This media pic is the perfect GIF for this chapter BUT Wattpad is being annoying per usual and wouldn't let me upload it because it's too big *sigh* I will link it in the comments lol

Hope you enjoy this chapter ☺️

Love,
~ShoamEmily

~

10th of October, 2008
Michael is 50, Angela is 44, and Jake is 45

Michael: I settled into bed after the long day we've had. It was already around 12:30 AM.

Michael Jordan finally came over today. He played one on one with Eric, but mostly tried to entertain all of the older children. It was great, he brought his family along, too.

I could hear Angela shut the water off, and soon enough she came out of the bathroom, wearing her robe.

"Babe, are you coming to bed?" I asked.

She yawned loudly, "Yeah, just let me get dressed. Wait for me?"

I nodded, and she disappeared into her closet room. I tried waiting for her, but my eyelids felt heavy. My phone rang just as I was falling asleep.

"Jake?" I asked into the phone.

"Hey, man," Jake sighed. "Shit, did I wake you up?"

"Not really, I was trying to wait for Angie anyways. You actually saved me." I chuckled.

He joined in, "Yeah, she hates trying to fall asleep without being cuddled... So, listen, I need a favor... Is there any chance I could get a car and drive to LA tomorrow?"

"Uh, I don't know, Jake. I mean, I don't mind setting that up for you, but are you even allowed to go anywhere?" I said nervously. "You're technically still dead... What do you need it for?"

"Oh, I have a date..."

Angela walked out of her closet room, quickly coming into bed. "Who's on the phone?"

"A date? How did you manage to get a date? You've only been here." I told Jake.

"We met on the plane... Listen, Mike, I really need this. Please? My supervisors said I can go anywhere as long as I keep a low profile." Jake explained.

I was glad to hear he was talking to someone new. I've been sensing some jealousy from him whenever Angela and I would come keep him company.

My wife nudged my shoulder lightly, giving me a look I knew all too well.

"Okay," I agreed. "I'll ask Javon to set a car with a driver-"

Jake cut me off, "I can drive myself, if that's okay."

"Yeah, sure..."

"Thanks, Mike. I owe you one. Again."

I hung up, and Angela was quick to cuddle close to me.

"What did Jake want?"

"He has a date," I smiled down at her. "Someone he met on the plane."

She scrunched her nose slightly, rolling her eyes. "What's her name?"

"I don't know, does it matter?"

She only shrugged. Is she jealous?

"Don't tell me you're jealous, baby." I chuckled.

"No, I'm just curious..." Angela mumbled.

"Mmhm," I kissed her forehead before shutting the lights off. "Whatever you say."

She hit my chest lightly, "You wish. Goodnight."

I made her look at me, then planted a long kiss on her lips. Her body loosened and I pulled her closer.

"Goodnight, Angie. I love you."

She giggled, and I could tell she was blushing. "I love you, too."

With that, I wrapped my arms around her and we drifted off.

~

Jake: I woke up excited for the day ahead.

My brain was all over the place as I looked through the clothes Michael and Angela got me, not knowing what I should wear.

A knock on the door was heard, making me groan. I skipped down the few stairs and opened it.

"Oh, hey, Ange. What's up?" I smiled at her.

"Nothing, I just came here to check up on you," she said as I let her in. "Also, Michael might've mentioned you have a date..."

"Yeah, I do. So you came all the way down here to ask about my date?"

"Maybe. Who is she?"

"Her name's Kimberly. She's great, I promise." I said.

"Okay... Where are you taking her?" she bit on her fingernails a bit. She's nervous, that's cute.

I chuckled, "We're just going to hang out at the beach for a while. What's up with all these questions?"

"I'm just looking out for you, Jakey," Angela shrugged. "Do you need help with your clothes?"

"Please."

It was her turn to laugh, and we went up to the bedroom. She found a couple options for me fast.

I noticed her stare as I changed in front of her, not even thinking about it too much.

"How do I look?" I asked, twirling around.

Angela crossed her arms. "This shirt is too casual, try on the other one."

She took the other option and held it out for me. Her rings pulled my attention immediately. It looked like there was an extra ring on her finger.

