3rd of June, 1995
Brooklyn and Janet are 29, Michael is 36

Brooklyn: "Oh, Janet, she's absolutely gorgeous!" aunt Rose said, admiring baby Kate.

She was now a little over nine months old and she was the most beautiful baby ever. I couldn't adore her more.

"That's 'cause she looks like her." Brandon laughed.

Janet rolled her eyes and played with Kate's hand.

Aunt Rose and my cousins, Georgie and Emma, decided to pay us a visit. I called Janet and Brandon over because I knew Rose wanted to see them. Of course, my brother was here with his little family, and dad too.

My two cousins have grown up so much. Georgie was 16, and Emma was 15.

"When can we go on the rides?" Georgie asked, glancing outside.

"When Michael gets back." I answered.

"Speaking of Michael," Emma said, my husband's name coming out of her mouth in a cheeky tone. "Where is he?"

"Ugh, Em, you can't have a crush on your cousin's husband, it's just wrong." her brother groaned.

She hit his arm, "I don't have a crush on him!"

"Right, I'm sorry. You're obsessed. She has hundreds of posters of him in her room!"

"I might have a few posters of him in my room. Plus, every girl is like, obsessed with him. I'm not that different." Emma scoffed.

"Then you should consider yourself lucky, Em. You're legally related to him." I told her.

"Yeah, but I don't get to fuck him like you do." my cousin mumbled under her breath.

Janet let out a chuckle, and Rose looked terrified.

"Emma!" she scolded, making her daughter look away.

She's jealous of me. That's cute.

"Don't try stealing my man, kid." I warned and winked.

It made her smile. "He's sexy."

"Now that's something we can both agree on."

Emma has grown into a beautiful young lady. She had green eyes that matched her mother's and my own, with dark brown hair that made them pop out.

"So... When is he coming back?"

I shook my head and laughed.

Thinking of Michael made me frown all of a sudden. To think it was a year ago when I was ready to give up our marriage. A year ago he broke my heart. I fully forgave him since then, and he knew that.

He tried to make up for it so much by always telling me where he went. Even inside the house, he'd tell me.

Like today, I knew he went to cut his hair. He said he's trimming it a bit, since it got so long.

My thoughts were interrupted by Kate's crying.

"Aww, honey. Shh, it's okay. Mommy's here." Janet cooed her daughter.

"Babe, something smells." Brandon commented.

"I think she did a number two." Georgie scrunched his nose.

Janet sighed, "Fine, I'll go change her."

~

Michael: I closed the front door and took off my sunglasses.

I was determined to have the baby talk with my wife today. It seemed like the perfect time, especially when I knew she was gonna be in a good mood because of my changed hair.

"There, all done. Feeling better, Katie?" Janet walked towards the living room with my niece in her arms.

"Hey, Mike, what's u- Oh, my, your hair!" she said when she finally saw me.

I blushed, "Is it that weird?"

"No, it's just... Short. Gonna have to get used to it."

I smiled, reaching out to take Kate from her.

"Who's here?" I asked when I heard noises from the living room.

"Rose came with Georgie and Emma. Come." she answered.

With Kate sitting on my hip, I followed my sister.

Emma noticed me first, which wasn't that surprising.

"Michael! Oh, my God! You cut your hair!" she widened her eyes.

Everyone's attention turned to me instantly.

"Oh, wow. Babe, it looks great!" Brooklyn complimented.

"Thank you." I grinned shyly.

"Hey, Mike. It's great to see you." George said.

"You too, Georgie. Come here." I told him, and pulled him into a hug.

I saw Emma's face had jealousy written all over it. It always amused me how she was such a big fan.

"Em, don't you want a hug?" I questioned, opening my free arm for her.

She turned red instantly. I laughed in my head as she came to me and gave me a tight hug.

Looking around the room as she hugged me, I noticed Joshua's sad expression. I knew him well enough to know something was wrong, I just couldn't put my finger on it.

"Em, stop obsessing over the guy, and let's go to the rides!" Georgie whined.

Everyone laughed, making Emma's already blushed cheeks turn into a deeper shade of red.

~

Brooklyn: Michael's hot lips sent shivers down my spine as they nibbled my neck.

The running water washed our naked bodies that were attached to each other.

I played with the edges of his now short curls and smiled. This man could drive me crazy when he wanted to.

