Another week of her stressful, hectic job passed. Meetings with clients and judges made her realize that a two-week vacation was too long. It didn't matter if she was burnt out. It was a good tired. All the hours spent helping others was worth it. Daryl in her life made her want to start a new day.
Conversations on the phone. Dinner at eachother's place. Walks around the city. She could not ask for more. But her body would disagree. Her eyes found his. And she her hands found places to touch but Michonne didn't want to mess this up. She felt silly for being scared to talk about it, but his presence wasn't enough to sustain her. And being here was putting ideas in her mind.
Inside the drug store, she passed the pharmacy. She was only here to pick up a few items, but birth control crossed her mind. Should she get back on them? It meant that she wanted to take their relationship to the next level. Walking on the aisle, her eyes found the condoms. Nothing wrong with protection. Anything could happen. Touching the package, a voice caught her attention. No. Why now?
"So I take it you and Tyrese are back together?" Angie said as Michonne couldn't run away. Did all mothers have good intuition.
"Mom. For the last time no." Michonne put them back on the shelf. Her mother gave her a disappointing glance.
Angie did her best to keep this secret. This would end soon. Michonne would be with Ty and all would be right. This plan was going to work.
"Is this because of that Dixon guy you've occupied your time with?" Angie surprised her.
"How did you know about that?"
"It's a mother's job to know her daughter's activities. You know I have friends everywhere. People talk." Angie informed.
"and what do they say?"
"that they don't see what you see in him." Angie laughed condescendingly.
"Is this coming from the same women who tried to hit on him behind their husbands' backs or from you?" Michonne inherited her mother's quick wit.
"Michonne."
"Mom why can't you and dad treat me like an adult. I'm too old to be having this conversation." Michonne tried to be respectful.
"Because I'm still your mother. And I know what is best for you. Stop overreacting." Angie stated.
"how else am I supposed to react to this Mom.? You are trying to convince me to stop talking to Daryl in a drug store. If you knew we were hanging out before, why address this now?"
"Because you were staring at those condoms for about 5 minutes. Michonne it's not going to work with him. You two are from different classes of people. I know I sound harsh, it's true."
"Is it because he's white?" Michonne bluntly asked.
"O please Michonne. But If I said yes, would you stop talking to him?" Angie crossed her fingers.
"Mom. Have you ever thought that maybe I like him because he is different from me. I get hit on constantly by men at the firm. Men who want a woman to look good on their arm. Daryl is just looking for a friend. So am I. I'm sorry that it hurts your dream of me and Ty getting back together but it is what it is."
"Meesh that's the point. You may like him but he may not like you back. Have you thought of what would happen after you sleep with him? You are looking for a future, but he is looking for another notch to add to his belt. You're successful, attractive. Just don't rush in. Please." Angie begged Michonne.
"Alright mom."
Was she wrong for trusting Daryl so? Her mom did have a good point.
TWDTWDTWDTWDTWD
Andrea looked at the two shirts. She had hoped Carl and Rick liked them. These past weeks with the two were surprisingly nice. But, it wasn't her fear of men; it was her fear of children. They reminded her that she was not nurturing enough, but Carl made her feel the opposite. She enjoyed his candidness. Though it did get him in trouble with Rick, the boy was getting used to her. He began to see that she was not trying to replace his mother. All she wanted him to know was that he was as important to her as his father.
"I think Rick is going to like that."
The masculine voice caught her attention. Looking up, she didn't know how she was supposed to act towards Tyrese. They were not in high school, but she didn't know if he were bitter towards Michonne. If she were in his position, she would be. Even if she saw it coming, Ty had every right to be angry.
He and Andrea were never really friends, but he didn't won't to burn bridges. Plus, he was curious about Michonne. Did she miss him? But if he asked, he would seem desperate.
"Are you still coming to the family reunion?" Andrea was shocked by his question. Why would he want to be around the woman who broke his heart?
"Yeah. I'm bringing Rick and Carl with me. Angie's really excited to meet them. You?"
"Yeah. I'm going. Angie and Devin won't let up." He hoped the woman could not see through his lie. "They miss me and I can't let them down."
"Are you going to be alright there. I mean. It is none of my business, but sometimes you have to do what is right for you. Do they even know that you guys are broken up?"
