p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongXY/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Girl, why is it so dark in here?" Sasha jingled her keys in the door while I sat on the couch. My mind mulling over today's events. I told him. I was finally able to tell him. Initially, I expected something more negative. He just seemed confused. I expected him to stop pursuing me once he knew I was pregnant but what I got was the exact opposite./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I heard the ruffle of grocery bags in the kitchen before Sasha flipped on a light switch. "I told Rick," I said. The sound of plastic ceased./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And what did he say?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Said he wanted to be with me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Let me get this straight. Three or four months ago you were gushing over this man, you then slept with him. Found out you were pregnant with his child. Now, that same man tells you he wants to be a father to his child as well as your man and your reaction is moping on the couch in the dark."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sasha, just sleeping with someone is not the same as being with him."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I get that but that isn't the real reason your brooding isn't it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It is. Believe me, Sasha, I want to be with him. I do. It's just- as we were having dinner earlier and I told him about the pregnancy I started to think about the future. I started to think about this child I'm carrying. What if we get together and in the end, it doesn't work out? I don't want to put this child through all that stress."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, you're more pessimistic than I am these days, but I'll blame that on your hormones. You're making a simple decision so complicated." Sasha continued unpacking the food./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The minute I got through that door the first thing I did was kick my shoes off. I didn't peel the layer of clothes off, I didn't bother going in the room for a hot shower, I just sat here on this couch. Being indecisive was a trait that seemed to materialize with my pregnancy. I hated the fact that I was second-guessing everything./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Slipping off the couch I went into the kitchen and began helping Sasha with the groceries. "So what did you say to him?" Sasha inquired./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He asked if I needed time to think about it. I just said yes. It's funny because I was the one asking if he needed time."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, you know you're going to be seeing him every day for the rest of your life right? And that has nothing to do with you two working together." I knew all too well what she meant./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sighing I said, "I know Sasha. If you think I'm avoiding him. I'm not."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You aren't? Wow, that surprises me." She said dryly. "Whatever it is. You better get it together. If your skepticism holds true, you know I've got your back." I was afraid that maybe this time I was wrong. I didn't understand the whirlwind that was my mind. One minute I was so sure, so sure that I wanted him then I'd find myself pausing on what if's./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Crumpling a few white bags, I stored them in the cabinet. "I know Sasha. My next doctor's appointment is next week."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I thought that was monthly? We were just there last week."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That was two weeks ago, Sasha. I needed to confirm how far along I am." Sasha closed the fridge after stuffing a pack of bacon in the freezer./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So you're taking Rick to see little bean right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that what we're calling my baby now? And I haven't thought about it but it would be the best thing to do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Its little bean until we know the gender, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine, you already know how I feel about the gender. Did you get any caramel crackers?" I dug through the cupboards. Sasha paused giving me a strange look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You mean Carmel crunch?" I nodded. "I never bought that before. I see your cravings are kicking in." She snickered at my expense. My head fell into my hands. Before I headed to bed I read the email Shane sent me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept staring at the unanswered texts Rick sent to my phone. It was a week. I haven't spoken a word to him since he dropped me at my apartment. I felt guilty but I was buried in a sea of work curtsey of Shane Walsch. His email told me the case was big. Something very high profile. It was hard to tell what it was when he blacked out half the documents he sent to me. It was up to me to put the pieces of the puzzle together. It's been a week and I was still working on it. I didn't even know the names of the suspects./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Grabbing the box of caramel crunch I ate another handful before Glenn came tumbling in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne you're never going to believe what just happened." He said excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do you have another long break?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He shook his head. "Guess again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick gave you something to do that's not filing paper?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Warmer."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Did you get him coffee?" Although that was hard to imagine. Rick kept his coffee cup full. My guess is to pass my office and I looked every time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No, he gave me one of his cases. It's not as big as yours but it's still big." I frowned./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He actually gave you a case. You're doing a case by yourself?" Glenn nodded./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He gave me this file before he left. My guess is he already started working on it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm shocked. Three weeks and you already have your own case. Did he mention anything about the bar?" I winced feeling a burning sensation erupt in my chest./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I asked but he said by the time I'm done with this case I should be a lawyer. This is crazy. Remember that time I said I wish you had Rick instead?" In willingly, I nodded. "Well, I take that back."