Chapter Text
Chapter 1
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It was the first day of a brand new school year at Augustus James University, and the Annual Fall Activities Fair was just about in full swing. Bathed in the warm glow of the brilliant sun, the charming campus buzzed with excitement as the latest batch of students filtered in and around, the length of decorated tables, lining the greens that sat across from the massive Administrative building.
"Oh you have got to be kidding me!" complained Junior student Sasha Williams. Staring at an open box filled with flyers and pamphlets promoting her Student club 'Speak Up,' she was horrified by the contents before her. The items looked nothing like what she expected. Almost everything about them was just wrong. From the layout, to the font, and even the damn color was a nightmare.
"Wait you didn't check these first?" inquired her friend and fellow club member Michonne Davis, who stood beside her behind their booth.
"I didn't have the time. I just got back into the city. Besides, Spencer said not to worry..." Sasha took out half of the stack, "Neon orange? They're all Neon orange." She was in utter disbelief.
Michonne could only laugh at their predicament, "Well I had nothing to do with it. I just volunteered to man the sign-up booth."
"I'm gonna kill him. I am. Such a douche bag, shit faced son-of-a-bitch."
"That's a bit much don't you think?"
"No. I don't," livid, she shook her head, "We discussed this at length him and I. This...this isn't even the layout we agreed upon. I mean who's gonna take us seriously with these things? It looks like we organize Raves with free E and goddamn cocaine."
"I know," agreed Michonne, setting out the booklets, "But it's too late now. Let's just use what we've got."
The sky was clear and blue, and a slight breeze sifted through the animated air.
Whilst pulling out a second stack, a few flyers somehow got away from Michonne. "Oh Shit." Scurrying to collect them from the paved walkway, a 'Good Samaritan' who happened to be passing by was already there, bent over picking up the rouge papers.
"Hey, this yours?" the stranger asked.
"Yeah thanks," with a grateful smile she took them from him.
"Look..." handing one back, "...you can keep this. Read it," she encouraged.
He peered at the brightly colored pamphlet, " 'Speak Up'? Uh thanks. I never heard of it."
"Really? You're a freshman?" he didn't look like a freshman...That wide eyed, doe faced expression was nowhere in sight.
"Naw, I'm a Junior. Just transferred. I'm new to the city and all," glancing around, he nodded his head, visibly disoriented to say the least.
"Oh!" Michonne beamed, her eyes scanning him over. 'Fresh meat.'
Dressed in a plain black V-neck T-shirt, with a pair of jeans that accentuated his bow-legs and...wait...brown cowboy boots? This guy was definitely not from around here. His brown curly hair looked dishevelled, but still, this was a good-looking guy, blessed with a pair of adorable dimples on his clean face, and so would probably have no trouble at all getting himself settled in just fine.
"Well, my name's Michonne and I'm a Junior too," extending her hand towards him, the corners of her mouth lifted higher.
"Rick, Rick Grimes," he responded in kind. So affable, her voice was cheery, yet rich and sweet. He couldn't help but allow a grin to spread across his otherwise somber face.
"Nice..." clearing her throat she then went into her rehearsed presentation, "...well the 'Speak Up' Organization, Rick, is a club dedicated to empowering, and enlightening the entire community of AJU on both local and national issues of equality and human rights." After that mouth full Michonne opened the pamphlet for him.
"The further a society..." he began to read out loud, "...drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it." At the end of the quote Rick observed a picture of novelist George Orwell.
"Wise words yeah? So if you're interested in being a part of a group that pursues truth and justice for all, then, we'd be more than happy to have you join us." Turning over to the last page, she showed him the place and scheduled times and dates he could sign-up. "How does that sound?"
Rick chuckled at the particular coincidence of the interaction, "Sounds about right."
"What?"
"Oh nothing, it's just...my Major, it happens to be Criminal Justice."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." He eyed how the dark green halter top which this radiant young lady wore, and the long fitted skirt with matching colors of what appeared to be of an African print, adorned her so well…pride and confidence exuding from her. "I'll definitely be considering this, see if I have the time and all." If half of the people he met were as warm and bright as her, maybe moving to that new school wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Well I hope you do," having a deep belief in what this group tried to achieve Michonne fixed her gaze on his to convey her seriousness.
