One More Chance 

Chapter Four

California.....Here I Come!

Part One

The children were overjoyed when they heard the news that Annie would be moving to California. They loved Annie and they loved even more that she seemed to make their father very happy. Annie soaked up every minute of the last week they spent together. She had told Michael that she wanted to eat dinner with them every night so that she could spend as much time with the kids as possible. In the evenings they either watched more movies or they played video games or board games together. At bedtime, she and Michael read to them. Then she and Michael had the rest of the night to themselves.

Michael had stored away the memory of Annie saying that she always felt intimidated by the beautiful women at Gloria’s charity events. He was blown away that she didn’t realize how beautiful she was. With the assistance of his children Michael was going to try to make her feel beautiful. On Saturday afternoon in their hotel suite, all four of them presented her with a large white, rectangular box. It was beautifully tied with a huge red ribbon.

"For me?" she said, smiling at all of them.

The kids all talked at once saying in various voices "It's for you Annie, from all of us."

They gathered closer to Annie as she took the box and sat down on the couch. She slipped the red ribbon off the box. Blanket giggled as Annie playfully draped the ribbon across his shoulders.
She was as excited as a child on Christmas morning. She lifted the box lid off and placed it next to her and then carefully unfolded the tissue paper revealing the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She pulled it out of the box and stood up to get a better view of it. The color was a beautiful turquoise with dark blue carnations. It had a ruffled hem and it was made of silk. It was flirty and romantic and it reminded her of something a Hollywood starlet of long ago would have worn.

She held it up in front of her admiring the fabric against her body and then for full effect twirled around. She felt giddy. It was probably the most elegant dress she had ever owned. "It's beautiful. It's so me--it fits me to a tee."

She looked over at the kids watching her with radiant smiles as she admired the dress. Prince, Paris and little Blanket—she had come to care for them as much as their father. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking.

"We helped daddy pick it out. So you can wear it to the party tomorrow night,” Paris said.

Annie carefully sat down and placed the dress back in the box, setting it down on the couch next to her. She then looked up and motioned to them, "Come closer," she said to them. She then embraced them all at the same time. "I love you so much. Don't ever forget that!" she said pulling them as close as humanly possible.

"We love you more Annie," Prince said, using his father's signature reply.

After hugging and kissing them repeatedly they stepped back from Annie giggling as they stole glances up at their father. All three knew instinctively that Annie would now thank Michael for the gift. Watching Annie and Michael show affection for one another made the kids happy. Their father had been sad and lonely for a long time and even though they knew they had the power to make him less so with their love they were also aware that Annie had that power too but in a very special way.

Annie glanced up at Michael. He had stood back watching all of them as Annie opened her gift. He had that shy look about him—as though he was awaiting her approval—as though he needed her approval. She got up slowly and stood in front of him. She reached up and caressed his face. He closed his eyes and leaned his cheek into her soft, warm hand so that he could feel her touch even more.

He opened his eyes and smiled shyly at her. "Do you approve Miss Walker," he said in that deep voice that he only seemed to reserve for those he was especially comfortable with.

She reached her arms up and clasped them around his neck pulling him closer to her, she whispered in his ear "I approve Mr. Jackson." She giggled just like his three children. She felt just like a child, happy and carefree. She kissed him tenderly and said "Thank you Michael. It's so like something I would pick out for myself."

"I am glad Annie." He then continued in a quiet voice, "The dress doesn't make you beautiful Annie, the dress only enhances your beauty." He encircled his arms around her and pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly. "I love you Annie," he said in a hushed whisper. "Michael I love you too!" Annie said in reply.

They opened their embrace and Annie again motioned to his kids and they rushed over toward the couple and they all embraced each other in a group hug. Annie wiped tears from her eyes. Michael always seemed to know what to do in order to change the vibe to a more relaxed and less intense moment, he proceeded to tickle all of them until they collapsed on the floor laughing and pleading for him to stop.

Part Two

Later on when they were alone in Michael's room, Annie thanked him again. They were sitting up in his bed quietly talking after having just watched yet another movie together.

"Thank you again for the lovely dress. It's beautiful." She looked into his eyes and then she took his hand in hers and brought it up to her lips and brushed his fingers with gentle kisses. She watched as he reacted to her touch, a slight shiver went through his body and he closed his eyes and smiled.

He then opened his eyes and brought her hand over to his lips and did the same. "Like I said before Annie, you are the beautiful one, the dress only shows off how beautiful you are--not only on the outside, but even more so on the inside my beautiful girl."

She sighed. "What's wrong girl?" Michael asked as he eased himself under her arm and rested his head on her chest. She automatically began to thread her fingers through his hair. She loved to do this. Gently caressing his head, she could hear him sighing contentedly.

"I can't wait to wear the dress but I wish it was under different circumstances. I wish that we could skip the Gloria/Suzie show and just spend the last few hours we have, together. For some reason I can't seem to shake this feeling of dread. Like something bad is going to happen," she said sadly.

He was quiet for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of her hands on his head. They had already discussed the fact that they would not be able to go together or even really let on that they knew each other. They both understood this. Michael had said besides the obvious press coverage of seeing them together there was the personal matter of when and how she wished to reveal their relationship to her step mother and step sister or to anyone else for that matter that she would happen to know at the party. Gloria had told Annie that there would be some friends of her father there, plus some long time Toy Shoppe customers.

At first Michael tried to convince himself that it would be okay. But he himself was having some misgivings about the whole thing. He was afraid of how he was going to react knowing that she was there and he wouldn't be able to take her in his arms or kiss her or even address her in a too friendly manner without revealing to others how they felt about each other. He wished that they could just back out now, but he did promise Gloria and Michael knew all too well the importance of keeping your obligations and it was for charity.

Hearing the terror in her voice was breaking his heart though and he decided he wouldn't reveal his misgivings to her for fear that it would only fill her with more anxiety. Instead he decided he would calm her down and make her relax in his own special way.

He artfully switched positions so now her head lay softly on his chest. He kissed the top of her head tenderly. "Annie, I know this is hard for you--but just know that I will be there and my love will reach out to you somehow. Please don't make yourself sick about it." He tucked his finger under her chin so that she was looking up at him. "I will say it again my sweet girl, you will be the most beautiful woman in the room. And I will have eyes only for you. Even though I will not be able to express my love there, I will keep you in my site all evening. I can’t wait to see you in the dress. I am the one who's going to be jealous, because I am sure all eyes will be on your loveliness. Let me help you relax tonight. It's just us baby, you and me, that's all that's important. No one can hurt us, unless we let them. I have learned that lesson from a long time ago." He bent down and kissed her on her lips.

Part Three

She moved up and positioned herself better so that she could place each of her hands on either side of his face and then continued to kiss him.  She settled back down under his arm, face buried in his chest. "The hardest part of this for me is somehow thinking I am abandoning my father by moving to California. I just wish that I could know what he wanted,” she said. Michael was torn. He wanted her to be happy about this move to California but he didn’t want her to somehow feel like she had betrayed her father.

“Annie,” Michael said lifting her face up again with his finger under her chin, “I have been getting continuous calls from my brother Jermaine and my father Joseph since I came to New York. My family wants me to re-connect with them. They feel that my re-entrance into the business can be achieved best with a Jackson Five reunion.” Michael paused for a second and then continued, “Don’t get me wrong, I love them so much. They stuck by me through the whole trial. I don’t know what I would have done without them. They love my children and my kids love them. But loyalty is important in my family. It seems like my obligation to them and my love for them have to be tied together and I don’t understand why it has to be that way. Can’t there be one without the other? I opt for love without strings attached.”

Annie sighed again and said “I shouldn’t mix up my obligation to my father with my love for my father, is that what you are saying Michael?”

“I think what I am trying to say is that your father would not want you to think you were obligated to him. He would want you to be happy right?”

“Yes, of course he would,” Annie said emphatically.

And then in a shy, sweet voice Michael said, “Aren’t you happy when you are with me Annie?”

She smiled at him and said just as emphatically, “Of course I am Michael!”

“Then let’s be happy together tonight. Let me help you relax and forget about everything except you and me. How’s that sound Annie?” Before she could answer he kissed her. She could feel her lips melt on his and then felt his tongue invade her mouth.

She was starting to relax already.  He released her mouth and she sighed and sank into the pillows a little farther. “That sounds good Michael,” she said.

“Close your eyes Annie,” he said, and she obediently did as he asked. He used his finger to draw a ticklish outline of her face and as usual his touch gave her a delicious shiver throughout her body. Michael once again artfully maneuvered her body so that her head plopped gently back on to his chest. His shirt was open so her cheek was resting on his smooth bare chest. He started to talk and it was the same voice that he used when he was reading to his kids. It was as though he was going to weave a magical story for her.

“It’s a full moon tonight but here in the city you would never know because of all of the giant buildings and bright lights. I love to dance on the beach under the moonlight Annie.”

“Think about the two of us walking and dancing on the beach with a glorious and magical full moon overhead. Feeling the warm sand caressing the bottoms of our feet as we move along the beach, and gentle waves lapping ever closer to us,” he said his voice getting closer to her ear. She dutifully kept her eyes closed and she could now feel his warm breath on her face as he continued to speak.

“And you can also feel the warm spray of the water on your face and taste the salt water on your lips.” Then his lips were on hers, just feathery light, and then he continued again. “I picture you in a cute little sarong that has big colorful exotic flowers painted on it. Your beautiful blonde curls blowing behind you as you race me down the beach,” and then she could feel his voice whispering sweetly into her other ear, “But I would probably win because I am faster than you!”

She couldn’t help but giggle, both at his cute, lighthearted dialogue and also from his sweet breath gently tickling her ear. He came back around to her mouth and kissed her soundly again. “And then Annie,” Michael continued once again, “I would tackle you on to the sand and we would make sweet love under the light of the moon on the sands of the beach.” He took her in his arms and kissed her with all of his love.

Part Four

The kiss ended and she heard Michael say “Open your eyes Annie.” Annie’s eyelids slowly fluttered open and she found herself looking into his deep, soulful eyes as he hovered above her. He smiled down at her and said “I love you Annie.”

She smiled back at him and said “I love you too Michael.” He then buried his face into the crook of her neck. She bent her neck slightly to better feel his lips and tongue tracing a path up toward her ear.

And then he whispered, “I love when you say my name girl, say it again…please?” His words gave her a delicious tingle all over. He was practically pleading with her to say his name!

So she repeated his name several times in the sexiest voice she had.

“Michael…Michael….Michael…Mi-mi-ummm!” The last Michael was cut off by his lips smothering her mouth with a kiss.

Michael had cast a magical spell on Annie and it wasn’t the first time in the past two weeks that he had. She smiled to herself and thought it was as though before she met Michael she was lost in some sort of dark, evil forest and then he came along and rescued her by sweeping her onto the back of his horse and carrying her back out into a sunny field filled with wildflowers.

But for some reason the night seemed to have a bittersweet feel…tinged with a bit of sadness. Perhaps it was because she knew he was leaving on Monday and it could be at least a month till she saw him again. That had to be it she thought to herself and relaxed again and let his magical words and actions continue to enchant her making her think only about the two of them and no one else and how much she desired him. She closed her eyes again and thought dreamily they were alone on the warms sands of the beach under the moonlight, making love.

Michael separated from her briefly only to take off his shirt which he tossed to the floor. Her eyes were still closed as he lifted her gently from her sitting position and said to her “Lift your arms Annie.” She gracefully stretched her arms up and when fully extended he took her t-shirt off and tossed it to the floor. She put her arms down and with her eyes still closed she started to reach behind her and unfasten the pretty, lace bra that she was wearing, but Michael said, “No, leave it on,” and then gently pushed her back against the propped up pillows. She was no longer shy about showing her body to him.

Her eyes were closed but she knew he was close to her by the feel of his hot sweet breath on her neck and then in her ear he whispered, “It’s pretty on you and you look so sexy and sweet in it!” His mouth moved to her lips capturing a kiss.

She reached her arms around him and their bodies pressed together. He pulled apart from her and lightly grazed his hands over her breasts, sending a delicious shiver through her whole body. The tips of her breasts became apparent to the naked eye poking out through her cotton and lace bra. Michael seemed to find amusement in her reaction to his touch. Giggling he then rubbed his thumbs over them again, sending yet another sweet shiver through her body.

She moaned his name out loud “Michael, please…” He brought her into an embrace and when he had his arms around her he unfastened her bra. Then they moved away from each other and Annie shrugged it the rest of the way off, tossing it to the ground and then leaned back into the pillows.

“Mmm….” He murmured, “So beautiful.” He bent his head down and grazed her breasts with his mouth this time. The feeling that she got from his mouth on her breasts was even better than the sensation that his hands had just given her a few minutes ago. She turned her head from side to side reaching down and running her fingers through his hair, murmuring his name again, and again,

“Michael, Michael, sweet Michael.”

She had closed her eyes again and felt rather than saw him get up off the bed, she opened her eyes and saw him un-buckling his belt and letting his jeans fall to the floor and stepped out of them and slid back into bed next to her. Their bodies instantly melded back together again. She could feel his need for her pressing into her stomach and then he whispered breathlessly into her ear, “Let’s pretend were on that beach and let’s make love Annie.” She could barely speak now so she grunted out some sort of agreement and he chuckled in her ear, “I take it that’s a yes!”

Part Five

Michael and Annie were in a tight embrace kissing and caressing each other, he almost naked, she however still had her jeans on. He rolled her over gently so that she was now on her back. “Close your eyes Annie,” he whispered again. He took his hand and lightly let his fingers caress her face and neck and then moved them down to her breast. He continued to trace his fingers across her stomach down to the crotch of her jeans. He then traced his fingers back up to the jeans button and undid it and then pulled the zipper down slowly. He opened them enough so that he could see her matching pretty lacy panties. He let his fingertips lightly graze her panties inserting his fingers enough into her pants, he applied a soft pressure there feeling her warmth she could hear him sigh and he whispered to her, “You are so hot and sexy tonight Annie.” She sighed and smiled as he removed his hand from her pants. Again she could feel the weight on the bed shift as he stood up.

She opened her eyes and she could see him gesture to her to stand up. He reached for her arms and assisted her. She was now standing in front of him. He pulled her closer and started to kiss her. She felt all sexy and vulnerable even though she was technically wearing more clothes than him! He left her lips and concentrated on pulling her jeans down past her butt and she moved her legs so that they fell to the ground in a heap and she stepped out of them. He grabbed her again and pulled her closer to him and started to kiss her again. She felt like her legs were jelly. She was so consumed with desire for him she swayed into him letting him support her. He took this moment to whisper in her ear,

“Now that’s more like it, we are all even now.”

He guided her body back down on the bed along with his and once again they folded into a tight embrace. They both simultaneously whispered each others' name over and over again between multitudes of kisses as their legs intertwined around each others. Annie was feeling bolder in their lovemaking now and she took her hand and placed it over his crotch tracing the outline with one of her fingers on the outside of his briefs. He thrust his middle forward at the heavenly touch of her warm silky fingers which he could even feel through the cloth.

He took his knee and inserted his leg between her legs. She straddled his thigh, wrapping her arms around his neck she looked right into his eyes. They were deep and dark; she could see desire for her etched into them. Feeling the friction of his thigh on her panties as she moved up and down across it was sending her into ecstasy. He maneuvered again so that she was on her back and he hovered over her as he pulled her panties off her tossing them to the ground. He then pulled his briefs off with one swift move.

He pulled her body down so that her legs hung over the end of the bed. He nudged her legs open, “Lift them up Annie and wrap them around me,” he said his voice filled with desire. She lifted her legs up and looped them around his waist pulling him forward, and then Michael easily entered her. He started to move in and out of her with the grace and rhythm of a dancer. Her arms could not reach him so she left them at her side.

The feeling was so delicious she tossed her head back and forth from side to side calling out to him, “Oh Michael, yes, please…don’t stop!” She clenched the bunched up fabric of the sheet in each of her fists as she felt herself nearing climax. She then reached up and pled to him, “Michael, please come closer sweetie…I want to touch you…now, please!”

He complied somehow. Moving her body up slightly on the bed he was now hovering over her still continuing with the rhythm which now had become more intense. His face was near hers now and he had a deep look of concentration as he leaned in and whispered, “God you are so beautiful—I love you Annie!”

 She was pleased at having him closer as she caressed his back with her hands and wrapped her thighs ever tighter around his waist matching his rhythm with each beat whispering back, “I love you more Michael.”

Michael reached a point where he could no longer hold back and with one final thrust he found himself reaching a glorious pinnacle that sent him over the edge into a valley of pure and utter bliss. She reached that same pinnacle at the exact same time. He fell onto her, panting, trying not to hurt her with his weight but it didn’t bother her she smoothed his back with her hands and threaded her fingers through his hair and whispered his name breathlessly declaring her love over and over again into his ear giving him light and feathery kisses on his neck and on his cheek and lips, repeating the same process on the other side of his face.

Afterwards they lay naked in each others arms, catching their breath. He said to her, “I know it’s late, but please stay with me awhile, please?” His voice had taken on that shy, vulnerable edge. As though he was afraid that she would somehow disappear forever—as though the magic powers of the spell he had just cast on her would somehow dissipate all too quickly.

She reached up and gently caressed his face with her hand. Using words of endearment that he reserved for her she said, “I am not going anywhere my lovely one. I will stay with you. Perhaps we can fall asleep in each others arms, would you like that my sweet prince?”

He nuzzled the top of her head with his lips and cheek and said “Yes, my lovely one, I would like that” he said smiling sleepily as he pulled her closer and reached down and brought the sheet up and over them.

Part Six

Michael awoke before Annie. He smiled down at her. She looked at peace as she lay sleeping. His very own sleeping beauty he thought to himself. Or perhaps a damsel in distress, Michael could save her. He would kidnap her and take her to California with him. Once there she would become aware of how wonderful life with him could be. He would see to it that she was dazzled by his magic for the rest of her life. But of course that wasn't real life. Michael sighed heavily. Perhaps he was wrong to try to force her to see life through some sort of rose colored glasses. He desired only her happiness.
He knew she was still having some lingering doubts about the move away from New York to California. A part of him feared she still may change her mind.

She said she felt like she needed a month. She would tell Gloria only that she was moving and nothing else. She still stubbornly refused to tell her anything about their relationship. Michael had expressed some displeasure in this—he believed she should try to talk to her and perhaps they could come to some sort of closure before she left. But Annie had remained steadfast and Michael knew in the end it was her decision to make.

It was getting late and she would need to get back to her apartment. He wished she could spend the night here in his arms—he hoped someday in the future that would be the case. He would awaken her with a kiss, just like the fairy tale recommended he thought with a smile. Very carefully, so that he would not jostle her awake, he positioned her body so that they were lying facing each other, heads on pillows, and he then kissed her tenderly on the lips and sang to her sweetly, “Annie….Annie, wake up my sleeping beauty!”

She opened her eyes slowly. She felt as if she had been in a deep sleep and vaguely recalled dreaming but could not recall the dream. Her eyes came into focus and she found herself gazing into the lovely, soulful eyes of her beloved Michael. She automatically reached up and caressed his cheek.

"Mmm...Hello my sweet prince," she said sleepily.

“Hello to you my now awake sleeping beauty!” Michael said.

“What time is it?” she said starting to stretch. “It’s late. Almost two,” he replied.

“I guess I will have to go,” she said sadly. He took his hand and caressed the back of her head and then pulled her closer so that he could kiss her. The kiss was one of Michael’s all consuming kisses. She felt as though he was trying to imprint her into his memory forever. She reached up and put her arms around his neck and helped him to deepen the kiss. They broke apart from the kiss reluctantly.

“I love you Michael,” Annie said.

“I love you more my beautiful girl.” Then they started to kiss all over again.

It was as if neither could stand to part from one another. That night had been ethereal for each of them and they both wanted it to last just a little bit longer. They separated from one another, practically panting.

“I don’t want to go,” Annie said.

“I don’t want you to go,” Michael said.

They both laughed as he pulled her up and they sat up still in each others’ arms. “So tomorrow you will come with the kids to my apartment for lunch, right?” Annie asked Michael.

“Yes, we will be there around noonish, right?” he said taking her hand in his bringing it up to his lips and kissing it.

“Mmm,” she said lost in the sensation of having his lips caress her fingers, “Yes…I am done with their pictures and I want to surprise them tomorrow!” she said.

“You are enjoying your return to your art Annie.” Michael said quietly.

“I especially enjoyed drawing them. They brought my creativity out thinking about setting them in the different scenes,” she said wistfully. And then she added, “I will have to say goodbye to them tomorrow afternoon. I think it’s best if I go to work as usual on Monday.”

“I am going to miss them so much,” she said starting to cry. She buried her head in his chest.

“I know. But it won’t be forever, right girl?”

“No…not forever…,” she said quietly.

“I will treat you guys to lunch tomorrow also….so don’t bring anything, got it Michael” she said, trying to lighten the mood and nonchalantly wiping the tears from her eyes.

“You got it chief, the Jackson’s will come empty handed!” he said laughing.

She wanted to continue to see him laughing and smiling. So she suddenly turned to him and started to tickle him something fierce. He started to laugh uncontrollably and then started to tickle her back. They continued to playfully wrestle with each other. She ended up straddling him and then they both stopped laughing. They found themselves looking into each others eyes, intently. He then lifted her up and thrust himself into her. She was ready for him but still closed her eyes and breathed in sharply. She moaned his name out loud, “Michael!”

“Just one more time Annie, I need to feel you one more time,” he said breathlessly as she started to move up and down. He reached for her to bring her face closer to his and then he kissed her and buried his face in the crook of her neck. “You are so beautiful and sexy and I love you so much,” he whispered in her ear.

She was out of her mind with the pleasure he was bringing her so she stuttered out in reply, “Oh God, so are you my sweet, sweet prince. And I love you more”

Part Seven 

Needless to say Annie didn’t return to her apartment till after 3:00am. She was exhausted but still on a natural high from being with Michael. She planned to go straight to bed. She would skip her shower and take it in the morning. This way she could fall asleep inhaling Michael’s scent that was still lingering all over her body.

As she entered her bedroom she could hear her answering machine beeping. She rarely got any messages. She went over to the machine and saw that there were two messages. She pushed the replay button and the first message started to play back:

“Annie, this is William James. Listen I have some information regarding your father’s last will and testament. It’s imperative that you call me as soon as possible. I can be reached at XXX-XXXX. Looking forward to your call. Goodbye!”

She pushed the button for the next message, instinctively knowing it was going to be from Mr. James again:

“Annie, I am guessing you are out for the night. It’s too late too call me back tonight, but first thing in the morning I need you to call me regarding your father’s will. Annie, I will just tell you outright so as not to keep you up all night. The will was found. It was misfiled. I apologize on the behalf of the whole firm. It was found by a file clerk a few days ago but unfortunately I was out of the country and couldn’t be reached. Annie, I need to talk to you about it. Call me tomorrow morning, I am leaving you my cell phone number, it’s XXX-XXXX. Talk to you tomorrow kiddo!”

Annie felt herself trembling so she walked over to the bed and collapsed on to it. Her father’s will had been found. She knew her father would not have been so irresponsible so as not to leave a will. It was so unlike him. What did it say? What does this mean? Does Gloria know? All these questions and more were swirling through her brain. The natural high that she had felt upon her return from Michael’s was slowly evaporating. The only thing she could do was get some sleep and call him first thing in the morning. She got up slowly and started to strip out of her clothes when she looked over and saw the box with the dress that Michael had given to her.

She should hang it up if she was to wear it tomorrow. As she pulled the dress from the box all the feelings she had for Michael and his kids came rushing at her. She felt weak in the knees. She hurriedly got a hanger from her closet and hung the dress up outside her closet door. She quickly got her pajamas on and crawled into bed. Thinking of the kids presenting the dress to her this afternoon and then smelling Michael on her skin made her feel emotional and she started to cry. She fell asleep with tears falling down her cheeks.

Thankfully Annie fell into a deep sleep and awoke to rays of sunshine peeking through the curtains of the window warming her face. She had dreamt of Michael. Kissing her and caressing her and whispering in her ear, “You are my beautiful girl Annie.” A delicious thrill coursed through her body and she squeezed her legs together. She had momentarily forgotten the urgent phone messages from Mr. James. But when she finally arose and stretched it all came back to her like a ton of bricks.

She took a quick glance at the clock. It was almost 10:00am. She would take a quick shower to wipe the fog from her brain and call him immediately. Twenty minutes later Annie sat at her little bedroom desk, hair still wet, in her robe, and nervously placed the call. He seemed to answer almost immediately.

“I want to first apologize again Annie. I know how much consternation this has caused you in the last few months following your father’s unexpected death.”

“Mr. James there’s no need to apologize. I guess I kind of feel gratified in some ways. I just knew my father would not have left something as important as this undone. It was not like him,” Annie replied.

“Annie you know how I felt about your dad. He was a good friend of mine and I felt the same way. He actually worked on the will with my father. You know my dad has been sick—since right before your father passed. I have felt so badly since we couldn’t find the file and I couldn’t really bother my father about it because he’s been so ill. I thank God we found it. Perhaps this will help you to heal and find some closure my dear.”

William James had known her father since before her mom and dad were married. She had heard numerous stories when she was growing up about the two of them getting into trouble together as teenagers. They used to be called the Billy Twins because they shared the same first name and were inseparable. She also had fond memories of him coming into the store with his own kids when Annie was just a kid herself. She knew how devastated he was when no will was located. Probably just as frustrated if not more than Annie herself.

“What does the will say Mr. James, or will I have to wait for a formal reading?”

“Annie, please call me Billy—for you kiddo there’s no need for formality. I can give you it in a nutshell…but first there’s one more surprise…he updated the will about 6 months before he died. He was conscious of the fact that he had borrowed the money from Gloria for the store upgrade but he still apparently wanted to ensure that you inherit the store itself. You retain full ownership Annie. The only proviso is that if Gloria is still alive at the time of his death and still desires to do so, she remains operational manager of the store. But that means you are Gloria’s boss.”

“Here’s my thoughts, your father loved Gloria very much but knew she was pretty much independently wealthy—she doesn’t need the income from the store to make a living. However, he knew she loved working in the store. It gave her purpose. You on the other hand were his only child and I think he wanted to make sure you were well taken care of. Plus you have to understand that he did not think he was going to die this soon. He may have changed it several more times before he died. Especially if you married and had children…we don’t know what provisions he may have made for them Annie. Listen, you will be responsible for paying Gloria back the loan, just like he was planning on doing, but the store is your inheritance and I will fight for you if I have to with Gloria. That is if she decides she needs to fight us. I will have to of course inform her of what’s going on but I wanted you to know first kiddo. By the way will you be at that shindig of Gloria’s for lupus tonight?”

“Yes, I will be actually…I take it you will be also?”

“Yes, she nabbed me for a donation. The wife wants to go. She tells me rumor has it that Michael Jackson is going to be there.”

Annie’s heart nervously skipped a little. “Yes, he is going to be there. He was in the toy store a couple of weeks ago with his kids.”

“Well I guess I may see you there then. And then next week I will let you know what day the formal reading of the will occur—okay kiddo?”

“Thank you Mr. J…I mean Billy—that seems so strange to me. Thank you for everything. I will await your call.” And with that Annie hung up the phone. Annie thought to herself, if only you would have found it a month ago I might have felt differently. But now….Michael, his kids, California, the toy store, Gloria….she was more confused than ever.

She sat at the desk for several minutes and then looked at the clock. Almost 11:00am. She had to get ready for Michael and his kids. They would be there in an hour.

Part Eight

Annie hurriedly blew dry her hair and dressed in her favorite comfortable clothing. It was March in New York. Still chilly out but the sunshine was in abundance today. Annie sighed…she wished that she and Michael and his kids could spend the day exploring New York. But of course that was not possible.

There was a knock at the door and Annie composed herself and went to open it. Prince, Paris, and Blanket, masks still on their faces ran in and practically tumbled her to the ground in their anxiousness to hug her.

“Oh my little munchkins,” she said joyfully. They greeted her with giggles calling out her name, hugging and kissing her. She reciprocated. “Take off those masks and let me see those beautiful faces,” she said. She took a look at their beautiful, smiling faces and then teased them by saying, “Oh my, put those masks back on!” They laughed uproariously at her corny joke.

“Hey why don’t you take your jackets off and put them in my room again. You remember the way, right guys?”

“Yes Annie!” they said in unison, and then scampered off. She got up slowly to face Michael.

“Hello,” she said.

“Hello,” he said back. They both stood facing each other for several seconds. He was staring into her eyes intently. It was as though he could read her mind and she nervously broke the eye contact by looking down. He placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head back up so that she was looking at him again.

“Everything okay Annie?” he said quietly.

“Everything is fine Michael. Why do you ask?”

“When you left me earlier this morning you had a calm, peaceful aura about you…now…I don’t know you seem distracted, or even sad. Is there something you need to talk to me about?”

She would never get over how he seemed so connected to her inner most thoughts. She would never be able to hide anything from him. He grabbed her and pulled her closer to him. He caressed her back with his hands and then let his arms slide down so that they were loosely linked—his hands folded resting casually on her behind. “I love you my sweet beautiful girl. I want you to talk to me if something is bothering you.”

He nuzzled her neck with his lips and then kissed her. “I….I…,” Annie stuttered and then said, “Oh my God I love you too,” getting lost in his touch and his kiss. She composed herself and then said “I do have something I have to tell you…but I want to enjoy my time with them and I don’t want anything to spoil it Michael. It can wait till we are alone, please?” she said.

“Okay girl…just tell me that you are not sick or ill—there’s nothing physically wrong, right?” he said in a serious, concerned voice. She reached up and caressed his cheek lovingly. His concern for her health was so sweet and loving.

“No Michael, I am fine,” she said softly. They kissed one more time quickly as they heard the kids approaching.

Michael was in agreement with her. He wanted to enjoy today also—his children had come to be very fond of Annie and he loved that she seemed to bring some normalcy and happiness to their lives.
He suddenly felt a veil of sadness envelop him. It scared him. He felt as though she may slip away from him if he didn’t hold onto her tight enough. He felt the need to be close to her and for the rest of the afternoon he stuck by her side. Touching her whenever he had an excuse to do so, and when the kids were distracted with each other he would boldly steal kisses from her, not only on the lips but on other body parts, her arms or shoulders or neck or cheeks. He reached for her hand and grasped it under the table while they were playing board games with the kids and when they were eating lunch. It was as though he was desperate to be near her and not let her leave his sight for fear she would disappear forever.

The only time Michael allowed himself to be separate from her was when she presented the kids with their gifts. He knew that these were special gifts from her heart and she deserved a special one on one moment with each of them. And besides that, from his vantage point he would enjoy watching the reactions of the gift giver and receiver.

She gathered all three of them together on the couch. It didn’t take much effort because they wanted to be close to her as much as he did. “I’ve something special to give to each of you.” She handed each of them a package. “Careful, their heavy,” she cautioned. She had them matted and framed and then covered them with gift wrapping.

Once she had given each of them their individual package Prince asked, “Who should go first Annie?”

“How about youngest to oldest Prince?”

“That means you first munchkin,” Annie said to little Blanket, lightly tickling him on his sides. He giggled and then started to rip off the wrapping. When the picture was revealed to all everyone was silent for a few seconds and then Blanket said “I look just like daddy!” And then they all started to laugh. Blanket continued to exclaim, “Look daddy, just like you, I am doing the moonwalk!” He carefully propped the picture frame against the couch and then ran over to Michael. He pulled him forward into their inner circle so that his father could get a closer look at the picture. “Daddy, look at the picture that Annie drew of me!”

“I see Applehead,” Michael said affectionately. “Just like me,” he continued chuckling. Michael hugged Blanket playfully and said “What do you say to Annie little one?” Blanket scurried over to Annie’s open arms, hugging and kissing her and then whispered into her ear, “Thank you Annie, I love you!”

“I love you too my little Michael,” she whispered back. She was already starting to cry. Blanket pulled away from her and said, “Watch Annie,” and started to moonwalk across her wooden floors, and then with a flourish, balanced himself on the tips of his feet, at least he tried too! They all started to clap and then Michael exclaimed, “Hey, you are getting better Applehead!”

Then Annie turned to Paris, “Your turn now Miss Paris.” She gave Paris’s arm a gentle squeeze. Paris was a little more delicate about ripping the paper off. When the picture was revealed her eyes immediately lit up. “Oh wow, it’s me chasing a butterfly. It’s so beautiful Annie,” she said in awe.

“Hold it up sweetie so that we all can see,” Michael said. Paris obediently held the picture up showing it to her father and then to Prince and Blanket. “Look at the butterfly Paris, it’s so real,” Blanket squealed in delight. “It is so real and so colorful. I love it Annie,” Paris said.

“It looks like it could be at Neverland, doesn’t it daddy?”

“Yes it does my sweet girl, it surely does,” Michael said. Michael had seen all of the pictures in progress when Annie had showed them to him but he was amazed at the finished product so far. The colors were so vibrant—especially here, with the field of wild flowers that Paris was running through. He once again marveled at her talent as an artist.

Paris embraced Annie lovingly, kissing her on the lips and saying to her, “Thank you so much. I am so glad we got to meet you. I love you Annie.”

“I love you too sweetie. You are a beautiful young lady—not only on the outside but on the inside also.”

Annie was slowly but surely losing it. She was starting to really get emotional and she had one more to go. Michael’s oldest. She felt like of all three of them, Prince seemed the most reserved when it came to showing affection. Perhaps because of his age and him being a boy—it was not cool to show too much emotion. She wasn’t sure how he was going to react, but she would try not to burst into tears and embarrass him!

She turned to him and said, “Okay—that leaves you kiddo—I hope you like it Prince,” Annie said tentatively. “I am sure I will like it Annie, don’t worry!” The kid took after his father! Prince carefully studied the outside of the package and then meticulously unwrapped it. He sat studying the picture intently. He was so like his father…and then he looked up at her and smiled. “You remembered me saying that I wanted to direct films. It’s so cool. I look like a famous director like Spielberg!”

“Look dad, just like a real director, my own chair with my name on it!”

“It is cool Prince. Now all we have to do is get you a video camera,” Michael said laughing.

Prince carefully placed the picture down and walked over to Annie and then gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. He whispered in her ear. “Thank you for everything Annie. I love you too! And thank you for loving our daddy.” She hugged him tightly and the tears started to roll down her cheeks. “I love you more Prince, I am so happy I got to meet all of you!”

“I want all three of you to know that no matter what happens I will always, always, love you, forever!” And with that Annie proceeded to burst into tears. All three of them came and put their arms around her. “Please Annie, don’t cry, we will love you forever also!” Prince said. “Me too Annie,” Paris said. “And me too Annie,” Blanket said squeezing her tightly.

Part Nine

As emotional as this scene was when Annie later told them goodbye proved to be worse. Michael was proud of his children though, he had raised them to be strong in the face of adversity and they held it together continuing to comfort Annie and reassuring her of their love and devotion.

They had finished the day with Annie taking more pictures of all of them. Michael called Bill and had the kids go ahead of him. The young nanny Julie would watch them until Michael returned. He told Bill to come back in about an hour.

When they were finally alone Michael sat next to Annie on her couch. He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips and kissed her fingers lovingly. He said to her quietly, “What did you mean when you said to the kids that you would love them no matter what happened? What’s going to happen Annie?”

“Michael my father’s will was found. Our family lawyer, a Mr. William James called me last night and left me two messages. I called him this morning and talked to him about it.”

Michael squeezed her hand and said quietly, “Well, what’s the news girl.”

“My father left me the store Michael. He had just changed his will, about six months before he died. The only proviso is that Gloria remains the manager.” She looked up at him.

“So what does that mean for you, for us Annie?”

“I don’t know Michael. Perhaps I will have to stay here a little bit longer.”

“So you stay an extra month and then join us in California a little later.” She was quiet, much too quiet he thought.

Annie got up and started to pace in front of the couch as she talked. “Michael when my father died I was so confused and grieving so hard that I let Gloria take the lead at the toy store because it was easier for me not to think about it. And then when no will was found I was numb. I guess I was always unsure about what my father wanted—especially since right before he died he made Gloria the store manager and me her assistant. But now I know he wanted me to have complete ownership of the store. Can’t you see, now I have the upper hand? I am Gloria’s boss. I feel stronger and more confident in my role there.”

“But Annie is this about you wanting to run the store or more about exerting some sort of control over Gloria or perhaps making her pay for perceived wrongs towards you?” Michael said.

“Michael it’s my family’s store!” she said sternly.

“But Annie, your father made her a part of your family when he married her. He loved and respected her. That’s obviously why he also wanted her to be kept on as the manager of the store.”

Annie was becoming agitated now. He didn’t understand her and she wanted him to. “Michael this is the sign from my father I’ve been looking for. I know now this is what he expected from me—to carry on the family business.”

“Annie, come sit back down next to me, please?” Michael said in a concerned but quiet voice. She came and timidly sat down next to him. He once again took her hands in his and squeezed them lovingly. “What about your art Annie? Those pictures you drew for my kids, wow, they were amazing. You have so much talent. Don’t you want to show your talent to the world my sweet girl?”

"Michael, that’s personal—it’s mine and I will choose whom I want to share it with when or if I am ever ready,” she said looking down into her lap.

“Annie, look at me,” Michael said in earnest. She reluctantly looked up in to his eyes. She knew from past experience that Michael’s eyes revealed all his true thoughts and she knew he was upset with her.

“To me your art portrays who and what you are. Running the toy store and being Gloria’s boss isn’t what you are about. Don’t settle.”

“How do you know who I am? We’ve only known each other for a short period of time,” she said weakly and then looked away.

“No, no. Don’t turn away from me,” he said taking his hand and turning her head back towards him. “I love you and I know who you are.”

He pulled her closer. Michael was desperate to hold onto her and knew that when he touched her and kissed her and made love to her, that he was able to make her forget the real world. It was just about the two of them, together forever. So he decided that for at least one more time he would remind her of that.

He started to kiss her, on her lips, on her face, burying his face in the crook of her neck he then kissed her there and then worked his way back up and whispered in her ear “I love you, I love you so much.”

Annie knew what he was doing. He could make her forget the real world so easily. He was casting his magic spell on her again, spinning a protective web around just the two of them. But she didn’t care. Let him do it Annie if at least for one more time. So she gave in to him and she started to return the kisses and caresses.

He lowered her back to the couch. “Open your eyes Annie and look at me,” he commanded in a gruff voice. She obeyed. “I want you.” She could feel the length of his entire body against hers and as usual it was doing a number on her. She could feel the hardness of his sex pressing urgently into her stomach as she looked up into his eyes. They were dark and looking at her intensely.

“Take me Michael, I’m yours,” she said softly.

He reached one hand down and unzipped her jeans and then possessively inserted his hand in. He stroked her sex over her panties. She moaned as he applied more pressure.  Michael knew he was taking advantage of her vulnerability in doing this to her but he could feel her responding to his touch and he would stop immediately if she protested, but she didn’t.

