The Chef | A Michael Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 18

Maeve's POV

After our morning meeting in the kitchen where we discussed the meal plan for the day, Ruth came up to me.

"Maeve is everything ok with you?" she asked with a worried expression on her face.

"Um.. yes?! Why?" I was confused.

"It looks like you're in pain" she explained.

"Oh no, no, no, I'm fine. I'm just a little tense today, my arm hurts like crazy, I couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in."

"Oh yes, these hotel beds are horrible. They really couldn't have found something cheaper. I bet Michael's sleeping like a god in those luxorious suites" she said and then continued with her work.

What she didn't know was that I didn't stay in my hotel room last night. I was at Michael's. And because he couldn't sleep, I massaged his scalp until he fell asleep.

I didn't want to wake him, so I stayed in the exact same position the whole night until I eventually fell asleep.

When I left Michael's suite in the morning he just turned around and told me to give him 5 more minutes.

Bill took me back to my hotel to get a shower and some fresh clothes. From there I, along with everybody else, took the bus to the stadium before starting another stressful day.

I'm glad no one noticed I wasn't at the hotel at night. I don't want anyone to make false assumptions about Michael and I. After all we are just good friends, nothing more.

Michael's POV

I remembered Maeve leaving in the morning, but I must have fallen back asleep because at some point Bill had to wake me up which does not usually happen.

I'm normally awake before I actually have to be up because most nights are rather restless but this time I was well rested and full of energy, more than normal. All thanks to Maeve.

Today seemed to be very busy for her. She managed to stop by around midday to bring me my lunch but she couldn't stay long. She seemed distraught so shortly before showtime when I knew the kitchen crew was finished for the day I went to get her but she wasn't in the kitchen or the cantine.

I then saw Ruth and ran up to her. "Um.. hello Ruth, do you know where Maeve is?"

"Michael, hello, she's in the locker room over there." She pointed to a door at the end of the corridor.

"Thank you, have a nice evening" I told her.

"Um Michael, just one second. I noticed that she wasn't well today. She had a rough night. She really is working Non-Stop for the past days. I know you care for her" she said. "Please make sure she's ok."

She looked me deep in the eyes and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"I will!"

"Ok, have a great show" she then left.

Without knocking I walked through the door. Maeve was standing there, infront of an open locker. She didn't notice my presence. She just undressed herself. She only wore her bra and underwear. I couldn't help but watch her as she slit on her jeans and buttened them.

She really was a beautiful woman, but she indeed did look hurt today. It looked like her body was aching.

With one hand she held her neck, tilted her head back and took some deep breaths. When she turned to grab something out of the locker I noticed a huge bruise covering her elbow and entire right upper arm.

"Maeve! Oh my god, what happened?" I was shocked. That really must hurt.

She jumped a little when she noticed my presence but then just continued to get dressed.

She was still in just a bra. She looked at the bruise, then back at me.

"It looks worse than it actually is" she said while getting her Bad T-Shirt out of the locker and putting it on. While doing so she tried to use her right arm as little as possible.

I ended up helping her and she then gave me her jacket to help her with that aswell.

"What happened?" I questioned again while we were walking to my dressing room.

We passed the same security guards that bothered her the day before. She kept her head low while we were passing them and I instantly knew that they were probably the cause of her huge bruise.

"HEY" I turned around screaming, causing everyone in the hallway to stop and watch us.

I walked up to them with an angry look on my face. They were like bears, taller and bigger than me. But for her I'd fight the bears.

"Did you touch her?" I asked. I then felt Maeve's arm on mine, trying to pull me away.

"Michael, pleas-" she tried.

"DID YOU TOUCH HER? It's an easy question. YES OR NO?" I asked again.

"Michael, what's wrong?" Bill was already on my side but I ignored him.

"YES OR NO?"

"Yes, sir. I escorted her out by her arm. I am really sorry, I had no idea-"

"YOU'RE FIRED!! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE HERE ANYMORE" I then turned to the other one. "AND YOU CAN GO WITH HIM!"

A crowd had formed in the hallway, but I couldn't care less. I then turned back around and lead Maeve into my dressing room.

Bill rushed behind us and shut the door. Maeve sat down on the couch, she didn't say a single word.

"What was that about?" Bill asked.

"They hurt Maeve!"

"Is that true?" Bill asked looking at Maeve. She didn't respond. She kept looking at the floor.

"Maeve show him!" I pressured.

She then slowly took off her jacket and lifted the sleeve of the shirt.

"Oh my... Maeve why didn't you tell me yesterday?" Bill questioned.

"It wasn't that bad yesterday" she answered.

"Bill, I want you to take her to the doctor. It looks very painful."

"No, Michael. It's ok, there's no need for a doctor" Maeve said.

"I want you to keep a close eye on her" I ignored her completely.

"Michael, there's no need for a doctor, it's just a bruise" Maeve said with anger.

"5 minutes"

"Come on, Maeve. I'll get you to the next hospital."

"No, Bill, I don't need to see a doctor. I want to stay for the concert!" she protested.

"Maeve, just stop being so difficult!" as soon as these words left my mouth I earned a death glare from her.

"Ok" she said and left the room without saying another word.

"Bill, can you bring her to my suite later?"

"Sure"

"Thank you, please take care of her" I told him.

"Of course, Michael"

I then watched him walk out of the door.