Just as he turned to walk on, "Oh and Rick..." she called out to him, "Welcome to AJU. I hope you have a great year." Clutching the rest of papers against her chest, another one of her lovely smiles flashed across her face.
A tingling crept up the back of his neck at the sight, "Thanks. You too... See you around."
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"Wow he's pretty," commented Sasha as soon as Michonne returned to her post.
Shrugging her shoulders, "He's something."
'Please don't start Sasha.'
"Anyways what did you do for the entire Summer?" she redirected.
Sasha sighed, "Me and Bob..."
"Me and Bob," Michonne mocked her dreamy tone of voice.
"Shut up," she protested with a playful shove, "As I was saying...Me and Bob, we took a road trip across the country. It was amazing, it really was. So many experiences that made us really focus on our relationship you know, and our future prospects. And..." stepping in closer to her friend now, "...so many breathtaking sites to just park and get, it, on."
In an instant Michonne's eyes grew large, "What? You didn't."
"Girl, I sure did...Shoot we made so many sweet memories," her eyes twinkled at the recollection.
"Sasha you could've gotten arrested."
"I know...That was part of the excitement."
The girls cackled with one another.
"What about you Michonne? You volunteered again this year at the Children's hospital?" Sasha inquired after they got a hold of themselves.
Her gaze dropped, "Yeah, I did."
Reaching out she held her hand, "Are you sure that's healthy for your psyche? You always come back with such guilt all over your face."
Michonne shook her head still staring down at the table rearranging the pamphlets, "No, no. That's not it," but really, it was...guilt, and grief.
"It's not?" dipping her head Sasha shot her complicated friend a knowing look. "All I'm saying is, why don't you try something fun next time?"
"Like you and Bob humping your way across the fifty states?"
Another chuckle escaped Sasha's lips and Michonne lifted her gaze with a mischievous grin.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine," she reassured. It wasn't that doing adventurous things didn't appeal to her. It did. But, unlike her friend, Michonne didn't have that special someone that would make embarking on any escapades enticing. In any case, that was the last thing on her mind, her class schedule, together with all the activities she was involved in, more or less kept her quite busy and occupied.
Sasha sighed, "Yeah well it's a new year. So we'll see."
"Excuse me," Michonne muttered, nudging her way through a group of students, attempting to shuffle into her classroom. The lecture hall she'd just stepped into had the typical layout she'd come to know at the University. It was large, and windowless, with cream colored walls, LED lights, and rows of closely placed chairs allowing for wide walkways.
Having already spotted Sasha sitting to the far left, in the second row, she made a beeline towards her, hoping to get a seat close by. As she inched nearer, however, she then caught sight of Mr. Bob Stookey himself right next to her pretty friend. The couple, who recently moved in to their own apartment off campus, were at that moment making sickening heart eyes at each other.
"Not today," she huffed, and proceeded to search for somewhere else to sit. Unfortunately, it appeared as though almost all of the seats were already taken. Going all the way to the back, or even coming right up to the front, was certainly out of the question. Somewhere in the middle would be preferential.
Whilst deliberating her dwindling options as more students shuffled in, a waving hand suddenly came in to view, all the way to her right in the corner. Who was that? A few idle bodies were blocking her, and so she had to literally crane her neck around them to see the individual trying to get her attention. Or if it was even her they were signalling.
"Over here," they called out.
Pushing forward she managed to glimpse a young man dressed in a brown suede, leather jacket, smiling broadly at her. It took a moment but then Michonne came to recognize the familiar face.
Oh! It was the 'pretty boy' from the fair a few days ago. What was his name again? Her mind drew a complete blank.
"Hey," he greeted, as she ambled her way over to him, he was sitting up in the fourth row.
"Hey. How are ya?" Michonne grinned at her new acquaintance.
There was that sweetness again.
"Me I'm good. You're in this class?" he inquired.
