19th of August, 1994
Brooklyn and Janet are 28, Michael is 35

Janet: Staring down at my big stomach, another contraction hit.

I moaned in pain as it got stronger and lasted longer.

I was leaning against the hospital room wall, with Rebbie rocking my hips behind me.

My vision blurred; I felt so lightheaded I could faint. I was expecting my legs to give up on me at any moment.

A nurse came to check on me a few minutes ago, saying I was only at seven centimeters, and the baby was showing no signs of wanting to come out soon.

It was taking so long, it's been eight hours since we got to the hospital.

"Jan," I vaguely heard Brooke speak. "Maybe you should get the epidural. You're in too much pain."

I shook my head, "No, I don't want a drugged bab-"

I was cut off by my own scream when an unbearable pain pierced my body.

"That's it, I'm calling a nurse." La Toya mumbled.

Rebbie helped me get back to bed and mother had so much concern in her eyes.

I looked up at a nurse who came in through the door.

~

I let out a big sigh of relief when the pain started fading away, the epidural kicking in.

Why didn't I do this sooner?

Laying on the abnormal big hospital bed, I put a hand on my bump.

The baby was still moving, making me smile. All I wanted was to hold her in my arms already.

And I was just so tired, I wanted this to end.

"You can try to fall asleep, gain back your powers, honey." mother smiled.

"I think I'll do just that." I smiled back.

~

I closed my eyes for what seemed like seconds before Brooke woke me up.

"Jan, the nurse needs to check you." she said.

Everything seemed calmer around me and I let my nurse do her work.

"Oh, wow," she widened her eyes. "She's crowning, Janet. I'll get the doctor."

I gasped, "Really?"

"Yes, I see her head. She's right there."

The nurse quickly left the room. I heard her call for my doctor loudly.

Mother and Brooke stood at either side of me, while La Toya and Rebbie held my legs up.

I took a deep breath as Dr. Cole entered, a big smile on his face.

The only thing missing was Brandon.

~

Brooklyn: Janet took in deep breaths as she stopped pushing.

"You're doing beautifully well, Janet. She is almost out." Dr. Cole encouraged her.

"Just a few more pushes, honey." Katherine removed curls from her sweaty forehead.

I smiled, "You got this, Jan."

My best friend's grip on my hand tightened as she bore down again.

"Ooh, there she is!" La Toya chirped.

"Don't stop, Janet, come on."

With one more big push, Dr. Cole placed a tiny baby on her chest.

Her cries filled the room. We all watched as Janet held her, the tears flowing down her cheeks.

I couldn't help but cry along with her, adoring this beautiful baby girl.

"A healthy girl, born on August 19th, at 9:13 AM." a nurse recorded.

~

Michael: We drove to the back entrance of the UCLA medical center.

As soon as the car came to a halt, Brandon opened the door and rushed inside.

I followed him along with Dan and Jaden, who held in their laughter.

The entire flight he couldn't sit down, with the thought of Janet having their baby without him constantly in his mind.

Going up the elevator to the fifth floor, Brandon tapped his feet nervously.

We got the news my sister gave birth when we landed. Everyone around the plane was cheering, and congratulated the both of us.

I was excited to see my new niece. And I was happy to come back to Brooklyn.

Brandon approached the birthing suite door and knocked lightly.

Mother opened the door, attacking him in a big hug.

"Oh, she's absolutely beautiful! I'm so proud of you two!" she shed a few tears.

As we went further in, I spotted Janet's tired expression as she held a small baby in her arms.

Brooke was next to her, holding the baby's tiny hand.

She stood up and came to me. I wrapped my arms around her, scared to let go.

"Wow, I made this beautiful thing?" Brandon spoke.

Janet nodded and wiped her fresh tears. Her boyfriend held their daughter gently when he studied her.

"I think it's time for us to leave these two alone," Joseph said. "They need time together."

All my brothers and sisters, along with Brooke's side of the family, fled out of the room.

I turned to leave with my wife, too, but Janet stopped us.

"Mike, come hold her." she smiled.

I did as she told, and took a seat next to her bed.

Brandon placed the fragile baby in my arms.

"What's her name?" I asked, adoring this precious creature.

"Kate." my sister said.

I grinned, "As in Katherine?"

She nodded, the smile still on her face.

I leaned down to kiss Kate's small forehead.

"Welcome to the family." I whispered.

~

22nd of August, 1994
Brooklyn and Janet are 28, Michael is 35

Brooklyn: Michael placed my things in my closet room quickly.

I looked around our bedroom and sighed.

I haven't been in here so long I almost forgot what it looked like.

Even though I was still debating with myself whether to forgive my husband or not, I had to come home.

Janet and Brandon had to take time alone to be with their new daughter, and I just couldn't stay away anymore.

Michael appeared from the closet room with a smile on his face.

He gracefully came to me and hugged me, thanking God that I've returned to Neverland.

Pulling back, he stroked my cheek with his thumb. He leaned down, placing his soft lips on mine.

It was the first time in so long that I kissed him.

As he deepened the kiss, the picture of Lisa kissing him made its way to my mind. She was the last woman that his lips touched.

I unconnected our lips, escaping his gentle hold.

"What is it?" he asked, eyes glistening.

"Lisa... She was the last one to kiss you... I can't- I'm sorry." I mumbled.

He nodded as if he understood and excused himself.

I instantly felt bad. He was only trying to make things right again.

"Mike, wait. Come here." I smiled.

I held his hand, giving his cheek a long kiss.

"I love you." I said.

Michael blushed and took me to our bed, "Let's watch a movie."

~

17th of October, 1994
Brooklyn and Janet are 28, Michael is 36

Brooklyn: Baby Kate laughed loudly when I tickled her, almost falling from my lap.