This was different from his usual sweet, gentle loving. This was Michael trying to stake a claim that she was his and she could not resist. She didn’t want to resist. It felt good. It was erotic and sensuous. She started to move to the rhythm that he was creating with his fingers. He removed his hand momentarily only so that he could make actual contact with her flesh. “Oh God, Michael, yes!” she moaned out loud.

Michael looked at her beneath him. God she was beautiful he thought! She put her arms around him and started to run her fingers through his soft, silky hair. She then moved her hands up and down his back.

Michael was whispering in her ear “Let go Annie—I want you to say my name, I want you to let me know how you feel!”

“Michael,” she said breathlessly.

“Louder baby, with more feeling girl. Say my name again!”

She shouted his name out loud this time, “Michael, Michael!”

He raised himself up and watched her as she started to near her climax. Her face was flushed and her eyes were half closed, heavy with desire. She was licking and biting her lips and her golden curly hair was spread out on the pillow like a halo.

Annie could feel the pressure building in her as the sweet sensations of his fingers were slowly driving her out of her mind with desire and need for him. Michael whispered in her ear again, “You are so sexy baby. Let go, feel for me Annie!”

She could feel herself cresting into an orgasm and then suddenly there was a knocking on the door. But she couldn’t stop even if she wanted. She reached her peak and just as she was about to scream out his name he covered her mouth with his smothering her screams. His tongue swirled around with hers and he deepened and continued to kiss her until he could feel her tremors start to subside. He then gently removed his hand from her pants. He kissed her tenderly on the lips and on her forehead and nose. He then rolled off her gracefully standing up.

There was yet another knock on the door and Michael turned his head and shouted, “Give us a minute, please!” He turned back and gave her one of those wonderful Michael Jackson smiles. He helped her up. She was wobbly on her legs and Michael grabbed her around her waist to prevent her from falling. She felt like she was glowing, warm all over and she also felt kind of deliciously naughty.

She looked into his eyes and said “I love you Michael—I don’t think I could ever stop even if I tried.” She kissed him on his lips.

Michael pulled her closer and said her own words back to her, “I will always love you Annie, no matter what happens.” He let her go and they both composed themselves, straightening their clothes and hair before Michael opened the door.

The first words out of Bill’s mouth were, “I am sorry Michael, Miss Walker, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“It’s okay Bill. No harm done, right Annie?” He then winked at her. Annie blushed all over again. Bill had to know what they were doing, or at least guess. “I will see you tonight, we can continue our discussion.” And with that Michael and Bill were out the door, Annie closing it firmly behind them.

Part Ten

She walked directly to her bedroom and collapsed on her bed. Oh Michael! He said he wanted to continue the discussion later. She could list all the emotions that were at war inside her right now. There was love. How could she not help but love him? Was love enough to get them through the long haul? There was sadness. She was still grieving over losing her father and now to be separated from Michael and his children—she knew the sadness would get even worse. She was even a little angry at him, for being able to use her body to try to sway her decision. He could control her with his look, with his touch, with his kiss.

The thought of seeing Michael at this affair tonight after what had just occurred between them was slightly daunting. He could look at her and she would probably melt! But she knew it was not in him to be manipulative and she had willingly let him use her. In fact she was still tingling from the after affects she thought to herself. She felt he was doing it because he loved her and wanted to try to hold onto her in the only way he knew possible.

It was close to 6:30 when he left. Annie would have to start to get ready for the shindig as Billy James had called Suzie’s birthday party. She knew that Michael would not be there till after 9:00pm but she however would arrive a little bit earlier. Perhaps this would give her time to prepare herself for when he walked through the door. After not really sharing him with anybody else except his children, she would have a front row seat to see what Michael’s life was like as a celebrity and she was pretty sure she wasn't going to like it. Seeing people fawn all over him and having to pretend that she was just one of his many fans was going to be rough for her.

She sighed and turned over and looked up at her ceiling. She started to think about her father. Michael reminded her of her father. In a lot of good ways—he was generous and loving and sweet and fun. But yes, also in some not so good ways. Her father was a dreamer and a lover of make believe and magic, just like Michael. When she was growing up that was wonderful. However she never noticed the effect it had on her mother till much later. Her mother was always the practical one. The down to earth one. The one that had to worry about everything. So was Annie, and now she knew what it was like to be in love with a dreamer and she could sympathize with her mother.

Michael believed in magic. He seemed to believe strongly in happily ever after. How did he do it? Especially in direct contrast to his real life. She knew he was trying to get her to fly with him. To let go of all of her inhibitions, but she couldn't get rid of all of them. She had a strong sense of responsibility. Her father had left the store to her, not Gloria, and that unfortunately was all Annie was concentrating on when she decided that she must stay in New York. She knew Michael would be heartbroken. As well as his children. She was hoping that they could somehow work something out. But how did one survive a long distance romance? Tears started to fall down her cheeks. I do love you Michael, honest I do! She had started out thinking that they could be friends, and now they were so much more. She buried her face in her pillow and had a good cry.

Michael sat in the backseat of the sedan. He was feeling rather melancholic and tired. He leaned back and closed his eyes. He moved his hands up to his face, thinking just to rub his temples and shield his eyes further but his senses were assaulted by her sweet scent which still lingered on his fingers. He smiled and then blushed slightly thinking about the rather carnal act that had just occurred between them. She responded so intensely to his touch. He felt again a wave of guilt pass over him. Was he subconsciously trying to use her body to emotionally blackmail her into coming to California? He knew her thoughts were a jumble especially now that her father's will had been found.

He had done all he could do to try to convince her that life with him and his children would be magical for her. But in the back of his mind he even had doubts about how magical life could be living with him.

Once upon a time he had married for love. Or what he had thought was love. And that world had come crumbling down around him and her. He never blamed her. He was much younger then. Inexperienced in the ways of a physical relationship and naive in what love entailed. He had tried to take her on a magical journey and he had failed. She was happily married now, with two new beautiful babies. He wished her no ill will and she too seemed to have made her peace with him.

Was he trying to do the same thing with Annie? But his instincts were that the love he had for Annie was different, more intense. More real and more true. He was mature now and he understood more about himself and what he wanted from life. And he knew he wanted her in his life, he just wasn't sure if she understood how much he needed her.

He would give it one last shot tonight. He would somehow have to try to allay her fears and doubts. He had to do it. Failure was not an option in Michael Jackson’s world.

Part Eleven

When Annie entered the ballroom where the party was being held she felt a little like Cinderella. Despite Suzie’s penchant for the flamboyant, it was tastefully decorated. There was an abundance of white roses everywhere and little white twinkling lights were draped around giving the room a very magical aura. Gloria and Suzie stood in a receiving line to greet their guests as they arrived. Here we go girl, she heard Michael’s voice speak to her even though he wasn’t there by her side.

She lightly hugged Suzie and wished her a happy birthday. “Annie—you came alone,” Suzie said in that cloying voice.

“Yes Suzie, all alone,” Annie replied back.

From Gloria she got a different greeting. “Annie, my dear, I am so glad you decided to come,” and her hug actually seemed warm and genuine. “You look stunning my dear. What an absolutely beautiful dress.”

“Thank you Gloria,” Annie said somewhat perplexed. Gloria continued, “There are many friends of your father here my dear. I am sure that they will be happy to see you out and about. I am so glad you decided to come.” Annie walked away thinking that was one of the more interesting interchanges that she had ever had with Gloria.

Annie did feel beautiful in the dress that Michael and the kids had picked out for her. She heard Michael’s voice whispering in her ear, “The dress doesn't make you beautiful Annie, the dress only enhances your beauty.” His words made her feel powerful and confident as she made her way through the crowded room, greeting people that she knew. For once in her life Annie no longer felt like the wallflower.

One of the first things Annie did when she arrived was to go view the items that had been donated for the silent auction. From famous athletes there was a bat signed by Derek Jeter and a basketball signed by Wilt Chamberlain. From the entertainers there was a Les Paul guitar signed by Jimmy Page. She of course was most interested in seeing what Michael had donated. There were his items—one of his famous sequined gloves and a white fedora, just like the one he wore in the Smooth Criminal video—the brim personally autographed by Michael.

Annie was completely oblivious to the stir she was creating amongst Gloria and Suzie’s guests. She was known as Billy Walker’s daughter but she rarely made public appearances and most thought that was a shame because she was a beautiful and enchanting woman. And even though Annie was oblivious, Suzie was all too aware. She watched as a lot of the men in the room were casting glances Annie’s way and it made her feel jealous, green with envy. After all this was her party and not Annie’s!

Annie was pleasantly surprised to find that there were a lot of her father’s acquaintances amongst the guests. Many of them were not able to attend her father’s funeral and graciously offered words of sympathy to her. Also many of them relayed amusing and tender anecdotes about her father to her. She was touched knowing how much her father was loved and admired. She was starting to actually feel relaxed and comfortable. She had not thought she would feel this way at this event but it was as though she was among friends. If it wasn’t for the huge banner proclaiming: Happy Birthday Suzie!, punctuated with Suzie’s abrasive laughter in the background, Annie could almost convince herself that she was attending a normal social event and not a birthday party for Suzie Alvarez.

Annie had just finished a conversation with a man that was a toy importer that knew her father from long ago when she caught a commotion coming from the front of the ballroom. Suddenly the whole room was a buzz and many of the guests seemed to surge towards that direction. She knew immediately that Michael had arrived. As she had predicted a crowd of onlookers and photographers knotted around Michael as he made his entrance into the ballroom. Bill and a couple of the other bodyguards huddled protectively around Michael. Even though he was quite busy shaking hands and greeting a large amount of the guests he immediately sought her out. And even though Annie observed from a safe distance, when their eyes met she could detect the intense heat from his stare. He held her stare for as long as he could without being too obvious.

She felt someone touch her elbow and she reluctantly turned around. She was pleasantly surprised to see William James’s smiling face. She gave him a loving hug. “Annie my dear you look absolutely radiant. Your father would be so proud kiddo.”

“Oh thank you Mr. James,” Annie said warmly.

“Uh-uh—remember Billy to you sweetie!”

“Okay,” she said smiling, “Billy it is!”

“Where’s your lovely wife at?” Annie questioned him.

“She’s here somewhere,” he said looking around. “My wife feels the need to talk to everyone she knows at these events.”

He nodded towards where Michael was standing talking to Gloria and Suzie and said “So the gloved one actually made it.” The crowd had subsided somewhat due to Bill and the other bodyguards requesting that they move back and give Michael some room to breath. They stood nearby observing Michael but giving him some leeway to enjoy himself.

 Michael glanced up—probably so nonchalantly that no one noticed unless they were really paying attention and looked at Annie once again, giving her one of his quick smiles. She smiled back and then brought her attention back to Billy James. “Yes, so it seems,” she said casually.

“Annie, I don’t want to necessarily talk business tonight but I wanted to let you know that I had a very pleasant conversation with Gloria. She seems very amiable and completely satisfied with what’s in the will. She is ready to fully cooperate with you in any way possible so that the toy store will continue successfully into the future. I feel confident she will not contest.”

“Wow, that’s great. I am so grateful for your help,” Annie said rather distractedly. She knew instinctively that Michael was making his way towards her and Billy. Even though her back was to him it was as though she could feel his vibe approaching her, the closer he got.

“Wow, he’s coming over towards us Annie. Were you ever introduced to him before?” Billy James was nearing sixty years of age but right now he sounded more like a teenaged star struck fan. That was the effect that Michael had on a lot of people, young or old, male or female.

“Yes, we’ve met. I am sure he wouldn’t mind saying hello. Please stay close Billy,” she said smiling.

Michael was saying hello and shaking hands with people as he made his way closer to where Annie and Billy were standing. She was relieved that the crowd was a friendly one and seemed quite pleased to have Michael Jackson walking amongst them.

When he finally made it to them he reached out his hand and smiled and greeted her, “Miss Walker, we meet again.”

“Yes, Mr. Jackson,” she said as she shook his hand. His skin was warm to the touch and he gave her an extra squeeze before he released it. She felt this electric shock go through her as though this was the first time she had met him. Their eyes met briefly and then they both averted their gaze nervously from each other, ever conscious that someone may be observing their behavior.

Michael spoke again. “Please call me Michael.”

“Only if you call me Annie,” she said demurely.

“Michael,” she said turning towards Billy, “This is Mr. William James. He is an old and dear friend of my father’s. He also served as my father’s legal counsel for many, many years.”

“Mr. Michael Jackson—Mr. William James.”

Michael reached out and shook Billy’s hand warmly and firmly. “Wow—so honored to meet you Mr. Jackson. My wife and I have always been big fans ever since you were a little boy singing with your brothers. We both grew up with the Jackson Five.”

Michael was his usual sweet, humble self. “Please call me Michael. And I am happy to meet a long time fan. My brother’s and I always aimed to please. And I consider any friend of the Walker family a friend of mine.”

Billy then said, “Michael, please can you stay right here while I go and seek out my wife? She would die if she knew I was here talking to you and she missed out.”

“Of course—please go find her. I would be honored to meet her,” Michael said graciously.

“Annie my dear, keep him here, will you please?”

“I will Billy, I promise.” He made his way quickly through the crowd and then suddenly Michael and Annie were alone, at least momentarily.

He leaned in slightly towards her and said in a quiet voice, “You look absolutely amazing tonight my sweet beautiful girl. If I could I would take you in my arms and kiss you senseless.”

She looked at him and said, “You don’t look so bad yourself handsome!” and smiled brightly at him.

He laughed softly. They continued to whisper to each other trying not to draw attention from anyone in the crowd. Though considering whom he was that was probably not too easy.

Across the room Gloria observed them. She watched as Michael leaned into Annie. She thought to herself he is as close to her as humanly possible without touching her. She could feel the heat they were generating between the two of them from across the room. Gloria prided herself in understanding body language and she knew without a doubt now that there was definitely something going on between the two of them. She smiled. Your secret is safe with me guys!

Since Billy James had called her earlier that day she felt as though a giant burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Her husband had provided in the will that she remain manager at the toy store for as long as she desired. She knew now for sure that she would speak to Annie after the will had been officially read. She wanted her to know how much she cared about her father and she also wanted her to know how much she loved working at the toy store. It was time to make amends with her. There was no reason for them to be at odds with each other. Once she had made the decision it was as though she suddenly felt like a different person. Seeing Michael and Annie together, it was beautiful, they obviously were in love. Good for them. The poor girl deserved a little happiness. She knew she had been in a funk even before her father died. Perhaps Michael Jackson was what just what she needed.

Part Twelve

Meanwhile Suzie was preoccupied and totally unaware of what was going on between Michael and Annie. At the same moment in time she was in deep conversation with Jerry Stone the photographer. “I will watch for an opportune time and get him alone, and then call you on your cell and then you can snap your picture. His bodyguards have let him run loose so I feel pretty confident that it’s going to happen, Jerry. And then you can whisk me away to LA with you!”

“Sound like a plan Suze,” Jerry said absentmindedly. Right now all he cared about was watching Suzie’s chest heave with excitement as she discussed her plan. He leaned in closer to her and leered at her. “You look like a million bucks tonight Suzie—can’t wait to get you alone in my bed again—you’re such a freaking turn on!”

“Jerry,” Suzie said in a petulant whisper, nervously looking around “I don’t want my mother to notice anything.”

“All right babe, go mingle and I will await your call.” He watched Suzie’s behind shake as she made her way through the crowded ballroom.

Michael was whispering in Annie’s ear, “Have you given any more thought to our earlier conversation Annie?”

She whispered back “It’s all I have been thinking about Michael.”

He leaned in a little closer and said “Look at me Annie.” She nervously looked into his eyes and suddenly it was as though the crowd disappeared and they were alone together. “I love you Annie.”

“I love you more Michael. But it’s not just about love anymore. Can’t you see how hard this is for me!”

“I can see your friends coming back Annie. We don’t have much time. There’s a little hallway in the back behind the kitchen. I saw it with Bill when he was checking out the exits. It leads to some restrooms but there’s a quiet semi-dark corner. I am going to signal you in a little bit. Meet me there please and we can talk some more. Okay baby—please?” Michael was entreating her to meet him and she agreed she would.

“Okay Michael. I will watch for your signal.”

“Good my sweet girl,” and then he smiled at her—one of those shy, sweet smiles that Annie had such a hard time resisting. She reached her hand up slowly almost ready to caress his face but then realized where they were and let her hand rest on his arm and gently squeezed it before letting it casually drop. “Here they come—put on your game face girl,” he whispered.

She turned around as Billy approached with his wife Audrey. “Here we are kiddo. I found her!”

“Annie my dear girl it’s been too long sweetie. How are you feeling?” Audrey Williams asked her as she approached and grabbed Annie into an embrace.

“I am fine Mrs. Williams.” She released Annie and said

“Annie come now—it’s high time you started to call me Audrey.”

Annie smiled. “Okay Audrey. Let me introduce you…this is Michael Jackson. Michael this is Billy’s wife Audrey Williams.”

Michael offered his hand and Audrey gave it a warm shake. “Oh my I feel like maybe I should curtsy. I am after all shaking the hand of pop royalty!” she said sweetly but very sincerely.

Michael immediately felt relaxed and at home with the both of them. He felt sure they were probably very similar in nature to Annie’s parents. He then laughed and said, “Please no curtsy. I am just like you, a normal, average guy. But I thank you for the compliment.”

“Average, listen to him! Mr. Jackson I am sure Billy told you that we just love your music and have been following you since you were a kid. I feel like I have grown up with you.” Audrey was slightly younger than her husband, just a few years older than Michael.

“I saw you and the Jacksons at Madison Square Garden back in 1984. You and your brothers were phenomenal!”

In his usual humble manner Michael replied, “You are too kind and please call me Michael.”

“Michael I would like to say something personal to you if you don’t mind?”

“Audrey, don’t embarrass the man!” Billy lightly scolded his wife.

“It’s all right Mr. Williams,” Michael said warmly, “Please continue Mrs. Williams.”

“Well I just want you to know because Billy is a lawyer and loves and respects the law so much we follow all the big trials. And we followed your 2005 trial very closely. And we both thought you were completely innocent. We always believed in you Michael.”

Annie looked at Michael and could see he was emotionally moved by Audrey’s words. He looked at both of them and said “You are so kind and so warm. I really do appreciate your kind words—and on behalf of my children and the rest of my family—thank you very much.”

He then said shyly to Audrey “Can I give you a hug Mrs. Williams?”

“Of course you can” Audrey said in reply. Annie watched in fascination as Michael pulled Audrey into a tender hug. Audrey patted him on the back as though she were comforting her own son and then lightly kissed him on the cheek.

“Hey about a picture, would that be okay Michael?” Billy said.

“Of course,” Michael said graciously.

“Let me do the honors,” Annie said. “Billy and Audrey stand on either side of Michael.”

“Sweetie here’s the phone. Do you know how to use it?” Audrey said as she handed her phone over to Annie.

“I think I can figure it out” Annie said laughing. Annie took a couple of pictures and handed the phone back to Audrey.

“Thank you my dear. What a beautiful girl she is, right Michael?” Audrey made the remark quite innocently oblivious to anything that may be going on between Michael and Annie.

In a quiet voice Michael replied “She is quite breathtaking.”

Audrey was so taken by meeting Michael Jackson she never even heard Michael’s reply.

But Annie heard it and sneaked a look at him and smiled. Audrey continued, “We’ve known her since she was a baby. Her mother and father and Billy and I were thick as thieves once upon a time!”

Then Billy said softly, squeezing Annie’s arm, “She takes after her mother—beautiful and sweet.”

“Okay guys you are embarrassing me!” Annie said nervously giggling.

“Oh here comes Gloria. Probably going to steal you away Michael” Billy said.

Annie had not even noticed Gloria approaching. Audrey and Billy warmly greeted Gloria. “Great shindig as usual Gloria, thanks for the invite,” Billy said.

“My pleasure, Billy, Audrey—glad to see you are enjoying yourself.”

“Gloria my dear where’s the birthday girl gotten herself off to?” Audrey asked in a rather acerbic tone.

“I am not sure. She is around here somewhere. I hate to take you away Mr. Jackson but I was wandering if you would be willing to have some pictures taken next to the items that you donated for the silent auction? For publicity purposes you understand. And there’s a representative from the Lupus Foundation that would like to meet you.”

“Of course Mrs. Walker, that would be fine,” Michael said. Then Michael turned to the Williams and said, “It was a pleasure meeting the both of you. Thank you so much again for your kind words.”

“The pleasure was all ours Michael,” Audrey said.

And then Michael turned towards Annie, “Miss Walker…Annie…Perhaps I will see you again before the evening is over?”

Annie replied, “Yes, perhaps Mr. Jackson—Michael.” And then Gloria pulled Michael away into the crowd.

“Lovely man Annie, thank you so much,” Billy said.

Then Audrey said, “Gloria is not a bad egg. Your father loved her. But that daughter of hers is a spoiled brat!”

“Audrey! Please can’t I take you anywhere?!” Billy chided his wife.

Annie laughed. “It’s okay Billy. It’s not the first time I have heard it!”

Then Audrey continued, “Listen Annie, we must have you over to the house for dinner. We have neglected you my dear considering you are the only daughter of our dearest and oldest friends. We will invite Jeff. He just graduated from law school. Studying for the bar exam right now.”

“You know kiddo, I have to say it again, your father would be so proud of you. You look stunning tonight. Now you will be taking the reins of the family business. He is looking down from heaven proud as can be.”

“Do you think so Billy?” Annie said quietly.

“Oh yes kiddo. He loved you so much. This is what he would have wanted. And now with the will you can be sure.”

“Let’s go darling. Got to get up early. Annie, my secretary will call you about the reading,” Billy said.

“And I will call you too sweetie. We will have dinner real soon,” Audrey added. They both hugged and kissed Annie and then made their way through the crowd also leaving Annie alone in her thoughts.

Part Thirteen

Michael kept his game face on as he allowed himself to be photographed. First with the items that he donated to be auctioned off and then with Gloria and Suzie and the representative from the Lupus Foundation. Then for several minutes he spoke privately with the Lupus Foundation representative. Michael had been diagnosed with lupus, something that not many people knew about because he did not publicly advertise it. Ordinarily he would not have found this to be a tedious task because she was a very nice young woman and very knowledgeable about lupus. But even though Michael listened attentively to everything she said his mind was ever present on Annie. He glanced up periodically always checking to see if she was within eyesight. Not always catching her eye but that was not necessary. As long as he saw her in the crowd he breathed a sigh of relief. Finally his duties seemed to be over at least for now and he anxiously searched out his beautiful girl's eyes so that he could signal her to meet him at their predetermined spot.

Annie wandered through the guests speaking to several more of them, but always making sure to be within the sight lines of Michael. She watched ever carefully as he posed for photographs—especially with Suzie Alvarez. But this time, perhaps because she was in a public setting, Suzie seemed to behave herself. And then finally their eyes met and Michael silently nodded to her and she knew it was time.

She watched him nonchalantly leave the room—gave him a few minutes and then followed him discreetly to their predetermined meeting spot. Michael was there as promised. His lithe frame leaning against the wall, head down, seemingly lost in thought, but when he heard her approaching he lifted his head and gave her a smile. She practically ran to him and they immediately launched into each others arms.

Michael kissed her on the lips and then kissed her along her cheek line till his lips were close to her ear and whispered sweetly, "I have wanted to do this all night. I have wanted to taste you and smell you and touch you." As he spoke his hands caressed her arms and her back and then he let his fingers suggestively graze over her breasts and then pulled her closer to him. "I love you so much—can't you see what you do to me?" he questioned her in a pleading almost desperate voice.

"I love you too my sweet prince and you have the same affect on me.” She kissed him in return. Then she slightly separated herself from him. Still embracing each other she looked into his eyes and said, "But I must stay in New York. I have a responsibility to my father to stay here. We can still communicate with each other. We will call each other all of the time, several times a day if we have to. And we can e-mail each other. And I will visit California as much as possible my love. And you can come to New York with the kids whenever possible." She said these things but she was not totally convinced of them herself.

Michael was becoming frustrated with her line of thinking. "So I will have to exchange seeing you everyday, waking up to your beautiful smile every morning, making love to you and falling asleep afterwards with you in my arms, every night, for the hopes that I may see you once a month, maybe twice a month if I am lucky. And what happens if I have to tour Annie. Not that I want to tour, but I may have no other choice to jump start my career. Will you follow me--to Japan or Spain or Germany or London? How will that be possible Annie?" Michael said in a sad but desperate whisper.

"Annie listen to me...Gloria is perfectly able to run the toy store. She seems to be smart and very dedicated to the task. She was loyal to your father and she will not place the business in harms way. You can leave the task of running the store to her and come to California and start a new life with me."

Annie pulled away from his embrace all together now and stood in front of him, her arms held stiffly at her side. "No Michael. That is not going to happen. I am his heir apparent...why are you taking her side against me?!" Annie implored.

He reached out to her grabbing her again into his embrace. "I am not taking sides here. You need to discuss this with her. She is not the enemy Annie. Can't you see that my sweet (tenderly kissing her on her forehead), sweet, (another kiss, this time on the nose), beautiful, (a final kiss, this time on the lips) girl."

"Oh Michael," she said closing her eyes and letting the feel of his sweet lips tenderly on her face give her the tingles all over. But she had to think straight. She had to get her point across. She pulled away from him again. "Please Michael, don't make this harder on me...it's my decision and if you love me you will understand why I am doing this."

He stood now also, arms at his side looking at her intently. "I do love you and I don't understand why you are doing this to me, to us. I need you Annie—you are what I have been looking for forever!" She looked at him. He looked like a hurt child. Her insides were aching from the look he was giving her.

And then he suddenly pulled her back into his embrace again. He held her tightly against his body and whispered fiercely into her ear this time, "Feel how much I need you. Feel how hard you make me. Feel it Annie! Do you want to give up on me, on us—please listen to me and think about the choice you are making? Please!" And then he kissed her. The kiss was hard and passionate. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and erotically let it swirl around hers. She moaned aloud from the pleasure he was giving her. She could feel the hardness he so aptly described.

And then, "No Michael. You can't get your way like this every time. No." She pulled away. Their hands slipping out of each others grip as she stepped back, tears streaming down her face. "I have to go now Michael, I have to go." She turned and ran down the small hallway.

What the two lovers did not realize was that lurking in the shadows, out of sight Suzie stood and watched the mini drama unfold before her eyes. Well, well, thought Suzie. Annie was having some sort of love affair with Michael Jackson. She was too far away to hear what they were whispering to each other but she could tell obviously that they were struggling with some sort of issues. She smirked. She didn't really care. All she wanted was for Annie to go away so that she could make her attack, alone.

She was ecstatic to see Annie finally pull away from Michael and run down the hall. Right past where Suzie was standing. But of course she was so obviously distraught she didn't even notice Suzie. Suzie reached into her pocket where her cell phone was and pushed the redial button. She knew Jerry would see the call was from her. She had called him as she left the ballroom letting him know in which direction Michael was headed—but told him that when she was sure the time was right that she would just dial the number, signaling him to come immediately.

Michael leaned back against the wall. He closed his eyes. His heart was beating rapidly and he felt like he was trembling all over. He felt like he just needed to compose himself. Get his senses back, and then he would seek her out again. This wasn't over yet. He couldn't let it be over—not like this.

Michael heard some footsteps and his heart soared, it was Annie coming back! But when he looked up he saw that it was Suzie Alvarez standing inches away from him.

"Mr. Jackson, what are you doing out here in the hallway all by your lonesome?" she said in a sultry, alluring voice.

Michael looked at her and could not help but think how Annie and Suzie were exact opposites. Annie was beautiful, warm, loving, kind and sweet. Whereas there was no doubt that Suzie was beautiful, but it was a cold, calculating beauty. Michael barely knew her but he knew instinctively that Suzie was spoiled and mean spirited. He was so disappointed that it was not Annie standing in front of him now. He was dazed and still unsettled from his encounter with Annie. He also felt like his senses were on fire, as though he was in danger and he felt the need to flee from here as soon as possible.

So he took a deep breath and did what he was trained to do as a child...he pretended he was someone who he was not and said politely, "Miss Alvarez, you should be inside with your guests not out here. I left the ballroom for a few minutes to get some air. I needed to be by myself for a few minutes. If you will excuse me though I should be getting back also."

He started to leave, but of course Suzie wasn't going to allow that. "Mr. Jackson, Michael," she said. "You are such an attractive man." She drew closer to him. If Michael was going to leave now he would have to brush by her and for some reason he didn't want to touch her. She was so close now he could practically feel her hot breath on his face. "Michael, it's my birthday, how about a little kiss for the birthday girl?" she said, continuing to use that sexy, sultry voice.

She then reached up and caressed Michael’s face, he flinched when she touched him. She then drew closer to him and Michael in trying to avoid her lost his balance and fell back against the wall. Suzie took advantage of this and leaned into him so that the frame of her body was right up against Michael’s.

Michael was still somewhat aroused from the tight embrace that he had just shared with Annie. He stared into Suzie’s eyes and he knew she could feel it by the intensity in her eyes looking back at him. And then she kissed him. It was then that Michael saw some flashing to his right and turned his head to see a man taking pictures. He pushed Suzie’s body off of him and started to walk toward the man.

The man said than rather snidely, “Smile for the camera Mr. Jackson.”

“What’s going on here? Who are you?” Michael asked, still somewhat in a daze. He turned back around and looked at Suzie and knew immediately that the two of them were working together.

Michael strode towards the camera guy reaching out to grab the camera from his hands,
but Jerry Stone snatched it out of his reach and said, “Now, now Mr. Jackson, you don’t want a lawsuit on your hands, do you?”

Michael continued to walk towards the guy as he retreated backwards and said in a deep growl, “I don’t give a damn about lawsuits!”

But then he felt Suzie’s hand on his arm. “Mr. Jackson, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I saw the little scene that you just shared with Annie minutes ago. If you lay a hand on that camera I will spill my guts to the media about that little incident. And I will embellish it if I have to. You know how much that would hurt Annie.”

Michael looked from Suzie to the jerk with the camera and decided to back off. He strode past Jerry Stone but not before shoving him out of his way and then made his way back to the ballroom.

Suzie squealed in delight. “We did it! What a rush!” she practically shouted. Jerry Stone got up from the ground from where Michael had pushed him and strode towards Suzie.

He pushed her up against the wall and said “Right babe, we did it and you were so sexy—I could take you right now, against this wall!” He took his hand and in a very proprietary manner inched it up her dress and started to caress her thigh while he kissed her hard pinning her to the wall.

What Jerry didn’t tell her was that he wasn’t even sure actually that any media outlet would be interested in the pictures of Michael Jackson kissing Suzie. Pictures of Michael dealing in normal heterosexual activities like kissing a woman passionately would actually be a hard sell. After all, most of the media questioned his sexuality constantly. It was worth more to them to perpetuate that image of Michael Jackson. Like he had told her previously, when it came to Michael Jackson, the more bizarre the better, and this was hardly bizarre. He could probably sell it, and it would be published. But it wouldn’t make that big a splash. It would probably be news for a day and then fade quickly.

However, he wasn’t about to tell Suzie that. He had her right where he wanted her, ready and willing. He thought she was excited before, now her bosom was really heaving and Jerry wanted her all the more.

Part Fourteen

Suzie had never felt as sexually charged as she did at that moment. However she couldn't help but notice the contrasting way she responded now to Jerry's artless pawing of her body and to when her body was hugging Michael Jackson's lithe and muscular frame minutes ago. She felt Michael's arousal and it was quite a turn on. What a man he was! And he had this incredible scent that she had failed to notice before when she had been close to him—but she surmised that was because she had never truly been that close to him as she had minutes ago.

Michael Jackson was wasting his time on mousy little Annie Walker as far as she was concerned. He deserved a woman such as herself, one with a little more experience and more verve. However she thought regretfully, he probably wouldn't give her the time of day now that she threatened Annie and co-conspired at getting illicit pictures of him. All well, don't think about that Suzie, Jerry Stone may not be as much of a man as Michael Jackson, but he was going to get you hooked up to those Hollywood/LA connections and that was what she was really after.

"Jerry, I think I best get back to the party...my mother may be looking for me. I have been away a little too long," Suzie said.

"Okay Suze," Jerry said, after giving her breasts a final squeeze and releasing her from her position. "So when can you meet me at my hotel room?"

"Give me another hour or so. The party should be wrapping up. And then I will meet you there around midnight or so."

"Sounds great. We did it babe--and you were magnificent," he said as he slapped her on her behind as she sashayed away, giggling.

After Annie fled from Michael she made her way to the ladies room at the end of the mini hallway. It was an out of the way restroom and thankfully was empty when she came in. She sank into one of the chairs in the lounge area and buried her face in her hands and cried. She did love him. He had to understand that. She was thinking about what Billy James had said to her about her father, about how proud he would have been of her taking over the reins of the family business. But then she was thinking about what Michael had said about how Gloria could be trusted. She didn't trust her. Perhaps her father was entranced the same way with Gloria that she was entranced with Michael. All she knew now was that she had a splitting headache and she wanted to go home. She had enough of being Cinderella tonight, she wanted to strip off her fancy dress and put on some clothes that made her feel like plain old Annie again and crawl into bed. However she knew Michael would not give up so easily and fully expected that she would see him again tonight for another confrontation. First she had to calm herself down. She was going to splash some cold water on her face and touch her makeup a little and then escape back to the safe confines of her apartment, hopefully without anyone noticing her leaving.

Just as she was finishing touching up her makeup she heard the bathroom door open. She groaned inwardly and cringed as she saw Suzie Alvarez walk through the door. She was the last person that Annie wanted to see, much less talk to.

"Hello Annie," Suzie said quite breezily. "Annie you look amazing tonight. Like a fairytale princess." Her voice seemed to be dripping with venom Annie thought. She then continued on. "It appears you have been keeping a secret from my mother and me."

"I don't know what you are talking about," Annie said quietly. She attempted to leave but Suzie stopped her.

"Surely you can spare a few more minutes for me Annie. Humor me, after all it's my birthday." Annie stopped and turned around.

In a bold face lie Suzie then said, "My mother knew all about you and Michael Jackson days ago. She's the one that told me." Annie felt a stab in her stomach. Gloria knew for several days and then told Suzie. And Michael said she should confide in her, that she wasn't the enemy.

Then Suzie continued on, "He bought that dress for you, didn't he?"

"It's none of your business," Annie said defensively.

"Let me give you some advice Annie, from someone who has known the favors of many rich men. You're the flavor of the month right now. He can dress you up and dazzle you with his lifestyle. Perhaps even welcome you into his home. But you and I know you don't belong in that world. And when it becomes more evident to him, he will grow bored with you and you will be left alone—probably taking care of his brats. Nothing but a live in nanny!"

Annie took a deep breath and then said, "Suzie, don't speak of what you know nothing about, it shows your ignorance. Now if you don't mind, I would rather be anywhere else than here in this room with you. Happy Birthday Suzie, many happy returns."

Annie could hear Suzie's evil cackle as she strode out of the room with as much bravado as she could muster, even though on the inside she felt no such confidence. Annie didn't go back into the ballroom. She found an entrance that led directly to the lobby of the hotel and ran out to the front of the street. The air seemed to be changing outside. It felt like rain and in the distance Annie could hear the rumblings of thunder. She hailed a taxi and directed him to take her back to her apartment.

Michael made his way back into the ballroom and Bill his bodyguard immediately was at his side. "Mike, we were just about to send the cavalry out for you. Don't scare us that way, please Michael!"

Michael had quickly texted Bill when he left to go meet Annie. He didn't want to be disturbed and he didn't want Bill to hyperventilate when they didn't know where he was at.

"I want to leave Bill, now!" Michael said in a deep, serious voice that Bill recognized as one that should be paid attention to. "You have not seen Annie, Miss Walker here in the last few minutes, have you," Michael added.

"No we have not as a matter of fact."

"She probably left. I want you to take me to her apartment," Michael said. Bill gestured to the other two bodyguards and they started to leave.

Gloria saw them leaving and she made her way to intercept Michael Jackson before he left. "Mr. Jackson, were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" Gloria grasped his arm firmly. Michael paused and looked into Gloria Walker's eyes. Michael felt a totally different vibe from this woman now than from the first time he met her. He wasn't sure what caused the transformation to occur but he felt that Annie could confide in her and that all would be all right. He didn't want to tell her about the incident that had just happened between him and his daughter but decided he needed to say something to her.

"Please call me Michael. Mrs. Walker, I just saw your daughter out in the hallway. I fear she may need some guidance Mrs. Walker, she seems to be spending time with the wrong kind of persons."

Gloria wasn't really expecting him to say anything like that, she was rather perplexed. "Oh, okay Mr. Ja...I mean Michael. I wanted to thank you again for your donation and attending. I think having you here may have helped boost our take for the Lupus Foundation immensely. Thank you again. And Michael, good luck to you in the future, whatever that may be."

Michael impulsively gave her a little hug and said, "Thanks Gloria." And then he gestured to Bill for them to continue out the door.

Peter was waiting outside with the black sedan. The air seemed electric. It felt like rain and a storm was coming. Once they were inside the sedan Michael relayed to Bill what had just occurred between him and the photographer and Suzie Alvarez. He trusted this man with his and his children's life and he knew he needed to tell him about what had happened.

Bill was ready to go and beat the crap out of the guy but Michael stopped him. "It's over and done with and I don't want any more trouble with the guy. I already have to battle so many useless lawsuits I don't want to add to the list. And I don't want Annie to get hurt anymore than she probably is going to be when she sees the picture," Michael said wearily.

"Okay boss, it's your decision," Bill said resignedly. He and his other two assistants truly respected and admired Michael Jackson and would do anything he asked of them. The car left the hotel and headed for Annie Walker's apartment.

Part Fifteen

On the cab ride to her apartment Annie’s head was spinning. When she was in Michael’s arms and he was whispering sweet nothings into her ear, life was so easy and magical and wondrous. And then she thought about what Suzie said. She knew that she should not listen to the rants of a spoiled debutante but didn’t some of what she said ring true? Suzie was right; she was not of his world. Michael was rich and he did lead somewhat of a privileged life, or maybe an isolated life. She cooked her own meals and lived in a one bedroom apartment. She took the subway. She didn’t have fancy clothes.

But that didn’t matter to Michael right? He talked about marriage, down the road. Once they got to know each other. But perhaps he would grow restless and grow bored with her. And then there was Gloria and the toy store. Suzie had said that Gloria knew about her and Michael and then had blabbed it to her. Michael was wrong, Gloria couldn’t be trusted. It was up to Annie to keep her father’s toy store out of danger. Annie groaned and sank her head back against the seat. She was extremely vulnerable, confused and sad right now. She knew she would have to tell him goodbye, yet again. And she probably was never going to see him ever again.

Annie had just finished changing her clothes when Michael knocked on her door. She had scrubbed her face clean of all of her make-up and washed away the residuals of the tears she had shed. In more comfortable clothing and surroundings she felt more like herself.

But when she opened the door to Michael all of her calm and reserve seemed to flow out of her. Her heartbeat started to race and she felt breathless. She always felt this way every time she saw him. It was always as though it was the first time.

He reached for her with one arm while he closed the door with his other arm. She fell into his arms and let him caress her back lovingly and kiss her on top of her head tenderly.

