The New Girl

Tyrese gave me a calm reassuring look when my hand hesitated on the handle of the car door. I was jittery and excited to start my first day at work.

"You look good, Michonne. You shouldn't have anything to worry about." He says to me. I did look good. After scouring through shops I was able to find amazing finds on sales racks. It was never too early to manage my spending during this pregnancy.

My finger wrapped around the handle and pulled the door open. "Thank you, Tyrese. And thanks for getting me here. I really hope it's not too much on you."

He shrugged. "It's nothing; it's on my route to work. Have a good first-day Michonne." I smiled at his words. Tyrese may look intimidating, he was a big guy but he was nothing but a gigantic bear. After closing the door I took a deep breath. There was a slight chance I'd see Rick today. I wasn't so sure I could face him, knowing I was carrying his child.

My hand fell over the black material of my dress to my stomach. I really needed to stop doing that. I'm sure the act would raise so many red flags. Clutching my purse, I made my way to the revolving doors.

The man suited in a vest looked at me with a flat expression. I pulled out the ID the company issued me shortly after my interview. He gave me a curt nod, telling me to swipe it through the machine.

My red heels echoed across the vacant lobby as I made my way to Mrs. Peletier, the woman who interviewed me. To my knowledge, they were having a small orientation. As to how much people were going to be present was beyond me.

"Oh, Ms. Johnson, I'm glad you're here. You look lovely." I blushed at the compliment. I was actually starting to feel a little self-conscious. I couldn't let it bother me; I wasn't sure how much time I had left before I could wear dresses that clung to me in a subtle way.

"Good morning, Ms. Peletier I'm glad to be here." She smiled again then ushers me into a small room down the main corridor. I had to adjust to being in such a huge building. I could only pray that I didn't have to walk from one end to the next to do my job.

"Call me Carol, dear. You'll be seeing a lot of me whenever you have to vent about something." She paused before pushing the door open. "Michonne, this is Glenn Rhee, Glenn Rhee this is Michonne Johnson. Consider this a little orientation. Since both of you don't know anyone besides me I thought it would be good for you two to meet." I kept a smile on my face and shook Glenn's outstretched hand.

"Are we the only two interns?" I questioned. I knew it was difficult getting into this place but I didn't realize just how difficult it really was. Carol nodded.

"You two were the only ones suited for the job." I looked over at Glenn. He looked shocked. He had to be brilliant, I had a recommendation from a staff member on my side and I'm sure he just applied like everyone else. "There are cookies on the desk over there," She pointed to a small table that had a welcome sign; it was covered in gold glitter. "My daughter, Sophia helped out with this. I do hope you two enjoy it. I'll be back in an hour with your contracts." We had another set of contracts to sign?

When Carol left, I turned to Glenn who had a frown marring his lips. "So Mr. Rhee…"

"Call me Glenn. I have a feeling you're probably going to be the only person I'll actually talk to."

"Really, why do you say that?" Carol must've shared some information with him. I didn't know what went on behind these office doors, but whatever they did in the dark they really didn't want it to get out. The punishment for breaching the confidentiality contract was severe. We weren't allowed to discuss company business as long as we were under contract with anyone.

"Well, Carol, I mean she didn't say everyone was assholes, but she implied it. Heavily." Strangely, I trusted Carol's judgment. We took the conversation toward the pan of cookies on the desk.

"So what made you choose this career path?" He asked helping me dish up some of the decorated treats.

"When I was young, my mother always had it to 'Judge Mathis", as I got older you can imagine my obsession with the show 'law and order'. I suppose I always knew I wanted to become a lawyer. But being on the debate team in high school just made it concrete for me." I told him. "What about you?"

"I actually got hit off my scooter while I was making a pizza delivery." He saw my expression then said, "I took it to court, I didn't have anyone to represent me and they just killed me. I know it's bizarre seeing that I was the victim. The most I got out of it was two broken legs and five hundred bucks."

"That's terrible Glenn. But I can actually see why you wanted to do this. Not everyone represents the good guys." He nodded.

