404~~~17~~~
"Carl! Hurry up or you won't have enough time to eat your breakfast before school!"
A growing echo of clattering footsteps came down the hallway, announcing Carl's journey to the kitchen at last.
"Dad, I'm grabbing a bowl of cereal. Nothing's getting cold. You didn't cook me anything."
Rick could only chuckle at his son's comeback while the boy climbed on the counter to forage the upper cabinet for his chosen sugary brand of cereal. He clearly didn't want to eat the whole grain flakes his father happily consumed. Carl hopped down, joining his father at the kitchen table where the container of milk awaited him. The pair chomped noisily filling the quiet of an early morning.
"You know Dad, I'm happy we moved here."
Rick smiled a bit surprised by the sudden revelation. "I'm glad to hear that. I have to admit, I was concerned about whether you'd learn to like it here."
"I like my teachers and classes. I'm making more friends by the day. And I've got two of the best friends anyone could ask for."
"Yeah, I like Hershel and Andre. They are good kids and I'm glad you found them."
"And Ms. Michonne." Carl took another bite beaming a smile letting milk spill down to his chin. "You like Ms. Michonne too?"
A flake of wheat twisted in Rick's throat scratching on the way down and his face contorted from both surprises sprung on him. A bead of sweat began to form on his forehead as Carl grinned broadly and conspiratorially waiting for his answer.
Rick tried his damnedest not to stumble through the most casual reply as he could muster. "Of course, why do you ask that?"
"Just wondering." Carl shrugged pleasantly, swallowing another spoonful. His father was too busy wondering where the conversation was going to continue eating.
"You know… when we were at the zoo, I saw you and Michonne touch hands."
"Carl, I-"
"You thought no one saw but I did." Carl smiled warmly.
Rick didn't know quite what to say. Should he try and convince his son that what he saw was innocent. That his feelings for Michonne were purely friendly and platonic. It felt wrong.
"Carl, I…" Rick struggled for the correct words while his son patiently waited over spoonfuls of cereal. The boy didn't need the dirty details, but he was observant as all get out. He'd see through any lie constructed.
Rick took a deep breath then went ahead confirming. "Yes, I like Michonne very much."
Carl elatedly grinned and sat at attention, making his father nervous. "A lot in fact. But it's complicated."
"She touched your hand back too. She must like you a lot also." Another bright smile greeted Rick as he anxiously ran his fingers through his hair.
"I think so. I hope so. But-"
"You have to tell her!"
"Carl, it's complicated."
"I know. I mean, Andre's dad is okay, I guess. Even Sam says so."
Rick raised an eyebrow wondering when his son found the time to conduct an investigation. He almost wanted to ask his findings as drank the sweetened milk, emptying his bowl. He casually went to the sink and set his empty dish inside before turning back to his stunned father, whose cereal was undoubtedly soggy.
Rick watched his son sit down again but his young face had grown serious.
"Remember the way Mom would disappear…"
"Yes, but Carl?"
"Andre told me his dad did the same thing."
Rick sighed heavily. Of course, piecing together the adult goings on from his unfortunate experience in the subject would be easy for Carl. But Rick was beginning to realize how much Andre also understood about his parents' situation.
"Did you tell Andre about the things you figured out?"
Carl sighed sadly. "Not too much. Just a few things he was trying to figure out. But I didn't want to upset him, you know."
"Yeah, I do buddy."
They both sat in silence for a moment gathering their thoughts. Rick certainly hadn't expected this deep a conversation over breakfast, but his son barreled on.
"Look Dad, I know you think you like Ms. Jessie, but I know you really, really like Ms. Michonne. And I think she likes, likes you too. You can't just not do anything."
Rick exhaled pitifully because his son was right. Every chance he'd gotten his nerves up to profess he wanted more with her were interrupted. Clandestine hookups didn't provide enough time, and he certainly didn't want to disrupt those brief stolen moments either. He needed some undivided time alone with Michonne to lay it all on the line. No interruptions.
His brain toiled on how this could be achieved. But first, he needed to take care of something. Rick straightened up in his seat, letting Carl know he understood what needed to be done.
"You're the first person I'm telling this to."
Carl leaned in eagerly. "You can trust me with your secret Dad."
"It's not really a secret but, we should keep it between us for the time being."
Carl nodded then patiently waited, giving his father his undivided attention.
"I know I should've done this some time ago. And I'm sorry I put you through this whole thing for so long. Probably, unnecessarily. But… I'm planning on ending things with Jessie."
