Mouse and Applehead - Part 2 (repost)
Thank you everyone for your comments on the first part of the story. It means a lot to me when I see that someone enjoyed something I wrote.
I'm going to be out of town this weekend, so I'm going to miss the memorial and party post, so, in compensation, here's the next part of Mouse and Applehead: In which Michael sees Annie again and meets the rest of her family, one girl's love is ignited, a video is made, and orange juice.
Title: Mouse and Applehead
Author: shinigami518
Rating: PG-13 (but will go into the R territory at times)
Warnings: Swearing, the occasional violence, future talks of attempted rape, abuse, and some racism
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for Annie, her family, and her friends. All music used is owned by their respective owners, writers, and singers. I also, unfortunately, do not own Michael. If i did, he would still be around, playing with his children and making all of his fans happy.
Summary: Late 1979, Michael, after the release of Off the Wall, is longing for a friend. He walks alone at dusk in hopes to find one. He discovers one in the form of a little girl named Annie. This would lead to a long lasting friendship that spans three decades, featuring highs and lows, including: an obsessed older sister, an overprotective father, "Billie Jean", haters, alligations, death, and the pitfalls of being friends with the (currently not as of the time this starts) King of Pop.
Links to past parts (at my journal)
Part 1
Part 2 - Video Killed the Radio Star
Early February, 1980
It wasn’t just an early birthday present for Kevin and Aimee, the oldest of the six Williams children, but it was also a gift for the four younger children for behaving and doing well in school. It was also a surprise because they had no idea who was going to be there. The present was the six children visiting their father, Jack, at work.
Jack Williams worked as a cameraman at a nearby studio. Often times, he would work for musicians, but he still had hope of working the camera for a big motion picture. Despite this, he enjoyed his work. This visit was one Jack had been planning to give to his children for some time, but he couldn’t find the time to do so. That day was one of the better ones, especially since he learned that he would be working on a project.
The six brothers and sisters arrived at the studio at noon with Alison. Already they were awestruck by the sets, the actors and the entire atmosphere of the whole compound.
“This place is huge!” Maggie whispered in awe, holding Alison’s hand. Maggie had curly, light brown hair that was pulled back with several berets and hazel eyes that were wide with excitement and wonder.
“Imagine all the stars that use this place to work on movies and videos!” Annie exclaimed, holding Tommy in her arms. The littlest Williams sibling, meanwhile, looked around the building they had entered in amazement, whispering “wow” every several seconds.
“And the TV shows. I wonder if they did Happy Days and Wonder Woman here?” Diana wondered, spinning around in joy. She loved to dance and perform for the camera and for people, so this was a chance to glimpse at heaven for her.
“Doubt it. Some of those shows are shot at different areas, sometimes on location in different counties, states, even countries and continents.” Kevin remarked. He was the oldest Williams boy with blue eyes and shoulder length medium brown hair. Being the oldest son and oldest sibling, he was often the most serious and responsible out of the six.
“But they still have to have a place to film certain scenes, Kevin. Ooo, I wonder if Michael did “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” here?” The same couldn’t be said for Aimee, who had just spoken. Aimee had the same color hair - but not in length, her hair, which reached to her shoulders, was pulled up in a small, stylish hair bun - and eyes as her twin brother, but was completely different personality wise. Being a teenager, she was interested in boys, dating, fashion, and make-up, except her heart longed for one specific boy: Michael Jackson. A longing that led her to almost have a tantrum once she learned of Annie’s encounter with the young man of her dreams.
“Now remember, everyone, be on your best behavior here. Don’t talk to anyone unless you have your father permission, don’t touch anything that looks expensive, and please don’t make any noises if they are filming.” Alison told her six children warningly.
“We know, mom, we know.” Diana sighed, rolling her eyes, knowing what the rules were whenever they went out.
“She means it, Diana. We could get dad into a lot of trouble if we screw around or mess up something.” Kevin told his little sister sternly. This made Diana sigh louder in annoyance before she leaned over to Maggie.