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rubbing my chest I tried to soothe the heartburn. "You know when my wife was pregnant she always carried a pack of gum. I think that helped with the heartburn." Glenn supplied. Yet another person knew. It couldn't be helped./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How long did you know?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""After the first few times, you ran to the bathroom I kind of put two and two together. And I saw your on my wife's roster at the clinic. I'm sorry if that was invasive. I didn't have anything else to do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's okay, everything is just so random with this pregnancy. One second I'm fine and the next I'm in a daze."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""When Maggie was in the middle stages it was easier, at the beginning we argued over everything." He smiled at the thought of his wife. Glenn was such a sweetheart./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It was nothing you couldn't handle because you're still together." He nodded. "Can I ask you something?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Glenn rests a file on my desks and gave me his full attention. "Sure, what's wrong?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's nothing, I just need your opinion on something. A male's perspective if you will."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, okay, I'm all ears."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So there's this man-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Wait, I've never done the boy talk before, this is cool. Go on."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right, like I said there is this man, I'm very much interested in. But I'm second-guessing everything. It's strange because I was so sure I knew what I wanted."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This guy, is he the father of your child? I mean if you don't mind me asking, that might be a little inappropriate-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's okay Glenn," I reassured him. "Yes, he is. And he knows."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So what do you need my perspective on?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Say you were in his position, would you at some point leave if the relationship wasn't working. I mean what if he eventually starts to think that this isn't his child right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Personally, if I was perusing you and you were carrying my child I wouldn't leave. Did you cheat on him or something? Never mind, sorry I asked that. What I would do is stay even if you were carrying some else's child. I probably would've been angry. I don't know the guy so it's hard to say. Everyone is different. Did that help?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A bit, thanks, Glenn."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know if you need anything else I'll have Maggie give you our number. She knows more than me about these things." He smiled at me. "I've got a lot of work on my hands so I'll see you around."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"As soon as Glenn left Shane poked his head in. "Mr. Walsch." I acknowledged./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, how is this case going on your end?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's difficult putting the pieces together when you inked everything important out. But I'll get there eventually." He licked his lips and sat on the edge of my desk. "There's a chair right there."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you and the Asian guy a thing? I couldn't help but notice that he's in here every time I blink."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not sure what this has to do with the case." I wanted him off this desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know he's married right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsch. What you're suggesting is highly inappropriate."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, you mean like you and Rick?" I froze clenching my teeth. He smiled after noticing my reaction. "I know about you two. I respect Rick; we've been friends for a long time, Michonne. And for that, I'll stop bothering you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're not doing a good job at that now are you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's because you aren't together." His words were so cocksure./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How exactly would you know that?" Shane looked at me and pointed to the window in his office./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Because that guy is still dropping you to work. Rick wouldn't let that happen because I wouldn't let that happen."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do we have to make this a monthly thing? Me telling you off for hitting on me. Or would you mind me seeing my supervisor." He winced but I can tell it was all an act./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I admire you Michonne, I do, which is why I'm taking you off this case. You can still help, that's why I blacked all the important stuff out."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You already told me I had a part in this. What changed that?" Deep down I was fuming. I wanted to tell him something, something disrespectful./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It was Rick's call. I told him you would never need to work a day in your life if your name was on this case. I don't think he believes you can play a crucial part in this case Michonne." Rick? Rick would say that? It was hard trying to tell if he was being honest. My gut instinct told me not to trust a large portion of the words that left his mouth./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick doesn't have a say in my career. I want to be a part of this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane slipped off my desk smiling. "Good, then you're fine working with Gregory at some point? In a few months, I need to take a trip. All for the purpose of the case, this is going to be a long trial Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The same way he popped in he slipped out./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Michonne?" Sasha said. I was in a particularly foul mood today. That was mainly due to Sasha squealing in my ear because Rick was squealing in hers./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What is it again?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't tell him where you were. He's still texting me, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I already told you why I wasn't talking to him."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe he has a reason he doesn't want you on this case with Shane. Jesus you two aren't even together and you both are dramatic as hell." She muttered. "Did you even tell him where you went on your lunch break? Why you dragged me with you instead of him?