As promised, update 2/2!

For all of us 'Grey's Anatomy' fans out there, I did a thing haha

Hope you're enjoying this double update! Don't forget to comment & vote ❤️

Love,
~ShoamEmily

~

13th of March, 1989
Michael is 30, Angela is 25

Michael: I woke up that morning with a headache.

Not just a typical headache, but an actual head ache.

Last night was... Intense. My mother's unexpected arrival and her finding out about the baby felt like a cruel joke.

Angela and I agreed that we'd settle things between us first before telling anyone.

And I intended to keep it that way, until we absolutely had to tell our families.

I didn't want to pressure her into meeting mine.

She didn't need the added stress, and knowing my family, they wouldn't help.

Last night proved just that.

I mean, it's one thing mother just showed up like that, but to judge us as harsh as she did?

My mother was walking on eggshells, and she knew it.

I turned to face my new fiancée. A smile found its way to my lips as I watched her sleep.

She had her back to me, the sheets only slightly covering her naked body.

She's been getting quite warm these last few nights.

I allowed my hand to go to her bump, my smile widening when I felt the baby's small kicks.

Gosh, they're so big already...

I placed a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, still caressing her stomach.

My life suddenly felt like it was falling into place.

I was in love with a gorgeous woman, inside and out, who was starting to know me better than anyone else, and she was having my baby.

It might've been all by chance, but I realized that I wouldn't have it any other way.

Her coming into my life the way that she did was probably meant to be.

I wasn't going to question God's mysterious ways.

"Mm, Mike," she started waking up. "What time is it?"

"Still early. Go back to sleep, I'll wake you up later..." I whispered.

"Okay..." she yawned.

When she fell back asleep, I slowly got out of bed and went into the shower.

The city underneath was already bustling, so I closed the window she opened last night.

As the hot water washed away the night before, my head throbbed, a reminder of my past injuries.

I sighed, not wanting to take a pill.

I've been trying to take them less lately, knowing what the future held; I didn't want Angela or our child having to stress about my stupid condition.

I also knew I needed to be focused, and those pills definitely didn't help with that.

But my head hurts so much... Maybe I'll just take one. To help me get through today.

Stepping out of the shower, I quickly found the orange pill bottle hidden behind my hair products in the cabinet above my sink.

I took it out before staring at it for a few minutes, still contemplating whether to take one or not.

Eventually, I did, gulping one down on a dry throat.

After drying off, I went through the bedroom to get to the closet room.

Angela was still fast asleep, and I didn't have the heart to wake her, but I knew she wouldn't be able to avoid the day's reality for long.

I hurried to get dressed and ready before interrupting her sweet slumber.

"I thought you said I had time..." she complained.

"It's been almost an hour. You gotta wake up, baby, we have to go see the doctor." I reminded her while massaging her back.

"Oh, right. Is your mother awake?"

"I don't know, I haven't checked. But she might be..."

Angela groaned, pushing herself up on her elbows and running a hand through her hair. "What a way to start the day."

"I know. But we'll figure it out. Just focus on today."

"Right. Doctor's appointment." she said, swinging her legs off the bed and standing up.

She looked a bit unsteady at first, but then she steadied herself and made her way to the bathroom.

I watched her, still in awe of how quickly everything was changing.

I let her get ready, then walked out to the kitchen to get her something to eat.

To my surprise, mother was sitting on the kitchen island, a coffee mug next to her. She was talking on the phone.

"Oh, Joe, Michael's here. I'll call later," she hurried to hang up. "Joseph says 'hello'."

I stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. Did she tell him? Could she disrespect me that much?

"Good morning, mother."

"How did you sleep?" she asked.

I could sense the underlying intension in her question.

She must have known how I'd feel after yesterday, and yet my mother didn't seem like she'd let me catch a break.

"Okay, I guess." I replied cautiously, trying to keep my tone calm.

I didn't want to stir up any more drama than necessary.

She studied me for a moment before her expression softened, only slightly. "You look tired. I hope Angela didn't keep you up too late..."

I didn't answer that, it was non of her business.

"Is she awake yet?" my mother inquired, leaning forward slightly.

"She's, uh, getting ready. We have somewhere to be today. I was just getting her something to eat." I replied.

"Good. She needs to keep her strength up, especially now."

The way she emphasized 'now' made my stomach turn.

I knew she was referring to the pregnancy, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted to discuss it further.

I poured myself a glass of orange juice, before finding some eggs in the fridge.

One thing Angela has taught me in the time we've lived together, was the simple, mundane things.

I don't think I've ever made an omelet before she came along, or toast for that matter.

I could sense mother trying to look over my shoulder. "Do you need help with that?"

