Chapter 4

After that unpleasant greeting at the hospital Michonne just wanted to retreat to her room and stay there until the next set of visiting hours but presently…she was famished. Crystal Savannah had two main cafés and she really didn't want to visit either one as she knows that it will be filled with people she knew and who knew her.

However, there was a small bar ran by Angie and Fred Dixon in the ground floor of their home. The towns people wasn't thrilled of the idea of having a bar in their Christian town but they learned to tolerate it and it often kept the men occupied whenever their wives didn't want to deal with them.

However, when Angie and Fred passed away in an accident their children Merle, 13 years old, Daryl, 7 years old, Solange, 6 years old and Bobby, 3 years old were left as the sole beneficiaries of the business and their parent's property. Because of their ages, the bar had to be closed and they went to live with their aunt for a couple of years. Merle came back six years later when Michonne was 12.

By that time, he was 19 years old and Daryl who was 13 years at the time and the rest of his siblings would often visit Merle on weekends as they were still minors in the eyes of the law and he couldn't take them to live with him. When word spread that Merle planned on reopening the bar and operating it as a bus and truck stop as well, they fought him on it.

However, the revenue that Dixon's Bar and Rest Stop brought in couldn't be denied. Tourist influx doubled in Crystal Savannah. Instead of passing straight through the town to Birdie's Rest Stop two towns over, tourist were now stopping at Dixon's. Merle wife Tammi but his girlfriend at the time was living with him.

She was a home taught cook and soon her hot wings, jalapeno seasoned fries and soya bean burgers became a huge hit. After two years of excellent tourist arrivals, Merle had saved enough money to purchased the house next door to the right of the bar and he and Tammi moved in, turning his former living quarters upstairs the bar into a room rental business.

Not only did Dixon's bar benefitted, but a lot of the fledgling businesses in Crystal Savannah also saw prosperity as well. Sandy's antiques and gift shop, which was located next door to Merle's new home was one such business. Michonne loved going to Sandy's gift shop all the time. She would often buy gifts for Natalie when she was just a baby. Those are probably one of the few good memories she has of this place.

Michonne walked cautiously down the street after she left the hospital. She saw a few people took notice of her as she walked by them but soon they lost interest and moved on. After ten minutes she walked around the corner and there it was….Dixon's. From the look of it, it seems that things have gotten even better over the years since she left town as Dixon's had expanded to include another property to the left which is presently under construction. Michonne panic slightly when she saw the constant coming and goings at the place.

There were trucks, buses and cars parked nearby. Michonne was contemplating on heading to Carol Grocery for a quick snack and retreat to her room but her stomach had other plans. It growled so loudly that she looked around to see if anyone had heard it. 'As long as Natalie is here I can't avoid everyone forever. I will have to face these people sooner than later.' Michonne thought to herself. She took a deep breath and began crossing the street.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The minute Michonne stepped into the bar she did a quick peripheral sweep of the occupants for anyone who she really didn't want to bump into. So far, the coast was clear. Taking off her sunglasses she made her way to the counter. Once there, she picked up the menu card and quickly selecting one of the specials, she ordered. Suddenly, a glass of orange juice was slide over by the bartender, startling her. She looked up and caught her breath…eyes widening. It was Daryl.

"All new visitors' first drink is for free." He said smiling at her.

"I'm…" Then she stopped herself.

Daryl was one year older than her and was considered a problem child by the community. Although he was never arrested by the police he was wayward and as a result, the neighbourhood children were told to avoid him, especially the girls. However she and Daryl struck up a forbidden friendship and besides Sasha, she always looked forward to his visits on weekends whenever he came.

It saddened her abit that he of all persons didn't recognize her but maybe it was a good thing. "Thanks." She said, raising the glass to him in appreciation. The bar was crowded and loud and Michonne recognized some of the older faces as they haven't changed much. However the people around her age or alittle older were not easily recognizable to her.

"So are you visiting friends or family?"

Michonne turned around and Daryl was standing directly infront of her.

"Alittle of both."

"How long do you plan on staying? We have a room and board special. Pay for two nights and get one night free."

Michonne smiled and Daryl upped the room special.

"Just for you…I'll throw in three extra nights if you pay cash now."

"So it's a limited offer then."

"Maybe."

Michonne raised her eyebrows at him.

