Mouse and Applehead - Part 3a
Sorry for the long wait for the next part. I've been rewriting some of the later chapters and working on some of the latest ones. Right now, in the rough stages, I'm at when Moonwalker is released. In the typed form, I'm at the 1984 Grammy's plus random and future little bits typed up when I'm stuck.
Since this chapter is a bit long, I'm spliting Part 3 into two parts.
So here's the first half of part 3 of Mouse and Applehead: In which Maggie reveals her fear of heights, "Billie Jean" is brought up, and Michael is very ticklish.
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
Part 3 - Billie Jean
June 23, 1981
Hayvenhurst
The six Williams siblings had slowly become Michael’s friends. Jack was still a bit wary about his children spending time with Michael, who was six years older than his oldest children. Alison, however, simply adored Michael due to his innocence and kindness. The Williams children all took a shine to Michael, but in varying degrees of affection. Kevin thought of him as a casual friend, Tommy adored his ‘big brother Applehead’ as did Maggie, Aimee was still completely infatuated with him, Diana still loved him but ended up calming down after knowing him for a few months, and Annie continued to show a caring and protective love for him.
Over time, Jack and Alison, after talking with Joseph and Katherine, allowed the six to go over to the Jackson’s to play with Michael, when he wasn’t busy with touring, recording, or something relating to work, and, after meeting her, Janet. The kids also found common friendship with some of the Jacksons that were staying at Hayvenhurst. Aimee befriended LaToya, Diana became friends with Katherine and Janet, Kevin begun to hang out with Randy due to being close in age, and Annie, Maggie, and Tommy became friends with Janet. All of the kids, however, all agreed never to talk to or cross Joseph, who wasn’t thrilled over their friendship with Michael.
Today, however, would be a bit different than most of the days they spent with Michael.
“Michael? Michael, where are you?” Annie called out, walking around the backyard of the Jackson’s home. The now ten year old looked around, her high pigtail, tied up with a small, blue scarf, swishing with each movement. Maggie, now seven, and Tommy, a three year old ball of energy, ran up to their sister. The three kids, plus Diana, who was inside, were hanging out at the Jacksons since it was a half-day and last day of school for Diana, Annie, and Maggie. At that moment, Annie, Maggie, and Tommy were playing hide-and-seek with Michael and Michael was the last one to be found.
“Michael, come on, this isn’t funny!” Annie shouted, hands on her hips.
“Where’s Applehead? I can’t find him.” Tommy asked, sounding upset.
“That’s the point of hide-and-seek, Tommy, to find the person who’s hiding.” Maggie explained to her little brother. Tommy let out a soft “Oh” before nodding, understanding, still looking bummed.
“Problem is, though, Applehead’s a master when it comes to-.” Annie began to state, turning away from the tree she was checking.
“Peek-a-boo!!” Michael exclaimed, swinging upside-down from the branch of the tree Annie was standing by. Annie yelped and jumped in fright. Maggie let out a loud “eep” while Tommy laughed at the girl’s reactions, as did Michael, who was now pulling himself up on the branch, swinging his legs around the limb to get a better hold.
Annie let out a sigh of relief, hand to her racing heart. She then shot the jokester a look. “Now that isn’t fair, Mikey! You’re not supposed to hide in the tree and scare us like that!” Annie said in annoyance, calling Michael by the nickname she had given him to counter the “Mouse” nickname he gave her.
“That was funny! Applehead got you good!” Tommy laughed, hunched over and pointing at his older sister. Michael laughed again and poked Annie in the shoulder with his hand.
“Gotchya! You should’ve seen the look on your face! Priceless!” Michael stated, laughing, hanging from the branch.
“Yeah, actually, it was kinda funny, especially that squeak you made, Annie.” Maggie remarked, starting to giggle. Annie started blushing as she turned to face her little sister.
“I don’t sque- YIPE!! MIKEY!!!” Annie began to protest, but then squeaked out a yelp when Michael tickled the back of her neck, right by her left ear, while she was talking. Michael started laughing again, still hanging like a sloth on the branch.
“See, just like a little mouse, Mouse!” Michael grinned playfully. Maggie and Tommy began laughing again while Annie fumed.
