Streets of Gold - A Michael Jackson Story

Chapter 41 - Once Bitten, Twice Shy

--- WARNING!!! This chapter contains some sexually explicit references. Proceed with caution. ---

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Yonela

Monday August 24th, 1987 - Los Olivos, California

What a crazy weekend it's been...

Life is basically going back to normal now that the ranch has been cleaned up after the wedding. Michael and I spent our entire Sunday opening all the beautiful gifts we received, and placing them in various areas of the house where they will be used. Now that it's Monday, Michael has to get back to his busy work schedule. I glance at the clock on the oven to check the time.

08:46.

"Babe, you really should get going," I say to Michael before standing up to clear his empty plate.

"I'm on my way out," he says before downing the last of his orange juice. "Thanks for the French toast - it was wonderful."

"No problem," I smile. "Now get out of here before you miss that photo session."

"Right," he grins before getting up and grabbing his keys. "Have a good day, okay?"

"Will do," I smile before he gives me a sweet kiss on the lips.

"Love you," he whispers.

"Love you, too," I whisper back. After one more kiss, he rushes off in the direction of the front door. I put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and wipe off the counter top before heading upstairs to fetch my journal and a pen.

* * *

It's just past noon when I hear the doorbell ring from the kitchen. Curious as to who could be here, I put my cheese and tomato sandwich down before hopping off my stool and heading to the door.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am," a delivery man about my age greets politely.

"Afternoon," I greet back with a small smile.

"Delivery for Mrs Jackson?"

"That's me," I say before he hands me a clipboard and pen. I sign the delivery invoice, and then I'm handed a brown envelope. "Thank you."

The young man gives me a friendly smile and wishes me a lovely day before trotting off to make the rest of his deliveries. After closing the door behind me, I make my way back to the kitchen and sit on my stool before studying the envelope carefully. I'm hesitant to open it - the last time an envelope was delivered to me with no stamp or address, it was a picture of Michael and Brooke Shields.

History has a serious thing about repeating itself...

I struggle to finish my food, but when I finally do, I decide to open the envelope and see what's inside.

And there it is - the very thing I feared...

It's happening again.

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Michael

Monday August 24th, 1987 - Los Olivos, California

What a day...

The sun has just gone down when I pull up to the gates of Neverland. Hopefully I haven't missed dinner - I literally haven't eaten anything since lunch. I'm a little confused when I see that Yonela's car is parked outside, but when I see that the lights inside the house are on, I conclude that she might have just come back from the store.

I lock my car and make my way up the steps and through the front door. It's really quiet, which makes me suspect that Yonela might be asleep on the living room couch. It always happens when she's reading a really great book... I head to the living room, but it's empty. When I start towards the kitchen, my nose doesn't pick up any beautiful aromas.