Ok, this rewrite brought out my long-windedness and also my unwillingness to edit it down because I am tired and done with this fic! After having to rewrite the entire chapter 8 and 9, I was ready to throw this story in the trash! But I am too close to completing this story to do that. Nine is much longer than the original version and you know what, I am ok with that. No more apologies! Lol. I hope you like this chapter. Ten is gonna take a minute too….but i only have to change a few thangs thank goodness, a rewrite of the final chapter is not necessary. Whew. Almost done!
Enjoy this 12,500+ word chapter!
Chapter 9-Baby, Champagne, Knives, and Fish
"What the hell are you doing in here!" Michonne uttered in disbelief, not believing that Crazy Ass Lori Wayne would have the damn nerve to waltz into her hospital room.
Michonne was at a loss for words and blinking excessively. She could not fully comprehend what she was seeing. Michonne hugged her newborn a little tighter and reached for the call button.
"No!" Lori spang forward and slapped the buzzer out of reach before Michonne could get a hold of it.
"Are you crazy? RIC…," Michonne began to holler but stopped immediately when Lori waved a butcher knife in a threatening manner.
Michonne was terrified, mostly for Carl. If she was alone, she knew she could defend herself despite just having a baby earlier that morning. But with Carl in her arms, Michonne was unsure. But one thing was guaranteed, Michonne would fight to the death for her son. Michonne surveyed Lori and noticed she looked disheveled, like she had not bathed or even combed her hair in a few days. Her clothes looked dirty too. But none of that caused concern more than the wild look in Lori's eyes. They were almost on fire with turmoil, desperation, and mayhem. Michonne looked over at the hospital door and tried to will Rick walk into the room at that very moment. No such luck.
"If you scream, I will get to you and that little baby of yours before Rick can come save either of you. I saw it in the nursery a little while ago. Other than its blue eyes, it looks nothing like my husband," Lori chuckled in deep denial, "It will make it much easier for my husband to walk away from you and come back to me without a second thought!"
"What the…," Michonne whispered trying to reach for the call button again but stopped when Lori took a step towards her.
"It's time for me to take my life back. The life you stole," Lori declared with a calmness that was unnerving.
Between Lori's message and the butcher knife, Michonne eyes grew wide with terror, but she quickly relaxed her face. Michonne took a deep breath. She needed to stay calm. Stay rational. She wondered where in the hell Rick was. He should have been back by now with the grandparents. Michonne subtly glanced around the room for something near to use as a weapon. The closest thing that might be useful was a lamp sitting on the bedside table. It was too far to reach. Michonne would need to be crafty and move over slowly until it was within her grasp. Michonne glanced at the bassinet that was to the left of the bed near the window and calculated the time it would take to jump out of the bed, place Carlton in the crib, grab the lamp, and fight Lori with every ounce of strength she had left in her body. The odds were low, but low was better than nothing.
"Lori. I know you would not hurt a child. A baby?" Michonne reasoned, trying hard to keep the disgust from her tone as she slyly moved her left leg slightly off the bed.
"You are right," Lori grinned, "I'm just here for you! I'm sure one of your many friends or family will take care of it. Or that abomination can go to foster care for all I care."
Michonne held her tongue at the name Lori called her child, not to mention she kept calling Carlton IT, but Michonne also noted that Lori was not as far gone mentally as she appeared. Calling Carlton an abomination meant Lori knew without a doubt that Rick was his father. Rick and Carl were already twins and Carl's facial features had not even fully developed yet! Michonne figured denial and desperation were Lori's main course with crazy and absurdity as her two side dishes. Michonne could work with desperation. Crazy not so much.
"Lori, I am sure we can sort this out without any violence," Michonne tried to negotiate and tightened her jaw when Lori frantically shook her head back and forth.
"I don't see how," Lori whispered almost to herself as she stared at the ceiling in distress and Michonne noticed that even Lori was wondering what in the hell was happening, "I think it's too late."
Desperation was on the table and Michonne breathed a slight sigh of relief. Michonne thought she could rationalize with Lori after seeing the confusion and remorse flash across her face.
"What do you need?" Michonne asked, adding a bit of sweetness to her tone to try and convey that she wanted to help the lunatic.
"Easy. You gone, and my husband back in our home. Back in my bed," Lori answered with a shrug of her shoulders as if the answer was obvious.
Crazy it was.
Michonne cringed because there is nothing you can do with crazy but hope for the best. Michonne knew at that point there was no use in arguing with a maniac. It would only set Lori off and that would endanger Carl. Lori looked over at Carl and actually felt sorry for the child who was about to be abandoned just like her father did to her. Michonne needed to keep Lori calm and play along until Rick returned, or a nurse, or anybody. But she was not going to wait for Plan A. Michonne was getting into position to jump out of that bed, get that lamp, and fight the crazed woman to protect her son. Right then, however, the only weapon Michonne had was sanity. Michonne moved more of her leg off the bed, wishing it was in a fully upright position. It would have made it easier to lunge.
"Lori, Ok. I am willing to let Rick decide who he wants to be with and if it is you, then my baby and I will walk away. Disappear forever," Michonne uttered and almost rolled her eyes at the stupidity of her declaration.
"No," Lori balked, "Rick is a good man, and he will stay with you because of that baby even though he loves me and wants a life with ME! I need you out of the picture!"
Insanity had pushed crazy out of the window.
Lori was erratic and started pacing back and forth like a caged animal starving for its meal. Michonne could see Lori was all the way gone now. No more desperation. She was running on crazy fumes. Lori had slipped back into a fantasy of her own creation. Michonne was now fully sitting up in the bed and slightly turned to the left. Her whole left leg was dangling from the side, and she secured Carlton in the nook of her arm. Michonne was about to make her move, and as she twisted her body to jump off the bed, a cramp hit her, and she paused, struggling to breathe through it. That was another thing not in Rick's little baby book, the after contractions. The nurse said they would feel like menstrual cramps and feeling them now, Michonne felt sorry for Sasha who would get them before every period. Michonne closed her eyes tightly knowing with the addition of her abdominal pain, the odds were even lower of being able to jolt from the bed fast enough and went back to her sanity plan. Michonne wondered why her usually feisty mother had not attempted to barge her way into the room to meet her grandson. Or Ella, who by now should be steamrolling over Rick to get to Carlton. Michonne would love for either Sasha or Rosita to arrive just in time and beat Lori's ass to pieces. But neither were there and Michonne wondered what in the hell was so important that it was keeping her family from coming into her hospital room.
"WHOOP, WHOOP!" Andrea hollered as she walked into the waiting room distracting everyone there, "I know it's early for polite society, but I think some champagne is in order! I don't have to be at work till 9am so I thought I would stop by so we can DRANK!"
Both sets of grandparents chuckled at the blond they met the week before at the Let's Get That Crazy Pendeja Party, highly amused as they watched her pop the bubbly. Malcolm looked at his watch and shook his head. 7:20am.
"I say it's never too early for Champagne! Especially when we are celebrating a grandson!" Richard affirmed then took the stack of plastic champagne flutes from Andrea to pass them around.
"Richard," Ella whispered in pretend outrage but was steady holding her flute out for Andrea to fill.
"Correct Mr. Grimes! I have a mimosa every day before work!" Andrea informed with no shame.
All four grandparents' side-eyed Andrea.
Andrea took their minds off waiting to see Carlton with all the cheer and outrageousness she brought with her so early in the morning. Malcolm shook his head at the rowdy blond, then chuckled and took a flute too.
"Oh, the good stuff," Malcolm grinned after taking a sip and looking at the label on the empty bottle.
"Hell yeah! I like to start my day off right!" Andrea laughed and started refilling empty glasses, "Where is everybody? I still have three more bottles in my bag!"
