A/N: I'm trying to mentally compose myself because of The Walking Dead, I'm so fucking sad.  Well, y'all this chapter, as much as I did writing it. And I hit 12k whoop! (It's better to listen to the song, as Layla sings it.

Layla's POV

I got a fistful of my own hair, and began to scream. The sound of my yells echoed and bounced of my empty walls. All Michael, and my mom could do is watch.

They tried to calm me down, but all I did was push them away. I really wasn't in the mood for anyone, or anything.

I looked to the sky, smiling; because I was extremely livid. "Fuck." I whispered to myself, but clearly both of them heard.

Michael held my hand, and I let him, while my mom hugged me from behind, hugging me, rocking me back and fourth. "Baby, its okay." She told me.

Michael nodded with my mom, agreeing with her. "Yes, baby girl, just breathe. We will just kill him, okay?" He said nonchalantly.

I shook my head. "It's not that simple. I forgot that Damien had a son, but you can't just kill him. He's extremely smart." I sighed rubbing my temples.

My mother shrugged. "So how do we kill the little fucker?" She scoffed, getting annoyed.

I looked at both of them. "I don't know right now." I sighed, rubbing my forehead.

Michael began to roll his eyes at me. "There is no way in hell I'm leaving you two here."

I raised both of my brows, and put a hand on my hip. "So, what do you mean?" Me and my mother scrutinized him, waiting for an answer.

He sighed. "You guys need to come on tour with me." divulged, gulping harshly.

My mom shook her head. "Michael, you already have enough stress with the tour, me and Layla can handle it." She smiled, and I somewhat agreed with her.

We were strong women.

He balled his fists. "I know that Nancy, but I would be even more stressed out if something was to happen to y'all. I wouldn't know what I would do without either of you. Both of you have brought sunshine in my life. I don't need anymore cloudy days. Please come with me." He said the last part whispering. He was practically begging at this point.

I looked at my mom raising my hands in the air. "You want to? at least till we get a plan, and I'll let Joey hold things down here, and protect Michael's family, along with his additional security." I pointed at Michael.

She paused for a second, pondering on what she wanted to do.

I grabbed both of her hands. "Come on mom, its only six months, and it's temporary. Also, when we travel, you can birth the baby in Africa if you want, or anywhere really." I smiled. "You won't even be due, and I'll make sure you're stress free." I smiled.

Michael moved one of my hands out of the way to grab my Mom's other hand, so now we each have one of her hands. Me and Mike looked at each other, and looked at my mom. Then, we both began to jump up and down, pleading her to let us go.

"Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please" Me and Michael kept hopping, smiling at her.

She began to giggle, and then laugh out loud. She snatched her hands from both of us, leaving me and Michael with sympathetic smiles. "Please?" We both asked in unison one last time.

She shook her head, smiling; looking down. "Fine, you little babies." She pointed at us. She opened her arms up, for both of us to hug her, which we happily obliged.

We squeezed each other tightly, rocking each other back and fourth before letting go. Once we turned around, we saw Janet, Randy, Katherine, and Marlon in the doorway.

Janet walked to us first. "You guys alright, I saw the second dead rose and I-" I cut her off, holding up a finger.

I shook my head. "We are fine, but I have to go incognito for a bit because I have multiple threats, so I'm going on tour with Michael. They know where I live." I sucked in the air through my teeth.

Janet rubbed my arm. "I understand girlfriend." She smiled.

Marlon raised his hand. "Uh, they know where we live too." He smiled sarcasticly.

I shook my head smiling at Marlon. "Michaels security, and my brother is going to protect you guys. Hell," I waved him off. "Y'all good at protecting yourselves."

Randy stuck his tongue out. "You right Layla, you right." He smiled.

Ms. Katherine walked over to my mom, making small talk while Michael, his siblings and I conversated.

Janet shook her head, looking at her watch. "All this hubbub really took a lot out of y'all's fun day, but at least you'll get to experience how draining to is to go on tour." She elbowed me playfully, along with everyone else.

