"Remember that day I came back from rehearsals? I was all over the place and you were preparing for next day rehearsals?" He asks, his eyes lining our reflection above.

I watch attentively as his fingers aimlessly caress my bare shoulder; his simple touch reigniting our previous spark.

"That could've been any day..." I reply, my voice and tone just as soft as his touch.

Not a second soon, his light chuckles fills our dimmed bedroom; the vibrations of his chest causing my heart to flutter-I love when he laughs.

"That's true... More details then?"

"Mhm..." I hum, still enjoying our reflection on the ceiling.

His fingers come to an untimely halt against my shoulders, his movements not only unexpected, but quiet as he adjusts himself beneath me. Soon enough he's in a comfortable position, his once lonely arm now dropping over my bare torso, and just as I open my mouth to make an complaint about his missing fingers, his free hand finds its way into mine. I have to say that it is an awkward position, but pleasantly comforting.

I'm just happy to be in his arms.

"Well let's see... This was during the time I was shooting The Way You Make Me Feel. I guess I was pretty stressed that day, I think I even called off early?" He pauses, pecking my head as if his memory would relapse with the gesture."Yeah... Yeah. I was all over the place that afternoon. So I came back to the hotel, asking if you were there... Of course, you were. Looking all hot and delicious stretching... Damn, do you know how flexible you are? That-"

"Michael!" I scold, retrieving my hand from his to give his chest a good whack.

He cringes between innocent chuckles. I can't even hold back my cheesy grin and this fool; he can be so mannish at times.

I can't deny that I love it.

"Okay, okay. As I was saying..." He directs, playfully glaring at me before gently squeezing me into his chest. "You were busy stretching and something just snapped and well... Next thing I know... I'm receiving what so many men want. I think men even secretly wish they could experience that... It was beautiful." He finally sighs, our eyes connecting through our reflection.

He remembers.

"The day I... Wow. Michael, you deflowered me." I giggle, catching his distasteful glance before he opens his mouth to speak.

"I don't think you can deflower a rose, girl. I know that I relieved you of your thorns. I'm proud of that. I wish I could've made it better, you know rose petals and sappy stuff you would like." He sighs contently, only chuckling again towards the end of his statement.

I roll my eyes playfully at the man and keep them close to try and replay that moment in my life; the moment I gave myself to Michael Joseph Jackson. While all of the worlds was busy at work or play, their beloved Michael Jackson was making his mark on me. Out of all the girls he may have been with, he chose me to actually make love to.

I was his first, he was mine.

"You know you're the only woman that I actually... You know. I know how girls are about that. I knew you were special, that's why I was willing to wait." He interrupts my reminiscing.

My eyes open and immediately catch his. God, I love those beautiful almonds of his. Even in the dim lighting of our bedroom, I can see every bit of passion he has yet to express. Every bit of honesty is there; I'll never question that.

The feeling is neutral.

"I know. I wasn't expecting roses on the floor or little candles around a room, or even a nice dinner. Whenever my first time was, at the time I just wanted it to be between me and you... Alone. Not a care in the world. No sappy crap that girls like. Just you and me; and that's how it was. Perfect." I sigh, shifting on my stomach to get a good glance at him.

"That's how will always be. No matter how many babies we have... I'll make time for any day or night like this. I'll give you your rose petals and candles on the floor one day; just let me make sure Noah won't get to them first..." He smiles; bright and simple.

I return his smile, leaning down to press my lips against his.

"You can't be romantic without adding a little comedy huh?" I giggle, breaking our kiss.

He nods and steals a kiss.

"You can't be laying on top of me without making me a little too happy huh?" He retorts, detangling our hands to firmly press his on my bottom.

"Well much to your displeasure, happy town is closed. Your son is not that far down the hall. You'll have to handle the next one." I answer curtly, mimicking his flirtatious wink.

Before he can retort or even get another great grip of my hind, I slip away from him and turn on my opposite side, readying myself to receive an Oscar for the best "feigned sleeping" nomination.

Tonight will have to be my best performance yet.

He remains silent, but I catch his fairly inaudible grumbles before he shifts behind me and his slender fingers are wrapped around my torso again. I try to keep in character when his front presses firmly into my backside-he's trying to prove a point.

Point taken.

