The Conspiracy Next Door - Part 4c
Pardon the long delay, but I kept hitting writer's block while working on this. Thankfully, I was able to tinker away at this, so here it is, the next part of my little side project, in which 'Dave'/Michael and Julie have a long talk, her parents get their chance to talk personally with Michael, a trip to the mall leads to a wakeup call.
Title: The Conspiracy Next Door
Author: shinigami518
Rating: PG-13 (but will go into the R territory at times)
Warnings: Swearing, violence, some racism, alcohol drinking, it all depends on what happens with what I'm writing.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything in this story except Julie, her family and her friends. All music used is owned by their respective owners, writers, and singers. This is also, in no way, a slam against Michael Jackson in any way. I respect him and really like him, his music, and his kindness. This is also somewhat based on the rumors and conspiracies over his death. There is evidence of something weird going on. It may just be crap, but you’ll never know…
Summary: Late 2009, a young woman named Julie Shields, a late bloomer Michael Jackson fan, meets her new neighbor, a enigma of a man named Dave Michaels. What starts off as innocent friendship and a moment of kindness suddenly takes a very strange turn as Julie finds herself involved in a very big conspiracy... one that involves drugs, rock and roll, Michael Jackson, and haters.
Links to past parts (at my journal)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4a
Part 4b
After leaving the book store, they found themselves heading for the Ruby Tuesdays for lunch, carrying their several bags In between ordering their drinks and lunch, the last bits of ice between Michael and Janet began to melt with Julie’s assistance. Mostly it was it due to many small stories being told by Julie, then by Michael, thanks to the young brunettes’ assistance.
“Then, next thing I know, there’s little kids surrounding me, watching me play my Nintendo DS, and the little boy starts asking me questions about Mario 64. So, naturally, I answer them, even noting that Will had beaten the original Mario 64 so many times and he was greatly impressed. He asks me if I could show him how to play both that and the Mario Kart DS game. And this goes on for a few minutes, me showing him how to play the two games while his two sisters are crowding around, entranced, and then, their mom announces it’s time to leave. The boy, Noah, instantly gets upset over this because I was going to be leaving with my family in an hour as well.” Julie explained, smiling and trying not to laugh as she told a story from the last time she and her family visited Janet’s family in Philadelphia. Michael let out an “Aww” while Janet shook her head, smiling as well.
“You have an interesting family, Julie.” Michael mused, lifting the glass of water he was drinking and swirled the liquid in it. Julie blinked, then blushed softly, smiling bashfully.
“At least we have fun with mom’s family. We’ve got all those problems with some of dad’s family…” Julie remarked.
“So, Michael, any interesting stories you want to tell?” Janet put in, staring right at Michael. Most of her edginess towards him had already dissipated, but there was still some hatred left. Michael took a sip from his drink before placing it back on the table.
“W-well, I’m sure Julie might’ve heard about this one, but this happened in the early 90’s at Neverland… and before you ask, no, it has nothing to do with those allegations. It was a family oriented event with me and my cousins on Easter.” Michael started to explain. Julie let out a soft “Oh boy” as she giggled, knowing what the story was going to be. Michael raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Yes, I think you’ve heard of this one.” Michael commented.
“Yeah, I love this one, tell it.” Julie smiled, giving a ‘go on’ hand gesture.
“So, we had an Easter egg hunt, and, unfortunately, I was having bad luck. One of the ones I found, my cousin Levon took right out of my basket as soon as I found it. He eventually ended up winning, so he celebrated by cracking an egg on my head.” Michael went on. Julie let out another giggle, trying to hide her smile behind her glass of Sprite.
“You actually let your cousin do that?” Janet asked.
“He was a child, he wanted to have fun, I let him do it, and immediately regretted it afterword.” Michael explained in response. He then continued on. “So I ended up having a quick shower and rejoined my cousins for some fun in the sun, including some poolside fun…,” Michael then grimaced, “Which included Elijah shoving me into the pool.” He added.
“Elijah?” Janet questioned.
“Another of my cousins. He snuck up behind me and shoved me in. I dried off, of course, but even after I put on a robe and discarded my shirt, I wasn’t safe. Lee thought it’d be fun to push me into the pool as well and so, I got wet once again. Second I got out, I saw Elijah ready to do a repeat, so I bolted, shedding the now soaked robe in the process.” Michael continued on. Julie snorted, then covered her mouth as her giggles became soft, barely controlled, laughter, causing Janet to shot her a dirty look. Julie removed her hands, revealing a smile.
