When in love, sometimes you have to go all in. There is no wading of the waters, you have to step in. When you do step in, you have to blindly prepare yourself for whatever lies in the water. You have to take in every shark and every dolphin, never letting them change your heart or detour your mind from being with the one you love. You have to be willing to swim in order to prevent yourself from drowning in the process.

My water is Michael's world. In Michael's world there surrounds a an ocean. The ocean consist of sharks, fish, and crabs. Each day I have to survive one more shark and one more crab, bumping into fish along the way. But because my love for Michael runs deeper than the ocean, swimming in this ocean is well worth keeping my head above water.

After our eventful, emotional morning, Michael and I decided to sleep in a little longer. I actually have been worried about Michael's sleeping habits lately. I understood his stress during the creation of his upcoming album Bad, but now I'm really worried about his endless amounts of sleepless nights.

When I stressed this to him, he only shruged and stated that it was something that he has been dealing with for quite some time. He also stated that he has tried everythingto put a stop to this curse which has been diagnosed as insomnia, but nothing seems to work.

"My mind just keeps going and going, but my body is tired and worn out. It's always been like this, I just learned to deal with it" He explained one night, when I questioned his alertness at three o'clock in the morning.

In addition to worrying about Michael's developing insomnia, I'm also worried about the ivory specks on his forearm and lower back. I haven't brought this to his attention yet, because I am afraid that he may not want me to know. I can only hope that he trusts me enough to tell me what's going on.

Since Michael's announcement about our date for tonight, Michael has been all over the place. Arranging decorations, menus, and even his suit he wants to wear. I only sat and watched in amusement as the man walked throughout the hotel listing detailed instructions to whom ever was on the other line. That's my Michael, If he participates, hosts, or plans an event, it has to be extravegant.

"Okay...Thank you. Alright...See you then Ramon,Thank you" Michael gleams, replacing the hotel phone onto it's hook.

"So does this mean you will finally sit down and have lunch with me?" I giggle, grabbing our recently delivered brunch, courtesy of The Double Tree Hotel chef and his staff.

Michael cackles, skipping like a small child into the kitchen corner.

"Yes my dear Jesse I will brunch with you"

I grin foolishly, setting his plate infront of him.

His eyes wander from his plate of minirature english muffins and a array of vibrate organic fruits. With a raised eyebrow, he silently questions my smile.

"I'm just glad to see you elated. The past few days have been... Everywhere" I admit, popping a green grape into my mouth.

He nods in agreement.

There we sat in complete silence. A beautiful silence of a sort of resolution. Michael gleaming from ear to ear, no longer worried about Bill's opinions as of now. This may seem a bit selfish, but Michael deserves to finally make his own decisions, Bill can't always prevent thing's from ocurring. I hope he one day learns that it's okay to sit back and watch, and if something goes wrong, then it's okay to get involved.

"Have you heard from Mister Sanchez?" He asks pausing after a quick bite of his english muffin.

"No... I probably didn't make it. It's fine" I shrug, popping another grape into my mouth.

Pausing from his meal, he stares at me in bewilderment.

"What?"

"You can't possibly mean what you've just said Jess..." He frowns, his dark brown pools full of concern.

Avoiding his gaze, I continue nibbling at my grapes.

I don't know what to say. It's been nearly three days since my audition, I would've been called if I was cast by now.

"Babygirl this is all you ever talk about. You've been talking about it for months and now it's no big deal? I don't believe that for a second" He exasperates.

I remain silent.

Michael mumbles something inaudible beneath his breath before standing from the stool and exiting the corner kitchen. I watch him as he moves quietly into the bedroom only emerging five minutes later with a piece of paper.

"You see this?" He questions, reclaiming his seat.

I glance over the piece of paper. It's an advertisement for Michael's upcoming album Bad. Included in the article is the release date in which the album will be feasible for the public, a set date for the past meet and greet, and a question mark in the box for Tour Information.

Glancing up I meet Michael's infamous, charming smile. The smile he flashes when he's up to something. Returning his smile with a light giggle, I investigate his reason for showing me the advertisement.