Rick was prepared to anxiously await a response, but Carl immediately smiled, making him grin.
"You're okay with that I'm guessing."
The boy nodded enthusiastically so his bangs swung. "I am."
"I know it's taking me some time, but I wanted to let Jessie down easy. And I wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any further issues between you and Ron."
Carl snickered and shrugged, confusing his father all the more. "Dealing with Ron taught me something."
"Really?"
"In counseling, I told him I had to knock him to the ground during our fight." Rick scrunched his face in further confusion but didn't interject.
"I had to. And Ron even agreed because of what he said about Mom. Ever since then, he's left me alone. I didn't do that where we used to live because I was scared."
"Ms. Michonne was right, being more like you isn't a bad thing. I learned that I had to stand up for myself, the way you would." Carl grinned confidently warming his father's heart. "I'm just not in a hurry to look just like you yet."
Rick couldn't hold back his laughter as he climbed from his seat to round the table. He hugged his son tightly, pleased to hear the move hadn't been to his child's detriment. There was more to come but he was confident they'd manage and thrive in any situation.
While returning the embrace, Carl giggled looking up at his father. "Besides Ron will probably be happy. I don't think he liked you very much Dad."
"You might be right." They both laughed uproariously until tears formed in their eyes.
"Let's get you to school. And me to work."
"I'll go grab my book bag."
Rick sighed amusingly watching Carl race down the hall. He gathered his things along with his cellphone, noticing there still was no response text message. It seemed since the zoo. Jessie was ducking him. This needed rectification.
"You should've just canceled the client." Tyreese snickered after the man he referred to happily departed with a fresh cut.
"Or given him to me." Noah proclaimed making the barbers turn to him dumbstruck.
"Hey, I'm tired of ya'll acting like I can't cut hair. I messed up once and you guys haven't let it go yet."
Oscar and T-Dog stared at the younger barber until his puffed chest deflated a bit from insecurity. But Michonne stepped forward.
"You're right, Noah. You have earned back the client's trust, and you should've had ours first. Next time I need to run off, I will recommend my client go to you."
"Really?" even the young barber was shocked.
"Yes. You've been doing great during our lessons too. Pretty soon you'll be the most requested barber here." Michonne winked making Noah smile, imagining the possibility.
"Whoa! Whoa!" T-Dog and Oscar bemoaned so everyone else chuckled.
"Well, that can only come true if you make this brunch and build these connections." Ty reminded.
"I was able to reschedule my other appointments, but I couldn't get a hold of the first client. I didn't want to leave you to explain my unexpected absence."
"I could've done that easy. You've got to keep your eyes on the prize." Tyreese looked at her firmly when Michonne began to open her mouth in rebuttal.
With her monthly booth fees paid, she could technically miss as many days of work as she wanted. Her ability to make her own schedule was a perk of her occupation. Sure, a prominent seat unoccupied in the barbershop wasn't the best look, if habitual. But Tyreese told her numerous times, he didn't need an explanation regarding her absence even though he appreciated it.
"Don't worry about the shop. We've managed all these years."
"I know but I'm just worried when I-"
"It's your dream. And neither Sasha nor I or the fellas would ask you to delay it any longer for us."
Ty grinned brightly assuring her. And the other barbers shook their heads in total agreement. Pleased that she was concerned about them, but they all wanted her to see this through.
"We'll be alright." T-Dog seconded. "Yeah, you've boosted our business with a whole new generation."
Oscar looked at the ticking clock on the wall. "Hurry up before you're late."
Noticing the time herself, Michonne quickly collected her things. She had just enough time to make it home, take a quick shower, change outfits and dash back out the door. She had to check her nerves at the door and charge forward especially when she was supported this way.
Once she got to the front door, she paused turning back to face the shop. "Thank you guys."
"You've got this!" they all reaffirmed.
Tyreese stepped forward and gave her a quick bear hug. The pride shined in his eyes. "I can't wait to proudly proclaim you as the best success story to come out my barbershop. Even though, it's already true."
"Hey!" the barbers playfully bemoaned making them all chuckle as Michonne departed.
That unwavering love and support were the exact reasons Michonne aimed to help her chosen family to not only survive but thrive. Any doors that she managed to break open for herself granted her the opportunity to reach back in assistance.
