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Chapter Four

Michonne couldn't believe her time in Palmer was almost over. One more day and she'd be back to civilization. Though her time there hadn't been bad, she had after all met Rick Grimes, found some nice items to take home and was pleasantly surprised by the great restaurants and fairly nice people, she was ready to get back to Atlanta, not just because Atlanta was home, but because she didn't know how much longer she could remain in Palmer and not be completely undone by Rick Grimes. Seeing him in the park had done something to her. She knew it was because he'd stated aloud what they both knew, what they'd both admitted, that something was happening between them. Though she took the opportunity when it presented itself to escape Rick's truthful deduction and her near feeble attempt to shut him down, she couldn't stop what she felt inside. She'd tried. Following her encounter with him, she'd spent the remainder of the day in her hotel room for fear of running into him again. She'd hung the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on her door, ordered in all of her meals and fought to distract herself. She'd read a few chapters of the book she'd bought in the gift shop, had talked to friends and of course Mike. She'd even done a little work. For a while, she'd been successful, busying herself enough where she didn't have room for thoughts of Rick, in particular when she was answering her work emails and updating project timelines. But then she had a lull, an intense rainstorm drew her to the window and away from her work. As a result, her mind drifted back to Rick, his smile, his persistence, his mind, the incredible way he made her feel. Considering how they'd left things, she was surprised and admittedly disappointed that he hadn't reached out to her. Maybe he'd accepted what she'd said and given up? That would've been for the best, but she couldn't deny, it wasn't what she wanted. Michonne had turned from the storm that still raged outside, determined to get a handle on the one that was stirring within her. She returned to the desk and just as she touched fingers to keys to resume her work, her plan was shattered…

~ I understand…But I'd still like to be friends. ~

The conflict in heart melded into excitement and helpless joy, but she remained strong, responding with her head instead of her heart.

~ I don't think that's possible. ~

~ Anything is possible ~

Michonne felt the words, brimming with probability, heating her with hope.

~ Besides I still know nothing about paintings…~ Rick had added ~...and there are beautiful places in Georgia I'm certain you don't know about but I think you might want to see ~

~ That's what Trip Advisor and Google are for. ~

~ Looking at what some random person has said on the Internet is not quite the same as knowing someone who can tell you. ~

~ You have a point ~

~ I always do ;) ~

~ Confident aren't we? ~

~ I try…~

~ So what do you say? ~

Michonne didn't immediately respond, for her mind was urging her to say no, reminding her that she was engaged to Mike and that being friends with Rick Grimes would never stop at friendship, that it would always go beyond that. It already had. Her heart pounded in her chest, full and desirous. Her breath quick and shallow. The practical in her head warring with the passion in her heart, when one finally bested the other and thus made her decision….

~ Knowing someone… is more appealing than some random stranger on the internet. ~

~ Friends then? ~

She considered what she'd just implied, what her answer would mean, then answered before she could change her mind.

~ Friends :) ~

The Next Day - 4th of July

Sitting at that hotel, confined to her room for another day, in an attempt to avoid Rick Grimes was not feasible. Michonne thought. She'd go stir crazy. Besides they'd agreed to be just friends and this would be her last full day in Palmer. For tomorrow she'd likely be on the road fairly early provided the part for her car came in as quickly as Darryl expected. In addition to that, Rick was likely working today, so if she did see him it would be in passing, and even if it wasn't, she could handle him. She was a grown woman who was more than capable of controlling her emotions. She just had to get through this day and what a day it should be. It was the 4th of July, a day of celebration. Surprisingly Palmer did a big event for the holiday - an annual Independence Day Festival at the lake, which explained why the downtown hotels were nearly sold out with guests. Not only were people in town visiting family but they were in Palmer for the two-day festival that had started on the 3rd and went through the holiday. With there being nothing else to do and the hotel offering a free shuttle to and from the event for its guests, Michonne decided to check it out. She'd put on her white sundress, brown wedge sandals, twisted up her hair into a messy bun and took the shuttle to the lake. The day was beautiful. Georgia hot, but minor humidity. There was music, dancing, booths, activities and lots of food. Though the food looked delicious, she'd not indulged right away. She'd only had a bag of fresh popcorn and a lemon ICEE to drink. However, she had played a few carnival games and won a couple of uselessly rope bracelets and glowing bead necklaces. It had been fun, a welcomed alternative to announcing her engagement to her and Mike's families. She'd spoken to him earlier, before he'd begun his 4th of July activities with his family. He was still severely disappointed about their delayed plans. He'd even suggested again that they announce it over Skype, but she'd successfully shut the idea down. Even though her plan was to work through her doubts and continue on with the engagement, she wasn't ready to announce it to the world, and she never would be until she was completely certain that she was making the right choice in marrying him. Michonne walked through the festival, watching kids playing, couples kissing, families enjoying, savoring the carefree atmosphere. Her mind again went to Rick, who never seemed to be far from her thoughts. She wondered if he was there, if she might see him, a part of her hoping she would, but strangely unlike in days past the idea didn't scare her. Perhaps she'd truly accepted that they could be just friends. She mused. Or maybe you've accepted that you can't run from what you feel for him. Her heart strongly countered. Ignoring both thoughts Michonne continued her walk, getting a full view of the lake and stopped when she became intrigued by the "ride" that entailed people getting inside what looked like giant plastic balloon balls then proceeding to roll them over the water.

