*Michael's Point Of View*

In twenty-four hour's, our lives will change. Justice could be our gift, or a tear could remain in our family. Fingers are crossed for justice, but eye's are daggered at the tear. Whether or not we win or loose, I know I have to be my family's backbone.

Since having that talk with Janet, I honestly feel responsible for all that has happened to our family. Marilyn has reasoned that our trials have contributed to our many outcomes of happiness. I do believe that, but I still wish I could change thing's.

"God, I'm dog tired.", I yawn, stretching in my office chair. I have spent most of my day in my office working on some new material for Demi. She's really excited about her upcoming album Stronger. I'm excited for her. It's the first time she'll be writing her own lyrics; I'm just playing around with vocal and band arrangement ideas.

Retiring my pen onto my desk along with my chicken scratch ideas, I raise my arms towards the ceiling for a nice long stretch. With the trial happening throughout the week and managing our jobs and the kids, Marilyn and I have worn ourselves out. But it's all for a good cause; peace and happiness. I stand from my Burgundy office chair, concluding today's work session.

I close the garnet sheer curtains that draped over my office window and continue on my way out. Once I exit my office, the aroma of sweet herbs and spices enter my nostrils, claiming them as it's victim. I smile to myself, enjoying the aroma as I descend the staircase. Marilyn hasn't cooked a full home meal in awhile now, so my mouth is already watering in anticipation.

The sounds of a giggling toddler and a rowdy thirteen year old, enter my ears as I inch towards the kitchen. "And then Mister Byrd turned completely red! It was too funny!", Dylan exclaims, slapping at his knee. I shake my head already knowing this story; he told it to me twice today. Once before arriving home, and again after we arrived.

Marilyn turns away from the stove to tend to Jordyn, who was making a big mess of her strawberry slices. I watch silently for a few minute before making my presence known. "Hello my good looking, what's cooking?", I ask, slipping behind her while she stood up. Marilyn sighs, slowly walking back over to her pots. I stay close behind her, trying to read her expression.

She remains silent, stirring at her pan full of chicken and bell peppers. My stomach angrily growls before I can investigate further. "She isn't talking.", Dylan mouths to me, once I turn around for a clue. I sigh and turn my attention back on Marilyn, watching her peachy, floral Sundress flow along her body as she fusses with the knobs of the stove and lids of the pots.

"Mama, slow down.", I stress, gently pulling her away from the stove. She sighs then glances up at me. "Sorry. It's just Mister Stiles is coming over and-",-"Wait what?", I ask in a urgent whisper. She turns to Dylan. "Can you finish your homework upstairs? I'll call you and Jasmine down in a few.", She instructs. He nods, jumping up from his seat at the table.

He tugs at his lavender Polo and tan khakis. "Can I get out of this camp uniform please?", He whines. Marilyn tiredly sighs and nods. "Just hurry and take a shower before Mister Stiles arrives.", He snaps his finger's and sprints out of the kitchen. I shake my head and turn back towards Marilyn.

"You know I don't like that man. Why is he coming over?", I grumble. She rolls her eyes and walks over to Jordyn's Disney Princesses, tea table. "Michael... He's working for us. Trying to make sure David goes to jail.", She explains, cleaning Jordyn's face. "He also is a bit too friendly for my taste. I don't like that.", I huff, assisting her in cleaning Jordyn's clothes.

"I'm not talking about this right now, he'll be here any minute.", She exasperates, handing Jordyn to me. "Just take her upstairs and bathe her. Please.", Reluctantly nodding, I carry Jordyn out of the kitchen and proceed towards the stairs. "You're sticky little peaches.", I coo, screwing up my face playfully. Jordyn giggles, grabbing for my nose.

" You sticky.", She squeals. I chuckle and continue into her bedroom. "Go pick out your Hello Kitty dress and pull-up for daddy please peaches.", I instruct, pointing to her bed where her clothes laid set for her. She stares at me silently, trying to decide whether to obey or not. "Give daddy your clothes please.", I reason again.

Instead of walking over to her bed and grabbing her dress and pull-up, she violently snatches off her short's and tank top, leaving herself in only a pull-up. "Jordyn Olivia! Why did you do that?!", I screech, grabbing her clothes from the bed. "Bad daddy!", She wails, hitting at my legs as I walk towards her. "No Jordyn! We do not hit!", I scold, carrying the fussy toddler into the hall.

"Bad, bad daddy!", She screams, punching her fist into my adams apple. I cringe in pain before, entering the bathroom still struggling with Jordyn. "Okay Jordyn. It's bath time.", I insist, placing her in the empty tub after removing her pull-up. "No! No!!", She refuses, trying to stand up. I sigh in agitation, turning the knobs of the cold and warm water. She glares at me as I rub the lavender bathing gel on her back.

"Don't look at me like that.", I scuff. She blows her tongue at me, her curls flying with her head movements. I can't help, but crack a smile at my tyrant of a princess. "You're too much.", I chuckle. After a long ten minutes, Jordyn is all cleaned and dry and ready for dinner. Apparently, Mister Stiles arrived just in time.

