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

∽Chapter 37∽

*Marilyn's Point Of View*

"Okay, so I packed you a blanket and your favourite trail mix. Mom even left you her famous strawberry cheese cake...", I rambled, aiding Michael in his unfortunate departure. Giving me a small smile, he thanks me silently.

"Papa don't be sad. Mom is with the kid's back in Florida. And Brandon is in Florida too. And peaches will be safe with me.", I explain, trying to ease his stress. As much as I hate having him leave, I hate seeing him so seldom. "Mommy?", A little voice pitter-patters in from behind me. A wider smile emerges on Michael's face as he watches me scoop up the precious tot.

"Yes peaches?", She glances at Michael with curiosity glued into her soft expression. "Da-da?", Knowing she what her actual question is, I frown then peck her cheek. "Daddy has to leave peaches. He will be back.", I explain. Not quite understanding, she poses her question again. "Da-da?", Michael sighs and walks over to me, taking Jordyn into his arm's.

Squeezing her tightly, he tries to give his best explanation. "Daddy has to go bye bye... But I will say hello in the morning.", He explains in his best baby voice. Growing tired of frustration, Jordyn's lip begins to tremble. "Awe peaches don't cry. Baby don't cry.", I coo, rubbing her back. Michael's face is pained and it's killing me. I know he definitely doesn't want to go.

"Hush little peaches don't you cry... ", He hums sweetly, bouncing her on his hip. Michael isn't much of a singer, but he doesn't have bad vocals. He continues until she is down to barely audible sniffles. "I love you peaches. Daddy love's you so much...", He whispers, holding her closer to his chest. Watching this has my emotions in a spiral.

It's beautiful, so it makes me happy to watch. It's also heartbreaking, making it harder to witness. Once she is completely silent in slumber, Michael carefully passes her to me. "I'm going to go now. Bill has been waiting long enough... ", He whispers painfully. I nod, picking up his fresh luggage with my free hand. Just as he turns to walk out the door, Bill enters.

"You guys need help?", He asks, grabbing a suitcase. "Yeah. thanks Bill.", Michael answer's, walking out the door. "How are you holding up?", Bill asks as we walk outside into our driveway. "I'm okay I-",-"Hey Michael? Michael? I've heard you're going back to rehab. Is it true?", A man with a camera and two other buddies asks, snapping picture's.

Michael ignores them, still loading his luggage. "Michael! Michael? How is your love triangle with Demi and Marilyn?", Another one asks. "Hey! Hey! You guys need to vacate the premises or be forcefully moved!", Bill screeches, charging towards them. Jordyn shifts in my arm's, another round of tears beginning. I quickly reenter the house.

I hate those pesky reporter's. They are nothing but garbage. "I can't stand them. Where in the Hel- God she's crying again...", Michael sighs, reentering the house as well. "Da-da No... ", Jordyn wails, squirming out of my hand's. She quickly trots over to Michael, clasping onto his calves desperately. Sighing heavily, Michael kneels down to her level.

"Listen peaches, Daddy will be back. Okay?", She shakes her head disapprovingly. "No. No. Daddy with me. Daddy with me.", She croaks, wrapping her arm's around his neck. Squeezing her gently, he closes his eyes. Unable to control my own emotions, I couldn't help but find myself snuffling as well.

"Mama not you too. Please don't cry.", Michael exhales, standing with Jordyn still very well attached to his neck. I wipe at me eyes. "I'm okay. I'm okay.", I convince myself. God knows it's taking me everything not to cling to him myself. Michael opens his mouth to retort, but Bill storm's back in, slamming the front door behind him.

"Michael if you're going, let's go...", Bill barks, his temple pulsing with an angry vain. Michael glances at Bill then back at me. With a few seconds of silence, he pecks Jordyn's head before answering. "I'm not going. I'm not leaving, not again.", Bill begins to protest, but stops himself. "Okay... I'll grab the stuff later.", He exhales, walking past us.