brussels keeps it well stocked for her with some of the best chocolates, cookie, nuts and other snacks that Europe has to offer along with some local eats too. Once finding out that her girl was pregnant, Lily was more than happy to do it. Because Michonne had done the very same for Lily when she was pregnant with all three of her children.

Andrea continued.

"Besides, I'm leaving for Florida this evening, and you won't be back in the office until Tuesday like moi. They'll just go to waste if you don't. You know Andrea (pointing to herself), don't do fruit like that unless they are grapes, and sometimes nectarines!"

"Nooo, I'm good," Michonne replied, choosing on purpose to ignore the last part about how much fruit was left.

"But, you could at least eat an orange, so you can say you did if asked. I know...why not just leave a note inviting those who wants some to just get a piece or two of fruit out of the basket. You know that some already have, even Uncle Hank. Then voilà no waste! Problem solved" Michonne smiled. Overly pleased with herself.

Tessah, Andrea's young assistant overhearing the whole conversation walked into Andrea's office and gave them both an all to telling, but good natured sideways look as she handed Andrea a report, and then left.

And that's coming from the woman who's eaten over half of the fruit that came in that extremely large basket. Mercilessly leaving only six pieces, and none were nectarines. Which just happens to be Tessah's favorite.

Where in the world does it all go! Sometimes I wonder; does the woman have hollow legs?

Tessah giggles to herself and then sat back down at her desk.

Both women ignored the look. Andrea really didn't care about any of it, but Michonne felt bad anyway.

Sorry! She mouthed to he'd friend. And made a mental note to order another basket for Andrea come Monday of mostly grapes, and some nectarines.

Nope, on second thought I'd best order two! Again, a pregnant woman with a hefty appetite is around! Hehe.

"No biggie! Everyone here knows you're eating for two and then some!" Andrea said with a shrug. Then hid her face behind the report that she had been reading. Trying hard to keep Michonne from seeing that she was really tickled and having so much fun at her pregnant friend's expense.

"Bye, Andrea." Michonne replied as she left Andrea's office for the train, and with two pockets full of her fruit.

"Ahh...aren't you going to wish me a safe trip and a Happy Thanksgiving before you go?" Andrea called after her.

"Nope. You're going to be calling me before, during, and after your flight lands. And then early Thanksgiving morning just to brag about the smell of Delilah's cooking." Michonne said stopping at the door.

"You, know Uncle Mark wanted you to come too!" Andrea said softly. And the mood in her office quickly changed.

"I know," Michonne replied back sadly, but then quickly recovered, taking her leave.

"Goodnight Tessah, and you have a Happy Thanksgiving," Michonne said with a broad smile as she passed the young woman's desk located just outside of Andrea's office door.

"Goodnight Michonne, and you have a good holiday too!" she replied back, smiling at her as she did.

"Thank you." And then Michonne thought, Well as much as I can...right!

And Tessah watched her as she walked down the expansive long hall of their law firm and then turned the corner for the elevators. Suddenly she felt a pang of sadness for her boss's friend. It has been a rather rough and tough couple of months for her. And Tessah wondered how in the world could she just keep smiling and not crumble under the pressure. She really didn't know if she herself could do the same.

"She's amazing isn't she?" Andrea said proudly from behind Tessah as she too watched her friend from her office door. "You know that it's her little Munchie that's giving her the strength to go on, don't you?"

Amazed, Tessah looked Andrea's way, because it's was as if she'd just read her mind.

So Andrea's got jokes, and Tessah with that look, Michonne thought heading out the lobby doors to the train. She didn't see anything at all amusing about her plight. Being pregnant is one thing, but dealing with a ravenous appetite is nothing to make lite of. However, Michonne couldn't help it, and found herself smiling anyway at her friend's silliness. That girl could be a jokester at times, and could always make her laugh. Even if at the time Michonne felt like it or not!

Andrea loves Michonne, and Michonne loves Andrea! They were sisters in every true sense of the word.

Michonne has always had a rather healthy appetite, but now with her pregnancy it's past that. And her doctor sees nothing really wrong with it just as long as she eat a variety of foods and doesn't put on too many extra pounds besides that of the baby. Thankfully, so far she hasn't.

And Michonne remembers the very first time she shared her frustrations with Andrea concerning her ravenous appetite and cravings. Of her having to almost always have something in her mouth to appease them both! Boy, what a mistake that was. Because Mike once again, and shamelessly to Michonne's amusement was fodder for Andrea's not so nice at all jokes.

And in her fashion, Andrea knew just how to use the most innocent of information and make it sound extremely suggestive even if it wasn't supposed to be. Giving her a seamless segue into something totally different; placing her with the advantage more than not at someone else's expense. That's why she was such a good lawyer. And Mike always deserves the best.

Unfortunately for him, that innocent little confession of her's was the perfect vehicle; a prime opportunity for a roast of Michonne's treacherous ex and Andrea's anytime, and all the time favorite target. With Mike being in attendance or not. Never mind even if it isn't exactly true...well let's just call that an added bonus. Anything that gets his goat so to speak is a good thing.

Mike and Andrea were like oil and water. And Michonne was that constant buffer in betwixt the two of them.

Going after Mike in general was truly one of Andrea's guilty pleasures, that she felt absolutely no guilt about doing at all! However, going after Mike and his manhood or lack thereof was Andrea's trifecta. Just because he deserved it, and much more in her book. Especially after what he'd done to her Michonne! Besides it was so much fun, and made sooo much more the better when he was around, because the boob, always fell for the bait by trying to make himself out to be more than who he really was. And he had lame comebacks to boot. Now that was always an add bonus, and a hoot in itself too!

Andrea could really be a blood thirsty mean kind of shark when she chose to be. Another trait of an exceptionally good lawyer.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

The two friends had been spending the whole weekend together at Michonne's condo. It had been mere days since Mike up and left her for good, and Andrea was there to help cheer her best friend up. It was a time of movies and TV shows binging, foods, drinks galore, and good girl conversation.

Both women sat on Michonne's stylish yet comfortable couch in front of the TV set mounted up above the fireplace and a myriad of different kinds of takeout and snacks, which were placed neatly on top of an oversized oval glass coffee table that Michonne had gotten on one of her trips while in Europe.

The individual drinks of choice was chilled white wine for Andrea, and a whole pitcher full of ice cold mock Sangria filled with fruit for Michonne. A little something that Andrea made earlier to help cheer her up since drinking alcohol was a no no.

Michonne sat lotus position on the sofa, consuming a rather large fully loaded hot dog from The Hotdog Palace, where over half of all the foods came from.