Their blessing emboldened her into accepting an unexpected invitation to a brunch tea party where she now stood. Adorned in a stylish cream pantsuit befitting the chambers of City Hall, Michonne nibbled on a squared and thinly sliced chicken and waffle sandwich. Gleaming from the realization that she'd apparently made big enough of a splash to garner dual invites for today's festivities from the Niedermeyer's and the Millers.
The all-women attendees were mostly recognizable from either the development event or from the community at large. There were a few she hadn't yet met but she was taking a much-needed break from networking to put something in her empty stomach.
While scanning the room once again, Michonne couldn't help but pettily snicker to herself. A certain blonde was careful not to cross paths with her at the previous night's development event while pinballing her way around the gathering. All that scurrying and nepotism amounting to nothing since she was gratefully absent today.
"Michonne isn't it?"
Nearly choking on her next bite and perhaps her childishness, Michonne turned to a shorter and a slightly older woman rocking a bob that suddenly appeared at her side. She recognized the face as someone she'd not yet gotten to meet.
"I'm sorry, I snuck up on you." the woman concernedly handed over an unopened bottle of sparkling water. "Here."
"Thank you." Michonne responded after a quick swallow to clear her airway. Then extended her hand for a quick formal shake since her break was obviously over.
"We never got a chance to meet the other night. Hi, I'm Deanna Monroe."
"Nice to meet you." Michonne responded with simple pleasantry even though she grew wary from awkwardness as Deanna observably stared at her face.
"Susan told me you are considering opening up a grand salon in the new city center."
"I am."
"My husband Reg, is the lead engineer and architect at Grimes Construction." Deanna touted.
"You must be proud. Everyone has been buzzing about the work they've done. Even outshining the other construction company to be asked to host."
A fulfilling smile warmed the woman's face. "I am very proud of Grimes Construction and my husband. They all perform extraordinary work. I'm guessing that's why you've decided to lease a property from them?"
"A new, shiny location would be ideal." Michonne snickered. "Yet I'm currently considering other options throughout the county."
"Ahh. They haven't won you over yet." Deanna chuckled but something stuck out to Michonne.
"Lease from Grimes Construction? Aren't they the contractors?"
Deanna subtly grinned. "Contractors and developers. This grand foray will be their first owned and operated property. You didn't know that?"
"No. I was planning on inquiring about a lot I thought may be perfect for my salon. After, I get a chance to weigh more options."
Deanna grinned at her savviness. "May I ask, why you're on the fence about Grimes Construction?"
"Leaving my community behind…" Deanna appeared more interested than before. More open and invested, causing Michonne to reveal her hangup.
"The Northern side of town has become the focus. Yet there's so much potential throughout the county. Particularly on the Southside."
"You have certainly further proven that with the clientele Williams Cuts increasingly brings to town. Licensed barber and stylist that has made room for herself in a male dominated field. Not an easy vocation to break into as a woman and be respected. You possess talent that attracts celebrities to be styled by your expert hands."
Michonne grinned amusedly and Deanna chuckled at the reveal of her cards.
"Yes, I've done my research. Soon to be entrepreneur, HBCU graduate, mother and… wife." Deanna eyed her guardedly, but Michonne didn't waver.
"You have done your research."
"Yes. But I read people really well also. It's a talent of mine."
"Hmm…" Michonne nodded knowing she would be assessed at this event but understanding why Deanna did so. And she didn't have to wait long for confirmation.
"Everyone speaks very highly of you. Including… Rick."
Needing to remain indifferent proved difficult when Michonne blushed against her will. His name alone brought a rush of warmth to her body that she couldn't fight off.
Deanna gestured for them to move into a less populated area of the committee room. Michonne swallowed a large gulp of water, wondering what was to come. This would be a precursor to the manner in which things could go if people found out about her and Rick's affair.
In their bubble, she could avoid the ramifications but now one stood before her. Her friends knowing her story would defend her no matter what. But Rick's friends were another story. They could genuinely like Jessie, thus she nervously waited for the scrutiny.
"I've been married for a long time. And being unfaithful to my husband has never crossed my mind. So naturally when Reg told me about Rick's involvement with you, I was troubled. And I'll admit, judgmental."
Michonne didn't owe this woman or anyone else an explanation. But deep down she wanted the people that cared for Rick to accept her, and it prompted her to speak liberally.
"I understand fully. Because developing romantic feelings for a man while estranged from my husband wasn't on my bingo card either." Michonne rattled off too quickly.
"So, you've fallen for Rick?"
Michonne gently smiled with confliction but didn't utter a word.
"Well, this is certainly something you will have to figure out."
