Michael's POV

*A week later

"I'll see you two on Sunday night, okay?" I assure Camille as she got in the car. Clicking her seatbelt, she whines once more "why can't you come with us? Mommy is probably not even upset with you anymore."

I sigh, "I can't Camille... that's that. I love you okay?" I lean in to kiss their foreheads. Mikey returned with an "I Love You" back but Camille simply pouted and groaned "I guess" while wiping her forehead where I pecked her.

I give her a sympathetic grin. I couldn't even be upset, she was cute and stubborn, just like her mother. Rayne and I hadn't spoke since that last text message we sent that evening she left. Ever since then, I'd been worried about her and hoped she was alright. She'd only call to talk to Camille and Mikey, and that was through Millie's cellphone. I shut the door signaling Wayne to drive off and head back inside.

The weekend was mine, after having the kids alone for a full week straight I could understand why Rayne rejoiced Saturday's and Sunday's when the kids were at my mom's. I had time to myself.. but I soon found there was nothing to do accept wait for the kids to come back.

I decided to call my assistant and schedule a day of play at my ranch. We called into hospitals for sick children who were mobile enough to play on rides and visit Neverland. It had been a while since there was joy in the house, it'd lift my spirits and the children's.

***

The next morning started bright and early, Ramone scheduled a wake up call for me and prepared me for the long day ahead of me. Neverland was fully staffed, it reminded me of back in the 80's when I had first bought the place. The classical music played throughout the park and for the first time in 5 years I heard my train passing through the little station closest to my house. It honestly made me smile, the kids weren't even here yet and I was already feeling like I was 12 again. I decided to get on a couple rides by myself telling the operators, "go easy on me, it's been a while" before boarding each one.

The kids practically ran through the gates the way they were excited. I stood at the front to meet them and the few chaperones that were there as well. Trampled with little arms wrapped around me from every direction, I chuckle at their excitement. "Welcome to Neverland" I smile. "Alright settle down guys." I explain.

"There are gonna be some rules ok? I want you guys to have fun, but I want you to be safe. There's a lot of land out here... don't venture off unless you've got an adult. Don't go anywhere where you see a big red sign and most importantly, enjoy yourselves. We've got lots to do!" I lead them to the movie theatre my candy table fully stocked with every candy you could imagine. This was honestly one of my favorite places but I had to cut it off once my kids came in the picture.

"Michael? Can we watch a movie on your big screen?" One kid asked.

"Of course! I have movies playing all day! But I don't know about you guys.. I'm excited to go out to the theme park." A couple kids grabbed my hands and one looked at me and said, "I'm sticking with you Mr Jackson!" I giggle as we all head outside.

It was a fun day, to say all those children had fun was an understatement. I'm so glad I could make them smile. As kids were leaving two kids asked if they could stay the night, Drew and Dominic. "They'd really love it Michael." Their parent says to me, his smile seemingly sincere. "They don't have much time left... their doctor gave them both 6 months to live. It'd mean the world to them."

To see these two kids full of happiness and life, knowing that in 6 months they'll be stripped away from that joy, broke my heart. I sigh, my kids weren't gonna be here all weekend. "Why not?" I shrug...

Rayne's POV

Standing outside, I waited for my kids to pull up, I hadn't seen them in a week but it felt like a lifetime. My daughter hops down from the truck, holding Mikey's hand to hop down too. She looks at me and gleams, running towards me. "Mommy!!" They both yell. I catch the both of them in my arms hugging them tightly, my eyes watering.

"My babies, I missed you so much.." I muffle into their heads. My sister Alonna, stood at the door behind me. I had asked her to come just to talk and keep me company, maybe stop me from crying all week.

I welcomed my kids inside removing their jackets as Wayne dropped their bags inside. "How is he Wayne?" I ask quietly.

He looks at me with a soft smile, "from what I see, he's doing ok Rayne."

