Dreams

*Rose*

I wake up at around 9pm, and my head is throbbing. I don't remember what happened earlier, I just recall drinking about six bottles of whiskey and gin. I don't even remember getting in the bed with new pajamas on. I had the weirdest dream though. I dreamt that Michael came and took care of me, he didn't care about how I was acting, he just wanted to make sure I was safe. The last thing I remember in the dream is that he was holding me, saying, "You can always trust me."

He was also singing along to 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', and I felt that the song was about me. I look down at my hand and noticed that it was wrapped up. When did I cut my hand? My thoughts were interrupted when I heard something in the living room. The stereo is playing Caribbean Queen but I hear movements also. It's nighttime, so it couldn't be housekeeping.

I get up and immediately fall on the floor, my head feeling like someone split it open with a machete. I swear I haven't been this fucked up since I went to Mexico in 82'. I crawl to the bathroom and open the toilet seat, and forced myself to throw up, and when I did, I instantly felt better. After I finished I brushed my teeth and took some aspirin, praying that this headache goes away. I finally walk out of my room and look around for whoevers here.

I see a tall dark figure standing outside, and I got anxious.

"Hello? Who are you?"

The figure turns around and speaks. "It's just me Rosie." Michael says, emerging from the balcony, he was wearing black pants, and a white button up shirt. He looked happy to see me, but I was confused on how he knew where I was.

"What are you doing here? How did you get here? How did you know I was in New York?" I ask, clearly not remembering the events that happened just a few hours ago.

"You don't remember do you?" He asks, looking at his thumbs, a sad look on his face.

"No. Tell me."

He sighs and looks towards the kitchen."Come, I know you're hungry. Sit down and ill make you something to eat."

"Are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Yes."

I walk into the kitchen and sit down, and Michael looks through the fridge, seeing what there is to cook. "Alfredo good for you ?'

I nod my head. He takes out the ingredients and starts preparing everything. After a brief silence he finally starts explaining.

"So I was having a mini press conference this morning, because tomorrow night I perform at Madison Square Garden, and when I was taking questions, this one reporter asked if me and you were romantically involved. Of course I dodged the question and tried to keep it to the concerts only, but what caught my attention was that they added 'Even though new reports of her just came out.' So then they explained what was going on and I ended the press conference and I called you."

"You called me?" I honestly don't remember anything.

"Yes, and you were pretty out of it. You started singing 'New York State of Mind'."

I put my head in my hands, "Oh my God are you serious?"

"Yep. Then I had Bill find your room number and then I've been here ever since. You basically went apeshit in the living room." He says, his back turned to me. I raise a brow, confused on his last statement.

"Apeshit?"

"Mhm. You smashed records everywhere, there were bottles on the floor, some of them smashed to pieces, it was a mess. While you were sleeping I had housekeeping come and clean up and you wouldn't let me grab the bottle from you. You chugged a whole bottle of Jack and then threw it, cutting yourself in the process, hence the bandage on your hand."

Well that explains why my hand was hurting. "So you took care of me?"

Michael nods his head, and goes to the sink to drain the noodles. I smile a little, thankful that someone was there to help me, before I did something I would regret.

"I made sure you got clean, I ran you a bath and washed you. Well just your back and arms, you cleaned everywhere else. And when you were done I grabbed some pajamas for you and you laid on my lap crying."

I look up, embarrassed by what he just said. I cried in front of him? I don't do that. I never let a man see me cry, I don't want them to think that I'm weak.

"W-what?"

Michael looks at me, a sweet smile on his lips. "It's okay Rose. Trust me it's okay."

You can always trust me. Soooo that dream wasn't a dream...

"So, do you feel like telling me what happened? And why you're in New York?" Michael asks.

•••••••

*Michael*

Rose takes a deep breath and looks at the ceiling, trying to collect her thoughts.

