Chapter 11: 2300 Jackson St Part 3: These Are The Times

We were now dried and changed. But neither one of us moved from each other's hold. We've been laying in his old bed for some time now. Towels wrapped around our wet hair. I lay on his chest with one leg in between his. My arms lay crossed on his chest and my chin resting on it. His arms resting on my lower back. Just staring and smiling at each other. Why though? Why are we like this? I know he doesn't see me that way. But, I can't stop thinking about what Lilly said. Can he really care for me that way? I know without a doubt I am falling in love with this man. But, I don't want to be the only one in love. I know it will hurt so much more. I just can't seem to win.

"Maya, get out of your head girl." He says pulling my body closer to his. "Please pay attention to me." He says and places a kiss on my cheek. "I need you." He whispers in my ear.

I don't know what to do right now. I place my leg on the other side of him. I'm not thinking anything through before doing it. With both my legs on either side of him I come closer to his face. I sit up a little and cup his face. His eyes grow wide as his hands find my thighs. He gives them a little squeeze. Damn it boy. What are you trying to do to my body. I bite my lip.

"Come closer to my face Maya." He says never taking his eyes off of me. "Please." He breathes out.

I slowly make my way closer to his face. But I stop more than a few inches away from him.

"I need you Maya. I need you now more than ever." He softly says.

I don't know what he wants me to do.

"I need you to kiss me Maya." He whispers and my eyes grow wide. "I need to feel your magical kisses."

What? Awe man. I just can't seem to win. I know he just means on his cheek. I come closer to his face and place a soft kiss on his forehead. He gives me a gentle squeeze. Yeah, he just wanted a kiss like this. My heart hurts really bad.

"Not there Maya. Kiss me please."

What his cheek? I lean down and kiss him on the cheek and he sighs. What is wrong with him?

"My sweet Maya." He says as I bury my face in his neck. "I'm so sorry."

What is he sorry for?

"I need you. I need us. But, we need time to heal. I just want you to know. No matter what I am yours and no one can take me from you."

Yeah until you meet a girl and she takes you from me. I just can't win. No matter what I do. I keep hurting. I keep hurting myself. I need to just stop thinking about it.

"Michael." I say as I sit up and his big hands find my waist. "You said you still had so much to show me. Let's not continue wasting this day." I say staring at him.

I never think things through when doing these things. His hands find my back as he sits up. Coming closer to my face. My eyes grow wide. His forehead presses against mine.

"It's not a waste when I am with you." He says and lays me down on my back. "Michael." I say with my eyes wide. "Shh. I just love being this close to you." He whispers.

He's so close to my lips right now. What is he trying to do to me? My hands softly touch his cheeks and I bite my lip. He's so close to me. Especially down there. I'm glad I am wearing jeans and not spandex. He would definitely feel everything. I'm on my back but he's on his knees. One of his hands smooth down my side and down my leg. His other hand finds my calfs and locks my legs around him. Why?

"My sweet Maya." He softly says. "As much as I want too. I need too. I want to do it right. I never want to break your heart."

What does that even mean? He sits up on his knees but my legs are still wrapped around him. His fingers dance across my thighs. Just slowly going up. Touching my exposed skin on my stomach.

"Damn Maya." He breathes out. "I swear you are so beautiful. Every inch of you. Inside and out. I hope I'm good enough for you. Because I need you in ways only you can help me with and I hope you need me like I need you. You make me feel things I've never felt before. I've been so happy since the day I met you. You've gave my heart life. I swear I owe you so much. You are my happiness. You've given me something I never knew I needed til I met you. Thank you so much."

I swear I could cry. I sit up on my elbows and smile at him.

"I want to see all you have to show me. But right now I need you. Please come here Michael." I say and fall back on my back.

He slowly lays back on top of me and wraps his arms around me. My arms wrap around his neck. Pulling him closer to me. I swear there's no space between us. He buries his face into my neck. My fingers mesh in his curls. He places a soft kiss on my cheek where his lips stay. Is it bad that I love how close we are. How amazing I feel when I am in his arms. But I can't shake the thought of what he's said to me. What does it all mean? Can he mean the way I feel or does he just mean as a friend? My heart is so confused.

"Mm. Maya I'm so addicted to you. But I want to show you some things today. We Will definitely finish this later." He says letting go and biting his bottom lip.

