Athena Tyler and Michael Jackson are married to people they don't belong with. The history between Michael and Athena isn't complicated; they met on We Are The World, sparks flew, but they never stayed in contact.
When their respective spouses sugg...
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12th, 1994
A few days later, Athena showed up to the temporary house in a secluded part of Los Angeles. As she set her bag on the couch, she went to explore the upstairs as she took the time to think.
These next three weeks would be good for her—she would be getting a break from her manipulative husband and given the chance to see what life could be like without him constantly breathing down her neck. She couldn't help but feel a sense of relief washing over her as she walked through the spacious rooms, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
About an hour later, Michael showed up. As he walked through the front door, he noticed bag on the couch, his curiosity peaked as he subtly looked, using his eyes only, at what was in there—perfume, deodorant, lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, wallet, and sunglasses.
"So my new 'wife' is obviously here," Michael muttered to himself, "But where is the question." He made his way through the house, calling out, "Hello? Is anyone here?" as he went from room to room, but no one answered.
Frowning slightly, Michael wondered where his temporary spouse could be hiding. As he opened the bedroom door at the end of the hallway, Michael poked his head in and saw what he would say was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Athena was laid out on the bed, her raven black hair falling loose, her face relaxed as she slept.
Michael stood frozen in the doorway, captivated by Athena's serene beauty. The soft afternoon light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on her peaceful features. He couldn't tear his gaze away, mesmerized by the delicate curve of her lashes and the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed softly.
For a moment, he simply stood there, watching her in silent admiration. The tension that had been coiled tightly within him seemed to unwind in her presence, replaced by a sense of calm he hadn't felt in a long time. It was as if the world outside this room had ceased to exist, leaving only him and this ethereal woman before him.
The faint sound of a car passing by outside brought him back to reality, reminding him of the situation they were both in. With a soft sigh, Michael stepped further into the room, careful not to disturb Athena's slumber.
He pulled up a chair beside the bed and settled in as he watched her sleep; he didn't realize it, but as the minutes passed, he kept inching closer and closer to her until he found himself unconsciously reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair away from her face.
Athena stirred at his gentle touch, her eyes fluttering open as she gazed up at him with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, "Huh. So Michael Jackson is my new.....'husband'."
"You're Athena Tyler," Michael realized, "You're the same woman I shared a mic with on We Are The World in 1985. I'd know your face anywhere."
"Yes, I'm Athena Tyler," she confirmed, a hint of disbelief in her voice, "I always expected I'd run into you again at some point—at an awards show, a charity event, a children's hospital, maybe a music festival—but I never imagined it would be like this."
