Richonne (Short Love Stories) A Gifted Heart Part IV (Chapter 46)

A/N: Thank you so much for the continued support.

Carl's eyes grow wide with interest as his father tells him the story of his heart transplant. He knew why the transplant was needed but never tired of hearing about it. He never understood how his mom could walk away from his dad not knowing if he would live or die. Maybe she just didn't care anymore.

"I'm alive today because a good man decided to be an organ donor. He was killed in a car accident and I got his heart. Even though I'm happy to be alive, to be around for you a little longer, his death caused hurt for his family, his wife and child, Michonne and Andre."

Carl gasps at the mention of those names. "Is that why Andre screamed for his dad and why Michonne was crying?" With his father's nod, Carl sighs heavily. "I'm sorry dad. I didn't know."

"I know you didn't son and I'm not sharing this with you so you'll feel sorry for them. I just want you to understand their situation and be more considerate. They're good people and they're going through a really rough time right now. Andre doesn't fully understand what's happening. He's just missing his dad. That's a lot to carry for Michonne so I help out in any way that I can," Rick states.

"So are you going to be her new husband and Andre's stepdad now?"

Rick looks over at his son, trying to hide his frustration. "Did you listen to anythang I just said? They're my friends. Why do you keep harping on a relationship and would it be so bad?"

"You do like her like that. I knew it," Carl returns.

"You don't know anythang. For the last time, we're friends and that's that." He gives his son a skeptical look. "What did you say to Andre anyway? He was very upset."

Carl drops his eyes to his lap. "I didn't say anything….at first but he was being such a little butthead about his time with you, telling me about the program and what you guys do together. I was gonna ignore him but I got mad so I told him I was going to tell you that I beat him at air hockey and how proud you'd be….because…..because dads are always proud of their sons." He looks up at his father with tears shimmering in his eyes. "I….I didn't know he'd lost his dad. Now I feel really, really bad."

Rick sympathizes with his son, pulling him in for a hug. "First and foremost, there should be no competition whatsoever between you and Andre. You are my son and I love you. I'm spending time with Andre and trying to help him cope with his loss but that won't change my relationship with you. I'm always gonna be your dad no matter what. I know we don't spend as much time together as we should and maybe that will change in the future. Just know that no one can take your place in my life but I feel the need to be there for Andre too." He leans back to look at him. "Do you understand?" With his son's nod, he continues, "Good. Hopefully you can make it up to Andre somehow but you have to apologize first. I'll call Michonne in the morning and try to make that happen ok?"

"Ok," Carl agrees, genuinely hopeful that he can make things right with Andre and with Michonne. He hesitates for only a moment before saying, "I love you dad."

XXXXXXXXXX

Michonne is torn between anticipation and dread when the doorbell chimes. She knows it's Rick and Carl as she agreed that they could come over after breakfast. She is thankful that Carl wants to apologize to her and to Andre but last night brought a realization that she can't ignore. She is attracted to Rick and frankly appalled by it. Not because of him but because she just lost her husband and developing feelings for someone else should be the very last thing happening in her life at this point in time. Her only recourse is to start distancing herself from him somehow. She decided to allow this last visit and then she would try to contain their friendship in a way that would limit interaction.

She calls her son into the living area and they move to the door to answer it. Her heartbeat quickens as her eyes connect with his. Unbeknownst to her, his heartbeat starts to race as well. "Hi. Come on in." She invites, taking in his attire of running shoes, jeans, and T-shirt.

"Thank you." He and Carl step inside and he looks around curiously before bringing his eyes back to her, trying not to stare but appreciating her simple sundress and flip flops. He distracts himself by reaching down to offer his hand to Andre for a handshake. The little one obliges giving Rick a smile.

Carl sticks his hand out as well. "Hey. I'm….sorry about last night. I hope you're not still mad with me."

Andre looks to Carl, then to Rick and finally to his mom who gives him an encouraging nod. She talked with him earlier that morning and told him how happy Rick would be if he and Carl could be friends. He slowly lifts his hand and completes a handshake with Carl. "I'm sorry for kicking you and hitting you."

"It's ok," Carl returns.

Michonne and Rick breathe sighs of relief, glad they are off to a good start. She guides them into the kitchen, asking if they'd like something to drink or a snack.

"Uh….Michonne….I wanted to apologize to you too," Carl relays. "I'm sorry if I was rude in any way and I hope you can forgive me."

She gives him a smile. "It's fine Carl and your apology is accepted." She doesn't know much about Rick's son but realizes that being the product of divorce can't be easy. He is dealing with something just like Andre is.

Several minutes later the boys are in the backyard playing and Rick and Michonne are seated in the kitchen, keeping an eye on them through the patio doors.

"So how is he doing? Really?" Rick asks.

"Well he slept with me last night so that's a clear indication that he wasn't doing as well as I thought he was. I talked to my parents this morning and I think I'm going to visit with them for a bit. Maybe that will help us both feel a little better."

He takes a sip of his coffee as he contemplates what to say. "You don't consider that running away?"

