Chapter 14
Exes and Hos: Unexpected things
Rick stepping off of the elevator still fighting mad almost stomped his way down the hall to Michonne's condo but didn't, nor did he immediately go inside the place; irritated, and in pain from grabbing that other stupid jackass downstairs with his injured hand, along with being angrily preoccupied with a whole lot of Mike on the brain, the man just stood there quietly outside its door pinching the bridge of his nose trying hard to stave off an approaching headache. And him being a Sheriff knew better than most that someone like that menace lives to be an aggravation and is one who also loves to control, however with an enabler has the ability of quickly becoming dangerous too! That's why you never want to leave that kind of potential threat standing without a sense of consequences short of murder! Maybe a copious amount of his 11's imprints embedded all over those two's stupid bodies would have driven the point home-Don't mess with Miss Rènald neither be the fool who helped the one that did!
But he had Carl who was just as important and had to keep that in mind too!
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Rosemary Mills still standing in the lobby couldn't really believe her fabulous luck! She'd been in the right place at the right time-able to witness for free today what she had just yesterday was more than willing to pay a whole month's salary for...which was Mike finding out about Rick, then the bonus came along when Larry the guard did too! And now with Rick, Terry, Kal, and a defeated handcuffed Mike gone the whole place was royally electrified and all abuzz with talk amongst them that were there from the start, and those wanting to know exactly what happened having seen the two officers along with their unhappy ex neighbor who just like a cold poisonous snake was also still a threat leaving the building all stoically .
And while all that was going on the law man Sheriff Richard Grimes upstairs had yet to moved once with him battling the whole time the strong ugly weighty feeling of genuine helpless concerning the wellbeing of his and Carl's benefactress and her unborn child which was not sitting well with the man, not at all! Because, Miss Rènald at the moment was in an extremely precarious predicament even though the woman's ex no longer had any more legal rights to her baby...obviously has no intentions of going away quietly. And with that realization a troubled Rick Grimes slowly took a very deep breath before entering inside the condo, and then after doing so calmly walked into the bathroom were he noticed two things that both warmed and broke his heart all at once. The boys and the pups were all down on the floor with the woman in question; Carl watching his ill friend like a hawk was laying right across from her as Cody sat near her head reading a comic book along with the puppies nestled in among the three while the sick lawyer laid there silently with eyes closed seeming to have not moved a muscle, nor even to have had any of the crackers or ginger ale placed betwixt her and Handsome.
But looks can be deceiving, because Michonne as sick as she is had moved with that being just long enough to get up and brush her teeth...poor thing!
And Rick Grimes having forgotten all about his ire and pain acknowledged both children with a broad smiled, a brisk ruffling of their hair along with a very truly heartfelt "thank you boys" which he extended to the puppies who looking up were just expecting something from the man before he with a great deal of affection knelt down on one knee and lovingly scooped Michonne up off of the floor holding her close as she in turn mustered up just enough strength to wrap her arms tightly around his neck.
"Come on now," drawled the Sheriff in a low raspy tone of voice. "Let's put you to bed young lady, I do hope that's ok with you?"
And with eyes still closed Michonne now mesmerized by the strong sound of the law man's pulsating heart beat nods softly against his chest as he dotingly carried her out of the half bath down the hall towards her bedroom, and following close behind was their very important entourage-two boys, four puppies. And when they all got to their destination each child was given a job which they both did with care and precision; one neatly pulled back the covers, while the other arranged the pillows just right for Michonne's comfort, and as Sheriff Grimes bent down to lovingly place her in bed heard a weak voice say, "Please don't leave me Sheriff" which stunned the man to even hear that coming from her but said, "Oh...oh...al-alright Miss Rènald, just let me get the boys settled and I will be right back-promise."
And the thrown man walking pass his helpers whipered,"Ok boys follow me," as he left the young woman's bedroom heading straight for the kitchen where all three first thing thoroughly washed their hands in accordance with the magnetic chalkboard signage on the refrigerator door that in neat creative lettering stated, Clean hands makes for a healthy environment, and a very extremely happy me-Michonne! And that specific mandate's been there for as long as Cody can remember..., he's twelve now and has known Michonne ever since he was six, and able to read.
Then Sheriff Grimes with his hand clean reached inside the fridge brought out four bottles of water, three zipped locked sandwich bags filled with washed red and white seedless grapes holding all in the crook of his free arm, closed the fridge door then walked over to one of the cabinets and retrieved out a large plastic bowl, another zipped locked sandwich bag filled with puppy treats, along with a plastic grocery bag placing the bowl inside to catch garbage which he then filled with some of the previous items, giving it to Carl. And when on the way out of the kitchen the man a bit obsorbed grabbed ahold of some paper napkins and another bowl located on top of the island but this time one filled with fresh fruit and gave that to Cody. Now each boy and the man had something in their hands as all three headed to the living room where when they got there neatly arranged everything out on the coffee table except for two waters, some napkins, and a bag of grapes for Michonne.
"Now this should hold ya both until I get back from seeing after our friend down the hall, and when that's done we'll make those waffles she promised-Ok boys? Are you all fine with that?" stated and questioned the man as he tried hard to put a smile on both boys faces. The events from earlier had placed a heaviness in the condo that hadn't been felt since last night with Carl. And thankfully Rick's offer worked because Carl and Cody both smiled, and with enthusiasm either said, "Thank you Dad, Thank you Sheriff!" Then the law man finished with "If someone calls let the answering machine catch it, and if the door bell rings come get me immediately-now is that clear?" And in unison the boys said, "Yes sir!" However, Carl with a concern look and worriedness in his voice asked his father a question before the man left.
