The Chef | A Michael Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 22

November 1987 - Los Angeles

Maeve's POV

The rest of the Japan leg went very well for Michael. Whenever he was on stage he always gave his best as well as the rest of the crew. His perfectionism really is infectious.

I, on the other hand, have been struggling to do my job properly but I somehow managed to do some things on my own.

What's been bothering me is that I couldn't go to the local markets to get the fresh ingredients. I always make sure to pick the best quality and these markets are where I get inspired from.

But for the rest of the Japan tour I depended on suppliers which was ok but I wasn't happy about it. The problem is that I don't know what fruits and vegetables they grow here and if they are in season. When I buy out of season it'll taste like nothing. That happened a few times in Japan and the only thing to rescue the meal was to use loads of herbs and spices.

Around mid October our time in Japan was over and we flew back home. Well Michael in his private jet and I with the rest of the crew.

He insisted that I should come with him but I didn't want to and I was fine traveling with the rest of the crew. By now I knew everybody and even have found some friends, like Sheryl, who's one of his background singers, and Chris, who plays keyboard.

The first two days at home I stayed mostly in bed, catching up on some books I really wanted to read while on the road but it happened to be busier than expected.

Michael stayed the first two nights at my place. He wanted some peace before going back to Hayvenhurst. He also wanted to help me out since there were two more weeks left of me needing to wear the orthosis.

But my arm was already better and I didn't need his help that often. Especially while getting dressed I was more than happy that I could finally reach my back again which meant I could take my bras on and off on my own. No more embarrassing bathroom moments for Michael and I.

Although the past few weeks were very stressful I enjoyed them very much. Michael and I had a great time in Japan, we grew so much closer than we already were.

When he went back to Hayvenhurst, I was sad but he wanted to get some things done before the tour continued.

He did ask me to come and stay with him but I declined since I really needed to get some things done in my house aswell.

We still managed to see each other every few days and when we wouldn't meet we'd talk on the phone for hours and hours.

At the beginning of November I finally could take the orthosis off. The doctor told me to be careful the first few weeks but I was good to do my job again. A huge weight lifted from my shoulders.

Australia

We flew to Australia the second week of November. The first two days before the concert were busy as always and Michael and I haven't talked much in person. He wasn't in the stadium due to interviews and other events he needed to attempt but he made sure to call me in the evening to let me know how his day went.

Today was his first concert in Melbourne, then he had 2 in Sydney and 2 more in Brisbane.

After tonight's concert Michael could free his schedule for a few days so we decided to make a litte road-trip which I was really excited about.

However today I wasn't feeling all too well since I've just gotten my period so I naturally was in a bad mood.

Around lunchtime I made my way to Michael's dressing room with his lunch in one hand and cutlery for him in the other. I normally tried to pick food for him that I knew he liked but today I didn't really payed attention to what I was putting on his plate. I only noticed when he started complaining.

"That's a lot of vegetables Maeve" he whined.

I rolled my eyes as I plopped down on the couch in his dressing room.

"Vegetables are good for you."

"But you know I don't lik-"

"MICHAEL!" I screamed. "Just eat the fucking broccoli!"

He at first looked a little surprised but then laughed at me. "Oh someone's grumpy today."

I shot him my best death glare before I laid down, hugging my knees tightly. I was having some bad cramps and felt tired.

We weren't talking while Michael ate his lunch and I didn't really mind. I closed my eyes and tried to relax a little although that wasn't really possible with all the pain.

The only sound came from Michael eating the food I brought and after he finished I heard his footsteps followed by the door.

I looked up and noticed he left the room. Since I had a few more minutes left before I should get back to work, I laid back down again.

The door opened again. Soon after I felt something hit me. I opened my eyes and found a snickers bar on me. I happily opened it and ate.

Michael sat on the chair and just watched me with an amused expression on his face.

"What?" I scoffed.

"Nothing" he held his hands up in defence.

"Sorry, I don't want to be angry today but I just am" I apologized.

"Ok" he simply said. And that's what I love about Michael. It's so easy to be with him. It don't have to be in a good mood all the time.

"Whenever my sisters are moody, they'd eat lots of chocolate and I guess that works for you, too. Just let me know I'll get some more" he told me.

"Oh that's sweet of you, thank you, Michael" I smiled at him.

"Oh no, I'm not doing this for you, girl. I need to save my ass before you give me any more broccoli."

I rolled my eyes at him and grabbed the empty plate before leaving to go back to work.