Hey guys! Thanks for the love and support! It really means the world to me! Sorry it took so long for this one, but I promise you won't have to wait too long for the next (That is, if you actually want more). It is a little lengthy, but I wanted to get all this stuff out in order to move the story forward. I hope you like!
The sound of heavy rainfall against the bedroom window pane stirred Rick awake from his deep sleep. He did not remember the moment he dozed off talking to Michonne, or rather listening to her, but he was sure it was somewhere between 5 and 6 am because dawn was just breaking through. She called him, sounding very desperate and despairing. Rick could not ignore. There was just something about her. Without needing her to go into detail, he surmised that something happened when she saw Mike, her son's father, who was still in the hospital, and to his knowledge, still in a coma.
Rick stretched his body, turning his head to notice that his phone was still on his pillow, the call still connected. Michonne must have fallen asleep as well.
"Hello?"
When he got no answer he ended the call. The time on his phone read 11 am. He definitely had a good rest. Falling asleep with someone else would do that.
Without needing to open her eyes, Michonne knew she fell asleep on the couch. The pain in her muscles was evidence enough. Checking her phone she saw that the time was already pushing noon. Michonne recalled her conversation with Rick last night.
"...Rick?"
"Michonne...what's wrong?"
"..."
"Michonne?"
"...I don't really know why I'm calling."
"That's alright. I'm up."
"I saw Mike today and I..."
"Talk to me."
"I feel so alone."
"I'm here."
Slowly, but surely, her words began to flow out like a stream. She conveyed her feelings, about Mike and blaming him for Andre. He did not try to tell her she was wrong for feeling the way she did. Instead, he just listened, he was so easy to talk to. At some point she just stopped talking and he was still there, calling her name every couple of minutes. Soon enough she fell asleep. Dreamless.
Rubbing her shoulder muscles, Michonne made her way to the kitchen and fixed herself a bowl of cereal. Bringing it with her, she entered her study for the first time in a while. She opened her laptop. Her inbox was full of emails, from friends, family, work and the occasional spam. One caught her eye, it was red flagged for importance from her publisher. A new project was available to her, if she wanted it, but they needed an answer by noon today. Michonne hit a quick reply accepting the job. It would be good to get back into work.
Michonne cleaned out her inbox. Already she felt lighter. She moved on to the entire house, dusting and scrubbing, changing the linens, and opting for curtains that allowed more light. Her home was beginning to look more like it, instead of the dungeon she had been living in.
Lastly, she entered Andre's room. It was still just the way he left it. Toys thrown about. His bed was made, but his hamper half full with dirty clothes Michonne meant to wash on the weekend he was gone. She slowly walked inside the room, but was promptly faced with a flood of emotions welling up inside her. She felt suffocated and immediately left the room. It was too much, too soon.
The next day, Rick was back at work.
"So whatd'ya do this weekend?" Shane asked sitting on the edge of Rick's desk in his office. Shane Walsh was a deputy of King County, Rick's partner and more importantly his best friend. They have known each other since they were in middle school, both growing up in King County. He was the best man at Rick's wedding. Shane knew everything about him.
"Nothing much." Rick, his phone conversation with Michonne popping into his head. That having been the highlight of his weekend. It was a shame really.
"And how's Lori?" he inquired.
Rick looked at his friend with an obvious look. "What do you think?"
"Right, right." Shane said, nodding knowingly.
"I don't know what to do about her. She is not the same woman I fell in love with." Rick confided.
"I'm sure you're not the same man, either." Shane responded in return. "Just give it time. She'll come around."
Rick looked at Shane nodding in agreement, though he was not sure if he shared in his optimism. "Have you spoken to her lately?"
"I ran into her at the market, but that's about it." Shane answered. Even though Rick and Lori were married, all three of them were very close. Rick knew Shane had a soft spot for Lori, so when they separated it affected his partner as well, leaving him somewhat caught in the middle.