"Dad, was it Munchie or that man that made Michonne so sick?"
But it was a very astute Cody who interjected with the answer which baffled Sheriff Grimes before he could even give a response.
"I think it was Mr. Mike, Carl that had Munchie acting up and that's what's causing Michonne to be so sick."
Then the Sheriff with a lifted brow asked bewhildered, "Just who is this Munchie, and what does he have to do with Miss Rènald not feeling well? It's just morning sickness that has her feeling so unwell at the moment fellas!"
"Dad, we know that, and Munchie is what we call the baby, because that's it name!" responded the man's equally sharp kid.
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Rick having lefted the two boys walked slowly down the hall towards Miss Rènald with his feelings hurt again. Once more he'd been lefted out of the loop when it comes to Her! And the Her that the law man was bemoaning over was herself uncharacteristically almost in a panic waiting for him and his quick return!
What's taking him so long-he promised?
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Michonne laying in the dark devastated and djstressed knew without any doubt that she was being extremely needy as a steady stream of unimpeded tears of dejection rolled down her face, but at that moment neither she nor her Munchie cared not in the least, because for right now it's mama was tired of being strong and needed someone else to be a strength for her! Mike's unwelcomed visit has really done a number on the very sad lawyer's self-assurednesss. Yes, there were both sets of aunts and uncles, her cousins, and Andrea away in Florida, who all would drop everything in order to be right there if she'd just call them, yet it would take far too long for any of them to get to her right now! However, in reality what the young woman really needed and wanted the most was her mother and father, but they were gone! So the Sheriff was it-Her designated consoler, and will have to apologize for appointing him as such later.
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Sheriff Grimes along with his wounded psyche walked ever so softly as he entered Michonne's bedroom and heard something that tore at his heart strings-her quietly sniffing back tears. He had hoped against hope that she'd fallen asleep by now because that's what her and Baby needed. Astound the man still couldn't quite wrap his head around the fact that the slender young woman was even pregnant. Some kind of detective he is and should have known something was up with all the lawyer's bizarre food combinations, and tastes. Point in case...last night Miss Rènald with a healthy amount of potato salad tasted a bit, got up retrieved some sugar, a big jar of mini dill pickles and mustard, liberally sprinkled said salad with sugar, topping that with a big squirt of the yellow stuff along with placing as many pickles that her already heafty plate could handle, and then adorably started scooping them in the salad concoction like she was eating chips with dip. Yesss as sure as shootin, something should have gone off in that lightening fast mind of his, but all Rick did was smile and just sit there enjoying his field of vision which contained only Her rolling those beautiful eyes in a food consuming ecstasy as she smiled broadly, chomped down on, and devoured every last briny cuke that occupied her plate along with the rest of her meal too!
And the man with his mind back in the present, while still kind of hurt and without making himself known conscientiously placed down on the nearby nightstand the napkins first (didn't want to ruin its finish), the two water bottles, and grapes all neat like on top, then silently in the process of taking a seat heard a click along with something else having been clearly communicated that had him baffled and confused thinking, Huh!...What?
"No, Sheriff Grimes," said a very low sorrow filled voice. "I need you right here with me!" And because the room was now lit due to the luminous light given off by a lava lamp Sheriff Grimes was able to see exactly when Miss Rènald pulled back her covers so that he could get in right behind her. And the stunned man in those itty-bitty seconds that seemed just like hours swallowed kind of hard and had a decision to make; should he comply, or should he not-just because.., but when he got down to it there really wasn't a 'because' to even deal with, only Miss Rènald's need of him and he complied-but not before saying a mighty t-alll short prayer.
"Lord, pleaseee help them be good! Thank you and amen." Then him with boots now off proceeded to get in bed; dutifully obeying her strongly expressed plea!
However, Michonne shocked the man even more before that was completely accomplished.
"Sheriff," if this is too awkward I won't take offense if you feel the needed to place a pillow between you and me." said the woman unashamed.
"Oh no, no ma'am...that won't be necessary," the man said as he hesitated/lied a bit/and hoped a whole lot while taking a very deep breath slid in awkwardly. But that self-consciousness did not last for long after Michonne said, "Thank you Sheriff" and then began to cry hard. Rick relaxed, so did she as he sweetly maneuvered in close, and then lovingly he pulled the young woman near, becaming just what she needed..., a genuine bona fide comforter. And for about a half an hour or so Michonne was allowed to cry aloud uninterrupted wrapped from behind in the law man's secure protective arms as he tenderly with an adoring quietness soothed her. Then after a hiccup and a sniff the girl was done-through-finished...there would be no more of that feeling sorry for herself and crying; at least that's what Michonne thought as silent tears continued to roll freely down her face.
"Mike was the worst thing I could ever have done to me or my family," she sighed out tearily. "And the love that I have for my baby no words can express. But its father was a colossal mistake nevertheless!"
And Rick wordless still and with his light touch steeped deep with affection continued stroking his Miss Rènald's forehead with a sweep of his fingers. He wanted her to be able to speak openly without interruption, and that Michonne did.