She tilts her head. "How so?"

"I just mean….is this what you're going to do every time he has an episode?"

She tries to hide her agitation by looking out at her son and Carl playing together, glad that they are getting along. She turns back to Rick. "What would you have me do? You don't think I'm doing the best I can?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I was only trying to say that you're going to have to face this whether you want to or not. There will be good days as well as bad but you have to keep going."

"Are you speaking from experience?"

"Not quite. I just know how I felt when I got divorced. It felt like something or someone had died. I wanted to run away, hide from prying eyes, the sympathetic questions and comments. I know it's not the same thang but I hope it helps me to understand your pain just a bit."

"But you can take comfort in the fact that your ex is still alive, that maybe you two could even get back together some day," Michonne explains.

"That will never happen," Rick scoffs.

"It's a possibility…..something that I will never have no matter how much I want it for myself or my son so don't profess to understand my pain. It's something I hope you never have to experience."

"Michonne….I didn't mean to….."

"It's fine Rick. I know what you're trying to do and I appreciate it. I just have to work through this the best way I know how. Ok?"

"Ok." They continue talking but steer clear of anything that relates to what she and Andre are experiencing with Mike's death.

Meanwhile, Carl and Andre are slowly but surely getting reacquainted. Carl is trying to be extra careful around him and Andre is being cautious as well.

"Hey. My dad told me about your dad and I'm really sorry that happened. I know what it means to miss your dad though. I don't live with my dad so I miss him a whole lot when I'm gone," Carl tells him.

"But why don't you live with Rick? He still loves you right?"

"Yeah my dad loves me but my mom and dad got a divorce and my mom wanted me to live with her so I do," Carl explains.

"What's a di-force?"

"Divorce. It means that your mom and dad aren't married any more so they don't live together and wear their rings and stuff. It really sucks because I liked it when my mom and dad were married. Now my mom has a new husband and he's ok but he's not my dad."

"So you can't tell them to get married again?" Andre asks.

"You know we can't tell adults what to do."

"Well tell your mom you want to live with your dad."

"But then she'd be upset and I don't want to upset her."

"What about Rick? He is upset too," Andre reminds him.

Carl nods. "Yeah he probably is." He looks to Andre. "Would you do me a favor?"

"Ok."

"Would you kind of look after my dad for me while I'm not here? I know he really likes you and you like him so I think it's a good thing that you spend time together and stuff."

Andre smiles. "I think I can do that."

Carl smiles in return. "Thank you."

XXXXXXXXXX

Several weeks pass and things are almost back to as close to normal as possible for Rick. He was given a good slate of health by his physician, but still on restricted duties at work. His parents were able to return home but continue to visit bi-weekly. Carl was supposed to arrive for the summer but Lori asked if he could remain for another two or three weeks so he could vacation with her, her husband, and their parents. He wanted to protest but realized it would probably be a fight and he did not need the stress.

He sighs heavily when his thoughts turn to Michonne and Andre. His friendship with the latter continues to grow. They see each other each week for the mentor session and Michonne is usually there but she keeps her distance. She is cordial, makes the necessary small talk but keeps their conversations short and they haven't been to dinner or anything in a while.

He apologized when he first noticed the difference, thinking that maybe he overstepped his bounds when he told her going to her parents was running away from her situation. She assured him that he had done nothing wrong so he is completely at a loss for the shift in their friendship. He even invited her out but she is now working full-time again and spends a lot more time at work. He'd met her parents as they were the ones to accompany Andre to a couple of recent sessions. All he can do is accept what is. He's not sure what he expected with this friendship anyway.

Carl finally arrives and Rick decides to devote as much time as he can to his son. Between that, his job, his friends, and the program, he is more than busy and doesn't feel the absence of Michonne as profoundly as before. Of course, Carl notices and decides to ask what's going on.

"What do you mean?" Rick inquires.

"Well are you still friends with her?"

"Of course. She's just busy with work and taking care of Andre and I'm busy as well," Rick answers.

"So you don't want to date her anymore?"

"Who said I wanted to date her?"

Carl scoffs. "Come on dad. I saw the way you looked at her. You like her."

"Yeah….well….the situation is a delicate one and I really don't think she's open to that right now. I understand. It's fine."

"Are you going to wait until she is ready?"

Rick pauses, piecing his answer together slowly. "I think she'll be ready someday but I don't know if she'll ever see me like that."

"I think she does," Carl says.

"Why would you think that?"

"I mean. She looked at you the way you looked at her. That's why I thought you two were friends….but….more than friends."

"I thought it would've been nice at one point but it's obvious to me she doesn't want that and I have to respect her decision."

"But you haven't even talked about it," Carl exclaims.

"It doesn't matter Carl. She needs some space and that's fine," Rick retorts.

"Well just so you know….if you and Michonne were to start dating, I'd be ok with it. I think you deserve someone nice like her and maybe….she'd be a good wife for you."

Rick laughs. "Thanks for the blessing son but I don't think you'll have to worry about a stepmom for a long time still."