"Is that new?" I pointed at her rings.

"Oh, yeah," the blush made its way to her cheeks. "Mike asked me to renew our vows."

That feeling in my stomach was there again.

"I think I'll wear the second option. Thanks, Angela."

It was awkwardly quiet as she helped me put the other clothes back in the closet.

"Here," she took car keys out of her jeans' pocket. "I hope you have fun."

As an instinct, I took her hand in mine. We looked into each other's eyes for a split second.

"Thank you, baby." I didn't even realize I said it until it came out of my mouth.

Angela looked shocked as she let go of my hand, recovering a moment later.

"I should head back to Michael... I'll see you later."

Before I could apologize, she darted out the door. Shit, I totally messed up.

~

Michael: I was sitting in my office, just going over some paperwork. One specific contract caught my eye; my manager said I was being offered to do a tour, by AEG.

To be honest, I was intrigued. But I'd have to go over it all, and ask Angela what she thinks. Most importantly, I'd need to be cleared by Dr. Moore.

I put the contract to the side, making a mental note to look at it later. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Michael?" Angela's voice came through.

She offered to go to Jake's to give him the car for today.

"Come in, babe," I said, and she opened the door. "How's Jake doing?"

Her cheeks were flushed red as she locked the door behind her, looking at me with smirk.

Before I knew it, she was straddling me, her knees touching my thighs. She took off my reading glasses and kissed me over and over.

What's gotten into her?

"Angie, wait," I pulled away, but she already made her way to my neck. "Babe, what's going on?"

"Nothing, can't I even pleasure my husband now?" Angela mumbled.

"You can, but I know something's wrong."

She stopped kissing me, then looked into my eyes. Her cheeks were so red, I could tell she was embarrassed by something.

"You're gonna be mad." she said.

"I promise I won't."

"Jake accidentally called me 'baby' before I left the guest house... And I got somewhat turned on..."

I felt a little hint of jealousy. How could I not?

I figured they both still had feelings for each other, even though Angela moved on a long time ago. I was sure him coming back stirred up a lot of those feelings for her.

"See? I knew you'd be upset," Angela sighed and hurried to get off my lap. "Just forget I ever said anything, I'll let you go back to your paperwork..."

"Ange, come here," I pulled her back. "I promise I'm not upset. It's natural you'd feel this way towards him sometimes... I know how hard it must be seeing him go on a date. But imagine how he feels, watching his best friend be all over his ex-wife. I mean, the guy looks away every time we kiss."

She playfully rolled her eyes at me, kissing me lovingly. "I hate it when you're right."

"Am I ever not right?" I smiled victoriously, tickling her sides.

Angela shrieked, "Don't you dare."

But it was too late, I already started tickling her and she was laughing loudly.

~

Jake: I parked the car in front of the address Kim gave me. Taking out my phone, I texted her that I'm outside.

The door to the small house opened, revealing Kim along with who I only assumed was her sister, followed by Luciano.

I had to stop myself from getting out of the car to hug him. It was odd looking at him now, we used to be so close.

Quickly, I looked down so he wouldn't see me, trying to hide behind the cap and sunglasses I wore.

Kim knocked on the passenger door, making me unlock it.

"Hey, soldier. Good to see you again." she placed a kiss on my cheek. I returned the gesture and she blushed a little.

"So, where are we going?" she asked as I drove off.

"I thought we could go to the beach, if that's okay..." I smiled.

"Yeah, I'd like that. Which one's your favorite?"

"Venus beach. My wife and I- I mean, my ex and I used to go there all the time. It's so nice and doesn't feel like you're in a big city."

I saw her frown a little in the corner of my eye. I am not on my game today.

"Sorry," I sighed. "I'm a little rusty, I haven't been on a first date in 15 years."

Taking one hand off the wheel, I offered it to her.

"Don't worry about it, soldier." she took my hand.

~

We sat down and talked the entire day. Kim was amazing, it was so easy being around her; no mixed emotions, no awkwardness.

After spending some necessary time at the beach, we decided to head to lunch at one of the restaurants nearby.

She laughed again at another joke I told her.

