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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
BARCELONA, SPAIN—11:37 PM
Athena had just come off stage and she absolutely couldn't wait to get back to the hotel. She quickly changed in her dressing room and basically ran to the car to leave.
Javon got in with her and smiled, "You did great, Athena. Another great show!"
"Thanks," Athena sighed, staring out the window.
"What's wrong?" Javon frowned.
"Michael," Athena simply said.
Javon immediately understood what she meant. Athena missed her husband after being away from him for five months.
As the car weaved through the streets of Barcelona, Athena couldn't shake off the heaviness that settled in her heart. The distance from Michael had been weighing on her more than ever, and the recent argument before she left hadn't made things easier.
"I just wish he understood," Athena whispered, more to herself than to Javon.
Javon, always attuned to her emotions, reached out a comforting hand and said, "He does, Athena. He loves you, he will understand. You did argue, yes—but you were assaulted sexually and you didn't want it. Liam is a bastard and Michael knows that. You both just need to talk it out and it'll be okay. You'll be back to kissing and hugging in no time."
"And by 'no time' you mean another year and a month?" Athena said blankly, "I still have over a year before I get to see him again."
In the quiet of the car, Javon could sense Athena's desolation seeping through every word she uttered. He knew that her heart ached for Michael's presence, and the longing in her eyes whenever his name was mentioned was hard to miss.
"As much as I can tell you to be patient, I know it's not easy," Javon began softly, "But you know Michael. He'll move mountains to be with you. And maybe.....just maybe, this time apart might strengthen your bond even more."
Athena listened pensively, her thoughts drifting to the rings she had left behind. She traced the spot where her wedding bands would normally be, not alarmed when they weren't there. She left them behind for a reason, but not what many may think.
Once the car stopped, Athena got out and went up to the front desk, "Hi, how are you?" she smiled, "Just checking in for me and the tour crew—Athena Tyler."
Aiden, the receptionist, looked up and smiled, "Oh my God, you're Athena Tyler!" he exclaimed, then realized how loud he was, "Oh, I'm sorry! I'll check you in."
As Aiden checked her in, Athena couldn't help but feel the emptiness. Her mind kept wandering back to Michael, and she knew that no amount of success or cheering fans could fill the void his absence left in her heart.
"How long are you staying, Miss Tyler?"
"Athena," Athena gently corrected, "And its just for tonight and probably half way into tomorrow."