"I am. This seat's for me?" she asked, even though her bag was already resting on the vacant chair next to him.
"If it's alright with you it could be." Rick was glad to see a familiar face, especially one so gracious. What were the odds of him meeting her again so soon amidst the sea of the school's population?
Chuckling at him she eased herself into the grey padded seat, "Right. So...how were your first few days?" Coming in to a new school in the middle of one's courses would most likely be rough for anybody. No matter how capable they were.
"It's been okay I guess. Trying to wrap my head around this timetable and what not. Also got some adjusting to do with regards to my new roommate T-Dog."
"T-Dog? I know him. Aww, I hope he isn't too much trouble."
"No, I won't say that. But it's just that this guy's kinda particular about his stuff. He actually gave me a printout of his list of 'Dos and Don'ts'."
Michonne chortled at the confused expression on his face, "Well I hope that's all you have to contend with."
"I hope that's the beginning and the end of it," he remarked, stroking the side of his face in contemplation. "So umm," squeezing his eyes shut, the memory of her name evaded him, "Ms umm, I'm sorry what was it again?""
"It's Michonne," Thank goodness she wasn't the only one. "Remind me of yours…."
"Rick."
"Okay good, I'll try not to forget again. So is Sociology 307 part of your major Rick?"
"Minor. You?"
"Elective. I'm an Education major, concentration in Social Studies."
"Of course," he nodded his head remembering the club she belonged to.
"Law enforcement for you right?" That she didn't forget, for some reason. Maybe because his baby face in a uniform was a vision that didn't quite match up for her…Not that she thought about it much.
"Yup," he confirmed.
As their conversation of introductions came to a lull, Michonne took out her books and stationery.
Rick eyed her with curiosity as she took special care in placing her pen, her pencil, and her highlighter just right on the narrow arm desk. She was one of those.
Michonne could feel Rick staring but ignored him nonetheless.
"He's late," she commented, after glancing across at the clock situated high up on the wall at the front of the classroom. "The usual."
"Oh so you've had him before?"
"Uh huh."
"Is he any good?"
"Professor Monroe? Yeah I'd say so. I mean look at this place, it's practically packed."
"Yeah okay," Rick nodded, glancing around, taking in the fact that there weren't any empty seats left in the fairly large sized room. Returning his attentions to her, he allowed his eyes to linger. "Can I ask you something? Something personal?"
Caught off guard, Michonne's eyebrows shot up, "Excuse me? I'm not sure... it depends."
"No, no, nothing to worry about. It's just..." his hand gestured to her shoulder length hair, "...your umm..." trying to be cautious with his choice of words caused Rick to stutter.
"My locs?" she finished for him.
Dipping his chin, "Yeah that's it...Is that a style or a statement?"
'Well isn't he forward?'
"Why? You don't like it?" she asked, her voice softened.
Rick observed how Michonne then grasped one from behind her neck to twirl it around her slender finger, her intention to be cute about it.
"It's uh...no it's not that…" truth be told, he did, he did like it. "...just umm..." swallowing hard, his ears reddened. Why he had broached this topic in the first place was beyond him. But... "For the uh Rastafarian movement…" he soldiered on, "... you know the dreadlocks, symbolized the Lion of Judah. The uh hairstyle, actually was derived from the Nazarites in the Bible." He sat forward now, spewing more information. "Did you know that Samson...you know who that is right?"
What in God's name did he just say? "Uh huh sure Samson and Delilah," Michonne couldn't believe her ears.
"Yeah well..." he continued, "Samson himself was a Nazarite you see. And he wore his hair in locs. You know...it was a sign of his strength."
"Oh my god...you are such a white boy." Laughing at the exchange, she couldn't help herself. It was clear that he'd never met a girl like her before. Was he trying to be impressive?
His face fully flushed, Rick bowed his head trying his utmost not to grin so hard.
"It's just a style. No 'Haile Selassie I' for me." Believing him to be harmless, she chose not to take offense. Instead the conversation could work two ways. "And what about you?"
Meeting her gaze once again, his brows knitted together.