My legs fall to his side sitting up. He places his hands on my knees and swayed my knees back and forth. Opening and closing them. He's sitting so close to me down there. My bottom is on him. He smiles at me. I sit up and smile at him. I touch his face. I swear there's something about this man. Something that draws me too him. He definitely makes me feel things I never felt before. I thought I knew love. I thought I knew happiness. I thought I knew all these things with Charlie but meeting Michael my whole perspective has changed on everything. He pulls me closer to him bringing me out of my thoughts. We are so close.

"I know you are worth it." He whispers and hugs me tight. "As much as I enjoy holding you this close there's something I want to show you. Well a few things. But there's one main thing I have to show you. I'm saving it for last though."

"Michael." I say giggling and wrapping my arms around his neck.

================================================================================

We were now hand and hand walking the path. I didn't know this property was so big. It's literally its own town. He's already shown me so much. From all the animals, there's a dance studio, even a movie theater and so much more. He says there's one last surprise but what? I once again cling to him. I'm so happy at this very moment. It's crazy how much my life has changed in such a short period of time. I wonder what the future really holds for us. I know it's going to be magical. Like he always says.

"We are here." He says as we approach a small building.

He smiles big at me. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a key. He unlocks it and its a small studio. He sits me in a chair and still is smiling so big.

"Michael what is going on?" I ask curious.

"I told you I was saving the best for last."

"What is it?" I ask curiously.

"Just be patient beautiful." He says and presses a few buttons.

I wonder what he is doing? But, it's got him really excited which makes me happy. I swear he's so adorable. So innocent and pure.

"Maya before I hit play. I just want you to know something."

"What's up Michael?"

"This is something from my heart to you. Written for you. I wrote it probably a few days after we met."

OH MY GOSH !! Michael Jackson wrote a song about me. I might just fall in love with this man tonight.

"I just want you to know when we met. I also was in a dark place. You pulled me out of it. Shown me the light. Shown me something real and magical. I just want you to know how special you are too me. How much of an impact you've had on me in such a short period of time. I want this to be a reminder of how much I need you. How much I need you around. How much I care. I am yours Maya Nicole Marbles."

"Michael." I say. "You don't understand how special this makes me feel." I say. "How you make me feel." I say lowly.

"I wish you wouldn't doubt it." He says softly.

"Huh."

"Please just listen and I hope you no longer doubt how I feel about you."

My eyes grow wide. I want to ask but, I leave it be and just listen to the beautiful melody that invades my ears before his magical voice sings over it.

All alone

Wishing on stars Waiting for you to find me

I can't help my tears. I need him closer to me.

One sweet night I knew I would seeA stranger who'd be my friend

I grab his hand and make him sit on my lap. He giggles as I wrap my arms around him.

When someone in the dark reaches out to you And touches off a spark that comes shining through

He places a soft kiss on my hand.

It tells you never be afraid When somewhere in your heart you can feel the glow A light to keep you warm when the night winds blow Like it was written in the stars, I knew My friend, my someone in the dark, was you

I intertwine my hands with both of his. My forehead on his back as I continue to listen and cry.

"Thank you."

I pull his body closer to mine. My cheek is to his back now.

Promise meWe'll always be Walking the world together Hand in handWhere dreams never end My star secret friend and me

What is this man trying to do to my heart right now. If I wasn't falling before I definitely am now. I'm so helpless. Damn it Michael.

================================================================================

We were now heading back to the house. After it took me forever to stop crying. Yeah after today my feelings definitely have grown stronger. There's really no turning back now. I feel like today has brought us closer together though. I keep wondering if Lilly is right about him. Is it possible he might feel the same way. I want it to be true. But, apart of me believes that I am not good enough for him. That I will never be. That he's going to meet someone and forget about me. I'm so afraid one day I might lose him forever. Like he will get tired of me one day and no longer need me.

"Hey Maya." He says bringing me out of my thoughts. "It sounds like everyone is in the living room. I'm just going to run to the bathroom and we can join them." He says.

"Okay." I say.

I didn't even realize we were now back in the house. Man, my mind be really taking me from reality.

"I promise I will be quick." He says and kisses me on the cheek.