"Do all your customers get such nice treatment and extra special deals?"

"Just the ones I get a good feeling from."

"From the looks of this place I could tell that's not often." Michonne chuckled. "Besides, I'm already staying over at Michelle's…at the edge of town."

"Hmmmm. Not a bad place. It's no Dixon but not bad."

"It's private and I like private."

"Touché."

A young woman finally placed Michonne's order of hot wings and a soya bean burger. Her mouth began to water as the aroma filled her nostrils. She began digging in under the watchful eyes of Daryl.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Michonne let out a burp within earshot of Daryl the moment the last piece of the burger left her throat and went down into her stomach. He walked over to her, snickering.

"I will give your compliments to the chef."

"Please do." Michonne said rubbing her tummy in an up and down motion and looking at her time. Daryl smiled at her. "I think I'll be heading out now. Got some things I have to do."

"Wait." Daryl said before calling out to a waitress loud above the noise. "Shelley!" She rushed into the kitchen and returned seconds later with a box which she gave to him. He, in turn gave it to Michonne.

"What's this?" she asked, opening the box carefully. It was a huge portion of jalapeno's seasoned fries.

"Something for dinner…or the road. Your choice."

Michonne looked at Daryl. If it was anyone else she wouldn't have accepted this gesture. Plus, she felt alittle guilty about not telling Daryl who she was, so she accepted

"Thank you."

Daryl smiled at her as she walked out of the bar.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Michonne had just crossed the street from the bar when she heard a shout behind her.

"Hey!"

She turned around and saw Daryl running across the street up to her. On reaching her, he stopped and observed at her intently. Feeling his stare she took a step back, apprehensively.

"What?!"

Unexpectedly, Daryl grabbed and pulled her towards him, engulfed her in his arms. He hugging her tightly as a sob escaped him.

"Welcome home Michonne. I missed you so much."

"Daryl!" she cried out hugging him back.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The childhood friends stood on the pavement, hugging each other tightly for atleast five minutes before they finally pulled apart. Michonne wiped the tears from her eyes and the single one that had just rolled down Daryl's cheek. Daryl took her by the hand and led her back across the street but instead of going through the bar he took her through the construction lot next to the bar and into the back of the bar.

"Wait here."

Michonne nodded as Daryl disappeared inside and came back almost immediately with two chairs. They sat down and just looked at each other smiling.

"How did you know it was me?"

"When you first walked in the bar, I wasn't sure so I dismissed it. But you started rubbing your tummy I knew it had to be you."

Michonne looked at him, puzzled.

"Michonne…you are the only person I know who rub their tummy up and down instead of circular when full."

Michonne narrowed her eyes at Daryl who began laughing at her. She too also started laughing.

"Come on Daryl! Give me alittle bit more mystery than that! My tummy gave me away?"

"Yes! And your eyes!" He paused. "I would know your eyes anywhere Michonne….anywhere."

She reached for his hand and held it tightly. She couldn't believe how happy she was to see him.

"I would prefer if you didn't mentioned seeing me to anyone…ok."

"Why?"

"It's just better that way."

"Hmmm. Ok. I assume you're here to see Natalie?"

"Yes."

"Well…have you seen her?"

"Yes. Briefly."

"So your family know you are here."

"Yes."

"Wouldn't they tell people you're back in town?"

Michonne chuckled.

"Trust me…it's the last thing they would do…advertise my presence."

Daryl sulked.

"What's wrong?"

"Where did you go Michonne? I came to visit one weekend and you were just….gone."

Michonne squeezed his hand again and he reciprocated.

"It's a long story but know if I didn't need to leave home I wouldn't have. I was left with no other option."

"That's exactly what Sasha said!"

Michonne pulled away her hand gradually.

"You asked Sasha about me?!" Michonne asked.

"Oh course I did! You were one of the few friends I had whenever I was visiting Merle and when you suddenly disappeared off the face of the planet I asked the one person who I knew would have some answers. It's not like I could have asked your family."

Michonne shot to her feet, panicking.

"What did she tell you?!"

"Nothing…just that you had to leave."

Michonne became agitated.

"Don't lie to me Daryl! What did she say?!"

"I swear Michonne! That's all she said."

"I don't believe you!"

Daryl was now on his feet facing a clearly angry Michonne.