"More like too many good lawyers represent the bad guys. It wasn't all a big loss for me. That's actually how I met my wife, Maggie. She worked at a clinic; I went to her because I couldn't afford the hospital bills." I knew his last name sounded familiar, this was my doctor's husband. It was a small world.

"Oh, I know Maggie, she's a wonderful doctor." As I said those words he smiles proudly.

"I'd tell her I saw you but she takes her 'doctor-patient' confidentiality very seriously." We continued to make small talk until Carol came back. Glenn was a kind fellow; I wasn't so sure how he'd hold up in court. Maybe his persona changed into something more intimidating.

"So did you take the bar exam yet?" He asks, swallowing yet another cookie.

I shook my head. "I haven't fully prepared myself. I just graduated law school, for a few months I studied but most of the time my mind was elsewhere."

"I can understand that. The amount of time you spend studying for it is almost the same amount of time you'd wait for the results. I took the bar a month ago. I won't get the results for another month. You know while you're here I'm sure you can convince someone to help you study."

I already had someone in mind for that but I didn't know how that would play out. "Didn't you say Carol implied these people were 'very unreasonable'? He winced.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Well, you both seem to be making progress." Carol strolled in with two thick black folders. She handed one to me then Glenn. "So I don't need to tell you both to read through it very carefully. When you're done just sign it and hand it back me. If you have any questions or concerns, highlight the parts that concern you and I'll try my best to assist you. I myself am not a lawyer but I know a few of the terms used. However, if I can't I'll direct you to someone who can." She gave us two yellow highlighters along with a spare sheet of paper. "You are both brilliant so I'm sure you don't need me."

For the next hour, we sat in reading through our contract. Most of it was about confidentiality between client and lawyer, client and firm, lawyer and case files. We weren't permitted to take documents outside the office unless instructed to. Actually, we weren't allowed to do anything unless instructed to do so. I had a feeling this contract was written specifically for interns. It was nothing I wasn't expecting.

The highlighter rolled around between my fingers. I was about two pages from being done with the contract before I realized it mentioned nothing about the event of a pregnancy. Carol was sitting in the corner reading 'Times' magazine. Getting up I walked over to her.

"Carol?" She looked up from the pages. "I was hoping you could cover something for me. It's a bit personal." I took a glance at Glenn who was immersed in the words of the contract. She must've had to sign a contract of her own. She also had a child who I assumed was young, because what teenage used glitter.

"Of course, Michonne. What do you need to know?" Unconsciously, my hand moved to my stomach.

"I was wondering, what's the procedure in the event of a pregnancy. I read the document and it didn't even broach the subject." Carol looked thoughtful.

"We did have an intern who was pregnant last year. But she was here for about a year when that happened." Well, that didn't sound promising.

"Was she fired?" I asked.

"Oh, no but she left without an explanation. She passed the bar and they wanted her to start work here immediately even after finding out she was with child. Don't worry Michonne. The only thing you have to worry about is your boss overworking you."

"My boss?" I was confused. I knew the contract said I'd be working beneath someone, but I wasn't aware that they'd have boss status.

"Consider it a figure of speech. But don't worry, I'm sending you to someone who'll go easy on you. He'll be a bit of a flirt if you don't mind that." It was nothing I couldn't handle. "We do have a new lawyer here, he's not here at the moment and I'm not exactly sure how much work he'd give you. So I'll just send Glenn to him instead. He'll have a lot of paperwork that needs to be done when he gets back."

Glenn brought the folder back with his signature scrawled on the last three pages. I needed this job. So I did the same.

Carol gave us two separate papers. "Glenn, I have you assigned to Mr. Grimes." My heart stopped beating in my chest. "He's not here but I think he'd appreciate it if you get started on the paperwork on his desk." My mind was lost after Mr. Grimes. I haven't allowed myself to think of Rick as anything but the father of my child. Haven't delved into our sexual history or what little of it we have. But actually knowing he was here, it made me think about us. In that way and of course, my body did what it did best when I always thought about Rick in the fourth row of his lectures.

