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In the last chapter Michonne and Rick had a little chat about the situation in which they found themselves. Rick had a little moment where we saw him wondering what a family with Michonne would be like. The two hit a little bit of a sticky moment but all's good. Shane and Andrea did some really good sleuthing to the point they've figured out the baby daddy but what will Andrea do next?
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Andrea ended her texting session with Shane. She was beyond stunned at the new thread they had unravelled in Rick and Michonne's story… for a moment or two she tried to process the ramifications of the possibility that Negan was out to sabotage Rick's life but for what? Six months ago Rick had no idea Michonne was even in Georgia much less as close as Atlanta and the girls were the latter's buffer between her and Kings County. Nothing really made sense because Negan met Michonne while on business in New York.
Michonne had told them about Negan and his employee. She had discovered he was cheating after returning from their impromptu Vegas weekend when she surprised him at his office.
Andrea knew from Michonne that Rick's mother came from money, though she never said much more about it. After, a few minutes on Google she found what she was looking for.
"HOLY SHIT! I need a friggin drink! Her outburst caused Maggie, Sasha and Rosita to all sit up, and turn around with brows raised.
"What? Don't judge me we've all been drinking damn near twenty-four hours now." She said defensively.
"Andrea, will you get to the damn point? What the hell did Shane say that got the hamster wheel on overdrive?" Rosita asked impatiently.
"You remember six months ago when we got back from Vegas and Michonne had us drop her off at Negan's office?
"We all remember that prick. Why?" Sasha asked clearly intrigued.
Andrea continued, "Guess who Rick's wife works for? She also travels with him to recruit talent. Plus Shane also said she's a real gold digger too."
"Andrea, we're all tired of your riddles, like you've said we've been drinking for a while now so why don't you just break it down for us?" Demanded a frustrated Maggie.
"Keep up will yah? Lori works for Negan, Michonne's Ex! Shane also said that Rick have a condo down here, he's got a law degree and he's being scouted by the Feds. It seems to me that he followed their plan after all."
"But the question is how did he do it? No offence but I don't think Senior is flush, they are very conservative people." Maggie remarked.
"When all else fails… you Google! Mary Turpin of Savannah … It seems his mother's family are the Turpin's of Turpin Transport and guess who's on the Board of Directors? Rick!"
"No shit! You'd never know he's a part of that family… But he's so normal… he doesn't flaunt it… well except for that necklace he gave to her." Maggie added.
Sometimes it was really hard to believe that Rosita and Sasha were born of different parents because more often than naught they acted as though they grew in the same womb. The twins remarked, "Guess who's the baby daddy, Bitch?"
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Mary and Richard Jr.
Sixteen years ago…
After watching the town car pull away, Rick sprinted across the parking lot to where his mother was waiting on him and Michonne. He opened the car door and entered the vehicle closing the door behind him. "Hi Sweetheart. Was that Morgan and Michonne that drove by?"
"Yeah Mom. Mr. Jones just got back to town and he's taking Michonne to dinner. Can we just go?" He asked a little frustrated. His frustration stemmed mainly from the fact he had just kissed the girl he loved and was slapped as a result of his forwardness towards her, to make matters worse she wouldn't even look at him while he was talking to her father. He made a mental note to never take advice from Shane concerning girls.
Mary knew her son and she knew his foul mood had everything to do with his best friend Michonne. She had watched them over the years and the older they got she watched their relationship evolve. Richard was hopelessly in love with Michonne. In the past few weeks, she noticed the closer Michonne got to her sixteenth birthday the more irritable her son became. As she started the car and shifted to drive, she glanced over at him, "Sweetheart, you really need to tell her how you feel. You can't expect her to know it if you don't say something. You'll soon be off to college and if you don't tell her you can't expect her to wait for you."
"But Mom…Mr. Jones will kill me … I'm eighteen months older than Michonne. He'll never allow it."
Mary knew their age difference would be a factor for Morgan but she firmly believed that he too had an inkling that both Richard and Michonne would eventually be more. "Maybe not now son… but eventually. Don't let her get away."
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The Necklace
Four weeks later…
Michonne found herself pleading with her mother yet again. "Mother if I go to New York for the opening I'll have to turn around the next morning and return to Atlanta. I can't afford to miss a week of school this late in the year plus I have a paper to finish."
"Mary did say you could stay with them. I just don't like the idea of you being in the house by yourself."
"Mother don't worry, I'll be fine and if I need anything Aunt Mary is just across the street. In addition, Olivia is going to be with me. At any rate, Rick and I will be in New York right after exams and we'll start working a week later." Michonne's exasperation with her mother had reached its limit. "But Mother, I won't be alone, Olivia's is going to be with me; the person you see as just the Help … I see as another human being, one who takes care of this family. I'll talk with Daddy, I'm sure he'll choose my education over the opening of the office. Why do you need me there anyway? This is an opportunity for you to go shopping and spend quality time with Daddy."