While the parents were partying in the waiting room, and Rick was filling out the forms, Michonne was busy trying to save both her and Carlton's life from a damn armed maniac.
"Lori, what do you mean "out of the picture?" You want me and our…I mean my son to what? Leave Atlanta?" Michonne asked and looked at the door hoping that someone would come in at that very moment.
Lori laughed and did not realize Michonne was stalling for time by repeating what Lori had already informed.
"Didn't you hear me? Don't you understand simple English? Rick won't leave you knowing that baby might be his son. He is too much of a gentleman to want a paternity test. He would look into its eyes and think that is confirmation the baby is his! Once you are gone, Rick and I can move back to King County, the last place we were really happy before he moved us to this mess of a city," Lori exclaimed and waved her hands around showcasing her very sharp weapon again and Michonne winced.
Lori looked at the knife and then at Michonne and smiled the creepiest grin Michonne had ever seen. Lori felt on top of the world because for once in her miserable existence, she felt like she was on top. Like she was in full control. Michonne wanted to scream but tightened her lips instead. Michonne's heart was beathing fast. She looked at the buzzer that was hanging down and over the bedrail on the right side and then the door again.
"I can just leave without anybody getting hurt. You and Rick will never see me again," Michonne bargained then darted her eyes at the door again.
"Why do you keep doing that? Looking at the door? Do you think someone is going to save you before I do what I need to do?" Lori asked with a chuckle waving the butcher knife around.
Michonne blew out a shaky breath and moved Carlton closer to her side and crept more off the bed. When she felt her foot touch the floor, she carefully edged her ass off the side.
"No. No, uh. Do you think you can get Rick and leave us alone for a minute and let me break the news to him in private? That the baby and I are leaving him?" Michonne tried to negotiate, and Lori thought for a minute, smiled, and shook her head.
"Naughty, naughty Meshawn. Are you trying to trick me on Halloween? Trick or Treat?" Lori laughed, "Which will it be?"
"Andrea! You are a hoot! How many more bottles do you have in that bag?" Ella laughed loving how they were all celebrating the joyous occasion as she sipped on the champagne, "Where the heck is Rick? I'm ready to see my grandchild!"
Ella stepped out into the hallway, just a tad bit tipsy, and looked left towards Michonne's room, but noticed her son was just a few steps away at the Nurses' station. Ella trotted over to Rick and looked at the live birth form.
"Carlton!" I love it!" Ella shouted then ran into the waiting room and informed the rest.
Rick sucked his teeth. He wanted to make a grand announcement.
"Michonne told me she was gonna name the baby Andrea if it was a girl and would drop the last A and make it Andre if it was a boy?" Andrea uttered perplexedly about to walk to Michonne's room for some clarification.
"Girl, she lied to you so you would stop asking," Maggie laughed walking into the waiting room with Glen and took the bottle from Andrea to pour herself a drink.
"What?" Andera sputtered in shock.
Camille laughed and shook her head. They had only known this nutjob for a week and she wanted her daughter to name her children after her.
"Girl, hush and come pour me a little more," Camille chuckled thoroughly enjoying Andrea's early morning shenanigans.
"Mama, I heard you delivered my nephew. A toast!" Maggie grinned and held up her plastic glass.
Rick shook his head at his family of drunkards, then peered down at the very end of the hallway at his wife's door and smiled before turning to finish signing the document. Lori moved the knife as if she was getting it into a stabbing position and Michonne gave sanity one last try before she threw all caution to hell and screamed.
"I promise. I promise I will let Rick go. I will make him go. Go back with you to King County. I promise I will not bother either of you ever again," Michonne tried to convince Lori, but she could tell the lunatic was not buying it.
Where in the hell was Rick! Michonne thought to herself, trying not to look at the door again. She did not want to set Lori off.
"You are a LIAR! The only way to get rid of you is to make you and that baby disappear altogether!" Lori spewed and took two steps towards Michonne.
Michonne opened her mouth to scream, but the door flew open to her room, and it was someone that Michonne was not expecting, but Michonne was relieved none-the-less.
"Hey, Rosita called and told me you had the baby! I am so excited for you! Rosita is jealous that I get to come in early because I am a Physician Assistant here. She is on her way," Pearl laughed and tilted her head in confusion when she noticed that Michonne was half off the bed with a frightened look on her face.
Pearl heard a movement behind her then grew suspicious when she saw Lori standing shadily in the dark corner. Pearl was now on high alert. She recognized the woman from the picture at the Let's Get That Crazy Pendeja Party. Pearl gave a slight nod to Michonne to acknowledge that she was very aware of what was happening and Michonne took a deep nervous breath and jumped out of the bed, put Carlton in the bassinet, and pushed it to the far corner between the wall and the nightstand.
"Thanks for letting me know," Michonne could barely utter trying to play it cool so Lori would not feel threatened.
"Sorry, I didn't know you had a visitor. I will be just a minute Mrs.?" Pearl inquired as she took a step closer to the bed.
Pearl noticed one of Lori's hands was behind her back.
"Grimes. Mrs. Grimes," Lori stated proudly, and moved just enough for Pearl to see the pointy end of the knife.
Pearl held in her gasp and smiled tensely instead.
"Mrs. Grimes, it's time for me to check the vitals of mommy and baby. Do you mind waiting outside please?" Pearl asked, trying to stay calm and more importantly, keep the lunatic with the knife calm too.
Pearl slowly moved towards the call button.
"I think I will stay here. Hurry please. Mommy is exhausted and needs her rest!" Lori smiled and Pearl took the last few steps to stand on the right side of the bed opposite Michonne and Carlton.
"Why is the call button hanging over the bed?" Pearl chuckled so as to not seem obvious and pulled on the cord.
Lori shifted causing Pearl to stop the action for a second and glanced at Michonne. Pearl noticed Michonne now had a lamp in her hand.
"Mrs. G…Michonne, why are you out of bed. You just had a baby!" Pearl giggled trying to sound like everything going on in that room was normal as apple pie while watching Lori from the corner of her eye.
Pearl started to pull the call button cord again.
Michonne was appreciative that Pearl was there to help when she could have easily made a run for it, just like she could have done when they first met a week ago at the Let's Get That Crazy Pendeja party. When Rosita came over that day to Michonne's home with Pearl, Pearl and Michonne hit it off almost immediately. Even Sasha loved Pearl from the jump. They laughed and had a ball as Sasha, Rosita, Yumiko, and Andrea drank margaritas, along with Ella and Camille who mostly sat outside and enjoyed the heated patio. The men were in the family room discussing Lori during their own, Let's Find My Crazy Ex-Wife party. Maggie was in King County and could not make the event. Even though they were all there out of precaution for Lori possibly storming their home, they all still managed to make the threatening situation into a shindig. Watching them drink without her almost made Michonne want to throw her virgin margarita across the room. It was about an hour into the fun and tomfoolery when Pearl realized who Michonne might be.
"Despite all this mess, you seem so much happier Chonne. Happier than when you were married to that dick Mike!" Rosita laughed and toasted the sentiment with Sasha.
Pearl looked between a laughing Rosita, a nodding Sasha, and an agreeing Michonne and ran the name Michy and Michonne over and over in her mind. Pearl thought it could not possibly be. What were the damn odds. Pearl really liked this group of ladies and could see herself making great friends with each of them. She cursed Mike at possibly ruining this opportunity for her. Pearl closed her eyes and tried to remember the woman from the street all those months ago. All she could remember was Mike's ex had dark skin and locs. When she opened her eyes, Pearl could not believe she did not notice sooner. Or maybe she did know, but liked this group of tight knit women and forced the truth down deep in avoidanceland. Pearl wanted to be a part of the group. She needed it. Since the loss of her mother, she was without any family. Rosita was one of only a few friends, but most others were just co-workers. Pearl needed people. She had been lost in her classes, then graduation, then working, far too long. That need was what attracted her to Mike. That need is also why she kept her blinders on with Mike too.
