With Michael

Chapter 12 - Husband & Wife

4th of July, 1986
Brooklyn and Janet are 20, Michael is 27

Brooklyn: It's the fourth of July, and everyone, except for Joseph, is at our house to celebrate. Michael and I decided to invite both of our families, since they're all stressed about the wedding that's so near.
Janet, La Toya, Rebbie, Cynthia, and I, were gathered in the living room, while everyone else was in the back yard, waiting for the fireworks to come.
Chris walked in, smiling at us, "You better come, it's starting soon."
We all waved him off. He rolled his eyes, and headed to the back yard.
"So, where's the dress?" Rebbie asked.
"It's safe and sound in my closet room." I answered.
My bridesmaids exchanged doubtful looks. "And Michael wasn't tempted to catch a glimpse?" Cynthia said.
I shook my head, "I don't think so. I mean, he's patient."
It was my turn to ask a question now, and it was a very important topic: where my fiancé is planning on taking me for our honeymoon.
"Do you," I said, pointing at my three soon-to-be sisters-in-law, "Know what he's planning for our honeymoon?"
"We have to know, we're his sisters. Plus, what kind of best friend am I, not to know such an important detail?" Janet smirked.
I squinted my eyes at her, even though all of them looked satisfied with her answer.
"Oh, come on, Brooke. Even I know," Cynthia teased. "Michael told Chris."
"Of course he did." I mumbled.
"Girls, come outside! The fireworks are starting!" Katherine called.
I sighed, a bit annoyed, and we all made our way outside to the back yard. Explosions were heard everywhere.
"Why the annoyed look?" I barely heard Michael's voice as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
"I have the right to know what you're planning for our honeymoon." I said.
He sighed, and put his chin on my shoulder. "But then it won't be a surprise, right?"
"I don't like surprises."
"That's a lie." Michael whispered and kissed my cheek.

~

Katherine: I entered the house later that night, feeling exhausted. Joseph was already in bed, reading a book.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, not taking his eyes off of the book in his hands.
"Yes, I did. You would've too, if you came." I mumbled, taking off my shoes.
He didn't say anything. Typical.
"They want you to come to the wedding, Joe. Michael especially. He might not show it, but he wants his father there."
"That girl isn't good for him, Katie. He's marrying so early in his carrier, do you know what that could do?" my husband said.
I sighed, and decided to ignore him. I was fed up with his attitude.
"The wedding's still here. You decide where you're going to be that day." I told him. With that, I left the room.

~

8th of July, 1986
Brooklyn and Janet are 20, Michael is 27

Michael: "Rise and shine, lovebirds!" I heard Chris's voice in my ear.
I groaned, and tightened my grip on Brooklyn's waist.
"You'll have time for that tonight, Mike. Come on, we need to be at your parents' in less than an hour."
I opened my eyes. Chris and Janet were standing next to our bed, waiting.
"We're up. Now, can you please leave?" Brooke asked.
My sister mumbled something as Chris led her out of the room.
"Thank God." I said, stretching. "Good morning, baby."
"Good morning, Michael." my fiancée smiled.
I kissed her deeply before standing up and going into the bathroom, to get ready for the day that finally came.

~

Brooklyn: As soon as Michael and Chris left the house, the girls started getting things ready for me, and at the same time, getting themselves ready.
"Yeah, I'll tell her. Okay, sure. Thanks, Linda." Janet said into the phone. "Linda is on her way here."
I nodded, and she pushed me back upstairs to take a shower.
When I was done, La Toya pulled me into hair and makeup.
Linda arrived a few minutes later, hugging me, and telling me how happy she was for Michael and I.
I sighed, and La Toya smiled at me through the mirror as she put another bobby pin in my hair.