Elisa's week went by so slow. She was so excited to be visiting Neverland that each day was like torture. Her work days were filled with staff meetings and small talk but she could not focus on her work, all she could think about was Michael.
Gary loved her article and she was quickly becoming the new office favorite. Anna was riding on her newly found success and walked around as if she was her best friend. She truly felt like she was back in high school, the popular kids always latched onto the other popular kids. Anna was convinced that she and Elisa were the best of friends Elisa however grew more annoyed form her every day.
She used to be excited to go to work every day, she used to walk into work praying and hoping that there would be a juicy story waiting for her. Now she was counting the minutes till she could go home, Michael would call her every night after he put his kids to bed, she loved talking to him and hearing his voice. It was now her favorite thing to do. She would get ready for bed early and just pass the time until he called. They would talk for hours and they would both fall asleep listening to each other's voices.
She could not wait till Friday, she wanted to see Neverland so bad. She was so looking forward to meeting his children as well, Michael spoke so highly of them. She could tell even over the phone that he was an amazing father.
Michael's week was filled with recording sessions and meetings. "Living with Michael Jackson" a documentary that he was doing with Martin Bashir was going to be airing at the end of the week, and him and his handlers had to get everything ready. He was so excited that it was airing. He prayed that the world would watch and see that he was just a normal guy and good father.
He and Martin had been working together for the past year, and he was certain that this would show him in a good light. Martin had been with him everywhere, to dance sessions, award shows and he was even there in Germany when the "incident" occurred. Martin had once done a wonderful documentary on Princess Diana who Michael adored, which convinced him to let Martin do the documentary. If Princess Diana trusted Martin, than he trusted him completely.
Although his week was filled with things to do, Elisa still filed most of his thoughts. During meetings he would be extremely focused than suddenly her face would captivate him. His mind would wonder off to what they would do and what he wanted to show her when she arrived at Neverland. Talking to her was by far the best part of his day. It became a routine for him, after he put his kids to bed he would go into his office and talk to her for hours. Her voice was a constant delight, he wished he could be sitting next her having these conversations but he knew he could not leave without being seen.
They talked about anything and everything. From books to music to politics, he never got bored or tired of her. She was so wise for someone so young and he was so impressed by how she transitioned from one subject to another. They could be talking about jazz and pop music one minute than have a religious debate the second. She was truly an educated and remarkable woman.
It was Thursday afternoon and Michael was sitting at the dinner table with his kids. Grace was feeding Blanket and Paris and Prince were eating and chatting loudly to one another. Michael sat at the head of the table and watched them. He was expecting Elisa the following evening so it was time to finally tell his kids that they would be having a guest this weekend.
"Paris, Prince I have something to tell you." He said, getting their attention.
Prince put down his fork and sat on his feet to get a better view of his father, while Paris resting her head in her elbows on the table waited for Michael to speak.
"Tomorrow I have a friend coming to stay with us, she will be staying all weekend. Her name is Elisa." He said slowly making sure they understood.
Both children remained silent. Grace tried to hide her smile as she feed Blanket his carrots and peas.
"Why is she coming daddy? Paris said. "Are you working with her?"
Michael had never really had a lot of woman visiting Neverland before so of course her first thought would be business.
"No, she is just a really good friend and I want her to meet you guys. Would you guys like to meet her?" Michael said this time looking over at Prince. He smiled and put a big piece of chicken in his mouth.
"I think you like her daddy, is she pretty?" He said with his mouth full. Paris's big beautiful blue eyes looked over at her father.
"Daddy, you never liked a girl before. Is she going to stay here forever?" She said excitingly.
Michael's laughter filled the room, did he really think he could have a talk with his kids without them jumping to conclusions. They were children after all, they did not understand courtship or relationships. Paris's idea of courtship was Cinderella leaving behind her glass slipper, and Prince still thought that if you liked someone you should hand them a thimble.
"I do like her very much Prince. And no honey she will not stay here forever, only for the weekend." Michael said to Paris.
His kids began to giggle and stare at each other. They gave giggled and kept their eyes on each other while they finished their meal. Michael knew that was code for we will talk about this later when dad is not around.
Friday morning Elisa got into work extremely early, she wanted to finish her work fast so she could go home and get ready for her weekend at Neverland. She quickly wrote an article about the new theater downtown and gave it to the copy editors. Usually she would take her time with her articles but she knew this was just another fluff piece that Gary did not really care about. At about 2 o'clock she went into Gary's office.
"Hey, how is my favorite employee?" He said happily. Elisa smiled; he said that to everyone who worked for him so Elisa did not think much of it.
"I'm good, hey Gary I was wondering if I could take off a little early today. I am going out of town this weekend and I just wanted to get everything in order before I leave."
Gary's phone began to ring. "Yeah, yeah that's fine just give your article to the copy editors before you go." He said quickly before answering the phone and signaling her to close the door to his office.
Elisa smile could not have been brighter which made Anna suspicious.
"What are you so happy about?" she said leaning over Elisa's cubicle.
"I am just excited for this weekend, I am going to see a friend." She said packing up her files and laptop.
"I am going to have a great weekend to, I was invited to a club opening downtown. It's going to be star studded and fabulous." Elisa just smiled at her, there was no sign of excitement or jealousy which annoyed Anna. .
