With Michael

Chapter 14 - Trouble in Paradise

2nd of September, 1987
Brooklyn is 21, Michael is 29

Brooklyn: The house was quiet today. I was alone the past week, no one was around.
Michael left in the morning for his "Bad" tour rehearsals. The album came out only two days ago, and was already at the top of the charts.
Janet was also very busy with her career. Plus, in the last few weeks she told me that she wanted to give Michael and I some space. I had no point in arguing with her about it, because she wouldn't listen.
Chris took Cynthia on a vacation for her upcoming birthday.
"Would you like anything to eat, Mrs. Jackson? You haven't eaten all day." Ronda asked, distracting me from the show I wasn't really watching.
I shook my head, "No, thank you, Ronda."
"If Michael comes back any time soon, tell him I'm taking a bath. And make sure he eats." I told her, turning off the TV. It was almost midnight, he had to come home.
I ran upstairs, and went into our room in hopes to relax a bit. I made my way to the bathroom and filled the bathtub with hot water.
I lit some scented candles around the tub. I took off my clothes, quickly getting in.
I sighed in relief as I lay my head on a couple of towels, like a pillow.
A few minutes passed before I heard noises coming from the bedroom. A knock was soon heard, followed by Michael's soft voice.
"Brooke, are you here?" he asked. I hummed in response.
The door opened, and my husband was standing there with a warm smile on his face.
His curls fell on his sweaty face perfectly. He was wearing only a robe.
"You weren't going to wait for me?" he said, pretending to be hurt.
"Well, you weren't home, and I needed something to relax." I smiled and dunked myself further into the water.
Michael only shook his head slightly. Without hesitation he took off his robe to reveal his naked body.
He slowly stepped into the water, and sat across from me.
His eyes scanned me, like he was trying to read me.
"Why won't you tour with me?" he asked for the millionth time. This was a subject that had come up many times before.
My husband didn't mean for me to only accompany him on tour, he wanted me to be a part of it, as a dancer. Well, specifically for 'The Way You Make Me Feel' part.
We choreographed the song together for the short film that was coming out in a couple of months.
I was supposed to be in it, but I decided not to do it.
I didn't want to be over-exposed at the moment. I wanted to be Michael's wife, to support him.
And I think Tatiana makes a perfect love interest for him.
"I already told you why. Plus, you have Tatiana. She's amazing, you can't give her up." I told him.
"I only took Tatiana because you left me no choice. I want you, baby. Please."
"You can't make that kind of change in such a short notice." I continued arguing.
"I'm the boss, I can do whatever I want. Baby, you have to do this, it's your dance. Come on." he pushed on, "Just give it a little more thought, for me."
I nodded, leaning my head back again.
In this past year (and almost two months) that we've been married we both got the opportunity to learn more about each other, and about ourselves.
So, with that, Michael knew me like the palm of his own hand. He knew I wasn't going to re-think it.
"You're not gonna think about it, right?" my husband said.
I sighed, and opened my eyes.
"Mike, why can't I just be your wife?" I questioned him, really wanting an answer.
"It's not that. I just want you close to me, and I want you to do what you love." he smiled, looking me straight in the eyes.
"But I am doing what I love. I love being your wife, and I love dancing with you. I don't get why I need to do it in front of the entire world."
Michael moved closer to me, lifted my feet onto his lap, and started massaging them.
I smiled at his action, "Don't try to seduce me, you know it won't work."
He only returned an innocent smile.
"You're scared, aren't you?"
"No."
"Then why won't you join me?"
I sighed once again, deciding to ignore him. I wanted to take a bath so I could relax, and Michael wasn't really helping.
"Take a shower, I'll be waiting for you downstairs when you finish." I mumbled, standing up.
I wrapped a towel around my body and quickly got out of the bathroom.

~

Michael: I watched my wife as she closed the door behind her.
I didn't get her. Her biggest passion was dancing. I've seen her dance her entire life, and she doesn't want to perform with me?
Brooklyn is an amazing dancer, and choreographer. A few weeks ago, when I asked her to help me with the concept for 'The Way You Make Me Feel', she didn't even hesitate before saying yes.
I rubbed my eyes before deciding to finally shower.
As the water washed the sweat, it also washed the adrenaline, and made me tired.
I sighed as I felt my tensed muscles soften from the hot water.