“Geez, talk about a killjoy. I really wish he’d lighten up sometime.” Diana whispered to her littlest sister. Maggie nodded in agreement. She then looked over and saw Jack, who was checking a large video camera he’d be using for the video his company was going to shoot.
“There’s daddy!” Maggie exclaimed, grabbing Diana’s hand and began to drag her over to their father.
“Maggie, wait up!” Annie called out, rushing off after her sisters, Tommy letting out several giggles as they ran.
“So much for being on our ‘best behavior’.” Kevin sighed, walking after his sisters, Alison and Aimee following close behind. Pretty soon, the group of seven had found themselves around Jack, the youngest girl of the group hugging their father.
“So, what’s the project today, dad?” Aimee asked curiously as soon as Jack reprimanded Maggie for running off like that.
“A music video.” Jack replied cryptically. The six kids exchanged looks of joy, curiosity, and excitement.
“Who’s gonna be in it? Is it Elton John? Blondie? Kiss?!” Diana began to ask, naming off bands and singers to narrow down who was going to be in the video.
“Don’t badger dad, we’ll find out when we find out.” Kevin groaned, earning a dirty look from Diana.
“Stop being such a stick in the mud, Kev. It might be Pat Benetar.” Aimee grinned mischievously, elbowing her brother knowingly. Kevin blushed in embarrassment. The young man harbored a crush for the female singer.
“Hey dad, where’s the snack table? It’s getting close to lunch time.” Annie asked her father.
“Orange Juice!” Tommy cried out with a pout, demanding what he wanted.
“And Tommy’s thirsty,” Maggie pointed out, letting go of Jack, “You know how crabby he gets when he doesn’t have orange juice.” She added in reminder.
“The craft table’s over there, but don’t take too much, alright.” Jack pointed over to the two tables covered with various kinds of foods, snacks, and drinks. Annie, Maggie, and Tommy ran over to the table to grab a bit to eat as soon as Jack was done talking.
“Thanks daddy!” Maggie shouted back as she and her older sister ran over, the latter still carrying Tommy.
Diana shook her head, smiling as she finally got a chance to see the set-up for the video. She pursed her lips, wondering what the song was going to be and who would be the singer. The set was a plain black curtained area with a single stool in the middle of the small set. Usually if it was a set-up like this, there wasn’t going to be much dancing or rocking around. This set-up, however, looks like the singer would just be sitting on the stool. That would only mean one thing.
“Is it gonna be a video for a slow song, dad?” Diana questioned after analyzing the set-up of the stage.
“Yes it is, and a bit of a sad one, too.” Jack replied. Aimee and Diana let out soft “aww’s” while Kevin groaned and Alison sighed.
“Ugh, I hate those songs.” Kevin made a face.
“They’re not all that bad, son.” Alison stated, matter-of-factually.
“Name one good slow song.” Kevin asked, holing up one finger.
“Desperado.” Jack answered literally a second after Kevin asked. Kevin groaned, shoving his hands into his pants pockets; that song happening to be one of his favorites. Aimee and Diana grinned at each other, giggling.
Meanwhile, Annie, Maggie, and Tommy found themselves at the craft table. The table was covered with various kinds of foods and snacks, ranging from sandwiches to a plate full of small vegetables, plus a small variety of drinks.
“I hope they got juice or Tommy here’s gonna be fussy all day.” Annie muttered, bouncing Tommy in her arms to try to calm him down.
“Orange juice! Orange juice!” Tommy chanted loudly.
“We really should have brought our juice packs.” Maggie remarked, grabbing a paper plate and began to search for something to eat. Annie nodded with a frown, scanning the table. She then found the drinks and, to her surprise, there was some orange juice among the water, soda, and other drinks.
“Someone must like OJ.” Maggie shook her head in amusement, noticing the three cartons of orange juice amongst the other drinks. Tommy just laughed joyously, clapping his hands. Annie couldn’t help but smile as she placed Tommy down, letting the two year old sit for a moment on the table.
