let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

ups and downs

                              August 27th, 1997

Ariana

"You're really going all out, huh?" Karen asks as I hang up the phone call I just had with the bakery.

"I have to! It's Michael's birthday."

"You know he'd be happy with just seeing your face and maybe a few cupcakes?" She smirks.

"But what's the fun in that? I love spoiling Michael, especially on his birthday."

I hear footsteps walk into the hotel room causing me to zip my mouth and throw away the key, Karen does the same.

"Well, that's my cue to leave." She says, picking up her purse, Karen greets Michael as she exits the room.

"Hello, my love." Michael bends down to kiss me.

"Hi, baby. How was rehearsal?" I ask.

"It was good." He sits himself down next to me. "A bit tiring but good."

"Are you excited for your birthday?" I look him in the eye, getting straight to the point.

"Not really. You know I hate getting older." He glances away from me, Michael always gained this sense of gloominess whenever his birthday would roll around. I know Michael loves life too much and feels as if every year he gets older, he becomes more of a burden to society. I always make sure to let him know that he could never be a burden to me or anyone else.

"Michael, come on. I promise this birthday will be so special."

"How do you know?" He quirks an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Just a feeling." I shrug desperately and get up.

Okay, time to see if I can hire a marching band.

⊹⊱✫⊰⊹

August 29th, 1997

Ariana

I patiently pace around backstage in Michael's dressing room, waiting for You Are Not Alone to start being sung. I'm going to give Michael a big birthday surprise tonight, I've tried to do everything that can even be done here in Denmark. Michael seemed to be having so much fun, my plan for ending off the night is going to be the big cherry on top of the ice cream.

The instrumentals of You Are Not Alone boom in my ears as well as Michael's singing. I jump up from my seat, gathering everyone to watch from the wings. I hold Prince tight, his noise cancelling headphones sitting on his ears while Dede stands by my side.

You Are Not Alone soon finishes and a smile grows on my face. A couple seconds after Michael stands in a pose, the marching band comes lined out as planned. Roars erupt from the crowd while the crew starts clapping, Michael has a towel in hand, patting himself dry with a smile while he sips his orange juice. Two of the tour crew roll out a huge 7 layer cake with sparklers sparkling.

Everybody starts to sing Happy Birthday, Michael looks over at me, grinning larger than life.

"I love you." I mouth. "I love you so much more." He mouths back.

Fireworks go off and the audience as well as the tour staff are in awe, including Michael.

"Unbelievable." Michael says with a laugh. "I love you, and that's beautiful." He pauses, walking across the stage. "Thank you. I don't know what to say." He laughs once more. "I love you all, thank you so much. This is beautiful." He gestures to the cake. "I love you!" He embraces one of the tour roadies. "I wish love and peace to the world and to all the children of the world."