A/N: this story uses the characters from my "Redemption" fic, but in an AU setting, so if you haven't read that fic, you can still read this one without missing anything. However, if you'd like to read it, it is complete! I only own Anna, the rest belongs to AMC and Robert Kirkman. No infringement intended.
Simple Twists of Fate
By Leah Pensotti
When Rick woke up the next morning, he gently moved out of bed as not to disturb Anna. The revelations of the night before weighed heavily on his heart. She would be an amazing mother, with all the care and love she put into things. Any child would be lucky to call her mom.
He would have never had guessed her pain, she kept it all so close to the chest. Lori had really gotten to her and it made him feel responsible. Rick decided he was going to run out before Anna and Carl woke up and get doughnuts for breakfast...maybe even some flowers.
She looked so peaceful when she slept, an angel with messy blonde hair and pink parted lips. Anna had said it last night...she should have a two year old. He imagined her with a toddler and couldn't help but smile.
Just as he was grabbing his keys to run out, Carl popped out of his room with sleep still in his eyes, "Where are you going?"
Rick smiled, "Put your shoes on. I was gonna surprise you and Anna with breakfast."
"She still asleep?"
Rick nodded and once Carl had shoes on his feet and they both had their coats on, they went to a nearby grocery and picked out a dozen assorted doughnuts and a bunch of bright orange Gerber daisies for Anna.
When they got back to the apartment, Rick made a pot of coffee and put the daisies in a large mason jar in lieu of a vase. He and Carl sat in the living room watching television until she woke up. Soon, they heard footsteps in the hall and Anna appeared in the living room, her hair still a mess and she was still wearing her flannel pajamas.
"Hey guys...how long have you been up?"
"A little while. We picked up some breakfast...are you hungry?"
Anna nodded and walked into the kitchen. Rick followed her and found her staring at the daisies, she ran a thumb across the edge of the petals.
"You like them?"
He saw her wipe away a tear, "You spoil me, Officer."
Rick walked over and put his hands on her hips, "I'd do just about anything if it made you smile."
She turned around and smiled up at him, "They're beautiful. Thank you."
Anna he been touched by Rick and Carl getting up and getting doughnuts and flowers for her. She had done her best to go on with their weekend, but still managed to cry at the gestures. The night before had knocked her for a loop, made her usually even-keeled nature off balance. Her nerves felt raw and exposed.
Saturday was spent at the Georgia Aquarium, where Anna discovered that she could watch belugas and sea otters all day...they were just that mesmerizing. Walking around the giant tanks was peaceful, and as a bonus, she got to stroll hand in hand with Rick. In a weird way, the sea otters reminded her of Truvy when she slept on her back, her little paws curled up to her chin.
Before heading home for dinner, Anna made a passionate plea to stop by a used book store. Rick just smiled and agreed...she had a feeling he would try to lasso the moon for her, if she so requested it. She and Carl scoured the shelves, finding two books a piece. Anna purchased all of them, even though Rick protested.
They ordered Chinese food and while Anna was in the kitchen getting down plates and glasses and running in and out to set the table, Rick caught her by the waist for one of their stolen moments. Anna couldn't help but laugh, knowing that he would probably want to come by the next day to make up for lost time.
Not that she was complaining. Going home to Truvy tonight was going to be rough, even though she missed her little fuzzy orange face. Anna just wished all of her favorite faces could be in the same place all the time.
Rick kissed her sweetly, "Did you have a good day?"
"Of course I did. I really liked the aquarium...and that bookstore, it's going to become one of my favorite places."
"I've never seen someone get so excited over books. But I like it, you're a sexy nerd."
Anna chuckled, "Thanks, I think. Being an only child...reading was the easiest way to escape Sonja and remain out of trouble. I think that's why I like it so much."
Rick kissed her again, "I wish you could stay another night."
"Me too. But there is always tomorrow. You can swing by after you drop Carl off."
She watched as a sly smile appeared on his lips, "It's a new ritual, isn't it?"
Anna felt herself turn pink, "I suppose so."
Soon, there was a knock on the apartment door and the food had arrived. They had a nice talk about their day, and soon the conversation turned to Savannah. Carl said he had heard about it in school and that Rick had mentioned her being from there.
"It's beautiful, really. Grand old architecture and southern charm. We used to take trips to Tybee Island in the summers with my Nana. But the society is out dated to me...not so much to my mom."
Carl looked curious, "I think we should go. You know, one weekend. You can visit your parents."
Anna saw Rick smiling into his fried rice and she just laughed, "Well, uh, maybe. I know my Dad would take you all shooting if we did...or to the club for some golf. If you're into that sort of thing. We'll see when it gets warmer, okay?"
Carl nodded, "Spring Break is coming up...Dad gets me for a full week."
Anna looked at Rick across the table and realized just how comfortable all this could be, not just with her and him...but with Carl, too. She felt silly for a minute, pretending to place house with the two of them.
"Well then, I'm sure lots of planning is called for."
