Please,just make it stop!! Annemarie Jackson shouted. Michael rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. He let out long sigh. For two whole months the couple had hardly gotten any sleep. Their new born baby woke them up every night. They were so stressed out and tired. The couple had always dreamed of having children but they never knew they would pay such a price. I'll go. Annemarie said as she lifted her head from the pillow. Michael sighed as he watched his wife walk away.

They seemed so much closer before they had a child. They used to have long discussions and do things together. Ever since their baby was born all they ever talked about was the baby and could hardly even watch T.V together because the baby was always crying. And they were a lot less intimate. Annemarie hadn't let Michael touch her since the baby was born. Before the baby their passion was deep and it seemed they were intimate almost every night. Now nothing ever happened at night except the baby crying and waking them up . It's not that the couple didn't enjoy being parents, it's just that they were new to it and did not know how to handle it. Michael even took a little over time at the studio to bring in more for his daughter. He was so tired. He felt like a 50 year old man when in reality he was only 26.

A few minutes later Annemarie came back. She should be a sleep for the rest of the night. She said as she slid her body under the covers. You look so tired. She said looking at the bags under his eyes and his messy curly hair. But I'm proud of you. You're an amazing father. She said and she kissed him on his forehead. Layla is a lucky girl. I would have done anything to have a father like you when I was a little girl. I try my best. Michael said humbly. Honey, I know your tried. Annemarie said. But one of these days you'll give anything to hear a baby cry or the patter of little feet. That's why you've got to make it count. You're right. Michael replied. Annemarie reached over and turned off the lamp. I love you Michael she whispered. I love you too. Michael replied. More than you'll ever know. Annemarie instantly went back to sleep but Michael lied awake thinking about what she said

Michael. Michael. Quincy Jones was a bit irritated with his music partner at the moment. MICHAEL!!! Huh?!? What?!?. Michael asked. You fell asleep on the job. I'm sorry Q. This daddy business is really killing my chances for sleep. Well, nobody said parenthood was a walk in the park. It's really complicated. Quincy replied. Well nobody warned me. Michael said. It always seems that way at first. It makes you want to go back to that night and control your hormones.That's how I felt when I first became a parent. But I realized children grow up. And fast. And you don't want to miss it. Michael thought deeply about what Quincy just said. That sounds kind of like what Annemarie was telling me last night. You'll get used to it soon. Now go home and get some sleep. Thanks Q. Michael said as he headed out the studio doors. He thought that maybe he should listen and follow all the advice given to him.

Hey Papa Bear! Annemarie greeted him. She sounded bubbly and enthusiastic and all she was doing was cleaning bottles. Hey Mama Bear. He replied trying to sound enthusiastic. She sat the bottle brush down ad eased her way over so she could give him a kiss. What are you doing home so early? She asked touching his face and looking into his eyes. Trying to catch up on my sleep. He replied. Annemarie's face dropped. Can it wait? She asked. I had a really special night planned for us. I made dinner and everything. I even brought a new night gown. I'd love to do everything you have planned babe but I don't have the energy. He said staring down at his half unbuttoned shirt. He must of been so tired that he didn't realize his wife was unbuttoning his shirt; in a failed attempt to seduce him.Fine Michael. Annemarie said followed by an exaggerated sigh of surrender. Catch up on your sleep. That's most important anyway.

Michael awoke to the familiar sent of his wife.He had always loved the sent of exotic mandarin,lush petals and white woods that lingered on her skin. She always smelled that way. Even when they first meet. He instantly fell in love with her and the sent when he spilled cocktail sauce all over her dress. Who knew that such a careless mistake would get them this far. She was wearing a new night gown. It was a turquoise blue with turquoise blue sequence covering the chest area. She did look beautiful. irresistibly beautiful. Now Michael was thinking maybe he should have stayed awake. Did you sleep well? She asked as she slipped her body under the covers. Yeah. He replied sitting up and rubbing his eyes. Lets talk. He said grabbing her hand. Annemarie stared at him and did something he least expected- laughed. And hard. Talk? You want to talk to me ? She asked after she pulled herself together. That's what I was trying to do earlier but you "didn't have the energy". She said mocking him and using air quotations. Michael just ignored her and moved closer to her. What's there to talk about anyway? She asked. All you ever do is sleep. Michael rolled his eyes, leaned closer and began to kiss her neck. Annemarie's shoulders dropped and she began to relax but she was still uncomfortable. Michael instantly noticed this and felt offended. What's wrong? He asked. I'm not ready for this. Annemarie replied. What do you mean you're not ready for this? Michael asked confused. It's not our first time. And you know our first time was amazing. he added giving her the bedroom eyes. And she was a sucker for the bedroom eyes. I know that! Annemarie said annoyed. I just had a baby for goodness sake! I don't want another right now. What you want to do got us in this predicament in the first place. Babies don't come from osmosis you know. Michael sighed and got out of bed. I understand. He walked to his closet and pulled a sweatshirt from the closet. I'm going for a walk. Fine. Annemarie replied. She was so upset but at the same time slightly devastated. She wanted to save her marriage and rekindle their once deep and passionate romance. Michael felt the same way; which is why he went looking for advice.