“Well, looks like you’ll be having your daily dose of OJ after- oof!” Annie began, walking over to the drinks when she someone bumped into her from behind. Annie stumbled forward, but caught herself with her hands against the edge of the table, stopping her from falling. Maggie gasped and took several steps forward towards her sister.
“Annie, are you ok!?” Maggie cried out.
“Funny! Funny!” Tommy laughed, a big smile on his face as he watched his older sister trying to regain her footing.
“Glad to see you enjoyed it, Tommy.” Annie muttered, pushing herself back onto her feet.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, are you alright?” a voice from behind asked, sounding concerned.
Annie felt all the color drain from her face as she recognized the owner of the voice. “It can’t be…” Annie whispered. She spun around and saw who it was that bumped into her and had spoken.
“Michael…” Annie whispered in surprise. Michael stood in front of the girl, a look of concern on his face. He wore a robin egg blue sweater over a plum purple button up shirt and dark blue pants with black loafers and white socks. Michael furrowed his brows for a second in confusion, then gained a “oh, now I remember” expression on his face as he realized who it was before him.
“Hey, it’s my little runaway - Annie, right?” Michael grinned, recognizing the nine-year-old. Annie turned red in shyness and embarrassment.
“Y-yeah. H-hi, Michael.” Annie said, shyly. Tommy looked up at Michael and let out another giggle, raising his hands in the air.
“Applehead, hi!” Tommy exclaimed happily, waving his arms. Maggie, meanwhile, stared at the young man in astonish. This was the first time she had seen Michael, since she had been inside the house when Annie returned back in December. Seeing him in real life was a large shock for the little girl, her hazel eyes wide in surprise.
“What’re you doing here?” Annie asked, reaching for a plastic cup on the table.
“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Michael replied. Annie turned away, still blushing shyly as she began to pour Tommy’s drink. Maggie, meanwhile, finally walked over to her sister and brother.
“Are you… really Michael Jackson?” Maggie asked, timidly walking up to Michael. Michael turned to look at the smaller girl and knelt down to be eyelevel with her.
“Yes I am, and who might you be, little lady?” Michael replied, then asked, extending a friendly hand to shake. Maggie stared at Michael’s hand in surprise and hesitation, mostly over how kind he was, especially towards a little kid like herself. Then, she grabbed his fingers and shook his hand, surprised over how big his hands were.
“My name’s Margaret, but everybody calls me Maggie. Annie’s my big sister. Nice to meet you.” Maggie introduced herself. Michael nodded.
“Nice to meet you, too. Now, what’re you kids doing here?” Michael greeted, then asked curiously.
“Our daddy’s a cameraman and invited all of us over as a birthday present for Kevin and Aimee, our big brother and sister.” Annie replied, handing Tommy the cup of Orange juice she filled up for him. Tommy accepted it with a big grin and began to drink it down quickly and quite sloppily.
“Oh, well, that explains it.” Michael nodded in acknowledgement.
“Tommy, don’t drink so fast!” Maggie exclaimed, reaching for the cup in Tommy’s hands. Tommy pulled the cup away from Maggie’s reach, looking as mad as a two year old could get.
“No! Mine!” Tommy stated angrily, spilling a little from the cup on the floor. Michael couldn’t help but laugh at the small boy’s seriousness and possessiveness over his drink. Maggie and Annie turned to stare at Michael in amazement, surprised over his reaction. Tommy, meanwhile, went back to drinking his juice.
“You got a nice laugh.” Maggie commented innocently. Michael stopped laughing and began to blush in embarrassment over Maggie’s compliment.
“I-I do?” Michael asked, softly. Annie blinked, she couldn’t believe that Michael was so shy, remembering how calm he was when they met in December.
“Mmhm, you should laugh more often.” Maggie nodded energetically. Michael smiled in return, his cheeks still red.
“Thank you, Maggie.” Michael thanked sincerely.
“Applehead, up!” Tommy shouted, raising his arms up in the air after putting his now empty cup on the table. Michael turned to face Tommy, a bit confused.
“What?” Michael asked Tommy.
“Up, Applehead, up!” Tommy demanded, still with his arms in the air.
