Ghost Of You (Michael Berzatto X Black!OC X Eventual Richie Jerimovich)

24. Unfixable

2020-Chicago, Illinois

"What the fuck is a coronavirus?" Richie asked as he sipped on his coffee.

Pete and Natalie had already gone off to work, and Sophia was at school. Since Richie had time to kill, he had invited Angie out to breakfast.

"I don't know, but it's a big deal." Angie told him. "They're talking about closing Soph's school."

"I don't believe it." He shrugged.

"It's on the news."

"Fuck the news. What do they know?" He shoved a forkful of food into his mouth. "Except for Lester Holt. I fucking love that guy."

"Right...."

"So, you gonna come back or what?" He asked.

Angie held her breath with hesitation. "I don't know."

"We're dying without you."

"I don't know if I can handle it."

"Hey, whenever you're ready." He placed his hand on top of hers. "I just hope it's a little sooner than later."

She smiled softly and pulled her hand back. "How's Mikey?" She looked down as if she was embarrassed to say his name.

"A fucking mess."

"Does he talk about me?"

"Honestly, no. I think he's scared."

"Can I ask you something?" She looked back up at him.

"Anything."

"Do you think we should get divorced?"

Richie stared at her as if she had two heads. "You can't be serious." He scoffed.

"It's just a question."

"He's an idiot and an asshole, but he still loves you."

"And I love him. But I don't know if that's enough anymore."

"Listen, it's been a week. Don't jump into something you'll regret."

She sighed and rested her head in her hands. "I just wish this could all go away."

"I know."

"I thought I could help him, make him better. But he's just...he's unfixable." She huffed. "Will you keep checking on him for me?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Richie."

🤍

Angie was sitting with Sophia at the kitchen table, attempting to help her with her homework.

"I can call Daddy and ask him."

"No, I can help you. I just need a minute." She held the paper up and looked at it harder.

"It's okay, Mommy. I'll do it."

Angie sighed and kissed her forehead before getting up. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. "Hello?"

"Hey, sweetie."

"Hey, Uncle J. What's up?"

"I just wanted to check in on you. Donna told me you and Mikey weren't doing too good."

"Oh, we're fine. I just needed to get away for a few days."

"Mikey giving you trouble?"

"I guess you could say that."

"He's a stubborn little shit. You want me to straighten him out for ya?"

"No, it's okay."

"Alright. Well, if you do talk to that son of a bitch, tell him to call me back. He owes me some money."

"Okay." She rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Unc."

"I'll talk to you soon."

"Bye."

"Mommy?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Do you still love Daddy?"

Angie knelt down and cupped her daughter's cheek. "Of course I do, honey."

"Then we should go home. When I talk to him on the phone, he sounds really sad. He misses us."

"I know. But it's not that simple."

"Why?"

"Honey, your dad is really sick, and he needs to get better before we can go back."

"What if he doesn't get better?"

"I don't know. But I don't want you thinking about that."

"Okay." The girl sighed sadly.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Mommy."

Angie pulled her daughter into a tight hug and kissed her cheek.