Yes, Yes and Thrice, Yes
Wednesday
The door swings open wildly and Michonne rushes to the empty seat next to Rick. She is slightly winded, "Did they call us yet?
"No, you have time to spare. Let me guess…Judge Ezekiel monologue," he chuckles.
"Yes, no one should love their voice that much. I was not missing this ultrasound. We re-scheduled twice because of our work. How was your day?"
"Worked on my presentation to the City Council; I am not forgiving the evil minions but I am pretty sure this will meet one of my course requirements," he smiles triumphantly.
"Look at my strategic genius." Their conversation is interrupted.
"Mr. and Mrs. Grimes…Exam room B," the medical assistant holds the door open. They grasp hands and follow her down the hall. "There is a paper gown…do you need more water?"
They each hold up a bottle, "We're good."
She smiles, "Dr. Bennett will arrive soon…oh, congratulations."
"Thank you," they respond in unison.
"Do you need help?" Rick's eyes devour her from head to toe.
Michonne peels off her lilac wrap dress. "No and stop thinking about playing doctor."
"I was not before but now I am," he chuckles, "You look amazing."
"Thank you Handsome," she slides up on the exam table and he squats to remove her heels.
"Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are you ready to see the new addition to the family?" Naomi greets
"Absolutely…beyond ready," they speak together.
Dr. Bennett grabs gloves and her tape measure, "We want some measurements before the real show begins," Naomi stretches the tape against the baby bump, "Hmm," she takes notes and reviews the lab results. She measures a second time before adjusting the ultrasound machine. "Dad your spot is on the right side mine is on the left," she instructs.
Rick grasps Michonne's hand, planting a kiss before holding it against his heart. "Michonne the gel is warm-this is the 21st century," she jokes before turning the monitor toward herself and placing the wand on the exposed belly. She glides back and forth and then up and down methodically. "Rick, pull the stool over and have a seat please," she directs.
He uses his foot to drag the stool over never letting go of her hand. Their eyes lock. Everything is fine…Baby G is safe.
Dr. Bennett turns on the sound and the rapid fetal heart rate fills the room. "The rate is normal but there is definitely an echo," she explains. They both shed tears of happiness nodding along with her words. Brace for impact. She turns the monitor to face them. "Watch the monitor," she speaks slowly, "One-swipe wand; two-swipe wand; three-wand swipe," she waits for full comprehension.
"What the fuck!" Michonne pushes up on her elbows.
"My ears are ringing," he sticks his index finger in his ear and wiggles it back and forth trying to dislodge the noise.
"I need you to remain as calm as possible. This is a multiple pregnancy. I know this is your first pregnancy but I am fertility specialist so everything will be fine," her voice is gentle.
"Fine…please tell me where I am going to put three babies for nine months? How do we get them out? Will I be in labor for days?" she rants.
"My ears are still ringing," he repeats.
"Rick," she snatches her hand away, "I need your head in the game."
Naomi focuses the couple on the screen and what is most important, "Rick and Michonne you have three healthy babies but we have to plan and work together."
Rick snaps to attention and stands up. She cleans her stomach. "We will meet in my office…congratulations," she smiles. This is going to be a wild ride.
There is silence. "Michonne say something."
"What kind of X-Men mutant sperm do you have? You knock all of my eggs loose and hit the target on the first try. I knew," she shakes her head, "Trouble…those thick ass thighs. Freakin' King Ding-a-Ling," she rants frantically.
His mouth hangs open and his mind runs on a loop. Three cribs, three strollers, millions of diapers, thousands of bottles…
The line rings, "Kings' County," Xavier answers.
"Hello my favorite Balladeer," Garcia greets.
"My beautiful Muse…What can I do for you today?"
"I finished your proposal and you should absolutely share with Dixon. You identified the right equipment and even on the smaller scale you will expand your operational options and reduce some of his time in the field."
"Wow…it was a theory…an idea." This is thrilling.
'Your instincts are good…a real natural. Now, about my song," she changes the subject.
"Ladies choice," he responds.
"Justice I am glad you could meet with me," DA Monroe greets.
"The pleasure is mine Ma'am," she follows her into her office.
