Chapter 25

I walk into my room and open my closet.

Wait, did I just say yes to him?

I'm still in shock as Michael playfully pushes me out of the way and start searching through my wardrobe.

"Nothing revealing," I remind him.

He sucks his teeth and smirks at me.

"Fine baby." He turns back and continues to search.

I roll my eyes and check the clock on my phone. Its 6:30 right now and the ceremony starts at 8.

"Michael, I'm going to hop in the shower real quick," I say.

He nods before I shut and lock the bathroom door behind me. I need to collect my thoughts.

I strip away my outfit and hop into the relaxing water.

I still can't believe I'm dating Michael Jackson. Will we last? Who should I tell? I exfoliate my face and I hope I made the right descision. Even his chef told me to steer clear of him..

I rinse off my face and exhale.

I'm my own woman, and I can make my own choices.

I hurry and clean the rest of my body before covering my hair and body with towels. I go into my room and Michael has set out a white strap dress with glitter going down each side.

"Perfect," I whisper.

I put on a bra and panties before slipping it on. I grab my new pair of silver flats and throw my light blue graduation robe over me.

I tie my hair up in a bun and apply minimal makeup: blush, mascara, and lipstick. Then I put on my favorite necklace, its my mother's.

I stand in front of the full-body mirror and sigh. I'm pleased with the way I look, but I can't believe my parents forgot about my graduation.

"Bella!" Michael calls from the other room.

"What?"

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah," I say.

The door handle raddles and Michael fills the doorway.

"Stunning.." he whispers.

He gestures for me to turn around and I do, instantly feeling his eyes on my butt.

I turn back around and roll my eyes.

"Pervert," I say before going to the kitchen to grab a bag of cookies incase I get hungry.

We walk out of the door and into the car when I get a call from Sam.

"On your way?" She asks.

"Yup. What about Jess and Claire?"

She heaves a sigh. What is going on?

"Jess is with me, but Claire won't answer her phone. We don't know what's going on."

"Okay, I'll try to reach her, see you soon."

I hang up and try to call Claire five times. No answer. Could it be that I didn't tell her about Michael and I? She seemed mad even earlier today.

I feel Michael's large hand grip my knee. I'm scared at first but when he starts rubbing it soothes me.

"Are you okay love?" He asks.

"Just a little nervous.." I lie, knowing I'm not nervous at all.

He nods.

"You'll be fine. I'm here with you."

This makes me smile, knowing that I have a man to count on.

"Thanks Michael," I say.

We pull up to the huge auditorium in which the ceremony will start. Sam and Jess are on the other side of the building.

I turn back to Michael.

"I'll see you Michael, sit way in the back so people don't see you."

I start going but Michael pulls my waist back, shaking his head.

"We're dating now. So we have to show we love each other, right?"

Before I could answer him, he plunges his tongue into my mouth and then pulls away.

"For good luck," he whispers.

Then he let's go of me and I walk over to my friends. I hate to admit it, but that kiss left me wanting more..

Once I get there, they both have worried looks on their faces.

"Claire's phone is either off or dead. Nobody can reach her." Jess says anxiously.

"I'm sure she's just running late. She'll turn up." I say reasurringly.

They nod and we walk into the ceremony and sit in the front row, saving a seat for Claire. I hope she comes, I want to know why she was mad today.

I scan the room for Michael and see him talking to the president of the university, on the stage. Didn't I tell him to keep a low profile?

The President clears his throat and all the auditorium is quiet.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Before we begin, I'd like to share a special announcement.

"We, right now, have the King of Pop himself in our prescense."

He stands up and waves, and everybody goes crazy.

"Michael, Michael!!" They chant, jumping up and down.

He blows kisses, one directly to me.

"I love you, very much," he says into the mike.

"But let's start the ceremony. Shall we?"

"YES!" The audience responds.

He hands back the microphone and sits in a chair onstage.

Why is he giving himself this much publicity? I'm really concerned about his well-being, there could be mentally-ill people amoung us.

The ceremony goes until I and my friends get my award. Still no Claire. Maybe she forgot and slept, she's very forgetful and sleepy.

After everyone is called, we go out into the lawn and throw our hats in the air, chanting, "San Diego!"

The ceremony is over and I congratulate people I knew throughout my college years.

"Why was Michael on the stage?" Jess asks.

I shrug.

"I gotta go get him, wait here." They nod and I go up onstage.

He's not there.

Panic sets in as I run up to the President.

"Mr. Quill, do you know where Michael Jackson is?" I ask.

He turns around, confused.

"I thought he was still there, I don't know sweetheart."

I think he feels like I wanted an autograph, but I want him.

I go back to my friends who ask where he is. I shake my head in defeat.

"Michael's... gone," I say.

~~

Things just got CRAZY! Where's Claire, and most importantly Michael? Find out!!

-Joy