He Saved Me

Chp 42

Michael's POV
It's been a week since the success party for my album. We're finally settled back into our normal routine. As normal as it can possibly get. There's people camping outside the Neverland gates, helicopters flying above my house, just to get a glimpse of me or my children. Going out anywhere is a nightmare at this point. It always was, but now its worse than ever. It's like all of it has multiplied.
I tried taking Mia to a toy store yesterday. it ended with Mia getting too scared by the screaming, pulling, and flashing. It was too much for her. She cried the whole time we were at the store. We just ended up leaving. I chose a doll quickly that I hoped Mia might like and left. "Why do they pull?" she asked in the car.
"Did they hurt you babygirl?" I asked concerned. I had no idea she got hurt in that chaos. The paparazzi never understand boundaries.
"Some lady screaming your name pulled on my arm and said hi to me," she explained. I love my fans but sometimes, they forget how to act in all the excitement. I took a deep breath and tried to console my little girl.
"They're fans sweetheart. My fans. They mean well. I don't think she meant to hurt you. She just got very excited to see me. They love me and my music, they even love you and your siblings. Don't worry, next time I'll keep a better grip on you. I'm not gonna let anyone get to you," I smiled while poking her nose. She cracked a small smile.
I hate that my children have to suffer because of my fame at times. They didn't ask for any of this. When my older 3 were growing up, I used to hate the fact that I couldn't just take them to a park and play with them. Or take them out without getting mobbed. I had to hide their faces to keep them safe, so when they went out with nannies and security only, no one would recognize them.
But that changed as they got older. I couldn't hide them forever. Paris wanted to venture out and do things, like modeling and acting. Prince wanted to go to college. Blanket wouldn't understand why covering his face was necessary if his siblings didn't have to. So I stopped with him too. They don't necessarily hound them like they do when they go out with me. With Mia, it's been a media frenzy. Everyday I see something on the news about her. Usually it's something negative, about her past home or some lie about my parenting. I'm trying my best to keep her away from all that.
I was sitting in my office, going over some documents. I am so tired of the same shit. I'm tired of work. I did what I had to do for that record, and now I'm done. I am so done with all of this. I think it's high time I take that vacation. My kids and I need a break from the states. I called my manager, hoping he could set something up for me. "Something in Europe or Africa sounds good. I want somewhere they can do activities, but also learn. I'm bringing Blanket and Mia's tutors too, so figure out all the visa stuff with them please. Ok.. yes thank you. Bye." I said as I hung up.
     I see Prince and Blanket waiting at the door for me to finish that phone call. "Come in boys," I said. They both came in looking angry. "Is everything okay? Why do you two look so upset?" I asked.
"Dad, it's Mia," Prince said.
"What about her? Is she okay??" I asked getting up from my chair. I really thought something happened to her.
"Dad she's fine. She's just annoying!" Blanket responded huffing. I couldn't help but chuckle at his comment. I used to feel the same way about Janet when I was little. I would complain to Mother every chance I got.
"Don't say that Blanket. She's your sister," I said chuckling.
"Dad it's not funny!" he said.
"Ok ok, sit down. Tell me what happened," I respond. My boys plopped down on the couch near my desk and looked exhausted.
"Dad you need to talk to her," Prince started.
"Why are you guys beating around the bush?" What exactly did she do?" I asked.
"Everything! She's always starting a fight. She wants everything her way. The other day she kicked me because I ate the last cookie. And then another time, she pulled Paris's hair because, Paris was on the phone and wasn't giving her attention," Prince complained.
"Okay so why didn't you guys tell me when it happened?" I asked. I know how Mia gets when she's angry. But telling on her now just seems like they're doing it out of spite.
"Because you let her get away with everything Dad," Blanket pointed out.
"That's not true Blanket. That girl is on punishment every other day," I chuckled. It's true, Mia literally finds a way to get herself into trouble every single day. Sometimes I don't even know what to choose to lecture her on.
"No Dad, that's what you think. You never yell or punish her the way you did with us. She's an angel when you're around. But when you're not there, she can get very mean," Prince chimed in.
"So what did she do right now?" I inquired.
"Prince, Mia, and I were playing video games, and she was losing so we were teasing her a bit. But nothing crazy," Blanket explained. "After trying a bunch of times, she still couldn't get the hang of it. I laughed at her and she threw the controller at my head."
"Oh god..." I said. Mia doesn't handle her anger well. I've seen it many times but I really thought we were making progress now. I rubbed my temples, worrying about her. "She's still going through a transition..." I began.
"See Dad! You're making excuses for her!" Prince exclaimed frustrated.
"Son, I'm not I'm just saying that..." I started but Prince beat me to it.
"No Dad, if this was us you would've punished us for weeks! Maybe even spanked us. This is like dealing with 'little Paris' all over again! You used to do the same thing with Paris when she was little. You never disciplined her. She could say or do whatever she wanted!" Prince complained. I understand where my boys are coming from. I always had a soft spot for my little girl, I was strict but soft. I still am at times. Now with Mia, I've gotten even softer, mainly because I know how fragile she really is.
"Ok I'll talk to her. But please try to be nice to Mia. She's a lot younger than you both. Don't tease her, you know she's sensitive. It's not nice," I explained.
"Fine, but you need to do something about her Dad. It's embarrassing when my friends come over. She creates havoc when you're not there. And we can't even fight with her because she's a kid," Blanket said exasperated.
I nod my head, letting them know I'll do something about it. My boys left my office, leaving me with my thoughts. I know I'm a softie when it comes to Mia. But it's because I've seen what her old family did to her. I'm the one who has to change her bandages every night and look at those bruises. I'm the one who has to hold her crying, shaking body in the middle of the night after a nightmare. Her mom fucked her up bad. She resorts to kicking, screaming, slapping, and throwing... because that's all she's ever experienced before I came across her life.
I can't expect a few short months with me, to change her entire personality. She needs to learn that slowly. But my kids aren't as patient as me. I try my best to discipline her and set her straight when I feel it's needed. But when I look at her tear filled eyes, all I see is pain. She's hurt. I can't bring myself to punish her at times, I just melt. Also, at the end of the day, Mia is my baby girl. She's my last baby. You don't know what that's like till you have your own kids...