"Welcome home," Michael said as he opened the front door to the main house. I smiled, walking in. I sighed. It did feel good to be back. Michael placed his hand on my lower back, hugging into me. "What do you wanna do?" he asked with a smile.

"Sleep," I said confidently and he chuckled, "Okay, let's go," he said, grabbing my hand leading me to his room. I walked in and it wasn't messy as it usually is. It was just cluttered with stuff everywhere. He pulled my hand and led me up the stairs to his bed.

He let go of my hand and walked over to his dresser, kicking off his loafers. I went and sat on the bed, waiting for him. He took off his button up, leaving him in his white t-shirt and laid down on the bed. He smiled up at me as I turned to look at him. I kicked off my shoes and took off my jacket, getting ready to lay down.

I turned towards Michael on the bed as he tapped a rhythm onto my thigh waiting for me to lay down. As I went to lie down, something on his nightstand caught my eye. I smiled as I looked over at it. "What?" he asked as he stopped tapping my thigh. I reached over him and grabbed it.

"What is this?" I asked with a smile, turning it to him. He shyly looked away from me. It was a picture of me when I was 2 years old playing around with the landline. "Don't get shy now," I teased and he put a pillow over his face in embarrassment.

I laughed at him and removed the pillow from his face. "Are you mad?" he asked, covering his face with his hands. "No, of course not. I love it actually," I said smiling down at him waiting for him to uncover his face.

He peeked through his fingers to see if I was serious and when he realized I was, he took his hands away from his face. "How'd you get this?" I asked, looking at the photo of me again. "Well, before we parted for a short while, I called your dad and asked for copies of the pictures that were in the photo album you showed me at your grandparents house."

I shook my head, smiling, "Ooo, look at you. Getting all close with my dad," I teased. Michael smiled shyly, "Oh you know," he waved me off playfully, "but when we were separated, they finally came in the mail and I was missing you, so every night I used to look at these pictures, hoping you'd come back to me," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice, "But, look at us now!" he exclaimed, changing his tone. I gave him a small smile, still feeling a little guilty about the break up.

Michael saw my facial expression change and he sat up, grabbing my hand. "It's in the past now, don't dwell on it," he said, reading my mind. I nodded and he gave me a kiss. He took the picture from my hands, "Now, your face will be the first thing I see when I wake up and go to sleep," he said smiling at the picture, "Look how adorable you are," he teased.

I covered my face with my hand and he laughed, grabbing it. We both looked at the picture in a comfortable silence. I heard Michael clear his throat, "You know, I look at this picture and a big part of me wishes that I knew you back then. You know, to have been my friend because I didn't have anyone. If I would've had you, aw, life would've been much happier for me. And I already feel like I've known you all my life, so it'd just make sense," he said looking at me.

My heart melted. Michael is so sweet and so pure. "I wish that too," I said, smiling at him. He smiled back, placing the picture back on his nightstand. He turned and grabbed me, laying me down on his chest.

I listened to Michael's heartbeat as he played in my hair. Slowly we drifted off to sleep.

As I put on my earrings in the bathroom, I heard Michael and Mariah talking about something that dealt with music. Michael and I were in New York at the penthouse I rented every year around this time. We had been here for a few days and we'd be staying for a while. Michael was recording for his album at the Hit Factory and I was preparing for New York fashion week that starts next week.

I walked out of the bathroom going into the living room. "Hey girl!" Mariah said as I walked over to her, "Happy to see the both of y'all together again," she said smiling. I hugged her, "Thanks, hey girl."

We pulled back from our hug, chuckling a little as Michael smiled at me. I saw his eyes look me up and down. He had a look in his eyes and I knew exactly what it meant, but I didn't give in.

"How was Disneyland?" Mariah asked us and I looked at Michael. His eyes lit up. I had taken him to Walt Disney World for his birthday. Michael blushed shyly. "Go ahead, tell her," I said, teasing him.

"It was one of the best birthdays ever! She totally surprised me. I had no clue where we were going! She even had all of the characters come meet me and wish me a happy birthday, it was great. Minnie Mouse even gave me a special birthday card," he said excitedly.

