My First Crush

Unexpected Call

Shortly after I left for Florida, Janet, Michael and I kept in touch with letters and phone calls. I looked forward to their letters and calls especially Michael. As their carrers took off, the letters and the calls became less and less. I understood because I knew they were extremely busy. I was so proud of my best friend Janet, she was becoming almost as successful as her brother was.
I went to college in Florida and became a nurse. I also was married briefly and divorced just as fast. The marriage didn't bear any children. I enjoyed being a nurse and working at a hospital in Florida. Every time I would see Michael on TV or hear his songs on the radio, it still made me blush. When I was married, I believe my husband was extremely jealous of Michael and the relationship that we shared in the past. I think that was partly the reason why we ultimately divorced. Eventually I lost touch with both Janet and Michael. I missed them terribly but sadly, put that part of my life in the past. I had thought I had heard the last from them until late one night in 1993.

I awaken to the phone ringing. I look over at the clock and its 1am. I reach for the phone and answer.

"Hello?" I ask
"Is this Karen Johnson?" the familar voice asks me
"Well, Johnson was my maiden name. My last name is Carrington now." I say
"Oh thank God I finally found you!" she says crying into the phone.
"Janet?" I ask
"Yes! Yes! Its me! Karen, I'm so glad I found you! I'm sorry to call so late but I'm on California time." she says.
"Oh my God! Janet! Its been years!" I say to her
"Yes it has! I missed you so much girl!" she says to me
"I've missed you too!" I say sitting up in bed and turning on the light.
"Oh Karen. I need you, Michael needs you now." she tells me
"Why, whats wrong?" I ask
"Karen, he's been accused of some horrible things." she tells me
"Like what?" I ask
"He's been accused of child molestation." she says softly
"What!? He would never do that!" I yell
"You know that, the family and I know that but, the public and the media will crucify him. And he knows that." she says
I stay silent. Tears run down my face.
"Since the accusations came out last week, he hasn't been the same. The public and the media don't know about the accusations yet." she tells me.
"I'm so sorry J. He doesn't deserve it." I tell her wiping away my tears.
"No, he doesn't. He loves childeren and would never hurt a child." she tells me as she starts to cry again.
"I know." I say to her
"Karen, I was wondering if you could come out to California. I could really use an old trusted friend right now and so could Michael. He still talks about you to this day. He really cared for you." she says to me.
I blush and swallow hard.
"Sure, of course J. Anything for you and him. I'll take a leave of absence from my job." I say
"What about your husband? Will it be ok with him?" she asks
"I'm divorced now but I kept my married name." I tell her.
"Oh ok. I'll call you in a few hours with the details of travel. I'll send Michael's private jet to come get you in Florida and bring you out here. I won't tell him you're coming." she tells me.
"Ok J." I tell her.
"Thanks for doing this sis." she tells me.
"No problem. Anything for my second family. I'll talk to you later sis." I tell her.
"Ok. Bye."
"Bye."

I hang up the phone and all sorts of emotions are running through my head. I don't know how Michael will react when he sees me. I start to get nervous as I jump out of bed and pack my clothes. I grab onto the necklace around my neck he gave me 11 years ago that I never take off, close my eyes and sigh. I can't believe I'm gonna be reunited with my first love and he hasn't forgotten about me. The familar feeling of butterflies that he used to give me return once again and I smile.
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Hours later I find myself on Michael's luxurious private jet headed for California. I get more nervous by the minute. I gulp down the champagne that the stewardess has brought for me. I can't even eat the lobster and salad that has been prepared for me, my stomach won't let me.
We land and a limo is waiting for me on the tarmac. I get in and Janet is in there waiting for me.

"Karen!" she yells as she grabs me and hugs me tight.
"Oh Janet!" I yell back as we hug each other. The limo pulls off.

"I'm so glad you're here!" she tells me
"So am I." I say back to her.
"I've missed your friendship. So many fake people around me now. They get on my nerves." she says giggling.
I giggle too.
"I've missed your friendship too sis." I say to her.
"Are we going to Neverland?" I ask her.
"Yeah. Michael hasn't left his room since last week. I'm worried about him." she tells me.
"Yeah, me too J. He still doesn't know I'm coming does he?" I ask
"No. I haven't told him." she tells me
My stomach starts to tie in knots as we approach the huge gates of Neverland.
"Wow! This is beautiful." I gasp
"Yeah it really is." Janet says
We stop in front of a huge mansion and the driver opens the door for us. We both get out and go inside.