With Michael

Chapter 41 - Paul & Linda III (Part 2)

26th of October, 1995
Brooklyn and Janet are 29, Michael is 37

Janet: Mother sat next to me on the car ride to Neverland.

A frantic Michael called the both of us to be there ASAP.

"Did you know they lost another baby?" my mother asked with a sad tone.

"No. I didn't even know she was pregnant." I answered.

Mother sighed heavily when we saw the Neverland gates.

I played with the ring on my finger and thought of taking it off. Brooke won't be happy for me, anyways.

Just before we stepped out of the car I put the ring in my pocket.

We went inside the main house to find Michael biting on his nails. I could tell he was anxious.

"Thank God you're here," he hugged us. "I don't know what to do."

"What's wrong, Mike?"

He took our hands and led us to the living room.

I saw my best friend's smile widen as we walked in.

"Oh, how I missed you!" she chirped and attacked me and my mother in a group hug.

It took me by surprise. She sounded so cheerful.

Michael gave me a 'now-you-know-why-I-called' look.

Paul and Linda stood quietly in the corner, seeming very confused.

"Babe, can I take them for a second?" my brother said.

"Of course." Brooke pulled away.

Before he got to even move, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

It was the kind of kiss you ease into quickly, that makes you want more. I could tell Michael was enjoying himself too much.

I think they forgot we were there, because soon his arm snaked around her waist, and Brooklyn was running her fingers through his jet black hair.

I cleared my throat, "Mike, you wanted to talk to us, remember?"

I've seen them kiss before, but that was just disgusting.

Didn't she lose a baby? Since when is her and Michael that close after losing a baby?

My brother let go of his wife, then turned to us.

"Come on." he said.

He took us to his office and closed the door.

Michael started pacing, "Do you see why I called? Last night she was soaking our bed with tears, and now she's all perky and happy. I'm so confused."

"So you want us to fix it?" I questioned.

"Yes. You know her more than anyone, Dunk. She trusts you. And mother, you basically raised he-"

"Hold up," I interrupted him. "What do you mean 'she trusts you'? You're saying that like Brooke doesn't have trust in you."

"Well..." he looked down.

"Mike, you can't be serious." I widened my eyes.

"After I lied to her about Joshua and Linda, there's no way she still trusts me."

Linda?

He saw my confused expression and hurried to explain.
"She has breast cancer. It's bad. They tried to hide it because I asked. Chris's death was already too much for her, and we lost another baby the same night of his funeral.... She's been so depressed ever since."