Love, Michael

A Midnight Melody

A year had passed since that magical night at The Jacksons' concert, and my connection with Michael had grown stronger with each passing day. Our secret late-night phone calls and letters had become a regular part of my night life, filling my world with music and laughter before heading to bed each night.

On the eve of my birthday in (m/d) of 1978, I was jolted awake by the insistent ringing of my blue dial phone. I glanced at the clock hanging above my door; it was 3 AM on the dot.

Sleepily, I got up and turned on my desk lamp then reached for the receiver.

As I answered the phone, my drowsiness gave way to a soft, sweet melody flowing through my earpiece,

Michael was singing "Happy Birthday" to me.

The whispered melody filled my room with warmth, and I could feel the tenderness and affection in his hushed words.

I closed my eyes and listened happily, feeling as if he was right there with me, serenading me. I hug myself wishing it were his embrace.

Tears welled up in my eyes as the song came to an end.

"You remembered.."

I whispered into the phone, my voice filled with gratitude.

Michael, on the other end, chuckled softly.

"Oh, of course y/n. How could I ever forget your birthday? It's like if I were to forget my own. It's that important; really."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but smile, even in the darkness of the early morning hours. The playful undertone in his voice was impossible to miss.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Michael"

I teased, my heart fluttering with a mix of affection and excitement.

He laughed, a warm, melodic sound that seemed to fill the space between us.

"I'm just speaking the truth, Y/N. You deserve to be celebrated."

We continued to talk and playfully bicker for a bit, our conversation meandering through various topics.

As the hours passed, our connection deepened, and our words grew flirtatious and playful.

Michael's voice took on a mischievous tone.

"You know, y/n.. I've been practicing my dance moves a lot.. I know I owe you that dance we talked about a long time ago..."

My heart raced at the suggestion.

"When can we make it happen?"

He sighed, a hint of annoyance in that same sigh. I could hear the frustration in his voice, and it tugged at my heart.

"Whenever Joseph can stop being a dimwit and give us a damn break..."

"Michael, don't worry about it. I understand how busy you are and can get."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his choice of words, even though I knew his relationship with his father was far from easy given that unwelcoming attitude he gave when I met The Jacksons last year.

"I'll be patient, Michael. Just promise me that when the time comes, we'll make it happen."

"How about when we're both in the same city next time? I'll take you out, and we can dance the night away.. all night, if you want.. until our bodies give out."

My heart raced at the idea, but a thought occurred to me.

"Michael.. you do realize that you'll get easily recognized around here, right? As much as you are a normal person like I am, you have to remember that you're a global superstar."

He laughed silently, a warm and carefree sound.

"Well, that's where the fun begins, y/n. We'll have to be a little sneaky about it, won't we?"

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. Sneaking around with Michael Jackson sounded like an adventure I was more than willing to embark on.

"And if you get recognized.. then what?"

Michael's playful tone shifted to a more serious note.

"Y/n..you're right. There's more to consider than just getting recognized. My father, Joseph... he's .. very strict, and he won't be happy if he finds out I'm sneaking off with a girl, especially without his permission or knowledge of her. I don't want anything happening to me .. or you.."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry.

"Michael, I don't want you to get into trouble because of me. If it's too risky, we can find another way to spend time together or keep this dance as a long term promise.. for when you're able to be on your own.. even if it's years from now, I'll wait."

He sighed softly, his voice tinged with determination.

"Y/n, I want this. I want to see you again. I want to spend time with you. No matter what it takes, I'll make sure we see each other again."

His commitment warmed my heart, and I knew that this was a risk he was willing to take for our relationship.

"Okay, Michael. We'll do our best.. We can't be too obvious or crazy, we will end up jeopardizing what we have."

He sounded relieved.

"Thank you, y/n. I can't wait for our next meeting, no matter the challenges."

I couldn't help but admire Michael's determination to be with me, even in the face of potential obstacles.

Michael's voice grew even more hushed, and a hint of unease crept into his words.

"I think I hear Joseph coming. I'll have to go for now. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"

I felt a sense of disappointment but understood the urgency.

"Of course, Michael. Stay safe, and we'll chat soon, thank you for the birthday call."

But before we hung up, his voice became even softer, almost a whisper.

"Oh, and y/n.. I will be mailing you a present.. I'll send it to you tomorrow. Promise me you won't open it until we call again?"

My curiosity piqued, I agreed eagerly.

"I promise. I won't open it until you say so."

There was a pause, and then, in a barely audible whisper

"Y/N... I love you."

Then the call hangs up, leaving me standing there, holding my lucky baby blue dial phone in my hands, staring into space.

My heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest.

Did I hear those three words correctly? Or was it just my tired mind playing tricks on me? I couldn't be that delusional, could I?

I stood there, my face blushing bright red, overwhelmed by the weight of those sudden uttered words.

After a moment, I gently placed my dial phone back on its hook and sank onto my bed, covering my face with my hands.

How was I supposed to go to sleep now? Was sleep even worth it at this point?

My mind was filled with a whirlwind of emotions, and I knew that the memory of those three little words would keep me awake for hours to come.

As I lay there in the darkness, I couldn't help but smile. The simple phone call had transformed into a moment I would cherish forever, a reminder of the connection Michael and I shared, and the love that had blossomed between us.

With that thought, I finally allowed myself to drift off to sleep, my heart full of dreams of what's to come along with the what if's and what will be.