"Why is your hair so long?" it was her turn to tease him, "You look like a damn hippie. You know if they let you in to the academy they're gonna make you cut it..."
Chuckling in response to her taunt, "Yeah I know. I know that. All the more reason to let my luscious curls run free," he smirked.
"Hey you started it." Well if this guy was anything, at least he was entertaining.
Just then a tall, distinguished, grey-haired man rushed in through the heavy double doors.
"Okay okay. Everyone settle down. I'm sorry that I'm late. It's not the usual occurrence for me..."
Stifling a laugh Michonne shot Rick a knowing look and he smiled.
"...thank you for your patience and Welcome," he clapped his hands together and adjusted his circular glasses. "I'm Dr. Reg Monroe, and this is Soc.307, the 'Sociology of Minority groups' where we will be analyzing the interactions among racial, ethnic and religious groups in the U.S. This is not an easy class but I trust everyone will do their best to keep up. Any questions? No? Good. So let's begin shall we?"
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Once the class concluded, Rick and Michonne began packing up to file out with the rest of students.
"So what did you think?" she questioned.
Professor Monroe started off with a bang, doling out a twenty page reading assignment together with an analysis of a case study to be done within a week. Just brutal for the first day.
"Well, this is gonna be a hell of a semester I can tell you that," he acknowledged with a solemn expression.
As Michonne fitted her bag strap onto her shoulder, Rick noticed that on her bangle there was a pendant engraved with the letters KAO. He asked her about it.
"Oh that's just my sorority."
He winced. His immediate reaction to that titbit didn't go undetected by her.
"What is it?"
"No nothing," he shook his head and gestured for her to walk ahead.
Placing her hand on her hip she remained planted, locking her eyes on him. "You have something to say about that too?"
Tilting his head from side to side, it would have been better if nothing more was uttered. But on the other hand…"Well it's just, you know, sororities, fraternities…they kinda have a bad rep you know, with the hazing, and drunkenness and what not. Not to mention the overt racism especially here in the South. I'm just surprised is all."
"Jesus Rick anyone can read about that on the internet. It's sensationalism. What you don't read about is the good that comes out of it. It has its benefits." Why was this guy insisting on being a know it all? He was one of those.
Not wanting to get further annoyed, Michonne in that instant made her way out of the classroom.
"We're just having a difference of opinion is all," he commented while following behind her. Wasn't that what the college experience was all about? Meeting people with different views from your own? Why was she getting upset? It wasn't as if he was making these things up.
"I know they're not perfect," she acknowledged, "I've heard the stories, read the articles. But don't make a general judgement on what you really don't know...My mother happened to belong to this sorority as well..." The condescension in his tone was unnecessary, and it rubbed her the wrong damn way.
"Oh alright. Guess that makes sense now...you're an over achiever right? Got something to prove."
"Ok you need to stop." He was provoking her, whether on purpose or not, she wasn't sure. But she wasn't having it.
"Stop what Michonne? I'm just making an observation. I mean how many clubs do you belong to? I'm sure there's more," he persisted.
"That's not exactly any of your business," this pretentious ass was on a roll, "You know what? I'm not feeling you anymore Grimes. So this is it for me," backing away from him she sighed and turned to leave. "Good bye and good luck."
"You were feeling me huh?" he grinned.
"Were as in past tense," Michonne refused to look back.
Was she seriously offended? "See you next class then?"
No answer. Apparently she was.
A heavy sigh escaped from him, "Wait!" His first 'friend' and already he'd screwed up. He could be better than that. He had to be. Life was rough enough as it is. Running to catch up to her he grasped her by the elbow.
Startled, Michonne jerked away from him. "Don't!" she hissed, a deadly scowl crossed her face.
Her quiet fierceness forced Rick to avert his eyes. "I'm sorry, really I am. "
"Why are you antagonizing me? You don't know me," her tone was soft but firm.
"Yeah...I didn't mean that. Just..." trailing off, to him he was just inciting a lively discussion, but clearly he failed. For her there was more to it.
"Listen, if you give me a second chance. I'll behave. We can agree to disagree. Can't we?"
