8th of September, 1989
Michael is 31, Angela is 25

Angela: Loud crying from the baby monitor woke me up.

I groaned, reaching over to shake Michael awake, only to find an empty pillow beside me.

Soon, though, my babies' cries were replaced by his soft voice humming a tune I didn't know.

I just listened as he sang to them, already knowing what worked, but their fussing didn't quite calm down.

"Oh, come on, you two... Let's give mommy a few more minutes..." he cooed.

A knock on the door made me open my eyes, and Edith walked in, carrying a tray with breakfast.

"Good morning, Mrs. Jackson." she smiled, setting the tray on my nightstand.

I tried to sit up, but my body reminded me of its limitations.

Even a week later, my abdomen was sore, my stitches uncomfortable, and I was still too weak to do most things on my own.

Edith hurried to help me sit, putting two pillows behind my back.

"Eat up," she placed the tray in my lap. "Mr. Jackson should be down with the babies in a bit."

"What time is it?" I looked down at the food, not hungry at all.

"8:20. You've slept quite a bit," she opened the curtains, allowing the sunlight in. She then noticed I wasn't eating. "At least try some eggs. You need to keep your strength up."

I nodded, taking slow bites, worried it might upset my stomach.

It had been happening a lot lately.

I was eating my meals too fast most times, eager to tend to my babies, and I'd end up just hurling it all in the toilet right after.

Michael's humming drifted from the baby monitor, until he emerged from the staircase.

I smiled at the sight of him holding our babies, two burp cloths on his shoulders.

Each time I saw him with them, it made my heart burst with so much love.

He was such a natural; not that I had any doubt in him, ever.

"Good morning, momma," he came over and sat down on his side of the bed. "How'd you sleep?"

"Okay. Still tired." I sighed.

He gave me a sympathetic look, leaning to plant a kiss on my cheek.

As he did, little MJ's hand rubbed against me, triggering an ache I knew too well.

It amazed me, this connection I had with them, so deep already.

"Did they eat?" I asked. "I think they're hungry..."

"I gave them some of the milk you pumped last night, but they weren't too interested." my husband looked down at them with a frown.

Edith hurried to take the tray from my lap, allowing me to lift my shirt to nurse.

Michael handed me our daughter, and I flinched slightly when she latched onto my nipple, sucking eagerly.

"You'll get yours soon," he cooed at Mikey, who whined. To keep our son busy, he brought a gentle finger to his lips, Mikey's sucking automatically starting. "Angie, you can't keep skipping meals."

"I know, it's just-"

"You wanna be there for them, I get it. But you have to take care of yourself too, baby."

"Well, I can't let them be hungry, Michael," I adjusted MJ closer, and fixed her little socks. "They need me."

He sighed, knowing there was no arguing with me on this. "Will you at least finish your breakfast when they're done?"

"I guess." I leaned back, as another wave washed over my abdomen.

"Good," he smiled, relieved. "And after you eat, I'll help you shower. Your family's on their way."

"What? Why?" I looked away from my daughter, eyes wide.

"They wanna meet them, Ange. It has been a week, you know..." he tried to reason.

I glanced down at little MJ, her hand curled against me as she ate loudly, and felt a knot of anxiety in my chest.

"I know they do... But can we just... Wait a little longer? I- I'm not ready yet."

So far, I barely let anyone get too close to the twins, unless it was Michael.

The fact that Edith even got a glimpse of my babies took a lot of convincing on his part.

His face softened, and he reached over to caress my neck.

"I know you want to keep this time just for us," he paused, watching me carefully. "But your family loves you, Angie. And they're waiting for the chance to love these two as much as we do."

The knot in my chest only tightened, though his words were reassuring, and I cradled MJ closer.

Part of me wanted my family to meet them, yet something inside me kept me from bursting this little bubble we'd created.

Maybe it was somewhat irrational, but the thought of other people holding them, hearing their cries, and seeing their sweet faces... It felt too soon, like I'd be giving away a part of my soul.

I figured my anxiety came from that awful incident following the interview, or the sea of people pushing against the car when we left the hospital with our babies.

I wanted to shield them from everything this world had to offer.

Michael continued, his voice gentle, "We'll take it slow. If it gets overwhelming, Edith and I are right here. You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

I hesitated, meeting his eyes.

There was no pressure in them, just pure love and understanding.

"Okay," I caved. "But just for a little while. I don't want anyone taking them from me."

He smiled, leaning over to place a kiss on my forehead. "No one's taking them, Angie. They're ours, forever. You know that."

I did. But the voice in my head was stronger than any common sense I had.

Little MJ stirred against me, letting me know she was done.

My husband hurried to swap her with Mikey, who ate with a bit more urgency.

I winced again, but Michael's gentle hand brushed over my shoulder, steadying me, and I relaxed into his touch.

