Brooklyn, New York, 11/7/1987, 6:30PM

Michael's point of view

Well, today has been great. I've spent the entire day with June, and we did a lot of things. With my disguise on, of course, we ate in a little Italian restaurant in New York City, and we spent the entire day there. We did a little shopping, ate ice creams... Random stuff, but I had a great day. We stopped at the Disney store, and I found myself a Peter Pan mug. I've been looking for something like this for years, and I finally found it. Yeah, I know it looks childish to be looking for such things, but I love Disney movies, and I love Peter Pan. Peter Pan is me, you know. I don't want to grow up, and considering the fact I didn't have a proper chilhood, I guess I'm living it as an adult. June saw how excited I was in that store, and even if I told her I needed nothing, she bought me a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. I love it, but I really didn't want her to buy me anything. I mean, not to sound arrogant or anything, but I have plenty of money, so she didn't need to buy me anything. I tried hard to protest, but being as stubborn as she is, she didn't listen to me, and she bought it anyway. I love that t-shirt, and I'll think about her eveytime I'll wear it. She said she bought it to me because she wanted me to think about her while on tour, but I won't need it to think about her. I know she'll be on my mind the entire time. Anyways. After Disney Store, we went to several clothing shops, including Victoria's Secret. Lord, I was embarassed to be there. I couldn't stop imagining June in each and everyone of those things. She chose two different bras and matching panties, and asked me which one I prefered: the first one was a black layered in lace with an edgy faux-leather trim bra, and the other one was exactly the same but with some red in it. Of course, even if I was pretty embarassed about it, I chose the the second one, as red is my favorite color. I guess June saw my embarassement at this point, because she told me I could wait outside the shop if I wanted, and I gladly did. The thought of June in one of those garter belts was driving me crazy. She left the shop a couple of minutes later, and we continued our shopping. After tons of clothing shop, we finished by going in a music store, and as soon as we enterred the room, Bad filled our ears. June smiled at me, and hummed along with the music, just as I did. I took a quick look at the records in front of me, and noticed that Bad was already out of stock. I felt a huge feeling of accomplishement in me at that moment. Just next to my "section" if I can say, there was some Prince's new album, 'Sign "☮" The Times'. I took a quick glance at it, and decided to buy it. Curiosity only.

Anyways! We're back at June's place now. This has been a great day. June and I had loads of fun, we laughed and joked around. That's why I love her. I swear she's so fun. She loves to tease me, and she knows how much I love to be teased. Even though she was all smiling and laughing, I could tell she was worried about her mom because she kept looking at her phone. She only had a text from Michelle yesterday, in which she said that she landed in D.C and that everything was fine. She told her she'll call her today, and she's still waiting.

June's point of view

I've spent an amazing day with Michael. I like those times with him. It's rare he has nothing to work on, so I really enjoyed this day. It was fun to see how Michael was embarassed when we were in the Victoria's Secret shop. My poor baby was so uncomfortable that I had to tell him he could wait for me outside the store. While Michael was outside, I tried to call Jeremy, but I was directed straight to his voicemail. I kept looking at my phone for any sign of life from my friend, but still nothing. I'm sure Michael noticed it, but he must think I am waiting some news from my mom, which I am too, but I know she's probably fine. Not that I don't care about her, but she's a grown up and she's determined to accomplish her job, so I don't worry about her.

As we were home, Michael asked me if I needed help to cook dinner, which I accepted. Every occasion I have to do something with Michael, I take it. As Michael doesn't eat red meat, I decided to do something that my father taught me to cook: Cajun Chicken Pasta. It's quite a spicy meal, but as I know Michael likes spicy food, I know he would like it. As I was washing my hands, Michael came next to me to wash his too.

"How can I be helpful, Chef?" Michael asked as he was drying his hand with a towel."

"You can cut those," I said, pointing to the green and red bell peppers, "and then you can cut those two red oinions," I exlplained, smiling. "And, as I know you rarely cook, please don't cut yourself."

"Aww, baby," Michael cooed, smiling. He hugged me and laid a small kiss on top of my head. "I'm not the one who's called Klutzilla, remember?"

"I'm not clumsy!" I said, hitting his chest playfully. I broke the hug and took a bowl in the cupboard. Unfortunately, I alsmot dropped it, which caused Michael to give me a "Really?" look, his arms crossed on his chest. "I'm not clumsy! You're disturbing me, that's all."

"Whatever," he said, beginning to cut the vegetables, "Klutzilla," he muttered, but I heard him. I threw a towel at him. "Hey! What was that for?"

