Chapter 12
What to do?
As the afternoon of Blanket’s party began to wind down, Liz decided it was high time to have a person-to-person talk with her dearest friend. She had watched all afternoon as the singer’s eyes could not leave the younger woman and it was beginning to drive Liz nuts. The man liked the woman a lot, that was for sure. Liz knew age brackets did not make any bit of difference so as long as the two cared for each other. Of course up until last week at Prince’s party, when she officially met Lorna, she did not realize their friendship had grown so big and somehow in the last week, it had gotten even stronger. Liz walked towards Michael as he was saying his farewells to Mac and his brothers. Tito was the last to step out, leaving Liz, the children and their friends, Lorna, Michael and Mrs. Jackson left at the mansion.
“Michael,” Liz called. “Could I have a few moments alone with you?”
Michael nodded. He walked over to his mother and gave her a kiss, telling her he would be right back. Lorna looked up as he said that and wondered what was going on. It didn’t take her long to realize what was going on when Michael gave her a warm smile and then escorted Liz down the hallway towards the Den.
Michael offered Liz in first before entering himself. He was always the perfect gentleman. He then offered Liz a seat before leaning against his desk, resting his hands on the desk. “What can I do for you?” he asked.
“Perhaps, I should be asking you that,” she started. “I’ve noticed today your eyes seem to be glued elsewhere besides on Blanket. Is there something going on I don’t know about.”
Michael gave an innocent look. “I’m not sure I know what you are talking about.”
“Michael,” she said with stern her voice. “I’ve known you far too long. Most times you suck at keeping a poker face. I’m talking about you and Lorna. You two seem very close.”
Michael sighed and leaned his head down. “I suppose I could use a friend right now.” He looked at her. “She’s amazing person,” he explained. “She’s wonderful to the children. She’s told me this a few times that she loves them and I know she does.”
“That I have noticed,” Liz smiled.
“She’s so gentle and kind and very understanding. I feel I can tell her anything,” he admitted. “Liz, you should have seen her when she got the idea of doing a surprise party for Blanket. And the night of Prince’s birthday where he had a couple friends over night, she suggested the idea of Paris and Blanket to have their own sleepover by having a campout in the family room.”
“She did?” Liz blinked. “What did you do?”
“I went along,” Michael continued. “She turned the room into something I’ve never seen. She took the dining room chairs and blankets and made a tent where we slept on an air mattress. I had given her a stereo where she had turned on some nature music.”
“She did that?” Liz question. “Wow. She went out of her way to give Paris and Blanket something Prince was experiencing. Michael, what are your feelings for you?”
“She’s a friend,” Michael countered.
“Why do I hear a ‘but’, in there?” Liz asked with a quirked brow.
“I think on my side at least, it’s becoming more.” Michael moved away from the desk and slightly paced the room. “Liz you know I’ve already had two failed marriages. I don’t know if I could go through that again.”
“Michael.” She grabbed his hand as he paced by her the third time and forced him to kneel in front of her. “From what I see she is nothing like Lisa nor is she like Debbie. So what she shied away that day with the cameras, she probably wasn’t prepared for it. But I can see that she does like you and I’m sure she could take the fans and cameras just like the rest of us do.”
Michael looked into her eyes. “But that’s not the only thing. I’ve only known her since Christmas when she collapsed at my gate, that’s nearly 3 months now. I swore to myself not to get caught up again.”
Liz knew what he meant. “Michael, she’s not going to wait forever. She’s a beautiful woman who loves your children dearly. Just from watching her today she has a maternal instinct and that is something Debbie did not have. You two should sit down and talk about your feelings.”
“What if she rejects me?”
“Michael, even if she does. You two are friends.”
“But…” his words choked at him. “I love her!” he announced suddenly.
The two were silent for several minutes not sure what to say. Michael wasn’t always the one to blurt things out. Liz figured that since it was her he was in the presence of, the situation was different. She had been with him through most of his toughest times including his drug problem and many other things he just wanted to forget.