As I'm walking downstairs, I can hear the small talk of Marilyn, the kid's and Mister Stiles. I glance at Jordyn. "If you feel like throwing up tonight, I wouldn't mind if it was on him Okay?", She giggles, not understanding my request. I shake my head and prepare for my visitor.

*Marilyn's Point Of View*

"Thank-you for come Mister Stiles.", I greet, walking him through the Fourier. He flashes a charming smile. "Please, call me Andrew Misses Jackson. It's my pleasure.", He smiles, taking my hand to lift it to his lips. Before his lips can contact the back of my hand, a masculine voice clears his throat in a threatening tone.

Andrew blushes, his crystal blue eyes meeting the threatening brown, doey eyes behind me. "Hello Mister Jackson.", He greets in a lower tone. "Hi.", Michael replies dryly, lowering Jordyn onto the floor. Sensing the animosity between the two men, I laugh awkwardly and escort Andrew through the den and into the dining room.

I can feel Michael's eyes on Andrew and I as I show him to his seat and explain today's cuisine. "Jasmine! Dylan! Time to eat!", I yell, placing the food on the table. Michael helps Jordyn adjust in her booster chair. "Hungry...", Jordyn whines. Michael pecks her forehead. "It's coming peaches.", He chirps.

"She's a cutie, she really looks like her mother. Just beautiful.", Andrew compliments, gawking over Jordyn. Michael cuts his eyes at Andrew. "Yeah. I love my girl's, and will step in if anyone gets out of line.", He huffs. Andrew chuckles at Michael's tone, unmoved by it.

"Look Mister Jackson, you have a beautiful family and a beautiful home. I'm just handing out compliments. No need to become hasty.", He chuckles lightly, returning to his seat. I ignore their ignorance and direct Jasmine and Dylan to their spots. "If you two are done. We can say grace and eat now.", Michael and Andrew are in a long stare, neither one looks like he is letting up.

"Dad! Come on!", Jasmine and Dylan whine in perfect unison. Michael slowly tears away, sitting beside me. "Sorry Misses Jackson. I just feel a married man shouldn't be so over barring. I sincerely apologize.", Andrew shakes his head. I glance at Michael, putting my hand on his thigh. "It's okay Andrew. Michael isn't always like this.", I apologize, removing my hand from his lap.

"No need to apologize. How about we dig in huh?", He suggests, winking at Dylan and Jasmine. "Finally!", Dylan exclaims, cutting into his chicken Fajeta. "I hope you like Mexican. It's Michael's favourite.", I beam, watching Andrews face light up as he bites into his portion. .

"Not much of a fan, but this is delicious.", He moans through a full mouth. I giggle, quickly muting once Michael stabs his fork into his chicken. "Are you okay over there Mister Jackson?", He asks, finishing the last of his plate. "Yeah dad, are you Okay?", Dylan chimes. Michael glances around The table before relaxing his face, and replying.

"I'm fine. Just a little full, that's all.", He forces a smile. Knowing Michael, I know he want to snap Andrew's neck Right now. I love his jealousy; to an extent. After ten passing minutes, everyone is full and sprawled over in their chairs. "Thanks again for inviting me over Misses Jackson.", Andrew smiles, standing from his chair. I nod, mirroring him.

"My pleasure, please call me Marilyn.",-"Are you direct he will Be okay with that?", He chuckles, watching Michael exit the dining room with Jordyn. "I'm sure he'll be fine.", I giggle, collecting the empty plates The kid's so graciously left for me, as The rushed out before I could hand out cleaning orders. "Oh let me help you with that.", He offers, taking the plates from my hand's.

I give him a small smile and follow him into the kitchen. "Do you think we have a chance?", I ask in a light tone. He places the dishes carefully in the dish washer. "I feel we do. It's a tough a case when another family member is in the midst of this.", I sigh, running my hand's over my face. "I don't understand him. He's not the same boy anymore. I-I.", I pause, feeling tears threatening.

Not knowing what to do, Andrew gently pulls me in for a hug. "Please don't stress out over this. I promise I'll give you and Michael the justice you need and the clarity Jasmine deserves. I swear.", He solemnly stresses. Realizing the developing sensuality of this hug, I quickly detach myself from Andrew; of course not before Michael walks in.

My eyes avoid his, I know he's pissed. Michael can be relentless once he has made up his mind on who his enemy is.

"I think I should go, Thank-you again for the dinner. I really enjoyed it. Good night. I'll walk myself out.", He salutes, quietly walking past Michael. Michael's stare never leaves me as Islowly look up at him.

"What was that?", He demands. "I was caught up in a moment. I'm sorry.", He stares at me for a minute longer before exhaling deeply. "Okay. Let's just go to bed, please.", I smirk. "Your jealousy is a little turn on. I will admit.", He shakes his head. "Just make sure I'm the only man that can turn you on.", He flirts, lightly patting my butt as we exit the kitchen.

"Yes Papa. You're the only one to keep kitty purring.", I purr, slipping my hand in his. "Alright Mama. You're barking up the right tree.", He growls in my ear. I giggle and push him away. "Alright that's enough from you tonight.", I playfully scold. He makes a face, stealing my lips for his. I melt within the kiss, remembering why our marriage has lasted nineteen year's. Even more so, why I find it flattering that he still gets jealous. That's my Michael...

To Be Continued...

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