"See?" he murmured softly. "They're already so attached to you, nothing could ever come between that."

I smiled faintly, feeling slightly lightheaded, both babies' nursing draining me.

Yet, there was something so calming about knowing I was giving them everything they needed.

I watched as he lovingly stared at our son, his fingertip tracing Mikey's tiny cheek, while his other hand patted MJ's small back.

I leaned back again, allowing myself to savor this moment.

"You're right," I said. "I just don't want them to ever feel unloved or... Or unprotected."

Michael shook his head, bringing his lips to mine. "With you as their mommy? They'll feel nothing but loved. I know it."

I let out an accidental moan as Mikey suckled harder, the pain in my belly intensifying.

"I can take him." Michael offered.

"No, he should finish eating." I breathed shakily.

One thing I promised myself before they were born, I will always put them first.

A few more minutes passed until Mikey slowed, his little lips easing as he became full.

I felt relieved as Michael took him, lifting him gently onto his other shoulder to burp him.

With one last kiss to my lips, he leaned on the headboard, our babies resting peacefully against him.

"Look at them," he whispered, voice filled with wonder. "You did this, Angie. You're everything they need."

He carefully stood up from the bed, signaling at Edith to bring back my food.

"Now," his tone was teasing. "Think you're ready to finish that breakfast? Or do I need to bribe you?"

"Okay, okay... I'll eat." I rolled my eyes.

"That's my girl. Edith, make sure she finishes, please," he winked, slowly making his way back up to the nursery. "I'll put these two to bed and be right back to help you with that shower."

I took a bite of my eggs, Edith watching me closely.

And for the first time since my babies were born, I felt ready to expose them to the world, at least a little bit.

~

By the time Michael returned from the nursery, I managed to finish most of my breakfast under Edith's watchful eye.

She practically hovered until I swallowed the last bite, and despite my lack of appetite, I had to admit I did feel a little stronger.

Michael flashed me a warm smile as he approached, wiping his hands on his pajama pants before he leaned in to kiss me.

"Look at that, you're eating for real." he smirked.

I shook my head, smiling, "Under extreme supervision..."

He chuckled and offered me his hand. "Alright, Mrs. Jackson. Ready for that shower?"

With his help, I made my way to the bathroom, taking each step slowly, still mindful of my soreness.

The warm water did wonders for my tired muscles, and by the time we were done, I felt refreshed, though a little worn out.

Michael helped me back to the bedroom, and I sank into a fresh set of clothes and the clean sheets Edith had changed as we showered, feeling a little sleepy.

"Do you wanna nap? It'll be a while until they get here..." he stroked my arm fondly.

"Mm, maybe..." I yawned.

I cuddled against him when he lay next to me, the gentle rise and fall of his chest guiding me to breathe.

His arms tightened just a little, like he could sense how vulnerable I felt.

I listened to his fast heartbeat, letting it drown out the worry still deep inside me.

He rubbed my back up and down slowly.

"You know, I never imagined it would feel like this..." he murmured, his lips grazing my hair.

"Like what?" I tilted my head to look up at him, finding his gaze already fixed on me.

"Like... Like there's nothing else in the world that matters as much as this," he ran his thumb over my cheek, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's a little scary, isn't it? Loving them this much?"

I nodded, swallowing the lump that formed in my throat.

"It is. It's terrifying," I managed a small smile. "I keep thinking I'm gonna mess up somehow. That I'll do something wrong."

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You? Never. You're already giving them everything they could ever need, Angie. Just look at you. Me, on the other hand..."

I narrowed my eyes, catching the bit of self-doubt. "Mike, don't even start. You're incredible with them. I see it every time you hold them, the way you look at them. They already love you, too, I promise."

He repeatedly kissed my forehead, a soft, shy smile forming as he spoke.

"Sometimes, I wonder if I'll be enough. I mean, they're so small and perfect... And I wanna make sure they have everything."

"Michael," I murmured, resting my hand on his chest. "We talked about this, remember? You're more than enough. You love them, you take care of them, you're here. And you're their daddy... They're so lucky to have you."

A blush crept up his cheeks as he looked away, still smiling.

"I guess... It just feels a bit unreal sometimes," he sighed and brought my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss there. "You know, I'm so grateful for all of this- for you. You make everything feel possible. You make me feel possible."

The honesty in his voice warmed me even to my core. I reached up, my fingers running along his jawline. "We're in this together, remember? We're a team."

He took a deep breath, letting the words sink in, then nodded, "We are... And you're... Well, you're my everything."

I rested my head back on his chest, letting the comforting beat of his heart calm me again.

"And you're mine, Michael," I bit my lip. "I'm so lucky you're here with me. I really am."

He smiled, pressing a kiss to my lips.

"And you'll never have to do any of this alone. Not as long as I'm breathing." he pulled me closer, his warmth enveloping me completely.

