Addiction [Rick Grimes]

Chapter 7

Shane was known for making bad decisions, but he knew this one topped them all. He regretted everyday of the few weeks since his and Loris' affair came out more than anything. As the days went by he realised how much Gabriella meant to him.

She was the only woman that didn't try to fix him. She never wanted him to change, she had only ever asked for two things their entire relationship and that was for him to be honest and loyal and he failed.

He knew he loved Lori, but not like he loved Gabriella. Lori was convenient, she wasn't the love of his life, the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He could never see himself married to Lori or having children with her. He could only imagine Gabriella carrying and loving their child.

Shane wished there was something he could do to win his soon to be ex wife back. He believed she still loved him and deludedly still believed he had a chance to win her back. He just needed to come up with a plan before it was too late.

While Shane was devastated by his impending divorce, Lori was the opposite when it came to her own divorce. She was completely unfazed, she got on with everyday life like Rick never even existed. In some ways, Shane wished he could be the same towards his own divorce, but Gabriella was too much of a loss to him.

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Rick had spent weeks looking for houses and apartments. It was difficult in their small town. It didn't help that he was also paying a substantial amount of money towards a house he was unable to live in, but he finally did it.

A small, but suitable two bedroom apartment, newly built and perfect for him and Carl.

"Hey Gabs!" Rick called as he entered the house.

Gabriella appeared from the kitchen, wearing an apron and armed with a wooden spoon. He smiled at the sight. "You'll never guess what!" He grinned.

She smiled and stepped back into the kitchen, Rick closely behind, "hmm, I'm not good with guesses. Tell me what's made you so happy," she said as she went back to stirring the cake batter.

"I found an apartment, two bedrooms, only a few miles away. It's close to work and Carls school. He gets his own bedroom, so I'm sure that will decorated with weird posters and Lego figures," he chuckled. "So this time next week you will finally be free from me."

Gabriella's smile faltered slightly, but she hoped Rick wouldn't notice, "that's," she paused, "that's really great, Rick. I'm happy for you," she finally replied.

She wasn't lying, she was happy for him, but she was also disappointed that she would be losing his company soon, the shared dinners, the conversations, the nights drinking and listening to her cry and complain about work, Shane or her friends. She didn't want to be selfish. She hoped her disappointment didn't show on her face. "You don't have to leave so soon, though. Don't you need furniture and-and cable, internet, and all that good stuff set up first?"

Rick waved her off, "nah, I'll sort that as I go. I've got the basics and I'm not too bothered about cable and internet until Carl comes to stay. I'm just happy that I'll finally be able to give you some space, you don't need me hogging the bathroom every morning," he grinned. "Are you going to miss me, Ms Diaz?" He questioned in teasing manor.

She couldn't help but giggle, "of course I am," she confessed.

"You'll still see me," he promised as he walked round the kitchen island to stand close to her. Almost too close. He raised his hand and gently brushed the stray flour from her cheek, "we just won't see each other everyday. Which is probably a good thing because I must have gained twenty pounds just being your guinea pig for these delicious cupcakes you keep making."