“Oh, that’s it!” Annie growled, running over to the tree and began to climb it after Michael. “I’m gonna get ya good, Applehead!” Annie threatened playfully.
“Not if I can get away!” Michael remarked as he untangled his legs from the branch and dropped down on the ground in a crouched position. He then took off in a mad sprint away from the three kids.
“Get him before he gets to the safe spot!” Maggie exclaimed, pointing in the direction Michael ran off before she ran off as well.
“Ok, on it!” Tommy said, running off after Maggie.
“Hey, wait up!” Annie cried out, climbing down the tree and then ran off after them.
>>>>><<<<<
Later, Maggie and Tommy found themselves together by the side of the house. They couldn’t find any sign of Michael anywhere.
“Maybe we can ask Jabbers if he saw Applehead.” Tommy offered. Maggie bit her lip, trying not to laugh.
“Tommy, Jabbers is a giraffe. He can’t talk.” Maggie told her little brother. Tommy pouted, then smiled as another idea came to his mind.
“What about-?” He began to say.
“Muscles is a snake, Tommy. He can only ‘hiss’.” Maggie interrupted, knowing exactly what he was going to recommend. Tommy pouted again. Maggie spotted a large tree and remembered they had found him before in one. “Maybe…” Maggie whispered, then ran over to the tree. She began to search around it, trying to ‘sneak up’ on Michael. But to her utter disappointment, he wasn’t there.
“Michael? Michael, are you around here?” Maggie called out. She then frowned in annoyance. “Well, if you are around here, then you are so oouuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttt!” Maggie began to say, but her statement became a scream of fear as something swung down in front of her, grabbed her from under her arms and lift her up into the air. She found herself being flipped upside down and then cradled in the arms of a giggling Michael.
“MICHAEL!” Maggie exclaimed, her face chalk white, shaking from the shock she was given.
“He got you good, Maggie!” Tommy laughed, looking up at the tree.
“What was that you were saying about me being out, Maggie Mae?” Michael smiled, calling Maggie by the nickname he came up for her. Maggie began to squirm out of Michael’s arms.
“Put me down, Michael!” Maggie exclaimed, breaking free from his arms and began to crawl away from him on the branch. She then paled when she saw that they were a bit high up. If her face could’ve gotten any paler, it would because, to Michael’s horror, her biggest fear had been triggered.
She was afraid of heights.
“NOOOOOO! Don’t put me down, but GET ME DOWN!!” Maggie cried, backing up into Michael until her back was against his chest.
“Maggie, what’s the matter?” Tommy asked, worried.
“Too high! Get me down!!” Maggie screamed, grabbing Michael’s legs while doing so. Michael’s eyes softened when he saw how scared Maggie was; he had momentarily forgotten her fear of heights when he pulled her up into the tree. He mentally kicked himself, how could he have been so stupid?! He was too caught up in having fun that he forgot something so serious. He then came up with a way to help the frightened girl.
Slowly and carefully, he put his hands on her shoulders and gently nudged Maggie forward. Maggie let out a frightened cry as she turned and latched herself to Michael’s waste. Michael sighed, knowing this was going to be a bit harder than he thought.
“Maggie, you need to let go. I can help you get down, but you have to trust me… and let go on my waste.” Michael explained, kindly but sternly. Maggie looked up into Michael’s calm brown eyes and nodded quickly. She then slowly began to let go of Michael and backed away, still doing her best to cling to the branch. Michael then began to slowly and carefully move around until he was facing away from Maggie. He glanced back at Maggie and gave a “Come here” nod with his head.
“Get on my back and hold on.” Michael commanded kindly. Maggie slowly crawled over and got on Michael’s back, wrapping her arm around his neck and legs around his waste. Michael then reached out and grabbed a nearby branch, then maneuvered himself so he could cling to the trunk of the tree. He then began to descend the tree, Maggie still holding onto him with a white knuckled grip, eyes closed in fear.
Then, Michael spoke. “Open your eyes, Maggie. We’re on the ground.”
Maggie slowly opened her eyes and looked around. Just like he had said, they were on the ground. Maggie then detangled her legs and arms and slid off of Michael’s back, landing on her feet.
“Thanks, Applehead.” Maggie thanked, wiping away the tears from her eyes.
