With Michael

Chapter 48 - Comprehension

1st of December, 1996
Brooklyn and Janet are 30, Michael is 38

Brooklyn: I tried calling my dad all day, but it was no use.

After yesterday, he just didn't want to speak with me.

I've been locked up inside the bedroom since last night. I haven't eaten anything, not even the dinner or breakfast Katherine begged me to take from the other side of the door.

And I didn't close my eyes the whole night. I felt so guilty about what happened with Marie that it made me sleepless.

But I had no idea why I was feeling guilty about something I wanted to say for so long.

My stomach grumbled loudly, just in time for Janet to knock on the door.

"Brooke, mother says lunch is ready."

"I'm not hungry." I lied, laying on my left side.

"I know you're lying."

I sighed deeply, just wishing she would leave me alone.

"I said I'm not hungry, Janet." I groaned.

"You have to eat." she urged.

"I'll come down when I feel like it." I told her.

I heard murmurs from outside the door.

"Uncwe Mike!" Kate suddenly screamed.

My heart fluttered. There's no way he's home.

Another knock was heard.

"Babe?" Michael's soft voice came through.

I quickly threw the blanket off me, and ran to the door.

Michael was wearing his golden tour outfit as he stood there.

Damn, those pants.

My arms instantly wrapped around his neck tightly.

"What are you doing home?!" I asked, pulling him as close as my bump allowed.

"Janet called me yesterday just before the show... So I cancelled it and got on a plane." he answered and stroked my hair.

I pulled away, only to see the tiredness in his eyes.

"You flew all the way from Australia? Mike, you can't do that, it'll mess your sleep-"

I was shut up by his lips that pressed firmly on mine.

Baby Michael started kicking as soon as his father's hand traveled to my bump.

"Sorry, baby boy. Didn't see you there." Michael chuckled, crouching down in front of me.

He lifted up my shirt, then placed a soft kiss on my skin.

"Hey!" he said. "I knew I saw a stretch mark somewhere!"

I looked down, horrified, and saw him hold back a laugh.

"Don't play games with me." I shot him a glare.

He smirked as he stood up, "I heard what happened yesterday."

"I just don't get it. If I keep everything inside, someone gets hurt. If I say what I feel, someone still gets hurt. And by the way, that's the last time you talk to Marie. Michael, I swear, if you do that again, you're a dead man."

"Jeez, I'm actually scared."

"You better be."

I walked back to the bed and lay down.