"I love you," he said quietly.

"Michael, I love you too. But nothing has changed in the last hour," she said as she gently extricated herself from his loving arms. He tried to pull her back but she lightly skidded away and said "Let's just talk some more Michael, please!"

He dropped his arm rather forlornly and said, "I can't hold you and talk to you Annie?"

"When you hold me it's too dangerous. I can't think straight Michael," Annie said with conviction.

"What do you need to think straight about Annie?" They now stood, feet apart from each other, arms held stiffly at their sides, staring at each other warily. The thunder had started to intensify slightly outside the apartment's windows now accompanied by occasional flashes of lightning.

"Michael, why did you give me the dress?" Annie asked, her voice starting to tremble slightly.

Michael wasn't expecting this question at all. "The dress was a gift. I wanted you to feel beautiful and confident tonight at the party. And you were beautiful and confident. I wasn't the only one that noticed that tonight Annie," Michael said as he took a few more steps towards her. But Annie retreated a few steps back.

And then Annie in a quiet whisper questioned him again, "Do you think Michael that I need to be dressed up, made prettier for you?"

Michael was stunned by this line of questioning. "Annie!" he gently admonished, "Why would you say something like that? You are beautiful, not only on the outside but on the inside where it matters most my sweet girl."

He moved toward her and again she stepped back so he stopped. "Michael I can't live in a gilded cage like a pretty bird. I can't be that person. I need to be able to be free."

"Have I ever asked that of you Annie? If you lived with us you could be free to come and go as you like. You will not be held prisoner."

"I can't live in your world Michael, I don't belong in your world," Annie said with as much conviction as she could muster.

"What world are you talking about Annie?" Michael said defensively.

"A world where you are driven around in black sedans. A world where assistants get you whatever you desire. A world where you can't walk out on the street unless you have several bodyguards. A world where you close stores so that you and your children can shop privately."

"Is that what you think, that I am spoiled and rich and I get whatever I want? That my children are spoiled?"

"No," she hesitated, "I don't know...maybe, a little Michael. And besides that Michael I’ve already told you, I have an obligation to my father. His wishes were for me to take over the family business. And I plan on doing that.”

"Why are you saying these things to me Annie? Do you want to hurt me intentionally? Is that your new plan because I refuse to have some sort of half way long distance relationship with you?" Michael said in a pained voice. Michael was hurt now and he felt sort of like a wild animal backed into a corner. And he came out fighting, claws bared.

"Maybe Annie this doesn’t have anything to do with your obligation to your father. Maybe it has more do with you being afraid of stepping out of your safe little box. Maybe you’re afraid to show your artwork to anyone else but a chosen few because you are afraid of criticism, afraid of failure. And maybe you are afraid to start a relationship with me for the same reason. You’re afraid of taking a risk, afraid of being hurt. It’s easier to stay here in New York, isn’t Annie? Easier to continue working at a job that you and I both know is sucking the life out of you. You were unhappy before he died but you feel guilty because you never wanted to tell him! And now he is dead and he’s left the store to you and the only way you can assuage your guilt is to remain there for the rest of your life!”

After he finished the room was suddenly lit up with a tremendous flash of lightning and then a loud boom of thunder followed. They both flinched. He had practically shouted at her. He was breathing heavily after he finished and his heart was beating a mile a minute and he immediately regretted saying it. This wasn’t like him. He could tell immediately that he upset her.

Annie stood quietly facing him and then said, her voice shaking. “Michael I think what we had was a beautiful interlude. A moment in time. But now we must get back to our real lives. I have a life I must continue on with and you yourself told me that you are looking to start a new chapter in yours. It’s best for the both of us if we move on.”

In an agonized but quiet and calmer tone Michael said, “Annie please, I am sorry, I was too harsh. I am going to ask you one more time, come to California with me. Take a month; take two months if you need them girl, to get things settled with the toy store and Gloria. But don’t give up on what we have. It wasn’t just a two week interlude—it was the start of something wonderful and beautiful and I know you know it deep down. Please Annie don’t give up on us!” Michael was pleading with her and once again he stepped forward and reached out for her. But Annie backed away and moved away from his outstretched arms.

“No Michael, it’s over. Goodbye!”

Michael bowed his head down and then looked back up at her. “Okay Annie, as you wish. Goodbye.”

He turned around and started to walk towards the door. But when he got there she called his name out. “Michael…” His heart skipped a beat, he turned around and then Annie said, “I really do love your kids. Please, for me, because I know you are going to tell them what happened, please don’t make me the bad guy, please? And tell them I love them.” Tears were streaming down her face as she said these last words.

“I won’t Annie, I promise. I would never do that. I know how much you love them.” And then he turned around and walked out the door. He took a few steps away from the door and then hesitated and turned around and started to walk back—almost re-opening the door and walking back in. But then stopped and turned back around and headed for the elevator.

Annie started to walk toward her bedroom but then turned around and started towards the front door, almost opening it, ready to shout for him to come back. But she hesitated a minute and then turned around and headed for her bedroom.

Part Sixteen

Michael found himself in the lobby of Annie's building with no comprehension of even riding the elevator down. As he neared the door to leave the building, Annie's doorman, Charles, stopped him.

"Mr. Jackson, Michael!" he said as he grabbed Michael's arm and prevented him from leaving the building.

Charles was somewhat concerned. Miss Walker was not with him and Michael looked like death warmed over, and no Peter or Bill in sight, plus it was now pouring rain outside.

"Michael," Charles said again, gently leading him away from the door. "Is Miss Walker going to be joining you?" Michael slowly came to the comprehension that he was being talked to.

"What...Oh, I am sorry Charles. No, Miss Walker will not be joining me. I need to go back to my hotel suite."

"Michael, why don't you sit down here in the lobby—out of the way here," Charles said leading him to a chair, "And I can call Peter and have him come and get you."

"Okay, thanks Charles, I appreciate that," Michael said in a dazed voice.

Michael was in pain. He couldn't believe what had just transpired between them. Thinking about how she was just right upstairs, several floors above his head was making him even sadder. So close yet so far away. She had hurt him. He was even kind of angry that she turned away from his love. But he was also extremely sad. He sat in the chair that Peter had directed him to and buried his face in his hands. He wanted to be alone—far, far, away—all by himself. He had to think about what she said and why she said it.

Meanwhile Charles was able to call Peter on his cell phone. Peter was a native New Yorker. Michael was using his services only while in New York and he gave Charles his cell just in case he felt he needed to contact him for Michael or Miss Walker. Charles was grateful for that because this was such an incident.

"Peter, hey it's Charles, Miss Walker's doorman. Hey man you got to come and get Mr. Jackson. Something seems to be out of sorts and he needs to go back to the hotel. Great, thanks Peter, see you in a few minutes."

Charles pocketed his cell phone and took a look at Michael. He looked so sad and lost. Michael had been so friendly and polite with him ever since he gave Charles that autographed compact disc to give his wife. What a nice guy—so obviously misunderstood by a lot of the public and media. He and Miss Walker had made a lovely couple. He had not remembered seeing Miss Walker so happy and filled with joy since even before her dad died. He hoped and prayed nothing had happened between the two of them, but he feared the worse. Annie Walker had entered the building about an hour ago quite distraught, followed closely by Michael Jackson and then less than a half hour later here was Mr. Jackson, looking so sad and dazed. Like all good doormen Charles was always polite and friendly with all of the tenants. He was the type of person that cared about people. And with these two, how could you not.

He walked slowly over to Michael. "Michael," he said putting his arm gently on Michael's shoulder, trying to get his attention without startling him. Michael looked up and Charles said, "Hey man, Peter is coming. He's close by. Would you like me to get you anything, perhaps a drink of water or something?"

Michael gave Charles a sad half smile and said, "No that's not necessary. But thanks Charles. You're a nice person. Thanks for all of your help while I have been here in New York. I really just want to be alone. Okay?"

"Sure man, I understand." Charles went back to his post at the desk and watched as Michael buried his face in his hands again.

Bill walked through the door a few minutes later carrying a dripping umbrella and looked at Charles who nodded silently over to where Michael was sitting. Bill walked over. “Michael, are you ready to go?” he said.

Michael slowly looked up and said “Yes, let’s get the hell out of here.”

“It’s raining quite hard. I brought an umbrella, though Peter is parked right out in front,” Bill said.

Michael said, “I don’t care about getting wet Bill. Nothing matters much to me tonight—at least not anymore.”

They walked out together and Michael hesitated a few minutes, and looked up in the sky, letting the driving rain pelt his face. “C’mon Mike, please, you’re going to get soaked,” Bill gently scolded him. Michael waved him off. People passing by on the street started to stop and point and stare. He was being recognized and Bill was really starting to freak out. “Mike, please, let’s get you into the car okay?” Finally Michael let himself be guided to where Peter was waiting.

He sat in the back seat, water dripping off his hair and the rest of his body, his eyes closed and his head resting on the back of the seat and thought, this is what it must feel like when your heart is broken in a thousand pieces.

Gloria was perplexed over what Michael Jackson had meant when he said that Suzie was hanging out with the wrong type of persons. But she meant to find out. It seemed he was trying to tell her something. After Michael had left she searched the room for her and couldn’t find her. Her guests were starting to leave and Gloria was left to say goodbye and thank you alone to many of them.

Then she saw Suzie reappear. She started to move towards her and then stopped. Suzie was talking rather intimately with one of the photographers. Gloria didn’t recognize him. Suzie seemed to be practically hanging all over the guy. He left her side and then Gloria continued to move toward her daughter.

“Suzie, where have you been? Your guests are starting to leave and it’s impolite for you not to be here,” Gloria said in a rather angry but quiet voice.

“Mother please, most of these guests are yours and not mine. I got bored so I went out into the hallway to get some air,” Suzie replied back.

“Who was the photographer that was just here with you Susannah?” Gloria asked her. Suzie knew her mother was angry with her when she called her by her full name.

“He’s a friend mother. He’s a professional photographer that I met and I invited him to take some pictures of me at the party. You told me I had free rein when planning the party and that included inviting media. I added him to the approved list,” Suzie snapped back at her mother.

“He seems rather sleazy. You can do better than that Susannah. That must have been what Michael Jackson was talking about when he told me he saw you in the hallway with a questionable person,” Gloria said to her.

Suzie started to get a little nervous. She didn’t want her mother to know about the pictures that Jerry took. Let her find out with the rest of the world when they got published she thought. So she decided to try to throw her mother off the scent with yet another scandalous lie.

“Michael Jackson said that? Well, well, that’s mighty interesting, considering he followed me out into the hallway and attempted to make a clumsy pass at me. He grabbed me and tried to kiss me but I pushed him away,” she said with a smirk.

Gloria looked at her and said, “You’re lying. You forget who you are talking to missy. I am your mother. I taught you to tease and flirt with the best of them. And I know for a fact that Michael Jackson did not make a pass at you. Now I am not sure what is going on Susannah with you and that photographer, but mark my words when I find out I have a feeling there’s going to be hell to be paid, do you understand me Susannah?” Gloria said grabbing her daughters arm and directing her toward the front of the ballroom. “Now smile for the crowd Suzie…it’s your birthday party and your guests are leaving and I want you to say goodbye and thank you to them for attending your party.”

This was the last straw. Suzie was leaving. She had enough and she knew that Jerry was headed to his hotel room. She didn’t care what her mother thought because she was going to fly to LA tomorrow with Jerry and nothing else mattered anymore.

“Mother please stop manhandling me. I am leaving. I have a date tonight and as far as I am concerned the party is over.” And with those final words she turned around and made her way out of the ballroom.

When they arrived at the hotel Bill got out and opened the door for Michael and asked him, “Mike do you need me to do anything for you tonight? Is everything okay Michael? Will Miss Walker be joining you later?”

Michael turned around and said rather abruptly, “No Miss Walker will not be joining me later and I just want to be alone. Can everyone please just leave me alone?”

“Okay Mike, we will see you in the morning,” Bill said in a concerned voice. Michael made his way to the elevator and Bill watched to make sure he made it on without any hassles. He walked back out onto the street and he and Peter talked privately for a few minutes.

“What’s wrong with the kid?” Peter said. He referred to Michael as the kid even thought Peter wasn’t much older than Michael—it was his nickname for him.

“I am not sure Pete. It seems as though he and Miss Walker may have fought.”

“Wow, that’s too bad. They make a cute couple. She’s a sweetheart and the kid really seemed to enjoy being in her company,” Peter said.

“Yes, you are right Peter my man, they did indeed,” Bill said as he went back into the hotel and made his way back to his own room.

Michael made it to the suite and couldn’t wait to collapse on to his bed but had one more person that had to be dismissed before he could. He forgot about Julie, the young nanny.

“Mr. Jackson I wasn’t expecting you back so soon. Will Miss Walker be joining you?”

Michael thought if one more person asks me about Annie I may have to scream! He looked into her young sweet face and couldn’t possibly be mean to Julie. “No, she won’t be Julie,” he said quietly.

“Are the kids asleep?” he asked her.

“Yes, they should be sound asleep. I have not heard a peep from them since you read to them and tucked them in.”

“Okay. Then I guess it’s good night Julie. Will you be here in the morning to help them finish their packing?” Michael said.

“Yes, of course if you need me I will be here to assist. I can say goodbye to them before you guys leave. Well, goodnight Mr. Jackson,” she said walking toward the door.

“Goodnight Julie and thanks again,” Michael said.

As Julie left the suite she couldn’t help but notice that he seemed distraught and sad. Several people had warned her away from accepting the job of being the nanny for Michael’s kids while he was staying in New York. But she had wanted to meet him. He was such a nice person. So sweet and kind, he was truly misunderstood by the public and the media she thought to herself. She was expecting Miss Walker to be with him. She had been with him practically every night for the last two weeks. The kids had told her that she was expected to join them in California later on. She hoped everything was okay. They made such a great couple, so loving and happy together.

Michael made his way toward his room but stopped when he got to the kid’s bedroom door. He needed to see his babies. Perhaps he would just sit in their room for a few minutes. Seeing his kids always seemed to help calm him down and make him feel centered. Just for a few moments he thought to himself.

He opened the door carefully and stepped in quietly. He went over to Blanket’s bed and made sure he was tucked in properly. He then looked over at Prince, sound asleep. Then he went over to Paris’s bed and sat down on a nearby chair. Suddenly he saw her turn over and pop up and say sleepily, “Is everything okay daddy?”

“Paris I didn’t mean to wake you baby,” he said.

He drew closer and sat on her bed. Paris could immediately sense that something was wrong. She inherited Michael’s sensitivity. She got up and put her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. “I love you daddy.”

Michael took her in his arms and held her against him and said “I love you more Applehead.” He tried unsuccessfully to hold off the tears that had been forming in his eyes since he said goodbye to Annie. It was unusual for her father to call any of them Applehead except Blanket. It was a name that her father seemed to reserve for the youngest and very rarely used it when speaking to her or Prince anymore, except sometimes when he was in an especially melancholic mood.

“Daddy, are you crying?” Paris asked.

“I am okay sweetie. Please go back to bed and we will talk in the morning,” Michael said.

“Did you and Annie have a good time at the party tonight? I bet Annie was beautiful in her dress.”

As Michael tucked her back into bed he said to Paris, “Yes my sweet, she was quite beautiful. Now let me see you close your eyes. Big day tomorrow baby, we’re going home.”

“Okay daddy, good night,” Paris said and promptly closed her eyes and fell back to sleep.

Michael left the room and made his way down to his room. He thought rather ironically how it was just several days ago when he danced with joy down this hallway after saying goodnight to Annie. He definitely didn’t feel like dancing tonight.

Part Seventeen

When Suzie arrived at Jerry's hotel room he offered her a drink. Suzie gladly took the glass of wine he handed to her. She spilled her guts to him about her mother and Jerry listened attentively, agreeing with her. After she finished the first glass of wine, Jerry made sure it was filled again. Suzie started to relax and before she knew it Jerry had her feeling no pain.

When she originally had come to his room she had wanted to talk about the pictures and who he was going to sell them to and what their plans for the future would be, but the combination of the wine and the luxurious feeling of his hands massaging her shoulders and caressing her body she soon forgot everything. Jerry had her in his bed, stripped down to barely anything in no time.

"Suzie, you are one hot woman. You know if the acting gig doesn't work out, you could model. You have a body that never quits baby!" Jerry said to her as he slid out of bed after they had sex for the second time.

He grabbed his camera and started to snap pictures of Suzie. And of course she gladly posed, wearing nothing at all. The next thing she remembered was that several hours had passed and Jerry was shaking her awake.

"Suzie, Suzie, wake up darling!" he said in a quiet but urgent voice.

"What...what time is it?" she said groggily.

"It's about 3:30 or so babe. Hey, how about you go home, pack a bag, and meet me back here. Say about nine or ten? We can then grab a cab and head for the airport baby. We will see if we can get a flight together back to LA. What do you think Suze?" Jerry said.

Suzie got up slowly, still feeling kind of dazed and confused from the wine and everything else that had happened that night. "That sounds great Jerry." Suzie hurriedly picked up her clothing scattered all over the floor and started to get dressed while Jerry sat up in the bed leering at her.

When she was done he got up and escorted her to the door. He opened it, kissed her roughly on the mouth and then pushed her out as he slapped her behind. "Okay babe, see you in a few hours," and then unceremoniously closed the door firmly on her before she could even say anything. She made her way down to the hotel lobby and hailed a cab and went home.

Suzie lived with Gloria in a huge apartment in the upper east side of Manhattan. When she came into the apartment she crept in as quietly as possible not wanting to wake up her mother. She made her way to her bedroom and collapsed on to her bed. She knew she should set her cell phone alarm to wake her up but she was so tired and her head was starting to hurt a little from the wine. She just wanted to close her eyes for a bit.

The stormy and rainy night had left New York wet and dreary gray the next morning. Gloria awoke still upset about Suzie. She had acted like a petulant, spoiled brat. But Gloria expected nothing less. It seemed as though Gloria was undergoing some sort of life transformation, ever since she found out about Billy Walker's will. And part of her transformation was that she was starting to realize what a bad job she had done raising her only daughter. Maybe it wasn't too late. Perhaps she could start to try to get the girl back on the right track. Make her see that life was more than one big party and that she should start to find out who she was and what she was capable of and it didn't have to necessarily be on the arm of a wealthy, older man.

She walked into the formal dining room where her housekeeper was ready with her usual coffee and orange juice. "Good morning Consuelo!" Gloria greeted her.

"Good morning Mrs. Walker. The morning paper is there for you to read Mrs.” Consuelo walked back into the kitchen to start to prepare breakfast for her employer. Gloria opened the paper looking to see if there was any news or pictures about the event last night. At least they had done some good for the Lupus Foundation. She opened the paper and started to page through it.

There was a little blurb about the event and some pictures of her and Suzie with the Lupus Foundation representative. She thought it odd that none of the pictures of her and Suzie and Michael Jackson were in there. She had specifically even mentioned to the young reporter that Michael Jackson had contributed probably the most toward making the event a success.

She continued to page through and came upon the gossip/entertainment pages. And then her blood ran cold when she saw a picture prominently displayed of Michael Jackson obviously trying to avoid her daughter Suzie's advances. She read the acerbic caption and felt disgust immediately because she knew her daughter had played a prominent role in embarrassing this man who had done nothing to her. The caption read, "DON'T WORRY JACKO--SHE WON'T GIVE YOU COOTIES-EVEN THOUGH SHE'S A GIRL!" It then went on to say that the picture was taken at Susannah Alvarez's Birthday Party an annual charity event held each year by her mother Gloria Walker hi-lighting a different charity each year. This year's charity was the Lupus Foundation.

Gloria got up from her chair still carrying the newspaper and started to walk rapidly towards her daughter's bedroom door. Gloria was fuming. She barged in only to see her daughter still fully clothed fast asleep on her bed. Her hair was a disheveled mess, her makeup smeared, and needless to say the rest of her didn't look too good either.

Gloria walked over to her bed and started to poke at her daughter in an effort to get her up, accompanied by shouting, "Susannah...Susannah...wake up....we need to talk—NOW!"

Suzie rolled over and started to mumble, "Let me sleep a little bit more Jerry!" And then she slowly opened her eyes to see her mother staring at her. She quickly got up. "What time is it?!" she shouted at her mother.

"It's after nine o'clock," Gloria stated.

"I have to go!" Suzie said, jumping up and then because her head was pounding and she felt sick to her stomach she promptly fell back on to the bed.

"I don't think you are going anywhere Suzie and besides that I want to talk to you about this picture!" Gloria yelled at her.

"Please mother, must you yell at me!" Suzie moaned. Her mother was shoving a newspaper in her face and because she was still quite fuzzy she didn't comprehend what she was babbling on about. She took the newspaper from her and saw one of the pictures that Jerry had taken last night of her and Michael Jackson. A fleeting cold wave of apprehension washed over her, she hadn't realized that Jerry had already sold the picture. He didn't say anything last night about it. Of course she was having trouble remembering much of anything about last night accept that he said to meet him at his hotel room between nine and ten this morning. For a minute she forgot her mother was standing there looking like she was ready to kill her. All she could think was that she needed to shower, get dressed, pack a bag and get to Jerry Stone's hotel room posthaste.

"Mother, really, I told you he made a clumsy pass at me. One of the photographers must have spotted us and took a picture. It's not my fault. And now if you don't mind I have an appointment that I am late for."

She got up again, this time more slowly and found that she could actually stand up without falling down even though her head was still pounding and she felt like she may throw up at any minute. She started to brush by her mother but Gloria stopped her by grabbing her arm.

"I don't care about your appointment Susannah. It can wait. I know this wasn't a chance photograph. You set him up with that sleaze ball photographer I saw you hanging on last night. Suzie how could you do such a thing? What did Michael Jackson ever do to you to deserve this?"

Suzie stopped and glared at her mother. "Oh come now mother. You are preaching to me about using men for your own gain. You did it several times. That's why you are so rich and that is why you are now managing that toy store. You taught me to use men and that's what I did last night. I used a man to get what I wanted. I am going to LA with Jerry Stone—he's the photographer. He's going to introduce me to some influential people in the entertainment business and I am going to pursue my dream of acting mother. Now if you don't mind please let go of me. I have to get ready." She pulled her arm away from her mother and headed towards her bathroom.

But Gloria was not dissuaded so easily. She followed close behind as Suzie started to get undressed and get into the shower. “Susannah Alvarez how dare you say what I did was anything remotely like what you did last night. I loved all three of the men I married. Granted two of them were much older than me. But I cared about them and for them. I never blackmailed any of them. What did you hang over Michael Jackson’s head so that he allowed this picture to be published? Hmm, what? Answer me Susannah!” Gloria shouted at her daughter over the roar of the water.

Suzie turned off the water and came out grabbing a towel and wrapping it around her. “Please mother, don’t be so dramatic. He’s used to having all kinds of pictures taken of him. One more won’t break him.” She brushed by her mother again. She went to her closet and pulled out a suitcase and started to throw various clothes into to it. She was actually kind of proud of how they got to Jackson so she decided to tell her mother anyways. After all, she was so angry at her now what difference would it make.

“If you must know mother, I saw Michael Jackson and my mousy little step sister in an intimate moment and told him that if he continued to threaten Jerry with bodily harm I would let the world know about his secret love affair with little Annie Walker.”

That was the last straw for Gloria. “I may have taught you to flirt and bat an eye at a rich man—but I never taught you to be mean spirited. Did I?” Gloria hesitated. Perhaps she had. She herself recalled many times thinking catty thoughts about Annie when Billy was still alive. She had ruined her daughter!

“Listen to me Suzie, this guy is no good. He is nothing but some sort of sleazy paparazzi. Can’t you see that? He has no connections whatsoever. If you want to act Suzie, let me send you to acting school. Don’t do it this way. You are my daughter and no matter what I still love you and I want to do right by you. Stop and listen to what I am saying Susannah!” Gloria entreated her.

But Suzie was barely paying attention. It was now close to 9:30. What if he didn’t wait for her? She finished dressing. She had not gotten her hair wet in the shower on purpose because she knew she had no time to blow dry it. She quickly brushed it. She would throw some makeup on when she was in the cab on the way to Jerry’s hotel.

She stopped and looked at her mother. “I am leaving mother. I don’t care what you say. He is my ticket out of here. I won’t have you to meddle in my life anymore and tell me all the time what I am doing wrong. Goodbye!” And with that she grabbed the suitcase and started to walk quickly towards the front door of the apartment.

“Susannah Alvarez, walk out of that door and you will not receive a further penny from me. You are truly on your own. The credit cards will be cut off also. No more gravy train missy!” Gloria screamed at Suzie. But Suzie didn’t bother answering. She opened the door and made her way down the elevator and had the doorman hail her a cab.

What Suzie didn’t know was that Jerry Stone was currently on an airplane already somewhere close to Chicago. He had an old friend that worked for the New York paper that hooked him up with an editor there and he sold the picture for $5,000. Not much really in the scheme of things. As he surmised, Michael Jackson in a cozy embrace with a woman was not really all that sensational. Most of the public remained indifferent as of late because he had been out of the public eye for awhile and these pictures were not sensational enough to make a real splash. But the picture of him turning his head away in disgust was appealing enough to the gossip page editor. “We can add an insulting caption, and bingo, it may just capture some laughs for our readers.” He knew this was the best he could hope for so he went for it, so all in all Jerry was pretty satisfied with the pay off.

He regretted he couldn’t take Suzie with him though. She was fine piece of tail. But he figured it was easier to shake her in New York rather than try to dump her in LA. Once she realized that he had no real connections to the entertainment business, things could have gotten sticky and he didn’t need that hassle. Besides, he had taken a lot of scandalous pictures of her last night to remember her by. There were the ones that she had drunkenly posed for and plus after she passed out, he had taken a slew more. Maybe he might even be able to sell those. It had turned out to be a rather profitable trip to the Big Apple after all.

Suzie hurried into the hotel and asked for Jerry at the front desk. “Sorry miss, Jerry Stone checked out early this morning,” the front desk clerk said.

“What, that’s impossible, are you sure? It was room number 307—check again, please!” she said in her haughty debutant tone.

“It was Jerry Stone in room 307 and he’s gone,” the clerk answered back in typical aggressive New York fashion.

Suzie turned around dejectedly. Now what was she going to do? There was no way she would go back to her mother. Suddenly she had an idea. She would withdraw as much of her money as she could and then go to the airport and buy her own ticket to LA. She had the credit cards and there was no way her mother was going to be able to cancel them all this fast. She would get to LA and figure something out. After all she was Suzie Alvarez. What did Jerry Stone say to her, she had a body that wouldn’t quit? She would find another photographer or a rich man. She might be able to use that training her mother had imparted to good use after all.

Part Eighteen

Michael didn’t sleep much and when the next morning rolled around the gray skies and dreary atmosphere outside matched his mood. He wanted to leave New York as soon as humanly possible and called Bill to see if there was any way their departure could be moved up.

Currently Bill was drinking coffee with Michael’s two other bodyguards and Peter. They were all discussing the events of last night and looking at the paper with the picture of Michael and Suzie Alvarez.

“We should have gone and beat the guy to a pulp when we had the chance,” one of the bodyguards said.

Bill was in agreement. “We can’t let Michael see this,” he said. His phone started to vibrate in his pocket. He was thinking it was too early for Mike but sure enough it was the boss.

The conversation ended and then Bill relayed to the others what Michael had said. “He wants to leave as soon as possible. I am going to see what I can do about changing the reservations. One of you see if you can contact Julie—she can help the kids finish packing. Peter my man stand by, it looks like we are going to need you sooner to drive everyone to the airport.

“Did he say anything about Annie Walker, Bill?” Peter asked.

“Nope, not a word. But he sounded horrible. Don’t think the poor guy got a wink of sleep last night and it sounds like he’s anxious to get back home again.”

Paris was relaying to her brothers what had happened last night when their father had come in to check on them. Paris looked at Prince and said “What do you think happened?”

“I don’t know,” Prince said.

“Do you think Annie is sick or something? Maybe that is why daddy was crying,” Blanket said, his voice quivering slightly.

Paris put her arm around him to comfort him and then said, “Prince, maybe you should try to talk to him.”

Just then their father opened their bedroom door quietly and was surprised to see them up and talking to each other. “Oh good, you guys are up. We’re going to try to leave a little bit earlier. So you guys get up, brush your teeth, wash your faces, and get dressed, okay?”

Their father looked tired and extremely distracted. Paris got up immediately and went to his side, pulling on his hand and saying, “Daddy come talk to us.” Michael had already decided he wouldn’t say anything to them about Annie till they were on the plane or maybe even not till they were in California. He didn’t want to upset them till they were closer to home. And frankly he wasn’t even sure what he was going to say to them.

He allowed Paris to pull him closer to the bed and he sat down. They all piled on him and started to say all at once, “Daddy we love you!”

He hugged and kissed each of them and said “I love you more—no I love you most!” He then squeezed them tight in a group hug and gave them a halfhearted smile.

“Daddy is Annie okay?” Blanket asked.

“What…why do you ask?” Michael said.

“Because Paris said you were crying last night dad and we just want to make sure Annie is not sick,” Prince said.

Michael looked at all three of them. They loved her as much, if not more, than he did. Michael felt sad and angry all at the same time. Did she not understand what she was doing to his kids?

“Um…no, Annie is fine. She’s not ill. So please don’t worry about her okay guys?”

“Daddy can we call Annie and say goodbye again?” Paris asked.

“NO! That’s not going to happen!” After he said it he realized that he had raised his voice to them. He never, ever did that.

All three of them were looking at him like they had just seen a ghost. “I...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so harsh.” He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. “Just listen to me for a moment,” he said in a serious tone. “You said goodbye to Annie yesterday afternoon. And you saw how sad she was. How hard it was for her. She’s probably on her way to work right now and we don’t want to upset her anymore.”

“Okay daddy, we understand,” Prince said. Prince went and stood in front of his father and hugged him and Michael returned the hug. “We love you dad.”

Then Prince said to the other two, “Come on guys lets get ready for daddy. You heard what he said, we’re going home.”

Michael got up from the bed and said “Thanks Applehead! Hey, Julie will be here in a few minutes. She’s going to help you finish packing.”

After their father left them alone the kids talked quietly amongst themselves for a few minutes. Michael had raised his children to be thoughtful and intelligent. Even at a young age they understood that something was not right. However they trusted and loved him very deeply. “We must do as he says and get ready to go,” Prince said. “He will let us know what happened when he is ready.”

Michael left their room and headed straight for his room. He closed the door quietly and collapsed on the bed. He buried his face into a pillow so that no one would hear him and screamed. He felt like kicking something! He had to keep calm. He almost lost it with them. He loved them very much and he never yelled at them, but he didn’t want them to call her. He was so angry with her right now. Why did she hurt him and now she was hurting his kids. The anger he was feeling was actually giving him some strength and resolve to get back up. He knew the anger would not last because he loved her too much to remain mad at her for too long. Come on Michael get through today and you’ll be back home in California before you know it.

His cell phone vibrated on the nightstand just as he got up from the bed. It was Bill.

“Good news Mike. I was able to change the reservations. Plane takes off at noon boss.”

Michael was relieved. They were originally due to depart at three o’clock. He wished he could fly away right now but noon time would have to do.

Michael breathed a sigh of relief once their flight took off and they were finally headed back to California. He closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the seat. It had to get better. One day at a time. And with each new day it would get better. Who was he fooling, it most likely wouldn’t. But like Annie said, they had lives to lead and they both had to get back to reality and so he would at least give it his best shot.

Annie awoke in a daze and took one look out the window at the gray skies and pulled the covers back over her head. But then she found some resolve and climbed out of bed. She retrieved the morning paper from the hallway but threw it on the couch. She decided not to look at it. She didn’t want to read the news she was depressed enough and most of all she feared there would be pictures of Michael at the party last night and she didn’t think she could take the pain of looking at his beautiful face. At least not yet. She would look later on tonight when she got home.

She decided the best thing she could do was to go to the toy store and bury herself in some work. She decided the first thing she was going to discuss with Gloria was Suzie. Annie didn’t want her there anymore, especially after that horrible confrontation that she had with her last night. Besides that she was rude to a lot of the customers, she didn’t like kids and she added nothing to the successful operation of the store. That was what she was going to tell Gloria.

This was going to be the first stand she was going to take with Gloria. She arrived and followed her normal routine and waited for Gloria and Suzie to walk through the door. Part of her hoped that Suzie wouldn’t be with her. It would make it easier to talk about dismissing her if she wasn’t standing right there. But if she was, all well. Annie needed to assert herself now that she had made her decision to stay in New York and take a bigger role in running the toy store.

Well after ten o’clock Gloria finally arrived. She was alone and she seemed somewhat distraught. “I was beginning to think perhaps you had decided to stay home this morning Gloria,” Annie said.

“I am sorry I am late Annie. It’s not been a very good morning,” Gloria said.

“Isn’t Suzie with you?” Annie asked.

“No, she isn’t,” Gloria said. And before Gloria could continue Annie plunged ahead.

“That is just as well Gloria, I want to talk to you about Suzie,” Annie said. “I plan on taking a more active role in the toy store operations and I don’t want Suzie working here. She’s…” and before she could continue Gloria interrupted her.

“Annie, I am so sorry. This is about the picture isn’t it? Well don’t worry she left this morning to chase after that sleazy photographer. I doubt I will see her anytime soon. At least till she runs out of money and even then I am not so sure. She’s probably half way to Los Angeles by now.”

“What she did to Michael Jackson is unforgivable and I told her so my dear. She did it because she thinks this guy is going to make her an actress but I think she did it to be mean and nasty to you also and again my dear I am so sorry. I thought for sure Michael would have told you about it last night Annie,” Gloria said in a rather distressed voice.

Annie was stunned. “I don’t know what you are talking about Gloria. What picture and what did she do to Michael Jackson. And why would you think that Michael Jackson would be talking to me last night.”

Gloria silently pulled the paper out of her bag and showed the picture to Annie. Annie took the paper and looked in shock at the picture of Michael and Suzie. She felt sick to her stomach looking at it. He looked like he was totally upset and the caption was absolutely hideous. She handed the paper back to Gloria.

It was no use pretending to Gloria anymore. Obviously she knew about Michael and her and apparently for awhile according to Suzie.

“He didn’t say anything to me last night about the picture. We said goodbye….he’s on his way back to California.”

“Oh my. I am sorry Annie. But you won’t have to worry about Suzie. Even if she reappears in New York she won’t be working at this store anymore. You are right. I guess I was hoping that if she got a job she could settle down a bit but obviously that didn’t work. And I want us to have peace and harmony working here together. It’s going to be different. I promise.”

And because Annie Walker was the type of person that she was she said to Gloria, “I am sorry about Suzie. After all she is your only daughter. And now it appears that you have not only lost a husband but now your daughter.”

“Thank you Annie, but I will survive.” And just then a customer came in. “Smile Annie, the day has begun,” Gloria said in a lighthearted voice.

Annie and Gloria assumed a fragile truce for the rest of the week. They worked side by side and talked about store business but nothing else of a personal nature. Annie watched Gloria closely. She seemed like she was a new woman. Annie noticed that her father had taught her well when it came to the operations of the store and now that he had provided for her in the will she seemed relaxed and happy and filled with a new verve.

Every day she came in smiling and singing. She kidded around with the customers and playfully teased the children visiting the store. She talked to Annie about some ideas that she had for the store. One was holding formal doll tea parties. Little girls could bring their dolls and they could get a caterer to serve a version of high tea with little sandwiches and tea. Annie actually thought it was a lovely idea. Suddenly she heard Michael’s voice whispering in her ear, "Annie listen to me...Gloria is perfectly able to run the toy store. She seems to be smart and very dedicated to the task.”

They were both called by Billy James to set a date for the reading of the will and they both decided on Sunday afternoon. After the will was read Gloria invited Annie out to dinner. At first Annie declined but Gloria was persistent and Annie felt she had no other choice but to go.

They made small talk for a bit while they ate. And then Gloria finally said, “I didn’t invite you to dinner to necessarily talk about business only Annie. I want to say a few things to you about your father. Now I know you think I married him for all the wrong reasons but I want you to know I did love him. He was the first man that treated me like an equal. Your father always valued my opinion and he listened to me. He took me seriously and I will always love and respect him for that. He taught me that I could be more than just window dressing on a man’s arms. He empowered me to use my brains and intuition."

"And now even after he has died Annie, his trust in me has been confirmed by providing for me in his will and allowing me to manage the toy store for as long as I wish. I know this will sound strange to you Annie, but I think I love him more now than I did before he died. Don’t get me wrong, I would give anything to have him back here again—but I finally feel like I can spread my wings and be the person that I have always wanted, and it’s all because of your beautiful, loving father. And I promise my dear, I am dedicated to making the store a success. It’s my first priority.”

Once again Annie heard Michael whisper in her ear, “She was loyal to your father and she will not place the business in harms way.”

“I don’t know what to say Gloria. I guess I have been kind of foolish. I guess in some ways I have been kind of jealous of you and the relationship you had with my father. And now it all seems so silly and stupid,” Annie said. And then she thought to herself, someone special once told me that and I didn’t believe him.

The evening ended with Gloria giving Annie a big hug. For the first time in their relationship, Annie finally understood why her father had chosen Gloria as a partner. He did love her and she was finally beginning to understand just why he did.

When she got home that night and she lay in bed thinking about what Gloria said to her about her father’s love and the way he empowered her to spread her wings. That’s what Michael did for you. He always made you feel beautiful and smart and creative especially with your art. Michael empowered you.

Annie suddenly had the urge to draw and she knew exactly who she wanted to draw. She got her sketchbook and got out a box of photographs and started to flip through them till she found the one she was looking for and she started to sketch. As she did, tears started to roll down her face. She missed him so much and she was just starting to realize what she had thrown away. It was the end of her first week without Michael.

Part Nineteen

Annie worked on Michael’s portrait every night the following week. Sometimes she worked into the early morning hours. She felt driven to get the picture just right. It was really a collage of images of Michael and it was turning out to be one of her best pieces ever.

As she worked on it she felt closer to him. She heard his sweet voice urging her on. Sometimes while she worked tears streamed down her face but she didn’t even notice till afterwards when she collapsed into bed to get a few hours of sleep only to find her face was damp. Sleep would not drive thoughts of Michael away either. Instead she would dream of him. She yearned for his touch, his soft caress, his beautiful voice, and his sweet laugh.

It didn’t really matter if she got to the toy store late or not. Now that Suzie was no longer living with Gloria she was at the store sometimes earlier than Annie, working on orders and making notes on the new designs and upgrades that she wished to enact at the store. She discussed all the matters with Annie, always deferring to her as the owner of the store.

When Annie had made the decision to stay in New York she never dreamed it would be this way. She thought she would have to fight for her turf at the store. But now everything was different. And she found that when she was at the toy store she only desired to be at home, working on her art.