"If it's a debate you want, that's fine, but you don't have to be so tactless. Is that how you were raised?"
"Excuse me? So now who's being rude?"
Arching an eyebrow at him she was making a point.
"Okay okay. I hear ya alright? I do. I hear you. Let me make it up to ya."
She pursed her lips, "How?"
"I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders, "You hungry?"
Narrowing her eyes at him, her shoulders rolled back, "…Yeah."
He smiled, "Yeah? You want a burger?"
Taking in a deep breath she glimpsed around her, no longer busy with activity, the hallway became eerily quiet and empty now. Shifting her weight whilst fiddling with her necklace, Michonne lowered her gaze for a moment. Was this guy worth the effort? Should she entertain him and his foolishness any further? The last thing she needed was avoidable drama.
Rick didn't like this hesitation on her part, an olive branch was being extended here. Where's her common courtesy? "I said I'm sorry," he reiterated. "Don't make me beg."
Shaking her head at him, Michonne took a few steps back, and then turned to sashay down the hallway. "Make it a cheeseburger, and maybe I'll be willing to accept...Maybe."
With a quiet chuckle under his breath, the young man ambled along behind her.
There was not a doubt in his mind…This was most certainly going to be one hell of a semester.
Alone in her vanilla scented dorm room, Michonne laid across her brand new purple and white patterned cotton sheet set, gifted to her from her devoted Mother. Text books, notebooks, and even her laptop, were all open and spread about. However, it was her phone that held her rapt attention.
Just then the door swung open, and a tall, svelte brunette waltzed right in. It was her roommate and best friend, Lori Stewart. Every year since they first met as eager freshman, those two insisted on boarding together, thankful for having found someone with whom they could easily be comfortable.
"Oh hey hun," she greeted in a sing song tone.
"Hey," Michonne replied with barely a glance up.
"What you doing over there?" Lori eyed the device in her hand, "Ms. Davis? You studying? Or..." sneaking over she tried to snatch the phone away.
"Lori!" But Michonne was too quick, darting away in the nick of time.
"You texting that poor boy again?" Amused by her roommate's antics, Lori chuckled. "What's his name now?" she goaded.
"It's Rick and you know that."
"Yeah well what I also know is that it's been two months and I still have not met him." Removing her backpack and releasing her ponytail, her long and wispy dark hair was free to cascade down her back.
"Well you're never around much. Where have you been?" Michonne interrogated.
Lori shimmied out of her jeans and plopped down on to her own white sheeted bed, directly opposite from Michonne's. Both girls kept their space well adorned and free from clutter. Lori though, had an affinity for little Knick knacks which she collected and stacked neatly on her small bookshelf at the foot of her bed.
"I've been here, there and nowhere darlin'. The sorority's got me in all sorts of things. How come I don't see you getting dragged in all that mess?"
"That's because I have my ways of avoiding those distractions." The group's activities were never of much interest to her anymore. Besides, the main reason for joining the sisterhood in the first place was because of the girl currently sitting across from her. "So what about your classes this semester?"
Lori shrugged off the question.
And Michonne shook her head displeased.
Rolling her eyes, "Oh please don't start with me," Lori was in no mood to be scolded.
"I didn't say a word."
"And I thank you for it... Anyways," she dismissed, "Thanksgiving is coming 'round in a few weeks. Tell me what you doing. You uh going home or..."
"Yeah…I am." Michonne sighed, "You wanna come?"
Lori paused, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes wide with uncertainty. "No. I, I couldn't. Not again, not this year. I might just stay here for the weekend." She cast her gaze about the room. "Better than seeing Daddy so soon anyways. Summer was unbearable."
"Yeah you told me."
Growing up, Lori's Mother got struck with cancer, which slowly and painfully took her life. The loss devastated her entire family and Lori's not so friendly relationship with her Father then took a turn for the worse.
That's why Michonne bonded with her during their freshman year, for she knew all too well what it was like to lose a loved one in death. As a teenager, her own much younger sister, was diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor. And due to its aggressive nature, the little girl didn't live past the age of twelve.
