The Chef | A Michael Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 5

Michael's POV

Whenever new people start working with me, they would tell me how honored and how big of a fan they are or if they can have an autograph or a picture.

But the new chef, Maeve, she is different. She treated me like a normal man and didn't even tell me, that she already knew my name, when I introduced myself. That's new to me, but refreshing.

Ever since she started to work here I went to the cantine on a daily basis. Normally I would skip some days, especially when I'm stressed and don't feel like eating.

But I feel good in her presence. It's like there are no worries when I'm next to her, she has a very welcoming aura.

The last few days I got to know her a little bit. Every day I would go up to her and talk for a while. Not once did she mention the tour or my sucess and I am happy to not be Michael Jackson, the king of pop, for once.

We would talk about different things such as favourit food or hobbys. She really is passionate of cooking, which is great. I love it when people do their job with passion.

However, there was one topic she really didn't want to talk about: Family. But since I'm also not really fond of talking about mine we just skipped that topic.

Today is my birthday and I'm not really a fan of it. Way too many people congratulated me today. With the upcoming tour I neither have the time nor the energy to celebrate plus I simply don't want to.

To avoid more people bothering me I decided to skip lunch today and keep practicing. So when the crew went to grab some food they left me behind all by myself.

Maeve's POV

Where is he?

All I can think about are our small conversations during lunch break. I honestly do enjoy our talks about what feels right at that moment and I feel like we have a connection. It's so easy to talk to him and at the same time it's so hard to find the words, very confusing.

"He's not coming" Ruth, one of the kitchen staff said from behind me. I turned around to face her.

"He often skips lunch. He's probably busy" she added before returning to wasching some pans.

I was a little sad because I enjoyed talking to him but since I know the importance of food, especially when hard working, I decided to bring him some. I grabbed a plate and put a variety of food on it. Then I grabbed some cutlery and napkins and told Ruth that I'll be back soon.

On my first day, John showed me around, so I do know what direction I have to go.

When I was about to reach the stage I already heard him practicing. Hearing his singing voice live for the first time was an amazing feeling. He has such a beautiful voice. I had goosebumps all overy my body by just listening to him.

He was so concentrating that he didn't notice me standing infront of the stage.

Michael's POV

I tried some vocals for Bad but wasn't satisfied.

"Wooohooo Bravo!" I jumped at the sudden cheering coming from behind me.

I saw Maeve standing infront of the stage, I didn't hear her coming. Her cheering made me blush a little and I smiled. I was happy to see her.

"I brought some food" she smiled at me and held her hands up in the air, one with a plate filled with very good looking food and two forks in the other.

She made her way to the stage and placed the food at the edge before climbing up.

"Come, eat" she gestured for me to sit next to her.

I did as told and she handed me a fork. She then started eating and I couldn't help but watch her for a while before taking some bits myself.

"I have to admit your voice is very beautiful" she said, taking one last bite before putting the fork down and laying back, watching the ceiling.

I giggled and answered "I have to admit you cook very well."

She let out a laugh and turned to the side facing me. I've just finished eating, my legs hung down the stage, swaying softly.

"What's wrong, Michael?" her smile faded.

I didn't answer, I just stared blankly infront of my.

"It's like you're here but also you're not. Is something bothering you? Did I say something wrong?" her voice was sad.

I didn't know how to answer, but her last sentence hurt me. I didn't want to make her feel like she did something wrong.

"Today's my birthday" I explained, not really showing much emotion.

She sat up, looking at me a little embarrassed. "Michael, I'm sorry, I didn't know. When I knew I could've-"

"No Maeve," I stopped her mid sentence "I don't like my birthday." I sighed. "That's the reason I'm so down. It's nothing you said." I looked at her. "You are the only good thing today. I don't think you can say anything that'll make me upset."

Maeve looked at me with a warm smile. "Why don't you like your birthday?" she asked.

"It's complicated" I answered, waiting for her to say something but she didn't so I continued.
"Growing up was always work, work, work. There was no time to celebrate and my..." I took a deep breath. "My father always made me feel like I'm not worth it, so I always felt guilty when celebrating my birthday."

It felt good to open up. I don't really have anyone to talk to, no one I can fully trust, but with her, everything's different. I feel safe.

"I'm sorry that you feel this way, even after all these years" she put her hand on my shoulder.

"Michael, you're worth it. Don't let anyone tell you any different, ok?" she whispered.

I smiled at her, she always makes me feel better. She was sitting next to me and put her head on my shoulder, not saying a word. I enjoyed this moment, everything was so calm and I ended up resting my head on hers.

We then heard the others slowly come back. Maeve looked up and said "Guess that's my sign to get back to work."

She jumped off stage and took the plate along with the cutlery and was about to leave when she turned around.

"Michael" I was already standing watching down on her. She looked up at me and smiled.

"Happy Birthday" she said quietly, just loud enough for me to hear. Then she turned around and left.