“You better pick him up. He’ll start wailing if he doesn’t get his way.” Annie told Michael. She then softly added “Kinda like Aimee sometimes,” which made Maggie giggle in response.
“Ah, alright.” Michael said in realization. He then made his way over to Tommy and gently lifted Tommy up into his arms, being careful in how he did so. Tommy began to laugh joyfully, saying “Yay! Up, Applehead!” merrily while clapping his hands in joy.
“He likes you!” Maggie said cheerfully.
“I like him too, but why does he keep calling me ‘Applehead’?” Michael chuckled, then wondered while staring at the toddler in his arms.
“Maybe it’s because of your hair or something.” Maggie theorized, pursing her lips together in thought. Michael looked down at the five year old, then looked up, trying to look at his hair.
“My head look like an apple?” Michael asked, a bit concerned as he used a free hand to feel the shape of his hair.
“No, you silly!” Maggie laughed.
“Not in my opinion, but then again, no one really listens to me about things like that.” Annie agreed, frowning while digging her heal into the floor. Michael was about to say something in response to Annie’s comment when he heard a loud shout that sounded like “OMIGODITSHIM!!!!!” coming a few yards away from the four. All three, plus Tommy, turned to see who let out the yell.
“Oh no…” Annie and Maggie moaned at the same time, knowing who it was that screamed.
“What? What is it?” Michael asked the two.
“Aimee.” The two girls replied in unison, dreading what was going to happen.
Diana had finally noticed Michael with Annie, Maggie, and Tommy and alerted Aimee, Kevin, and Alison, Jack having already left his family alone to run a check on the cameras to make sure they were working. Aimee was already halfway over to the group of four with Diana running close behind and Alison and Kevin casually walking farther behind the two girls.
“Brace yourself, Michael. You remember how Diana was? Well, Aimee is worse than that, plus she’s very… affectionate.” Annie softly whispered the warning to Michael. Aimee finally stopped in front of Michael, tears in her eyes and hands over her mouth, practically hyperventilating in excitement.
“Omigodomigodomigod, are you really, really, really, Michael Jackson?” Aimee asked, freaking the hell out in enthusiasm, her voice getting higher and higher with each word she said. Michael casted a worrying look at Annie and Maggie.
“It’s him.” Maggie replied, deadpanned. Aimee then let out a loud squeal of joy, shaking her fists like a hyper-active fangirl. Michael flinched from the sound as did Annie, Maggie, and Tommy. Tommy even covered his ears due to the high pitchness of Aimee’s reaction.
“And I thought I was bad…” Diana rolled her eyes as she walked up, even though her heart was beating really fast due to the fact she still really liked Michael and was happy to see him again.
“Oh God, I can’t believe this! Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming!” Aimee screamed. She then let out a yelp and turned to face Kevin, who was now standing behind her. “I didn’t say ‘pinch me hard’, Kev-in!” Aimee glared at her twin.
“You asked to be pinched, so I pinched you, don’t complain.” Kevin stated, matter-of-factually, staring at his sister in irritation. He then turned to Michael and extended a friendly hand.
“Forgive my twin, Aimee goes crazy around guys she thinks are ‘sooooo-‘ ten ‘o’s’ ‘-ooooo hot’. I’m her unfortunate and often tortured twin brother, Kevin. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Jackson.” Kevin apologized and introduced himself to Michael, ignoring the dirty look Aimee shot him.
“You don’t have to be so polite, Kevin, but it is really nice to meet you.” Michael shook Kevin’s hand after shifting Tommy into one arm and used the free hand to shake Kevin’s hand.
“I’m so sorry if my children are bothering you, Mr. Jackson.” Alison apologized, picking Tommy up out of Michael’s arms. Tommy began to fuss, reaching back for Michael, clearly having enjoyed the young man’s company.
“It’s not a problem at all, Mrs. Williams. And please don’t call me Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jackson’s my father.” Michael replied warmly, then politely asked.
“What’re you doing here? Are you the one in the music video?” Diana asked, flirting shyly.
“Yes I am.” Michael nodded, smiling.