However, Michonne's parents, and close relatives banded together, and that's what got her through the grief. Lori...she didn't have that. Her Father isolated himself emotionally, which left his children wrecked having to fend for themselves.
Moving to the edge of her bed now she scrutinized the miserable expression of her friend, "You sure? It won't be a problem really," Michonne insisted.
Perceiving her worried tone, Lori, by design, graced her roommate with a Southern Belle winning smile... "Oh it's nothing," she remarked, to put her at ease, "Besides Shane might invite me over to his parents' house."
Shane Walsh was the football jock she'd been "seeing" for almost a year.
"Okay...good," Michonne wasn't buying it, but dropped the issue nonetheless.
"And in any case wouldn't you want to take Rick home instead?"
"No, no," she denied with a quick head shake, "I told you we're just friends."
"Well why not invite him to the Kappa's party that's coming up? Let me get a good look at him."
"No Mom....he's not even in to that," Rick would do almost anything to avoid attending any sorority or fraternity party of absolutely any kind. "He's a real small town country boy. You know the type. He wouldn't even know what to do with himself."
"Yes Michonne you're right...I do know the type..." being a small town country girl herself, "...and that's why you're so smitten. I can tell. Those good ole Southern boys would charm the pants off of any woman."
"Would you stop? I am not smitten." However, the broadest smile that forced its way from cheek to cheek, betrayed her every word just then.
"Yeah whatever..." Rising up from off of her bed Lori reached for her towel. "I'm so tired, God what I really need is a stiff drink-"
"Hey!"
"No Mom I'm just joking."
Leering at her, "Look at me..." her hushed yet forceful tone indicated that her words were not a suggestion but rather a command.
Lori fixed her eyes on her concerned friend's.
"You're behaving yourself right? You been clean?"
Releasing a heavy breath, Lori sat beside her, "Michonne, I been clean. Classes are a bitch but..." folding her arms around her slender waist, "...I'm fine. Besides ..." she bumped her shoulder, "Shane is the only drug that's running through my system," she joked.
Tightening her lips Michonne rolled her eyes at the statement.
"Whew child..." Lori flung herself backwards on to the cluttered mattress, feigning distress, "...the thangs that boy has done to me! Over and over again. I can't even Michonne...I cannot speak of such things. I'm going to straight to hell!"
At that point there was no holding back, Michonne couldn't help but collapse next to her friend in a fit of laughter.
"Could you cut it out?" Rick jerked his head away from the pen Michonne kept poking into the side of his cheek.
"What's that on your face?" she giggled.
"It's just a slight shadow. I'm growing it in, I told you that. What is the big deal?"
The big deal, was, that Rick's growing facial hair was causing Michonne to become distracted. It had been over an hour already since they'd met up at the Library, and she found herself just stuck, re-reading the same two bloody lines over, and over again.
Constantly stealing glances at him, even the sky blue fabric of the lounge seat they occupied, was working against her, as it only served to make his enticing gaze that more electric. Needless to say it was hard for her to concentrate.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, hoping that he wasn't getting annoyed. This was the third time she'd interrupted him.
"You know you keep saying that, but I know you don't even mean it," Rick tried to be stern with his friend, but more giggles made their way out of her. It was the cutest thing.
"I am, really," she insisted, compelling herself to get serious already.
"I got this test for my Victimology class tomorrow."
"I know I know. And I've got a Political Science paper due, so..."
"So..."
"...I'm sorry," no sooner had the words passed her lips, than Michonne was chuckling again. For what reason? She had no clue.
Fortunate for her there weren't many patrons around to disturb, specifically in their study group area, and especially at this late time of night.
Rick however, was getting annoyed. Why was she being so dang adorable? Like damn, he needed to study.
On the other hand, with every chance he got, his own eyes took the liberty to trace each line of Michonne's face. Her eyes, her nose...then her lips, her chin…her neck...He swore that he had this girl's profile memorized by now.
In all honesty though, 'hitting the books' was of utmost importance, because this particular class was kicking his butt. When she called him earlier to link up at the library for a study session, he should've declined. Michonne had, plain and simple, become a distraction.