"I'm pretty sure they do." Tyrese shrugged. "But just as long as Michonne is doing well. That is all that matters."
"She is Ty, but how are you doing? Breakup goes two ways."
"It's decent. Just been occupied with the team."
"that's good to hear. I will tell michonne that I saw you."
"You don't have to."
"Tyrese, she doesn't hate you. One day you two will be friends."
Andrea just didn't know. One day, he would be more than her friend.
TWDTWDTWDTWD
The weird part about Daryl's job was that he discovered cuts he didn't know he had. Grabbing the peroxide from the bathroom cabinet, he treated the little wound on his arm. Being a country boy, he had learned to ignore pain a long time ago. Staring at his phone, he was waiting for her to call again. To let him know that she was on her way. It was their ritual. They took turns going to each other's homes. Of course the residents noticed their friendship and would give them weird looks. But they didn't care. This was something that mere eyes could not see.
Being a manager here had it's perks. Rent was half off. And he could have any room he wanted. Which was ironic how he was on the same floor as Michonne. Their unexpected friendship was inevitable. Searching his dryer for his favorite shirt, he heard a knock.
"About damn time yah…" He stopped in mid sentence as Carol stood with a pie in her hand. "Carol what are yah doing here?" Daryl quickly put his shirt on. Carol was over stepping her boundaries more and more.
"You were off today, and I just came by to let you know that there were no problems." She unwrapped the homemade sweet potatoe pie.
Carol knew it was cliché for the secretary to be attracted to her boss, but she wasn't one of those other women in town looking for a new secret to keep. This strong man was the first man to see her as a person. Taking interests in her opinion. Never talking down to her. This was all that mattered in a man. She just wished she could convince him that Michonne was not the one for him.
"Thanks." Daryl watched her pull plates and utensils from the cabinet. He should have never invited her over those times.
"No problem." She gave him a piece of pie as he put it down on the counter.
"So how was your day off?"
Daryl had to put his foot down now.
"Carol. Yah know I will always respect yah, but ya can't keep doing this. I'm yer boss."
"that's just a title Daryl. We are two people. And we are friends. I thought so. Arent we?" Her light voice showed her hurt.
"….Yah we are, but yah can't come to my house unexpected. Or listen in on my conversations. It's not right. It's an invasion of my privacy."
"Is this because of Michonne? I'm surprised she's still talking to you." Daryl was taken back by her comment.
"that's exactly what I'm talking about Carol. Yah think you have the right to criticize my other friendships. Yah don't know Michonne, and I ain't gone stand here and let yah talk down on her because yer jealous."
"Jealous?"
"yeah. Yer jealous because yah aint the only friend I have. I'm sorry but…"
"Why do you like her so much? She's just using you to make herself feel good. Why would some lawyer spend time with anyone other than a lawyer or better yet a man who makes six figures?" Her insensitive words took him by surprise as Carol gasped.
Amazing how people showed their true colors when they didn't get what they wanted. If she really cared for him, Carol would have supported him. And the fact that she was so close to him stung.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to sound how it came out. But why isn't Michonne with a doctor or…"
"Maybe because she is tired of seeing life the way everyone else does. Me too. And yah being jealous aint gone change that."
"Open your eyes." Carol stated. "Why can't you see that I care for you?" She approached him as he held her at arm's length.
"I do see it. But I don't feel tha same way. And yer gonna have to accept that if yah are gonna still work for meh. Can you?"
"I don't know Daryl. I honestly don't."
"Carol yer friendship means a lot to me. I don't want to lose that, but please don't make me choose." Daryl said.
Carol grabbed her things as she left. She couldn't give him an ultimatum because she knew he would choose Michonne.
TWDTWDTWDTWDTWD
Michonne placed the Chinese food on the living room. She did not like the distress on his face. He had become the most important person in her life. And seeing him upset made her feel the same way. Sitting beside him, she rubbed her thumb across his cheek.
"Is Merle alright?" Daryl nodded. His brother was still hesitant about trusting her
He was wrong for sweeping Carol's feelings underneath the rug. As her boss, he should have told her the minute she crossed the line. Now this was going to affect her work for him. And how he saw her. Her words still hurt him.
"Then what is it?" Michonne rubbed is shoulder gently.
He didn't want her to worry about him. He didn't doubt their relationship. That was what's most important. Admiring her softened eyes, he rubbed her cheek.