“Maggie, you ok?!” Tommy called out, running over to his sister and friend. Maggie nodded, then turned to face Michael and gasped.
Michael had already taken off in the opposite direction.
“He’s fast, isn’t he?” Tommy remarked.
“Yeah…” Maggie whispered in amazement, still in a bit of shock from her little trip.
>>>>><<<<<
Shortly later…
Annie slowed down her run as she approached “Home Base” - the back door of the house. Carefully, she looked around, making sure Michael wasn’t going to sneak up behind her and push her into the pool. To her relief, he wasn’t there yet.
“Not here, that’s a good sign, but where the heck could he be.” Annie sighed, relaxing but curious about the location of her friend.
“Annie.”
Annie spun around as the door opened, revealing Diana - now age 13 - who was holding several opened letter in one hand. She also looked a bit distressed.
“Diana, what’s up?” Annie asked, walking over to her sister. Diana sighed, her shoulder length hair grazing her shoulders as she lowered her head.
“Where’s Michael? I need to talk to him about something I learned from Mrs. Katherine.” Diana asked, listing the letters in emphasis. Annie frowned; she knew Diana was talking about Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, whom all the kids called Mrs. Katherine in respect.
“We’re in the middle of playing Hide-and-Seek, so Michael could be anywhere.” Annie replied, shrugging in response.
“Damn.” Diana groaned, cursing softly.
“Diana, don’t swear.” Annie warned.
“Annie, this is serious.” Diana stated, putting her free hand on her hip.
“Surprise to hear you say something like that.” Annie laughed sarcastically, but playfully. Diana rolled her eyes in frustration.
“Annette, look at this!” Diana said, slapping the letters into Annie’s chest. Annie, catching the letters in her hands before they fell, looked at her sister in alarm. The only times Diana called Annie by her full name was either if she’s worried about something or if Annie was in trouble. Annie then looked down at the letters in her hands and began to read one of them. Mentally, she noted that they were from the same person.
After skimming through the letters, she looked up at her sister in shock. “What the heck is this? ‘Take responsibility for what you’ve done’, ‘This is your child’, ‘Why won’t you do something about this baby?’, Di, what’s going on here? These letters, who wrote these?” Annie cried out, reading out a few choice bits from the three letters.
“Some deranged girl who’s been claiming that our Michael’s the dad of one of her twins. How that is possible, I have no clue, but that’s what’s she’s claiming. Those three are only a few of the letters she’s already sent to Michael. The girl’s either an evil genius or a demented whack job.” Diana explained, scowling at the letters. Annie began to pace a bit, looking at the letters one by one.
“Di, Michael wouldn’t have- he couldn’t have- it’s impossible. But… did he really? Would he?” Annie whispered to herself, then turned to face Diana. Diana shook her head.
“Look, you’ve seen how he is around Aimee when she or someone flirts with him. He gets all shy and embarrassed and blushes. Heck, he even blushed when you first kiss him on the forehead. How could he sleep, let along have sex with another woman? Besides, how is it possible for someone to be the father of only one of a set of twins?” Diana stated matter-of-factually. Annie nodded in silent agreement, looking back down at the letters.
*SPLASH!!*
“Oops! Sorry, Maggie Mae!”
“Oh you are dead, Michael Jackson!”
“Not if you catch me first!”
“Oh yeah, Applehead? Come on in!”
“Hey, what are you-?”
*SPLASH!!*
“*cough* Oh, that’s- Oh, you’re so going to get it!”
“Not if I get you first!”
“Oh No! Maggie Mae’s after me! Call the police!”
Annie and Diana look around in surprise, startled by the sudden exclamation. They turn to look and couldn’t believe what they saw.
Maggie, drenched from head to toe, climbing out of the pool, ready to start chasing after Michael, who was also soaked to the bone and had just exited the pool.
“Uh oh, looks like Michael got Maggie in the pool. Not good.” Diana smirked.
“And Maggie dragged him in as well.” Annie smiled. She then swiftly handed the letters back to her older sister. “Hold these. I got a game to re-join.” Annie stated, then took off to join Maggie in the chase, leaving a still smirking Diana alone watching the fun.
