Chapter 29

In the car, I look over at Michael and he has his large hand on my knee.

"You need to tell us what happened," I say to him.

"Say please." He smirks. I roll my eyes in annoyance.

"Michael. Stop smirking and just tell us already." I reply.

"Well, when the ceremony was over I was out back signing some autographs-"

"Why?! I told you to keep a low profile!" I yell. Everyone in the car tells me to calm down, but I shoot them all a look.

"Because the fans were going crazy, and I just decided to give them what they were asking for." He says.

"Well look where that landed you," I mutter as we turn in to my apartment.

"I heard that babe. But anyways, we should all celebrate," he voices. We all nod, liking the idea.

I walk up to the front door and open the door with the key. We all flood in and I walk to the kitchen.

"Hey Bells, do you have any wine?" Jess asks. I shake my head at her.

"Champagne? Beer? Booze? Any alcoholic beverage?" She interrogates.

"Jess, you know that I don't drink," I say to her.

"Well how are you supposed to have a celebration without alcohol?" She questions. I give a weak shrug of my shoulders.

"I've got soda?" She just cackles in my face.

"Ooh, so hardcore Bella." I roll my eyes and get out the package of Coca-Cola from the fridge, heading to the living room. I set it on the coffee table.

"Where's the wine?" Sam asks, looking at me.

"That's what I asked!" Jess pipes up. Even Michael's giving me that 'Really?' look.

"Look guys, I don't drink. To celebrate you are more than free to go to some club and get wasted, as long as you don't come back here." I say. Sam and Jess look at each other for a moment.

"Alright, bye!" They jump up and rush to the door, slamming it closed. I'm astonished by them leaving and I take a seat next to Michael.

"Well, at least you won't get up and leave me." I say to him.

"Well.. I was thinking.." He starts but then I shoot him a rude glare. He raises his hands up.

"Dang, I was just joking babe," he says with a slight chuckle.

"You'd better be joking," I reply as in reach to grab a Coke can.

Michael takes hold of the remote and turns on the TV. Of course, the news is on and it's about him.

"Michael Jackson was present and the University of California graduation. It's a mystery why he'd ever be there, we can only assume."

"See? If you'd just kept a low profile like I said-"

"Alright alright! I'm sorry Bella, but you should've seen the fans!"

"Yes, I'm sure all the girls were just drooling on you, am I right?"

"You're acting like you don't do that." He gives me that infamous smirk.

"I'm not acting, I don't drool over you." I take a sip of Coke as he changes the TV channel.

"I never thought I would find a girl like you." He says.

"How am I like?" I ask him.

"You're not starstruck. You remain composed. You're effortlessly beautiful, your intelligence is extremely sexy.."

"I'm sure there are other girls like that. You act like I'm some rare diamond." I reply.

"I'm not acting. That's exactly what you are." He says softly.

I take a glance at him. This had to be the sweetest comment he's ever voiced.

"Well, wow.. Thank you." I say. He nods and drinks the soda too.

"I'm gonna go freshen up." I say after some silence.

"Alright, don't be long." He remarks. I get up and walk into the bathroom.

While removing my clothes and starting the warm shower, I think about what lies ahead. Sooner or later, I'm going to move in with Michael if the relationship works out. I still don't know what I'm going to do with my one year break. Tour with Michael? Maybe.

I get into the shower and let the water fall onto my body, alleviating me. I wash myself and rinse off before stepping back out.

In my bedroom, I grab a t-shirt and shorts and put them on, leaving my hair to dry. I join Michael again and the TV is off.

"What do you want to do?" I ask him. He looks at me and suddenly grins.

"You." There's the Michael I know. I huff and sit back on the couch.

"Michael, I'm serious." I say.

"I'm serious too Bella." He shoots back.

"I thought you respected me."

"What? I do, I do respect you." He defends himself.

"Then you should also accept the fact that I don't want to do that.. Not tonight." I remark. I can see he's about to roll his eyes, but he halts.

"Okay, fine. But once we do.." He comes closer to me and kisses my neck.

"You'll never be able to get enough." He whispers before getting up and heading to my bedroom. I turn around to watch him leave.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

"To your room. Come to bed, it's late." Indeed it is. The clock reads 11:08.

I sigh and get up to follow him after putting off the lights. When I enter the room, Michael's already in bed and I climb in next to him.

"Do you promise you won't try anything? You know.." I say softly.

"Babe, I already said I wouldn't. But.." He glances at me and takes my face.

Our lips crash into each other's seconds later. I part my mouth and Michael instantly slides his tongue in, it tangling with mine. I pull away and take deep breaths of air.

"I couldn't look at that beautiful face without kissing it. Goodnight."

He reaches over me and turns off the light. I drift to sleep moments after.

--

Joy ✌️