Tonight she wore a dark grey pair of skin tight cargo jeans, together with a form fitting red cardigan and a white vest underneath. Nothing Rick read so far was sticking with him. His gaze kept darting over to her, observing how she tucked one leg under the other, which hung freely over the edge of the seat, and how pensive she seemed whilst nibbling her pen in one hand, and twirling her orange highlighter in the next.
If asked, he couldn't recall the exact day and time when their friendship took a turn for him. But he wasn't going to be the one to push it to the next level either. It was preferable if she took the lead on that. It would be up to her.
Clearing his throat, he took a shot at his textbook again.
But then...
"So umm, you looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend?" she asked quietly.
He sighed and shook his head...
"What? It's a good question..."
Tilting his head to the side he smiled at her, "It is. And yeah I guess so...it would be nice to just relax for a bit."
"What about your brother, how's he doing?"
"He's been doing good. Taking his classes seriously and what not. Making Mom happy that he's trying..." he then went silent for a bit, mulling things over within.
"Rick?"
"Yeah," his gaze was low, hands fiddling with one another.
"I'm glad to hear it." And she was.
"Yeah well, thanks for asking."
The whole reason the Grimes family relocated from the South of Georgia, was due to Jeffrey, Rick's younger brother. Rebellious and stubborn, he kept getting himself into trouble, and his parents had had enough. They tried everything to set him straight, and now they were trying this...a new start. It seemed as though that back home in King's County, he couldn't catch a break.
"Okay. I'm done now," straightening her shoulders, Michonne attempted to return her attentions to the riveting chapter on 'the particular variables that have impacted the growth of the least developed countries.' Now, she'd managed to finally reach to the next two sentences.
Pinching his nose bridge with his head hung low, Rick muttered something beneath his breath.
"You okay?"
"It's nothing…" he sighed, "...just that I think that I may have really underestimated this course is all." Somehow it was way more challenging than he'd expected. He wouldn't admit it to her, but in reality all of his courses this semester were rather demanding.
His Father, in whom he'd confided, suggested that maybe the move, in addition to the family's issues, were taking a bigger toll on him, which Rick refused to acknowledge. The old man could've been right, but he had to remain focused. He had to keep going. All he needed was time, or so he thought. But he wasn't about to throw himself a pity party.
"Well-"
"Well what?"
"Ummm nothing, forget it," the sharp tone in his voice caused Michonne to shy away.
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at her with regret, "No, finish what you were saying."
Hesitating at first, Michonne then slid across closer to him. Peering at him with caution, "Why don't you let me show you my full proof study-plan?" she offered sincerely, "Next time you won't be so antsy about your test."
Angling himself, his full attention was placed on her, "Is that right?"
"Mmhmm, works every time Grimes. How do you feel about charts and highlighters?"
Rick chuckled, "I uh...I think I'mma be just fine."
"You sure?" she asked, matching his head tilt, "I don't mind, you could always you know come over and umm, it won't be a problem."
His focus grew serious as his eyes narrowed at her, "You want me to come over?" the tips of his ears grew warm.
'Geez Michonne take it easy why don't you?'
No longer taking in air, Michonne averted her gaze from his stare. "I just meant-"
His throat needed to clear for yet a second time, "Listen, I know you're Miss smarty pants alright, so thanks, but no thanks," he zeroed in on his text once again. "I appreciate it."
Then somehow, as though it had a mind of its own, his hand reached over and patted Michonne lightly on the knee. More than that, it just rested there, for an extra moment or two, before finally he pulled it away.
Not a significant gesture by any means, but Michonne Davis froze...and every muscle tensed. The innocent contact was just enough to sharpen the tension between the two, and neither one said anything further as they fell into an uncomfortable silence.
Suddenly, a buzzing sound startled them. Michonne's cell phone was vibrating on the short round table at the centre of the lounge area. Looking at it she'd gotten a text from Sasha.
"Oh Shit!" she swore under breath. Sprinting up from the chair, she grabbed her bag and shoved her books into it, "Rick I'm sorry but I have to leave."
