Motion (Sequel to "Collide")

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

September 29th, 1993
Tenerife, Canary Islands

Dear Diary,

We're still in the Canary Islands, which wasn't planned at all. After Michael's gig in Tenerife a few days ago, I suggested him to take some time off to relax before going to South America. And after some long hesitations from his part and some long insisting on mine, I couldn't be more glad he agreed. Michael rented a secluded villa with a private beach, and we're enjoying every bit of peace and quiet we can get before we leave for Argentina on October 5th.

Michael is exhausted, and though he has a tendency to minimize it, I don't, and I make sure to remind him that, him too, has his limits.

Being here puts my mind at ease, safe from any intrusive thought concerning the missing pill bottle. I have been looking everywhere for it, in vain. I haven't told Michael about it yet, because I don't know how to. I don't want to incriminate him, or make him feel like I don't trust him. I do trust him. He's the only person I fully trust in this world. But I don't trust addictions. I know how sneaky and unpredictable they can be.

I tried to get a hold on Hayden to talk about it with him, but I haven't been able to reach him. Between the time difference and his work hours, this task has been more complicated than I expected. I know he would give me valuable advice on the situation.

Prince arranged a meeting with his lawyers for Michael, at Paisley Park. Little by little, Michael is envisaging having a new legal team by his side. It's been hard, but he's getting there, and I couldn't be prouder of him. I know the whole Branca mess has been hard on him, but he's pulling through. He always does.

"Mama!" Faraji's voice tore me away from my thoughts. "Look!"

I looked up from my journal, only to see my son running in my direction with his brand new kite in his hands.

I closed me journal and sat up on the sun lounger.

"Wow, look at that!" I grinned, putting my sunglasses on top of my head. "Do you want us to go to the beach to make it fly?"

"Daddy went to get his sunshade to take me there, do you want to come with us?" he asked, climbing on my lap.

"I'd love to," I grinned and laid a kiss on his temple.

"Are you going to surf today? Daddy said you were super good at it," he asked, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Mmh," I pondered, looking at the waves from the distance. "It looks like there are some decent waves, out there. I could try. Would you like that?"

"Yes! When I know how to swim, would you teach me how to surf? I'm sure it's super cool."

"It is," I grinned, threading my fingers through his messy hair. "I'd be happy to teach you."

"Yay!'

"Someone's excited," Michael giggled, emerging from behind us. "Here, put that on," he said, handing a hat and sunglasses to Faraji.

"Mama said she would teach me how to surf when I'll know how to swim," he explained to his father, putting his sunglasses on so fast they were crooked on his nose.

"Really? You're such a lucky boy!"

"I know," he grinned proudly.

"Come here," I laughed, adjusting his sunglasses on his nose, and the sunhat on his head. "That's better."

"Let's go!" He said, heading towards the wooden stairs that led on the beach.

"Don't run in the stairs!" Michael called, as he ran after our son.