With Michael

Chapter 50 - Christmas of '96

25th of December, 1996
Brooklyn and Janet are 30, Michael is 38

Brooklyn: "Uncle Mike! Auntie Brooke! It's Christmas morning!" Jason banged on our bedroom door loudly.

"Ugh, get the kids away," I groaned. "This pregnant girl wants to sleep."

"Brooke, Michael, the kids want to open presents!" Janet called.

"Babe, I think we should get up." Michael said and stretched.

"But it's only 10:30. I'm so tired."

He laughed, "Why are you so pregnant?"

"Hey, it's your fault." I smiled.

He kissed me then got out of bed. I was so glad to have him home for Christmas. But tomorrow he's going back for a few shows, then he's coming back for New Year's. And lastly, he has two more shows. After that he's home for good.

Honestly, I was getting tired of having him home for only a few days, then needing to see him leave again. I just miss him more each time he leaves.

I know I was the one who didn't want him to miss tour, but I couldn't help it. I needed him.

"So are you getting up?" my husband asked.

"No..." I mumbled, pulling the blanket over my head.

"Brooklyn, you slept for twelve hours. Everyone's waiting just for us."

I felt the blanket come off of me, and saw Michael's smiling face.

"Come on, you have to see what I got you." he said, helping me up.

Being eight months pregnant can really wear you out. My back and feet ached a lot more. I felt like the baby grew way too much, making him heavier than he already was. Being in bed really didn't make it any better. If anything, it only made it worse.

But I had to remind myself it would all be worth it in the end. Soon I'll be holding my baby that I struggled so much to have.

As I brushed my teeth I noticed Michael standing at the bathroom door with something in his hand.

I turned to him and saw that he was holding a video camera.

"Look, baby boy. That's your beautiful pregnant mommy." he said.

"Michael, stop," I blushed, rinsing my mouth. "Why are you filming me, anyway?"

"It's a video diary, to show him when he's older. I want him to see how big you are." he told me and zoomed in to my bump.

"Michaeeeeel." I whined, pushing my hands into the lens.

"Okay, okay, I'm putting it away. Just don't ruin it."

I rolled my eyes and walked back to the bedroom.

Michael tried to hold in a chuckle, but failed, "Look, baby Michael, your momma's waddling."

"You're still filming?!" I screeched as I turned around.

He pressed a button and lifted his hands in surrender.

"Come on, let's go downstairs." he said, kissing my temple.

My husband helped me down the stairs slowly. I felt so big compared to him as one of his hands was placed on my lower back, the other on my stomach.