29th of August, 2008
Brooklyn and Janet are 42, and Michael is 50

Michael: "You really expect me to believe you didn't plan anything for my 50th birthday?" I asked Brooklyn as we walked to the car that waited for us.

She shrugged, taking a seat inside the car.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!" some fans who saw us yelled.

I blew them a kiss and got into the car as well.

I leaned back on the leather seat, exhausted from the shopping spree my wife decided to drag me to.

"I have to go meet Beyoncé in an hour, so do you want to grab something to eat?" she said, typing something in her phone.

"Sure." I mumbled, a bit disappointed that she had to work on my birthday.

Over the past few years, she's been asked to choreograph almost every dance music video of these new young artists.

So Brooke's been pretty much busy. Almost as busy as I was.

I guess it was only fair for her, since I put our lives on hold. After the second allegations, I had to escape somewhere.

Brooke agreed to travel around the world with me, so we took the kids and left the country for almost two years.

If that wasn't enough, I had to give up our home. Neverland didn't feel safe anymore for me. My wife was very understandable about that, and we moved to LA.

I took a break from work; since Brooke was busy, I spent time with our for children.

We had another baby. Prince Michael Jackson II, aka Blanket. He was born in 2002. After him, it was a mutual decision to stop with the babies.

I couldn't ask for more. I had a beautiful family, along with a very much needed break.

~

Helen greeted me when I walked into the house.

Almost the entire staff at Neverland came with us to our new home, and I was grateful for it. They never seemed to let us down.

"Would you like anything to eat, sir? I could go tell Ronda to make a very special lunch for a very special birthday boy." Helen giggled.

"No, thank you. Brooke and I ate before I came here. Are the kids home?" I said.

"Yes, they just got back from school. I think they're all watching TV upstairs."

I gave her a hug, and she wished me a happy birthday, then I made my way up the stairs.

"Hey, dad." Prince said, waving. He then returned to the video game he, Kamron, and Blanket were deeply into.

'Hey, dad'? That's it?

"Where's Paris?" I questioned.

"She went into her room." Kammy mumbled, still focusing on the screen.

I sighed, and went into Paris's room to find her making something.

"Daddy!" she yelled. "Happy birthday!"

She attacked me in a bone crushing hug. When we pulled away, she put a birthday card in my hand.

"I made this for you."

I chuckled. "Thank you, Princess. Did you have a good day at school?"

"Yeah." she nodded.

"Good. Well, at least you remembered my birthday. What's up with your brothers?"

"They're just acting like that because they're scared to tell you about the surprise party mom arranged."

My daughter shut her mouth, looking guilty.

"It's okay, Parry. I'll act surprised." I smiled.

"Mommy's gonna be mad." Paris told me.

"No, she won't. I already figured out that she was planning something. Don't worry about it, Princess."

She hugged me again.

"I'm in my office if you need me, baby," I kissed the top of her head. "And tell your brothers to get off the TV."

I quickly skipped down to my office. I placed the little card my daughter made on my desk, and got to work.

~

Brooklyn: "I'll see you tonight, honey." I told Beyoncé, kissing her cheeks.

"Thank you for everything, Brooklyn. It's an honor to work with you," she hugged me. "Can't wait for the party."

I smiled at her before leaving with my two bodyguards.

I couldn't wait to get home and make Michael dress up all nicely, then see his surprised face when we walk into the party.

When the car finally stopped in front of the house, I hurried to hop out and run inside.

"Daddy, Prince won't let me play!" I heard Blanket whine.

I sighed, going upstairs. My three boys were fighting over the game controller.

"Alright, stop this, now. I want everyone to get into the shower and get ready for your dad's party." I said sternly.

They snapped their heads at me.

"Now, guys."

Each of them groaned and stopped what they were doing.

I pulled them into a hug, then sent them off to get ready.

"Mommy!" Paris showed up from her bedroom.

"Hi, baby. How was school?" I asked when she hugged me.

"Good, I guess," she answered. "Do I need to get ready, too?"

"Yeah, or else we'll be late. Where's your dad?"

"He said something about going to his office." Paris shrugged, and ran back to her room.

I made sure to check that all my four children were really preparing themselves for the party, then started looking for Michael.

Just like Paris said, he was in his office, with paperwork all over his desk.

"Mike." I called.

He took off his reading glasses, and looked up at me.

"Hi, babe."

"Are you busy?" I walked over to him.

