Real Love (Book I)

Chapter 16

Heartbreak Hotel

~ November 28, 1993 ~ 

So, it's been 2 weeks since Michael got home from his Dangerous tour, which was very amazing by the way, and things have been strange. To start off, immediately upon arrival, Michael called Jalice so that they could do the DNA test and the results were... he is the father. Yes, my ex-best friend and my boyfriend have a child together. Talk about awkward, but, I promised Michael I would stay around no matter what, so here I am. When Michael found out, he looked upset for a minute but as soon as he seen the baby, he became overwhelmed with happiness. The baby's name is Nari-Katherine Jackson, she's 10 months old now, and was born January 7th. I have to admit, she's adorable and looks just like Michael. But, here's what makes me say things are strange. Michael loves kids so you would think he'd want to spend almost every moment with his daughter but, he hasn't really been around. I mean, he spends time with her but eventually he randomly leaves the house and I'm the one looking after Nari. There's been a pattern of him getting a phone call, leaving the house around noon, and then not returning home until six in the evening. I don't understand what's going on and I refuse to jump to any conclusions.

As of right now, I'm once again babysitting Nari while Michael is out doing whatever he's doing.

"So, what do ya say Nari, chicken and gravy or macaroni and cheese with vegetables?", I ask as I sit the baby food containers in front of her on her highchair.

At first she just stares at me as if to let me know that she doesn't understand a word I'm saying, but after a few seconds, she reaches for one of the containers.

"Hm, chicken and gravy. I don't blame ya kid. Mac and cheese mixed with veggies doesn't sound good to me either", I laugh.

I open the container and began to feed her when suddenly the phone started ringing behind me.

I answer the phone and continue feeding Nari.

"Hello?", I say.

"Aaliyah, this is Ginuwine."

I scoff.

"What are you doing calling this house again? I told you stop calling a long time ago", I say calmly but with a stern tone.

"Listen, I know what you said but I really want to talk to you. Just please listen to what I have to say and I promise I'll stop calling after this", he pleads.

"Fine. What is it?", I ask.

"First, I apologize for hurting you in the past. I don't know what I was thinking at the time, but I do know that I loved you and I messed up what could've been a great thing. I need your forgiveness."

"I forgave you a long time ago Ginuwine. I don't hold any grudges but I'll never forget what you did and how it made me feel. We can't have any type of relationship, not even as friends", I inform him.

"I understand that... and there's something else I want to tell you that I think you just might wanna hear."

"Ok, go on", I respond.

I hear him take a deep breath.

"A friend of mine told me that they heard from an inside source, someone from Michael's camp, that Michael has been messing around with one of the girls from his tour."

"Are you kidding me? I almost believed your little apology but it was just a build up before your new attempt to try to make me leave Michael. Wow", I respond dryly.

"Listen, I'm not lying to you this time. I promise, a friend of mine really told me that. I just thought you should kn-"

Before he could finish his sentence I hang up.