Michael's POV:
"STOP RIGHT THERE!"
We all look to the left of the stage, and Janet comes walking up as sassy as she could.

"That's right-" Janet was cut off from her line.

"Hold on Janet, remember you wait for Michael to introduce you, after the applause die down. Then you go into your line." The director, Bill Davis instructed.

"I'm so sorry, please let me try again." She said with a look of discomfort.

The look on her face broke my heart so I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"It's ok Jan, this is why we rehearse. You are doing great. Just loosen up and relax. You can do this." I encouraged with a smile.

She pursed her lips, fighting back a smile. As she walked back to her starting place the rest of us, encouraged her.

Truth be told, we were tired and ready to go home. Plus we were frustrated because Janet kept making small mistakes, right after we would correct her. However, with Janet being the youngest we would never try to upset her. Besides, this is our very first televised show that will be about us; starring us. There is no doubt that we are all nervous. Probably the girls more than us because we just started implementing them into our act. We are used to being on stage, they are not so we have to give them some guidance and be patient. Success doesn't happen overnight and us "The Jacksons" should know that.

"Alright Michael. Just say the last two lines and Janet I want you to come in and start your lines, but remember wait for Michael to introduce you." Bill said.

I nodded.

"Action!" He pointed.

"Now let's meet the sexy side of family. Ladies and gentlemen our sisters!" I said.

The crew that were there clapped to simulate a crowd that would be present. We all smiled as LaToya and Rebbie came walking up on stage.

I held my arm out for Rebbie as she was the first one to reach me and LaToya stood next to her. They both smiled and curtsied a bit.

"Hi I'm Rebbie." She waved and smiled.
"And I'm LaToya. LaToya smiled as well.

"Now that we're all here, let's go. A 1, a 2-" I tried to say.

"Hold It right there dude!" Janet shouted and came sassily charging at me.

She reached us with her hands on her hips, that were supposed to be present; along with a twisted face.

I tried to hold a laugh in, She was too cute.

The surrounding crew clapped for her entrance.

"Ohhh, I forgot. This is our little sister, Janet Jackson." I laughed nervously.

"That's right, I'm Janet Jackson and nothing starts till I say go." She swayed her tiny hips and pointed at herself, while moving her neck around.

If Janet knew anything it was how to be sassy.

"Ok, go." She snapped her fingers.

We laughed and ran toward our positions, to grab the mics and finish up our opening number with 'Forever Came Today'.

"Perfect Janet! You did great!" Bill congratulated her.

"That's how you do it Jan, you did great Girl." Rebbie said as Jackie lifted her over his shoulder, tickling her.

"Alright guys, we are going set up the stage and wait for Sonny Bono to show up to practice your number together. Then we are going into the sports bit with LaToya and Rebbie, and Marlon. Then we are going to go over our closing number and we'll be done for today." Bill informed.

We all sighed, silently praying for this to be over.

In the beginning we were excited, but now we all so over this filming process. I personally didn't want to do this, but it was Joseph idea for us to do this. Of course it was his way to make money. The other fellas had no problem with it, everything Jospeh said they seem to follow. 'He's our father' they'd often say. Do you think Jospeh cares about being our father? He does what he wants, without regard for anyone's feelings. He wouldn't even let me go see my own son, who isn't even a day old yet!

I was so angry with Joseph, with Tayler, and not being able to see Elijah's face; and being here didn't help.

Elijah.

He was the most beautiful baby I have ever seen, I never seen anything so delicate. I just wanted to hold him close to me and never let go, but she happened.

How could she say she didn't want to marry me? What's wrong with me? Is she not attracted to me? Is she unhappy with me? I understand all we have been through, but I thought love prevails through all darkness or hard times. I guess not.

I placed my head on my knees as I sat on the ground with my back against the wall. I figured since they are arranging everything,we should be able to take a small break.

"Damn, so Michael's a daddy."

Boy was I wrong.

