The Easter Bunny is an Essential Worker!
AN: I started this story last year but was unable to finish it in time for the Easter weekend. It's Easter Monday, and we're still in a pandemic, so it's still relevant. In Canada, we reached our 1 millionth positive case benchmark a few days ago. Currently, we have 23,088+ deaths and fast approaching another milestone. Our neighbours to the south, the US reports 30 million+ cases with 555,001+ deaths
Michonne's bedroom door flew open as soon as she walked out of her bathroom. Carl, Andre and RJ piled into the room and cried, "Surprise!"
"Happy Birthday, sweetheart", Rick added and kissed her cheek. " We thought we'd make you breakfast in bed."
"Funny-faced pancakes with fruit, my favourite. Thanks, boys!"
"Mommy, Daddy help too," RJ added, giving his father credit for his hard work.
"Thank you, daddy!" Michonne winked at Rick and stole a kiss.
"Thanks, little man, Rick smiled and tussled Andre's black curls.
"Yuck!" the boys cried out together at the sight of their parents smooching even though the twins weren't exactly sure why they rejected it. They simply did it because their older brother, Carl rejected it.
"Mommy?" Andre called.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Is it true the Easter Bunny has to stay home too?" RJ asked with his head tilted and furrowed brow.
"Yeah, Mommy, why is that?" Asked Andre, a carbon copy of his brothers and a smaller version of their father. "Can the Easter Bunny get sick too?" Andre asked with his hands akimbo on his small frame.
Michonne's left hand held the small of her back while her right hand gently massaged her swollen stomach as she waddled towards the bed. Their household most definitely needed more estrogen in it, she thought, "Where did you hear this, boys?"
The twins pointed to their older brother Carl.
"What?" he asked, in a surly mood shrugging his shoulders, "Ron's dad said so, and he's a doctor."
Rick who watched the scene as it unfolded placed the tray on the nearby dresser and went to Michonne's aid and helped her onto the bed.
"Boys! It's mommy's birthday today. Let her eat her breakfast in peace," Rick exclaimed a little frazzled to the rambunctious trio who were arguing over this very matter earlier in the kitchen.
Michonne extended her hand and caressed Rick's forearm indicating she would handle the matter because she knew he was stressed. "Thanks, babe. Boys, maybe we can call my boss after and ask him, would you like that?"
"Yes," the twin's voices chimed with bobbing heads and curious wide eyes.
Michonne shook her head because their oldest son, Carl, at seven and a half years old was a tough sell. He was at that skeptical age. He wanted to believe but at the same time he was a big boy, so he was on the fence. Sure he wanted all the goodies that came from the Bunny, but not at the expense of being referred to as a kid by the older boys. Imagine that, having an identity crisis at seven and a half years old, she thought.
"Come here, sweetie," Michonne added, as Carl hugged her. "Just because Mr. Anderson's a doctor, does not mean he knows everything. The Governor decides what jobs are important."
"So, we might still have an egg hunt?" he asked with large blue eyes filled with hope.
"Yes, sweetheart," Michonne added tussling his chestnut curls.
"Yeah! Told yah," Andre and RJ screamed with delight happy they were the ones teaching their big brother something for a change.
….
Shortly after eating breakfast, Michonne corralled her boys.
"Come on, let's do it then, Michonne called out after Rick set up the Skype call on the flat screen tv in the sunny family room. She sat flanked by the twins on her left and Carl on her right.
Moments later, Philp Blake's face appeared on the screen. It was an informal call but Philip wore a suit and tie nonetheless. "To what do I owe the pleasure, counsellor?"
"Good morning, Governor. There's a crisis brewing in our household as I might imagine in many other households across the state as well."
"Oh? And what might that be?" Philip waved, "Hi, boys."
"Our boys are concerned that the Shelter in Place Order means Easter will be cancelled this year because the Easter Bunny is also expected to stay at home."
"Carl, Andre and RJ, don't you worry, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy are essential services, you can count on them to continue doing their jobs, that's a promise."
The twins beamed with delight but Carl, the more practical of the bunch sort further clarification.
"Are we going to the manor for the egg hunt?" Carl asked.
"No, son, not this year. We need to social distance so a public egg hunt would not be safe. But I know how y'all could help out. How would y'all like to be on tv with me when I announce the Easter Bunny will still be coming to town?
"Yeah!" the Grimes trio cheered.
"Okay, then, we'll talk in a bit," and Philip signed off.
Baby, Teia kicked in union with her brother's excitement which caused Michonne to massage her stomach.
...
That evening, following the six o'clock news, the pre-recorded clip aired. Philip and his daughter Penny were virtually surrounded by several of the children from the families of his administration when he delivered the message.
"This is Governor Blake, and it has come to my attention that the Shelter in Place Order has some of us questioning what that means for Easter and the Easter Bunny. I am happy to announce that Easter continues as usual, but due to the pandemic you are being asked to continue social distancing that means we celebrate with the people from our household, remember to wash your hands often and stay in touch with your loved ones who can't be present. But most of all, the Easter Bunny is an essential worker, he will continue delivering treats to households only, not in public parks, although it does not stop him from hiding eggs in your very own backyard. Remember no large gatherings. And what's that kids?"
The children all yelled, "Stay home and Stay Safe!"
"Happy Easter, folks," Philip added and the screen faded to black.