"I heard you, Jackson!" I said, half-smiling. "I admit, I'm a real klutz. Happy?"

"Yup!" he smiled widely. I shook my head playfully at him, and began to cut the chicken while Michael was still cutting the vegetables. "Any news from your mom?" he asked me with a sympathetic smile.

"Not yet, but she'll call sooner or later," I smiled back. I knew it. I knew he would think I checked my phone because he thinks I'm worried about her.

"Yeah, I'm sure she will call soon," he said, smiling. "I'm done with those by the way," he declared, putting the knife down. "What do I do now?"

"What about some wine?" I asked, smiling.

"Sure, I'll get it," he said, walking behind me to reach the fridge. As he was pouring us two glasses of white wine, the doorbell rang. Michael had a confused expression on his face, just as me. I wasn't expecting nobody.

"And I'll get this," I said, putting the knife down. I took a towel and wiped my hands with it. I opened the front door, and there stood Jer, all smiling.

"Hey there, Blondie," he greeted me. I gave him a furious look, and his smile slowly faded.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I hissed so Michael didn't hear me. "I've been trying to call you all day long! And didn't you see my texts?"

"Yes, I saw it. I have a job, remember? And it's not the easiest job on this planet," he angrily said back. "What's the matter with you, girl?"

"The matter? I need to know if you know where exactly is... Anna," I said, whispereing the bitch's name.

"Who is it, babe?" Michael called from the kitchen.

Shit.

"Um, I'm coming babe!" I called back.

"Who's that?" Jeremy asked, frowning.

"The Pope," I sarcastically said, rolling my eyes. "Now, do you have where Anna is or not?" I asked, becoming impatient.

"Um, no. They wouldn't tell me where she went. I asked the nureses she used to work with, but she didn't tell any of them where she went," he declared, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, June. I know how much y-"

"No, it's ok," I said, brushing my hands over my face in frustration. "I'll get her by myself," I muttered to myself.

"So, the Pope's here," he said in a barely audible voice, looking behind me in my appartment.

"The King Of Pop, acutally. Want to come in?" I asked, trying to hide my frustration. I really counted on Jer to help me with this, but I guess I'll have to find her by myself.

"W-What? You were serious?" Jeremy asked, and I nodded my head. "Um, I-I don't want to bother you guys, I'm just gonna head home, David's probably waiting."

"Come on," I sighed, taking his hands and dragging him inside my appartment. I closed the door with my foot behind us, and headed to the kitchen, Jer following behind me. I put a fake bright smile on my face as I looked at Michael who was sitting at the kitchen island. "Michael, I want to introduce you my friend, Jeremy," I began, and looked behind me at Jeremy. His cheeks were rosy, and his mouth was opened. "Jer, this is Michael," I finished, smiling.

Michael looked at me with a confused look which probably meant "what is he doing here?", but as the polite and educated man he is, he stood up from his bar stool, and shook Jer's hand.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you, Jeremy," Michael said, smiling. He let his hand go, and put his arm around my waist. "June told me you guys have been friends for awhile."

"I-I um, I-" Jeremy stuttered, visibly still shocked.

"It's ok, don't be so nervous," Michael cooed, giving him a warm smile. "I don't bite."

"Says the guy who turns into a wereworlf," he said, nervously chuckling. Michael and I laughed. It was actually not that funny, but the way he said it, it's like he actually believed Michael could turn into a werewolf at anytimes. "Sorry, I make stupid jokes when I'm nervous," he said, scratching the back of his head. "It's really nice to meet you, Mr. Jack-"

"Uh uh. Call me Michael, please."

"Well, it's really nice to meet you, Michael. I'm a huge fan, that's why I'm a bit starstrucked right now," he said, looking at the floor. He can't look at Michael in the eyes. Oh, poor boy. I've never saw him this shy in my entire life.

"I'm no star right now. I'm just Michael, a random guy, ok?"

"Yeah, I'll try," he smiled, finally looking at Michael. "I just can't believe it," he said, still in shock.

"You'll be fine," I giggled, patting his shoulder.

"If David only knew what is happening right now, he'll be dead. He's an even bigger fan than I am," he chuckled.

"David?" Michael asked me, looking down at me.

"He's Jer's boyfriend," I explained, smiling. "I'd like to meet him someday, by the way."

"He'd like to meet you too," Jer said, becoming a bit more confortable. "So, tell me, Michael. Is little Blondie here nice with you?" he asked, flashing me an evil smirk. I shook my head playfully at him, and excused myself to finish preparing dinner.