"Ummm, hey. Can I ask you a question Michonne?" Pearl asked, sitting her glass down and sounding very shaky, "well two questions."
This made everyone get serious and the last of the chuckles faded.
"Of course," Michonne grinned nervously.
"What happened with your last husband?" Pearl asked her new friend then watched her smile turn into a sour frown.
"Well first, his awful ass left me stranded in a parking lot in the middle of freezing cold January, and asked for a divorce before he drove off because we had just found out I was, quote, "infertile." But looking back, I should have seen the signs. With Mike everything was about appearances. Looking our best on the outside and I think up until he left me in that parking lot, I thought our insides matched our outsides. They did not. My whole perception of Mike was a sham. I loved the idea of Mike. It was not until Rick that I learned what real love actually looks like. I learned to love my life and my husband instead of just some fantasy I made up in my head."
"What do you mean left you in a parking lot?" Pearl asked and chuckled anxiously, "And that was not my second question!"
Michonne told Pearl a condensed version of the story and Pearl was appalled. That was not the story Mike told her about why they separated and eventually divorced.
"Why do ask?" Sasha inquired eyeing Pearl wondering if she was going to have to fight this new chick who seemed to be asking some shifty questions.
Sasha took another sip of her drink but watched Pearl closely over the rim of her glass.
"Yes, it seems you may know something we do not," Yumiko probed staring at Pearl with mistrust.
"What was your second question?" Rosita asked, trying to get this line of questioning over and back to the fun or the start of a beatdown.
Whichever.
"It got tense in here real fast," Andrea spoke then grinned, "I love me some drama! I wish I had some popcorn. You are my kind of people!"
They all looked at Andrea, who was a little too giddy and Michonne could not help but giggle. Andrea was crazy, but the good kind. Not the Lori kind. It was getting awkward, and Rosita wanted to bring Pearl into the fold, but her questions were making everyone anxious and now Rosita was unsure if Pearl would fit.
"Did Mike used to call you Michy?" Pearl asked and now everyone in the room grew tense wondering what Pearl was getting at.
Michonne's heart rate increased and pondered if Pearl was a friend of Lori's trying to infiltrate her home. Michonne stayed calm and answered her inquiry. She needed to know where Pearl was going with her line of questioning.
"Yes, but only my father called me that. I asked Mike to stop, but it only made him use it more. Asshole. He would even introduce me as Michy and I always had to correct him," Michonne explained and shook her head, "How did you know that?"
"Yeah, how DID you know that" Rosita asked placing her glass down on the table ready to pounce on this bitch if necessary.
"Sasha, why are you taking off your earrings?" Yumiko asked curiously.
"Let me take mine off too," Andrea added and began to take off her small diamond hoops always down for whatever.
Rosita may have liked Pearl, but if she was a threat to her family, Rosita would make sure to neutralize it. Before the ladies got the wrong idea, Pearl told the whole group the story from the lies Mike told her about their divorce to her accusation that he was still in love with "Michy" to her leaving him and never looking back. Everyone was stunned and Pearl rose and grabbed her bag sadly.
"I'll go. I will call Uber. I am so sorry. If I had known I would not have come here," Pearl muttered and pulled out her cellphone and Sasha and Rosita looked at Michonne who was eyeing Pearl up and down.
Michonne smiled.
"Nah girl. It's too late. I like you way too much. You are drinking in my house, with my friends and family. You are stuck with us now. Sit down and let's get back to the fun and never mention Mike again!" Michonne grinned and Pearl sat down and teared up.
"Thank you Michonne. I never really had a group of girlfriends, and after this, I don't want to go back to not having any," Pearl laughed through her tears and picked up her margarita.
Michonne was about to speak when Maggie charged into the front door.
"What the hell! Where is that crazy bitch, Rick? I went to the grocery store to fuck her up, and they said they fired that hoe weeks ago!" Maggie hollered giddy to finally have her chance at beating down Lori Wayne.
"Maggie, settle down! I thought you were in King County packing?" Ella inquired and Maggie shook her head.
"I was! But Glenn called and said Lori was on the loose! Why didn't y'all call me!" Maggie questioned with bite.
"Because of this!" Rick answered and Maggie sucked her teeth, "We already checked her job had you asked before storming the grocery store like a crazy person."
"Maggie knows what's up. She is one of us!" Sasha stated as she put her earrings back on and Rick shook his head and chuckled.
"Where is Glenn? He needs to come calm your irrational ass down," Rick laughed, and Maggie playfully slapped her brother on the shoulder.
The comment caused a light bulb to go off in Sasha's head that had nothing to do with Lori Wayne. She grinned to herself, and Andrea noticed.
"I'm in with whatever has that evil grin on your face," Andrea giggled thinking she hit the jackpot with the liveliest group of friends her dramatic ass could ever hope for.
Sasha looked at Rosita, then at Pearl.
"Are you single Pearl? I might have a man for you!" Sasha smiled and side-eyed Rosita.
"Who? Please don't tell me that brute Abe!" Michonne laughed then confusedly watched Rosita shift uncomfortably, "I love Abraham to death but…," Michonne looked over at Sasha who gestured for her to meet in the kitchen.
Sasha was giddy that Michonne just did most of the work for her. When they were alone, Sasha schooled her little sister. She paused when the men passed through the kitchen to see what the women were up to in the living room. Rick gave Michonne a quick kiss on her cheek as he walked by. Once it was clear again, Sasha continued.
"I think Rosita likes Abe!" Sasha whispered to Michonne.
"Noooo. I think you are wrong on this one Sasha," Michonne answered and watched Rosita try not to watch Abe and she saw exactly what her sister was talking about, "Oh my God. How did I miss this!"
"Because she was busy ignoring him when he married Ellen," Sasha laughed and the match making wheels were already turning inside her head, "Then she was in London when they divorced and now that Rosita is back, so are her feelings for the newly single ding dong."
"Dang," Michonne uttered, "I guess now we know why Rosita was so standoffish after he met and married Ellen."
Sasha nodded her agreement and thought this coupling was going to be a difficult one. They had been friends with Abe for six years and Rosita and him got along extremely well. Then Abe went and got married and the two's friendship ended overnight. Rosita's stubbornness was an obstacle in and of itself. Abe strolled back into the kitchen to grab another beer.
"What?" Abe uttered when he noticed Sasha staring evilly at him.
"Dumbass," Sasha retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Dumbass," Michonne concurred and walked away behind her sister back into the living room.
Abe stood there with his mouth open wondering what he did.
"Follow my lead Michonne," Sasha grinned.
Maybe a little competition would kick Rosita's ass into gear to declare her feelings for the red-headed menace. Sasha went back into the living room and made an announcement.
"Abe might be good choice for Pearl," Sasha proclaimed and watched Rosita roll her eyes and Pearl furrow her brow.
"I'm a match for who now?" Abe asked cluelessly scanning the two new women up-and-down winking at both.
Rosita slammed her drink down hard on the side table.
"You are something else Rosita," Sasha giggled, and Rosita looked perplexed.
"Which one of you fine women want to climb this mountain?" Abe asked with a wide grin while flexing his muscles.
"Only one person here wants to freeze to death on Mt. Ignant Abe. Yuck," Sasha uttered and slapped Abe on his shoulder, "Put your big ole rocky mountain muscles to work and go in the kitchen and get the pitcher of margaritas out of the refrigerator."
Sasha watched Rosita take out her phone and start scrolling in an effort to ignore all the antics, but Sasha knew her lovestruck friend was listening. She giggled when she noticed Rosita watching Abe walk away through the corner of her eye.
