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

ACT ONE: Epilogue

2022-Chicago, Illinois

Two weeks. Angie couldn't remember the last time she went two weeks without talking to Michael. Not even when they were separated. Days and nights began to fade into each other, and she barely knew what day it was anymore.

She held on tightly to Sophia's hand as they walked through the church. A group of family and friends surrounded them with condolences and tears.

"Honey, I'm so sorry." Tiffany wrapped her arms around Angie. "Do you need anything? Errands? Dinner? I could take Sophia for the night?"

"I appreciate it, Tiff, but I'm okay."

"We're here if you need us." Frank chimed in.

"Actually, would you mind taking her back to Donna's house with you?"

"Yeah, no problem."

"Thanks. I'll meet you guys over there." Angie knelt down to kiss her daughter on the cheek. "You're gonna ride with Auntie Tiff."

"I wanna be with you."

"I'm gonna meet you there. Mommy just needs to take care of some stuff first."

The girl tightly hugged her mother. "I love you, Mommy."

"I love you too, baby." She stood up and waved as she walked off with Tiffany.

"How ya feeling?" Pete asked her.

"I'm okay."

"It's okay if you're not."

"Have you guys heard from Carmy?" She asked, changing the subject.

"Not since yesterday." Nat said. "I was gonna ask if you saw him."

"He told me a few days ago that he was gonna be here."

"I'm sure he has a reason."

"Yeah." Angie sighed. "I'm gonna step out for a minute. I'll meet you guys at Donna's."

She stepped out into the chill of the mid March air. She sat on the concrete steps and dropped her head into her hands. After a few minutes, she heard footsteps behind her and a sigh as someone sat next to her.

"Hey." Richie pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and lit one.

"Hey." She lifted her head.

"So..."

"I don't really feel like talking."

"Sorry. I'll just sit here."

"Thanks."

The two of them sat in silence for god knows how long. Richie was about halfway through with his cigarette when Angie looked over at him.

"Sorry, you want me to put it out?"

"No, it's okay. Can I have one?"

"Seriously?" She nodded. He sighed and pulled out the pack, handing it to her.

"Thanks." She stuck it in her mouth and watched him light it for her. She took a long puff and slowly blew the grey smoke out.

"You're a lot better at that than you were fifteen years ago."

"I've inhaled so much second hand smoke, I might as well be a smoker."

"You're probably right." He chuckled. "So, you thought about what you're gonna do with the restaurant?"

"I gotta wait to talk to Carmy about it."

"Why Carmy?"

"Because, Michael left the restaurant to me and him."

"What? Why would he leave it to that fucking baby?"

"Richie-"

"He's not even here!"

She took another puff and gazed down at her black heels as she clacked them against the concrete. "Richie?"

"Huh?"

"What am I gonna do?" Her voice cracked as she felt a tear fall down her cheek.

"Hey." He stomped out his cigarette before wrapping an arm around her. "I got you. You're okay."

"I can't raise her by myself." She cried. "I can't do this."

"You're not gonna be by yourself. We're all here for you. I'm here for you."

"Richie, he killed himself because of me." She whispered.

"What're you talking about?"

"I yelled at him. I kicked him out. It's my fault."

"Don't say that."

"He died thinking I hated him! He didn't even leave a note, 'cause he thought I didn't care!"

"That is not true. You hear me?" He cupped her face. "That is not true. Michael loved you more than anything else in this world, and he knew you felt the same."

"I fucking hate this."

"I know." He wiped her face with his thumbs. "I hate to see you cry."

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I meant what I said. I'm always gonna be there for you. Mikey was my best friend, but so are you."

Angie sniffed and embraced the man tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too." He quickly wiped his eyes.

She pulled away and took a deep breath. "I think I just need a minute before we go."

"Yeah, 'course." He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before standing up and heading back into the church.

Angie looked down at her wedding ring and twirled it around her finger. She reached under the neckline of her black dress and pulled the thin gold chain out. Attached to it was Mikey's wedding band. She pressed her lips to it and sighed. "I love you. I'm sorry."

After getting herself together, she stood up and walked up the steps. Before heading back in, she spotted a familiar car with a familiar driver parked on the street. Once she made eye contact, he drove off.

"Motherfucker."