"She's amazing," I heard Michael answered as the two of them came in the kitchen. Michael gently asked Jer if he wanted a glass of wine, which he gladly accepted. As he was looking for a glass for my friend, Michael walked behind me and laid a soft kiss on the side of my neck before sitting next to Jer at the kitchen island in front of me.

"Do you need help, honey?" Michael asked me across the kitchen.

"No, I'm fine, babe. You guys keep bonding," I said, looking at Michael with a smile.

As I was finishing to cook dinner, I tried to find a way to find Anna by myself. Damn it, June! Her mom! She must know where her daughter went, right? I could give her a phone call and act like I want to have a friendly talk with her daughter, and tell her I miss her and blah blah blah. This is gonna work. Her mom always loved me.

"Babe?" I heard Michael called.

"Yup?" I joyfully asked. "What's up Mikey?"

"Did she always do that?" Michael asked Jeremy. "You know, daydreaming and completly forgetting about who's around her?"

"Oh yeah, that's when she's thinking hard about something," Jer nodded his head repeatedly.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," I apologized with a light smile. "What were you saying?"

"Would you mind if Jeremy stay for dinner?" Michael asked me, which caused my smile to get bigger.

"Oh, I don't want to bother you guys, really," Jeremy sincerely said.

"It's ok, Jer. I'd love to have you for dinner," I smiled.

**

Michael's point of view

Well, Jeremy is a very nice guy. He's really fun and a bit childish like I am. I really hope this one isn't a freak just as Anna and Matt. June needs a real friend, and I think Jeremy is completly sincere towards her. Plus, the fact that he is gay is a good thing for me. I wouldn't have to worry if I know she's hanging out with him while I'm gone. Not that I don't trust her, like I've already said before, but I'm ever more attentive about people now, you know, after what happened with Matt. That's actually why I asked June if Jeremy could stay for dinner, so I can see if I can trust him with my girl or not. After what I saw from now, he's a real friend, and he kept saying how much he missed spending time with June.

June's point of view

"Why did you guys didn't speak for all those years?" Michael curiously asked.

"I thought Anna told June," Jeremy shrugged. Fuck. Shit. Crap. Fuck. Shit. Crap.

"Anna?" Michael asked, frowning. He must have noticed my change of demeanor because he looked at me. "June? Anna know Jeremy as well?"

"Um, yeah. They worked together," DUMBASS. I'M A DUMBASS.

"Worked? You guys don't work together anymore?"

"Um, no. Anna has been-" I kicked Jer under the table, and he automaticllay stopped speaking. Thank God.

"She just changed of service. She is a nurse in cardiology now, while Jer works in general surgery. It's not the same floor, you know," I said, taking a big sip of my wine.

"How do you know that?" Michael asked me, frowning.

"I told her," Jer said, putting a fake smile on.

"Oh-kay," Michael said, chuckling. "Do you know Matt too?"

"Matt? You mean the guy who caused June's accident?" Michael nodded, clenching his jaw. "No, I don't know him, but I'd like him to meet my fists," Jer said, smiling form ear to ear.

"It's nice of you, but we're both over it now. We don't care about him or Anna. They tried to broke us, but they didn't succeed. Too bad for them," Michael said, wrapping one of his arm around my shoulders. Jer gave me a look, but I avoided him, and gave Michael a fake smile instead.

"Yeah, we're over it," I said, giving him a bigger fake smile.

After that, Michael excused himself to go to the bathroom, and Jer scooted closer to me.

"Why are you lying to him?" he hissed, angry.

"I don't want him to worry about it," I sighed. "I know him, and if I tell him that I want to find Anna to have explanations, first he's going to keep me from doing it, and he's going to be worried about me while he's touring. He knows I'm a stubborn ass, and that I won't listen to him," I explained, whispering.

"Why don't you just move on just like he did, huh?"

"Because I'm not this kind of girl, and you know it. I want to know why the bitch did that," I explained, feelig annoyed. "Let me handle my own buisness, ok?"

"I just want to take care of you. You guys are so in love, what will Michael thinks when you'll tell him what you've done while he was on tour? He's going to feel betrayed, and hurt. I know it, because I've been there with my ex," he sighed deeply and continued, "Your doctor told you to rest and not to stress about things, and you're doing the exact opposite. Just let it go, please."

"I can't," I sternly said. "I need to find her, and I will."

Before Jeremy could open his mouth, Michael returned from the bathroom, and sat back next to me.

"What were you guys talking about?" Michael asked, putting his arm back around my shoulders.

"The good old days," I lied, looking straight through Jer's eyes.

"Yeah, the good old days," he sighed, looking at Michael. "I probably should be going now," he said, standing up from his chair. "This was really nice."