"BUT it's not Abe," Sasha finally admitted and laughed when she saw Rosita visibly relax and put away her phone.
"Who then?" Maggie asked with interest, not aware of the Rosita and Abe drama.
"I do not know him all that well, but he is the trust fund baby of one of my clients. His mother asked me if I knew any quality ladies to let her know. Her son is fine as hell," Sasha admitted as she fanned herself.
"Who the hell are you meeting at your office?" Darryl spat with a furrowed brow.
"Don't worry baby. No one can compete with my man," Sasha grinned and sauntered over to Darryl and gave him a peck on the lips.
"Hey, puta. Why have you not set me up with him?" Rosita inquired incredulously.
"Two reasons. One, he is not your type, Rosita. He is a super nice, sweet guy, but very serious. You would stress that poor man into knots. And Secondly," Sasha grinned widely and loudly stated, "Don't you prefer redheads?"
Rosita nearly spit out her drink and Abe almost got whiplash turning to look at Rosita after stepping back into the family room. Michonne, Maggie, and the rest hollered amazed that Sasha would put Rosita's business on the street like that. Sasha figured somebody had to do it. Rosita put down her glass and grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth. There was no use in denying it. Rosita's heart skipped a beat the moment she found out Abe was divorcing his hatful wife and denying the attraction was hopeless. Rosita did not reject the allegations, rather she just stayed quiet.
"ABE GET YOUR GIANT RED HEADED ASS IN HERE!" Sasha hollered and Rosita wanted to sink into the couch.
"I'm already here," Abe grinned from behind Sasha startling her into a jump and a yelp.
"Back up big man! SIX FEET!" Sasha hollered holding her heart and rolling her eyes at Abe.
Abe looked over at Rosita. He had a crush on her for years, but she never gave him the time of day and Abe wondered when the beauty changed her mind. Both Rosita and Abe were now staring love hearts at each other.
"You two take those looks in the kitchen. You are making me nauseous," Sasha grinned, and Rosita shot her the finger.
Abe squeezed his big, muscular ass in between Rosita and Yumiko on the loveseat and Rosita shook her head but smiled.
"Ok, so what is this guy's name? Pearl asked with interest.
"Donald. Donald Okafor. I will introduce you two soon. And you?" Sasha pointed to Rosita "Give Abe a juicy kiss."
"SASHA!" Rosita hollered ready to strangle her friend then looked at Abe who was already puckered up.
They all giggled in anticipation of the imminent Abe and Rosita pairing finally happening. Sasha already had Darryl fishing to see if Abe had any interest in Rosita, and when Abe's eyes lit up, Darryl knew they had a perfect match. They were just waiting for the right time to hook them up and Sasha found it. All the men started cheering for the kiss, and Rosita shook her head got up and joined the more mature guests on the back patio.
"What about me?" Andrea asked with wide eyes.
"Didn't you just tell us you were juggling three men right now?" Michonne asked with a chuckle.
"Yeah, but I prefer even numbers and four is just about perfect!" Andrea exclaimed, which got the whole party laughing.
As fun as that get-to-gether was a week prior, currently, there was no humor to be found in the tense hospital room, especially after Pearl noticed the knife.
"Are you family? We only allow family in here when we are checking vitals," Pearl asked Lori as she cautiously watched her every movement.
Michonne was surprised at how normal Pearl seemed. Michonne was trembling and knew if she said a single word, it would be shaky at best. Michonne noticed Pearl now had the call button in her hand.
"Close enough," Lori answered with a smile that bordered on evil.
"HELP! HELP!" Pearl screamed at the top of her lungs and repeatedly pushed the call button.
Pearl kicked the chair in Lori's path to slow her down, then motioned for Michonne to toss her the lamp and Michonne quickly did. A stunned Lori lunged towards Michonne in a last-ditch effort to get to the man stealing whore and her newborn but tripped over the chair and stumbled into a fall.
"IT'S TIME FOR RICK TO COME HOME!" Lori screamed as she tried to get up off the floor and Michonne instinctively took a firm stance in front of the bassinet to protect Carlton.
"RICK!" Michonne screamed as she prepared to help Pearl by jumping Lori, but the cramping started again, and she bent over in pain.
All Michonne heard was the lamp break and Lori yelping in agony. When she turned around, Pearl was on top of Lori trying to hold her down with Lori's arm bent painfully behind her back.
"THAT HURTS YOU BITCH! GET OFF OF ME!" Lori hollered angrily.
"HELP! HELP! Michonne screamed and Rick was already running into the room, followed by the nurse he was speaking to at the nurse's station.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" Rick hollered as he ran over to make sure Michonne, and the baby were okay.
"Help Pearl Rick! I'm Okay!" Michonne ordered and Rick took Pearl's place and held Lori down on the floor.
"SECURITY!" Rick yelled, "SECURITY!"
"Rick! Help me please!" Lori begged and Rick moved her arm a little higher up her back which caused Lori to howl in anguish.
Rick noticed the knife and gritted his teeth. Then he noticed the knife had blood on it.
"Michonne, you okay?" Rick asked worriedly as he eyed the knife, praying the blood was Lori's and not his wife's.
"Yes Rick. Pearl?" Michonne called when she noticed Pearl still laying on the ground.
"I need a doctor," Pearl muttered before she passed out.
Michonne noticed a puddle of blood leaking from the side of her new friend.
"PEARL!" Michonne exclaimed, "SHE NEEDS A DOCTOR! SHE NEEDS A DOCTOR NOW!"
By then the grandparents, Andrea, and Maggie were at the door but were pushed aside by a doctor who went to check Pearl.
"Get a gurney and let's prep her for surgery STAT!" The doctor ordered and the nurses scurried, "SOMEONE GET SECURITY IN HERE NOW!"
It was chaos after that. Rick was still holding Lori until Security finally arrived and cuffed Lori and walked her down to the security office to wait for Atlanta PD. Ella and Camille were scrambling and fussing over Michonne and Carlton. Ella took the baby, while Camille gave her daughter a good once over. A nurse came in to take Michonne's vitals and fought for room to stand in between Ella and Camille. Rosita arrived, squeezed in and gave Michonne a kiss on the temple and informed them that she is going to wait for Pearl to get out of surgery. She assured everyone she would update them on Pearl's status as soon as she received information. Malcolm was on the phone with Darryl giving him the details and Richard was calming Rick down and keeping him from rushing downstairs to kill Lori Wayne. Rick calmed down a bit and moved towards his wife.
"Rick. They are both fine. Let the nurse finish. Besides, If you go over there now, Ella and Camille with stab you too," Richard said in an effort to lighten the tense mood and Rick smiled slightly and looked over at his wife and child.
"I just need to touch her. Touch em both. I am so embarrassed dad. I caused all of this," Rick admitted worriedly.
"You did not son. This was all Lori. You had nothing to do with any of it," Richard assured and pulled his son in for a hug.
"You most certainly did not," Camille concurred, "Ella, stop hogging Carlton and hand him over to Rick. He needs to hold his baby. And you have two minutes Rick before it's my turn. We will wait over here while you check on your wife."
Rick nodded in appreciation and walked over to his mama who reluctantly handed Carlton over.
"Careful son. Hold his head, ok?" Ella advised as she placed her grandson in her son's arms.
"Ok mama," Rick chuckled and once he adjusted Carl comfortably in his arms, he walked over to Michonne.
The nurse finished up and left the overcrowded room. She dared not tell anyone in the family that there were way too many people in the room.
"Are you ok," Rick asked tentatively wondering if Michonne was going to blame him for this whole mess.
Lori blamed him for everything, and he wondered if Michonne would too. Rick should have known better.