Michonne chuckled because this woman didn't know the half of it. She and Rick purposefully avoided discussing anything solid. Evading deep conversations about what they were was crucial to lingering as friends you can keep. The secrecy and deviousness increased the excitement, however the pull to one another wasn't something either she or Rick was able to restrict. All their run-ins generated yearnings that made them jump into something, of course too hastily. She was married and he had a girlfriend he moved here for.
Michonne was sure there were a couple occasions Rick seemed to be on the verge of relaying his covert desire for a terminus. And she wasn't sure what her response would or should be. Perhaps she was caught up in the blissful emotion of it all, but she wasn't ready to let go of Rick either.
In the quiet moments, Michonne allowed herself to ponder the possibility of being solely and completely with him. The idea draped her in serene warmth only for doubts to butt in. Was trying even something they both would want in the long run? Could they survive the scrutiny? And possibly the greatest concern. If they could both do this to people, they should've been loyal to. Then what chance did that offer them, if they tried. All of these questions were the reasons a genuine discussion would ultimately threaten to end the pleasance they were currently engaged in.
All while Michonne deliberated her way towards a reasonable response, Deanna waited patiently, smiling encouragingly. Eventually, she tentatively reached out to gently touch Michonne's arm in earnest.
"What do you want?"
Michonne exhaled profoundly not expecting this subject to arise at this tea party and answered as honestly as she could.
"I'm working my way up to it."
"Don't take too long."
Michonne frowned but Deanna smiled brightly.
"Rick has been through a lot and tried to rebound from it. Even with all of this going on, he's conflicted but happier than I've seen him in years. Don't worry, it seems his feelings for you are just as… apparent."
There was that damned blush again giving Michonne away once more while she listened.
"As a girl's girl, I just don't think you should put off your happiness any longer either. I've got a good feeling about you."
"Thank you." Michonne's stomach unclenched, not realizing it was tightened throughout the entire interaction. But Deanna's pleasant grin and words of encouragement mattered to her. There could be a way forward with the people surrounding them in support of their happiness.
"Oh and… you should definitely keep giving him those haircuts too."
The women laughed comfortably until Deanna smiled affirmingly.
"Guess what? You've inspired me. I've decided right this very minute to take some of my own advice. I'm going to run for a political seat. I didn't know if people needed me here. But reminding others to invest in all segments of our community is necessary."
"If you are willing, I'd love to visit the Southside and learn its history. Find out what the people would care to see. Where the funding we will undoubtedly garner is most needed."
Michonne smiled a bit more impressed with the tiny woman before her. "I could set something like that up if you are serious about keeping the generational residents voices, concerns and finances at the forefront."
"Advocating for marginalized populations is of the utmost importance. As is their continued generational growth."
"Have you met the Councilwomen who represent the Southside yet? Bertie & Jacqui are right over there." Michonne smiled and gestured.
"I have but I was unsure of my intentions then."
"Well, let us reacquaint ourselves. Then we can set a date for your neighborhood tour."
Deanna smiled coyly at Michonne as they began to walk across the room. "And let's get your leasing application submitted."
In the stillness of her beautifully decorated home, a phone chime broke into Michonne's relaxation. Upon checking the text message, she was notified that her doctor needed to reschedule her upcoming appointment. Whatever the reason for her doctor's need for rearrangement meant she now had to find a new date to receive her three-month shot. Opening the healthcare app, Michonne scrolled to the appointment section clicking on her gynecologist's name.
"What do you want?"
The returned voice of the perceptive woman she met today surprisingly gave her pause. Scheduling the procedure had become second nature ever since Mike's betrayal, but now her finger hovered over the button. Wonder set in, reignited with a simple question. Michonne's revived outlook drastically changed her possibilities. Maybe it was because she was on a bit of an execution high. Commencing the process to create one long held dream was already feeding her soul. And this could be just the beginning.
Before all the chaos was introduced to her life, she had another want besides starting her business. She'd become hesitant to think of it. Building a new salon would be hard work but if she had someone helpful and supportive beside her, she could have that and more.
With all her recent activeness, Michonne went ahead scheduling her upcoming shot. But she would ask her doctor about her options. The timeframe she would want to proceed, needed to sync up with her body's available window. Because damn it, she wanted to expand her family.
Suddenly, keys jingled, then the front door opened. Pretending she wasn't contemplating another huge decision without her husband's consideration, Michonne fumbled to close her device. She laid it down just as Mike walked in. He barely acknowledged her going straight to the pantry. Michonne knew his need for a stiff drink meant he had a stressful day, but it also grew her anxiety as to the cause.