He takes off to the bathroom and I just watch him enter. I lean against the wall and sigh heavily. Yeah my feelings are definitely into deep. I can't help but smile though. I love the way he makes me feel. Regardless of the fact that he doesn't see me that way. Even if he only sees me as his best friend. I feel so special and strong when he's right next to me.

"Hey, I got something to say to you." Someone says.

I look up to see it's that girl Hannah. Awe man what now?

"What's up." I say.

"Michael is mine. You can't just come around and take him from me. You really need to back up and stay in your lane of being his so called best friend. Matter of fact you should just.."

"Hannah." Michael says walking up to us.

He wraps his arms around my neck from behind. He's just that much taller than me.

"Maybe it's you who needs to stay in your lane. I tried being nice because you are LaToya's friend. But, I won't let you be mean to my sweet Maya." He says and kisses me on the cheek. "My heart belongs to her. I belong to her. I want you to know that there's nothing in this world that could ever take me from her. I need her so bad that it hurts. I crave her presence, her touch, her warmth, her voice, her laughter, her heart, her entire being, everything about her."

"But, Michael." She whines.

"No Hannah. You need to know the truth. I'm sorry for being so harsh but, when it comes to my sweet Maya I will do anything for her. She's my everything. My heart beats for her now. She is my happiness. She makes me feel things I've never felt before."

"I get it Michael." She says and walks off.

I turn around in our embrace and wrap my arms around him. Damn it Michael.

"I'm sorry you had to see me get so mean." He says holding me close.

"You are so sweet to me." I say giggling.

"Maya never doubt how I feel about you. What we have is magical."

"'Okay Michael, let's go before you make me cry again."

"You got me Maya. Never forget that."

"I won't." I say and pull away.

"Never let go of my hand." He says holding his out for mine.

"Never." I say.

We intertwine and he leads the way. We enter the room to see all his brothers, his sister Janet and Lilly. Lilly sat at the piano playing. She looks up at me and her eyes light up. Awe man I believe I know that look.

"Hey My, just in time. You up for the song that won us first place at the talent show back when we were younger?" She asks smiling big at me.

This girl. I won't lie I miss how we use to make music together. Just for fun. Neither one of us wanted to pursue a singing career. We just loved to sing for fun. Bring joy to people's hearts. I can't help but giggle at her. I look at Michael.

"Would you be okay if I join Lilly."

"Yes, I've been waiting to hear you sing since the day I met you." He says giggling.

"Yeah when I was fangirling." I say laughing too.

"I swear you are too much." He says laughing harder.

"She's been fangirling since like forever." Lilly says.

"You want me to sing with you right." I say as I look at her.

"Heck yes girlie." She says fist bumping the air.

Michael places a kiss on my hand.

"Now sing your heart out to something that isn't my music." He says laughing.

"Really."

"Don't get me wrong. I love seeing you fangirling."

"Boy." I say laughing.

I kiss him on the cheek and then join Lilly at the piano.

We exchange smiles and she slowly starts playing her keys. Letting the melody bring me back to the old days a simple time. My back faces everyone. I take a deep breath before singing.

See ya sleeping on the groundSee ya screaming with no soundWhen your blanket starts to wearI'll be thereSee em' peeking every nightMomma's beaten don't know whyWhen your tears begin to shedI'll be thereIn those times when you feel all aloneForced to find your way through worlds unknownLook ahead and don't be scaredI'll be there

================================================================================

"Hey Maya. I got this melody stuck in my head and I want to see if you still got it. Sing whatever comes out your heart." She says smiling at me."I hate you." I say laughing.

She starts playing a melody and the words instantly fill my heart. My eyes closed once again as I slowly start singing from my heart. At this moment Michael might just find out how I feel about him. I take a deep breath and let the music take me over.

This is a crazy worldThese can be lonely timesIt's hard to know who's on your sideMost of the time

Damn it Michael. I swear you do things to my heart I've never felt before.

Who can you really trustWho do you really knowIs there anybody out thereWho can make you feel less aloneSometimes you just can't make it on your own

I wonder if he knows I am singing about him?

If you need a place where you can runIf you need a shoulder to cry onI'll always be your friend

================================================================

I sit next to Lilly humming to her melody as she continues to make magic. I really miss this. I miss how close we use to be. I miss all the fun we use to have. The things we did together and we did some crazy things that we can never take back. I wonder if she still has her's. Because I still have mine and I will never get rid of it. We were there for five hours. I stop humming and look at her smiling big. She stops playing and looks at me. She knows I'm up to something.

