II Hands in Tahiti

Two Hands Part 1

May 30th, 1999

"I would like to thank the city of Los Angeles for awarding me with this gracious humanitarian legend award. It's been an honour servicing the world and this wonderful city with the that gift God has granted me. I dedicate this to the children around the world who inspire me to always keep the faith when I am weary and lack hope. When I see children I see the eyes of God and it's been my mission to provide resource and opportunity as much as I can. To my fans that have stuck with me throughout the times where my name was tainted and doused in lies for profitable gain. The love I have for you is indubitable, you've made me who I am, I love you all. Last but not least I would like to thank the love of my life Mina, who has been my solace during my hours of despair through all the chaos that comes with this multifaceted lifestyle. I don't know where I would be without her. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I am forever greatful"

Cheers and applauds crescendo through the theater. Michael gives the attendees and cameramen a tilted bow before stepping down from the podium. Holding his fedora below his eyebrows to avoid the intense flashes from blinding him. He held the hands of his lover tight as he traced the steps he placed in front of her. Security attempted to clear the area as they made their way towards the door. Michael huffed in annoyance at the fact that he left his sunglasses in the car then remembering the promise he made to fans about showing up to his next event without sunglasses. Michael sometimes loved shading out his eyes away from people and the public. Not only was he always around flashing lights and invasive people. At times he just felt people didn't need to be so close in his space gaging at the windows of his soul .

As the 4 security men help Mina and Michael escape the chaos they finally make it into the car. Sighing out his relief before speaking. "I'm tired of these speeches faking a hearty smile and showing up to shit that mean nothing to me. This industry is a joke. I'm done". Michael belted on with his eyebrows arched in frustration. His right leg slightly shaking through the annoyance he was trying to control within him. attempting to subside his emotions Mina caressed her hand on his opposite leg. "Michael, baby calm down it's all over now you won't have to put up with anything you don't want anymore." She tried looking at him but his eyes were closed off from her. Resting his head on her shoulder, "Mina..." Sighing out her name before continuing on.

"You know how I feel about this city, THIS country. Don't get me wrong I love where I'm from and everything I accomplished. But I just can't get up and forget all the humiliating things the media did when those allegations hit. All those kiss asses who showered me with praises switched before a blink of an eye. I mean overnight they switched after everything I did for them? The molds I broke in this damn industry? I opened up the damn door for a lot of artists. But what did they do? Play in my face like I was a buffoon. Acting like I was nothing, like I did nothing. I'm tired of pretending everything is alright Mina." Frustration braised through Michael's body his temperature rose just at the quick memory lane his mind drove him through.

"Michael, you know where my heart is with all this I'm here for you always. I share your pain and frustration but we don't have to worry about the press and media much anymore. You bought yourself out of your Sony deal, you still have your stakes and percentages with your catalogs and other business ventures. We rarely have to come back here if it truly bothers you". Mina massaged the palm of her hand over his cheeks she could feel the palpitations of his heart increase. She kissed both sets of his eyelids as he swindled his head further into her lap. Laying within her embodiment the rest of the ride home. Memories of the past took over Michael's mind after the press conference. He was tired of being the bread and butter for everyone else to take after and indulge in. It was time to do something for him, his peace. For his own sanity and the longevity of his life.

For the longest Michael had been in and out of the country since late fall of 1994. After the chandler settlement was final and made public he knew the media would have a field day and he had no intentions of putting up with the media lynchings that were going to pool over. He wasn't going to allow people to dictate their beliefs that were a falsehood of his character onto him.

Those people didn't know an ounce of his being, his mind, his spirit. Even when he tried to open up more to the public. The media only ran with narratives that made sense to them. Of course he couldn't shy away from the faulty ethics that came with his immense mega stardom but starting his own transition into the life of tranquility is the only option he felt was worth the risk.

After all the legalities had been delved into and committed he felt no need to stay in the home he once knew to be his peace. A place of love and welcome where he could isolate himself away from the tremors of his reality. Neverland. In some instances he contemplated leaving everything behind. Starting life anew, not wanting anyone to ever have the opportunity to take advantage of him again. His heart still streaming in it's a golden array he'd never abandon what was true to him. Philanthropy, being the voice of children. Giving back the way he knew, something that was selfless and innate to him.

When it was all said and done paradise was awaiting them and it was time for them to move onto the final chapter of their story. A life of peace within the bliss of their love. A blessing sent from the heavens above guided through the wings of their gardien angels.