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You were the one that said you'd be here for me no matter what."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Really, Michonne? It's a good thing I texted his ass this address." The woman across from us in the lobby stared at me when I gave Sasha dirty look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You did not. I was going to tell him. It just slipped my mind." I spent the entire weekend trying to figure out what this case was about. After a few hours, I stumbled onto a breakthrough. Thinking back to it, I didn't understand how I missed such small details. This was about those two football players. The media made sure to keep the public informed and somehow I missed it all. Yet, Shane and Gregory got the case. I was also going to be a part of that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right, I'm sure he'll be pissed enough for the both of you when he gets here. If those voice notes weren't an indication."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's not right Sasha."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What are you so afraid of Michonne?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can we talk about this later?" I chance a look at the same lady from earlier. Her green beady eyes were staring straight at me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sasha looked up when a buzz sounded in the room. "Right, I guess I'll take my leave now. Send me some pictures of bean for Facebook alright?" She said getting up the minute Rick stepped through the door. I watched Sasha scowl at Rick before muttering something I couldn't catch./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne," Rick said taking Sasha's vacant seat. Not even two seconds of being near him and he was already overwhelming me. "You look cozy." I pulled my sweater tighter around my body. It was colder than I remembered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do you want me to apologize? I'm sorry for not telling you about this." I said not waiting for him to answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick folds his arms across his chest and I never recalled seeing him shirtless. I shook the thought and the image out my head. "I'm angrier about you blowing me off Michonne. I don't think Sasha appreciates my constant phone calls since you weren't answering yours." I really didn't want to have this kind of conversation in public./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is everything okay? With the baby?" He asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's just a checkup. I'm actually glad you're here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You are?" I nodded. Yes. I was glad the father of my child would finally be able to experience what me and Sasha went through the last time we were here./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne Johnson." A familiar voice called out. She held the notepad away from her face, her glasses still parked at the end of her nose. I rose to my feet and gave Rick a look over my shoulder./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm allowed to go with you?" He asked looking hesitant./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah." He really had no idea how to go about this. This whole thing must be a bit nerve-wracking for him. Assuming he was anything like me in the aspect. I lead him down the hall to Maggie's office. Stopping at the door, my knuckles rapped against the door. Rick's heat was close behind me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Coming." Maggie pulled the door open with a big smile on her face. "Michonne there you are. How are you doing?" She ushered me inside toward the bed. I took a glimpse at Rick; he was just looking around the room, taking everything in. I settle on the hard material placing my bag on the floor beside my feet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm doing fine." Maggie grabbed a file and a pen./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's wonderful Michonne. Now we just have a few things to discuss before we jump into the ultrasound." She smiled then turned to Rick. "Oh, I'm so sorry. You must be?" She turned toward Rick as if just noticing him standing beside me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm Rick, Rick Grimes." He held his hand out and Maggie took it. She gave it a firm shake before dropping it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your name sounds familiar. I'm not sure where I heard it exactly." She wondered before waving it off. "You must be the father?" She guessed correctly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I am."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Great. Now Michonne I'm just going to ask you a few questions is that okay?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now have had any changes in your routine? Changes in your sleep pattern, eating habits, any mood swings?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do have cravings as well as some mild heartburn. Although that doesn't happen too often." She wrote everything I said down./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Anything else that never happened before your pregnancy."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do have trouble remembering things, but I just thought that what caused by stress."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well, some pregnant women have the same problem. It's not present for the last trimester but it's always in the early stages. Maybe yours will go as fast as it came." She rests the notepad on her desk and grabs two disposable gloves. Maggie turned to Rick. "So is this your first child?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick shifted on his feet and looked down at me, he was nervous. "It is but I did some reading."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You did?" I blurted. Rick stuffed his hand into his pocket looking slightly flustered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have, I just figured it's better to know something."