"Michael?"

"Yes, dear?" He whispers, a smile apparent in his voice.

"Goodnight. You're not getting any, and I love you." I giggle, guiding his arm further across my torso.

He giggles into my back and whispers his obvious failed attempt for some "sugar", all the while still sufficing for a simple cuddle. He's such a child; I love it.

"I love you too, babygirl."

"Almost ten weeks? Where has the time gone? Wow... You're barely showing, but you're definitely glowing!" Katherine beams, placing a harmless palm on my stomach.

Today's the last day of the Jackson's extended visit. What was supposed to be a week-long visit turned into two. Katherine wanted to have a bit more time to bond with Noah and I, Michael wanted to make things right with his siblings, and well Joseph was apparently enjoying his isolation. But now the "catching up" and the long overdue "reunion" has come to a thankful end.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the company of seven other Jackson's at our home, but between the random quarrels between Jermaine and Latoya, everyone's questions about an accelerated wedding plan, and Joseph's refusal to emerge from his and Katherine's guest house; their return home would earn not a single whimper of disappointment.

But even with me wishing for them to return home, I actually enjoyed seeing Noah open up to his aunts, uncles, and grandmother. It's a blessing to see him so ecstatic about these human beings he's never even met. I honestly think he was aware of them being his family; he had to have known that these people would cause him no harm. That's the only way I can make sense of his open behavior for the past two weeks.

Whatever the reason is, I'm happy my baby boy was accepted and accepted his extended family.

"Yes, I'm actually due for an ultrasound tomorrow. I'll be four months soon. I can't even believe August is so close..." I sigh, glancing over at Noah who is engaged in a "dinosaur take over" with his uncles; Marlon and Randy.

I shake my head at the sight of two grown men playing with plastic sauropods and velociraptors; it's an uncommon scene, especially when the two men are so tuned in with the whole game.

I love it.

My eyes slowly travel back onto the gently gazing woman before me. The way her eyes sparkle as she goes on and on about her antsy anticipation to meet her grandchild. That sparkle resembles my sweet Michael; I can tell why so many believe the two can go for twins. Michael has those warming almonds; just like his mother. I often find myself wondering if our next little bundle will favor his father and grandmother just as much as Noah does.

The thought always brings flutters to my stomach and a warmth to my heart. I'm pregnant again and I can't believe it. Each day is a new journey and I have to remind myself to remain positive. Although the sacrifices I will have to make, due to my pregnancy, will take another stab at my career; it's worth it; another beautiful and healthy child is worth it.

"Awe... I wish you could have it today. I would love to see my second grandson..." Katherine chirps, winking as she removes her palm from my stomach.

Grandson?

"I won't find out the gender until next month... That's October Katherine." I laugh her assumption off.

Her knowing smirk remains.

"I've had nine children, lost one. I would know if it's a boy or a girl. I say little one is a boy. I mean your stomach is small, but it's pretty hard. And you're complexion is normally not that dark." She tries to reason.

Old-school motherly suspicions.

I giggle at her reasoning, trying to make a hypothesis for my sudden change in appearance. I hadn't even taken notice of my darkened skin. I would blame it on my recently purchased lotions and cremes, but I don't even know which one could be the culprit.

This is new.

"I'm darker? Michael hasn't said anything. How can you tell?" I encourage her.

Her smirk widens into a smile, she takes my hands in hers and shakes them gently before answering.

"When I was pregnant with Michael... I threw up a lot. I was moody, extremely moody. I had very bad, terrible cravings for pickles and peanut butter. Worst of all, my neck was darkening every month. I didn't know why, until a friend of mine told me that those were all signs that I was having a little boy. I didn't believe them, but months later, I was in the hospital for the seventh time, giving birth to a baby with long arms and big little hands; it's a boy dear." She knowingly explains, raising an eyebrow as if she won a prize.

"Maybe mama Kat knows best?" I playfully challenge.

"You bet she does... My precious little daughter." She chirps once more, leaning in to peck my cheek.

I can't help but cheese foolishly; she's acknowledging me as her daughter. That's a new feeling; an alien feeling. I love it.

"Well I've been calling you two for the past five minutes and apparently everyone is death." Michael pouts, glancing around the room of busy Jackson's.