The instinct to help brighten the mood was Michonne's first thought. The exciting news regarding her foray into business ownership could be a pick me up. But viewing her husband's attitude detracted from this. Plus, he wasn't the one she wanted to share this happiness with. And from their previous conversations, his response would be lackluster at best.
"That bad, huh?" she cautiously muttered.
"Yeah." Mike grabbed a bottle of dark rum and a glass from the cabinet. He began to pour then dithered, looking at his wife on the couch. "Maggie's picking Andre up today, right?"
"Yes." Michonne's stomach knotted up unsure where this may go.
"Good…" Mike returned to the cabinet and grabbed a second glass. "You can join me."
After handing Michonne a drink, Mike sat on the chair instead of beside her. He gulped his entire pour wincing then exhaled. His eyes didn't meet hers but stared off in the distance. Michonne didn't dare drink from her cup, she needed to be alert for whatever was coming.
"Do you think you'll be ready to join me for a counseling session soon?"
"I'm not sure just yet."
Mike groaned. "I know. I know I have to work on me first. But for us to move forward I've got some things I should share with you."
"Hmm…"
"I think having a professional there will help."
Michonne relaxed a bit realizing Mike was stressed out from his own doings. Not hers.
"You're that scared of me?"
"Never scared of you…" Mike puffed his chest, sitting up straighter. His bravado his first instinct before quickly deflating.
"It's more that I'm scared to hurt you further because..."
Michonne exhaled understanding but fought her resistance to hearing it.
"I want to heal what I did. But if I tell you everything… will that make you leave?"
"Where's all this coming from?"
Mike blenched looking lost for words. "I'm thinking about where I want us to be. And how to get there. I want to know what you're thinking."
Michonne took a deep breath before responding to his question. "What I already know has made staying difficult."
This pronouncement flummoxed Mike. "But you've been lighter and happy lately. I thought since you knew I was doing the work that you were letting your walls down. You haven't let me back in our bedroom, but you haven't been as angry with me-"
Michonne retrieved her glass sneaking a sip before tipping her head to the side. "I'm still disappointed with you Mike. I go back and forth with how to handle it. Outside of us, I'm rediscovering the things that make me feel fulfilled."
"We both have to self-reflect then reevaluate. After, we can move forward in whatever direction feels right." she added.
Mike dropped his head. "I underestimated the damage I was doing. Even when I saw Bob and Sasha. Glenn and Maggie. I didn't think-"
Michonne took another small sip then allowed a mirthless chuckle to escape. "I think that's why I've been hesitant on hearing all the gory details. Staying on the fence allows me a leg to remain in our marriage."
"You're still in it?"
Michonne hesitated and Mike's nerviness peaked.
"Should I be?"
"Of course, I want your answer to be yes. But I have made choices that affected you. So even though I want to. I- I can't answer for you."
"Yeah, you chose you. You chose what you wanted. And now I'm to believe you're sincere."
Mike sighed knowing it was very true, and he couldn't argue against it. His defensiveness dropped and he returned to the kitchen to pour himself another glass. He ingested it slowly knowing the burn was deserved. One more serving entered his glass before he returned to the living room, collapsing miserably in his abandoned seat.
"Maybe there's something that will satisfy you. If…"
Michonne waited confusedly while Mike paused again debating what he was about to utter. A small sip provided the audaciousness he mustered.
"If. If you needed to…" Mike crossed his arms over his chest before taking a deep unsettled breath displaying what he was about to utter, clearly pained him.
"… get revenge. I'd have to understand."
Michonne was taken aback but quickly recovered. Her small sips loosening her tongue.
"It's not a new concept. Men have made it known that they are attracted to me. For the entirety of our marriage, in fact. I never felt it necessary to flaunt that actuality to you. While I can't pretend to have not been flattered on occasions, straying from you then, was never contemplated. I didn't entertain it-"
Mike pleasantly exhaled, completely missing Michonne's pause or use of past tense. "But maybe I should have. Gotten validation from others. Is that really something you think I should do?"
"No. No." Mike nervously tripped over his words. "But I'd have no choice but to understand and deal with it. I can't ask you to forgive me, if I couldn't do the same for you."
"I appreciate your charity." Michonne stood and squared her shoulders. "But you will not assuage your guilt with mine. You may be my husband, but my body and what I choose to do with it. Who I decide to share it with… is solely up to me."