“C’mon mom, it’s like if Noah and his sisters were shoving me into that inflatable pool Bobbi had out when we were in Philly. And besides, him getting thrown into the pool by little kids is funny.” Julie stated, pointing at Michael with her right thumb as she spoke. Her smile then changed to a smirk as she eyed Michael. “Also, he get’s shoved into the pool again after the escape.” Julie added, making Michael let out a small laugh of embarrassment.
“Y-yes, they got me again after I showered and changed. I kept protesting, but they got me to the edge of the pool and… I just gave up and jumped in.” Michael replied, sighing with a grin on his face.
“And you washed your hair thoroughly, too.” Julie put in, still smirking and trying not to laugh again. Michael smile grew and he let out a small giggle, putting a hand to his head, briefly covering his eyes. Janet did smile for a short time, but she regained her composure right afterwards.
“Michael, may I ask you something serious, and you must give me a serious answer, alright?” Janet asked Michael, breaking the joyful mood. Michael and Julie both straightened up, dreading the question.
“Y-yes, Mrs. Shields?” Michael asked back, clearing his throat.
“Why? Why do you act like a child and spend so much time around children? It’s not-.” Janet questioned, being very, very stern as she spoke.
“Normal, right?” Michael cut her off, his voice hard as a rock. Janet nodded curtly. Michael leaned back into the chair and answered her question. “To answer the first half first, you have to understand, I did not have a normal childhood. In fact, I practically had none once I started performing with my brothers. I’ve mentioned before in interviews that there were times where I wished I was playing at the park rather than rehearsing and performing and it really hurt that I couldn’t do that. Being on my own and having the chance to do whatever I wanted, allowed me to have that chance to capture what I lost. As for spending time with children, it relates to the first half, not being able to enjoy everything that comes with childhood, being a normal kid and playing games, pretending, and just having fun. Also, the children are our future and I like to help them retain their innocence. There were kids that were sick or underprivileged that I let visit Neverland, to let them be children for that day, to forget about all their problems and their troubles and to be free to do whatever they wanted. They are also innocent and pure; they would never lie to me like most adults I’ve encountered.” Michael explained. A shadow then fell across his face as he went on. “Unfortunately, I was betrayed by several of them, with assistance from their parents. They lied about things I did, they said all those horrible things that weren’t true, saying that I…,” Michael couldn’t finish the sentence as he tried to control his emotions as he spoke.
“That you had sex with them, which is all B.S. from what I’ve read, especially what wasn’t said by the media.” Julie finished, reaching over and placing a hand on his shoulder to send some semblance of comfort.
“I know…” Michael sighed, closing his eyes while lowering his head until his chin touched his chest, several curly strands of hair fell into his eyes. He was silent for a few seconds before he looked over at Julie, forcing a small smile at the young woman next to him. “I’m just glad there are some people that didn’t believe those lies and stuck by me or now know the truth about those things after reading up about what wasn’t said by the media.” Michael commented, aiming the last bit towards Julie. Julie smiled, looking quite embarrassed, but also touched by his comment.
“I’m just glad you don’t mind having a converted fan as a friend.” Julie remarked, glancing away to hide her embarrassment.
“You do know that Julie is old enough to be your daughter, right?” Janet noted suddenly. This time, both Michael and Julie were embarrassed.
“MOM!” Julie squeaked, covering her mouth with both hands. Janet just stared at them, a look of pure seriousness on her face.
“I would NEVER do anything intentionally to hurt her. She is my friend and the first person I’ve met in a long time that likes me for me, not as whom and what I was before June 25th. She already knows some of my dark secrets and is aware of my past demons, but as far as I know, she doesn’t seem to care.” Michael stated firmly.
“But-.” Janet started to say.
“If you don’t believe me, that’s fine, but I will still remain Julie’s friend and I will never hurt her in any of the ways you think I could do. Despite what you think of me, I am not a freak, a pedophile, or anything the media has said about me. I’m human, too, in case you’ve forgotten. I have feelings, too. Now if you excuse me, I need to use the men’s room to freshen up.” Michael continued, standing up as he finished the last part of his statement. He then left the table, wearing a frown on his face, but both women could see his eyes were shinning with unshed tears. Julie figured they were due to Janet and her still lack of trust of him, plus her insinuation that Michael might possibly do something to the young brunette. Julie then turned to look at her mom.
