The Maid In Neverland || Michael Jackson

Chapter 14

It was like I was still living in his presence despite the fact that he was miles away from me.

After that poster incident with John, I realized that I wouldn't be able to live my life without having reminded of my former boss. Anywhere I go, I'd see his face plastered on huge billboards. The convenience store that I'd buy groceries in always plays his songs. I'd open the TV and there he was, in a commercial, and he was always being featured in any news.

Michael Jackson was everywhere. It was like his name was synonymous to the word itself and I find it hard---so hard---to escape him.

It was Tuesday.

I went to work that day feeling exhausted and a bit dizzy. It was raining like hell these past few days and John fell sick because of the weather, making him unable to go to school. I wanted to stay home to take care of him but the restaurant wouldn't let me absent today so I had no choice but to leave him alone in the house. I just hope he was doing fine.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am. What's your order?" I smiled at the blonde teenage girl in front of me.

"One large cheese burger please," she said, smiling. "And. ." She looked at the menu displayed above the counter, thinking about what else to order. "Large fries. Iced tea for drinks."

My eyes drifted to the shirt that she was wearing. Michael Jackson Bad Tour '88. There was a printed picture of him wearing a black outfit with all these buckles and stuff.

I stopped. Why do I always have to see his face?

The girl noticed that I was staring at her shirt for too long so I immediately looked away and forced a smile.

"Is that all, Ma'am?"

She nodded. "Yes."

The teenager walked to her table and waited for her order. As I was about to talk to the next lined customer, the small speakers mounted to the corner of the restaurant started playing Billie Jean.

I sighed and fought the urge to roll my eyes. It seemed that the world would never let me forget that Michael Jackson is existing.

As soon as my shift was over, I immediately left the restaurant and went to the nearby pharmacy to buy medicine for John. Holding my umbrella, I walked to the wet and busy street along with other people. It was so cold and I was freezing as the rain showed no sign of stopping. I've always liked rain and I enjoy walking in a rainy street but not when I'm drained from work and feeling unwell with my back aching like an old woman's. I've been walking from our apartment to the restaurant since I started working there to save money and the gloomy weather wasn't helping.

I covered my mouth with my fist as I coughed. I thought I'd buy medicine for myself as well. My head was a bit aching and I couldn't wait to get home and finally take a rest.

My shoes were wet and mud-stained when I got to the apartment. I left the wet umbrella opened by the door to let it dry. I walked inside only to see my my brother slouched in the couch, watching TV while covered in a thick blanket. I smiled.

"Hey," I said, draping my wet coat over the chair. "How are you?"

He turned his head to me, his nose red because of the cold. "Better now."

I walked towards him and placed the back of palm on his forehead to feel his temperature. Still unusually warm. "I bought some medicine. Take it after eating your meal, okay?" I said, slightly tapping his cheeks. "Let me just cook the food."

I walked towards the small kitchen but then I stopped when I saw a familiar thing resting on the table. I realized that it was a small book. The Orion Mystery.