Thinking of giving it a try? She heard from behind, the deep, smooth voice filling her with a surprised heat.

That's right, just thinking. She uttered after not answering right away, continuing to stare ahead, her heart joyful with expectance as Rick came to stand at her side.

Oh come on. It'll be fun. He teased.

Are you going to do it? Michonne asked, turning her eyes to him, her breath catching at the sight of his attire, dark jeans and a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

I've done it. He claimed, looking her way and was instantly struck by how beautiful she looked, her gorgeous dark skin seeming to glow against the white strapless sundress she wore. Their eyes met, for a moment seizing one another, inflaming them with felicity and wanting. When Rick slowly turned his eyes back to the activities on the lake and continued to speak. I spent the entire experience on my ass. He chuckled at the memory, which caused Michonne to laugh.

So why are you trying to convince me to do it? She then lightly asked.

You may be better at it than me, and besides I didn't say the experience was bad.

Are you trying to say 15 minutes spinning on your ass was fun? She questioned with disbelief, eying him once more.

Actually it was. He contended with a smile as his gaze briefly caught hers, warming her heart.

Yeah right.

It was a little humiliating but strangely liberating, and fun. He admitted again watching the balls roll over the water.

But you won't do it again because?

I didn't say I wouldn't do it again, just not today.

Ok. She laughed, then turned to go.

May I walk with you? Rick quietly asked, falling in step next to her.

I don't think that's a good idea. Michonne softly replied.

Why not? We're friends right?

Yes, but we're here in your town, amongst your people, who will think something is happening that isn't, if we're constantly seen together.

You're a visitor to this town and a friend, who I'm courteously showing around the festival.

You're out of uniform and off duty, showing this friend, who the town will see as a visitor, around a 4th of July festival. Ain't that much courtesy in the world.

Maybe not in Atl…. Rick began but was interrupted by a young lady who was working the nearby ice cream stand, yelling for people to buy, even going so far as to address him by name "Officer Grimes" in an attempt to get him to make a purchase. Rick had planned on passing it up but the young lady's insistence and the persistent heat was enough for him to relent and stop at the stand.

You want some ice cream? He asked Michonne who he was pleased to see had stopped with him. My treat. He added. Michonne couldn't help but be touched by his tenacity but frustrated, yet mirthful at her inability to resist him.

I'll have one scoop of Rocky Road on a waffle cone. He told the young woman. How about you? He asked, turning his gaze to Michonne who smiled in spite of herself and briefly dropped her eyes.

I'll have one scoop of Butter Pecan on a waffle cone. Rick slightly nodded in approval, a mild smirk on his face.

Minutes later, they'd received the cones and continued their walk while enjoying the cool and delicious treat.

This is good. Michonne stated, then took another taste of her Butter Pecan.

It is. Rick replied, after swallowing a mouth full of his Rock Road, feeling completely content in the moment. So, tomorrow is it. You're back to Atlanta…back to your fiancée. He stated in a way that bordered on a question.

That's the plan. Michonne quietly confirmed, the reality of his words hitting her with a strong sense of melancholy.

What time did Darryl say he'd have your car ready?

I don't know. He has to wait on the part to arrive. It should be in first thing in the morning which means I should be on the road well before noon.

I can give you a ride to the shop.

That won't be necessary.

It's not a problem. Rick assured.

Darryl is sending his apprentice, Jay, to pick me up. Michonne revealed, turning down the offer that she wanted so much to accept, but couldn't if she hoped to keep her amorous feelings at bay. The walk turned silent, companionable in its quietness as they finished their ice cream and became lost in their thoughts. It didn't seem possible that they'd only known each other for a few days and yet she was the most real thing he'd ever experienced in his life. Rick mused. He wanted to ask her for a chance, something more than a casual acquaintanceship. But what would that mean? He'd be reneging on his proposal of friendship. Furthermore, she was still engaged. And though he believed the engagement wouldn't last. Would she give him a chance?

They have a few art booths over near the oak trees. Rick slowly stated upon spotting the signage and stands across the lawn, his mind in the present, yet distracted by his thoughts. It won't be anything like what you'd see at a festival in Atlanta, but it might be worth a look if you're interested.

