Behind The Mask

Chapter 53

Michael's POV

Explaining Nooki's pregnancy to Manny is no easy task. But it is one that we must do as soon as we're settled in our hotel rooms.

"What do we tell him? I mean, if he asks how it happened?"

"Michael, Manny may surprise you by not asking. Did you ever ask your mom when you were a kid about Janet or Randy when they were in the prenatal stages?"

"Ummm...yeah, I did."

"Did you also request specific details?"

"Yep, I did."

"Because you're Mr. Nosey, that's why!"

I chuckle and reach for her, placing my hand over her tummy once again. I can't believe that my child is in there! The child I've longed for...it's been over 3 years since I've been dreaming and hoping that I would hold my own child in my arms, that my life will be finally complete. And now my dream will come true...

"Nooki, I don't know what words to use to thank you...for making me so happy. I was curious about you at the beginning...your raised my curiosity, but I never imagined it would grow into something so big...so real."

"I know. Sometimes I'm scared...really. I'm scared of losing you. I...I keep remembering how happy I was....before...just like now...And then..."

"Nooki, you will not lose me! On the contrary, you will be a complete part of my life. Sooner that you think. Girl, we're gonna have whatever type of ceremony you want, with our families and friends, but before this weekend is over I want a paper from a justice of peace writing there, black on white, that you're my wife."

"Michael, we can't!"

"Yes, we can, baby. We only need two witnesses. And if you don't want, we don't tell anyone until the ceremony with families and all.... But I am a man of honor, I got you pregnant, I marry you."

"Well, technically, it was the other way round. I got myself pregnant by you."

"Ugh, forget about technicalities! Let's just do it, Nooki! It will be fun."

I honestly have no idea how this happened, but the more I talked, the more I convinced myself that it was the right thing to do. I am Michael Jackson, the man who can never do things like regular people do them. I cannot walk in broad daylight and apply for a marriage license in Los Angeles. I cannot bring my bride to be in a limousine to a church then walk slowly, hand in hand with her, among rice throwing well wishers (and I don't really like the idea of finding rice in my boxers and shoes on the wedding night).

"We're bringing the justice of peace in this room and no one will know a thing", I continue, speaking more to convince myself than Anouk that this is the best solution.

"Michael, my mother must not know that we're disregarding propriety and her own wedding plans. It would hurt her so badly."

"Alright, she won't know."

"You should call your lawyer and prepare a prenup."

"No. I don't want that between us. I tried to dazzle you with my money and it didn't work."

"Fair enough. And you won't dazzle me even after the wedding, either."

"I know that, too. But I will get you a huge diamond ring and you will wear it."

"Michael!"

"Uh-huh, that's not negotiable. I mean it. For all your mom and my mom and everyone else will know, I proposed to you during this weekend and you graciously said yes."