I Will Always Love You Chapter: 87  

Michael POV 

“Um, Michael, I need to talk to you in private." Latoya said warily. I nodded in agreement, not wanting to upset her and cause her to dig into what was going on between Bina and me. She already looked suspicious of me, so I just followed her. We ended up in a quiet area out of earshot and sight of Bina. I knew that it was rude to just leave her by herself in my yard, but I didn't really have a choice unless our relationship would become my whole family's business. And if it got back to Joseph that I was getting too close to Bina... that would be the end of it.

Latoya seemed more serious than usual, so I was quiet. She started,

“Rebbie got a call today... it was from mom." She began to tear up a little bit, but composed herself and continued,

“She said, mom's coming back. She's coming home! Mom is coming home..." and she cried tears of joy. I embraced her and I started to cry as well. I laughed because I felt this weight lifted from me. She told me that Joseph was on the phone with her right now, and when he was finished, I could talk to her. I just had to talk to her, so I ran inside, and I slowly approached his office door. I was never so bold, but considering the circumstances, I gathered my courage, pushed it open, and popped my head in. He looked up at me, and just when I thought that I would receive a scowl, he smiled and waved me in. This only made me feel better, because I knew that mother was on the other line of the phone. I mouthed,

“Can I talk to her?" And Joseph said,

“Katie? There's someone who wants to talk to you. Hold on..." As he handed the phone to me, I couldn't help but think that I had never seen my father so happy before. I brought the receiver to my face and breathed,

“Hello?"

“Michael?" Her sweet voice poured over the phone.

“Mother! I've missed you so much!"

“I've missed you too. I cannot wait to see you, baby. I'll be home tonight."

“I will be waiting. We have so much to catch up on."

“Tell me! I want to hear. I don't have to leave for a bit." I looked at Joseph wanting a little privacy, and true to his unbelievably kind mood, he patted my shoulder, smiled, and left the room. I dove into a narrative, and I talked about our shows, the fans, the tight schedule, my brothers and their wives. She asked me,

“Well, what about Bina?"

“Mother, she is the most intriguing, beautiful, and insanely talented girl!"

“She beats out Diana?"

“You know I love Diana, but...I think that they are equals. In fact I was just talking to Bina in the yard..." At that moment, it dawned on me that I had left her. It had been over an hour. I had to get off of the phone to talk to her.

“Mother, I have to go right now, but I cannot wait to see you."

“What's going on? I want to hear the rest."

“I will tell you when you get here, but Latoya wants to talk to you." I said, urgently. I lied so that I wouldn't hurt her feelings, and I looked out of the door to signal her, but she wasn't there.

“Oh... ok. Honey, are you alright?"

“I'm fine, hold on one second." I ran out of the room, and out of the window, I saw Latoya in the yard. I called to her, and she walked up to me with this frown on her lips. I had no time to ask what she had done, I just said,

“Mother wants to talk to you." I rushed away from her towards the gate, but she said,

“I wouldn't try to cross the street to see her. The fans will mob you." And with that she spun on her heel to go inside, but right before she reached the door, she said,

“Oh, yes! You still have to go on that date with Donna that you promised a couple of weeks ago." My face soured at her remark.

“I don't think I want to do that..."

“Come on, Michael! You promised! I know her and I know that she wouldn't want anything more from you than your time, she is perfect for you."

“Latoya, really, you're keeping mother waiting and-"

“Why can't you see that I'm just looking out for your best interest!" She interrupted me, fuming. I was surprised at her apoplectic manner. Before I could respond, she stomped inside. Now I had to deal with Latoya and whatever she was talking about, and I have to explain to Bina.

This whole dating Donna thing was growing into a hairy monster. I had forgotten about it. When I got my walkie talkie back from Latoya, she made me agree to go with Donna somewhere in order to make me less of a "hermit". I dreaded that, but what I dreaded more was the conversation that I would have to explain myself to Bina. So many things were running through my head. I remembered my promise when we were standing in the street,

“I will never do that to you again."

It kept echoing through my head. I promised not to leave her without an explanation, and here I did it again.

“What am I going to say..." I sighed.