“Nice going, mom, why don’t you outright accuse him of trying to molest me and Will while you’re at it?” Julie told Janet frigidly. Janet turned to look at Julie in surprise.
“Excuse me?” Janet asked, partially taken back, but mostly angry by Julie’s frankness.
“You just don’t get it, do you? Michael is not a freak, a pedo, or a pervert. He’s a normal guy trying to recapture some of his lost childhood. He’s a father separated from his children against his will. He’s a very nice and caring person who cares more about other people than his own. He also happens to be a talented singer and dancer, but aside from that, he’s mostly a normal human being who has been put into witness protection, has a possible conspiracy group trying to kill him, is thought to be dead by millions and millions of people, including his family, and so far, only has two real friends here: Dad and Me, the first friend he’s made since coming here. But you… all you see is the bull that you’ve heard from the tabloids and the news that only decide to print and show things out of context and never the whole truth. Hasn’t spending a few hours with him make you realize any of this or are you just so blinded by all the crap the press has spewed out over the years?” Julie stated calmly, but also angrily as she stood up once again against her mother.
“Julie-.” Janet started to say.
“No, mother, don’t you ‘Julie’ me. I’m an adult and even though I love you, I am very disappointed in you. Stop thinking about all the bullshit the media says and think hard about what’s happen today. Does Michael strike you as the same person you’ve heard about?” Julie cut her off. Janet tried to say something to counter the argument, but she fell silent as everything that happened in the past several hours play back in her mind.
After several long moments of silence, Janet spoke.
“No. He is a bit childish, but… he’s smarter than I thought he was. His comment about children does make sense… and the idea of reclaiming a lost childhood also makes sense, but…,” Janet trailed off. There was a pregnant pause before she spoke again. “Julie… how you be sure that this isn’t an act?” Janet asked her daughter.
“Because I give him the benefit of a doubt and so far he hasn’t shown that he’s anything like the press has said about him. He maybe a bit odd at times, but from what I’ve seen not just in person, but in videos, interviews, and clips I’ve seen and things I’ve read on the net. He’s not ‘Wacko Jacko’, he’s ‘Michael Jackson’ Plus, I know what it was like to be labeled weird and strange. Remember mom? Elementary school for me was all about being labeled as having MPD, ADD, and having a teacher saying I need lithium. But you fought for me, defended me, and proved them wrong. You did that for me, just like what I’m doing right now for Michael.” Julie replied, some of her anger dissipating, but not all of it. Janet was silent once more. Julie let out a sigh and stood up, grabbing her purse. “I’m gonna knock on the men’s room door and check if Michael’s alright. I just need to be away from you for a little bit so we can both calm down and maybe you can finally think about some of what I’ve said since it’s clear you haven’t listened to me at all today and the last several days.” Julie announced, keeping her voice low so it didn’t attract any attention around the restaurant. She then turned slightly and walked away from the table, slinging her purse over her left shoulder as she walked.
Janet was still silent when Julie left, her mind playing back everything that she had seen and heard over the past several days, re-evaluating her views on Michael. He showed interest in women as shown by his reaction to the poster at Spencer’s and the fact both women caught him staring at passing women, specifically their butts and chests, proving he wasn’t gay. He shown that he did have a childish side, but also a more mature side with his book purchases, his joy at the Toys’r’us, and how he was at Macy’s. He showed much kindness towards Julie and her, even with what she said about him and towards him. He also spoke quite vehemently when it came to the allegations and when it came to his skin changing and when it came to his children. Julie, too, had spouted some things she didn’t know about those allegations during the time between the reveal and that morning, things that the young woman said wasn’t said during the trial itself.
She then finally realized that what Julie said was true. She had been wrong about Michael and didn’t listen to her daughter when it came to listening to the other side of the story. She knew now it was time to start making amends. So she got up and made her way to the restrooms. The second she got there, she saw an amazing sight.
Julie was hugging Michael right in front of the door to the Men’s room, the older man embracing her back. Michael’s face was partially obscured by Julie’s head and her baseball cap, which was pushed so far up on her head, it was dangerously close to falling off. Janet, however, could see his eyes, which were closed tight, a tear trickling out of the corner of his eyes. Julie’s face was buried into Michael’s chest, her glasses off and currently in her right hand, held carefully in order not to damage them. She then heard something that started to break her heart.