"Da-da!" Noah squeals soon after, his Tyrannosaurus Rex falling from his palms.

Jermaine, Latoya, and Janet follow after him, their eyes instantaneously gravitating towards the toddler and his uncles. Katherine even breaks our haze to acknowledge the squealing toddler as he glances at his father with suddenly wide eyes.

Even Michael stop in his tracks to make an awkward turn for his elated toddler. All the while, a look on with a widened smile. Michael adores Noah and Noah adores Michael; it's absolutely precious.

"Hey, Nutty... Your uncles treating you right?" He coos, kneeling down to greet Noah properly.

Showcasing his two front teeth, Noah nods vigorously and allows Michael o pull him into his lap. Marlon and Randy, who were watching with pure amusement of their brother in his normal "papa bear" mode. I honestly think they're either jealous or fairly proud of him; I would like to think it's the latter.

"Look at Mikey... Being all daddy-like." Jermaine chuckles, approaching his brothers with his usual overly confident stride.

"Jerm, don't even start... You know Michael don't play about his son..." Janet warns, joining Katherine and I on the love seat.

"He better not. He's not too old for a good whacking!" Katherine chimed in, giving Jermaine her infamous glare.

That glare could end global warming, or quicken its progression.

Jermaine exchanges a quick glance with Katherine before shooting silent daggers at Janet; releasing a heavy sigh in the process. Marlon and Randy, who eagerly returned the plastic dinosaurs to acknowledge the possible scene between Jermaine and Janet, mumble and grumble quietly about how "mother always playing peacemaker"; this earned them scowls from Katherine and two cents added from Janet.

"Okay, okay before world war three commences, how about we just all take a breath and calm down." Michael "peace calls", rising from his spot on the floor; Noah securely latched on his right hip.

"Yeah, because I have a little announcement..." I chime in, earning a curious glance from Janet and even Latoya who was previously tuning everyone out.

"You're not having twins are you, because I would have to give Randy twenty dollars; ya'll know indict carry around small bills like that!" Marlon breaks the sudden silence.

Every other Jackson sucks their gums at Jermaine junior before encouraging me to continue. When I glance over at Michael, who is well on his way over towards the love seat; I break into light giggles and shake my head foolishly.

Michael and I have been meaning to tell these eager beavers two things; one being that we have in fact began planning for our upcoming wedding and the second thing is that last Sunday I decided that I would celebrate my nearly ten-week pregnancy, officially, by making my ultrasound appointment for today unsteady of tomorrow.

I just want Katherine and Joseph to see the little one before they go; especially Katherine. I actually planned to have Joseph in the same room as everyone else, but his refusal has hampered that from being an offered option.

Nonetheless, I can't wait to see our baby and have the whole family there to witness.

"Yeah... We do. If mommy to be would step forward..." Michael chirps, offering his hand to me.

I playfully roll my eyes and take his, leaning over to peck Noah as Michael bends to set the toddler down.

"Well... She recently expresses her wish to marry, soon...." He lulls giving my palm a gentle squeeze.

"I knew it! I knew it! See mama! I told you... If you talk to him... He would do it!" Janet squeals, quickly calming herself when Michael nods her way. "Sorry..."

"And I know we haven't told you much about it, that's because she doesn't really know... And I wasn't ready to tell..." He continues to prolong.

Now it's my turn to glance at Michael like he has two heads. I obviously wasn't informed on any other announcements other than the fact that we are wedding planning and want to have an open ultrasound gathering.

What does he have under his sleeves?

"Get to the point Michael! Geez!" Latoya snaps, earning mumbles and head nods of agreement from the others.

Michael squints his eyes in her direction, but of course, Latoya doesn't budge she keeps her palms firmly planted on her hips, her impatient stare returning his glare. With a heavy exhale, Michael rolls his eyes and continues.

"I canceled two months off my tour... I won't be ending the tour on its original date. I'll be too busy in Brazil, enjoying my wife..."

Jaws drop. Eyes widen. Silence falls.

Michael Joseph Jackson did not just say what I think he just said. He did not just squeeze my hand and tell his entire family (give or take a few members), that in just ten weeks I'll be his wife?

This is unreal; so surreal.

