He Calls Me Harmony

Chapter twenty three: Carousel

Whilst spending the evening with Michael, my mind continued to orbit around the thought of Michael never having a birthday party. Being a Jehovah witness; he cannot celebrate any regulatory holiday. I find it saddening and a bit depressing. Michael sadly did not have a normal childhood. It was seclusion by default. Because he is the child of a retired Steele worker, he was raised on tough love. Besides the little bit of loving gestures from his mother, Michael really never had someone to truly care about him. This brings tears to my eyes. Michael lived his childhood the lonely. I plan on filling that void in his heart. It might take the rest of my life; but I am confided to do so.

Today is the day that Micheal's parents and siblings come to visit. I have the weekend free so I do plan on being there to meet the family formally as a couple. I am a bit tense about it. I haven’t really met his father. If his father is half the man my father is, then I’m in for a ride. I talked to Michael this morning. He wanted to reiterate the fact that I do not need to give him anything for his birthday. I assured him that I would not. I thought I could keep that promise; epic fail. Here I am standing in the mall trying to find something nice for Michael. I have been saving a little of my student earnings for a week now. I want to buy Michael something his has been yearning for. I just hope he will like it. I of course have another gift up my sleeve. I walk through check out with my items. The clerk scans my items before giving me my total. I smile and pay for my items. I grab my bags and say my goodbyes to the clerk thanking him for his service. I stroll down to the nearest bus stop. The whole routine with bus riding is a bit nerve wrecking. That’s why I am saving for a car. It doesn’t matter what kind. I just need better transportation; better yet my own. The bus finally arrives seven minutes later, the bus arrives.  The butterflies in my stomach are uncontrollable. My stomach twists in a tight knot once I arrive at my destination. I thank the bus driver. I waited until the bus disappeared before crossing the street. I spot Michael’s fathers 1987 apple red Cadillac right away. You can do this just walk in and greet them. Of course my conscious is stronger than I. I can say one thing but then do a completely different thing. I continue repeating other self-confidence related affirmations as I continue to walk. When I finally reached his front door I take in a deep breath. I smile and exhale slowly. I could hear his father or mother talking through the door. I softly knock on the door. I step back once the door seemingly opened on its own. I waited for a smiling Michael to appear from behind the door; it was his mother. I look away slightly. I haven’t talked to her ever since I left Indiana. I would tell Michael to send my salutation’s to her through the telephone; I know very cowardly of me. She gives me a warm smile before gesturing for me to come in. I return with a faint smile of my own; so much for trying not to let them see how nervous I am. I slowly enter the small apartment (to get a feel of how small the apartment was picturing this; having ten people in a regular restaurants kitchen). You take one step and you are in the kitchen, bathroom, dining room, or bedroom. In the living room there sat Micheal's eldest brothers; Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Next to them; sitting in the recliner; Micheal's father. Adjacent to him standing up was Michael. There was a lady standing the kitchen; she resembled Katherine. She walked up to me first whilst the others looked to be examining me. “Hi there! I am Latoya, Michael’s older sister”, She exclaimed in a light and bubbly tone. I sheepishly smile. “Hi I-I’m Joya”, She nods approvingly. Jermaine takes his turn in greeting me. "Well hello pretty lady, nice to see you again. Hey are have you sat on key f5 of a keyboard? because your beauty is refreshing." I giggle. I guess this is his way of saying hello to me; cheesy pick-up line. "Jermaine! What have i told you about flirting with anything that breaths and walks?", Katherine scowls at him. He throws his hands up in surrender. I continue giggling. Marlon is next to greet me. "Hey sorry about the last meeting, but i knew you and Micheal's 'friendship' was not going to stay as such", He said smiling lazily. I nod. I guess he is right. Tito taps Marlon's shoulder for him to move aside. Marlon reluctantly obeys. "Hello i'm Toriano, Tito for short", "Nice seeing you again Tito", He smiles pleased by my response. He moves aside for his brother Jackie. "Hello Sigmund", i said teasingly. (I know he hates being called by his first name; Michael told me that). He playfully rolls his eyes. "It's Jackie. Anyways, Hey Joya", He said opening his arms for a hug. I sigh playfully and walk into his embrace. Of all Michael's brothers i think my favourite is Jackie. I have talked to him numerous of times on the phone when i visit Michael. After greeting the siblings i felt a lump form in my throat. Jackie had already moved out of the way revealing the man behind him; Michael's father. He sat slumped back a little on the couch with a grim expression that seemed tainted upon his face; he resembled a grumpy bull dog. Everyone became silent. We all awaited his response. Even Jermaine and Tito who were carelessly playing footsies at the dining table. He glanced around clearly oblivious to the silence and tension brewing. Katherine breaks the silence with a sigh. She walks over to Michael's father. She leans down a little and whispers in his ear. He glances around again until his eyes meet mine. The lump in my throat grows as he stare becomes more intense with wonder. Katherine backs away, retrieving to her original standing position. He stands up and slowly walks towards me. My heart is pounding; i am afraid that if it was any louder they would be able to hear. "I'm Joseph Michael's father", He said extending his hand out for me to shake. I sigh in relief and shake his hand. He lets go of my hand and turns to retrieve his spot on the couch. I glance at Michael; who was smiling from ear to ear. I can finally breathe now.