"No one in my family could stand the man even though they tried, and that was all for me. Both my uncles Henry and Ellis wanted him gone the very first time they laid eyes on Mike. And both were willing to risk hard jail time to make that happen, but Daddy said 'No!' If I wasn't willing to listen then I would just have to learn the hard way! But made it clear-they all did that they would always be there to love me no matter what! And they all have been..." Mother and Daddy too, just in spirit though, Michonne thought sadly as she caught another sniff.
"Munchie was never ever meant to be a secret Sheriff, Handsome knew about him or her when Baby first moved and thought every time when he or she did it was my stomach rumbling due to hunger. Cody knows because he was here with his mother when I first found out and began to cry out of my happiness and fear. Welll, Terry and Kal are family even if not by blood, and we know how word travels amongst like kinds. Mike obviously because..., so what can I say?"
And then the biggest stunner of them all came when Michonne did something else next that made all the other things that she'd done so far having lefted Rick Grimes the Sheriff flabbergasted and unprepared for seemed just like child's play in comparison; and that was an unmasked intent when the young woman reach up and captured ahold of his hand soothingly comforting her and placed the now tense member solemnly yet ever so softly on top of her barely there baby belly.
(Michonne even though surrounded by a whole lot of drama-Mike, and being as sick as a dog had felt from the very start him not knowing about the baby had caused the Sheriff hurt each time Munchie was mentioned while they were all in the bathroom earlier and had made up in her mind she'd waste no time to rectify that ASAP!)
"Munchie, this is Handsome's dad Sheriff Grimes," Michonne said lovingly, and him or her at the mention of her boy's name moved in with what felt like a swift kick. It's mother took notice and so did Rick beaming. And Michonne smiling finished by introducing the Sheriff to the baby.
"And Sheriff this is my baby Munchie who just made itself known, and has to learn to share and get along with our Handsome."
The man overjoyed smiled some more.
"Hello there Munchie, I am so pleased to meet you little one," said Rick Grimes tenderly as he with its mother's hand still on top of his, content and with a great deal of care warmly spanned out his long slender fingers, and in spite of the pain with the palm of his hand fully embraced the spot on Michonne's stomach where it stayed happily hugging Baby. And quietly without anymore drama, in the bedroom no longer lit by the lava lamp given to a daughter by her dad so long ago to keep the monsters away now laid the three; the daughter sad no more due to the comfort of a friend, her baby whom she introduced to the friend, and the elated friend Sheriff that no longer feels excluded! And him satisfied was now fighting a sudden case of drowsiness along with a rather pleasing blissful thought that where he is now is mighty nice and felt like home.
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Officer Kal Whitley looked over at his partner with a worried look, Terry had been extremely quiet ever since their leaving Michonne's building with Mike. He didn't even say much when they took the protesting man downtown to the main precinct and locked the rat up! Kal knew he was hurting, and everyone that knew Terry knows just how much he loved Michonne even if she didn't love him the way that he loves her. However, the truth was that because of Mike, Terry and Michonne privately yet totally against his liking agreeded that it would be best that things between her and him remain just as friends-really good ones!
But how's could he just stop being in love with her cold turkey when the girl was it for him, the one and only-has been that way almost from the very start! And that no matter how hard he tries, Terry's lit, burning red hot and Michonne's that match which started the whole fire!
Eight years ago...
Terry Andersons with a whole lot on his mind stepped in the bookstore line and realized something very important; he didn't have his credit card nor book list! Inadvertently he due to his haste to get to where he was going fast had lefted both on top of his nightstand back at the apartment. The young man knew he was in dire straits because all those books were needed for his fourth year pre law classes, and with his friend and roommate still up in Maryland visiting family, Terry didn't have anyone else he could call for any assistance. And if he didn't get those books right now, especially for one very popular class whose textbooks in particular have a tendency to sell out rather quickly, then he'd be up that proverbial pre law class creek without a jurisprudence paddle.
"What to do, what to do," he thought to himself looking around for some kind of help then noticed Her and decidedly took a chance, because his mother always told him and his sister that nothing beats failure but a try.
"Excuse me, could you please tell me just how long you've been standing here?" Terry said unsure, hopping that the person in front of him would at least turn around so that he could ask a stranger properly for the favor. And the person while holding a rather large blue hand painted Japanese parasol over her head to keep away the hot overbearing North Carolina sun did just that smiling.
"Well, I've been here in this same old spot for one full hour, and the line still hasn't moved once!" said the lovely young woman giving the now entranced young man the prettiest smile with the prettiest set of straight beautiful white teeth that Terry thought he'd ever been blessed to have been smiled back at with. "Wow, she's beautiful," he thought and for a second forgot just what it was that he wanted to ask. What could he say, he was just drawn to her.
And the girl watched Terry a little uneasy because he was just standing there looking back and not saying anything. Both her dad and uncles had warned her about predator upperclassmen who likes preying on innocent freshman girls for sport, and that all three wouldn't think twice about coming up from Georgia, and turning Duke out about her!
And Terry an upperclassmen saw that look.
"Oh...I'm sorry where are my manners? Believe it or not my mama did teach me some before I left home. My name is Terry, and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, and your name is?" he asked sincerely wanting to know as he held out his hand to the tentative young woman to shake.
"Ah...mine's Michonne," she said still hesitant but took and shook the young man's hand anyway, because for some reason he just seemed harmless to her.