"I am Rick. Especially when you came in like a superhero and saved us!" Michonne smiled and gave her husband a wink.
"That was all Pearl!" Rick grinned, "We owe her big time."
"Yes, we most certainly do," Michonne smiled then furrowed her brows praying Pearl would make it out of surgery all right.
By then Sasha came storming into the room after receiving a call from her mother and ran over to her sister to give her the once over. Once she saw her sister was fine, Sasha ranted as usual.
"I am going to kill Darryl! He told me to wait and let the grandparents have some time first, so I made a quick stop by the office. Now I missed all the damn drama! I would have whopped Lori's ass if I was here!" Sasha spat and started shadow boxing in the room.
"Calm down Sugar Ray," Andrea laughed already picking Sasha as her favorite new friend.
Michonne was a very close second. Sasha calmed down and walked over to her sister.
"Are you really, ok? Is the baby, ok? Rick, are you ok?" Sasha turned to Rick and after he nodded, she turned back to Michonne, "Pearl? What the hell happened! How did Lori get in here? The Nurse said Pearl was stabbed? How did she get stabbed. Oh Lord I can't believe I missed all of this! I would have knocked that hoe out with one punch," Sasha hollered and started punching the air again, "Oh my God, is my nephew, okay?"
"Sasha! Take a breath and calm down. Me and the baby are fine, and I am sorry that your day was ruined because you did not get to witness the chaos of a nut job almost stabbing me and my child to death firsthand," Michonne bit sarcastically.
"You are welcome Michonne, but it's not your fault. Although you should have called me. It's Darryl that should be apologizing. I will get his ass later," Sasha answered choosing to ignore the sarcasm.
Everybody shook their head at Sasha except for Andrea who was cosigning.
"Get his ass," Andrea grinned and pulled out another bottle of champagne, "Here, have a drink. It will calm your nerves. Maggie, go ask the nurse for some orange juice."
"Do not ask for orange juice Maggie. And put those bottles away. Our parents are already drunk!" Michonne ordered, shaking her head.
"We are not drunk Michonne. "We only had a few tips…sips. A few sips," Camille tried to assure but the slurring told Michonne different, and Andrea giggled because she personally saw Camille drink two whole glasses of bubbly.
"Sasha, can you go find Rosita and wait with her until Pearl gets out of surgery? She was a nervous wreck," Michonne requested, and Sasha pulled out her phone to call Rosita.
Andrea went and gave Michonne a hug and left for work. Sasha made a stop to talk to the group, give her sister and nephew a kiss, and high-fived Rick before she left for the eighth floor waiting area.
"Michonne, I can't believe Pearl risked her life to tackle down that lunatic? No offense Rick," Camille qualified, and Rick shook his head with a smile.
"None taken. Lori is a lunatic," Rick uttered as he rocked Carl in his arms, "You had a hell of a birthday didn't you buddy."
"Hell of a Halloween too," Richard added, "This mess kinda fits the theme."
"Let's all focus. Has anyone called Pearl's parents?" Ella inquired, "We owe her. I don't even want to think what could have happened if she did not come in when she did."
"Her mother passed away right before she graduated Physician Assistant school. She has no other family. Very few friends. I think Rosita is her closest. But we are her family now, and I think I might have a way to repay her, but I need to talk to Rick about it first," Michonne mentioned and made eye contact with Rick.
"Baby, whatever you want to do I will agree. I owe that woman everythang. What she did was everythang. I'm gonna agree to whatever your plan is," Rick assessed and Michonne grinned widely.
"I love you so much Rick," Michonne purred, and Rick gave her a kiss on the lips.
"I love you too baby," Rick returned and then kissed her again.
Rick and Michonne stared at each other for a little while before Richand cleared his throat.
"Do we need to take Carl and wait outside for you two to finish making lovey dovey eyes at each other?" Richard chuckled and walked over to Rick to get his turn at holding Carlton.
Camille tried to protest that it was her turn, but Richard stuck his tongue out at her and walked over to stand near Malcolm.
"Richard," Ella giggled, "What is your idea Michonne?"
"Well, I was hoping that you and Richard would stay with us a little while longer to help Pearl. She can't stay alone, and I was thinking," Michonne looked at Rick then at the rest of the family, "that we can let Pearl stay in our home so we can help during her recovery?"
"I think that is a great idea sweetheart," Rick smiled and kissed Michonne again.
"We can stay. That is not a problem at all. We would need to head back to King County and get some more clothes and things. Check on the house, but," Ella looked at Richard who nodded in agreement, "we would love to help Pearl and I would love to spend more time with Carl."
Michonne chuckled. That was the second person that shortened Carlton's name and Carl was growing on her.
"Camille and I will definitely help too. In fact, let me call your Uncle Eddie. He runs a home health agency," Malcolm explained to those that did not know, "I can see if he can send someone to come help with her bandages and bathing for a couple hours a day."
"Thank you, daddy," Michonne smiled.
Malcolm walked out of the room and called his brother, then noticed a couple of police officers get off the elevator and he cut the call short after his brother said he would schedule one is his care providers and would deliver a hospital bed in a day or two.
"I will get her room ready, sweetheart. And Ella, I will give your room a spruce up and wash all the linens for your return. I am also going to have the guestroom at our house ready for when you and Richard need a break and we can switch off. Have you told the kids your plan yet?" Camille asked a little too loudly.
"What plan?" Rick asked with interest.
"Well…." Ella started but was interrupted when Malcolm came back into the room before she could answer.
"Police are here," Malcolm announced as he strode back inside the room.
They all listened intently to the story. Rick was livid when Michonne repeated all the nonsense Lori was spouting. Rick informed the police that they had a restraining order against Lori and detailed how she was arrested just a few weeks ago for attacking him. The police finished their notes and assured Rick and Michonne that Lori would not be getting out anytime soon. With her already out on bond, no judge would let her out again. Lori would be spending the holidays and beyond in jail. Camille snapped everyone to action.
"Ok everybody. Let's let my daughter get some rest. We are going to your house to get everything ready and start prepping the house and food for our late Halloween bar-b-que . Do you know when you are getting out of here?" Camille inquired, making sure Michonne would be home for the celebration.
"Early tomorrow morning if her vitals stay normal," Dr. Carter answered when he strolled into the room, "Hello everyone! Looks like I missed all the action!"
"Hi Doctor Carter!" Michonne greeted, cheerily, "And be thankful that you did!"
"I think these vitals are not exactly accurate considering the circumstances. I will check them again in a few hours, and like I said, if they are good, Mother and son can go home as early as tomorrow morning."
"I can't wait to get home and settled," Michonne breathed out and reached for Carl.
Richard walked the baby to Michonne but was stopped by Malcolm.
"I want my turn before we leave Michy! Hand me Carlton please," Malcolm grinned and held Carlton in his arms.
"Carl is going to be spoiled rotten," Michonne laughed holding her husband's hand instead.
Rick grinned wondering if his wife noticed she used Carlton's nickname. Fifteen minutes later, the grandparents were just about to leave, but stopped when Rosita and Sasha came back to the room.
"How is Pearl?" Everybody asked at the same time.
"She is good. Stable. She is still sleeping but should be up soon. Lori managed to miss any major organs, thank God, but the stab wound was deep, and she lost a lot of blood. She will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few more days, but she should make a full recovery. I am going to see if maybe she can stay with me. Donald is on a humanitarian mission and won't be back for at least a week, besides they just met so that might be an awkward ask. But I work during the day," Rosita informed worriedly.
"No worries, Rosita. Pearl is coming to our house. We already have a plan," Michonne explained, and Rosita huffed out a breath of relief and hugged her best friend in the whole wide world.
Michonne told Rosita and Sasha the idea and both ladies already were jumping on the bandwagon.