"Maya Nicole Marbles what are you up too?"

I wink at her before turning around.

"Hey where's your nearest bathroom?" I ask for anyone to answer.

"Literally right out this room to your left." Tito answers.

"Thank you." I say and grab Lilly's hand. "I need to know." I say walking out the room.

"I will never understand why girl's go to the bathroom in pairs." We hear Randy say as we leave out the room.

I walk to the bathroom. I enter and close the bathroom door behind us. I cheese big at her.

"Girl, I knew you wanted me." She says a little too loud laughing.

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if everyone was now listening to us.

"I just gotta know if you still have yours?"

She starts giggling before pulling her pants down to her knees. Exposing her tattoo that matches mine. We were young and wanted something to show our friendship is permanent and didn't want to be the same like everyone else with friendship bracelets.

"Girl we were under the needle for five hours and paid two fifty each. You think I'm just gonna get did of it." She says laughing.

I squeal a little too loud in excitement. I hug her making her fall into the door. I almost forgot her pants were still down.

"Sorry girl." I say when I pull away.

"Now it's your turn." She says laughing as she pulls up her pants. "Let me see them thighs girl." She sings a little too loud.

"Really." I say laughing with her.

I unbutton my jeans letting them fall to my knees. Revealing the same tattoo that's on the same thigh.

"Tattoo my name on it so I know its real." She says laughing.

"I'm glad this isn't your name." I say giggling just as the bathroom door opens.

My eyes grow wide seeing Michael standing there. I can feel the embarrassment creeping into my cheeks. Oh my gosh he can see my panties. Damn it. I see his eyes fall to my panties.

"Close the door." I scream pulling up my pants.

He closes the door with a quickness. I button my pants.

I take a seat on the toilet top and bury my face in my hands. Michael just saw me in my panties. Why did he even open the door?

"My, are you okay?"

"I could die of embarrassment." I say into my hands.

"Girl, I don't think anyone really saw you."

"I don't care about anyone else but the fact that Michael just saw my panties."

"My." She says with worry.

God, why am I so emotional? I literally cry about everything.

"I just need a moment." I say.

"Okay." She says and leans against the sink.

"Alone please." I say softly. "I'm sorry. I just need a moment to clear my head."

"Ya know I think Mike was just as embarrassed as you." She says and walks out.

She closes the door behind her and I let out a big sigh. I can't seem to win. I just be having the worse luck. Damn it Maya Marbles why are you such bad luck. I bury my face back into my hands. I hear the door open and close back. I thought I told her I needed a moment.

"Maya."

Michael? What? I can't face him right now and I can't seem to stop crying either. I feel him hover over me. His big hands softly touch mine that are on my face.

"I'm so sorry Maya." He says crying. "I didn't mean to look. I'm so sorry I made you upset with me. I heard you yelling and screaming. I thought you needed me. Maybe I'm not worthy to be your best friend anymore. I'm so sorry I'm not good enough for you."

"Michael." I cry out before wrapping my arms around him. "I'm not good enough for you" I cry. "I'll always need you. I just didn't want you to see me like that. I didn't mean to yell at you."

He wraps his arms around my waist.

"I need you so bad that it hurts. I hate being apart from you. It hurts my heart when I can't see, hear or feel you." He says and sniffles. "I'm crazy about you Maya. I will do anything for you." He says and buries his face into my lap.

My eyes grow wide. Gosh, I'm feeling things down there right now. Having his face right there is doing things to me. His face is literally in between my legs. I bite my lip trying to contain myself. Damn it Michael. But, he needs me right now. One hand rests on his back as my fingers find his curls. I feel his body soften. He pulls away and softly touches my face.

"My sweet Maya. You are my entire being. My happiness, My best friend. You are everything to me. Thank you so much for giving me something real and magical." He says.

What? Well, at least he has stopped crying. Both of his hands find my knees. His fingers walk across my thighs til he reaches my waist. He places his soft big hands on my waist and it sends a shiver down my body. He gently pulls me to the edge of the seat and opens my legs. The whole time his eyes never left mine. What is he doing to my body right now?

"I'm okay Maya. I just need you right now." He says.