"Well, after I left your place Saturday, I went to rehearsals but to my surprise nobody was there. Just my lawyer and a detective. They sent everyone home. My lawyer says that papers came in showing that I signed a document stating that on top of the money I got from my North American tour back in 85', I'll also get an extra 15 percent from the ticket sale profits. Basically it's saying that I stole almost 3 million dollars from the Miami and Atlanta stadiums when that money was supposed to go to the workers. But the thing is is that I never remembered signing a paper like that. I always go through my contracts. If I see something I'll address it. I have no problem doing that. " She pauses, trying her hardest not to cry. I hand her a napkin and she takes it.

"Thank you. Now they have a warrant for my arrest and I've been ordered to come back to New York until we have a trial or something happen. They canceled my concert which I was working so hard for. I was going to give all the money to charity. Now I can't even do that. Now I have to worry about not going to jail. I can't even use my credit cards. I'm literally broke. "

"How were you able to get this hotel then?"

"I have a safe that had like 30,000 dollars in cash. I had it just in case. I guess now is a good time to use it. Plus my mom has a credit card that I sent her that has money too." She stops and rolls her eyes. "Shit. My mom." She groans and looks down, as if she just realized something.

"What happened ? Is your mom okay ?" I ask, getting worried. After all of this happening to her the last thing I would want is for her mom to be in some kind of distress.

"Yeah she's fine. She's supposed to come on Thursday. Now I gotta explain what's going on. I'm pretty sure that she heard about this on the news. I don't even know how I'm gunna get her over here. She already bought her plane ticket to Cali, she's going to be so devastated."

"Where's you're mom at now?" I ask, an idea forming in my mind.

"Boston."

I check on the Alfredo sauce and pour it into the noodles. Mixing it all together. As I prepare her plate I'm in deep thought, and it can obviously show on my face.

"You alright? You look constipated. I have pepto-bismol in the bathroom if you want some."

"No I'm fine. I'm just thinking. How about you call your mom, and tell her that I'm coming to get her."

"What? Michael no that's crazy don't you understand the risks of going out there? Hello you're a celebrity! A huge one at that."

I shrug, "So what? I'll wear a disguise. I've done it before."

"Well what am I gunna do after you get her? I can't really leave here. I can probably go back to my house but I have to make sure no one has been there."

"I'll get her, I'll have one of my guards come and escort you to your house and they'll be by your side the entire time so you won't feel unsure. When I come back, which will literally take not even a full day, I'll have you guys come to my concerts here, backstage and everything. I'll make sure my team caters to your moms every need. You did say that you wanted her to be treated right for once, am I wrong?"

She shakes her head, then looks at me, doubtful. "Are you sure you can pull this off?"

"Yes. Trust me."

She smiles and goes to call her mom and tell her the new plans. I overhear her talking to her mom and I swear I hear her voice got more and more happier when she spoke. She really loves her mother. She came back and was happy that she can finally see her mother after so many years, and ate the food I had made for her.

"I didn't realize how hungry I was. I haven't eaten in days."

"Why? You know that's not good plus you've been drinking."

"I know don't remind me. I just haven't had much of an appetite. I just wanted to drink. Try to numb the pain." She says, her happiness slowly going away.

I grab her hand. "Hey, don't think about it. You're a strong woman, you can get through this. Just think about your mother. She wouldn't want you to feel this way." I look at the clock and realize it's ten at night. "You know what? Since its night time, how about we get your mom now? You think she'll be up for it? I mean I know it's a day earlier than planned but I want to see you happy."

Rose brightens up and jumps out of her seat, tackling me. "What a great idea! I know she'll be up for it ! Thank you so much Michael! You're amazing."

I hug her tight and smile. "No need to thank me. I'm doing this for you. Because I care."

She releases herself from our hug and looks at me, the glimmer in her eyes slowly returning. She leans in and gives me a soft peck on the lips, and then goes back into her room to call her mom again.

I touch my lips and smiled, she's doing something to me. But I like it.