After dinner, Anna packed up her things and carefully balanced the mason jar of flowers in her hands. Rick and Carl drove her home since had not driven her own car over. Carl was really interested in the house and begged to come in and meet Truvy.
Anna and Rick exchanged a look and Anna shrugged, "Sure. She is a cat though. Don't get your feelings hurt if she doesn't immediately take to you. They are strange creatures."
Sure enough, Truvy met them at the door, stretching lazily...that is until she caught sight of Carl and hopped around with her back arched, batting at his shoes. Carl just laughed and managed to get Truvy to let him pet her by luring her with one of the toggles on his jacket.
Anna took off her jacket and walked the daisies into the kitchen, dropping her overnight bag on the floor. When she came back to the entrance way, Carl was holding Truvy, her eyes were closed as he scratched her chin.
"Truvy, you traitor. You don't even let me hold you."
Rick patted Carl on the shoulder, "Let's let Anna get some rest. She has an early day tomorrow."
Carl nodded and handed Truvy to Anna. When they said their goodbyes, Rick hung back just long enough to kiss her.
"Tomorrow night?"
Anna nodded, "I'm counting down the minutes."
By the time Wednesday rolled around, Rick and Anna had spent Sunday night together, had drinks on Tuesday and on that particular night...they were going to take Dawn dinner. She had been released on Monday, but would continue to be on medical leave for the forseeable future with lots of physical therapy. Bob and his wife Maria would be there, along with Captain Hanson.
Bob had been needling him to bring Anna over for dinner for the past couple of weeks, that Maria wanted to meet her. It wasn't that he didn't want to do dinner, it's just that Rick enjoyed having Anna all to himself.
When he picked Anna up at her house, she was putting the finishing touches on strawberry cupcakes. He watched her as she piped pink icing on to the cakes, wearing a navy blue dress and brown knee length boots with her hair in a low ponytail.
"How was work?"
Rick shrugged, "Slow day. Breaking and entering, stolen car, mugging..."
Anna chuckled and turned her head, "That's a slow day? Holy Moses."
"Yeah. You're one to talk working in the ER."
"Touché. You're probably tired of hearing this by now, but I am nervous about tonight."
Rick shook his head, "You met Lori and survived. These people are much easier. Besides, you've already met Bob."
Anna turned as pink as the icing, "Yeah, but I wasn't your girlfriend then."
He had to admit, he loved how that sounded coming from her mouth. She was his girlfriend. She was proud of that fact...and so was he. They'd had known each other for almost two months, and he didn't like to think of a the time before her.
"Well, you don't have to worry. They'll love you."
Anna packed up the cupcakes and reached for a bottle of wine to take, "Speaking of. My parents still want us to come down. They said to bring Carl."
Rick shrugged, "I think Carl would do fine. Maybe we could go to Tybee."
"I haven't been there in years. Maybe we could just stay there and visit my parents on the way back?"
He thought it sounded amazing, some time away...with a beach...his son...and the most beautiful girl in the world, "I think both Carl and I could use a long weekend somewhere."
Anna smiled, "Well, then it's worth looking into. I will talk to Gwen and see if she would trade me for that weekend, we could leave after classes on Thursday. Spend all day Friday and Saturday at the beach and then do Savannah on Sunday. Sonja should be appeased by that."
They put on their coats and headed out the door, the chill of late February in the air. Rick drove them to Dawn's suburban neighborhood filled with small but picturesque houses. After he parked, he turned to Anna, who was sporting the face he had come to realize as her "worried" face. Her large, green eyes were wide with unsure intensity, and he leaned over and took her hand in his.
"Let's go, Sweet Thing."
Anna nodded and they got out of the car, Rick hurried to the passenger side so he could help her carry something. He held the cupcakes with one hand and Anna's hand with the other. The front door swung open before they even stepped up on the front porch. Bob was waving at them, a beer in his hand, "There you guys are! Come in, dinner's ready."
Bob took their jackets and patted Rick's shoulder, "I'm glad he finally brought you around, Anna. Maria has been eager to meet you."
Anna smiled and gave Rick a knowing look, "Same here, sorry it hasn't been sooner. Hospital and class schedule has been a bit batty."
Bob waved them on, "Let me introduce you...Dawn's parents are here from Decatur, helping her to get back on her feet."
They followed Bob into the kitchen where Dawn, her parents and Maria sat. Bob introduced them to Dawn's parents first and then introduced Anna to Maria and Dawn. Bob got Rick a beer and they both sat back, watching the ladies talk. Rick took a sip and asked him, "So where's Hanson?"
"Caught up at work. Maria made pulled pork and potato salad, he's supposed to bring another side dish. But hey, at least we have cupcakes."
Rick just smiled and couldn't help watch as Anna spoke with Maria and Dawn. She had taken a seat to sit closer to Dawn, who looked a bit tired...but much better than when she had been admitted to the hospital.
Anna sat down before dinner and spoke with Dawn and Maria. She could tell Dawn was still tired and didn't like having to rely on a wheelchair.