"This is an ad, for your new album..."

"Correct" He grins.

"I don't understand Michael. What are you trying to tell me?"

Rolling his eyes playfully, he points a slender index finger at the question mark for Tour Information.

"How would you like to tour with me?" He offers, gleaming at his idea.

I glance between Michael and the advertisement. His offer is very gracious, but I feel it's not right. Of course I would love to be Michael''s dancer, but it wouldn't sit right with me. Especially if he plans on telling the world about our relationship, hiring me as his dancer will only result in chaos. I don'twant that. Michael doesn't need anymore chaos than he already has.

"Michael I...I can't. It's just not fair" I stress, feeling guilty for turning down Michael's help.

His frown returns with confusion in his eyes. Scratching his curls,he inhales deeply.

"So you don't want to be my dancer?"

"I do, more than anything, but I can't Michael. I just can't, I want to find this on my own. I want to work for it" I explain.

"You don't want a hand out. That's what you're saying. I respect that" He smiles approvingly, nudging me a bit.

I swear this man is amazing.

>

I'm nervous. I'm terrified. I can't breathe. I just don't know what to think, I can't think. This is the moment we've been waiting for all afternoon. In as little as an hour, I will no longer be known as Michael's "mystery woman" or his "faithful groupie", I'll be known as Jesse Edmond, Michael Jackson's girlfriend.

I can't believe he actually wants to go through with this. Everything has been tailored, stitched, timed, checked, and prepped, just for Michael and I. My main worry is Bill. I don't want to add any fuel to his and Michael's fire, by participating in this. I also don't want to feel as if I'm Michael's excuse to rebel against Bill.

I'm usually not this anxious. I've never had fifty-million thoughts on my mind, about one situation. I'm almost always, calm, cool, and collected; just not tonight.

Michael has left me with his make-up artist Karen Faye to do my make-up of course, whilst he checked up on a few things. Before he left he promised to meet me in the limo and also reassured me that everything will be fine.

"Girl. You're one lucky woman" Karen enthuses, controlling the fly away of my straightened hair..

Blushing, my mind travels to Michael who has already put so much effort in making this night special for me. Along with Karen, Michael requested a mini spa session where I was pampered for a little over an hour. With last thing being my dress, I'm more than anxious about the rest of the night.

"Alright Miss Jackson, your dress awaits you... Karen lulls as her assistant enters the bedroom with a wardrobe bag.

"Oh God... Michael" I gasp once the assistant reveals the beautiful creme, swoop back gown with even more enticing embroidery of a lighter gold color. The dress within itself is breath taking.

"How can I pull that off?"

Karen and her assistants cackle over my reaction before displaying before me, a jewelry box, with an array of jewels, from genuine pearls to sterling silver.

"With these honey. You are already gorgeous as is. Add some accessories and your look is complete" Karen casually explains, already picking through the shimmering jewels.

Within ten minutes,I am powdered, puffed, pressed, sprayed, and ready to go. Karen and her team finished in just the nick of time. Just as I was hopping down from the make-up chair, Karen slips me a pair of matching, gold heels and sends me on my marry way; it's almost showtime.

"What do you want to be doing in the future Jess?" He asks, swaying his feet against the ground.

I glance around Haveyhurst. it's so calm and peaceful here, so alluring.

"I want to live like this one day. Live in a home with a family of my own. I would hope my dancing career would have taken off before then" I answer, still dazed.

"I just hope that I can bring more to the table. I don't want to be ordinary Jess. I want to leave a legacy"

I smile at him through the dark RayBan's that hid those soul searching eyes, I love so much.

"I also one day want to fall in love. I wonder what it feels like to look at the girl of your dreams and happily proclaim that you are in love. Do you ever think about that Jess?" He fantasizes.

"Everyday..." I exhale.

Scooting closer to me, he steals my hand.

"Jess... I have something to tell you. I've been waiting awhile to tell you" He begins, entangling our fingers.

"What is it Michael? Spill please" I cackle.

