Chapter 4: Calm Waves
Wednesday, 11:45 am
Michonne looked at her watch and noted the time. She spent close to an hour in the University library researching veterinary medicine studies. She knew she could easily enroll in the program as she had the grades. She wanted to find out if any of her university courses were transferrable and if so, maybe she could skip a couple of courses. Then, there was a tap on her shoulder. She looked around and saw it was Dr. Chang. Her face lit up to see him. He sat down at the table across from her.
"Michonne. How are you?", Dr. Chang said smiling. Michonne was impressed he remembered her name.
"Hey Dr. Chang. Nice to see you. What brings you here and who is running your business while you are in town?", Michonne asked smiling.
"Oh, call me Philip. My son is running things until I return. I lecture on Wednesdays. So, have you given thought to what I said?", Philip asked finally cutting to the chase.
"Yes, that's why I am here. I brought my transcripts to discuss my options with the faculty counselor.", Michonne said.
"Give it here.", Philip said and took her transcripts. He looked them over carefully and nodded silently.
"Ok, first of all, you have astonishing grades. Also, they are transferrable and this is a good thing because you can skip a couple of semesters easily.", Philip said.
"Sem.. semesters! I was thinking of skipping some courses but whole semesters? And, just how many do you think?", Michonne asked.
"In terms of course years, at least half the entire program.", Philip replied.
"Really? How about my masters. Does having a masters in Microbiology help?", Michonne asked.
"Oh, yes. It does. Listen, I have to go. I don't want to be late for my next class. Leave your transcripts with me. I'll run this by the faculty council after my class and I'll get back to you tonight. This looks good, Michonne.", Philip said smiling and getting out of the chair. They exchanged cell numbers before he departed.
**ooo0ooo**
At around 1:00 pm, Michonne sat down on a park bench. The sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing. She pealed off her denim jacket and relaxed in the warm rays in her tank top and Ray-Bans. Prior to that, she had lunch with Tamara and did some shopping in preparation for the trip to the cottage. On a perfect day like this, the park was lively with people sunbathing, skateboarding, reading, and, riding bikes. Mothers walked to and fro with their babies in strollers. Groups of seniors played chess under trees. Some people exercised. Some did tai-chi in the open.
As she sat in the warm sun, she thought about that chance meeting she had with Dr. Chang. He sounded certain that with her credentials, she could fast track the program. She couldn't wait to hear back from him tonight. She was certain about enrolling in veterinary medicine and she had Rick to thank for that. Then, she thought of him. She smiled thinking about his handsome face and heartwarming smiles. His lips, his eyes, his chin. His hair, his arms, his cute butt. They only kissed once and boy was it some kiss, but, it's been only five days that they've known each other. Deep down, she believed he was the one. The one she could spend the rest of her life with. Then doubt began to creep in,. Could this be too good to be true? She wondered if she was expecting too much too soon in this relationship, if one could call it that. She wondered if he would change his mind about her once he found out about her moving back to England. Is he only interested in me because he thinks I am here for a short time before he moves on to the next girl? , she thought. Well, Tamara thinks he's in for the long haul. Stop doubting Michonne! Just then, her cell rang. It was Rick.
"Hi. I was just thinking of you.", Michonne said and smiled with the phone at her ear.
"Good things I hope.", Rick said. She could almost hear him smiling at the other end. His voice sounded so sweet, she wished he was sitting right beside her.
"Of course. What are you up to?", Michonne asked.
"I am actually feeding Maggie before I head back to the egg farm.", Rick said.
"Is she ok?", Michonne asked.
"She is doing quite well. Getting stronger and stronger by the minute.", Rick said, then laughed.
"What's so funny?", Michonne asked.
"At nights she won't stop crying until I rock her to sleep.", Rick said.
"That is so sweet. I hope that doesn't make Conrad jealous.", Michonne said.
"No. He thinks he is the boss. He never leaves her side.", Rick said.
Then there was a pause. She wanted to say I miss you but fought against it. She had to hear it from him first because she didn't want to come off sounding needy.
"Mich...", Rick started. His voice dipped.
"Yes Rick.", Michonne answered.