"To be honest. I don't want to talk about it. Yer here now." He handed her the food.
The two ate silently as Michonne thought of her parents. If they knew about her friendship with Daryl, they were going to have to get used to him. What better way to do this than to bring him to the family reunion? Would he want to go with her? Folding her lips, Daryl waited for her to ask her question. It was funny how the two were aware of each other's habits.
"Umm. Every year my family has this reunion. We eat, listen to music, dance, have fun. What I am trying to ask. It's alright if you have something to do." Michonne rambled.
" 'Chonne. I'll go." She let out a sigh of relief.
"but I won't be dancing that's fer sure."
"I'm not that big on dancing either, but my uncle will be the DJ. That means Kool & The Gang, The Commodaores, and Earth, Wind and Fire will be played. You probably don't even know who I am talking about."
"Why because I'm white." He stated as Michonne folded her lips.
Her mother was always in her mind. Making her doubt herself.
" . I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that they aren't everyone's taste. Even I get tired of it." She tried to reassure him.
"Michonne. I was just joking. Everything alright at work?" She nodded.
"Yeah." She didn't lie.
"Daryl, I don't wont you to think that I'm like that. I try not to let stereotypes and race form my opinions of people. Its what makes me strive so hard to be a better person."
"Michonne, you are the fairest person I know. I just hope you don't think I'm racist either. I mean my brother had a past with ignorance but I am far from it."
"Well duh." She laughed. "But have you had black friends before?"
"to be honest I hardly even had friends. Black or white. The word friend wasn't even in my vocabulary. Even associate."
"So am I your friend?" Their eyes met.
"Hell yeah." He said. "am I yers?"
The two felt silly for having the childish conversation. But they were able to embrace their awkwardness together.
"Of course. I like being around you. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. Nor would I have asked you to meet my family."
It didn't click until now. He was going to meet her family. The family that still wanted her to be with Tyrese. He was setting himself up for execution. But she was worth it.
"I just want you to feel comfortable with me there."
"Maybe I shouldn't have invited you." His face fell. "No. Daryl you don't get it. I don't want my mom or dad to make you feel bad for being there. Or get into your head like they do with me."
"Don't worry about that. I know what I am getting myself into. How about we go fer a walk."
"ok." Their fingers lightly touched.
TWDTWDTWDTWD
Daryl was surprised when she agreed to this. Today they both learned not to assume interests because of their demeanors. But what surprised him more was that she was getting inside her car. He was going to get her out this habit of taking the easy way out.
"Michonne. The park is only 10 minutes away." He pulled her out of her car. "We can walk to it. Count it as your workout for today."
Michonne hid her smile at his comment. So he did notice her body. As she did his.
"Fine Dixon. Have it your way." She locked her car.
This man made her feel comfortable in just blue jean shorts and a white tank top. It was nice to not have to dress up. Though she did want to dress up for him. Putting her keys in her pocket, the two walked together on the sidewalk. Eyes straight, their hands accidently bumped into eachother.
He wanted to grab hers badly. It seemed right to do because the more she hung out with him, the more Michonne showed that she wasn't ashamed of him.
"So what is your family like?" He blushed at the question. It wasn't as if she couldn't feel in the blanks about his life. But saying it was another thing. There was no way this prominent lawyer would want to anything passed friendship when he told her.
"You don't have to talk about it." Michonne and Daryl sat on the bench.
There was this silence as he contemplated. He wished he could be happy like the kids running through the playground. Their laughter was loud and giddy.
"My dad used to take me here when I was little. I would cry when he wouldn't play with me." She tried to lighten the mood.
"I pegged yah to be a daddy's girl." He laughed. "I know when I get married and have a daughter, she ain't gone have no other choice."
"You'd be a good father."
"Yer just sayin that."
"No. I'm not." Michonne said. "She is going to be lucky if you treat her like you treat me. That's what fathers do. They protect their family."
"Yer right. That was what my dad had to learn to do. He's a recovering alcoholic. He's been sober fer 30 years. He saw how his relapses affected Merle and he wanted to do better when I born. I think Merle hated me fer that. He thought he wasn't good enough to make paw change."
"Sometimes it takes others longer to learn Daryl. I know he isn't so gung-hung about me, but he has become a real man. Like you. He isn't making any excuses for his actions."