"Oh, no, it's always fun to work on my birthday." he rolled his eyes, a playful smile on his face.

"This is not fair. When we celebrated my 30th birthday you were working, too, and you took me with you!" I scoffed.

"What if I wanted to see Beyoncé?"

"I wouldn't let you come, anyways, because we were dancing. You know how I feel about you seeing me work."

"Excuses, excuses," he wrote something down on a piece of paper. "Was there something you needed, baby? It's all getting pretty serious here."

"Yes. You need to stop what you're doing and come with me." I said, grabbing the pen from him.

"Fine, if I have to..."

When I was about to take his hand to lead him out of the room, he picked me up and put me over his shoulder.

I squealed, "Michael, put me down before the kids see us."

Michael only laughed, and kept walking towards the stairs. He stopped in his tracks when we reached the bottom.

"What's the matter?" I smirked. "Scared you'll fall, old man?"

I suddenly felt his other hand squeeze my ass.

"Michael!"

"Be quiet, babe. The kids will hear you."

I hit his back lightly. "Put me down."

He finally did as I said, making me glare at him.

"Let's go, we'll be late to my party." my husband said, dashing upstairs.

I ran after him.

"You know?" I frowned and closed the bedroom door.

"I figured you already planned something. I mean, I am 50."

"But people are expecting a surprise."

"I promise to act surprised."

"Thank you," I kissed him. "Come on, let's take a nice, warm, shower."

~

I giggled as Michael placed his lips on my neck, showering it with kisses.

"I still got it, right?" he asked when I unwrapped my legs from around his waist.

"You still got it." I reassured.

He kissed me passionately and stepped out of the little shower, putting a towel around his lower half.

I watched as he disappeared into our shared closet room.

I hurried to finish washing myself, then joined him.

Michael was going over his clothes, wearing only a pair of briefs.

I bit my lip and hugged him from behind.

"If I knew about the party earlier, I would've bought new clothes." he sighed.

"You have a million things you haven't worn yet. But wear a suit, I like you in suits." I said into his back.

He turned around, and grinned down at me.

"What?" I looked into his eyes.

"Come here."

He leaned down, placing a soft, yet hungry kiss on my lips.

I could feel his hands traveling inside the towel I was wearing.

He pushed me against the wall gently, and I felt his boner through the fabric of his briefs.

"Again, Mike? We'll be late..." I mumbled against his lips.

"I don't care." he said, lifting one of my legs up.

I hurried to take off his underwear, and gave into his touch.

~

Michael: Brooke fixed my tie.

"There. Perfect." she smiled.

"Mommy, we're all ready!" Kamron said, coming into our room.

"Kammy, what did we say about coming in here without knocking?" I questioned.

"Sorry, daddy." he apologized.

"It's okay, baby. Go downstairs, we'll be there in a second." Brooke told him.

He left quietly.

"He didn't do anything wrong, Mike. In Neverland the kids always came into our room."

"But this isn't Neverland."

"I know that."

"They are getting older, Brooke. I don't want them walking into our private bedroom anymore. What if they accidentally walk in on us?" I crossed my arms.

"Whatever you want. I actually don't mind a little privacy," my wife said, hugging me. "Okay, let's get going."

She took her purse, and we quickly made our way downstairs.

~

Janet: "Would you just listen to me for one second?!" Brandon yelled.

"I don't want to listen to a cheater," I snorted, fixing my hair. "And we're late, so we better leave. Tell the girls to wait outside."

"We're not leaving this house until you listen to what I have to say." he growled, coming close to me.

"I know what I saw, Brandon. That whore in my bed with my husband, riding him like there's no tomorrow. So don't try to make it look like something else."

I couldn't believe he cheated on me. When I thought I finally found a man who actually loved me, he does this.

Last night, I came home from a long day at the studio. It was after midnight, the girls were already in bed. But the noises that came from out of our bedroom were loud.

I almost killed that slut if Brandon wouldn't have stopped me.

"You're not gonna even let me explain?" he asked.

"No. Go get the girls ready. I don't want to be late to my brother's birthday party." I answered flatly.

He groaned, leaving our bedroom. As soon as he did, I broke into tears.

~

"Mom?" Katie whispered in my ear.

"Yes, honey?" I looked at her.

Brandon sat with Jaliyah and Ebony in the back of the car, telling them jokes.

"Are you mad at dad?" my eldest daughter asked.

"It's a little complicated." I told her.

"Well, you should at least pretend you're happy. Just for the party."

