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

∽Chapter 49∽

*Michael's Point Of View*

In twenty-four hour's, our lives will change. Justice could be our gift, or a tear could remain in our family. Fingers are crossed for justice, but eye's are daggered at the tear. Whether or not we win or loose, I know I have to be my family's backbone.

Since having that talk with Janet, I honestly feel responsible for all that has happened to our family. Marilyn has reasoned that our trials have contributed to our many outcomes of happiness. I do believe that, but I still wish I could change thing's.

"God, I'm dog tired.", I yawn, stretching in my office chair. I have spent most of my day in my office working on some new material for Demi. She's really excited about her upcoming album Stronger. I'm excited for her. It's the first time she'll be writing her own lyrics; I'm just playing around with vocal and band arrangement ideas.

Retiring my pen onto my desk along with my chicken scratch ideas, I raise my arms towards the ceiling for a nice long stretch. With the trial happening throughout the week and managing our jobs and the kids, Marilyn and I have worn ourselves out. But it's all for a good cause; peace and happiness. I stand from my Burgundy office chair, concluding today's work session.

I close the garnet sheer curtains that draped over my office window and continue on my way out. Once I exit my office, the aroma of sweet herbs and spices enter my nostrils, claiming them as it's victim. I smile to myself, enjoying the aroma as I descend the staircase. Marilyn hasn't cooked a full home meal in awhile now, so my mouth is already watering in anticipation.

The sounds of a giggling toddler and a rowdy thirteen year old, enter my ears as I inch towards the kitchen. "And then Mister Byrd turned completely red! It was too funny!", Dylan exclaims, slapping at his knee. I shake my head already knowing this story; he told it to me twice today. Once before arriving home, and again after we arrived.

Marilyn turns away from the stove to tend to Jordyn, who was making a big mess of her strawberry slices. I watch silently for a few minute before making my presence known. "Hello my good looking, what's cooking?", I ask, slipping behind her while she stood up. Marilyn sighs, slowly walking back over to her pots. I stay close behind her, trying to read her expression.

She remains silent, stirring at her pan full of chicken and bell peppers. My stomach angrily growls before I can investigate further. "She isn't talking.", Dylan mouths to me, once I turn around for a clue. I sigh and turn my attention back on Marilyn, watching her peachy, floral Sundress flow along her body as she fusses with the knobs of the stove and lids of the pots.

"Mama, slow down.", I stress, gently pulling her away from the stove. She sighs then glances up at me. "Sorry. It's just Mister Stiles is coming over and-",-"Wait what?", I ask in a urgent whisper. She turns to Dylan. "Can you finish your homework upstairs? I'll call you and Jasmine down in a few.", She instructs. He nods, jumping up from his seat at the table.

He tugs at his lavender Polo and tan khakis. "Can I get out of this camp uniform please?", He whines. Marilyn tiredly sighs and nods. "Just hurry and take a shower before Mister Stiles arrives.", He snaps his finger's and sprints out of the kitchen. I shake my head and turn back towards Marilyn.

"You know I don't like that man. Why is he coming over?", I grumble. She rolls her eyes and walks over to Jordyn's Disney Princesses, tea table. "Michael... He's working for us. Trying to make sure David goes to jail.", She explains, cleaning Jordyn's face. "He also is a bit too friendly for my taste. I don't like that.", I huff, assisting her in cleaning Jordyn's clothes.

"I'm not talking about this right now, he'll be here any minute.", She exasperates, handing Jordyn to me. "Just take her upstairs and bathe her. Please.", Reluctantly nodding, I carry Jordyn out of the kitchen and proceed towards the stairs. "You're sticky little peaches.", I coo, screwing up my face playfully. Jordyn giggles, grabbing for my nose.