"Get ready to be tired and drained." Michael told me, rolling his eyes.

"Your ears are going to bleed because they yell like the souls in the depth of hell." Randy wiggled his fingers eerily.

Boy, what the fuck?

Janet joined in. "Now it's your turn to wear the disguises until you and Michael go public."

And I don't want to do that bullshit yet, and Michael really doesn't either.

Marlon was the last one to tell me about the nightmare. "And you got to deal with a lot of crazy deranged fans, and groupies all up on your man." He snapped his fingers, flamboyantly.

It put both of my hands up smiling, waving them hysterically. "Alright y'all, enough, enough, I get it!" I laughed. "But what's a groupie mar?" He started to smile at the pet name I gave him.

They all looked at each other, then looked at me because I don't know what this mysterious groupie is.

Michael grabbed both of my hands, smiling. "It's those people who hang outside the concerts, acting like they know us, but they don't. And they sleep with the band members beers for fame, and for the adrenaline of sleeping with a star." He summed up. My mouth was completely agape.

Janet rubbed my arm. "Not to mention that some of them have good sex, so they go on tour, and smash the whole band."

Michael used his free hand to turn my head, so that I was looking at him. "I hate to use that term, but that's what they are, besides, you're the only one I would ever want to lay down with." He smiled at me lovingly.

Janet's eyes bulged, and instantly I knew me and Michaels asses are grass. And she is the lawnmower. "Aha! I knew you guys did the do, I knew it." She laughed.

I put both of my hands up. "I never said that." I singsonged.

"Me neither." Michael said with me.

Janet looked defeated, but she stared at us. Her intense stare pierced our souls. She really did make us feel like we were hiding something. "Can y'all tell me? If it makes you feel better, I'm not a virgin." She leaned in closer. "Don't tell my mom that."

Randy shook his head. "Sure thing." He paused, and turned around. "Hey mom!" He yelled. "Did you know that you're daughter is no-" I out my hand over his mouth, and brought him to the floor.

Katherine had a confused stare, but she waved us off, cause she's used to our foolishness by now.

I got my hand of Randy's mouth, and me and Janet smacked him upside his head.

Michael started to laugh at him. "Whoops, upside ya head Ran." He pointed, giggling.

Mar long started to point at Janet. "And Janet, we beating your ass, all your brothers will jump you. With your ho self." He laughed.

Michael raised both his brows. "Yeah, let me get the first hit." He raised his fist, biting his lip, pretending to hit Janet. However, Janet just looked at him unamused.

She flicked all of us off. "Let's go in a circle, Forreal. Say if your a virgin, if you lost it before or after marriage, and how many times, or bodies have you had. Marlon start." She pointed at him quickly.

He cleared his throat, and began to talk like an elderly. "I've plowed a lot of cat in my day." He shook his arm holding his imaginary cane. "But For real, when I lost it before marriage, and I've had too many body's since I've lost it." He laughed.

I smiled at him. "Whore." I laughed.

He looked at me with his eyebrows raised. "Okay little miss Virgin Mary, what have you done?" He put me on the spot, smiling deviously. I blew a raspberry at everyone while they all looked at me intensely.

I looked over at Michael asking for permission. Knowing that they will find out, or never give up, I decided to confess.

I sighed heavily. "Okay, alright. So I am not a virgin." I started, while everyone gasped. "And I had one and only one body." I told them.

Janet pointed at me. "So who did you loose it to?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I sighed reluctantly. "Michael." I said lowly.

Randy put his hand to his ear. "What?" He said loudly.

I grunted, twiddling my hands. "Michael!" I said slightly louder.

Michael put his hands over his face, hiding his embarrassment. I brought his head down to my chest, and started to stroke his curls, instantly calming him down.

I looked back to see if Michael's mom, and my mom were still conversing, which they were. They even pulled up chairs, sitting on the porch.