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie hummed. "Not bad. But nothing prepares you for what happens. Speaking from experience when my husband and I found out we were having a child he went out and read everything he could get his hands on. When I went into labor he was the only one panicking having no idea what to do." I chuckled because it sounds so much like Glenn./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie started the machine up. "Same as last time?" She asked me. Nodding in response I laid back on the bed, turning my head to Rick. I took a few breaths. I don't know what it was but everything about seeing my child again, our child, made everything emotional./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick was biting his lip, scrutinizing Maggie's every move. I raised my shirt when she squeezed out some gel on her gloved hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that safe?" Rick quizzed her, gesturing to the clear substance./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Very safe Rick. I'm just going to rub this on her stomach to get a good look at your baby. I thought your books would tell you that?" She teased./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I only read one of them so far." He admitted./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now, Michonne, expect some coldness." She said before spreading it over my stomach. I flinched when the chilly gel touched the skin of my stomach. Maggie pressed the transducer against my stomach. I turned my head to look at the small screen./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I can safely say you are about 14 weeks into your pregnancy." My eyes met Rick's blue ones. Shifting closer to me he took my hand in his. "Now if you look at this screen, we can see your little baby growing quite nicely." She points to a few gray areas I couldn't make out. But I did see the head. "Those are the feet and there are your arms." Rick's thumb kept a slow pace on my hand. He was in a daze./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now we'll just switch over to a more realistic view. Do you want to know the gender yet? Or do you still want to wait?" Was I ready for that? Was Rick ready for that yet?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick didn't say anything during the exchange. He just kept his eyes glued to the screen much like me when I first saw it. It was all too fascinating. Just the fact that we were able to make something so beautiful made me smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ah, there's the sound we all love to hear." A strong thump filled the room./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick released my hand to cover his mouth. "Rick?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm going to be a father." He said in awe./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie smiled. "You both are. You're going to be amazing parents." She stated./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He turned to me and his smile pulled at my heart. "I'm never leaving you two, Michonne." He picked my hand back up. "Never." There was promise behind his words. I didn't need my hormonal mind-muddling and second-guessing his words./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright if you look there you can see the nose." Rick brushed a few stray tears away. I didn't even know when I started crying. "Like last time I recorded and took a few shots for you to carry. Our next appointment will be next month. Now I can tell you the gender if you want."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I want that," Rick said. "I mean if that's something you'd want, Michonne?" I looked at the monitor. Taking in every movement our child made./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do." Rick squeezed my hand. Wiping the gel from my stomach Maggie cleared the area and showed us a few screenshots on the monitor. I pulled my shirt down and Rick was eager to help me sit up./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright, this little area here," she pointed at the monitor. "Tells me the gender of the baby." I can tell she was prolonging the reveal./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Congratulations! It's a boy!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Girl, why is it so dark in here?" Sasha jingled her keys in the door while I sat on the couch. My mind mulling over today's events. I told him. I was finally able to tell him. Initially, I expected something more negative. He just seemed confused. I expected him to stop pursuing me once he knew I was pregnant but what I got was the exact opposite./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I heard the ruffle of grocery bags in the kitchen before Sasha flipped on a light switch. "I told Rick," I said. The sound of plastic ceased./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And what did he say?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Said he wanted to be with me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Let me get this straight. Three or four months ago you were gushing over this man, you then slept with him. Found out you were pregnant with his child. Now, that same man tells you he wants to be a father to his child as well as your man and your reaction is moping on the couch in the dark."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sasha, just sleeping with someone is not the same as being with him."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I get that but that isn't the real reason your brooding isn't it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It is. Believe me, Sasha, I want to be with him. I do. It's just- as we were having dinner earlier and I told him about the pregnancy I started to think about the future. I started to think about this child I'm carrying. What if we get together and in the end, it doesn't work out? I don't want to put this child through all that stress."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, you're more pessimistic than I am these days, but I'll blame that on your hormones. You're making a simple decision so complicated." Sasha continued unpacking the food./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The minute I got through that door the first thing I did was kick my shoes off. I didn't peel the layer of clothes off, I didn't bother going in the room for a hot shower, I just sat here on this couch. Being indecisive was a trait that seemed to materialize with my pregnancy. I hated the fact that I was second-guessing everything./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Slipping off the couch I went into the kitchen and began helping Sasha with the groceries. "So what did you say to him?" Sasha inquired./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He asked if I needed time to think about it. I just said yes. It's funny because I was the one asking if he needed time."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, you know you're going to be seeing him every day for the rest of your life right? And that has nothing to do with you two working together." I knew all too well what she meant./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sighing I said, "I know Sasha. If you think I'm avoiding him. I'm not."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You aren't? Wow, that surprises me." She said dryly. "Whatever it is. You better get it together. If your skepticism holds true, you know I've got your back." I was afraid that maybe this time I was wrong. I didn't understand the whirlwind that was my mind. One minute I was so sure, so sure that I wanted him then I'd find myself pausing on what if's./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Crumpling a few white bags, I stored them in the cabinet. "I know Sasha. My next doctor's appointment is next week."