I lifted my head up to come face to face with Jackie and Tito.

"So how do you feel?" Jackie asked.

"Besides Joseph being an ass, it feels good." I cheesed a bit.

Elijah just doesn't understand how happy he makes me, but hopefully one day he will.

"That was expected, he went ballistic when he found out DeeDee was having a baby." Tito spoke.

"That's because you told him after she had the baby." Jackie snapped.

"And you see why I didn't tell him?" Tito questioned.

I chuckled a bit, " So how did you deal with that?" I asked.

"Who Joseph? I honestly don't have an answer Mike. But let me ask you this how did you feel when you seen him for the first time?" Tito inquired, referring to Elijah.

I blushed immediately, beaming with joy.

"I couldn't even describe it, there's not even enough words or words worthy enough to come close to describe what I felt." I honestly answered.

Normally when you think about something so much you start to forget what it looks like, but not me. Elijah stuck out in my mind more than anything. From the hook in his nose, to the mole of the side of his big toe, To the way his gums click together when he cries.

I could never forget perfection.

"I asked to say this. When I looked at Taj for the first time, even when I looked at Taryll I felt the same exact way. I had so much love for them, that I knew nobody not even Joseph can come in the way of my children. Of course I understand I have a job to do and this group means so much to me, but I also have to be a man. And a part of being a man is being able to take care of your family as well as balancing your life to financially support them." Tito said.

It really touched me, Tito never really said much because he was always the laid back one. But I see fatherhood has touched him just as much as it touched me.

"Well I can't relate." Jackie shrugged.

"Watch you'll be next." Tito commented.

"Why would you wish that on me?" Jackie joked.

"Listen I wouldn't mind having children, just not now. Me and Enid are still in the honeymoon phase, so you know what that means." Jackie smirked.

I just shook my head, while Tito gave him a pound.

"Come on Mike, you can't tell me you don't miss being inside that. I know you do." Jackie egged on.

"Watch it Jackie." I said.

No matter how upset I am at her, I still wouldn't let anyone disrespect her in my presence. She is my child's mother after all, and maybe because I can't suppress my feelings for her.

Besides, that's none of Jackie's business if I miss having sex with her. I do miss being inside her, hearing her purr in my ear, kiss on me and bite on my shoulder to stifle her scream, I miss-.

Damn, I can't even stay mad at her, and that kiss we shared earlier just made things much more complicated. Plus this isn't the time and the place for this to be thinking about. Any longer, and I would explode.

I couldn't settle my thoughts of her and Elijah, so I decided to get up and call her. I wanted to let her know about this Welcome home party, and maybe I missed her voice. If I know her like I think I do, she won't be too pleased about this. Plus I couldn't stop wondering about Elijah.

I entered the office, but regretted my decision once I saw Joseph in there with another woman.

"Hey Michael." She quickly got up from her spot, which was sitting on a desk with her legs slightly parted in front of Joseph.

I felt my stomach churn, how could he do this to mother? I would never do this to Tayler or any woman, whoever I end up with. It's disgusting! He's getting too fucking bold, we are supposed to be working. Something he always pushes us to do, anytime we relax or want to do other stuff; it's always work, be professional, image this, image that. How the hell is he going to preach something, but not practice it.

I tightened up my jaw, preventing myself from speaking.

"Well bye Joseph, I'll catch you later."

I hope she catches something alright.

She begin walking away, but paused to get his answer.

"Yeah, you'll see me." He nodded.

She swayed her hips as she walked, I just shook my head.

"What are you doing in here?" He got up and asked me, as if nothing happened.

I swallowed all the words, anger, and hurt that came up and spoke.

"To call Tayler to check on the baby and tell her about the welcome home gathering." I explained.

"Shouldn't you be working?" he asked.

"Shouldn't you be working?" I repeated his statement a little more harshly.

