Richonne (Short Love Stories) A Gifted Heart (Chapter 43)
A/N: A request by RicksColt. Hope you enjoy.
"I can't deal with this guilt, Sasha. It's eating me alive," Michonne confesses to her best friend as they sit in her clustered living room on a Friday night. They were supposed to go out for dinner and a movie but Michonne is too consumed by recent developments to concentrate on anything else.
"Well maybe you should do something about it," Sasha offers.
"Like what?" Michonne asks as she mentally envisions packing the boxes that are scattered throughout her home.
"Tell him how you feel. Maybe that will absolve you of some of the guilt. He's still your friend if nothing else right?"
"But the point is I shouldn't be feeling this way. It's only been a little over a year. How could I possibly be in love with someone else?" Michonne asks.
"In love?" Sasha questions incredulously. "You didn't say anything about that."
"Which only tells me that you haven't been listening to me," Michonne counters as she sits back with a huff and a morose expression.
Sasha immediately feels for her friend and offers an apology. "It's not that I haven't been listening to you. I just….well….honestly I thought you just wanted to sleep with him, not be in an actual relationship."
"I do want to sleep with him. I want it all with him but how can I feel this way after what I've been through? Is this some sort of betrayal? Am I fooling myself into thinking this is real? Most of all, why would he even believe me if I was to tell him?" Michonne sighs heavily. "I feel like a stupid school girl with a crush."
"Wait a minute. You're acting like this is all one sided. I thought he was checking you out too," Sasha reminds her.
That brings a smile to Michonne's face as she recalls the times she has felt his eyes on her or even caught him stealing a glance or two or three. "He does. He has but that's it. He hasn't even attempted to make a move on me."
"Looks like I need to intervene….."
"No Sasha. None of your antics or…."
"This is going to be quite simple. We'll kill several birds with one stone," Sasha suggests.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm going to host a dinner party. You invite him and in that particular setting, we can determine a lot of things," Sasha assures.
"Oh yeah like what?"
"Could he be batting for the other team? We'll tell Aaron and Eric to show up. Oh and Paul too. They'll scope him out for sure."
"He is NOT gay, Sasha," Michonne states.
"Better safe than sorry," Sasha inserts. "Let's see. We can invite Andrea and a couple of her model friends to see if he goes for that type."
"This sounds like a game I don't want to play," Michonne responds.
"Afraid you're not his type?"
"Don't challenge me."
"You always go for what you want. What's so different about this?"
"It just is and you're inviting our friends and basically setting him up….No. I don't want that. I should just be straight with him. Tell him how I'm feeling right?"
Sasha gives her friend an exasperated look. "Isn't that what I just said?"
Fourteen months ago
Rick Grimes opens his eyes slowly and frowns as he feels an ache in his chest. He recognizes where he is immediately since he has spent more time here than he'd like to admit. His parents sit close by, both sleeping, the drone of the TV low but steady. The beep of his heart monitor sounds and he looks over at the equipment, noting that all seems well.
He's not sure of the date or the time but he hopes he can surmise that his surgery was successful. The pain medication is seemingly wearing off as the ache becomes more insistent. As if they can read his mind, a knock sounds at the door and two nurses, one male and one female, enter the room.
The female smiles and asks, "Are you feeling ok Mr. Grimes?"
Rick attempts to speak but it only comes out as a croak. He clears his throat, swallows and tries again. "Fine. Some…pain."
The nurses both nod then patiently and accurately check his vitals, administer more pain medication, and readjust his equipment and tubes, cleaning and replacing as needed.
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are awakened and smile at their son, happy that he is finally awake.
The male nurse informs, "Everything looks good and the doctor should be here momentarily. Do you need anything? More water? Extra blankets?"
Rick shakes his head slowly but negatively and watches as they exit the room. He turns his attention to his parents and gives them a small smile, so happy to be looking at them once again. He realizes without the surgery, things would have been a lot different.
"Are you sure you're feeling ok son?" Arthur asks cautiously.
Rick can only nod as his parents continue to inquire about his health, something they had good reason to be concerned about.
He was diagnosed with a heart condition as a young adult, a genetic disease that his mother's father suffered from. Over ten years later, he was in progressive heart failure and needed a transplant. He waited for months before a donor became available. A horrible car accident claimed the life of a young man who was an organ donor, a young man whose death saved Rick's life.
He remembers the conversation he and his parents had with the doctor prior to his surgery and he decided right then and there to make an effort to reach out to this young man's family as soon as he was able.
Three weeks later, Rick is out of the hospital and ensconced in his two bedroom apartment with his parents who will help with his recovery until he gets a full release from his doctor. His 10 year old son, Carl, visited with his mother, Lori, Rick's ex-wife. They now live in Virginia with her new husband and with school being in session, it would be difficult for Carl to visit on a regular and extended basis. They did have the summer to look forward to.