“I had a feeling you might,” she finally answered. “When did you realize these feelings?” She released his hands.
He stood up and walked away a bit. “On Valentine’s Day, I think. She never had someone treat her to something special before, so I did.”
“What did you do?” Liz inquired. “Besides took her shopping.”
“After we returned, I had a private dinner set up. It wasn’t anything fancy or romantic. It was just a dinner between two friends. I did have some red hearts sitting here on the desk.”
“You had it in here?”
“It was the only room in the house I know no one really disturbs me. We had a nice dinner and then I gave her a present, which were a set of antique candleholders.”
“That was nice of you. How did she take it?”
“She loved it and when she thanked me…” he trailed off.
“What?” Liz asked. “Come on Michael, you can tell me.”
Michael turned away from the woman. “I nearly kissed her,” he answered quietly.
Liz took in an intake of breath and stood up. She walked over to the singer. “Are you serious. You almost kissed her. Was it something you wanted to do?”
He turned to face. “She was so close,” he admitted. “I wanted to so bad. But I could see the fear in her eyes. I know she knew I could have, but I didn’t.”
“But you two are still talking and acting as if it didn’t happen,” she said quietly.
“We talked afterwards. We’re friends,” he said. He moved to his window. “Oh, Liz. I want to kiss her but I don’t know her feelings. She sees me as a friend. She’s not a star struck fan like the others. She’s different. She’s concerned for me.”
“Then tell her how you feel,” Liz encouraged. “Michael, you can’t keep living in this shell you’ve built around you. I have a feeling if you kiss her, she would embrace it.”
Michael half snorted. “I can’t see it being that simple. She’s had failed relationships who have hurt her worse than mine.”
“Well I’m sure that is between you and her, but you are good for her Michael. You know that. You are too kindhearted soul and I’m sure she’s what you need. Your children adore her, that I can see.”
“That they do,” Michael agreed turning to look at her again. “Paris seems to have attached herself to Lorna. Blanket likes being with her too.”
“And so do you,” Liz argued. “You are smiling more now. And I’m not the only one who sees it. Mac saw it and so does your sister, Janet.”
“What do I do?” he sighed in defeat.
“Michael, if you love her, like you just admitted, then go after her. Trust me on this; I really think she shares what you feel. I’ve watched her watch you when you weren’t looking and she blushes a lot. And I know it’s not because you are who you are. It’s because she likes you and probably is afraid on what others will think. You already told me yourself she has family members who do not really like you and I’m sure she’s also concerned of your fans.”
“And the tabloids would just love to get a hold of her too,” he said sadly. “I don’t want to put her through that. Not again.”
“Michael, you may have no choice,” Liz defended. “Before you choose for her, you better at least get her true feelings on this. You may be surprised on the answer.”
“I’ll need to get her alone,” he stated.
“That would be a good start. Nothing romantic either. Speaking of her, we should get back to the others before she starts to wonder what is going on.”
“Liz, can you please try to not embarrass her. She’s not used to having warm friends around.”
“You mean she didn’t have friends before?” Liz asked as Michael walked towards the door to head back to the party. Liz followed with him.
“She has said she really did not have physical friends. She has plenty on the Internet, but none really physical. She did not work at the strip in Las Vegas, but she did live at it and she hated it.”
“Poor girl.”
The two walked back to the others. As they entered the room, Lorna was in the process of being tickled tortured from Blanket and two of his friends. Michael stifled a laugh as he walked over to her.
“Guys…hehe…” Lorna giggled. “Please…hehe…stop.”
She was completely on the floor, with the boys tickling her. Her head was constantly moving back and fourth, dishevelling her hair. When Michael was close enough the boys suddenly moved quickly. They weren’t sure what to think of Michael looming over them. Lorna took the chance to jump up. She saw him and quickly hid behind him.
“They’re fiends!” she blasted. She gripped Michael’s black sleeves tightly as she hid behind him from the kids. Katherine and the other kids were in complete laughter.
“She started it,” Blanket defended. “She decided to try to tickle me. I had to react.” Blanket gave his best innocent look, causing Liz to burst out laughing.
