Chapter 4

April 1990 - Neverland Ranch

Maeve's POV

When I was young, I always dreamed about traveling the world. I wanted to see more than LA and since I found my passion in cooking I always thought I would learn new cooking techniques in each country I'll visit. And for a while I've travelled the world and I got to taste the local food.

Since my parents were rich, one might think my sister and I had many opportunities to see the world, but instead we were often left behind.

"Maeve?" Dr. Reese's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"God, I'm sorry, what was the question?"

"How do you feel about your father's death?"

To think the only person, that was the reason I kept myself a prisoner in my own home, unexpectedly died made me wonder how that is going to affect my future. Was I able to be myself again?

"I'm not sure" I admitted.

"What was your father like? Tell me about him."

*****

"Mrs. Jackson" Jared, one of Michael's securities greeted me as I entered their office, near the main entrance of Neverland.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need Bill, where is he?" I asked while looking around, not spotting him.

"He's out, can I help you?"

"No, I guess I have to wait for him to come back-" I was about to leave, but then decided not to.

Maybe I should ask Jared instead of Bill who most likely wouldn't allow it anyway.

"Jared?" I smiled politely while turning back to him.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Could you do me a favor?"

******

"Where were you?" Michael wondered as I entered our bedroom.

"I was... out. I went for a short walk after my session with Dr. Reese. I really needed to get my mind off for a while" I told him, hoping he wouldn't question any further.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I immediately shook my head.

"Maeve" Michael grabbed me by my hand but I pulled away immediately before walking into our closet to get changed into something more comfortable for the night.

After I put my pjs on, I walked back out and noticed Michael who stood at the same exact spot as moments ago.

"Please talk to me, tell me what you think" he begged as I stopped and looked emotionless at him.

"You have barley said a word since Bill told us your father had died, at least not to me. Talk to me. Please."

"I'm thirsty, I'll get some water" I said coldly before walking away.

To calm my nerves, I decided to make myself some tea instead when there was a knock on the patio door.

Through the small window I recognized Jared standing outside in the dark where the small patio light was the only source of light.

After I opened the door, he immediately handed me a piece of paper.

"And you haven't told anybody?" I asked quietly while quickly unfolding the little piece of paper.

April 29. 9 amSt. Vincent de Paul Church

"No, I haven't" he answered before he proceeded to walk away again.

"Wait" I called after him, stepping outside in the chilly air in nothing but my pjs on.

"What else?" he asked annoyed.

"You need to take me there, it's this sunday" I instructed. "Please" I added to sound a little more respectful.

Jared sighed and took a few steps towards me.

"Not before you tell me what's going on! I don't like keeping secrets from my boss!"

"Ok, ok, you're right..." I nodded understandingly while shifting nervously before asking "Would you like a cup of tea? It's a long story..."

While I patiently waited for Jared to answer, I could feel his mind debating wether to hear me out or not.

"Sure..." he answered unsure as I quickly made my way back inside to get myself a blanket and the two cups of tea before heading back outside where Jared already made himself comfortable on one of the benches.

I sat down next to him and handed him his cup of tea. The blanket was already wrapped around my body while I carefully took a small sip of the still very hot tea.

"What do you know about me?" I asked curiously while inhaling the steam of the hot beverage warming my hands.

Jared shifted, probably wondering what I wanted from him.

"Your name is Maeve Jackson, you are Mr. Michael Jackson's wife. Your existence is unknown to the public eye and it should stay this way. Your 26 years old, you were born on December 21st, 1964 in LA; your blood type is 0+ and because of an accident nearly two years ago, you have mobility problems, you cannot run away, in case of emergency we are instructed to carry you to safety. You are the mother to young Nicolas Jackson who was born on-"

"Do you know anything BEFORE my marriage to Michael? My maiden name?" I interrupted, knowing he is only listing the facts the security guards learn when they start working for Michael.

"No, ma'am."

"Harris, my maiden name is harris" I confessed.

"So Robert Harris is your-"

"Father, exactly" I finished his sentence while staring up at the nights sky with my hands around the warm cup.

"I'm really sorry for your loss" Jared said but I didn't answer, instead I weakly smiled without looking at him.

"If he is your father, why did you ask me to look up when and where the funeral would take place?"

Before telling him everything, I reconsidered if I could trust him as I turned my head to look at him. "My father was a racist and didn't approve of my relationship with Michael" I paused for a second, considering Jared is also a black man I waited for any kind of reaction. He nodded slightly before I continued.

"When he found out I was pregnant with Michael's child he threatened to hurt him. Of course, Bill hired more security in order to protect Michael... but apparently Michael wasn't the target."

Jared's eyes slightly widened. "You're telling me, your father is responsible for your accident?"

"Yes, but for all he knew I died in the hospital, as well as Nicolas."

"You're kidding, you faked your own death?" Jared shook his head in denial. "This is crazy." He got up from his spot, taking a few steps forward before turning back around, an empty mug dangling between his fingers.

"You're crazy" he stated.

"My father is a powerful man and this was the safest option for Nicolas and me. You have to understand, I couldn't risk my family's life in order to be free!"

Jared shook his head, still making up his mind. "And what do you need me for?"

"I need to make sure he's dead! I need you to take me there before the funeral starts."

"And let me guess... no one should know about this?" he spoke, his eyebrow raised as I nodded slowly.

"I'm going to loose my job if Michael or Bill find out-"

"Oh they will find out but I'm not going to let them fire you. This whole situation is my idea and I take full responsibility!" I assured him.

Our eyes met and I could see that Jared was unsure of accepting my request but as he was about to speak we heard the patio door open.

"Jared? What are you doing here? Is there a problem?" Michael walked out into the night's air.

"No, sir. I'm just doing my nightly route."

"I didn't know that your route consisted of drinking tea on my patio with my wife" Michael looked angrily at Jared who took a quick glance at me.

"I offered him a cup of tea when I saw him walking by, it's a little chilly today. I thought he needed something to warm himself up. It's no big deal Michael!" I tried to rescue the situation.

"Thanks again for the tea, Mrs. Jackson. I need to finish my round, Goodnight" Jared handed me the empty mug before turning around and continuing his nightly safety check.

When I looked back at Michael, I wasn't surprised to see him already gone with the door still wide open.

As I made my way back inside the house with both mugs in my hand, I threw the blanket down at the ground and placed the mugs on the counter before closing and locking the door again.

At the back of my head I could feel Michael staring at me.

"So you rather talk to him than to your husband?" he questioned.

He was angry and I didn't blame him but I wasn't really in the mood for arguing.

"We just had a quick little chat, nothing deep, Michael" I told him as I took the mugs and placed them in the sink, ready to get cleaned in the morning.

"Why won't you talk to me? You've been avoiding me all day!"

I suddenly felt bad since I didn't mean to hurt him, I just wasn't ready to talk to him, because if I do, I would tell him that I needed proof that my father is dead. I needed to see him with my own eyes and I don't think Michael would allow me to go, so I decided to not let him in on my plan.

"You know what? It's too late for this. I'm going to bed. I'll sleep in the guest room, maybe you're willing to talk to me in the morning..."

"Michael" I whined but he didn't stop. My eyes followed him im until he was already gone.

"God, I'm so stupid" I mumbled to myself before making my way to the master's bedroom, to catch some sleep as well.