Stay the Night

Chapter 6

November 1st, 2001

Michael was up early with the girls to prepare for Mariah's arrival later that day. He was glad to finally have his wife back at home so he could spend some quality time with his family before heading off to start his tour. After they finished breakfast, Michael assembled his three daughters in the kitchen for a valuable lesson in responsibility.

"Daddy, why I have to sweep?" Nicole asked, snot glistening above her upper lip.

Michael took a folded tissue out of his pocket and ran it over her face.

"Because it's good manners. Plus, your baby brother is coming home."

"Baby brother?" Elizabeth asked. "Where baby brother?"

"Remember the baby inside Mommy?" He started.

"Is that baby still there?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, he's born."

Noelle held her hand out. "Like me?"

Michael picked her up. "Yes, like you. And Nicki and Lizzie. His name is Carey."

Nicole furrowed her eyebrows. "Carey?"

"Yes."

"When I'ma see Carey?" Elizabeth asked.

"In a few weeks, which is why you have to clean."

"Aw man, I'm not ready!" Noelle exclaimed.

Michael pulled away from her. "Why are you not ready?"

Noelle grabbed her own cheeks. Then Michael's.

Michael smiled. "What, Noni?"

"Nothin."

Michael gave her a kiss.

"'Nothin." He mimicked, before placing her back down on the floor.

"Is Mommy coming?" Nicole asked, her finger glued to her lip.

"Yes."

Nicole prompted her father again. "Do Mommy feel better?"

"Nicki, use your big girl words."

"That's my big girl words." She reassured.

Michael frowned. "You know what- Yes, Mommy feels better."

"I went to Noah house and his mommy ask me if I want cake and I said: 'yes, for my mommy'." Noelle interrupted.

Michael raised a curious eyebrow. "Noni, say that again."

"That again." She parroted.

Michael suppressed an eyeroll. "I meant the thing about eating cake with Noah, baby."

"Oh, I said my Mommy want some cake."

Michael squatted down to her level--Nicole and Elizabeth standing on either side. "Do you three wanna make Mommy a cake?"

"Oh boy, do I!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Michael fell back on his butt, laughing.

"What?" Elizabeth asked, a knowing smile creeping on her face.

"You are so cute, Donut."

"I wanna make a picture!" Nicole shouted.

Michael nodded. "We can do both."

"I wanna make a picture too!" Noelle added.

Michael stood up off the floor. "Well how about this, before we do anything, you three finish your chores."