(UNDER EDITING/REWRITING) their friendship blossomed as kids, and evolved into a dramatic and heartwarming story full of twists turns and even lighthearted moments. Bonnie and Michael will bring you to tears with their love story.
And here it is.
So many years had gone by before I could finally find the time to go home and see her. That is, if she's still home... I'm hoping. Hope is all I have, and it's great. You see, there's only one person in this world that hasn't let me down, ever, and it's Bonnie. She's known me since before I could have a memory to recall. I can't ever forget all the great moments and memories we shared. And to be perfectly honest, she's the one who brings back a smile to my face without even trying. The nostalgia that she carries is a warm spot in the mess and irrelevance of superstardom.
Tomorrow's her birthday and I will make it a point to go and see her. I am hoping she is still living in the house I grew up next to. She has never left return addresses on her letters because we were neighbors, and I knew it by heart. But I haven't written anything recently and I can only hope she's still there. If not, I will do everything in my power to find her.
"Ride's here, Mr. Jackson," A tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality after I gazed at what used to be my environment as a kid. Indiana will always live with me.
"Just Michael, sir," I smiled nervously, as the man was large and intimidating.
"Let's rock 'n' roll, Michael, sir." he shut the door and walked up to the front of the limousine, and sped off. I couldn't wait another moment longer to see her.
Not only was it a miracle we managed to make it from California to Indiana in the same day, but every minute is a realization that I'm getting closer and closer to a lost loved one whom I haven't seen for ages. I haven't seen a picture of her in years; she's still 13 years old in my head. On top of not being constant with our letters lately. Never did I think I was going to become so engulfed in this business; let alone become an A-List star. If I would have known this were going to happen, I would have made sure Bonnie was always within close reach. Maybe even been able to give her my private phone number. That I'm not allowed to give anyone besides my family. All I know is, today could create history.
As we pulled up in front of our little home, all these memories came rushing through my head and I felt as though my childhood was given back to me in these small moments. Like the time Bonnie and I used to hide and play out in our backyards before Joseph were to get home, or those times we'd race around the park, playing tag and climbing trees. Oh, what I'd do to go back; I'd change everything to go back...
The moment came for me to exit the limo and face the real, now 26 year old Bonnie. Was she still the same little girl I used to know? Is she married with three kids? Is she even living here anymore? All the case scenarios played in my head, and caused me to hesitate before opening the door and walking up there. The lights were on and the music from inside was playing; indicating someone had to be home.
I paused, and didn't move as I stood in the driveway. My chest tensed up and the tightness in my lungs was a mix of excitement and fear. This is major. For me and her. If she isn't here anymore, I don't know what I'd do...
Moments passed before I actually took the short ten steps to her door. I could practically hear my heart beating and ready to burst from my chest. The adrenaline was real and flowing through me. My hand rose slowly and my finger pressed the doorbell gently. I regretted it almost instantly - no one answered it and it's been five seconds, no one is coming, it's not her, she's not here, I should go back home and I should forget this ever happened and return to the LA life-
The door slowly opened and her head peeped in from the side. Her eyes widened and the door almost immediately swung open.
She looked like a woman. And this entire time, I have been imagining a teenager, but she's... beautiful.
She and I didn't say anything as we stared at each other. We both lay frozen in front of this moment that we'd both been dying to happen. Her eyes never changed. She stared at me, and shook her head. "I swear to God if--"
"Don't swear to God." I instinctually rebutted.
She popped the screen door open and jumped on me, yelling, "It is you!"
I laughed, and caught her in my arms, squeezing her tightly. This was definitely one of the most loving and warmest hug ever given to me. I sighed, "I missed you so much."
She got down, and stared at me, holding my face, "I just can't believe... you're here. At home..." her eyes grew watery, and she stopped herself. She pinched her arm repeatedly, before I had to stop her.
"Hey! Don't hurt yourself! It really is me, and I really am here!"
"So...I'm not dreaming? Because let me tell you, this has happened so many times in my dreams--"
"No," I laughed.
"Michael!" she hugged me again, and this time crying very softly. She made me choke up as well, but I didn't want to let her know. What's shocking is that she's crying. Did I really have that power to create tears? Especially from Bonnie? Williams? The girl who used to tease me for crying at sad movies? The thought was heartwarming, actually.
I held her head in my hands as she was hugging me, and rubbed her hair. I told her, "I came just for your birthday."
She pulled off, wiping her face, then kissing my cheek, "I can't believe you actually remembered!" She put her hand on my face, then laughed, "Oh my gosh, you're real."
I blushed from embarrassment, then nodded, "Yeah," I hid my myself from showing by burning red face.
"Let's go inside!" she laughed. She walked me to her door, and as we both stepped in, I had heard a male voice exiting the kitchen. That could be her father, he was always a nice guy. He'd be happy to see me.
"Who is it?" he asked. He walked out and it wasn't her dad. It wasn't anyone I knew. Was that her boyfriend? Did she have one of those? My heart went from elated to a million pieces in a matter of seconds. Why did I feel this way?
She grinned at me and continued to hold my hand as she walked me towards the mystery man in her house. "Michael, this is Greg-"
"Michael? As in Michael Jackson?" Greg's eyes widened and for that second I remembered that I was technically a celebrity. My facial expression was still excited and happy because I was in Bonnie's presence and nothing could top that - but my inner thoughts still had me in a wonder as to who Greg was to her exactly. Maybe a coworker here for a potluck. Birthday potluck. And he just happens to be the first one here. Yeah, I like that idea.
"Is this your friend?" I asked softly in her ear and she laughed.
"He's, uh, actually my boyfriend," her laugh expressed some nervous tension that was clear as day, but I didn't want to bring extra attention to it.
"Greg," he introduced himself. "Nice to meet you, man." He put his hand out and took mine into a handshake that was more firm than ever. Who was he trying to impress here?
My grin couldn't have been more exhausted, "You, too..."
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We sat down and Greg was still in amazement that I was sitting on the couch. Bonnie was sitting closely to me and I could see in Greg's eyes that he was slightly worried. I like knowing I could be intimidating – but this guy is big and built. He honestly worries me. I excused myself to the bathroom to get a breather. This may have been a bad idea.
