End of Innocence: VIII

End of Innocence: VIII

June – September 2000

Michael breathed a sigh of relief as the gates opened in front of him; at last he was home…the one place where everything was safe. The road up to the house stretched out before the limousine and he searched ahead for the familiar sights of the carnival rides and festive lights.

Looking over at the seat across from him he suddenly realized that the brightness of it all might disturb Lexi who was curled up under her blanket sleeping. Using the intercom he reached the front of the limo where Dan quickly answered,

“I need you to have Wally kill the rides and music. I don’t want to wake her up. I just thought about it.”

“Yes Sir Mr. Jackson. Give me just a moment. Do you need us to hold the car back here Sir?”

“No, I think the windows are dark enough to pull up to the house. We can just wait a minute to go inside.”

“Yes Sir, It will just be a moment.”

“Thank you”

Michael’s leg shook up and down with anticipation. He had told Lexi that he was bringing her to Los Angeles to relax and get better. Her oncologist had sent her prescriptions and information on to a colleague and he could monitor her recovery from California. Michael couldn’t wait to surprise her and the kids in the morning when they finally realized where they really were.

The limo carrying Michael and Lexi pulled as close to the door as possible and Michael stepped out to help Grace carry in the children from the car that followed.

Hearing voices in the distance Lexi stirred in her sleep. Her dream was peaceful and serene and she felt she was being serenaded by a lullaby as she listened to the faint strains of a piano that was playing “Childhood” somewhere in the distance. She felt like she was in a haze when she saw the Ferris Wheel spinning with all its twinkling lights and she smiled to herself just as she slipped away and back into a peaceful sleep.

When Michael stepped out of the house the rides and music powered down. He could only remember one other time when it had been silent at Neverland since he had installed the rides, and he never wanted to feel that pain again. He was determined it would only be a moment and she would be safely tucked in bed, and Neverland would once again be back to life.

Dan carried Lexi upstairs and carefully laid her on the bed for Michael. He had seen many sick people come and go through the property and in his travels with Michael and he was concerned for her. Six months of grief and illness shocked him, and he hoped for all of their sakes that the continuing miracle of Neverland Ranch worked for her. She did not at resemble the vibrant woman he had spotted on the street earlier that year. He glanced over at his employer as he left the room and he could see the pain and anguish that had gathered on his face. He knew that it was serious and he wished nothing but the best for them both.

Michael didn’t even bother to undress her; he simply tucked her in her side of the bed, the bed that she had been missing from for over seven years. Lexi felt small and fragile in his arms, her athletic body gone from fighting so hard to hang on. She seemed like a bird as he curled himself around her, her bones projecting out of her taut skin at what seemed like frightening angles. When he closed his eyes to rest he prayed; even when the tears fell, that she would come back to him, prayers that Alannah would continue to know her Mother and prayers that one day they really would be together.

Just as he began to drift off she stirred and called his name,

“Michael…”

“Yes Baby”

“Michael I had the best dream.”

“What was it?”

“That we were home…at Neverland.”

“That’s a beautiful dream Alexis; I promise we will go soon.”

Michael kissed her lightly on the back of the neck. He no longer had to move her hair, as it had all fallen out weeks ago. He didn’t care, she was just as beautiful now as she was the first moment he saw her running down the freeway. She could still manage to take his breath away.

Automatically she knew she wasn’t in the city any longer, even before she opened her eyes she could hear birds singing. Birds singing and the distant sound of children’s laughter ringing joyfully through the air, Lexi thought it might be the sweetest noise she had ever heard. As she opened her eyes her view was filled with pink roses, growing just beyond the French doors there was a canopy of beautiful pink roses. She blinked once thinking it was a dream, and then again this time clearing her throat trying to get the ever present metallic taste to go away…she remembered lying in the limo and seeing the reflection of the Ferris Wheel against the tint of the window and faintly hearing music. But it was a dream; it had to be a dream.

“Tell me this is real…” she whispered hoarsely to herself

“It’s real Alexis; you’re home where you belong.” Michael’s soft voice answered from the doorway where he had paused when she had opened her eyes.

With his usual grace he moved to her side and sat on the edge of the bed. Tenderly taking her hand in his and gazing in her eyes, “You need to rest Babe.”

“Michael, I have to ask you something?”

“Of course, anything.”

“Did you bring me here to die?”

He thought his heart had literally stopped in his chest as she asked him that question. Wrapping his arms around her, his eyes brimmed over with tears.