"Michonne?" She repeated. I didn't hear her the first time.

"I'm sorry; can you repeat what you said?"

"No problem, I said you're with Mr. Shane Walsh. He's not busy this week so everything should be a smooth ride until next week." She said knowingly. Of course, I practically told her I was pregnant with my little questionnaire. "Just follow the directions on that sheet and you'll be able to find their office."

When we got out of the room the once empty corridor was now bustling with men and women with briefcases. They all walked straight past us as we made our way to the elevator. Glenn walked me to Mr. Walsh's office and I thanked him before knocking on the door. We were on the top floor. So I knew Mr. Walsh was a significant part of this company. I didn't need to look into his massive office that had a view to tell me.

After he opened the door he gave me a once over before his eyes actually met my face. "Well hello. Ms. Johnson, right? Carol just gave me a call, so I was expecting you. But what I had in mind was a little… different." He smiled and opened the door for me to come inside.

I sat down on the leather couch. This company really did spoil the 'big dogs'. "So you're the new girl or woman being the more appropriate word." He says pulling two glasses from a small cabinet. "You want a drink?" I shook my head in response.

"I don't drink alcohol, thank you but I'll have to decline." Besides being pregnant I didn't make a habit of drinking. I crossed my legs and his eyes were drawn to the movement. He put one glass back but poured himself a cup.

"I'm Shane by the way." He says taking a sip.

"I know that, Mr. Walsh."

"Then use it. I want you to be comfortable." The way his eyes stay glued to my legs didn't make me 'comfortable'. "Would I be overstepping if I asked you to lunch? I'd be wounded if you decline but I think I'll understand." Without the hair on his chin, he was handsome but I wasn't feeling him. It had nothing to do with Rick Grimes.

"My boyfriend wouldn't exactly like that," I told him. Hopefully, that would shut down any future advances. I didn't have one but what choice did I have? His brows shot up, he looked disappointed by that false revelation.

"He's the one that drops you I take it?"

"How do you know I was dropped here?" He points to the window behind his desk.

"It's a very good view, Michonne." I sighed inwardly and nodded.

"I read in the contract that you'd let me review cases with you. I'd like for you to elaborate that please." It was crucial for me to get some experience. It would be a great benefit when I had to write essays for the bar exam.

He tipped more brown liquid into his mouth. "Oh that. I suppose you're allowed to help me with a few cases. It's nothing like the mock college cases they gave you. I read that you were an Ivy League graduate. You know it's an amazing feat to graduate top of your class, you didn't need a recommendation with this job." He said.

"How often do you get huge cases? Can you describe some of them?" If he was anyone else he'd probably send me for coffee.

"Since I'm a partner I'm liable to get more of the big cases. Drug dealers, killers you name it I defend it especially if it's a high profile case." He looked smug.

Shane wasn't nearly as bad as I thought he'd be. After a while I found myself relaxing. I didn't completely drop my guard because he still had that look in his eye. It was nice to see someone be so animated while talking about their job.

"So about the lunch…" He said again after catching the time. I gave him a look. "Just as a friend Michonne, I think I can manage to respect your decision."

"The answer isn't changing. Not now and not even later." He winced at my words.

"Okay, Michonne. You don't have much to do this week but next week, you have your work cut out for you."

Shane wasn't lying when he said I'd have my work cut out for me. The minute I entered the office I was busy with paperwork. I typed drafts, filed old cases. I did everything an assistant would do. And they did a lot. There was a knock on the door. I had a small office that was connected to Shane's. It was a far cry from what Shane had but I had to remember he was a 'big dog'.

Glenn poked his head in and I smiled at him. He had a breakfast tray in his hand. "You're very considerate Glenn, Thank you." He rests the tray on my desk.

"Mr. Grimes is back." My smile froze. He was actually here. I was nervous and I hid it from Glenn well. But he always had a skeptical look. "I asked him if he needed anything, he told me to go about my business. I haven't seen you eat breakfast so I thought I'd bring you some." He stuffed his hands into his pockets.