I take in a sharp breath as I feel his breath against the bare skin of my belly. Great day to have chosen to wear a crop like this. He pulls me close to him as he sits in between my legs. Why does he have to be so close to me? He got to know what he is doing to me? My fingers mesh in his curls as we just sit there. Thank you for showing me that you need me just as bad as I need you. As much as I love this we been sitting her too long.

"Michael." I softly begin. "As much as I like being so close to you. We've been sitting her to long. I don't want your mother to think anything."

He looks up at me and slowly pull away.

"You are right my sweet Maya." He says and stands up.

He reaches his hand out to me and I grab it. He pulls me close to him and I hug him back. I swear I'm addicted to this man's hugs.

"Maya, I am addicted to your warmth." He whispers in our embrace."

Damn it Michael get out of my head. He pulls way and intertwines his hand with mine.

"Let's go beautiful." He says smiling.

With him leading us back into the living room. Everyone now is watching Lilly play the piano and Randy sing. I swear they are too cute. Michael leads us to a sofa chair and looks at me smiling. We both can't fit here. With my hand still in his he sits down and pulls me with him. My eyes grow wide. What is he doing?

"Mi..." He shushes me with his index finger.

Being back in Michael's arms feels so good. Never knew I could miss someone's touch. I won't lie I enjoy being close to him like this. There's something about his touch, his warmth that does things to my heart. Neither one of us were really focused on them. His arms are now wrapped around me and mine were around his neck. I never want to let him go. I need him way too much. I care about him way too much. His face is buried in my neck and half my face was buried in his. He smells so good. Damn it Michael. I look up to see his sister LaToya and Hannah walk in the room. She doesn't look too happy. Girl get your own best friend. He belongs to me and I belong to him.

"Mm" He hums. "You smell so good." He whispers.

Damn it can you read my mind or something. He always says what I am thinking. My hand finds the back of his head and my fingers mesh in his curls. He gives my body a little squeeze before giggling into our embrace. He kisses my bare shoulder and I bite my bottom lip. Damn it boy. Stop doing that.

"Mike can I speak to you for a second?" His sister asks.

I feel his head move up.

"Now?" He asks. "I'm busy right now Toya. Is it really important because I'm right where I need to be."

"Yes Michael."

Yeah, she's annoyed but I don't think it's because of him. I think I am the problem to her.

"Fine." He whines.

I can't help but giggle. He's too adorable. He pulls away and cups my face making me look at him. I cheese big at him.

"God, you are so beautiful." He breathes out.

I bite my lip as my cheeks burn. He kiss me on the cheek. Why does he say things like that if he only sees me as his best friend. It really hurts.

"My sweet sweet Maya." He says brushing a loose strand of hair out my face and comes closer to my ear. "Never doubt how I feel about you. Because what I feel about you in my heart is magical." He whispers in my ear.

Damn it Michael. What the hell does that even mean?

"Mike I want to speak to you alone please." His sister says.

"Really." He says annoyed.

"It's okay Michael. Just come back to me because I need you."

"I need you too my sweet Maya. Never doubt how I feel about you." He says.

I stand up from his lap and I smile him as he stands up and I sit down. He leans down and kisses me on my forehead then both my cheeks. Before grabbing both my hands in his and kisses both of them sweetly. He's too good to me. But it hurts that he only sees me as his best friend.

"I'll be right back beautiful."

"I'll be here handsome." I says smiling at him.

I watch him follow his sister out the room but, why is Hannah following them too? It's probably about how he told her off. I lean back in my seat and sigh heavily. I didn't even realize they stopped playing and all eyes are on me. What? I look at each and every one of them.

"Please go back to playing." I softly say.

"MY you got it bad." Lilly says.

"Lillian Elizabeth Jerome." I say sternly.

"Chill out girl. No need to say people's whole government."

"Please." I softly say.

"I'm sorry."

"I know girlie. Now please continue."

"You got it." She says.

With that she starts playing again and I just sit there waiting for him to return. He's only in the next room and I miss him so much. Lilly is right. I do got it bad. Just my damn luck. But there's just something about his presence that I just need him around at all times. I just don't need to see him but to feel his warmth. How did this even happen to me? How did I get so stuck on him? I wasn't even looking for a friend at the time but some how I managed to fall for him. Every second that passes I fall for him more. I feel it deep in my heart I'm falling in love with him. I just can't help it. There's just something about him that pulls me to him. Something about him that just makes me so happy. That I just need him around at all times. I crave everything about this man. Good and bad. Wait what is that? Is he yelling?

