5th of June, 1989
Michael is 30, Angela is 25

Angela: I looked at myself in the mirror, not quite believing what I was seeing.

Michael Bush smiled gently at me, crouching down to adjust the bottom of the dress.

I touched the lacy sleeves, admiring the small details that made the dress feel both timeless and so uniquely mine.

Bush had somehow managed to transform Michael's dance studio into a full-on bridal studio, with people working on my mom and Rosa just behind us.

"What do you think, Angela?"

"It's... It's beautiful, Bush." I mumbled, speechless, still in shock at how perfect my dress was.

"Are you sure?" he stood up, adjusting the ribbon around my waist. "Not too tight?"

"No, not at all... It's actually a bit big, I think..."

"Well, rather be safe than sorry. Don't want to get to the big day and have it not fit, right?"

I thanked him, trying to breathe in the moment as he continued making adjustments.

Over the past week, I'd been meeting with him to talk through my dream dress, just hoping he'd be able to see the vision I had in mind.

And here it was; somehow, he managed to capture it perfectly.

As I stood there, taking it all in, I felt a subtle but unmistakable flutter. A light kick, then another.

A smile spread across my face as I pressed a hand to my stomach, their movements not helping my back pain.

But my babies always made sure to remind me they were there with me, despite how much I longed for their father.

After the situation with Jake last week, Michael made sure I'd be there for every session or meeting.

And every time I joined, I could see the disapproval on Jake's face, yet Michael couldn't be bothered by what he thought, and neither could I.

This week, though, I wasn't able to join him.

There was so much to do, from selecting final details for the wedding to visiting potential hospitals for the twins' birth, all of which I had to do on my own or with Rosa.

Michael had been insistent about it, convinced our babies deserved to come into the world in the safest, most comfortable way possible.

And as much as I appreciated that, I found myself growing more anxious as the days passed.

I eventually settled on Santa Ynez Cottage hospital.

It was close, and the suites were bigger than I'd ever need.

My 30th-week ultrasound was also approaching, where I'd go over my birth plan with Dr. Grey.

I wanted everything to be natural; no drugs, no heavy interventions.

Michael was concerned, gently suggesting that I didn't have to put myself through that if I wasn't comfortable.

But I insisted. I couldn't shake the fear that anything other than a natural birth might lead to complications, especially after the close call with the fan incident.

The thought of something going wrong was unbearable.

I wanted to be fully present when my babies arrived, to hold them right away, not wide open on an operating table or too dazed to take in the beauty of meeting them for the first time.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the present. On this moment, this dress.

Rosa's laughter echoed from behind me, probably at something mom said.

Even in the midst of all this chaos, she was there, giving strict orders to everyone in the room that under no circumstances, was Michael allowed to catch a glimpse of the dress.

"Bad luck." she warned with a stern look that made everyone fall in line.

"Angela?" mom called, gaping at me through the mirror. "Bella... Oh, look at you."

I turned around to see her teary eyes.

She pulled me into a tight hug, and I sniffled into her shoulder, my own tears emerging.

"Michael is gonna be all over you," Rosa interrupted. "You look absolutely stunning, Ange."

"Thank you..." I blushed.

"Alright," Bush nodded. "I think we're done for today. Angela, you can change."

I took one last look in the mirror, feeling happier than ever, but with a touch of nervousness of what was to come.

This was the beginning of a new chapter, a promise I was making not only to Michael but to our family.

And with each passing day, that future felt a little closer, a little more real.

~

14th of June, 1989
Michael is 30, Angela is 25

Angela: The day of the ultrasound arrived faster than I'd expected, bringing with it nerves.

I found myself in Dr. Grey's office, laying on the examination bed with the familiar chill of the gel on my stomach.

It made me miss Michael's warm touch as he held my hand, but today was a hard day for him.

He came out of his morning session with Jake looking so exhausted.