I can't believe him. He basically had a tramp in his damn lap, and all he can do is ask me about working. Aren't you the manager? You need to be doing your job, and not trying to manage your dick into another woman. How could he be so fucking bold? while the girls are here. This wasn't Joseph's first time offense, but I still ask myself the same question every time. How could he do this to mother? Nobody could compare to her, she was the epitome of what a woman is or should be. Joseph does not deserve her, father or no father.

"What did you just say to me boy?" Joseph took a few steps closer to me.

He stared daggers into me, while I stared them right back at him. I was holding my ground, and I was feeling damn proud about it too. However, I started to feel myself reverting back to being 12 years old and fainting at the sight of Joseph. Even having him this close to me made me want to throw up. To compensate for the feeling of bile coming up, I just can't kept my mouth close. Fearful of what might come out, words or vomit.

"Let me tell you something I don't care that you are a father now. I am your father and I am your manager and you will respect me. "

Respect you? How can I respect you when you don't even respect your own kids? You don't even respect your own wife! I would never treat any woman like Joseph does mother or treat Elijah how he treats us. Just his anger radiating off him and touching me made me angry, I had to speak. You won't disrespect my mother or me.

"I'll start doing my job when you do yours." I simply said not breaking eye contact.

Joseph stepped closer till we were inches a part, he grabbed my arm yanking me toward him till my ear was close to his mouth.

"Ever since you started hanging around that damn girl you've been smelling your damn self, but I'm letting you know now just because your nose is wide that doesn't mean keep sniffing. I will make you regret everything you are thinking about doing to me right now."

He harshly pushed me away from him like I disgusted him, but in this moment the feeling was definitely mutual. He stood still staring at me and it was starting to really get to me. I felt like the room was caving in on me, and in a second my breakfast would be on this floor. I quickly ran out the room, but still trying to come across as a bad ass I gave Joseph a death stare before high tailing it out the door.

I ran to the bathroom as fast as I could, it seemed like the further I was away from Joseph the better I felt. I pushed passed Janet and Randy, but ignored their complaints on my way to the bathroom.I hurried into the bathroom and as soon as I ran in I saw Jackie quickly move his hand from his mouth and stuff something into pants pocket.

I was watching him so intensely that I even saw his Adam's apple bob up then down, indicating that he swallowed something. The air was awkward and still, the only thing you could hear was the AC blowing in the bathroom. As we shared eye contact, I took the chance to really look into Jackie's eyes and try to read them. I finally noticed that something was wrong with him, I didn't see the Jackie that I know. I saw fear and guilt in his eyes, I knew he was hiding something. I don't know how I could tell, but I could feel it. My brothers and I traveled together, ate together, slept together, did homework together, work together, everything together. Therefore, by now I know when something is wrong. I wanted nothing more than to ask Jackie what was wrong, but I learned from experience that some people just wanted to be left alone and sometimes you have to give them some time to open up to you. Also, I was honestly scared because the way Jackie was looking at me he didn't want to be bothered and the look he gave me scared me; even though he looked as scared as I did looking at Joseph a few seconds ago.

He broke eye contact with me to wash his hands and dry them. He's seriously going to act like nothing just happened?

I can tell he's from Joseph's loins.

He walked up to me smoothly, but stopped when we were face to face. He placed his hand on my shoulder, looking me deep into my eyes.

"You didn't see nothing, so don't say nothing. Don't bring this up again." he finally spoke.

I just stood there because I didn't know what to say.

I just nodded my head. He tapped my shoulder twice and walked out the bathroom.

"What the hell is wrong with the people in this family?" I said aloud.

I went to the sink to rinse my face off.

This is going to be a long day.

~

The Next Day

Tayler's POV:

As exhausted as I was, I couldn't bring myself to go to sleep. I couldn't stop looking at him. I was just so amazed with him, shocked that he was finally here, and plus he's just too darn cute to just leave alone. I watched him all day and night yesterday, once I had me a nap.