I laughed watching him gush about our Disneyland trip. "Aw, that's good. I'm glad you had a good birthday," Mariah said smiling at him. I smiled at him too. "Ready?" I asked Mariah and she nodded. Her and I were going to hang out, have a girls day and maybe go out tonight. I knew she needed it to get away from Tommy.

"Okay, let's go," I said heading to the door. I heard Michael clear his throat and I stopped. Mariah laughed quietly, "You better go see what he wants before you get in trouble," she mumbled quietly to me. I laughed and nudged her. "I'll wait in the car," she said, opening the door, "Bye Michael! See you later!"

I turned around and saw Michael cocking his eyebrow with his hands on his hips. "Bye!" he said to Mariah looking straight through me, "Nice to know someone cared to say goodbye," he added sarcastically.

I walked up to him, slowly. "You were just going to leave without telling me bye?" he asked, scoffing. "Sorry," I said, pouting. He took his hands off his hips to pull me into him. I looked up at him and puckered my lips for a kiss. He rolled his eyes playfully before he gave me a quick peck.

"You look sexy," he said, looking down at me. "Thank you. Maybe I'll catch the eye of more rappers," I said jokingly knowing it would piss him off. My name has been in the press a lot lately because rappers and athletes have been crushing on me apparently, talking about me in interviews about how they want to take me on dates. Michael was pissed. He was ready to tell the world about us because he wanted everyone to know I was his and for them to stop thirsting.

"Don't even start," he said sternly and I laughed. "It's not funny," he said as I continued to laugh. "I know. I'm sorry again." He rolled his eyes, "You drive me insane. Where are you and Mariah going?" he asked.

"Just a girl's day. Shop, massages, that kind of thing," I said looking at him and he nodded. "No man masseuse for you." I laughed, hitting his chest, "Michael!"

He laughed, holding me tighter. "Okay, I have to go now. Bye," I said, caressing his cheek. He leaned in and kissed me tenderly, "Bye Smiles. Have fun, I love you."

I smiled, "I love you too!" I said pulling away but Michael grabbed my arm pulling me back. He leaned in and gave me a heated kiss. I gave in allowing his tongue access. The kiss was so intense and I felt my knees going weak. Michael wrapped another arm around me to hold me up. I pulled away out of breath. "What are you trying to do? Keep me here?" I asked, smiling.

He licked his bottom lip, "Maybe." I shook my head, "Bye Mr. Jackson," I said getting out of his arms, but he pulled me right back, kissing me. I laughed against his lips, "Michael! I have to go! Mariah's waiting!"

He groaned, "Fine." I smiled and pecked his lips once more. "Bye future Mrs. Jackson," he said as I opened the door. I smiled at him over my shoulder. He was going to be the death of me.

I got in the car and Mariah smirked at me, "Dang what took so long?" she asked. I opened my mouth to speak but she interrupted me, "Don't answer that. I think I can guess," she said with a playful disgust look on her face.

I rolled my eyes, "No, he was trying to, but I didn't allow it," I said, smiling matter of factly at her. She shook her head. "He can get it when we get back," I said jokingly. "EW!" she yelled, causing me to laugh. "I'm joking!"

Mariah and I had a good day in New York. We shopped on fifth avenue, stopping to take pictures and sign autographs for a few fans. There were also a lot of paparazzi, but we managed to get in and out of stores fine.

The massages were heavenly. It was just what I needed ahead of fashion week. And shh, don't tell Michael, but I did have a male masseuse. His name was Nathan and his hands were magic. He got all of my pressure points and took out my stress knots. During the massage, I moaned at Nathan kneading my lower and Mariah reached over and slapped my arm.

I yelled out in pain, but she told me and I quote, "You better stop or Michael will burst through that door."

After the massages and shopping we headed to the Capital Grille in Manhattan to grab a late lunch. "Thank you," we both said simultaneously as the waiter escorted us to our table. "Of course. Could I get you two ladies anything to drink?" the waiter asked. He was good on the eyes. He was young, around me and Mariah's age. He was tan with dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes.

I looked up at him and smiled sweetly, "Can I have a rum and coke please?" He smiled at me, "Anything for you." Mariah cleared her throat making him flustered, "Can I have a glass of your finest red wine?" she asked. "Absolutely. I'll go get those for you," he said walking away. I watched him walk away and he turned and smiled at me over his shoulder.