"Yah. Growing up I had to be the good child because Merle would make everything worse. Mom and Dad kind of let it slide because they felt responsible. My mom is the kindest woman you will ever meet. Her eyes are bright and they never loose their shine. Despite my father struggling, my mom stood by his side. She loves him and he loves her."
"Sounds like both of our parents figured it out. My parents always stick together. A true partnership. I could never turn them against eachother. And I was grounded when I tried to. That's what I want my kids to see."
"I'm sure they will. Yer gonna be firm. They won't be able to get nuthin by ya. But ya also gone know how to listen tah them." He said confidently.
"That's why I need you Daryl. I need someone who isn't going to lie to me even when I lie to myself. These weeks with you have been the best ever."
Michonne said those words before she could stop herself. Feelings only meant pain. The universe would hit her with karma. That was what Daryl was. This rugged man was going to be her downfall.
"They've been good to meh too. I ain't never met a woman like yah."
"Don't say that Daryl."
Why did he have to mean those words? The fear crept back inside of her. Standing up, Daryl saw her distress but he would not let her leave. She shivered as the internal chill shook her. He was scared too. But that didn't stop him from rubbing her arms.
"yah cant keep runnin away. Yah know that right?"Michonne nodded. His rough touch relaxed her.
She should not have told him about her relationship with Tyrese. But this was different.
"It's kind of all I know how to do. I'm so stuck in this habit I can't break it. And now I find myself wanting to stay and that is even more terrifying."
"I want to stay too Michonne. I need this friendship." His hands held hers.
This was the perfect time to tell her that he wanted more, but she didn't need that now. She needed to know that he was the man who would put pressure on her. Or take advantage of her fear.
TWDTWDTWDTWD
Carol knew her words hurt Daryl. She just wanted him to see that Michonne was the type of woman who not appreciate him for the man that he was. Not like she would. Daryl just liked the fact that some experienced pristine woman found favor in him. And that would fade soon.
Frantically knocking on the door, Carol waited for it to be answered. He had to be professional with her but she couldn't be the only one seeing the wrong in this.
Merle saw the desperate woman through the peephole. Sighing, he knew she would wait there until he answered it. The ankle bracelet let everyone know his business. Daryl needed to learn how to put this woman in her place.
"Carol. I knew ya couldn't resist meh." She pushed passed his obnoxious humor. "Well hello tah ya too. So what brings ya here?"
"What do you think about Daryl's relationship with Michonne?" She blurted.
Merle laughed. Carol did not beat around the bush. She was here for one reason only.
"And I would tell you this because….." Carol folded her arms at his sarcasm.
"Because you care for your brother. And I'm pretty sure you don't trust Michonne as far as you can see her."
He drank his water as she continued her ramblings. At first he did have his suspicions about the lawyer. Especially after found out about Tyrese. But Michonne and Daryl were spending so much time with eachother, that Tyrese couldn't be apart of her life anymore. Carol had to learn to back off.
And stop trying to manipulate him because of his past.
"Woman ya are gettin on my damn nerves with yer babblin. Can ya get to the point?" Merle sat down on his couch. Rubbing his temples.
Carol became silent. Both brothers were agitated by her. Once again she was over exaggerating and her intentions were being misinterpreted.
"Let meh guess. There is no point because yah are just bitchin about how Daryl doesn't want yah. Carol yer a good woman but I'm sorry."
"This has more to do with my feelings for Daryl. Despite that. Michonne isn't a good fit for him."
"And who are yah to decide that?" Carol bit her lip at his backlash.
"Let meh guess yah came over here because yah were planning on getting help with sabotaging whatever they got. Yah thought I wouldn't like Michonne because she was black." Carol blushed at his words.
He was right. She had reached an all time low. Playing on his hatred and ignorance for her advantage. All was fair in love and war. And she could live with herself for this. As long as Daryl would see her in the end.
"Carol I ain't as dumb as I appear. And sorry to burst yer bubble but I ain't like that no more. But I see you've definitely changed."
"No I haven't."
"Yeah yah have. Try mindin yer own business fer once. It's time for you to leave."
Merle could not believe that the conniving woman who left was Carol. Her eyes were dark. She was focused on getting what she wanted. That scared Merle. He had been around men who would stop at nothing to get what they thought belonged to them. Daryl needed to know this.