I watched Elijah as his chest rose and fell, while he was sprawled out between my opened blanketed legs. For some reason ever since he came into this world I keep watching his chest, afraid that he might stop breathing. I don't know what I would do if that happened, however one thing I do know is looking at him takes away all the negative thoughts and darkness. All I could think about was going home and curling up with my newborn baby, starting my journey into motherhood.

I saw him smile in his sleep, I smiled myself.

"I hope you are having sweet dreams about mommy." I played with his wavy hair under his baby hat.

"You know your mama has dreamed about you, since I found out I was pregnant. You are better than anything I could have imagined or dreamed of."

I lifted him up closer to my face so I can kiss him. I just couldn't resist he's so gorgeous. Once I kissed his cheek a few times he started whining and even poked out his bottom lip. I just giggled, he was so adorable.

"Oh no, what happened to mommy's baby? You don't like mama's kisses?" I pecked his bottom lip.

I slid down into the bed, resting his head on my chest and his legs on my stomach.

"Look you need to get used to mama's kisses because you are going to get these kisses until you are 48." I said.

Almost immediately his arm flew up and landed on my mouth.

"I guess that's your way of saying no." I giggled, he is such a little character already.

I kissed his hand and rocked him slightly, making sure he goes back to sleep.

Being up with him by myself last night and even being with him now reinforced that thought of being a single mother. After Michael left last night he didn't even come back nor did he call. Always getting what I want or Michael always being apologetic when he is wrong or when I feel he is wrong, I convinced myself that Michael will be back or calling my hospital room.

But damn was I wrong.

I thought I would be hurt if Michael didn't step up once Eli got here, but now I'm just more angry than anything. Because Elijah is my heart and right now I feel Michael is playing with my heart. Since I gave birth to him I just feel this protective instinct coming over me, and if that means I have to protect my son from his own father so be it.

"You are going to spoil him."

I opened my eyes to find Donna walking towards the couch with a tote bag and her purse.

"Well I can't help it, he's too adorable to leave alone."

I watched as she washed her hands, then made her way over to Elijah and I. She took him out of my hands and sat on the edge of my bed.

"How are you just going to take my baby from me?" I asked as I sat up.

"Because he is not your baby, he is mine and your check will be in the mail waiting for you. Thank you for your services." Donna dismissed me.

"After all that pain I went through yesterday, ain't nobody taking my baby away from me. If that was the case then I would've held him in."

"I told you about that holding him in stuff. Baby girl the way you were screaming and hollering yesterday ain't no way in hell you could've held that baby in. You would've messed around and blew ya kidney out your eyes." Donna teased.

I laughed, but quickly tried to stop myself due to the pain in my vagina. Even though Elijah makes my world feel ok, I have to realize that this is reality and I did just push a human being out of me yesterday.

"He looks just like you." Donna commented as she rocked him in her arms.

"Really? I think he looks just like Michael." I leaned up to get a closer look at him, like I forgot already how my baby looks.

"Like I said he looks like you." she said again.

I just shook my head because I know Michael has her feeling so uptight, hell he has me feeling uptight too; However, I know Donna is mad at Michael for a whole different reason.

"Michael's family is throwing you a welcome home party today."

"A party?" I asked.

Just the word Michael and party made me mad. I was mad at Michael because he didn't even come back to see Elijah nor has he called, and I am getting out the hospital today. Michael has not said if he is going to meet me at my home or come see him today before I go; nothing. No matter how upset I was with Michael I was still toying with the idea of him coming home with Elijah and I. Us taking turns tending to him, being close to Michael and possibly kissing him again; I just wanted us to be a family. I was mad at Michael, but I can still miss him right?

UGH! I'm not even pregnant anymore, but these damn teenage hormones have me confused. I want Michael, but I can't stand the sight of him. I want his lips touching me, but I want to rip them right off his face and kiss my own ass with them. I want him to touch me, but if he does I'll rip off his arms and beat him with it.

I still love him though.