In addition to the portrait that she was doing of Michael she had started to sketch out some illustrations of an idea that had germinated from Gloria of the formal doll tea party. She was thinking it might be a good idea for a children’s book. She was still sorting out some of the characters in her head, but she had already drawn several. Her art was the only thing that excited her anymore. Even as the owner, working at the toy store was not as fulfilling as she thought it would be. Gloria had everything in hand. Once again she heard Michael’s voice admonishing her, some of the last words he had said to her, “….easier to continue working at a job that you and I both know is sucking the life out of you.”

At the end of the week Billy and Audrey James invited Annie to their apartment for dinner. Their son Jeff was there with his newly revealed girlfriend, a legal secretary from Billy’s firm. She was a lovely girl and she and Jeff made such a loving, sweet couple. She teased Jeff and said she was going to dig out the pictures that her father took so long ago of him sitting on the floor of the toy store playing with building blocks.

“Maybe you should have gone into construction Jeff instead of the law!” Annie said laughing. It felt good to get out and laugh with such warm and wonderful people.

They were so in love Annie thought to herself as she watched Jeff and his girlfriend. Did she and Michael look that way when they were together? The young couple left after dinner and Annie and Billy and Audrey continued to talk over coffee and dessert.

Audrey inquired about how Gloria was doing now that Suzie had up and gone. “She is doing great,” Annie said. “She seems to have new found strength in managing the toy store. She loves it and she is doing such a good job. I am sure my father is looking down and is very happy with the way things are progressing. She hardly ever talks about Suzie so I can not testify to how she feels about her leaving or not contacting her.”

“Billy and I were horrified when we saw that picture in the paper the next day. It was so obvious that Michael wanted nothing to do with her. I never cared for Suzie Alvarez. God bless Gloria. It must be rough realizing that your only child is not a nice person. And that caption. Horrible! I will never understand to this day why the media has such an inane desire to bring that man down—especially after meeting him. What a wonderfully kind and sweet man. We were so honored to meet him, right Billy?” Audrey said.

“Hey, speaking of Michael Jackson you will never guess what I got in the mail?” Billy said suddenly.

Annie was suddenly at full attention. Her nerve endings seemed to be quivering. “What’s that Billy?” Annie asked.

“I received a note from Michael. He said it was a pleasure meeting both Audrey and I and get this, somehow he found out that I was involved with the Children’s Defense Fund, and he contributed $1,000 to them in my name. What a guy! That’s what the media should be focusing on. Of course he asked that I keep the donation private and not mention it to anyone what he did.”

Annie was blown away. It was a typical Michael gesture. “He is a truly amazing human being, isn’t he,” Annie said as nonchalantly as possible.

Audrey watched her as Billy talked about Michael Jackson. Being a woman, she had a sixth sense. There was something there—an extra light in her eye when his name was mentioned. She was so excited about meeting Michael Jackson that night that she didn’t pay attention to the obvious signs. But now she recalled that the two of them seemed to only have eyes for each other and there had definitely been a restrained tension between the two of them. As if they knew they couldn’t afford to be caught showing affection openly with each other.

Her husband changed the subject. “And what about you kiddo? How are you doing Annie?” Billy asked her.

“Me, I am okay I guess,” she said quietly.

“Annie, do you pursue your art much anymore?” Audrey asked. “Your work was always exquisite, from the time you were a kid you always had a sketch pad in hand. Your father was so proud of you when you graduated from art school. He was so distracted by your mother’s illness at the time. But he knew how important it would be for both him and your mother to attend the graduation.”

“Do you think he was, I mean proud of me, as an artist? He never really indicated it to me. I never knew for sure. My mother was always attentive when it came to my art, but not as much my father,” Annie said.

“Annie,” Billy started, “Let me tell you something about your father. The toy store was his life. It was his baby. He would get lost there sometimes. He was single focused and sometimes, yes, it hurt your mother. But she loved him, always supported him no matter what. If he hurt you ever, it was never intentional. He loved you darling and he was always proud of you.”

“What if I decided to pursue my art full time? Do you think he would be hurt,” Annie said in a quiet voice filled with trepidation.

“Annie, sweetheart,” Audrey said as she came closer and put her arm around her. “Your father only wanted your happiness. You can’t pursue his dream through you. You must do what makes you happy, that is all he ever wanted dear.”

She looked at Audrey and gave her a hug. Again, as though in a flashback she heard Michael whispering in her ear, “I think what I am trying to say is that your father would not want you to think you were obligated to him. He would want you to be happy right?”

“Thank you both. You have been so kind. I am so glad we got reconnected.”

“We are too dear. You are like a daughter to me and Billy. Always remember that,” Audrey said.

When Annie got home that night she worked on the portrait some more. She was tired though and decided to lie down. She was thinking about how if she would have just stuck to the original plan—she would be getting so excited about right now, getting ready for her move to California. She would be packing boxes and soon she would be reunited with Michael and his kids.

She thought about calling Michael. Letting him know how much she missed him. Just to hear his voice would be like heaven. But she was afraid. She had been so mean to him. She actually moved away from his touch that night. She knew she hurt him and she was afraid of being rejected. She buried her face in her arms and cried herself to sleep. Thus ended week two without Michael.

Monday morning came and Annie felt like she should just stay in bed. She felt so tired all the time lately and her back was killing her. She chalked it up to staying up late working on Michael’s portrait and perhaps the stress over missing Michael and his kids. But by midweek she felt really out of sorts.

She was restocking a shelf of dolls when she suddenly felt dizzy. She sat down abruptly and Gloria ran over to her.

“Are you okay Annie?”

“I am fine; I just need to sit down. Suddenly I felt like I was getting dizzy.”

“Did you have anything to eat this morning? Perhaps your blood sugar is low. You are so pale lately my dear. I am worried about you,” Gloria said guiding Annie over to a comfortable stuffed chair that they had in the store for story time.

“I didn’t feel like eating this morning. My stomach felt all upset when I woke up,” Annie said.

“Perhaps it’s the flu or a virus my dear. Our work does involve a lot of little kids and they are a known carrier of germs,” Gloria said laughing lightheartedly.

Annie couldn’t help but laugh also. “Perhaps you are right.”

“Annie why don’t you call your doctor, see if she will see you? I am worried about you?” Gloria said.

Annie couldn’t believe how much of a mother hen Gloria had turned into. Sometimes Annie felt she was overcompensating because of Suzie being gone and also maybe feeling a bit guilty over the way she raised Suzie. She was using Annie as a substitute daughter she thought. That was okay though. She knew she meant well.

“Maybe I should. It couldn’t hurt. I have been feeling so run down lately. Maybe she could prescribe something,” Annie said.

So Annie made an appointment for Friday morning. She described her symptoms over the phone and her doctor suggested blood work to start off with and then they could discuss the results on Friday at her appointment.

She arrived at the doctor’s office and she was ushered right in. “Please have a seat Miss Walker. The doctor will be with you in a minute,” the nurse said.

Annie took a seat and soon her doctor came in with her file and sat down opposite her. She had an extremely serious look on her face and Annie was starting to freak out.

“Annie the results of your blood tests show that you are pregnant!”

“What, how’s that possible?” Annie said in disbelief.

“I take it you have been sexually active during the last month?” the doctor said.

“Well…yes, but I am on the pill,” Annie said flabbergasted.

“Have you been taking the doses properly, everyday, sometimes pregnancy is a result of carelessly missing days.”

“No I have been taking them. Regularly. I never miss a day,” Annie said defensively.

“Well some women have been known to get pregnant while on the pill. Perhaps you fall into that category. That’s why it is sometimes a good idea for your partner to still wear a condom even though you are on the pill.”

Annie felt like she was a teenager being scolded for ignorant behavior.

“I know this is a surprise to you Annie. There are options, you could terminate it if you wish,” the doctor continued.

“Terminate it, no, it’s….,” she caught herself. She almost said its Michael’s baby! “No, I do not wish to terminate it,” she said firmly.

“Annie I have known you a long time. I know you are alone in the world now that your parents have both passed away. Is the father available for support? Because if you decide to go through with this you will need some sort of support—at least a good friend,” the doctor said, this time more gently.

“The father and I are no longer together, but I will naturally inform him,” Annie said.

“Why don’t you go home, get some rest and think about it. You may want to consider talking to your gynecologist, but in the meantime here are some pamphlets on pre-natal care. And call me with any questions you may have. And Annie, please take care of yourself my dear,” and she gave Annie a little hug.

Annie wasn’t sure how she made it back to her apartment she was in such a daze after receiving the news. She was pregnant with Michael’s baby. It was like a miracle or something! On the one hand she was very happy, one might even say ecstatic. The thought of having his child filled her with such overwhelming joy. But on the other hand she was scared. She knew that he would accept the child, but would he accept her back into his world? She would have no choice now but to call him. It was the end of week three without Michael, and suddenly it was even more apparent to her how much she truly missed him!

Part Twenty

Michael decided to wait to tell the children about Annie till after they had returned to California. Michael had rented a suite of rooms in the Bel Air Hotel till they moved into the new house. The first night back, after he read to them, he told them that Annie would not be coming to live with them.

“Annie’s father left her the toy store and she, I mean we, discussed it, and we decided that it was best if she stay in New York and continue her life there. She has a responsibility to her father to carry on with the family business. Like I am a singer and I carry on the family name when I go up on stage and perform,” he explained. “We have to continue with our lives here just like she is continuing with her life in New York.” He braced himself for the inevitable questions. He knew his children and once they started to sort out what this meant, there would be questions. Paris was first.

“But daddy, can’t we still keep in touch with Annie, and tell her how much we love her and how much we miss her?” Paris asked a bit bewildered by the turn of events.

This was so painful for Michael. Keep calm he said to himself. “It’s best if we don’t sweetie. She needs some time for now. Perhaps in a little while you guys can, but for now I am asking you please not to try to contact her. That means no e-mail or phone. Do you understand?” He looked at Prince when he said this because he knew that Prince was extremely computer savvy and could easily find Annie’s e-mail address if he put his mind to it.

“Did we do something wrong to make Annie mad at us,” Blanket said.

And then right on the heels of that question, Prince asked, “Doesn’t she love us anymore dad?”

Michael closed his eyes for a minute in order to try to compose himself. “No, of course not, you guys didn’t do anything to upset her. She’s not mad at you Applehead,” he said ruffling his youngest son’s hair. “As a matter of fact,” he then looked at Prince again, “her last words to me were to tell all of you that she loved you very, very much. She always will.”

He stopped a minute and looked at all three of his children. “Listen to me closely, I know how hard this is for you to understand but this is the way it has to be. You have the lovely pictures that she drew for you and as soon as we get to the new house we will hang them up in your rooms so that you can remember how much she loves you.” He didn’t want to lie to them or give them false hope but he was at a loss as to what to say to make them understand this anymore than he himself did.

As usual all three had a mini confab about what their father had just revealed to them. Paris started, “Why don’t we try to contact her and ask her to explain what happened?”

“No, we can’t do that Paris. You heard him, he asked us not to contact her. We can’t disobey him. We can’t hurt him. As much as we love Annie, he is our daddy. We have to think about him first. Does everyone understand—Blanket, do you understand,” Prince said to his little brother. Blanket nodded his head in agreement.

“Maybe we can wait a little bit and then try talking to him again,” Prince said.

Three weeks later and now Michael's children were really worried about their father. They had finally moved into the new house and they thought this might cheer him up but instead he holed himself up in his bedroom, coming out only occasionally to eat a meal with them. And when he did, he was visibly upset and didn’t stay too long to talk to them and laugh with them the way he normally did. They had not seen him this depressed since they first moved to Bahrain. They were usually pretty good about being able to lift his spirits but this time seemed extra hard to do so.

It was all so confusing to them. Annie and their father had appeared to be so happy together in New York. They felt that their father was finally going to have some peace in his life and now they only knew that something had gone terribly wrong on that last night before they left New York. Once again they huddled together and discussed the situation. They elected Paris this time as the chosen one to speak to their father to see if she could get him to talk to them.

Michael sat curled up in a chair in his room. At least today he was able to make it out of bed he thought to himself. The pain was unbelievable. He felt like he had been beaten up, both physically and mentally. His lupus had flared up big time, probably because his depression over separating from Annie had antagonized it. Several times in the past few weeks he was tempted to take something to make him feel better, but had resisted the urge, not wanting to succumb to drugs.

He spent a lot of time thinking about what they had said to each other. Several times he thought about calling her. But he always chickened out. He was terrified of being rejected by her again. The way she had pulled away from him on that final night still haunted him. She had made herself clear to him that she wanted this. However, he still kept thinking about how he could have reacted differently and perhaps she would now be preparing to come to live with them right now if it had played out differently.

His thoughts were broken by a knock on the door. Thinking it was perhaps Bill to come to bug him about something he didn’t want to talk about he shouted at the door in a strident voice, “Go away please, I want to be left alone!” Then he heard the soft and plaintive voice of his beloved daughter,

“Daddy, please let me in, it’s Paris.”

Michael felt a particularly stabbing pain to his heart. He was guilty of neglecting his children. Something he always promised himself he would never do. He sat up in the chair and called out to her, “Please baby come in!”

Paris carefully opened the door and entered. She closed the door behind her and hesitated, unsure of whether she should come closer. Michael silently motioned to her and she quickly ran over to the chair meeting him in an embrace. She kissed his face tenderly and with her hands smoothed away the tears that had started to dampen Michael’s face.

“How are you feeling today daddy?” she said.

Not able to ever lie to any of them he said, “I’ve been better Paris.”

All three of his children resembled Michael’s personality in different ways. For Paris it was her sensitivity. She was keenly aware of others feelings—but she was especially aware of Michael’s.

“Do you miss Annie daddy?” Paris said as she continued to stroke his cheek with her hand. So like Paris to get right to the heart of the matter.

“I do miss her Paris.”

Michael mover over on the chair and Paris slid down and sat next to her father. “Daddy we are worried about you. We still are not sure what happened in New York between you and Annie but we see you are unhappy and we want to know if there is something we can do to make you feel better.”

Michael hugged his daughter. “I love you so much Paris.”

“I love you more daddy,” she said hugging him back and then reaching up and kissing him on his cheek.

“Where are the other two?” he said to her.

“They are waiting for me to give the signal that it’s okay to come in,” she said.

Michael smiled—for the first time in a long time. “Go get them and we can talk some okay.”

She scampered off the chair and ran to the door. They must have been extremely close by Michael thought because in a matter of seconds all three of them ran back into the room. Michael opened his arms and they all tumbled into a group hug. Michael let himself be pulled down onto the ground laughing as they piled onto him.

“I love you guys,” he said pulling them all in close.

“We love you more daddy,” they all said. He kissed and hugged each one of them. They sat down on the floor surrounding him, Paris on one side with her head on his chest and Michael’s arm loosely around her and Blanket on his other side, his head resting on Michael’s leg. Prince sat in front of them.

Prince started to talk first. “Daddy we want to talk about Annie. You still love her right?’

“I don’t think I could ever stop loving her son,” Michael said earnestly.

“We love her too dad!”

And then Paris continued, “And you just told me that you miss her, and we miss her too daddy.”

Then Prince again, “And she said she loves us and we just know she still loves and misses you too daddy. So why can’t you try to talk to her again daddy? You can tell her how much we all miss her and how much we all love her and how much we need her here with us.”

His children had broken down what seemed like such a complex situation to Annie and Michael to a simple solution. “You always tell us that love is the answer to all problems, why can’t it be the answer to this problem dad?” Prince finished.

Michael was silent for a minute, pondering what his oldest had just said. “Well first off, I believe she still loves me, but I know she still loves you. I am not sure that love is enough here though, Prince. But let me think about what you guys are saying for a little bit, okay.” And Michael was serious, maybe he should think about it. Maybe he should try to call her—maybe give it one more shot. They were right; he always said love was the answer.

But for right now, just being with his kids was making him feel so much better. He missed this. He had punished himself enough. He needed to be with them because they always made him feel so good. “Hey I got an idea guys. Why don’t we get Bill to take us for some drive thru—anywhere you want—your choice—but keep in mind how much I love KFC!”

“And maybe I will do the ordering. You know how much you guys get a kick out of that. The great Michael Jackson ordering takeout!” They all cheered and he started to tickle them and then he got up and shouted to them, “Hey the last one out of here is a rotten egg!” They all started run after him, laughing and giggling all the way down the hallway.

Part Twenty-One

Michael felt pretty good the next day. He had thoroughly enjoyed the time he had spent with his kids yesterday. They had ended up on the couch together watching a movie. Michael had felt so loved with them close by his arms comfortably draped around them. His kids always had that effect on him and he scolded himself for forgetting the rejuvenating powers that his children had.

He had been able to arise out of bed this morning and have breakfast with them. It was Saturday, no lessons today, so they went off with the nanny to have some fun on the outside world but promised to come back before lunch so that they could spend the rest of the day with Michael.

He sat in his library with a notepad and pen. He was going to write some ideas down that he had been formulating about how to jump start his musical career. He recalled the discussion that he had with Annie weeks ago about how he wanted people to remember him for his legacy and not the tabloid trash that had been published about him.

His thoughts naturally returned to Annie and the discussion that he had with his kids yesterday. Instead of writing his ideas down he found himself writing down on the pad:

I love Annie 

I love my children

My children love Annie

Annie loves my children

But does Annie still love me?   

   

That seemed to be what scared him the most. It's so hard to be intimate and open yourself up to love. It takes courage. Maybe Annie was still trying to get her courage up. Maybe he was still trying to get his courage up. What would the harm be in calling her, just to see how she was, just to check in with her...about her health and well being? No pressure—and wouldn't it be so wonderful to hear her lilting voice again.

He was lost in a daydream when he felt his phone vibrating in his jacket pocket. He took it out and looked at the number. He recognized it immediately. It was Hayvenhurst—his mother most likely. He prepared himself for a scolding—he had not called her since they had returned from New York.

"Hello mother," he said in his most loving and sincere voice.

"Hello Michael," the lovely sound of Katherine Jackson's voice came over the phone. "I almost forgot what your voice sounded like. It's been too long Michael since we talked."

"I am sorry mother. You know I love you!" Michael said, trying to sound apologetic.

"I thought you told me a while back that the reason you were moving back to the states was so that you could see me more often," she said. Michael smiled in spite of her serious tone,

"I am thoroughly a bad son mother. What can I do to make it up to you," Michael said.

"Well how about bringing those grandbabies with you up to the house this afternoon. We can have lunch. I can visit with them and we can have a long talk, just the two of us."

Michael hated to ask the next question but he had to know. "Will there be anyone else there mother—siblings or perhaps Joseph?"

"No my dear, just you—I promise. And tell Paris and Prince and Blanket to bring their swimsuits—they can enjoy the pool while we talk."

"Okay mother that sounds grand. I will bring them by in a little bit. I love you mother."

"I love you too Michael—never forget that," Katherine said and then hung up.

Michael could hear his kids coming in through the front door. They made quite the ruckus, his ever rambunctious children.

"Daddy where are you," he could hear Blanket shouting.

"I am in here," he yelled back. They came running in to greet him with kisses and hugs. "Did you guys have a good time?" Michael asked.

"We did, but we missed you daddy," Paris said.

"I missed you guys too. But I got a surprise for you. How would you like to go visit your grandmother at Hayvenhurst?"

"Will we be able to use grandmother's pool?" Prince asked.

"Of course. She specifically told me to tell you guys to bring your swimsuits.  So go get ready and we can go right away," he playfully swatted Blanket's behind and he giggled as he ran out of the room with Paris towards their rooms but Prince hung back.

"Can I talk to you dad for a minute?" he asked in a serious voice.

"Of course kiddo. What about?"

"It's about Annie daddy." Hmm...He wasn't the only one thinking about her again this morning.

"Well, I was talking to Paris and Blanket and we were thinking about what you told us about Annie staying in New York because she had an obligation to her father to run the toy store. And what we were thinking about was that if Annie has to stay in New York, couldn't we move to New York to be with her?" Prince said tentatively.

Wow, Michael thought to himself. "That's quite a statement Prince. I guess I never thought about it. I mean, I have lived on the west coast for so long, I guess I never really ever thought about living in New York. I have always loved the open spaces of California. You know how much I love spending time outdoors, even though the sun and I don't always get along too well," Michael said chuckling.

“And a lot of the music industry people are here in California, that’s how we all ended up here to begin with.”

"It's just that..." Prince hesitated for a minute.

"Its okay son, you can tell me anything, always," Michael said, urging him to finish.

"It's just that dad you seemed so happy with Annie. And we love Annie too. But in the end, it's important for us three that you are happy. That's all we want," Prince said this and then went to Michael and hugged him. Prince was at that age where it wasn't too cool to always show affection but when you lived with Michael Jackson that was kind of hard to avoid. Michael was definitely choked up now. His children were truly awesome individuals!

"Well that's really loving and sweet of all three of you. I love you guys too, and your happiness means a lot to me also. Moving to New York would be a big change for all of us. But I know by you telling me this that you guys are willing to make a sacrifice because not only do you love me I sense that you love Annie a whole lot also." He continued to put his arm around Prince's shoulders and they walked out into the hallway.

"Again, let me think about everything you guys have presented to me and I promise I will talk to you again about Annie and what I have decided. Is that a good answer for now Applehead?" he said, ruffling his oldest son's hair.

"Yes daddy that's fine. I will let the others know."

His kids were willing to make such a big sacrifice to be with Annie, one that he had never really considered. Yet he had asked her to make such a sacrifice. Her whole life had been spent in New York. He had never really taken that into consideration. He always loved New York, but he wasn't sure if he could live there. But still, to be with her. It was something to think about. He moved towards his own room to get ready to go to his mother's house. He was excited about seeing his mother, he always enjoyed talking to her and seeking her counsel, and he knew he would end up telling her about Annie.

The kids gathered in Prince's room for a minute before Michael called them to go. "I told him that we would be willing to move to New York and he said he would think about it. Plus now that we got Grandma Katherine involved, she will know what to do. She will talk to daddy and maybe get him to talk to Annie," Prince said in a whisper.

"It was a good plan Prince," Paris said joyfully.

"And we didn't have to disobey daddy by calling Annie ourselves," Blanket said.

"I knew if we three put our heads together we would come up with a plan!" Prince said smiling. They heard Michael calling for them and they left Prince's room headed for the front door.

Annie was a little nervous going to the toy store on Saturday morning. She knew that Gloria would quiz her on what happened at the doctor’s yesterday. She knew Gloria was only concerned about her health. But she wasn’t going to tell anyone about the pregnancy till she told Michael. She decided last night that she was just too overwhelmed by the news of her pregnancy to call him. She was going to call him tonight after work.

She was excited and scared. She was excited because she was having a baby! Michael’s baby! But she was worried about his reaction. Not that he wouldn’t accept the child as his own, there was no doubt in her mind that he would love the child just like he loved his other three. She was worried about how he felt about her. Now that these three weeks had gone by she realized more than ever that she was in love with him and she wanted to be with him and his children. She worried about how Paris and Prince and Blanket felt about her also. After all she had turned their father away and she knew how much they loved and respected him and how loyal they were to him. She worried that she had probably alienated them.

His words to her on everything, from her art to her love for her father being mixed up with her fulfilling her obligation at the toy store to her relationship with Gloria, they had all came true. He had given her reasoned and honest and loving advice and she had not listened to any of it. She felt foolish. And now she wanted to be with him. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him and that she was having his baby and she couldn’t be more honored to be doing so. She loved him so much and she was so afraid that he would reject her!

She walked into the toy store and sure enough Gloria was at her side in a minute. “How did the doctor appointment go? Is everything okay my dear? I was so worried about you,” Gloria said taking her by the arm and practically escorting her to the back counter.

“Everything is fine Gloria. I am going to live,” she tried to joke. Some levity might help to keep her calm and not give too much away. “She said I should get some rest. I have been staying up really late working on some art work and I have not been eating right—I am merely abusing my body. You were right; my blood sugar was too low. So she gave me some pamphlets on nutrition and vitamins. And I promise, I will heed her directions and start taking care of myself. Thank you for your concern. You really are too sweet,” Annie said, giving Gloria a gentle hug and a peck on the cheek. A gesture that would have been totally out of the question a couple of weeks ago!

“Okay my dear. Glad to hear it. I don’t want you fainting on me!” Gloria said. A customer came in just at that moment. Saturdays were usually busy days in the store so nothing more was said for the moment about Annie’s health or her visit to the doctor and she was relieved.

Later on that morning, Gloria stole a glance at Annie. Her gut instinct was that Annie was withholding information from her. But she didn’t want to push it. She knew that Annie would tell her if she wanted to. She just didn’t want to break the fragile truce that they had. Everything had been so lovely between the two of them and frankly Gloria was reveling in it. She was finding out that Annie was a very sweet and wonderful girl and she didn’t want to do anything to offend her. So she would let it drop for now but she would keep her eye on her and if she appeared to be getting any more of those dizzy spells she would have to be more firm with her and demand that Annie tell her what was going on. After all she was just concerned about her health and well being.

PART TWENTY-TWO

As they approached the front gates of Hayvenhurst Michael felt like he was returning home again. He had spent a formidable part of his life here. Some memories were painful. Especially those associated with Joseph, his father. But still the good memories outweighed the bad ones. He always loved to return, especially because his mother lived at Hayvenhurst. Like his children, his mother always proved to have a calming and reassuring effect on him. She would always be there for him, no matter what. And she would always love him no matter what occurred in his life. She was like his rock.

They were ushered through the main entrance and Michael waved from the back seat to the security guards. His children were unusually quiet and he wasn't sure why. He had no idea that they had assisted to maneuver this meeting with his mother and they didn't want him to be angry with them. But once he found out he would not be. He loved his kids too much to ever be angry with them.

As they came up to the front entrance way of the house his mother was there to greet them having been informed of their arrival. The quiet ended once his kids jumped out of the car and ran to greet their grandmother.

Everyone loved his mother. A genuine love and warmth emanated from her. Katherine Jackson was approaching 79 years of age but was still quite mobile and loved all of her grandchildren. She didn't get to see Michael's children as nearly as much as she would like but understood the reasons behind that and respected Michael's decision to sometimes stay away.

Michael stepped back and let his kids enjoy his mother's attention first. "Grandma Katherine we are here," they all yelled out as they ran to her open arms.

She kissed and hugged all three of them and said, "Oh my you guys are getting so big! Did you bring your swimsuits?"

"Yes grandmother, we did!" Paris said giving her an extra hug.

"Okay why don't you guys go out back and join your cousins who are already there."

They looked to their father for permission first, always deferring to their father's wishes. "Is that okay daddy?" Blanket asked.

"Of course it's okay. Run along and have fun. I am sure we will join you in a little bit," Michael said. They ran off.

"Is it my turn yet?" Michael asked.

"Come here and give me a hug Michael," Katherine said.

He hugged and kissed his mother and they both walked in together. Again Michael hated to ask the question but he did anyways, "We are alone here mother?"

"Yes. I told you just the two of us. Jermaine's children are here but he is not."

"Thank you mother," Michael said.

"Let’s go have some quiet time," Katherine said. They sat in a little sitting area in his mother's bedroom and talked. "So how was New York Michael, did you get some work done?"

"Yes mother, very productive."

"Yet you seem so sad still my boy. And your children tell me that you are unhappy and won't communicate much with anyone. What's wrong Michael?"

"Have they been going behind my back talking to you mother?" Michael said.

"They mean well, they are worried about you," Katherine said softly.

"Did they tell you about Annie?" Michael said.

"A little bit. Why don't you tell me more about her? Come sit next to me Michael."

Michael came over and sat next to his mother and told her all about Annie, from the first time he met her to the last time he saw her. Without realizing it he became emotional, his eyes were damp with un-shed tears.

"So why do you think you are here in California and she is there in New York Michael?" Katherine asked taking his hands in hers and squeezing them gently. She could see Michael had been deeply affected by this woman.

"She didn't want to come here mother. She said it was meant only to be a brief interlude. She told me goodbye!" he said getting choked up again.

"Have you spoken to her since you left?" Katherine asked.

"No mother, she seemed pretty adamant about me not contacting her. She said goodbye," Michael repeated sadly.

He got up and started to pace the room nervously. "Michael, please come and sit down again next to me," Katherine Jackson said. Michael came and sat down again next to her. "Michael she sounds like she is still grieving her father's passing. It’s been less than a year since he died. She must still be in a lot of pain. Did you expect her to choose between you and her father?"

Michael looked up at his mother and said defensively "No, I never asked her to do so. I told her that her father loved her and that he would want her to be happy."

"But perhaps she felt like she needed to make a choice between you and her father. Do you know how hard a choice that was for her? Perhaps she needed more time to sort it all out in her mind," Katherine said gently.

"We said some unkind things to each other," Michael said in a voice laced with emotion, "and then it all seemed to fall apart so rapidly." He started to cry and his mother took him in her arms and comforted him. He pulled away from her. "I am a grown man mother I shouldn't be crying on your shoulder."

"Michael listen to me, do you still love her?" his mother asked him. "Yes. I love her like I have never loved any other woman and there will be no others after her."

"Your children love her obviously," she said.

"Yes. This morning Prince told me that all three of them are willing to move to New York to be with her and to make me happy."

"And she loves your children?" Katherine asked.

"Yes, her last words to me were to tell them that she would love them forever."

"And she loves you?" Katherine finally asked.

Michael hesitated a few seconds and then said, "She said she did. I believe she does."

"Michael if she is in love with you as much as you are in love with her I think she has probably thought about this a lot in the last three weeks and it's time to contact her."

"Do you think I should mother?" Michael asked her taking her hands in his again and squeezing them.

"Michael I think you need to give it one more chance or you will regret it for the rest of your life. But more importantly what do you think you should do?" she said in typical motherly fashion.

"I think I need to see her and hold her and reassure her that it's going to be all right. And I really want to see her in person so that I can take her in my arms and tell her that I love her and that whatever choice she makes I will abide by it as long as it means that my kids and I can be with her forever. I don't want to do it over the phone."

"Good. You go to New York and you can leave the kids with me for a few days. I would love to have them here Michael so I can visit with them properly."

Michael was smiling finally. He wiped the tears from his face and hugged and kissed his mother.

"Thank you mother. I knew you would help me sort it all out. And I guess my kids knew you would also," he said laughing. It felt so good now that he had made a decision. He was going to see her again and he couldn't wait!

"You’re welcome Michael. And I can't wait to meet her. Now, let’s go join the young people outside. You stay under the umbrella though, you hear!"

"Yes mother," Michael said, and he took her arm and they walked down the hall towards the stairs.
 
Annie was exhausted when she came home. She was also nervous and excited about calling Michael. She decided to eat something quickly first and then take a nice hot shower to relax her tired muscles, and then she would sit down and call him. She wasn’t sure telling him that she was pregnant over the phone was such a good idea. The only other alternative was to tell him to come to her or she could go to him. She would just have to figure it out.

After her shower she sat down with her cell phone and called Michael.  It started to ring and she could feel her heart beating loudly against her ribcage. It rang three times and then a recording came on: The number you have reached is no longer in service. And then it disconnected. Confused she dialed it again. Three rings again and then the same recording. She was starting to get nervous now. How could this be?

Maybe it was the wrong number.  She searched around in her purse and came up with the piece of hotel stationary that Michael had written the cell phone number down on. She compared the numbers and they were the same.

She was in such utter disbelief that this was happening she kept dialing the number and each time the same recording came on. What was she supposed to do now? How did one contact the most famous person in the world? It’s not like she could call directory assistance or look for his phone number on the internet. She started to get emotional. She lay down on her bed and started to cry. “Oh Michael, I need you so badly, what am I supposed to do?” She cried herself to sleep, yet again.

The next day, Sunday, Annie awoke clutching her cell phone in one hand and the piece of paper with Michael’s handwriting with the cell phone number in the other hand. She carefully placed both on her nightstand and tried to calm herself. There had to be a way to get a hold of him. Think Annie, think!

She thought of maybe trying to call Peter the driver. He may have a number for Bill at least. Though she wasn’t sure what company he was with, heck she didn’t even remember his last name or even if Michael had ever mentioned his last name.

Or perhaps Julie, the nanny…she may also have the number for Bill. But again, she had no idea what her last name was or what agency she was with. There was Charles, her doorman. He got close with Peter and Bill—perhaps he would have a number.

She was scared and somewhat paranoid though. She was afraid to let anyone know. What if she told someone and it got out that she was carrying Michael’s child? What if the media got a hold of it? She wanted him to hear the news from her and no one else.

She spent the entire day thinking about it and making herself more and more agitated. She even tried calling the number again several times, as though somehow it would magically connect her to Michael. Then she started to get those feelings of doubt about her and Michael. If she ever got a hold of him and told him about the baby would he think the worse of her? Would he think she somehow was trying to use him and get pregnant on purpose? She remembered what he said when they first met about how people were always trying to use him or get something from him.

By the end of the evening she had worked herself into a virtual tizzy. She was tired, her head ached from all the crying she had been doing all day, and she was no closer to a solution to her problem. Once again she collapsed onto her bed and started to cry and soon fell into a fitful sleep.

Michael sat his kids down on Saturday night and told him about his decision to go to New York to confront Annie. They were ecstatic.

“Daddy, we are so happy. Tell her we love her and we miss her lots,” Paris said.

“We didn’t mean to go behind your back dad, but we knew Grandma Katherine would be able to help,” Prince said guiltily.

“It’s okay Prince, I know you meant well. I am not mad at you guys. I love you and I am glad that you told me how you feel about Annie. You guys helped me make the decision. Hopefully love will be the answer,” Michael said.

Blanket came and sat on his lap and said “Can’t we go with you daddy?”

“No Applehead, I have to do this on my own. But you get to stay with your grandmother for a few days and I promise I will call a whole bunch of times. I will even try to get Annie on the phone. Okay?”

“Yeah!” they all yelled and piled onto Michael with a huge group hug.

Bill was the only one that was going to go with Michael and made the arrangements for the trip. They would leave Monday and arrive in New York in the evening. Michael thought about calling her, but decided that might not be a good idea. What if he called her and she discouraged him from coming. He would then feel obligated not to come and he didn’t want to take that chance. He decided the surprise element would be more on his side. Show up at her apartment and confront her—he thought that would be the best way to go.

Part Twenty-Three

When Monday morning rolled around Annie thought about calling Gloria and telling her that she wasn't coming in to the store but she feared that would cause a round of questioning by Gloria that she wasn't prepared to answer. So she showered and picked out something bright and cheery to wear. She managed to down a piece of dry toast and a glass of juice without feeling too nauseous and she headed out with a brave and positive face.

But Annie was fooling herself. She felt tired, scared, and oh so alone. She wanted only to be able to talk to Michael and she was not sure how or when that was going to happen. She didn't know who to trust. To hear his voice would be oh so comforting.

Annie walked into the toy store and of course Gloria immediately sensed that something was wrong. But she decided to keep quiet so as not to upset Annie.

"Gloria I think I am going to work in the back office today. The store isn't usually too busy on Mondays and I have some inventory stuff that I want to work on," Annie told Gloria. Annie feared with her emotions in such a turmoil that she may snap in front of a customer and break down and cry. Better to be in the back, hidden away.

"Okay my dear, you do that. I will call you up front if I need you," Gloria said in a light and airy voice.

Annie headed towards the back office and once she was out of sight, Gloria took her cell phone out of her purse and called Audrey James. She had decided that because of their fragile relationship that Annie would only become more withdrawn or even hostile and suspicious if she tried to press her about her health and therefore decided it was best to bring in reinforcements. She knew that Audrey and her husband Billy James were close to Annie and thought as a woman and a motherly influence Audrey may be able to draw Annie out.

"Hello Audrey, this is Gloria Walker."

"Gloria," Audrey said in a rather surprised voice. Thinking it may have something do with a legal question or Billy Walker's will Audrey said, "Did you by any chance want to talk to Billy?"

"No my dear, I need you. It's about Annie," Gloria said.

"Annie! Is there something wrong?" Audrey asked in a concerned voice.

"I fear there may be Audrey," Gloria replied back. Gloria went on to relay to Audrey about the dizzy spell and Annie's doctor appointment and then said, "When the kid came in this morning she looked so distressed and sad, I tell you Audrey, I am really concerned. I think she would open up to you or at least to the both of us if you were here. I know in the past I have not been the most trusted person to you or Billy or Annie but things have changed…I have changed. I have come to care about Annie and I am afraid that something may be seriously wrong."

"Do you want me to come now or wait till she goes home?" Audrey asked.

"No my dear, I think you should come to the store right now. It may be best," Gloria replied.

"Gloria I will jump in a cab and be there within the half hour. And thank you for calling Gloria," Audrey said before hanging up.

Within a half hour Audrey arrived as promised. Gloria motioned to the back where Annie was and since the store was currently quiet she followed Audrey. Annie had sat in the back office for the last hour doing nothing but staring at a piece of paper. She was still extremely distraught and couldn't seem to think straight. As Audrey approached her Annie looked up in surprise.

"Audrey, what are you doing here? Is Billy all right?" Annie asked.

"Annie, Billy is fine. It's you we are worried about my dear. Gloria asked me to come and talk to you. She is very concerned about your health sweetie," Audrey said as she came and put her arm around Annie. Gloria brought a chair closer and Audrey sat in it right next to Annie. Gloria stood listening in case a customer came into the store.

"Do not be angry with me Annie, I am just concerned about your health my dear. I know you don't necessarily trust me completely and I thought if Audrey were here you might feel more comfortable.

"I am okay..." Annie said weakly.

"It's obvious you are not," Audrey said gently squeezing Annie's shoulder.

Annie looked up at Gloria and then looked at Audrey, and then burst into tears. "I am pregnant and I don't know what to do!" she sobbed out before burying her face in Audrey's chest.

"Oh darling, please don't cry. It's going to be all right Annie," Audrey said patting Annie on the back in a comforting manner. She looked up at Gloria who proceeded to kneel down next to the two and she put her arm around Annie also.

"It's Michael's baby, right Annie?"

"Yes," Annie sobbed out.

"Does Michael know about the baby?" Audrey asked while she and Gloria both continued to comfort Annie.

Annie managed to reduce the sobs to the sniffles and looked up from Audrey's chest and said, "I tried to call him over the weekend but the only number I have for him is a cell phone number and it’s no longer in service. I have no idea how to get in touch with him.”

“Annie are you in love with Michael?” Audrey asked.

“Yes, more than ever,” Annie said in a teary voice.

“Did you guys fight? Why were you not in contact him with him already honey?” Gloria asked.

“It’s my entire fault. We fought the night of the party. I told him I needed to stay in New York to run the toy store and I told him to leave,” Annie said starting to cry harder again.

“I have been so confused about my love for my father and you Gloria and the toy store and my art. I was so mixed up and he was trying to help me and I didn’t listen to him and now he’s gone and I don’t know when I may ever see him again!”

“Oh you poor dear!” Audrey said hugging her a little harder.

“Do you think he loves you sweetheart?” Gloria asked from her other side.

“I don’t know…maybe he did, but now maybe he doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. I said some horrible stuff to him,” Annie sobbed out.

Audrey and Gloria looked at each other over Annie’s head and it was almost like they were reading each others' minds. “Listen to me dear,” Audrey said, “You must calm down now sweetie. We will figure something out.”

