I didn't know how it would end... I cried half the night, afraid for Alishia and what they would accuse me of defending her.

– Michael,– one of the policemen went into the cell where they locked me up, – from the girl's testimony, it appears that you defended her.

– And what was I supposed to do?– Watch my father rape her? – I said, staring blankly at the wall.

– That's not the point... You are free. Her testimony exonerated you.

– Great... What about her?

– In what sense?

– I'm talking about her health.

– Go to the city hospital. For now, that's where she is.

As soon as they let me out, I went home to change my clothes and then to the hospital... I didn't see Mia because she was still asleep

***

I approached the woman at the front desk

– Where can I find Alishia Novak?

– You are...

– I have to tell you, can I show you the ID?

– And co to za tajemnica?

I showed her my ID

– I'm working with Alishia,– I said

– Third Floor, Surgery, Room 8

–Thanks.

I went to the room indicated by the woman at the reception.

When I walked in, Alishia was asleep, so I sat in a chair by her bed and waited for her to wake up.

A doctor entered the room

– Mr. Jackson,– he said to me

– Yes, I know I'm not from the family

– That's not the point. Miss Novak has indicated you as the only person besides her mother to whom I can pass on information about her health condition.

–I understand... How she's doing?

– She has both arms broken, and on her body we found traces of many rapes, some from more than 3 weeks ago, and many bruises and scratches, both new and more than 3 weeks ago

– I wish I'd shot him in the head.

– Who are you talking about?

– About Joseph... he did it to her

–I understand... When she wakes up, we can write her out. But it would be good if someone took care of her while she recovers

–I understand.

The doctor gave me her medical results and left.

A few minutes later, Alishia woke up.

– Michael... Did they let you out?

– Yes... thanks...

– Mike... I'm scared... Joe will find me everywhere.

– Not everywhere... at my place he won't touch you.

– I don't want to cause you a problem.

– You're not going to... Alishia... since I lost Isabella... I still feel lonely... I'm sick of not having anyone to talk to...

– I don't think you understood. I was your father's lover.

– I know as much as I've seen. He raped you and broke your arms.

– I wanted to leave him, but he threatened to get me anywhere... that he would sell me to a brothel in Arabia

–Don't cry... he's going to jail...

– I don't have a home. I've always lived with my partners.

– I'll take you to Neverland... you'll be safe...

– Thanks..., when will that be? I mean, when are they going to write me out?

–Today...

The doctor peeked into the room

– It's a good thing you're awake now, Miss... The discharge is ready.

I signed a discharge for Alishia and took her first to the house where she lived with Joseph to get her things, and then we went to Neverland

***

– When I get better, I'll find a place to live

– Stay... There are so many rooms that are empty... I feel lonely... Stay...

– I don't want to live with you at your expense

– Stay...

– We can agree that I'll rent a room... I really don't want to take money out of you

– It can be... but I'm setting the price

– How much?

– $10 per month, from the moment you recover

– Deal

》Alishia《

There was no point in arguing with him about the price...

– Daddy, – Mia ran over to Michael, – Daddy, where were you last night? I had a bad dream and you weren't here

– Joseph got me in trouble. I'll explain to you someday...

– What happened to you?– Mia asked me

》Michael《

– Joseph happened to her. And he wanted to blame it on me, which almost made me go to jail – I explained quickly

– Will you marry her? – she asked

I looked at Alishia and we both started laughing.

– I don't plan to yet,– I finally said

– Dad, I want to have a mom

Mia's words broke me...

I went into the next room and cried

– Michael? – Alishia asked

– It's okay,– I left, – I miss Isabella, and that's it... I've been raising my daughter for 7 years on my own... No support, no help, no free time... for rehearsals and recordings I hire a nanny, or I take Mia with me...

– Mike, she's not going to mature soon... You can't deal with a hormone-fueled teenager...

– I have 3 sisters. Rebbie is 8 years older than me, LaToya is 2 years older and Janet is 8 years younger. After growing up with each of them, I know what to expect from a girl growing up

– Michael, that's not what I'm talking about... You saved me... You. The King of Pop, one of the richest people on earth... You saved me. Your father's lover

– I never had a father. Joseph was just a manager, a coach, and a dictator. But not the father...

– But he was cheating on your mother, with me.

– That's what you mean... That I shouldn't care about you, but I'm still helping you

– Yes, that's it

– Joseph was, is, and will be a monster... You were never his lover, only his victim. The children escaped from his nest, so he got you...

– You mean you don't blame me for sleeping with Joe?

–No... I resent you for not telling me it was him and that he bullied you

– Look, your daughter needs a mother... I know it's hard for you to think about it, but... Maybe find a woman who will love her like a daughter and replace her mother

– I want someone to love me too...

– You've always got me

I looked at her

– I'd hug you, but I've got both my hands in a cast

– Come here,– I put my arms around her, – It's going to be okay... Joe won't hurt you...

– Mike... Did you know that 1/3 of the planet is rocking inside you?

– I know... Come... I'll take your stuff to your room

– Can I help you?

– I'll be fine... You've got both hands in plaster

***

In the evening, Alishia wanted to wash herself, but the cast on her hands prevented her from doing so...

It was awkward for both of us that I had to wash her...

***

– You know it's not that bad? – She asked as I wiped her down

– Mean?

– Put your hand on my knee

I executed the command

– Now move up

– You want to spend a night with me?

– I've been in toxic relationships forever... You're the only one trust

– So you want to

– I've wanted to since I started working with you.

– You're beautiful, And my daughter asked me if I'd marry you...

I took her in my arms and carried her to my bedroom... In the meantime I was ready, only because I had touched her a moment earlier even THERE

– Mike – she began as I undressed

– Yes?

》Alishia《

– I have a request... Be gentle... Anyway Joe just raped me

– You'll forget about him

– How?

– That,– he took off his boxers.

The media and rumors didn't lie...

Michael hovered over me, leaning on his hands

– You're gorgeous,– he whispered, covering my mouth with a kiss before sliding inside me and starting to move his hips faster and faster

***

I felt a warm liquid inside me

– I love you...,– Michael panted as he sank onto my chest

– I love you to...