The Chef | A Michael Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 68

August 1988 - UK

Michael's POV

What I hated the most was that I haven't had the chance to fly home yet. Although I cleared my schedule as much as possible, I couldn't find the time to visit Maeve and Nicolas. It's been almost 2 months since I last saw my family and I miss them very much.

Maeve and Nicolas were discharged from the hospital a week after I left and ever since they've been living at Neverland with Valerie, Maeve's personal assistance and Anna, Nicolas' nanny.

Maeve and I talk nearly every night although the time difference makes it hard because most times my calls wake her in the middle of the night but she still tries to listen to me and when I notice her falling back asleep I hum her a lullaby.

We have 3 more shows in the UK and then we leave for Germany. The European leg of the tour is far more exhausting because we don't have longer breaks in between the shows.

I was currently getting ready for the show when I decided to call Maeve but she didn't pick up the phone. I often wondered if she missed me just as much as I missed her but I guess she has a lot on her mind. She might not have the time to miss me.

So when I was ready I plopped myself down on the sofa in my dressing room and closed my eyes. I tried to relax a little but the noises that came from outside the room made it impossible for me to concentrate on my own thoughts.

At one point my curiosity got the best of me and I made my way out the room to check what was going on.

Outside my dressing room was a huge crowd and it seemed as if everyone that worked here was present.

When people noticed me they started to part to let me through and at first I wondered why they'd do this unless there's someone here for me?!

My feet suddenly dragged me further into the crowd until my eyes locked with her beautiful greenish ones.
My lips curled into a huge grin and I sprinted towards her and hugged her as tight as I could.

I felt her hands around me and it felt as if all these people that gathered around us disappeared.

"I wanted to surprise you for your birthday, but I couldn't wait any longer" she whispered in my ear.

It wasn't until we let go of each other that I noticed the people around us were screaming and cheering for us.

"It's so good to see you again, Maeve" Sheryl pushed past me and practically jumped on Maeve.

I scanned the room and found Anna and Valerie on the side. I walked straight to the pram that was next to them to discover my sweet little boy, awake and happy.

"He just woke up from his nap" Anna informed me as I lifted him up to kiss his cheeks that by now were starting to get chubby.

I held him close to me and when my team noticed him they cheered again but I motioned for them to be more quiet since he's still a baby.

A few close members of my band came closer to say hello to little Nicolas.

Since we had only about an hour left until showtime the crew quickly got back to their jobs, leaving us alone. I led Maeve inside my dressing room and told Anna and Valerie that I would call when I needed them.

When we were alone I took the chance to look closely at Maeve. The cast on her left arm was gone but she wore a a bandage instead. Probably for more support or something like that.

Without the cast she was now free to use both hands to maneuver the wheelchair wherever she pleases.

However, I can't help but feel like the happy face she put on is just facade since her eyes carry a hint of sadness.

Maeve's POV

Shortly after showtime Nicolas and I left for Michael's hotel suite. According to Bill it was safest for us to stay at the hotel.

So while we waited for Michael I laid on a blanket on the floor with Nicolas. This was the safest way for us to play.

When Michael tiptoed through the door he was surprised to see us still awake.

"I thought you'd already be sleeping" he said.

"Jetleg" I answered as I shook the rattle and Nicolas tried to grab it.

Michael sat down next to us and that's when I noticed he still wore his stage clothes and makeup and everything.

"You're sweaty" I stated making him laugh.

I handed him the rattle and he started playing with our son.

"I was in a hurry to get here" he told me.

"How was the show?" I asked curiously. I was still a little angry at Bill for not letting us stay. I would have loved to see Michael perform.

"It was great" he smiled at Nicolas when he started bubbling in baby language. "The crowd was amazing. I loved the energy that was coming from them, I really enjoyed it. You should've stayed!"

"Oh I really wanted to, but Bill advised not to" I kept my head low.

After a while Nicolas started to get fussy and I was about to call Anna to put him in his crib but Michael stopped me.

"Let me take care of him" he said while getting up the floor and picking Nicolas up.

"Ok, can you get Valerie for me?" I asked him and he nodded.

Shortly after Michael and Nicolas left the room, Valerie walked in with my wheelchair and helped me get in. Whenever possible I ask her to hide the wheelchair since I don't want to be constantly reminded that I am a cripple now.

While Michael took care of Nicolas, Valerie helped me get ready for bed which included showering since it was a long day traveling.

At first I needed to get used to depend on other people for simple things such as using the toilet or showering but I came to a point where I just stopped caring. I haven't fully accepted my destiny yet but I know I can't change it.

After we finished in the shower and Valerie helped me get dressed she left so I could brush my teeth in silence.

In fact I did not only brush my teeth but I also needed to take my pills and I prefer to be alone when I do so.