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I thought that was monthly? We were just there last week."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That was two weeks ago, Sasha. I needed to confirm how far along I am." Sasha closed the fridge after stuffing a pack of bacon in the freezer./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So you're taking Rick to see little bean right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that what we're calling my baby now? And I haven't thought about it but it would be the best thing to do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Its little bean until we know the gender, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine, you already know how I feel about the gender. Did you get any caramel crackers?" I dug through the cupboards. Sasha paused giving me a strange look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You mean Carmel crunch?" I nodded. "I never bought that before. I see your cravings are kicking in." She snickered at my expense. My head fell into my hands. Before I headed to bed I read the email Shane sent me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept staring at the unanswered texts Rick sent to my phone. It was a week. I haven't spoken a word to him since he dropped me at my apartment. I felt guilty but I was buried in a sea of work curtsey of Shane Walsch. His email told me the case was big. Something very high profile. It was hard to tell what it was when he blacked out half the documents he sent to me. It was up to me to put the pieces of the puzzle together. It's been a week and I was still working on it. I didn't even know the names of the suspects./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Grabbing the box of caramel crunch I ate another handful before Glenn came tumbling in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne you're never going to believe what just happened." He said excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do you have another long break?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He shook his head. "Guess again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick gave you something to do that's not filing paper?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Warmer."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Did you get him coffee?" Although that was hard to imagine. Rick kept his coffee cup full. My guess is to pass my office and I looked every time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No, he gave me one of his cases. It's not as big as yours but it's still big." I frowned./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He actually gave you a case. You're doing a case by yourself?" Glenn nodded./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He gave me this file before he left. My guess is he already started working on it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm shocked. Three weeks and you already have your own case. Did he mention anything about the bar?" I winced feeling a burning sensation erupt in my chest./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I asked but he said by the time I'm done with this case I should be a lawyer. This is crazy. Remember that time I said I wish you had Rick instead?" In willingly, I nodded. "Well, I take that back."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rubbing my chest I tried to soothe the heartburn. "You know when my wife was pregnant she always carried a pack of gum. I think that helped with the heartburn." Glenn supplied. Yet another person knew. It couldn't be helped./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How long did you know?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""After the first few times, you ran to the bathroom I kind of put two and two together. And I saw your on my wife's roster at the clinic. I'm sorry if that was invasive. I didn't have anything else to do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's okay, everything is just so random with this pregnancy. One second I'm fine and the next I'm in a daze."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""When Maggie was in the middle stages it was easier, at the beginning we argued over everything." He smiled at the thought of his wife. Glenn was such a sweetheart./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It was nothing you couldn't handle because you're still together." He nodded. "Can I ask you something?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Glenn rests a file on my desks and gave me his full attention. "Sure, what's wrong?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's nothing, I just need your opinion on something. A male's perspective if you will."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, okay, I'm all ears."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So there's this man-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Wait, I've never done the boy talk before, this is cool. Go on."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right, like I said there is this man, I'm very much interested in. But I'm second-guessing everything. It's strange because I was so sure I knew what I wanted."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This guy, is he the father of your child? I mean if you don't mind me asking, that might be a little inappropriate-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's okay Glenn," I reassured him. "Yes, he is. And he knows."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So what do you need my perspective on?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Say you were in his position, would you at some point leave if the relationship wasn't working. I mean what if he eventually starts to think that this isn't his child right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Personally, if I was perusing you and you were carrying my child I wouldn't leave. Did you cheat on him or something? Never mind, sorry I asked that. What I would do is stay even if you were carrying some else's child. I probably would've been angry. I don't know the guy so it's hard to say. Everyone is different. Did that help?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A bit, thanks, Glenn."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know if you need anything else I'll have Maggie give you our number. She knows more than me about these things." He smiled at me. "I've got a lot of work on my hands so I'll see you around."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"As soon as Glenn left Shane poked his head in. "Mr. Walsch." I acknowledged./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, how is this case going on your end?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's difficult putting the pieces together when you inked everything important out. But I'll get there eventually." He licked his lips and sat on the edge of my desk. "There's a chair right there."