"Yeah, because you're smart enough to not get caught up in an exit fantasy."
Michonne squinted, sensing the accusatory tone in his statement. "An exit fantasy?"
"My therapist says I allowed my exit fantasies the space to come to life. When I should've given all that energy to you."
Michonne grinned cynically. "I'm glad you're taking therapy seriously this time. But it's only been a matter of weeks Mike. And I've heard your pronouncements before."
Mike sat helplessly watching his wife snag her phone, proceed to the bottom of the staircase before turning back to face him.
"Perhaps on your next visit to therapy, you should address whatever's got you spooked suddenly. And don't forget to make an appointment for yours and Andre's visit."
Up the staircase, Michonne went needing to reclaim the calm and peace disturbed by her husband's arrival. Longing for her newly established bliss, she entered her bedroom just as a text message vibrated her phone. The coincidence surely gave off the impression that her need was sensed and answered when Rick's name appeared. Smiling coquettishly at the screen, Michonne liked to believe their connection proved its strength and intensity to cover distance.
Opening the message made her giggle because of course he knew. 'How was brunch?'
'Networky just the way that you like lol'
Receiving several tears emojis in reply made Michonne laugh. But it also reminded her of the scolding she needed to deliver.
'You know, I wish I'd been informed that I was being given an official tour with the property owner at the development event'
'Thought it might be unfair to have even more influence over you lol. You should choose whatever's best for you. I just wanted to offer an option'
Michonne smiled gratefully as her heart melted from his selfless encouragement. It and maybe the sips of liquor made her risk it with a pink heart emoji after her next reply.
'Thank you for supporting me even if it doesn't benefit you'
'You never have to thank me'
Her heart fluttered and her eyes welled up with appreciative tears. Michonne sat on her chaise lounge near the window and reread his heartfelt declaration a couple times. With each reading, she felt it sledgehammer through another piece of her wall.
'I wish I could see you at the kid's pickup tonight'
'It's Maggie's turn to drop the boys off'
'I know but'
Ellipses popped up then disappeared leaving Michonne on the edge of her comfy seat. Waiting for what fortunately was only a matter of seconds, the dots reappeared until a new message arrived.
'I miss you Chonne'
She could almost hear it whispered sweetly against her ear. And she yearned for his warmth to be wrapped around her. For his aromatic scent to invigorate each inhale. She could tell him all about her day or just relax in comfortable silence. Getting lost in a gaze with his dazzling blue eyes would more than appease.
Michonne wavered for a moment until her thumbs swiftly moved, not allowing her to deny her feelings for this instance.
'I miss you too'
Communication with Jessie had admittedly fallen to the wayside the deeper Rick's connection with Michonne grew. Yet it was practically nonexistent since the zoo and that was unusual especially on Jessie's part. Yesterday's good morning message was followed up with a request to meet up for a conversation. But Jessie's schedule was inexplicably and strangely packed.
Rick tried to think of ways to go about this with the least embarrassment. A reluctant call to Jessie's office let him know she'd departed work early. But Deanna informed him that Jessie had not made the brunch guest list today.
Leaving the construction site early, Rick drove to her house unannounced, aiming to converse with her before her children arrived home from school. If she was even there.
Parking across the street would be the best option, in case things got hairy. But once Rick pulled up, the additional spot next to Jessie's car was already taken. He climbed out his vehicle and crossed the street warily. His instinct to take caution was validated the closer he got to the front door. Muffled shouts came from within. Jessie's voice was easily discernible, but the deeper voice of a man was also heard. Rick's heroic inclination kicked in prompting him to knock loudly.
"Jessie! Are you okay?"
The sound of continued fussing briefly paused but ramped back up. The volume rose, telling Rick that Jessie and the other occupant moved the entryway. When the front door whipped open, a large and much taller man seethed with a weepy Jessie in the wings. Her eyes implored and Rick knew his assumption about who the man was before seeing him, had to be correct.
"Why wouldn't she be?"
"Pete?" Rick wanted to confirm having only seen discarded pictures of the man.
"Let me guess, you're the new sucker." The man chuckled through a sneer directed at Rick before he turned his ire back on his ex-wife.
"Ron told me you were seeing someone else."
Jessie stood stunned by the information. "What? How?"
"Whenever I was allowed a phone call, I'd call Ron. Couldn't call you to talk to my sons since you blocked me."
Rick took in that information, understanding that her secreted request to be unblocked wasn't to Pete at the event.
