Book 4- 1968 (Michael Jackson)

Chapter 1- Questionable Actions

                Chapter 1- Questionable Actions

                Date: Monday, January 8, 1967

                Time: 4:48AM

                MICHAEL'S POV

"MICHAEL! Get outta bed!"

I frowned, cracking open one eyelid. Just by the outdoor light, I could tell it was only in the wee hours of the morning. "Wha... What?"

What I probably should have asked was, Why are you waking me up so early? We get up at 5:30AM, not night! But then again, I'd have probably had to dodge a slap, and I didn't feel like doing that right now. Heck, I was still half-asleep. I wanted to just close my eyes and pretend thhis never happened.

Jermaine spoke up for Joseph. "You were havin' your night troubles- again," he stated, his voice drier than the desert. "You woke us all up. Even Janet tried stopping you."

I opened my eyes completely and tried sitting up. As I lifted my head, I realized that I wasn't even on the bed; rather, I was three feet away from my comfy haven. I had somehow scooted from the comfort and warmth of the bed I shared with Marlon, all the way to the door that led to the hallway.

I frowned slightly. Well... I must have had some really bad dreams last night. What was I dreamin' of...? I tapped my chin, questioning my sleepy mind as to what I could have possibly dreamed of that got me this worked up.

 "I didn't know," I simply replied. "I didn't hear anything."

Joseph stopped and stared at me for a moment, an incredulous expression playing upon his face like a ghost possessed him. He just gawked at me, his mouth clamped shut, like a clam's. He seemed to be in very deep thought. Over what exactly, I wasn't sure. I supposed that I would find out soon.

"........ Michael, could you please... Go outside, for a moment? It doesn't really matter what you do, as long as you don't stray from the yard. Just this once... okay?" His eyes seemed to be just a little less than stern. "Please?"

I was startled by this behaviour. If Joseph didn't mind me being outside after hours, then something had to be up. My brothers and sisters and I were barely even allowed in our backyard, as it was. I was curious about his move, but this was a rare opportunity for me. 

I decided that I would take the chance while I had it. I mean, what kind of issues could rise from something like this?

"Okay," I replied indifferently. "I'll be outside." I hobbled out of the bedroom, ready to do something or go out and play. I snuck a Reese's Cup from the refridgerator and bounded outside, still set off by his actions.

After I was out, I realized there was really nothing to do at this hour. No one was awake other than my family, it seemed. We were the only active families.

I frowned, but stayed outside anyways. I mean, even without anyone, there was a lot to do. I could..., I thought to myself, pretend to bam! the cars on the road, or I could count the stars in the sky... And I could run in place......?

I decided that I would NOT run in place. But what was there to do that was fun without someone else? I couldn't think of anything.

"Michael? Are you awake?"

Alarmed, I turned around, trying to locate the voice. Right behind me stood Kayla, waving in my direction. She greeted me with a really wide, cheeky grin. "Whatcha doing here, awake at almost 5 in the morning? We don't get up for another forty-five minutes."