I just don't know what to do! Michael admitted to his mother. He had taken a long drive to his mother's house just to talk to her about his feelings. Kathrine understood where her seventh born was coming from. She did have nine kids. Well who mostly takes care of Layla? She asked. Annemarie. He replied. That's the answer to your question. You need to give a little more and you'll get more. Take more time for the baby and maybe you'll get more from Annemarie. Michael had been talking with his mother since the crack of dawn and finally felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Speaking of those two I should be going now. They usually get up around this time but I want to surprise them. Well good luck! Kathrine said hugging her son tightly.

To Michael's luck, both Annemarie and Layla were still asleep. He decided to do his wife a favor by making breakfast and having Layla's formula ready. He opened the refrigerator and decided to make eggs. This was going to be tough considering Michael had never picked up a spatula for cooking purposes.

When Annemarie got up she was so surprised. Michael had made breakfast( It wasn't perfect, The eggs were burnt) and Layla's formula was already ready. She almost dropped the baby when she saw Michael sitting at the table with a big grin on his face waiting for her; something he hadn't done in a while. Well good morning Papa Bear. She said smiling back at him. For the first time in a while she had the same reaction to his smile as she did when they first met: her heart skipped a beat. Good morning Mama Bear. He replied. Have a seat. Annemarie, still in shock took her seat. She reached for Layla's formula but a soft touch stopped her. I'll do it. Michael insisted. Relax and eat your breakfast. Annemarie was now getting a little frightened. This is really sweet Michael but I can't eat this. It's okay. He said. He scooped Layla in his arms and began to feed her. He looked at her like he did when she was just born; as if she were the most beautiful thing in all creation. It really softened her heart but she was still on to something. Shouldn't you be getting ready for work? Annemarie asked her husband. No. I asked Q for the day off. He replied and then coughed a loud, abnormal cough. Is it because you were sick? No he said coughing again not really realizing he was coughing. I just wanted to spend time with you Annemarie was now totally convinced that something was going on. Okay Michael Joseph, What's going on?!?! She asked standing tall with her hands on her hips. Despite being sleep deprived she still looked beautiful. Nothing he said coughing a again this time handing her the baby so he could go spit cole in the sink. Michael Let me see you for a minute. Annemarie said placing Layla in the play pin. She grabbed his face and placed a hand on his face. Just what I thought you've got a fever. I don't want you getting the baby sick so you need to rest. But I'm fine really. Michael protested. You are not. A mother knows. Said Annemarie. You're not my mother. You're my wife. Michael said and I would like to spend some time with you. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Now she couldn't say no. It was always Michael's sweetness that lured her into things. Particularly the bed. Okay Michael. she said giving up. But in a way she was happy to surrender because this is what she had been waiting on. Well, Where should we start? she asked. I know the perfect place. Michael said smiling.


It had been an enjoyable day for the couple. They spent the whole day together and it seemed as if they had no interruptions. Annemarie was still tired so she took a long nap. When she woke up she heard crying and it was past 10. She got up and went down stairs to the nursery. she had no idea where Michael was. instead of calling for him she peeked her head in the door of the nursery. Michael was sitting in the big rocking chair. Don't cry. He said trying to comfort the irritated infant. Annemarie was not going to let Michael see her. She wanted to see how he worked his magic. The crying continued until Michael began to sing.

All alone, wishing on stars
Waiting for you to find me.
One sweet night I knew I would see
a stranger who'd be my friend.
When someone in the dark reaches out to you
And touches off a spark that comes shinning through
It tells you never be afraid.
Then somewhere in your heart you can fell a glow
a light to keep you warm when the night winds blow.
Like it was written in the stars I knew
My friend, my someone in the dark was you.

Promise me we'll always be
walking the world together.
Hand in hand where dreams never end
my star secret friend and me.
When someone in the dark reaches out to you
And touches off a spark that comes shinning through
It tells you never be afraid.
Then somewhere in your heart you can fell a glow
a light to keep you warm when the night winds blow.
Look for the rainbow in the sky
Oh I believe you and I
could ever really say goodbye.
Where ever you may be I'll look up and see
Someone in the dark for me.
Where ever you may be I'll look up and see
Someone in the dark for me.

Layla was already sound asleep when Michael finished singing. Annemarie had tears in her eyes. The moment was touching and priceless something money couldn't by.
Michael finally Placed her in the crib giving her a kiss on the forehead. I love you. He whispered. Annemarie finally stepped foot in the nursery. Michael won't you come to bed? She asked trying to hide her tears. You're such an amazing father and husband. You deserve to rest. What's wrong? Michael asked seeing her tears. You're everything I ever hoped and prayed for. When I was a teenager I always prayed God would send me a great husband. And he did. I've got everything I could ever imagine. Michael walked over to his wife and gave her a loving embrace. I fell the same way. He said. And he really meant it.

