The Stranger On The Roadside
AN: Thank you for reviewing the last chapter. At this time, I would like to address the guest who questioned whether Richonne was even possible in this story. They also claimed there was no room for the characters to grow.
Almost six years later, Rick and Michonne are in the same orbit. Approximately a month has passed since Rick discovered he fathered a son that night. If the expectation was that Richonne should have happened in such a short time frame, I think that expectation is utterly ridiculous because it would mean a relatively short-term goal (a cheap affair) for two people who are married and have kids.
In chapter eleven, both characters recall their first encounter differently. For instance, Michonne's recollection was purely physical; she thought of it as a one-night stand per their discussion in the parking lot, where she told Rick nothing could come of their encounter. They spent the night together; then she went back to her husband. Whereas from Rick's description it sounds like he fell in love with Michonne that night because he went back to that same room for four weeks hoping Nikki would show up. Michonne returned to that room after she felt their child move for the very first time. At that point, she and Malyk were still estranged. Michonne felt lonely, but she wasn't alone because a small miracle took place in that room. However, there's one common denominator, the characters are still attracted to one another, but neither is selfish enough to hurt their family for a cheap fling. If they were to act on their attraction now, it would have to mean something more. It is important to note that their spouses are not enthusiastic about the ex-lovers' constant presence in their respective relationships. If Malyk and Charmaine could recognize potential trouble ahead with the two ex-lovers, as far as I'm concerned, there's still the possibility for Richonne.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of the recent mass shootings in both Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same. It's ironic how lawmakers can make laws to curtail women's rights over their bodies and prevent them from getting a safe and legal abortion to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Abortion should not be used as a tool for carelessness, the point is, a shitload of circumstances would have led a woman to this juncture in her life. Yet, these same assholes can't do shit to save kids once they are born and at school getting an education. Then you have another nine self-absorbed shitheads that say yeah, it's okay to overthrow Roe vs Wade. If men could get pregnant and go through childbirth just once, those bastards would be saying, "my body, my fucking choice!" #FuckedUP
Lol. FashionableObserver, thank you. I admit my ANs have been lacking these days, but this one was necessary. Cheers!
...
Truths
Macon, GA, Home of Caroline Grimes
Rick glanced at the clock on the dashboard of the sheriff's SUV and silently cursed. The digital clock mocked him. It was almost three o'clock, and he promised his daughter he'd stop by for lunch and take her to the park during his lunch hour; it was his way of maintaining some sort of normalcy in their new reality. Unfortunately for him, criminals didn't usually coordinate crimes around his social calendar, so the hostage situation earlier that morning was a surprise which ran straight through lunch and mucked up his plans. He knew better, but his guilt about the situation had gotten the best of him, so he fed it.
It was day one of him being a single parent, and he failed miserably. Two days earlier in Houston, Charmaine suddenly decided she wasn't exactly ready to return home, but naturally, his wife wanted to keep their daughter with her, but he was adamant. There was no way in hell he would return home without his child. This wasn't their first rodeo where she'd taken off after a spat, but she always gave him a heads up of her departure, so this felt different. Before, cooler heads prevailed after some time apart because whenever Charmaine spent time with her mother, she somehow managed to center herself.
Rick recognized that their lives had changed, but Charmaine had taken an adverse reaction to it. He knew she'd be upset, but this was extreme, even for her. Uncertain about his wife's next steps, he erred on the side of caution and insisted on bringing their daughter home.
Charmaine's decision left him in a quandary for childcare. His mom usually pitched in for them on date nights and any occasion whenever she was around and her schedule allowed for it. As such, they didn't have a go-to standby babysitter outside of their family unit because Charmaine had issues leaving their daughter with folks other than their respective mothers. As a result, Rick felt guilty about making the call late at night without any prior warning, but he had no choice, so he called his mom in as a pinch hitter until he could organize a suitable childcare arrangement.
He couldn't count on his wife to come to her senses because Charmaine ignored his calls and failed to answer his texts. To say that he was pissed at her and the situation was putting it mildly. However, he remained grateful that his mother hadn't said, 'I told you so,' at least not out loud, but he knew she was thinking it because she believed he yielded far too often to Charmaine's whims.
...
Caroline Grimes was an old-fashioned god-fearing widow who applauded Charmaine's decision to become a stay-at-home-mom because she felt it was the best way for her daughter-in-law to support her son, given the type of work he did. However, Caroline felt the young woman was flighty because she burned through money flitting from one business venture to the next, and she ran home whenever things didn't go her way. But in the young woman's defence, she made her son happy, which was a vast improvement from his former fiancée, Lori, so Caroline was inclined to let Charmaine's tantrums slide. That said, however, Caroline knew Charmaine doted on her daughter and always kept custody of the little girl, which she treated like a pampered doll. So, the fact she remained in Houston while her son returned home with her granddaughter signalled something afoot in their marriage.