"What are you majoring in, if you don't mind me asking?" Terry said, because he was really interested, and also wanted to compliment her on such a beautiful name but didn't.
"Oh I don't mind," Michonne replied back good-naturedly; warming up to the boy just that quick, there was a sweetness about him that she liked. "It's my intention to major in both criminal and constitutional law with a minor in accounting, maybe even science. I do like both!"
"Whoa there girl! You are really going to be busy aren't you? And how in the world are you going to do all that and still enjoy life away from home," Terry smiled back at the freshman female standing before him with those long shapely legs that didn't stop until they got to those thigh high cuffed denim short shorts that were wearing her!
"Who said I won't, I come from a long line of fun loving multitaskers. You just wait and see me do ALL of it with finesse," Michonne promised confidently,
"Oh I intend to do just that!" the captivated young man blurted out unintentionally. And Michonne looking back at him grinned, then for the first time in over an hour the line moved, and a very charmed Terry remembered exactly the reason whay he'd strucked a conversation up with the very engaging girl in the first place. He needed a favor, and quick!
"Ah, Michonne I'd like to ask you something."
"Ah, okay...shoot for it."
"Well I'd like to know if I can get you to do me a favor if you wouldn't mind."
And Michonne looking back at Terry hesitant once more but said, "Only if I can!"
Then a very hopeful upperclassmen quickly told the lovely freshmen his problem and afterwards asked if she would please keep his place in line until he got back from retrieving those much needed items from his apartment. And with her answer being a smiley "Sure will" a very grateful Terry ran off with a wave of thanks, and then no longer than twenty minutes later with at least seventy-five people deep in line behind Michonne and her parasol a very happy Terry returned victorious. Not only had he retrieved what he'd gone home for, but on the way back made a little stop specifically for Michonne and her kindness, and cheerfully stepped in behind his new acquaintance without a second thought.
"I'm back," Terry whispered close, totally ignoring the smiling guy whom he'd just stepped in front of. "Here's a little thank you something that I brought you back!" Which Terry had every intention of sweetly handing over to Michonne the moment she'd turn around no doubt greeting him with yet another one of her refreshingly beautiful smiles when someone from behind rudely yelled, "Hey bud, no cutting in front" with a rather large chorus of "Yeah buddy he's right, back of the line for you!" And Terry just about to handle business couldn't because Michonne did that for him when she rather boldly whipped around to keenly look for the initiator of the matter after having heard those mess starting words!
"Excusez-moi!" she said speaking in a rather forceful 'Oh no you didn't' like tone in French followed by a "Who said that!" And everything went quiet until it wasn't.
"I did!" said a gruff unapologetically tall mountainous male of a man with non-descript features if it wasn't for those large biceps, and a tree trunk of a neck looking straight back at her wearing a Duke football jersey along with his back up chorus that said pointing to the jock "Yeah he did!"
"What's your problem?"
"It's him-"
"And why?" she asked with now hands on hips and roaring ready for a fight; rudely cutting the man off before he could even finish what he had to say.
"He's skipping and knows full well what happens around here to skippers!" continued the provocateur, hitting his fist into the palm of his big hand. "Pow-ow!"
And a feisty Michonne so tired of it all yelled back, "Oh yeah! You and what army? No one's skipping, because this man belongs where he's standing-right here next to me! But if you want a fight then you've got one buddy!"
And then everything and everyone at the end of the line got real quite again as they watched Michonne easily close her parasol and began slowly taking her Hoop earrings off one at a time. Then the mess starting jock said laughing.
"Whoa there little Miss Yellow Jacket, I'm a lover, not a fighter! Tell her Terry!
And Michonne in her bewilderment, needing some clarity looked at a grinning Terry who thought the girl too cute!
"Yeah, Kal and those guys are harmless as long as you don't get in between them around a football, and food," he smiled back at her. "Believe it or not, some of them are even in my pre law study group."
And Michonne sheepishly turned back around and apologetically mouthed out "Sorry!" which caused Kal the leader to say...
"Oh-that's-alright-Little-Bit, we have that effect on a lot of people especially when out on the football field! And Terry, she a keeper, I know I'm jealous and want one just like her!" And an "Us too!" followed from his chours.
And with that drama behind them an amused Terry looked over at an extremely embarrassed Michonne and said, "Don't worry about that, the boys were just being bae baes, and thank you."
"For what?" the mortified girl managed to get out.
"For standing up for me, and willing to fight even though you know it would have been suicidal to do so!"
And Michonne swallowed hard because she hadn't even thought of that!
And Terry saw that look too, and had to laugh at her unpreceived audacity, and endearingly handed over the bag he intended on giving her before that little comical detour.
"And what is this," his new friend asked as she took the rather heavy item.
"Just look inside,"Terry prodded sweetly.
Then suddenly forgetting about her embarrassment Michonne with big expressive Hazel Brown eyes did just that smiling shyly, and gave her full attention to the bag, but not before mouthing out her thanks to her new pal. And the new pal's whole world from that moment on got brighter as he watched the mesmerizing young woman excitedly look inside the bag and after having gone through it completely brought out a bag of chips along with a very cold soda; delicately handing each item to him. And right then and there Dredyn Terrance Anderson knew he was smitten beyond repair; totally madly in love forever! And the two were inseparable after that day where Michonne's friends became his, and Terry's friends were hers-especially the football team! But there was one exception, his friend and room mate Mike, that is until that one faithful October weekend when Terry went home to Maryland for his mother's birthday, and his good old buddy saw his chance to advance at both his best friend and the friend's girl's expense.
