The Chef | A Michael Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 73

December 1988 - LA

Maeve's POV

After Michael's visit we talked nearly every day for an hour. My phone time was limited in the clinic but Michael would make sure that he was free whenever I called.

It was now December 21st, my birthday and a security guard was there to bring me home for the holidays.

I was ecstatic to go home but at the same time I was sad because Michael wouldn't be there. He has three more shows before he returns home at the 27th.

Because I was still depending on help I convinced Michael to rehire Valerie since technically she didn't do anything wrong. Michael was skeptical but in the end he agreed.

When I arrived at Neverland I was greeted by Anna, Valerie and Nicolas, who wiggled excitedly when he saw me.

"Hello, my little man, how have you been?" I asked him while Anna placed him on my lap and Valerie pushed my wheelchair into the house.

*****

It wasn't until the next day that Michael finally called to wish me a happy but belated birthday. I knew he was probably busy so I wasn't angry.

"I got you a small something" he whispered into the phone.

"Oh Michael, you really didn't have to-"

"But I wanted to. Plus I technically didn't spend any money on it, this time" he giggled knowing damn well that I was just too curious.

"Where is it?"

"I told Bill to leave it at the front door" he informed me.

"Ok, hold on" I told him and put the phone down on my lap to use my hands to navigate my wheelchair to the front door.

After I opened the door I was disappointed that there was nothing outside so I took the phone again and pressed it to my ear.

"There's nothing at the front door" I said.

"Are you sure? I reminded Bill an hour ago!" Michael sounded upset.

I pressed the phone against my ear with my shoulder to free my hands and check outside if there really isn't anything.

As soon as I was outside my eyes saw Michael standing a little further from the house, the phone against his ear and a basket in his other hand. I needed to blink a few times to make sure it was really him and not just a mirage.

"You're..." I was speechless as I looked at the man slowly making his way to me.

"Are you coming, or not?" He said into the phone and I was quick to move up to him where he bent down to hug me tight.

"You're here" I whispered into his ear.

When he let go of me he took both my hands as he kneeled on the ground.

"I'm sorry, I really wanted to surprise you for your birthday but we weren't allowed to take off because of the weather. I spent yesterday waiting for the plane to take off. I didn't want to congratulate you on the phone, I wanted to hug you. Are you angry at me?"

"How could I? I'm happy you're here!"

"Ok, good. Let's go, I'm starving." He handed me the basket and walked behind me to push my wheelchair.

We walked for a few minutes until we reached a beautiful tree, his giving tree, that's what he calls it.

He put a blanket on the grass and helped me out of my wheelchair. At the blanket I used both my hands to keep me up.

I watched Michael unpack all the food he brought and when he finished he sat down next to me and announced "Breakfast is served!"

A proud smile appeared on his face before he started eating as I watched him closely.

"Aren't you hungry" he asked between bites.

"I am starving... But I need my arms to hold myself up" I explained.

"Oh right. I can help you" Michael said and popped a strawberry into my mouth.

I heard him laugh while I chewed and swallowed the fruit. He then moved behind me, laying one leg on each side of me and letting my back rest on his chest. As I relaxed I rested my head on him and every now and then I could feel him resting his head on top of mine.

Being this close to Michael again made my heart pound a little faster. It's been a while since we've been on the same page.

"Oh, I nearly forgot your present" he said before pulling something out of his pocket. Before I could say anything his hands reached in front of me as he put the necklace around my neck.

"You found my necklace?" I let my fingers glide over the letters.

Last year Michael gifted me this necklace with his name in gold letters for my birthday. But after the accident it was gone and I thought it must have gotten lost in the accident.

"Yes, it took me some time but I found it. You lost it at the spa. They found it in the locker room" Michael said.

"Thank you. This necklace means everything to me" I told him truthfully and looked over my shoulder to meet his eyes.

As I turned my head I accidentally brushed his nose since he was already looking down at me.

I immediately could feel my cheeks heat up as I stared at his lips that were dangerously close to mine. A quick glance at his eyes confirmed that he was ready for what was coming next.

I could feel his hand on my back, pulling me closer until our lips finally connected.

The kiss was slow with short breaks in between where Michael brushed his nose against mine, knowing exactly that this is driving me insane.

"I missed you" he whispered before kissing me again this time more passionately.

"WOHOO!"

Michael was quick to pull away at the sound of Anna cheering and applauding for us from a distance.

"God, this is embarrassing" Michael said hiding his head behind my back as I laughed at his shyness.

"How about we give her a break and take Nicolas for a little walk?" Michael suggested before helping me getting back into my wheelchair.