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you and the Asian guy a thing? I couldn't help but notice that he's in here every time I blink."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not sure what this has to do with the case." I wanted him off this desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know he's married right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsch. What you're suggesting is highly inappropriate."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, you mean like you and Rick?" I froze clenching my teeth. He smiled after noticing my reaction. "I know about you two. I respect Rick; we've been friends for a long time, Michonne. And for that, I'll stop bothering you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're not doing a good job at that now are you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's because you aren't together." His words were so cocksure./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How exactly would you know that?" Shane looked at me and pointed to the window in his office./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Because that guy is still dropping you to work. Rick wouldn't let that happen because I wouldn't let that happen."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do we have to make this a monthly thing? Me telling you off for hitting on me. Or would you mind me seeing my supervisor." He winced but I can tell it was all an act./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I admire you Michonne, I do, which is why I'm taking you off this case. You can still help, that's why I blacked all the important stuff out."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You already told me I had a part in this. What changed that?" Deep down I was fuming. I wanted to tell him something, something disrespectful./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It was Rick's call. I told him you would never need to work a day in your life if your name was on this case. I don't think he believes you can play a crucial part in this case Michonne." Rick? Rick would say that? It was hard trying to tell if he was being honest. My gut instinct told me not to trust a large portion of the words that left his mouth./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick doesn't have a say in my career. I want to be a part of this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane slipped off my desk smiling. "Good, then you're fine working with Gregory at some point? In a few months, I need to take a trip. All for the purpose of the case, this is going to be a long trial Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The same way he popped in he slipped out./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Michonne?" Sasha said. I was in a particularly foul mood today. That was mainly due to Sasha squealing in my ear because Rick was squealing in hers./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What is it again?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't tell him where you were. He's still texting me, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I already told you why I wasn't talking to him."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe he has a reason he doesn't want you on this case with Shane. Jesus you two aren't even together and you both are dramatic as hell." She muttered. "Did you even tell him where you went on your lunch break? Why you dragged me with you instead of him?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You were the one that said you'd be here for me no matter what."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Really, Michonne? It's a good thing I texted his ass this address." The woman across from us in the lobby stared at me when I gave Sasha dirty look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You did not. I was going to tell him. It just slipped my mind." I spent the entire weekend trying to figure out what this case was about. After a few hours, I stumbled onto a breakthrough. Thinking back to it, I didn't understand how I missed such small details. This was about those two football players. The media made sure to keep the public informed and somehow I missed it all. Yet, Shane and Gregory got the case. I was also going to be a part of that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right, I'm sure he'll be pissed enough for the both of you when he gets here. If those voice notes weren't an indication."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's not right Sasha."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What are you so afraid of Michonne?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can we talk about this later?" I chance a look at the same lady from earlier. Her green beady eyes were staring straight at me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sasha looked up when a buzz sounded in the room. "Right, I guess I'll take my leave now. Send me some pictures of bean for Facebook alright?" She said getting up the minute Rick stepped through the door. I watched Sasha scowl at Rick before muttering something I couldn't catch./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne," Rick said taking Sasha's vacant seat. Not even two seconds of being near him and he was already overwhelming me. "You look cozy." I pulled my sweater tighter around my body. It was colder than I remembered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do you want me to apologize? I'm sorry for not telling you about this." I said not waiting for him to answer./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick folds his arms across his chest and I never recalled seeing him shirtless. I shook the thought and the image out my head. "I'm angrier about you blowing me off Michonne. I don't think Sasha appreciates my constant phone calls since you weren't answering yours." I really didn't want to have this kind of conversation in public./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is everything okay? With the baby?" He asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's just a checkup. I'm actually glad you're here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You are?" I nodded. Yes. I was glad the father of my child would finally be able to experience what me and Sasha went through the last time we were here./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne Johnson." A familiar voice called out. She held the notepad away from her face, her glasses still parked at the end of her nose. I rose to my feet and gave Rick a look over my shoulder./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm allowed to go with you?" He asked looking hesitant./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah." He really had no idea how to go about this. This whole thing must be a bit nerve-wracking for him. Assuming he was anything like me in the aspect. I lead