I told him I'd go alone today, not wanting to make him come if he didn't feel like it.

It seemed like he needed the rest.

My heart skipped as the screen flickered on, showing the black and white image of my babies.

"How are you feeling, Angela?" Dr. Grey smiled, moving the scanner around.

I winced, that uncomfortable pressure settling in. "Tired, and my back has been killing me."

She gave a sympathetic look, "Third trimester can wear you out. Take it easy, okay? Try to stay off your feet as much as you can. We don't want any early surprises."

"I'll try," I mumbled, even though I knew I couldn't, with everything going on. "You're coming to the wedding next week, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it. I have to monitor the three of you, anyways..." she nodded. "They're getting a little big, no wonder you're in pain. But growing right on schedule."

The sound of their heartbeats filled the room, one after the other, and I felt a wave of relief every time I heard it.

"Looks like they're both head-down now," Dr. Grey commented, tilting the monitor so I could see more clearly. "That's a good sign for a natural delivery, though it's still early to make final plans."

"That's what I'm hoping for," I replied, looking at the screen as one of them seemed to stretch. "I want to do it naturally. No drugs or surgery unless it's absolutely necessary."

One of my babies kicked the other, both Dr. Grey and I were amused at the fact.

Already fighting and they're not even born yet.

A lump suddenly blocked my throat as I wished Michael was here to see this.

"How's Michael? Getting excited?" the doctor asked, as if reading my thoughts.

I swallowed. "Uh, sure."

"Is he doing okay? I'm surprised he's not here."

"Oh, he's just caught up with work. Been in the studio all week." I lied.

"Well, give him my best. And your babies look great," she grinned, putting the scanner back and cleaning my bump. "I'll see you next week."

I thanked her when she handed me the pictures, carefully standing up.

Bill met me at the door, "All good, Ms. Brown?"

"Yeah," I sighed, holding up the ultrasound pictures. "All good."

But it wasn't. I wanted Michael here with me, to be excited just as much as I was.

~

We returned to Neverland in the late afternoon.

The house was eerily quite, and Michael was nowhere to be found.

After stepping inside, I heard the rustle of papers coming from the study.

Sure enough, there was Jake, sitting hunched over his notes, his pen tapping against the desk.

I really did not want to talk to him.

Our conversations were always so tense, but I needed to find Michael.

"Jake." I called, cautious as I approached the desk.

"Angela, you're back," he sounded surprised. "Michael said you wouldn't be back for a while."

I shrugged, "Bill drove faster today. Speaking of Michael, where is he?"

"Sleeping, I think. Asked not to be bothered."

"Right," I mumbled, but still headed towards the bedroom. "Thanks, Jake..."

Before I could take another step, he reached out and grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

"He asked not to be bothered, Angela."

His serious tone took me by surprise.

This is exactly why I didn't want to talk to him.

"By you, maybe," I rolled my eyes, unable to keep how irritated I was to myself. "Seriously, what's your problem?"

Jake's brow furrowed, and he released my wrist slowly, as if weighing his words.

"Look, I know you think you can help, but you can't. This is way out of your league. You won't be able to handle him right now. He had a rough day."

"Out of my league? He's my fiancé, Jake! About to be my husband, the father of my children! I think I know how to 'handle' him!" my voice unwillingly raised.

He took a step back, clearly unsettled.

Sighing, his eyes closed. "I'm not saying you don't care, I know you do. But you need to understand that he's in a fragile state. He's been under so much lately, more than you realize."

God, why is this man testing my patience?!

"I realize it just fine, thank you very much." I snapped.

With that, I turned away, finally making my way to the master bedroom.

The room was completely dark, the black-out curtains drawn tight.

It caught me off guard for a moment; we rarely used them, even during the night.

But I knew Michael had been struggling to get proper sleep, and he needed every bit of rest he could manage.

I walked to the nearest window and pulled the curtain back just enough to let a bit of soft, afternoon sunlight into the room, then pushed the window open to get some air.