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Rick Grimes woke up just like he'd inadvertently fell asleep, and that was with his hand still resting ever so free and easy on top of Michonne's stomach as the young woman all easy like snuggled close up against him snoring softly. And the smiling man feeling more at ease at present than he's been in a long time wanted nothing more than to kiss her temple but didn't! Instead he just lifted his head up and caught the digital clocked as it changed to 12 o'clock on the dot.
Oh no! it late, they'd been asleep for hours, and I promised the boys waffles too, not to mention that visit with Lori in two hours, thought the shamefully comfortable Sheriff Grimes.
Falling asleep with his host in his arms hadn't been his intention yet that's exactly what happened, and Rick with a great deal of reluctance delicately slipped his arm from under the young woman's head, and removing himself completely from the sleeping beauty's bed went straight to the bathroom that he and his son shared to freshened up a bit before heading off to the living room, and knew that the kids were probably pass hungry and would have to fix them something quick to eat because of time like a large grilled ham and cheese sandwich with some sweet juice of some kind. Hopefully that should hold both boys until after the visit was over.
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"Okay boys, sorry about that-I mean my taking so long, but I'm here now, so ready to eat?" said the Sheriff with an apology and a question as he happily walked into the living room where everyone and everything strangely looked way too contented to be hungry. And even stranger Carl wasn't giving him the stank eye, which was a known trait of his when the boy was hungry, disappointed, or both! And the law man also noticed a rather quiet Cody while the pups with what looked like round full bellies laid lazily on a towel in between both boys sitting at each end of the couch.
"Dad, we've already eaten," proclaimed a preoccupied Carl as he maneuvered his game controller just so, concentrating real hard on trying to beat the older boy's score. And Cody still hadn't said anything nor looked the man's way
"Ah you have," said Sheriff Grimes not really knowing what to think because he'd told them both to stay put until he came back. That was the second time today that they'd disobeyed. "And what did you eat, and who fixed it?"
And Cody feeling that he no doubt was in some deep doo-doo spoke up quick before Carl did; looking the law man straight in the eyes, because his father said "Right or wrong, that's what a man does."
"I did Sir," was all he said before Mr. Carl Grimes took over. And Rick saw the child's resolve to owning up to what he'd done as well as him listening intentively to his son while the boy gushed over some tasty creation-their breakfast.
"And yeah it was great too Dad!" announced his young son.
"We came back to ask if we could get something out of the kitchen, but you were asleep, and I was really hungry, Carl too! I know I should have eaten something coming back from Birmingham but didn't want to be too full for the waffles," said the contrite boy delivering a lengthy but not tedious avow. "And I'm sorry for not obeying Sir."
And Rick Grimes red-faced, They saw us laying together asleep, and could only imagine what the boy thought then and is now thinking right this moment even though the whole incident was totally innocent, thought it just might be best to let this particular sleeping dog lie and said...
"No I'm sorry. I should have given you two more than fruit and water, and shouldn't have fallen asleep either! Now tell me what did you boys eat! I hope you saved me some, and please say you all handled everything safely too!"
And the Sheriff's young son nods his head up and down while a relieved Cody just spoke the truth, "Yes sir we did, your breakfast is in the warmer, and we were very careful. Not a lick of fire; no flames at all just electric." Then all three went to the kitchen where they once more observed the edict and washed their hands thoroughly if they were going into the fridge or not! And Sheriff Grimes took a seat at the island as both boys busied themselves with serving him Brunch instead of Breakfast.
Carl smiling and feeling just like a great big boy of eight or nine pulled open the middle drawer of the refrigerator, and with caution got out the covered butter plus a small bottle of orange juice, and promptly after closing the fridge drawer placed both items on the kitchen island where he just like a great big boy carefully opened and poured the juice out into a small glass; and the dad surprised helped his boy out with the reach and placed the juice and butter neatly in front of himself while a rather happy seven year two month old Carl went about getting everything else ready.
And simultaneously the whole while that was going on an assured Cody was busy with going about doing his own thing. First the older boy went up to the coffee machine and nonchalantly placed in a K cup, and afterwards equipped with double oven mitts and a tray went straight to the wall oven warmer and retrieved the Sheriff's already prepared plate, along with a small carafe of warm maple syrup, which the older boy with caution and great care placed both on top of an oversized placemat amongst other things that Carl had properly set out with such table setting etiquette.
And Rick sitting there looking down at the warm waffles, fried chicken, a side of country fries, and his coffee just delievered by a smiling Cody was really and truly amazed at both of the young men's orderly efficiency because he had no clue that his son knew how to do any of what he'd just done, nor Cody! And after having dolled up (his dad's phrase of words) his warm waffles with butter and syurp, the man with knife and fork in hand was just about to take a bite of his meal suddenly felt three sets of eyes instead of two on him. They were the boys and Miss Rènald's in absentia-how dare he eat without blessing his food, but did do so rather quickly after that momentous epiphany occurred, and only then did he take a bite! Unbelievably it was of one of the most delectable tasting waffle with just the right tenderness to crunchy ratio that he'd ever once savored before in his life.