Inhaling deeply, he pauses a moment. Next thing I know, his lips are parted and his face is nearing mine.

I can't move, so I mirror him and await his lips. I've dreamt of this moment, replaying a made up scenario in my head. But, now it's happening, Michael's and I first kiss...

Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Scotty offers his hand to me, blushing a bit as he gawks over my make over. My only response is a light giggle as I climb into the limo.

A dark familiar silhouette sits nearest the left passenger window, seemingly lost in thought. I hold my breath as he turns around, switching on the limousine passenger lights.

"Frank can you can you give us a little privacy, please?" He sweetly asks, smiling as Frank acts on his request.

Turning his full attention, he bites down on his bottom lip, clearly impressed. I could say the same for him, he looks absolutely handsome. His tailored, red and black suits him snugly onto his small frame. Even his curls are quite a show stopper, each curl carefully pulled free, giving Michael the fully hair look. I love it.

"You look stunning babygirl" He winks.

Blushing, fiddle with my creme clutch.

"Did Karen treat you right? Were you comfortable with her?"

I nod, giggling at his concern.

"Yes. She was very nice to me, and funny"

Relieve by my answer, he smiles and motions for me to scoot closer. I oblige, taking a spot right beside him.

"You look absolutely fluorescent Jess" He whispers, stealing my hand.

Whether it;'s the way he's whispering compliments in my ear, or just the compliments in general, my cheeks are flustered from blushing so hard. I can only imagine my face as the night plays on.

Through our small talk, I hadn't even noticed that the limousine had come to a halt; we have arrived, Michael straightens his suit and rolls down our privacy window.

"Is everything ready Frank?"

Frank turns around, giving Michael the thumbs up. Grinning, Michael rolls the privacy window back up and turns to me.

"Are you nervous?"

"A little" I honestly admit.

He places a gentle hand on my thigh, sending a chill down my spine.

"Don't be babygirl, we're by ourselves. We'll just hear about this tomorrow morning" He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

A little relieved by his statement, I exhale deeply and wait for further instruction.

Our passenger door opens on Michael's side, Rafael smiling from behind it.

"He's here and ready to go Mister Jackson"

"Okay... Thanks Rafael"

Nodding, Rafael aids Michael in climbing out of the limo then assisting me as well.

"You look gorgeous Miss Edmond" Rafael compliments as he escorts us inside of the intricate building before us.

Upon entrance the first thing I take notice of is the elaborate Italian theme. The replica mural of David's Angels on the ceiling and the use of white and crème through out the interior of the building.

"I see you like it here?" Michael teases.

"I love it. It's so dreamy. Wow" I gawk.

Chuckling, Michael once again steals my hand.

"Well my enchantress, your table awaits" He charms, cuing someone to open a curtain.

I gasp, wide eyed over the site before me. A single table set for two. So
Ornate and decorative. One single white rose separates the two wine glasses on the table. Above are garden lights and below surrounding the table are floor candles, vanilla scented. I'm speechless.

"You want to sit down, or are we going to stand here all night? Come one babygirl, sit and let's enjoy out meal" Michael urges, escorting me to my seat.

"Thank you" I grin foolishly, as he walks over to his side.

"My pleasure babygirl. I hope you are I'm the mood for Italian"

"Mmm Italian!" I moan, watching a very lengthy older gentleman, pass us our first course of the night.

"Bistecca alla florentina..." The gentleman informs us, stepping back.

"Florentine Beefsteak..." Michael translates, nodding for the gentleman to go on his way.

Chuckling, the man obeys, scurrying into the back of the restaurant.

I glance over the exquisitely decorated meal. The beef is chopped perfectly, for an easy bite into each piece, the pieces of green garlic and parsley gives the steak a more appealing festive feel; don't even get me started on the scent of this cuisine.

With a small grin, and a childish giggle, Michael begins to devour his meal.

Upon watching him in the middle of my own devouring of the Bistecca alla florentina, I couldn't help but cheese at this entire moment. Michael Joseph Jackson has chosen against the will of others to make me apart of his world; finally.