"I know that means that I'll be gone for a few weeks and the rest will just be wedding planning and finally the actual wedding. I wanted to you guys, also the lucky lady herself, all at the same time. And before anyone asks, yes... You're all invited." He beams, stealing a quick kiss.

Ten weeks. In ten weeks I'll be in Brazil with my husband; Michael Jackson-that can't be. In ten weeks, I'll be twenty weeks pregnant. In ten weeks, Noah will be turning two years old. In ten weeks; my life will be changing for the better.

My prayers; finally answer.

"Michael... Oh God, I'm so happy for you two!" Janet is the first to drift from her astonishment.

Quickly rising from her seat, she glances at Michael and me before eagerly taking us in her arms and giving us a deathly squeeze. The others, slowly coming back from their own bewilderment, follow suit; each offering encouraging words (Katherine and Latoya) or prideful jokes (Jermaine, Randy, and Marlon), but it isn't until one barely audible voice enters the excitement with an uneasy grin.

"Another Jackson, with another family. Where has the time gone?" He speaks softly, slowly entering the family room.

Joseph Jackson; the silent man himself.

His steps are slow and controlled. His smile is small and genuine. His seaweed eyes are focused on his fifth son, as he coasts towards us. His body language is unreadable, that small smile giving all the detail he wants to give, away. I can't even admit that I'm surprised by his last-minute appearance, something told me that he didn't want to be isolated; no father (whether he is Joseph Jackson or not) ever does.

He just had to admit that to himself as well; I'm glad he did.

"Well don't all look at me, let'em finish." He chuckles to the onlooking Jackson's and me.

Instantaneously, all heads nod and turn towards Michael and me; all by the power of this man. It takes Michael a few seconds before he's back to construing the next subject; stumbling over his words in the process.

"I-I uh... We... Um... I-"

"We're having the ultrasound today. We wanted you guys to be here for this little one at least." I save him, glancing at him silently.

He doesn't return my gaze, instead, his eyes remain on the seaweeds across from him. Even when I nudge him to get his attention, he doesn't budge-those almonds are lost in his father's seaweeds.

Oh, dear.

"Th-That's great. Real great man! Congrats, little bro!" Jermaine tries to ease the tension, glancing around for the supporters that have yet to break their gaze of Joseph.

"You actually came out, why?" Michael ignores his brother and I.

"I've been around. I talked to Bill Bray. I did some wonderin' bout the fields and cleared my mind. Now it ain't easy for me to come here and accept two years of not hearing from my boy. I came because I have to live with... Me not being in charge anymo'. It hurts, but I'll live. I'm proud of you Michael. All of you. I ain't been the best pops to ya'll, but info love ya'll. seeing ya'll up and marry, actually makes me even more proud. I did somethin' right. I'm proud boy. I am." He expresses his voice still soft and his tone genuine.

I finally break a smile; Joseph has come around-finally.

"As for the girl; Jesse. I'm sorry. I was rude and inappropriate. If I knew the world you were giving my boy, I would've backed down. I was talkin' out my ass because I felt like shit." He pauses to glance at Noah, who is silently glancing at the stranger. "Sorry lil man. Your mama need to know this."

He inhales deeply and steps between Marlon and Randy, giving them a pat on the back as he moved between them. Once he's a foot or two away from Michael and I, he closes his eyes and exhales.

"You make him happy. I've never seen a smile so damn big on that boy's face. I ain't saying that I ain't mean every word, but I'm apologizin' for the few that were out of line. I'm sorry."

Simple, genuine, and straight to the point-I'll take it.

I nod and nod silently; I don't know whether or not if should comment on his apology or let it simmer. Either way, I need him to know that I honestly accept it.

"Thank you so much, Joseph. It means the world; it really does." I finally decide to speak.

He nods silently as well, his gaze now on Noah and Michael.

"The boy looks just like Katherine said he did; just like his own pops. Well, I'll be damned, I can't believe he has another one on the way. I'm proud; congrats."

"Thank you..." Michael merely whispers his gaze on Noah.

I glance between the two men; noting that in some twisted, majestic way; they are having their own conversation that neither I nor the other Jackson's will ever understand. Joseph and Michael have their own way of communicating; it's honestly, oddly beautiful. All I know is that they've made a right turn in the relationship.