"Wow boys," the man gushed uncharacteristically as he put another piece of the crisp batter cake into his mouth. "Are you two sure you two made this!" pouring it on a little thick for all of their benefit. And both boys just grinned wide like two jack-o-lanterns as they just marveled at the Sheriff's reaction with his son knowing even if Cody didn't that his dad was not a very expressive man-but those waffles-they were just that good!
"Yeah Dad," Carl said excitedly and overjoyed. "Cody mixed everything up, and I did the pouring. They're great aren't they?"
"Yes they are son," said his dad as he this time took another bite with a taste of the chicken along with some of the country fries. "And you made all of this Cody? Was it from scratch, or did you have help from a mix?"
"The waffles are from scratch Sheriff Grimes," the twelve year old smiled back proudly. "And the chicken came already fried from Mama Ella's for Munchie, annnd Michonne keeps a bag of frozen potatoes and onions in the freezer just in case he or she wants country fries with its chicken."
Then Sheriff Grimes chuckled, because that Munchie was just as cute as its mama!
"And may I ask...who is it that taught you how to cook, because whomever did did a mighty fine job of it," declared the law man earnestly, meaning every last word of what he'd just spoken.
And Cody with a shrug of his shoulders replied back, "Well Sir, between my mom and Michonne, I was given a choice. Learn how to cook or learn how to cook, so I learned how to cook and do it as well as possible!"
And Rick noticing a hurt look on his kid's face from feeling lefted out no doubt asked the now glum looking Carl "And son, may I ask too, who in the world taught you how to set such a place setting!"
And Carl blushing an almost beet red said three words, "Lily Mae, Dad!" Who is his mom's parents cook.
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"Oh no," Michonne moaned low in a whisper after waking up in her lightless bedroom. Deeply embarrassed she shook her head and giggled a little as she then covered her eyes with both hands ashamed; the girl clearly remembering just how she'd fallen asleep also sensed a kind of emptiness in bed, and slowly without turning felt behind her for Sheriff Grimes but he was no longer there, and that found the young woman a tad bit conflicted; clashing with a myriad of emotions...one in particular being a whole lot of disappointment which she felt in spite of herself even though the man shouldn't have been there in the first place! And the cringeworthy incident of them sharing her bed happened only because she shamefully demanded it having given the law man no choice in the matter at all, and he being a Southern Gentleman...well just wouldn't allow himself to say "No way lady, are you nuts!" Yeah...she really had to be at that point to have put them both in that kind of position, and would apologize just as soon as she filled full of mortification saw the man. And then through two squinty eyes the woman very appalled with herself groaned with a great deal of volume as she made out the time; it was 12:30. No wonder He was gone, his exes visit was in 90 minutes.
Then the young mother to be, thoughtfully spoke a direct little request before getting out of her bed "Lord pleaseee help us all today in being on our best behavor. And that includes you too my Munchie. I need for you to behave and be especially good to your mama at least until company leaves. Mommy would be ever so appreciative if you did and were. Thank you both!" And finished with her entreaties on both fronts Michonne very slowly got up and headed straight to the bathroom to get ready for whomever and whatever might be coming all their way today.
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Lori standing anxiously in front of the hotel room's full length mirror had finally made her choice after only God knows how many changes of outfits, and that was a burgundy form fitting knee length wrap sweater dress by Donna Karan that hugged her small hips just so along with a pair of the designer's black ankle booties. Both just happened to be the very first, and exact same ensemble that Shane said looked great on her one full hour ago! Nervous, the mother just really needed to look her best for her boy Carl whom Lori hasn't seen nor talked to in four whole days; not since the child ran away from the hotel playroom. And another really good thing may be happening too, Rick whom she still hadn't been able to get in touch with might be there at the visit also! Her cousin Mitchell told her the possibility of that was great, and the prospect of it made Lori very very optimistic and happy too! She not only needed to talk to her ex so that they could be on the same page; presenting a united front when it comes to their little boy so that he can come home with her, but was also thinking too that when Rick sees just how uncomplicated it is when they work together as one for the good of their son then all three could some how be a family once again-with Lori knowing full well that that would probably take some time, but was more than willing to wait until it did.
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Michonne showered, dressed, and now feeling a whole lot better than earlier took one last look at herself in her floor length mirror and liked exactly what she saw. Her looking quite fab-u-lous in a six dollar thrift store pairs of stone washed skinny blue jeans she'd creatively ripped herself, along with one of Esstella's original heavy hand knit cropped mid waist long in back off the shoulder red cowl neck sweater, and with both being perfectly paired made the girl look very well put together; just like a million bucks! And with hair pulled up ever so high in a cute flirty little ponytail walked straight out of her bedroom not only refreshed but relaxed too! And Rick Grimes the Sheriff glad that he was in the right place at the right time with intense blue eyes noticed her and everything about the young woman even her long neck and exposed flawless skin that he'd find no bother in giving some exceptionally good attention to, nearly blushed but didn't as she carefully walked down the hall towards him and that twinkle in his eye. And with that man charmingly looking back at Her like that almost made the girl forget how to walk, which certainly would have been quite the shame especially when that would have impeded the lawyer from getting any closer to him posthaste!
And blushing Michonne smiled demurely...
While the Sheriff continued with his potent gazing...
Obviously no doubt both were remembering something, wink...
And naturally that had her hot and bothered, all red-faced and heated...