When I turned back to the bed, I could see a lump underneath the covers, and his black hair peeking out just a bit.

Oh, my poor baby...

He looked so small, so vulnerable, it broke something inside me.

My heart ached at the sight of him hiding away.

The last thing I wanted was for him to feel alone in all of this.

I tiptoed closer, the urge to crawl into bed with him, to hold him, becoming stronger with each step.

"Michael?" I called softly, but there was no response. "Mike, I'm back..."

Still nothing.

Quietly walking to his side of the bed, I pulled the blanket back just a bit to see his relaxed face.

His mouth twitched slightly, letting me know he was dreaming.

Or maybe having one of his many nightmares that plagued his sleep recently.

I knew they haunted him. He'd told me in quiet moments how they dragged him back into memories he tried so hard to bury.

I didn't have the heart to wake him up, though.

Sighing, I grabbed the ultrasound pictures tucked under my arm.

I placed them carefully on his nightstand, hoping he'd notice them when he woke up.

Maybe they'd bring him some comfort, a reminder of what was waiting for him.

I slipped out of my shoes and climbed into bed beside him, careful not to move him too much.

My arm instinctively wrapped around his waist, my stretched stomach pressing lightly against his back.

His scent enveloped me, so warm and familiar, making me place soft kisses to his bare back.

Another, and another, I went over his white patches which seemed to spread more these last couple of months.

All I hoped was that my lips could soothe whatever hurt he carried.

"I'm here." I whispered, even though I knew he couldn't hear me.

The room was quiet, the only sound the steady rhythm of his breathing.

Slowly, my own eyes began to close.

As I cuddled closer, I wished, more than anything, that I could take some of his pain away.

Just for a little while.

~

Michael: Joseph's menacing laugh echoed all around me.

"Why are you marrying her?" he mocked. "She's gonna leave you, too, just like everyone else. She doesn't love you. You're no good, Michael. Especially not now. You really think she'll stick around once she sees the mess you really are?"

I could feel my eyes water, wondering why he was saying all these things.

"Oh, don't cry, boy," his mocking was replaced with disgust. "Get over it. No one cares about you, anyway... Maybe you are better off dead..."

His hands suddenly wrapped around my neck, rough and tight.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, trying to claw at his invisible hands, desperate for air as the darkness closed in.

I woke up with a jolt, a sharp gasp escaping my lips.

My chest heaved as I sat up abruptly, sweat dripping down my back.

The room wasn't completely dark anymore, with a bit of moonlight coming through the open curtain.

My gaze went to the slightly cracked window, a weird feeling washing over me.

Has it been open this whole time?

The trees outside stood still against the night sky, their dark silhouettes outlined by the faint glow of the moon.

It was familiar, sure. It was Neverland, after all.

But the open curtain and window left the room exposed, unsafe.

The shadows on the walls changed, a breeze stirred the leaves outside, making goosebumps appear on my skin.

It was just a dream. A very, very bad dream.

"Michael?" Angela's tired voice was heard.

I looked down at her, still catching my breath. When did she get back?

"I- I'm okay." I lied, not wanting to worry her.

"No, you're not. You were having a nightmare," she stated, sitting up next to me. "Joseph again?"

My heart beat faster against my chest.

She knew me so well; maybe too well. And it scared me to the bone.

"Y- yeah." I admitted quietly.

Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around me.  "You wanna talk about it?"

I glanced back at the open window, finally realizing she opened it.

"Not really." I murmured.

"Okay."

She rested her head on my chest, her nails drawing soothing shapes on it.

I closed my eyes, her touch offering the comfort I needed.

"How was the ultrasound?" I asked, my voice still shaky, hoping to steer the conversation away from me.

I needed to hear something good.

"Great. Dr. Grey said they're getting ready. Just a little bit longer, can you believe it?" Angela whispered.