“I’m gonna get you for that, Applehead!” Maggie shouted, trying to corner Michael around another tree. Michael was giggling and darting from side to side behind the tree, psyching out the seven year old.
“You’re going to have to catch me first, Maggie Mae!” Michael playfully teased, water droplets flinging from his clothes and hair as he moved.
“What about me, Mikey!?” Annie shouted, running over to corner Michael. Michael looked over to see Annie running as fast as she could and was surprised when she suddenly lunged at him like a lion attacking its prey. She latched herself to him with her arms around his waste and head against his stomach, nearly knocking him backwards by the force of her lunge. Maggie seized this opportunity to jump up and land on Michael’s back, this time nearly knocking him forward. Diana just watched on in bemusement, mentally thinking two things: This would not end well and should she join in on the fun or not.
“Gotchya now, Applehead! You’re not going anyw-whoaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!” Maggie began to say, but began to scream.
Because when you got a seven year old on your back and a ten year old clinging to your waste, it doesn’t matter who you are, you are bound to lose your balance.
And that is what Michael did as he lost his balance and fell over, the two girls still clinging to him as they landed on the ground on their sides. Maggie and Annie both lost their holds on Michael as they landed on the grass with soft, dull thuds.
“Ouch, should’ve thought that through, you two.” Diana winced, covering her eyes with her left hand.
Michael was the first to recover, sitting up while holding his head. He gave his head a quick shake before turning around to look at the two girls, who were also slowly recovering. Maggie got on her hands and knees, raising one hand to her head to nurse a bruise while Annie rolled onto her back, holding her head with her hands.
“Are you two alright?” Michael asked worriedly, looking at both of the two girls.
“I’m fine, but why are there three of you?” Annie replied, then asked while blinking several times, trying to focus on Michael. Maggie rocked back on her hands, pushing herself up into a kneeling position, then began brushing the dirt off of her jeans.
“I’m fine, and I’m glad mommy wasn’t here to see this. She’d flip out.” Maggie remarked, dusting off her pants before she got on one knee to retie the shoelaces of one of her shoes.
“Or Aimee. She’d be in orbit if this happened to her.” Annie put in, sitting up. She then shook her head, blinking her eyes to regain her focus. She then looked back over at Michael and smiled. “Good, you’re back to being one Mikey, Mikey.” Annie said, finally able to look around with a clear head. Michael let out a sigh of relief.
“Great. I was worried you two were seriously hurt. But since your ok…” Michael smiled, then began to get to his feet, ready to restart the chase. Maggie saw this and narrowed her eyes.
“Oh, no you don’t, Applehead!” Maggie exclaimed, grabbing Michael from behind and pulled him back down on the ground, her hands wrapped around his waste. The two landed on their stomachs, but Maggie kept a strong hold on him, even when he started to lift himself off the dirt. “You’re not getting away that easily! This game isn’t over-!” Maggie began to say, but stopped when Michael let out a loud flurry of giggles. Maggie then released Michael, surprised by his sudden outburst.
“What happened?” Annie asked, crawling over on her hands and knees. Michael rolled over and sat on the grass, legs spread out on the ground while holding his sides.
“M-Maggie tickled m-my stomach!” Michael giggled, hunched over on the grass.
“I did no such thing!” Maggie protested, looking away with a huff, her wet pigtails flicking drops of water as her head moved. “My fingers just brushed up against his tummy, that’s all! I didn’t tickle him… well, at least not on purpose.” Maggie went on, muttering the last bit under her breath.
“Still tickled, though.” Michael said, getting control of his giggles. Annie then raised an eyebrow, and then leaned forward, sitting on her knees.
“How ticklish are you?” Annie asked Michael curiously, a smile spreading across her face.
“Why?” Michael asked back, cautiously, beginning to back away. He didn’t like where this was going.
“I mean, it’s obvious you’re ticklish around your stomach. Where else are you ticklish?” Annie smiled, but it was not the innocent kind of smiles. It was a mischievous smile, one that meant she was planning something.
“N-not telling.” Michael replied, nervously. Annie and Maggie looked at each other.
“Then we have no choice, don’t we Annie?” Maggie grinned.
“You mean, we should do… that?” Annie asked, also grinning. Maggie nodded.
