Chapter 18

Throughout the night, I can't sleep. My mind keeps going back to the activities Michael and I indulged in just hours before.

It was so heated and passionate. He just melted away my fears and I didn't even feel scared anymore. The way he touched me, his kisses, his body.. it all just sent me away! I know he was my first, but it must be impossible to get better than him.

I loved the way he didn't force me to do anything out of my comfort zone. Although I was a bit reluctant at first, he helped me through it. I learned that it was something I wanted to do, I was only confused by how fast it came.

Though it didn't take away all of my fears, my heart is aching for the next time we might do this again.

I also keep thinking about that three word sentence that makes my heart skip a beat.

"I love you."

Had it come from anyone else's mouth, I wouldn't give it a second thought. The phrase was thrown around so carelessly that some don't understand what love truly is. But Michael? I try to convince myself that it must be true. That he really does love me. Had he not loved me, he wouldn't have done this. Took me in, nursed me, cared for me so deeply.

But how? He hasn't known me for all his life, just a little over a month. I barely even remember what life was like beforehand. And what about all of his past lovers? Tatum, Brooke, Diana, Tatiana.. I'm sure that they're still somewhere around. I can't even be compared to their fame and looks! Its baffling why Michael would choose me over all the beautiful showbiz stars out there.

I'm still trying to figure things out for myself. Who I am, where I'm going, and where I'll be a couple years from now.

My mother always told me, "Be a strong woman who can fight for herself. You don't need no man!" She would say.

I realize that what she said couldn't be more right. I don't want to be known as just Michael's lover. I want to be known as Alondra Cade, to make a name for myself. Nothing can overshadow that.

I'm so ecstatic that I have a chance to start over by Michael sending me to college. I can finally pursue what I want. At this moment, nothing can stop me.

But all of this at once is a lot to deal with. Michael and I aren't even a couple, but it's inevitable and will happen soon because I know his heart is in the right place.

I don't even know if I love him yet! He certainly loves me and I like him, more than anything. He's sweet, beautiful, smart, caring, and Lord is he the best in bed! I just need to focus on what I want, and everything else will fall into place, I hope.

I continue to toss and turn before I feel a hand on my shoulder, Michael's. I crack open my eyes and yawn before turning to him.

"Hey," He says shortly before I receive a kiss on the forehead.

"Hey," I say with a smile. He wraps his arm around me and sighs.

"I've got to get up," He says. I groan and slip lower under the covers.

"Why? We should just stay in bed." I reply tiredly. I hadn't gotten any shut-eye.

"I wish, but I have an important meeting to get to. You can stay if you'd like."

I pout and he giggles before stretching.

"Oh, it's no fun being alone. Could I come along? It'll be boring around here anyway." I reply. But Michael immediately shakes his head.

"No sweetheart, it's a very important matter. What if Kristen and James take you to the University campus to look around? You are starting tomorrow, you know." He says.

Oh! Times flies so fast, I had forgot when I was starting. The idea wasn't too shabby, but why can't he take me then?

"Kristen? She's never around though," I say, only remembering her the first day I arrived to Neverland.

"Yes. She's a joint-worker. She works for other celebrities and I only call her in when I need her, like today." He explains.

"But I want to visit there with you," I plead, grabbing his forearm as he starts to leave the bed.

He turns around and takes my wrists to his face. His eyes suddenly become dark with passion, just like the previous night. He eyes my body that's thankfully still hidden under the sheets.

"Alondra, you don't even have a clue about what else I want to do to you." He says lowly.

What else? As in, there's more? I didn't know Michael's mind is so imaginative. My chest feels trapped, and I'm still a bit sore from the night before!

I stop thinking when he plants a long and sensual kiss at the base of my neck. He reaches to unveil the covers from me but then stops, shaking his head and breathing roughly.

"I have to get ready. Stop distracting me, you know what you're doing," He says with a smirk.

"Michael, you're distracting yourself," I reply hastily, still a bit shaken by what could've happened. Again.

"Just go with Kristen and James? I'll get back as soon as I can and help you get ready for your big day tomorrow, alright?"

"Fine." I say shortly and then turn my back to him, pulling up the covers to my neck. He sighs and walks to the bathroom, closing the door.

As he's in the shower, I quickly head to my closet and put on a purple, soft robe, fastening it around my body. When I come out, I hear Michael singing 'I'll Be There.' It's one of my favorites! I crane my neck against the door, listening as quietly as I can.

"You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there

And oh - I'll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on - yes I will, yes I will

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love I respect you
Just call my name and I'll be there

If you should ever find someone new, I know he'd better be good to you
'Cos if he doesn't, I'll be there

Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there

I'll be there, I'll be there, whenever you need me, I'll be there.

I'm absolutely awestruck. Starstruck, in fact. I close my eyes and sigh. Michael's voice is so velvety and pure, I want to just run in and hold him so tightly. His perfect intonation keeps ringing in my voice, and I don't realize when Michael opens the door. I stumble back and collapse on the floor.