"Very well, no need to bother your father. I'll have Mary drop in on you from time to time." Jenny said as she dismissed her daughter and returned to her room.
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Rick and Michonne were in the kitchen preparing supper an activity they've enjoyed doing for the past four nights. They enjoyed cooking together, feeding each other as they cooked and laughing together. On the menu for the night an entrée consisting of Lamb Chops with Mint Gremolata, baby potatoes and small peas with chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.
Michonne was on dessert duty and she would occasionally feed strawberries to Rick. "Babe do you think we should take a bottle of wine from the cellar? I won't have much, just a glass. I promise."
Rick sidled up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, resting his head a top of hers kissing her head, a hint of lavender tickled his nose. Only if you want to you Babe, but just one … I don't want you drunk, okay?" A small smile tugged at Michonne's lips as she turned her head to the side in search of a kiss and he obliged.
In the past four days, Michonne finished her report, they went to school together, studied together and over dinner they planned their future. After exams they'd both go to New York to work in her father's new office for the Summer. In a year, Rick would move to Atlanta begin his studies in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Psychology and later on to Law School. In two years, they'd be back packing throughout Europe then in the Fall, Michonne would join him, they would move in together and she'd begin her studies in the Social Work Program and later attend Law School.
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After dinner, Rick presented Michonne with a blue box. As she opened the box her voice hitched, in it was a beautiful necklace of white gold with a diamond M pendant at its centre a sapphire. "Babe, it's absolutely beautiful. Thank you!"
"Michonne, the necklace maybe beautiful but it's nothing compared to you." Rick kissed her forehead and offered to put it on for her. He then turned her about to admire her. "You're so beautiful …" his voice trailed off as his finger traced over the pendant, and tilted Michonne's head to look him in the eyes, "and you're mine!"
Rick tilted her head back and bent down to capture her lips. The kiss quickly deepened and she could feel his desire for her pressed against her stomach.
The night was special, their awkwardness and her pain had since disappeared. Michonne was glad Rick never listened to her when she told him never to touch her again because each time they tried it was better than the last.
Taking him by the hand she led him to their bedroom. Pausing with her hand on the doorknob and her back to the door Rick leaned in, tilted her face and kissed her, the door flew open they fell through it kissing, hearts racing and shallow breathing, their kiss momentarily broken causing them to laugh gaily.
Rick's quick reflexes caught and steadied her pulling her into him. His hands wound around her waist drawing her to him, forehead to forehead looking deeply into her chocolate eyes, he allowed his lips to capture hers and they kissed with urgency. His tongue probing her mouth for access and she allowed it as they moaned together. Their tongues collided and tasted of wine and their hunger began anew. Their fingers made quick work disrobing each other. As they stood naked before the other appreciating each other's body Michonne stepped into his embrace. The couple stared deeply into each others eyes and saw their love for one another. Tilting her head to the side he sucked lightly on the sensitive skin just below her ear whispering, "I. Love. You."
"I. Love. You. Too. Babe." Lips locked in a passionate kiss. Rick lift her body with her legs straddling his waist and carried her to the bed and lying her down without breaking their kiss. Eventually, his mouth wandered nibbling and sucking each nipple while teasing the other. Michonne's body writhed from his attention as he worked his way down her body. Closing her eyes she surrendered herself to him and bit her bottom lip as she felt his tongue flickered across her nerve centre while stimulating her nipples. Licking the outer lips of her sex he became drunk from her scent. "Michonne, you're perfect." His voice vibrated into her core. Clasping his hands firmly onto her ass holding her into place, he inserted his tongue deep inside her wet core and moaned. Michonne swore as she raked her fingers through his hair and arched her back allowing him deeper access into her core. His tongue alternated between her clit and core. Her walls clenched as he pushed on her nerve centre causing her to unravel screaming his name, her body convulsed under him spilling her juices into his mouth. Pleased with himself Rick watched her come apart several times more.
Allowing her to ride out her last orgasm he asked, "Are you ready Baby?"
Shaking her head affirmatively not sure of her words, "I need you now!" She replied gripping the sheets and sinking further into her pillows.
Rick quickly applied a condom then he kissed his way up her body in reverse paying ample attention to each breast, her clavicle, her neck and her earlobes and finally her lips allowing her to taste herself on his lips. Parting her legs, he slid into her tight wet core, Michonne's breath hitched and she bit down onto her bottom lip as he slowly stretched her out. Her arms tightened around him as her hips came up to meet him, pulling him deeper inside of her.
Noticing her reaction, Rick inquired, "Am I hurting you Baby?" Her tightness around his shaft caused him to become light headed he almost came on the spot. "Michonne baby you feel so fucking good."
She shook her head no; she lied because it was a good hurt and she didn't want him to stop. She could hardly believe sex would ever be this pleasurably. Five days ago, she had no idea she would come to love this. The way her body responded to Rick was amazing.
