Chapter 14

May 1990 - Neverland Ranch

Maeve's POV

"Where are we going?" I asked as Michael lead me outside.

"Be patient!"

It's already dark outside and Nicolas is fast asleep while Anna stays at home, watching him.

Outside the house we found Michael's red mercedes waiting for us.

"Michael?" I warned, knowing he's down for a ride.

"What?" He looked at me with innocent eyes before his lips turned into a large smile. "We haven't done this in years!"

He referred to the time when we still got to know each other where we'd disappear for a couple of hours and be god knows where.

He held the keys for me to take but as I took a few steps back he pulled them away again since he was very well aware that after my accident, I have never driven a car myself again and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to.

"It's ok Maeve, get in!"

I sighed before climbed into the passenger's seat as Michael started the engine.

We passed the gates and drove off into the night. Being able to leave the property made my heart race every time. It's like my mind still hasn't registered that there's no one after me, I am safe to leave. Nevertheless I turned around to check if a security car was following us.

At the sight of the black SUV behind us I started to relax and turned back around.

"Do you even know where we are going?"

"Nope" he plopped the 'p', finding joy in this sense of being completely free, like he hasn't been for a while now.

Normally his schedule is packed with appointments, but for now, all we had was us in this exact moment.

My hands started to fumble the radio, trying to find some good music when Eternal Flame by the Bangles started playing. I started singing since I really liked that song.

"Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling"

I felt Michael's hand slip in mine, taking it and placing it on his heart.

"Do you fee my heart beating? Do you understand? Do you feel the same? Am I only dreaming?Is this burning an eternal flame?"

After taking a quick glance at me, Michael joined in.

"I believe, it's meant to be, darling!I watch you when you are sleeping, you belong with me!Do you feel the same? Am I only dreaming?"

I scooted closer, as close as the car allowed me to without interfering with Michael's driving, I rested my head on his shoulder, my hand moved from his heart to his knee as we speed down random streets while singing as one.

"Or is this burning an eternal flameSay my nameSun shines through the rainA whole life so lonely And then come and ease the painI don't want to loose this feeling, oh"

*****

After we got a bucket full of crispy chicken, some fries and drinks Michael stopped at a lonely parking lot. The radio kept playing as a faint noise in the background, we enjoyed the food while talking casually.

"Hahaha you did not" I laughed at Michael telling me about a prank he did on one of the producer he wanted for his new album.

"Let's say he's still debating wether he wants to work with me or not" he spoke while reaching for another handful of fries.

"He'd be a fool if he doesn't want to work with you..." I said before taking another sip out of my plastic cup.

"You think so?"

"Yes, I enjoyed working with you. Although I'm not sure if you broke the contract by kissing me that night?!" I wondered while giving him the side-eyes.

"I'm not sorry, that I kissed you that night."

As I leaned back, resting against the headrest, I turned my head to my husband who was already facing me. A light smile covered my lips as my tired eyes looked at him.

He smiled lightly back at me before leaning over, closing the distance between us and placing a loving kiss on my forehead. He moved his hand to my stomach.

When he leaned back again, his eyes met mine while his hand stayed at my stomach. That's when I realized, he knew and my smile instantly faded.

"When are you going to tell me you're pregnant again?" he asked, not even trying to hide his excitement. His large hand started to caress my small bump that could be easily mistaken with me being bloated.

"How did you know?" I wondered, trying to keep my emotions in place.

"I know my wife! You might've not noticed the small changes but I did" he said. "And the fact that one of the maids found a positive pregnancy test in one of your jeans while doing the laundry helped a lot too..." his confession made me laugh. It started with a small giggle and became a genuine laughter before quickly turning into me crying and sobbing.

Fuck these hormones.

Michael's hand moved to my cheek, to gently wipe the tears away before I buried my head in his shoulder.

"I remember you cried a lot when you were pregnant with Nicolas" he told me. "You'll be fine, there's no need to be scared! This time, everything will be perfect!" he assured me, knowing exactly the reason for my tears were simply fear.

Fear of something bad happening... again.

Fear of risking my unborn child's life... again.

Fear of being unable to give birth naturally... again.

Fear of failing... again.

My forehead left his shoulder, I looked up at him with his hand slowly caressing my cheek while his eyes looked back at mine.

We stared at each other before I felt him leaning in, kissing my lips softly.

Safe.

His love made me feel safe and I started to believe him when he told me that everything will be perfect this time.

When his lips left mine, his nose lightly brushed against mine causing me to giggle softly before he spoke again.

"So how far along are you?"