“So THAT’S why daddy said it was a surprise! He must’ve known Michael was gonna do a video today and that’s why he was so secretive about it!” Maggie exclaimed, grabbing a ham and cheese sandwich from the craft table.
“What an awesome birthday present.” Aimee sighed, blissfully.
“Yeah, yeah, so what song are you doing, Michael?” Kevin asked, walking over to see what kind of food was there.
“She’s out of my life.” Michael answered. Diana let out a soft, but audible “Oh”, which caught everyone’s attention. Diana began to blush again, especially when she saw Michael staring right at her.
“Hey Di, that’s your favorite song.” Maggie remarked before taking a bit from the sandwich she picked out.
“I know… but…” Diana began, but stopped, looking down while she shifted her feet. She felt everyone’s eyes on her, making her more embarrassed than before.
“But what?” Michael asked, bending slightly so he could stare into Diana’s hazel eyes. Diana’s face became redder and redder as she finally looked up right into Michael’s eyes.
“That song… it… it always makes me cry. Be-because it’s so sad, a-and at the end, you sound like you’re going to cry, and, well… I end up crying because of that.” Diana replied, softly and nervously, her fingers digging into her shirtsleeve, subconsciously picking at the fabric. Michael’s eyes softened, he understood what she meant.
“I know. The song makes me cry sometimes.” Michael nodded, standing up straight.
“It does?” Alison was surprised.
“I’ve lost count of how many times I ended up crying while trying to record that song. It’s a very emotional song, and I’m glad you feel its power, too - Diana, right?” Michael explained, then asked to make sure he got the girl’s name right. Diana nodded, stunned and silent. Was this the same guy she been in love with since she was a little girl? The same guy who would go onstage and sing his heart out to everyone with a giant smile on his face?
“Wow, she’s speechless. For once, Diana’s speechless.” Annie remarked, a smirk on her face.
“Now that’s not really nice, little Mouse.” Michael stated, turning to face the second youngest girl. Annie blinked several times in shock.
“M-M-M-Mouse? W-why did you call me ‘Mouse’?” Annie asked, starting to blush.
“Well, I remember when I first met you; you were so quiet and timid, like a little mouse.” Michael remembered. He then smiled mischievously. “Besides, your first name is ‘Annette’, right?” Michael asked, teasingly but sweet. Annie nodded, still blushing.
“It is, but everyone teases her at school with jokes mostly about “Little Orphan Annie” than anything referring to the Mousketeers or Annette Funicello.” Kevin remarked, recalling the times he heard the kids teasing his little sister.
“But it definitely suits you… ‘Mouse’.” Diana grinned, then giggled, playfully poking her little sister in the cheek. Annie was now becoming the color of a well down lobster as she covered her face with her hands. Michael smiled before moving back over to the craft table and got something to drink. His choice of drink got Tommy’s immediate attention.
“Orange juice!” Tommy exclaimed, reaching for the cup in Michael’s hand.
“Tommy, hush.” Alison whispered to her youngest child.
“No, Tommy, this is not for you.” Michael chuckled.
“You like orange juice, too?” Maggie asked, surprised. Michael took a quick drink of his OJ as he stared at the seven sets of eyes that were focused on him, wanting to disappear.
“Is that a crime?” Michael asked, looking around at the six kids that were looking at him in surprise.
“No, it’s not that. It’s just… well, it… we didn’t expect you to be a juice drinker.” Kevin replied honestly.
“Well he’s obviously not one who drinks alcohol. He’s too sweet and pure to touch that stuff!” Aimee stated proudly, crossing her arms and winked flirtingly at Michael. Michael tried to hide his slowly-turning-red-with-embarrassment face with his cup he drank from. Annie then narrowed her eyes and stormed in front of Michael, hands clenched in tight fists.
“Will you leave him alone! He can do whatever he wants; even drink juice if he likes it!” Annie protested, standing in front of the young man protectively. “And stop embarrassing him, Aimee. You too, Di-Di! We have to be on our best behavior, remember?” Annie harshly added, pointing at her older sisters.