"Okay, okay," she said. "Enough, soldier. I wanna eat."

Her hair was still a bit wet from the beach, making the blonde waves fall effortlessly on her face.

"How is your sister's fiancé, by the way?" I asked. "You two seemed friendly when I picked you up."

"Yeah, he's okay. His family is really nice, too... I'm just still kinda shocked his sister is married to Michael Jackson." she chuckled.

I shifted awkwardly in my seat. "Right."

"You know, apparently they got married for some legal reason," Kimberly went on. "They seem real to me. Couldn't keep their hands off of each other the entire time."

It's like I can't escape it.

"Can we talk about something else?" I rolled my eyes a little.

"Sure, Jake," she reached her hand to take mine under the table. "You okay?"

"Yup."

"What would you like to talk about?"

I shrugged, picking at my food.

"Hey, soldier, come on. We're supposed to get to know each other, right?" Kim smiled brightly.

I smiled back. I'm actually on a date with a beautiful woman but all I can think about is Mike and Angela. Pathetic.

She leaned in suddenly and I followed. Before I knew it, our lips touched. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach slightly.

Kim wrapped an arm around my neck to deepen the kiss. We pulled away to breathe a few moments later.

"Wow." is all I could say.

She giggled, "Not too bad yourself, Jacob."

"So, uh," I cleared my throat. "Is that what you meant by getting to know each other?"

My date snickered, leaning in for another kiss.

~

I stopped in front of Luciano's house for the second time that day.

"I hope to see you again, soon..." Kim held my hand tightly.

"Me, too. I had a lot of fun today." I told her.

She kissed me again, making the butterflies come back.

"Maybe we could meet in Anchorage next time. I have to go home in a couple of days." she said when we broke apart.

"That would be great."

I pulled her in for another kiss, getting caught in the moment. My lips traveled down to her neck slowly.

"Mmhm, Jakey..." Kimberly let out a sigh.

The second she said my name like that, all I could see was Angela.

Immediately I stopped what I was doing. Why can't I escape it? Escape her?

"Did- did I do something?" she asked, eyes full of concern.

"No, I'm sorry, it's just..." I couldn't finish the sentence. Why am I such a mess?

"Call me, okay?" Kim smiled warmly. "I really did have fun."

She placed a gentle kiss on my cheek before stepping out of the car.

As soon as she was inside the house, I let out a frustrated groan. I'm so pathetic.

I started my drive back to Neverland when my phone blared and I saw Captain Bailey's name.

~

Michael: We spent the rest of the day with the children.

I figured my wife would need a distraction from whatever was going on with Jake, so I really tried having some family time today.

She was currently helping the chef with dinner while I finished bathing our two babies so they could go to sleep.

"You are the sun, you make me shine..." I sang quietly as I changed Leo. His big brown eyes looked at me curiously and he smiled.

AJ was already in her crib, eyes half closed.

Grace walked in with a bottle for Leo, "Sir, Mrs. Jackson asked for you in the kitchen. I can take over."

I nodded, handing her my baby boy.

"Dada..." AJ whined.

I hurried to kiss her, "Go to sleep, AJ. I love you."

Angela was talking to the chef when I entered the kitchen.

"Hey, Mike." she kissed my cheek.

The chef excused herself and I thanked her for dinner. My wife smiled at me before kissing me gently.

"So, I was talking to Luci earlier," she left her lips close to mine. "Since the wedding is December 5th, maybe we can renew our vows on Christmas."

I grinned. "That sounds perfect."

We kissed again, and were interrupted by her ringing phone.

"Every time..." I groaned.

Angela laughed as she took out her phone, answering quickly. "Yeah, Jake?"

Her face told me that she clearly didn't want to talk to him. I watched as her expression changed from annoyed to shocked.

"What- Tomorrow morning? Can they even do that?" she said, then paused. She started tapping her fingers on the kitchen island. "Yeah, I'll talk to them. They'll be awake, I promise. Get home safe, okay?"

The tears threatened to spill from her eyes when she put the phone down.

"Angela, what happened?" I asked.

"It's Jake, he has to go back to Alaska." she answered.

