With Michael

Chapter 45 - Sympathy

30th of September, 1996
Brooklyn is 30, Michael is 38

Michael: "I love you!" I screamed into the microphone.

My fans in the audience went wild and I ran backstage.

"Yo, Mike! That was so great!" Brandon complimented.

"Thanks," I said, wiping my face with a towel I was given. "What time is it?"

"Uh, exactly 11:30."

"Do you think I can call the girls?" I asked.

"Why not? You think they're still asleep? Isn't it noon back home?" my brother-in-law raised his eyebrows.

I laughed, "I think my wife is pregnant, tired, and cranky. And I'm sure your own wife isn't in the best mood when taking care of a small daughter and a pregnant woman."

"It's worth the risk." he shrugged.

"I'll take it later, then. Now, excuse me while I go change."

As I walked to my dressing room I got more compliments on tonight's performance.

"Michael!" Frank called, making me groan. I just wanted to get back to the hotel as soon as possible so I could call my wife to check on her.

"What?" I murmured when I saw him approach.

"Lisa Marie Presley is here. She wants to speak with you."

No, why would she be here? And right now?

"Where is she? Might as well get it over with."

"She's in there." he nodded towards my dressing room.

"Ugh."

I saw Lisa sit patiently on the couch inside, playing with her fingers.

"Michael." she beamed and attacked me in a hug.

"Lisa," I said. I pushed her back from me a bit. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you... Is it true? Is she really pregnant?"

I nodded, "We're expecting a baby boy in February."

"Well, in that case, congratulations."

She sat back down and sighed heavily.

"I really need you, Michael. I need someone to talk to... I'm so lost. My marriage is falling apart and Danny wants custody over the kids..."

The tears started rolling down her cheeks.

"Lisa, I can't help you. I'm very sorry about your marriage, but I can't do this." I told her.

"You're such a hypocrite." she snapped.

"What?"

"I helped you when your marriage was crumbling down. And when I need you, you say you can't even sit and talk to me?"

"I'm afraid you'll do something inappropriate. May I refresh your memory? You almost cost me my marriage!" I unintentionally raised my voice.

"You tricked me into falling in love with you, Michael!" she yelled.

"Are you going to keep throwing that at me? I already apologized for that! I have a woman I love, Lisa. And now she's giving me a child, everything is falling into place. I can't have you ruining things again."

Lisa Marie wiped her face, "Stop blaming me for your fucking mistakes! Your marriage was fucked up way before I arrived!"

"Get out, Lisa. Before I do something I'll regret." I threatened.