With Michael

Chapter 53 - Father's Day

18th of April, 1997
Brooklyn is 31, Michael is 38

Brooklyn: Michael seemed a bit distant for the past week.

I don't know what happened, but I had a feeling he was holding something back.

He barely spent time with Prince, too, and that made me worried sick.

He was out all day today, and didn't even tell me where he was going.

It was already after dinner time when I heard the house door close shut.

Michael took off his Fedora as he walked into the living room where I was breastfeeding Prince.

"Hey." he smiled warmly, placing a kiss on my lips.

"Where were you today?" I asked. Instead of answering, he leaned down to Prince and kissed his forehead.

"Mike." I said.

"Oh, uh, first at the studio, then at Janet's." he mumbled, not taking his eyes off our son.

"What were you doing at Janet's?"

He groaned loudly, "What's up with all the questions?"

"I don't know, you tell me," I rolled my eyes. "I haven't seen you all week."

I noticed Prince finished eating and was now looking at us with curious eyes.

"I'll take him to bed." Michael mumbled.

Prince let out a little shriek, as if to refuse.

I gave him to his father and let out a sigh once they were up the stairs.

I decided I should to take a well needed shower.

~

I got out of the bathroom with a towel around me and dried my hair with another.

Michael was in bed, looking asleep.

I went into my closet room to put on my pajamas. I didn't bother to brush my hair since I was so tired. I just got into bed as fast as I could.

"Mike?" I whispered. His back was turned to me, his breathing slow and steady. All I wanted was a little cuddle so I could feel his presence. I felt like it was forever since he held me close like he usually does.

Sighing when he didn't answer, I turned to the other side and closed my eyes.

Suddenly I felt Michael's long arm wrap around my waist, his hot breath the back of my neck.

"I'm sorry for being distant..." he said. "I'm just feeling so guilty."

"About what?" I asked, turning to see his sorry eyes.

"About this." he sighed, letting go of me. He reached a hand to open a drawer in his nightstand, and gave me something that looked like a magazine.

I sat up, turning on the lights.

It was some kind of tabloid, but the picture on it was clear. It was Michael and Lisa, kissing, in the guest house. The title 'Michael Jackson cheats in his own house' was printed out in big bold letters.

"Brandon said someone leaked security pictures. This is from about six months ago, you know, when I brought her and the kids over. But of course, the media are twisting everything. See? They even blurred her hand that held my collar."

I recognized the clothes he had on that day, and his hair was shorter, too.

"So that's what it's all about? Mike, you know I trust you... And even if I did see it on my own, I'd talk to you about it." I told him.