When Charmaine first announced her pregnancy, Caroline thought the pregnancy would give the young woman purpose because she couldn't change her mind once the child came. Plus, she believed the demands of a newborn would keep its mother busy. In time, she hoped the responsibility of caring for a little one would force its mother to grow up. But unfortunately, such wasn't the case. Instead, it seemed her daughter-in-law, an only child for the better part of her life, favourite thing to do was to pack up and run whenever life got tough, but her son condoned it, so she remained silent as long as he was happy.
...
The gravel crunched under the wheels as Rick pulled his department-issued vehicle into his mother's driveway, where he parked the car and alit from the vehicle. He walked to the front door of the white bungalow and knocked instead of ringing the doorbell.
Minutes later, the petite silver-haired, blue-eyed Grimes matriarch opened the door. "We saw you on the news. I didn't expect you, but I prepared a plate nonetheless."
"Thanks, Ma. I appreciate it." Rick answered as he entered the house.
"Teia sleeping?"
"Yes. She waited up for you, but she eventually lost the battle. She went down about forty-five minutes ago."
"I'm not doing a very good job, am I? Rick asked in a self-deprecating tone.
Caroline placed her hand on her son's cheek and gently caressed it. "Don't be so hard on yourself, dear; this is but a minor setback. You're a great dad, and Teia loves you. She knows that you keep us safe and sometimes that means her daddy can't always come home at lunchtime."
"I know, but right now, she's afraid. She's confused. She doesn't understand what's going on."
"I understand, but if a grown man like you don't understand what's going on, how could a three-year-old be expected to understand?"
Rick spoke slowly. His speech was pronounced and drawn out. He moved slower, too—no doubt the residual effects from his recent travels.
"Go on and wash up. I'll get you your plate," Caroline uttered and walked past her son on her way to the kitchen towards the rear of the house.
...
After washing up, Rick quickly ducked into the guest room where Teia slept. For a moment, he stood and watched his princess as she slept, then he adjusted the covers and kissed the top of his daughter's head. Shortly after, he joined his mother on the back porch, where he sat down and dug into the plate of fried chicken, collard greens and mashed potatoes before him.
Caroline sat quietly and watched her son devour the food like a ravenous man and slaked his thirst with sweet tea.
Shortly after, Rick used the red cloth napkin to wipe his mouth and then drank more of the cold beverage. "That was good, Ma."
"I can tell. — Any news?"
"Nothing. I called an agency, so I should receive some resumés tomorrow."
"Son, I really don't mind having my granddaughter around. It gives me something to do. Plus, it would give you peace of mind knowing she's safe."
"Are you sure, Ma?" Rick questioned, knowing his mother's social calendar was chock full of activities. "I don't want you missing out on your activities with the ladies."
Caroline reached a knotted, wrinkled freckled hand across the tabletop and placed it on her son's outstretched forearm. "I don't mind, dear. What could it hurt? It's only for a few days. You know she won't last a week without her daughter because Teia's like a security blanket for her."
"I hope so, Ma," Rick replied, exhausted yet hopeful.
"If you want, I could bring the baby home and prepare supper. And if you're late, I could prepare her for bed."
"I won't be late tonight because I'm exhausted."
"In that case, I'll stay overnight, and you could catch up on your rest. By the way, have you heard from your son's mother?"
"I did. They were in an accident a few days ago, but they are doing fine. She also mentioned they've contacted a lawyer, so I'm waiting to hear from them."
"She sounds serious."
Rick chuckled at the stated fact, but he appeared to be elsewhere in his thoughts for a brief second.
Caroline Grimes knew her son very well, and she possessed a keen intuition. As such, she picked up on his odd response. Sure he was happy about the news, but something was different about him. Her spidey senses tingled, and she was sure it wasn't just the fact that his son and his mother were okay. Sensing her son might be withholding information, Caroline cocked her head to the right and raised a brow.
Rick knew the look. It was one he often employed with his daughter to unearth information, so he caved. It was easier to tell his mother otherwise; she would be on him until he slipped up. "I spoke with my son today purely by accident."
"OH?"
"He's very astute.
"I'd be surprised if he wasn't. It's good to hear that there's a sense of stability on her side."
"Ma, please don't start." Then, not wanting to get into the nitty-gritty of his marriage woes with his mother, Rick glanced at his watch and spoke, "Ma, I've gotta run, but thanks for lunch."
Rick stood up from the table and walked around to his mother's seat. He placed both hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "Love you, Ma."
"I love you too, dear. See you later."
...
The Kennedy's at home in Atlanta
Later that evening, after RJ dressed for bed, Malyk carried his son in his arms and joined his wife on the wicker love seat on the balcony outside their bedroom.
The heady scent of lilacs permeated the evening breeze. The sultry Georgia breeze clung to the skin.
Michonne lay on the loveseat with her book on her stomach lost in her thoughts, overlooking the vast backyard below without seeing the play area, the pool, the flower garden, or the full-grown trees at the property line. "...If you need anythang—"
"Move."