Finally.
_______________

"And the yellow monkey said he didn't do it, but Mister Griffin knew that the yellow monkey was telling a tale..." I gasp aloud, guiding Noah's index finger along with the sentence.

He squeals and glances at me, pointing towards the illustration of the yellow monkey and the broken case.

"Mon-Mon..." He directs at the illustrations.

I giggle and nod, tapping the illustration as well.

"Yes, mm-on-key. That's the monkey..."

He glances at the book once more and taps the yellow monkey again.

"Mm...Mon-Mon..." He struggles, peering at me for approval.

It's finally August, Michael is due to leave within the next two days for Bangkok, Thailand; his first show is on the twenty-fourth and we're all excited. I still haven't decided whether or not I want to travel with Noah. I would love to, but I have to think about our baby inside of me and our little one that still struggles to speak full words.

On the other hand, I haven't even talked to or even emailed Mark in the past three months. I've honestly been avoiding discussing my decision to, yet again, cancel my tour. I know he would understand that I'm pregnant, but I know that time is money and ice wasted a lot of his time.

I just can't face him yet.

Meanwhile, Michael has been pretty patient with me on that matter. He understands my concern and worries about telling Mark. He also understands the business and had encouraged me a few times to call Mark.

"Don't leave him in the dark."

I just haven't come to a decision on either subject and I know I have to soon.

"Mhm. Mm-on-key. Can you say monkey?" I encourage, still smiling at the tot.

"Mo-"

"Hey, Jess! Mark is on the phone for you!" Michael calls from down the hall, his voice close in range.

I sigh heavily and carefully rise from the alphabet rug, turning towards the door of the playroom just in time to meet eyes with an apparently concerned Michael. I maintain a small smile as I whisper for Noah to join his father at the door while I take the dreadful call. Noah obliges, tottering after Michael as they follow me into his office.

"Hello?" I force out, not wasting any time once I entered Michael's office.

"Jesse! Jesse where have you been woman?!" Mark chuckles from the other end.

I swallow and glance at Michael whose propped up against the door frame, securely holding on to Noah's hand.

I pick up the telephone and turn off the speaker before carefully settling into Michael's leather chair. After another inhale and silent exhale, I answer.

"I've been home... You know, taking care of Noah and all. I'm sorry I haven't been in touch lately..."

He chuckles once more and playfully huffs.

"If you call nearly four months later. You know you should've been in Tokyo by now. I've called and emailed. What's up with that Miss Rose?" His chuckles falter.

I knew it was coming, but I'm not prepared. I'm not prepared at all.

"I know... I... I'm sorry, Mark." I finally sigh aloud.

By now Michael has somehow called Bill for Noah and is now sitting in front of his desk, waiting patiently in one of the guest chairs. By his expression, I can tell he's dying to know what's being said. But all I can do is ignore his stare and focus on the situation at hand.

"You're apologizing, but you're not saying why. Jesse come on. What's going on?" Mark stresses, causing my heart to fasten its neutral pace.

I nod and bite down on my bottom lip, still ignoring Michael's concerned gaze. I can't prolong this conversation; I have to tell him.

Here goes nothing.

"Mark I'm pregnant."

The line drops dead; pure silence. But that silence doesn't last long; not long enough for me to prepare at least.

I'm not prepared.

"You're what?" He suddenly grits.

Another swallowed lump.

"I'm pregnant; ten weeks now..." I whisper.

"What is he saying Jess?" Michael interrupts, his eyes glancing between me and the telephone.

I advert my eye from him, once again. I need to handle this one; I have to.

"God dammit! Are you serious? Jesse, I love you, you're talented as hell... But you're pregnant?! W-Why?!" He screeches, his voice growing louder and louder with each word spoken.

I furrow my eyebrows in perplexity. Did he really just ask that? How disrespectful can someone really be?

"Mark, please. You know I would never do this on purpose..."

"Well evidently someone did! You knew you were expected back in Tokyo to finish your tour! While you're fucking him, I had to explain to your sponsors and many unhappy people that you extended your break to take care of business! Have you not read the tabloids lately?! You're digging yourself a hole!" He continues to snap, pausing to exhale heavily. "While you're playing house and good little mommy, that man is out there doing what he's done all of his life, with no worries. You're trying to get where he is... You'll never get there pulling stunts like this. You have people working hard to the bone for you. I'm trying to be patient here."