Janet looked at me wiggling her brows. "So, did y'all like, you know." She twirled her hair on her finger. "Loose it to each other?" She whispered the last part so her brothers didn't hear.

I shook my head, laughing at all Janet's questions. "Yeah, we did." I smiled.

She giggled uncontrollably. "My brother is finally growing up." She poked Michaels head that was buried in my chest.

Michaels POV

"Leave me alone dunk." I laughed, flicking my curls to my back. Layla continued to play in my hair, trying to calm me still. I was overwhelmed with embarrassment.

"Alright Randy, your turn." Layla pointed at him.

He waved both of his hands. "Alright, alright, what time is it?" He questioned before he started.

I looked down at my plastic watch that one of my little cousins gave me. "It's." My eyes enlarged at the time. "It's 7:35pm, and my plane leaves at 8:15pm!" I yelled the last part.

Everyone got up from they spots on the floor, and ran towards the exit. Once we were on the porch, My mom and Ms. Nancy gave me confused stares. "Whats going on baby boy?" My mother got out of her seat, confused.

I looked past them, seeing the car parked outside for me and Layla.

I sighed rubbing my temples. "I have 40 minutes to get on my plane to Japan for the tour. Meet me before we take off, I want to say bye to everyone." I pushed her off, ushering her to get in the car.

She looked at me, and smiled. "Okay baby, I'll see you." She walked away getting into the car with whom she cam with. I waved my brothers away, smiling, and making goofy faces.

I looked over to Layla, and Nancy who were panicking. "We didn't pack Michael." She rubbed her temples.

I smiled at the both of them. "I had bill pack all of your belonging from the hotel, and my house. Everything that you brought from Africa, even your record player." I reassured them.

Layla sighed in relief. "Oh thank god." She smiled. She looked at her mom. "We have to run to that car, and put our faces down cause Michael didn't wear a disguise, you ready?" She stared at her intensely.

I started to get nervous myself, I don't really want to go public right now, and I hope Layla understands that.

Nancy nodded, and with that affirmative, we closed the door behind us being treated with a warm fuzzy breeze. The skies were becoming purple, and a small shadow of the moon hid behind the scattered clouds. Today is a good day, and I get to spend 6 months with my favorites.

Like Layla told her mom to, they both out their heads down, covering their faces, and I did the same. I didn't want to be snapshotted. With the gravel crumbling under our feet, it was hard to be quiet, however we quickly made it into the car with Nancy slamming the door behind herself.

Layla's POV

I was already breathing heavy from the adrenaline, it was a short lived stroll, why was I trippen?

Michael looked at me and began to hold my hand. "Welcome to this tour." He kissed my forehead.

I smiled back at him, brining his hand to my lips, kissing it. "Thank you Mike and Ike." I laughed at the old pet name I gave him.

My mom headed to another part of this fancy limo, it had tv's, a fridge, and comfortable seats to lounge in. She went to her little section giving me and Michael some privacy, before shutting her curtain, leaving me and Michael alone to talk.

He turned in his seat to face me. "I'm so happy you and your mom are coming with me  on tour." He sighed happily. "It's going to be joyful with you on my side; my beautiful girlfriend." He smiled, looking down, getting shy.

He always flattered me, and since I was a little chocolate, he couldn't see me blushing, but my cheeks got hot. I looked back up at him, who was already gazing at me. "My beautiful boyfriend." I smiled, before kissing his cheek tenderly.

He sighed rubbing his temples. "Tours are fun and all, but it would get lonely after the tours because of the paperwork, and meetings they make me go to. It's not really fun talking to people you have no emotional connection with." He ranted. "And you're all I need. You're my best friend, my lover, just everything." He smiled, rubbing his thumb over my hand.

I nodded. "You damn right." I laughed. "And I'm not the jealous type, or the one to jump to conclusions. Just talk to me, and we'll be cool. I can't even recall us arguing." I put my hand on my chin. "Maybe trying to tell you how cute you are, or telling you how much I love you." I giggled.

