Forever and a Half || Michael Jackson

Chapter One - Little Less Carefree Now

So, here you go guys. The new story you wanted. This story is somewhat more sophisticated than my previous stories, so I hope that doesn't put you off. The beginning words will make sense later on in the story. Enjoy!

Forever And A Half – started October 20, 2015.

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Chapter one – Little Less Carefree, Now

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"Forever and a half ... "

I glance down at him, realising he has fallen into a deep sleep ...

... Sleeping soundly.

Drifting into a world where dreams come true, and there is no pain to hold you back.

A place where everyone has joy and laughter, and togetherness and wonderment rules over hurt and despair.

A place that he currently lives, but I must wait for.

* * *

-The summer of 1987-

I run through the fields with childish glee, allowing my hair to blow freely in the summer breeze as I move. Nothing can hurt me in this moment; I am carefree and enjoying freedom.

Aged twenty-five, I have nearly all that I need in life. I've finished college, but still don't have a job, due to lack of inspiration on what to do with my life. However, I'm able to get by, as my mother passed away just seven months ago, and left me all she owned. Father lives on his own not far from here, but he already has his fair share of possessions.

I come to a sudden stop when I hear a distant call. It's pretty far off into the distance, as I can only just hear it.

... But I can hear it.

I decide to follow the sound, walking through the fields slightly breathlessly, due to the amount of running I've just done. Trudging through the overgrown grass in my simple sandals, I repeatedly hear the cries – which have a certain brittle quality, but are easily recognisable as a man.

Remaining still for a brief moment to catch my breath and find my bearings, the cries are still ringing in my eardrums, growing ever-louder with every step I take. I shield my eyes from the sun and scan my surroundings. Most of it is just fields, but in the near distance I can see a gathering of trees which lead to the countryside roads.

I look down at the ground and see a pathway through the grass, created from an excess of people walking down the same route. I follow it, leading myself quickly to the trees, and I finally see the road and pavement more clearer.

The calls, on the other hand, are almost deafening, now.

"Hello?" I call, a certain level of uncertainty in my tone.

The cries immediately stop, and I half-lid my eyes and shield them with my hands to see someone sitting on the edge of the curb, head in hands and bowed down.

I approach him cautiously, feeling a little more nervous with each step I take.

"E-Excuse me," I breathe.

The person lifts their head and looks at me, and I feel my nerves disappear instantly. This man is unlike anyone I've seen before – his deep, brown doe eyes are connected to mine, his caramel skin sweating in the summer heat, and his shoulder-length black curls pulled partially back into a messy ponytail.

"S-Sorry to disturb you, sir, but ... what seems to be the matter?" I ask.

I notice tears in his eyes, and one slowly trickles down his face, before falling onto the gravel road beneath him.