“There’s got to be a way to contact him. I just have a feeling that he loves you as much as you love him Annie. I saw the way he was looking at you at the party. He had a look of complete love and adulation on his face my love. Right Gloria?”

“Yes, I am in full agreement Annie—he was trying so hard not to reveal to the world how much he loved you there.”

“I got an idea,” Audrey said. “We can get Billy to help. He has all kinds of contacts. He may be able to come up with a way that we can contact Michael—through a lawyer or someone in the entertainment industry.”

Annie shot her head up and said her voice in a panic, “I don’t want anyone to talk to him before I get a chance Audrey. I don’t want him to think I am sending a lawyer or a private detective or someone to chase him down.”

“All right, my dear. I understand. We will handle it with finesse. I promise. Now Gloria and I want you to calm down. You are having a baby my sweet. You must remain calm and take care of yourself. You want the baby to come out healthy and happy right?”

“Yes,” Annie said.

“Okay so here’s what we are going to do. I am going to take you home and get you tucked into bed and you are going to get some sleep, do you hear me? And then I will talk to Billy, you trust Billy right sweetie?” Annie nodded her head mutely. “And then we can see what ideas Billy can come up with.”

They both helped her up from the chair, each with an arm around her. “I will stay here my dear and man the store. I don’t want you to worry about a thing. We are going to help you my love. It’s going to be all right Annie!” Gloria said in a comforting voice.

“Thank you to the both of you. It actually feels like a relief to tell someone about it,” Annie said in a somewhat calmer voice.

Audrey escorted Annie home in a cab and took her up to her apartment. She made Annie a cup of herbal tea and watched while Annie drank it down. She seemed much calmer now and not as nearly as weepy as she did an hour or so ago. Audrey made sure she was all comfy in her bed and then said goodbye.

“Now sweetie I am going to check in on you later on. I want you to remain calm, get some sleep. You need to rest and keep up your strength. We are going to find a way to help reunite you kids if it kills me,” Audrey said in a joking manner and Annie actually smiled weakly.

“Thanks again Audrey. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Well you can thank Gloria kiddo. She must really care about you. She’s definitely turned over a new leaf. Okay, I will let myself out. I have the extra key; I will lock up behind myself. Get some sleep sweetie!” Audrey bent down and kissed Annie lightly on the cheek and then left her alone.

Annie felt a little better. It was like some of the weight had been lifted off of her though she was still feeling sad and depressed but she knew she should try to get some sleep. So she closed her eyes and immediately fell into a deep slumber. She awoke several hours later. She got out of bed and changed into an oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants. She looked kind of droopy but at least she was comfortable.

She felt like she should eat something. Audrey and Gloria were right. She should be paying attention to her health. She had the baby to think about. If all else failed with her relationship with Michael, she would still have his baby to raise and love and at least she would feel like a part of him was with her for the rest of her life.

 Oh boy, here come the waterworks again. She felt so emotional. She calmed herself down by splashing some cold water on her face. In the process she took one of her old scrunchies and tied her hair up in a ponytail. She then headed for the kitchen and started to heat up a can of chicken soup. She should at least be able to get that down without too much trouble.

Michael and Bill were on their way into the city from the airport. Bill had rented a vehicle and was doing the driving since it was only the two of them. Michael said he wanted to go straight to Annie’s.

“Are you sure you don’t want to check into the hotel first, call her maybe Mike?” Bill asked.

“No, I don’t want to delay it any longer. I need to see her immediately before I lose my nerve,” Michael said.

Bill smiled. He was happy for the boss. Annie Walker was good for Michael and Bill was keeping his fingers crossed that everything was going to work out between the two of them. “Okay boss, let’s head for the upper west side of Manhattan,” Bill said.

Michael entered the hotel lobby and saw a friendly face, Charles, Annie’s doorman.

“Good evening Charles, long time no see. Do you know if Miss Walker is in her apartment?”

Charles wasn’t expecting to see Michael Jackson again. It had seemed that Annie and Michael had decided to separate. He knew that Miss Walker was not taking the separation too well and from the looks of Michael’s tired eyes and demeanor his guess was that Michael had fared no better in the last few weeks. Perhaps this was a good sign, a surprise visit.

“Hello, Mr. Jack…I mean Michael,” Charles said holding out his hand for Michael to shake. “She’s definitely in. Would you like me to announce you?”

“No, if you don’t mind I wish to surprise her, thank you Charles.”

“Any time Michael,” Charles replied.

Michael rode up on the elevator and was relieved to see that no one was about on Annie's floor.  He walked down the hall towards her apartment and then nervously knocked on her door. Annie was in the kitchen. The soup was just about the right temperature but she had a feeling that it might be either Gloria or Audrey come back to check up on her.

She opened the door, but it wasn’t Gloria or Audrey. Michael stood there. Reminiscent of the first time he had come to her apartment, he was leaning on the door jamb, hands in his pockets, the ever present lock of hair over one eye.
“Michael!” she exclaimed breathlessly. “What…how…Michael!” she said again. All she could think stupidly was that they couldn’t have reached him so quickly!

“Hello Annie, can I come in?”

“Of course, I am sorry, please do,” she said politely.

He stepped in and Annie closed and locked the door behind him. “Let me go into the kitchen and turn off my soup,” she said.

Michael followed close behind saying, “You are not sick are you?”

His first impression of her when she opened the door was that Annie was not well. She looked tired; there were black circles under her eyes. She looked thinner, and worst of all she looked sad, her eyes were red rimmed, like she had been crying. Gone were the bright vivid colors that she had worn for Michael. Instead she had an over sized black sweatshirt and a pair of black sweat pants on. Her lovely curly hair was tied up, back to the severe ponytail. It was most likely his fault she looked so miserable and his immediate desire was to sweep her into a big bear hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. But he restrained himself and decided perhaps they should talk first.

Annie’s hand trembled as she shut the stove off and turned around to see him closer than she thought. “Why are you here Michael,” she said in as strong and confident of a voice as she could muster. Then thought, why are you verbally abusing him—you’ve been desperate to talk to him and here he was, in the flesh.

“I came here to see you—to talk to you. I didn’t like the way we ended it.”

Her head was bowed down and when she looked up he could see tears starting to flow down her face. Michael recalled the first time he came to see her in her apartment, she was crying then too.
This was all Michael needed to see—so much for restraint. He took a step toward her and she took a step back but she had nowhere else to go except to bump into the counter behind her. He took advantage of that and was in front of her in a minute.

He tucked a finger under her chin and said, “Don’t cry Annie. I know it’s because of me. I came here to make you happy. Please don’t cry.”

“Michael…I have to…” and before she could say anything further, he kissed her on the lips.  He was thinking just one gentle kiss and then we can talk, but after one taste of her lips he couldn’t control himself.

He pulled her into an embrace and whispered in her ear, “I am so sorry Annie. I missed you so much!” He kissed her again, but this time the kiss was much more passionate. And then broke away from her mouth and whispered her name into her ear, “Annie, Annie, I missed you so much.”
He let his arms slip down around her waist pulling her even closer to him.

At first Annie tried to resist, holding her arms down. She should break away—she had to tell him she was pregnant. But she didn’t want this to end yet—it felt so good. She slowly reached her arms up and looped them around his neck and pulled him closer.  Gone were all thoughts of the baby. The only thing that mattered was that he was back and in her arms and kissing her and caressing her and whispering her name over and over again into her ear.

“Michael I missed you too,” she said to him, and continued to kiss him while she ran her fingers through his soft hair.

She was doing that thing where she emitted these little sighs and moans; it drove him crazy and she seemed to melt into his arms.  He had needed her so badly. He wanted her lying down in her bed.  He wanted to feel her, caress her body with his hands. “I am going to take you into your bedroom Annie, is that okay with you?” he asked her.

“Yes, Michael, I want that,” she said, her voice dazed, filled with desire.

So he lifted her in his arms. She was light as a feather Michael thought. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and they continued to kiss as he carried her towards her bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. He kicked it gently so that it swung open. He laid her gently down on the bed.

“Please stay right there,” he murmured, almost afraid that somehow she would disappear.  He hurriedly got up, took his jacket off and threw it on a nearby chair and then kicked his shoes off and slid into the bed next to her.

He took her back into his arms and they continued to kiss. He murmured in her ear, “I love you so much Annie.”

Michael was torn. He had wanted to talk to her first. Explain to her how he felt about her but here he was practically attacking her. But she seemed to be responding to his touch. He continued to nuzzle her neck and kiss her gently on her cheeks and lips.

“I want to touch your skin my sweet, sweet beautiful girl,” he said to her.

“That sounds delicious,” she said smiling. She missed hearing those wonderful words of endearment from him. He slid his hands up under her sweatshirt and the t-shirt underneath till he felt her bare flesh. Her skin was silky smooth and very warm to the touch. He started on her back gently massaging her shoulders, and then came around to caress her naked breasts. He gently held each of them in his hands and let his thumbs graze the tips which became taut immediately. He could hear her moan and she thrust her hips up, sighing deeply.

Annie was enjoying his touch. She had missed this so much. He made her feel so good, so sexy. His hands on her back, gently caressing her breasts and then…then his hands were gently rubbing her stomach. He was rubbing her stomach so lovingly as though he was saying hello to the baby - suddenly she felt like a lightening bolt struck her. The baby! She was pregnant, he didn’t know she was pregnant…she had to stop this…they had to talk. He had to know before she let him continue, if he wanted to continue.

From somewhere far away he could hear Annie saying something. He was so lost in her, caressing and kissing her he couldn’t at first comprehend what she was saying and then he heard her say “No Michael. We have to stop. We have to talk. NO Michael!” she said a little louder and suddenly Michael’s hands froze.

Annie squirmed away from him and sat up. “We can’t do this now, we have to talk,” she said.

Michael slowly sat up. The look on his face was as though she had physically kicked him in the gut. He bowed his head and said “It’s because you don’t love me anymore. That’s it Annie, right? And here I am forcing myself on you.”

She forcefully nodded her head no and burst out, “Michael I am pregnant with your baby!”

He slowly raised his head up. “You’re going to have a baby Annie?” he said, his voice slightly shaking.

Annie knew that Michael’s eyes revealed all his emotions. They were a window to his soul. Right after he said this, she could see a brief flicker of pure joy…she saw it and then she saw it fade quickly and it was replaced with a pained expression.

“How long have you known this? You weren’t going to tell me about it?” he said sadly.

Annie realized all at once that he thought she was going to hide it from him and never tell him and the only way he knew about it was because he came here today.

“Michael I only found out on Friday. I wanted to tell you, I tried to tell you,” she said as she started to cry again. “I tried to call the cell phone number that you gave me but all I got was a recording saying that the number was no longer in service. And suddenly I didn’t know how to get a hold of you.”

Michael put his head in his hands as he listened to her speak.

“How do you reach Michael Jackson? He’s unreachable. I knew you had said you were moving back to California but we never talked about where in California. I told Gloria and Audrey about it this morning and I didn’t even want to tell them, I wanted you to be the first to know. I was remembering how when we first met you said people were friendly with you only because they wanted something from you or they wanted to use you somehow. What better way for someone to use you than to get pregnant with your child,” Annie was crying harder now, she couldn’t hold the tears back any longer.

Michael lifted his head out of his hands and looked up. She was nervously wringing her hands. She looked so sad. His beautiful sweet girl was having their baby—he was ecstatic! He reached over for her again and she let him take her in his arms.

“Annie, Annie, Annie, why would you think that about me. I love you so much. I missed you so much. I should have stayed and fought harder for you. If I wouldn’t have left, you wouldn’t have been going through this alone for the last month.”

Michael caressed her back and held her tenderly, lightly kissing her on her head and her cheeks and then on her lips. “I can’t believe you are having our baby.”

Annie buried her face in his chest and tried to calm herself. “You are not angry with me Michael?” she said softly.

He moved her away from his chest and said “Annie look at me!” She looked up at him and he was grinning from ear to ear. “I don’t want to stop holding you otherwise I would get up right now and dance the moonwalk and spin across your bedroom floor girl!”

His voice deepened and she knew he had something important to tell her, “Listen to me; I came back here for you. Do you understand that? I came back to tell you that I love you and that I need you and now hearing this news makes me all the more happy that I came back. But even if you were not pregnant, I would still be happy being here with you again. Do you understand me my sweet girl? Do you love me Annie?”

She nodded her head yes emphatically. She couldn’t believe it! He was back and he said he loved her and he’s happy about the baby! She looked up at him and said “I love you too Michael. And I missed you. I was so scared and felt so alone—all I wanted to do from the minute I found out was share the news with you and when I couldn’t I fell apart! I am so glad you are here baby!” and then they both kissed again and fell back into the pillows still in each others' arms, both smiling and laughing.

Part Twenty-Four

As they lay in each others' arms they were quiet for a few minutes. "Michael we still have a lot to talk about, a lot to sort out," Annie said softly.

Michael squeezed her and said, "I know we do Annie. And I want us to talk. I want us to be honest with each other. No hiding anything even though we think it may upset the other. I want this to work Annie."

He took his finger and tucked it under her chin so that she would look up at him. "I was useless without you Annie. I need you in my life and I am not going anywhere this time, do you understand me?"

She nodded her head and buried her face in his chest again. "I love you so much Michael. I messed up. I learned so much about my self these last few weeks and everything you said to me was right and I was oh so wrong! I am sorry Michael!" She started to cry again.

"I love you more Annie, my sweet, sweet girl. I want you to listen to me," Michael said as he squeezed her again. "No more tears love. It's bad for the baby. You were not the only one that was being stubborn. It's over now and I am here and we are together again and we are going to talk it all out—but for now all I want is to relax with you in my arms for a bit. I want to let it soak in that I am here with you again and I want to celebrate the fact that you are going to have my baby. So is it okay if we just relax here in each others' arms for a while?"

"I would like that Michael, I am so tired and sleepy lately, all I want to do is to take a little nap, fall asleep in your arms," Annie said sweetly, sniffling, trying to get her emotions under control.

“Annie, you close your eyes and rest here with me my love."

She snuggled closer to him. He smelled so heavenly Annie thought, yet another thing she missed about him—smelling him! She closed her eyes and Michael watched her as she totally relaxed and her breathing started to become regular and she was out like a light. He watched her for several minutes. Her being tired and sleepy did not alarm him that was natural for a pregnant woman. However her pale skin and the dark circles under her eyes did concern him. She was also way too skinny. She must have been stressing out big time while they were apart. Well he did too! He would have to start making sure she ate right and that she took care of herself. Their baby was going to be healthy and beautiful. He just knew it.

Gazing upon her face he smiled. She was so beautiful. He carefully reached behind her head and slid the scrunchie out of her hair. He loosened her curls so that they were flowing freely around her face. That's better Michael said to himself. He tossed the scrunchie on to her nightstand. He then carefully, so as not to wake her, inserted his hand under her sweatshirt and t-shirt. He laid the palm of his hand on her warm stomach. He knew it was way too early to feel the baby but he wanted to rest his hand there anyways. He breathed a sigh of relief. They made it over the first hurdle; reuniting with each other had been a piece of cake so far he thought! He then closed his eyes and relaxed and fell promptly asleep.

Annie awoke before Michael. For a brief moment she forgot what had happened but then she felt his warm palm resting on her stomach and she felt a flood of happiness and love flow through her. Michael was here with her! Careful so as not to disturb him she raised herself up and rested on her elbow so that she could observe him as he slept. He had a sweet smile on his face. She didn't want to wake him but she wanted to caress his face.  She reached up gently and let her hand graze his cheek.

He reached up and took her hand in his and brought over it to his lips kissing it lightly. Then he opened his eyes slowly. "Hello," he said sleepily. "Am I dreaming again Annie, or are you really here?" he asked sweetly.

"I am here my sweet prince," she said. "I am sorry I woke you up." He raised himself up and took her with him positioning her so that her head was resting comfortably on his chest.

“That’s all right. Are you hungry Annie?” Michael asked her.

“I am a little bit. But I don’t want to get up,” she said.

“I have an idea, why don’t you stay right here in bed and I will go into the kitchen and heat up that soup that you were going to have before I so rudely interrupted you. Do you have anything in the fridge to make sandwiches?” he said.

Annie looked up at him in disbelief. “You are going to make me something to eat Michael?”

“Yes, I want to show you how self sufficient I really am,” he said laughing.

“All right, there’s some turkey and cheese and bread and I have some mayo and mustard and some lettuce and tomatoes in there. Do you think you can handle that all by yourself Mr. Jackson?” she said giggling.

“Yes, I think I can Miss Walker. Be back in a little bit.” Michael jumped out of bed and disappeared.

Annie was skeptical about his skills in the kitchen but he was amazing at whatever he put his mind to so how bad could it turn out. And besides he was showing her a loving gesture and she knew that was important to him.

While Michael was in the kitchen she decided she should call Gloria and Audrey to let them know that everything was all right. She called Gloria first and told her that Michael was there with her right now.

“He’s there now Annie?” Gloria asked. “Wow, talk about perfect timing. Don’t let that one get away Annie. He’s a man that knows how to make an entrance in the nick of time. I am happy sweetie. Hey, bring him by the toy store tomorrow if possible. I would love to see him again.”

“Gloria, thank you for this morning, you were so sweet and kind. You are a special person and I am glad we have become so much closer. I love you Gloria,” Annie said for the first time.

“Oh Annie, I love you too sweetie. You’re welcome. I will see you tomorrow maybe. Don’t worry about a thing. Everything is going to work out.” Gloria said and then hung up.

Annie then called Audrey and told her that Michael was there.

“Wow! That’s wonderful Annie. And you told him about the baby my dear?” Audrey asked.

“Yes Audrey and he was ecstatic when he heard the news!”

 She could hear Michael in the kitchen singing to himself as he prepared their dinner. She could occasionally hear her cabinets being opened and closed as he searched for items. She giggled and then said in a whisper, “Believe it or not, Michael Jackson is in my kitchen heating up some soup and making me a sandwich! Can you believe it Audrey?!”

Audrey started to laugh. “That is pretty amazing. Billy and I would love to see him again. Perhaps we can have dinner together?”

“I will ask him. I am sure he would agree to that. I will call you tomorrow and let you know what is going on. I love you Audrey, and give Billy my love also,” and then Annie hung up.

As she hung up Michael made a reappearance carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a plate with a very appetizing sandwich on it.

“Dinner is served madam!” he said giggling. She sat up and he placed the tray carefully on her lap. It smelled delicious and suddenly she found herself to be ravenous for the first time in a long time.

“Oh Michael, it looks so good. Once again you amaze and astound me,” she said. He leaned in for a quick peck on her forehead.

“I even found a jar of pickles in the fridge and put a couple on the plate. I hear tell that pregnant women love pickles!” he said laughing. “I will be right back. I left my sandwich in the kitchen."  He ran into the kitchen and came back with a plate with his sandwich. He sat at her desk and ate his sandwich and carefully watched her eat. She finished everything. And he removed the tray with the dishes and the soup bowl to the kitchen and came back and slid back into bed with her.

Part Twenty-Five 

“Annie, I have to call my kids but before I do I want to talk to you about something that we all discussed,” Michael said. He put his arm around her.

“Michael are the kids here in New York with you?" Annie asked in a tentative voice.

"No, I left them in the capable hands of my mother," he said.

Annie was quiet for a few seconds and then said, "Are they upset with me Michael?"

"Of course not Annie. They love you very, very much," Michael said as he kissed the top of her head.

"What did you tell them about us?" Annie asked softly.

"I told them that you had to stay here in New York and operate the toy store and that we both decided that the best thing to do was for us to go on with our lives."

“As a matter of fact, the kids and my mother convinced me to come here and talk to you Annie.  That’s what I want to talk to you about. Annie my kids and I want to be with you so we have decided that we should move to New York. We can look for a larger apartment…”

Before Michael could continue Annie interrupted him, “Michael you would move to New York for me?”

“Sure why not girl, you already taught me how to ride the subway!” Michael said.

She smiled as she fondly recalled the subway adventure that she had with Michael. Annie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. His kids were as thoughtful and kind as he was. He had raised them so well.

“Michael it’s such a generous and thoughtful gesture. Especially coming from your children, I love them so much and I missed them so much too. That was the hardest part when we departed from one another, thinking about how I disappointed them,” Annie said sadly.

“I was so proud of them when they told me Annie. I was upset with myself because I should have thought of it.  And Annie, you didn't disappoint them.”

Michael took his hand and raised her head back up again so that she was looking him in the eyes again and then continued, “My mother made me realize that I had practically asked you to choose between me and your father and I never meant that to be. And at the same time I was asking you to make a big sacrifice by moving to California and it’s been less than a year since your dad died. I am sorry that I put a lot of undue pressure on you. I should have been more patient and tried to see your side of it.”

She took a deep breath and said, “Oh Michael...I want to show you something before I give you my answer. After we separated I started to work on a couple of different art projects."

"I am working on a big piece that I know you will find extremely interesting,” she said this with a twinkle in her eye. “And I started to work on some illustrations for a children’s book idea that I have. Michael you were so right. My art has been the only thing that has brought me comfort in the last three weeks. I know now how important it is to me.”

She got up off the bed and motioned him to do so also. “Come with me,” she said taking him by the hand. “I want you to see.”

Before they got to the door she stopped and she pulled him into an embrace, “I love you Michael,” she said.

“I love you more girl,” he said accepting her show of affection and reciprocating with a hug and a kiss of his own. They continued out the door and she led him by the hand to her artist nook. Just like she revealed the kids’ pictures to him weeks ago, she now lifted the cover off of Michael’s picture and revealed it to him. She excitedly watched his reaction.

“I am speechless! It’s...it’s...wow, incredible!” he said. “I love it! Is it for me?” he asked shyly.

“Of course it’s for you!” she said smiling.

Michael saw a collage of images of himself in different stages of his life. From when he was a little kid with the Jackson Five through Off The Wall to Thriller to Bad to Dangerous and beyond to now. For the most current images she used the photos that she had taken of him personally. It was kind of like a picture biography of his life. He reached over and pulled her closer, kissing her gently on the top of her head.

“It’s magnificent,” he said, awestruck. “You are so talented girl! Thank you!” he said tenderly.

“It’s my gift to you because I have you to thank for inspiring me to pick up my pad and pencils and start to draw again. I now realize what my priorities are in my life, you, your children, and our baby,” she took his hand and placed it on her belly over her hand when she said this, “and of course my art! That’s what is important to me and that is what makes me happy!”

She continued as she looked up at him, “I now understand what you were trying to say to me all along, my father loved me and he wanted me to be happy. The toy store was his passion, not mine. If the offer still stands, I want to be with you guys, but not in New York, in California. I am ready to start a new chapter in my life. And Michael, if you decide to go on tour, I will follow you, to London or Japan or Germany or Spain—anywhere you are—I want to be there by your side, because you are my life.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her. “That was beautiful Annie, I love you my beautiful, sweet girl! I have a surprise for you now…I was waiting for the right moment, and I think it’s now,” Michael said. “Come with me please.”

She giggled as Michael led her back into the bedroom. “You sit on the bed, and close your eyes girl,” he instructed her.

Michael went over to the chair he had laid his jacket on when he first carried Annie in here hours ago. He rummaged in his pocket and then came back to her.

“Open your eyes Annie!” Annie opened her eyes and there was Michael holding a small silver box with a silver ribbon tied in a fancy bow. "This is for you Annie, open it up my darling.”

She looked up at him and then down at the box before taking it from him. Her heart was beating rapidly and her hands were trembling and inside her head she could hear her own voice excitedly shouting "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!"

The box was so elegant. Upon closer inspection she could see that the silver ribbon and bow were not in fact real ribbon, but instead were just a decorative part of the box.  The box was kept closed with a tiny latch.   She lifted the delicate little latch and opened the box.  Nestled inside was a beautiful vintage, understated diamond engagement ring.

She looked up and now Michael was down on one knee in front of her.  He carefully took the ring out, placing the silver box on the nightstand and as he slid the ring onto Annie's finger he said, "Will you marry me Annie, be my wife for the rest of your life?" His voice held that deep serious tone he only used occasionally.

“Oh Michael! It's so beautiful!" Annie said, crying happy tears. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

And with that proclamation, she launched herself into his arms and kissed him all over his face.

He was giggling delightfully, and between kisses he said to her, "I love you so much! You have made me the happiest guy in the world my darling Annie!” 

“I love you more and more every day Michael,” she said.

He managed to move her back up onto the bed and as they continued to kiss, he lowered her back onto the bed and pressed his body up against hers. All she could think about was how much she wanted him right now! They both started to run their hands up and down each others bodies continuing to kiss. Michael buried his face into the crook of her neck inhaling her scent, wild with desire, but he slowly got a hold of himself.

He looked into her eyes. “You know I want to celebrate with you…in the last several hours I have found out that you still love me, that I am going to be a father again, that you want to move to California with me and now you are going to become my wife, so we have a lot to celebrate,” he said laughing.

“But first I think we need to call my children and my mother and tell them the news. And then baby, afterwards, you and I are going to celebrate all night long, understood my sweet beautiful girl?”

“Yes, I understand Michael!” she said chuckling and then kissed him.

“I am going to get off this bed and retrieve my cell phone before I can’t stop!” he said getting up and lifting her up with him.

Part Twenty-Six

While Michael went to retrieve his cell phone from his jacket pocket Annie admired the ring on her finger. She held her hand up in front of her face and moved her fingers gracefully and watched the diamond sparkle.  

 Michael came and sat down next to her in the bed.  "Do you like it Annie?" he asked.

"It's from Tiffanys, made in the 1920s.  I picked it out especially for you.  I just felt it was a style that you would like. It is very understated and beautiful like you are. And I thought that you would like it because it is a vintage piece of jewelry...it has a certain old world glamor to it."

"I..." Michael hesitated a minute but then looked over at Annie and she smiled at him, giving him encouragement to continue on.  "I actually picked it out even before I left for California.  Before we separated.  I just felt deep down in my heart that we were destined to be together."
  
"Michael, the ring is beautiful and I love it!  And hearing that you believed we were destined to be together....you make me feel like I am a fairytale princess sometimes my sweet prince!"  She reached up and caressed his face lovingly.

Annie couldn't believe it, a week ago she was so sad and lonely and now she knew what it felt like to be filled with pure bliss!  She propped her head on his shoulder while Michael put the call in to his mother.

Katherine Jackson answered the phone almost immediately. “Hello mother it’s me Michael.”

“Michael how are things going? Did you get a chance to see her yet?” Michael’s mother asked.

“I am here with her right now and I have some really great news mother, Annie has agreed to be my wife!” Michael said as he took Annie’s hand in his and squeezed it.

“Michael that is wonderful. Congratulations!” his mother said. She was relieved and happy for her son.

“There’s one more bit of good news also mother, I am going to be a father again. Annie is pregnant!” Michael said.

“Michael,” his mother exclaimed, “You are blessed my son. Congratulations again! Let me talk to her Michael. I want to introduce myself,” Katherine Jackson requested.

Michael handed the phone to Annie. “Annie my mother would like to say hello.”

“Michael, I’m nervous,” Annie said.

Michael laughed, “She won’t bite girl, I promise.”

Annie took the phone from Michael and said nervously, “Mrs. Jackson, hello!”

“Annie my dear please, call me Katherine. I wanted to introduce myself and tell you that I am so sorry for your recent loss. And I just want to tell you that Michael’s children cannot stop talking about you. They love you to pieces Annie! And I know my son does too! Because I see the way his kids love you so much I know you are going to make a wonderful mother Annie. I can’t wait to meet you my dear.”

“Thank you Katherine. And thank you for your condolences. I just want you to know that I love the kids too—and I love Michael very much. I can’t wait to meet you either. I promise I will look after your grandchildren and I will also keep my eye on Michael!” she chuckled and was happy when she heard Katherine Jackson laughing on the other end.

“Sounds good, he needs and deserves all the love he can get Annie!”

“Here’s your son back, thanks again Katherine!” Annie said and then handed the phone back to Michael. Before he got back on the phone with his mother, he leaned in towards Annie and gave her a quick kiss on the lips and winked at her.

“Mother can you locate my children we want to tell them the good news also!” Michael said.

“Let me go gather them Michael.”

Michael could hear his mother in the background calling to them and within minutes Prince was on the phone. “Daddy, is everything all right? Were you able to see Annie?” Prince said.

“Prince put the phone on speaker so that the other two can hear me. “Okay daddy,” Prince said and complied.

 “I love you daddy,” Paris’s voice rang out.

And then Blanket, “I miss you daddy!”

“I miss you too baby, but I will be home soon. Listen to me all three of you,” Michael said. All three of them said practically at the same time, “Yes daddy!”

“Annie said yes, we are going to get married you guys!” Michael put the phone by Annie’s ear and she heard them whooping and hollering in the background. He started to talk to them again, at the same time he took his free hand and grasped Annie’s. “That’s not the only good news you guys, you are going to have a new brother or sister. Annie is pregnant!” Again he moved the phone to Annie’s ear and she could again hear whooping and hollering in the background. She grinned from ear to ear.

“Let me talk to them,” she said quietly and he nodded is head.

“Here’s Annie guys she wants to say hello.”

“Hello my munchkins, I miss all of you and I love you lots too!” she said into the phone. They all started talking at once and she said laughing, “All right how about one at a time. Little Michael you go first.”

Blanket asked Annie the most pertinent question on all of their minds, “Annie are we going to move to New York to live with you?”

Annie smiled and said “You guys were so sweet and thoughtful to offer to move here for me but I have decided that I want to come to California to be with you guys. I know I disappointed you before but that’s not going to happen this time. I love your daddy and I want to start a new life with all of you if that’s okay with you guys,” Annie said tearfully.

Paris spoke next, “Annie we love you and just want to be with you so if you still want to come live with us, we want you too!” Annie was smiling and the tears were running down her cheeks, Michael was still clutching her other hand.

Then Prince was the last one to speak, “Annie we know that you make daddy happy and it’s important to us that he is happy, so please come live with us, we miss you and we love you Annie!”

And then Annie said, “I love you guys so much and I missed you so much. I can’t wait to see you guys.” Michael squeezed her hand and motioned to her to give him the phone. “Prince your father wants to talk to you,” she handed the phone back to Michael.

Prince asked his father, “Daddy when will you be home and is Annie coming with you?” Michael knew his children and he knew that was what the next question would be. “Annie and I have not talked about that yet. As soon as we make a decision about what is going to happen I will let you guys know. I love you guys—be good for your grandmother and behave yourselves, understand?” Michael said.

Blanket spoke up first, “We love you daddy I will be good!”

Then Paris, “We love you daddy!”

And then Prince, “I love you dad and call us when you know what’s going to happen. Tell Annie we love her daddy.”

“Hey you can tell her yourself, here she is now.”

Michael handed the phone back to Annie, “I love you guys, I will be seeing you really soon.” She handed the phone back to Michael and he spoke to his mother just to tell her goodbye and that as soon as Annie and he decided how they were going to handle things he would let her know.

He placed the phone on the nightstand and pulled Annie over to him into his arms. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

“I was just thinking that I don’t want you to leave but I know how you don’t like to be away from them for long periods of time,” Annie said.

“Do you feel like you still need that month Annie?” Michael asked—he didn’t want to know the answer because he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her for that long.

“I don’t want to be away from you for a month Michael!” she said burying her face into his chest. He breathed a silent prayer of relief.

She then looked back up and said “How about a week. I will try to get as much of my stuff packed up. I can see if I can get Audrey to help me. And then I will fly out in a week. We can call each other every day. Two times a day or maybe even three times a day?” she said nervously.

He pulled her closer again kissing the top of her head tenderly. “A week is better than a month. I know how important your stuff is,” he said laughing, “Because my stuff is important to me too! I don’t want you to feel like you will have to leave anything behind.”

She smiled, “Even though my stuff is important I can always put some of it in storage and retrieve a little at a time or something like that. I will come up with a solution. Let me think about it. I want to see them as soon as possible also, I miss them and you can’t stay here for a long period of time—you need to be there with them. Are we agreed Michael, a week—and we call each other every day?” She looked up at him and he bent his head and kissed her sweetly on the mouth.

“Agreed Annie,” Michael said.

“Now Michael can we start the celebrating, especially since I won’t be able to do this again with you for another whole week!” she said smiling and kissing him.

“Well maybe we should try to make it as memorable as possible girl!” He caressed her face and as usual she became excited by his touch. He let his thumb trace along her lips sensuously. She had a sharp intake of breath and closed her eyes to the sensations.

“I remember the first time I touched you I saw the same reaction in your eyes and it turned me on. I wanted you even then but I didn’t want you to think that was the only thing I wanted from you,” he said sexily.

She stood up all of sudden and he watched, his eyes dark with desire, as she stripped off her sweatshirt and t-shirt tossing them carelessly on the floor. She suddenly felt so sexy and free and she wanted to be playful with him tonight.

She got back into the bed and instead of lying next to him she straddled his waist. She leaned into him teasing his open mouth with her naked breasts just grazing his mouth and then instead capturing his mouth with hers. It was a deep and penetrating kiss. Their tongues dancing and swirling around each other and she could hear herself moaning into his mouth. Wow, where did this Annie come from he thought? This was a new side of her and he loved it! She ended the kiss and whispered into his ear, “You make me feel sexy and free Michael. I love you!”

And then she once again let her breasts get dangerously close to his mouth but this time she couldn’t escape, he was too quick for her and held her still while he licked and suckled each breast. She arched her back like a kitten enjoying a tummy rub and she called out his name, “Michael!”

He switched positions by deftly flipping her onto her back and now he was hovering over her instead. He kissed her quickly on the lips and said, “I have to catch up. You know how I hate to be behind.” He sat up and unbuttoned his shirt and then took it off tossing it to the floor.

She laughed as he lied back down and took her in his arms. He pulled her into a tight embrace and he inserted his thigh between her legs and they were interlocked with each other. She loved the erotic feel of her breasts pressed against his naked chest. She was so tight in his embrace and their faces were practically touching each other. She had no choice but to gaze intently into his eyes. He seemed more happy and relaxed right now than any other time she had been with him, even the first time. Tonight she felt like they were different with each other. For the first time she felt like she could be with him forever and she didn’t care about anything or anyone else. She loved him and she was not going to let him go this time.

Michael felt happy and relaxed and he felt like she could feel it. They were feeding off of each others' moods. She seemed like she was finally sure of herself and it was reflected in her playful banter and gestures. Michael was as happy and relaxed as he had been in a really long time. He knew there would still be hurdles that they would both have to face once the real world found out about their relationship and their new baby, but he felt like she was finally realizing that she was strong and beautiful and up to the challenge.

Part Twenty-Seven

He maneuvered her body so that she was lying on her back now propped up against the pillows. He observed her intently. He started to trace her face again with his finger giving her a delicious ticklish sensation. She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.

"Annie," Michael said in a sultry whisper. She opened her eyes immediately to stare into his, still so dark with desire, and gave him her undivided attention.

"When we were separated, when I finally forced myself to sleep, I would dream of you constantly. You were in my arms, just like you are now. It was dark in the room, just like now. And your lovely nude body was underneath me just like it is now. You were glowing and glistening in the moonlight, just like now. It would be so real girl. I could touch you (he caressed her face lightly with his fingers), I could taste you (he kissed her on her lips), and I could smell your intoxicating scent (he buried his face into the crook of her neck-inhaling deeply). But then I would wake up and you weren't there with me, but I would still smell your scent on my hands Annie. And I would be so frustrated that you weren't there with me and I would cry myself back to sleep hoping that I would dream of you again my sweet, beautiful girl."

"This time I am not a dream my sweet prince. I am real and I am here with you, forever and ever Michael. No more doubts, no more insecurities. I am here now Michael and I am never leaving. I love you so much my sweet prince!"

He smiled at her and kissed her again. And then he started to leave little kisses down along her neck till he reached her breasts and began to lick and suckle them till the tips were rosy and erect. She slid her hands seductively through his silken hair and whispered his name repeatedly and he continued his path of tiny kisses down to her stomach.

"Annie open your eyes my pretty girl." She opened her eyes and looked down at him; he was sweetly rubbing his cheek on her belly, tickling her with his silky hair. "I am caressing our new baby Annie; I want the baby to know my voice!" She laughed and Michael loved hearing the sweet sound of her laughter.

She reached down and caressed his head lovingly. "Wake up little baby—your daddy wants to say hello!" Annie said giggling.

She was still wearing her sweatpants. He got up from the bed and began to take off his pants and so she followed his lead. They both seemed to simultaneously slide back into bed at the same time. Their now totally nude bodies met in another intertwining embrace. She could feel his hardness pressed up against her stomach.

"I am so hungry for you Michael. I feel like I have been fasting for way too long!"

He smiled at her nuzzling his lips along her neckline. "I want to be one with you now my sweet girl, are you ready for me?"

"Yes Michael, I am more than ready baby," she said kissing him passionately. He took her in his powerful arms and lifted her up on to him—piercing her with his now fully erect sex. "OH MICHAEL!" she shouted aloud as she felt him full inside her. She was now straddling him and she observed the look in his eyes. She never, ever felt so powerful. She watched his reaction as she started to move up and down.

He licked his lips and closed his eyes and said in a breathless voice "Oh God you are like silk caressing me all over."

"Open your eyes Michael, I want to see your love reflected there," Annie said as she continued her rhythmic movements. He opened his eyes and gave her one of those sweet, sexy smiles that were oh so yummy!

"Come closer, please," he whispered, so she leaned in closer and once again his mouth closed over her breast—first one then the other. "Mmm...you taste so good," he said.

And then with his usual skill, she suddenly found herself on her back. With one swift twirl he had turned her around never breaking the sexual union of their bodies. And now he was pumping in and out of her. "Move your legs up higher around my waist baby—I want you to feel it all—I want to go deeper," he said in a breathless voice. She obediently wrapped her thighs securely around his back and he moved her up slightly so that he now had more leverage and he began to thrust in and out at a higher rate of speed. And sure enough she felt like he was going in deeper with each successive thrust. She felt like he was trying to touch her inner core and with one final thrust he released himself into her just as she climaxed also, calling out his name as she did.

He collapsed onto her, trying not to hurt her. He stayed like that, still inside her, nuzzling her neck with his lips, for several minutes, till both of them started to breathe at a more regular rate. He rolled off of her and pulled her into a tight embrace. She was laughing softly and he looked at her and said, “You find my lovemaking skills amusing?”

“No, not at all Michael…it was just that I was thinking if I wasn’t pregnant already I think tonight we would have made a baby!” she said laughing still and he then joined in. He squeezed her and said

“Do you think it’s possible that we twinned the one there already?” He rubbed her stomach as he said this and they both continued to laugh and snuggle with each other.

Part Twenty-Eight

Michael and Annie sat up with their arms around each other and talked for a while. He told her some stories about the kids, when they were younger, some of the funny and heartwarming things that they did. He then took her hand in his and began to absentmindedly rub it gently while lost in thought.

"Don't hide anything from me Michael. New policy is taking effect. We tell each other everything, remember you just said this to me a little bit ago," she gently prodded him, bringing his hand, still holding hers, up to her lips and kissing it.

"I know...I don't want us to be sad tonight. I can't remember when I have been this happy in such a long, long time. But I think we should talk some more about some of the serious stuff," Michael said.