"Alondra, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I say, quickly getting up to fix myself. He simply smiles, probably knowing I was listening to him sing.

"I'm going to take a shower now." I tell him. He nods and gives me a hug.

"Okay. By the time you're out, I'll be gone. See you soon sweetheart."

I rush over to give him a hug and he wraps his arms around me tightly, kissing my hair. He pulls back and glances at his watch, sighing.

"Oh, I can't be late for this." He says. I cross my arms.

"You're Michael Jackson. You can go as late as you want!" I exclaim as he puts on his fedora and shades. He shakes his head at me.

"No, I don't like people who do that. I want to remain modest and as 'normal' as normal can get for me." He explains.

I nod in understanding. It's very true. Michael didn't exactly choose the way his life would be planned out. He obviously wants to know what it's like to be normal. Maybe I can try to make that happen for him.

He throws a suit over his blue button-up and makes his way to the door, giving me a last wave.

I go into the bathroom and take a very long shower. The warm water cascades down my body, hitting my back softly. I wash away all of Michael's scent still clinging to me from last night. I scrub my hair and face with soap before hopping out of the shower and into the closet.

I decide on wearing a pair of light blue skinny jeans with a solid black tee, throwing a striped blue and white cardigan and buttoning it up. I slip on some sandals since it is a little warm outside.

I part my hair to the left and flip it back, so my lighter roots can be shown. I put on lipstick and grab a backpack before exiting the room.

Downstairs, James and Kristen are waiting patiently for me.

"Good morning Alondra. You're looking well," Kristen says with an excited smile. James tips his hat to me and I grin at both of them.

"Good morning, and thank you," I say, making my way to the kitchen.

"I baked some blueberry muffins if you're interested." Kristen says to me. I rub my hands together.

"Wonderful, they're my favorite! How did you know?" I ask.

She shrugs. "Everyone likes blueberry muffins," she says. We all laugh as I fit one into my mouth. I hadn't even realized how hungry I was.

Two more muffins and a glass of orange juice later, we were ready to go.

"After you," James says to Kristen and she winks at him. How sweet! It's great to know a romance is blossoming around me. I'll talk to Kristen about it soon.

James escorts us to the car and we get in the sleek, black escalade. He gets in the driver's seat and Kristen and I pile into the back. It's a quarter before noon when we set out. James starts to make small talk.

"So Alondra, have you been to college before?" He asks, adjusting the rear view mirror.

"Yes, but I had to drop out." I say. His eyes widen slightly, asking me to explain.

"Uhm, they were for various reasons. Various, personal reasons," I add quickly, trying not to feel melancholy.

"Oh. Well it's great that you have another chance," James replies, lifting up the mood. I give a small smile and Kristen squeezes my hand supportively.

He turns on the radio and Michael's song 'I'll Be There' comes on.

"Well, would you look at that. It's Michael," Kristen says.

"What a coincidence, he was singing that same song this morning." I say before humming along.

James pulls up to the University of California, the Santa Barbara campus. I'm absolutely amazed by the wonderful architecture, and the view of the crystal blue water.

"Oh my goodness! This place is beautiful," I say, trying to take everything in. Kristen and James nod in approval.

We park and walk in to the lobby located in the front. There's a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and dark marble floors. I step up the a lady at the desk.

"Hello, I'm Alondra Cade. I'll be starting as a freshman here tomorrow and I'd like to take a tour of the campus?"

"Oh, yes! We've been expecting you. Here's your schedule, and follow this young man out to start the tour." I take my schedule and turn around to a young man with sparkling blue eyes.

"Hi, I'm Cameron. I'll be your tour guide for today," He says, flashing a smile at me and sticking out his hand. I take it and he shakes my hand before gesturing me to come along.

His eyes are so captivating! He looks the same age as me, if not younger because he has a sense of cuteness to him.

"So, what's your name?" He asks.

"I'm Alondra," I reply to him.

"I'm a freshman, and I honestly love it here. I'm sure you will too. Let's check your schedule.."

He takes it from my hand and I see him look through each class.

"We have Economics and History together, nice." I smile at him and we walk into each class.

I meet my professors and they seem very nice. I like it here already. I'm glad no one has noticed me from the news, I don't want to be 'famous' here. I want a normal college experience.

"Alright, last class." Cameron says as he opens the door. We spent about and hour and a half around campus as he showed me shortcuts and libraries.

"Hello, and who might you be?" An old woman asks.

"Professor Shin, this is Alondra. She'll be your new student tomorrow," Cameron says.

"It's a pleasure Alondra." She gives me a brief overview of the class before we decide to go.

"Alright, see you tomorrow!" When we walk down the hallway, I see the person I never thought I would have to see before.

Her face is expressionless, and I hope she hasn't put her thoughts together yet. Let's hope it stays that way..

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Chapter 18! Comment and vote! Who do you think Alondra saw? How will her first day go? Thoughts! ✌️

~Joy ❤️