“Geez, Annie, what’s your problem? You’re acting like you’re his guardian or something.” Aimee stated, putting her hands on her hips with a cocky smile on her face.
“Duh, isn’t it obvious? She’s in love with him!” Diana put in, smirking. Michael nearly choked on his orange juice in response to Diana’s comment, causing to cough a few times while Annie’s face turned red once more, in both anger and embarrassment.
“You-! I only like Michael as a friend, not as a girlfriend!” Annie protested angrily. She then pouted while looking away from her older sisters. “You guys should talk with the way you’re acting around him.” Annie muttered loudly, still blushing.
“What does that mean!?” Aimee and Diana shouted in unison. Before Annie or anyone else had a chance to reply, someone from across the room called Michael’s name, breaking the mood. Michael waved at the guy and shouted “I’m coming” before turning to face the family.
“Sorry, guys, but they need me in make-up. Maybe we can talk after recording, alright?” Michael told the family.
“Count on it, baby doll.” Aimee winked once again flirtingly. Michael let out a nervous laugh in response. He then took one more drink of his orange juice, downing it in a few seconds. After a few seconds, he licked his lips and turned to face Annie.
“You know, little Mouse, I think we’re destined to be friends. I mean, this is the second time you’ve come into my life.” Michael remarked. Annie blinked, then stared at Michael.
“W-we’re friends?” Annie asked, softly and shyly. Michael nodded yes.
“I think we are, but we can talk about this once I’ve got a free moment-.” Michael began to respond.
“Michael, we need you now!” A woman shouted from the other side of the room, obviously the make-up artist. Michael groaned, before he turned in the direction the voice was coming from.
“I’ll be right there in a moment!” Michael shouted back. He turned back to Annie.
“Like I said, we’ll talk about this later, ok?” Michael told Annie. Annie nodded, then lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Michael’s lower torso, hugging him. Michael let out a soft “ooh” when Annie’s head softly hit his ribs.
Aimee took several steps forward, a look of jealousy in her eyes, before Kevin raised an arm, stopping her approach.
“Don’t you dare, Aimee…” Kevin hissed. Aimee shot her twin a deadly glare, which was countered by two glares: one from Kevin, the other from Alison.
Michael smiled, placing a hand on Annie’s head, messing up her hair, causing her to giggle. After a few seconds, he placed his hands on Annie’s shoulders, gently breaking the hug and got down on one knee so he could be eyelevel with her.
“I never had many friends, but for some reason, I got a good feeling about you and your family.” Michael stated. He then lean forward and gently placed a kiss on Annie’s forehead. Michael then began to stand back up, when Annie grabbed his shirt sleeve.
“Wait.” Annie said, her voice soft but audible.
“What?” Michael wondered. Annie then gently guided him down into a kneeling position, leaned forward, and kissed Michael on the forehead in the same manner he had done just a few seconds earlier.
“In case I don’t get to talk to you…” Annie explained softly, blushing shyly. Michael just nodded, a bit embarrassed by the show of affection. He then stood up, turned, and walked briskly over to the annoyed looking make-up artist.
Several seconds after Michael left the group, Aimee exhaled loudly.
“Ohmigod, that was the best thing that ever happened to me! I got to meet and talk to MICHAEL JACKSON!!” Aimee squealed, overjoyed over what had happened.
“Oh yes, what a great moment for you, Aimee, even though Michael seem to spend more time talking to Diana and Annie, the latter he gave a kiss to.” Kevin remarked, deadpanned and annoyed. Aimee narrowed her eyes while staring at Kevin, letting out a soft growl.
“Bye bye, Applehead!” Tommy waved at the figure in the distance, completely oblivious to the argument between his oldest siblings.
“Do you think he’s shy?” Maggie wondered out loud, leaning against the table, sandwich still in her hand.
“Why you say that, Mags?” Diana asked, walking over to her sister and began to grab something to eat.
“He just seemed… I don’t know, nervous around us.” Maggie explained before taking a bit from her sandwich.