I put my chin on the top of her head, "Nope."

We stayed like that for a while, until my worries started emerging again.

What if Joseph's right? Maybe I can't face my demons, and she'll leave once she realizes it. They'll leave me.

"Mike?" she questioned. "What's going on? I can feel it, you know. Right here, you're so tense..."

Her fingers patted my chest gently, then massaged the spot.

I hesitated, the words caught in my throat.

"I just needed you a lot today, Angie." I confessed, bringing my hand to hold hers.

My heart beat even faster under our hands, something she must have felt, too.

"Shh, I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere. It's just you, me, and our babies, right here..."

She then placed our joined hands on top of her swollen belly.

I bit my lip as my children kicked, the feeling bringing more tears to my eyes.

"Hi, babies..." I pressed my fingers into her skin.

They reacted of course, and I felt a little foot nudge.

"See? They missed their daddy today..." she kissed my cheek.

"I'll be there for the next check up," I promised. "I just... I was so tired."

"I know, and that's perfectly fine. They're okay. We're okay," she reassured, and moved my hand to where the babies kicked stronger now. "Mike, I was thinking- maybe we shouldn't invite Joseph next week."

I blinked, her words catching me off guard, "What do you mean?"

"I don't think seeing him would be good for you. I know it's not really him in your dreams, but you've been having so many lately. And with rehab, seeing him, it might trigger something. I don't want you to lose any progress."

"You sound like Jake." I muttered, though I kept my hand on her belly, still feeling the occasional kick.

"I think that's one thing he and I might actually agree on," she huffed in frustration. "I can tell Joseph. I don't mind if he hates me."

I sighed, knowing she was probably right, but couldn't let her take this fall for me.

"No, I'll call mother and tell her the truth. She'll understand."

She nodded, before attaching our lips in a little kiss. "I'm so proud of you, Michael."

I squeezed her hips as the kiss deepened, her embrace making me feel safe, despite everything that was happening inside my head.

As our babies stirred between us and Angela's touch steadied me, I glanced once again at the open window.

Tomorrow, I'll close it. I'll close it and keep the demons out. At least for a little while.

~

18th of June, 1989
Michael is 30, Angela is 25

Angela: With one arm around my waist and his other hand covering my eyes, Michael led me through the main house, not telling me where he was taking me.

He only gave me one instruction: to dress in something nice, preferably white. Nothing else.

"Mike, I was just starting to get comfy..." I complained, the dull ache in my lower back very much there.

I've been cooped up in bed all day, feeling extra heavy since this morning.

"Why can't I ever surprise you?" he said in my ear.

"Because it's stupid," I scoffed. "I'm gonna find out anyway, so might as well tell me."

"Careful, babe. You almost bumped into the couch," he steadied me, chuckling. "Come on, just a few more steps."

As we walked, I noticed quiet giggles and the sound of shushing, making me curious.

The breeze moved, and the cool tiles under my sandals changed to soft grass. We were outside now.

Michael's lips came in contact with my ear again. "I'm gonna move my hand now, Angie. Ready?"

"I guess..."

Slowly, Michael lifted his hand away from my eyes, revealing a sight that brought tears.

Bright white and pastel-colored decorations were draped everywhere around one of the big lawns, across tables, arches, and bouquets of flowers.

There were even banners with phrases like 'Mommy-to-Be' and 'Future Mrs. Jackson', elegantly decorated with matching ribbons and lace.

Friends and family I hadn't seen in months stood around, smiling widely, some waving when they saw me blinking in shock.

"Surprise!" they all shouted, then erupted into laughter and cheers.

I turned to Michael, who had an accomplished, proud smile on his face.

"You did all this?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around it all.

When the hell did he manage...?

"Well, I had some help..." he winked at Rosa, who raised her glass in his direction.

"Aw, Mike." I finally let my tears run down my cheeks.

He chuckled, quickly wiping them away. "See? Not all surprises are stupid."