"All right Michael. Let me know what you're thinking about," Annie said reaching up and kissing him gently on the lips before settling back into his arms.

"I know I have said this to you before, it can be kind of hard to be in love with me," Michael started out.

Annie protested, "Michael..." but before she could say anything else he gently put his finger on her lips and said, "Let me finish my love, please?" he said in a serious tone.

She nodded her head silently. "It's just that I wish we could be like a normal couple and announce to our friends and family that we are engaged to be married and that we are having a baby. Like list our names in the paper. Isn't that what normal people do?" Michael said bitterly.

She knew he wasn't expecting an answer from her, not yet at least. He separated himself from her, sitting upright, and looked into her eyes; she could tell he was starting to get emotional. "Instead, because you are marrying Michael Jackson and having Michael Jackson's baby we have to discuss what the best strategy is in announcing it to the world, in cold and real terms, because when the media finds out that we are in a relationship they will come after you Annie."

"I have nothing to hide Michael!" she said in a pained voice. She didn't like hearing this from him but she knew it had to be said and she knew she must be strong for him.

"It doesn't matter my sweet girl. They will find someone out there that feels like you slighted them in the past for some stupid, petty reason. You snubbed them on the playground when you were ten years old and they remembered it all these years later and they are offered $500 in cash to dish the dirt on you and so they do. And then it gets worse because they will question why you wanted to marry me. Did I pay you off? Is it phony; is it a business deal or a publicity stunt?”

“And just when you think they cannot go any lower, they will. Because once they find out that you are pregnant they will question the validity of your pregnancy. They will say I had you artificially inseminated or that you are pregnant by someone else and I am paying you to have the child for me. Because they all think there's no way that Michael Jackson could possibly be in love and have a child the normal way. The way a normal, loving couple does."

By now Michael was crying. She pulled him closer to him, letting his head rest on her chest and she tenderly caressed his head. "Michael, please don't say these things, why are you saying them?"

In a tear strained voice he said, "Because I want you to be prepared for the worse. Because I....I know you love me...but when it starts to get bad perhaps you will start to question why you fell in love with me. You will start to question who I am and who you are. I have seen it before with other friends of mine. Or people I considered friends." He moved himself away from her loving embrace to stare intently at her again. His face was wet with his tears and he looked so sad and melancholic. He then bent his head down.

"Michael, listen to me please," she said reaching up and placing her hands on either side of his face forcing him to look at her, into her eyes. "It doesn't matter what the media or anyone else says about us. We know the truth of our love, the truth about the baby that is growing inside me now. Didn't you say once upon a time lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons?"

"I did say that Annie, but I fear for my children all the time. I know what they wrote about all three of my children. And now I fear for you and our new baby. I will protect you to the best of my ability but I just want you to be aware of what I am up against! It consumes me sometimes and I can't breathe because of it. The only good thing about the last few years is that they have been ignoring me for the most part because I have not been around for them to kick me some more. But when I come back into the spotlight, and I will Annie because I have to not only for my kids and my fans and now for you—but for me also, because I miss it and I need it, they will be gunning for me. Especially when they find out about you and the baby!"

Annie reached for him once more pulling him into the safety of her arms again. She gently threaded his soft silky hair through her fingers. It was like she was calming a hurt child, "Michael there is a difference this time around. I am here with you. I will stand by your side Michael no matter what. I know I was kind of shaky there for a little bit, but like I said before, no more doubts, no more inhibitions. I am here with you, you are not alone anymore. Trust in me and we will fight all the battles together. We will decide together when and if we need to make an announcement to the world about our relationship and our new baby. Remember when I first met you I said to you that I thought you needed a friend and I needed one too? You are not only my lover but you are my friend, my best friend. And now we will be joined in marriage so you will be my husband and I will honor my commitment to you through all the good and the bad. And always remember Michael, you are normal—you are as real as me as far as I am concerned. Do you understand me my sweet, sweet prince?" She kissed the top of his head tenderly.

"I love you Annie. You are everything I could ever hope for!" he said. He pulled her down to him so that they were lying next to each other in each others' arms, staring into each others' eyes. He kissed her. His face was still slightly damp from his tears and she reached up and took the palms of her hands and wiped them from his face.

"I love you too Michael. They can all go to hell for all I care. Just always remember, from now on we are in this together!" Annie said sweetly, kissing him again.

"That's my girl," he said finally smiling again.

She was thinking about what her mom used to say to her all the time, "It's our job to keep your father happy, because when he is happy, we are happy too." I guess that is my role with Michael. That's all right she thought to herself, keeping Michael Jackson happy for the rest of her life would be a challenge that she was up to. She could see if Michael was happy he would be able to relax and if he was relaxed she knew he would be capable of producing more music and dance, and the more he produced his art the happier he would be, thus starting the circle again! What a lovely way to spend the rest of her life she thought!

Then Michael said, “I think what I’ve found best about our relationship is that we balance each other. I help you to fly Annie. And I help you to realize your dreams! You help me by keeping me centered or grounded. You help me to be more real and true to myself.”

“That’s so beautiful Michael. I am going to love to be able to work on my art all the time. I am excited about the prospect of getting a book published with my illustrations and for the first time in my life I feel like it’s going to actually happen for me and I owe it all to you,” Annie said reaching up and caressing his face.

“Annie you make me feel somewhat normal and I owe that all to you,” Michael said softly. Annie continued to stroke his face with her hands and then moved them down, to massage his shoulders and pulled him closer to her. “How about we continue our celebration Michael? We get to spend the entire night together. That means we will wake up together, and maybe shower together (she said this looking at him naughtily and smiling), and we can eat breakfast together. What do you think my love?”

“I think that sounds lovely…especially the shower part!” he said as he engaged her in a passionate kiss.

Part Twenty-Nine

Michael woke before Annie. It was important for her to get her rest, so he watched her sleep for a few minutes. One of his favorite past times he was coming to realize. She looked lovely. Like an angel. She had surprised him last night. She had been particularly sexy and frisky, often initiating moves that made him feel oh so glorious. They had continued their celebration for several more hours then finally because they were both exhausted, they fell asleep in each others' arms.

He got up carefully so as not to wake her. He felt so happy and carefree. It was the first time he had felt like this in a long time. He suddenly wanted to look at Annie's picture that she was drawing of him. He pulled his jeans on and nothing else and padded out barefoot to the other room. He looked back once just to make sure she was still sleeping and she was.

He went over to Annie's nook and took the cover off the drawing and stood there pondering it. In the bedroom Annie stirred awake slowly and reached out for Michael, when she found he wasn’t there she panicked for a few seconds and then calmly called out his name, “Michael?”

“I am in here Annie,” he called back.

She smiled. She got out of the bed and started to reach for her robe but then eyed Michael’s shirt tossed to the floor last night. She went over to it and picked it up and first held it close to her inhaling his heavenly scent. And then she put it on. She buttoned it up and rolled the sleeves up a little bit. She gave herself a little hug. She was feeling so good this morning. Last night had been the most glorious night of her life. She blushed when she thought of some of the moves she had initiated on him—but he had encouraged her so sweetly and lovingly and she had felt like a goddess.

She came out to the other room. She observed him shirtless and shoeless. His hair was sexily disheveled and he was casually standing intently looking at the collage of himself. He looked so serious, her heart skipped a little, but then he looked over at her and gave her one of his fabulous smiles. He held his arm out and she rushed over and slid into his embrace.

“Good morning beautiful girl,” he whispered in her ear.

“Good morning Michael my love!” she whispered back. He squeezed her tenderly.

“You look far better in this shirt than I do madam!” he said giggling.

“Oh thank you kind sir,” she said curtsying.

He laughed. “How are you and my little baby doing this morning,” he asked caressing her tummy.

“We are just fine and dandy this morning. No morning sickness for once! Yeah!” she said lightly.

“Whatcha doing out here?” Annie said. He moved her so that she was in front of him with her back pressed against his chest and his arms looped in front of her, his hands gently still caressing her belly.

“I am looking at the story of my life,” he said.

“I hope I didn’t do anything to upset you….I wasn’t sure how you would feel about me putting the young Michael in there,” she asked nervously.

“No it’s great. It makes me nostalgic. All these images help me realize how much I have accomplished over the years. It’s such a great piece and I love it and I love you for doing this for me,” he said lightly kissing her on the top of her head.

“Will I be able to take it home with me tonight,” he asked.

“It’s still needs a little bit of finishing. You have to let me keep it here. I can work on it while I am packing up my stuff. And then by the end of the week I will have it packaged and I will personally bring it on the flight with me and present it to you when I return to your loving arms once more,” she said with a dramatic flare.

He laughed. “That sounds great. I will have two things to look forward to. Seeing you again, and seeing my masterpiece completed!”

“So what’s the plan for the morning my lady,” he said to her.

She turned around in his arms so she was facing him. “Well I think we should have a shower and then we can make some breakfast. And then while we eat we can talk about what’s going to happen next,” Annie said. She reached up and kissed him lightly.

“Is the invitation to shower together still available,” he whispered sexily into her ear.

“Is that what you desire Michael,” she said coyly, fluttering her eyelashes and bowing her head slightly.

He smiled at her and said, “It is what I desire Annie, you, naked in the shower!”

She giggled and said “Well let’s go then.”

Annie's bathroom was atypical of Manhattan, tiny, or cozy, depending on how you looked at it. She started the water and then they kept bumping into each other as they took off their clothes, luckily neither of them had much clothing on to begin with so in a matter of minutes they were stripped down and carefully climbing into the shower together.

Michael held her and turned her so that she was standing under the water letting it flow over her head. He looked down at her, her eyes were closed and she had an angelic smile on her face, water droplets glistening off her face and her hair and her breasts, like tiny diamonds.

He smiled at her and said "You are even sexier when wet."

She laughed at him. "Your turn beautiful," she said to him spinning around so that now he was letting the water flow down over his body. He looked just as sexy she thought to herself. He turned his face up into the spray. His long hair was wet and when he gave it a shake it looked like a lion’s mane flowing down around his neck and back. With the water running off his shoulders and chest, he looked like some sort of mythical beast ready to roar. She moved closer to him and reached up and kissed him letting the water flow down over both of them now.

The kiss intensified and he moved her so that her back was against the far wall of the shower. He pressed his wet body up against hers. She could see and feel that he was hard for her. His chest was pressed sensuously against hers. She reached up and looped her arms around his neck letting her hands caress the back of his head. He could feel the spray of the water hitting his back.

“Let’s pretend were under a waterfall Annie," Michael whispered in her ear. “Out in the forest, somewhere secluded. I imagine you naked, sunning yourself on a rock after we finish making love under the water," he said gruffly as he pushed the entire frame of his wet, slippery body against hers.

"That sounds heavenly...you and I, alone. Make love to me Michael," she said impetuously. And he willingly complied.

"I am going to lift you up Annie and I want you to wrap your legs around me okay my beautiful aqua goddess?" he said playfully. She nodded her head, smiling up at him. And then he grasped her around her hips and lifted her up letting the wall support her back. She wrapped her thighs around his waist and he thrust himself inside her with one quick wet glide.

The sensation was even deeper and fuller than last night. She sharply breathed inwards and wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. "I am not hurting you, am I," he asked in a concerned voice.

"No, Michael!" she practically moaned out.

"That's my girl," he whispered in her ear as he started to pull in and out of her. She closed her eyes and let her head roll back so that it was against the wall.

"Open your eyes Annie and tell me what you feel," he said. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into his smoky, brown eyes, glazed with desire for her.

"I feel like I am so connected to you right now...I…I feel like I am full of your love Michael. So much love Michael it's overflowing out of me like the water dripping down my body," she said in a languid whisper back to him.

Her body was wet and slippery and so was his but they managed to get a rhythm going that was satisfying both of their needs. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, kissing her tenderly there and then moved her slightly up more so that he could kiss and suckle her breasts always making sure that their sexual union never broke. He began to increase his thrusts and the friction of their bodies was about to both make them climax. She yelled his name out as she came and then he let himself release into her. Once he felt his body start to calm down he gently lowered her to the floor of the tub.

"Hold me up Michael because I can't possibly stand after that!" she chuckled.

"As you wish my beautiful girl," he said gently looping his arms around her waist holding her close to him kissing her repeatedly on her lips and on her neck singing her name in a whisper in her ear, "Annie, Annie, my beautiful girl Annie."

"Now comes the fun part Michael, we get to wash each other off!" Annie said playfully.

"That's good Annie, because I always have trouble getting my back clean!" he said kissing her on her nose tenderly.

They soaped each other up and then stood under the water together, rinsing off. He insisted on washing her hair and it felt luxurious as he massaged the shampoo into her hair and then held her under the water rinsing the soap out of her curly locks. Then she did the same for him. They had no idea how long they stayed in there but also typical of a New York apartment building, the hot water soon ran out and they knew they had to get out or risk becoming way to cold under the water.

Annie got two big fluffy towels and they dried each other off. Michael teased her by rubbing her extra sensuously on certain parts of her body.

She said laughing, “If you don’t stop it Michael we will never get this day started,” she said.

“I just want to make sure you are all nice and dry my sweet girl,” he said laughing.

Last night Michael had called Bill to tell him that he would be spending the night with Annie and he had brought up an overnight bag that Michael had packed. Annie picked up their clothing in the bathroom as Michael got dressed. He had on a pair of jeans and a long sleeve button down shirt that he left un-tucked. She came back into the bedroom as he was finishing up.

She had pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt and then put Michael’s button down shirt over that again. “I want to keep this with me Michael all week long. It will make me feel closer to you,” she said giving him a kiss.

“I wish I could do the same, but if I show up wearing an article of your clothing that will really give them something to talk about,” he laughed.

Part Thirty

Annie fixed a simple breakfast of some granola and yogurt and some fruit and orange juice and some toast with butter and jelly and then they ate together and talked. Annie noticed how relaxed Michael was. She felt like layer by layer they were each revealing to each other who they really were and thus getting to know each other better.

"I love you," she said taking his hand in hers.

"I love you too Annie," he said, smiling at her as he took a bite of toast. "This is the best breakfast I have ever had in my entire life," he said smiling and squeezing her hand.

“It was my pleasure fixing it for you. I feel very domesticated,” Annie said laughing.

Michael’s cell phone was lying on the table and it started to vibrate. He picked it up to look at the number. “It’s Hayvenhurst. Either my mother or maybe the kids calling me,” he said as he answered the call. “Hey Prince,” Michael said, “Everything okay?”

“Dad we just wanted to call you before we started school. Are you coming home tonight? Not that you have to hurry, we just miss you and we wanted to say hi to Annie,” Prince said.

“I am going to be home later on tonight. Hopefully before you guys fall asleep. Would you all like to say hello to Annie?” Michael asked.

“Yes,” he heard not only Prince but the other two yelling in the background. He smiled. “They want to say hello to you my sweet,” he said handing the phone over to Annie.

“Hello, my munchkins!” Annie said happily. Michael watched her as she talked to all three of them. He noticed her color was back already. She was positively glowing Michael thought. A big change from when he had first saw her yesterday.

“Yes, your father will be home later on tonight. And we decided that I will follow him in about a week. About eight days to be exact. I am going to pack up some of my stuff here and have it shipped to you guys. I will be there before you know it. And you guys can call me everyday, two or three times a day if you want.”

“Annie how is the baby this morning?” Blanket asked.

“The baby is fine today little Michael. Thank you for asking,” Annie laughed.

“When will we know if it’s a sister or a brother?” he asked.

“Well maybe we want it to be a surprise kiddo,” she said.

“Oh, all right! A surprise, that sounds like fun!” he said.

“Annie do you have the ring on that daddy gave to you?” Paris chimed in.

Annie looked down at her finger, she did have it on. It needed to be re-sized but Annie didn’t want to take it off. And it wasn’t too loose. “Yes, my darling I have it on. It’s sparkling in the sunshine this morning,” Annie said. She could hear Paris giggle.

“All right you guys, I am going to let you say goodbye to your daddy and then you have to go to school. Study hard and make us proud little ones. I will talk to you tomorrow, promise?” she said.

And all at the same time, “We promise! We love you Annie!”

“I love you too, here’s your daddy!” She handed the phone back to Michael. Michael spoke to them for a few minutes and then to his mother and then hung up.

Annie started to clean off the table and Michael reached over and grabbed her, pulling her into his lap. “Hey, not so fast, I am not ready yet!” he said laughing.

She hugged him. “You are in a very good mood Michael,” she said.

“Yes, I am. I feel like the king of the world today Annie and I owe it all to you!” She kissed him.

“What’s next?” he asked, letting her get up and he did too assisting her in bringing plates and silverware to the sink.

“Well I want to call Gloria and Audrey. Audrey and Gloria expressed interest in seeing you. I was thinking we could perhaps have an early dinner with Audrey and Billy and have Gloria join us, you know so that you have enough time to catch your plane home?”

“That sounds like fun. I enjoyed meeting them at the party. I would love to sit and talk with all of them.”

Annie called Audrey and Gloria and talked to the both of them. It was decided that Michael and Annie would go to Audrey and Billy’s apartment and visit for awhile and since the toy store was way too busy to have Michael Jackson make yet another visit, Gloria would join them later after she closed up shop.

Michael called Bill and he came to take them to the Williams’ apartment. But first they filled him in on what was going on. He sat and talked to Annie and they made arrangements so that Annie could ship stuff directly to Michael’s residence. Bill would coordinate everything. While Bill and Annie sat and discussed the details, Michael sat on Annie’s couch and did some writing on a pad that Annie gave to him. Michael’s creative mind was always working and since he had spent one of the most glorious nights of his life with the love of his life he felt like writing.

Bill got up to leave saying, “All right, I will meet you guys down there in five minutes, got it?”

“Yes sir,” Annie said laughing. She let Bill out and she looked over at Michael sitting on her couch deep in thought, his eyeglasses perched on his face writing intently. He looked so scholarly she thought.

“Are you ready Mr. Jackson,” she said.

“Hmm, yes….okay….just one more minute, please?” he said absentmindedly.

“Okay, my creative genius, one more minute,” she said.

He finished and looked up with his usual beautiful smile. He closed the notebook and placed it on the table and got up to stand in front of her. “I am all yours, let’s go before Bill comes up here after us,” he laughed.

The time spent with the Williams and Gloria Walker was very enjoyable and very enlightening for Michael. For the first time in such a long time the conversation was not about Michael Jackson—it was about Annie Walker. Her friends, actually the only family that she had now besides himself and his children, were concerned for her welfare and Michael could discern this almost immediately. He almost felt as though he was coming to her parents and asking permission to marry her. And he loved every minute of it. It wasn’t that they were rude or nasty to him; it was just that they let it be known to him that he, Michael Jackson, was getting a catch in Annie Walker.

“Let’s see the ring,” Audrey said. Annie held out her hand to show them both the ring.

“It’s beautiful! Good choice Michael." Audrey asked.

“Speaking of choices, Michael you are getting the cream of the crop with this girl. Like I told you before, her mother was a beauty and so is she. She will be good for you,” Billy said.

“I think she is already having a very positive affect on me Billy,” Michael said beaming and shaking Billy’s hand.

Audrey and Billy Williams in particular told him stories about Annie when she was younger and they even had some early pictures of her as a child. Annie groaned but he could tell she was very happy.

When Gloria arrived she first asked Annie about her health. “No more dizzy spells I hope Annie. You must stay healthy with that baby growing in you,” she said in a concerned voice.

“I am fine Gloria,” Annie said.

And then Gloria spoke to Michael. “I want to apologize to you about that picture that Suzie had taken of you with that God awful photographer. I am at wits end thinking she is in Los Angeles with him right now or with someone worse. I blame myself. But I feel awful that she used you that way and since she is not here to apologize I will do it on her behalf Michael,” Gloria said.

“It’s all right Gloria. No harm, no foul. I am sorry that you and Suzie are not in contact now. I would imagine it’s rough to have a child not talking to you,” Michael said.

“Perhaps someday she will come back to me. I try not to think about it,” Gloria said rather sadly.

“But now thanks to Annie’s father, I have the toy store to occupy my time and I am enjoying every minute of it,” she said squeezing Annie’s hand.

After returning from Audrey and Billy Williams’ apartment Annie and Michael relaxed on the couch and talked. Michael had to leave soon but they had about an hour before Bill would come to retrieve him.

“When you come to California and we are together I want…I want us….” He hesitated. “Never mind,” Michael said.

Annie came closer to him, “What do you mean never mind…come on, tell me what you are thinking,” she said.

“Well, I want us to have days like today everyday, except with the kids there also. Breakfast together, lunch and dinner together. Audrey and Billy and Gloria, they are normal, everyday people that are not after me for anything except to make sure that I keep you happy. I can’t tell you how refreshing that is for me. I want my kids to be around more people like that. I want that kind of normalcy for us so badly Annie.”

She took his arm and moved it so that it was around her and snuggled closer to him, “We can have that Michael. At least we can try to. I promise.”

“I am afraid that once I start working again it will go away. Michael Jackson will make it go away,” his voice once again was filled with emotion.

“What do you mean Michael Jackson will make it go away baby, you are Michael Jackson,” Annie said, lightly poking him in the side, trying to bring some levity into this way too serious moment.

“I am Michael around you. I am who I want to be. I am real with you and with my kids. But to everyone else I am Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.” There was a tinge of bitterness in the way he said it.

“I want to work. I love being on the stage and performing. I need it and I’ve been away too long. But I fear that if I have to tour, being away from my kids and now being away from you…I don’t know if I can hack it. I can’t take them with me all over the world. I want them to have a stable, normal upbringing, or as normal as can be considering who I am. And I can’t ask you to travel with me all over either. So my only choice would be to go alone. And I know it will be bad Annie, just like the last time I toured. I succumbed to bad habits. I was in pain all of the time—and I was pulled in all sorts of directions and I was lonely. I would perform before thousands of adoring fans and then after the show I would go back to my hotel room and the fans would camp outside the hotel and they would be shouting my name and I would be trapped, by myself, isolated like a caged animal or something. I took drugs sometimes for the pain and to help me to sleep and the next morning I would be like a zombie. I can’t do that anymore. I want a normal life, is that too much to ask for?” Michael said in an anguished voice.

She knew a little levity would not alleviate his pain at the moment. She sat up and looked into his eyes, his beautiful, soulful eyes. “Michael, we will have to come up with a solution. We can always talk to each other, every night—I know that doesn’t sound like its good enough. Or perhaps you can plan dates for the summer—that way we can travel with you. Or perhaps we can join you some of the time. Or I can join you some of the time.”

She put her hands on either side of his face, caressing him gently, pulling his face closer and kissing him tenderly on the lips. “Michael you are an intelligent, extremely talented individual. Plus you are famous beyond belief. There must be a way that you can satisfy your fans plus keep your sanity. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone—you know who you are. You’ve been at it a long time—you are in charge of your destiny. You will come up with a solution, I know you will. In the meantime, like I told you last night Michael, we are in this together. I will be behind you no matter what you decide. And I love your children, and I will always, always, be there to support them when and if you ever have to leave them,” Annie said.

“No, I can’t leave them,” he started to protest to her.

She patted him on the arm, “Okay, I just want you to know that I will be there for them. Does that help at all?”

He smiled at her and pulled her into his arms. She buried her face into his chest, breathing in his scent. “It does help. I feel like at least that I have someone in my corner that I can trust and that I love a whole lot and that is a big, big plus. You are right, I just need to think about it and see if I can come up with a plan that will satisfy all of my needs. That should be simple, right?” he said laughing. She was very much relieved to hear him laugh again.

Part Thirty-One

They sat on the couch in each others arms. Neither said a word to each other. They were both lost in thought, both sad that they had to part from one another again, but both so much happier and hopeful than they had been several days ago.

Soon Bill’s knock sounded on the door and it was time for Michael to go. Annie clung to him fiercely. “If it wouldn’t have been for my stupidity I would already be there with you guys right now, living in California,” she said in a frustrated whisper as she buried her face in his chest.

“Hey, I thought we agreed, no more looking back Annie. You will be with us soon,” he took his finger and tucked it under her chin and moved her face so that he was looking into her eyes. “I love you Annie. Remember once upon a time I asked you to think about me till we saw each other again? Well I am going to ask you to do the same again. Think about me when you are feeling sad or lonely or anxious. And pick up the phone and call me. That is if I don’t call you first, because I know just hearing your voice will make me feel like I am closer to you my sweet, beautiful girl. And before you know it we will be together again, in each others' arms. And I want your word that you will take care of yourself...get plenty of sleep and eat right—I want this baby to come out smart and happy and healthy,” he said, gently rubbing her stomach.

She looked down at his hand as it rubbed her tummy and she placed her hand over his. "I promise my love, I will!" She then looked up, “I love you more Michael. I will think about you all of the time…I won’t be able to stop thinking about you!” she laughed, “And now that I have your new number I feel much more confident in my ability to contact you!”

And then he said “That’s my girl!” He kissed her and she reached up and looped her arms around his neck. Bill raised his eyebrow and turned around, closing the door gently behind him. He would give them a few more minutes!

The kiss intensified. He inserted his tongue into her mouth and began to move his hand under the sweater that she was wearing. She was wearing a bra—which he unsnapped and then let his hands caress her bare breasts. She pulled him closer to her and he stepped backwards taking her with him till he hit the door, but they continued to kiss. He moved his thigh between her legs and she rubbed herself seductively on it. Her hands were gently massaging his scalp and she was moaning in delight.

And then reluctantly they separated, both breathing heavily. “We can’t do this,” he said trying to regain his equilibrium.

“I know,” she said sadly, also trying to steady her breathing.

They both looked into each others’ eyes. She took one of her hands and caressed his face. “I am not going to say goodbye…because this isn’t goodbye, right?” she said, tears streaming down her face.

He closed his eyes and moved his cheek into her caress, reminiscent of the first night they parted. He opened his eyes and he stared into hers, “No, it’s not goodbye. You are right…we will see each other in a week. And when we do, there’s going to be fireworks, right?”

She smiled and said, “You bet, bottle rockets!”

They separated from their embrace, but still holding her hand he opened the door and there was Bill patiently waiting. “Ready to go Mike?” he asked.

“Yeah, ready to go Bill,” he answered.

He gave her one last quick kiss and all three walked to the elevator. The doors opened and Bill turned to Annie and said, “See you in a week, Miss Walker!”

And Annie chided, “Bill, please call me Annie!”

As they got on the elevator, Michael turned around quickly, right before the doors closed and blew her a kiss.

She walked back to her apartment and closed the door behind her. She quickly went straight to the bedroom and saw the shirt that he was wearing last night, the one that she was wearing this morning. She picked it up again and hugged it close to her. She was crying but she was also smiling. This was way different from a month ago. She was still sad that she had to say goodbye, but she knew she was going to see him again and she felt like she was walking on air. She sat down on her bed and took out a notebook and started to write a list of everything she wanted to get done before her flight. Eight days from today she would see her beloved Michael again!

Michael waited till they gave the signal that it was all right to use your cell phones again and pulled his out of his pocket and called Annie immediately. "Hey girl," he said in his sexy sweet voice to Annie.

"Hey Michael," she said yawning sleepily.

"Are you in bed my sweet, beautiful girl?" he questioned her.

"Yes, sir, I am!" she said laughing.

"Good. Annie, I love you and I miss you like crazy already!"

"Me too Michael—I love you so much and I miss you like crazy!" Annie said sinking down onto her pillow. She had gotten ready for bed expecting his call. Instead of her usual t-shirt and shorts that she wore to bed she put on Michael's shirt. She decided she would wear it everyday to bed for the rest of the week!

"Annie here's what I want you to do...I want you to place your hand on your tummy and give the baby my love," Michael said as he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

"Okay Michael my love, my hand is on my tummy and I am caressing it tenderly, Baby Jackson, daddy says he loves you!" she said giggling.

"Hmm...That’s good my love. I don't want him to forget me!"

"Hey, how do you know it's a he, could be a she!" she said teasing.

"Yes, could be a she...either way I love the mommy!" he said laughing. "Now Annie, I will let you go to sleep. Think about me, dream about me too okay girl?" he said, his voice sounding just as tired as hers.

"I will dream about you Michael.....I love you! Talk to you tomorrow. Tell the kids I love them too and I will talk to them tomorrow also!"

"Okay girl, I love you too, sweet dreams!" he said.

"Okay, who's gonna hang up first," Annie said giggling again. She felt like a teenager in love; this is how he made her feel.

"Let's count to three, say I love you one more time and then hang up, agreed?" Michael suggested.

"Agreed!" Annie concurred. At the same time, their voices blending, "One....two....three....I love you more, I love you most!" and then they both disconnected.

Annie turned out the light and closed her eyes. Michael smiled and felt like he could actually fall asleep. He was thinking back to a month ago...his trip back to California. He had been so distraught and depressed. He was sad now because he had to leave her but this time he knew for certain that everything was going to be okay. His sweet beautiful Annie was coming home to him in a week!

Michael didn’t make it back to Hayvenhurst till after 9:00pm. He knew instinctively that at least one of his children would be awake, probably Paris. So when he arrived he told his mother he wanted to check in on them.

“Michael, leave those babies sleep. You can see them tomorrow morning,” Katherine Jackson gently scolded her son, even though she knew it would not prevent him from going to check in on them. He loved his children to distraction Katherine thought, smiling.

Michael first went to Blanket’s room. He was fast asleep. He went in and gently kissed him on his forehead and made sure he was covered up properly. He then went to Prince’s room. He wasn’t there. He then walked over to Paris’ room and heard the two of them chattering away.

“Hey, why aren’t the two of you asleep?” he chided softly.

“Daddy!” they both got up and launched themselves on Michael. He laughed and hugged them both, kissing the top of their heads.

“I missed you guys!” he said quietly laughing.

“We were waiting up for you. Please don’t be mad at us! Come sit with us for a few minutes, please daddy,” Paris begged.

He could never say no to his beautiful daughter. “Of course I’m not mad at you,” he said, tousling Prince’s hair. “Okay, for a few minutes only. Then I want you to go to sleep, promise!”

“You got it dad!” Prince said. The bed was a twin, just right for Paris alone, but that didn’t stop Michael from lying down on it with Prince on one side and Paris on the other, his arms gently draped around them both.

“So is Annie really coming in eight days?” Prince asked excitedly.

“Can’t you tell by the size of the smile on my face?” Michael asked giggling joyously.

Paris laughed. “Daddy, we are so happy for you. We like it when you are happy!"

“I like it too sweetie. And hey, I came up with an idea on the plane ride home and I am going to need your help, all of you guys. You can fill your brother in tomorrow morning. I want to surprise Annie and decorate a room to be used as her art studio. And I want you guys to help me pick out the colors and help me decorate it. What do you think of that idea?” Michael asked squeezing them both.

“That sounds cool dad!” Prince said.

“She’s going to love it daddy. She will have a place to draw and do her artwork,” Paris said enthusiastically.

“Okay, great! You guys think about it and I will think about it and we will get the whole room planned out and we will get the room done over for her before she comes!”

“Now you guys have to go to sleep, school tomorrow. Need you to be awake and rested for your lessons. So come on. Prince you go get ready and I will come in and say goodnight.” Michael said.

“Okay dad! Goodnight Paris!” Prince said as he got up.

“Goodnight Prince,” Paris echoed.

“Okay sweetie, get into bed and let me tuck you in like the old days,” Michael said.

“I love you daddy!” Paris said.

“I love you too sweetie. I have you guys to thank for encouraging me to contact Annie and profess my love to her. I don’t know what I would do without you and Prince and Blanket. You guys are my life!” Michael said emotionally.

“Daddy, we love you and we want you to be happy and now Annie is going to be a part of our lives, and that makes us happy too!” Paris said sweetly.

“Okay my little princess, close your eyes and I will see you in the morning!” He kissed her head tenderly. He watched as she closed her eyes and almost immediately fell asleep. He got up and turned her light out and closed her door and made his way to Prince’s room.

He found Prince already in bed trying to keep his eyes open. “Hey buddy!” Michael said softly as he came closer to Prince’s bed.

“Hey dad, I guess I am sleepier than I thought!” Prince said.

“I love you Prince. I was just telling your sister that I have you guys to thank for helping me get Annie back again. And I want to thank you for that!”

“I love you more daddy. And we are happy too, we love Annie and we want here with us as much as you do!”

He smiled at his oldest. He was getting to be such a big boy. “Okay son, close those eyes and get some sleep.” He watched Prince close his eyes and then he leaned down and kissed him on his forehead. He walked out of his room quietly turning the light out and closing the door.

When Annie arose the next morning she was filled with such joy and strength she couldn't wait to get started in on the packing. She patted her tummy lovingly. "We can't work too hard...don't want any harm to come to you my little one," she said. As she prepared herself some breakfast her cell phone rang. It was Billy James.

"I want to offer the services of my son Jeff and his girlfriend Kelly to help you pack Annie. And plus I have an idea for you on what you can do with your apartment," Billie said. Annie had asked Billy's advice on what to do with her apartment. She had the rest of the year on her lease and she wasn't sure what to do. Plus the apartment was choice in Manhattan—rent controlled!

"Do tell Billy!" Annie said laughing.

"How about Jeff and Kelly move into your place. You can sublet it to them for the rest of the year and then at least you won't have to worry about it for awhile. They can help you pack and if you have to leave anything behind they can take care of it for you."

"That sounds great. It's kind of small, how do they feel about that?" Annie asked Billy.

"I am sure they will love it—its cozy Annie and they are just starting out together," Billy replied.

"How would they feel about maybe keeping the furniture? I am not going to take it to California."

"How about you ask them Annie? Jeff is coming by sometime this morning and Kelly will join you guys later," Billy said.

"Great Billy. As usual, thanks to you and Audrey, I owe you guys so much!"

"Kiddo, you owe us nothing. This is what family does for each other!" Billy said.

"I love you Billy, thanks again!" Annie said before she hung up.

On the other end after they hung up, Billy smiled. Good kid he thought. She's finally found herself some happiness.

Jeffrey James came by armed with boxes. Annie discussed her plans with him and what she wanted to get packed up. She also told him that his father had called her and told her that Jeff had expressed interest in her apartment.

"My father suggested it. What do you think Annie?"

"Jeff I would love the apartment to go to someone I know and love! How do you feel about me leaving some of the furniture?"

"Hey Annie that would be great. She still lives with her folks and having just graduated from law school I have pretty much nothing!"

"Okay, great!" Annie exclaimed. She couldn't believe everything was falling into place. Michael was working his magic for her!

Jeff was looking intently at Michael's collage. Annie had gotten a little work in on it this morning before Jeff appeared with the boxes. He looked over at Annie Walker and smiled. "I can't believe you are engaged to Michael Jackson, Annie!"

"Hey Jeff, don't you know, I am a catch!" Annie giggled.

"Annie, you are funny! But he's Michael Jackson! Doesn't that sometimes make you stop and pause?" Jeff asked.

"I guess it does sometimes. But wait till you meet him. And I am sure you will be able to. He's just like you and me Jeff. He's a real life person and I am madly in love with him. He just wants to be treated like everyone else," Annie said.

Just then her cell phone started to buzz in her pocket. She instinctively knew it was Michael on the other end. She looked at the number and smiled. "Speaking of, it's him!" she said.

"Hello the love of my life," she said answering the phone.

"Hello my sweet girl," Michael's voice said. "What are you doing Annie?" Michael asked.

"I am packing my books up Michael."

"Are you being a good girl and taking it easy? Don't want you to hurt yourself or little Baby Jackson Annie!" Michael asked in a concerned voice.

"I am being careful my sweet. Plus I have some help. A big strong man!" she said in a teasing voice.

Suddenly Michael was at full attention. "Who might that be my love," he said warily.

"No need to worry my sweet boy, its Jeff James, Audrey and Billy’s son, Michael. And I have some good news. He and his girlfriend are going to move into my apartment and take over the lease when I leave," Annie said excitedly.

"That is good news. Hey let me talk to him Annie!"

"Okay sweetie!" She handed the phone to Jeff and said, "Michael wants to talk to you Jeff."

"Me! Wow! Michael Jackson wants to talk to me!" Jeff practically squealed in delight.

"Hello, Mr. Jackson?" Jeff said in an awe filled voice.

"Hello Jeff James. Please call me Michael. I just wanted to thank you for helping my girl out. Jeff you know she is pregnant and I don't want Annie over exerting herself so I am counting on you to watch over her. Don't let her work too hard. Lots of breaks, and no heavy lifting!" Michael instructed gently.

"Okay, Michael, I will make sure," he laughed. Annie was right, he sounded like an ordinary, real person.

"Hey Jeff, I met your parents and I love them. They are good people and so I know you are good people also. You and your girlfriend will have to come and visit Annie and me and my kids here in California real soon, all right?" Michael said.

"Wow that would be great. Thanks Michael. And don't worry. My parents and I will watch over Annie for the next week till she gets back to you. I know what it's like to be in love!" Jeff said.

Michael laughed on the other end, "Thank you Jeff. Now let me talk to my girl again.”

Jeff handed the phone back to Annie and she took it. “Excuse me Jeff,” Annie said shyly and walked into her bedroom and sat on the bed so that she could talk to him alone.

“Annie I miss you so much,” Michael said.

“I miss you too. How are those beautiful kids of yours? I bet you they were glad to see daddy last night,” Annie said.

“Yes, they were. They love you so much Annie. As much or even more than I do,” he chuckled.

“I love them too. I can’t wait to see them Michael!”

“They wanted to talk to you this morning but we had to leave my mother’s house and make our way back to our house and then they had to go to school and there just wasn’t enough time so tonight we will all talk again. Is that all right my sweet girl?” Michael said.

“Yes, that sounds good Michael,” Annie replied.

“Good, now say hello to that little baby for me and take it easy. Let Jeff do all the heavy lifting. Got it?” Michael said.

“Yes, I got it Michael. I am rubbing my belly right now and the baby is fine. I love you Michael,” Annie said.

“I love you more girl. Talk to you tonight!” And then they both hung up.

Annie sat on the bed for a minute composing herself. Just hearing his voice made her all weak in the knees. She loved that man so much! Best get back to packing Annie. The sooner you are done the quicker you can get to him!

Part Thirty-Three

After the kids finished their lessons they came to find Michael. They were so excited about helping their daddy come up with ideas on how to decorate Annie's art studio. They sat at the dining room table and discussed their ideas with Michael.

"I think the room should be painted in pretty, bright colors daddy," Paris said.

Prince suggested the more practical. "The windows should be big to allow lots of sunlight dad. Light is important to an artist," Prince said with great certainty.

"Daddy maybe we can put some pictures in Annie's room. Like ones that we draw and some of the other artists that you showed us pictures of," Blanket said.

Michael looked at his children with great pride. "You guys have such good ideas. Paris, you are right, Annie needs bright, pretty colors to give her inspiration and keep her happy. And yes Prince light is extremely important. She can have the natural light of the sun during the day and at night we can make sure that there is proper lighting for her. And Blanket," Michael reached out and tousled the hair of his littlest one's head, "the pictures are an excellent idea. You guys can draw some and we can get some photos of all of us and blow them up and hang them in there also. And yes, some of her favorite past artists can be represented with pictures also like the ones that I showed you in the art books. You remember that daddy showed you those pictures huh Blanket?"