“Hey, I’d be nervous around Aimee and Diana if I was him.” Kevin laughed, gesturing to his two sisters.
“No, no, not just Aimee and Diana, but he seemed nervous around you and me, Kevin. He seemed ok with Annie and Tommy, though.” Maggie noted, pointing to the girl in question, who was trying to get a drink of water. Annie nearly dropped her bottle of water when Maggie mentioned her, but managed to catch it.
“Wh-what are you getting at, Maggie?” Annie asked, trying to get a hold of herself while fighting the urge to blush once more.
“Well, with Tommy, I guess it’s because he’s still a very little kid, but with you, Annie, he’s more… relaxed. I dunno, maybe it’s because since he met you before all of us, he feels,” Maggie shrugged, “comfy around you. It could explaim why he was so calm around you and, well, like a kitty cat in a room full of rocking chairs with the rest of us.” Maggie explained seriously and almost rational, which looked a little weird since she was a five year old girl holding a sandwich in her hand. Diana let out a soft laugh.
“Mags, how the heck did you get so philosophical?” Diana asked, walking up to her little sister and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Star Wars, and Star Trek reruns.” Maggie replied honestly. Everyone laughed or groaned over her response.
About an hour later, the family was watching the making of Michael’s new video, standing near where Jack was stationed with his camera. Each family member reacted to the making of and the video itself in their own ways.
Kevin found great interest in the technical equipment that was needed for the video, especially the audio mixer and his father’s camera. Diana and Aimee, standing together, were focused directly on Michael, their eyes wide with love and giant smiles on their faces. Maggie and Tommy sat on the floor, watching everyone in wonder and amazement as people ran from here to there to get everyone ready as they started filming and correct several mistakes, whether it was lighting or something in the background. Alison opted for a chair and sat, watching everything that was going on in interest. She loved watching Jack work and how a hectic bunch of people could get a bunch of equipment and machines to work together to create something incredible. Jack was mostly focused on working and hardly had anytime to let his gaze wander.
Annie, sitting on the floor with Maggie and Tommy, was focused on Michael, like her sisters, but it wasn’t in the romantic way they were watching him. It was in amazement. Amazement over how one song could convey so much in the way he sang it and the sheer emotion, and the sadness in his eyes as he sat on the stool, singing about a girl he had loved, and lost…
She didn’t know how much time had passed when she heard someone say “Time for a break. You ok, Mike?” Annie blinked, then shook her head as she realized her mind had wandered off while watching the filming. She looked ahead and saw Michael get up, rubbing his back with both hands.
“I’m fine, Dave. Just got some small kinks in my back from sitting for so long.” Michael replied as he stretched his arms and back, then his legs. Annie could help but stare as Michael bent down like a ballet dancer to fix his pants leg. Her hazel eyes were transfixed on the way he moved as he stood up and let out a small huff, then took a moment to run a hand through his hair, smoothing it out.
“See something you like?”
Annie let out a small squeak before turning quickly, getting on her knees, to see Diana and Aimee looking down at her, a smug smile on her face.
“Wh-what did you say?” Annie asked, feeling her cheeks burn in shy embarrassment.
“I don’t blame you for staring. After all, he IS handsome.” Aimee smirked, resting an arm on Diana’s shoulder. The teen and pre-teen giggled while grinning like Cheshire cats. Annie stood up quickly, still blushing, but a look of anger on her face.
“I can’t believe you two would even- whoa!” Annie began to yell, but then began to stumble back, forgetting that she had been sitting on the floor for about an hour so her legs had grown numb from staying in that position for so long. She let out a yelp as she felt gravity begin to pull her back to the floor. She closed her eyes as she waited to be reacquainted with the ground, but her fall was halted by a pair of hands that grabbed her from behind. She felt the back of her head bump into something soft, but solid and heard a small “Oof” come from the person who caught her.
Annie opened her eyes, a look of surprise on her face. She then looked up at who had caught her and her blush deepened.
“I can’t believe it! Are you doing that just to get him to like you or are you just that lucky?!” Diana vented, holding her head with both hands in disbelief.