The sound of Malyk's voice interrupted Michonne's thoughts and forced her to look up. She then adjusted herself on the loveseat and made room for her boys.
"Mommy, I love your tub," RJ squealed.
"You do, do you, champ?" Michonne smiled and tussled his damp curls.
RJ giggled and squirmed because his father mercilessly tickled him, so RJ shook his head in affirmation. His smiling eyes gripped his mother's heart. "Daddy, stop!" he cried out, begging for mercy.
Michonne bit her bottom lip when her eyes met Malyk's. The latter ceased tormenting their son and adjusted RJ to make him more comfortable. Malyk sat the young boy between his wife and himself, and RJ sat with his legs tucked beneath him.
Suddenly, the jovial atmosphere from before vanished only to be replaced by an encroaching awkwardness. Within minutes, the spacious, bright open space seemed much smaller.
Malyk reached across his son, took his wife's injured hand, and gently massaged her exposed fingers. His sad eyes held hers as he spoke.
"It's going to be alright because we're okay." His gentle words offered Michonne some assurance and encouragement to do what must be done.
Michonne inhaled deeply and took RJ's hand.
RJ sensed something was off, so he asked, "Mommy, are you okay?"
Michonne offered her son a small smile. "Mommy's okay, baby, but we have something to tell you." She paused, then continued. "Baby, have you ever wondered why your skin was lighter than your daddy's or mine? Why you have blue eyes and not brown like ours?"
Malyk and Michonne observed their son, who looked from his mother to his father and watched his forehead creased as he pondered his mother's questions.
RJ seemed genuinely confused as if observing their differences for the very first time.
"What's wrong with me, Mommy?"
"Oh, sweetie, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you. You're perfect the way you are."
"That's right, son. Like mommy said, you are perfect and special. Do you know why?"
RJ turned his head from side to side signalling his need for further information about his uniqueness.
"It means you have two daddies." Michonne chimed in, "You see, a long time ago, mommy met your other daddy. We were friends, and then we didn't see each other again for a very long time until after you were born."
"Mommy, is that why he's not in your phone?" RJ asked innocently.
RJ's response caused Malyk to glance at the surprise registered on his wife's face. RJ sensed something transpired between his parents and hugged his father.
In response, Malyk's massive arms wrapped around his son and comforted him.
"Mommy, why did my daddy go away?"
"Baby, sometimes friends move away, and they don't keep in touch with one another. Do you remember when we were at the restaurant and you asked mommy if we were in trouble?"
"Uh-huh."
"Do you remember the sheriff was staring at us? "
"Uh-huh."
"That's because the sheriff's your daddy."
"Mommy?"
"Yes, baby?"
"Is daddy going away?"
"I'm right here, son. Daddy won't be going anywhere."
"No, baby, it means sometimes you are going to be here with daddy and me, and other times you will spend time with your father and his family."
But despite Michonne's explanation, RJ remained concerned. "Mommy, you promise I will come home?"
"Yes, sweetie. You will always come home to us. Right, daddy?"
Malyk hooked his index finger and tilted RJ's face upwards. He looked into his son's concerned blue orbs and declared, "This is your home, Lil' Man."
RJ hugged his father's neck and kissed his father's cheek; then, he climbed into his mother's lap and hugged his mom.
Michonne held him tight and kissed the top of his head.
"How about we invite your dad to dinner the next time we go to the lake house?" Malyk suggested.
This time the shock on Michonne's face came from Malyk's response because he remained adamant in his belief that Rick and RJ's initial meeting should occur in a neutral setting.
During their mostly heated discussions, he stated he wanted Rick nowhere near her or their properties. Michonne believed otherwise and expressed that, given the situation, she thought a familiar environment would lessen any anxiety RJ may experience. She even suggested using her mother's home, but Malyk balked at the idea. While Malyk was doing his best to accept their new reality, his acceptance remained fluid and ever-changing.
The issue of co-parenting remained a sensitive matter between the couple because Michonne knew Malyk still didn't trust her around Rick because he insisted on being the parent who made the exchange. Nevertheless, she saw the hundred and eighty-degree pivot as an olive branch and accepted it. Michonne's eyes held his and she breathed easier.
Malyk shrugged his shoulders, but his eyes implied not here, not now.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, son?"
"Can I sleep with you and mommy?"
Malyk rustled RJ's curls. "I may have an idea."
Malyk held his chin as though in deep thought about what to do.
RJ looked at his father with anticipation, and Malyk's eyes twinkled at his spellbound son.
"Daddy?" RJ asked impatiently.
Malyk inhaled deeply, then finally, he spoke. "Only if we raid the fridge and get some ice cream with sprinkles and then a movie. What do you think?"
"Mommy too?"
"Mommy too," Malyk confirmed. Malyk tussled RJ's hair and then stood to leave.
RJ giggled and shook his head affirmatively. Then, he scooted off the loveseat and took his father's hand. "Yeah! Come on, Mommy!"
...
#KeepRichonneAlive by leaving a few words of appreciation in the box below.