With Michael

Chapter 13 - 'Til the Break of Dawn

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

Michael: The wedding party was amazing. Everyone danced, including Brooklyn and I, even though we were often interrupted by our guests congratulating us.
Every now and then I would catch Brooke taking a glimpse towards the crowd of people, like she was searching for someone.
I pulled her closer to me, whispering in her ear, "What's on your mind?"
"I wanted you to meet someone I invited, but I can't find her." she answered, taking another glimpse.
"Well, what does she look like? Maybe I could help you find her." I offered.
My wife shook her head.
I sighed, and kept tapping my foot to the beat of the song that was playing in the background.
"I'll go look for her. I'll be right back." Brooklyn smiled and pecked my lips.
I decided to get myself a cup of water, before being pulled into a conversation with Quincy Jones.
"I see you got the invitation." I joked.
He rolled his eyes at my remark. Quincy hugged me tightly, "Great ceremony. Congratulations, Micha-"
"Michael!" my producer was cut off by Brooklyn's call. She walked towards us, "I found her."
She looked at Quincy, and widened her eyes.
"Quincy, I'm gonna have to steal him for a second."
"Hey, he's your husband, not mine." he winked. "You look beautiful, by the way."
"Thank you." my wife smiled, running her hand down the fabric of her dress.
I shook Quincy's hand before we left, and walked hand in hand with Brooke.
"Okay, so who am I meeting?" I questioned.
"My aunt."
I gave her a confused look. As far as I know, Joshua doesn't have any siblings.
"She's my mother's younger sister. She helped my dad when my mother left us." my wife smiled slightly at my confusion. "There she is."
I looked straight ahead, and saw a small woman with two young children clutching her hands.
Brooke hugged her gently. They had some things in common; Brooklyn looked like a younger version of her aunt.
"Aunt Rose, this is Michael. Michael, these are my aunt Rose, and my two little cousins, Georgie and Emma."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Michael. Brooklyn has been talking about you a lot." Rose smiled at me and reached her hand out.
I shook it lightly. "You, too."
"Y-you're Michael Jackson." I heard Georgie's little voice say. I chuckled and crouched down to his level.
"I am. And you're Gerogie, right?" I asked.
He nodded slightly, "Mommy told me Brooke was getting married. Did you marry her?"
"Yes, I did."
"That's not fair, every girl in the world wants to marry you." Emma scoffed.
"Well, I would've married them, too. But, I just married Brooke, so my hands are tied." I turned to her when I spoke. My wife hit my shoulder, and I stood up to meet her playful eyes.
Janet walked quickly over to us, looking relieved.
"There you guys are! Come on, I want you to hear my speech!"
Brooklyn mouthed "I'm sorry" to Rose, who giggled.
My sister pulled us by our hands to the middle of the crowd, and got up on the little stage that was set earlier today.
We were quickly given two glasses of champagne.
"I would like to make a toast," Janet said into the microphone, "To my big brother Mike, and his beautiful wife, Brooklyn, who also happens to be my best friend. Take care of each other for me, okay? I love you two so, so much. I wish you the best, and all of the happiness in the world.
To Michael and Brooklyn Jackson!"
Brooke and I raised our glasses with everyone else, taking a slow sip.

~

Brooklyn: "Well, look who it is. Hi, Sweetheart." my dad said as I approached him. I've been too busy to breathe today, let alone see my dad or Chris.
"Enjoying yourself?" I asked with a smile, noticing the bottle of beer he was holding.
"Of course. It's not everyday that your little girl gets married, right? Especially to a guy like Michael."
"Don't start, daddy. I'll cry. I've been holding myself the entire day." I mumbled.
Dad half smiled, tapping on the chair next to him. I took my seat, carefully.
"You look like your mother did on our wedding day." he whispered.
I sighed, knowing this would come up. I always knew I looked like Marie, my dad had pictures of her hidden in albums.
"But even more beautiful."
I hugged my father tightly, and tears started running down my cheeks. Great, Brooke. You were doing so good.
"You know," I said through my tears, "Michael said I look like Rose. He thinks I'm a young version of her."
"He's not wrong, Sweetheart."
We broke our long hug. Dad was crying, too.
"Brooklyn, Honey!" I heard my mother-in-law's voice from behind us. "You need to go and get dressed. Now. You're leaving soon."
I nodded, wiping my tears.
"Janet is waiting for you in her room." Katherine smiled, taking my place next to my dad.
I walked into the house, slowly going upstairs to Janet's room.
I opened the door, only to find Janet and Michael hugging.
"Thanks, Dunk. I owe you." he told her. My best friend saw me and quickly came over to me.
"We need to get you ready. You're leaving in thirty minutes! Mike, out." she ordered.
My husband saluted, "Sir, yes, sir!"
"I'll see you in the limo." he whispered into my ear before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
"I packed you a suitcase already." Janet smiled. I raised my eyebrows.
"You packed me a suitcase for my honeymoon?" I questioned, a bit doubtful.
I love Janet, and she knew that, but when it came to doing things for Michael and I, she always added something of her own to it.
"Yes. Come on, trust me on this one. Unlike you, I actually know where you're going."
"Fine." I mumbled.