Stay the Night

Chapter 14

May 18th, 2002

Michael was walking up the driveway with Martin Bashir to introduce the journalist to his family. The filming for the documentary was officially starting and Bashir was determined to jump right into the personal side of things.

"This is a lovely property." Martin noted as they grew closer to the front door.

"Thank you."

Though Michael had agreed to allow Bashir to catch his entire life on camera, he still felt a little awkward around the man. It was mostly because he didn't know how he was supposed to act, the idea of vulnerability seemed to evade him.

They stepped into the foyer and the house appeared deserted. Bashir raised an eyebrow as if he were suspicious of something.

"Mimi! We're here!" Michael called.

"We'll be right there!"

A few minutes later, Mariah came strolling in with Carey on her hip and Elizabeth holding her free hand, while Nicole and Noelle calmly walked beside her. The twins were both wearing jeans and Hello Kitty t-shirts--Noelle in white and Nicole in black--while Elizabeth was wearing a pink dress and large white sun hat. Carey was wearing a plaid T-shirt and jeans.

"Here, let me help." Michael said, scooping up Elizabeth.

"Hey, Lizzie."

Elizabeth beamed at him. "Hi Daddy."

Mariah stuck her hand out to shake Bashir's. "Hi, it's nice to meet you."

Bashir nodded. "Nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Jackson."

Michael started introducing his kids to Bashir.

"So these are the twins, Nicole and Noelle." He gestured to each girl. "And this is Elizabeth."

Elizabeth waved. "Hi."

Mariah turned to the twins. "Girls, say hi to Mr. Bashir."

Nicole stood behind Noelle.

"Hi Mr. Bashir." Noelle said.

Bashir chuckled. "Hello there."

"And Mariah is holding Carey."

Elizabeth spoke up again. "My mommy said you're gonna do a mock-mennorie on Daddy."

Mariah chuckled. "I said documentary, baby."

"Oh!" Elizabeth exclaimed, slapping her hand over her forehead.

Michael laughed, shaking his head. "It's okay, Lizzie."

He turned back to Bashir. "So I guess we can start with a tour of our home."

Bashir nodded.

"Sounds good."

Michael and Mariah proceeded to show Bashir around their house. The man didn't really say much, but it was all being caught on tape. After a while, Mariah sent the girls into the playroom with Fallon. The adults were walking through a small hallway when Bashir stopped them.

"I noticed you two had your wedding portrait hanging up in the foyer. Tell me, how long have you two been married?" He inquired.

Michael glanced over at the portrait, it had been hanging up on the wall so long he rarely stopped to look at it anymore.

"We got married in December, so it'll be..." Michael started counting the years in his head. "Six years this year."

Mariah nodded. "December 18th."