“Yes, that. Ready?” Maggie turned to face Michael, as did Annie. Michael continued to back away, not liking what the two girls were talking about. Maggie and Annie’s grins grew bigger and then…
“TICKLE ATTACK!!” Maggie and Annie shouted out loud in unison and lunged at Michael, knocking him backwards on the ground. They began to tickle his sides, making Michael giggle, and then laugh uncontrollably as they split up, moving to other parts of his body.
Diana just shook her head, a smile on her face. She then felt something tug at her shirt, making her look down. There stood Tommy, who was completely dry and happy.
“Hi Tom-Tom, having fun?” Diana greeted. Tommy nodded, then looked over at Annie and Maggie as they moved all around Michael, who was still lying on the ground, tickling his arms, his legs, and pretty much everywhere they could that wasn’t inappropriate.
“Did we win?” Tommy wondered out loud. Diana didn’t reply, but started to snicker as she watched the “tickle attack” in action.
“PLEASE, STOP! I GIVE! UNCLE! UNCLE! YOU WON! STOP TICKLING ME!!” Michael laughed so hard, he was in tears. Annie and Maggie, laughing as well, tickled his sides once more for added prosperity, making him let out a howling laugh. This caused Annie and Maggie to laugh louder and fall back on the grass, finally accepting his surrender.
“You won.” Diana remarked blithely. Tommy jumped up and down in joy and glee.
“YAHOO, we won!!” Tommy shouted, his arms raised high in victory. This time, Diana really laughed, not only for how her little sisters gained their victory, but over her little brothers’ enthusiasm over the victory.
“You sure did. Come on; let’s join in on the fun.” Diana laughed, then suggested. Tommy nodded with a big smile on his face and took Diana’s hand. The two then walked over to the laughing trio, Diana muttering softly under her breath “I had no idea he was that ticklish.”
Meanwhile, Annie and Maggie’s laughter finally starting to subside into small giggling fits. Michael was sitting up, wiping away the tears of laughter while trying to calm down.
“Oh man. I thought I was going to burst from all that laughing. You two are ruthless.” Michael remarked, still giggling. Annie nodded, grinning while sitting Indian style.
“That was great!” Maggie smiled, lying down on the grass. She then noticed Diana and Tommy walking over and waved at them. “Hey Di-Di, you really ought to join us next time.” Maggie told Diana, still smiling as she rolled onto her stomach, arms resting out in front of her.
“Maybe some other time.” Diana remarked, eying her little sister’s drenched clothing with a frown.
“They got you good, Applehead!” Tommy laughed, running over and hugging Michael. Michael laughed and hugged the small boy back.
“Seriously, Diana, join us next time. It’s tons of fun and this time, only Mikey and Maggie went in the pool.” Annie told Diana, smiling while stretching her arms over her head. Diana just nodded before looking at Michael.
“Mikey, we need to talk. You got another letter from ‘You-know-who’.” Diana told Michael. Michael’s smile faded as he released Tommy and took the several letters from the older girl. Annie was frowning as well, looking at Diana in apprehension.
“Di, do we really have to talk about that right now?” Annie asked her older sister, not wanting to ruin the joyful atmosphere.
“Who’s ‘You-know-who’?” Maggie asked, confused. She was now sitting up and trying to fix her wet hair back into normal pigtails.
“It’s nothing to worry about, Maggie Mae.” Michael replied hastily, waving his hand in a dismissive manner.
“Mikey, please, don’t lie. Diana and I already know about… her.” Annie said softly, staring right at Michael. Michael was startled by his friend’s bluntness. His expression then softened into sadness as he looked down at the letters in his hands.
“Applehead?” Tommy was the first to speak, concerned about Michael.
“This ‘You-know-who’… is a woman. A young woman who started writing to me a while ago. She’s been claiming that we… that I’m the father of her baby, one of her twins to be exact.” Michael explained, hesitating and trying not to get upset. Maggie let out a soft gasp in hearing what Michael said.
“You a daddy?” Tommy asked, innocently and surprised.
“No! I’m not a daddy, Tommy! I don’t know who she is. I don’t even know why she’s writing all these lies to me!” Michael cried out, upset and troubled by the whole ordeal.