I took in the blueberry muffins and an energy bar. "You really didn't have to." I grabbed a muffin and downed it. If my face wasn't deep in work I was eating everything in sight. I couldn't decipher if it was caused by my constant worry of facing Rick or my pregnancy. The blueberry flavors filled my mouth. It was delicious and there were two of them.

"Did he tell you where he was?" I asked for me. I knew the lack of communication fell on both of us. I took full responsibility for not contacting him and a part of me wanted to know why he didn't call. He didn't even show up to the graduation ceremony.

"He didn't say anything about that. But I think he's friends with Shane."

"You're very observant."

"That's actually how I made it through law school. I started late but those instincts helped a lot." After eating the second blueberry my chest started to burn. I rubbed my chest a bit in an effort to ease the ache. "Are you okay, Michonne?"

I nodded. However, the once delicious muffin made the saliva in my mouth taste vile. I tried swallowing it down but it only made things worse. I needed the bathroom.

"Michonne?" I pushed my chair back and walked quickly to the bathroom. It wasn't too far from the printing room and I made it just in time. I pressed the back of my hand against my forehead. My morning sickness was getting worse as the days went by and I was counting down the time I had left in this phase.

I got out the stall and nearly ran into a tall lanky woman. She looked at me then to the bathroom stall. "Mints. You need them?" She asked. Her words sounded so dull, dry even. One person now knew I was throwing up those wonderful muffins. It was mortifying but I did need those mints.

"Names Jadis. Junior associate. Never seen you before." She stated after giving me the mints. Her speech was broken and it was hard to believe she worked here.

"I'm Michonne Johnson, I work here as an intern which is why you've never seen me." Jadis nodded. Her appearance was very questionable, from her speech to her haircut. Nothing with her sits right with me.

"Ginger. Helps with babies. Try it." She said before exiting the bathroom.

I splashed some cold water on my neck then used a napkin to dry it. I took in my appearance in the mirror. My cheeks were getting fuller. My dark brown complexion was glowing beneath the bathroom's light. And my dresses were getting tighter. There was nothing I could do about it. I smiled at the small swell in my stomach. "I really do hope you're a girl," I whispered. After a few minutes, I gathered my composure and made my way back to my small office.

The hair on my neck stood stiff and my body lit up before my brain even registered what was happening. I didn't even want to look. I didn't need to look to know he was real. But I did look and his gaze captured mine. There was a fierce spark behind it.

"Michonne…" He said after a long pause. His hands weren't even on me and my skin was on fire. Happy to recall the last time I was near him. Reminding me how he bent me over his desk. How he played my body. How he tasted. How we conceived a child. I stopped my hand from touch my stomach. It was a habit I needed to get rid of.

"Rick..." I hated how breathless my voice came out. He ran his tongue over his lips and smiled.

"You have my congratulations, I'm glad you're here." I wish I could've said the same thing. I was shaking. Beneath all the arousal I was terrified. I wanted to open my mouth and tell him about everything. But I couldn't.

It didn't have to happen today. I shouldn't spring this on him just like that. I felt his hand on my shoulder; it wasn't a touch the overstepped any lines. It was casual. Most of all it was confusing as hell. The way he was looking at me was completely different from the way he touched my shoulder. It was all professional.

I didn't know what to say to him. Anything could've happened during the last three months, he could've met another woman. Maybe they were getting serious. I didn't know but there was an ache in my heart. Sex between us should've just been that. Sex. Somewhere along the line, I had to acknowledge the possibility of my feelings getting involved. Of course, nothing was concrete unless I actually asked him.

"Thank you, I have to get back to work," I told him and his hand fell away.

"Alright, but you're doing okay right?" I nodded.

"I'm fine Rick. I hope you're doing well too."

"I'm okay. Maybe I'll check on you later today? I have to make a run." I nodded because I didn't want to say anything else.

He smiled at me before leaving.