let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

aftermath

                         January 27th, 1984

Ariana

I sit in the waiting room and examine the people around me. Some of them are older, some younger. Some women, some men. I wonder why these people are here.

Did these people watch their boyfriend have his hair lit up in flames for the whole world to see?

Shut up, Ariana. Don't invalidate other people's reasons to be here.

It's been 2 hours and I can feel myself drifting off to sleep. My eyes close and my mind is almost in the darkness until I feel a shake.

I open my eyes startled and am faced with Janet.

My eyes widen and I leap out at her.

"Janet."

"Ariana." She exclaims while hugging me tight.

"I was afraid you would hate my guts after seeing me for the first time in almost a month."

"I could never hate you, I was a bit upset but you're my soul sister."

I almost smile until Michael's face pops back into my mind.

"So, how's Michael?" Her panicked sister mode is honestly cute.

"He's in surgery." I reply, shifting back and forth.

"Shit. Randy told me the full story on the way here." She says while worry fills her face.

"It's crazy. Infuriating almost, whoever was in charge of the pyrotechnics, I hope they feel the guiltiest they've ever felt."

"So, where's the rest of the Jackson family?"

"Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie are finding a parking spot while Tito, Randy and my mom are getting a private room for Michael."

I nod casually and sit myself back down in the uncomfortable hospital seat, the cushion being fairly warm.

Janet sits herself down beside me.

"You know he's going to be okay, right? It's Michael." Janet says.

"I know. It's just going to be a long recovery. What if he doesn't want me there? I would obviously respect his space but-"

"Honey, Michael absolutely adores you. He's never gonna want you to leave his side." My cheeks heat up at her remark. Just thinking about Michael and I being even closer melts my heart.

"Oh, Ariana!" An elderly voice shouts from across the room.

My head whips up at the familiar voice and none other than, Katherine Jackson stands there.

She embraces me and I return the favour.

"Is he okay? Oh dear, I have so many questions." Her panicky tone was very similar to mine just a couple hours ago.

"For starters, he's okay. He's in surgery right now but he's doing great."

Katherine's face looks the happiest it could ever be.

"Thank god. I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to my baby." She places a hand on her chest and let's out a breath.

"That makes two of us." I try lightening the mood a bit.

The rest of the Jackson kids follow her trail shortly after.

I'm suddenly being bombarded with questions and I don't know who to answer at once.