"Michael is going to kill you," she said, running her hands through her hair. "I'm not doing anything. I was just being nice. I can't help it when guys flirt," I said, sipping on my water. She laughed at me.

"So," I started looking over the menu, "How've you been?" I asked. Mariah sighed, "Well, you know I've been in the studio working on my Christmas album." I smiled at her, "Yes, which I am so excited for," I added and she nodded, "Yes I know."

The waiter brought us our drinks and we ordered light entrees. "So, back to our convo earlier. I know musically you've been well, but how are you?" I asked concerned about her. "Fine, I guess," she shrugged and I gave her a sad smile. "Tommy is the same. Controlling. Has people breathing down my neck. I can't even have a phone call to my mom without it being recorded."

"Mariah," I said but she cut me off, "I know, what am I still doing with him? But the truth is, i'm scared. He's powerful. With the snap of his fingers, my life could be ruined."

I placed my hand over hers. "I mean look," she said discreetly nodding to her security detail, "I can't even go anywhere without them and they threaten me all the time. They report everything back to him." I looked over at the security and sure enough they were staring right at us.

I felt sorry for her. Mariah was this young girl full of life, who wanted to embrace her femininity but couldn't because of Tommy. If Mariah had her way, she'd be just as girly as me, if not more. Around me she's her true self so that's why I try to make as much time possible for her.

"How about this, let's say I go talk to your security detail and tell them my driver is taking us back to the penthouse and then we get dressed in outfits we bought today and I'll take you to this pre-New York fashion week party tonight," I said enthusiastically. "But-" Mariah started and I cut her off, "And because Tommy does not have control over me, so he can't say shit and if he dares say something to me, Michael will stop it."

Mariah slowly smiled, "I'm down. Let's do it.' I high fived her, "That's what I'm talking about!"

Mariah and I finished our lunch and I called Calvin and Wes to come get us. When Wes came in to get us, I walked over to Mariah's security. "Hi," I said, smiling at them and their facial expressions stayed blank. Mariah wasn't lying, they were bitter. "Okay then, well Mariah is coming with me. In my car to my penthouse. I have my security and driver taking us so you two are no longer needed. Got it?" I asked condescendingly. "I don't think we can do that," one of them spoke.

"You can. Don't be a minion," I said, smiling sarcastically as I walked away. "It worked?" Mariah asked and I looked at them. They were talking in their microphones. "It better. Let's go," I said as Wes escorted us out leaving her security behind.

Mariah and I walked into the penthouse laughing as Michael was on the couch with his songwriting book. He saw us and stood up, making his way to us. "You guys are back early," he said, walking up to me, giving me a hug.

"Yeah, we're going out to a fashion week party tonight," I said looking over at Mariah who looked excited. Michael pulled back from the hug, "Mariah too?" he asked and I nodded.

He nodded, "How was shopping and massages?" I tilted my head back dramatically, "Best massage I ever received," I said dramatically. Michael looked at me, "Who gave you a massage?" he asked and I grabbed Mariah's hand pulling her to the bedroom. "Don't worry about it!" I yelled as we got closer to the room. I heard Michael's footsteps following us and I pulled Mariah into the room and shut the door, locking it. I felt the door knob twisting and Mariah cracked up.

"Ashley open this door," he said sternly, still twisting it. "Can't baby, Mariah's changing."

I heard him sigh and walk away from the door. I turned back to Mariah laughing and she shook her head, "He's gonna get you." I laughed, "I know."

Mariah and I were dressed and ready to head out 2 hours later. We walked out and I saw Michael in the kitchen eating my leftovers from lunch. He looked at me, then Mariah, and back to me, eyeing me up and down. He placed the fork down and walked over to us. "You guys look stunning," he said sweetly.

"Thank you, Michael," Mariah said sweetly, grabbing water. Michael walked around the bar towards me. "Wow," he said dramatically, taking me in his arms. I giggled at him. "Beautiful. Just beautiful."

