The Difference

Chapter 37

“Mike, man, I’m glad to see you so happy. I really am.”

Suspicious, Michael glanced over at his brother.  The visit, so far, had gone pretty good. It had taken a while for him to recover from opening the door and finding Jermaine had accompanied their mother, but Katherine had with one glance conveyed that she wanted no nonsense between her children.  So, for Mother’s sake, he’d play nice. But he didn’t have to like it.

Over the past year, things had improved slightly between him and Jermaine, and he had certainly been a rock during the trial.  Of course, as soon as the verdict was announced- possibly already between count 8 and 10 being read, Joseph and Jermaine had devised an idea for a tribute  concert while they “had the attention of the world.”  It would have been unbelievable, had it not been those two.

“That’s how they cope, Michael.  It’s how they show their love,” his mother had sighed when she had detected his exasperated eye roll.  Had he not been so absolutely depleted he would have kicked Jermaine’s ass.  As it was, he simply reminded himself it was best to stay away.  He had accepted that he while he loved all his siblings, it was not wise to be around some of them. 

Showed their love?  What a joke.  Things were better with him and Joseph than they had been, but he was still convinced the man lacked the love center in his brain. And Jermaine?  Things were more complicated there- they had been so close as boys.  But since then much jealousy, envy, and resentment on Jermaine’s part, and much isolation and silent anger on his side had erected a solid wall.  The last year had brought the additions of some glass windows in that barrier- but it was still a sturdy obstacle.

“Me being happy does not mean I’m gonna go and perform with you and the brothers.”

“Did I ask you, to?”

“You probably struck some deal with Mother to be quiet for 5 hours before you spring your newest plan on me.”

“5.5, actually.”

Staring at each other, they both had to crack a smile. 

“I missed seeing you smile, little bro.”

“Well, yeah… Here lately I’ve been doing a lot more of that.” His eyes automatically trailed toward the exit as if looking for Lisa.

“Seems like the little lady’s got you wide open.”

“Yeah- never thought I’d be this foolish over anyone again.”

“She always was the sweetest thing. And Mother is totally in love with her.”

“Mother was the one not giving up on us when I was too dense to see that Lisa and I had one more chance in us.”

“The kids seem real happy, too. I noticed Blanket calling her Mom.”

“Yeah- they love her.” The very words filled his heart with such warmth.  Where was Lisa? He missed her and needed her next to him.  

“Hey, what’s the deal with Lisa’s friend?”

Michael started to laugh and fell back into the couch. That sly dog! He had noticed the glances exchanged during dinner.  Alecia must be crazy to play with fire like that. Jermaine never needed any encouragement, and he didn’t want to see Lisa’s best friend hurt.