Effective immediately, he will have weekly appointments with his doctor and if he progresses well enough, those visits will go to monthly intervals to every other month and so on. He will be careful to do all that is expected of him for a speedy and healthy recovery.
He utilizes the time at home to find out more about his donor's family. With a little help from his co-workers at the Fulton County Sheriff's Department, he had a name and contact information but was unsure of how to approach this man's loved ones. He wanted to know more about him so he searched the internet to see if there were any profiles or posts on social media. He found more than one for Michael Anthony and scrolled through his photos daily.
Michael had a beautiful family, immediate and extended, and a host of friends and associates. He was an attorney with an appreciation for art, wine, travel, photography, and sports. Rick was thankful for this man's kindness and generosity but he found himself drawn time and time again to the image of his wife. Her eyes seem to practically sparkle in each photo, her smile bright and dazzling, her skin smooth and practically flawless. There was photo after photo of her and their young son. They were an active family and seemingly happy. He can't imagine the grief they must be suffering with the loss of him. That is the only thing preventing him from contacting her. He doesn't want to intrude but wants to find a way to relay how grateful he is.
A month passes and Rick learns of a social event hosted by the heart donor/recipient partnership. One of the nurses who helped him during his hospital stay after the surgery resides on the board for the organization so he enlists her help in inviting the family of his donor. Maggie Rhee proved to be kind and generous and very persuasive. Of course she had to contact Mrs. Anthony more than once but she finally got a yes to the invitation. Now all she can do is hope that she will actually follow through as this seems to be important to Mr. Grimes as it is to a lot of patients.
The day of the social arrives and Rick is a bundle of nerves. He looks in the mirror and wonders about the possibilities of today's event. Will she even show up? What will I say? Should I say anything? Maybe it's too soon for her? The doorbell brings him out of his reflections and he checks his appearance one last time before exiting the master bathroom.
His mom was opening the door and inviting Morgan inside as he made his way into the living area. Morgan Jones is his best friend and he decided to invite him to the event, giving his parents some time to themselves. They all greet each other and exchange small talk before Rick and Morgan leave together. On the drive over, Morgan is sure to ask after Rick's health and ensure that he is up for attending this event.
"I'm feeling pretty good. I just….I think I should try to thank his family. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him," Rick relays.
"Understood. I guess I should be thanking them too. Not sure what I'd do without you around," Morgan admits.
"Thank you."
They arrive at the hotel several minutes before the event was scheduled to begin. Maggie informed him that it was not a formal event but he felt the need to look decent so he donned a nice navy blue suit but kept it simple by wearing a plaid shirt and no tie.
He smooths his hair back for the fifth time and asks, "I look ok?"
Morgan frowns. "What's with you tonight? I thought you said you were feeling good."
"I'm fine. I just….want to make a good first impression."
Morgan is slightly confused but ignores his friend's apprehension as he exits the car, retrieving a parking ticket from the valet.
Minutes later, they are entering one of the hotel's multiple ballrooms and wondering at the scarce amount of people mingling about. Rick recognizes Maggie and is relieved to see her as she quickly makes her way to him, accompanied by a dark haired gentlemen.
"Mr. Grimes…Rick, I'm so glad you could make it," she greets him. "I know it doesn't look like much now but it's still early. We usually get a pretty good crowd."
Rick nods. "Good. I hate to admit it but I'm just a bit nervous."
"That's not unusual but you'll be fine." She turns to the gentleman at her side. "This is my husband, Glenn. Glenn, this is Rick Grimes."
The two shake hands as Rick introduces Morgan. Maggie tells them to feel free to mingle and get something to drink as she moves off to greet other attendees.
An hour later, Rick is convinced that Mrs. Anthony decided not to attend as he listens to another exchange between a donor's family and recipient. The stories shared are heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time. He accepts that he will have to send the Anthony family some sort of gift to show his gratitude. He turns to Morgan at his side and was about to tell him he was ready to leave when he notices Maggie walking in their direction with a beautiful dark skinned woman at her side. He recognizes her immediately but realizes that the photos hardly did her justice as he couldn't imagine that she was even more stunning than the images he saw.
He swallows nervously as he drinks in her auburn tinted hair, her dark soulful eyes, and full pink shaded lips. She is dressed in a yellow dress, her slender shoulders on display, a wide belt encasing her tiny waist, the skirt of the dress swaying with her heeled strides. He wants to smile but feels frozen in time as they approach him.
Maggie places a reassuring hand on his shoulder as she says, "Rick this is Michonne Anthony, Michael's wife. Michonne, this is Rick Grimes."
Rick stands slowly as his heart begins to hammer in his chest. He extends his hand and gives a firm but gentle shake as soon as she places her hand in his. "I….it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you. You as well," she states simply.