"Lilly." I say quickly. "Stop playing for a second."

"What?" She says and stops. "What's go..."

"Shh." I saying shushing her and waving my hand.

"Toya what are you not getting?"

"You weren't saying this before." She says.

"I'm not going to apologize for being happy. I need her." He says. "I need her so bad that hurts." He says.

Is he crying? My eyes grow wide.

"But, Mike." She says.

"No. I won't ever let Maya doubt how I feel about her. I need her. My heart needs her. Please understand that. I'm sorry for yelling. But, I won't let you say or do anything that will cause pain to her. I need my sweet Maya." He says.

I don't even listen to what is said after that. I get up walking out the room to him. I wrap my arms around him from behind.

"Maya." He softly says. "I need you so bad that it hurts."

He slowly crouches down to the ground crying. Awe Michael. I crouch in front of him and wrap my arms around him. My fingers in his curls as my other hand rubs his back.

"I'm here. I got you." I whisper. "Want to go to your room?"

"Yes." He says.

He slowly stands and I stand with him. His arm around my shoulder as we walk away. Not saying a word to anyone. Up the stairs to his old bedroom. We can't even fully get in the room before he's leaving my arms and falling backwards on the bed. I close the door behind me and start making my way towards him.

"Please lock the door Maya. I don't want anyone coming in." He says lowly.

Awe he sounds so broken right now. I walk back to the door and lock it.

"Need me to do anything else?" I ask.

"Hold me please."

I crawl into the bed with him and he lays his head on my chest. One leg over me and his hand intertwines with mine. My free hand in his curls.

"Michael." I softly say and he pulls his body closer to mine. "Are you okay?" I ask before placing a gentle kiss on his hand.

"I'm better now that I am in your arms. I swear there's something safe about being in your arms. Something that brings peace to my soul. Thank you for being there when I needed you. I'm so happy you heard my calls."

"I told you I got you. Now what happened? What got you so upset?""Toya just isn't understanding. Everyone wants me to do what they want but what about what I want.""Awe Michael. I care about what you need. Maybe you are getting them mixed up.""Maya really. I'm trying to have a moment here.""I know handsome. I knew what you meant. So why did she make you so upset?""She's been trying to get me to date Hannah for over a year now."

Awe man my heart right now. I'm going to regret these next words.

"What's wrong with that? She's very beautiful."

Them words taste so sour.

"Maya." He says shocked and looks at me. "She's not who I need. I never knew what I was missing til I met you."

Why is he staring at me like that? I seriously need to put a stop to all of this. My heart can not take anymore of this.

"Michael please stop. You don't know what that does to my heart."

"Maya, I told you never doubt how I feel about you." He says coming closer to me face.

Please stop playing with my heart. I know he doesn't want to kiss me. I'm not good enough. Should I try though? Should I just put myself out there? Risk the pain of rejection. I might as well before it gets to deep. I place a soft hand on his face and his eyes grow wide. I look at his lips then back at him. Pulling his face closer to me as I lean towards him.

"Maya." He whispers.

I look back at him before looking at his lips again and licking mine. I can't help but bite my lip. I press my forehead against his. His breathing is shallow. I wonder if he knows what I'm about to do next? My eyes won't seem to leave his. It's now or never. My heart is pounding right now. I go to lean in.

"It's late we should just get in our pj's for bed." He says.

What the hell am I doing anyway? I know he doesn't see me that way. Why did I even just do this to myself? I'm such an idiot. He removes himself from me and hops off the bed. His back faces me as he scratches the back of his head. What was I even thinking. I hop off his bed and run into his walk in closet.

"Maya." I hear him yell.

I place both my hands on the door knob. I know he's going to try and come in. I can't see him right now. I feel like the biggest idiot. Why did I just try to kiss this man. He pulls at the door and I pull back as the tears stream down my face. I'm so stupid.

"Maya." Michael cries out. "Please. What's wrong?"

"Please I am begging you Michael. I just need a moment alone. I'm so sorry."

"Please Maya. I am begging you." He says.

"I need you. I honestly do. But I also need a moment right now." I say into the door. "I won't be long."

"I'll be right out here when you are ready."

"Thank you Michael."