"What's the matter?"
She didn't say. Her playful demeanor was unexpectedly replaced by a sense of urgency. And in the next second she barrelled straight out of the exit.
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Michonne's lungs were on fire. Yes her dorm was only three buildings away, but her legs couldn't move fast enough.
'Come on Michonne move.'
The coolness of the night couldn't temper the heat of the blood pumping through her veins.
Her heart pounded in her ears, her breaths short and uneven, as her feet slammed one after the other, against the concrete.
"Michonne!"
Who was that? Rick? Forget it. Don't look back. Just run. Get home...before it's too late.
Rick never knew Michonne was so fast. Despite him hollering after her she took no note of him. Something had her spooked. The fright he discerned in her eyes before she fled disturbed him to his core. There was no way he could not go after her.
Where was she even going? "Michonne! Wait!"
Finally arriving to Hall C, no time was wasted in reaching up to her room on the second floor.
"Where is she?" breathless, Michonne's eyes wildly searched for her roommate as soon as she burst through the door.
"In here," Sasha called out.
She rushed for the bathroom and immediately was saddened by the image of her best friend sprawled out on the grey tiled floor. Barely conscious, her head was lying in Sasha's lap.
"What the hell happened?" dropping to her knees she placed her fingers against Lori's neck in attempt to check her pulse.
"I have no idea. Bob and I had a fight, I came over to crash with you guys and..." she trailed off, "...I mean it's obvious she's been drinking."
Obvious indeed, Lori reeked of alcohol. This girl was unbelievable, she lied straight to Michonne's face just the night before.
"Lori! Lori! Sweetie wake up."
She muttered something as Michonne gently cupped her pale, sweaty face.
"Lori please."
God, how is this happening again? Michonne just couldn't keep up with her. Spinning in different orbits as of late, they hardly spent any time together anymore.
"What else did she take Sasha?" Her gaze darted about the floor searching for anything remaining that might have given them a clue.
"I don't know...but I think someone was in here with her."
Michonne narrowed her eyes, "What?" Grabbing Lori by the shoulders she shook her again, "Lori!" But this time the girl didn't budge.
They needed to leave now.
Just then, "Michonne!" a voice came from the front of the opened room.
Sasha scrunched her face in confusion, "Is that..."
Nodding her head, Michonne sighed. "Rick!" she yelled, "In here."
As soon as he cleared the doorway Rick was jarred by the unexpected scene. "Christ what is this?"
Michonne picked up a million other questions as they flashed across his bewildered face, "Rick, my roommate, we've got to get her to the hospital."
"Tell me what happened."
"We don't know...I mean she's been drinking and, she may have took something." Michonne confessed, "Her breathing 's slow."
"So you called 911?"
"No!" both girls shouted.
Michonne stood up and stepped over to him , "You have your truck? Cause we're gonna have to take her."
Was he hearing correctly?
Squinting his eyes at her, "That isn't safe, Michonne," he declared.
"No, we can do this."
"We have before," a despondent Sasha admitted.
"Just once."
"One time is too many," he asserted.
Michonne took in a deep breath, now wasn't the time to argue, "This isn't a discussion. The school's very, very strict about this…."
"She could get kicked out," informed Sasha.
And that was the last thing Lori needed. "So, we're going. With or without you."
"You know what I've been through with my brother," he reminded.
"Yeah, and Lori's my sister. So we're taking her, right now Rick." Being adamant with him would probably lead to negative consequences, but Michonne would worry about that later.
"I'm parked right down stairs," said Sasha.
"Okay good," stooping down, the two girls placed Lori's arms around their necks, "You ready?"
"No wait!" Despite his better judgement, Rick stepped in between them, "I got her." Lifting her limp body into his arms, he then shuffled his way out of the door. "You gotta get her a blanket," he ordered.
Dragging off her new comforter she threw it over her friend.
"Okay that's good. Now let's go."
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A/N: Okay so just trying my hand at a mini-fic (just about 4 chapters) with some drama of course. I just can't resist. Please review I love the feedback. I'll update after the holidays. Bye.