• Love On Set || Michael Jackson •

Chapter 4 || Miss You Much

『 Sunday Night 』

The family of 6 bustled through the front doors of their home in an exuberant and lighthearted manner, laughing and chatting loudly amongst each other like it wasn't nearing eleven p.m.

Ever since Angelina had made her final decision on New York, the family promptly planned out the weekend so that they could all spend as much time as they could together before the eldest Donnelly daughter temporarily left the nest. Today, they spent the evening out bowling and going out for ice cream.

Oh, it was a grand time. Mr. Donnelly, the all-time reigning champ, managed to keep his winning streak just by a pinch. Angelina was on a roll today, she was this close to beating her father but came a mere 2 points short. August and Mrs. Donnelly cheered the both of them on from the sidelines. Amber was more on the competitive side, pouting a bit when she didn't hit a strike. Aunt Joyce was just enjoying every bit of her night out with the family, making sure to snap photos on her Polaroid to capture these beautiful memories.

Everyone went out for ice cream afterward, and the car ride home later on turned into a karaoke/comedy night special. This was surely a weekend the Donnellys and Aunt Joyce won't soon forget.

Despite all the bliss and happiness being emitted from that car, Angelina was aware enough of her surroundings to notice that her little brother didn't seem like his usual self. He'd giggle at the jokes now and then and smile at his family while they sang off-key, except for Angelina's shining voice, but he was simply observing. He never just sits back and watches, Angelina thought to herself. She subtly leaned over to her right and asked August if he was feeling okay; she didn't want to cause the family to make a big deal out of it. August hurriedly assured her he was just fine, "Just a headache is all," before turning to look out the window. Angelina wasn't quite satisfied with that answer, but she decided to give her little brother some space. "Well, hope you feel better," she responded as she briefly gave his hand a little squeeze.

Now, they were at home. Folks were kicking off their shoes, stretching out on the living room couch from their fun yet exhaustive day, and Amber was surfing TV channels for a nice show to wind down with.

"I'll be up in my room," August announced as he swiftly jogged his way to the stairs. "Um, young man?" He stopped dead in his tracks. "We were about to find a movie to watch." His mother offered. "I don't want you running off hiding in your room, come spend time with the family." Everyone's eyes were now on August, curious and suspicious of his atypical introverted, and sluggish demeanor.

August squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his jaw. He wanted to say "That's what we've been doing alllll day!" But he held his tongue. He just knew someone was gonna say something, that's why he was trying to run off as quickly as he could.

"Headache," was all he said. Then he timidly inched his way up the stairs.

Everyone shared a glance. "That boy is too young to be having headaches," Mr. Donnelly jokes. The family kinda shrugged it off and went back to getting comfy in the living room. Angelina still wasn't buying it.

"I say leave him be, he gets like this when he's sleepy," Amber voiced matter-of-factly. She knew her sister wouldn't leave it alone, so she wanted to give her an extra push to sit down somewhere.

"I'm just gonna go up and hand him a glass of water and Advil" Angelina decided to act on her big sister instinct. Unbeknownst to her, Amber's face twisted up and contorted with vexation. She burned a hole through Angelina's back as she watched her walk off into the kitchen.

"She never freaking listens to me," she grumbled. The sound of her older sister's voice traveling from the kitchen asking the rest of the family if they wanted anything annoyed her even more.