Plus I just wanted to go home and bond with Elijah. I wasn't in the mood to be around too many people or share my baby with anyone. I was tired and I wanted to rest.

"Its not a party, its just a family gathering to welcome Elijah into the family."

I smiled to myself a bit.

The Jacksons were all about family, hell it is an army of them. But I knew if they loved each other that much, then they would love Elijah just the same and welcome him with open arms. Besides, who I am to stop Eli from having a relationship with his other family members. If anything I encourage it, I want Elijah to be welcomed.

"That's nice of them." I pursed my lips.

"Yeah, nice." Donna sighed.

I knew something was bothering Donna. She just sounded as if she was over this whole situation, like she was unamused or bored with the idea of a family gathering. I wasn't so gung-ho about it either, but I wanted to give them a chance.

"Why do you sound like that?" I asked.

"Like what?"

"Like you're so over it, like you don't care. Like get the hell away from me and stop breathing type of sound." I said.

"You know what, because I am over it. I just think its crazy how after all this time they want to involve themselves at the last minute when he's here." she said.

I felt guilt all over again. If it wasn't for me lying, then she wouldn't harbor this distaste for the Jackson family or Michael period. I mean I didn't act alone in this, but it was my idea to lie. I just wanted everyone to get along for the sake of Elijah, I don't want him feeling like he has to choose sides when he gets older. Plus this negativity is not healthy for him.

As I glared at a sleeping Elijah, I regretted my decision more. He doesn't deserve that, he's too precious to keep a secret and now that he is here I will shout to the mountain tops that he is mine.

"Oh we all have to come together as a family for the sake of Elijah. We weren't there for Tayler before, but we want her to know that we care for her and Elijah." Donna mimicked Mrs. Jackson's voice.

I couldn't help but to laugh. Mrs. Jackson is sweet and I felt bad for laughing, however Donna sounded just like her.

"How did she know we didn't want to do anything for you? I just don't want to sit in their house and play nice." Donna finished.

Like I said, I wasn't too happy about the situation either. But it was nice to hear that Mrs. Jackson wanted Elijah and I to feel welcomed, especially him and that soften my heart a bit. In addition to that, I think this is the perfect opportunity to see Michael.

"Look I'm not ecstatic about this either, but please let's just do this for Elijah. Let's just play nice like you said only for a few hours. Please let's do it for him." I gestured to Elijah.

"Fine, but only because my grandbaby is so darn gorgeous." she kissed him.

Elijah was not having it with the kissing and he started whining all over again. I guess he really hates when his sleep is disturbed, just like me.

She quickly gave him to me.

"Oh no, his daddy's side of the family is coming out." she said.

I chuckled, "I thought he was your grandbaby?" I placed his pacifier in his mouth.

"Yeah, but only when he is not being ugly." she replied.

"Oh no you didn't, my baby is not ugly." I said.

"No he isn't, but right now he is. Look I put clothes for the both of you in that tote bag over there. Why don't you start washing him and I'll go get a nurse so she can approve the both of you to leave today and start getting your discharge papers ready. After you're done getting him ready I'll watch him for you."

I nodded my head.

Michael is going to be eating out the palm of my hand.

Before she got all the way to the door she paused.

"Oh yeah, I put them big booty jeans in the bag so Michael going to be all over you like white on rice. 'Boy close your mouth!' that's all you going to hear Joseph say. That boy jaw going to be broke!" she joked.

I chuckled at her Joseph impression. Sometimes Donna is like my best friend and my mother all rolled into one, and its times like this I can appreciate that.

I carefully removed the blanket from my legs, and got out the bed gently.

"Eli your daddy is going to be eating his heart out." I said to my king.

Alright, operation put a dent in Michael's fro is a go.

**
If you want to watch the show they are taping for, which is 'The Jackson's Variety Show' I added the video in the media. If you like it I will link my favorite performance of the show in the next chapter. Thank you for being patient. I promise there is more to come. Right now it is almost 3AM, so Goodnight.