A nice silence surrounded us, interrupted only by the soft coos from the baby monitor.

I felt his hand travel to my back again, his touch bringing some drowsiness. "Now, let yourself rest, Angie."

I closed my eyes, finally allowing myself to relax.

"I don't know what I'd do without you." I whispered, my voice heavy now.

"You'll never have to find out," he reassured. "I'll be here, every step of the way. Just the two of us, with our babies."

A sleepy smile found its way to my lips. "Our babies... Still feels weird to say that..."

"Yeah... I never thought I'd be here, saying those words. But now, I can't imagine life any other way," he shifted slightly, tucking me closer as he leaned back, his head resting against the pillow. "I love you, Angie."

"I love you too, Michael... So, so much." I sighed, letting his words fill me.

His fingers still rubbed my back, "Sleep, baby. I'll be right here when you wake up."

I drifted off, so secure in his arms.

~

Edith gently helped me settle into the couch, putting my feet up.

She covered me with a soft throw blanket to cover my cold legs, those too still unrecovered.

I was also wearing fuzzy socks, and I found it silly with the heat outside. But my feet were freezing.

"I'll go help Mr. Jackson with the babies." she patted my arm before leaving.

I smiled, thankful, and melted deeper against the cushions.

The Neverland living room was much brighter than the bedroom, and it suddenly felt a bit foreign. I haven't really left our bed or the nursey this past week.

But the opened doors offered a peak to the outside world, with the sounds of birds, wind, and the distant music playing through the theme park.

Faint voices from the front entrance grew louder, pulling me back into the present.

I could hear one of the housemaids greet my parents, the front closing shut behind them.

Mom and dad entered first, with Rosa and Luciano trailing close behind.

The room felt smaller all at once, their faces lighting up as they saw me.

"Angela, tesoro (treasure)!" mom gasped, and crossed the room.

She examined me carefully, her eyes filled with worry at my fragile state.

Her hands hovered as if unsure where to touch.

"Oh, bella," she whispered, finally allowing herself to cup my face with her warm hands. "How are you?"

With a bit of struggle, I hugged her, suddenly realizing how much I missed her.

I sighed into her shoulder. "I'm doing okay, mamma. A little sore still, but I'm okay."

My dad took a step forward, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Are you sure, baby girl? You look exhausted..." he murmured, his voice full of worry.

Behind them, Rosa walked closer, eyes unsure, too.

Luciano stayed put, clearly not knowing what to do, his hands deep in his pockets.

"I'm okay," I tried to reassure, but my weak voice failed me. "It was... Rough. My body went through a lot."

Dad's eyes softened, and he squeezed my hand tighter.

Before I could say anything else, Michael and Edith appeared, each of them holding a baby.

Mom pulled away when Rosa reacted with a squeal, but Michael was already making his way to me.

My hands reached out, needing to feel my babies close.

Edith gently placed Mikey in my arms, and I instantly relaxed.

Michael took his seat next to me, little MJ in his one arm, and carefully moved my legs on top of his lap.

Everyone froze, captivated by the small faces peeking out from the blankets.

My mom let out a soft gasp while covering her mouth, her eyes tearing up.

"Oh, Dio mio (my God)," she gasped quietly, "Angela, they're beautiful."

Michael passed our daughter to my mother, who cradled her carefully, her gaze never leaving her tiny face.

It felt safe, seeing her hold MJ, and I knew she wouldn't let anything happen to my baby girl.

She always did make me feel safe, no matter what.

My dad stared at my son, and I could see his tears forming, too.

Rosa stepped forward with wide eyes, barely containing her awe.

"Ange," she sniffled. "They're perfect. What did you name them?"

I exchanged a glance with Michael, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Meet Maria Jane Katherine, or MJ," I said, nodding to our daughter. "And this is Michael Joseph Jr.- Mikey."

My mother's face lit up at her granddaughter's name, and she pressed a kiss to MJ's forehead.

"Oh, angioletto (little angel). You named her after me..." her voice broke.

"And Jane... Oh, baby girl, thank you..." dad leaned down to kiss the top of my head.

As my parents cooed over the babies, Rosa wiped her eyes and took a step closer, still unsure but eager.

"Do you wanna hold Mikey?" Michael asked her.

But I instinctively clutched Mikey closer, not quite ready to hand him over.

My husband rubbed my legs gently, "It's okay, Angie. Whenever you're ready."

I let out a shaky breath, my baby boy probably sensing my nerves, and he stirred against my chest.

I brought him closer to my face, inhaling his scent. My lips kissed his small cheek, and I looked back to Rosa.

"Just... Be gentle." I begged, my eyes slightly burning from the tears threatening to come.

Rosa nodded, extending her arms. "I promise, Ange. I'll be extra careful."