"Yes daddy, they were pretty!" Blanket said proudly.

Michael's cell phone was buzzing away in his pocket and he reached to get it without thinking or looking at the number he answered it thinking it was going to be Annie but it wasn't. It was his brother Jermaine.

"Hey bro, long time no speak. Man we miss you. Can't we come and see you and talk about some stuff?"

Michael felt like hanging up. He knew he shouldn't feel this way. They were his siblings for God's sake. But he didn't want to deal with any of them. "Hey Jermaine," Michael said trying not to alarm his kids.

"Hey guys," he said to his kids, "I will be right back." He got up and walked out of the room to talk to Jermaine.

"I am not in the mood to talk Jermaine," he said in a strident voice.

"Look bro, don't be this way man. We love you. We aren't the enemy. Now mother has told us that you met someone in New York and we want to meet her bro. Is there something wrong with that?"

Michael took a deep breath. "No, nothing wrong with that Jermaine. But no one is to know about this...do you understand where I am coming from? She's not in the business and she has no desire to be in the limelight and I won't have her on display," Michael said, anger tingeing his voice.

"Mikey, we just want to meet her man. We want to welcome her into the family. I know you think there's some sort of ulterior motive here, but there isn't," Jermaine said in a contrite voice.

"Jermaine, when we are ready, I will introduce her to the family, but it's on my terms, got it," Michael said and he hung up.

He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. His heart was beating a mile a minute. He wanted to believe that all they really wanted was to meet her to get to know her but Michael felt so cynical when it came to his family he just couldn't help but think that they would use the opportunity of meeting her to beg him for money or to try to talk to him about re-uniting the Jacksons. He wished Annie was here to talk to. She would know what to say to make him feel all right. Maybe he would talk to her about it when they talked later.

He calmed himself down enough to go back in and sit with his kids.

"Was that Uncle Jermaine?" Paris asked. Of course his daughter could sense Michael's turmoil almost immediately.

"Yes, it was." he said.

"When Annie comes to live with us daddy will you introduce her to your brothers and sisters?" Prince asked.

"Yes, she will meet them Prince."

Paris came over and sat next to Michael and put her arm around him. "Are you upset with Uncle Jermaine daddy?"

He looked at her and hugged her tightly. "No, I am not upset with him Paris. It's just that....you know here's what I want to say to you guys. It's important for you guys to love one another, but your love should never be about conditions."

"What do you mean daddy?" Blanket said.

He turned to Blanket and rubbed the back of his head and was just about to say something when Prince chimed in, "It means we should love each other and support each other and not always expect anything but love and respect in return, right dad?"

Michael looked at his oldest son and smiled. "Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

Michael was trying to think of words that Blanket could relate to and then Prince started talking again. "It's like I love you Blanket and I will look out for you and make sure no one picks on you but I don't expect you to give me any of your toys or belongings in return for that. Do you understand Blanket?"

"Uh huh, I understand Prince," Blanket said. "Daddy does Uncle Jermaine want your toys?"

Michael started to laugh and his kids laughed with him. "I don't think he does Blanket," but I don't know for sure Michael thought somewhat sardonically to himself. "I know that all of your uncles and aunts love you guys a lot. Along with your grandmother and grandfather. The relationship between me and them should never interfere with your relationship with them, everybody understand?"

"Yes daddy," all three of them said at the same time.

"Good, now lets talk about Annie's room some more, okay?" And then all four of them huddled together again at the table and talked some more about Annie's art studio.

Jeff and Kelly had helped Annie enormously today. They had packed up and labeled five boxes and Annie had called the air freight company that Bill had instructed her to contact about picking up the boxes for shipping. They had just arrived and carried the boxes out. She had called Bill and told him the first boxes were on their way. Then she called Michael.

Michael and the kids had just finished dinner when he felt the phone vibrating in his pocket, this time he looked before answering. When he saw who it was he broke out into a big smile. And his kids noticed right of way.

“It’s Annie! It’s Annie! Right daddy?” Paris shouted gleefully.

“Right kiddo!” Michael said just as gleefully back. “Hey girl,” he said into the phone.

“Michael!” Annie said as happily on the other end.

“My kids are here jumping up and down. They can’t wait to talk to you. Neither can I but I will let them talk to you first,” he said.

He handed the phone to Paris first. “Hello Annie!” Paris said, laughing in delight.

“Hello Miss Paris!” Annie said. “So how was your day today?”

“We have a surprise for you Annie and we are all working on it together!” Paris said.

“A surprise, wow I can hardly wait.” And she was telling the truth. She could hardly wait to see them. Paris went on to tell Annie about what they had for dinner and what they learned in school today. She was ecstatic. She couldn’t wait till she was there everyday with them discussing the same stuff but with them there at the dining room table, together.

Then Prince got on the phone and told her how Michael had given in and purchased a digital camera for him and how Prince was taking all kinds of pictures. He wrote down Annie’s e-mail address and he said with daddy’s approval he would e-mail her some of the pictures that he had taken. Annie said she would talk to Michael about it and make sure it was okay also.

Then Blanket was on the phone and told Annie that he missed her and couldn’t wait to see her again. “How many more days Annie?”

“Well about seven days baby,” Annie said.

“That seems so long, couldn’t you come tomorrow?” he asked forlornly.

“I wish I could little Michael but I still have some stuff to do before I get there. I will be there before you know it munchkin!” Annie said. “I promised your daddy I would call everyday and I will and that’s going to help it go by faster. I love you and I will be there as soon as I can, all right little Michael?” Annie asked kind of getting a little misty eyed.

“Okay Annie, I can’t wait to see you!” Blanket exclaimed and handed the phone back to his father.

“Now it’s my turn Annie,” Michael said laughing.

“I have been told that a surprise is being planned for me! I can’t wait. But most of all I can’t wait to see you and hold you and touch you and inhale that wonderful scent of yours Michael Jackson!” Annie said in a sweet, sexy voice.

“Annie, you are torturing me! I’ll tell you what my sweet girl, later after I put the kids to bed, we can have a nice, long talk—just you and I. And I will tell you how much I miss you!” he said in his sweet, sexy voice.

“That sounds good Michael. Let me tell them goodnight before we hang up all right?” “Of course my sweet girl, I love you Annie,” Michael said. “I love you Michael,” Annie said. Annie said good night to each one of them, blowing them kisses over the phone and then Michael and she said goodbye, but not good night because Michael told her he would call her in about an hour or so and then they would have a nice long talk. Annie couldn’t wait. Either could Michael.

Part Thirty-Four

Annie was sitting up in her bed waiting patiently for Michael's call. She was thinking about some of the stuff that she wanted to do tomorrow when her cell phone started to buzz away in her pocket. Actually Michael's shirt pocket, because just like she had vowed, she was wearing it to bed every night till she saw him again. She took the phone out and looked at the number id and smiled widely as she answered it.

"Hey sweet girl," she heard Michael's melodious voice.

"Hello my sweet prince," she said softly.

"I miss you so much Annie and I love you so much," he said.

"Michael I love you and I miss you baby," Annie said.

They talked about their day. She told him about the first shipment of boxes that she sent. And she reassured him that she was being careful and had Jeff do most of the heavy lifting. She said Kelly was a sweet girl and she was glad for the company. It made the day go by very quickly and that meant one day down and seven more to go before she got to see him and the kids again.

"How was your day my sweet, sweet boy," she said softly and sexily into the phone.

"It was good. I took your advice and I am brainstorming on what I want to do. I have several pages of notes written down on the kind of show I would like to produce. It's a start. Now I have to start to think of people that I can trust and know that can help me make it happen," Michael said.

Annie detected a slight note of melancholy in his voice. Perhaps he was just missing her. But she decided to bring it up anyways.

"Everything okay my sweet prince? You sound a bit sad there baby!"

"My brother called me this afternoon. My mother has apparently told them about us," Michael said a bit warily.

"Did she tell them that I am pregnant," Annie asked.

"I don't think so; at least he didn't mention that. They want to meet you," Michael said.

"Michael, my sweet, is that such a bad thing? They are your siblings," she said softly and reassuringly.

"I know Annie. It's like I told you before, I just feel like sometimes they all want to pull and push me into different directions and then when they get Joseph and my mother involved...I don't know." She could hear him sigh heavily. She so wished she was there with him. "I guess I feel guilty. Perhaps I need to do more to help them," he said in almost a whisper.

"Michael, my sweet, sweet prince...you have done so much to help them. You love them and that is enough Michael...you put too much stress on yourself my sweet boy," she said tenderly into the phone. She was trying to soothe him.

"I love you Annie, I wish you were here with me," he said in an anguished voice.

"Michael, I am not there right now, but I want you to close your eyes and I want you to imagine your head on my chest and I am threading my fingers through your hair. You love when I do that, don't you Michael?" Annie asked in a soft, soothingly sexy voice.
 
Michael closed his eyes and did as she instructed. He let his head sink into the pillows and he concentrated on the feeling of his love's fingers threading through his hair, he could almost smell her lovely scent, and feel her lips caressing the top of his head in a tender kiss. And he suddenly felt calm and peaceful. He felt like a blanket of love was enveloping him.

"I love you so much Annie—you make me feel so loved even though you are thousands of miles away," he said quietly.

"How about making me feel a little loved over on this side?" she laughed. Her laughter sounded so sweet to his ears, like the tinkling of a wind chime on a summer night's breeze.

"All right girl...how about you imagine my hands caressing your soft, silky skin. My face buried in the crook of your neck. Can you feel my soft lips, tickling along your chin and down to your neck Annie? And then my lips go lower Annie and I am caressing your breasts with my mouth. My tongue is dancing on the tips. Do you feel it Annie?" Michael said sexily.

Annie sunk down into her pillows and stretched lazily. He was thousands of miles away but she could feel him here with her. She hugged herself then, and feeling the material of his shirt tight against her chest and stomach and still smelling faintly of his sweet scent gave her a delicious, sensuous feeling throughout her body.

"Yes Michael I can feel it...it feels so good Michael...Michael, Michael, Michael," she said sighing softly into the phone.

Michael smiled as he imagined her lying on the pillows her curly, blond hair fanned out like the halo of an angel. His angel!

"I love you Michael. You are my prince. My knight in shining armor Michael!" she said lovingly.

“Annie you are my sweet, beautiful girl and I love you more,” he said back.

They were both quiet for a minute and then Annie said softly, “Michael, will you sing to me and the baby? I will put the phone on speaker and put it by my tummy and let the baby hear your voice also.”

“I like that idea Annie,” Michael said smiling. Michael thought for a few seconds about what he wanted to sing and then said, “I used to sing this song to the others when they were babies.”

And then he started to sing, “Once...all alone, I was lost in a world of strangers, No one to trust, On my own, I was lonely, You... suddenly appeared, It was cloudy before, but now it’s all clear, You took away the fear, And you brought me back to the light, You are the sun, You make me shine, Or more like the stars, That twinkle at night, You are the moon, That glows in my heart, You’re my daytime my nighttime, My world, You are my life, Now... I wake up everyday, With this smile upon my face, No more tears, no more pain, ‘Cause you love me, You help me understand, That love is the answer to all that I am, And I... I’m a better man, Since you taught me by sharing your life….You gave me strength, When I wasn’t strong, You gave me hope when all hope was lost, You opened my eyes when I couldn’t see, Love was always here waiting for me.”

Annie took the phone and held it near her tummy and closed her eyes and listened to Michael serenading their baby. When he was done she turned the speaker off and talked to Michael again.

“That was beautiful Michael. Thank you! We both loved it,” she said.

“You are welcome my love. I am glad you enjoyed it. The song relays how I feel about you Annie. You are my daytime and nighttime, you are my world and my life,” he said seriously.

“Michael I love you so much. I never thought it possible to love someone as much as I love you my sweet, sweet prince.”

They blew each other kisses over the phone and talked for a few more minutes and then Michael could hear Annie try to stifle a yawn.

“Annie my sweet girl, you need to get to sleep. I want you well rested my love,” he gently chided her.

“Yes Michael. I think that you are right. I had quite a busy day today and I am quite sleepy. I just don’t want to stop talking to you!” she said sleepily.

“I will call you in the morning Annie,” Michael said.

“Let’s do what we did before, count to three and then say I love you and hang up at the same time, okay Michael?” Annie said.

“That sounds like a good idea Annie.”

So again, at the same time their voices blended together, “One…two….three, I love you Michael, I love you Annie!” And then each hung up. Michael closed his eyes and smiled as he sat back on his bed and on the other side of the country, Annie turned out the light and closed her eyes and fell promptly to sleep.

Part Thirty-Five

As the week progressed Michael and Annie called each other at least three times a day, sometimes even four times a day. Annie always talked to the kids at least once a day and the final call of the day was always reserved for just Annie and Michael. Even though they were thousands of miles apart, with each conversation they grew closer and closer. They would always start off by relaying to each other what they did that day. And then once the day to day activities were covered and Annie assured Michael that the baby was well and that her health was well, the conversation would then become passionate, filled with the longing and desire that each had for one another.

The days were starting to tick off...seven, six, five...now there were two more days before Annie was finally to leave for California. The packing and shipping was finally done. She had packed up all of her books, her personal stuff—mementos of her parents, her tiny antique toy collection that her father had given her, her art supplies and her portfolio of finished work, and had shipped them off to her new home. She thought how ironic it was that her stuff would arrive before her!

It had been a whirlwind week for Annie filled with emotional upheavals. She was ready to be with Michael and his kids but New York had been her home her entire life. She reflected on this day how six months ago, after her father passed away, she felt so alone and lost. She had no family or friends and she was filled with grief and uncertainty in her life. And on top of all of that, the one thing that had always given her comfort, her creative urge, was missing in action.

Now she not only had Michael and his children but she had gathered a ready made family around her comprising of Gloria and Audrey and Billy and she had even grown close to their son Jeff and his intended Kelly over the last week. And plus her creative urge had returned big time. She finished Michael's collage and was working fast and furious on the illustrations for her children's book idea. Once in California she told Michael she would start to search for a writer that could fulfill her vision of her book. He had suggested that she write it herself but she said she wanted to see if she could find a partner that suited her so that she could concentrate on the illustrations.

The one link to her new found happiness had been Michael Jackson. When he came into her life, everything changed. And now she desired nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with him at her side.

Annie had two more things that she wanted to accomplish before she left New York. And one she had just completed. She went back to her family doctor one last time to just let her know that she was moving and that once in California she would find an OB/GYN to suit her needs. Plus she wanted to let her know that she had contacted the father and that they were to be married. She did not tell her that it was Michael Jackson. Even she though she knew that the doctor knew the importance of being discreet, Annie did not feel the need to announce to the whole world that she was having Michael's baby. After she left her office the doctor was secretly relieved. She had known Annie Walker since she was a young teenager and she had been concerned for her health and the health of the baby growing inside her. But now Annie looked radiant and glowing and she suspected that everything would be all right.

The second thing on Annie's agenda was that she was going to visit her mother and father's crypt. Annie wanted some alone time with her parents to say goodbye and to tell them about Michael and the new baby.

Gloria had volunteered to come along with Annie. "Annie I want to come with you. I think this is a nice way for us to spend some time together. And I can visit your father also. Of course my dear, you will have all the alone time you need with them. I would not dream of butting in," Gloria said to her.

Annie had stopped into the toy store for one last time to take a last look around. She had even snapped some photographs to keep as mementos. "Well, I was going to take the train up..." Annie said hesitantly.

"Annie, nonsense, I will hire a driver. It will be much more comfortable and we can sit and talk to each other on the way up. And then we can have a late lunch on the way back, just you and I dear," Gloria said.

"All right, I think I would enjoy that. And it is an awfully long trip up by yourself," Annie said recalling the trip she took several weeks ago by herself. They decided to go early the next morning.

The next morning, Charles, Annie's doorman, called up to her to let her know that the hired car had arrived. When she came down on the elevator she was pleasantly surprised to see that the driver was Peter. The same Peter that had been hired to drive Michael around when he was in New York City! They hugged each other and Peter said, "Miss Walker, it is so nice to see you again. What's this Charles is telling me? You are moving to California? Hmm...I wonder who you plan on seeing there Miss Walker?" Peter said in a teasing voice.

"Peter, please call me Annie. And yes, I am moving to California to be with Michael and his kids," Annie said shyly. She showed Peter the ring that Michael had given her and he gave out a whistle.

"Beautiful. Expect nothing less from the gloved one!" he said laughing. He was pleasantly surprised to see Annie and now to find out that her and Michael had not only made up but were now going to be married, plus Annie was pregnant with his child, wow, what a nice ending Peter thought to himself.

"Mrs. Walker is waiting in the vehicle Annie, are you ready to go?" Peter said.

"Yes, thank you so much Peter." They walked out together and Peter held the door open for Annie and she got in and soon they started their journey.

Once at the cemetery Peter wound his way up till he found the crypt area. Annie got out and went in by herself while Gloria and Peter sat outside enjoying the sunshine and giving Annie her privacy. Annie sat on a nearby bench provided for visitors and since she was luckily alone she began to talk to her parents.

“Mom and daddy, it’s me Annie. I wanted to come and talk to you both because I am moving from New York to California in a couple of days. I have met the most wonderful man in the world you guys. He’s kind and lovable. He’s sweet and thoughtful. He is so intelligent and mom he loves art and is so knowledgeable about it. And he loves to read. You would love him. You and he could talk for hours about the masters."

"And daddy, you would love him too—you see, he loves toys my Michael does! He is a bit of big kid and I know you were too! You actually met him a long time ago daddy, and he remembered you. And the best news of all mom and daddy, I am pregnant with Michael’s baby! I am so happy you guys! I already know that Michael is a wonderful father because he has three kids of his own right now, and they are so loving and sweet, just like their daddy. Their names are Prince Michael, but we call him Prince, Paris, and Prince Michael II, but Michael nicknamed him Blanket. I call him Little Michael because he’s just like Michael."

Annie took a deep breath, and wiped some of her tears away with a tissue and continued. "You are probably familiar with him….you see he’s Michael Jackson. I know daddy, he is way too famous and how am I going to survive being with such a big celebrity, but you see, Michael’s different daddy! He is just as normal and down to earth as we are. I love him mom, and I know you understand that. I gave him my heart and he gave his to me. We are going to be married and I know it’s the right decision. And Audrey and Billy James have met him and they can testify that he is a loving and protective man. So be happy for me and watch over us—we need all the blessings we can get! And one more thing daddy, Gloria is a wonderful woman. I have gotten to know her and I was wrong to judge her. I love her. I love you guys!”

By now Annie’s face was wet with tears and she took a minute or two to sit and pray quietly before she went back outside. She placed her hand on her belly and said quietly, “Baby Jackson, I wish you could have met your grandparents, but I will tell you all about them when you get older.” And then she rose from the bench and went back outside into the sunshine.

Gloria went in to pay her respects to Annie’s father and Annie took the time to sit and call Michael on her cell phone. This was call number two for the day!

“Hello my sweet girl. How are you doing?” Michael answered.

“I just came from my parents’ crypt. I sat and talked to them about you Michael and the baby,” Annie said in a teary voice.

“You okay baby girl?” he said. “Be strong Annie, I know it’s hard…but you still got a lot of people down here that love you a lot!” Michael said.

“I know Michael. It does hurt a little still. But I plan on telling our baby all about them,” Annie said.

“And Annie, you can tell Prince and Paris and Blanket all about them too, because if they were alive today I would want my children to be close to them also.”

Annie smiled when she heard that. “Michael Jackson, you are such a wonderful man….have I told you lately that I love you?” she said sweetly.

He laughed, “You can tell me as many times as you want my sweet, beautiful girl and I will never, ever tire of hearing it!”

“All right then, I love you Michael,” Annie said.

“And I love you more Annie!” Michael replied.

“I have to go Michael. Gloria and I are going to have lunch now. I just needed to hear the sound of your voice Michael….you give me strength baby!” Annie said.

“I think we give each other strength girl!” Michael said. “I will call you later Annie, give Gloria my love. And say hello to Peter for me!”

“Okay sweetie, talk to you later Michael!” And then they hung up. Annie sighed. Life was good!

Part Thirty-Six

The last night that Annie was in New York she spent with her new found family. She had dinner at Audrey and Billy James’ apartment. Their son Jeff and his intended Kelly was there along with Gloria. They all gave Annie the most heartfelt goodbye and well wishes. Jeff and Kelly were excited to move into the apartment that Annie was vacating. Annie was leaving behind an array of small kitchen appliances, like her toaster, a microwave and coffeemaker along with some plates, glassware and silverware. What they couldn’t use Annie told them to donate to charity.

When Annie’s father had died Annie had emptied his apartment and taken a lot of his personal belongings along with some of her mother’s and placed them in a storage unit. She had been paying a monthly fee to keep them there. She had put off sorting through everything because she had been so filled with grief. And now that she was leaving New York she felt a bit sad because this was the one task that she just didn’t have enough time allotted to complete. Gloria told her that she would continue to pay the storage fee, and not to fret about it. When Annie had enough time, perhaps some time after the baby was born, she could come back to New York with Michael and the kids and they could sort through the items together and decide what to do with them. Gloria knew there were a lot of antique toys that her husband had collected along with personal memorabilia and she assured Annie that they would be safe and nothing would happen to them.

Gloria also told Annie that she would e-mail her a report every month on the store’s progress. Annie took Gloria aside to thank her and said “Gloria, I want you to know that I trust your intuition and instincts in running the store. I know that you are going to do a fine job in carrying out my father’s wishes. He taught you the business quite well and I know he’s up there looking down on you giving you all the guidance that you need.” Annie then hugged her stepmother.

Gloria had tears in her eyes as she hugged Annie back and said, “Thank you Annie. I think we both have grown so much in the last month. I want to hear all about that little baby when it’s born. Keep me posted!”

Audrey and Billy James would drive Annie to the airport the next morning and would say their goodbyes to her then. As the dinner ended Annie stood up and thanked all of them in assisting her in making her dreams come true and she told them that Michael also thanked them.

“Once we are settled, perhaps after the baby is born, we want all of you to come and visit. You guys are my family along with Michael and his kids and our new baby,” Annie said as she tenderly patted tummy, “And of course I will want you to meet the new addition!” They raised their glasses to newly found family and friends.

Later on, Annie sat up in bed getting ready to call Michael. She was filled with such joy. Gone was the apprehension that she had felt all those weeks ago about starting a new life with Michael. She knew life with him would prove to be challenging, but she was more than ready. She picked up her cell phone and before she could call him, her phone started to vibrate, of course it was Michael.

“Michael,” Annie said breathlessly. “I was just about to call you!”

He answered, “Hello my sweet girl. It’s because we are so in tune with each other. How is my girl tonight? Are you as anxious to see me as I am to see you?” he said sweetly.

“I am Michael. I am so ready to see you! I can’t wait to wrap my loving arms around you!” she laughed playfully.

“Hmm…sounds good,” he said.

She told him about her final dinner with her New York gang. He asked her about the baby and she told him everything was good. He told her about the kids and how excited they were getting about seeing her tomorrow.

“We have a big celebration planned for you my beautiful girl. Lots of good surprises! And then later after the kids are in bed…well, I have some surprises planned for you also,” Michael said seductively.

“You promised me fireworks eight days ago…I am more than ready Michael,” Annie said back in a sexy whisper.

He laughed. “Okay, so why don’t we both get some sleep and rest up for the big reunion?”

“All right Michael. See you tomorrow my love, I can’t wait! I love you Michael,” Annie said.

“I will see you tomorrow Annie, and I can’t wait either. I love you more girl!” Michael said back.

The phone call ended and Annie turned out the light and fell asleep.

Michael sat up in his bed writing some notes but eventually put them aside and closed his eyes. He was so happy. Sometimes when he got this way he was almost scared that something would happen to burst his bubble. But he blocked all negative thoughts from his mind and thought about his beloved coming home to him tomorrow and it filled him with such absolute joy that all the negative thoughts were blown away.

Annie had decided days ago that she would wear the pretty dress that Michael and his kids had presented to her, the one that she wore to Suzie’s party. Now that she was carrying a baby, the dress was a little snugger, but she still could fit into it and she wanted the kids to see her in it because they never had the chance the first time she wore it. As she got off the plane and entered the terminal as usual Annie was oblivious to the stares that she was getting. She was a stunningly beautiful woman and the designer dress showed off her beauty even more. The pregnancy agreed with her, her skin was absolutely glowing and she had the most radiant smile on her face in anticipation of seeing Michael and his kids again.

She was going to retrieve her luggage when suddenly she saw Bill waiting for her. He came to her side immediately. “Welcome to California Miss Walker,” He said as he approached her. He grasped her elbow firmly and started to lead her towards the baggage claim area.

“Please Bill, you must call me Annie, I will insist upon it!” she said lightheartedly.

“Okay, Annie it is!” he said smiling.

“Where are Michael and the children?” she asked.

“Well you know it’s impossible for him to come into the terminal to meet you personally. You never know what kind of scene that may cause. So they are waiting for you in the car. Here let me help you with the luggage and we will get to them as soon as possible.”

They loaded her suitcases and Michael’s finished picture onto a luggage cart and Bill expertly started to maneuver his way through the crowds with a firm grip on Annie’s elbow. She asked if her boxes had arrived safely and he said all of them were at the house waiting for her to unpack.

“There’s the car over there,” he said. As they approached the vehicle, suddenly the door opened and three small children ran out to greet her simultaneously. Nosy onlookers stared in fascination as the three beautiful children hugged and kissed the amazingly beautiful woman. They couldn’t place the faces of any of the four people but thought they looked like a movie star family.

“Annie, Annie,” Michael’s children shouted in joy as they practically tackled her to the ground.

“Oh here are my little munchkins,” Annie said joyously as she bent down to hug them back and kiss each of them on their heads and faces.

“Annie, you are wearing the dress!” Paris exclaimed.

“Do you guys like it,” she said twirling around to give them the full effect.

“You are beautiful Annie,” Prince exclaimed.

“How’s the baby Annie?” Blanket said sweetly.

“Here, place your hand on my tummy and see for yourself.” They all placed their hands lovingly on her stomach. “No movement yet,” she said, “but as soon as I feel the first kick, you guys will be the first to know!” They all giggled.

The car door was left open in their exuberance to get out of the vehicle to greet Annie. Michael sat inside witnessing his children and Annie’s reunion. He smiled in pure joy. She was wearing the dress that they had given her and she looked absolutely beautiful…he could eat her up with a spoon she looked so good he thought to himself. But he waited patiently for his children to complete their greeting to her. After all he had gotten to see her eight days ago and they had not seen her for over a month.

As Bill loaded up the back with Annie’s luggage Blanket and Paris took Annie’s hands and started to pull her toward the open door. “Come and say hello to daddy Annie” Paris said. The kids scurried into the first row of seats leaving Annie to get in and sit next to Michael.

She smiled as she got in. “Hello there!” she said airily.

“Hello there yourself,” he said laughing.

The kids turned around and were looking in fascination at the two of them, and then Blanket yelled out, “Kiss her daddy!”

“That is an excellent idea son,” Michael said. He pulled Annie closer to him, taking her into his arms and started to kiss her. He planned only on a sweet, gentle kiss. After all, his children were right there, staring at them ever so intently. But once in his arms, of course he could not help but to put a little passion into it.

Annie figured it would be a chaste little kiss also, but when he started to deepen it, she could of course not deny him. She reached up and looped her arms around his neck letting her fingers thread through his hair. How she missed this, and it had only been eight days. His lips were soft and sweet and his tongue found its way into her mouth dancing playfully around hers. His hands warmly massaged her back and then the kiss ended.

They both stared at each other for a few seconds and then she relaxed against the car seat, his arm loosely draped over her shoulder. “That was a good kiss daddy,” Blanket said happily. And they all started to laugh.

Then Bill was in the driver’s seat preparing to leave. “Okay, everyone ready to go?” he said.

 “You heard the man,” Michael said. “Sit straight and put your seatbelts on,” he quietly ordered and of course they obeyed. Once they were turned around he stole another kiss, this one not as passionate, but still sweet and loving. “Welcome home Annie,” Michael said.

“Home is wherever you are Michael,” she said quietly, sighing happily and burying her head into his chest.

Part Thirty-Seven

On the way to her new home Annie relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief that she was finally here with him. Annie thought to herself that she should be looking out the window and observing her new surroundings but there would be time for that later. For now she was perfectly content to sit here with his arm protectively around her and her face pressed into his chest breathing in his intoxicating scent.
Michael was quiet, but he tightened his arm around her and kissed the top of her head tenderly.

And then in no time at all, "We are here," he said quietly to her.

She sat up as they drove through the privacy gate up to the house. The kids were yipping in delight at being home. As the vehicle drew to a stop, they excitedly exited calling out to Annie and Michael, "Hurry up daddy! We can't wait to show Annie her new home!" All three ran ahead and entered the house.

Annie exited the vehicle and Michael followed her. She saw that Bill was unloading her luggage and automatically started to go to the back of the car to assist him when Michael grabbed her arm. "Annie my love, Bill will take care of that. Come here," he said as he pulled her into an embrace.

"I love you Annie," Michael said softly as he kissed her on her forehead, her nose, than her lips.

She closed her eyes absorbing his love and then opened them again, and smiled up at him and said, "I love you more Michael," and kissed him again.

"Are your ready to see your new home?" he said separating from her but still holding her hand. Annie got her first full look at it. It was a mansion! Understanding art and architecture, she knew it was built to be reminiscent of a French Chateau. She stood and looked at it in amazement.

"It's so...big," she stuttered, with just a touch of trepidation in her voice. Having lived in Manhattan all of her life she was used to apartment living. She had never actually lived in a house before and this was a most glamorous and huge house. She kind of got a fluttery, apprehensive feeling in the pit of her stomach.

He pulled her by her hand, and guided her up the stairs to the entrance way. "Don't be afraid my sweet girl. We want you to be relaxed and happy here Annie. This is your home, our home, do you understand Annie?"

He gave her one of his famous Michael Jackson smiles and of course she could do nothing but nod her head and say "Yes, I understand," she said with as much confidence as she could muster and then she smiled back at him. He always was looking out for her.

The kids were waiting inside the entrance way practically jumping up and down with excitement as Annie entered with Michael. She could not help yet again to be amazed. The grand entrance way led to a beautiful staircase up to the second floor.

All four of them proceeded to show her the kitchen, the library, Michael’s office, and a lushly decorated home theater with velvet couches reminiscent of old theater seats. They then walked up that grand staircase that led upstairs to the bedrooms. The kids proudly showed her each of their rooms.

True to Michael’s nature and his children’s nature, the bedrooms were not ornately decorated. Instead they were typical of any other children’s rooms. A canopy bed for Paris, housed inside a very girly room. Dolls and books and stuffed animals lovingly displayed. In Blanket’s room, a racecar bed, and lots of action figures along with superhero memorabilia displayed throughout and again, lots of books. In Prince’s room, books and a computer and lots of compact discs and video games strewn about. In all three of the kids bedrooms—the framed pictures that she had drawn of each of them and given to them back in New York, prominently hung on each of their walls. She was bursting with pride and love as each of them made sure to point out their drawing to her as they showed off their rooms.

“And now comes your big surprise Annie,” Prince said as Paris took Annie by her hand and started to pull her towards yet another bedroom.

“This is your room Annie,” Blanket squealed in delight.

They entered one of the bigger bedrooms and she saw that it had been converted into an art studio. The walls were painted in pretty pastoral colors giving the room a light an airy feel.  It perfectly reflected the abundant sunlight coming into the room. In order to proved additional light, track lighting had been installed for when it got dark, perfectly angled to give the least amount of glare while drawing.

There was a balcony and when you stepped outside she could see it overlooked the swimming pool and the backyard of the house. They had shown her the pool during the downstairs tour and it was probably the most beautiful swimming pool that she had ever seen. There was a stairway that led you down to the pool and then a little stone path. On the other side of the pool was a little pool house or guest house that easily could have housed a small family! The water looked so cool and inviting—she was looking forward to swimming there.

Back inside the room she saw that they had set up numerous easels which were displaying pictures that each of the children had drawn for her. She laughed and smiled and hugged and kissed each of them as they went around the room together looking at each one.

On the walls were hung framed reproductions of famous paintings of some of her favorite artists, DaVinci, Raphael, Monet, among them. And in one corner was a very large and beautiful drafting table. It was something that she always desired to draw on but never seemed to purchase one for herself.

Her boxes were there waiting for her to unpack and there were also lots of empty bookcases to be filled with her books and other items. A couple of wooden cabinets that could be used to house art supplies were also there. And a comfortable couch and chairs displayed in a sitting area along with a flat screen television hung on the wall nearby and a compact disc and DVD player.

And in the last corner was a pretty ivory white iron daybed. It was gorgeous!



“In case you want to lie down and take a nap Annie,” Blanket said.

She twirled around the room one last time, smiling and hugging herself. She then stopped and looked at Michael, shyly standing off by himself, once again observing her and his children. She went to him now and stood in front of him. “I am of course speechless. I am sure this was your idea?” she said quietly.

“It’s totally awesome. I have never had a space like this to myself, at least not on this grand scale. You will spoil me,” she said to him.

He pulled her into an embrace and stared into her eyes. “I don’t think you are capable of being spoiled Annie,” Michael said to her. “You are too genuine and kind and sweet and down to earth to ever let yourself become spoiled. And besides that I didn’t do it to spoil you. I am an artist just like you and I have a space to practice my dancing and to record and practice my music. And therefore you need a space to create your art. Just think of it as a fellow artist’s gift. And oh yeah, I do happen to love that fellow artist very, very much,” he said leaning into to kiss her.

Once again she was swept up in the magic of Michael Jackson. She brought her arms up and looped them loosely around his neck and kissed him back with as much love and tenderness as possible. They separated and she looked into his eyes intently.  They were absolutely sparkling. She saw not a trace of the sadness that she sometimes saw there and that made her happy because she knew he was happy.

“I love you,” she whispered to him.

“I love you more,” he whispered back. “Hey, I did have some help in the decorating," and then they opened their arms and motioned to the kids and they came running over. “I love you guys also,” Annie said as they engaged in a giant group hug!

Part Thirty-Eight

After they hugged, Michael held onto Annie and asked her, "Are you tired my sweet girl? I know it was a long flight and I want to make sure you are well rested for the rest of our celebration that we have planned for you."

When Michael said this it triggered concern in all three of his children. "Annie, do you need to take a nap?" Blanket asked.

"Maybe you should lie down and get some rest Annie," Prince said in a very adult concerned voice.

"Annie, we can eat lunch when you wake up and maybe go for a swim—wouldn't you like that?" Paris asked.

She looked at all four of them. They were all looking at her with looks of deep love and concern on their faces. Annie felt so loved and she had a warm tingly feeling pass through her entire body. She reached out and tenderly patted all three of the kids on their heads and then reached up and caressed Michael’s cheek.

“I do feel a little tired,” she said timidly. “But I don’t want to leave you guys. I just got here. I want to sit and talk with you and have fun with you and just….be with you!” she laughed.

Michael massaged her arm gently and said “Annie, we need you to be healthy and rested—for both your sake and Baby Jackson’s sake also,” he said sweetly. “We will be here when you wake up. We got the rest of our lives to catch up,” Michael said smiling.

“I suppose you are right. I do feel kind of sleepy,” she said stifling a yawn.

“It’s settled,” Michael said, “You guys give Annie a hug and a kiss and go downstairs. I will join you guys in a little bit.”

Prince came forward first giving her a big hug and a kiss on her cheek, “I am so glad you’re here Annie, I love you and I missed you so much.”

“Me too honey, thank you!” Annie said in reply.

And then Paris, “Annie I love you so much…you make daddy so happy. It’s good to have another girl around,” she whispered in Annie’s ear.

Annie gave Paris an extra hug and a kiss on her forehead and cheek. “I am so glad to be here too Paris, I love you lots!”

And then Blanket stepped forward. He hugged Annie’s leg, just like he did the first time he met Annie and then he placed his hand on her tummy, giggling in delight, “Annie I will be so glad to have a little sister or brother. I can’t wait till Baby Jackson gets born!”

She bent down and tickled him lightly on his sides and he giggled in delight. “I am so glad to provide a brother or sister for you Little Michael!” Annie said laughing in delight along with him. She hugged him and gave him a big sloppy kiss on his cheek, “I love you little munchkin!” she said. “I love you too Annie!” All three of them then ran out of the room giggling and chasing after each other all the way down the stairs.

Michael turned to her again pulling her into an embrace. “So let’s get that nap started girl,” he said as he started to pull on her hand towards the door.  Annie, deciding she was going to have a little fun with him, started to pull the other way, towards the wrought iron daybed that they had set up for her in her studio.

“Hey, sweet girl, this way to the bedroom,” Michael said.

“Oh, I thought I would just curl up on my daybed,” she said innocently.

He pulled her back into his arms and said “That’s for the spur of the moment nap—the real napping takes place in our bedroom.”

“Oh Mr. Jackson, are you already trying to get me into your bed?” she said laughing.

“In case you have forgotten woman I have already gotten you into my bed!” he said laughing, patting her gently on her tummy. She then let herself be led to their bedroom. It felt funny thinking about it that way. Their bedroom. She was going to be sharing a bedroom with Michael Jackson. Be still my heart she thought!

Of course the master bedroom was even grander and larger than she had ever imagined. The design of the furnishings had that same French Chateau feeling and there was a giant fireplace with overstuffed chairs placed nearby to curl up on. There was a balcony in this room also overlooking the backyard. And there was a very elegant bathroom attached with a beautiful sunken tub. This was like a fairytale come true for Annie. She was amazed at the elegance and beauty. She felt like a country bumpkin and she was from one of the grandest cities in the world, Manhattan!

“Well what do you think my lovely one? This is my bedroom…I mean our bedroom now,” Michael said sweetly. All of sudden he felt all shy around her for some reason.

“It’s beautiful. Just when I didn’t think I could feel more like a fairytale princess you top it!” she said laughing. “Oh, I was just thinking, where is my luggage? I brought your finished picture and I want to show it to the kids too,” Annie said nervously looking around and getting all agitated.

“Hey, calm down. Bill made sure your stuff got up here; it’s over there by the closet. And there’s the picture. Why don’t we wait till you get that nap in girl before we have the official unveiling? You look beat….you need some rest Annie. Michael’s orders!” he said half seriously. He grabbed her into his arms again and her head plopped down onto his shoulder as she stifled yet another yawn.

“Okay Michael, I will follow orders,” she said.

“Go change into something more comfortable, I’ll wait here,” he said.

“I have just the thing,” she said. She went to her suitcase and started to rummage through her clothing and said “Tada!” and pulled out Michael’s shirt. “I finally broke down and put this in the laundry before I left New York. Your shirt helped remind me of you the whole last eight days,” Annie said.

Michael started to laugh. “Hey what if I want that back again—what if that was my favorite shirt?” he said in mock anger.