Shane was about to continue the conversation when he turned his head toward the door of the station. Someone was catching his attention. Shane hopped of the desk and headed to the front of the station.
Michonne stood at the entrance looking around for Rick. She was wearing a pink silk top with navy blue pants. She wore a pair of beige pumps and her hair was swept to the side topped off with a pink flower for flair, actually putting some effort in her outfit today.
She walked up to the female officer at the front desk, "Hi, I'm here to see..."
"The name's Deputy Walsh, you can call me Shane. How may I help you ma'am?"
Michonne gazed at the young officer who just walked up. Thick dark brown curls and a smile that she was sure worked on all the women in this town. He radiated confidence, but not without a hint of arrogance.
"Hello. I am looking for Sheriff Grimes, please."
As if on cue, Rick stepped up from behind Shane. He flashed a courteous smile, "Hey, Michonne, right this way." He motioned her toward his office.
Michonne smiled, walking around the desk feeling Shane's eyes follow her as she followed Rick to his office. Rick closed the door once they were inside. She could see through the glass that Shane was still watching her, a large grin on his face.
Rick sat down at his desk and watched as Michonne surveyed his office.
She noticed the wall was full of accolades and pictures of him with the mayor and other officials. One in which he is receiving a medal, of bravery or something like that she had no doubt. Michonne came upon a picture sitting on his desk. She picked it up to examine it. In it was three people. A pretty long haired brunette, and two children. One boy, close to Andre's age, and another young baby girl. Each sporting large smiles.
"Your children?" Michonne asked finally looking at Rick. She realized that he knew a lot about her, but she knew nothing of him.
"Yeah. Carl, he is ten now, and Judith, she's three."
"They're beautiful." Michonne responded. She tried not to bring the mood down, but she could not help but think of Andre. The picture of the young boy, so happy reminded her of his innocent smile.
She studied the woman in the picture. It was clear to see that it was their mother, the boy was a split image of her.
"...and your wife?" Michonne asked again.
"Um..." Rick paused. "Yeah." he finally said.
Michonne let out a breath, one that she did not realize she was holding. She took a quick glance at his left hand and indeed there was a gold band gracing his ring finger. She flashed a small smile at Rick, then returned the photo to its rightful place on his desk, trying to hide her disappointment. She had no idea why she thought he would be single. It was not like she thought about it, or that she was looking for anyone, but even still she felt herself a little let down.
"Well, I just wanted to come over to thank you for the other night...well morning." she said with a shy smile.
"It was no problem Michonne, I was glad to. To be honest, it was the first time in a long time that I slept so well. How are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm alright. I just brought you some lunch. I didn't know what you'd like so I brought you a sandwich, a hamburger, and a salad." She said placing the plastic bag she had been holding on his desk.
Rick smiled at her thoughtfulness. Finding it delightfully charming.
"Well, I'll be going now." She said walking to the door. "You don't have to eat all that by the way, I'm sure your friend up front would not mind helping you out."
"Thank you, Michonne."
"Thank you, Rick."
Rick watched Michonne as she left his office. Shane passed her, tipping his head, then walked back to Rick's office. Rick already preparing for what he was about to bring his way.
"Who is that!?" Shane said enthusiastically.
Rick looked at his friend with suspicion. "She is the mother of the little boy that died in that head on collision a few weeks back."
"Rick, are you hitting that?" he questioned accusingly.
Rick's face painted with annoyance, "No, Shane I'm not. It's not like that."
"Good, because that would be unprofessional." Shane grinned, "Me on the other hand..."
Rick rolled his eyes. Shane could be a bit crass sometimes.
Noticing he was hitting a nerve with Rick, Shane changed the subject off of Michonne. "So what are you doing for the rest of the day?" he inquired.
"I'm going to surprise Carl and pick him up from school before I have to return for the night shift. Probably take him to the park and throw the pigskin around, get some ice cream." He thought happily of the quality time he was about to spend with his son. "That reminds me. I have to call Lori and let her know before she freaks out on me." Rick said.