“You think she wants money?” Maggie wondered out loud, the gears in her mind spinning as she rung out her hair before making a pigtail.
“Probably attention, like that guy who shot President Reagan in March. Didn’t he want Jodie Foster’s attention?” Diana theorized, recalling the incident that had occurred just a few months earlier.
“Either way, she’s gotta be crazy to say Mikey could do something like this.” Annie stated, frowning while crossing her arms.
“Yeah! He wouldn’t do that!” Maggie agreed, nodding vigorously. She then frowned before turning to face Michael. “Y-you wouldn’t, would you Applehead?” Maggie asked timidly.
“I wouldn’t!” Michael protested vocally, dropping the letters onto the grass. He then looked down in misery. “She’s been writing to me for several months now. The more letters she sends, the crazier and scarier they get. She’s even been threatening violence and-,” Michael’s voice dropped in emotion from near hysterics to depression, “And I… I can’t sleep. When I do, I have… vivid nightmares... of her… yelling at me…” Michael’s voice was a little above a whisper as he held himself, forcing himself not to cry.
“Oh, Michael…” Annie whispered, letting her arms drop as her eyes softened.
“Did you tell your mommy and Joseph about that lady?” Tommy asked, sitting down next to Michael.
“Mrs. Katherine was the one who told me about her, then I told Annie.” Diana answered. She then knelt down next to Annie, looking right at Michael. “We know you didn’t knock up that girl, Michael.” Diana told Michael. Michael looked up, his brown eyes shinning with unshed tears.
“You do?” Michael whispered, running a hand through his dripping wet hair.
“Absolutely!” Maggie exclaimed, smiling as she finished putting up her second pigtail.
“You’re too nice to do something that bad!” Tommy added, wrapping his arms around Michael’s neck, hugging him and resting his head on his shoulder in comfort.
“And it’s biologically impossible for twins to have two fathers. For her to say you fathered one baby from a set of twins is completely bogus.” Annie noted, now smiling reassuringly.
“Plus,” Diana paused to giggle, “If you blush anytime someone flirts with you or calls you cute, how could you do something like sleeping with a woman?” Diana put in. Michael bit his lip and looked away in response, a soft blush creeping across his face.
“You did it again, Di-Di.” Maggie rolled her eyes, getting up on her feet.
“Stop it, Di! He’s gonna be red all the time if you do that!” Tommy exclaimed, releasing his hold around Michael.
“Impossible, Tommy.” Annie laughed, climbing to her feet.
“Yeah, but I hate to be a party-pooper, but we better head back and get Maggie dried off. Dad’ll probably be here in an hour to pick us up.” Diana sighed, checking her watch. Both Michael and Tommy pouted in unhappiness.
“Do we have to go?” Tommy whined.
“We hafta, Tom-Tom. We gotta be home to help mommy, remember? ‘Cause she’s gonna have that baby any day now.” Maggie told her brother. It was true; Alison was indeed pregnant with baby number seven and was due in three weeks. Tommy and Maggie were both excited, as were the rest of their older siblings. Aimee, however, just muttered something about how disgusting for old people having kids.
“I still think it’s gonna be a boy.” Annie stated.
“My money’s on it being a girl.” Diana remarked proudly.
“You just want a girl so the girls would continue to outnumber the boys, Di.” Maggie sighed. Michael let out a small giggle, then covered his mouth when Diana glared at him. Diana then walked over to Maggie and picked her up, carrying the girl under her arm like a sack of potatoes.
“Come on, we’re getting you dried off.” Diana grumbled, ignoring Maggie shouting and protesting for her immediate release. Tommy just laughed and ran off after his two sisters. Michael just shook his head, smiling.
“They care a lot about each other very much, don’t they?” Michael noted to Annie. He looked over at his younger friend and saw that she was already standing, looking up at the sky, obviously a million miles away in thought. “Annie?” Michael asked, getting to his feet and going over to stand next to the girl. “What’s wrong?” Michael asked. Annie blinked several times before shaking her head, then looked at Michael.
“Huh? Oh, sorry, I’m fine, Mikey, I was just… thinking.” Annie apologized, then went back to looking at the sky. Michael looked up with her, watching the clouds slowly float by, making various shapes in the sky.
“About what?” Michael wondered, holding his hands behind his back.
