"Hugs usually mean more than just a hug."
― Becca Ann, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend
There had to have been divine intervention.
Weirdly, I didn't recall I had treated him any differently when and after he had arrived the second time for bible study.
I was hesitant in opening my door upon seeing him standing on my doorstep. I had to have a one-sided conversation with God.
This must be a test. If not, please give me your strength. Please, Lord, I am pleading for you to tell me, convince me, that you did not send me someone's husband. Are you testing me? If you are, please have mercy if i should happen to fail.
I swung open my front door. Two things were apparent, the slight smell of alcohol, and how drunk he made me feel every single time we were face to face.
"Are you okay, Sheriff?"
"Sunday School Teacher, I am out of uniform. My name is Rick. Just Rick."
I had only realized then that he would usually refer to me by my first name, but once I called him Sheriff at any point, I became Sunday School Teacher.
"Michonne, I would like to have a talk with you."
"About?"
"You and me."
"What about?"
"Proper expectations."
"When has anything ever been improper, Sher-Rick?"
"Well, I feel left out. Seems to me everyone who comes through your door gets some of either or."
His eyes went from my lips to either my arm or chest. I wasn't sure, but I was prepared to slap him for suggesting anything vulgar.
He caught my wrist with lightning speed.
"Do you have any idea of what I am capable of?"
"I am not that type of woman."
"I am beginning to see that more and more."
"Are you drunk?"
"I don't get drunk."
"Do you know what time it is?"
"Yes. But I need to ask you a question."
"Question?"
"It's been gnawing at me. Practically driving me crazy, just about. The little voice. God's voice led me right here to get it directly from you."
Of course!
"Would you like me to grab my bible?" I asked glancing from my wrist that he still held and back to his face wondering if he was going to release me. I needed to put some space between us. I wanted to go inside to grab the required tool. My Katana.
"Nope! I want you to take your sign and add the words that hugs and kisses ain't for everyone who comes by to see you."
"You can't be serious?" I shrugged my wrist free.
"Blatant discrimination."
"You are drunk."
"I am not. I've been to your bible study. Once a week for the last two weeks. I have yet to get what it states on that sign when I come here or when it's my time to take leave."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
It was awkward at first. I felt like I was making the first move on to someone I didn't necessarily feel comfortable with due to my crazy level of attraction I had for him. I was going to show him and God.
I stepped forward, unsure of arm placement or how close our bodies should be. It didn't help that Rick was just as confused and awkward as was I. Within seconds we were able to get it right. Soon it began to feel very right. I had never been kissed the way he had kissed me that night. Though brief, I knew I was face to face with my own ruin staring back at me.
I noticed less of his presence around town. The following Sunday he wasn't at church. He had never come back to bible study.
It was like he was avoiding me.