let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

the repercussions

                           February 14th, 2001

Ariana

I watch Prince play around in the backyard with a cup of tea in my hands, taking moderate sips every few seconds. Dede is sat at the table, flipping through a magazine while Paris sits on the floor with some of her toys. My mom had to leave an hour ago for a meeting regarding her company so we're all just hanging out right now.

"Can you tell me what happened now?" Dede pesters for about the 10th time this morning. I still haven't told her why we left Neverland in the first place, she's still young and I'm afraid she wouldn't comprehend everything fully. "Please stop underestimating me, mom. I'm old enough to know these things."

I sigh, sitting down beside her. "Do you really want to know why?" She nods intently. "Okay."

I explain to her everything from the drugs to the lies, she seems even more upset than I am.

"Dad isn't who I thought he was..."

"Please don't say that, Dede. Just because I'm angry with him doesn't mean you have to be."

"Mom, he lied to you for all those years!"

"I know and I'm furious with him for that but...he's still your father."

She leans her head against her fist. "When are we going home?"

"I have no idea. Your dad and I need to talk though, storming out last night and bringing you guys here was honestly a last resort. I couldn't stay under the same roof with him for any longer and I couldn't leave you guys there."

Her eyes that are a carbon copy of Michael's look up to mine. "I love you, mom."

"I love you too." I tell her sincerely.

⊹⊱✫⊰⊹

February 28th, 2001

Ariana

I leisurely drive through the Neverland entrance, all of my children sit tight in the car. Today I agreed to meet with Michael to sort things out, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable enough yet to come back but I know the kids missed him, excluding Dede. She seemed to be taking this to heart more than Prince or Paris which is understandable considering that they are too young to understand Michael's wrongdoings.

Michael has been trying to come over to my mother's house ever since the night we left but I wouldn't let him, I wasn't ready to see his face again after the way he spoke to me. I let him speak to the kids over the phone but my words were kept to a minimum.

I park my car near the garage and get out, greeting the familiar staff and security. Dede holds Paris while Prince's little hand is wrapped around my own hand. It feels weird knocking on my own home door but speaking with Michael will probably feel even weirder.

He swings the door open and he looks just as handsome as he always does. "Dad!" Prince says as he's swept up in the air by Michael. "I missed you, my little Prince." He murmurs. He sets Prince down and Paris reaches her arms out. "Daddy!" She laughs, being picked up.

"I love you, Paris." He whispers in her ear. Paris stays near us while Prince runs into the house, probably going up to his room.

Dede stands next to me with her arms crossed and scowl on her face, I think he expects her to run into his arms but she isn't budging.