I let go of the handle and slowly slide down the wall to the floor. My knees to my chest and my arms around them. I just sit there and silently cry.

================================================================================

"Maya." I hear Michael say.

I slowly open my eyes and see him crouching in front of me. I can't believe I fell asleep like this. But, I'm still so tired.

"Let's go to bed." He softly says.

Why does it sound like he's been crying too?

"I'm sorry." I say as I stand.

"I need you Maya." He says.

"I'm sorry Michael." I say again. "I'm just going to change into some pajamas. Okay." I say and yawn.

I go to our bag and find some pajamas. I don't even know what I really grabbed. At this point I don't care. I enter the bathroom and change quickly. I guess this will do. I say to myself as I look in the mirror.

I head back out to find him in bed. I yawn as I reach our bag. I place my clothes beside it and crawl into bed with him. I lay on my side next to him. This bed is really comfortable. I yawn again. I'm surprised I'm still tired. I slowly close my eyes and feel him close to me. He wraps his arms around me pulling me close to him. I feel like I just melted into his embrace. I yawn once again. I'm so comfortable. My face is basically buried in his chest.

"My sweet Maya." He says.

But, I'm already slipping into dreamland.

"I know I said we need time. I just don't want you to doubt how I feel about you." He softly touches both sides of my face. "I am yours. But I need you to know." He says softly.

I'm too tired to even think straight. I don't know what he's talking right now. He pulls me closer to him and places his lips on mine. Sweet and simple he pulls away and presses his forehead on mine.

"Please never doubt how I feel about you. Because every single second with you I'm falling more for you my sweet Maya." He whispers and pulls me closer to him. "Now let's go to bed."

"Michael." I whisper and softly touch his face as I completely fall asleep.

================================================================================

I awake once again before Michael. He's halfway laying on me with his face in my neck. Half his body on me but my arms are wrapped around him. My fingers mesh and his curls. He pulls himself closer to me. Why do I feel slightly different? But in a good way. I don't remember anything after I laid down with him and his arms wrapped around him. And then my dreams still like to torture me. I just can't seem to win. I feel his body shift and he places a kiss on my cheek. I can't help but blush.

"Good morning beautiful." He says into my neck.

"Good morning Handsome." I say.

"I hope you no longer doubt how I feel about you." He says.

Well that's weird.

"Thank you for showing me you need me just as bad as I need you. I really needed to see it and feel it. Not just hear you say it. I felt your pain when you called out for me saying you needed me."

"Maya." He breathes out as his arm wraps around my face. "That's..." He stops and sighs heavily.

What's that about? He places his fingers in my curls and I sigh in satisfaction. He places another kiss on my cheek.

"Let's stay like this a little longer."

"Yes. Michael." I say giggling a little.

He giggles with me.

================================================================================

It's time to go back home. I really enjoyed my time here. I hope I can come back with him one day.

"Hey are you ready beautiful?" He asks smiling at me. "Sure am handsome." I say returning his smile.

He bends down grabbing our bag and I just can't resist lightly smacking his butt.

"Maya." He says shocked as he drops his bag and grabs his butt. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't help myself." I say laughing hard. "This makes us even then." He says grabbing the bag but facing me this time. "Nope." I say popping the p and wiping the tears from my eyes. "What are you saying?" He says staring down at me. "Remember you grabbed my butt with both hands mister." I say wiggling my finger at him.

I watch his face turn a shade of pink. Awe this man is too cute. He's such a gentleman. Too sweet for his own good.

"Do you gotta work today Michael?""My schedule is clear for today. Why do you ask?""I was just hoping to spend the day with you. With no interruptions." I say smiling up at him. "Yes my sweet Maya. I love that idea." He says softly touching my face. "I wish you would remember what happened last night." He whispers before kissing me on my forehead.

What is he talking about? What happened last night? I remember cuddling with him and falling asleep. Wait? That dream I had. Could it have really happened? No. He doesn't feel the same for me. I know he doesn't. I can never be good enough for him. I'm just here till he finds his soulmate then he will push me aside and forget about me.

"Maya." He says and kisses me on the cheek before placing his forehead against mine. "Please stop doubting yourself or how I feel about you." He whispers. "Because I need you so bad. You're my..." He stops from the sound of the door opening.