Shane nodded his head. "Alright. I'm going to be gone for the rest of the day, meeting up with a lady friend."
"Take a lunch to go, just in case that lady friend of yours doesn't cook." Rick replied sarcastically.
"Don't mind if I do." Shane grinned digging in the plastic bag Michonne had left.
Michonne left the Sheriff's station gratified. The entire day seemed to be going well, and it all started with her phone conversation with Rick. That feeling would prove not to last much longer when Michonne's cell phone began to ring. It was the hospital. Mike was awake.
Rick sat in his cruiser outside of Carl's school. He had been trying to call Lori, since lunch, but it kept going to voicemail.
"Dad!"
Rick looked up to see his son racing toward his car. His hair flying in the wind and his face full of elation.
"Hey Carl!"
Rick exited the car and beamed at the sight of his oldest running toward him. It killed him that he could not see him on a regular basis, hoping that would change soon.
"You're picking me up today?" Carl asked as he got closer.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Rick playfully retorted.
"What about Mom?" he continued.
"I tried calling her, she didn't pick up, but I left a message. It will be okay." He replied.
Carl climbed into the police cruiser and Rick hopped back in behind the wheel.
"Got homework?" he asked.
"Just math."
"Math can wait, how about some football?" Rick smiled.
Carl beamed, "Yes!"
Rick drove off heading to the park.
"Your coffee ma'am." The waitress placed the cup in front of Michonne, who thanked her without looking at her face. She stared at the steam coming off the top, contemplating on what she should do.
The nurse at the hospital phoned her telling her Mike woke up approximately three hours ago. He is responsive and alert, though still very weak. The last time she saw him she almost killed him. She was still so angry at him, at the entire situation, so she took a sip of her coffee and sat in the the diner booth, milling it over.
The sun was high at the park but the cool breeze rustling through the trees helped relieve some of the heat. Rick tossed the football to his son, who caught it effortlessly, then tossed it back.
"So..." Rick said, "How's school going?" Continuing to toss the ball.
"Its okay, I hate social studies. It is too hard. Everything else is easy."
"Well, you are going to have to work harder on you social studies. It is important. What does your Mom think?"
Carl stopped throwing the ball, then continued. "I don't think she knows. She doesn't ask. We spend a lot of time with Grandma now, and she tries to help."
Rick swallowed hard. Lori was keeping his kids away from him, but shipping them away to her parents when he has been practically begging for time with them. He tried to not show his distaste in front of Carl, that is the last thing he wanted to do. He thought about getting the courts involved, but that would only cause him more grief as well as the kids. Besides, he knew deep down he wanted things to work out between Lori and himself.
Rick nodded his head at his son, who was now frowning.
"When are you coming back home, Dad?" he asked, resuming to toss the ball at his father. "You said it was only going to be for a little while. That you and Mom just needed some space. Haven't you guys had enough?"
Rick felt horrible. It was hard enough on him, but he underestimated how much the split was effecting his children. "Soon, Carl." Was all he could say in response.
"You taking care of Judith?" Rick asked trying to lighten the mood. He knew how much Carl loved being a big brother.
"Yeah I am. Not changing her diapers though." Carl made a disgusted face causing Rick to chuckle.
Carl began tossing the football back to his father.
"You looking forward to our fishing trip on Saturday?" Rick asked.
"Yes I can't wait!" The young boy exclaimed. That smile Rick loved so much returning. "I need a new fishing line though, my old one broke."
"No worries, I'm going to get us all new gear." Rick assured.
"I can't wait for it to just be us hanging out. You, me, and Judy. It is going to be so great."
"It sure is." Rick stated happily. "Now how about some ice cream?"
Rick watched his son out the corner of his eye. He was reading one of his comic books and finishing up the last bit of his ice cream cone. "Which one is that?" Rick asked, pointing to the comic.