With another deep breath, I slowly let go of my baby boy, feeling a bit of hesitation as I transferred him to her.

My hands lingered, afraid to let him go completely, but I forced myself to trust.

Rosa cradled him close, her movements soft, as if she'd been waiting her whole life for this moment.

"Oh, Mikey..." she murmured, her voice trembling.

She brushed a fingertip over his hand, and he instinctively grasped it, his little fingers curling around hers.

Rosa let out a breathless laugh, glancing at me with watery eyes. "Ange, he's... He's so perfect. A little big, but perfect..."

"You have no idea. He's such an eater, too." I joined her laughter, slightly calmer now.

Michael's hand went to my foot, offering a comforting massage that calmed me even more.

I enjoyed the pressure easing a little, and felt myself able to sink deeper into the couch.

As Rosa continued to coo at Mikey, Luciano moved closer, a hint of shyness on his face.

He looked down at MJ in mom's arms, his usually playful demeanor softened.

"Would you like to hold her, Luciano?" she questioned him.

I chewed on my lip, "Can you sit first, Luci?"

Luciano nodded, though clearly nervous, and took a seat on Michael's other side.

Mom placed MJ in his arms gently.

I watched as he shifted his hands awkwardly, trying to find the right grip.

He held her at a slightly crooked angle, while my breath hitched, my chest tightening as I imagined a thousand ways this could go wrong.

"Careful, Luciano." I murmured, my voice sharp even though I tried to keep it light.

My brother flashed me an embarrassed smile, but his hold was still uncertain, one arm tensed too high, and MJ's head dipped slightly in response.

My heart stopped, and I found myself clutching the blanket, a reflex that didn't go unnoticed because I gasped.

I could feel my body leaning towards my daughter, needing to take her away.

"Here," Michael spoke up gently, moving closer to steady Luciano's hands. "Just support her head like this... Perfect."

He adjusted Luciano's hold with ease, giving me a reassuring glance as he did.

Luciano laughed nervously, his cheeks flushed. "Sorry, Ange. I thought I'd be better at this... She's just so small."

I forced a smile. "It takes practice, that's all. You're doing fine."

But inside, I was a mess. Every nerve in my body was on edge.

With every little adjustment Luciano made, every tiny wobble in his hold, sent my mind into a spiral.

I wanted to reach out and take MJ back, just to shield her from any hint of discomfort, but I knew it would only confirm how uptight I was right now.

Luciano's expression softened as he looked down at his niece, his hand caressing the baby's feet.

"I can't believe I'm an uncle," he looked up at our mom, a grin breaking through his nerves. "She looks just like you, mamma."

Mikey then started fussing in Rosa's arms, and I glanced at the clock, noticing it's been two hours since they ate last.

Edith noticed it, too. She grabbed me a burp cloth, "Would you like to go to the bedroom, Mrs. Jackson?"

I shook my head. "It's okay. I'll do it here. I wanna be with everyone..."

It was true. Now that they were here, I wanted to spend time with my family, despite my earlier hesitations.

Rosa handed me my baby boy, and Michael helped me cover myself.

I sighed in relief when I felt Mikey's warmth against my bare skin, his loud sucking filling the room.

"I'll get everyone some refreshments." Edith excused herself.

"You weren't kidding," Rosa giggled as she took a seat across from us. "That's one hungry baby."

I peeked at him, his lips moving fast, small breaths leaving his nose.

With each day that passed, he resembled his daddy more and more.

I leaned back, taking in the sight of my family surrounding us.

I've been waiting for this moment for so long during the pregnancy, craving a safe space, our babies in my arms, and the people I loved most together.

Michael noticed my gaze and resumed his foot massage, helping me relax more.

His eyes had a quiet pride in them, as if he, too, understood the rarity of these moments, how fragile yet fulfilling they were.

As Mikey's tiny breaths slowed, his little eyelids growing heavy, I gently shifted him and adjusted the blanket around him.

His small, content sigh seemed to echo my own as he settled down.

My mom wiped her tears. "Angela, they're absolutely perfect."

A lump formed in throat, thankful for her reassurance.

"Thank you, mamma," I whispered, my eyes filled with tears I wasn't ready to shed just yet. "Thank you... All of you, for being here."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Ange." Rosa said.

Luciano nodded, now a bit more confident as he held MJ, who was falling asleep against him.

Her brother had fallen asleep too, although is mouth still sucked gently.

Edith returned with a tray of refreshments, and the soft clink of cups brought a sense of normalcy back.

I accepted a glass of water and took a sip, savoring the coolness. It was exactly what I needed.

As my family chatted and laughter filled the room, with Michael still pressing my tired feet, a wave of emotions washed over me.

A gentle stream of tears finally escaped my eyes.

With everyone here, I felt safe and whole.

I allowed myself to close my eyes, slowly letting go of the last of my fears.