Disclaimer: I don't own anything of, or relating to, Michael Jackson or his music, or the song "Rainy Day Man," etc., etc., and so on and so forth, no one reads this part.

Reunited

Michael laughed as he led the children home, watching them imitate his dance from the show that night. It was good to have everything back to normal again, the way it was before he and Katie discovered Lideo's drug operation and everything went to Hell. He knew in his heart that things were going to be okay now.

"Michael, look! A shooting star!"

Michael looked up where Katie was pointing and smiled. "I'll save that for later," he said. "We don't need it now." Katie smiled up at him, squeezing his hand. "C'mon, let's get you guys home." Zeke and Sean started singing "Come Together" as they danced up the street. Michael watched them carefully, glancing around occasionally to make sure no cars were coming. That late at night, he didn't really expect any, but when it came to the kids he was always careful. Then he noticed something moving down an alley a few blocks ahead and stopped out of habit.

"What's wrong, Michael?" asked Katie.

"Nothing yet," answered Michael slowly, eyes still fixed on the shadowy figure approaching. "But I don't wanna take any chances." Sean and Zeke noticed Michael had stopped and jogged back to him. Before they could ask what was up, Michael pointed at the person coming towards them. The boys moved closer to Michael, knowing he'd protect them. But the figure didn't seem interested in them at all, or threatening in any way. In fact, she was singing to herself as she walked with a strange, uneven gait, as though her legs were wooden. Her hands were out at her sides, ready to grab onto something in case she lost her precarious balance, which seemed very likely. Her voice carried on the breeze towards the group:

"Ever since I can remember
Just like a brother, you've been strong and true
Always been the one to see me through…
Rainy day man, you're much more than a friend
I would give anything just to see you again!
Rainy day man…"

Michael frowned thoughtfully, then sniffed the air as a sweet scent came to him.

"Roses…" he murmured. "Lilacs and roses. I remember…" His voice drifted off as a distant, sad look came to his eyes.

The girl stopped a few feet from the quartet, still cloaked in shadow. Her song died away on her lips as she looked at them with a sort of nostalgia. She smiled faintly at the three children before looking up to Michael…and gasped in surprise.

"You," she breathed. "I know you. You haven't changed at all, have you? You're still…you."

"You know me?" asked Michael guardedly. The girl smiled again, her eyes, barely visible, glistening with tears.

"Let me tell you a story: a little girl in a little house just outside the city limits, nine years ago. She was wearing a pink shirt tucked into purple leggings, saddle shoes. She kicked off the shoes and ran barefoot through the grass. The sunlight was so warm that day; the grass was like silk. Her best friend ran alongside her, laughing with her at absolutely nothing at all except the joy of a summer day. They ran up to a swing set with a climber and slide. They played all afternoon, just like they did every day. They danced together, their favorite pastime, in the warm light of the summer sun until they collapsed on the grass, laughing still. Then her friend had to leave for a while. But when he came back, she was gone. Something terrible had happened. They never saw each other again."

Michael stared at the girl open-mouthed. "Who…who are you?"

"Oh Mick," the girl sighed. "If you don't remember me, I'll cry."

"What did you call me?" Michael whispered, his eyes growing wide. "Only one person ever called me 'Mick.' How did you know that?"

A crystalline tear trickled down the girl's cheek as she whispered, "Annie, are you okay? Are you okay?"

Michael gave a start as realization hit him. "An…Annie?! Is it really you?!"

The girl stepped unsteadily into the light, finally revealing her face. It was tired and careworn, but still young, in her teens. Dark bruises lined her grey eyes, which seemed sunken in. Her skin was sallow, her hands shaky, her legs sheathed in thick plastic bracers so she could walk. Limp, mousy hair hung in a haphazard ponytail down her back. Her voice cracked as she said, "I've looked for you for nine years. I looked everywhere! I was afraid I'd never see you again after that night, when you found me lifeless in the outway. I was terrified something had happened to you. But seeing you again now…all the pain is gone." She smiled, and her face brightened somewhat. A light came to her eyes. "I missed you so much Michael."

"Annie!" Michael yelled jubilantly, rushing forward to catch her up in his arms and spin her around like she was a little girl. Annie laughed, throwing her arms around Michael's neck. "Annie, I can't believe it's you!" Michael cried, setting her back down. "I thought you were dead, what happened? I looked all over for you. Oh!" Suddenly remembering Katie, Sean, and Zeke, he wrapped one arm around Annie's shoulders and turned her to face them. "Annie, these are my friends: Zeke, Sean, and Katie. Guys, this is Annie – Arianna. I knew her a long time ago."

"It's nice to meet you all," said Annie amiably. Zeke and Sean returned the greeting while Katie just smiled shyly. Annie favored her with a knowing smile.

"So, how do you know Michael?" asked Zeke.

"Ah." Annie's smile faded. "That's kind of a long story. But I think you deserve to hear it. Especially you, Michael, after all we went through."

Michael nodded, then a look of shock and dismay creased his features. "Oh God…" He stared at the bracers on her legs, just noticing them for the first time. "Oh Annie, what happened to you?"

"That's part of the story," sighed Annie, sitting on the stone steps of the apartment building they stood in front of. "Excuse me, my legs aren't what they used to be." The young trio gathered around her, sitting with her on the steps. Michael stood in front of them all, still staring at his old friend. Annie drew in a deep breath, then began her sad tale.