"Aquaman." Carl answered. "He's cool. He can breathe underwater, talk to fish and everything."
Rick nodded his head. He had little interest in comics, but he was glad his son had something he was so enthusiastic about.
They were driving back to the home that Lori was residing in. It was a small property that belonged to her parents just on the outskirts of King County.
Rick pulled up to the front of the house. "See you this weekend."
Carl reached over and gave his father a long hug. He left the car and ran to the house. Lori was there to greet him, wearing her silk robe and towel drying her hair. Fresh out the shower, Rick surmised. She looked beautiful. He left is cruiser to greet her at the door.
"I called you." He said walking up, "It went to voicemail."
"I got it." Lori said blankly. She continued to towel dry her hair, waiting for Rick to continue.
Shaking his head, he continued. "So, I'll pick the kids up Friday night, around 7. We are going up to Lake Vdali on Saturday."
"They'll be ready."
Rick had no idea what he had done that caused her to be so short with him.
"Alright, Well I have to head back to the station."
"I'm sure you do." Lori quipped back. She lingered in the doorway for a moment then closed the door.
Rick let out an exasperated sigh and headed back to his cruiser and to the station.
Michonne was still in the diner when the sun went down. Customers came and went. After five cups of coffee, three bathroom visits, and a piece of apple pie, she came to a final decision. She wanted answers. She wanted to know.
Michonne made her way to the hospital and walked into Mike's room. He was sitting up, watching the television that hung from the ceiling. Frank was still there of course, watching the television as well along with his son. He looked much better than when she last seen him. It made her bitter, unfortunately. If she was thinking correctly, or even just rationally, she would have ran the other way because again she felt her temperature rising. Frank and Mike watching TV together made her resentful. She and Andre would never again be able to share in such an common pastime. There was one reason for that, and the only reason she could think of was lying right in that bed.
Michonne walked further in the room, and both Frank and Mike finally noticed her presence. She offered them no expression. Her eyes glued on Mike who was now staring right back at her. Frank warily moved over to meet Michonne, the last time he saw her, her face was much the same. Angry.
Mike met Michonne's glare. He stared at the lines on her face, the scowl was the likes in which he had never seen before. His face grew sullen. He knew what she must of thought. How angry she was with him. Nothing compared to how angry he was with himself. Michonne could see the emotional turmoil as Mike stared right back at her, but she did not care. She did not care that he lost his son just as well as she did. All she saw was red.
Almost choking on his words Mike began, "Mich...I..."
Not allowing him to finish, she lunged at him causing him to flinch back into his bed. Frank intercepted her, blocking her path to Mike. She did not care how weak he was, how sick, she wanted to choke the life out of him. He did not deserve to be here. Not when her son wasn't. Not when he was buried six feet under in the cold, dark earth.
While Michonne was down the hall dealing with her own indignation, Rick was in the hospital talking to one of the nurses. He had been taking a statement from a woman in regards to a domestic dispute that landed her in the hospital with a broken arm and bruised face. Rick hated pieces of shit husbands especially when he did all that he could to try and be a good one.
Catching his attention was the loud commotion coming from down the hall. He looked up and saw some nurses and hospital personnel heading in that direction. Pausing his discussion with the nurse, he followed to investigate what was causing the disturbance. He reached his destination to find Michonne yelling, attempting to get at Mike, nurses in her face, pulling at her trying to keep her away. The calm, cool and collected woman he saw earlier was nowhere to be found.
Rick pushed through the crowd, "Get off of her." He commanded to the nurses pulling at her.
He picked up Michonne, as she was flailing her arms still trying to get away. He carried her out the room and down the hall.
"Let go of me, Rick!" Michonne cried.
"Michonne you have to calm down." he said, his tone stern and forceful.
"Get off of me!" She pushed her way out of his grasp and made her way to the elevators and out of the hospital.