“Lucky little…” Aimee muttered under her breath, the last few words meshing together into something unintelligible.
“Are you ok, Annie?” Michael asked, helping Annie stand up. Annie just nodded, looking down to hide her face, which was starting to turn red once more.
“I’m sorry, shouldn’t have stood up so fast.” Annie mumbled, rubbing her arm nervously, picking occasionally at her long sleeve shirt.
“You don’t have to apologize to me for a silly little mistake. You’re still a kid. You’re allowed to make mistakes, little Mouse.” Michael replied, walking around Annie to look at her face. Annie turned away, still blushing. Michael pouted, bending down to look at Annie’s eyes. “What’s wrong?” Michael asked, still pouting. Annie looked up finally at Michael, and saw his face. She then began to giggle, covering her mouth while doing so. This made Michael even more confused, plus dropping the pout into a slight frown. He turned to face Aimee and Diana, who were now joined by Maggie and Tommy. “What did I do, now?” Michael asked again.
“Duck lips!” Annie answered through her giggles. Everyone stared at the nine-year-old as if she had grown three heads.
“What the heck does that mean?” Diana complained, hands on her hips. Aimee just shrugged.
“His… he pouted… looked silly… like duck lips!” Annie explained, before exploding into a fit of laughter. Michael just stared at the young girl, puzzled by her reasoning. He then began to giggle himself, then started to laugh. Aimee, Maggie, and Diana then started laughing, Tommy following in suit, not really knowing what the joke was.
Kevin and Jack watched the scene from afar, both son and father wisely staying out of it. Jack was frowning softly, not sure what to make of his children’s new friendship with the young singer. Kevin, however, was smiling, enjoying seeing his little brother and sisters having fun.
“You really think he’s going to stick around? You know, be our friend?” Kevin wondered, taking a sip of his soda.
“I have no clue. I don’t like it, though. He’s four, five years older than you and Aimee. Why would he want to be friends with you and your brother and sisters?” Jack replied, pondering the reason.
“Annie mentioned something about her talk with him when they first met. Something about him not having a childhood. Maybe… you don’t think he’s trying to live what he lost?” Kevin began to theorize, swirling the liquid in his soda can slowly as he talked.
“What kind of person wants to do that?” Jack remarked, crossing his arms. He wasn’t thrilled over what he was seeing: a young man laughing and playing around with a group of children, the youngest being two years old. “He’s 21-years-old. A man his age shouldn’t be… hanging out with children.” Jack stated, frowning.
“He lost a large part of his childhood when he started performing with his brothers, Jack. Besides, can’t you see how the children adore him?” Alison reasoned, making her way over to the two. She then pointed over to the small group. Maggie was now being held up by Michael, while Aimee and Diana started dancing while singing “Rock with You”, making up their own moves as they go. Annie just stood with Michael, holding Tommy while laughing.
“They do look happy, dad.” Kevin noted.
“And they don’t seem to be really bothering Michael at all. Actually, I think he really does like them.” Alison put in, smiling. The sound of Michael laughing loudly while Aimee and Diana danced added to Alison’s argument.
“Alright, but if he tries anything, it’s over.” Jack finally relented. Alison and Kevin nodded as they and Jack went back to watching Michael interact with the girls and Tommy.
“I don’t think he’s the kind of person who would harm any of them, darling. He’s too… innocent, and sweet.” Alison stated, watching as Michael put Maggie down and began to show Aimee and Diana some dance moves. The two older girls watched him move in complete and total awe while Tommy just clapped happily, laughing.
“This is so incredible! His dancing… he’s amazing!” Maggie exclaimed, bouncing on her toes in excitement.
“Yeah… he sure is…” Annie nodded in agreement, a smile on her face. She didn’t want to admit it yet, but she really was enjoying the idea of being friends with Michael. Not just for the fact that he’s famous, but after talking with him and getting a small chance to really know him, she knew he needed companionship.
And he had picked her family to find it.
Will hopefully post the next part sometime later in the future, so please read and review.
Next part will have a time skip, fun and games, disturbing letters, and talk about the future.