Mr. Monk, the Lucky Man, Part II

AUTHOR'S NOTES

This MONK tale is a continuation of my other story Mr. Monk, the Lucky Man. For a better understanding of what is happening here in Part II, it is suggested that you stop right where you are and quickly read the first part if you haven't already. Do not worry; the other one is not very long, it won't take forever to get back to part II.

In writing the first part, I had no intentions of continuing past that. But as I reread, all the possible places this story could go came to life and here I am introducing a second part. I hope it was not a mistake to continue with this story, but I am sure all of you lovely reviewers will rightfully tell me if this continuation is of worth.

-K100

NATALIE

Julie saw her mother, Natalie, once again, deep in thought. Over the past few weeks Julie noticed how her mom seemed happier, while at the same time spending more time in contemplation. Julie sat next to Natalie and waited for her mom to take notice. Finally, Natalie seemed to startle herself out of a daze.

"What's going on, mom?" Julie questioned softly.

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, you've been different lately."

"I don't know. You think I've been different?" Natalie asked.

"Yeah, a little bit, since Christmas."

Natalie let a small smile stretch across her face. It was true; she could not deny the fact that in these first few weeks of the New Year everything was exciting and strange all at once. Since Christmas Eve, Natalie has felt and thought in a way she never imagined she would, and has been eager for a little input on the issue. So, she turned to her daughter—best friend and greatest confidant—and began explaining why her behavior has been less than normal.

"Well," Natalie began, "I think I am beginning to have strong feelings for Mr. Monk."

"Like you're in love with him," Julie stated.

"Now, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I never said I'm in love."

"What are you saying than? Is it more than just caring for him?" Julie questioned.

Natalie had to think about that one for a moment, but she realized she had been thinking about it for a while now. She still had no answer, not for herself or anyone else.

"Julie, you know Mr. Monk and I are friends, and you and I have really gotten to know him, and even enjoy him. But during Christmas, I just felt like he meant more to me than just a boss or just a friend."

"I know what you mean," Julie said.

"How?"

"I don't know, it felt like he just fit with us. It wasn't like he was my mom's boss. It hasn't felt like that in a long time."

Natalie smiled, "I guess you do know what I mean… Anyway, "she softened her voice, becoming a little shy, and said," on Christmas Eve—after you went to bed—I kissed him."

Julie smirked, "I knew something was going on."

"No you didn't"

"Yes, something was up between you two," Julie said with a wide grin. "Why did you do it? Why did you dance with him or kiss him if you're not sure you love him?"

"It's more complicated than you're making it sound." Natalie paused, "how did you know I danced with him?"

"I saw the whole thing. But let's not avoid the issue here."

"Wait, I'm the mother. I should be spying on you, not the other way around. Did you see everything?"

"I wasn't spying, mom. I just happened to witness a tender moment," Julie said.

"Don't mock me," Natalie said, partly in fun and partly in seriousness.

"Sorry…" Julie said. "Was it right? When you kissed him, did it feel right?"

"You've been watching too much Dr. Phil."

"Mom…"

Natalie looked at her knowing daughter and answered honestly, "It was wonderful. He made me feel safe… And he kissed me back, I don't know if I expected him to, but he kissed me back. That was nice."

Julie saw the contentment on her mother's face. "So what now? Mr. Monk hasn't been around very much since then."

"I know, we've been avoiding each other," Natalie said. "I've needed time to think about this, and God knows he needs time. He can't decide what kind of socks to buy without it being a major ordeal. But sooner or later he and I will have to talk about this. We'll have to talk about us."