His mother slowly walks in and she stops in her track with wide eyes. We pull away and put a little distance between us.

"I'm sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to make sure you both were okay. Since you two never joined us for dinner last night and didn't speak during breakfast.""I'm so sorry about that mother. Last night was all my fault.""I just want to know if you both were okay. No need to explain anything. You both are healing and trying to help each other heal too. I know it isn't easy.""I'm okay mother." He says smiling. "Beautiful?" He says looking at me.

I can't help but blush.

"I'm okay too Ms. Katherine.""You don't have to put a miss in front of my name sweetie.""I can't help it. Its just how I was raised." I say and smile. "It looks like you both are ready to go." She says and points to the bag. "Yes, mother. But we weren't going to leave without saying goodbye." He says smiling big at her. "I would never let Michael do that." I say. "Yeah, I know he's busy living his dreams but I wish he would have more time for me." She says with a hint of sadness. "I haven't even seen your new place yet.""Michael." I say shocked. "I'm sorry Mother." He says scratching the back of his head. "That has to change. We need to invite you over for dinner. I will cook. It's been awhile since I cooked a real meal.""Yeah I heard your muffins were a hit.""Mother Wait til you try her food. You might have some competition." He says giggling. "Michael, you're reaching now." I say laughing. "You cook literally everything from scratch." He says. "Well, my grandmother said to always cook from the heart and nothing says love like a home cooked meal.""Your grandmother is right. She's raised you with so much soul and love.""Thank you ma'am. That means so much too me." I say smiling big. "We will discuss plans for dinner some time soon.""Yes ma'am.""I hope to see more of you.""I hope so too.""I believe we are going to be really close." His mother says to me.

Awe. My heart just melted.

"I hope that we do." I say.

I can't contain this smile.

"Okay, we have plans for today that I plan on keeping." He says smiling.

What plans is he talking about? We are probably gonna sit in bed all day and cuddle. Wait, That sounds so awesome.

"Okay. I need my hug first." She says smiling big and pulling him into her embrace as he wraps his arms around her. "Don't have her waiting too long. You might lose her to someone else." She whispers.

But I hear her loud and clear. My eyes grow wide. But, I try to hide it like I didn't hear it. They pull away and I plant a fake smile on my face. Can it really be possible or can people be trying to force these feelings on him because mine are too obvious. It's probably the second one. I will never be good enough. Especially for him.

"Come here." She says pulling me into her embrace.

As she brings me back to reality. My arms wrap around her and I can't help the joy that fills my heart. I'm going to miss her til we see each other again. We pull away smiling at each other. 

"I really had so much fun. Besides my panic attacks. I really had a good time. Thank you so much." I say to his mother. 

"Yes, and I hope you will come again. Or just visit. With or without Michael. It will just be lovely to see you again."

"Awe please don't make me cry." I say giggling and rubbing my tears away. 

"Awe sweetie." His mother says. 

"Okay no mushy stuff today." He says giggling. "I hate to cut this short but Maya and I have things to do. But, I promise we will see each other more." 

I can't help but giggle. This boy is too much.

"Okay sweetie." She says smiling at the both of us."Beautiful." He says holding his hand out to me. "Don't mind if I do handsome." I say intertwining my hand with his. "I swear y'all are too cute." His mother says giggling. "Only for you." We say in unison and looking at each other at the same time. "Oh my." She says laughing a little harder. 

We both stand there blushing. 

"Okay. Y'all can do that the whole car ride home." She says teasing us. "I believe Bill is outside waiting for you two."

With our bag in one hand and him holding my hand. We head out his room downstairs to the front do with his mother leading us. He opens the front door allow his mother to walk out first then me with his hand still in mine. She gives both of us one last hug before we both climb in the car. 

"Going straight home?" His driver asks. "Yes." He says. 

He looks down at me smiling really big. I'm happy he's happy but, what got him so happy?"

"You okay over there?" I ask placing a gentle hand on his face. "I really feel like yesterday brought us so much closer. I can't wait to get home and spend all my time with you. With no interruptions. Tomorrow is definitely back to work but today you get my undivided attention." He says and places a soft kiss on my forehead. "Thank you so much. I'll never stop needing you." I say wrapping my arms around him. "Never doubt how I feel about you." He says wrapping his arms around me. 

Why does he keep saying that? What the hell does it even mean? I don't understand.