*Marilyn's Point Of View*

"Mom, where is dad?", Jasmine asks for the third time this morning. I sigh, glancing around the studio. "I don't know. He went to the bathroom.", She rolls her eyes, unpleased by Michael's tardiness. I think everyone is feeling the exact, same way. I glance over my shoulder where David and Brandon were waiting impatiently for a photo session with Michael.

Michael has been gone for almost fifteen minutes now and I haven't heard a word from Bill either. I would like to think those two are off joking around. I have my finger's crossed they aren't down each other's throat, again. Finally growing impatient myself, I stand from my stool and walk over to Rafael, who was standing at attention, near the left wing of the studio.

"Hey Rafael, May you watch the kid's? I need to check on something.", He nods then gives me concerning look. "Is everything okay Misses Jay?", I flash him an contempt smile. "Yes. Just peachy.", He chuckles, satisfied with my answer.

"Well okay then, I'll check Darrel and see if Lady peaches is okay then I'll calm the kid's down.",-"Thank-you so much Rafael.", He blushes, swatting his hand in the air nonchalantly. "It's fine Misses Jay. Now go and take care of whatever. Darrel and I got this.", I giggle.

"Okay. I'll be right back.", He nods one last time before I turn away from him. Now that, that is handled I need to find Michael and Bill. Slowly walking down the hall's of this rather large studio, I scan every room and open space for the two men. Of course, no luck. Not wanting to cause a scene or commotion, I walk towards the bathroom; the supposedly last place Michael said he would be.

I scan my surroundings once I approached the men's bathroom. Seeing no witnesses, I open the door and walk in. There's six stalls and one handicap stall. All stalls are opened; excluding the handicapped stall. I silently pray that Michael is in that stall and nothing's wrong. I hear mumbling coming from that stall.

Walking closer, the mumbling becomes audible, self conflicted scowls. I know the voice and I'm glad to hear it. "Michael?", I call, inching closer. The scowls quickly falls silent. I sigh stepping up to the stall door. "Michael, Papa please come out. Are you okay?", The other side of the stall door remains silent. I inhale, quickly regretting it because this bathroom smells like stale urine and terrible musk.

I clench the bridge of my nose in an odd attempt to decimate the fowl stench. "Papa... It stinks in here. Please come out.", I whine, still clenching onto my nose. "I don't feel good...", He finally replies. "What? Are you hurting?, Can I come in?", I ask urgently. There's another long silence before the stall door opens. What is revealed behind it, sent chills down my spine. Michael is pale.

His face seemed like all life was drawn from it. He also had bags under his eyes. I don't even know what to say. I don't even know how I could have overlooked his sickly appearance. "I know it's bad mama... Don't hate me. Please.", He wince, tears threatening his eyes. I step up to him. "It's the prescriptions. You are still taking them?", I ask, knowing the truth. He hangs his head lowly.

"Yes. This was the last time. I swear.", I shake my head. "Why Michael? You said you were going to talk to a therapist.",-"I will.", He says, glancing at me again. "I know I need help. I'm going to get it. Just don't hate me. I need you on my side.", He pleads, taking my hand's. I avoid his almond eyes. I can't look into them right now.

"Michael you promised. You're hurting yourself! I don't want to be a widow! You have children dammit! Stop doing this to your family, our family.", I wince, still battling my tears. Michael frowns, reaching to wipe away the escaping tears. "I love you mama. I love our family. I promise I'll get better.", He whispers, caressing my hands with his thumbs.

"No. I want you healthy and Well. I want you to check into a rehabilitation center Michael. ", I say, removing my hand's from his. "Rehabilitation? ", He repeats. I nod. "Yes, Michael you have a problem. You can't take those pills without having a terrible side affect. Michael those pills are addictive depressants!", He rubs his face.

"I know... I already know this.",-"Then why in the hell do you continue killing yourself! Tell me that! It hurts knowing you're trying to hide this toxic secret behind my back. It really does.", He exhales deeply, running his hand's through his curls.

"I don't need you fussing okay? I know this stuff. And I'm sorry.",-"Sorry won't fix your lies Michael! ",-"Okay! Okay! What in the Hell do you want me to fucking do?! I don't need this right now!", He exclaims, exiting the stall. "Michael don't walking away from me! I'm trying to help!", I call after him. He snaps back around facing me again.

"No, what you're doing is pissing me off. I'm going to get help. okay? I'm going to talk to whoever. Just stop nagging. Please.", He stresses in a iced tone. I swear I want to choke him right now. I'm allowing my mind to pretend it's the pills talking, but I swear if he keeps at this, he's not going to like my reaction.