“No…God NO Alexis, don’t you understand…Baby, I brought you here to live!”

“I’m trying Michael, I’m really trying.”

Holding her tight, he pressed his lips against her cheek and softly whispered,

“I know you are Lex. Please just keep fighting for us…don’t let go.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

____________________

The sun was warm and soothing on her face as she sat by the pool as the children laughed and played. Michael sat underneath his umbrella reading a book, occasionally glancing up to check not only on the kids but to make sure Lexi wasn’t over doing it. It was still early enough that she wasn’t going to burn, but warm enough that she wasn’t going to catch a chill either. Michael’s mind drifted back to the times they had spent together around that very pool, uninhibited times where their bodies and souls became one with each other. He kept trying to convince himself that everything was going to work out, but sometime he had to walk away and take a moment to catch his breath. To swallow the agonizing fear that he might lose her.

“Michael, I think I am ready to go inside and rest.”

Jumping up he hurried to her side and helped the nurse stand her up.

“I want to walk” she insisted.

“Lex, it’s a long way back to the house.”

“I know…I just want to try, please.”

He wanted to argue with her and tell her she wasn’t strong enough, but he was also happy that she was feeling up to it.

“Alright, I will hold on to you, and Kelly can follow us with the chair just in case you get tired. Is that good?”

Nodding her approval, Lexi gripped his arm and they began to slowly walk towards the house.  Michael was amazed that she made it all the way inside without the wheelchair and he picked her up and spun her around in celebration.

“Look at you baby, you did so well. I told you Neverland was where you should be.”

Lexi took a deep breath, laying her head on his shoulder. She had used up most of her energy getting to the house.

“Ok Baby, let’s get you upstairs to bed for a nap. I called in someone special to cook for you. Jean Luc is here and he will have you a great lunch when you wake up alright.”

Michael felt her nod weakly against his chest before he handed her off to Dan, “I’ll be right up, Kelly will get her settled.”

He watched as they climbed the stairs before sprinting out of the door. His nerves were on edge and he felt like he was going to scream. Michael had to be alone and there was only one place to go….

Practically curled up on the branch of the tree he turned himself over to his fear. Everything that he had held inside for the last three months seemed to burst out of him at that moment. Knowing that all his money and talent couldn’t fix her was eating him alive.

“Jehovah God, I know I have seemed to have forsaken you recently, but please see into my heart and trust that it is pure with my love for you and my family. I realize the many blessings that you have bestowed upon me in my life and I recognize that without you I would not have been so fortunate or so able to make a difference in this world. I come before you now, your humble servant…one that has never asked for favor, begging for your mercy and asking that you save her from further suffering. If you do so, I will submit myself to your service Jehovah. I will prepare myself for whatever trials you require of me in return. I pray that she is spared anymore pain or hardship due to her illness and her health is restored under your healing hand.”

Huge racking sobs ripped from his chest after he finished and he could only hope that his prayer was heard. He remained in the Giving Tree for so long the light had started to fade in the evening sky until finally he climbed down, exhausted and fearful. Michael made one last gesture before he left. Reaching down he grabbed for a handful of soil at the base of the tree and held it tightly in his fist before sprinkling it gently over the carnations and roses,

“Put in a good word for her Hunter, I don’t want to lose her yet.”

Walking back towards the house he wiped his hand on his jeans and his eyes on the sleeve of his shirt. Hoping that his heartfelt prayer was actually heard, he had never said one that meant as much….

________________

The end of September was already becoming chilly in New York and he was glad to be back in California. He had been away for three weeks back at the studio and he couldn’t wait to see Lexi. Michael knew she was feeling better from how her voice sounded on the phone but he just had to see her.

Michael was met by staff as soon as he opened the door, but he brushed them all aside as he took the stairs two at a time to the bedroom.

“Lex, Lexi….I’m home.”

As he opened the door to the bedroom he saw her standing framed in the French Doors, looking over the grounds.

“Hey, you are up and about.”

Approaching her from behind Michael noticed that she wasn’t as thin and her skin had a glow to it. Looking at what she was wearing he realized it was a satin nightgown, cut dangerously low in the back…..and oh gawd she had gained weight because her hips and ass had begun to curve again in all the right places.

“Alexis….?”

Finally she turned to him, her brown eyes were lit with their golden fire once again, and her full lips were moist with desire.

“Michael, it feels like I’ve been waiting so long for you to come to me.”