Lorna poked her head from behind Michael. “It was suppose to be a one on one not three on one.” She continued to keep her grip on Michael strong and steady.
It was just amusing with everyone watching. With his small frame compared to her frame, it looked really funny. The only thing Lorna had was the fact he was taller than her.
He twisted his head to give her a sideways glance. “Why am I a human shield?”
She gave him a playful glare. “Because you pay the bills for this place and the birthday boy just happens to be your son. Besides, you’re tall enough to protect me.”
Michael giggled and he looked at the kids again. He tried to move but her grip wouldn’t let him move far. He opened his mouth to speak when his mother interrupted him.
“As much as I would love to see the outcome of this,” she laughed. “I should be heading for home. I do not wish to be out after dark.”
The children sobered up, Lorna released her grip on Michael but stayed close to his side. The two walked over to the old woman. Michael gave his mother a hug and wished her well. The Jackson children then came over and hugged her as well. Lorna pushed herself closer to Michael.
Liz held a chuckle in her throat, as Michael had to wrap his arm around Lorna to balance himself. Though the action was to prevent himself from falling, he loved the idea of his arm around her waist.
Katherine hugged her grandchildren before looking at her son’s friend. The children moved away and went back to what they were doing before. Michael released Lorna as Lorna decided to give Katherine an embrace.
“Remember, what I said,” Katherine whispered. “You need to talk to him.”
“I will,” she whispered back. “Thank you for listening.”
Katherine handed something in Lorna’s hands before pulling away and gathering her things to head to her car, where her chauffer would be waiting. Michael walked to her to the door.
Lorna looked at the piece of paper to see it was Katherine’s phone number. Lorna glanced away from the number to the kids. “Don’t you dare.”
Blanket cocked his head and smirked. “I still need payback.”
The three boys who tickled her suddenly launched forward. Lorna ran away quickly, heading in the direction Michael disappeared at. She could see that he had just shut the door when she came barrelling towards him.
“Save me!” she screamed.
He turned just in time to have her slam into him. His eyes widened at her hitting him. He was thankful he was against the door.
“Don’t let those fiends get me!” she hissed.
He had to put his arms around her arms to steady her and himself. He looked ahead to see three boys coming his way. Blanket stopped suddenly forcing his two friends to stop as they saw Michael.
“Daddy!” Blanket squeaked.
He looked at his son with an amused smile. “What do you three think your doing?”
“We have to get revenge,” one boy said. “She attacked Blanket.”
“But wasn’t that before I came back?” he asked. He was going to have to remember this for some other time. “I think it’s time to leave Miss McCall alone for awhile. I think she’s learnt her lesson.”
Lorna glared at him. “Just whose side are you on?”
He looked at her. “Yours, apparently as you’re hanging on to me like a lifeline. Though you did attack my son, but it’s now over.” He looked at the boys again. “You boys should soon get ready, your parents will be here shortly.”
The boys pouted. They turned away and headed back the way they came. Lorna breathed a sigh of relief and loosened her grip on the man she was pushing right against. Michael on his part was able to get a strong smell of her perfume and he had to admit, he rather was fond of the scent, very much.
She looked at him. She noticed that his hands were still holding her arms and she could really smell his cologne. The scent was slightly causing her to go light headed as she vastly was loving that fragrance. She had to get away from him, but he had a tight hold on her.
“Are you going to let me go?” she asked.
“Perhaps,” he smirked. “Once I figure out how the whole tickle thing started.”
“What? Can’t a girl have some fun?” she asked.
“She can. But she should have waited until the father had a chance to join in on the fun.”
“Michael,” she glared. “Don’t you dare.”
He finally let go of her hands as her perfume was intoxicating his senses. “I wouldn’t. Liz is still here and I think she’ll be staying the night.”
“Oh,” she said. “That would be nice. I haven’t really sat down and talked to Elizabeth Taylor. If my Mom was still alive, she would flip out. Elizabeth Taylor was her absolute favorite actress.”
