The Argument Pt. 2
Rick woke up alone. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and made his way to the washroom to get ready for the day. He assumed that Michonne had already left for work so he went about his morning like he had for the last couple of weeks. Maybe he would go to work today, he thought encouragingly.
He picked up his toothbrush and toothpaste and began brushing his teeth, last night's discussion filling his mind. He had apologized, but he wasn't sure that she had forgiven him, especially since this wasn'jt a topic one could sweep under the rug and forget about. He finished brushing his teeth and sighed. He didn't even want to shower today, he didn't even want to do anything today so he crawled back into bed and went back to sleep
...
When Michonne returned from work it was still bright out; the Georgia Sun was hitting the back of her neck. She quickly made her way into the house, hoping that the air conditioning was still on full blast - she loved the cold and her recent hot flashes were not helping. "Pregnancy." She muttered.
She took off her shoes and noticed that Rick's boots were still there. She squinted her eyes in confusion and made her way up the stairs, but stopped in her tracks when she saw his head peeking above the comforter. She pushed the door and walked over to his side of the bed. He was sleeping, but the frown on his face indicated that he was not sleeping well.
"Rick." She said as she shook him. "Wake up." He didn't move. "Wake up!" She said louder. He opened his eyes and sat up. "What are you doing? Did you go to work today?"
He moved the comforter and sat up. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked miserable.
"What are you still doing here?"
"What time is it?"
"Eight! Did you go to work today?" She wasn't impressed with him or his odd behaviour.
"I took a leave of absence."
"A leave of absence?" She said, annoyed. "For what reason?" He shrugged and she sighed angrily. "You don't get to play the victim, Rick. You said what you said, now own up to it and find a way to do better and be better." She stormed out of the room.
Rick sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He felt absolutely awful and absolutely lonely. He hated when they fought because he would find himself reverting back to his old self, the one that didn't care about anything or anyone. "Michonne?" He whispered.
He stood up and walked to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth again and showered. Once out, he put on a pair of boxers and went downstairs.
He found her in the kitchen, aggressively chopping celery. "You're going back to work tomorrow." She stated matter-of-factly.
"Okay." He said.
"You're gonna get your head out of your ass."
He nodded, but she couldn't see.
This time she turned around, knife in hand. "And if I ever hear you say what you said? I'll make sure it's the last thing you say." She turned around and continued to chop the vegetables for her stew.
"Michonne-"
"This is a promise I'm willing to keep, Rick. Don't test me." He shut his mouth and sighed. Instead he approached her and wrapped his arms around her small stomach - where their growing child was currently residing. He kissed her shoulder lovingly and inhaled her scent. "What are you doing?"
"I just want to be close to you right now."
"Hmph."
"I know what I said was wrong." She turned to face him. "Really wrong." She turned back to the cutting board. "And I could spend the rest of my life making up for it, but I don't know what else to say aside from 'I'm sorry.' I am ashamed of myself and I am sorry, babe." He kissed her neck again. "I am." He kissed her lips. They partook in a tango, his tongue leading hers where he wanted it to go, where he hoped this would go, but he hoped too soon.
"I'm still mad at you." She said, pulled apart her lips away from his.
"I know."
"I dont know when I'll be able to forgive you."
"I know."
"I don't want to have to leave you because of this."
"And you won't have to, I'll do better."
"I know." She said, throwing all of the celery and onions in the pot with Rick's hands wrapped around her waist.