With her legs stretched out in front of her, Andrea sat opposite her friend. And every now and then, in between their conversation with the TV turned down low, she'd take a bite or two of either the slice of cheese pizza, barbecued boneless chicken wings or some of the fries she had on a plate that sat situated on top of a cloth napkin drape over her lap.

"Well look at it this way Me, at least this time you're enjoying the experience too! Thank the Lawd for a great Big blessing! It could still be Studly-doing-it-all-wrong trying to keep, or stuff something in your mouth or elsewhere," Andrea said in a cheeky manner while making the signs of quotation marks with both hands when she said Studly, and an emphasis on the word big.

Michonne slow on the draw; enjoying her food when it finally hits her. She stopped eating as not to choke, and in spite of herself burst out laughing. Something she really had fought hard not too!

"Did you just call Mike, Studly-doing-it-all-wrong? Why?" She asked through a hard giggle.

"Yeah, yes I did." Andrea answered nonchalant, but proudly. "And I also said "keep" too! But, stuff...well that's a strech in that what he'd be using is weiner size, wouldn't you say!"

"Wiener size!" Michonne repeated. Trying hard not to laugh again, and thinking.

"Oh my bad, I just besmurged the wiener didn't I! Well, at least all those stamped USDA Prime! I don't know whatever could I have been thinking. Besides being straight, firm, and flexible when and where it counts. A prime wiener...well It's the crème dela crème. The premier sausage of the weiner world. It's meaty without any fillers. Not only does that thang plumps up and stays that way when cooked and heated jussst so right! It knows exactly what it's for and meant to do. Be enjoyed, and to sa-tis-fy."

Michonne sniggered. Almost spilling a bit of her beverage while trying to take a drink.

And Andrea continued with her naughtiness and said...

"Especially nestled in between something warm, soft, and ooh so sweet! Kinda like those Hawaiian sweets rolls...Or not! Either way, when taken in and consumed the feeling should be oh so...ooh gra-ti-fy-ing."

Hugging herself as she mimics her own words.

"The movements of the head." Andrea rolls her head suggestively. "A moan or multiple ones, like that's the first time you ever had a taste of anything like that before! And each time's a totally different experience. Always making you want more, need more even if you are filled to the hilt! Hot Dog it! And the pun certainy was meant."

Then she adds her own special effects.

"And if it's really really good and tasty there will be the rolling of the eyes.

This Andrea does with pure perfection, and all that could be seen were the white of them as her eyes fluttered.

Michonne straight out hollered.

"And that can only mean one thing," she continued. "That that thang done hit the spot and hit it just right. You know the spot I'm talking about! That spot that's been fully pleased and filled. Lawd knows you want more, but at the moment your system just wouldn't be able to handle another iota of that goodness, unless pain sets in, overwhelming the gratification. So what to do? You just sit back until you come down off of that delicious high. Letting yourself relax, dream and anticipate that whole experience all over again, but at a later time. Because that meaty thing not only makes your mouth waters for more once it's gone, but has your appetite and body looking forward to it. Craving that scrumptiousness again, and again!

Michonne snorted when she looked down at her partially eaten hot dog and back up at Andrea. Thinking how many times her flippant tongue-in-cheek antics has gotten her into hot water in court more than once with more than one judge. And now she's at it again with some of her best stuff yet, and Michonne can't help but relish in it.

Her knowing just how far to push the envelope without any possible harmful blowback to herself, well that was yet another one of Andrea's super abilities.

"No way! Nope, no-siree-bob, should a prime wiener ever be grouped in as one of those ho-hum, just a plain ole, run of the mill, store bargain brand or one pretending to be prime wieners. Oh nooo Andrea said, and shook her head. "...Sorry but that describes what would be more like a Cowboy brand, because what you are really dealing with is low quality that comes at a high price! Not the kind of mouth feel or elsewhere that would have you shouting the house down around it.

"The best kind of advertisement is always by word of mouth; vocalizing a thang's wonderous merits! But what can be said or expected when that experience has been given by an off, off, off unimaginative bland bargain brand piece of meat. That should be a resounding bland and unimaginative "yea" to accompany that bland and uninspiring experience from what would be commonly classified as a lifeless, lackluster, humdrum weenie; not even in the class of the cocktail ones that can at times be quite enjoyable and fulfilling in spite of its tiny size. Because sometime size doesn't mather, if it does not, will not, or can not please!

"If that was the case foot longs would be sold all the time, right there next to the prime and not so premium wieners. Not as a once in a while offer for special occasions. And the same goes for the buns that they fit in! What a fluke! Eating takes energy. Why waste it on something that does not quench and come up to par!.

"What good is the shock without the AWE-someness! The girth without the right thrust of pleasure. And the length without the precision of exactness! In other words; the beefy meatiness to bun ratio! Looks can be deceiving and more often then not are. The proof of the pudding is always in the eating. And all it takes is just one sampling to prove it able to satisfy or not!

"Come on Me! Am I not right!"

Michonne rolled on the couch at her friend's clever yet never meant to be good natured, but still funny as stank raillery all at Mike's expense. Which only encouraged Andrea to go even deeper with her comical critique and all out assault on his supposedly shortcomings down below. However, it really wasn't that far off the mark in some things.

"I bet that's exactly how it was when it came down to Mike and sex. No shock nor awesome." Andrea coughed, and cleared her thoat. "Ahem,...with him only knowing of one hole, one position and one way. His. Another ho-hum lacklustered experience to speak of where adventurous was a word not found anywhere in that How To Leaflet on Sex that he kept stashed away. Fold very neatly inside his wallet. No doubt taking it out regularly to use to stroke his own...shell we say ego. Just to make sure that what he's doing is not only right for his own pleasure but your's too!"

Andrea mocks, "Yeah right! Mike and men like him is the reason why the Naughty BUT O' So Nice Stores can be found all over this city!"

Michonne sat back listening to, and enjoying Andrea's dry humor, and began to wonder if that was really what Mike had been doing while locked away in their bathroom for such long periods of time! Innocently, it had never occurred to her that he would be doing anything other than just using it. But if what Andrea just deaspaned was true then...

Boy, slow much!

That thought made Michonne roared again with laughter.

And that laughter seemed contagious because Andrea broke a small smile, but then just as quickly went back to her droll manner.

"It's in, out, in, out then in. Oops it's out again. A grunt here and a moan there. All him, no one else, and he always got to be on top...of things even though he never really is! Thinking he's getting his job done just because he breaks out in a wee little sweat. When you and I both know in all honesty it was a waste of time. His!

"Because you were mentally somewhere else. Like going over your to-do-list once the poor thing is done trying to make his thang work. Or better yet, going through a case summation for closing arguments. And that yell you delivered,...well we both know that it had nothing to do with him at all. Leaving Studly and his best friend, but certainly not yours, thinking they'd hit it. That supposedly nail on its supposedly sensitive head, when it wasn't e-ven close! But you knowing without a shadow of a doubt that your case is won with Mike's inadvertent clueless help. Even if he hasn't helped with what a sistah really needs.