him down the hall to Maggie's office. Stopping at the door, my knuckles rapped against the door. Rick's heat was close behind me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Coming." Maggie pulled the door open with a big smile on her face. "Michonne there you are. How are you doing?" She ushered me inside toward the bed. I took a glimpse at Rick; he was just looking around the room, taking everything in. I settle on the hard material placing my bag on the floor beside my feet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm doing fine." Maggie grabbed a file and a pen./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's wonderful Michonne. Now we just have a few things to discuss before we jump into the ultrasound." She smiled then turned to Rick. "Oh, I'm so sorry. You must be?" She turned toward Rick as if just noticing him standing beside me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm Rick, Rick Grimes." He held his hand out and Maggie took it. She gave it a firm shake before dropping it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your name sounds familiar. I'm not sure where I heard it exactly." She wondered before waving it off. "You must be the father?" She guessed correctly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I am."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Great. Now Michonne I'm just going to ask you a few questions is that okay?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now have had any changes in your routine? Changes in your sleep pattern, eating habits, any mood swings?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do have cravings as well as some mild heartburn. Although that doesn't happen too often." She wrote everything I said down./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Anything else that never happened before your pregnancy."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do have trouble remembering things, but I just thought that what caused by stress."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well, some pregnant women have the same problem. It's not present for the last trimester but it's always in the early stages. Maybe yours will go as fast as it came." She rests the notepad on her desk and grabs two disposable gloves. Maggie turned to Rick. "So is this your first child?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick shifted on his feet and looked down at me, he was nervous. "It is but I did some reading."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You did?" I blurted. Rick stuffed his hand into his pocket looking slightly flustered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have, I just figured it's better to know something."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie hummed. "Not bad. But nothing prepares you for what happens. Speaking from experience when my husband and I found out we were having a child he went out and read everything he could get his hands on. When I went into labor he was the only one panicking having no idea what to do." I chuckled because it sounds so much like Glenn./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie started the machine up. "Same as last time?" She asked me. Nodding in response I laid back on the bed, turning my head to Rick. I took a few breaths. I don't know what it was but everything about seeing my child again, our child, made everything emotional./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick was biting his lip, scrutinizing Maggie's every move. I raised my shirt when she squeezed out some gel on her gloved hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that safe?" Rick quizzed her, gesturing to the clear substance./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Very safe Rick. I'm just going to rub this on her stomach to get a good look at your baby. I thought your books would tell you that?" She teased./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I only read one of them so far." He admitted./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now, Michonne, expect some coldness." She said before spreading it over my stomach. I flinched when the chilly gel touched the skin of my stomach. Maggie pressed the transducer against my stomach. I turned my head to look at the small screen./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I can safely say you are about 14 weeks into your pregnancy." My eyes met Rick's blue ones. Shifting closer to me he took my hand in his. "Now if you look at this screen, we can see your little baby growing quite nicely." She points to a few gray areas I couldn't make out. But I did see the head. "Those are the feet and there are your arms." Rick's thumb kept a slow pace on my hand. He was in a daze./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now we'll just switch over to a more realistic view. Do you want to know the gender yet? Or do you still want to wait?" Was I ready for that? Was Rick ready for that yet?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick didn't say anything during the exchange. He just kept his eyes glued to the screen much like me when I first saw it. It was all too fascinating. Just the fact that we were able to make something so beautiful made me smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ah, there's the sound we all love to hear." A strong thump filled the room./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick released my hand to cover his mouth. "Rick?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm going to be a father." He said in awe./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maggie smiled. "You both are. You're going to be amazing parents." She stated./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He turned to me and his smile pulled at my heart. "I'm never leaving you two, Michonne." He picked my hand back up. "Never." There was promise behind his words. I didn't need my hormonal mind-muddling and second-guessing his words./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright if you look there you can see the nose." Rick brushed a few stray tears away. I didn't even know when I started crying. "Like last time I recorded and took a few shots for you to carry. Our next appointment will be next month. Now I can tell you the gender if you want."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I want that," Rick said. "I mean if that's something you'd want, Michonne?" I looked at the monitor. Taking in every movement our child made./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do." Rick squeezed my hand. Wiping the gel from my stomach Maggie cleared the area and showed us a few screenshots on the monitor. I pulled my shirt down and Rick was eager to help me sit up./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright, this little area here," she pointed at the monitor. "Tells me the gender of the baby." I can tell she was prolonging the reveal./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Congratulations! It's a boy!"/p