Rick looks to Morgan. "This is my best friend, Morgan Jones."
Morgan stands and extends his hand as Michonne extends hers and gives her name. He offers her his chair, pulling it out for her and smiles as she takes a seat. He then turns to Rick and gives him a nod as he and Maggie leave the two alone at their table.
Rick almost panics at being left alone with her but takes the seat next to hers and asks politely, "Would you like something to drink?"
"No thank you."
"I….uh….did you come alone?"
"No. My best friend is here as well. She had to make a stop in the ladies room but I didn't want to prolong this. I almost didn't come. It's been….." She trails off as she feels she was being too free with this stranger.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I truly am but I wanted to convey my gratitude. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your husband," Rick states.
She gives a slight nod. "He would be very proud of that fact." She closes her eyes for a second then asks, "How are you doing? Are you feeling ok?"
"I'm feeling great actually….better than I've felt in a long time."
"That's good," she lapses into silence, not sure what she should say next, wishing Sasha would come find her or something.
Rick goes silent as well and nearly jumps when she clears her throat and wonders, "What….what happened to you? Why did you need a transplant?" She pauses and rushes on with, "If you don't mind me asking."
"No. I don't mind." He briefly explains his genetic condition and how it progressed into heart failure. "But the doctor assures me everything looks fine and I'm expected to have a normal lifespan thanks to your husband."
"I…..that's great." She drops her eyes to her hands folded in her lap. "I should probably check on Sasha. Are we supposed to address the audience or anything like that?"
"It's an option but I understand how fresh this is for you so I wouldn't expect anything like that. Honestly, I just wanted to thank you. This means more to me than I will ever be able to express."
"I understand and I'm glad we did this. It means a lot."
They share a glance and Rick notes that his heart never slowed down in her presence although their exchange was pleasant and comforting. She moves to vacant her seat and he stands quickly to assist her. Maybe he moved too quickly because his vision begins to blur and his heart seems to race even faster.
He exhales soundly and grabs the back of the chair for balance.
"Mr. Grimes, are you alright?" Michonne panics as his knees seem to give way and she grabs him around his waist hoping she can prevent him from falling. She manages to maneuver him into the chair he just vacated, relieved that neither of them ended up on the floor.
"Sor….sorry," he apologizes. "I….don't…..know….."
"Please. Don't try to talk. It's fine."
Rick looks into her eyes and detects the concern, the panic. He is slightly amazed that she'd be worried about him, a complete stranger.
She stands to get someone's attention but keeps a reassuring hand on him, letting him know that she is not going anywhere. She steps back when medical professionals attending the event rush over and start examining him.
An hour later, Rick is sitting up on an examining table having been seen by the emergency room doctor and his personal physician who was called in as a precaution. He is thankful for the care, concern, and accuracy with which this was handled. His doctor assured him that he was still in good condition. He only seemed to have suffered from a small bout of over exertion. His doctor compared it to the heart rate of someone just ending a running sprint and asked him to be more careful and aware of his activities in the future.
Rick thanked him and watches thoughtfully as the doctor exited the area. He wonders at his reaction and surmises that he just got up too quickly from the chair. His reaction couldn't have possibly been due to Mrs. Anthony's presence or could it? He wasn't too out of it as he informed Morgan not to call his parents. They'd panic and he just did not want to put them through any more than he already had.
He reaches for his shirts as the attending nurse was kind enough to lay them within reach. He hears an audible gasp and looks toward the entrance to see Mrs. Anthony standing there. His eyes lock with hers before she drops hers to his chest, zeroing in on the long reddish scar from his surgery and then politely gives him her back.
"Sorry. They said they were releasing you and Morgan went to bring the car around and I just wanted to check and be sure you were ok and….sorry," she apologizes and realizes she is talking too fast and is more nervous than she should be. "I'll leave."
"No. It's fine." He quickly dons his t-shirt then pulls on his plaid shirt. "I'm decent."
She slowly turns around to face him, her eyes going to his hands as they button his shirt. She quickly focuses elsewhere and asks, "Are you ok?"
"The doctor said everything's fine. I think I moved just a bit too fast but I'm ok." A thought hits him and he has to know. "You…came here and….waited?"
"I….yeah. Sasha and Morgan too. Maggie and her husband came by but they had to pick their son up from the babysitter at a certain time. She said she'd be in touch," Michonne relays.
Rick nods. "Thank you. That means a lot."
"Well I'm glad you're ok. I should probably head home."
Rick steps down slowly off the examining table. "Please let me walk you out."
"That's not necessary. I…."
"I insist," Rick cuts off her, grabbing his jacket and gesturing for her to proceed him as they exit.
A/N: It's so hard to write one shots with these two. Part II is posted.