With Michael

Chapter 9 - Worries

18th of April, 1986
Brooklyn is 20, Janet is 19, Michael is 27

Brooklyn: I woke up, feeling a bit light-headed from last night. Talking about my mother with Michael helped reduce the anger towards her.

Feeling a bit disappointed that Michael wasn't next to me right now, I stretched and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face.

I went downstairs, and saw Joseph, Janet and Katherine sitting in the living room.

"Good morning." I said.

"Good morning, honey." Katherine smiled, mentioning for me to come sit down.

"Brooklyn, what are you doing here?" Joseph asked.

"She spent the night here, Joe." Janet answered for me. I smiled at her.

Joseph nodded, looking outside.

"Your father called, Brooke. I told him you were asleep, but he wants to talk to you." Katherine said.

"I'll go talk to him." I said and started walking towards the kitchen.

"Wait for me!" I heard my best friend call. As we walked into the kitchen I sighed and leaned on the counter.

"What the hell happened, Brooke? One second you're happy and the other Michael tells me you cried the entire night. I'm worried about you." Janet told me.

"My mother came back."

~

Janet: "My mother came back." Brooke whispered. I looked at her, not believing what she just said.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"I don't know. Chris said she knows about Michael and I, and now we think she needs something." she said, "And it's my fault she came back."

"How is it your fault, exactly?"

"If I didn't date Michael, maybe she wouldn't have come back."

"That's just not true, Brooke." I mumbled.

"Why else would she come back after seventeen years? To apologize to my father so we could be a happy family again? I don't think so." Brooklyn said.

I sighed. It's not her fault. I can't believe she would even think like that.

"Where's Michael?" she asked.

"He had a meeting to go to. He said he'll be back at three." I answered.

"Call your dad. I'll be in my room." I said, turning away.

~

Michael: Cameras flashed everywhere as we stepped out of the building. Brandon led me to the car and I waved to my fans before getting inside.

"How long is the ride gonna take?" I asked him when he sat across me.

"About an hour, Mike," he answered, "What's up with you today?"

"I just want to get home." I mumbled. Brandon didn't look convinced.

I really didn't want to leave Brooke today, but I didn't have a choice. At least Janet was home with her, so I didn't have to worry too much.

I sighed, and hoped we would get there as soon as possible.

~

The car stopped in front of my parents' house. I quickly got out, thanking Steve and Brandon.

I walked inside, and almost immediately I heard my mother's voice.

"Michael, is that you?" she asked. I walked into the kitchen, and saw her making a cup of tea.