Moving on Up
Thursday
Maggie and Glenn complete their new morning after routine. She applies product to his hair and he places a chaste kiss to her mound before helping her step into her panties and pulling them into place. He combs his hair and listens to her daily schedule. "I will be home late. Quinn agreed to the baby shower so I get to go to Party Mart for supplies," she reports.
"I think I will call the Boys about getting together, "Glenn shares mindlessly, "we haven't done it in a while."
Xavier washes his coffee mug at the sink in the break room and reads the bulletin board. He notices a flier: Singer auditions. He pulls out his phone, "Hi…is it too late to audition?"
Michonne eats lunch at her desk and traces her fingers across the worn box on the corner of her desk. She decides to make a call. "Hello…Rick shared you use to teach history…well I have these old letters I could use some help with if you have time? Great, I'll drop them off when I pick up Ms. Jolene on Friday. Thanks. I am excited…take care." I haven't forgotten any of my promises.
The Department locker room fills with the shift change but it gives them a chance to catch up and talk. "Poker on Friday at Grimes," Abe confirms.
"Yep, Sasha and Rosita do their hot yoga so I am free," Daryl divulges inadvertently.
"What's hot about yoga," Abe asks.
"They do yoga in a room that is over 100 degrees…clears pores, makes 'em flexible, shifts the spirit or something," Daryl explains clumsily.
"You ever try it?" Abe tests a theory.
"No, why would I need to?" Daryl squints at him.
"No reason," Abe replies with a distant look in his eye.
Michonne and Rick meet in the reception area of the doctor's office. The sign in and receive instructions and a clipboard filled with forms. Rick glances around once they take their seats. Women and couples in varying stages of pregnancy. He takes a deep breath and puts a damper on the hope churning in his heart. He notices Michonne completing the first set of forms. "Do I get to do anything?" he removes the Colt baseball cap and scratches his well groomed beard.
"The next set is all yours," she hands over the clipboard.
He scans the first page-standard questionnaire and starts responding by checking boxes. He flips the form over and looks at Michonne. "Seriously, is this level of detail necessary?"
"Of course, you don't answer this during your annual visit?" she's shocked.
"Nah, we got about four or five questions…no wonder you out live us. I better get to work," he drawls.
Quinn and Maggie walk the aisle of Party Mart. "Quick review…balloons and flowers-yes. Tissue paper animals or center pieces-no. Any and all fried foods-yes. Games-no, except for word bingo. No gift registry." Maggie recites.
"Perfect. I really appreciate this. My Baby Daddy and Papi are thrilled." Quinn responds with enthusiasm.
"I cannot wait to meet them," Maggie is elated. They turn the corner and share a disbelieving glance. Lori stands at the end of the aisle facing the small mirror trying on tiaras and crowns. "Ooh, that is not a good look," Maggie whispers.
"That says full crazy town," Quinn replies. They retreat to finish their shopping.
"Michonne, the doctor will meet with you and your partner in Office A," the receptionist instructs softly. Rick follows her through the lavender doors. Once seated on the couch in the non-traditional office without a desk Rick pats Michonne's hand before entwining their fingers and removes his cap. She kisses her special spot on his neck. The door opens and the doctor approaches extending her hand in greeting with a tablet tucked under her other arm.
"Welcome, I'm Naomi Bennett. I reviewed your paperwork and have a few questions but please share with me what prompted this visit?" she smiles warmly.
"We have had some back up birth control challenges and want to make sure we are taking care of ourselves and each other."
She taps taking notes on the tablet. "Your forms and records indicate that the IUD as your primary method. Is that still accurate?"
"Yes."
"Back up?" Naomi looks up and between the two.
"Condoms," Rick finally speaks.
"So what's the challenge," she turns to Rick.
He blushes and begins to answer, "They break or overflow, he exhales, or I forget."
"Multiple orgasms will do that…great problem to have and totally normal," she teases.
"I need to do my part to take care of her," he emphasizes.
Dr. Bennett nods and re-directs the discussion, "Michonne did you participate in the voluntary recall?"
She straightens her back, "Recall," she responds alarmed.
"The IUD brand identified in your records sent a voluntary notice."
Michonne feels the panic and her brain begins to race. Rick squeezes her hand, "I am right here, sure and steady.
She visibly calms, "Do we have time for an examination?"
"Absolutely, Exam room 2."
Jolene sits in the middle of the floor with a table cloth and magazine clippings. "What is all this?" Jeffrey questions.
"My vision board for the Founder's Picnic; we're going shopping tomorrow and I want to be focused."
He shakes his head, "Are you taking the poster?" he flinches.
"No, I'm working it out now so I don't overwhelm her," she admits.
He kisses her temple, "I'm proud of you and I think you two will have a great time."
"I'm Karen, drums and percussion, and this is Bonnie Rae, slide guitar. We lead the Community Band for the Founder's Picnic," she explains.
"There is a karaoke hour but we would really like to provide a mini-concert this year based on the theme of hope and the future," Bonnie Rae extends the introduction.
"Any questions before we get started," Karen looks to the three individuals on the small stage.
"Alright, first up: MC Wonderland."
The Freaks come out at night…the freaks come out at night…
Bonnie Rae holds up her hand to stop the performance. "Uhm, she flexes her hands before speaking, we all love vintage hip hop but the theme is hope and the future…maybe a different selection," she encourages.
"What are you bumping your gums about? I hope the freaks come out after my performance," he looks completely perplexed she has not made the connection.
"Thank you MC Wonderland…we will be in touch," Karen re-directs the gentleman.
Bonnie Rae braces herself and rubs her wife's back, "Ms. Patti, please take the stage."
"I sung this to your daddy just last night and the man dropped his drawers," she introduces before her voice rings out clear as a bell never missing a note.
If only you knew…how much I do need you
"Thanks for the stomach churning visual mama…we will be in touch," Karen exhales.
A new participant-both ladies sit up, "Xavier Frausto please begin when you are ready," Bonnie gestures to the microphone.
"I am about to become a Papi for the first time so I have huge hopes for the future. This is my baby's favorite lullaby," he explains before lifting his melodic voice to the heavens.
Tomorrow will bring a better you, better me…we'll show the world…
After the first verse Bonnie Rae and Karen leap to their feet cheering. "When can you start rehearsals?"
Rick strokes her locs and kisses her temple. "I'm sorry," she begins turning to face him.
"Why? Did you hear we have great problems-multiple orgasms," he laughs quietly.
Michonne lies on the exam table with her feet in the stirrups. Dr. Bennett slides back on the stools and looks up at the couple. "The device is dislodged and I have removed it."
"Is she is pain? Are you in pain? Have I hurt her? Why didn't you tell me I was hurting you?" Rick's frantic eyes wildly dart between the two women.
Michonne reaches down and forcefully grabs his hand. "You have never hurt me. You are not capable of hurting me," her eyes are on fire willing him to calm down.
"She is right Rick. The device was defective," Naomi co-signs, "I prescribe 48 hours of pelvic rest, an additional set of lab work at the end of the rest period and one regular couple activity to decrease stress and anxiety."
They turn to each other, "Gun range."