“Too late, it’s mine now!” she said laughing back. She disappeared into the bathroom and carefully took off her pretty designer dress and then slipped Michael’s shirt on and came out. She hung up the dress and placed it in the closet, which was a walk in closet and huge! “I don’t have enough clothes to fill this closet Michael!” she said.

Michael was laying in the bed and he patted the space next to him. “Come here my love. I will keep you company till you fall asleep. Is that okay my lady?” he said.

She skipped over and slid into the bed next to him. “Yes it is my sweet prince. I would expect nothing less.” He put his arm around her and she buried her face into his chest and sighed. She was tired. His arm around her felt so good. It was strange to be in this big mansion. It was going to take some time getting used to it all. But she was here with him and that was all that was important to her right now.

“I love you so much Michael,” she said snuggling deeper into his chest.

“I love you more my sweet, beautiful girl. Now close those eyes and relax.” She did as he said and within minutes was sound asleep.

Michael watched her steady breathing in and out. Eight days ago he had gone to New York hoping and praying that she still wanted him, that she still loved him and then finding out that she did and also was carrying his child had filled him with such joy and now here she was with him—soon to be his wife—his angel, his beautiful girl, his woman!

Once he was sure that she was sound asleep, he tenderly kissed her forehead and her nose and then lightly on her lips. She rolled over, smiling and in her sleep sighed contentedly. He carefully slid his arm out from under her and made sure she was resting comfortably on the pillow, and then pulled the sheet up and covered her. “Sleep tight my beloved girl,” he whispered as he left the room.

Part Thirty-Nine

Annie fell into a deep sleep and she dreamed of Michael.

Annie’s Dream

Annie awoke suddenly. She was alone in the bedroom and it was very dark. She was concerned for Michael. She got up and searched the house for him. She went from room to room calling his name, and she could not find him. She felt a fearful desperation.

Michael needed her, she could feel that he was in trouble and she needed to find him. She left the house and found her way to the pool house and there she found him.

Michael was dancing. He was standing in front of the mirrored wall practicing an intricate dance step that involved a series of spins and a step forward into another series of spins. Each time Michael tried he would misstep and fall to his knees. But then he would get back up and try again. Each time she could see him wince in pain as he arose to try the step again. And she could also see that he was growing frustrated with himself.

She wanted to go to him but hesitated. She knew how seriously he took his art and how hard he practiced and she didn't want to disturb him for fear that he would become angry with her. However her heart broke each time he arose to try it yet again.

After several unsuccessful tries, Michael fell to his knees one last time and started to sob and said in an anguished voice, "I can't do it! I can't do it! Oh God why can't I do it?!" 

Annie could no longer stand by and watch the man she loved in so much pain so she called out to him, "Michael!" 

He looked up and said, "Annie, what are you doing here?" He had a pained look on his face. His eyes were filled with sadness and fear. She had previously detected sadness in Michael's eyes—but not this awful fear and angst that was there now. 

"Go away please, don't bother me. I need to be alone. I don't want you to see me like this." 

"No Michael you need me," Annie said. 

She started to approach him and he yelled out, "No Annie, please go away, please..." he said the last part in an anguished whisper before curling himself into a ball on the floor. 

She ignored his pleas and rushed to his side almost immediately. "Michael, my love, please tell me what's wrong, how can I help baby, please," she said. She tenderly massaged his back with her hands and she could feel he was trembling and his body was soaked with sweat from dancing so long. 

He choked out "I can't do it Annie. I am not worthy of your love. I am going to disappoint so many people because I can't do it. It's not just me anymore...it's my kids and it's my family and now it's you. I will fail you Annie!" He looked up at her when he said this. 

"You could never disappoint me or your children. We love you too much Michael," She pulled him over to her body and he buried his face into her lap and continued to cry. "It's okay Michael, I am here for you baby," Annie said soothingly. 

"Don't leave me Annie, please don't leave me! I need you so much!" he sobbed into her lap. 

"I need you too Michael—look at me," he looked up at her, his eyes had a haunted look—"I think you can do whatever you set your mind to Michael. And I will help you, just like you helped me," Annie said. 

Together they got up and with her hand on his back; Michael started the dance step again...

Annie awoke suddenly. Her eyes were damp with tears. The dream had seemed so real. She needed to see him and touch him—she needed to make sure he was all right. She hurried into the elegant bathroom that was now going to be her bathroom. She was still in a daze and now this dream had her even more on edge. She washed her face and went into the bedroom and dug through her suitcase and pulled out a favorite pink t-shirt and a comfortable pair of jeans. She changed quickly, slipped into a pair of flat shoes and ran a brush through her hair and hurried out of the room to locate Michael. She had to make sure that he was all right. She walked down the stairs quickly and started to look for him. She was able to get a better look at the grand foyer. Two huge urns or vases stood on each side of the door. The floor was inlaid with marble. She thought fleetingly again how beautiful everything was.

She could hear voices and as she drew closer she realized that they were coming from the library. She could now make out distinctly the kids' voices and Michael's and her fear dissipated as she heard them laughing.

She stood in the doorway and smiled. Michael was on the ground with all three of them, playfully wrestling and tickling them. "Aha, I got you now," Michael said triumphantly as he tackled all three of them with one fell swoop, and then Blanket squealed in delight, "No you don't daddy," and then all three tugged loose from his grasp and tackled Michael, ganging up on him and tickling him mercilessly.

"Okay, uncle, I surrender," Michael shouted out laughing and squealing like a big kid, just like his three kids. She felt a sense of relief that everything seemed perfectly normal. Perhaps the dream had been an anomaly. She didn't want to think about it now. She would think about it later. For now she wanted to enjoy her new family. She started to laugh out loud and they stopped and looked up at her.

"Annie's up," Paris shouted and all three ran over to her. She embraced all of them. This family was filled with huggers and she didn't mind at all!

Michael sat on the ground and said "Thank you Annie for saving me—they had me begging for mercy!" He got up and joined them in the hug and he kissed her lightly on the lips.

"You look much more rested girl!" he said to her.

"I feel much more rested," she said smiling at him. He looked fine and the sparkle that she had seen in his eyes earlier was still there. She reached up and caressed his cheek lovingly and he closed his eyes and sighed happily. She felt so much better seeing him and touching him and he was so happy, soon the dream faded from her mind.

They escorted her into the kitchen area and she was introduced to the cook. He was an amiable fellow by the name of George. He and his wife had worked for Michael at Neverland years ago and Michael had asked him to come and work for him again, at least temporarily till they could find someone permanent. George had no problems with it. He and his wife had always loved and respected Michael and had come to love Michael's children also.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Walker," he said.

"Please, call me Annie. And anyways soon I will be Mrs. Jackson—but still call me Annie," she said laughing.

It was really more like a late lunch/early dinner. In the usual mealtime ritual, they held hands and Michael asked her to say grace in honor of her first day with them. She closed her eyes and thought about what she wanted to say and then started.

"Dear God, thank you for bringing me to California to be with my new family, Michael, Prince, Paris and my Little Michael. Also please bless the newest addition to our little family, Baby Jackson. I just want to say it's been a long journey, but I am here amongst the people that I love the most in the world and I would not have it any other way. So please watch over all of us, and dear God, help me find my way around this rather huge but amazing mansion! Amen!" The kids laughed, and Michael smiled at her and squeezed her hand before he let it go.

The kids had eaten something while Annie napped but they still partook of the food that was laid out. It was an extremely hearty chicken Caesar salad, a loaf of soft and chewy French bread and some butter, along with some fruit and cheese. Annie had a big glass of milk—George was informed that Annie was pregnant and needed to drink plenty of milk. And then for dessert, an extremely rich, luscious chocolate cake was served.

The kids were extremely talkative, so excited that Annie was there with them now. Prince ran and got his new camera and showed it to Annie. He took some pictures of them all eating and laughing. Paris asked Annie about her art. Annie told them all about the drawings that she was working on for her children’s book idea. Blanket of course was ever fascinated by the baby. He seemed particularly excited about getting a new sibling—perhaps because he would no longer be the youngest. She glanced over at Michael and found him to be smiling and he winked at her.

It seemed too late for a swim so Michael suggested that they retire to the mini theater and watch some movies.

They sat in the velvet couches, the kids up front and Michael and Annie in their own, his arm draped around her. They ate popcorn and watched Charlie Chaplin movies, The Tramp and Gold Rush. Michael was a big fan and Annie found it refreshing that Michael’s kids would find these ageless comedies so funny. Again, Michael’s influence on them shone through.

The kids had school tomorrow and therefore it was soon time for them to get ready for bed. Michael had allowed them to skip classes to day to welcome Annie home. They got brushed their teeth and washed their faces and then they gathered in Blanket’s room for a bedtime story. Annie and Michael read to them. Annie had missed this, Michael using funny voices to act out all of the parts and Annie reading the narrative parts.

Soon Blanket was sound asleep and Michael motioned to Paris and Prince to go to their rooms. “We will be in to say goodnight in a minute,” Michael whispered. Paris bent down and lovingly kissed her little brother on the forehead and then she and Prince left the room. Annie kissed Blanket on his forehead also, he woke up momentarily only to say goodnight.

“G’night Annie, g’night daddy!” he said in a sleepy voice and rolled over and fell promptly back to sleep.

“Goodnight Little Michael,” Annie said back.

They then went to Paris’s room and wished her good night. Annie kissed her on her forehead and said “I love you Paris.”

And Paris whispered in her ear, “I love you too Annie, I am so glad you are here. Daddy is too Annie!”

“Okay precious,” Michael said, kissing her on her forehead, “Pleasant dreams my sweet.”

Then off to Prince’s bedroom. He was already in bed almost asleep. “I guess I am more tired than I thought,” Prince said.

“Do you mind if I kiss you good night,” Annie said. Prince giggled.

“Yeah it’s okay Annie. I love you,” he said as Annie gave him a quick peck on his cheek.

“I love you more Prince!”

“I love you too. Good night buddy,” Michael said doing the same.

“I love you more dad!” Prince said. And then Annie and Michael left Prince’s room.

Michael and Annie found themselves alone out in the hallway. “How about you my sweet, beautiful girl, ready for bed?” Michael said in a sexy but sweet voice.

“I am definitely ready Michael,” she said, smiling at him.

“All right then,” and then he took her by her hand and led her towards their bedroom.

Part Forty

Michael led Annie by the hand into their bedroom. He quietly closed the door and then turned to look at her. They came towards each other as though they were magnets, hard and quick. Michael placed one of his hands on each side of her face and pulled her towards his lips into a passionate kiss. She looped her arms around his neck pulling him closer and their bodies bumped together sensuously. In between kisses they each murmured words of endearment to one another.

“Annie I missed you so much!” Michael said.

“Me too Michael, I missed you! I love you!” Annie said.

He slipped his hands down to around her back, at first massaging her back up and down and then he inserted his hands under her t-shirt, caressing her back and then her breasts and then slowly down to her stomach. He rubbed one hand on her tummy—tenderly, and held her back with his other hand.  Annie ran her fingers through his hair, gently caressing the back of his head and neck.

Still kissing each other, Michael started to slowly walk backwards, pulling her with him, until they reached the foot of the bed. He then pulled her down onto the bed. They landed with a soft thud, facing each other, arms still around each other. They both started to giggle uncontrollably.

“I don’t feel a bit tired, how about you Annie?” Michael said.

“I am wide awake,” Annie said smiling back at him.

“I have heard that reading is a good way to make you sleepy,” he said as he took his finger and began to trace an imaginary line on her face, down her cheek, and then her neck.

Annie closed her eyes and sighed and then opened them slowly and said, “I have also heard that watching television works.”

He continued the movement of his finger, down across her breast, pausing momentarily on the tip and said to her, “But I think we can think of something much more interesting.”

“Yes, I think we can too,” she said and then kissed him.

They parted from the kiss and both sat up on the bed at the same time. Kneeling on the bed in front of him, Annie unbuttoned his shirt. She then ran her hands up and down his bare chest and took his shirt off the rest of the way, Michael helping her by shrugging it off and tossing it to the floor. And then Annie put her arms up in the air and Michael stripped off her t-shirt, tossing it to the ground also.

They then both embraced and kissed each other, once again collapsing onto the bed. Their bodies pressed up against each other in a sensuous embrace Michael buried his head into the crook of her neck and nuzzled her with his lips and whispered into her ear, “I wanted you this afternoon but you were so sleepy I wanted you to rest. You see what a gentleman I am?”

She smiled and giggled, “Yes, you are a gentleman my sweet prince.”

They both scooted over to their respective sides of the bed and quickly shucked off their jeans and underwear. Michael lay on his back and Annie straddled him. She bent down and kissed him seductively and then Michael lifted her and thrust himself inside her. She closed her eyes and yelled out his name, “Michael!”

She started to move up and down on him creating a sensuous rhythm. Her movements became quicker and the friction between their bodies intensified until she felt herself cresting into a climax. And as she came he thrust one last time releasing himself into her and crying out her name “Annie, I love you!”

She collapsed onto his chest, nuzzling his neck with her lips, murmuring his name over and over, “Michael, Michael, Michael,” and then moving her lips up to his cheek line and then up to his lips. She then rested her head on his chest as they both steadied their breathing.

He gently lifted her off of him and positioned her next to him his arm protectively curling around her. “Now maybe we should start those fireworks,” Michael said sexily into her ear. She smiled and laughed.

Later after they made love again, this time somewhat slower, they lay in each others’ arms, her head on his chest, he kissing the top of her head tenderly. As they lay there quietly Annie suddenly remembered the dream she had earlier. She decided not to tell Michael about it. She didn’t want to alarm him not sure how he would react to its intensity. Instead she asked him softly “Are you happy my sweet boy?”

She propped herself up so that she could look into his eyes when he answered. He grinned from ear to ear, “I am the most happiest that I have been in a very, very long time my sweet Annie. I love you so much and I am so happy you are here with me and my children. I want to get married as soon as possible. Is that all right with you baby?” he said in that shy, demure voice of his.

“All right Michael lets think about how and where we want to wed and then do it as soon as possible,” Annie said enthusiastically in reply.

“We can talk more about it in the morning. Do you want to invite any of your New York gang?” he said.

She shook her head, “No, I want it to be just us and the children, is that all right Michael?” she asked.

“Yes, I think that would be great Annie. We can talk to them about it tomorrow after their lessons,” Michael replied.

She looked into his eyes and saw that sparkle and thought to herself, “No need to worry him with the dream…I will just keep an eye on him and make sure he’s okay!”

Part Forty-One

Annie and Michael sat the children down after school and told them that they were planning to be married as soon as possible and that they wanted them to be a part of the wedding ceremony. All three of them started to talk all at once.

“We get to dress up!” Paris exclaimed.

“I can take pictures!” Prince said.

And Blanket, ever concerned about Baby Jackson said, “Will the baby be born before then Annie?”

Annie laughed sweetly and Michael smiled. “Yes Paris, you can dress up, and Prince I think that is a lovely idea. You will be our official photographer.” And then tenderly caressing Blanket’s head she said, “No Little Michael, the baby will not be born before then. A few more months till that happens.”

And then Michael placed his hand on Annie’s tummy and said laughing, “But nevertheless Baby Jackson will be there!”

So they sat together and planned the wedding celebration. It was decided that they would be married here, at the house, in the backyard close to the pool. Prince would serve as Michael’s best man and Paris would serve as Annie’s maid of honor and Blanket would just be there as a witness and for support!

Annie would look for a non-denominational minister to perform the ceremony. She would have to pick someone that they could trust not to blab to the media any of the details. She would talk to Bill about it and see what ideas he had. And Annie would speak to George about preparing a special dinner that night for all of them—perhaps some sort of barbecue so that they could eat outside near to the pool—they would do it in the evening, towards the time of sunset. A loving and romantic time of the day and plus Michael would not have to be worried about being out in the sun for a long period of time.

As they sat and talked and laughed together, all of sudden Paris exclaimed, “Oh boy, I almost forgot! I will be right back!” and suddenly she got up and ran from the room.

They all looked at each other rather puzzled and in a matter of minutes she ran back down the stairs and back into the dining room where they were seated. She was holding in her hands a small plastic sleeve. Like one that would fit a baseball card. “Remember this,” she shouted and handed it to her father.

Annie and Michael looked at it and then looked up at each other and smiled. It was the fortune from the cookie from when they had ordered Chinese food weeks ago in New York. She had asked her brother how she could keep it well preserved and he had suggested using a card sleeve. He had some and gladly gave Paris one to use. It had meant so much to Paris that she had kept it lovingly tucked away in one of her dresser drawers.

Prince knew what it said because he had often seen Paris take it out of her drawer and read and re-read it lovingly. She had helped Prince keep the hope alive during the dark time when daddy and Annie were split up.

“Read what it says dad, out loud,” Prince said.

Michael complied, reading in a clear voice, “You will witness a special ceremony.”

“It came true Annie and daddy! My fortune came true!” Paris shouted out in glee! It would indeed be a special ceremony!

Later on that night in Michael and Annie’s bedroom they sat wrapped in each others arms on a cozy loveseat placed near the fireplace while a fire blazed away. They were talking quietly about the wedding plans. Michael told Annie that he would take care of seeing what needed to be done in order to obtain a marriage license and to see how long it would take.

“I know it’s not that big of a deal for normal people to obtain marriage licenses but if one of the participants is Michael Jackson there are complications,” he said in a quiet but bittersweet voice. “I think we need someone who can help us obtain the license—someone that we can trust and is discreet.”

“All right my sweet, do you have someone in mind?” Annie asked.

“Kind of…” Michael said.  He was quiet for a minute. Then said, “I have something I want to talk to you about Annie because I know you will help me make the right decision,” he said to her in a quiet and serious tone. She sat up in the chair so that she could look into his eyes while they talked.

“Okay Michael, please go on,” she said, giving him a reassuring smile and caressing his cheek tenderly with her hand.

He closed and opened his eyes and smiled back at her and then started, “I’ve been thinking about my life….back to a time when I felt like I was the most successful and happy. It’s been a long, long time since I have felt that safe and secure. Back then I had a friend who was acting as my legal counsel his name was John Branca. We parted ways twice in our friendship and business relationship, due to my decision the first time and then the second time he came to me and resigned, due mostly to the fact that he didn’t seem to like some of the people that I surrounded myself with. That was right before the second set of allegations against me. We have not really communicated that often since then. But lately I feel like I want to talk to him again. I feel like he was one of only a handful of people from my past that I would like to see again. Besides Tom Messerou he’s the only other legal counsel that I felt like was looking out for my best interests. Some of the other lawyers were connected to my family, Joseph in particular. I am not sure I want any more representation from any of them.” He took her hands in his and bowed his head down. Annie could tell that he was getting emotional.

She took her hand and placed it on his chin and lifted his head so that he was looking at her again. “Do you trust him Michael?” she said softly.

“I did…I think I screwed it up between us. I don’t know Annie…when it comes to handing out my trust to others I seem to have trouble discerning between the good guys and the bad guys and I have been burned so many times in the past…” he shook his head and she could see tears streaming down his face.

“Oh Michael,” Annie said taking his head and placing it softly on her chest. She caressed the back of his head with her hand and kissed the top of it gently.

He sobbed out, “I don’t know who to trust anymore and I am afraid that I will make the wrong decision again and that I will end up hurting my kids again and now hurting you too!”

“Michael,” Annie said gently, taking his face in her hands and forcing him to look at her, “Perhaps it’s because you are so sweet and loving that you refuse to see the bad in people especially when they show such kindness and loving support towards you.  Did you make the right decision by trusting me?”

He took her hands from his face and brought them to his lips and kissed them sweetly, “Of course I did. I trust you with my life and the life of my children and the life of my unborn child,” he said taking one of her hands in his and placing it on her stomach.

“So maybe you are getting your mojo back again—you made the right decision with me!” giving him a reassuring smile trying to lighten the mood.

“Michael you must go with your heart—if you trust him—trust your first instinct. I can’t make the decision for you but I will always stand by you no matter what. And if you want me to meet him, I would love to,” Annie said and she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.

He lowered his head to her chest again and started to speak, “I am not sure how he feels about me…I am not sure how he feels about what I’ve been accused of.”

Annie gently threaded her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him. This was Michael’s favorite way of relaxing. It calmed him so much. She bent down and kissed the top of his head again and said “Well you have to talk to him to find out otherwise you will never know. Maybe he feels just as badly not having talked to you in such a long time.”

“Yes, perhaps you are right.” He sat up and looked into her eyes. “Thank you Annie. That is why I love you so much. For the first time in my life I feel like I have someone in my corner…someone who’s not just telling me yes because they think it’s going to benefit them,” he kissed her gently on the lips.

“I want only what’s best for you Michael and for your kids and for our little one. Those are my only special interests and besides you guys are my only family now,” she smiled back at him.

He embraced her and this time she lowered her head to his chest and he caressed her head lovingly and tenderly kissed the top. “I am going to try to call him tomorrow. See if we can talk for a bit. I can also see if he will be interested in having dinner with all of us and then you can meet him.”

“Sounds good my love,” Annie said.

They both grew quiet, enjoying this time together and lost in their own thoughts. Michael was thinking about how much he needed her. She had just successfully calmed him down and made him feel good about his decision to call John. He would call his old friend tomorrow and try to make amends. He felt certain now that he wanted him back in his life.

As happy and upbeat as he was about his personal life, he was still racked with fear and doubt about his professional life. He wasn’t sure what kind of reception he would receive when he hit the stage again, and also what happens when they find out about Annie, and even more troublesome, when they found out about his new child. He shuddered involuntarily.

Calm down Michael, he thought to himself. Take it one day at a time, one decision at a time. Think about how she just made you feel, happy and confident in your abilities to make a good decision. She loves you Michael and you love her. He closed his eyes and sighed contentedly, maybe everything would work out okay after all!

Annie felt the shudder go through his body and she automatically squeezed Michael a little tighter. She was recalling that rather disturbing dream that she had yesterday. She was happy that Michael had come to her regarding this matter. That was a good sign. She knew it was best to take it one day at a time. He had helped her find herself and now he needed her and she was going to help him find his way. Then she felt him relax and heard him sigh and she smiled to herself. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer, “Dear God, please let everything work out and give me the strength to help Michael, Amen!”

Part Forty-Two

The next day Michael called John Branca on the phone. "Hello, can I speak to Mr. John Branca?" Michael said.

"May I ask who is calling?" the secretary said.

"Yes, you can tell him it's Michael Jackson," Michael said.

He fully expected to be given the third degree instead the woman on the other end seemed flustered, "Oh....okay, Mr. Jackson. Please let me see if he's available.

She put Michael on hold and rang into John Branca's office. "Mr. Branca, there is yet another gentleman on the phone claiming to be Michael Jackson. Do you wish to take the call?"

It seemed over the years that lots of people thought they could call John Branca and claim to be Michael Jackson. He felt like telling her to hang up on the caller but all of sudden he felt compelled to take the call.

"You know what Peggy, ring him through; I could use a laugh today."

It seemed to Michael that only a few seconds lapsed before the call was picked up. Michael recognized John's voice almost immediately. "Look if you think you can get to me by claiming you are Michael Jackson, forget about it," John said in a sarcastic voice.

On the other end, Michael smiled. "Hey Branca, it's really me. If you let me think a minute I can come up with something that only I know about you, or maybe just me and your wife," Michael said laughing.

John smiled; he would recognize that voice and laugh anywhere but decided to play along. "Okay—let's give it a try—what do you know about me?"

"Hmm....let me think back...aha! I do remember something. You John Branca are afraid of snakes!" Michael said still laughing.

"Well who wouldn't be when you're introduced to an eight foot boa constrictor?" John shouted back, laughing also. "Michael, my God, it's so good to talk to you man!"

"Hey, it's good to hear your voice also John,” Michael said excitedly.

“Is this a social call or a business call?” John queried.

“Well how about a little of both,” Michael said seriously.

“What’s up Michael?”

“I am going to get married again John. And, she’s pregnant with my baby,” Michael said.

John caught the inflection in Michael’s voice, he was happy and filled with emotion.  “Congratulations man! That’s great. So you want me to assist with the license process.” John said.

Michael smiled.  It was as if he was reading his mind.  “Yes John. If that would be something you would be interested in doing for me. And after that I would like to ask you if you would think about coming back and representing me legally.”

“Michael, wow, you always got right to the point. First off, who is the woman, if you don’t mind me asking? Anyone I would know?” John inquired.

“No. She’s not in the entertainment business. She’s real John. She’s genuine and that is one of the things I fear most, exposing her to my world,” Michael lamented.

“I met her in New York. Her father ran a toy store located in Manhattan. He passed away about seven months ago and she was running the store with her stepmother,” Michael explained.

“I can’t wait to meet her Michael, and congratulations on becoming a father again!”

“Thanks John. So how about you come on over so that we can talk and you can meet my beautiful Annie?”

“That sounds great Mike. I am so glad you called today!”

They exchanged cell phone numbers and Michael gave him the address to the house. He would be there later today. Michael had a smile on his face as he went in search of Annie.

He found her in her studio unpacking boxes. “Hey there beautiful girl?” Michael called out and she turned around and smiled. She started to walk towards him and he did the same and they met halfway in an embrace and a kiss.

They looked into each others’ eyes and Michael said, “Why don’t you let me help you with that or get Prince and Paris and Blanket to help when they come home from their lessons. You may hurt yourself,” he scolded her tenderly.

She smiled up at him. “You are sweet. Always looking out for me aren’t you Michael?” Annie said as she rubbed her nose with his.

“You are precious to me—why would I not look out for you Annie and my new baby,” he said rubbing her stomach.

Michael never missed a chance to caress her stomach and make contact with their baby. “I called Branca. He’s coming over later on this afternoon and will stay for dinner if that is okay with you madam!” Michael teased her.

“I will tell George there will be one more and the kids will set an extra place setting.” Annie said.

They slipped their arms around each other and walked more into the room. “I am glad you are here. I almost forgot in all the excitement of getting here to unveil your picture. I want you to see it and then I will show the kids later on. Come with me,” she said as she led him towards an easel on which the framed picture was placed. She lifted up the sheet for dramatic purpose and said “What do you think Michael!”

Michael automatically patted his shirt and pulled out his glasses. And then drew closer to the picture. He looked in amazement. It was near completion when he saw it for the first time in New York. But the finished piece blew him away. It was so colorful, a collage of his life in small scenes, from the time he was a baby, then a young boy, and then a teenager and then through the years up to the present. The last scene was Michael with his three children; she used one of the pictures she had taken of them when they were in New York together for inspiration.

“It’s so great. I love it Annie!” He hugged her close to him and kissed her on the top of her head.

“Yes, I can’t wait to show the kids and then we will decide on a place to hang it,” Michael said.

“I am so glad you like it Michael,” Annie said beaming with pride. His eyes were sparkling again. She felt a surge of happiness flow through her. One day at a time Annie. Michael was slowly healing.

Part Forty-Three

As Michael stood there admiring the drawing he held her a little closer and kissed the top of her head lovingly. He turned her so that she was facing him and he bent down and kissed her on her lips. The kiss was sweet and lingering. She reached up and looped her arms around his neck and pulled him a little closer.

They separated from the kiss and gazed into each others eyes. “I love you so much Annie. It’s a beautiful piece of art and you created it for me. That makes it all the better,” Michael said to her.

Then he leaned in and whispered seductively into her ear, “I feel so close to you right now. You are making me think devilish thoughts.”

She smiled and said in a mocking voice, “Michael it’s in the middle of the afternoon!”

He smiled. “I know, but the kids are away on a field trip with the tutor and won’t be home for a few hours and my guest is not arriving for a few hours…we are all alone Annie, please, just a little?” he said once again whispering sexily into her ear.

“Michael,” she started to talk but he muffled her mouth with his lips as he kissed her again. Yet another sweet and lingering kiss.

She felt as though she was swooning! “Well I guess we are going to be husband and wife soon,” she giggled. She took him by the hand and led him back to her little daybed. “We can test out my little bed,” she giggled, she felt so naughty!

“It’s going to be cozy on here girl…that’s okay, I like it that way,” Michael said as he took her in his arms and kissed her again. They slowly lowered themselves to the little bed, still wrapped in each others' arms, still kissing. The separated momentarily while they kicked off their shoes and slid onto the bed together and continued holding and kissing each other.

Due to Michael’s long and lanky frame, his legs practically were hanging off the end, but he just adjusted his body and pulled her closer. “Comfortable Annie?” he asked her sweetly.

She laughed. “I am extremely comfortable Michael!”

Michael could not get enough of the beautiful sound of her laughter. It was like music to his ears a sweet melody that he needed to remember. He started to hum softly into her ear. She smiled and nuzzled his chin, kissing him lightly.

“What’s that tune you are humming, it doesn’t sound familiar?” Annie said quietly.

“It’s something that’s been running through my head for the last few days. Every time I hear your beautiful laughter I think about it again,” he said softly.

She adjusted her body so that she could look into his eyes. “I love you Michael. I feel so close to you too right now.”

With that she buried her face into his chest, inhaling his sweet scent and then started to unbutton his shirt. When she had it opened all the way, she started to plant light, little kisses on his chest and leading up to his neck and then his chin and then his face and then ending with his lips. While she did this, he closed his eyes reveling in the feel of her lips grazing his skin ever so lightly—sending sensuous shivers up and down his body.

While still kissing him she lightly caressed him with her fingers down across his chest, his stomach, till she reached his crotch. He was wearing a pair of black jeans. She let her hand rest seductively on him, he was hard and when she touched him there, even through his jeans she could feel his intense heat and need for her through his pants.

She applied the slightest pressure and he practically bucked her hand off of him there was such an intense reaction to her touch. The kiss ended and he buried his face in the cook of her neck and muttered “Sorry.”

“That’s all right my sweet prince. That just lets me know how much you love it when I touch you,” Annie whispered in his ear, while she continued to fondle him over his jeans. He smiled at her.

As she undid the buckle of his belt she made eye contact with him and they continued to stare intently at each other as she undid the snap and pulled his zipper down. She inserted her hand into his pants, but still on top of his briefs, and started to fondle him some more. He closed his eyes and murmured, “Damn girl, you know that feels good!”

It was her turn to smile now. She moved her hand once again and this time reinserted it so that she could feel his bare flesh. She grasped his member fully in her hand and stroked him, slowly and sensuously.

Michael’s head rolled back onto the pillow and he moaned her name out loud, “Oh God Annie, I love you so much.” Her hand wrapped around him felt so intensely hot and beautiful, he was afraid of peaking too soon. He wanted her to feel what he was feeling right now, but he couldn’t let her stop just yet….just a few more minutes of paradise.

Annie watched him, his eyes were closed, and he rolled his head from side to side, licking and biting his bottom lip. Reluctantly he opened his eyes and smiled at her and reached up and caressed her arms with his hands. “It’s your turn now Annie…I don’t want us to peak too soon…we are going to take this nice and slow. We’ve got some time,” Michael said sexily. “Now lift your arms up.” She did as he asked and he took her t-shirt off with one swift movement. Because he loved to be on equal ground with her, he took his shirt off as well and tossed it on the floor. He then took her body in his arms and placed her gently onto her back.

Michael gazed down upon his beautiful girl. The sun was shining in through the open window and hitting her face in just the right angle, giving her an angelic glow. Her soft blond curls were all spread out this way and that on the pillow. Her eyes were all sparkly. She smiled up at him and said, "Do I look so awful that you are staring at me so silently Michael my love?"

He laughed. "I am speechless in the presence of such a beautiful woman Annie," he said quietly.

She reached up and placed a hand on either side of his face pulling him closer to her and said "Flattery will get you everywhere Michael Jackson!" They kissed; another long and lingering kiss to match the previous ones.

He smiled down at her, and then buried his face into the crook of her neck, nuzzling her there and working his lips slowly downward till he reached her breasts. He suckled first one, then the other; he looked up at her wanting to gauge her reaction to his touch. She had her head back, eyes closed and she was licking her lips, sighing and moaning. He observed her hands clenching bunches of the sheet, tightening and un-tightening as his mouth made contact with each breast.

He leaned in closer and whispered sexily into her ear, "Does my lady like the way her lover pleases her?" She opened her eyes quickly and found his face inches from hers.

She reached her arms up and wrapped them around his neck pulling his ear close to her mouth and whispered, "Yes, the lady does like the way her lover pleases her and she desires him to continue.”
Her hot breath in his ear made him feel so delicious.

With the finesse of a dancer he carefully spun himself off of her and slid her body into his arms. The daybed was narrow and now they were facing each other, arms around each other, and their faces inches apart. He smiled at her and she smiled back at him and they came together in a kiss. They pulled apart.

Michael took his hand and brushed her face with his fingers. He then dragged the hand down slowly, his fingertips grazing her lightly, slightly tickling her, but in a very good way. They grazed her neck and then down to her breast. He stopped there and fondled her breast, rubbing the pad of his thumb on the tip till it became stiff and pointed.

He felt the warmth of her body as she flushed from the sensation that he was giving her and then she moaned his name aloud, “Michael I love you!”

Michael continued to lightly brush his hand over her breast and said softly, “Does this please my lady?”

“Ye…Yes Michael, it does,” Annie gasped out.

He continued to move his fingers down, now lightly across her tummy. Here he hesitated slightly, tenderly placing the palm of his hand there and he spoke sweetly, “I love you little baby!” and then after a few seconds he moved his hand lower till he touched the waistband of her jeans.

And just as she had, Michael made eye contact with Annie and they continued to stare intently at each other as he unsnapped her jeans and pulled her zipper down. He inserted his hand into her jeans, over her panties and began to apply light pressure there, moving a finger lightly up and down, he could feel the heat of her body through the fabric.

She was moaning and sighing murmuring his name over and over again, “Michael….Michael….Michael.”

She then took her hand and covered his. Thinking that there was something wrong he looked up, momentarily confused, but then she took his and her hand and inserted them under her panties. She wanted to feel his fingers applied directly to her flesh.

She gave him an extremely sweet and sexy look and quietly said to him, “I want to feel your fingers directly on me Michael, please?”

Hot desired stabbed through him when he heard her make her request. He looked up at her and said, “Whatever you desire Annie,” and then she removed her hand and he started to finger her. She was wet with desire for him and he didn’t want to allow her to climax yet, but he would allow her a few minutes of pleasure because he truly desired to please her.

She was out of her mind with the pleasure he was giving her. She loved him so much. He suddenly removed his hand and he moved up slightly taking her in his arms and whispering in her ear, “I want you now Annie.”

She embraced him a little tighter and said in reply, “I want you too baby.”

Michael stood up quickly and finished pulling her jeans off for her. And as she took off her panties and tossed them to the ground, Michael hurriedly shucked his own jeans and briefs off. He slid carefully back on to the bed and their bodies met, their chests pressed up against each other in a sensuous embrace. Their legs intertwined and they kissed passionately. They moved their hands up and down each others body, and continued to kiss each other and whisper I love you’s to each other over and over to each other.

Then Michael moved her so she was lying on her back. They stared into each other’s eyes, both dark with desire and he tenderly nudged her knees apart. She slid her body down and he entered her with a firm thrust. He started to move in and out of her, slowly at first and then becoming more rapid. She reached up and motioned with her hands that she wanted him to lower himself to her so he did. She wrapped her arms around him and he pulled her slightly up more so that she could feel him more fully inside her.

He could feel her body start to tremble and he knew she was nearing her climax. He looked into her eyes and saw the love he always dreamed of and she shouted out his name as he released himself into her. She instinctively moved slightly and his body collapsed onto the little bed. They embraced each other, both trembling, they murmured their love to each other, and slowly started to come back down from their high.

Afterwards they lay naked in each others' arms, propped up cozily side by side on Annie's little daybed. The sun continued to shine brightly into the room and a warm gentle breeze blew the curtains lightly in the window. Birds’ chattering away outside was the only sound.

Michael broke the silence. "You are so beautiful Annie. So obviously on the outside," he said kissing her lightly on her head, "But also much more importantly, you have such inner beauty my love."

She squeezed him a little harder and said sweetly, "I think you are beautiful also Michael!"

"Sometimes I don't feel so beautiful," he said quietly. "It's unusual for me to be so open and free when it comes to showing someone my body, yet here I lie with you, naked, no makeup."

He hesitated for a few seconds and then said in a voice thick with emotion "I know you have seen the spots on my back and on my arms. They are the vestiges of my battle with vitiligo. They are not very beautiful Annie! I usually cover them up with makeup."

Annie closed her eyes, she wanted to think about what she was going to say to him—she even said a quick silent prayer to come up with the right words for her beloved Michael—in order to calm his fears, to show him her love and support.

She separated herself from his embrace so that she could look into his eyes when she spoke. She could see his eyes and his face were wet with tears. "Oh Michael," she said quietly, tenderly caressing his face, wiping the fallen tears away with her hand. "I wish you could only see how beautiful you truly are."

"Michael you told me once that if I felt beautiful that my inner beauty would reflect outwards and then everyone else would see how beautiful I truly was. Michael you have so much inner beauty. It pours out of you, every time you smile, (she leaned in and kissed him on his left cheek) and when you laugh, (she kissed him on his right cheek) and when you perform, (she kissed him on his lips) it reflects outwardly so much that you glow—when you enter a room or when you are on stage, your beauty is there for the whole world to see Michael. And Michael, I want you to know that you don't have to mask your appearance for me or for your children. We all love you so much...I don't want you to think that you have to wear makeup to cover yourself up, I think of the spots as your battle scars Michael. I think of what you have come through and I love you even more. When I look at you, I see only the man I love and want to spend the rest of my life with!"

Now she was crying, and he pulled her closer to him and kissed her passionately on the lips. "I love you Annie! I feel around you that I can be free and I don't have to hide anything from you." Michael said when they separated.

"I love you too Michael. Unfortunately we have to get up. The kids will be home soon and you have to prepare for your guest my sweet boy!" she said. She got up and started to get dressed. Michael got up slowly, still lost in thought. He grabbed his jeans from the floor and pulled them on.

"Annie?"

Annie turned around. He had that shy look about him. He was so complex Annie thought. His emotions changing from moment to moment. It was one of the many things that she found so endearing about him.

"Yes Michael?" she replied.

He was standing a few feet from her with just his jeans on, he held his hand out and she automatically drew closer and placed her hand in his. He smiled at her and pulled her closer. She looped her arms loosely around his neck and he looped his arms loosely around her waist.

"Thank you Annie." Michael said.

"For what my sweet prince?"

For being my lover, (he kissed her on her left cheek) and for agreeing to be my wife, (he kissed her on her right cheek) and most of all for being my best friend (he kissed her lightly on the lips)."

"You seem to know just the right thing to say to make me feel more confident about who I am—I feel like I can talk to you about anything—that's what friends are for, right Annie?"

"Right, Michael. You always make me feel so good about myself also. I want to do the same for you. We are good for each other." She leaned in and instead of kissing him she rubbed noses with him.

They both smiled and started to laugh. They separated from the embrace but Michael didn't let go of her hand. He leaned down and picked up the rest of his clothes still holding on to her hand and then they left her studio together that way.

"How about we get cleaned up and re-dressed and then go down and wait for the kids?" Michael said.  She nodded her head in agreement and they headed towards their bedroom.

By Scrantonmjfan