Clean bill of health

Wednesday

Michonne takes a deep breath standing in front of the double sink vanity. She reaches up and wipes the condensation from the large mirror and stares at her body. She cups both breasts which are not as big as during her pregnancy but still larger than she is accustomed to. Her hands travel down her torso and stop against her belly. Her stomach is much flatter, but she can squeeze a noticeable pooch and a faint sunburst design of stretch marks surround her belly button. She sighs and turns to the side. As if I needed more ass. She quickly shakes her head. It has only been six weeks…things could go back to normal. She pulls on a plain pair of Jockey Elance French cut panties in a rich plum color. She attempts to fasten an old bra in the same color, but the cup size is too small. She huffs and marches into the bedroom to retrieve a sports bra. "Hey 'Chonne, the babies are still sleeping," Rick greets. His eyes linger on her partially clad form. God, please let the doctor give us the green light.

"Rick!" she attempts to cover her body with her arms before rushing back toward the bathroom. He squints and tilts his head. "I'm getting dressed…I'll be out in a minute."

"Uh, ok. I was going to fix a sandwich before we leave for your check up and the well-baby visit. Do you want anything?"

"No, I'll just make a smoothie," she mumbles pulling a V-neck purple t-shirt on after holding her breath to fasten the biggest pair of jeans she owns.

Prom mania swept Kings' County High. Promposals dominated each lunch period. The 'Geek Squad' occupied their usual table. "On a scale of 1-10 how done are you with prom season," Sophia asks.

"Come on…it's not the prom," Enid responds.

"True, it is the ridiculousness."

Justice chimes in, "Seriously, some of them have been sweet. What about the Matrix themed one about the red pill leading to an amazing prom night versus the blue pill?"

America nods." Yeah, that one kind of rocked…Have we decided what we are doing after prom?"

"I know what we are not doing-Negan's after party. They might as well park the paddy wagon at the entrance," Sophia jokes.

They all laughed, "Our town isn't big enough for a paddy wagon. I think I heard my Auntie say the diner may stay open late. We could try to make it to the city, but I already know my curfew will make that trip impossible," Justice states.

"Agreed," they respond in unison.

"Hey, don't they usually light up the gazebo in the square. We could do a video and photo shoot," Enid suggests. The groups' eyes light up, "This is going to be epic."

Dr. Bennett slides across the floor on her stool, "Michonne everything looks great. You are healing perfectly. How do you feel?" She turns her back to allow her to get dressed and so she can make notes in her file.

Michonne ponders what she wants to say while pulling on her clothes. She takes a deep breath, "I guess…I wish. Can I be honest?"

Naomi turns, "Please."

"I am struggling. I am so grateful for my children. I have more help than one mom deserves, and Rick is totally crushing the role of daddy like I knew he would, but I don't quite feel like myself," she leans back against the examination table. "This going to sound so vain but I miss my old body."

The doctor smiles, "You are not vain…you are a new mommy."

"Ugh…none of my bras fit. I can only squeeze into my fat jeans…I think my feet are bigger. Is that possible?"

Naomi laughs, "Yes, I went up a full shoe size after the birth of my daughter. You may not be ready to hear this but no one looking at you will believe you gave birth to triplets six weeks ago. You look freaking amazing and I for one am feeling some kind of way about it. I took a full twelve weeks to get back into my fat jeans and I only had one."

Michonne laughs, "You're right…I do not see it, but I will try to keep things in perspective."

"I want you to keep talking about how you are feeling. There is no one way to achieve your new normal. My best advice is to listen to your body."

She nods, "Okay, let me go grab Rick and the kids from the waiting room. I'm not sure which of us is going to cry more when they get their shots."

Friday

The Williams-Dixon wedding party occupy the fitting rooms at the familiar bridal shop. "You all are the group that keeps on giving."

The ladies laugh, "Trust me, we want be back for a while," Rosita replies.

"Famous last words."

Michonne exits the dressing room. "I am going to apologize in advance for the work my alterations will take. I only ordered one size bigger. I am six weeks post pregnancy."

The seamstress adjusts the push pin cushion on her wrist and removes the tape measure from her neck. She measures, tucks and pins the fabric. "Hmm…how big was your baby?"

"Babies. We were blessed with triplets."

Maggie walks over and displays her phone. "Aren't they gorgeous?" On her screen is a picture of Rick lying on a white rug in nothing but a pair of dark jeans. The babies also wearing only denim are placed in a row across his back. He faces the camera displaying a soft toothless smile.

The seamstress stops working and looks up at Michonne. "That is your husband and your three babies?"

"Yeah," Michonne responds with a big smile.

"Do you drink unicorn blood or something because none of this seems fair. I am actually taking this dress in at the waist and letting it out in the breast. If having three babies gives you this body…sign me up."

Their loud laughter fills the hallway. "Enough about me…where is the bride?"

"I'm coming," Sasha shouts. She moves down the hallway lifting her dress to step up on the podium. The lace mermaid gown accented with black lace on the hem of the train creates a modern mood.

"You are one sexy bride," Rosita compliments.

"Thanks Chica…I am grateful I found this gown since Daryl insisted on wearing a leather jacket instead of traditional suit or tuxedo."

"Give him a break. It is his day too," Maggie interjects.

"Him and mama's…they are planning something for the mother-son dance."

"I am sorry, but they are too cute," Michonne replies turning to examine herself in the black satin halter dress.

"Cute my ass…he is spoiled rotten."

"Is someone bitter about losing her spot?" They erupt in giggles.

"Shut it Rhee."

Michonne browses the lingerie tables with her phone tucked between her shoulder and her ear, "Are you sure you guys are okay?"

"Gorgeous, Pa-Pa Grimes is holding GG and Heaven and Grandma is feeding RJ. Take some time for you. I saved you some dinner."

"I'm not really hungry but I should be back in an hour."

"Ok, love you."

"Love you too Handsome." She hangs up and turns to face the sales person.

"I started your fitting room. I included a variety of styles bralette, balconette, t-shirt, underwire all in your new size of 38 C."

"Thanks." She enters the room and stares at herself in the mirror. Embracing the new me.