Rick was left standing there, while nurses and patients looked on, wondering what caused the woman to snap. He wanted to go after her, but he thought against it. She needed to cool off. He returned to Mike's room to make sure he was okay, and hopefully that he would not want to press charges.
Michonne was in her home, having cooled down after a glass of wine and a good cry. Her anger was getting the best of her and she knew it. Never in her life had she acted so unreasonably and she was embarrassed for it. Andre was her only son. Her baby, her pride and joy. For seven years he had been her entire life. When she and Mike broke up, the greatest thing that came from their relationship was Andre. She felt like an entire part of her was missing and it made it hard to function. It made it hard for her to think straight. She did not understand how she would be able to move on from this. Every time she took two steps forward, she would take one step back.
Michonne retrieved her cellphone from her pocket, dialing Andrea's number. It went to voicemail. She disconnected, not bothering to leave a message.
After a moment to her thoughts, her phone began to ring. Probably Andrea returning her call, she thought. But it wasn't Andrea, on the screen it read, Rick Grimes.
She considered not answering. Not only did Michonne feel bad for screaming at him, she felt ashamed.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Michonne... this is Rick, Rick Grimes from the Sheriff's Department."
"Yes, I know Rick." She wondered why he was being so formal with her. Then it dawned on her that she assaulted Mike. Her palms suddenly got sweaty.
"Right. You okay? You know, after the hospital and everything?"
Michonne hesitated, recalling how she must have looked to him, "I'm sorry about that. I just...", sighing she tried to find an explanation or any word that could possibly convey how she felt.
As if hearing he thoughts, Rick bailed her out. "You don't have to apologize. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. You also do not need to give an explanation to anyone, especially not me." he offered.
Michonne felt relieved. He did not judge her for the insane outburst, nor did he pretend to understand.
"Is he going to press charges?" Michonne asked. If he did not want to, Frank probably most certainly did.
"No. Mike decided against it. You don't have to worry about that."
She nodded her head, despite Rick not being able to see her. One less thing she had to worry about. A casual silence permeated between them. After a moments time, Rick spoke up.
"Listen, I was thinking. I don't know if you're busy this weekend, but I'm going on a fishing trip at one of my favorite lakes up north. I like to go there to get away from everything and forget about what's going on with my life... with my family..." Rick waited to see if she would interrupt him, but when she did not, he continued, "...Well, I'm going up there this weekend, Saturday, with my kids, and I think it would be good for you, if you'd like."
Michonne was unsure of how to answer. Spending time with Rick seemed like a good idea. He understood her in a way no one else had been able to do. He relaxed her without needing to say much. A getaway would be nice, but her going would feel much like an intrusion on his family time.
"I'll think about it." she settled on.
"Alright. That's good. I'll text you my address if you decide on joining us." He waited before continuing, "Michonne... You're still going to be okay." he said.
Michonne not sure if she still believed it. "Thank you for calling." she said and ended the call.
Michonne sat in her car outside of Rick's home. The monotone voice of the radio broadcaster playing in her car just announced the time, 5:05 on the early Saturday morning. She was still unsure if she should actually be attending this trip. There was still time to drive back without Rick knowing.
She was about to change her mind when a young brown haired boy Michonne recognized from the picture on Rick's desk, ran out of the home holding a fisherman's box. He looked animated and excited, a lot of excitement for five in the morning, she thought to herself. The boy noticed her straightaway.
"Too late to turn back now." she said aloud to the empty car.
Michonne put the car in park and got out. She gave a small wave to the young boy who was looking at her, his face riddled with confusion wondering who she was and why she was there. She opened the backseat door and pulled out a picnic basket that she prepared, as well as her own crochet tote bag.
Michonne was making her way to the front door, when Rick stepped out carrying two fishing poles. His tired face immediately lit up at the sight of her. He promptly took in her appearance. Her hair was in a high ponytail, he never saw it like that and right away decided he liked it. Being able to see her entire face was a welcomed change than how she usually wore her hair. She wore a yellow sundress that ended right above her knees and a floral cardigan.