“Wow, look at you…you look amazing girl.”

Stepping into his arms she pressed against him, and brought her hand softly against his face,

“I’m starting to feel like me again.”

“That’s good.”

Michael felt her free hand slip down his leg and across his thigh. His involuntary sigh encouraged Lexi and she continued over to the growing bulge of his jeans. Her lips pressed against his chest where his shirt was unbuttoned and a tiny moan escaped her throat.

“Baby, I don’t think we should do this. You need to be careful.”

“I’m a Doctor remember? Besides I already checked and was told to do what comes naturally but I just need to take it easy….gawd Michael, take me easy?”

Bending down Michael picked her up and carried her to the bed, their lips locking with a torrid fervor that the months apart couldn’t tame. As he laid her down he knelt over her and stared for several long moments. He thought she looked like an Ancient Queen with her hair buzzed short on her perfectly shaped head and her golden tanned skin reflecting in the light from the doors.

“You’re beautiful.”

He said as his finger lightly traced down between her breasts.

“You’re sexy.”

She whispered as her hands reached for the zipper of his jeans.

Michael reached down and pulled the fabric away from her breasts, flicking his tongue over the flat plane of her dark rose colored nipple until he got it to respond to his touch. Soon it was hard and firm between his lips and his hands gently kneaded both breasts together so he could suck on each while Lexi began to arch her back in pleasure.

Traveling down her stomach he pulled her nightgown along her body and dropped it on to the floor. Her skin felt so smooth and soft under his lips and his body was responding in all the right ways. Teasingly he placed tender kisses on the inside of each thigh, down towards her knee and up again. But just when Lexi thought he was going to pull her g-string aside he stood up and removed his shirt.

“Hurry Michael” she urged as her arms reached for him

“What is it girl…what do you want?” his voice was deep and seductive as she touched her body while she waited.

“Mmmm Baby…I want you. It feels so good to have you next to me again.”

Michael pushed his jeans down and stood before her, his erection hard in his hand.

“It does?” He questioned as his hand moved slowly up and down on his shaft. “What else do you want me to do?”

“Michael please, please don’t tease me like that.” Lexi’s voice was strained with her lust.

“Like what Babygirl?” He asked as he rubbed his thumb over the moisture that had escaped the tip and then continued to pump.

“Make love to me, please make love to me.”

It was all he wanted to do and he sank to his knees, pulling her panties down her legs and burying his face between her legs. He was so hard he could barely concentrate on his tongue finding its mark but it did and her moan of satisfaction filled the room. Her bud was as hard as his shaft and she shook with the anticipation of her orgasm. Michael slid his tongue inside her tasting her wetness and spread it over her waiting divide. Her hips moved in tiny circles against his lips and she could hear the erotic moans that emanated from his throat as he tasted her wetness.

The pulsing between his legs could no longer be denied and Michael moved up her body and slowly placed his tip against her opening.

“I don’t want to hurt you; I’m trying not to rush.”

“OK, alright….oh Michael….oh gawd.”

Lexi’s chest rose and fell with each inch as he pushed inside. She looked up to see his teeth bared in silent determination.

“I’m good, damn Babe….c’mon”

Michael slowly began to roll inside of her, steadying himself above her on his elbows. Doing his best not to put too much of his weight on her.

“Alexis, girl…god. I love you so much”

Michael whispered to her softly as he kissed her neck, his pace quickening as she pulled his thighs into her hips.

“I love you too Michael. You feel so good inside me right now…”

He reached down and pulled her leg up over his hip and moved faster, still conscious of her comfort but ready to increase the pace.

“I’m gonna come”

“Me too”

Lexi’s moans and rolls underneath him set him off and he pulled her tight, doing all he could not to push her too hard. But it felt like rolling vibrations as he pumped into her time after time.

He held her for what seemed like hours after they made love. Talking softly about the past and the children, both of them scared to think too far ahead into the future…but the moment had burned into his consciousness forever.

__________________

Michael slipped quietly out of the doors and walked down to the Giving Tree and stared up into its leaves that seemed to watch over him with its loving guidance.

“Thank you ….I promise to keep my end of the bargain if you keep answering my prayer. I meant everything I said.”

The sound of car doors slamming caught his attention and he turned to see the children had returned from their Santa Barbara shopping trip. Paris and Alannah’s squeals filled the grounds as they ran into his arms and filled his heart with even more joy.

To Be Continued

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