Rayne's POV

After finding out about our new arrival, we had to tell Camille. I have to say, I was excited. Between Michael and Camille, this baby was practically begged for.

With school starting tomorrow for Camille, I found her and Michael preparing her new Minnie Mouse book bag for her upcoming first grade adventure. "Hi, can I interrupt?" I smile, tapping my knuckles softly on the door.

"Of course.." Michael grins. I sit next to him on Camille's bed.

"What are you guys doing?" I ask.

"Daddy's helping me pack my school supplies for school! He says first grade is a very important year." Camille explains, placing her box of crayons in the bag. 

"Well, we both have a surprise for you, come here.." I pat the space in between Michael and I.

"Do I have to close my eyes?" She asked excitedly.

Michael chuckles, "no Millie.. not this time. This is a different kinda surprise."

Camille frowns, her eyebrow perking up. "What kinda surprise is this?" She says, obviously not amused with not covering her eyes.

"Remember when you told me you wanted a sibling for your birthday?" Michael began. Camille nods.

"Well, looks like you'll be getting one." I smile.

Her eyes light up, "really?!" She smiles looking around. "where?? Is it a sister??"

"We don't know if the baby is a boy or girl just yet...but they're in my tummy." I point to my stomach.

Her face switched from excitement to horror, "you ate it?!"

Michael cackles loudly, "oh my God.. no baby.. the baby has to grow in mommy's tummy first. Then one day when they get really big they're gonna come out of mommy's tummy."

"How?"

"Oh geez.." Michael stammers

"That's a secret..But now that you know a baby will be here soon.. we want to talk to you about being a big sister." I switch the subject.

"Mhm.." Michael cosigns. "Being a big sister is a big responsibility, your gonna help us take care of your little sibling. Like if they're sad it's your job to make them laugh, and when your bigger you can pick them up when they're sad.."

"And even hold their bottle a couple times.. it's a big job but it's a lot of fun." I reassured her.

"Were you a big sister mommy?" She asks.

"No. I was an only child. It was just me. But your daddy has two big sisters! Aunt Rebbie and Aunt Latoya. You've never met her before.."

"What about Aunt Janet??"

"Aunt Janet is my baby sister. How about you talk to everyone's big sister, Aunt Rebbie, and she can tell you anything you wanna know." Michael smile.

"Ok! So when is the baby coming? Do you have a picture??" She asks.

"In 6 months.. so it's gonna take a little time.. but I've got a picture, wanna see?" I grin showing her the sonogram I had.

She grabs the photo, flipping it over and turning it upside down. "Where?"

Michael flips the picture correctly tracing his finger across the small body hidden in the sonogram. "Right there.. the baby is still really small, so we can't see their face.. but we will soon. Let's go to the calendar and count off 6 months so we know when to expect the baby, ok?" Michael grabs her hand as the head put to the kitchen. I tape the sonogram to her wall with a grin.

***

This time around she wasn't as nervous as she used to be, she was ready and eager to go back. I liked to drive her to school myself, not to cause any unwanted attention, Leon would just sit in the car with us to make sure we were ok.

Camille gets out and runs to the front of the car, hugging Michael tightly. "See you later daddy!" She smiles.

I take her inside and meet her teacher quickly before I turn to leave. Camille hugs my stomach and kisses it. "See you later baby" she says. I place my hand on her head, fluffing her curls "i love you Camille" I smile.

"I love you too mommy." She says, Her old friend Maria grabs her hand.

"Camille come sit next to me! Why'd you hug your mommy's belly?"

"Cause there's a baby in there!" She says walking off.

Heading back to the car, I felt my eyes tear up, I cry every year. "Oh god.. " Michael teases. "Here come the waterworks."

"I can't help it!!" I giggle.

***

While Michael continued to write his song for Elizabeth Taylor's party, I finally had the time to relax; allowing my stomach to protrude from a short shirt. I rub it gently; humming my own little tunes. "I'm not a good singer.." I chuckle, "your grandmother was an amazing singer. When I was little she used to sing this beautiful song to me and she would brush my hair." I smile. I never took the time to reminisce about my mother. I visited her once a year on her birthday but that would be it.

I sigh quietly, "I'm gonna love you better than my mother ever loved me."

"Who are you in here talking to?" Michael creeps in.

"The baby. I'm trying to figure out if the baby will be a boy or a girl." I rub my stomach again.

"Hmm. That sounds fun!" He leans his head onto my stomach again; pressing his ear against it. "What do you want?" He asked.