"Michonne, I'm so glad you could make it." Rick greeted. He tried to tone down his eagerness as to not let on how happy he actually was that she decided to come. It was probably best she did not know how he was up all night just thinking about it.
Michonne tried to match his enthusiasm, extending a smile, "I brought coffee." She said, pulling a thermos out of her picnic basket. "I have orange juice, too. For the kids, if they want." She looked at Carl who had a scowl on his face that put her own to shame.
"Thank you so much." he said taking it from her. "This is my son Carl." he said motioning to the boy next to him. "Carl, say hello."
Carl stood next to his father looking at Michonne with distrust. It was exactly what Andre would do when he would meet strangers for the first time, Michonne noted.
"Hi." He said dismissively then ran back into the home.
"Maybe I shouldn't be here." Michonne observed.
"No, you should." Rick said firmly. " I'll take that." He took her bags from her and loaded it into his truck.
Rick pulled into a small parking lot just as the sun was beginning to rise. The morning dew still visible on the leaves. They all filed out of the truck, Rick grabbed Judith from her car seat, passing her to her older brother. He and Michonne grabbed their gear and headed to the lakeside.
Once they cleared the trees, Michonne was overwhelmed by the scenic view. Rick took a moment to watch her face as she digested their surroundings. Rick recalled the first time he took in the amazing view. The countless times he looked on just as delighted as she. It was a view that could make you forget about the world. The lake was still and quiet, not a sound save for the insects going about their daily tasks. Outside of the four of them, not another person was in sight. There was a small fisherman's dock that jutted out into the water nearby. Michonne stretched out a large blanket at the edge of the lake. Carl placed Judith on the blanket, she was carrying her own princess backpack full of toys that would keep her occupied for a good amount of hours. Michonne sat next to Judith while Rick and Carl went over to the dock, readying their fishing lines.
Carl was quiet for most of the ride up to the lake, and Rick took notice.
"Carl..." he started. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Carl replied blankly. Reminding Rick of Lori.
"I should have asked you before inviting someone else along on our trip. I wasn't thinking."
"Ya think?" Carl mumbled.
Rick looked down, abashed as he continued to fixed the line on his fishing rod.
"Who is she?" Carl stood up angrily, catching Rick off guard, behind the outburst he knew it was more than just inviting Michonne on their fishing trip.
"She is a friend, that I'm sort of helping out. I guess." he said. It was the truth, but the part he decided to leave out was that he was intrigued by Michonne. He wanted to learn more about the woman, the woman underneath the heartbreak.
"It was supposed to be just us." The young boy was still defensive. He rarely got time to spend with his Dad anymore and was looking forward to this family trip, now he would have to share.
"I know, I'm sorry for that. It was wrong of me to not run it by you first. It won't happen again." Rick said sincerely. "We will still have our fun, but do you think just for today you could be nice, and we could fish and catch us some dinner and enjoy ourselves?"
Carl did not want to be angry at his father so he shook his head yes. "Okay, I will."
Michonne watched as Rick interacted with his son. They boy was definitely angry she was there, and she could not blame him. There was clearly some complicated issues with Rick and his kids, she hated thinking that she would be causing more trouble.
Michonne was deep in her own thoughts when she noticed that the little baby girl sitting right beside her was looking up at her with curious eyes.
"I like you hair." The little one said in a sing song way that made Michonne smile.
"Thank you, Judith." She answered.
"Play?" Judith asked holding up one of her barbies for Michonne. She took it and started to move the doll in a walking motion causing the baby to laugh. Judith took another of her dolls and interacted with Michonne, creating the make believe world that Michonne was very happy to take part in.
Rick snatched a peek at the blanket to see Michonne and Judith playing with each other. The sight caused a swelling in his own heart.
After spending the morning fishing, Rick and Carl headed back to the blanket where Michonne and Judith lay to break for lunch.
