With Michael

Chapter 66 - Adoption Day

18th of February, 2000
Brooklyn is 34, Michael is 41

Michael: "I can't be in Neverland anymore."

Is this a joke? This is our home. The home where we plan on raising our children in.

"This- this is our home, Brooklyn." I said, sounding a bit offended.

"I know... But-"

I cut her off, "But what? We've been living here almost our entire married life. What's this sudden urge to leave?"

"I feel like everyone who loves this place dies... Chris, then Linda. What if something goes wrong with dad? Or you? And it's all because we stay here." she explained.

Anger filled me. What did Paul say to her that made her doubt living in our home?

"Don't be mad, Michael, please... You have to understand where I'm coming from. I love Neverland so much, I just got scared. Don't you think my worries are relevant?"

I scooter away from her.

"I have every right to be mad! This is the home I bought for us to spend the rest of our lives in! I built this whole theme park for us to enjoy because I knew once you married me you won't be able to go anywhere, just like me. And now you say you can't live here anymore?"

She looked at me, speechless.

Now she has nothing to say?

"Answer me." I ordered.

"I- I'm scared something might happen."

"Nothing is going to happen. I'm perfectly fine, babe. Joshua is gonna be okay. You saw him a few days ago, you know he's doing just fine," I told her. "These are happy times. We're not going anywhere, alright? This is our home, and we're gonna bring Kamron here, so he'll grow up with his brother and sister and have the childhood he deserves."

Brooke brought her knees up to her chest and started sobbing.

"I thought letting Paul stay here would be good for me, because I haven't seen him in a long time. But seeing him walk in without Linda hurt me so much."

It was clear to me that she was still not over Linda's death. She was one of her closest friends. And she never really got time to grieve.

She was the happiest I've seen her after our little wedding, forgetting all her worries. Then we got too busy for her to be sad.

"I'm sorry." I wrapped and arm around her.

I get that she's scared, but this is the happiest place on earth for us. There was no way she really meant it when she said she wants to leave.

"I'm the one who should apologize for bringing up such a stupid thing. You're right, this is our home. And we will raise all our children here." she wiped her tears, hugging me.

I hugged her back tightly.

"Can we visit dad tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure." I answered.

My wife put her head against my chest and inhaled deeply.

There were a few minutes of silence, until I decided to break it, "Babe, I just want you to know that I'm not planning on leaving you anytime soon."

"I know," she smiled. "Heaven can wait."

That instantly sparked up an inspiration.

"Go to sleep, I'll come back later." I said, letting go of her.