Just because a man is hung like a horse doesn't mean that the buddy knows just how to ride that thang out like a Nobel Steed. Bringing it all the way home and just right to that finish line. His preformace being nothing less than what a MIGHTY Stallion is capable and more than able to do!"

So true, Michonne laughed as she rolled on the couch even more.

But how does Andrea know this?

And Andrea still with one more zinger, happily delivered the gut punch to the absent boy!

"And to keep from hurting his vittle feelings you'll produce a mercy moan just for him with a shiver thrown in for good measure. And if he's trying really hard; a little more than usual, and has that strained look all over his his face; like he's having a strike or something. And please don't let the man start drooling with his tongue hung out like roadkill, executing his release. You'll scratch his back up a bit just as a reward. And with you thinking all the while, laying there on your back. Is that it? Pleaseee no! Not again!

"Because he very seldomly, if anytime do you the way you need to be done! And that is...completely, and utterly undone. Too out of it to think or even speak. Wrunged out, and brought back in again in as many a ways that some extraordinarily good, superbly executed, and fabulously talented repetition has taught a he-man to do! Leaving you the one that has the drool. And if you don't smoke cigarettes, then girrl you'll start. Because you'll need something else just as satisfying to cap off that arching of the back, good as stank, toes curling experiencing high, that has been overwhelmingly and meticulously delivered!"

Unbeknownst to Michonne, Andrea kept a package of Virginia Slims or either Capris, and a disposable lighter just for that occasion. They can always be found hidden in a secret compartment in any one of her designer bags and purses. A rather bad habit that started one weekend long ago, after being so very, very naughty after a long fast.

"But don't you dare tell him any different. She continued. "That...that thang that he does ain't doing it for ya! Because he's the man! And we wouldn't want to hurt that over inflated image that the poor thing wrongly has of himself. Now do we! His performance has already done that for you more than once!"

Having finished, Andrea gave a two finger salute, smiled broadly, took a drink, and reached for more wings and fries off of her plate.

She was way past satisfied, and had done what she'd set out to do in the first place; killed two birds with one stone. Mike's image, and Michonne's heaviness of the heart because of him for at least a little while she hoped. However, when she looked over, her friend was not only smiling but laughing too. Andrea's worked was done.

And Michonne sitting down across from her wiped tears from her eyes. She hadn't laugh that hard, in like forever! This had been very cathartic and surprisingly she no longer felt the heaviness that had been plaguing her ever since Mike lefted her and their unborn baby.

She was also glad that the two of them were sitting in her living room instead of at work. Because, they would have been in so much trouble by now with her Uncle Hank. Him giving them both that military stare, that Andrea ate up and spat out without a second thought; always the rebel that girl! Michonne not so much, even though, her dad had had that look down pat too! But, Uncle Hank was just so much more better at the wordless reprimands.

But how could Andrea have known about some of those things she said about Mike? Michonne knew she hadn't told her.

She'd loved him way too much and would never have done that to her heart.

Michonne knew early on in her and Mike's relationship that there had to have been more than what she was experiencing with him period. Especially when it came to sex. Even though she'd been a virgin, and what little she did know about it surely hadn't come from her prim and proper mother. Who for whatever reason hadn't prepared her daughter for that part of life. However, Michonne still knew that there had to be much more, even though she was green.

She didn't have Andrea (they'd learned the hard way about discussing such things), and no other girlfriends to speak of. Just Mike. So that left her literally alone and in the dark about a great many things. Innocently on her own trying hard to deal as best she could when it came to navigating the divers maneuvers needed in life when dealing with the opposite sex and having sex.

Sadly, and with all kidding aside, Michonne realized way to late what she'd allowed herself to put up with in Mike, even though it wasn't her to have ended them first. Because in Michael Rosslen's world, what's best for Michael Rosslen is always good for everyone else, even if it wasn't or isn't!

And the train continued on its trek; making its stops here and there.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Michonne sat, and looked longingly out of the window at the towering and imposing buildings ahead as the train got closer to the city center. And allowed herself to think once again back to Spencer. Devilishly she wondered if he could have been her Jasper! If he could do those things that Andrea talked about. Those delicious little things that could make her forget all about Mike. But if he wasn't or couldn't, Michonne knew without any problem that it would have been quite some really good fun giving that boy a try anyway. Because...

Nothing fails a girl but a try. Right!

Giggling, her mind soon drifts back to that weekend.

It had been one of those times that had been an eye opener for her about a great many things. Learning a whole lot about her friend, and what she herself had been so clueless of before.

A time where she and Andrea were just silly girls enjoying each other's company. A slow and lazy weekend where secrets that were not really secrets were divulged. Andrea sometimes willingly and then other times with some restraints, hesitantly shared with her a great deal of funny and also hurtful things about her experiences with men. Things that Michonne wished she'd known earlier. It would have probably enabled her to better understand where Andrea had been coming from when she tried way back when to steer her clear of Mike when they were all back in college together.

Mike, that gift that didn't give at all. Only took.

And Michonne too late, find out that Andrea could talk , because she knew from first hand experience, and told Michonne as much. Unfortunately for Andrea she's been with quite a few Mike's in her life. But had only been in love once.

Starting with her first, Brent Alexander...

She was sixteen and Brent was a twenty year old sex god in his own mind, and as that matter goes Andrea's too! She didn't know any better. He was her first. And she was supposedly one of his many. He was a sex god after all? Naively, her sixteen year old stupid self knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was her the one!

Andrea's parents couldn't stand him. But what could they do? Send their now wild child off to boarding school or have Brent arrested. Even though the age of consent in Florida was 18, they didn't want to make things worst, and push her into running off with him. So they grinned and bared the whole situation begrudgingly.

Neither her mom nor her dad could tell Andrea anything about her Brent. No...no one could! No not one thing! Because he was perfect in her eyes. The sun and moon, rose and sat on him. Stars were all that she saw when she looked his way. And to Andrea's dismay, she found out way too late that it wasn't the sun, moon, nor star that had her blind to that fool, but the fog of stupidity covering those eyes of hers!

She had all the answers, but none of them were right!

The girl was deeply, madly in love. But Brent wasn't. Just like Mike he was only in love with himself! His wants. His needs. His pleasures. And at sixteen Andrea had set herself up for a fall. But it wasn't until Brent unceremoniously, and without any fanfare dumped her two days before her Junior Prom did she see the light.

His excuse. He needed a more "experienced" girl. No a woman, not a Daddy's girl like Andrea. And the coward did it over the phone too.