Do you know what room Michael Joseph Jackson is in? Annemarie asked the receptionist. She had rushed to the hospital as fast as she could. Her long hair was half wavy and half straight( She was in the process of straightening it when she got the call). She looked a hot mess but she didn't care. Someone she madly loved was at stake. Miss were not allowed to give out that information. When celebs check into our hospital our goal is to give them all the privacy they need. Look lady, Annemarie said jumping out of her comfort zone and getting hostel. He could be dying and if he is I need to be there!! The receptionist looked like she wasn't buying it. Give me one good reason why you need to be there if Michael Jackson is on his death bed? I'll give you plenty of reasons. Annemarie retorted. I love Him. He's my everything. I carried his child for nine months oh and one important detail, I'm his wife!!!!!!!!! By now the receptionist was taken a back. You must be Annemarie Jackson. She said. He's in room 203. Annemarie said nothing and rushed up to room 203.

Michael!! She said right when she arrived in the room. Are you alright baby? She asked rushing to his bedside. she noticed Quincy Jones sitting in one of the chairs. What happened? She asked. He fainted. Quincy replied. He kept complaining about how hot it was in the studio and I had the air on cool. Right in the middle of the song he fainted. What did the doctor say? Annemarie asked laying her head on Michael chest. She wanted to hear his heart beat. He hasn't come in yet. Oh, brother! Can we have a moment? Annemarie asked. Sure I've got to go anyway. Quincy replied. Thank you so much! Take care of yourself Michael! Quincy called as he closed the door. Michael, why didn't you tell me your were not felling well? Annemarie asked waiting on an answer. She couldn't stand to see Michael lying on the hospital bed. He looked weak. His breathing was very shallow and there was an IV in his arm. Michael answer me! Because I have a family to support Michael said after what seemed like forever. But you could have avoided all this. Don't you remember our weeding? Michael asked. Of course. That was one of the best days of my life.How could I forget? Well, don't you remember my vows? Yes. Annemarie replied. That was one of the most beautiful things you ever sang to me. Well I promised you For All Time and I mean it. I can't back out on you and our little angel. I don't want to be a deadbeat husband and dad. I already lived through that. I don't want to be another Joseph. Annemarie's eyes were filled with tears. Where's Layla? He asked. She's with Janet. Michael, we wanted this so badly. Remember when we used to sit and talk about having children? Sure. When we got engaged that and the weeding seemed to be everything we talked about. I still remember when your water broke. It was right in the middle of the night. I had no idea what you were talking about until I remembered what the doctor said. I went into a panic and speed all the way to the emergency room. I could have sworn I was in the Daytona 500. Annemarie laughed. Then we were in the emergency room and you kept yelling at everyone. Especially the doctor. You kept saying, Get it out!! Annemarie laughed again remembering when she went into labor. I also remember the name game. We used to sit for hours just calling out random girl names. For every name the baby didn't like she kicked. Layla was the only name we called she didn't kick for and that's what we named her. It only seems like yesterday when you handed me that box of baby clothes and told me you were pregnant. And it will only seem like yesterday sometime from now when Layla was born and she'll be going off to college. That's why I want to be the best dad I can be. His breathing was now shallow. Suddenly the doctor entered. Good afternoon Mr&Mrs. Jackson. The doctor greeted them. What's going on? Annemarie asked. We think Michael has Pneumonia. Pneumonia? When he was checked into the hospital he was hardly breathing and had a fever of 107. That's hot enough to fry your brain. The doctor informed them. We took x-rays and his lungs were full of fluid. When he was awake he complained his chest hurt and he could hardly breath. He'll have to stay here a few more days but he'll get better eventually. Better take better care of yourself Michael. The doctor warned. Since you're a performer your health is vitally important. Thank you doctor. Annemarie said. May we have a moment? Take all the time you need the doctor. replied. Michael, said Annemarie grabbing his hand. Promise me you'll take better care of yourself and, you'll quit your overtime. I know that's what's got you down. We really don't need it. Were doing very, very well. Your one of the highest paid artist. Take more time for yourself and your family. Do it for me please? Of course. I promise. Annemarie leaned over and kissed Michael on his forehead. That's all I ever wanted.

One Year later: April 4 1985

I can't believe she's one! Annemarie exclaimed as she loaded the dishwasher. I know. Michael replied. It almost seems like it was yesterday when she was born. It always seems that way. She's a smart girl. She's already walking and starting to talk. She even kicked her pacifier and bottle to the curb.Annemarie said not trying to hide her pride. Well she gets all that intelligence from me. Michael replied. I sure do make good babies. Annemarie hit him with the dishtowel and laughed. Like you did that all by yourself. She said sarcastically. I can't wait to watch her grow up. Michael said. We felt like we wouldn't even get through her infant years and now we just can't get enough of parenthood. And who knows, Annemarie said. maybe , not now but at sometime we could have another child. You really think so? Michael asked moving closer and putting his arms around her waist. Yes. A boy that looks just like you. Oh yeah. Michael said leaning closer starting to kiss her neck and moving is big hands up her shirt. Sure, but tonight keep your your pants ziped up. Lets just give her a few years. Agreed? Annemarie asked. Agreed. Michael said and he leaned in to kiss her again and this time she didn't hesitate to meet him half way.