"I think it's unfair that he got a date out of all of this. Where's my hot male nurse to stitch me up and take me out?"
Anna chuckled, "I'm afraid I don't know any of those, but I do know a rather attractive cardiologist who could fit the bill. He's a silver fox."
Maria spoke up, "Bob makes it sounds like you and Rick are catching on like wildfire. Have you all talked about long term plans?"
Anna took a sip of her wine, "Uh, no. We're just enjoying ourselves right now and out time together. We talked about maybe taking a weekend trip to Tybee with Carl during spring break. I grew up in Savannah and I am familiar with the island."
Dawn's eyes lit up in recognition, "Ah, that's right! You're a deb!"
Anna nodded, "I mean I was, my mother would like me to come back and help with the Christmas Cotillion. It really wasn't my scene. I did it for my dad, so my mom wouldn't hang it over his head for the rest of his life. My mother is the true debutante of the family. She's not to pleased with my nursing studies."
After a few moments Dawn shook her head, "That doesn't make sense. What would she rather you do?"
"Move back home. Volunteer. Be a pretty pet. Old school society thinking. Like I said, not my scene. I want to do something that matters. My Dad's proud of me. I think my late husband would be proud of me, too. Those are the things that keep me going...and for some crazy reason, Rick thinks I can do no wrong. He gives me a lot of hope..."
Anna met eyes with Rick and just smiled. He smiled and returned to his conversation with Bob and Dawn's parents. The rest of the evening flew by and in a haze of wine, pulled pork and cupcakes and soon Anna and Rick were saying goodbyes and making promises of a double date with Maria and Bob.
When they got back to her house, Anna sighed as they walked in, "Nice folks, your friends."
Rick smiled, "I'm sorry I never mentioned the whole double date with Bob and Maria. I just like to have you all to myself."
She laughed, "Aw. Thanks. So, Maria asked me if we've made long term plans."
"What did you say?"
"Well, I told her we were just enjoying our time together. Is that how you feel?"
Anna saw a slow smile appear on his face, "I, uh, well...I guess that is what dating is? Moving, hopefully, towards long term...and I definitely want you. I'm open to talking about long term plans...do you have something in mind?"
She laughed, "Well, let's plan this trip...and I think I know something else that would make me happy."
Anna dug through a kitchen drawer and found the set of spare keys she kept around with her just in case, "Here. These are yours. Just be prepared to come help me if I get locked out or feed Truvy if I forget. "
Rick looked surprised as she laid them in his hands, "You sure? You trust me with these?"
"Of course I am. You're here almost as much as I am, anyway. I'm tempted to clear out a drawer for you, too. If you'd like to keep things here..."
Before she could register it, his arms were around her waist and he caught her up in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. Anna felt like laughing, but instead she met his fire with her own. Soon, Rick picked her up and put her on the kitchen counter while she hiked up the skirt of her dress.
They were lost to that moment, and nary a word was said. They kissed fervently while Anna fumbled with his belt buckle. Soon, he was free and her panties had been discarded onto the ground. Anna had never felt such want as he entered her and soon they were off to the races, feverishly making love in her marbled kitchen not far from her refrigerator and wine rack.
She felt wanton and reckless...in that moment she didn't care if the blinds weren't closed or if her neighbors saw. Anna was one hundred percent, insanely head-over-heels for Rick and in that moment, she didn't care who knew it or what they thought.
If making long term plans meant always feeing like this, then yes, she wanted it with all of her heart.
A/N: hello loves! I have written and rewritten this chapter twice...something about the pacing wasn't right. Anyway, here it is...things to look forward to: the trip to Tybee, Anna's parents, round two with Lori and maybe the first use of a certain word :)
I am overwhelmed with the responses to this story. I cannot explain how happy your reviews, likes and follows have made me! If you haven't yet, please leave me a review!
Super special shout outs go to: My lovely Angie B ("Whori" made me lol. Well if the shoe fits, lol...Anna is so Julia Sugarbaker, classy but silver tongued when need be! There will be a scene in King County soon, Anna will have more interaction with Lori and Shane. Yay for RiAnna! I hope this chapter pleases you :), to angelicedg (well, pregnancy does happen in Redemption, so I am not opposed to it happening here...thanks for the review and hope to hear from you soon!), May85 (oh man, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I have known so many women who have lost pregnancies and babies and have not been able to conceive. To do that feeling and experience Justice...I don't have the right words. Thank you so much for your review. It meant so much to me!), CLTex (Anna won't stoop, but she will meet her breaking point with Lori. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!), natalie laukas (Lori strikes me as being territorial. She likes to still have some sort of control over Rick, even though they are no longer married...Anna threatens that! Thanks for your review! :), ashiteru naru (so glad you liked! Hope this chapter does the same!) and HaveManners (aw, thanks! I'm in love with Anna as a character. I want her to be as real as possible. Thank you for the kind review and that you continue to enjoy!).
I would love to hear from all of you, please let me know what you think!
thanks and love,
Leah P!
xoxo