I smiled and brought her to my face. Her eyes sparkled.

She looked so much like Janet as a little girl, with a hint of Brandon in her.

Like the greenish blue eyes; those were her father's.

Though I loved spending time with my niece because Janet had to work, I couldn't help but wish it was Michael's and I's child I'd be home with.

It also made me doubtful.

My biological clock was ticking. I was almost 29, which meant I had six more years before my body would start changing, hormonal wise.
As if it hasn't changed so much already.

The phone rang. I wanted to pick it up, but Little Kate avoided me from doing so by starting to cry.

I rocked her in my arms until she calmed down a bit. Helen entered the living room with a smile on her face.

"Mrs. Jackson, it's Frank." she told me, holding out the phone.

"Tell him I'll call him back." I mumbled and put Kate on her play mat.

"He says it's urgent."

I sighed, putting the phone to my ear.

"Bad timing?" Frank asked.

"Yeah, I'm babysitting for Janet," I answered. "What's up?"

He cleared his throat,"You've heard of Mariah Carey, right?"

"Of course, who hasn't?" I snickered.

"Well... She has a new music video that's supposed to come out in September of next year. Her manager called, saying she has seen you on stage with Mike, and in 'In the Closet'. He said she really loved you. She wants you as a choreographer."

I almost dropped the phone.

"What?!"

"You heard me."

I stood there, shocked.

"He said, and I quote, 'Mariah loved the sexy vibe she gives when dancing'. Mariah needs an answer by December, that's why I said it's urgent. I wanted to give you some time to think about it." Frank said.

"Thank you so much, Frank!" I screamed excitedly.

"It was all you, kid. I'll give you Mariah's manager phone number tomorrow, I wanna see you and Mike." he chuckled.

We said our goodbyes and hung up. Still unable to believe it, I looked at Kate who was smiling.

"Did you hear that, Katie? Auntie Brooke's gonna be a choreographer for Mariah Carey!" I chirped.

She reached out her arms for me to take her. The phone rang, again, and this time I answered on time.

"Hey, babe." Michael sounded cheerful.

"Hey," I smiled. "How's it going?"

He's been in the studio all day, working on his new album.

"Great. Everything is coming out well. How's your day with Katie so far?" he asked.

"She's the cutest baby in the world." I answered, playing with Kate's curls.

"Tell her to bring my daughter!" I heard Janet say from my husband's line.

"Why is Janet there?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Maybe if you come here, we'll tell you." Michael teased.

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, okay. I'll be there soon."

~

Michael: I put the phone back in my pocket and glanced at Janet.

"That's my cue." she smirked, going into the recording booth.

I watched as she gave her all to singing the chorus of 'Scream'.

I couldn't wait for the world to hear this duet with my sister. It was the perfect way to introduce to my fans the 'HIStory' album.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, telling me I had a call. Probably Brooklyn asking which studio we're in.

When I saw the caller ID on the small screen, I groaned. It was Lisa.
She has been calling me ever since I told her to leave me alone the day of Janet's birthday.

"Tell her I'll be right back." I told Brandon.

He nodded, and I left the studio.

"Lisa," I answered the call. "You have to stop calling me."

"Michael... You can't just let me go like that. I miss talking to you, please." she cried.

"I am happily married, Lisa, to a woman I love very much. I can't afford to lose her again. She almost filed a divorce because of your games." I mumbled, rubbing my temples as a headache emerged.

"It's not like you pulled away," she snapped. "And what if she wouldn't have seen us? Huh? What would've happened then? You'd just keep talking to me, and eventually you'd fall for me like I fell for you."

Hearing her confess her feelings towards me made me feel guilty. I gave this poor girl hope for nothing, while I knew she was only a person to talk to in a time of need.

I sighed, "But that didn't happen, Lisa. We are happy now, okay? Please, don't ruin my marriage."

"How come you're so happy, Michael? Is she pregnant and it worked this time? Wait, no. That's not it. I bet she lost so many babies she won't be able to even conceive again."

I slammed the phone shut in anger. How dare she speak about my wife like that?

Turning around to return to the studio, I stopped when an angry Janet looked up at me.

"What were you doing talking to Lisa Marie?" she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Telling her to leave me and Brooke alone."

She raised her eyebrows like she didn't believe me.

"Dunk, I swear, I'm finished with her." I said, holding my hands up.

My sister squinted her big brown eyes at me, "Come hear what I've recorded."

~

I was recording my own vocals when Brooke stepped into the studio.

Seeing her with little Kate made me smile widely. To be honest, it made me want to try for another baby. Even after everything we went through, I had hope. A lot of it.

I saw her hug Janet and give her Kate, and I signaled the recording tech to stop the track.

My wife looked excited. Maybe too much excited.

When I opened the recording booth door, she attacked me in a tight hug.

"Guess what?!"

I chuckled, "What?"

"Mariah Carey wants me as a choreographer for her next music video! ME!"

I widened my eyes.

"Baby, that's amazing!" I exclaimed, hugging her tighter.

Though she hasn't really done anything solo, this will totally boost her career. I had to admit I was a bit scared to lose her, professionally speaking. She was my best dancer.

I knew she was gonna do a great job at this gig.

I placed a kiss on her cheek, to let her know I couldn't be prouder.

"So what's all the secrecy about?" she asked, looking at Janet.

"You know how I told you the first single of the album is 'Scream'? I decided it should be a duet with a certain lady who's very special to me..." I bit my bottom lip.

"Thanks, Mike."

"Any time," I told my little sister, and turned my attention to the baby in her arms. "Come to uncle Mike, Katie!"

Brooke laughed as I took Kate in my arms and cradled her against my chest.