I'm always interested in art. Michonne proclaimed. Rick softly smiled as they then headed in the direction of the booths, both finishing off the remainder of their ice cream as they approached the first one.

How did you manage to get off duty today with all of this going on? She asked, stopping to toss the napkin she used to keep her hands and face free of any dripping ice cream.

I'm not completely off. He said as he pointed out the walkie talkie and service weapon she'd not seen on his hip then threw away the extra napkins he'd also used to help manage his melting ice cream. I'm on call. If anything happens, I'll have to take care of it.

Do much happen here with it being a small town?

Not much in the way of murder or rape. Thank goodness. But lots of domestic violence, breaking and entering due to drugs. Drug dealers and users are a real problem. It's a work in progress to try and counter the issue. He said as they came upon the art booths and immediately found just as he had warned, that the offerings weren't that great. Most of the "art" was pottery that wasn't well molded and the few paintings were nice, but weren't up to par in Michonne's eyes. However, just as they were leaving the art section, something caught her eye inside a booth several feet down the way.

Wow. She whispered aloud as she quickly headed in the direction of the fascinating item.

What? Rick asked as he followed, when Michonne pointed out what she'd seen. You mean the cat? He critically stated.

I would expect no less of a response from the untrained eye. She humorously quipped as her eyes remained fixed on the cat to which they were now getting a closer view.

That's hardly a DaVinci. Rick flippantly countered.

It doesn't have to be. It's the brilliant color and the perfect molding that makes it a gorgeous work.

If you say so. Rick stated even as he smiled admiringly at her passion in describing the colorful work that appeared to be made of paper mache.

I wonder how much he wants… She started to say, but stopped mid-sentence seeing that the cat was a prize in a shooting game.

Not your thing? Rick lightly asked.

No. It's not.

I can help.

No. You're not doing this for me. She firmly rejected, looking him in the eyes and found the reverence there to be poignant, nearly disarming. Just because I don't do guns doesn't mean I can't do this. She unevenly stated as she returned her gaze forward.

I know. That's why I'm going to show you. Rick casually replied, then directed a bewildered Michonne to follow him, which she reluctantly complied. They walked up to the booth and Rick told the man, who he knew, Saul, that Michonne wanted to play. The man then explained the game. If she hit five bullseyes she'd win which ever prize in the booth she wanted. She'd get eight chances with each play. Michonne whipped out the tickets she'd purchased earlier and handed the man the five that were required to play.

She then walked up to the toy gun and withdrew it from the makeshift holster, then nervously moved to point it, when suddenly she felt strong hands on her waist, squaring her stance and a faint breath, warm on her neck. Here's where I show you. Rick whispered in her ear, causing her to tremble with fire. He then slipped his hands over hers and adjusted the way she was holding the weapon. Michonne was speechless, her voice muted by the hotness that was flooding her veins, making her breathless.

Now, stay calm, focused… then pull the trigger when you're ready. He uttered in a hushed tone. Michonne could hardly breath due his closeness, the quaking desire he was igniting within her. How the hell was she gone calmly pull the trigger? She thought, with him standing so distractingly behind her. As if he was in her head, hearing her musings, Rick slowly dropped his hands from hers, caressing them as he pulled away, spiking the fervor that was already flaming within her. She took another deep controlled breath, remembering what he'd said and pulled the trigger. She missed.

Calm and focused. Rick quietly coached her from behind. Michonne replayed his statement in her mind and let it resonate within, then shot again. She hit the bullseye square in the middle and silently cheered, taking a deep breath of relief.

One down, four more to go. Rick encouraged, his voice etched with excitement. Michonne hit three more bullseyes in a row, but missed the fourth. She dropped her hands to her side, still holding the gun, and took a deep breath. She felt nervous and excited by the small crowd that had gathered around the booth. She had two more shots and either she'd win in movie style fashion or embarrass herself considerably. Seeming to sense her apprehension, Rick stepped closer behind her and whispered. You can do this.

Michonne knew that she could and the power of his presence, his tenderness, fueled her confidence, crushing any lingering anxiety. She lifted the gun, drew in the air around her, focused and pulled the trigger. Bullseye! She hit it square in the middle, driving the small audience around the booth to cheer. Michonne yelled with happiness, just as she was accosted, enfolded in warmth igniting an affection and fervency, ardent and electrifying, that charged through her. It was Rick, in his excitement, taking her in his arms before she could understand what he was doing and respond. Rick felt joyful and impassioned, moved by the kinetic affection that grew for her in his heart, compelling him to pull her closer, but Michonne managed to quickly pull away, to fight the intensity of the moment. They stood for a brief second their gazes fervidly locked both reeling with emotion, when Michonne forced her eyes away, awkwardly turned back to the booth and told Saul what she wanted - the paper mache cat.