"I..I miss you.", Rick said. His voice sounded serious when he said this. She didn't reply right away. She processed the words and the tone and inflection of his voice. Those three words he said were spoken with deep sincerity. She couldn't help but feel a tad guilty for doubting him.
"I miss you too.", Michonne replied softly.
**ooo0ooo**
Friday, 8:30 AM
The morning of the trip to Rick's cottage, Tamara received a text message from her director saying that she had to report to work to fix a malfunction in their system's network. With Tamara not being able to make it, it was obvious Simon was not going to come either. Michonne called Rick and informed him that Tamara and Simon wouldn't be able to come.
"Yes. I just spoke with Simon. I was looking forward to them coming.", Rick said.
"I'm packed and ready to go.", Michonne said without hesitation.
"Ok, I'll be there in a jiff.", Rick said.
"Tamara lent me her car. I'll meet you at the farm.", Michonne said.
"You sure? I don't mind picking you up.", Rick said.
"No. I remember the way. Hey, what's the code to open your gate?", Michonne said. She was parked outside the farm gates.
"That is classified.", Rick joked and chuckled.
"Oh, is that right. Well, I guess I'll have to turn right back around then.", Michonne said.
"Wait a second! You're here already? 5-6-7.", Rick said and quickly reeled off the three numbers.
"That's more like it. Smart alec.", Michonne said before hanging up her cell.
**ooo0ooo**
Within three hours, they arrived at the cottage in Rick's Land-Rover. They unloaded their bags and supplies and headed in. Walking behind them were Conrad and Maggie. Michonne liked the look of the cottage. It was made out of logs and was of sound structure. Once they got inside, she was blown away. It was more than what she'd expected. The three bedroom cottage was spacious and fully furnished with all the modern conveniences imaginable. It had a fifty-inch flat screen television and DVD player in the living room. Wi-fi. Internet. Satellite dish. A full kitchen with stove, microwave oven, and double door fridge. The large master bedroom had it's owns own ensuite with a soaker tub. She didn't notice when Rick put her bags in the master bedroom and his in another room.
"Whoa! Here I was expecting something a bit more rustic. But you have electricity and running water.", Michonne said walking around the one story ranch style house.
"I installed a wind mill and solar panels last year. What can I say. I like to be spoiled.", Rick said smiling and shrugging his shoulders.
"Hey, no argument there. Good. I won't miss America Bake Off then.", Michonne said.
"You watch that too? Do you think Monicka is going to be booted off tonight?", Rick asked excitedly, referring to one of the contestants on the popular reality cooking show.
"Yes, that's if she doesn't step up her game.", Michonne replied.
**ooo0ooo**
After they ate lunch, they piled into a motor boat and went for a short ride up the river. Not too far from the cottage, Rick cut the motor and let the boat glide on its own in the calm waves. Remarkably, Conrad and Maggie were well behaved throughout the journey. When it was safe, they stood up and peered into the water like curious children. As young as they were, they knew better than to leap in.
Looking on, Michonne smiled calmly to herself. She turned her head and looked off in the direction of the rolling hills. She took in the lush green vegetation that framed the river banks. It was unbelievably quiet as there was no one else around. Then, a loon cried out. It's shrill echoed above them.
"It's beautiful here. So peaceful.", Michonne said closing her eyes and tilting her head back as she soaked up the sun.
Rick could tell that she loved being in the sun. She appeared as though she was being caressed by its warm rays. She wore a vee-necked, short sleeved, peach tee-shirt, white shorts and navy blue crepe shoes. Her perfectly proportioned ballerina-like legs were stretched out before her and crossed at the ankles. He watched her silently. Then, her lips parted slightly. It made him swallow hard. God. She is so beautiful. So sexy. He thought.
"When is a good time to fish?", Michonne suddenly asked and looked at him. Rick came to his senses and replied,
"In the wee morning, mam." His fake Irish accent made her laugh.
"Are you always this funny?", Michonne asked smiling at him.
"No. Sometimes I can be serious too.", Rick replied looking at her.
"Oh yeah. Prove it.", Michonne said and challenged him into a stare down, of who could hold a serious face the longest.
They stared straight into each other's eyes, trying their utmost best not to blink, flinch or laugh. Then, just like that, at the very same time, their faces became relaxed and they leaned in and kissed.
~oooxx0xxooo~