He Saved Me

Chp 22

Michael's POV
     Once we both entered the house, I grabbed on to Paris's arm and turned her around. Startled and in fear, her eyes began to water. Normally that trick would work like a charm on me. "Go upstairs. I don't wanna see you down here for the rest of the night," I said in a hushed-yelling tone.
     "But...." Paris began.
     "Little girl, I don't care how old or famous you get, you live under my roof! You will motherfucking do what I ask u to do!" I yelled louder this time. With my inner Joseph taking over, I tried my hardest to calm down. I don't ever really curse in front of the kids. But I was so furious at this point, I couldn't help it. The fact that Paris not only put her own life, but someone else's life in danger by getting behind the wheel under the influence made me livid.
     Tears streaming down her face, she turned around and made her way towards the staircase. "Be happy I'm not taking your ass to jail myself! And throw those shorts out before I burn them," I warned. She looked at me as I said that, slurring her words and making a face, she finally went up the stairs. I ran my hands through my curls, utterly exhausted. I turn around and see Mia and Emily absolutely stunned. I guess they watched everything that went down.
     "I'm sorry you had to see that" I apologized softly.
     "No it's okay Michael, you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm done here with Mia today anyway. It's getting late. Our next session will be earlier in the day," Emily informed me. "I'll call you at some point tomorrow and discuss my session with her. You could use some rest right now," she said with a smile.
     "Thank you. I appreciate it," I said. She said her goodbyes to Mia, and walked out the front door. I slumped down on the chair next to Mia, hands over my face and tears threatening to come out. Paris has always been my wild child, but I taught my kids to stay away from drugs. They can drink occasionally if they want, but when they're old enough. Not like this. I turned a blind eye when Paris started getting those tattoos. I turned a blind eye when she decided to put herself out there in Hollywood. But I can't ignore this. I could've lost my babygirl tonight.
     "Daddy, are you ok?" Mia's tiny little voice asked. I swallowed my own pain quick and tried to cheer up as much as I can for her.
     "Yes baby, Daddy's just a little upset right now. But I'm ok," I reassured her. I forced a smile and she held my hand, showing me her affection.
     "Is it because of Paris?" she inquired. I checked the time on my watch as I ignored her question.
     "It's getting late babygirl. Time for bed," I said gently.
     "Can I stay up just a little bit longer?" she pleaded.
     "No. It's already past your bedtime. Now get your butt up to your room. I'll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in," I said.
     Mia stared at me with anticipation. I knew what was about to come out of her mouth. I wish I had taken the time to speak to Emily before she left, about the session. Because now, Mia is about to start begging to sleep in my room again.
     "Um-I-um.." she stuttered. "Can I please sleep in your room Daddy?" Mia said with the biggest pout and bambi eyes. How could I say no to that face. Ugh! Plus, if I say no to her tonight, I don't want her going into Paris's room like she usually does. I don't want any of the kids seeing Paris like this.
     "Okay babygirl. Go brush your teeth now. I'll be up soon," I said. As Mia ran up, I sat there wondering what to do about Paris. I don't even know what drugs she's on. I don't know how often she does this. And if the press ever finds out about her little habit, they will tear her down. I can already see the headlines. Wacko Jacko's Daughter's Drug Addiction.
     I warned her about all of this before she signed with her modeling agency. As easy as it was for her to get connections by being my daughter, it'll be just as hard for the press and media to take her seriously. My older 3 aren't oblivious to what I went through for decades because of the media. So I don't understand why she would risk that.
     I finally got up and made my way upstairs. Too tired to even eat at this point. I checked in on my boys, who were playing video games silently. "Guys get ready for bed soon. You both have school in the morning," I reminded them. They nodded their heads and I gave them a goodnight kiss before leaving the room.
     I walked into Paris's room, to find her sprawled out on her bed. I sat down on her bed gently, not wanting to wake her up. I ran my hands through her hair, as I silently sobbed. I couldn't help it. I was losing my little girl. I've been losing her for a while, I just didn't deal with it. Maybe if I had stopped some of her outbursts a few years ago, and showed her just how valuable she is to me, she wouldn't have made decisions like this. I wiped my tears and pulled the blanket on top of her, before exiting her room. Tomorrow will be so much harder when I confront her.

To be continued.