After chatting and catching up for awhile, I made an announcement to take a trip to Mongli Park. Of course there were whispers of confusion and wonder before Michael walked beside me proclaiming it as an great idea. After shared glances, the rest of his family agreed. I was noted of Janet; Michael's youngest sibling and Rebbie; Micheal's eldest sibling absence. It is apparent that Rebbie; being the eldest, had to care for Janet. I told them it was fine, I will meet them soon enough. Michael was more antsy the usual on the ride to Mongli Park (We rode in the jackson's family van). I would catch glances with him, but once our eyes met, Michael would quickly turn away. I would sigh in frustration. In return, Michael would giggle contempt with my defeat. "Michael tell me, please?", I whined for the millionth time; we are walking around the park (Michael's family disburse once we arrived). Michael shakes his head like a child that was asked to give up their candy. I poke him. "Ouch! What was that for?", I grin slyly. "For keeping secrets", I pouted. He chuckles. I love his laugh; watching his adams apple bobble up and down like a fishing bob. "You will just fine i promise i will make it up to you", I sigh. He glances around at the park, then his eyes light up. His facial expression was like adolescent in a candy store. I giggle. "What is it Michael?", He doesn't respond just grips at my hands and takes off. I stubble behind him like a dog on a leash. "Michael! whay are we running?', I exclaimed as we came to a hault. "I always wanted to ride one of these, ever since i was a child", He whispered. I glance at the Catousel that stood before us. It was beautiful. The soft classical music playing in the backgroud; a soothing sound to anyone's ears. "It is beautiful". Michael nods in agreement. "Lets ride it", "Michael we can't the operator isn't here. "I think i can do it, remeber Joseph is a sort of mechanic", He said in a matter of factly tone. "Michael I don't know..", I whimpered like a small child. Michael chuckles. "Trust me babygirl", He finally whispered in my ear. I glance up at him. "I trust you", I whispered taking his hand. He smiles and walks over to the gears. It was a plethera of several buttons. Michael presses on a small green button. "Okay take my hand and slowly climb on ", Michael said turning to me. I take in a deep breath and nod. I take his hand and follow his instructions. He climbs on after me, and like little children we skip around finding our noble steed (But Michael insisted on getting a carriage to ride together). We sit quietly for what felt like a lifetime. I did not mind the silence. I love moments like this; being alone with Michael. Being with him i seem to learn something new about him (Little did i know about this 'new' thing he had to tell me). Michael breaks the silence. "Harmony?", "Hmm?", I replied leaning on his shoulder. "Remember the day i called you my princess?", I nod. "Vaguely but yes", He takes in a deep breath. I sit up worriedly. "What is it Michael?", He reaches into his pocket. "Well i want you to be my princess officially", My heart stopped for a mere second. Is he asking to marry me? Scared by my response, Michael chuckles nervously. "I know this is soon but there is option to wait. Which i will for as long as you want...", He continued standing up only to kneel down. I gasp covering my mouth as Michael slowly revealed what was in the box; a beautiful diamond pendent engagement ring. "Will you give this prince a chance in being his princess", I giggle as tears flood freely from my face. What if this is all too soon? I hesitated slightly. "Mich-", "Uhh Hello? I am sorry but you are not supposed to mess with the machinery on private property", A man with gray shaggy hair snarled from behind us. I slowly tear my stare away from Michael's. "I'I am sorry sir", I said smiling sheepishly. Michael stands up. "It was my fault sir", He chimed in. The man grunts something. "Is there a problem here?", Jermaine called from afar. He jogs up to the man along with the rest of the family. The operator glares at Michael and I. "These two need to learn to not bother private property", He barked. "Well this is actual public sir", Jermaine said calmly. "Whatever just get off and leave before i report this", Michael and I hop off shamefully. As we walk off i steal glances at Michael. "What were you guys doing on there anyway?", Jermaine questioned raising his brow suspiciously. Michael ignores him. "Talking",I chimed in. Jermaine continues staring at Michael. "Whats up with him?", I sigh. I broke his heart. "I don;t know..", He nods and continues walking. I hope i didn't break his heart...

To Be Continued...