“Nothing.” Annie shook her head, looking back down. “Just… admiring the clouds today.” Annie replied, distractedly. She didn’t want to tell him that she was starting to worry about those letters, along with worrying about her mother. Michael lowered his head and looked at Annie.
“They are pretty today, aren’t they?” Michael agreed. Annie nodded in agreement, a smile slowly appearing on her face.
“Michael, Annie, come on!” Diana shouted from the doors. Annie groaned and turned to stare at her impatiently waiting older sister.
“Alright, we’re coming! Keep your pants on!” Annie shouted back, her hands cupped around her mouth to form a make-shift speaker. She turned to Michael. “We better catch up with her before she has a conniption fit.” Annie said, making a small nod with her head over to her waiting brother and sisters.
“Yeah, and save Maggie Mae.” Michael agreed, taking Annie’s hand and began to make his way over. Annie blushed softly as she walked with her older friend; even after over a year of being friends, she still kept blushing when Michael took her hand.
Once they were with Diana, Maggie (who was on her feet after threatening her older sister) and Tommy, then went inside. They were surprised to find Katherine waiting for them, holding the phone with a troubled look on her face.
“Mother, what is it?” Michael asked, noticing her expression and immediately growing worried.
“I was just going to ask someone to get you. Kevin’s on the phone, it’s about your mom.” Katherine told the small group.
“Mama?” Tommy whispered, his blue eyes widening. Diana walked quickly over to Katherine and took the phone, saying a quick, but polite “Thank you” to the older woman.
“Kevin, its Diana, what is it?” Diana asked over the phone. Katherine looked at Michael, then at Maggie, noting their soggy appearance and raised an eyebrow at them.
“We fell in the pool, mother.” Michael explained. Katherine just nodded, a bemused smile forming on her face. Maggie, meanwhile, turned to Annie, her eyes filled with fear.
“You think it’s the baby?” Maggie whimpered.
“Hope not. Baby’s not due for three weeks.” Annie replied, inwardly hoping it wasn’t what Maggie feared.
“Babies come whenever they want. Sometimes, they come early, other times they come later.” Katherine told Annie, handing Michael and Maggie some towels to dry off.
“Thank you.” Michael thanked and began to dry off his hair.
“What!? NOW!? Where’s Aimee? She was supposed to be with mom!” Diana shouted, gripping the kitchen table in agitation and anger. Michael let his towel drop around his neck as he looked at the two sisters at his side, noticing that they were now starting to pale. Tommy, however, wasn’t paying much attention and toddled over to Michael.
“Up, Applehead, up!” Tommy exclaimed, holding his arms up. Michael smiled and lifted the three year old up in his arms, grimacing when he realized the little boy wasn’t all that little now.
“You’re starting to get big, little guy.” Michael remarked. Tommy shook his head.
“Nuh-uh, not too big for you, Applehead.” Tommy protested, wrapping his arms around Michael’s neck.
“So what do we do, find a place to crash?” Diana asked, walking away from the table and now pacing, still on the phone. She waited for the reply, then groaned. “Oh, yeah, thanks for the warning!” Diana said sarcastically. She then waited again, her eyebrow furrowed in anxiety. “Alright, I’ll see if and where we can find a place to sleep for the night, then. What’s the number for the hospital- why? So I can call you when- Look, why don’t you stop over here in an hour or so and then we’ll tell you what the sleeping arrangements are? Then we can head home to get our pj’s and stuff.” Diana made a compromise after several pauses and looks of annoyance.
“What’s going on, Applehead?” Tommy asked Michael, not really understanding what was happening.
“You’re gonna be a big brother, Tom-Tom.” Michael told the little boy. Tommy smiled happily, then blinked in confusion.
“How?” He asked innocently. Michael cleared his throat nervously, glancing at Annie and Maggie for help in answering that question. Thankfully, they didn’t have the chance to answer his question when Diana hung up the phone in a huff.
“Well, mom and dad are at the hospital, ‘getting’ our new little brother or sister, Tommy.” Diana spoke, answering Tommy’s question.
“Ooh!” Tommy exclaimed, falling for the small fib.
“So now what, Diana? Is Kevin, Aimee, or daddy coming to pick us up?” Maggie asked, trying to dry off her shirt.