And Andrea painstakingly told Michonne just how devastating it all had been to say the least.

Her six months of bliss turned into a Hellish walking daymare of the heart, accompanied by a sleepless nightmare of an existence all at once!

And It took all the strength that "Daddy's" girl, her mother, and younger sister Amy had in them to physically keep their Marine Lieutenant Colonel Fighter Pilot battle tested dad and husband from going all "Oorah" all over Brent's sorry behind. Something that Patrick Harrison had wanted to do the very first time that he and his wife Eve, first met the pissant!

Most importantly the father in him at that moment, thought better of doing it. With all his three girls begging, and holding onto the man tight; pleading for him not to go. And in the end love won out. His love for his wife and daughters kept the Lieutenant Colonel home, and Brent safe from a military style whomping reserved just for an Ass.

Then after a whole lot of tears, and missing out on both proms because of that whole Brent experience. Andrea decided on purpose to give up on love and never open herself up to it ever again. But then came college….plus a big heaping taste of some of the best sex that she had no clue ever even existed.

It was given special delivery by a true sex god. Not a mere novice mind you, nor an aficionado, but a true expert in pleasing a woman and her body! A great big tasty piece of man candy named Jasper. He and he alone was responsible for enlightening her naive and inexperienced eyes to what she had missed out on by wasting precious time with a pubescent boy! Truly thinking himself a more than capable man!

One who thought he knew, but didn't know jack squat!

It was Andrea's sophomore year in college, and still nursing a very hurt, bruised, and broken heart after three years. And not trusting herself not to ever get hurt again, so she put all of her energy into her books. Making the Dean's List in college with a 4.0 each semester; a carry over from senior year in high school. Boys and sex were the farthest things from her mind. Inadvertently, that was until Homecoming weekend. Yeah buddy!

Andrea's roommate Karen had decided that it was time for her to do more than just stay hidden away in their shared dorm bedroom with her face stuck in a book. And wouldn't take Andrea's "no" for an answer when she asked her to come go out with her and some of their hallmates. Andrea's refusal not to go to a party that was being held at one of the most popular frat houses on campus was totally unacceptable. Relentless. Karen wouldn't stop until she got a "Yeah, okay" from her.

She may have agreed to go, but it was never Andrea's intention to stay. It was going to be a walk in then turn right around kind of thing; ditching Karen and the rest the moment their backs were turned.

The party was in full swing when the girls got there. There was almost ear bleeding, but certainly body vibrating music, food, soda, and hidden booze. Karen and the rest of the girls went their separate ways the very moment they went through the door, leaving Andrea all on her own. Now there was no need for her to ditch anyone, the joke was all on Andrea because she was the one that got ditched!

"Every girl for themselves," shouted Karen as she made her way to the liquid refreshments. And that bar was crowded. Good, Andrea thought a little peeved, turning around to leave.

However, just as she was doing so, a Norse god stepped out in front of her. It was Jasper Hillengrad the star running back who made all those winning touchdowns earlier in the day while out on that field. And not at that moment known to Andrea, that same thing would be happening later on up in his bedroom over and over again to her.

"Aww, you're not leaving are you?" He smiled.

"No...no. Not now I'm not," Andrea slyly smirked back.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lawd! And pass the biscuit and gravy! Cause a sistah's self-imposed fast from everything except falling in love is now oovah!

And when that honey haired, green eyed, chiseled chest and muscular body, tapered waist, 6'0" tall, 210 lbs wonder of all things good about a man got through… Lawd hammercy! They both were sweating, smiling, and de-hy-drat-ed with all kinds of bed head hair, and aching areas! Leaving Andrea not only bone tied, but totally, completely, and utterly sa-tis-fied! Thinking…

Brent...A Brent who? A Sex god...what! ...Where! Heck and nah! Really! I need me a cigarette right now please and thank-you-very-much!

And after Andrea's tale of the two penises; a just plain and simple wannabe, that was a total dick Brent, who she loved. And then there was that Jasper whom her body craved. A man who did nothing but lived up to his name over and...thank you everything good in the world, over agan! She sat there on the couch all smiley and stuff and looked over at Michonne and said.

"Did you know that Jasper is always hard!"

Then Andrea took both her hands, and clapped them over her head shouting.

"Best weekend e-ver! And every doggone time afterwards! Yeah buddy! And you know what else? Every year since that year, starting with after Homecoming weekend, I've given Karen a little gift for that Big little favor that she's still clueless of."

And Andrea tee-heed at that secret.

Michonne could only giggle at her silly friend, and asked good naturedly after a while, "Why didn't you ever tell me about both Brent and Jasper until now!"

Her friend just shrugged her shoulders and said, "You were 14 years old. The most you knew about boy's was that they had a third leg, and we didn't, as Gran would say. "And you , and them!" Andrea mocking Michonne's grandmother while pointing to them both, "Are never allowed to see it until there's a ring on both of your left ring fingers and an "I do" afterwards."

Michonne and Andrea looked at each other and bursted out laughing. Obviously neither one had listened, and that ring thing hadn't happen yet either. But that other sure had, over and over again.

"Besides," Andrea went on after straightening up. "You were away in France with your parents while your dad opened up the new offices there." And..I, she hesitated. I was a holy terror with Brent; the sex and all. My parents weren't all that keen with me, nor were they with my being around Amy. I don't believe your parents would have been ither. It...I was a mess."

Andrea shook her head. And a look of regret appeared across her face. Swapping places with the joy and that smile that had been there seconds before.

Michonne noticed and replied back gingerly. "Ok, you were a mess, but still, what about later? After I came back home,...or at least when I got to college! I would have understood."

"Really! You! Understand! Remember? Andrea said having tilted her head sideways as she looked back at Michonne. You and I didn't speak for two years, because I tried to tell you things. Everyone that loved you did! But you weren't having any of it, because baby was in l-o-v-e! Just like I had been."

And the conductor's voice rang out over the loudspeaker, bring Michonne back to the present by announcing her stop.

"Peachtree Orchard Station. Watch your step please, and have a very nice evening and holiday."

Michonne got up when the train made a full stop; disembarking with the rest of the riders, and so did the smirking lady. She wished her a Happy Thanksgiving as they both went their separate way. And Michonne did the same to her.

And as she walked down the outside stairs, avoiding the station altogether, her phone began to ring. Taking it out of her bag Michonne looked at it and immediately recognized the number. It was Mike, and right swiped ignore.

Andrea had been right! What fool in love ever listens to sound advice.

Michonne inwardly shook her head at that delayed revelation of hers, and blended in with the crowd heading towards her destination once she got to street level. Wondering as she did, at all the time she'd wasted with, and on Mike.