But not so with that fine bold bow legged manly thing directly in her clear view!
Oh no Sheriff Grimes just stood there all finger-lickin-good like, temptingly looking back at the girl with a smooth unapologetic sideways smile that the fully aware woman couldn't hardly keep eye contact with. And he too just like Michonne was also dressed in one of Estella's creative creations, a beige exquisitely made Irish cable knit sweater with a relaxed collar who's sleeves he'd pushed up just so at the elbow accompanied with a blue crew neck tee underneath that made the buddy's eyes pop just like the hue of the Caribbean Sea. And those two pieces together were artfully paired with a dark pair of slim straight leg blue jeans that fitted him deliciously well along with some Perry Ellis tan smooth leather work boots that rounded off Lance's doings!
Blessed with a magnificent eye for detail, the menswear designer, a truly tenacious genius is definitely not only good at what he does, but also good at getting what he wants too! And that is especially so when it came to bringing a very reluctant Sheriff out of his comfort zone in order to try new things, all the while blessing Michonne and soon the whole fashion world with that m-i-g-h-t-y fine specimen all dressed up only to have yet another untapped hidden attribute exposed just as if the cowboy wasn't already noticable! And that was his cluelessness-that kryptonite could really do a woman in; the guy was gorgeous wrapped up in all kinds of sexy and didn't even know it! ,nd in truth had his son's lawyer's uninterrupted attention at present, because if that man wasn't already tasty looking be-fore was sho'nough stankin good looking right now with his salt and pepper beard (thankfully that shave nev-er hap-pened) along with that single sprig of loose hair that fell just right over that handsomely square forehead of his needing only the sweep of the index finger of a polite girl politely putting it back in its rightful place! And if Michonne is anything it's polite!
Note to my-self, she thought. Give that designer a big ole tight hug next we meet, because he's truly out done himself this time with this one!
Then with an inner giggle the amused but still slightly uncomfortable Michonne smiling headed straight towards the boys who had yet to see her and was just about to make her way cautiously past the dashing Mr. Do Right when stopped dead in her tracks by an index and middle finger-his as both touched her arm lightly. And then the serious law man with a very up close and deep sexy growl said, "I think you and me needs to talk." And Michonne caught in between him and were she was aiming nodded "Ok" however before that discussion could even be had two things occurred...the boys no longer preoccupied ran up to their friend and hugged her tightly with everybody including the puppies glad to see that she was now up and okay, then the door bell rung causing everyone to tense up except for her and Cody...But wasn't it a bit too early for the exes visit?.
And Michonne before leaving her boys to answer the door confidently mouthed to the Sheriff, It's all going to be just fine-promise, and with that promptly made her way to the front door, but unlike the last time asked who it was, then was nothing less than undeniably shocked to hear a rather deep "Police! Open up!" .And a totally caught off guard Michonne reached for the door while the curious Sheriff Grimes just looked on thinking, What now? Just as his host had!
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"Well good to see that you are no worst for wear after this morning Me," a now jovial Terry lovingly said as he walked through the open door with a child size backpack in hand, and Kal close behind came equipped with a broad smile meant especially for his Little Bit. Michonne really glad to see both quickly closed the door than ran up to Terry and hugged the man for a very long time and said, "Thank you for taking Mike away, you do know that I love you don't cha!"
And Terry looking down at his sincere heart replied back, "Sure you do?" Then he with even more sincerity hugged Michonne even tighter before kissing her on top of her head.
"Hey Me, where's mine, don't you love me anymore?" Kal sounding kind of hurt asserted. "Remember I was here too!" And their Me smiling lefted Terry fast (he missed her immediately) and gave a big bear hug to the feeling lefted out Kal, then Michonne in return got an even bigger one from the lovable big teddy bear himself. And off in the short distance stood a totally against his nature somewhat envious Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV looking on desiring one of those treats too! Even the boys had gotten one.
And with all that squeezing going on Terry noticed something about Michonne and just had to make a comment out of curiosity.
"Ahh...Me...boots? Thought you had a broken big toe?"
"Oh, it still is," she respond back evenly against Kal's firm but very comfortable chest. "Perception-got important visitors coming later on." Which both men already knew about.
And with their love fest done and over for now the close three head straight towards the living room, and as they did both officers could do nothing but smile, noticing their friend walk unusually slower with an obvious limp in her perfectly coordinated pair of Brain Atwood's dark brown suede thigh high boots. Obviously Terry and Kal knows a first impressions is always important no matter what! But they also knew that there was a whole lot of a fashionistia's pride going on with their Michonne too, because the girl loves looking decisively good! At least the boots were low and not those high heel ones that she usually wears with that outfit.
Then there was something else which caught the men's attention that was both noticeable and quite telling. It was the way in which Sheriff Grimes was looking at Michonne while trying real hard to get control of at least two emotions; one seeming to be jealousy, because they both knew that look well. Mike had been right, the man does have feelings for their Me, and that was to poor Terry's disappointment in spite of what he'd said in the elevator, and what he and Michonne had agreeded upon. And then there was the other obvious sentiment...uncomfortableness, because there was the glaring evidence of that see an opportunity, never miss, nor waste one Lance Amondè. He's strucked once again, and has made Sheriff Grimes his next target/model with the man's body language exposing his weakened will which both officers could relate to... Terry, Kal, and the whole Duke University Football Squad's been there, and had done that when the latter was team captain. Even some of the coaching staff were all done in by that engaging smile of Michonne's and Lance's artful craftiness towards getting exactly what he wanted.