"He told me you had already moved on to the next guy. Didn't take long, did it? Or do you have something else to share with me?"
Pete and Rick raised their respective eyebrows pivoting to Jessie, but she stood quietly in a dumbfounded manner. This was not the mess anticipated when Rick came here. Dogpiling was not his intention, but the Andersons rehashed strife wouldn't deter him from his mission either. Placating the level of hostility was definitely necessary to proceed.
"Look Pete, I'm Rick. I hoped we would've met under better circumstances but-"
"Did she call you here to try to get rid of me? Are you the new lackey for her father since I don't meet the standards anymore." Pete barked, stepping forward.
Rick didn't back away, readying himself just in case the taller man made a sudden move. Fighting Pete was not on the agenda, but he wouldn't be intimidated either.
"Pete, you need to calm down." Rick menacingly muttered, stepping forward.
"I came here to speak to Jessie. That's all. I'm not conspiring with the likes of Robert Ridge."
That last bit of information must have soothed Pete in some way, reducing his rage so his true desire was revealed. "I just want to see my boys."
"I get that but maybe now's not the best time."
"Why because I'm a drunk that had a mental breakdown?"
"No, because the boys will be home soon. You don't want the first time they see you to be like this."
Pete wisely deliberated regardless of his skepticism of the man before him. "Yeah, maybe you're right."
The heated atmosphere reduced a touch, lulling the tension in the men. Jessie stood awkwardly with arms wrapped around herself as though she had no part in all of this. Every look to Rick conveyed that she wanted his help but was simultaneously worried about his unscheduled presence. But she remained frustratingly silent, and Pete aptly ignored her in his plea for understanding.
"I'm better. I was transferred to an outpatient facility. I'm taking the proper meds and seeing a therapist. One day at a time."
"That's good Pete. I know your sons have missed you. I'm sure you and Jessie will be able to work this out once cooler heads prevail. Because your sons need you. I have even talked with Jessie about it myself"
Pete snickered, shaking his head from side to side. "She's got the wool pulled over your eyes too."
"What do you mean?"
"You need to leave!" Jessie fearfully interrupted their exchange infuriating Pete.
"You don't want me to tell your boyfriend!"
"Just go, Pete!"
"You don't know about all the things she's done to push our marriage apart. If you did, you'd want out. I did things too but I'm owning up to them." Pete clamored then turned back to address Jessie who cowered.
"Tell Rick everything that led to our divorce. How you never loved me! Pretending for public perception and status. Scheming and manipulating. All while I'm straining myself to keep up with the demand."
He stepped towards Jessie, so Rick had no choice but to get between them. He wouldn't allow this to become physical.
"Pete, you don't wanna do this."
"You don't understand. She twists everything so you think she's innocent. Acting like she's some sort of victim. Shes doing it right now." he pointed.
"Okay Pete-"
"I just want to see my sons!"
"I understand."
"No, you don't!"
"I do. I had to fight for custody of my son too." Pete blinked and calmed. "You- you did?"
"I did. Luckily, my ex-wife and I were able to come to an agreement. We worked things out in counseling because it was what was best for our son. I'm sure you and Jessie can do the same. In time."
"I'm- Im getting a lawyer."
"You should."
"And you should watch out." Pete sneered at Jessie again then stomped past Rick to leave. Once he reached the path to the driveway, he glanced at the garage and chuckled.
He turned back to address Rick. "You know how she's obsessed with owls."
Rick nodded with his hands on his hips and waited.
"Unsuspecting bird that swoops in when you least expect it. Sinking their claws in you."
Continuing on to climb in his vehicle, Pete drove off leaving the couple to watch with deep exhales of relief.
Without a word, Jessie entered her home and Rick followed, after closing the front door. To the just mentioned garage she unexpectedly went. Jessie frantically dug in a box on a storage shelf pulling out a hidden pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
"I don't want Ron and Sam to know about-" she hastily lit one taking a deep drag. The type you take when your lungs are used to the burn. Rick was a bit surprised and wondered what else she skillfully kept hidden from him.
"Your secrets safe."
Jessie hastily spoke after another drag. "Don't believe him. He's got problems just like I told you. Now, you can see for yourself."
"You and Pete need to figure this out. If not for yourselves. Then for Ron and Sam."
"I hope he hasn't scared you off." Jessie looked at Rick expectantly.
"Is this why you've been avoiding me?"
Snuffing out her cigarette, Jessie looked as though a lightbulb had just gone off in her head. "I- I was scared he'd mess things up between us. And here he is doing just that."