"I wouldn't mind another girl." I smile, placing my hand on the top of his head. 

He makes a smug look, "Another daughter.. I'll have a heart attack." He chuckles.

"You want a boy?" I ask

"A boy would be nice, yes! I don't wanna be the only man in the house."

"I guess.." I chuckle. "We'll see in a few months."

"I have finished my song for Elizabeth, I think she'll love it! I'll be going to the show rehearsals tomorrow, so I finished it just in time." He grins.

"That's great, will it air on TV? I wanna watch it."

"Of course, but you know you both are welcome to come." He smiles, hopping up.

"I know but a 65 year old birthday event, with a 6 year old in the audience.. doesn't mix too well." I groan. "We'll stay here."

"You're right.. poor Camille will be bored out of her mind." Michael giggles, "I have a fitting with Liz so I'll be back a little later." He kisses my forehead before heading out.

***
Michael's POV

Wayne gets me to my fitting, and I'm in such a happier mood, a big grin plastered on my face for the day. Elizabeth comes out of her dressing area in a baby blue ball gown, her frown telling her decision on the dress.

"Who am I? Cinderella?" She laughs. "I'm turning 65! I wanna look good!" She exclaims.

"Elizabeth!" I gleam, pecking her cheek softly. "How are you?" I ask.

"Trying to find a decent garment to wear to this damn event." She says through the crook of her mouth. "How are you Michael?" She kicks off the matching short heels.

"I'm great. Rayne is pregnant again. So I'm ecstatic!"

Elizabeth's mouth drops, "Really?! Congratulations Michael! Boy or girl?"

"We don't know yet-"

"Mr. Jackson we have your outfits ready.." I was interrupted by Shelly, Elizabeth's stylist.

Shelly lays down four different outfits to choose from; one having more glitter than the first. "Wow, this is beautiful." I pick up the crush velvet black sweater, with silver jewelry. "I really like this one." I nod. Shelly grabs a bag and places the clothing inside.

"Did you get something decent?" Elizabeth asks, her arms at her sides, standing at the mirror in front of her. She observed a teal green diamond laced dress. "This will have to do.." she sighs.

"I've got a nice outfit. I'll see you at the show Liz."

Getting home just in time, I see my little girl hopping out of Leroy's big black truck in front of us.

"Baby girl!" I yell smiling.

"Hi daddy!" She runs into my arms. "Did the baby come yet?" She asks, as if it were a delivery.

"Not yet princess. It's gonna be a few months..it's still in mommy's belly." I grab her hand, leading her inside the house.

"oh." She says disappointed. She grabs the straps of her backpack and follows me inside. "My teacher, Mrs. Tenley says I'm gonna do great in first grade. She gave me three gold stars today!"

Camille tosses her book bag on the table, pulling out a sheet of paper with a gold star stuck to it. She lifts it up for me to see, a big gleam on her face. "See daddy!"

I smirk, I'm so proud of her and how she's growing up. Rayne and I are doing an awesome job, especially after we doubted ourselves before Camille was even born.

***
Two weeks later

The rehearsals for Elizabeth's event were over, and tonight was the big night. She and I sat in the limousine, I watched her taking in the surroundings of Los Angles. "Have you ever been up there?" Elizabeth points to a high point not too far from the Hollywood sign.

"Yeah I have. I used to go there all the time back when I was 18.. I proposed to Rayne up there too." I smile.

Elizabeth sighs sweetly, "how romantic. Rayne is so lucky to have you." She smiles.

The loud crowd approached slowly as our car pulled up next to the red carpet.

"Michael! Elizabeth! Look over her! Michael! We're snapping over here!" Paparazzi yelled from left and right, their cameras flashing. We continued to our seats as the show started.

In the beginning I wasn't really entertained. The comedians were a little stale and I was never excited for the next. I simply let off little chuckles here and there to not be rude.

Finally, my time had come, I sneak off from my seat and head backstage.

The spotlight hit and I walked into it dramatically, as I sung, Elizabeth wipes a small tear from her eyes. I take a bow and embrace the cheers of thousands of people, taking in what could be my final time hearing these cheers.

"Why didn't you tell me you were performing for me!" She laughs once we get back in to the car to ride home.

"It was a surprise Elizabeth! I really hope you liked it."

"Liked it? I loved it. It's really special to me.. your friendship is something I'll cherish forever. It's beautiful, and anyone would be lucky to have it!"

"That means a lot to me Liz."