"Please take a seat," she gestures toward her expansive conference table. "You are a gifted writer. The remarks you revised for me exceptional."
"Wow…thank you again," she blushes.
"I would like to offer you a freelance speech writer position."
Justice stares, "Like Jon Favarou to Barack Obama-speechwriter."
"I am more familiar with Peggy Noonan, but yes. My remarks are never lengthy but as you are well aware they need polish and new life."
"I am flattered," she stares at her cognac colored Mary Jane pumps. This is hardcore adulting.
"You successfully completed the task on your shadow day. Take a leap of faith. You will not be sorry," Deanna encourages.
Justice inhales and extends her hand, "Thank you for the opportunity. I am excited to serve as your speech writer."
Abe and Rosita complete their patrol in comfortable silence, "We should follow up on those rumors surrounding the handful of burglaries," she introduces.
"The sooner we nip that shit in the bud the better. We have only had one walk-in report and once call through dispatch."
"We can check in with Emmitt…see if he has new merchandise."
"Good plan," he clears his throat, "It was nice dancing together at the wedding-the one time."
"It was not awkward," she nods along.
"Good," he smiles.
Carl guides Justice through the hallway to the Budget Office. "I am proud of you. Once all the elected officials hear your work I can quit and let you take care of me," he nudges her with shoulder.
She throws her head back and laughs, "Nice try. You need your job to fund my shoe habit plus it is only freelance. "
"How could I forget," he rolls her eyes. They read the signs above the teller windows: Invoice submission next to Warrant Distribution.
"How often do you come down here?"
"I don't…Aaron does. I speak to staff over the phone to follow up on supply orders and stuff."
An excited voice approaches the window, "I know that voice. Hey Carl," a buxom brunette with blonde highlights stands at the glass.
"Kimberly," Carl greets cautiously. His deep baritone betrays his age.
She covers her mouth, "You are Carl from the ADA's office?" Oh my God…jail bait. Total cougar territory.
"Yes…nice to put a face with a name," he acknowledges. Justice laughs to herself because he is completely oblivious.
The woman straightens and adopts a formal tone, "How may I help you?"
Justice decides to salvage an awkward exchange. "I need to turn in this invoice thank you," she slides the paper under the window.
Kimberly reviews the document, "We can process this within 7-10 business days. Direct mail delivery okay?"
"Sounds great," she replies.
The woman turns and retreats to her cubicle. Carl's brows knit together as they turn to leave."She is usually so friendly on the phone."
"I am sure she is BAE," shaking her head.
The ride home is quiet and charged. Dr. Bennett was thorough, hopeful and honest. The risks were numerous: premature delivery, low birth weight, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, the list sounded endless.
She offered a plan for success: reduce work hours, six meals a day, increase prenatal, moderate exercise, use of steroids to enhance fetal lung development, possible bed rest.
Dr. Bennett gave them a target: 37 weeks.
Rick parks and waits for Michonne to exit her car. After five minute with no movement he springs into action opening her car door. She turns to him leaning forward their foreheads touch. "Today and only today we can be afraid and unsure; tomorrow and every day after until we bring them home we focus on winning."
Michonne raises her head, "Team Grimes," her voice is stronger.
He kisses across her belly three times, "Team Grimes."
Justice and Sophia take over the basement. Carl observes from the couch. They could run the world.
"So we build your website with testimonials from satisfied clients. We show before and after passages. You will need a submission box. You should offer consultations for a fee," Sophia is animated.
"Wow, you are a future CEO. Thanks," Justice praises.
"Do not thank me yet. I have not done any research yet."
Carl looks at Justice and mouths, "Good luck," before snickering.
In the twilight hours Rick abandons the struggle to sleep. He sits on the floor leaning against Michonne's side of the bed but she does not stir. He tucks a pencil behind his ear and continues to research each item from his notes of the meeting with Dr. Bennett. The fear of what could go wrong coils tight in his gut. He needs to determine a way to fight for his family.
AN: The choice of triplets was always part of my original outline. I have all the receipts. After the EW interview with Danai I almost revised but my Writing Buddy, Chezza, encouraged me to stay the course. I await your verdict.