"No, I can manage, thank you."

"Are you sure? I can help-"

"I said no, mother." I mumbled, popping some bread in the toaster.

She lifted her hands up in surrender and took her seat again, watching me closely.

As I cracked the eggs into the bowl, I could feel her eyes on me.

I didn't like it. She could be that way when she wanted to; hovering, watching, waiting for the smallest misstep.

The pain I had before faded finally, just as I started whisking the eggs.

I had learned how to do it properly now, thanks to Angela.

I couldn't help but smile to myself thinking about how, just over a month ago, she stood next to me in the kitchen, laughing as I struggled to get it right.

"Michael..." my mother's voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up, bracing myself for whatever she was about to say.

"Have you thought about what I said last night? About getting married sooner?" she asked carefully, with that unmistakable urgency.

She wasn't just asking; she was pushing.

I put down the whisk and looked at her directly. "Mother, we will get married. We've already talked about it. But it's going to be on our terms, not anyone else's."

"I understand that, but with a baby on the way-"

"I know, mother," I interrupted, trying to stay calm. "But rushing into a wedding right now isn't going to solve anything. Angela and I have a plan."

She looked at me, her lips pressed together in disapproval. "You think you have time, Michael, but you don't. People will talk, they already are, asking where you've disappeared. And this isn't just about you anymore. It's about her and that baby."

I turned back to the stove, not wanting to say something I'll regret.

The toast popped, and I put it on a plate along with the eggs.

"Mother, please. Not today." I simply said. I was starting to lose my patience.

She sighed but didn't push any further. "Fine. But think about it. I just don't want you to make things harder for yourself, or Angela."

I turned around with Angela's breakfast, hoping this would be the end of the conversation.

"I will. But for now, I need to focus on taking care of her and the baby."

Just as I was about to head back to the bedroom, Angela appeared in the doorway, looking sleepy but fresh from her shower.

She was wearing one of her Berkley oversized hoodies, but her bump was more visible now, stretching the fabric slightly.

I bought her a larger size of her beloved hoodie not too long ago, seeing how she needed bigger clothes.

"Good morning." she said softly, her blue eyes hovering between my mother and me.

I saw the disappointment in them, knowing she hoped for a quieter morning.

"Morning, baby," I smiled, walking over to place the plate on the island. "I made you something to eat. You want some orange juice?"

"Yes, please. Thanks." she murmured, sitting next to my mother.

It was awkwardly silent for a moment, before mother spoke.

"Angela, dear, how are you feeling this morning?"

Angela looked at her for a moment, her expression neutral. "I'm fine, thank you. A little tired, but nothing unusual."

There was an undeniable tension between them, the kind that comes when two people haven't yet figured out how to navigate each other.

Angela shifted in her seat, reaching for her plate.

I could tell she was trying to avoid any confrontation.

She took a few small bites and drank half her orange juice before saying she was done.

I knew her well enough to sense that she wasn't comfortable with my mother's presence, probably effecting her hunger.

"Baby, you should eat," I said softly, sliding the orange juice closer to her. "We have a big day today."

Angela forced another smile, "I'll eat later... Just not feeling it right now."

Mother watched her closely, and I knew she wouldn't let this one slide.

Soon enough, she spoke, her tone too casual to be genuine. "Angela, honey, it's important for the baby that you keep your strength up. Especially in these early months."

My fiancée glanced at her, clearly not in the mood for another lecture. "I know."

The room fell into another uncomfortable silence.

I could sense mother wanting to push further, but thankfully she held back; for now.

I placed a hand on Angela's back. "We'll leave in a bit, okay? You sure you don't wanna eat?"

She shook her head gently. "I'm fine. Let's just get this day over with."

Mother then cleared her throat, apparently not done with her point.

"You know, Michael, I was thinking- if the two of you set a date soon, it'll be easier to plan. You don't want this dragging out until Angela is too far along."

Why is she so stubborn to talk right now?

I tensed, turning to her. "Mother, I already told you-"

But Angela's voice cut me off, unexpectedly calm. "Mrs. Jackson, with all due respect, this is our decision. We appreciate your concern, but we'll handle it."

I blinked in surprise at Angela's sudden confidence, watching as she straightened her posture, no longer trying to ignore my mother.

Mother, who was taken aback for a moment, blinked quickly. "Of course, dear. But you must understand, there are expectations..."

Angela's jaw tightened. I could tell she was trying to hold herself back, but her patience was running out, just like mine.

"I do understand that. But right now, I need to focus on my health, on the baby. Michael and I will figure out the rest."

I couldn't help but admire the way she stood up for us, for herself , even as my mother didn't seem convinced.