"I will get her keys and get some clothes and pajamas and personal items from her condo and bring them over tomorrow!" Rosita offered with excitement, "She might be out by the time we have the party Saturday, but she won't be able to move around much."
"I thought you planned on spending the weekend with your mother and stepfather in Savannah?" Michonne asked curiously.
"They are on a damn cruise. Ever since I told them about your parents always cruising, they started it too. This one is an Alaskan cruise to see the whales!" Rosita informed with an eye roll.
"Ohhh, that might be nice!" Ella grinned and looked at Camille who was already looking up the cruise line on her phone.
Camille walked out of the room showing Ella the pictures of the boat.
"Look at them. You mention cruise and they forget about us just like that," Michonne snapped her fingers and laughed.
An hour later, it was just Rick, Michonne, and a sleeping Carl in the room and they enjoyed the peace and quiet.
"Look at what we made Michonne. God, he is beautiful," Rick grinned as he laid next to his wife on the hospital bed.
"He is," Michonne agreed looking down at her son, "are you going home?"
Rick got up and placed Carl in the bassinet, then laid back down next to his wife.
"Nope. I am leaving when you leave. This is perfect," Rick purred as he laid his head on Michonne's chest and closed his eyes.
"Did you put Carl in the crib so that you can lay on my chest instead," Michonne chuckled and ran her fingers through Rick's hair relaxing him.
"Yup. Carl can't hog you all the time. I see you took to calling him Carl too," Rick answered and took a deep breath of comfort as Michonne massaged his scalp, "That feels good."
They laid there and dozed off for a few minutes before Michonne thought of something.
"Rick," Michonne whispered.
"Hmmm," Rick answered.
"What was that plan my mother asked your mother about?" Michonne questioned and waited for Rick to respond.
Instead, Rick reached for his phone and texted his mother.
Rick: What was that plan Mrs. Camille was taking about earlier.
Ella: We wanted to tell you our surprise in person, but text it is. Richard and I are moving to Atlanta. We made an offer on a house here a few weeks ago. It's right in between where you live and where Camille and Malcolm live. It's perfect!
Rick: WHAT! When did y'all decide this?
"They are buying a house and moving to Atlanta," Rick told Michonne with a wide grin.
"That is so great Rick!" Michonne exclaimed.
"I know!" Rick grinned, "Now Maggie can move the hell out of our house!"
"Rick, be nice. Maggie is welcome to stay for as long as she likes," Michonne corrected.
"We will see," chuckled Rick and Michonne shook her head.
Rick and Maggie were just like her and Sasha and Michonne was tickled.
Ella: It felt right because all our family is in Atlanta now and I can't be too far from Carl!
Rick: I'm glad. Make sure the house has a room for Maggie!
Ella: Lol. She is helping to get the King County house packed up while we are here. We got an offer on it a couple of days ago and we accepted, and they want to move in rather quickly. I was gonna tell you and Michonne tomorrow.
Rick: Well, Michonne and I are excited to have you closer to us. Not Maggie though. Although Sasha will love her. they are two peas from identical pods.
Ella: Yes, both of them are a mess! Get some rest. We will talk about all this tomorrow. Your sister is going back to finish packing the house and Richard and I are going with her. I will be back to help Pearl, but Richard is going to stay a few extra days to help Maggie and direct the movers.
Rick: All right mama. You get some rest too. See you in the morning.
Three days later, Pearl was ready to be discharged from the hospital just in time for the Bar-B-Que and Rosita was right there to pick her up. Rosita pulled the car around while Pearl was sitting in the wheelchair with the nurse. At first, Pearl was going to decline the wheels, but once she took a step and felt the pain shoot up her side, she quickly sat her ass in that seat.
"All right babe, Let's go. Do you need anything before we get going?" Rosita asked.
"Well, I do need some groceries," Pearl requested after thinking about her empty refrigerator.
"Already taken care of," Rosita grinned and merged onto the freeway.
"Rosita, where are you going? We live in the city, and you are going away from it!" Pearl exclaimed as she looked from the window at Rosita and back outside at the fading downtown views.
"Change of plans," Rosita stated, and Pearl was confused, "You can't stay alone, and I have to work all day."
"Where are we going Rosita? I don't want to bother anybody or put anybody out. I can take care of myself. I have been doing so for years now!" Pearl exclaimed nervously as she looked around the area that was familiar.
"That is exactly why I did not tell you the plan. You are too stubborn Pearl. But you need the help and that's final," Rosita ordered and put her hand up when Pearl was going to protest.
As they got closer to their destination, Pearl knew exactly where they were headed, but she could not quite bring herself to believe that it was even a possibility. She just sat quietly in the passenger seat until they got closer and closer to Rick and Michonne's home. Pearl's suspicion was verified when Rosita made a phone call.
"Hello," Michonne answered.
"We are almost there, about five minutes out," Rosita informed though Bluetooth.
"All right. I will send YOUR big guy out!" Michonne laughed when she heard Rosita suck her teeth, "Hey Pearl. I am so glad you are allowing me and my family to take care of you until you are ready to go home."
All Michonne heard was crying and that made her cry too.
"You two are gonna make me cry too! I am hanging up!" Rosita declared and disconnected the call.
"We all love you, Pearl. We are your friends, and I am sure you will fit in just like family soon enough," Rosita grinned and gave Pearl's hand a squeeze.
"Thank you. I am so glad I met you all," Pearl uttered through her tears.
Pearl had been going it alone for so long that she almost forgot what it meant to have family in her life. It was overwhelming for Pearl and all she could do was cry. That is until she could not stop laughing when they pulled up in front of the house, and a hulking red-headed Abe was already opening the driver's side door.
"Hey there sugar thighs," Abe grinned, and Rosita closed her eyes and took a deep breath of annoyance.
Abe and his colorful nicknames would take some getting used to.
"I told you not to call me that in public," Rosita bit through gritted teeth and side-eyed a grinning Pearl.
"You will have better luck picking up a turd by its clean end, honey lips," Abe grinned and tried to give Rosita a kiss, but she kept dodging her head.
Pearl burst out laughing watching the two.
"ABE!" Rosita hollered trying not to laugh.
"You got a mighty fine mouth on you and I ain't giving up till I get a kiss," Abe grinned with a wink and Rosita blushed and gave Abe a quick peck.
"Now go and get Pearl in the house please!" Rosita ordered trying to control her giant smile.
"All right lil lady, let me help you to your new temporary living quarters," Abe welcomed as he lifted Pearl out of the car and held her in his arms.
"Uhhh, ok. Thanks!" Pearl stated nervously and looked over Abe's shoulder when she heard laughter.
Darryl and Rick came out of the house to help Rosita with Pearl's bags and they were giggling like schoolgirls at how Abe almost tripped because he was gazing at Rosita instead of focusing on carrying Pearl.
"Be careful of her side babe! Rosita shouted and Abe stopped in his tracks.
So did everyone else. Rosita was not necessarily lovey dovey and into pet names, especially in public, but it seemed like Abraham Ford changed all that. It was unbelievable.
"No digas una palabra o te pateare el tresero a todos!" Rosita exclaimed and walked past the whole group and into the house.
Rosita was a little red with embarrassment, but Sasha quickly made it worse when she came out of the kitchen just as everyone was walking inside the house.
"Rosita. Why do your cheeks match the color of your man's hair? Y'all twinning already? Damn!" Sasha laughed, "Matching clothes is one thing, but you are matching body parts! Get your man girl!"
"Stop Sasha," Rick warned, "Rosita just said if we say another word she is going to kick all our asses."
"Ain't nobody scared of Rosita but you and Darryl. And Abe apparently!" Sasha laughed and walked back into the kitchen after giving Rosita a raised brow and an elevator stare down.