"Fine. But I'm calling my mother. She will help me while you're gone-",-"Who said I was leaving?", I sigh and rub my temples. "You have to. You need to. Where's Bill?", I ask trying to change the subject. "I don't know, and frankly don't give a damn.", He huffs.

"I'm going to call my mother. Please just stay here.",-"No, call her right here.", I stare at him for a few minutes before reaching into my dress and removing my cellphone from my bra. Michael chuckles, shaking his head. "Your bra, really?", I can't help but giggle myself. His laughter is contagious. "Yes, I have enough room there.", He rolls his eyes playfully.

"Just call mama Burgess... ", I nod and punch in her number. Knowing my mother, it won't take long for her to answer. I just hope she can travel on such a short notice. After three rings she finally answers.

*"Hello?",

"Hi mom. It's Marilyn."

"Oh hey love!, How are thing's down There in celebrity world?",

I sigh deeply, glancing over at Michael; who was waiting patiently.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I need you to come and stay for awhile... "

"For how long?",

"A few month's..."

"And why is that? Is everything okay?",

"Sort of. Mom just please, please try. We needs you. Bring Patrick if you want. I need you mom."

-silence-

"Mom?"

"I'm here. Just checking online for the next ticket out of Florida.",

"Ticket?"

"Plane, ticket, same difference. I'll be there when I can love. Tell Michael to stay strong. ",

"How do you know it's Michael?"

"It isn't a secret about his behavior lately. Just be careful...",

"I will mom."

"Okay, I love you.",

"Love you too."

"Bye.."

"Bye mom."*

I end the call, Still starring at Michael. "She's coming.",-"Good.", I frown, hating the circumstance in which my mother's and Patrick's visit stands on. "Michael, I love you, I really do.", I stress, walking up to him. "But...", I continue, placing my right hand on the side of his face.

"I can't love who you are becoming. You're pushing people away. Promise me you'll get well. No matter what it takes.", I plead, searching his eyes for some sign that my husband is there. Michael removes my hand then brings it to his lips. "I promise, I love you.", He assures, pecking the palm of my hand. I remain silent.

I don't know if I can believe him; not this time. Sensing my hesitation, He sighs heavily whilst another tear fell from his face. "You don't believe, do you?", He assumes, hurt filling his eyes. "I didn't say that.",-"You didn't have to. your face says it all.", He backs away and glances into the mirror. I open my mouth to rebuttal, but the bathroom door opens, revealing a nerve wrecked Bill.

His forehead has at least two vain on each side; waiting to burst. Even though the door swung open with force, he enters rather calmly. "Michael I am not here to-Oh Hey Marilyn.",.He chuckles out, glancing from Michael to me. Michael turns around. "She knows... ", Bill frowns, probably feeling shamed for keeping Michael's secret from me.

"Marilyn I am so sorry I-",-" Bill it's okay. Just help make sure he gets Well soon.", He gives me a small smile. "I'm going to cancel our session. I am too exhausted to be bothered right now.", I exhale, wiping my face ruggedly.  Bill nods. "We'll talk later Mike. I'll go round everyone up.",-"Thanks Bill.", He nods and turn to exit, giving one last hopeful glance at Michael.

When he finally leaves, Michael walks up to me. "Please, No matter what, Don't give up on me.", He pleads, lifting my chin so that I am looking up to him. "Michael you know I won't, I love you.",  He gives me a weak smile, leaning downwards to steal my lips. Against my instinct, I turn my head. I can't kiss him, not now at least. Michael sighs yet again.

"I really do love you Michael. I just don't love the thing's you do... to yourself.", Through his obvious pain from my rejection, he forces a nod of understanding. "I respect that. I guess.", I give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Just get better. ",-"I will mama. I will...",...

To Be Continued...

A/N: Hey there! I know... It has been a long time since the last update! I truly apologize! I'm still learning time management. With work, school, and now indoor Track, I have been pooped! I'm constantly drained. But don't freight! That means longer updates! In order to make up for lost time! Please again, forgive me. I Love you! And because I love you, I have a message to pass on: There is a lot going on in Our world today, so much corruption. Some you May know about, other's you may not. I just want to bring attention to the beautiful people of Israel. You are not forgotten! We (here in the U. S) are praying for you. Always. Please do the same and pass it on. Spread The hope, for we are The voice of the voiceless! ♥

      -Sincerely, Marilyn. E