tabloid junkie (Michael Jackson)

February 21ˢᵗ ─ 8:20 ᵖᵐ

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"What is he doing here?" Michael asked, cutting a glance at James who was still smirking like the devil he is. But I was still curious and still thinking about what James had said.

"Michael, why did you leave home?" I asked suddenly, no longer being able to hold my tongue. That was my problem, I didn't have restraint.

He bit his bottom lip, raising his eyebrows at me. "I already told you, and seriously, what is this guy doing back here?" Disgust laced in his tone as he stared James down.

James smiled widely. "Go on, Diana. Tell him."

"Tell me what?" Michael looked from me to James, fear in his eyes.

I looked down at my feet, and then up. "He's White Mask."

"What?" Michael looked over to James, hatred in his eyes. "You're not serious." I watched him ball his fist, as he slowly approached James.

I threw myself in between the two men before Michael could do something violent. "Michael, please stop. It's not going to do any good if you ruin this Ball. Ariel Paisley is celebrating the anniversary of her son's death." I reminded him, and then folded my arms over my chest.

"Are you being completely honest with me?" My abrupt question caught him off guard.

"Diana, I don't know what this is." Michael backed away from me, his eyebrows raised high enough to touch his hairline.

"Do you want me to do the honors?" James asked, unhinging himself from the wall and looking toward Michael.

"What is going on here?" I asked, wanting to stomp my feet and have a tantrum like an 11-year-old. This suspense was killing me. "Michael, please, tell me what's going on."

He swept a hand over his face, his eyes huge and dark. "Okay, I haven't been honest. I've been lying to you since the Reese Hotel."

I felt my heart being crumbled in my chest and I took a breath, trying to regain my strength. "Go on." I said, exhaling softly.

"It is true James here is the reason I left. But it wasn't because I wanted to protect my family from him." He inhaled through his nose and I watched him darken into silence.

"Michael?" I said. "You can tell me." I stepped forward, placing my hand on his shoulder, giving him pleading eyes.

I didn't know what I wanted the truth to be. Hell, I didn't even want there to be a truth. I wish there was never dishonesty, any lies. I stared at him, my heart beating like a hammer in my chest, waiting for the answer.

"I have a child."