I smiled, pulling her into a hug.

~

"Look who decided to show up. You're lucky, Brooke just texted me and they're on their way." Jermaine said when we walked into the luxury restaurant.

"Shut up, Jermy." I murmured.

He scoffed, turning away from me.

"You okay, Dunk?" Randy pulled me into a tight hug.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Is there anything I can do around here?"

"Nope, everything's set. All we gotta do is wait for Mike."

I looked over at Brandon who hugged my mother, and sighed.

How can he hug my family after doing such an awful thing?!

"Excuse me." I said, going to the bathroom.

I went into one of the stalls, and couldn't stop the tears from pouring out.

~

Michael: "Surprise!"

I grinned, trying to put on my best surprised face.

"I am truly amazed, thank you all so much..." I said, actually quite overwhelmed by the amount of people.

"You didn't tell me you invited so many people." I whispered in Brooke's ear.

"Whoops?" she giggled.

I tried grabbing her hand so I could tell her another thing, but she was pulled away by some guests.

"Uncle Mike!" I heard from behind me.

Jason walked over to me, attacking me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Happy birthday, man!"

"Thank you, Jase."

"You're so old, bro." he laughed and patted my shoulder.

"Watch it." I lifted a finger.

I was amazed by how grown up he was. He was already 19, and I just couldn't believe what a great young man he turned out to be.

"How was your birthday, Jase? I apologize for not calling, I got caught up in work." I sighed.

"It's cool, uncle Mike. I guess it was fine, I went out with my girl and then we had a crazy night in the sheets..." he winked.

"Your girl? Who is she and why haven't I heard about her?" I asked.

"Damn, someone's over-protective. I'm not a kid anymore, uncle Mike," he rolled his eyes. "Actually, she's right here. Riley, baby, could you come here real quick?"

Non other than Riley Keough walked to us.

"You're dating Riley Keough?!" I almost screamed.

"You seem so surprised. We've been friends since, like, forever." my nephew said.

"Hello, Michael. Happy birthday!" Riley exclaimed.

I half smiled, "Thank you, Riley. I understand you and Jason are dating?"

"Yes, for a few months now."

"That's nice. Too bad he didn't tell me." I shot Jason a glare.

"Sorry?" he shrugged.

Before I could answer, a bunch of people made their way over to me.

I sighed, thinking of how long of a night it was going to be.

~

Brooklyn: A few guests greeted me, saying how good the party is, and how much they're having fun.

I thanked them, then they said they were going to look for Michael.

"Mom!" I heard Prince call.

I turned around, seeing Prince walk over.

"Hi, baby." I smiled.

"Do you know where Paris is? She disappeared with Katie and now I can't find her." he said.

"Sorry, honey, but no," I told him. "Speaking of Katie, have you seen her mother? I've been looking for her the entire night."

He shook his head, "I'll go search for the both of them, and if I see them I'll tell you."

"Thank you." I kissed his cheek.

"Ew, mom." he whined, and wiped his cheek.

I snickered, sending him off.

"Randy!" I called once I spotted my brother-in-law.

"Yeah?" he said.

"Have you seen Janet? I couldn't find her all night." I sighed.

"Last time I saw her was before you guys got here. She looked... Sad. Very sad. I think she said she was going to the bathroom or something."

I nodded, thanking him.

As I made my way to the restaurant bathroom, I bumped into Michael.

"Enjoying yourself?" I asked, noticing the trail of people behind him that probably wanted to wish him a happy birthday.

"Yes, very much. Thank you for this." he kissed me.

I smiled as I pulled away.

"Did you know Jason was dating Riley Keough?"

"Uh, yeah, for quite some time. They're all over the place, I'm surprised you haven't seen them together at all."

"How come I'm the only one who doesn't know that my nephew is dating Lisa's daughter?" he groaned.

"Maybe no one told you because you hate Lisa?" I said.

"Hate is a strong word." my husband murmured.

"Fine, then you don't like her. Now go see those people before they listen to everything we talk about," I told him, motioning to the line of people. "I gotta go see where Janet is."

"I'll come with you, I need a break." Michael took my hand.

"Randy said she was in the bathroom, you can't go in there."

"I'll wait outside."

When we reached the ladies' room, I walked inside and closed the door behind me.

I heard sniffling coming from the second stall.

"Jan?" I questioned, skeptical.

The lock clicked, making me open the door.

"Oh, my God, Jan," I gasped when I saw her beaten down self. "What happened?"

