With Michael

Chapter 18 - Paul & Linda II

23rd of October, 1991
Brooklyn is 25, Michael is 33

Michael: Karen was applying the last touch-up to my face.
"And, done!" she declared.
I smiled at her, "Thanks, Karen."
"My pleasure."
A knock on the door interrupted us. "Sir, your wife is here." Bill said.
I jumped out of my seat immediately.
"Don't ruin anything!" I heard my makeup artist say as I ran out of my dressing room.
The entire day I've been dying to know already.
I found Brooklyn talking to John, the director, on the set. She saw me and waved.
"Excuse me, John," she said, shaking his hand. "It was great to meet you."
"You, too." John told her.
I opened my arms for her and she wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.
"Well?" I asked, a bit too excitedly.
She chuckled, "We're having a little girl."
"A baby girl? Really?"
Brooke nodded.
I hugged her tighter and kissed her all over her face.

~

Brooklyn: "Action!" John yelled.
'Black or White' started playing through the set, loudly. I watched Michael as he danced, the fake snow started blowing everywhere. I even got some in my hair.
I was sitting on a chair that had Michael's name on it. I didn't mind standing up, but he insisted I'd sit. He said it was just in case I got tired, which happened pretty quickly.
I truly hated when my body gave in like that.
Looking down at my bump, I smiled. A girl.
"Cut! Cut!" my husband yelled, covering his head with his shirt. He was waving his hands everywhere.
Him and his dancers just finished their dance routine, but the snow was still flying all over the place.
I was laughing along with everyone.
Michael was holding his stomach when he walked towards me.
"You have a little something in your hair, Mike." I joked.
I reached out my hand and pulled out some of the little white pieces. He rolled his eyes.
Suddenly he lifted them up and a smile spread across his face.
I turned around and saw Paul and Linda walking to us.
I got up, attacking Linda in huge hug. Our husbands hugged as well.
Like everyone who has seen me for the last couple of weeks, both their eyes instantly went to my stomach.
"My eyes are up here." I said.
"Sorry, it's distracting," Paul apologized. "Congratulations, both of you."
I hugged him tightly. I heard a click and a flash was seen in the corner of my eyes. Cameras, of course.
"I can't believe you're pregnant," Linda said. "I have to talk to you."
"You could go to my dressing room for more privacy." Michael suggested.
"That's perfect."

~

Michael: "Have fun, and don't get carried away." Paul told the girls before we left my dressing room.
I closed the door behind us, leaving our wives alone.
"So, what are you having?" Paul asked when we started walking around the set.
"A baby girl." I smiled.
He chuckled, "Girls are the best."
"They are. I can't wait."
"I can understand you, being a father is the best thing in the world."
I nodded, now being more impatient for this little girl.
"Have you thought about names yet?" he said.
"I want to name her Katherine, after my mother." I told him.
"I think Brooklyn would like that." Paul smiled.
"I hope so."

~

Brooklyn: "How far in are you?" Linda asked excitedly.
"Fourteen weeks, now." I answered.
"I still can't believe it. Remember the first time we met? And I asked if you and Michael were together," she laughed. "And you said there was nothing between you. Yet, here we are."
"That's because back then it was nothing. We were just good friends." I mumbled.
"He always had feelings for you, I could see it." she teased, and once again looked at my bump.
"People need to stop doing that." I said, covering it with my arms.
"You're going to have to get used to it. I did. Plus, you'll have cameras following you, and fans." my friend told me.
"I know, but it's just a rumor right now."
"You are doing well, right?" Linda asked with a serious tone.
"Yes, we're having a beautiful, healthy, baby girl."
She grinned at me, "I'm glad. But are you alright, Brooke?"
"I'm fine, don't worry. I'm just a bit more tired than usual." I reassured. It was partly true.
There was a knock on the door, followed by Michael's voice, "Can we come in?"
Linda stood up from her seat and opened the door. My husband and Paul walked in, each of them sitting down.
"Don't you have anything else to shoot today?" I asked.
"Nope," Michael shrugged. "Tomorrow is a busy day, though."
I sighed. Another day alone.
Ever since we found out about this pregnancy, Michael had restricted me from doing certain things. Like, he won't let me go out with Janet alone. He wants to be there with me, to protect me. I understood, but it annoyed me.
And, he made me stop dancing. It was horrible. Every time he would rehearse at home and I wanted to join him, he wouldn't let me.
"Is that the time?" Paul asked, looking at his watch. "Linda, darling, we need to go."
"No! We just got here!" my friend pouted. Michael chuckled.
"The kids are waiting for us."
She sighed, "Fine."