Just then the phone rang, "Hello?" Rick answered placing the call on speaker.
"It's Nana, hi, boys!"
"Hi, Nana!" the boys answered, excitedly after having just watched themselves on tv.
"It seems we have some budding celebrities in the family. Y'all were too cute. Papi and me, we loved it. You know, for the Easter Bunny to come, y'all must go to bed extra early because he has a lot of apartments, homes, and backyards to visit. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Nana."
Rick who had disappeared suddenly returned and brought with him the birthday cake with sparkles into the family room and set it on the table. "Ma, we can call you back on Skype? He asked.
"Yeah, cake!" the boys screamed.
"Don't be foolish, Richard, get on with it, my grandbabies want their dessert. Happy Birthday to my favourite daughter-in-law."
Michonne chuckled because she was Rick's only wife.
"Thank you, Ma. I loved the pillows. They work wonders for my back. We miss you."
"We miss you too, sweetheart. Can't wait to see that granddaughter of mine."
"It won't be long now. See you soon."
Shortly after the boys finished their cake they scooted off the sofa without any coaxing and flew up the stairs to wash up for bed.
...
"That must be a record for them, eh?" Michonne laughed and muted the television once Rick returned to the living room after getting the boys prepared for bed and reading bedtime stories.
"With military precision," he laughed and scooted next to Michonne on the couch extending his arm around her neck. Rick reached over and gently nuzzled the crook of her neck and kissed her cheek. "Happy Birthday, darlin','" he added settling back on the couch with his left hand gently massaging her belly.
"Dinner was delicious; thanks, honey."
"How are your feet doing?" he asked motioning to her elevated feet on the ottoman before her.
"They're good, thanks. Relax. I'm fine. The children are fine—remember, this is not our first rodeo, so turn your brain off for a minute. Enjoy this moment because a few weeks from now, you'd be wishing you did." Michonne added with a warm smile that radiated contentment and her dark brown eyes sparkled. She inhaled deeply and exhaled relishing the stillness of their household and the company of her husband next to her.
Rick admired the sereness of the dark beauty sitting next to him. She constantly amazed him. He inhaled and exhaled and allowed himself to breathe as she had done only minutes before, allowing her words of wisdom to sink in. She was right, this was their third pregnancy, the only difference was that they found themselves in the middle of a pandemic in the last stretch. His mother the retired registered nurse and his father a retired medic had reassured them they would be ready to deliver their grandbaby at home if need be and as such, he equipped the spare room for the birth if they had to resort to it.
Rick tried to breathe after mentally doing the checklist in his head once more. Ordinarily, being in Michonne's presence usually calmed him. Lately, however, the closer she got to her due date, the calmer she became, while he, on the other hand, became more stressed.
Michonne who sensed his unease extended her hand and gently covered his as it traced tiny circles on her stomach. His baby girl responded with several short taps. Rick tried once more to relax, but just then, the phone rang and he jumped.
Michonne gave him a reassuring smile. "I got you, babe."
"Ma, is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes, Dad's on his way there with the supplies and the baskets I prepared. He'll text when he arrives."
"Thanks, Ma."
"Son, it's the least we could do, I only wish we could do more. See you at the hunt tomorrow and, Richard?"
"Yes, Ma?"
"I'm telling you this now. We're gonna be hugging our grandbabies tomorrow. They've been in quarantine since Michonne started working from home and you are in our bubble of three."
"Sure, Ma. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, dear."
Ten minutes later, Rick received the text from his father announcing his arrival in the backyard.
"He's here. Gotta go, babe," he announced getting up and kissed Michonne's forehead.
"I'm coming with you."
Michonne's statement was delivered matter-of-factly, so Rick knew better than to argue with his wife. Instead, he replied, "Yes, dear," and helped her up.
...
Easter Morning…
Three distinct knocks rapped on the bedroom door. Michonne stirred and gently elbowed a snoring Rick.
"Mommeee—Daddeee, look outside!" Andre yelled.
"What is it, boys?"
"The Easter Bunny came," RJ replied.
"The backyard's full of stuff. Come quick."
"Mom, Dad, nana and papi are here," Carl announced excitedly totally surprised by their presence given that they were in a lockdown.
"Alright, boys, daddy and I will be down in a minute," Michonne announced.
Fifteen minutes later after a masked family reunion with hugs, the Grimes clan dressed in appropriate spring gear exited the kitchen onto the back porch and descended into a chilly but sunny backyard.
The twins and even Carl gasped in delight at the Easter decorations, which transformed the backyard. A huge pastel-coloured Happy Easter banner strung between the two great oaks beckoned them to Easterland. Miniature white picket fences protected the rose garden and directional posts gave clues to the direction of the eggs which lay hidden in pastel green, yellow, pink and blue hay throughout the huge manicured backyard along what seemed to be a model railroad track and stations along the way. Some eggs also hung suspended from the still naked great oaks by pastel-coloured ribbons.
Michonne corralled her boys as their grandmother handed each of her grandsons' a personalized bag in which to put their bounty.
"Okay, boys, off you go until nana calls for breakfast. Papi and Daddy will accompany you."
Andre, RJ and even Carl squealed as they each ran off in a different direction.
Michonne rubbed her tummy and smiled at her boy's delight.
Happy Easter!
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