Growing Pains

Chapter 2

Rick sat at the kitchen table with Judith on his lap as he fed her some porridge from his bowl, Michonne put and open can of condensed milk next to his bowl and then went back to the cabinet to get some nutmeg.

"if you don't sit down and eat, your food is going to get cold " said Rick as he put a spoonful of cream of wheat up to Judith's mouth

"I know" said Michonne not paying him any attention. "Carl really likes cinnamon but I can't find it hope we're not out of it, you know we really need to go on a run soon there are so many things I want'

" Like what' asked Rick looking up at her

"well said Michonne in thought, I'd really like to get some Vegetarian cook books, and some books on spices and herbs that can be used for medical purposes..also I want to know how to make oil and for that we would need and oil press I would like to know how to make one.

Michonne began to get excited as she talked, she took a seat next to Rick and Judith

" just think Rick once we start growing more food I could make oil from things such as peanuts and flax and corn and from the oil I can make soaps and if we grow flaxseeds not only would the oil be so benefical but I can make a gel that would work as body lotion and ointments all kinds of stuff we could grow mint and make tea out of it and mouth wash..

Carl could hear Michonne excitedly talking about mint as he entered the kitchen , he had heard her talk about mint leaves a couple times and he knew that she had been dying to get hold of some so that she wouldn't have to worry about toothpaste all the time.

"Oh so you're finally up" she said looking up at him " I bet your hungry sit here" she said getting up and going over to the stove she sat a bowl down in front of him and began laddling porridge into it, when she was done she squeezed his shoulder and kissed him on top of his head. Carl could feel his ears growing hot, ever since he'd gotten his eye shot out she had began the touchy feely thing kissing him on his cheeks and forehead, hugging him out of the blue, he couldn't deny that he liked it , today it made him feel odd, he could barely look at her and he knew his cheeks were a flaming red.

"We're out of Cinnamon so nutmeg will have to do" she said bending over him as she patted him on the head, looking to his right he could see the curve of her breast in the tank top she was wearing and he quickly looked away.

Looking up from spooning porridge into Judith's mouth, Rick noticed his son staring blankly ahead and looking a little flushed

"Hey Carl, are you ok son you look a little peak I hope your not coming down with anything" he said concern in his tone

" I'm fine" said Carl spooning some condensed milk into his cream of wheat and sprinkling some nutmeg on top, before he could even get to work on his porridge, Michonne put her hand over his forehead.

"I'm fine really" he said can I eat!"

"Ok" fine said Michonne just checking I can't have my boys getting sick"

"you mind" said Rick handing Judith off to Carl.

Carl let Judith sit on his lap while she played with the spoon in her hand

"Hey Michonne" said Rick pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her waist, Carl couldn't help but notice that one of his hands went leisurely around the curve of her bum,

"Thats a good idea about the oil press and making soap and thangs, you truly amaze me sometimes when do you even have time to think about this stuff"."That would be a really good item to be able to trade with other communities"

Michonne put her arms around Rick's shoulders " we have to start thinking about our future, I know its crazy right now but we do have a future Rick and I have alot of ideas about what I want for us and for Carl and Judith, I want to start a library here in Alexandria."

"I'll talk to Tobin and Eugene about it, maybe we'll have a meeting" said Rick " but right now nobody is leaving, its to crazy so no runs ok"

" Of course " said Michonne

Rick pressed his body up against Michonne and they began to kiss

Judith dropped her spoon and it clanged loudly on the floor, Carl reached down to pick it up thankful for the distraction and relieved that they couldn't see his face, he groaned silently.

somewhat startled Rick and Michonne broke a part, " Oh let me take her " said Michonne " you finish eating your breakfast, I need to get her ready its Carol's turn to babysit today.

Michonne began laughing as she looked at Carl, he had porridge splattered on his hair and he didn't even notice it must have happened when the spoon fell.

" Oh Carl , look at you" she said handing him a towel I wish you could see yourself you look about 10 years old right now.

Carl got up from the table.." I'm not 10.. I'm not a baby he burst out and I wish you would stop treating me like one, Carl fled .

Michonne and Rick watched Carl retreat and then looked at each other confused.

" what was that all about" asked Rick

" I don't know said Michonne

" I don't like it said Rick looking at the space where his son had been sitting

Michonne sighed.." You know he's at the age he's a teenager who knows whats happening with him right now..its a confusing time..do you think it has to do with Enid"

"Enid" said Rick as if he was trying to remember who that was

" Yes" Enid" said Michonne smiling the cute teenage girl who is living with Glenn and Maggie or haven't you noticed that your son spends alot of time with her"

Rick began laughing somewhat sheepishly then he looked guilty

" In all honesty I've not been paying all that much attention

"oh boy" said Michonne smiling this time pulling Rick into a hug.."well maybe it's time to have a talk with him..you know about the bird and the bees ..you know that talk"

"Wow are you serious, what would I say to him, its a different world, its not like he can go to the convenient store and buy a pack of condoms.

"Serious now" said Michonne looking Rick in the eyes..your going to have to school him the best you can in all the ways he can satisfy his needs without getting the girl pregnant.

"and how am I suppose to do that" asked Rick

" I don't know draw him some pictures or something" said Michonne laughing

" you know you might be better at talking to him about this then me.

"really Rick this is your job..the talk should come from you , you're his father..but maybe I should talk to Maggie get all the girls together and we can talk to Enid, its no point in telling them to wait as teenagers you know as well as I when the hormones kick in there is no stopping the inevitable.