Michonne sits in her home office, trying her best to concentrate on the files in front of her but finds that she can't. It's the same as it has been before. She can get through her work hours with the bare minimum of distractions but once she is home and in a more relaxed atmosphere, her thoughts drift to Rick Grimes. It happens especially when her parents are around which is more so than not recently and they keep Andre occupied. She is grateful for their presence but knows she needs more to keep her completely focused on work.

Her cell phone chimes and she looks over curiously, her breathing increasing when she sees the name on the ID. She wants to ignore it but she can't. "Hello."

"Michonne? Hi. It's Carl."

She is happy to hear his voice, but disappointed that it wasn't the deep baritone of his dad. "Hey. How are you? Enjoying your summer?"

"I'm fine and yes. I always enjoy my time with dad. Are you and Andre doing ok?"

"We're fine. Thanks for asking."

"I uh…..I'd like Andre to come swimming with me tomorrow if that's ok. Dad and I can pick him up or you could bring him over if you want."

"That would be great Carl except Andre isn't as strong a swimmer as I'd like him to be even though he thinks he can out swim me." She laughs as Carl joins her.

"That's ok. I'll take care of him. I promise or….if you're not doing anything….maybe you could join us too. I've only seen you a couple of times since I've been here so it would be good to see you again."

For some unknown reason, a stab of guilt pierces her heart and she finds herself agreeing to meet them tomorrow. "Is your dad around? I'd like to verify that everything's ok with him."

Carl pauses for a just a second, wondering how his dad would react because he hadn't told him of his plans. He kind of wanted to surprise him. "He's uh….he's cooking dinner so hold on just a moment."

The young one cringes as he walks into the kitchen and hands his father the cordless phone. "It's for you."

Rick frowns as he wipes his hands on a nearby towel. He doesn't recall the phone ringing. "Hello."

Michonne closes her eyes, savoring the sound of his voice, not realizing just how much she missed talking with him. "Hey. It's Michonne. How are you?"

"I'm fine. How are you?" Rick glares at his son, wondering what this call could be about. He finds out soon enough and even though he wants to give her an out and tell her she doesn't have to do this, he finds himself being selfish. He wants to see her and he doesn't care how it happens.

They discuss the arrangements and set a meet time before disconnecting the call.

Carl is cautious as he looks to his dad. "Are you mad?"

"Nope. Just don't do that again. Ok?"

"Ok."

The next day, she and Andre are at Rick's apartment enjoying the scenery and the view before preparing for a day by the pool. The boys are anxious to jump in so she outfits Andre with sunscreen and floaties and sends him off with Carl, sitting on a nearby lounger, grabbing sunscreen for herself as well.

Rick sits down next to her, loving the fact that they are the only ones by the pool so far and keeping an eye on the boys as well. "How's work coming along?"

"It's been good. How about you?"

"I'm still on restricted duty but maybe that will change soon. I'm finally done with my six months stint so it's just a matter of time."

"And you're feeling ok?"

"I feel great. I'm eating right, exercising several times a week, getting enough sleep…." He trails off. "Did I just describe the life of a much older man?"

They both laugh, knowing that his description was accurate. She grows serious for just a moment. "I….I just want you to know that I wasn't avoiding you. I'm just trying to keep going and I don't need any distractions."

"Distractions? Am I a distraction?"

"No, no. I didn't mean it like that." She swallows nervously. "You're a good friend, Rick and I appreciate that." She avoids his eyes at all costs.

Regardless of his feelings and what he wants to relay to her, he holds back and answers, "Thank you. You're a good friend too and I want to be there for you no matter what."

The squeals and laughter of their children draw their attention as Carl yells, "Come on in dad!"

Rick smiles at her before pulling his shirt over his head and squirting some sunscreen on before walking over to the edge of the pool where he pinches his nose closed and steps off the edge smoothly going into the water with a sound splash.

She watches as he pops up, pushing his hair out of his face. She would be lying to herself if she said she hadn't noticed the shapeliness of his broad shoulders, muscled and scarred chest, and flat abs when he took his shirt off. She compares it to the first time she saw him without a shirt, months ago in the emergency room and she deduces that exercise does do a body good….real good.

Andre calls for her and even though she knows she should keep her distance, she would not disappoint her son or herself if she is being honest.

She stands, slips off her flip flops and removes her cover up to reveal a bright red backless one piece with a mesh mid-section. She smiles knowingly as those deep blue eyes rove her from head to toe. This tug of war with her feelings emits such confusion but she pushes it to the side for now, determined to enjoy the time with her friend and their sons.

Rick admires how smooth her skin looks, his hands aching to touch her. Her body is a work of exquisiteness, plump full breasts, trim waist, slim but ample hips, toned thighs. His eyes lift up to her face and he takes in the gorgeous smile that reaches her eyes, making them glow. He returns the smile, not sure how he is going to make it through the remainder of the day after witnessing her in that swimsuit. He gives his attention to the boys, thinking to himself….All I can do is try.