"I just don't want either of you to regret putting this off. Especially when the world will be watching. You have a responsibility to your child, to your family name-"

"Mother!" I snapped, louder than I intended.

Angela flinched slightly, and I immediately regretted raising my voice.

Mother's eyes widened, clearly not expecting me to push back like that.

But I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't let her stress Angela out like this.

"Enough," I continued, trying to calm myself down. "We've already made our decision. We're not rushing into anything right now. Angela doesn't need this stress, and neither do I."

For a moment, the room was silent.

My mother stared at me, her lips pressed again.

I knew I'd crossed a line, but I didn't care.

Angela needed me to stand up for her, too, and I wasn't about to let anyone, family or not, make things harder for her.

Finally, my mother sighed, clearly unhappy. "Fine. But you'll have to face the consequences sooner or later, Michael."

I didn't respond. I was done arguing.

Angela stood up, ready to leave, and I followed her without a word.

As if he knew, Bill knocked on the door.

Right on time.

~

Angela: As we drove through the city, I leaned my head against the cool glass, staring out the window at the world rushing by.

The streets were alive with the usual hustle of a Monday morning, but it all felt distant - like a scene from a life I no longer belonged to.

It felt strange to be out like this, after what felt like ages of staying tucked away.

The streets seemed distant now, as if I was watching them through a filter, like an outsider.

I'd been holed up for so long that the city didn't feel real.

The people on the sidewalks, the cars speeding by, it was like I was watching a movie.

And here I was, feeling... Out of place.

Michael sat next to me, quiet, but making sure I knew he was there, his hand resting on my knee, thumb brushing back and forth as if he could sense what I was feeling.

He didn't say anything; he didn't have to.

He knew I wasn't in the mood for conversation, and I loved him for knowing exactly when silence was more comforting than words.

And no words would come out of my mouth, either.

I didn't know how to explain it.

How do you tell someone you feel like a stranger in your own reality?

The conversation with Katherine just now didn't help, either.

I understood why she pushed us to get married so quickly, but we were still just understanding our life together.

I let out a slow breath, my forehead pressing lightly against the window.

The city was a blur, but every now and then I'd catch glimpses of places I couldn't go to, at least not without protection.

Cafes, bookstores, little nooks that I knew Rosa would have loved to explore with me.

The world felt so foreign.

"How you doin'?" Michael's voice interrupted my thoughts, soft and careful.

I turned to look at him, his eyes full of concern.

I shrugged, thinking a white lie wouldn't hurt. "I'm okay. Just... It's weird being out."

"Weird how?" he asked, his voice gentle as ever.

I paused, trying to find the right words. "It's like... I don't know. Everything looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same. It feels... different."

"I know what you mean, Angie. But it's what comes with this," he sighed as he pointed to himself. "And it's what comes with this, too..."

He came closer, his hand moving to my belly, resting there.

I nodded, "I hope you know I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm just... Scared."

Our eyes met, and he leaned even closer. "Me, too. But we have a plan, right? Let's get through today, and see where that takes us."

"Right."

He placed a small kiss on my bump before attaching our lips in a loving one.

"Sir," Bill interrupted. "We'll be there in five."

~

Bill escorted us through the clinic's back entrance, as we followed a nurse to an examination room.

The bodyguard closed the door after him, making me take a deep breath.

As I lay on the bed, I looked at Michael, thinking how ridiculous he looked under his disguise, as if no one would recognize him.

The cap he wore hid his trademark curls, while oversized sunglasses covered his eyes, and his Burberry scarf concealed his nose and mouth.

"What?" he caught me staring.

"Nothing... I thought you said you had the best disguises." I held back a smile.

Michael chuckled softly, removing his scarf to reveal a cheeky grin.

"Hey, this is top-tier. You should see how I dress for the studio."

He shot me a playful look before leaning back against his chair, more relaxed now.

I let out a small laugh, my nerves easing just a bit, too.

"I can only imagine," I said, shaking my head. "You must look like a complete ninja."

"More like Michael Jackson on a day off." he replied.

He leaned forward now, to get a better look at me as he rested his elbows on his knees, and I could see the glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

"But honestly, this is just precautionary. You know how it can get."

I nodded, appreciating the effort he put into keeping things low-key, even in a place as unassuming as this clinic.

It was strange, even after all this time, to think of him, THE Michael Jackson, sitting in a small examination room, waiting for a routine check-up with me.

A knock on the door startled us both, and he hurried to readjust the scarf over his face.

"Ms. Angela Brown?" a doctor walked in, looking between Michael and I. "Hi, I'm Dr. Meredith Grey, nice to meet you."

