Fly Away (Michael Jackson)

seven

His voice was echoing through the halls as he finished up all the arrangements for us to ride in a private plane on our way to California. I smiled and stared at my suitcases, thinking about the stories we could tell when we're well into our seventies in age. Never in my life would I have imagined that things would turn out this way.

"Let's go, Bon." He ushered me outside with the car already waiting for us. Michael took my bags and shoved them in the trunk, and helped the chauffeur load his own suitcases as well. I sat in the car and exhaled loudly. I whispered to myself about the hopes and dreams I wanted to fulfill out there, with Michael.

These past few days made me realize my actual feelings for him. I had never seen him like that before but he's showed me, in the short time we've been together, how much of a man he is now. It's not even his body or image that convinced me I was in love with him. The way he talked about his life, and family, was so endearing and sweet. His love for the people of the world and maintaining peace is what makes my heart melt. It wasn't until later that I started to stare at his physical features with desire. The crevices and creases of his arms, had me controlling myself from swooning in his presence. Michael Jackson's smile. Its golden, it's beautiful, it's taken my world by storm. I must sound insane, but how Michael doesn't have a wife is beyond me. Or it could be me; just a thought.

When we were younger, I knew about Michael's crush on me, thanks to his sisters. At the time I cringed and didn't think about it any further, because I wasn't going to let it affect our friendship. So I stayed quiet. Never mentioned it, or let him know I knew.

But it's been so long - it's probably gone and he probably doesn't actually still feel that way about me.

The entire flight I slept, and so did he. Michael's afraid of planes; sleeping helps him escape. I, personally, don't have an issue with airplanes, but my eyes felt so heavy as I thought about everything that zoomed through my head. I just needed to shut my eyes for a while and take a break from my inner thoughts

•••

We had finally made it to his home that he had been talking up the entire drive from the airport. And I don't blame him. The trees and life that hovered over the road were gorgeous. and completely represented Michael. My eyes were in heaven while I looked out the window. As we drove down the driveway, I was left completely in awe of all of my surroundings, that I hadn't noticed the car stopping. Michael had already gotten out, and was appreciating his mansion.

"Madam," He put out his hand to help me out.

When I finally got back to earth, I turned to him, "Oh, thank you." and I reached for his hand for balance because I couldn't feel my legs.

He laughed as he noticed my astonishment. "You like it?" he asked with a smile.

I looked towards him, "Words cannot describe my feelings of it."

He smirked. "It's not finished. Believe it or not, it's still under tons of renovation."

"What's there to finish? It's absolutely beautiful!" I paused and turned in a circle, "Is this all really yours?" I sounded like a kid in a candy store.

"Yup." His smile was 'loud and proud'.

We walked around the perimeter. I had no idea how he could really own all of it!

Michael continued to show me around the place and his future plans for the place. A pool, amusement park, along with a mini zoo with exotic animals. It was totally extravagant. Something I could never possibly imagine myself. He's just so creative and perfect in his mind - it's unreal.

He looked at his home one last time and squinted his eyes to block the sunlight. "The kids would love it," He said to himself

I paused and looked to him, "Kids?" It took everything in me not to show my surprise. I'm relieved he didn't notice how hard I gasped. I was very shocked I almost choked. He has kids? Maybe step kids? Secretly married? I think I made a horrible mistake.

He smiled, "Well yes!" he laughed.  "Just kids who couldn't afford to go to a regular amusement park, or are too sick and have numbered days. They can all come here to play. Play as if they were actually in Neverland." He paused in sympathy for the idea of kids who actually go through that. Selfishly, my heart flew back to being relieved, but I was amazed at how big and generous his heart is. At this point in time, I was so emotional, I couldn't help myself. I practically pulled him into me, giving a tight hug. "You are so sweet."

He was shocked and surprised at my sudden actions, "Thank you."

Once we made our second round around the whole thing, he heard someone call his name.

"Michael! Michael!" A lady in a blue maid outfit was running towards him.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"Your mother... called...she's on the phone..." she was out of breath, and before she could say another word, Michael stopped her.

"Okay, thank you." he put his hand on her shoulder, "Now go drink some water, take a break, and get your breath back okay?"

"Yes, Michael.....thank you ....very much." and she walked off to go get some water - and air. Michael walked off too, leaving me confused as to where I'm going next.

"Hey! Are you coming or what?" He laughed and gestured his arm in his direction. I ran towards him and felt a little embarrassed. He grabbed a land-line and answered, "Hello?" He nodded his head most of the time. A couple "Okay"s and "Really?"s.  "Okay! We'll be there! Bye!" He hung up the phone and turned to me with joy.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Katherine knows you're here and wants you to come over!" he smiled.

"Yeah that sounds great! Let's go!" I answered with no hesitation.

My extended family I had almost forgotten about. This place was all too much for me that I forgot about the people who kept me strong while my best friend went on to live his life. Seeing them would be surreal. I grew up with them. I'm only afraid that I won't live up to their expectations of me.

(EDITED July 2, 2019)