"What would you say if I asked you to try again?" he whispered to my skin, pulling me closer.

I thought about it for a while, as my husband tried convincing me by letting his lips travel everywhere on my neck and chest area.

"Mike." I breathed when he reached my right nipple.

"Just say yes... We'll go to every expert in the country until it works. Please."

He was begging for us to try for another baby. How could I say no when he was looking at me with those big brown eyes of his?

Michael puckered his lips as his figure straightened.

"Please." he said again.

I went up on my toes and kissed him.

When we pulled away, he couldn't hide his smile, "So is that a 'yes'?"

~

28th of June, 1995
Brooklyn is 29, Michael is 36

Michael: "Well," Dr. James smiled. "We know there's nothing wrong with either one of you. I think I figured it out. What's causing these miscarriages is really coming from an external factor. Stress. It's as simple as that.
I know that before you came to me last year, Michael was in rehab, right? That could've caused stress you weren't aware to, Brooke."

"And with our first pregnancy I wasn't home too much... I was really busy with 'Dangerous' and promoting it..." I sighed.

So it really was all because of me. I was causing my wife stress that eventually led to losing two babies.

"Michael, this isn't your fault. There's no one to blame here." the doctor said.

"So what you're saying is, if I get pregnant again, I need a stress free environment?" Brooke scrunched her eyebrows.

"Yes. The most serene and peaceful environment there is."

"That's not gonna happen as long as she's with me." I mumbled.

It was true. Like I said before, I'm a heavy load.

"Mike, shush." my wife waved her hand in disapproval.

"How about you don't try just yet, and do a little experiment. Make your home as peaceful as it can be. Once you feel like it worked, start with the baby making." Dr. James suggested.

"Oh, that's not gonna happen. I have a busy schedule for the next two months. Michael too."

Brooke wasn't wrong. She was working with Mariah Carey, while I was taking care of my own career. We're supposed to shoot together 'You Are Not Alone' next month.

"Then once it's all over, start what I've told you. Believe me, it will be for the better-"

Dr. James was cut off my the sound of my ringing phone.

I apologized and took it out of my pocket to see who was calling. Joshua's name blared out, making me raise my eyebrows.

Excusing myself, I walked outside and answered.

"Joshua?" I asked, curious why he was calling me instead of Brooke.

"I need you to come over. I have something to talk to you about." my father-in-law's voice was groggy when he spoke.

"Wha-"

"Don't ask questions. Just come whenever you're free."

"I'll drop by tomorrow." I promised. He didn't sound right. Something was definitely off with him.

He hung up the call quickly. I returned to the room, giving my wife a reassuring smile.

~

22nd of June, 1995
Brooklyn is 29, Michael is 36

Michael: Joshua trembled as he sat across from me.

He offered me something to drink or eat, but I refused. He was definitely out of it.

"Joshua, what's wrong?" I asked, my tone coming out really concerned.

He rubbed his face, then started to cry.

"I," he started, voice shaking. "I have cancer."

I froze. Did he say what I think he said?

"W- what?" I blinked.

He looked at me with red, puffy, eyes, and pulled up his shirt to expose a back full of blue and purple bruises.

"I have Leukemia. They discovered it a little over a month ago. I didn't know who to tell... My children will be crushed. I can't do that to them." he covered his face again.

I just stared at him. This can't be happening. Everything was falling back into place, then this happens.

Joshua swallowed loudly, "My doctor said it's pretty bad. I have maybe five years to live, if I'm fortunate enough."

The tears stung my eyes as well.

"No, Joshua, you can't think like that. I'll pay for every single treatment, you'll see you'll get better, soon." my voice cracked.

"Michael, son, there's nothing you can do, okay? The doctor said-"

"Well, maybe the doctor doesn't know what he's talking about!" I screamed.

He flinched.

"I know you're angry. I was angry for a while as well, but I accepted the situation. You should, too. Be there for my children, support them for me." Joshua said.

He sighed, took out a piece of paper from his pocket, and put it in my hand.

"I have one request. All I want is to see my family whole again. I wrote Marie's number on that piece of paper. Please, call her and reunite my family before I die."

Before I die. Those words kept going through my mind, but were never fully processed.

"On one condition," I took in a deep breath. "You let me pay for your treatment. You will go through it, even if your doctor says otherwise."

"Okay." he agreed.