He looked left and right, before speaking. "Those arguments are the best, lowkey." He whispered, smiling.

I hit his arm playfully. "You've been around Alaysia too much, using her terminology." I laughed at the thought of my little friend, going on a date with Tito.

He let go of my hand, and out his hands on his hips. "It's cool talk, duh." He waved his hands, pressing his lips together, trying too look cool.

However he failed, failed terribly. "Sir, you're cancelled." I laughed, and his funny faces dropped.

Michael brought me into his arms, hugging me tightly, and stroking my tight coiled curls on his finger. "I don't care, I'm with you and that's all that matters." he kissed

We sat in complete silence, while I watched the trees, and city lights pass me by. I was content, and I could feel happiness coursing through my whole being as Michael continued to play with my hair.

Within a few moments, the limo came to an abrupt stop, in the middle of no where, well, it was a very vacant parking lot with the exception of a private jet. Michael tapped my shoulder, letting me know we were here.

I sighed lightly, before sitting up in my seat. I could see my mom peering around the van, checking to see if I was awake, which I was. I got out of the limo, and walked around to meet Michael on the other side. I held his hand while he looked down at me. He was slightly taller then me because I was 5'8.

Yeah, pretty tall.

I looked to the left, and saw two gray cars pulling up. I saw Michaels family, emptying  the car; bidding Michael & my family farewell. I walked up to Katherine, and gave her a tight hug. "I'll be seeing you, thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home." I smiled.

She pulled back, holding my wrists. "Thank you for saving my daughter." She let go of my wrists, holding my hands, shaking them.

"Anytime." I smiled sincerely.

I walked over to Joseph shaking his hand, which he accepted. "Thank you for saving my child Layla." He said barritone, but I could hear a hint of graditude.

I smiled at him, rubbing the top of his hand. "You're so welcome." I smiled, letting go of his hand.

I walked over to Michaels group of guy siblings. "Hay!" I said loudly. Of course, they all said it louder in unison.

I gave them all a group hug, which lasted for a few seconds before we all let go.

Randy put his hand up. "You better call me sis." He smiled.

I scoffed. "And you know this," I paused. "Man!" Me and Randy said in unison, giggling.

Jermaine looked at Michael, who was talking to Tito about his date with Alaysia. I have her number, so I'll just call her later. "Keep her safe." I heard Jermaine whisper to Michael.

I shook my head, I think he means, keep Michael safe.

Well, he isn't that soft anymore, so it could be vice versa.

He nodded at his brothers, hugging them all one last time. "Bye, I will call y'all every free chance I get. I love y'all, stay safe." He peaceful out, before moving to his three sisters.

Janet winked at me and Michael. "Saving the best for last Huh? Gimme a hug Layla." She opened her arms, and I obliged to her gesture. Latoya, Rebbie, and Michael joined into our hug, giggling.

Latoya sighed sadly. "Call us." She said seriously, still hugging me.

Rebbie scoffed. "Me too, girl, and your mom need to give me some pointed on her hair stuff, she got a mane." She giggled, waving at my mom, who was talking to Michaels parents.

I bid on last good bye, to everyone, before I walked up the steps on the jet, with Michael, and my mom on either side of me. Tears escaped a fews eyes, while I boarded the plane. The strong breeze from the engines blew my hair back, and tickled my ears.

Within a few seconds, we were on the plane, and the door closed. I looked around, smiling. This is a prettier plane, opposed to the last one we rode, it even has two rooms, with a bed in each one. My mom went to "her room" and her section, giving me and Michael some privacy.

I sat down by the window seat, with Michael right besides me. There was a large window, so we could see all of Michaels family waving.

Tito got a handkerchief out of his pocket, and started waving it at us, like some 50's woman saying goodbye to her husband. It was quite halarious. I bet they could see us smiling, cause they laughed with us.

