With Michael

Chapter 47 - Frenemies

26th of November, 1996
Brooklyn and Janet are 30, Michael is 38

Janet: "Come on, Jan, just take the damn picture." Brooke rolled her eyes.

"Michael is coming home in a month, he'll see your bump then. Why do you have to keep sending him pictures?" I whined.

"Because, Janet, I want him to see every week when he's away. It grows, you know."

I groaned and clicked the button, snapping a picture of her exposed stomach.

She just started her seventh month, which meant good news. But it also meant more hormones, more back aches, and more complaining. Was I this annoying when I was pregnant?

"Thank you." she smiled, taking the camera from me.

She took a seat on her bed and sighed.

"Mommy!" Kate's shriek was heard.

It was followed by another kid's scream. Both Kate and Benjamin ran into the bedroom, a smile on their faces.

"Benjamin, what are you doing here?" Brooke asked, interrupting their little tag game.

"My mommy brought us." he answered.

"I can go kick her out." I whispered to my best friend.

She shook her head, "No, it's fine. I'll go talk to her."

Brooklyn got up carefully and left the bedroom.

"Katie, why don't you show Benjamin your toys?" I suggested.

"Otay, mommy!" she nodded, pulling on Ben's hand.

~

Brooklyn: Lisa Marie looked around the living room, mostly at pictures of Michael and I and our families that sat neatly on the piano.

I cleared my throat, making her turn around to face me.

"Where's Riley?" I asked.

"Outside, playing." she answered, staring at my bump.

I nodded, "I thought I made it clear that I don't want you in my house."

"Well, I'm here. I doubt you're gonna do anything to get me out."

"I called security on your husband, what makes you think I won't do the same for you?"

"Because you won't." she stated, smirking.

Lisa took a seat on the couch and bit her lip.

"How many week in are you?" she questioned.

"Twenty-seven. Why do you care?" I said, skeptical.

"You have to stop thinking I'm this evil bitch that's after you." she rolled her eyes.

"I don't think you really showed me otherwise, Lisa. Now seriously, what do you want?" I said.

"Shouldn't you be sitting down? Michael told me you're in bedrest."

I raised my eyebrows, "You talk to Michael?"

"Of course, all the time." she said like it was obvious.

I was ready to choke her, but I held myself back. I couldn't let her get to me.

I sat across from her and narrowed my eyes.

"There," I mumbled. "I sat down. Tell me what you want, Lisa."

"I just wanted to see how you're doing. Maybe talk."

I raised my eyebrows. She can't be that bored.