Out of the seven years of them being together, the only good thing for her to have come out of all of that heartache and disappointment was tucked safe and sound in her womb. What a total waste if not for him or her.

And eight weeks earlier with the click of a pin, Mike, that fool signed away all his rights as their baby's father, without nary a thought. Wasting no time at all expressing just that that the two of them had been a waste! His expressed feelings and desires were done in both words and by his deeds. Making it very clear that he wanted nothing more to do with her, nor their little one. That is up until two weeks ago.

Now Mike calls her day and night. Claiming that he was cheated and signed the papers under distress; threatening to take her to court to get his rights reinstated. Good luck with that buddy! Michonne thought grimly as she crossed the street with the crowd. Mike knew as well as she, that that would never happen, because her Uncle Hank is nothing less than thorough. Besides, it was Mike who demand the parental split from his unborn child one week after Michonne told him that she was pregnant. Every time she thinks of it her eyes held unshed tears.

How could she have been so very wrong about him, them, everything? Her family; Mother, Daddy, Uncle Hank, Aunt Millie, but especially Andrea. All of them tried telling her that Mike was no good. But being eighteen, Michonne knew better than the voices of reason and experience.

He was the love of her life, enough said! The only man that she'd ever love. The only problem with that was that she learned too late that Mike didn't love her. He never had! Andrea had been right all alone; all of those years ago and of late! Mike only loved what she had and represented. Money and position. More so her family's position then anything else. Now, because of her, her baby has Michael Rosslen as its biological father.

Grandmother Ruth told Michonne 's mother to love her and be close by, because it never fails…"A hard head always carries a soft behind." But, Andrea in her wisdom garnered from the School of Hard Knocks of Love, told Michonne just like it was when they were back in college.

"Me, you are just sex drunk plain and simple off of a green penis," she'd said, not mincing her words. "It's one that'll never ever ripen into a full fledge thing of satisfying beauty for you! A firm, hard on demand dick!"

Even though Mike was twenty-four and full of bravado, Andrea suspected that it was all smoke and mirrors just to impress the gullible, Michonne. She could tell by the way he walked and carried himself, that it was all an act for his benefit only! Another Brent. Why couldn't her best friend just see it!

One day as they were walking back together from one of their law classes; everything came to a head. And that pimple popped. Andrea had had enough, and said just that to Michonne out of frustration.

"Now come on Me," she pleaded. "Can't you see that Mike has your nose holes so wide open that they've covered your eyes to what and who is standing right before them. A very handsome, yet, untrustworthy snake with a flashing smile, and a cold heart. You are cheating yourself, willing to settle for less... him! Why? When you could have better! You deserve better; the best in my opinion. Only if you'd just give yourself some time with a splash of variety! You're settling Me. And for what...Michael Rosslen! Who ain't all that!

"You know...the right guy is just waiting for you! But you've got to want the right guy. This is all because you are so sure that you are in love with this pretender...heck, maybe you are! But Mike doesn't love you, and that's for dog gone sure! Only what you have and represent!"

That was it! The last straw! That proverbial stick that broke that proverbial camel's back! Michonne had had enough! Why was it that people thought her stupid?

Well, maybe, because in actuality she was, just that! Plain and simple...stupid!

Why was it that everyone in her life, and that she loved was so against Mike? She loved him, and why couldn't they all at least try to see that and accept that fact and him?

So, she and Andrea from that very afternoon parted ways. Neither spoke to the other for almost two years afterwards. Even though they were in some of the same classes, and just generally around campus daily. And at family functions they kept their distance. Neither set of parents, or their aunts and uncles appreciated it at all. Michonne's cousins not only thought her crazy, but dumb too! All that drama due to Mike! How ridiculous.

However, not all of it was strictly because of what Andrea had said, nor was it Andrea. Just Michonne. It was just easier that they didn't, Mike liked it that way. He'd always had a problem with Andrea from day one, and Michonne didn't know why. But stupidly, she wanted Mike happy and without question went along with his wishes.

Then All that changed with one phone call late one night. Everything that had caused their riff no longer mattered to Michonne, because the most unthinkable thing happened. Andrea's parents, and her baby sister Amy were all killed in a plane piloted by Andrea's dad. They were flying up to South Carolina, from Florida to spend some time with Andrea before her husband's deployment back to the Middle East. And also because he might not be able to come back for Andrea's graduation which was the coming spring.

Needless to say, Michonne knew that Andrea was devastated; as was she. Patrick, Eve, and Amy Harrison were her second family, the same as Michonne's was Andrea's. After getting off the phone with her mother, she ran out of her dorm, straight to Andrea; not stopping until she found her.

And when Michonne got to Andrea's dorm room, she found her just sitting there on her bed with an open phone in her hand, with tears streaming down her face. She was in shock. Her world as she'd known it was forever gone!

No words of apologies were ever exchanged between the two of them. Michonne ran to her side and took Andrea in her arms, and the two mourned and cried together. Their tears and hugs were their...

"I'm so sorry, and I love you's." That was all that was ever needed.

The two best friends stayed close by each other until Andrea's Uncle Mark, her dad's brother. His wife Ava, her mother Delilah, Michonne's parents Raymond and Emmagene, and their Uncle Hank, Aunt Millie, Uncle Ellis, and Aunt Effie, all arrived to take care of everything and their girls.

In their moment of grief, Michonne realized almost too late how stupid she was and had been for allowing anyone, but especially a man to come between her and Andrea. And at that very moment she became Andrea's strength like Andrea is hers now.

They were sisters, plain and simple; just as much as Andrea and Amy had been. And best friends since they were ten, and eight years old respectively. When their fathers, and uncles were all stationed in Japan.

She loved Andrea and let Mike know it that night when she called him to let him know what had happened. And it would be one of the few times in her and Mike's relationship that there was no room for a debate or an argument. He didn't want Michonne there for her, but Andrea was a part of her life, case close. Andrea needed her, and no way would she be going through her pain alone. And neither would she be going anywhere ever again! So he'd best deal with it! And it was safe to say that Mike did deal with it somewhat.

He was a great actor, or so he thought about that particular issue. But Michonne never did believe that he was ok with her and Andrea being friends again. However, it didn't matter, because she loved them both, and what could he do about it!

If it hadn't been for her Aunt Millie, Uncle Hank, and other family members and friends, but especially Andrea... With her just being there for her and her little one when her parents had their accident. And then when that was compounded even more by Mike's betrayal in the worst way. Well, Michonne wouldn't have had a clue where she'd be right now or who to turn to.

Lovingly she placed her right hand over her little bit tucked inside of her, for only God knows just how many times, and gave thanks. Michonne then pulled the fur collar of her black leather wrap car coat a bit more snugglier around her neck, as she walked on towards the cafè. The crowd was almost nonexistent, and it had gotten so much more colder since leaving work now that the sun had gone down.

