A/N: this is a work of fan fiction and not meant to infringe upon the properties of Kirk man/Moore/Aldard/AMC/Image Comics.
Now that I have caught up with the show, I am taking the lead from the comics. I am hoping to skew it in just the right way that no one will be truly spoiled :). If you'd like to listen to the Redemption Playlist, you can find it by searching for Leah Pensotti on YouTube :) it features songs and artists mentioned in the story as well as chapter titles :) it was last updated on 7/23/15.
Redemption (The Road to Alexandria)
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter 52: Cold Roses
Rick paced back and forth on crutches outside of their room. Dr. Carson was inside, examining Anna. She had been experiencing cramping all day. Carol waited with him and tended to Judith.
"She is probably just having Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are common."
He continued to pace, it was only mid-December. The baby wasn't meant to arrive for another two months. The weather had become perpetually gray and Anna's spirits had been low.
He felt Judith watching him and heard her ask, "Daddy?"
Rick stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at her. Her baby fine hair was in two pig-tails and she was wrapped in a crocheted blanket and donned pink earmuffs. Her big, blue eyes were filled with curiosity and worry.
"Daddy's okay, pumpkin."
She smiled and asked, "Anna?"
Rick smiled, "Everything is ok, Judy. Just waiting on the Doctor."
That little girl had his number, that was for sure. He was never going to be able to get too mad at her or tell her a lie. Just when he was about to start pacing again, the door opened and Dr. Carson appeared.
"I think they are just Braxton-Hicks. She's not in labor yet."
Carol smiled and gave Rick a look that said, "I told you so, dummy."
Dr. Carson continued in caution, "But I think we should limit her activity, just in case. So, I'm putting her on bed rest."
Yeah, Anna was going to hate that. She felt cooped up enough as it was.
"They should subside if she lays on her left side. Make sure she stays extra hydrated. Maybe rub her feet."
Rick nodded and thanked him and opened the door to see Anna, trying to breathe through the spurts of pain. He would've done anything to switch places with her and take away the pain.
"Hey Sweet Thing."
She looked up at him and looked like she wanted to rip his head off, "That asshole is putting me on bed rest."
For a moment, Rick wanted to laugh, but knew that Anna, in this condition was not to be trifled with, "Yeah, he just wants to err on the side of caution. Carol's gonna take Judith for a few days and I'm gonna take care of you."
Anna looked frustrated and like she was going to cry, "But you have so much to do...with Eugene. I will be fine. I don't want to burden you."
That made him smile, and he propped his crutches beside their nightstand and sat beside her, "Don't be silly. You're my wife. And I had a hand in this, so I am going to be here."
He kissed her temple and stoked her hair, "So what should we do first? Need a foot rub?"
Anna looked horrified and shook her head, "Rick, I love you to the moon and back, but don't ever touch my feet."
He looked confused, "Why not?"
"It's gross. And creepy."
"I'm pretty sure I've touched your feet before..."
"Yes, but super pregnant and bed-ridden Anna finds it gross...and creepy..."
He fought back another laugh, he didn't know if he could play it straight if she was going to be this hilariously unlike herself.
"Alright. Then what would make you feel better?"
Her breathing quickened as another contraction came charging through, "The book...on the...table."
Rick leaned over and picked it up, reading the title aloud, " A Movable Feast...Ernest Hemmingway."
He tried to hand it to her and she shook her head, "I can't concentrate to read. Will you read it to me. I need a distraction."
Rick wasn't ever really that much of a reader, unless it was for school or the Sunday papers. He enjoyed hearing Anna and the kids read aloud to each other. But he didn't ever join in.
Anna looked at him, sweat forming at her brow, "What's wrong? Go on."
He shrugged, "I don't really...never been too fond of...reading aloud."
She curled her lip upwards and looked like she wanted to rip his head off again, "You asked me what would make me feel better. You have an amazing voice, Rick. I want you to read about Hemmingway in Paris, goddammit!"
Rick couldn't help it, he laughed. Anna looked at him in disbelief and he relented, "Okay, honey. You win. I'm gonna scoot in and sit on your left side. Dr. Carson said that could help with the cramping."
He took off his shoes and crawled into bed, Anna rested her head on his chest and he read out loud. He had to admit, Hemmingway had a way with words.
Anna wished the pains would stop. Braxton-Hicks contractions, if that is what they were, were commonly called "false labor" and had been thought to be the body preparing itself for active labor.
It wasn't even Christmas yet, and her world had gotten smaller. Instead of being cooped up in the mansion...she was confined to a bed in a room in the mansion.
She hated it. She also hated the irrational way she was acting. But she was glad that Rick was able to laugh about it and didn't seem to take her too seriously.
Anna loved Rick's voice. That was the truth. And sharing something as lyrical and beautiful as Hemmingway with him felt like the most intimate they had ever been.
"You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason."
Fall and winter had been hard on Anna. She couldn't decide if it was due to the pregnancy, the lack of sunshine, or being homesick for Alexandria, but she had noticed that she had the blues pretty bad. And that made her feel guilty.
She felt herself crying uncontrollably and Rick put the book down and tipped her chin up to look at him, "Hey...what's wrong?"
Anna kept crying and shook her head, "I've been awful. I'm so sorry."
Rick smiled at her and wiped away some tears, "What are you talking about? You're far from awful."
"I haven't been happy here. I just bit your head off twice. I am sure you didn't sign up for this."
"True, you've been a bit off...but you are going through a lot. I know that. This whole pregnancy and birth thing is no joke."
Anna sighed, "I just don't know if I can make it another six or eight weeks being trapped in bed. I wish we were at home. In Alexandria."
"The baby will come, you will get out of bed...I will graduate from crutches to a cane and the spring will come. The sun will be out and we can rebuild and go home. You can work in the garden, and we can raise our family."
Anna nodded, "What about the walkers?"
"We've got them figured out."
"What about other people?"
"They'll figure out fast that they messed with the wrong colony. Besides, Eugene and I have a lot planned. More protection and all three colonies connected. We've got this."
Anna nodded and Rick leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. He picked up the book and smiled, "Let's see, where were we?"
a/n: next chapter I think it's go time! baby grimes is upon us!
Also more Gregory and a little Negan.
To my lovely readers, thank you for continuing with me. Special thanks to , Laura201112 and especially Angie B! Thank you for going back and re-reading from the beginning! I hope it all flows and holds up another time around :) your kind reviews have been awesome and SO appreciated :)
I have begun to write another TWD fic called, "The Country Singer." Same timeline, but AU from "Redemption". Just two chapters in and would love it if you read and review!
please drop me a line!
Love,
Leah P. Xoxo!