"Pearl! Welcome!" Michonne greeted, "Abe lay her down on the hospital bed in the family room please."
Abe gently placed Pearl on the bed and took a step back.
"There you go little pretty lady," Abe chuckled, "Now where is my woman! I need another kiss!"
Rosita closed her eyes in frustration and decided to take caution to the wind.
"Porque diablos no," Rosita uttered and put on a show for everyone in the room.
"Why the hell not indeed," Sasha grinned and slapped Rosita on her plump ass as she strolled by the kissing duo.
"Well, all right now!" Rick grinned as he watched a surprised Abe get more than just a public peck on the lips.
"Bout damn time you took a break from being scary," Darryl cosigned.
"There are children watching!" Ella giggled and placed her hand over Bianca's newly four-year-old eyes, who was desperately trying to see.
Her twin brother Archer could care less and was playing with his cars on the floor.
Michonne congratulated the duo for finally making things right and then explained the set up for Pearl who looked a bit overwhelmed. Michonne explained since it might be too difficult for Pearl to travel up and down the stairs, they set her up in the small room they used as an office. They only had the master and nursery downstairs, and the rest of the bedrooms were upstairs. Although the room was tiny, the office was next to a full bathroom that would be Pearl's personal one while she was there. A homecare professional will come to the house for two hours a day to clean her wound and change her bandages and help her in and out of the bath. The rest of the ladies would help her with personal care anytime she needed. And finally, everyone one that was at the house was there to help in her recovery. Pearl broke down crying again.
"Oh Pearl, don't cry. We are so happy to have you here," Michonne soothed and gave Pearl a light hug careful of her injury.
"Yes, and I am going to look up to see how soon you can drink Margaritas because I will be over every day. I am not missing out on the fun! In fact, I may move into one of the guestrooms upstairs," Rosita declared then went to the kitchen to get the party started and Malcolm shook his head at the woman he treated like his own daughter.
"You do not have to worry about a thing dear. We will be here for anything that you need," Camille added and handed Pearl a pillow then spread a blanket over her.
"Thank you all. Thank you all so much," Pearl sniffed as she showed her appreciation.
"And if my sexy as hell, juicy thick ass bottomed girlfriend don't mind, I am available to carry you anywhere you want to go," Abe offered, and Darryl spit out his beer and Rick was bent over laughing.
"What?" Abe asked his laughing pals as he walked towards them.
"Pendejo," Rosita uttered, and Sasha slapped Abe in the back of the head.
"Calm down fool. You just got her to call you babe and kiss you in public. Stop before she comes to her senses and leaves your crazy ass," Sasha laughed and shook her head.
Abe was giddy. Ecstatic. Overjoyed. He wanted everyone in Atlanta to know Rosita was his woman now. Truth be told, he always had a crush on Rosita, well before he met Ellen. Abe just never realized Rosita had the same crush on him. Abe was happy he had the old Rosita back. She avoided him like the plague when he married Ellen and Abe missed her something awful during that time.
Pearl laughed and then she felt her phone buzz. An unknown number.
Unknown: Pearl. I know you don't want to hear from me, and you blocked my number, but I heard you were stabbed. I went to the hospital to see you, but you were already discharged. Are you ok? Do you need anything? I know you have no family, and I can help you if you would have me.
Pearl knew immediately who was texting her.
Pearl: who is this?
Unknown: Mike. I am texting from my friend Terry's phone. Unless you unblock me (smiley emoji)
Pearl looked around at her new friends and back at the phone.
Pearl: I am not your concern anymore. I blocked you for a reason. Thank you for checking on me, but I am fine. Please don't contact me again.
Unknown: Pearl please. I am not over you.
Pearl: But Mike. I am over YOU!
Pearl waited to see if the texting would end. Mike was her past and she wanted to keep him there. She wondered how Mike found out about her injury. The guy she was currently dating did not even know and rightly so, they had only known each other for a week. Pearl wanted Donald to finish his charity overseas without the stress of feeling like he needed to come home early for her, not that she thought he would. Pearl looked down and the texting had stopped. Mike got the message, and she wondered if she should show Michonne. When she looked up, Michonne was grinning from ear-to-ear watching Rick try not to throw up because Carl spit-up all over his shirt.
"It's on my lip! It's on my lip!" Rick hollered, which got everyone laughing.
Sasha took Carl to the nursery to clean him up and change his onesie, and Rosita tagged along. Michonne walked a grossed-out, catatonic Rick to wash his face and change his shirt. Pearl deleted the message, put her phone away, and joined in on the laughter.
A week later, the following Saturday, Rick and Michonne looked around their still full house.
"There are a lot of people in this house Rick," Michonne uttered observing Pearl, Rosita, who actually did move into the guest room temporarily, Maggie, who was living in the other guest room, Glenn, Ella and Richard who took the last guest room in the house, along with Camille and Malcolm, and Andrea, who had become a mainstay in their group.
Sasha and Darryl surprisingly had not made it over yet.
"You think it would be like this if we have a houseful of kids? Do you want a house full of kids?" Rick asked curiously as they stood in the kitchen watching everyone fawn over Carl and pass him around from one set of arms to another.
Rick realized he and Michonne were so wrapped up in Carl and their whirlwind romance, they never seriously discussed more kids other than the silly six-kid limit Sasha imposed on them. Rick prayed Michonne said yes.
"Well, not a houseful Rick. Maybe two more? I think three is a nice number. What's your number?" Michonne asked and looked at her husband anxiously.
"I was thinking maybe seven or eight?" Rick answered honestly.
"EIGHT! EIGHT KIDS RICK! REALLY! EIGHT!" Michonne hollered incredulously eyeing Rick like he had not a lick of sense.
"Come on, you can handle eight!" Rick grinned and winked and Michonne raised her brow and smirked.
"Eight what, honey?" Malcolm asked, walking into the kitchen to get a little more coffee.
Michonne looked around and eyed the bacon that Ella cooked for breakfast and turned back to her father.
"Eight slices of bacon daddy. I think I counted eight slices on Rick's plate at one point. Rick is not gonna have a heart attack and leave my baby fatherless," Michonne covered with a sly smile.
"I agree Rick. Eight slices of bacon is excessive. Two slices are more than enough. In fact, you should eat bacon sparingly. Do you know how many heart surgeries I do because of clogged arteries? It's not pretty Rick. Take my advice. Steel cut unsweetened oatmeal and fruit Rick. Oatmeal and fruit." Malcolm advised as he walked back over to the group.
Michonne burst out laughing and Rick shook his head.
"Now I can't eat bacon when your parents are here!" Rick pouted.
"Ok Rick, look, let's start with two kids and maybe a third. No more than four Rick. And four is more than likely off the table. AND. AND. We can't get pregnant until Carl is fourteen months old. That way he will be two years old by the time the next one is born. He will be potty training and out of diapers and he will be more independent. Deal?"
"Deal. Makes sense," Rick agreed to the solid plan excited he got Michonne to possibly go as high as four kids.
Rick gave his wife's ass a pat and then a squeeze to seal the deal instead of a the more traditional handshake then got a little feisty and kissed along Michonne's neck causing her to moan.
"Rick, have you forgotten about the plan already?" Michonne purred with a smile loving the way his lips and hands felt on her body.
"Have you forgotten you have a house full of family that can see you?" Maggie laughed and punched Rick in the arm.
Rick rolled his eyes at this little sister.
"Don't you have a doggie daycare to plan. Why are you always here?" Rick snarked and Michonne giggled.
"Just for that, I am going to charge you when you bring your pet to my successful business!" Maggie bit and Michonne chuckled at their banter.
"We don't even have a pet, Maggie. How are you gonna run a business when your brain don't work right?" Rick asked with a sly smile.