In time, with slow even stokes they found their rhythm kissing, thrusting and moaning. Michonne cried out in pleasure as he moved inside of her, filling her again and again, discovering new depths with each thrust. Rick could feel her circling the edge and with one final assault they both exploded in unison, her nails bit into his shoulders causing him to grunt as he pumped his final thrusts he called, "MICHONNE!"
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New York
Morgan and Jenny were dining out prior to their evening at the theatre. He looked across the table at his beautiful wife thinking how nice the past four days had been; it gave them an opportunity to reconnect. Since opening the New York office Morgan felt as though he and Jenny rarely found time for each other but he didn't worry. Michonne was older now and it freed Jenny up to become more engaged with charities and sometimes taking impromptu vacations for herself. He denied her nothing because she dedicated her time to keeping the home front running and their sexual life lacked nothing each time together felt like a honeymoon so he took care of the rest. Jenny and Michonne were his world. He worked hard and Jenny never complained since it awarded her a certain lifestyle to which she had become accustomed.
Between the entrée and the dessert Jenny's cell phone began vibrating incessantly. She was afraid to take the call in front of Morgan for fear it might be from her lover. If her count was correct she had had at least four messages by now. Morgan found it admirable that she didn't want to interrupt their time together answering a call. Both were certain that should the matter concerned Michonne, both the Grimes and Michonne would contact him as well. In any event, Morgan became concerned at the persistence of the caller so he told his wife to take the call.
"Hello?"
"Is this Mrs. Jenny Jones?"
"Yes, this is she, with whom am I speaking."
"This is Dr. Philip Blake at Kings County Hospital. Maam, the reason why I'm calling is that your mother, Dawn Lerner has been admitted to the hospital and you're listed as the next of kin. We've been trying to reach you for sometime now. We'll need you to come to the hospital as soon as possible."
"Dr. Blake, I will come but I'm currently in New York right now. I'll leave immediate for the airport but are you able to tell me anything more?"
"Mrs. Jones, I can't give you much detail over the telephone other than the fact your mother suffered a massive stoke and it is highly recommend that you get here as soon as you can."
Morgan watched the horror splayed across his wife's face and waited for her response. He kept praying that whatever the news he hoped it was not about Michonne.
After the call, Jenny brought Morgan up to speed. The latter asked their waiter for the cheque, paid and they returned to their penthouse. In the process of closing up the penthouse and preparing to leave, Jenny told Morgan he didn't need to return to Kings County, she would go but promised to return to New York as soon as she could. Morgan argued with her but as always he conceded. She settled for him accompanying her to the airport.
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Five hours later…
Michonne awoke to find Rick's hand firmly on her butt and hers across his chest. She needed him yet again, like a junkie she was in need of a fix. She smiled at the recent memory, after their first time she had sworn it would be their last but Rick had told her in no uncertain terms, "Babe there will come a day when you'll be begging for more." He was trying to make light of the situation at the time but on this day he was right. They had made love well into the night and now that she was awake again she needed him in the worse way.
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Arriving at the hospital Jenny asked for Dawn Lerner's room she was asked to take a seat while they paged Dr. Blake. About five minutes later Dr. Blake arrived at the nurses station and approached the petite woman sitting in the waiting area. "Mrs. Jones, I presume." Holding out his hand to her, Jenny took is and they shook hands."I'm Dr. Philip Blake, I'm the Neurologist treating your mother. Would you mind coming with me? I'll take you to her."
Jenny walked beside Dr. Blake in silence. Entering behind him into the hospital room she saw her mother's frail body hooked up to several machines. She looked to the doctor for comprehension. Dr. Blake explained. "She was admitted about six hours ago and since that time, she slipped into a coma about four hours ago. We've run a battery of test but the latest results show there has been no response. Essentially, this is as good as it gets. I'm so sorry."
Jenny felt as though her world was crumbling. Her mother was her foundation, she struggled to raise her when he no good father left her upon discovering she was pregnant. Unmarried and a pregnant teen just another statistic but despite that she didn't abort her. Her parents weren't happy with her but at least she had a roof over her head. She struggled to finish her high school and had her baby which she did not put into the system either. Her mother clawed her way out of the gutter for them sometimes working two or three jobs to put food on the table for them. When she met Morgan things changed, he got them a better apartment eventually she moved in with him leaving her mother in the other apartment.
Jenny felt alone for the first time in her adult life; sure she had a husband, a daughter and a lover but no one who truly knew who she was. They were just folks all for whom she wore a mask to fulfil their need for her. Her husband needed a dutiful wife who took care of the home, their daughter and to feed his sexual needs. Her daughter was spoilt, she'd never know what hunger was, she'd never want for anything her father would see to that. Her lover, as wonderful as he made her feel, he was the mirror image of her situation perhaps why they were so drawn to the one another. They were trapped.
