Being with Michael: Part 1 (Book Two)

Chapter Eighteen

It's two days after the press conference.

It didn't start to be a press conference, but with the TV crews there it quickly turned into one.

Michael gets up out of the chair and walks out to the waiting room where the rest of the family is at and says to them, "You all really don't have to stay. I completely understand if you have other things to do. Besides, Lockhart says Paige could be like this for weeks and I really don't want to inconvenience you."

His family refuses, saying they will stay unless they have other responsibilities.

Otherwise, they're staying.

Michael sighs, but he's secretly happy he won't be sitting here alone all the time.

"Well, I should atleast tell the fans outside they can leave," he says before turning to go back to Paige's room.

Michael opens the window and leans out.

Everybody looks up and cheers as he waves to them.

He cups his hands around his mouth and shouts out to them, "I love you all, but it looks like we are going to be here for a couple of weeks and I don't want any of my fans camping out for that long. I'm so grateful for your support and dedication, but it's time to continue on with your own lives."

For a minute, the crowd is silent and nobody budges.

Then, one fan begins singing, "You and I must bring a pact, we must bring salvation back."

A few more join in and continue, "Where there is love, I'll be there."

They reach the chorus and the whole crowd has joined in in singing, "And oh - I'll be there to comfort you, Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you, I'll be there with a love that's strong, I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on - yes I will, yes I will."

Michael stands there with his eyes closed as he listens to the crowd and tears fall down his face.

He joins them on the last part of the chorus, "Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter, Togetherness, well that's all I'm after, Whenever you need me, I'll be there, I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love I respect you, Just call my name and I'll be there."

Michael looks out smiling among the crowd as another fan yells, "We're all here for you, Michael!"

Michael points at the fan and says, "Thank you. I love you more than you could-"

He stops because he hears a loud beeping coming from behind him.

He realizes the sound's coming from Paige's machines as he whips around, heart pounding, and he finds Paige staring at him.