Michonne made sandwiches and a fruit salad for them to share. There was not much talking at lunch, Rick chatted with Carl, who seemed a little more at ease, while he fed Judith some fruit. Michonne stayed out of the conversation for the most part, just enjoying the scene.
"I'm going to go change Judith." Rick said after they finished up their lunch. "I left her diaper bag in the car. We're sort of in the middle of potty training now." Rick explained to Michonne as he got up to head to the car. She nodded in understanding, Andre was a nightmare when it came to potty training.
Michonne was left alone with Carl. He was quiet, playing with twigs on the ground. She tried to think of anything that she could say to engage him in conversation to help ease the awkwardness.
Carl felt the awkwardness as well, so he went into his backpack and pulled out a comic to read until his dad came back. This caused Michonne to smile inside. Bingo. She dug in her own bag and brought out a comic of her own.
Carl was watching her from the corner of his eyes. Michonne took notice but did not speak, just pretending that she was in her own world.
Finally, Carl spoke up. "What's that?"
"Oh this? Just a little research for work." She said going back to reading her comic.
"Work? What do you do?" his interest piqued.
"I'm a comic book artist." she answered proudly.
The boy's eyes grew wide, making Michonne smirk. He walked closer to her with his comic in hand. "No way."
"Yes, way!" she retorted.
Carl moved closer to get a look at the cover. "Namor? Who's that?"
"You're telling me you've never heard of Namor? He is only the best comic book character to live in the open sea."
"Like Aquaman?"
"Better than Aquaman."
"No way."
"Yes way." Michonne enjoyed the back and forth she was having with Carl. His previous tough guy shtick gave way to the real young and curious kid.
"What are you reading?" she asked in return.
"Just the Avengers." he said, still eyeing her Namor comic.
"Oh really, who's your favorite?"
"Captain America definitely."
Michonne felt a sting in her heart thinking of her son. His favorite Avenger. "Yeah he is the best." Michonne agreed.
"He reminds me of my Dad." Carl looked at her with open admiration. His distrust for her was slowly slipping away due to their shared interests.
Michonne smiled as Rick walked in on their conversation.
"Who reminds you of me?"
"Nobody." he smiled as he looked back at Michonne who offered him a wink.
Rick caught it, making him smile himself.
Michonne handed her comic to Carl. "You can hold on to this one."
"Really? Cool. Thank you!" he beamed.
Carl smiled and immediately sat on the blanket and started to read. Rick placed Judith next to her brother. "Carl, watch your sister." he said. The boy nodded his head still riveted by his new reading material.
Rick nodded to Michonne and she followed him to the dock. He sat down, then took her hand and helped her sit down beside him. Michonne followed Rick's lead and placed her feet in the cool lake water. Her breath almost caught, the water being colder than expected. She giggled as she looked out at the scene, it was so calm, and inside right now, that is exactly how she felt. She closed her eyes bathing in the sun, wiggling her toes as the water flowed through them.
Rick observed Michonne with warm regard. The features on her face were gentle, peaceful.
"Having fun?" Rick asked.
Michonne looked at him smiling contently. She was.
"Can I ask you a question?" Michonne said, looking out into the lake.
"Sure." he replied.
"What happened?...With their mother? Your wife?" She added, "You don't have to answer if its too personal." offering him an out.
Rick took a deep breath, the smile that was on his face slowly faded. Lori was a difficult conversation to have with anyone. He tilted his head, struggling to find the words.
"Well, we're separated. Have been for sometime now. She took the kids, moved just outside of town and now, I have to spend time with them like this." he said splaying his arm out.
Michonne nodded in understanding. Rick found it easy to talk to her, so he continued, "She had her reasons I guess. I work a lot. When I get home, I'm tired, then I'm up to do it all over again. That doesn't leave a lot of time for a relationship, let alone a marriage."
"There is no shame in working hard." she said. She was all too familiar with her days as a lawyer.