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. His plane leaves at 8," my wife took in a deep breath. "How do we tell Lily and Eric? They just got him back."

I offered a hug and she gladly accepted. "I'm sure we'll see him again."

"You can't know that, Michael." she sniffled into my chest.

"But I do know he won't leave them again, not after everything. He promised, right?"

Angela nodded slightly, "You always know exactly what to say."

I was about to say something, but our older children came into the kitchen. My wife let me go so she could turn away to wipe her tears.

"Daddy, Grace said dinner is ready." Paris said.

"It is, go wash your hands, please."

She grabbed Blanket by the hand before all of them left. I turned to ask Angela how she was doing.

Nothing could've prepared me for the way she was bawling again.

"Angie..." I frowned. "What can I do?"

She shook her head. "Why couldn't he stay out of our lives? We were doing just fine without him here."

"You don't really mean that."

"But I do. He messed everything up, Michael."

Before I managed to say anything else, Prince called us from the dining room.

"I'm gonna take a shower." Angela mumbled and left.

"Babe-" I started calling her back, but Prince cut me off.

"Dad, are you coming?"

I sighed deeply. Maybe I should let her be for a while.

~

Angela: After taking a well-needed shower, I hurried to get dressed.

I looked for a new set of pajamas to wear and Jake's old Navy uniform caught my eye suddenly.

His dad never came to pick it up when I told him about it two years ago.

Jake wasn't on good terms with his parents after he left the Navy due to his addiction to pain killers; I never really got to know them that well because of it.

I smiled sadly at the memory. His parents were the reason he got so close to my family.

With tears burning my eyes, I reached to take down the uniform. Holding it close, I looked for the dog tags that were inside the shirt's pocket.

I ran my thumb over the bumpy letters that read 'Parker. Jacob M.', and I could no longer hold in my tears.

No, Angela. He doesn't deserve your tears anymore. He wants to leave again? Fine, but he better take responsibility this time.

Angrily throwing the uniform along with the tags on the floor, I finally got dressed in one of Michael's silk pajamas that were in my closet.

They smelled like him. I used to wear them quite a lot when he was in a coma, just to try feeling close to him.

"Angela, baby?" I heard my husband behind me. "Are you feeling better?"

"Mmhm." I nodded and gave him a warm smile.

He came over to me, "The kids just finished eating. We should go talk to Lily and Eric."

Michael pouted when he looked into my eyes that were probably still glossy.

"You sure you're okay?" he cupped my face with his hands. His thumbs ran over my cheeks lightly.

I went on my toes to kiss his lips. "Yeah, I'm sure."

He smiled, embracing me tightly. I closed my eyes and listened to his steady heartbeat.

"You know I love your hugs," my husband chuckled a minute later. "But we really need talk to Lily and Eric, Angie."

"We are not going to do anything, Michael. If Jake wants to leave, he is welcomed to tell his children himself." I said into his chest.

Michael immediately broke our hug, a disbelieving look on his face.

"You can't be serious." he scoffed.

"As serious as I can be," I rolled my eyes. "He needs to start taking responsibility. Lily and Eric have been through too much, so if he wants to go, he can explain the situation."

"Jake's been through a lot too, Angela. I can't even imagine how he feels, having to leave them again. To leave you."

"I could care less about how he feels. He didn't care about my feelings when he didn't come back the first time he remembered. He could've spared me and the kids a lot of suffering if he only came back then." I spat.

Michael looked hurt from my words as he crossed his arms over his chest. "A lot of suffering, huh?"

My face softened when I understood what I just said.

"No- Mike, I didn't mean it like that. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me-" I started, but he cut me off.

"Save it. You know, I was on the other side of his stupid wish. As if I needed something else to worry about, I already had enough going on without taking you in."

"Stupid? It's the reason we're together, Michael."

That one made my heart clench. He doesn't mean it, he's just hurt.

My husband sighed, "Forget it, I didn't come here to fight you. I'm gonna go tell Lily and Eric. We're their parents, Angela. It needs to come from us."

He left without looking at me at all. I stood there, trying to understand what just happened.

It made me even more resentful towards Jake since I knew non of this would have happened if he didn't come back.