"I would never lie to you!"

They stood there in utter silence.

"I have to go!" Michonne said abruptly

"Wait! Now?!"

"Yes! Now!" Michonne responded as she began walking into the construction lot and out into the street. Daryl followed closely.

"Are you gonna run away again? Will I be seeing you before you leave?"

Michonne heard the desperation in Daryl's voice and she turned to face him. Looking at him, standing there, looking at her all she could do was hug him. He squeezed her tightly and she knew if given the chance, he wouldn't let her run away again.

"I'm not going anywhere Daryl…atleast for now."

Michonne saw the biggest and broadest smile on his face.

"Good."

"I really have to go though."

"Ok. See you tomorrow then?"

"I'll see you soon Daryl."

Michonne walked away down the street knowing full well that Daryl was watching her. She didn't look back.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Michonne got to the motel room, she put the jalapeno fries in the mini fridge to be eaten later for dinner. She lay down on the bed and thought about the day's events. All these years, guilt have been eating her up about leaving Natalie behind but now it seems that she left more than the one family member she truly cared about. She left Sasha her best friend and now Daryl also. These are people who cared about her. Sasha knew her secret and why she had to leave and she was foolish to think that Sasha would betray her in any way. Now both Sasha and Daryl wants her to stay. Michonne closed her eyes but didn't know she had fallen to sleep until there was a knocking on her door.

She sprang off the bed and cautiously walked towards the door, peering through the peep hole. She saw Sasha and a hulking red haired man standing behind her. Not know what quite to make of their presence she aggressively called out.

"Who is it?"

"It's me Michonne. Sasha."

"Who's that behind you?"

"Open the door and I will tell you."

"Jesus Christ Sasha!" Michonne heard the man whisper to Sasha. "I'm her husband Abe." The man announced.

Michonne slowly opened the door and she eyed Sasha then 6 ft man standing next to her.

"Hi Michonne." He said.

Michonne stepped aside and her visitors walked in.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"How did you know I was here?"

"I asked Abe to find you…discreetly of course."

"Sasha…."

"I'm glad I did too! Look at this place! Ok. First things first…I want you to come and stay with me and Abe at our house."

Sasha went into the mini fridge and frowned as it was bare empty except for a food box marked 'Dixon'. She opened it and turned to Michonne.

"Really?"

"I was just going to the grocery store to buy some stuff when you came."

Sasha looked at her doubtfully.

"Babe…start packing Michonne's stuff."

"I can't impose myself on you and your family."

"You're not imposing. We are inviting you." Abe said smiling.

"I can't."

Sasha held Michonne square at her shoulders.

"This is not up for a debate."

There was a pause between the ladies as Abe looked on.

"Ok."

Michonne and Sasha looked on as Abe began moving around the room gathering Michonne's things.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Abe pulled up into the yard of their home, twin red hair boys and a girl was anxiously waiting at the front door. A girl of about 17 years old was standing behind them. Both Abe and Sasha climbed out of the truck and the three children rushed to them screaming. Abe scooped up the boys in his arms while the Sasha lifted up the girl. Both parents showering them with kisses. The teenager walked up to them.

"They couldn't wait till you get back."

"Thanks for watching them on such short notice Paige."

"No problem Mrs Ford." Paige left.

Sasha signalled to Michonne who got out of the truck.

"These are my twins boys...Micah and Levi and my daughter Kimberly."

Michonne waved to the children who blushed against their parents. Sasha and Abe took the children into the house as Michonne stood by the truck. Sasha came back outside. They walked to the truck and started to unpack Michonne's things.

"How old are they?"

"The twins are three years old and the girl is five."

"We have another." Abe shouted from the front door. The ladies looked up and saw him standing there with Levi, Micah and Kimberly at his feet, looking at them curiously.

"What? Kids?"

"Yeah. Amy, she's 6 years old. She isn't home from school yet."

"Ok. Wow."

"Yeah…four kids in seven years. It would have been more if I didn't insist Mr. Lover man here to use a condom and I go on the pill."

"Do you even want more? Four seems like a lot."

"I know Abe does. Me too but my crotch needs a rest."

"I heard that!" Abe chuckled.

Sasha smiled back at him then looked at Michonne.

"Come on…let's get you settled in."~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~