Some minutes later, Michonne stood standing in front of Mama Ella's, and about to go in when she noticed something kind of off. There wasn't anybody out on the sidewalks on either side, nor any cars going up and down the street. And a small boy was also there in front of the cafè with his back to all of it and her.

The little guy was just standing there with his small hands cupped to the sides of his face, peering inside, looking in through one of the two plate glass windows which adorned each side of the restaurant's front. And he seemed to be alone.

Suddenly, taking both his hands down, he looked her way as Michonne began opening the door to go in. It appeared that she may have startled him; the poor thing. And for that, Michonne was met with the most beautiful set of expressive cerulean blue eyes that she'd ever been blessed to look back at.

They were like two brilliant blue colored round pieces of glass set up against pale fair white skin and short cut straight brown hair that fell just so in front those eyes.

He's beautiful. What a perfect little boy, just like those eyes.

"Hello there handsome," Michonne said with a bright smile. Opening the shop's door wide and then entered in. "Hi," the little boy replied back rather shyly as the door slowly closed behind her.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Three hours earlier…

"Honey you stay here and enjoy yourself. Your uncle and I will be back in a bit, then we'll go and have a bite to eat, and take you to that new Lego Movie that you've been begging to see," said his mother smiling as she lovingly bends down, and places a light kiss on her little boy's forehead.

His uncle, the boy's mom's boyfriend, and his dad's ex-best friend chimes in as he ruffles his hair with his fingers. "That's right bud, when me and your mom get back we are going to have a great big surprise to go along with that movie too!" Pulling the woman in tight, the man makes her giggle as they both said their goodbyes before walking to the door, and then out of the hotel playroom. It was full of all kinds of children whose parents had things to do.

But definitely unknown to the little boy's mother and uncle, it was never his intention to wait until they came back. Because, he was on a mission. The little tike was on his way back home to be with his dad. They'd left town without him even knowing that they were gone, and Thanksgiving was two days away. He didn't want him to be alone on the day like last year.

Doing as he was told, the little boy got a coloring book and some crayons; sat down at a table with some other children and began to color. He did that for about an hour, not making any waves; sure to obey. Just enough time so that the workers would get their minds off of him. Because you do not have to constantly watch a child that's quiet and doesn't misbehave. And the little boy left the hotel playroom undetected.

Downtown Atlanta was totally different from where he lived. It was way bigger, and a lot more noisier, and crowded. But the little boy was not daunted by it. He had his phone, money, and plenty of bus schedules which he knew how to read. His dad taught him those type of things in case he'd ever gotten lost.

Getting on the right bus was a breeze. However, getting off at the right stop, but with the wrong people, well that's another thing totally, and where his troubles were compounded. Because he was robbed when he got off to get another bus.

Not known to the child, or anyone else, that he'd caught the attention of two teens sitting in the back who were just looking for trouble and saw the little fellow when he got on. Since the little one was all alone, he was easy pickins for a mugging. They watched him the whole time he was on the bus. And when the child got up to get off they did the same; going out the side door of the bus.

Waiting impatiently, the two dared not make a move until the bus took off. Especially with that nosy lady that looked like someone's mean mama. She was looking straight at them as if she knew what was up!

The bus left. The child was alone. And they pounced.

Running up to him they violently knocked the child down, and snatched his backpack off of his shoulders with his phone, money, and bus schedules inside. Afterwards, the two took off laughing and running down the sidewalk with their ill gained loot! No one offered to help, asked questions, or even stopped to see if he was hurt. The people on the sidewalk just kept walking. And so did the child after he got up.

Time passed and the sun began to go down, taking the temperature along with it as he walked amongst the people crowding the city sidewalks. They were either on their way home from work, or wherever people tend to go to in this place! And the child wanted to cry, but didn't, because that wouldn't have helped. It would have only drawn attention to him, and make him look helpless, which he kinda was, and a ripe target for probably even more trouble.

So the little boy walked until he found himself in front of a well lit building. It was a restaurant of some kind. The signs said, Mama Ella's Southern Down Home Cafè. And the poor baby's stomach growled and rumbled loudly.

Now, not only was he lost, cold, and getting there almost afraid; but hungry too! He hadn't eaten a full meal since lunchtime. And those graham crackers and chocolate milk back at the hotel playroom; his snack time treat as tasty as they were didn't even come close to counting.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

The smell that came out of the door as the pretty lady went inside had the little boy shaking with a deep need to eat. Never has he felt like this without it being on purpose. And then that feeling never lasted for long. Not with a fully stock fridge, restaurant, or his mom or dad nearby.

He did have the means to buy some food though. Those boy's weren't so smart. Neither was he that dumb as to put all his money in the same place. All that was in his backpack along with his phone, and bus schedules, was change for the buses he needed to take to get to the Greyhound Bus Station. The big bucks were close to his body in different places. Patting himself, he felt so proud, yet still hungry.

And the child lets his mind wonder…

What if he ask that lady nicely when she comes back out if she'd go back in and buy him something to eat? With him paying for it of course. His dad told him that a gentleman always pays. Or...he could just do it himself.

Mulling it over in his juvenile mind, the little rascal couldn't quite decide on the best route for his problem so...

In the end, the youngster decided against it all. Thinking better of the situation, because the lady looked like she'd ask questions that he had the answers to, but didn't dare give. And then she'd no doubt call the police and he'd be back to square one, with both his mother and his uncle and in so much trouble; way over his seven year and two months old head. And still not with his dad. Either way, him asking her, or going in on his own would've just drawn waaay too much attention to himself. So the need to be with his dad won out over his need to eat.

But the start of a plan began to formulate in his seven year old mind. And the child knew exactly just what he was going to do.

He decided that he would walk to the nearest bus stop, which was a block up. Get on the first bus that came; then ask the bus driver for directions to the Greyhound Bus station. And if the driver asks where were his parents he'll just have to wing it. That's exactly what he had been doing since he decided to go back home to be with his dad. Especially, after hearing what his mom and uncle were whispering about in their hotel room the night before. With them thinking wrongly that he was fast asleep.

And for some unnamed reason, Michonne just couldn't really shake the feeling, and thought it very odd for a child that young to be out all alone this time of evening. Could he really be out by himself alone? Where were his parents? It was dark and getting colder out. And no one inside the restaurant look like he belonged to them, or they him. There were only three customers plus her, and the staff of course.

She knew if he was with one of the workers, he'd be inside at a booth or one of the tables eating something good and satisfying, because Mama Ella wouldn't have it any other way. She loved children and they loved her. Besides, why would he be outside alone anyway?