Michael smiled. “And now you get the chance to meet a wonderful lady. Come on, lets go talk with her.”
The two walked away from the door and headed to the other room where the kids were. Liz was seating on a sofa with Paris beside her. Paris was telling the old woman all about Lorna and how the girl liked the wonderful woman.
Lorna heard as she walked in. “She sounds like a good person.”
“Elizabeth,” Prince said. “She’s the best.”
“So you both like her?” the woman asked.
“Like her?” Prince said. “We love her. I’m glad she stayed.”
Michael also heard what his children were saying as he walked in. “Will you be staying over tonight?” he asked the old woman.
“That is if you don’t mind,” she smiled. “I haven’t visited in a while and I really would like to know Lorna better.”
Lorna walked up to the woman. “As I would like to know you. My Mom, when she was alive, loved your movies. She even raised me to always respect you.”
“That was nice of her. If you don’t mind me asking when did your mother pass on?”
Lorna then proceeded to tell the retired actress about herself and her family. Michael listened as he sat in a chair near the sofa. He was really intrigued to know about the woman he was falling in love with. As he listened, he realized he had to get up as the parents of Blanket’s friends were arriving. He felt disappointed that he had to leave.
It took him several minutes to greet the parents and to help the children get their things gathered up. When he returned to the room, he was once again disappointment as the two women had ended their talk and we’re watching Blanket play with his new toys.
Lorna looked around the room and gave a fearful look. “I suppose I should straighten this room up.”
“Let Debbie handle that,” Michael suggested. “You’ve done a lot of work today.”
“Yes, dear,” Liz said. “You did very well today with Blanket’s birthday. I think today is the first I’ve ever seen him have this much fun, other than Christmas.”
Blanket stood up and ran over to the woman and hugged. “Thank you for my birthday,” he said.
“Thank you,” Lorna smiled. Her head leaned down. “And you’re welcome.”
“Well I’m going to go and put my things in my room.” Blanket tossed his things in one big gift bag and left for his room.
When he was gone, Lorna looked Liz. “I honestly am not sure why I did it.”
“It’s because you enjoy being with those children,” Liz said. “I don’t blame you. And the father isn’t half bad himself.”
Michael shook his head and rolled his eyes. She never would stop, even after their conversation.
“Well the father is nice and gentle,” Lorna said.
“What about handsome?” Liz inquired.
“Well…” Lorna felt shy. “I guess he’s that too. But sometimes looks don’t have to make the person attractive. To some people, it’s personality. Beauty is only skin deep.”
“That is so true,” Liz replied. “Michael, she’s one of a kind.” She turned her attention to the man who was standing not far from her. “So when will dinner be?”
Michael looked at his long time friend and then looked at the clock. “Dinner should be in about an hour.”
Liz stood up and smiled. “Good. I’m going to go rest until then.”
Lorna watched as Liz left. She began to wonder if it was wise to leave her alone with Pop King. She looked at the Pop King. “She’s a nice lady.”
“That she is,” Michael agreed. He watched as Lorna walked towards the games to clean them. He walked up to her and quickly grabbed her hand, softly but tightly. “I told you, Debbie will handle it,” he stated.
“But this is my mess,” she argued.
He grabbed her other hand and gave her a stern look. “The hired help will clean,” he said gently. “You deserve some rest after being tickled tortured and just plain having fun with the kids today.”
Just then Debbie walked in. “Mr. Jackson, would you like me to clean up?”
“Please,” Michael said as he continued to gaze at Lorna. “And please be sure that Lorna doesn’t help you in way shape or form. She is restricted to having rest the rest of this day.”
Debbie nodded and began to clean up around the room. Lorna glared at Michael while at the same time, she greatly enjoyed his hands covering hers. “You are impossible.”
He smirked. “Nope, just the Master of this house. Now I don’t want to hear that you started to help Debbie or I will have to keep an eye on you myself.”
“Are you ordering me?” she inquired.
