Mr. & Miss JACKSON: The Beginning

Chapter 45: Like This

Hayvenhurst Residence

"The dead has risen. Welcome back. Breakfast is out on the patio." Mama Katy teases as Aliza gives her a hug.

"Thank you, Mother. Is MJ still here?" Aliza says playing around trying to decide on a fruit in the fruit basket.

"Oh-he went with the brothers and Joseph to check on repairs for the house in Gary. Turn around and check the drawers under the coffee pot, he left you a note." LaToya says

Aliza goes to read the note with her back turned. She squeals and places the note up to her chest and leans her head back looking up to the ceiling with her eyes closed. Like a little girl she skips out the kitchen and into the foyer only to be stopped by Maebelle.

"Slow down now child. You'll wake those in heavens getting dusk ready for dawn" Maebelle teased Liza

"Sorry. You're right-"

"Hey- no, I meant the skipping. Being in love ainne of us. I remember hopping and skipping at a young age. Enjoy it" she says rubbing her arm walking away.

Few Hours Later, somewhere in Encino, CA

"Hello Aliza, pleasure finally meeting you" the curvy realtor reaches says as she reaches out to embrace Liza.

"Likewise. The home is beautiful, I am excited"

"It's lovely. Let's take a look. This way."

Meanwhile

"Mike. It's the attorney, he says the adoption agency has decided to pause the process with Jee."

"For what reason?" MJ says firmly sitting the glass of OJ down.

"Well. Jee isn't expected to live very long. They don't want to disturb her transition."

"They rather her live her last moment in a gloomy hospital room. Appeal it. That makes no sense. Please do something. I need to talk to Liza. We thought Jee was recovering. "

*Knocks on door*

"Bring the car around, I need some time to think. Tell Joseph and Tito, whatever they want to do with the house is fine with me."

Moments Later

"Love." MJ speaks through the limousine phone.

"Yes? What's wrong?" Aliza responds worried.

"What makes you think-"

"I know you, baby. What's happening? Where are you?"

"On my way to the condo. Meet me there?" he exhales

"I'll be there soon. I love you" she says to reassure MJ

"I LOVE you. Always"

"And forever. See you shortly" She hangs up now wondering

Aliza looks at the last home of the day, stops at the local mom and pop grocey store and head home. Two hours had gone by since she made it home and MJ still hadn't gotten in. She starts to clean up since she just cooked Salmon, green beans and baked mac n cheese.

In the bedroom she starts to organize the closet and go through what she wants to keep and/or give away. As she reaches for the overhead and bag falls down. Reaching down to pick it up, pictures of her with Sarah fall out. She stares at it for a few seconds, and she couldn't help but drag her fingers across it. A sad feeling comes over her and ache came back in her chest.

Later that evening MJ POV

Finally, home. I totally forgot I was recording with Quincy today for a project. I exhale seeing my baby asleep on the bed. I won't get my head chopped off tonight. I undress and put my captain crunch pjs on that Liza got for me while on tour.

I sit on the side of bed exhausted and relieved at the same time. I stare at her and caress her face thanking the heavens I finally found love. I pull the blanket over her and go to take something out her hand and it's a photo- and I instally feel bad and sad. I place it on the table and it kind wakes her up.

"Baby."

"Love"

"When did you get in? I was waiting. What happened?"

"Tomorrow. We'll talk tomorrow. Are you okay? " I ask motioning my head to the photo on the nightstand.

She follows my head and then sits up and covers her face.

"And if I say no?"

"That's alright. I umm, I know that hurts. I'll forever be sorry Aliza"

"MJ-babe, I don't, i mean I'm not upset. I just feel like a villain. Weird." She says wiping her face from dry tears. ... "I mean I just can't help but wonder if I completely disregarded her as my friend. No matter what I tell myself, it always comes back to if I can forgive you, I can forgive her."

I listen, knowing it the best thing to do on this topic-and agree. I take her hand and it's so cold.

"Aliza, why is your hand so cold, you okay?" I feel her forehead

"Sure, I am fine. Nothing to worry about" she brushes off

Her tone said the opposite.

"The pills. Are they helping?" I asked concerned not meaning to change the subject so abruptly.

"Sure, yeah. I am okay. I went to visit the doctor and they said it wouldn't hurt to up the dosage just so that I don't get too used it that it doesn't work."

Does she think I am stupid? Something is up and I'll get the bottom of it. Her "Panick attacks" haven't gotten better, the meds just help her sleep it off or confuses her.

"Babe- your food is the oven. I figured you weren't going to be here in time when the sun went down. I made Salmon steaks. It was that or lamp chops, but I couldn't pick soooo. "

"Anything you make, I enjoy. It's weird sometimes you know. Having you here and wanting to take care of me. Sometimes I want to run-"

"And record. I noticed. I do it too. It's our safe place" She smiles

"Right and then I realize Id be running from myself. I love you. I-am-in love with you. You are it for me"

"We are it and as long as we try our best to show up for one another, we will prevail."

We lay down and sing songs and before I knew it, the phone rang us to wake up. Back to work. Tour is starting soon and it's so much I want to handle before the first leg. I have to meet with my personal affair attorney about securing a property. I plan to tell Liza about Jee this evening over dinner.