A Million Way's To Love You™∽For All Time∽♥Book 5

∽Chapter 27∽

*Marilyn's Point Of View*

"Mom, where is dad?", Jasmine asks for the third time this morning. I sigh, glancing around the studio. "I don't know. He went to the bathroom.", She rolls her eyes, unpleased by Michael's tardiness. I think everyone is feeling the exact, same way. I glance over my shoulder where David and Brandon were waiting impatiently for a photo session with Michael.

Michael has been gone for almost fifteen minutes now and I haven't heard a word from Bill either. I would like to think those two are off joking around. I have my finger's crossed they aren't down each other's throat, again. Finally growing impatient myself, I stand from my stool and walk over to Rafael, who was standing at attention, near the left wing of the studio.

"Hey Rafael, May you watch the kid's? I need to check on something.", He nods then gives me concerning look. "Is everything okay Misses Jay?", I flash him an contempt smile. "Yes. Just peachy.", He chuckles, satisfied with my answer.

"Well okay then, I'll check Darrel and see if Lady peaches is okay then I'll calm the kid's down.",-"Thank-you so much Rafael.", He blushes, swatting his hand in the air nonchalantly. "It's fine Misses Jay. Now go and take care of whatever. Darrel and I got this.", I giggle.

"Okay. I'll be right back.", He nods one last time before I turn away from him. Now that, that is handled I need to find Michael and Bill. Slowly walking down the hall's of this rather large studio, I scan every room and open space for the two men. Of course, no luck. Not wanting to cause a scene or commotion, I walk towards the bathroom; the supposedly last place Michael said he would be.

I scan my surroundings once I approached the men's bathroom. Seeing no witnesses, I open the door and walk in. There's six stalls and one handicap stall. All stalls are opened; excluding the handicapped stall. I silently pray that Michael is in that stall and nothing's wrong. I hear mumbling coming from that stall.

Walking closer, the mumbling becomes audible, self conflicted scowls. I know the voice and I'm glad to hear it. "Michael?", I call, inching closer. The scowls quickly falls silent. I sigh stepping up to the stall door. "Michael, Papa please come out. Are you okay?", The other side of the stall door remains silent. I inhale, quickly regretting it because this bathroom smells like stale urine and terrible musk.

I clench the bridge of my nose in an odd attempt to decimate the fowl stench. "Papa... It stinks in here. Please come out.", I whine, still clenching onto my nose. "I don't feel good...", He finally replies. "What? Are you hurting?, Can I come in?", I ask urgently. There's another long silence before the stall door opens. What is revealed behind it, sent chills down my spine. Michael is pale.

His face seemed like all life was drawn from it. He also had bags under his eyes. I don't even know what to say. I don't even know how I could have overlooked his sickly appearance. "I know it's bad mama... Don't hate me. Please.", He wince, tears threatening his eyes. I step up to him. "It's the prescriptions. You are still taking them?", I ask, knowing the truth. He hangs his head lowly.

"Yes. This was the last time. I swear.", I shake my head. "Why Michael? You said you were going to talk to a therapist.",-"I will.", He says, glancing at me again. "I know I need help. I'm going to get it. Just don't hate me. I need you on my side.", He pleads, taking my hand's. I avoid his almond eyes. I can't look into them right now.

"Michael you promised. You're hurting yourself! I don't want to be a widow! You have children dammit! Stop doing this to your family, our family.", I wince, still battling my tears. Michael frowns, reaching to wipe away the escaping tears. "I love you mama. I love our family. I promise I'll get better.", He whispers, caressing my hands with his thumbs.