She also doubted if he was with the tall slender man dressed in a smart and stylish womens tailored pants suit, and a pair of Michael Kors black leather medium heel pumps with matching purse.

Nor was he with the couple standing behind him, because it was Minister Ellis Harris Johnson and his wife Effie Elizabeth of All Sinners Are Welcome Church of God In Christ Jesus. Michonne knew them very well. Her cousins and their families were members of their congregation. Ellis and her father Raymond grew up together too. And the minister and his wife were also Michonne's godparents.

All three were glad to see each other. Ellis and Effie walked up to their girl. And there were tight hugs and kisses all around amongst them. It was just like old home week in the restaurant. Which had everyone in there smiling.

And the little boy saw and watched it all.

Effie noticed the concern look on her goddaughter's face after she turned back from looking towards the window again.

"What's that look Chonnie, what's wrong?" she asked as she lovingly cupped one hand up against her godchild's face.

"Is it that Mike? Ellis cut in more than ready for a fight. "If it is, tell your uncle! You know that I won't think twice about taking off my collar. I'll repent later for stumping excrement out of that so-in-so, while replacing submission in its place about you. Don't cha baby? If Ray had just said the word, or had allowed me to do it on my own, then that bas-."

"Ellis!" Effie, said in a warning tone.

"Ahem." The Reverend cleared his throat, looked around, and continued. "Forgive me Lord, and you all too. That...that...spin golly wannabe would have been dealt with a long time ago! I take my responsibility as your godfather seriously. Always has, always will! But especially more so now!" Ellis said, raising his booming and powerful voice at the end. Not caring one bit who heard him, or that it got a very displeased look from his wife. He meant business! Michael Rosslen has done enough damage!

The Reverend Johnson was not a man prone to lies. Personally, or by reputation Ellis Johnson was known as someone that keeps his word. Very few knew this not to be true only because they'd never met or had any dealings with the man.

Michonne giggled at her uncle's use of the two words spin golly to describe Mike instead of the name Svengali, because she knew that he knew that it was wrong, but didn't want to give Mike any better representation.

She also had no doubt that everything that her Uncle Ellis had just said was all true and well meant! Every last word of it! And so did Effie. Because back in the day he was what Michonne's father Raymond called a Justified Thug. One who'd kicked butt until he or those he thought wronged were vindicated. With sometime that vindication landing the perpetrators in the hospital or wishing that they were.

And Ellis in jail. This happened quit a few times after he'd gotten out of the military.

More than a few time, some had even turned themselves in to the police for their own protection. And that had tickle Michonne's dad to no end.

"Lookie there, Brother's helping the police out again! Who would have thunk it!" Raymond would say, using Ellis's nickname and laughed. His booming deep voice reverberating throughout the whole house. But unlike his friend Ellis, Michonne's dad's voice didn't represent his personality. He was a such a softy.

"Now that's the beauty of a good ole fashion Alabama Ass whipping," he'd continue. "It's po-tent as Hell in any state, and will always gets the job done. Not a beating mind you, because that would just make the receiver mad. That As-, he'd quickly change the word to butt instead, as he'd look up at Emmagene his wife. Because him using any curse words at all around their daughter at any time alway made his wife cringe. And was totally unacceptable in their household!

"That is a butt whipping to you Baby Girl," Raymond would always wink at Michonne when correcting his language around her. Which made her giggle every time. And that in turn would exasperate her mother even more at Raymond's antics.

He continued.

"...would will either land you in the hospital, or thinking you needed to go. More likely wishing you were already there, or have you on the run looking to someone for help not to get one. Anyone! Just help a brother out! Please!

"The authorities, his mom, dad, other family members and friends; the whole Ahem...neighborhood. EVERYBODY was glad when five things happened to Ellis. He joined the military, got saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, and became a minister. And then Effie married him!

"Between her and the Lord; with his help, it was a good thing and a good day for us all!" Once again Michonne's dad would laugh. And the sound of his voice would again boom loudly throughout their home.

She really and truly did miss him, and that sound.

Looking at her godparents, Michonne reassures them both and began to explain that at the moment it was not Mike who was occupying her mind with concern, but a certain little boy outside.

She looked back again at the now empty window.

Ellis and Effie got back in line, and Michonne followed. But once there, Ellis began to think about the child too. And took it upon himself to go out and looked for the boy personally.; leaving both women in line while he did so. But fifteen minutes later came back alone to both of the women's disappointment.

"I went from one end of the block and back," Ellis said as he cupped his cold hands up to his mouth and blew warm air into them. "I even turned the corner and walked up and back again; but didn't see anyone out there! The sidewalks are empty, and so was the street. Maybe the little tike was with someone after all, and you just missed seeing them."

No, both sides of the street were empty.

"Thank you uncle," Michonne said. Giving him one of his almost favorite thing in the world. Her smile.

"You are welcome, Baby Girl." Ellis replied. Reminding Michonne so much of her dad when her uncle would call her that. Reaching over, Ellis then gave his goddaughter one of her favorite things in the world. One of his comfy hugs. He was a softy too!

But as comforting as that hug was, Michonne couldn't help but still feel uneasy. It was really getting colder out and that fact alone had her worried for the child. Recollecting that he really wasn't dressed for this turn of cold weather; no cap, no gloves, not even a heavier coat.

She thought about calling 911, but what would she tell them? What would she say? There's a little boy looking inside of Mama Ella's, and she's concern! Maybe Uncle Ellis is right, and he is with someone that she'd missed seeing. Hoping with all her heart that that was true. Praying too that the baby was with someone that loved him, and also somewhere safe.

The three...Michonne, Ellis, and Effie soon left the cafè loaded down with their purchases. Michonne heading towards home, and the Johnsons were on their way out of town to Myrtle Beach. They were spending Thanksgiving with Effie parents, siblings, and their families.

The Reverend and his wife offered to drop Michonne off at her condo, but she declined. It wasn't that far, and she really wanted to see if she could get a glimpse of that little boy just in case; if he was still around. She really wanted to make sure that he was ok. Ellis and Effie didn't like it. There was no one out and she was alone. Both the street and sidewalks were still empty. A far cry from earlier and very unusual.

Michonne resisted. And they relented with reservation; she must call when she gets home. Then all three hugged once more and said their goodbyes, and went their separate way.

Again the little boy saw it all as they did.

And It had been Michonne's intention to look down the alley as she walked by, but that intent was interrupted by the ringing of her phone.

This had better not be Mike. If so he's getting what he got earlier!

Taking her phone out of her purse, Michonne looked at it and recognize that number too! It was a colleague from another firm, and also a very close friend of her's and Andrea. Jason Dunbar of Dunbar and Witty. They specialized in Family Law, especially child custody matters.

