Book 4- 1968 (Michael Jackson)

Chapter 26- December Thirty-First

                Chapter 26- December Thirty-First

                Date: Tuesday, December 31, 1968

                Time: 12:40PM

                MICHAEL'S POV

"Why can't the Hall's morning service last just a little longer?" Mommy wept. She clutched onto Rebbie's shoulder tightly, careful not to let her nails dig in. "Just another ten minutes would be so amazing right now..."

Rebbie pat Mommy's hand. "Mom, it's alright. It's only Kentucky. We're a contiguous state."

She sniffled loudly. "But you're moving to Southern Kentucky, and we're in Northern Indiana! We're gonna be so far away from each other... And with Motown, what's gonna happen? We'll move to Detroit?!"

"Detroit isn't that bad," Rebbie soothed. "Think about it; You'll be making big bucks. That means you can come and visit us whenever you want to. Wouldn't that just be marvelous? We could talk of all the stories we accumulate over time, and you guys could see what life is like down there, and we could see what it feels to be in Michigan."

"But it's cold," she moped. When we approached Joseph's Buick, I opened the car seat for her. I had the feeling that she wouldn't have recognized it, anyways. A moment later, everyone was piled inside of the car.

Once i was snuggled inside of my seat, I spouted off with something completely random. "But Rebbie, don't you like what Joe did to the car? We've got more space now!"

It was true; Joseph had remodeled part of the Buick. Now, all instruments and supplies were carried in the back where we kids used to sit. There was enough room inside of the car that everyone, including Johnny and Kayla, got a special seat. No more cramming ourselves together like Oreos for us!

Unfortunately, what I said was the wrong thing. Rebbie shot a stern look back at me, as if to hint a warning at any punishment. "I've got to go, Mike. Nathaniel inherited a spectacular ranch in Kentucky, and I just can't turn down the offer. I know it'll be hard saying goodbye to all of you, but it is what it is. I'm sure you all understand what I mean."

Another sniffle, and a slight cough. "I un-understand... I just don't want my baby to leave!"

Despite the gloom in the Buick, Rebbie chuckled. "I love you, Mom... But I'm not a baby any longer. I'm 18 years old, and next year I'll be 19. It's time for me to branch off, live life, start a family of my own... The same goes for Jackie. I mean, he's 17 already! I won't be surprised if he gets married next year."

That was also the wrong thing to say. Jackie perked his head up, slightly please by Rebbie's words. The speed of the car picked up to 40 miles per hour, and Joseph's head whipped around faster than the blink of an eye. "Jackie isn't getting married until I say it's okay. He's part of the band. He'll have to wait until we're in a decent position. Don't go making any assumptions without my definite word."

"Joseph!"

A menacing glance was enough to tell us that he didn't want to be messed with today. Defeated, my eldest sister turned back and mouthed, He's just protective of us. 

I nodded, my eyes looking off into nothing in particular. Mmhmm.

Once the car came to an abrupt stop, everyone filed out of the car, but at a much more sleepy, groggy pace. I knew what we were all thinking: If we slow the process, she'll wait another day. 

It was obviously not going to happen. Regular curfew is 10PM, and Rebbie's few belongings were already securely packed into a minuscule travel case. The only thing we were waiting on was Nathaniel, and he was bound to come in any moment now.