"Wait till Carl turns three and starts begging for a puppy. Use your brain Rick," Maggie laughed and knocked her brother on the forehead, "And I already picked out my room at the new house so I will be out of your hair shortly."
"There is no rush, Maggie. Don't listen to Rick!" Michonne assured.
"You are twenty-four years old. When are you gonna stop feeding off our parents and stop dragging them down?" Rick asked humorously.
"Probably about the same time you did smart ass. Didn't you move your crazy ex-wife to the farm for a while before you got your apartment when you were twenty-four? I mean you had a whole flat ass lunatic living with us!" Maggie laughed and walked out of the kitchen.
"She is the worst," Rick uttered and shook his head and chuckled when Michonne eyed him up and down.
"It was only for a couple of months till we got on our feet," Rick explained, "Now where were we?" Rick asked and gave Michonne's neck a quick lick then a kiss.
"Nowhere because your couchie couch is still healing," Sasha pointed out as she walked into the kitchen, "It's only been what? Two weeks? You have four more weeks before you can clean my sister's cobwebs with your feather duster."
"Gross," Michonne uttered.
"Feather duster? More like a power drill," Rick whispered in Michonne's ear.
"I heard that," Sasha laughed, "Buzz, Buzz I guess. Or is it, Vroom, Vroom. DARRYL WHAT SOUND DOES A POWER DRILL MAKE?"
Michonne rolled her eyes at her overbearing sister shouting her business across the house and shook her head.
"Sasha, when did you get here?" Michonne spat in frustration, "I didn't hear the doorbell?"
"I used my key," Sasha laughed, "Abe came in right behind us and beelined straight for Rosita."
Michonne closed her eyes. More people. More smart-ass people to be exact. Michonne huffed that she had to fight to get a moment alone with her husband.
Michonne turned and observed the two Sasha started talking about. Rosita and Abe.
"Is Rosita still giving Abe the silent treatment?" Michonne asked, still eyeing her fickle friend.
"Abe is just excited, and Abe is….Abe. And yes, what he did was some crazy shit," Rick laughed, "But Rosita knew what she was getting."
"Let me go talk to Rosita and try to fix it," Sasha grinned then turned to look between Michonne and Rick, "Now back to your kinky, public shenanigans. Go ahead," Sasha encouraged as she grabbed a piece of pineapple from the fruit bowl.
Michonne rolled her eyes and moved over to the sink to place the dishes in the dishwasher but was stopped by Rick.
"You go sit. I got this," Rick ordered and Michonne shook her head.
"Rick, it's been two weeks. I am not an invalid. I can clean my own kitchen!" Michonne protested and Rick gave her a kiss.
"I know baby, but still," Rick implored and moved Michonne towards the family room.
"Now Rosita, Abe is a dumbass, but he loves you so stop it!" Sasha hollered, which got Rick laughing before turning back to Michonne.
Both Ella and Camile walked in shaking their head at Abe and Rosita.
"You two go enjoy Carl for a while. We have all been hogging him. We will get the kitchen done. Now scoot you two!" Ella commanded.
Michonne was just about to argue but the doorbell rang again and Rick and Michonne counted the people in the house. All were accounted for, and they wondered who it could be.
"Ummm Hello. My name is Donald Okafor. I am looking for Pearl Thorne," Donald uttered hoping he had the right house.
Donald was livid when he heard from his parents about what happened to Pearl on the news. His mother called Dr. Dixon, and Sasha assured his mom that Pearl was going to be fine and where she was convalescing. Donald's mother called her son and informed him of the situation. Okafor was on the next flight back to Atlanta.
"Donald? What are you doing here? You aren't due back for another three weeks!" Pearl smiled then furrowed her brow when she saw the seriousness on his face.
"Pearl. I know we are still new, and just dating, but you need to know I care about your welfare. I can't believe you didn't tell me that you WERE STABBED! We have had phone conversations over these last few weeks and not ONE word! I had to find out when my parents called me worried! What the hell Pearl!"
"I didn't want to distract you," Pearl uttered quietly wondering why Donald was so upset.
"Pearl. You are not a distraction. I know in my heart that you are it for me. The moment you were stabbed, I would have dropped everything and rushed over to you. When I did find out, that is exactly what I did! I want to take care of you," Donald answered honestly, and Pearl melted at the sincerity in his eyes.
"Come on in Donald!" Michonne invited, "The more the merrier! Nice to meet you!"
"What's wrong with serenading the woman that I love?" Michonne heard Abe yell in the background.
"Singing Pour Some Sugar On me in a speedo at my indoor condo pool is WRONG Abe!" Rosita yelled and stomped past him into the kitchen, "It's too much!"
Michonne smiled tensely at a confused Donald then told herself "fuck it." If he was gonna join this family, then Okafor would just have to acclimate to all the damn silly antics.
Rick and Michonne managed to get through the rest of the Rosita/Abe shenanigans followed by the Thanksgiving holiday and now, the house was delightfully empty, at least until the Christmas festivities begin. Pearl had been gone ever since Donald came to scoop her up and play nurse to her Physician Assistant. Since she was stabbed on duty at the hospital, Pearl had a lot of time off with pay and she spent every minute with her new official boyfriend. At the rate they were going, Pearl would be engaged by New Years. Ella and Richard were busy moving into their new home and Camille was more than ready for the winter break away from work. Between wanting to see Carl as much as possible and a retired Ella moving to Atlanta, Camille was seriously considering not having a nine-to-five anymore.
Sasha was so busy with all the post-Thanksgiving weight gain crowd that her clinic was very busy. Too busy to be bothering Michonne all day. Sasha loved the holidays; it was her most lucrative time of the year. Now, it was just Michonne, Rick, and Carl for the first time since Carl was born.
"This is nice. The quiet I mean," Rick purred pulling Michonne close, "Although with all the people in the house it kept my mind off this long ass wait before I can be inside you again. Mostly anyway. How much time is left?"
Michonne had been thinking the same thing.
"One more week, but it seems forever ago that I had Carl," Michonne reflected, "It's like he has always been with us."
"Yeah, I can't even begin to remember a time when he was not with us. Hell, if it wasn't for crazy ass Lori, I would hardly be able to remember a time without you!" Rick grinned and kissed his wife with a little more passion than he intended.
Both were breathless when they came up for air.
"You know, I think if we take it slow, we can do some practicing right now? I think I might be ready Rick. I need it!" Michonne proclaimed that five weeks of no sex with her gorgeous husband was punishment enough.
"You sure?" Rick asked, making sure it was the safe thing to do while simultaneously taking his pants off.
"Yes. Just Go slow. Go deliciously slow," Michonne moaned when Rick moved on top and began kissing her passionately.
"You're not on anything. And I aint using condoms with my wife. How you want to play this Michonne," Rick asked between kisses and dry humping.
"Pull out if you can, but I think since I am breastfeeding, I have a very low chance of getting pregnant. Like 5% or something like that. So, it will be fine if you don't," Michonne explained after reading up on the statistics a few days prior.
"Good, cuz i already know I aint gonna be able to," Rick grinned and commenced to going very, very slowly.
Michonne thought it was their best night yet. She woke up in the middle of the night to her cell phone buzzing and smiled at her snoring husband.
Camille: Sorry for the late text but i just had to tell you girls that I just dreamed of fish! It woke me from my sleep!
Michonne: What? Like a fish fry? I would love that! But could this text not wait until morning.
Sasha: What kind of fish? I love a good salmon in a lemon butter cream sauce. But yes, this could have waited until tomorrow mom.
Ella: I dreamed of fish too! A whole basketful!
Michonne furrowed her brow and texted Sasha separately.
Michonne: WTH?
Sasha: I guess they both like fish?
Michonne and Sasha went back to sleep, and they both had very vivid, colorful dreams of fish too.