"You're impossible." I said, laughing through the tears.

He pulled me to him, hands placed firmly on the small of my back.

"And somehow, you still love me..." he smiled sheepishly, leaning down.

We kissed, his hands bringing me as close as possible.

Everyone around us disappeared for a few moments as we enveloped in each other, I could feel both our heartbeats quicken.

When we broke apart, Rosa grabbed me away.

She draped a 'bride' sash over my head, before pulling me to sit at the table in the middle.

Scanning the crowd, I noticed a group I hadn't met yet: Michael's family.

Katherine sat surrounded by her eight children.

Their resemblance to him was striking, especially Janet, who caught me staring.

She waved, flashing a bright smile that matched Michael's, and made her way over with her sisters, La Toya and Rebbie.

With everything that had happened, I didn't get the chance to meet Michael's full family yet.

I also believe he was trying to protect me from meeting his siblings, for reasons I wasn't aware of yet.

"Angela, right?" Janet said, leaning down to hug me. "Hi. It's so great to finally meet you. Even if it is way overdue."

"Our brother has been hiding you from us, huh?" La Toya smirked when it was her turn to hug me.

"I'm sure it's not on purpose, Toya," Rebbie rolled her eyes at her. "They've probably been so busy with everything. Don't listen to her, Angela, she's just teasing."

Their sisterly banter reminded me of Rosa and I. I let out a relieved chuckle, feeling slightly calmer.

"All good here?" Michael appeared behind me, his hands finding my shoulders.

"Hey, Mike," Janet nudged him. "Don't worry, we don't bite."

"Yeah, you're just all bark..." he mumbled.

Janet pretended to be hurt, nudging him again.

"Alright everyone!" Rosa announced. "Lunch is served, then we'll get on with games and presents!"

The crowd cheered again as Michael's sisters excused themselves, finding their seats.

I suddenly locked eyes with Katherine. Hers showed pride, but also some sadness.

She looked down at her hands, reaching to play with her wedding ring.

I could tell she was thinking about Joseph.

Maybe I was wrong about him, maybe he should be here.

Or maybe I'm trying too hard to find a silver lining in a man who brought so much pain to the man I love.

"...Angie?" Michael's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"What do you wanna eat?"

I smiled, "Oh, uh, you pick. I'm good with anything."

He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as if sensing my distraction.

He didn't press, though, leaning down to kiss the top of my head before heading towards the food table.

Looking back at my soon-to-be mother-in-law, she was already in deep conversation with who I assumed was Jermaine.

Michael soon returned, balancing two plates of food.

He set one plate in front of me before taking his seat, his hand finding its way to my thigh beneath the table.

"Eat up," he patted my belly with his other hand. "Can't let these two interrupt us."

"No, we can't..."

~

Surrounded by wrapping paper and what seemed like thousands of baby items, Michael and I were handed another gift

"This one is from... Julia and Lori." Rosa said as she read the label.

"You guys, you didn't have to get me anything..." I beamed at my former roommates.

They both dismissed me, urging me to open it, and eyeing me as I ripped the paper.

I took out one of the two black onesies, unfolding it.

Michael burst out laughing before covering his mouth.

'Who's Bad' was printed in his iconic red, graffiti-style lettering.

"Seriously?" I chuckled, holding it up for everyone to see. "You two are too much."

"We knew it would be perfect," Julia said, grinning mischievously. "Come on, you love it. And it's a good reminder of how you two met..."

"Okay, it's adorable," I admitted, blushing as I set the onesies down. Standing, I hugged them both tightly. "Thank you so much."

Julia held me close. "You're living my dream, you know that, right?"

"Hey, you made me go in that car with him." I hugged her tighter.

"Yeah, you totally owe me." she laughed.

"I guess I do..."

When Michael and I were done with opening what felt like endless presents, the sun was already starting to set.

We thanked everyone for coming as they made their way out.