"The plane will begin to fly in 45 seconds." I heard the jet pilot say.

Janet began to count down from ten.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

&1

They all cupped their mouths, yelling something. "Bye, Michael, Layla, and Nancy!!! We love y'all!!" They screamed, and we heard everything.

Michael smiled and began to tear up.

Randy cupped his mouth again. "Call us! And Michael I know your punk ass is crying, cheer up and have fun!" Randy yelled.

Michael began to laugh hysterically. "Alright man." He said quietly to himself. We waved at them, as the plane began to move. Within a few seconds they passed us by.

I looked over at Michael, who was breathing quite heavily. I rubbed his shoulder. "You alright baby?" I tried to comfort him.

He nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I just hate flying." I held my hand tightly, as the pilot gained more speed, then finally gained altitude.

I smiled at him, while he began to sweat.

I rubbed through his curls singing  a song. "Freedom fighter standing on a mountain, In a foreign country. Trying to send a message, to his people, back in the ghetto. He had a home one time, Love of a girl. But he left that behind. Oh yes I can hear him clearly as he whispers in the air." I sarinated him. His grip on my hand became less tight. He layer his head on my chest, as his breaths became calmer, and regulated.

Michaels POV

Layla's calm voice, and African accent singing to me softly, calmed me down instantly. I began to feel calmer, and content with my state of being. Her voice was similar to the halls of heaven, Angels sining to you. She had a wonderful voice when it came to singing soft, and low tones. Similar to Janet's style, or Aaliyah's, accept she had this beautiful, euphoric, African accent.

She kept stroking my curls, and rubbing my back, with her other hand.  "His voice came out loud and clear. All he asked for was a prayer and as he turns to walk away he said, I'm still here in the house of exile. For the love of the nation. Sun went down on the mountain. Birds flew back to their hiding places. Leaving him standing there like a telephone pole. In the still of the night. You and I dream" she told me softly, I completely forget that we were flying.

This next part was always my favorite part of the song, because she executed it so beautifully and effortlessly. And the meaning of the Sing has spoken to the deep esters parts of my soul, and every last creams sea of my entire being; what I'll ever be. "Dreaming of Romeo & Juliet. All he dreams about is the freedom of the nation. When every man will be equal In the eyes of the law, As he closes his eyes, For the last time he said again." I began to feel tired, as her song was very calming.

"I'm still here in the house of exile. For the love of the nation." Her soft voice was the last thing I heard before I drifted into a much needed sleep.

Anonymous POV

I took a break from my phone, and picked up my cell. I know, I'm not supposed to be on it, but it will be quick. I still wasn't told what I was suppose to do, and everything was hazy from the night before.

The phone went through a couple of rings before the other line picked up. "Okay, so what am I suppose to do again? I don't understand why I'm doing this."

He scoffed on the other line. "You have to kill them." He laughed maniacally.

I rolled my eyes. "How do you suppose I do that?" Feeling helpless.

He scoffed once more, growing agitated with me. "This is a kamikaze run. You're on a suicide mission."

I gasped, growing sad. "And if I don't?" I pursed my lips.

"Well assign someone to kill you, it's your choice." I could practically feel him smiling on the other end. "Don't even think about running because we installed a chip yesterday. It will track your every move."

I sighed, knowing that my fate is inevitable. "Will the money be deposited into my daughter's account?" I asked reluctantly, thinking of all the pain I'll be causing my daughters.

I thought I had to kill those 3, I had no idea that I was included.

He giggled. "Of course, the 800,000 is instant." He sighed.

I'm doing this for my family.

He told me one last thing before he hung up. "And don't worry, Gordy, there is no pain & the death is instant." He told me before the line went blank.

So, did you guys like the twists and the turns? I hope you enjoy these cliffhangers, you know they are like my thing. I love y'all. 💘

QOTD: who's your fave character in the book other then Michael?

AOTD: Layla, and Randy 💞

- Kenny ✨