With Michael

Chapter 62 - Forever Mine

20th of April, 1998
Brooklyn is 32, Janet is 31, and Michael is 39

Brooklyn: "Mrs. Jackson!"

"Brooke, where are you?!"

"Brooklyn!"

I sniffled and wiped my tears as my entire family and the staff yelled my name through the ranch.

This was truly the first time I appreciated it being so big.

I knew there was no way I'd be getting out of here soon, so hiding seemed like the right solution. No one has found me for the last couple of hours.

"Brooke!" Jermaine called.

His voice got closer, and the fear that someone finally found me crept in.

In just a few seconds he appeared from between the trees, sighing in relief when he saw me.

"There you are... You had us all worried sick..." he said.

"Go away, Jermaine." I mumbled, wiping my face.

He took a seat next to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Mike and Janet called everyone, they said you disappeared." he answered as he rubbed my back gently.

"I'm sure he didn't tell you why..." I rolled my eyes.

"He did."

I pulled away from his embrace.

"I don't get him," I said. "He wants a divorce, and when he finally gets it he's sorry."

"That's 'cuz he still loves you."

"Bullshit, Jermaine. If he loved me in the first place he wouldn't even think about it."

Jermaine snorted. "You don't really believe that."

"I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Well, I'm gonna go tell everyone I found you." he smiled, standing up.

I pulled him arm and he landed on his ass.

"Ow! Damn it, that hurt!" Jermaine whined.

"Don't dare call anyone. Especially not Michael."

"Jermaine?! Is that you?" Michael was heard from behind the trees.

Just my luck. Thanks, Jermaine.

"Oh, thank God you found her!" Michael gasped once he saw me.

I stood up and passed him, not giving him any attention.

"Brooke, wait, please!" he begged as he ran after me.

I kept walking towards the house.

Everyone's eyes were on us when Michael grabbed my hand and pulled me to him.

"Michael, just let me go..." I said, trying not to avoid his eyes.

"No, you won't run away from me this time," he stated and grabbed my face in two hands. His piercing brown eyes looked into mine with so much sadness, it actually hurt. "I love you. I will never stop. You have to know that."

"But you can't be married to me anymore." I murmured. The lump in my throat started forming again.

He looked at me for another brief second before crashing his lips onto mine. One of his hands was placed on the back of my neck to keep me from pulling away.

The kiss reminded me of the kiss we shared on our wedding day, when we sealed our marriage that was now over.

It was full of passion and love. But most of all it was comforting.