With Michael

Chapter 19 - Destiny

14th of November, 1991
Brooklyn is 25, Michael is 33

Brooklyn: "What about Lily?" I asked my husband, checking it out with a pencil.
"Lily Jackson? I don't know, it doesn't click. Why can't we name her after my mother, again?" he said.
"Because I already told you I want something original." I lifted my eyes from the book of baby girls' names, and saw him pacing.
We were in the library at Neverland and I was sitting on a chaise.
It was raining today, so we stayed in.
He sighed and sat next to me, "Fine, something original. As long as her second name is Katherine."
He took the book from me, scanning it a bit.
"This book is useless, babe. These are just common names."
"I know, but I liked a few of the names in it. And I bought it because I knew you won't be helpful, at all." I told him.
"Hey, I can come up with names!" he defended himself.
"Prove it." I challenged.
"Girl, it's on. By dinner time each one of us had to have at least three original names."
"Fine with me."
"Good," Michael smiled and stood up. "I'm gonna go think abut those names outside. If you need me, I'll be at the giving tree."
"Michael, it's raining."
He shrugged and kissed my lips gently, before placing another kiss on my belly.

~

"Michael! It's starting!" I called, turning on the TV.
'Black or White' was premiering on MTV.
"I already watched it like ten times." Michael plopped next to me on the couch.
"Well, I haven't."
It finally started.
"I have a name." my husband said. "You'll love it."
He was trying to distract me, I knew it.
"You can tell me at dinner like we said," I told him. "Isn't Mac adorable?"
The music played loudly, and Michael started singing. I sighed when I felt the little girl inside me start moving.
"She's kicking again, huh?" Michael smiled.
I nodded, "Yeah. I told you she likes you voice."
My eyes were glued to the screen as he was dancing. I was starstruck. But watching him move like that made me miss dancing even more than I already did.
"Turn off that noise!" Homer Simpson yelled. I heard Michael let out a chuckle.
"Relax, homeboy." Bart said. I smiled.
"So, did you like it?" my husband asked.
"I loved it, you always seem to amaze me." I answered.
He blushed and looked away. It was the cutest thing ever.
"Okay, enough about me, we have names to pick," he tried to change the subject. "I want to hear yours first."
"I only have two." I told him, turning off the TV.
Michael gestured me to continue.
"Well, the first one is Iris. I know it's not that special, but I really fell in love with it. The second one is Amaya."
"I like Amaya more. Where did you get it from?" he said.
I shrugged, "It came up in my mind. Your turn."
"Okay, um, what do you think about Destiny?"
I just stared at him. The way he said it was perfect, and it clicked in my mind.
"You can tell me if you don't like it." my husband murmured, obviously hurt that I didn't respond.
"Oh, God, no. Michael, it's perfect." I said.
His eyes sparkled, "You really think so?"
"Yeah. Destiny Katherine Jackson fits, right?"
Michael grabbed me, pulling me into a long hug.
"At least we agreed on a name." he chuckled.
I pushed him away from me, "Stop ruining beautiful moments!"
He laughed at me.
"I hate you." I mumbled. My husband pinched my cheeks.
"Wait, do I get a reward for giving the perfect name?" he smirked.
"You might get a kiss." I played along.
"Then I'll take my prize now, please." he bit his bottom lips. I rolled my eyes and attached our lips.
The doorbell was heard through the entire house, making me pull away.
"That should be Chris." I said casually and stood up.
"Chris?" Michael questioned.
"Yeah, he asked me to babysit Jason for a few days. He's taking Cynthia to Hawaii," I told him. "I'm surprised he didn't tell you, you talk to him more than I do."
It was true, they were very close.
"It's nice of you to tell me!" he said as I left the living room.
I walked to the front door and opened it. My smiling brother, his girlfriend, and their cute little son were standing in front of me.
"Auntie Bwooke!" Jason said excitedly.
"Come here." I smiled, taking him into my arms.
"You shouldn't be lifting him." my brother mumbled.
"Chris, I'm fine. Don't worry. I just want to hold my nephew." I said and hugged Jason tightly.
"He's right, babe. You shouldn't be lifting other people when you're carrying another a human being inside of you," Michael's came from behind me. "Hey, guys."
"Hey, man." Chris said.
Cynthia handed me a bag, "We really need to go. Here's his things, and I left you the hotel number in there, just in case something happens."
"Say goodbye, Jase." I told my nephew.
He hugged his parents, "I love you."
"We love you, too, buddy. Now, be a good boy, okay? We'll be back in a week." my brother told him.
"Yes, daddy."
We waved at Chris and Cynthia as they drove off.
"Uncwe Mike, can we go on that HUGE trampoline you have?" Jason asked.
"It's raining, buddy." Michael chuckled.
My nephew pouted.
"But, that doesn't mean we can't have fun inside! Wanna jump on auntie Brooke's and I's bed?"
"Yeah!" Jason yelled excitedly. Michael took his hand and they ran upstairs.
I shook my head, laughing to myself.
I walked into the kitchen to find Ronda preparing lunch.
"Who's here, Mrs. Jackson?" she asked.
"My brother dropped off my nephew for a week, he's taking his girlfriend to Hawaii." I answered.
"Oh, that's nice," she smiled. "You've grown."
I laughed because it was true.
"Yeah, and she won't stop kicking me." I mumbled.
My cook chuckled, "They do that. Do you mind if I feel?"
"No, not at all."
She washed her hands and I lifted up my shirt.
Ronda's eyes widened, "Oh, wow. She is a kicker."
"No! Uncwe Mike, stop tickwing me!" I heard Jason's scream.
"I gotta see this, excuse me." I pulled my shirt down to cover my bump.
I quickly walked upstairs and headed to our wide open bedroom door.
My nephew was laughing uncontrollably as Michael tickled him.
"Auntie Bwooke, save me from the tickwe monster!"
I chuckled at them. Finally, Jason got out of Michael's tickling fingers, and ran to me as fast as he could.
He hugged my leg, "Don't let him tickwe me!"