“If you want to take it as that, you can.” He wasn’t going to tell her but he so wanted to spend some time with her and maybe even tell her how he felt. Today was a good day to do it from watching her all day; he no longer could deny his feelings, and now he wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her, as he could not keep his feelings hidden any longer.
He released her hands. He had to as felt like taking her in his arms and he really did not want to startle her. He turned and walked away. He walked into his Den and leaned his head on his desk. He knew it was still his son’s birthday but he had to have some time to himself to collect his thoughts. He might have just thought of telling her his feelings, but it wasn’t the right time. He knew Liz was right and he knew his dear friend was indirectly getting herself involved.
But how could he admit his feelings to Lorna? He would have to get her alone, but he couldn’t make it romantic as it would scare her but he didn’t want it to be casual either. He wanted it to be relaxing and enjoyable. But where? With now knowing it wasn’t good today, he knew he was going to have to wait for another day or so. He continued to think until Debbie walked in with Lorna.
Michael quickly lifted his head off his desk. “What’s going on Debbie?” he asked.
“Mr. Jackson,” she said while Lorna growled and glared at the bigger woman. “I apologize for the intrusion, but Miss McCall…”
Michael shook his head. “I understand. Thank you. I’ll take care of it.”
Debbie nodded and walked out, leaving Lorna with the musician.
Michael stood up and walked over to Lorna.
“You are totally unfair,” she whined. “It’s my mess to clean up.”
“And you deserve a break. Wasn’t you who told me not to strict yourself to work all the time.”
“Don’t you be twisting my words on me. You ‘are’ older than I am, which means your body cannot handle the stress like mine can.”
“I’ve heard even young 30 year olds get sick from stress,” he stated. “And I have asked you to allow Debbie to clean up. You have done so much for me and my children, you deserve a break.”
“Michael, I’m not used to living in the lap of luxury. I was raised to clean up my mess.”
“Your parents raised you well,” he commented. “And I understand habits are hard to break. But in my home you don’t always have to clean up your mess. That’s what the hired help is for. And yes there are days I do give my employees days off.”
“I have noticed that. So what do I do now?”
“You stay here with me and just relax. I will not let you out of my sight until we have dinner, which is…” he looked at his watch, “in 45 minutes.”
Lorna walked over to the sofa and flopped on it. “You are totally unfair,” she pouted.
Michael would have smiled at her pout. She was cute when she pouted. “It might be unfair, but I did warn you.”
Michael walked over to her and kneeled down so he was more facing her level. “I was wondering if you would like to take a trip with me,” he said. The question just popped in his head.
She looked at him. “Where? I hope nowhere public. I’m not ready to face your fans.”
“I was thinking, you and I could go somewhere quiet like a drive out of town.” He didn’t know why, but the idea had just hit with her being in the room.
“A drive out of town? What about the children?”
“They don’t always come with me when I want to take a break. I have everything I need to do for the upcoming concerts. So now I can spend some time getting to know you even better.”
She sat up and looked at him more closely. “What do you mean?”
“Lorna,” he said, taking her hand. “I would like to know more about you and I would like to spend some time with you. Since that night you caught me, I have been wanting to see you more.”
At the thought of being completely alone with him, she started to feel nervous. She knew it was going to be a perfect opportunity to talk with him like Katherine wanted her to. And she knew she had to. He might not have been the most handsome man, at least not anymore, but he was handsome in all the other ways that counted. And she loved his tenor voice too.
“Well it would be nice to get out,” she answered slowly.
He smiled. “Good. On the next nice day, we’ll go out for the day.”
“But your Lupus and Vitiligo?”
“I’ll just bring an umbrella,” he shrugged.
He was going to so enjoy this. He wasn’t only going to get to know Lorna but he was also going to tell her his feelings, before Liz did it for him and he did not want his oldest and dearest friend to intervene in his affairs. He loved the old woman very much, like a Grandmother, but he did not like people meddling in his life. The wheels in his mind started to twirl on what to plan for that day. Since it would be a day outing, he would need to make sure there were blankets as it could be chilly, couple chairs and even a picnic basket for lunch.