let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

torture

                            January 16th, 2004

Ariana

"And we're late." I sigh. It's not even 9 am and I'm already in a bad mood, this is a great way to start the day off.

"Ariana, we'll get there." Michael caresses my arm.

"Not fast enough. Michael, this is your arraignment. Way to make a first impression..." I roll my eyes, focusing on the outside. We do eventually arrive to the courthouse and it's mayhem outside, the cheering of our names along with the posters and merch that the fans hold up is honestly making this situation endurable. It takes us awhile to step out of the car with all the crowds but we manage.

Some of the Jackson family are here for support, specifically being Katherine, Joseph, Jermaine, Randy, Tito and Janet. Michael hugs each member of his family and so do I. My arms remain around Janet for a little longer than intended. It's nice to have a friend here during these hectic times.

"God, Ariana. It's only been a couple months since we've last seen each other." Janet humors. "I know, it's just with everything going on-"

"Trust me, I get it." She flashes a consoling smile. We proceed to trot our way to the courtroom, Michael is waving to everyone and it's obvious he's in a state of appreciation for the fans, I try my best to look polite but at the same time, we aren't showing up at an award show. This is Michael's first court appearance regarding the allegations.

We're all guided to the outside of the building and we wait for a few minutes. Michael is the first one to be escorted inside, I notice a police man pull my husband harshly by his lower half. Michael whacks him in the arm and follows it up with saying. "Don't hit me in the stomach."

When I make a move to step forward, I'm backed up by a different cop. We're all being held out for some reason. I'm assuming one of them got a signal to let us in since we're gestured to start moving again. I watch Michael from afar, he goes through a metal detector and then he strolls down a long hallway. Randy is next to walk in, he goes through the usual procedure and the same happens to Janet.

It's my turn so I stand there silently as one of the cops scans me with a handheld metal detector.

"You're free to go, Ma'am."

"Thanks." I stride down the hallway and am conducted to the courtroom. Believe it or not, I've never been in one before. With all of the law troubles Michael has faced, it's surprising that I haven't made my appearance in one until today.

I'm led to a bench, sitting right beside Michael. Tom Sneddon spots the two of us and has the most sarcastic smile on, my teeth grind at the sight of him so I look away. When everybody is finally seated. The judge speaks up. "Mr. Jackson, you have started out on the wrong foot with me. I want to advise you I won't put up with that. It's an insult to the court. You must be on time."

Michael's lead attorney tries to tell him an excuse but he's not having it whatsoever. "I don't want to hear it."

I mentally tell Michael I told you so. "Do you understand?" He peeks up at me shamefully, glancing at the judge. "Yes, sir."

He then goes on to breakdown each and every one of Michael's charges. "Do you understand the nature of the charges against you?" Judge Melville questions in a serious tone.

"Yes." Michael says in the softest of voices.

He has a cold look in his eye. "How do you plead?"

"Not guilty."

⊹⊱✫⊰⊹

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" I nudge Michael as we walk out of the courthouse, security huddles around myself and Michael, trying to keep the fans away from a normal distance.