Digging myself a hole? Playing house? Patient? I'll never "get there"?

Nice know what people truly think of you.

Taking in all of his words, all the while trying not to break down; I inhale deeply and suck in my lips. I wanted him to be different; I believed he was different. I wanted things to be different( but here I am again.

"That's not true... You know that, Mark." I whimper, failing to maintain composure.

"It is Jesse. I love to pieces, I do. You have so much talent, but you keep taking opportunities from yourself. I want you to succeed, and so does Misty, but we can't help you when you keep hurting yourself. That man will do what he loves no matter what, but what about you?" Mark continues, obliviously taking my pride into his own palms.

He's right.

No matter what, Michael will still go on with life as he pleases. He will still tour. He will still produce music and short films, and I'll just be a trophy wife. I'll always find myself "playing house".

Before I can find the words to say the right words at least, Michael takes the telephone away from me swiftly and creates his own.

"I don't know what you're telling her, but if it had her nearly in tears, I want to know!" He demands his almonds dark and focused on the telephone receiver.

He remains quiet, apparently waiting for Mark to respond. After a long wait, he begins huffing and puffing about Mark being an "inconsiderate asshole". He even goes on to say that Mark should shove a few things up the unpleasant places, and when Michael is finished, he slams down the telephone and glances at me-- his face now tomato red with anger.

I allow him to practice a few breathing exercises before he speaks again.

"Don't you ever, for one second allow another man to talk to you like that; ever." He grits, inhaling once more to calm himself. "Do you not understand how precious and strong you are? No damn man should talk to you like that! I don't give a damn if he's your manager, he has no right!" He fumes up again.

I remain silent; I have no excuse.

"God, girl why didn't you tell me earlier? I would've handled this. You know I would've. God... I can't believe he even had the nerve to repeat it! You're not a trophy wife. You're not a baby mama. You're not some black women I knocked up twice. You're Jesse rose Edmond, the strong dancer who stole a swooned man's heart. There's no emerging in that, babygirl. I told you before, our children are not mistakes. This one inside you..." He places a gentle palm on my stomach as he kneels before me.

"Is not a mistake. Don't ever think of the blessings as anything but a blessing. And you're not a failure either. You've done so much, girl. You are inspiring millions of little girls around the world. Don't give up. Please don't." He stresses, taking my free hand in his. "You inspire me every day. You inspire our little boy... Everyday. Please don't give up. Not now, babygirl." He pleads.

I absorb his words and nod in acceptance of them; I won't give up and I'm not giving up. I've come too far to let anyone's frustration get to me. I know what I'm capable of and I'll show them all; I'll show myself.

"I won't give up. I promise." I sigh, giving him an uneasy smile.

He returns my smile and presses his lips to the back of my hand.

"Good."
_______________________

A/N: Wow! Interesting chapter eh?

Now I know most of you have been wondering about my slow updates lately; I'll answer all questions (I'll at least try) now.

I'm currently preparing to take on the "great" Senior year of high school-well I started school last Monday, and before then I was pretty much preparing myself.

It's pretty relaxed so far, but the point is... I know that I have to prioritize. This always leads the internal question: Wattpad or studying, Wattpad or sleep?, and the saddest question: Wattpad or homework?

Lol I know! I'm ashamed... BUT, as you can see and tell, I've been choosing wisely! And I'm pretty darn proud of myself.

Moving onwards, I just want to let you guys know that I am writing between these little breaks, it just takes awhile for me to go back and try to edit properly; so I apologize for any mistakes in this current (and previous) chapter. I'm working on multitasking, but school will always come first. Any-hoo, to make a long story short; I just want to apologize for not giving a heads up-that's totally my fault.

But in the bright side, all future updates are guaranteed extra length! This chapter was 5012! How awesome is that?

Well, that's all for now! You guys know what to do... Let me know what you think of the chapter (the good, the bad, the ugly!) and of course vote and share if you'd like!

Thank you- Marilyn Edmond.

PS: Let me know if you want more Authors Note, and I have a trivia question:

What were the original two names that Michael and Jesse and agreed on for their future children?

First to answer correctly will recurve a well overdue shout out!