• Love On Set || Michael Jackson •

Chapter 2 || Stunned to Say the Least

Giddy commotion and cheerful screams of delight filled the hallways of the main entrance as Aunt Joyce entered. She had barely stepped past the threshold before her younger sister enveloped her in a hug so tight the air nearly got knocked out of the 40-something-year-old woman. It has been 6 years, after all. Mrs. Donnelly's poofy hair tickled her sister's face, resulting in that classic, maroon-lipped, elegant smile emerging. Her curled blowout bounced on her shoulders as she let out a hearty laugh, a laugh that Angelina recognized instantly.

She and Amber had just turned the corner and were trodding down the stairs. The sight of Aunt Joyce at the door made Angelina's heart swell, it was almost like a scene from a movie. Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly moved out of the way so their children could get their hugs too. August, being polite for once, offered to take his Aunt's bags after he received a multitude of kisses from her. She didn't oblige, and while mid-sentence in telling her nephew to be careful with the hair and makeup bag, Joyce's breath hitched in her throat at the sight of her all-grown-up nieces.

"Angelina, Amber, would you look at you two!!! Ohhhh come here, come here!" She crooned as she embraced the two girls. "Just as gorgeous as your mother! Aww!" She let go of the sisters just to take a moment to look at them. "My, my, my, where has the time gone," she reflected in a sentimental tone. At that moment, Joyce felt some inner turmoil. Glancing around at her family, she realized those 6 years she went off on her own, she was missing out on some of the most vital years of the kids' lives. But she was here to make up for it, in a way that no one would expect.

"Where is that little brother of yours, I wanna hug all of my babies," she beamed, nearly teary-eyed. August flew out of the first-floor guest bedroom at the mention of him and ran into the bundle of ladies with his arms outstretched. Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly joined the affection circle.

Joyce felt at peace. Away from the hustle and bustle of New York City and her demanding job, she looked forward to spending the weekend with her family.

"Alright everyone, let's head to the dining room to eat! I don't want to keep my sister waiting considering that long flight of hers," Mrs. Donnelly grinned. Aunt Joyce handed her fur coat to Mr. Donnelly and chuckled. "I am quite famished." Angelina shoved her way through the crowd and linked arms with her Aunt. Once they were arm in arm, she realized the last time they were attached like this, Angelina only reached her aunt's elbow. Now she was nearly as tall as her Aunt at 5'5. Joyce noticed too. "Angelina, my dear, you've gotten all tall on me! Last time I saw you, you were at my hip!" The family laughed, and Angelina blushed. "It has been a while, yeah," she giggled. "I'm assuming you're in high school now, how's that been so far?"

The gentlemen pulled out the ladies' chairs while Mrs. Donnelly walked off to grab the entree. "I just graduated two months ago in May," Angelina revealed with a shy, dimpled smile. Aunt Joyce snapped her head back and looked at her not-so-little-anymore niece in bewilderment. "Graduated? In May? So you're what- eighteen?" Angelina simply nodded as she took a small sip of her water. "Wow, I guess it has been a while since we chatted...and how old are you two, August and Amber?"

"Fourteen," Amber boasted with an air of confidence. "She asked me first," August protested with a thumb to his chest. "I'm ten!" He cheesed, parading his missing teeth and dimples. "And they're doing so well in school and their extracurriculars," Mr. Donnelly bragged about his kids. "How lovely," Joyce grinned. Angelina studied her Aunt in awe, she adored her smile. "That commercial songwriting career still treating you well, Martin?" Mr. Donnelly couldn't have wished for a better place to be in his career at the moment. The pay was certainly good and the songwriting aspect kept him satisfied. Small chit-chat continued amongst the table until Aunt Joyce paused.

"What's for dinner?" she wondered as an enticing scent sauntered from room to room. "Chicken teriyaki, white rice, and steamed broccoli!" Mrs. Donnelly announced proudly upon her return. August, quite disturbed at the mention of the last food item, stopped himself from pouring the rest of his iced water. He wore a pout on his face as his glass sat half full. "Broccoli?!" He groaned. "Yes, and you're going to eat some, boy!" Mr. Donnelly asserted. Amber snickered at her brother. "Mama hid the pot from you, she knew you'd throw a fit!"