The woman in front of me had a warm expression on, some blonde strands falling out of her ponytail and framing her face effortlessly.

"And you are...?" she turned to Michael.

"Uh, call me Joey for now. I'm the dad." he said, using a lower voice than usual.

I noticed a hint of suspicion in her eyes as she tried to figure out who was hidden behind that disguise, but she quickly returned her focus to me.

"So, do you know how far along you are?"

"I'm guessing around 16 weeks. I've been reading books..."

Dr. Grey nodded, making some notes on her clipboard. "Alright, we'll do a quick ultrasound to confirm that. When was your last cycle?"

"End of November..."

"Sounds about right. Any symptoms?"

"Nausea, fatigue, a lot of headaches... But they've clamed down quite a bit."

"Very common in the first and second trimesters," she assured me, her voice calm. "Let's take a look and see how everything is progressing."

As I shifted on the examination table, Michael leaned even more forward, almost as if he was ready to jump if anything was to happen.

I could feel his eyes on me, even through his sunglasses. The doctor checked my vitals first.

She gave me a reassuring smile. "Your blood pressure looks really good, and your heart rate is normal. Now, let's take a look at that bump of yours."

I hesitated, rolling up my hoodie to expose my belly.

Her eyebrows raised in surprise when she saw how big it was, then recovered a second later.

She squirted some cold gel onto my skin, and I flinched slightly.

"You went to Berkeley? I had a hoodie just like that." she asked, breaking the silence.

"Uh, yes, Business and Marketing." I replied, a bit shyly.

"I did my undergrad there," she said, distracting me as she prepared the machine. "It's a great school, isn't it?"

"Yeah." I sighed, looking away from her glance.

"Ready?"

I nodded, and she placed the scanner on my belly, "You'll feel a little bit of pressure, Angela... Try taking deep breaths."

Focusing on her voice, I took in a long breath.

The pressure was uncomfortable, but I was determined to stay calm.

Michael's hand found mine, his grip offering some comfort.

As the screen flickered to life, my heart raced against my chest.

The shapes began to form, and I inhaled deeply again.

I glanced at Michael, who stood next to me now, his attention completely on the screen.

Finally, the image stabilized, and I could see what looked like a tiny figure.

"Okay, there's the baby," Dr. Grey announced, pointing at the monitor. "They look around 16 weeks, so you were right about that. Let's see about the heartbeat..."

My breath hitched as she adjusted the scanner. I could see small hands, a head, and then a tiny chest.

Then, in an instant, the room filled with a steady, rhythmic thump.

I felt the tears emerge, as I looked at the tiny heart beating on the monitor.

Its movements were fast, but strong.

There's actually a baby in there...

I blinked away the tears, overwhelmed by the sight.

"That's our baby." I whispered, barely able to contain my emotions.

Michael's fingers tightened around mine.

"Wow," he breathed, his voice filled with awe. "I can't believe it... "

We were so caught up in this beautiful moment, our little family captured on the screen, that I didn't care when he took off his sunglasses to wipe away tears.

Dr. Grey was still focused on the monitor, her eyebrows scrunched as she kept moving the scanner.

She applied more pressure to the side of my stomach, my nose scrunching in response to her basically pressing on my ribs.

"Is everything okay?" Michael questioned, clearly concerned.

She glanced at him, and for a brief second, it seemed as if she recognized his eyes, but she quickly composed herself.

"Uh," she cleared her throat. "There's something else, just give me a moment..."

"Something else?" I felt more tears emerge, this time from my worries bubbling up.

Something's wrong, it has to be... She wouldn't be reacting like this if it wasn't.

"It's nothing serious, I just want to confirm- Oh! There it is! Do you hear that?"

I focused, slowly realizing there was another thumping sound. And another two legs, another two arms.

What...?

"Is that...?"

"Another heartbeat, yes."

Twins?

I then realized the gene runs in my family, with my mom being a twin.

Huh, I guess it skipped a generation. She'd be so excited for me if she was here right now...

"Twins?" Michael gasped, as if he heard my thoughts.

"Twins," she looked at him again, and it looked like she connected the dots. "Sorry, Joey, but you look so familiar."

"Just, uh, a familiar face, I guess." he hurried to put his sunglasses back on.

"Right... Well, everything seems to be great. It looks a little early to know the sex, but come back next month. Until then, rest, Angela. You have two very healthy babies in there. I'll get those pictures printed out for you."

Michael went on to ask her if she had any recommendations for doctors in LA.

But I couldn't hear them anymore, so focused on the paused image of my babies on the monitor.

Their little feet showed, the same feet that have been kicking me since yesterday.

Gosh, twins...