Most of the guests left, leaving behind only family and a few close friends.

Julia and Lori stood near my parents, looking a little unsure of what to do next as the staff started tidying up.

Michael leaned down to kiss my cheek, murmuring, "I'll be right back. Edith wants to go over everyone's accommodations for the next few nights."

I nodded, giving him a tired smile. "Don't take too long."

Finally, I sank into the plush couch in the living room, letting out a long sigh.

Closing my eyes, I leaned my head back, the exhaustion taking over me.

"Angela." Katherine's voice was suddenly heard.

I opened my eyes to find her already sitting beside me, almost a little to close for my liking.

"Thank you for having me," she whispered, then gestured to her children who were too far away to hear. "For having us. I just wish Joseph could see this. See how happy our son is."

I opened my eyes, glancing at her as her words hung in the air.

It was clear that she figured out whose idea it was to keep Joseph away.

She had a gentle expression on, one hand resting on her knee, while the other absentmindedly played with her wedding ring.

Her gaze lingered on Michael, who was talking with Edith a few feet away.

"I'm happy you could be here," I said, meaning it. "It wouldn't have felt complete without you."

Katherine's eyes brightened slightly, and she let out a small sigh.

"You know... He's been through a lot, my Michael," she murmured, almost as if to herself. "And as a mother, you always want to be there to protect your children, no matter how grown they are."

"Thank you for understanding what he's going through. He talked to you, right?"

"He did."

Katherine looked at me thoughtfully, a smile creeping onto her face.

"Thank you, Angela. For pushing him to take care of himself. I can see how much he trusts you... You truly bring him peace, something I know he's been missing," she reached over and placed her hand on mine. "I'm grateful for that."

I squeezed her hand in return, feeling an unspoken understanding between us.

This woman had raised the man I loved, and while we came from different worlds, in that moment, we shared the same priority: Michael's happiness.

As she looked back to her family, I felt the urge to say something, maybe to reassure her, but she spoke first.

"You know, Joseph... He may have made mistakes. Many mistakes. But he did love them. He loves them still. In his own way."

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

It was obvious she loved her family, very much, and believed in her husband.

Still, she didn't know half of Michael's experiences lately, his struggles.

His therapy sessions, his endless nightmares about his father.

I was the one there, holding him through the sleepless nights, trying to offer any sort of comfort that I can.

I could tell she held onto hope that somehow, things would work out for the better.

And I didn't want to disappoint her by telling her it might not be so easy.

"I think... People change," I said carefully. "And maybe there's still time for him to be a part of this. Just... Not now. Michael doesn't need that right now."

Katherine's became smaller, filled with concern. "Yeah, I know."

She paused, then hugged me gently.

"Take care of each other, Angela. The world can be hard, especially when it's always watching. But love..." she chuckled, her eyes softening. "Love has a way of making it easier to bear."

"Thanks, Katherine."

We sat in silence, watching Michael return, a relaxed grin on his face as he approached us.

"Everything alright here?" he asked, glancing between Katherine and me.

"Perfect, son," Katherine said, patting his hand with a loving smile. Then, she stood, giving us both a last look. "I'll head to my room. Have a good night, you two."

After she walked away, Michael settled beside me, draping his arm around my shoulders as I nestled against him, once again feeling sleepy.

"Did she behave?" he teased lightly.

I giggled, tilting my head up to look at him. "She was wonderful. She cares about you so much, you know."

He nodded, "I do."

The silence engulfed us, only the sounds of our family and friends scattering to find their designated sleeping arrangements, being heard outside.

I leaned onto him even more, legs draped over his, my eyelids drooping, while his hand began to trace up and down my arm.

"Just two more days." he whispered.

"Two days." I echoed, the anticipation of becoming fully his making a satisfied smile appear on my lips.

"I love you, Angie."

"I love you, too, Michael..."

I started dozing off, my heart so completely full.