forever - [book two in the amorous series]

four - trials and tribulations.. and flaky lawyers

Michonne

"You ready, baby?" I hear Rick's voice call out to me. I sigh as I pack the last of my clothes.

"As ready as I'm gonna get, I guess. I just really don't wanna have to do this."

He nodded and came over to my side of the bed. As he sat down on the bed, he gently pulled me into his lap. I rested my head in the space between his neck and shoulders and close my eyes. This is where I feel safe. This is where I feel like nothing or no one in this world is capable of harming me. I snap my eyes open, realizing that this may not last for much longer. With the next few months being some that we'd imagined we'd never be experiencing, there was no telling what was in store for us. I move away from him, standing on my own two feet before zipping my suitcase up.

"Hey," he says as he gently rests his hand on my cheek, "We're gonna be okay."

I nod, quickly giving him a slight smile, for reassurance. But I know it won't work. He knows what's going on in my mind; if not, I'm sure he'd make an easy guess and hit the nail on the head. I'm anxious. Confused. Afraid.

About two days after Mike showed up at our house drunk, and demanding Andre be placed into his care, someone broke in. We were at a family function for Rick's mom's side, and when we got home, almost all of the windows were smashed open and all of our dressers were opened and clearly rummaged through. And on Andre's bed, there was a note that read:

You can try to keep me away from him, but nothing will stop me from having my son. Especially not your new boyfriend.

I immediately knew who'd done it. And Rick's first instinct was to move us far, far away from home. Senoia, with his parents. I feel really childish for having to live with his parents, but I want my family to be safe first. And if this is what it takes, then so be it.

"Mommy," I hear Andre call out to me, knocking me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, sweetie," I turn to face him. He's got sad, tired eyes and a frown on his face. I reach out to him, taking his hand when he extends it.

"What's wrong, Dre?"

"I don't wanna leave. I like our house. And Judy and Jada do, too. And Carl."

I sigh and lift him onto my lap.

"I told you, Dre. It's bad here. It isn't safe anymore. We have to go until they find the person that did this to our house, baby. And maybe even after that, we won't be able to come back. But right now, we've gotta go."

I didn't know which pained me more; the look in his eyes at the fact that we had to leave or the fact that I knew who it was and I couldn't tell him. His father. Someone he once held so close to his heart, someone he once loved as much as he loved me.. And he just betrays him like this. He nodded and slowly trudged away from our room. I sighed and followed after him, making a beeline for the girls' room instead. Judith was standing up, her blue eyes huge and bright as she saw me walk into the room.

"Hey, tutu." I smiled at her, and she did the same to me. I kissed her forehead before lifting her up out of her crib. I carried her downstairs, where I planned to feed her, but Carl had already heated her and Jada's bottles up, so he grabbed her from my arms allowing me to go get Jada to bring her downstairs as well.

Before I began making my way back upstairs, Carl put Judith in her high chair and called out to me.

"How long you think we'll have to stay with Grandma?"

I shook my head. "I don't know.. And I'm so sorry that this is happening .. If it weren't for me —"

He shushed me before I could finish.

"Michonne," he looked at me with a serious, loving look in his eyes, "You were the calm after our storm .. The best thing that's happened to us in a very long time. We aren't blaming you for any of this. We love you, and Andre. We just want what's best for you guys."

He smiled sincerely at me and without verbal response, I pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Carl. I love you guys, too."

When we let each other go, he nodded. "I'll go get Jada."

He darted up the stairs and in seconds was back down with Jada in his arms, ready to feed. He sat her in her high chair, that sat next to Judith's and allowed her to take the bottle herself.

All of my babies were growing up right before my eyes. I smiled before making my way back upstairs to bring bags down and help Rick with his bags. I entered our room to find him on the phone, his eyebrows furrowed and his thumb and index finger pinching the bridge of his nose. He nodded as he spoke.

"Yes, I'll let her know. Thank you. You, too. Bye."

I sat next to him.

"Is something wrong?"

He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head before looking over at me.

"Our lawyer. She says that everything was almost complete. There just wasn't enough evidence to show them that Mike's an unfit parent, so essentially we're being forced to take this to family court. And the chance of me being able to legally adopt him is slim."

He sighed. I shook my head and grabbed his hand.

"Rick. Andre is your son, and you know this. And very, very soon, the law will recognize it, too. We have to be patient."

And of course, I believed it. And although I was still heavily affected by the news I had just been given, I knew I had to be strong for him, because I knew I wasn't the only one who's feelings are wrapped up in all of this.

He squeezed my hand and looked into my eyes, shooting a small smile at me.

"I love you so much."

I smiled and pressed my lips against his. I closed my eyes as I felt all the tension in the room slowly dissipate.

"I love you more."

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