"No, but when you have two kids, a wife who gave up her job to take care of those kids, its a breeding ground for resentment and regrets. The thing is," he continued, "I wanted to be home, I wanted to be with Lori and the kids, but I had bills. Lori didn't get it, so we argued, then I found myself not wanting to be there anymore. Now it's like I don't want to be alone."
Michonne listened to Rick prompting her to think about her own relationship with Mike. Mike was the opposite of Lori. He wanted her to work, and not spend time on her "little doodles" as Mike would call it. That caused her own resentments toward him. She never felt like she had his support. Eventually causing the relationship to fail. "You did not get a divorce though, so I'm sure there is some hope there, some love." she reckoned.
"Yeah I hope so too." Rick ran his fingers through his hair, just thinking about Lori gave him anxiety.
Michonne dropped the subject not wanting to pry too deep.
It was three o' clock when they packed up their gear and headed back to the car. Rick and Carl managed to catch a few trout to cook for dinner that night.
"I wanna sit next to my friend, Daddy!" Judith cried as she pointed to Michonne. Michonne grinned. People always talk about how difficult toddlers are, but not to her. They gravitated to her, and she to them, easily.
"Absolutely." Michonne smiled as she climbed in the backseat next to Judith in her car seat. She passed Michonne another one of her dolls to play with her like before.
Carl sat in the front seat and was talking to his Dad about how cool his new comic was. Rick was listening not really knowing what his son was talking about. He chuckled and nodded at his son's devotion. He caught a glimpse at Michonne through the rear-view who was listening and chuckled as well.
By the time Rick pulled up to his home, Judith had knocked out sleeping.
"Carl go get washed up, then we will cook this fish." Rick ordered his son.
Michonne helped get Judith out of her car seat then passed her off to Rick. Cradling his daughter in his arms he asked, "You wanna stay for dinner."
She wanted to, but thought this time would best be spent between father and children.
"Maybe next time." Michonne turned down amicably.
Rick nodded.
"Thanks for today. You were right. I needed it." Michonne confessed.
"I'm glad you enjoyed." he replied.
They both stood outside in comfortable silence, as Judith slept across Rick's shoulder.
"Well, I better be going." Michonne finally said. She reached up and placed a kiss on Rick's cheek then walked back to her car.
Rick watched her get in her car, the ghost of her kiss still lingering on his cheek. Before she could pull off, he called out her name.
"Yeah?" she said as he got closer to her driver's side window. Maybe that kiss was ill-advised, she thought to herself.
"I just wanted to say, you did great today. Just coming out was something."
Michonne was grateful for his observation.
"You can give yourself a break, but you also have to face it." he added.
She nodded, then drove off toward her home, his words replaying in her head the whole ride.
Michonne returned home. Following a shower, she put on comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. On her way, she came upon Andre's room. Rick's words came flooding back in her mind.
"...but you also have to face it."
Michonne ventured into the room for a second time since losing her boy. She laid on his bed, smelling the shampoo she would use on his hair in the pillowcase. She looked around at all his toys, mainly Captain America and Hulk figurines. It was almost like she could almost hear him giggling in the walls.
"Peanut..." she whispered. Silent tears began to fall down her face and onto the pillow. It hurt something awful. Michonne hugged the pillow allowing herself to just cry. Dinner could wait.
On the outskirts of King County, not too far away from where Rick and his children ate freshly caught fish and Michonne was remembering her son, there was an old rundown home, living inside was as a unsavory type that goes by the name of Merle Dixon.
He was a drug dealer and a two bit hustler that would do just about anything for a quick buck. He sat in front of his tiny black and white TV screen drinking a cheap beer, when his burner phone rang.
"What is it?" he answered. "Yeah, I know he's alive. Car accident wasn't the best idea."
He sat up in his chair furious at the other person on the line. "How was I supposed to know he would be travelling with a kid?" Taking another swig of his beer, "I'll handle it. You just have my money."