"It's nothing." she said, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

"Nothing? This isn't nothing..."

"It's Brandon. He- he cheated on me."

She started crying again, and I rushed over to her.

"He did what?!" I heard Michael.

He was standing right in front of us.

"Michael, get out of here!" Janet barked.

"No. What do you mean that Brandon cheated on you?"

"I- I found him last night, a- after I came b- back from work, with a beautiful blonde girl in our bed."

I saw the anger fill his eyes, his hands turning into fists.

"I'm gonna have a talk with my brother-in-law. Excuse me."

"Stop him, I don't want to cause a scene." my best friend whispered to me.

I walked over to my husband, attempting to open his fists. "Michael, not now. Just go and enjoy your party."

"You really want me to enjoy a party when my baby sister is crying like this?" he looked appalled.

"I'm saying you have to. I'll take care of her." I promised.

I heard him mumble something under his breath as he left the restroom.

"Why do I always fall for the ones who eventually hurt me?" Janet asked, and burst into tears again.

I hurried to hug her, letting her cry on my shoulder.

~

Michael: "Brandon." I growled when I found him.

"Hey, Mike!" he pulled me into a hug. "Happy birthday."

"Stop." I ordered, pushing him away.

I grabbed his shirt tightly, and dragged him away without anyone noticing so much.

"What the hell is your problem?" he asked, rubbing the place in his chest where I held onto his shirt.

"How could you cheat on my sister?!" I pushed him forcibly.

"You have no idea what happened, it's not your damn business." he said.

"When my sister is crying the hell out in the bathroom, it is my damn business!"

I took in a deep breath before continuing, "You just lost the best thing that's ever happened to you."

I pushed past him and tried to keep calm for the rest of the night.

~

Once the party was over, I made Janet and her girls come to our place for the night.

There was no way I was going to let her go home with Brandon.

"I'm sorry for ruining your birthday, Mike." Janet said when we finally got home.

"You didn't ruin my birthday. I had a great time. And either way, you're more important." I assured her.

She gave me a hug, then took the girls upstairs to get ready for sleep.

Brooke and I sent the kids to their rooms, and decided to go to bed as well.

"This is so messed up," she sighed when she lay next to me. "What is wrong with Brandon? I thought he'd finally make her happy."

I was about to respond, but her sneeze stopped me.

It turned into a sneezing fit.

"You okay?" I chuckled as she took a tissue to wipe her nose.

"I think I might have a cold or something." she said.

I brought my hand to her forehead, surprised to feel that she was a bit warmer than usual.

"It feels like a fever." I told her.

"Oh, no... This can't be good news. I can't be sick right now."

"A few days off won't hurt you, baby... Maybe your body is telling you to take a  break..."

"But I can't, you know I can't. I have the video with Beyoncé, and we're still not done forming all the dance moves." Brooke muttered.

"Remember that time when I shot 'Black or White' and got really sick right when I was about to finish, and you made me stay home? That's what I'm doing now. I'll call Beyoncé first thing in the morning. You're taking a break, whether you like it or not."

"Mike, you can't do that-" she started saying, but started sneezing all over the place again.

"Come on, get some sleep." I kissed her cheek once she stopped.

My wife scoffed, and still, she made herself comfortable in my arms.

She was asleep in minutes.

Sighing, I looked up at the ceiling. Janet never left my mind.

She must be so broken right now.

Gently, I let go of Brooklyn so I could check up on my sister.

It was obvious that she won't be asleep.

I found her in the guest room, crying her eyes out.

"Oh, Dunk." I sighed.

"It doesn't make sense, Michael. I gave him everything. We have three beautiful daughters, a good marriage. I really love him. I opened up to him. You know how hard it is for me to do that." she sniffled.

I nodded. Janet was never an open person. Only to the people she really trusts and loves. It's been like that ever since she was a little girl.

I took a seat next to her. She automatically wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm sorry he did that to you. He's an ass if he thinks he can play with you." I rubbed her back soothingly.

"Can you fire him?"

"You want me to fire him?"

"Yes. I don't want him near you or anyone else from the family. He doesn't deserve us anymore." my little sister rolled her eyes.

"If it'll make you happy." I smiled at her.

She thanked me, and said she couldn't be more grateful that I was with her in that moment.

~

So this is the big skip I told you about!
Hoped you enjoyed the chapter!

Tell me your thoughts, please!

Love you all,
~ShoamEmily