"No. No, he hasn't."
Hope and solace bloomed on Jessie's face. She gently smiled, moving to stand before Rick.
"No, I came to speak to you about something else."
Her face dropped as Rick took a step away. She tried to return to his personal space, but he moved again.
"Rick…"
"When we were both struggling through our divorces, you kept telling me this is what life looks like now."
"You've been holding on to that?"
"All this time, I was. Because it helped me move on from what seemed like a failure."
"It wasn't a failure."
"I know that now. We go through things and the people around us help us move past it. To grow, if we're lucky. They teach us something about ourselves. And what we really want. What we can have."
"We all lost things, but we got something back. We can keep doing that for each other." she pleaded but Rick shook his head.
"I don't think we can. I know we can't."
Jessie was dumbstruck but eventually took a step forward. "Right now, it isn't enough but it's something. This is it. This is what it is."
"No, Jessie. You're wrong. Picking a man, you think is suitable for your father's approval will only grow resentment. Just look at you and Pete. Me, repeating the pattern I was in with Lori. I put myself right back into it with you. You can't see it, but it's the same."
"No-"
Rick scratched his temple. "You know, when you finally called and told me to move here, I thought it was a second chance to fix what was previously broken."
Jessie's eyes welled up with unshed tears relaying there was something bigger she held onto. "I had made a foolish mistake but that's in the past."
"Do you even want to be with me? Or do I look good on paper? For a campaign? The right man for your father's consent?"
"Why would you ask that? Is it because of what Pete said?" Jessie nervously asked making Rick raise an eyebrow momentarily wondering what other secrets she held back. But they really didn't matter at this point.
"This isn't love, Jessie. If we are honest with ourselves, it never was."
"We can fix this."
"We…" he pointed between the two of them. "…can't. I'm sorry."
Rick let Jessie digest his declaration for a couple minutes but needed to continue with his own truth. "I know this is a lot on you with Pete and everything. But I have to confess to something else."
"It wouldn't be right if I didn't tell you and apologize for what I've done. I didn't mean to hurt you. And you have every right to be furious with me."
Rick watched Jessie's face transform with an inflamed agitation. "I'm not stupid! I knew! Why do you think I went to the barbershop!"
"It wasn't happening then." Jessie squinted her eyes as tightly as she could, conveying her obvious disbelief.
"At the event, I saw you come back one way and her, another. I fooled myself into thinking everything was okay when you came back to me. Ending your night with me meant you knew where you should be."
With both palms, Rick's chest was roughly shoved, causing him to stumble backwards slightly while raising his hands in surrender.
Jessie's face transitioned to incandescence as realization struck her. "You want to be with her?"
Grappling with unequivocally wanting to publicly declare his feelings for Michonne yet not needing to be callous to Jessie was difficult. But he had to be honest. "That's something I will discuss with her."
"You're leaving me for her?" Jessie maniacally laughed. "You're leaving me for a woman that can't even keep her own husband interested."
Rick blinked, figuring this town was small enough for gossip to travel. Their kids did attend the same school so the scandal of Michonne's marriage must've been on everyone's lips at one point or another. But bringing up something not only hurtful but cruel in attempts to slander Michonne had Rick's blood boiling. He glared at Jessie but maintained his composure.
"I'm ending things with you because there's no future. I was wrong to continue along once I knew. Hell, if I took the time to examine us closer, sooner. I should've done it before I even walked in the barbershop."
Jessie's gasp made time for a cleansing breath which lowered his temper and tone. "Look, I don't want to waste time you could be using to find your person."
"And if… Rather when things progress with Michonne, I don't want you to be caught off guard."
"And what am I supposed to do with this? Actually, Rick it doesn't matter because you will be back."
"I won't." he shook his head feeling pity for her while she retrieved her discarded cigarette, quickly lighting it up.
"Go have some fun and then-"
"Jessie, even if things don't work out with me and Michonne-"
"Don't you dare say her name to me again."
"Even if- it doesn't work with Michonne…" Rick sighed despondently at the thought that outcome could occur. But he reaffirmed the end of his current relationship by pressing the garage door opener.
"I'm not coming back to you."
"Yes, you will."
Rick walked outside into the setting sun feeling relief. He pulled his car keys out, ready to depart. But he grinned through his epiphany. "I'm sorry. I'm done living in the past."
"This isn't over. I am going to fight for you, Rick."
"Jessie, that would be a waste of time."