Long into the night, Michael gifted me with more tangible surprises and even gifts. From a comical picture of us from our first date, to a musical selection of my favourite Celine Dion song; My Heart Will Go. Michael definitely has wooed and spoiled me tonight, I could've asked more of him.

"So did you enjoy the night?" Michael asks as we swayed alongside the instrumental of violins and violas.

Glancing up from his neck, I nod and sigh dreamily.

I have been so lost in our dance session, that I haven't even notice that Michael slyly persuaded me to dance, as his partner. I hadn't even expected to sway along the music with him, the way that I am. Once again, Michael's magic has reigned of my heart and soul. I am most definitely in love.

"I have two more surprises for you" Michael whispers in my ear, his large hand sliding to the small of my exposed back.

Shivering beneath his touch, I detach myself from him and wait for his next move.

Pecking my forehead lightly, he slowly releases his hold of me and slips away into the back of the restaurant. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I mentally pinch myself. This is my reality, out of all the girls in the world, Michael chooses me to give all of his attention to, to reveal his true self to, and to let the world know.

When Michael returns, so does that silly grin of his while he hides his hands behind his back. Squinting my eyes at him playfully, I try a had in investigation.

"What are you hiding there Mister Jackson?" I giggle.

He shrugs, rolling his eyes onto the ceiling.

"Oh nothing... Just as gift"

"Oh. Whose it for?" I play along.

He steps up to me, desperately trying to hide his blush.

"Just the girl of my dreams..." He pauses, taking the time to glance over me. When his eyes finally meet mine, they seemingly sparkle as he removes the gift from behind his back.

"Open it..." He whispers, passing me a rectangular, royal blue, velvet box.

Shakily retrieving it from his hand, I slowly open the box. My eyes widen at the site of the most awing sterling silver, diamond pendent necklace I've ever seen. I'm not much of a diamond and pearls type of girl, but I must say this necklace is absolutely gorgeous.

"Because my dear Jesse, you are my precious diamond..." He blushes, removing the necklace from it's case.

"May I?" He offers, referring to placing the necklace on my neck.

Speechless, I nod foolishly.

He holds up the necklace to my neck, switching hands as he walks behind me. A few failed trials of clipping the necklace later, he finally clips it and stands back, marveling over his work.

"God Jesse Rose. You don't understand how amazingly beautiful you are. I can't explain it" He admits, growing a little shy with his words.

I blush, enjoying his effort in trying to be more open. I really appreciate the positive changes Michael is implementing into his personality. I am not taking credit for any of these thing's; not at all. I just couldn't be any more proud of him.

"For your last surprise... I don't know if you will like it, but I felt it would make some sort of difference" Michael explains, giving another silent cue, to an invisible person.

A few seconds later, he enters. He has a small, forced smile spread upon his lips. He seems a bit uneasy and maybe even uncomfortable. For a hefty forty year old man, he looks like a small child who has been released from a long time out.

"Bill... The floor is all yours" Michael announces. Stepping beside me.

Bill sighs heavily and glances at me, his eye contact inconsistent but still with mine.

"Miss Edmond, I apologize for my unfair judgment of your relationship with Michael. I guess seeing the little guy hurt so many times, I became overprotective of him. You are a great woman, and I'm sure toil give Michael the best gift anyone can give to him, love" He expresses, timidly stepping closer.

Before he could act on it, I beat him to a meaningful embrace, whispering to him that all is forgiven.

"Just take care of my boy Jesse. He needs you" Bill concludes, breaking our embrace.

"Thank you Bill" Michael smiles, replacing that large hand of his on the small if my back.

"Ready to go now?"

"Yes. I'm ready"

With a tender peck of the cheek, with the help of Bill, Michael escorts us out of the restaurant.

Even though we were met by a few uninvited cameras and video recorders, we proceeded happily into the limousine that awaited us.

With my new found break through in my relationship with Michael, I feel more than confident enough to face what the world throws at Michael and I next...

To Be Continued...