Book 5- 1969 (Michael Jackson)

Chapter 27- Return

Chapter 27- Return

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 1969

Time: 6:48AM

KAYLA'S POV

Crest Toothpaste with Fluoristan. I turned the tube around, reading the other side closely. Visibly whiter teeth after five days. Take pea-sized amount in toothbrush and brush teeth thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. Rinse mouth. Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results.

I sighed as I lowered the tube back to the sink. My right hand, which was free of any items, clutched onto a box of Arm & Hammer Brand baking soda. I took a tiny pinch and rubbed it across my teeth generously. With that, I picked up my new toothbrush and began cleaning my teeth.

Normally, I got up at 6:30 in the morning to do this, but today was certainly a different event for everyone for two reasons. One, everyone had to get to school an hour early, because the Winter recital was to take place. For another, my family was finally coming home today - and I would finally have to move out from the Jacksons' hair.

While I was upset about moving out of the house, I knew there would barely be a difference in my lifestyle. I was actually moving three houses over, on 1607 Queens Road, so the morning schedule would be the only time where events changed. Of course, after school I would still head to the Jacksons' house to practice and get ready for upcoming performances. Also, just like the times in Gary, I would probably be able to slip through and join the family at several given points.

Well, unless everyone was asleep. That would be rude.

I finished brushing my teeth and headed out from the bathroom. Before I could head back to another room to change into my morning attire, I heard Jermaine's raspy voice penetrate through the thin walls of the house.

"Hey man, that's not cool!"

I mischievous smile crept upon my face. Someone's picking on Jermaine, I thought slyly. I wonder what everyone's up to this time. I mentally changed my route and slipped through a crevasse. From there, I took a left, and I found myself in the kitchen, where most of the brothers were.

Jackie and Jermaine were the ones standing up. Randy and Tito were comfortably settled into chairs, chatting away over a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and orange juice. By the looks of Jackie, he was the one making a scene with Jermaine, for his arms were crossed patronizingly. Jermaine stood in place, fuming at his oldest brother.

With a very noticeable crack in his voice, Jermaine shouted, "I told you, don't call me that! I swear on my grave, Jackie, imma make up a name twice as bad as that for you."

"Whatever you say... Big Head." He stifled a cackle with a cough. In another room, I could hear Michael's muffled giggles, causing a widespread grin to break out on my face.

With a flare of his nostrils and a groan of frustration, Jermaine stormed out of the room. Marlon turned from his seat, holding his mouth, loudly whispering, "T-that was great, Jack-k-kie."

"What was great?" Katherine had ambled into the room and settled herself almost exactly behind me, crossing her arms. "You're not getting into trouble, now are you?"

"Who, me?" Jackie held his hand over his heart, as if in shock. "Why would you ever dare accuse me of such a thing, dear Mother?"

"Because," she said, her eyes narrowed, "You're my son."

"Wait a moment, does that count for me, too?" Marlon made a noticeable frown, now sitting up in his seat.

As Miss Jackson was in the process of answering my greatest competitor, a clear knock at the front door was audible. There was no soft, courteous knock; rather, it was loud and banging, the vibrations echoing off the door and through the floor. It was enough for Joseph to pause what he was doing and shout, "Michael, is that you again?!"