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson," I said, smirking at him. "You're lucky Mariah's here," he whispered to me and I laughed getting out of his grasp. I grabbed my wallet on the counter putting it in my purse as Mariah drank her water. Michael sat down on the barstool and continued eating my leftovers.

"Where are you guys going?" he asked with a mouthful. "Alexander Wang's suite at the New York Palace," I said, popping a mint in my mouth. "I'm so excited! I need to get out," Mariah said sitting down on a barstool.

"Oh! That reminds me, baby, if Tommy calls, Mariah is with me and we are safe." Michael bucked his eyes at me, "He doesn't know you two are going out?" he asked, looking between the two of us. Mariah shook her head and I said, "No."

Michael wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Do you think that's a good idea?" he asked, looking over to Mariah. I nodded, "Yep," answering for her, "That's if he calls. Mariah needs to go out one time," I said sympathetically.

Michael sighed, "Fine, but if I call you and say come home, you come home," he said demandingly and I nodded.

We heard a knock at the door, knowing it was Wes. "That's Wes. Bye baby," I said leaning down, giving him a kiss. I tasted my pasta on his lips. It tasted delicious. Even better than when I had it at the restaurant. "Can I have some?" I asked, opening my mouth. He twirled some around the fork and fed me. "Thank you. Love you," I said, giving him a quick peck.

"Bye Michael. Thanks," she said, patting his shoulder. He nodded at her, "Be safe please, both of you. Your curfew is at 12!" he yelled out. "Yeah yeah," I said, closing the door.

It was past midnight when I was tape recording a beat I had in my head that could potentially be put on my new album when I heard the door unlocked. Ashley and Mariah walked in laughing. I really hope they weren't too drunk, because I needed to focus.

Ashley closed the door, locking it and when she saw me she said, "Oh!" She walked her and Mariah to the guest room, leaving me to continue recording. I finished about 20 minutes later and I got up to go find them.

I knocked on the guest bedroom. "Come in," Ashley said and I saw Mariah sitting against the headboard while Ashley laid at the foot of the bed. "Hey," Ashley said, patting the spot by her feet. I lifted her legs and sat down, placing her legs in my lap. "How was the party?" I asked.

"It was good. It felt great to get out. I really needed it," Mariah said smiling at Ashley, "Thanks for tonight bestie," she teased poking Ashley in her stomach. Ashley laughed, swatting her foot away, "Of course."

"Did Tommy call?" Mariah asked and I shook my head, "No, nothing." Mariah breathed a sigh of relief and I looked at Ashley. "Who was all there?" I asked.

Ashley sat up, taking her legs off my lap, "Um mostly just models who are walking next week and a couple celebrities." I nodded. "And Nas," Mariah snorted. Ashley gave Mariah a look.

"What happened?" I asked sternly. Mariah covered her mouth and Ashley cringed. "Well, you know Nas the rapper right?" she asked and I nodded, "He was there and he bought me and Mariah's drinks tonight and thenheaskedformynumber," Ashley finished fast. "Woah, slow down. Repeat that again," I said, leaning my ear closer to her.

"He asked for my number," she said, avoiding my eyes. "Do not tell me you gave him your number," I said, shooting daggers through her. "No," she mumbled and I sighed. "Mariah gave him hers though," she said, teasing Mariah and Mariah giggled.

"Hey, what she does is her business. I just know you better not have," I said looking at Ashley and she shook her head. They told me about the rest of their night before Ashley and I left Mariah's room and walked to our bedroom holding hands.

I brushed my teeth and got ready for bed as Ashley took a quick shower. I got in bed waiting for her and I smiled as she shut off the bathroom light, coming to bed. She got under the covers snuggling into me.

"Baby," I said softly. "Hmm," she replied with her eyes closed. "I'm ready to tell everyone about us." She opened her eyes and looked up at me, "Yeah?" she asked and I nodded, "yeah. I'm ready for everyone to know about us. I'm ready to show you off," I said, wiggling my eyebrows causing her to giggle.

She sat up and looked at me, "Okay. How do we announce it?" she asked with a smile. I laid her back down on my chest, "You'll see," I answered smirking.

I woke up to an empty bed. I frowned as I looked around the room. I heard voices outside the bedroom door, so I got out of the bed going to wash up.