A Selfish Kind Of Love

Welcome Home.. Audrey??

~Michael's POV

As my days become more and more limited in this rehab center, I found myself in a much happier place. I was ready to go home.

Walking through the small lobby I hear one of my group therapy members, Audrey, on the phone.

"No you can't let them do that. I'm getting help... I'm here aren't I? Well where am I gonna go?! My son can't stay with his aunt forever he needs me.. Fine, I'll figure it out when I get outta here." She slams the phone down and sits slowly crying.

"Audrey, is everything alright?" I ask, I know she wasn't too keen on talking to me, but with me feeling better about things, I wanted to make everyone happy.

"My son.." She sniffles. "They're taking my house, and apart of my parole is having a place to live after rehab. If I don't, they're gonna take my kid." She cries. "I can't lose Malik. He's my whole world."

I felt so bad for her. I couldn't imagine having my child taken from me, especially if I'm working on being better for her. I take a deep breath, "I'm really sorry about that.. Look, I have a guest house you and your son are more than welcome to stay in until you get back on your feet.."

"No thanks. I want don't want to depend on anyone. I want my son to depend on me."

"Audrey, I have plenty of room, Malik will love it, you'll love it. Just let me help you.."

She cries, "I just can't."

"Look, I'm gonna be leaving here soon, but whenever you get outta here. The offer still stands." I pat her shoulder before leaving to my room.

Rayne would hate to see anyone in that situation so I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

***

"So Michael, how have you been feeling?" My therapist asks.

"I've never been better, my mind is completely clear. I'm happy.. I just can't wait to get home and see my family." I smile.

"How's your sleep pattern?"

"Great! I've been sleeping every night. Even taking naps in between. I actually feel a little lazy." I chuckle.

"You said in your last group meeting that you know what you have to do.. For your wife and your daughter. What's that?"

"The reason I'm even here is because I allowed myself to think that I'm not taking care of my family, like I'm running out on them. But I have to do tours and albums to take care of them. Everything I do will affect the future of my daughter. I wanna be a better dad than my father was to me. I promised her that."

"You've accomplished a lot in the past two months. The way I see it, you're ready to go."

I couldn't hide my broad smile. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, I've already set up your discharge papers, by tomorrow night you'll be home and comfortable! I knew you could do it."

"Thank you." I grin.

***
The next afternoon Leroy and I pull into Neverland. Rayne had no clue I was coming home, I had told her another week. It felt so good to come back into something that is all my own. I missed home. I peeked my head inside the house quietly.

"Hello?" I echo through the house.

"Who's there?" Rayne says before she gasps. "Michael!! What are you doing home so early!" She hugs me tightly, kissing me.

"The therapist said I was ready." I hug her back, "I missed you baby."

"You have no clue how much I missed you!" She giggles, squeezing my cheeks. "Come on come see Camille." She grins, grabbing my arm and tugging me through the house.