The Neighbor

Chapter Twenty-one: Christmas In The Summer Time (Part One)

After reading that magazine article, Michael and Jubalee didn't speak until Saturday...the next day. Michael made no attempt to call or text her, and Jubalee did the same. They were both too embarrassed to say anything about it. Especially Jubalee. She was never exposed to the limelight like this before and lied on! She knew people were gonna eventually figure out it was her in the picture because who the hell else do they see Michael with?! She also felt sorry for Michael because who ever this "Source" was, exposed him as a father when he wasn't ready yet! Michael was more angry than disappointed though. He wanted to find this "Source" and silence it, but, he knew that would blow his cover and get the media to talking even more, so, talk to Jubalee was all he could do. He felt really bad when he looked at the date too...why? Because is was Jubalee's Birthday and after yesterday, it kinda fucked him up!

"OOH MY....DAD! DAD!" Michael exclaimed, running shirtless around the house, looking for Joseph. "Michael, SHUT UP! I'M TRYING TO WATCH MY SOAPS!" LaToya exclaimed from her room. "DON'T TALK TO MY BROTHER LIKE THAT YOU PLAYBOY BUNNY!" Janet yelled from her room. "YOU SHUT UP LATOYA UNLESS YOU WANT A SURPRISE IN YOUR BED TONIGHT!" Michael fussed back. "WHAT IS THE FREAKING PROBLEM WITH Y'ALL?!" Randy chimed in. "UGH! SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!" Rebbie yelled. "Hey man, Amina's trying to sleep!" Tito fussed. Jermaine walked out of his room and laughed. "Y'all crazy. I'm outta here." He said, walking out the door, making his daily round to the hospital to see Bernice. "HEY! Y'ALL CALM IT DOWN IN THERE! Michael, I'm in my room boy, what wrong witchu? Starting shit!" Joseph asked. Michael ran in and jumped on Joseph.

"BOY WHA-..." "DAD! CAN YOU PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE ME TO THE MALL?! TODAY IS JUBALEE'S BIRTHDAY AND I NEED TO GET HER SOMETHING BEFORE I SEE HER TODAY! PLEASE DAD?!" He begged. Joseph stood up and peeled Michael off of him. "Alright, alright! Calm down...shit. You fucking this girl too or something?" Joseph asked. Michael crossed his arms and scoffed. Katherine, who was in the bathroom, heard Joseph. "JOSEPH, QUIT TAUNTING THE BOY AND TAKE HIM TO THE MALL!" She fussed. Joseph laughed and rubbed Michael's head. "Ahhh Katherine, I'm just playing with the boy! Yeah, I'll take you to the mall Mike. Go put a shirt on that bird ass body boy and meet me at the car." He said, sliding on his shoes. Michael rolled his eyes, trying not to laugh at Joseph's comment. "Jubalee likes it." He mumbled and went to find a shirt to put on...

*Jubalee's POV*

*

*

*

Sitting in my room. Not even sure what is going on with my life right now. I told Jasmine people were gonna believe it! All damn morning...besides some Happy Birthday post...people have been blowing my wall the fuck up! Some are nice, some are questioning me...others are fucking rude. It got so bad I just deleted my damn app! Imagine how it's gonna be Monday! And Michael...I haven't heard from his ass! Today is my birthday for crying out loud! Ugh. I guess I'll see him tonight at the cookout and I'll curse him out then. Man, I wish Bernice was here! Mommy said they won't release her until next week, so she's gonna miss the cookout! Her birthday is next Thursday so hopefully, she'll be out for her own cookout! Maybe I should call Michael to see what the hell his problem is...

*Michael's POV*

*

*

*

After damn near creating a war between my siblings and I, I'm finally at the mall. It's hard shopping for women man. I swear. So far, I've got me and her a matching outfit, a 'who's Bad' varsity jacket, some Victoria Secret Perfume and lotion, a necklace with earrings and a ring to match, two dresses and hella balloons. I still don't think this is enough though! I don't know...Wait! I know Jubalee likes Puppies. Pomeranian's to be exact...Oh shit...I'm on to someth-...*Phone rings* "Hey Kitten!...Good and you?...Am I forgetting something? No, not that I know of babe Why would you-...Hello? Helllooo?" *Hangs up* I had to act like I forgot or else my plan wouldn't work! Sorry Kitten. You'll forgive me tonight at your cookout. DAD! We need to go to the pet shop then I'll leave you alone...