"It was nice having you," Michael smiled back.

"I'll take you to the door," I said, standing up from my chair as well. Michael shook Jer's hand and wished him a goodnight, and then, I walked him to the front door. I opened it, and Jer gave me a thight hug. I hugged him back, and he whispered "I'll always have your back, but don't do anything stupid." I suddenly felt the urge to cry. It's touching to see that after all these years, Jer's still as loyal as he used to be. I know I should listen to him and forget about finding Anna, but I really can't. It's like I'm obssessed with her. I can't get her out of my mind, out of my life. She's like a virus I can't get rid of. I feel so dirty about all the lies I'm throwing in Michael's face.

"I'll see you soon," I said, breaking the hug. Jer took one last look at me, and left. I closed the door behind him, and leant on it, my eyes closed. I took a deep breath, and returned in the dinning room where Michael was. When I came back, Michael was holding his phone in his right hand, and he has a sad and angry look on his face.

"Babe, what's wrong?" I asked, walking towards him.

"Carson called me, the producer wants to begin the movie tomorrow," Michael said, looking at the floor.

"That's great, babe. What's wrong?" I asked, confused.

"I have to return to California. Tonight," he said, looking at me with glossy eyes.

"To-tonight?" I stuttered. I just wanted to cry right here and right now.

"Yes. The producer is in California for a week, and he wants me to show him Neverland to see if we could shoot some scenes there. He's from Seattle, and I can't-" I cut him off. He was becoming nervous, I could tell.

"Michael, calm down. Don't worry about me, I'm fine," I lied. Right now, after what Jeremy told me, no, I'm not fine. I'm lost, I'm fucking lost. The only thing I was sure is that I needed to be with Michael before he leaves, but I guess I'm not sure of anything now.

"I don't want to leave you, baby. We-We were supposed to have four days together! Four whole days, just you and me, nothing more!" Michael shouted, running his hand in his hair in frustration.

"Michael, your career first, remember? I don't want you to ruin it because of me. You're going to go there, and you're going to do a hella good movie, ok?" I gently asked him, resting my hands on his neck.

"Come with me," he whispered, his forhead rested on mine.

"You know I'd love to, but I can't," I sighed.

"I know," he whispered. I could tell he was on the verge of tears, just like me. This night is too much, I thought. "I'll see you for Christmas, remember?"

"Yeah," I said, emotionless. "Come on, I'll help you pack your stuff," I said, my voice shaking. I needed to be strong and not to cry.

**

Bill and Pit just arrived, and they're putting Michael's suitcases in the trunk of the limo. While they were doing that, Michael and I stayed inside the appartment, holding each other tightly. This is the last time we see each other for a month and a half.

"I'll count the days," Michael whispered in my hair.

"Me too," I whispered back on his chest. My arms were tighlty wrapped around his waist. I didn't want to let him go, but I knew I had to.

"I'll call you every chance I get, ok?" Michael asked, now looking deep into my eyes.

"Okay," I said in a weak voice. "I love you, Mikey. Don't forget about me."

"I won't. Ever. I love you too, baby girl. Very much," he added with a slight smile.

"We're ready, boss," Bill declared.

"I'm coming," Michael told him, not breaking eye contact with me. Bill disappeared outside, and Michael and I stayed here, looking at each other. A tear escaped Michael's left eye, and wiped it right away.

"Don't cry, baby. Please," I pleaded. "If you cry, I'll cry," I said, weakly chuckling.

Without any warning, Michael cupped my face in between his large hands, pulled me closer and kissed my passionately. I kissed him back with the same passion, and enjoyed it until the last second. This kiss would be the last kiss I'll get in weeks.

"Now I'm going to get into this car," Michael said, pecking my lips several times, "and I won't turn back to look at you because I'm going to break down crying if I do," he pecked my lips a few times more. "Now, know that I love you with all my heart, and that I'll be there before you even noticed I was gone."

"Go," I whispered on his lips, "before I make you stay," I said, pecking his lips once more, and stepping back from his hold, holding his hand. "I love you," I whispered while he was heading outside.

"Be careful," he said, giving my hand a squeeze before letting it go. I nodded, and watched him leave. He didn't look back, just as he told me. My heart was broken to watch him leave, and I was drained from all my strength because Michael is my strength. But...

He's gone.

_____________________

Hey guys,
I hope you liked this chapter. It took me a whole day to write it...
Just a quick note to ask you to check out MJsLovelyGirl's work. She's a dear friend of mine.
Thank you all for reading, voting and commenting,
L.O.V.E,
Julie