~

29th of June, 1995
Brooklyn is 29, Michael is 36

Michael: I stared at the small piece of paper that Joshua gave me.

I knew I promised him I'd call Marie, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Keeping his condition from my wife would already put me in big trouble, and this would make it worse.

He's going to chemo because you promised, Michael. You have to call her.

I sighed, taking the phone from my nightstand.

"Hello?" a voice similar to Brooklyn's answered. "Hello, who's this?"

"Marie? Hi, this is Michael. Michael Jackson." I said.

"You aren't joking, right?"

"No, it's me. Brooklyn's husband."

She laughed, "Oh, wow. Say that again so it'll sink in."

"Marie, I'll make this short. Something is wrong with Joshua and he wants you to come here so you could reunite with your children. I don't believe that's gonna happen, but I said I'll call you." I muttered.

"What's wrong with Joshua?" she asked.

"I can't tell you over the phone. I'll book you a flight to LA and I'll take you to him so he can tell you himself."

"I guess I can make it." I heard her sigh.

"Thanks. He really appreciates it. I appreciate it." I told her.

Looking up, I saw Brooke walk into our room.

"I have to go. I'll call again soon." I hurried to say, then hung up.

She looked at me curiously. "Who were you talking to?"

I smiled, "Just work. Don't worry you pretty little head about it."

My wife returned a smile and leaned down to peck my lips.

~

7th of July, 1995
Brooklyn is 29, Michael is 36

Brooklyn: "Images of rapture creep into me slowly as you're going through my head..."

Mariah Carey's vocals played loudly through our home studio as I tried out new dance moves with her dancers.

We were interrupted by Michael walking in.

I stopped the music. I was really insecure about Michael seeing what I've come up with.

He seemed irritated with something for the past two weeks, but whenever I asked him what was bothering him, he avoided answering.

"What's going on?" I asked as I approached him.

"Can you finish for today?"

"Why?"

"I just miss you, that's all," he lied. "Plus, you've been working all day. Take a break, and come with me."

I studied his face. He had been crying, I could see it right through all the makeup he wore.

What is he hiding?

I turned to the dancers, who looked in awe at my husband.

"Guys, we're finished for today." I snapped them out if it.

They nodded and started gathering their things.

"Come on." Michael said, grabbed my hand, and took me to Brandon and Steve who were waiting patiently next to a black SUV.

"Michael, where are we going?" I asked, confused as hell.

He didn't answer. He only ordered me to get in the car.

~

Steve stopped the car at the back entrance of the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage hospital.

Michael thanked him, then helped me out of the car.

We went through the halls of the hospital, accompanied by Brandon and a nurse.

I was completely confused now as I didn't know what we were doing here. Michael wouldn't tell me anything.

The nurse stopped in front of a door, "He's in here."

My husband grabbed the sides of my face, making me look him in the eyes. The tears were dreading to come out of them.

"When we go in there, just know that I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner, he didn't want you to know." he sniffled.

He pecked my lips softly before pulling me into a big hug.

Brandon opened the door for us. I walked into the big hospital room, afraid of what I was supposed to find.

Sitting on a comfy chair in the corner of the room, my dad let out a groan. He looked so lifeless.

Two IVs were stuck in his arms, blood going in and out of each one.

Then, I spotted the woman I despised the most sitting next to him. My mother held his hand lightly, giving his knuckles small kisses.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"I was about to ask the same thing." Chris's voice came from behind me.

Michael stood quietly with head down next to the door.

Marie turned to us, her green eyes sparkling. I hated the fact that I looked so much like her.

"Oh, God. Look at you two, all grown up." she covered her mouth.

I rolled my eyes. She suddenly cares?

"Dad, what's going on?" Chris questioned, ignoring our mother.

"Kids... Your dad, he... He has Leukemia." Marie said sadly.

My heart stopped. He has what?

Chris stumbled back, his back hitting a nearby wall.

I had so many questions. I couldn't believe this, at all. My mind was searching for answers it didn't have.

"Brooke?" Michael's voice was barely heard as I was too concentrated in finding sense in all of this.

I felt his hand on my shoulder as he turned me around to face him.

I slowly looked up at his face. He looked sad, and sorry.

My blood was boiling. How could he keep such a crucial thing about my father from me?!

He took my hands and made me hug him.

I pushed him away, forcibly. Without thinking, my hand flew across his face.