And why would he be calling her?

Michonne answered. "Hello."

"Hey Me," replied Jason.

"Hi Jason, what's going on?"

"I just wanted to give you a heads up is all. Ah...Mike just tried to get me to represent him in a suit against you to have his rights as father to your unborn child reinstated. And I told him no. We both did!" Meaning his partner Chad Witty.

Michonne sighed heavily. Wondering if it was too late for Uncle Ellis to handle business with Mike in his own way.

Are you ever going to stop, and just leave us alone?

And that bit of unfortunate news was just enough of a distraction to get her mind off of the boy. Causing her to miss seeing a small figure scampering farther back against the wall behind some stacked boxes, as she walked past the the alley next door to the restaurant.

Peeking out of sight, it was the little boy. He had been hiding ever since leaving the window. Running in there after he saw the pretty lady talking to those two people; the man and the woman that were inside the restaurant. And a good thing too! Because not long afterwards the man came out and passed by the alley twice! And he was looking too! Boy! He had been so right about her! Tattler! He was seven, and even he knew that snitches get...stitches! The boy thought indignantly.

"You know that he doesn't have a case, don't you?" Michonne said, tiredly.

"Yes, I told him as much," Jason replied. "Besides, Hank Bradshaw would eat us both alive in court! That ex-marine is no joke! But in all reality if he looked like Andrea, then I might have taken Mike's case after all. Friend or not! That's a fine woman that I'm talking about! Now I can't speak for Chad, but your uncle's Marine buzz cut will always be a surefire deal breaker for me!"

And that statement made Michonne giggle. Jason has always been a closet comedian.

"Thank you Jace," was all she said. Because, like Andrea he was really good at what he did. Extremely good! And Mike knew that.

"No problem Me, you know that I'll always have your back. If it hadn't been for you and for Andrea...but especially you, I would have flunked out of Law School the first year."

"No you wouldn't of, you just thought you would have. You've got too brilliant of a mind to do anything less than succeed."

"Yeah, okay if you say so!"

" Yeah, okay I do!" Michonne teased. "You know that I am right, don't ya! And again, I have to say thanks. You just don't know how grateful...me and…me and my little Munchie are."

"And again I say…you're welcome. You and my little niece or nephew Munchie that I knew nothing about until it's undeserving father spilled the beans for selfish reason, his! And my two congratulations, even though I'm the last to know," said Jason, trying to sound pitiful. He knew that that would put a smell on Michonne's beautiful face. And it did even though he couldn't see it. Jason heard it in her voice.

"Two congratulations?" she questioned, sounding amused.

"Yeah! One for the joyous news about the baby, and one for the euphoric news of you kicking Mike out of your life! Yay!"

"Well Mr. Smarty pants, I'm sorry about not telling you about the baby. But, it's not like you didn't know that it was me who was the one that got kicked to the curb. Me and my baby!"

"To-may-to, to-mah-to, potato, potahto. Does it really matter in the larger scheme of things as long as you are free of that louse! Right!"

"Right."

"Now, you have a good evening and Thanksgiving Me. We'll talk later. Ok!"

"Ok Jace. Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving too! Bye"

"Bye sweetheart."

Both calls ended. And a short time later Michonne walked into the well lit, and quite lively lobby of her condo. Robby Mills of 1116B. A full of energy, strawberry blond, freckled face six year old with huge blue green eyes, was having what her Gran would have called a conniption fit. And all of the adults near by; one of the security guards. Robby's bewildered grandmother, and his two aunts, and even the out of control boy's poor lenient mother just looked on as he did his best rendition of an extremely spoiled, didn't know the meaning of no, kind of child. Which he was.

Michonne looked over at him and then down at her belly saying to herself. No way will you dare act like that will you ever? No, no way. No you want! You are going to be Mama's good little boy or good little girl all-of-the-time now aren't you Munchie?

Michonne chuckled as she then walked over to the desk and was greeted by one of the two guards on duty sitting behind it.

Placing the bags along with her purse up on the desk, she began taking out some of the carryouts that she'd gotten from Mama Ella's. Two large containers, and two small ones; then sat all four down on top of the desk. It was dinner and desert for the two men. With her leaving two more of the same meals, deserts, and a salad in the bag for Mattie the daytime consierge, William the doorman, and Cass the parking valet.

It was something that she did every time she'd bought food out for herself. Marcus and Walter, the two security guards, and the rest always had something in the bag too! This time it just happened to be supper.

"Hope you all haven't eaten yet Walter," she said smiling.

"Thank you! Miss Rènald, but no we haven't taken our dinner break as of yet!" Walter beamed as he reached for his supper. "Oh, and my favorite! Food!"

Mama Ella's variety box was always a big hit with him. And the same for Marcus too. Who at the moment was busy trying to help Robby's mom with her groceries and extra packages. While the poor woman tried to get ahold of her son to keep him from running off.

Walter shook his head. "Now tell me, where in the world does a six year old get the idea of running away in the first place?" he said, taking a quick look at what was inside his takeout container.

It was a box filled full of baked macaroni and cheese, collsrd greens with okra, baked chicken and dressing with a cream sauce, a roll, and potato salad, along with some candied yams. Oh, what a blessing!

Walter also knew that Marcus finishing up with what he was so busy doing at the moment would be a blessing too, so that he could soon take his leave to eat.

"The little fellow has no clue what's waiting for him outside those doors without his mother, father, or another caring adult," he went on. And was about to say something more when he noticed a look that came on Michonne's face.

It was at that very instant of hearing what Walter had just said that it hit Michonne. He was right. Robby had no clue at all what was out there for a child on his own. And that little boy back at Mama Ella's was alone... and certainly out on his own! And that is what had been nagging her besides the obvious!

Suddenly, she felt sick and panicky all at the same time. Asking Walter to tend to her packages and purse. Not taking the time to explain herself. Because if she was right, time was of the essence, and quickly left the lobby as fast as she could in 4 1/2 inch high heels and all. Her heading straight towards the cafè. All the while praying hard that the little boy had somehow came back and was ok. Because if what she believed to be true, he for some reason had ran away, and was in trouble.

And as Michonne ran out of the building heavy glassdoors she could hear the deep anger filled no nonsense voice of Robby's father as he got off the elevator. Reconizing his young son's overplayed screams, along with then witnessing that same said boy's antics on the floor.

"Boy!" What in Sam Hill is your problem!" His father said with some needed authority. "Give me that noise, and you give it to me right now! Do you hear me son!"

And just like that, little Robby Mills of 1116B, commotion was replaced by crickets chirp. And then that by an "Ok...yes sir Daddy," in a very calm, yet suprisingly low, but still very audible little boy's voice.