Pernicious

|Chapter 5|

Naya's Perspective:
Jackson Family Compound
February 3, 1986

I walk outside to get some fresh air. I didn't want to be held inside all day. Things got kind of lonely around here when no one was around with the kids at preschool and Michael at the recording studio.

I wondered what was up with Michael. He hasn't wanted to do anything with me lately. He really doesn't kiss me, he doesn't hold me in his arms anymore, and I don't even remember the last time we made love. It was beginning to take a toll on me.

I went over to a grassy spot and laid down. I began to look up at the clouds and relax. I loved to just be around nature. I lift up my hand and start playing with my engagement and wedding ring. Gosh what beautiful rings they were. Given to me by a beautiful man.

I loved him so much. I have been truly blessed.

Hearing footsteps behind me, I push myself up and look behind to see what was there.

It was Michael approaching me. That was a little odd, he wasn't supposed to be home yet.

"You're home early." I said standing up.

"Yeah, I told Q I really wasn't feeling it today." He said looking down at his feet.

"Why is that?" I ask, attempting to embrace him. He gently pulls away. I looked into his deep brown eyes and could tell he felt hurt. What was bothering him?

"Naya, we need to talk." He says sternly.

It was a little breezy out today and I could feel my hair blow past my face.

"Talk? Talk about what?" I cocked my head sideways in total confusion.

"Us." He answered.

"Michael quit foolin' around! What is going on?" I asked starting to get upset.

"Quit fooling around? Quit stealing my money! Is this really why you married me? Just so you could take my money and run?" He snaps.

I drop my mouth in shock. He thought I was taking his money? I wasn't!

"I haven't been stealing your money! Why do you think I would do such a thing?" I asked hurt.

"Well I was notified about missing money, so I decided to do some investigating. I found out about a month ago that the money was traced back to you! Naya why would you do such a thing?" He asked at a loss.

"Michael why didn't you come to me about this right away? This must have been a mistake or a set up! I don't want your money!" I said on the brink of tears.

He started shaking his head. I could tell he lost his trust for me. He wouldn't even give me a chance to give some sort of explanation.

"I knew I should have listened to my family. They thought you were bad news to begin with. Now I can see that you're just like any other money hungry girl! Just some damn gold digger!" He shouted at me.

Oh no. I'm not putting up with this. I quickly change my expression to an angry one and stick up for myself.

"Michael Jackson! I've done everything for you! I've stuck up for you, I've cooked for you, I've cleaned for you, I've given you two beautiful children, and I loved and still love you unconditionally and this is the thanks I get?" I used my fingers to list out what I've done for him.

"I thought you loved and trusted me! I guess I was wrong!" I finished.

I went up to him and shoved him. The push caught him off balance and only made him angrier.

"That is it, Naya! I've had it! We are done!" He hollered.

Done? As in divorce? No! I can't go on without him. What about the kids?

My tone suddenly switched from enraged to distressed.

"Done?" I asked more quietly. Michael kept his hateful attitude.

"Yes! I am so through with you!" He said throwing his arms up.

"You don't want to work this out at all?" I suggested.

"Start packing your bags, Naya." He said walking away.

I could feel a hole being dug into my chest. It astonished me that such a beautiful day could change so fast. I lost control in my knees and fell over.

Tears gathered to my eyes and I began to wail. All of my tears fell onto the grass below my eyes.

How could you do this to me? I hate you! I thought you cared about me and my well-being!

I feel so lonely. What am I going to do?

Present Day

My eyes flew open in an instant. I woke up in a cold sweat with tears running down my face.

I had that nightmare again? I hated that the past repeated itself.

I shot out of bed and walked in the bathroom. I went up to the sink and poured some cold water on my face. When I was finished, I walked back into the bedroom. I noticed I had waken up Nadia.

"Mommy, are you okay? Your eyes are very red." She said with a sad face.

"Yes I am sweetie, it's nothing. Let's go back to bed."

"Mommy? That Tatiana girl says she loves Daddy. Will her and Daddy get married?"

I felt a pain in my gut. I remembered what Tatiana said to me only hours ago.

"Well honey, that is for them to decide. I don't think that is the type of girl for your Daddy." I answered the best way I could think of in that moment.

Would Michael marry Tatiana?

"Does that mean Daddy doesn't love you anymore?" She asked a little hurt.

I pulled her into my arms.

"Oh Nadia. Mommy and Daddy do not love each other anymore, but that doesn't change our love towards you and your brother. All we want you to do is be happy and loved. I thank your Daddy and God for giving me two little lovable companions every day. I promise you this."

Was I still in love with Michael?

Even though she still had a somber look on her face, I could tell that Nadia got the message. We nuzzled up next to each other and went back to sleep.

"I love you, Mommy." She said right before I fell asleep.

"I love you more, Nadia." I said finally drifting off to sleep.

To be continued

A/N: Hey readers! Sorry for a shorter than usual chapter. I just had sort of a crappy day and decided that doing a little writing would make me feel a little better! I promise I'll continue on with the story next time! At least now you know a little bit of the backstory! Thank you for reading! Please vote and comment!

~luna❤️