"How- who gave you the right to keep such an important detail about my dad from me, Michael?!" I yelled, the tears flowing down my cheeks. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?! You had no right to! He's my father, not yours! You asshole!"

"Baby, he didn't want you guys to know until he was ready to tell you. I'm sorry." my husband said, reaching out a hand to me.

"Don't you dare touch me!" I barked.

"Sweetheart, don't be mad at him. I asked him to do that. He just followed my orders. He even called Marie for me." Dad's voice was barely heard when he spoke.

I raised my eyebrows, "You called that abandoning bitch? Wow, Mike, nothing seems to be in your favor today."

"Brooklyn, I'm your mother, don't speak to me that way." Marie's tone was harsh.

"My mother?" I snickered. "You're just the woman who gave birth to me. A mother is supposed to raise her children. I don't even remember your presence in my life."

I went to Chris, offering my hand for him to take.

He took it and I pulled him up to his feet.

"Let's get out of here." I said.

He nodded in agreement as he felt the same way I did. Betrayed.

With my hand is my brother's, we left the room to find his car.

"So where are we going?" he asked when we drove out of the hospital's parking.

"Dad's house is the place to be right now. Don't you think?"

I saw him smile, "Great idea."

~

12th of July, 1995
Brooklyn is 29, Michael is 36

Brooklyn: "Sis, Karen's on the phone. She says it's important." Chris shook my shoulder to wake me up.

I opened my eyes to see him holding out my dad's home phone.

"What, Karen?" I asked blankly, sitting up in my bed.

"I'm calling for Michael. He's asking if you're gonna make it to the video shoot today." she said.

Hearing my husband's name made me sad. It was the second year in a row that we didn't celebrate our anniversary because something took us apart.

But then I remembered the reason I was here and not at Neverland.

"Tell him I'll be there." I mumbled and hung up.

I was so mad at him, I totally forgot all about the 'You Are Not Alone' shoot.

"So you're going?" Chris questioned as I got out of bed.

I shrugged, "I have to. I promised him I'd do it."

My brother sighed and left my bedroom to let me get ready.

~

"I really am sorry." Michael whispered in my ear as I leaned towards his half naked body.

I ignored his apology and kept leaning so the cameras wouldn't catch my bare chest.

He had this crazy idea about us being naked on stage for this particular music video. I can't even remember why I agreed to do this.

I could've choked him right there. He hid my father's medical condition from me. I didn't care that it was because dad asked.
As my husband, Michael needed to tell me. And not to mention the fact that he was responsible for my mother's return.

Giving him a fake smile, he pulled away to show his perfectly lined teeth as well.

"Cut!" the director yelled. "That was perfect, guys. Thank you!"

A robe was instantly given to me. I hurried to put it on and run to my dressing room.

"Brooke, wait!" I heard Michael call after me.

He was fast enough to reach me. He grabbed my wrist and made me look at him.

"Michael, I am this close to punching you, I swear." I said, pinching two fingers together to show him.

"I deserve it. But listen to me, okay? I'm sorry for not telling you. I couldn't tell you myself."

"You called the woman who thinks she's my mother. You told her to come here. You know I never wanted to see her, but you still did it. You were there the first time she showed up. You should've known."

"Joshua told me he wanted to see his family together again before he dies." my husband said in a low voice, sadness filling his eyes.

That hit me, hard.

"He told me he doesn't have much to live, Brooklyn. That was his wish, the least I could do for him is that simple thing. I said I'd do it only if he tries to fight it."

"What- what do you mean he doesn't have much to live?" I asked.

"Five years. That's what the doctor told him. If he's lucky." Michael answered.

Oh, God. No, he can't just die.

I broke into tears. Knowing my dad, the man who raised me and my brother, the man who taught me everything, might not be with us soon, was too much.

My husband caught me and let me cry into his chest.

He stroked my hair, telling me he's here for me and Chris. He said he will try to make it better.

Was it enough? Of course not. I wanted him to tell me he'd find a cure for my father.

But I knew it could never happen.

~

Well, there's another chapter!

I now need you help, my lovely readers.
I'm pretty sure I want to change the title of this story, but I am completely stuck. I might change my mind, but for now I do.
Anyway, if you have a suggestion for a new title, please comment or message me!

Thank you, again, for reading my story! I love you!

~ShoamEmily