“She doesn’t trust me, Michael. All she believes is the bull the media said about you. I don’t think she even listened to anything I just said about you. About trying to listen to you and try to trust you. She’s just so damn stubborn!” Julie cried to Michael, tears streaming down her face. Janet winced inwardly at Julie’s cries and final accusation.
“You can’t just force people to listen, Julie. People don’t always change their minds and their thoughts in just a second. Sometimes people need time to rethink something that had been preprogrammed and had thought for a long time.” Michael soothed in a low, calming voice as he cupped the back of Julie’s head, subtly fixing her hat so it wasn’t about to fall off.
“Even if with all the talk, she still doesn’t believe me. She’ll never believe me!” Julie stated, lifting her tearstained face from Michael’s chest and looking up at him.
“Actually,” Janet started, making her presence known, causing both Michael and Julie to turn quickly to look at her, “after thinking about it and remembering what I’ve seen and heard lately in a unbiased line of thought, I think I’m starting to believe you.” Janet continued on calmly, but with hints of remorse in her voice and eyes. Julie pulled away, putting her glasses back on. Michael, however, still kept at least one arm around the young woman in a way to protect her.
“M-mom?” Julie whispered in confusion.
“What caused this change, Mrs. Shields?” Michael asked cautiously.
“Mostly due to Julie saying that I didn’t trust her and I wasn’t listening to her when it dealt with you.” Janet started. She then walked up to the two. “And she was right. I’ve just heard so much about you from the media, all the wrong things, and I believed it. Mostly because I didn’t know you personally, and that at that time, I didn’t think about what the other side of those stories said. That was where Julie came in to explain to me - quite thoroughly, I might add - that most of what I read was one sided and didn’t always tell the truth. Now I’m not saying that I’m not a total fan of yours right now, but I am willing to give you the benefit of a doubt. Also, from what I’ve seen today, you maybe a bit childish, but then again, Julie is, too.” Janet went on in explanation. She the paused, frowning. “And you were right Julie. I did defend you back then, and I still do. And I was… I was doing the same thing that was done to you. I was labeling Michael based on the weird and so-called weird things I’ve seen and heard about. And for that, I am truly sorry for my actions.” Janet closed her eyes as she spoke. Julie looked up at Michael, who stared back at her. Michael remembered Julie telling him about her experience in elementary school and how she was labeled by her teachers as having many problems. He then looked at Janet.
“If Julie is willing to forgive you for what you’ve said, then I can.” Michael told Janet. Janet stared at Julie, who sighed softly, rubbing her eyes.
“Mom, it hurt that you didn’t seem to listen to what I said, but… if you really want to try to listen to Michael, then… I cane forgive you.” Julie said to Janet. Janet smiled and gave her daughter a hug in return. Michael smiled softly, happy that both mother and daughter were healing their wounds. For a few seconds, he remembered his own mother and the talks they would have that would end with Katherine giving him a comforting hug. He fought back a few tears as those memories surfaced, the pain of not seeing her or his family coming back to the surface.
Julie turned away from her mother and saw the sadness in Michael’s eyes. “You alright?” She asked, starting to become concerned. Michael blinked and stared at the two women looking at him.
“Y-yeah, just… just remembering something.” Michael replied, dismissively. Julie pursed her lips in a slight frown, but said nothing. It was personal for him and it wouldn’t be nice of her after what just happened to push him for that info. She then extended a hand towards him, hoping he would accept it.
“We better get back to our table; our food should be coming shortly.” Julie told him, smiling warmly. Michael hesitated, looking at Janet. Janet just gave a polite nod, a sign she meant what she said that she was going to start trusting him.
“Right.” Michael agreed, taking Julie’s hand and let the two women lead him back to their table.
After that, Janet’s questions were still about the rumors and what she heard from the media, but she asked them more calmly and with less malice. Once their food arrived, the questions began to turn friendlier, like with what happened with his conversation with Robert. Soon, the questions turned into stories as Janet told Michael some of the crazier moments of her childhood in Philadelphia, which included dancing with her friends at the tapings of America Bandstand, crazy moments at school, and working at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.
Julie, during the times Janet was talking, actually talking to Michael, could only watch on with a small smile on her face. It was going to take a while, but her mother was finally going to try trusting and listen to Michael. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment over breaking through to her mother and let her see who and what Michael really was.
A normal human being.
Not sure when the next part will be posted, especially since I just finished this part the other day, but be patient until then.