Forever and a Half || Michael Jackson

Chapter Five - Should've Done Yesterday

Chapter five – Should've Done Yesterday

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After dinner, I clear the plates away, and wash them up. I'm so happy that I managed to make Michael happy with the mixed berry pie, because I know how much he misses his family. All this must be so hard for him.

"What would you like to do now, Michael?" I ask him.

"Uh ... gee, I don't know. It's getting quite late, isn't it?"

"It's six o'clock, that's all. You want to do something else to pass the time?"

He fiddles with his fingers at the dinner table, obviously thinking about something we can do. He jerks up suddenly, but then settles again – indicating that he had an idea, but he's not going to suggest it.

"What were you just thinking?" I ask.

He looks up, looking a little embarrassed that I caught his little light bulb moment, and swallows before answering.

"No, nothing ... nothing at all."

"Wow," I smile. "You're a very good liar, I'll give you that."

"Liar?" he chuckles. "I'm not lying."

"That's a lie in itself!"

He laughs softly, showing his beautiful smile again. I love it when he smiles, because it's a sign that he's actually happy with life, even if only for a matter of seconds. He eventually lets his laughter subside, and bites his lip before speaking again.

"Nah ... it's just a silly idea, that's all."

"What is it?" I question.

"Well ... I just kind of wanted to go outside, and ... lie on the grass, looking at the stars. I don't know why, but I feel like it'll make me feel more ... connected to my family."

"That's a beautiful idea, Michael. Do you really want to do that?"

He hesitates in replying verbally, so looks down and nods his head gently, indicating that he does. I join him again at the table, and give him a sympathetic smile.

"Then that's what we'll do."

He returns a shy smile, and gets up out of his chair, before walking over to the kitchen side. He lifts up his fedora, which previously had the berries in, then pauses on the spot.

"Citria ... " he starts.

"Yeah?" I answer.

"Wait ... no, no. Never mind."

"No, tell me," I request.

"I-I don't want you to think me strange. It's okay; it doesn't matter."

"Strange? Michael, anything you do now is not strange to me; it's most likely something I've already done, or have wanted to do myself. Tell me."

"I ... you know, like, if I cry again when we're looking at the stars ... I would just be ... really appreciative if you just ... hugged me. It would comfort me, I guess ... but you can totally say no ... "

I give him a sympathetic glance, and I stand up and walk up to him. I take both his hands in mine, and he shudders slightly at my touch.

"Of course I will, Michael. I've been needing a hug for quite some time, too, so ... it's something we both wish for."

Then, without warning, he pulls me in to a tight hug, wrapping his arms around my waist soothingly. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling the embrace closer together, and I inhale deeply, feeling a certain level of similarity between us both.