“No. Aimee’s over at that slumber party at her pal Serena’s, Kev’s gonna crash at one of his friends, and Dad’s staying with mom at the hospital. We gotta find a place to stay for the night. Problem is finding someone that’ll take us in and on short notice.” Diana shook her head.
“Well we can’t stay at Greg’s, he and his parent’s are in England visiting some family friends, and Kelsey doesn’t have enough room for all of us.” Annie said, frowning, thinking on some of her friends.
“My friend Ashley’s aunt and cousin from Pennsylvania are visiting, so she can’t have anyone else over.” Maggie remarked in disdain.
“Donna and Kory’s families’ lives in an apartment complex, so that’s a no, and Ryan’s in Vancouver, visiting an old friend from his childhood.” Diana added.
“What about extended family? Grandparents, uncles, aunts?” Katherine asked curiously.
“Dad’s parents died when he was in college - drunk driver, mom’s dad and her brother, Uncle Mark, are on their way, but the earliest they’ll be here is tomorrow morning, and dad’s sister is in Egypt on a dig, no way of reaching her in time.” Diana explained, also recalling what Kevin told her over the phone. Annie then started to smirk.
“You haven’t mentioned Marty yet, Di, what about him?” Annie asked her sister, smirking and then winked at Diana. Diana began to blush softly and looked away.
“Who’s Marty?” Michael asked, not knowing who the boy was.
“Diana’s quote-unquote ‘not technically yet’ boyfriend.” Annie answered, smugly.
“We’re just friends!! Besides, his grandmother’s over for the week and she and his mom, erm… don’t really like me that much.” Diana snapped, then continued in annoyance.
“Sure…” Annie nodded, sarcastically.
“Why don’t we just stay here with Applehead?” Tommy wondered out loud.
“Tommy, I don’t think-.” Maggie began to say.
“Hey, that could work!” Diana exclaimed, smiling and loving the idea.
“Guys, really!” Annie snapped, “We shouldn’t impose. I mean, we come over here several times a month already, it wouldn’t be right.” Annie reasoned. Diana then turned to face Katherine.
“You wouldn’t mind, would you Mrs. Katherine?” Diana asked politely. “I-I mean, it’s only just gonna be for the night.”
“Well…” Katherine began, hand to her chin as she began to think.
“They won’t be much trouble, mother. And like Diana said, it’s only for the night.” Michael said, still carrying Tommy, but now holding Maggie’s hand with his free hand.
“Please?” Tommy asked shyly.
“Well, you four can stay, but as long as you follow the rules. Don’t stay up too late, don’t wander off, don’t pester Joseph…,” Katherine smiled. Diana silently pumped her fists in excitement.
‘Yes! Spending the night with MICHAEL! Take THAT, Aimee! I’m gonna get to first base before she-.’ Diana thought, grinning like a loon.
“…AND NO sneaking into Michael’s bedroom with impure thoughts in your heads.” Katherine finished, shooting Diana a knowing look. Diana visibly slumped in defeat, frowning and groaning. Annie and Maggie just shook their heads in embarrassment, Michael looked down at his shoes, blushing, and Tommy just blinked several times in confusion. “I hope I made myself clear.” Katherine stated.
“Don’t worry, mother, we’ll be on our best behavior.” Michael promised. Annie, Maggie, and Tommy also voiced their promises to behave. Everyone then stared at Diana, awaiting her answer.
“Ok, I’ll behave.” Diana sighed out a groan.
“Good.” Katherine smiled.
“So, what do you guys and girls want to do?” Michael asked, putting Tommy down on the ground.
“Play with animals!” Tommy exclaimed, bouncing up and down.
“Watch movies?” Maggie asked innocently.
“Play some games? When Kevin comes to get us to get our things, I can grab some of our board games and Atari games to bring over.” Annie suggested. Michael couldn’t help but smile and laugh.
“Well, lets get Maggie dried out completely, then we can decide what to do.” Michael remarked. The three younger kids nodded, grinning. Diana just sighed, shaking her head in disappointment.
‘There goes any chance of being alone with Michael.’ Diana thought to herself.
Will hopefully post the next segment sometime tomorrow, so please read and review.