I nod, interrupted by my son, hugging my leg. "I missed you mommy!" He says peeking at me. I smile, "I missed you too baby boy." I pick him up and sit in the living room with my kids and sister.

"So Camille, how's everything at home?" I ask.

She simply shrugs, "it's ok I guess.. we miss you. When are you coming home?"

I sigh, "I miss you all too but me and Mike have to talk about some things before I come back.. so you'll be here with me and Aunt Alonna for the next couple days ok?"

"Yeah..." she sighs. I watched my daughter sadly grab her bag and drag it upstairs to my childhood room.

"God I feel terrible.." I groan to my sister, "this is what I didn't want to happen.."

"It's something she's gonna have to get used to for right now, at least until you and Michael work things out." Alonna says quietly, placing her hand on mine.

"That's IF we work things out.. I haven't even spoke to Michael..." I retort, holding back tears.

"Hey... you guys are strong... so what you hit a rough patch? You'll get through this. Ok?" She smiles sympathetically.

I nod, standing to help my kids unpack for the weekend. It felt so weird knowing I only had two days with my own kids, I missed them terribly and not seeing them for a week felt like I missed out on half their lives. Mikey stuck under me most of the day while Camille stayed in her room quietly, talking to her best friend and just staying to herself. She was so unhappy it seemed...

I peeked in really quick, "hey, how about we have a little movie night tonight. You pick the movie.."

"Ok.. how about Peter Pan?" She gleams. I sigh, that was the last movie I'd wanna watch right now, but I don't wanna take away the only smile I'd seen since she got here.

"Ok.." I smirk.

Alonna sat on one end of the couch, while me and Mikey snuggled on the other end, Camille decided she'd just hold the popcorn and sit in the middle. I watched my kids more than I watched the movie. Just seeing them enjoy it so much without their dad felt wrong. "Aunt Alonna, this is daddy's favorite part." Camille smiles tapping her aunt.

***

Within 3 weeks time, Michael and I were both getting calls from Camille's teacher asking for a parent teacher conference with her. Of course it'd have to be after school once all the kids and parents were gone to allow Michael in the school, just to avoid any chaos or excitement to see him. Usually I was the one to handle in-school issues so we didn't have to worry about that, but her teacher insisted on seeing us both.

I walked inside the school and saw Michael standing at the front desk waiting on me. He looked great... I missed him so much, I could barely walk towards him.

"Hey" He says awkwardly.

"Hi.." I manage to stutter.

Camille's teacher, Ms. Sterling, greeted us swiftly, leading us to her desk. "Thank you both for agreeing to meet with me today. I called because, well frankly, I'm concerned for Camille.."

Michael chuckles frowning, "why are you concerned?"

"Well, Camille has always been our star in this class, she's extremely helpful, smart, friendly, always willing to volunteer.. And lately she hasn't been here.. mentally. She seems very distracted and disconnected."

"I wonder why that is.." I frown.

"I have to ask, have there been any changes at home that may be affecting her here?" Ms. Sterling continues, "If there's anyway we could work together to get Camille back on track.."

"There have been a few changes at home." I interrupted, "but I didn't think they would be affecting her."

"Is there a way I can help?" the teacher asked.

"...I don't think so, Rayne and I will talk to her once we get back home.." Michael looks to me nodding.

"Of course." I respond. "Was there anything else concerning you?"

"No! I feel like as long as we have a solid understanding of getting Camille back on the right foot, we're all good. As you know we only want what's best for our students, and of course as her parents, we know you'd want the best for her too." She smiles.

Before Michael and I part ways, I look at him "I'll give her a call and I guess you'll talk to her once you're home?" I confirm.

"Actually, I think it'd be best if we tell her together, if you wanna come over for dinner..?" He shrugs.

"Uh. Sure.. I'll be there around 7."

"You look good Rayne." He remarks somberly.

I shuffle my feet, "...thanks. I'll see you later."