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Shane and Lori in his brand new black Ford Mustang pulled up ever so slowly and stopped in front of the address given to them by the director that left both speechless because it along with the building as well was impressive. There were two doormen, and at least one valet who politely parked the couple's car as they walked up to the glass entrance and were greeted with a tip of the hat, a "Good afternoon madam and sir," and the opening of the door as they walked through into a magnificent lobby where a no nonsense looking Mellissa Anderson Ross was waiting. And when after all of the introductions and handshakes were over with all three got on an elevator and rode straight up to the 30th floor with the only thing being heard through the deafening silence of the ride was the swish of the elevator getting closer to it's destination while each of its occupants minds were stayed on a different thought.
Lori who's been so worried was finally after four day going to see her Carl which was great and true in itself, but her possibly seeing and speaking to Rick was even more paramount because she needed to get him to understand that she was really sorry, and had been trying to get ahold of him so that they could talk, but he wouldn't pick up or even return her calls to do that! And Shane deep in his own thoughts comfortably reared back against the wall of the elevator smiled thinking, Whoa Bud, you really did luck out this time didn't ya, and Lori's been so worried for the boy! I bet you're more spoiled now than ever before, and not to mention you probably got a foster mom that's quite the babe too!
And Director Mellissa Anderson Ross just stood there observing, especially the distance that was between the mom and her companion, because in order for her to do her job well, and that which was right was going to have to take everything that happens today into account, because there's a child involved no matter what Hayden or William Harrison wants. Beside what kind of parent waits hours before reporting a seven year old missing in a strange city all alone!
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Carl having gotten his backpack back grinned from ear to ear and so did everyone else standing around Michonne's overjoyed boy. And all certainly rejoiced the same as the child did when he meticulously going though his snatched belongings found everything still there-including the bus schedules, his bag of coins for bus fare, and the phone that his dad had given him which unbeknownst to Carl only happened due to some swift intervention the very same day. And that was made possible by three Good Samaritans who saw the robbery and bravely ran after the two boys, caught up with them, and held the rougish thieves (who's now copped to, and pled guilty) until the police showed up. And even though the boy at that moment hadn't a clue of how it all came about wanted to some how show just how glad and grateful he was to Terry and Kal for bringing him his stuff back. So a very smart intuitive Carl walked up to both officers and held out his tiny hand along with a toothy grim for a shake which both men did gladly with some very wide grins of their own to match, but that all was cut short by the doorbell.
It was showtime with a very anxious Lori waiting impatiently out in the hall; her baby and possibly her Rick were all on the other side.
Terry quickly in his official mode voluntarily set out for the front door without being asked, while Kal on the other hand heads to Michonne's dining room for some privacy in order to check on his pregnant wife before things got started as all of Michonne's boys including the puppies gravitated close around the young lawyer at the hearing of the bell ringing, and with a tenseness radiating from both father and son pulled her boy in closer then reminded him of the promise she'd made last night still held true today-she no matter what was going to fight for him with everything in her and intends to win. And Carl believing relaxed, and then his friend without ever even missing a beat reached down and took a firm hold of the boy's dad's hand. And with the man looking at her exposing his fear Michonne lovingly squeezed his hand a little tighter but careful of his injury smiled then said, "It's all going to work itself out Sheriff Grimes, remember, I'm here for you too! Ready?
And Carl's dad relaxing nodded his head too, believing the young woman's assurance same as his boy; he also took a great deal of pleasure in her holding his hand which the law man had no intention of letting go of anytime soon. And that is exactly what a shocked Lori, smirking Shane, not surprised at all, but hurt for her brother Mellissa Anderson Ross, and a very stoic Officer Terry Anderson witnessed as all four entered the room. And at the hearing of him clearing his throat both Michonne and the Sheriff sedatedly looked over at the quartet unapologetically for two different unapologetic reasons-for Michonne it was straightforward and absolute, the man like his son needed reassuring-hers and then thought, On well, there goes that perception and first impression thingy, while an almost bellicose, but not quite there yet Rick Grimes just didn't give a fig...plain and simple; Carl needs the young woman near and so does he! Her touch at the moment is important and what he wants, leaving Sheriff Grimes to care in the least who likes it or not! Especially if it's an ex wife who in spite of the plain obvious was really trying hard to make sense of what she'd just walked in on.
Mere seconds ago before Lori's perplexion...
Terry walking up to the door answered it knowing full well who was on the other side, and that was going to be no other than his big sister Mel. His chief had called earlier to inform them that she'd called him personally asking if he'd send over a black and white to Michonne's as a precaution during an in home visit there, and since he and Kal had business here already then they were it. Surprised, Mel walking in first gave her baby brother a tight loving hug, then was followed by the tightly wound Lori pass ready to see Carl and Rick while a very curious Shane noticed the view and everything else from where they were all standing. "Wow, he thought that Lori's family lives good, but nothing like this. And there was no stuffiness about this to boot! Yep, his buddy Carl was definitely spoiled rotten now!"
And as all four walked into Michonne's living room all came to a sudden halt when all four people's eyes came to rest on the oblivious which was Michonne and Rick holding hands as the couple looked back at each with a contented Carl, Cody, and pups standing close by.