A club opening may be fabulous but she going to spend the weekend with Michael Jackson. In Elisa mind she had the better end.
"Have fun, see you Monday." Anna watched her leave. That girl did not have the right attitude to make it in Hollywood, Anna thought sitting back at her desk.
When Elisa got home, she took a quick shower and straightened her hair. She than stood in front of her closet trying to decided what to pack.
"I have nothing to wear!" she said, looking at every piece of clothing she had. She decided to just pack whatever would be weather appropriate. Elisa packed a white summer dress, trouser jeans and a lot of cute t-shirts. She placed her new bathing suit in her suitcase with the clothes and zipped it before she changed her mind.
Her mind was already racing, the last thing she wanted to do was freak out over clothes. She then went into the bathroom to pack up her toiletries. Elisa usually avoided looking at herself in the mirror but this time she made an exception, she had to look perfect for Michael. When she was younger her family and classmates would tease her about her looks. She always had long black hair, and the other kids would always hide leaves and launch sip balls at her so that they would get lost in it. Also, her huge eyes had not always been flattering, her school mates used to call her "the alien" because her eyes were so big and green.
Staring at her reflection in the mirror Elisa was not satisfied, she knew she was not unattractive but she certainly was not anything special.
A clock chimed in the distance it was 6 o'clock. Michael had arranged for his driver to pick her up at 6:30. Elisa felt the bathroom and got dressed. She wore black jeans with a white flowy top. She had been wearing a lot more white ever sensed he said that the color suited her. At 6:30 she made her way to the lobby of her apartment and was surprised to see one of Michaels bodyguards already in the lobby waiting for her.
"Ms. Catani, How are you today?" he said smiling and taking her bags. Elisa remembered him from the night of the awards.
"I am fine thank you." She said following him to a black SUV. He opened the door for her and placed her bags in the trunk before getting into the front seat.
"It's about a 45 minute drive, so make yourself comfortable." Said the driver smiling at her through the rear view mirror.
The ride to Neverland might have only been 45 minutes but to her it would feel like a lifetime.
Michael had changed his clothes 4 times that afternoon, he wanted to look casual but he also wanted to impress Elisa. He finally decided on one of his most comfortable outfit's sense he would be showing her around Neverland. He wore black pants a white undershirt and black jacket. He went into his closet and got his aviator glasses and favorite black fedora.
When he finally came downstairs Paris was laying on her back in the library with a mess of papers surrounding her. She was coloring up a storm
"Honey, these are beautiful." Michael said bending over to view his daughter's art work. Paris smiled wide and sat up.
"Daddy I made this one for Elisa." She said happily holding up a huge piece of paper to his face. The picture was of a king and a queen sitting on a boat. Michael knew that he was the king because Paris always drew him wearing a black hat and glasses, the queen however had no head.
"It's beautiful Paris, but why doesn't the queen have a head?" He asked. Paris smiled and took the picture back from him.
"The queen is Elisa, and since I don't know what she looks like I gave her no head." Michael giggled and picked up a green and black crayon.
"She has big green eyes and black hair." Michael said handing her the crayons. Paris smiled and when back to her art work.
Michael than made his way to the kitchen to check on how dinner was going. It smelled delicious, he told his chief to make Italian for Elisa so the room was filled with the smell of spices and garlic.
Prince was at the counter with a chief's hat on stirring the sauce.
"Look daddy, I'm a chief!" Prince said happily. Michael laughed and made his way outside. He met Grace on the walkway holding a sleeping Blanket in her arms.
"Poor little angle wore himself out." She said whispering. Michael smiled and kissed his forehead.
"When are you expecting your guest, Mr. Michael" She said. Michael looked at his watch.
"Anytime now, it should only be a few more minutes." Michael's butterflies were back, in only a few minutes he would be seeing Elisa again.
"I will go and make sure the kids are cleaned up. They should look their best for your lady friend." She said winking at him before going inside.
Michael made his way to the front of the house and saw a black SUV coming up the long winding road. He cleared his throat and stood patiently waiting for the car to stop.
The car stopped a few feet in front of him and he opened the back door and held Elisa's hand helping her out of the car.
"Welcome to Neverland, Elisa." He said kissing her hand. Elisa blushed, than looked around in amazement.
"Oh, Michael it's so beautiful! I have never seen anything like this." She said in awe. Michael took her hand and led her to the front door.
"I hope the trip was not too long." He said opening the front door for her.
"Not at all it was wonderful, the scenery it beautiful." She said smiling looking around at the beauty of his home.
"Well this is my humble abode." Michael said. Humble was the understatement of the century, his house was beautiful. The craftsmanship and architecture took her breath away. The house was designed like a cottage yet it was so grand that it made her feel underdressed.
Still captivated by the beauty around her, Elisa did not notice Paris and Prince coming into the room.
"Elisa these are my two eldest children, Paris and Prince." Michael said beaming, he was obviously proud of his children. Paris was gorgeous! She had beautiful caramel colored hair and big beautiful blue eyes. Prince was the most precious child Elisa had ever seen. He was so handsome and his caramel skin and dirty blonde hair were beautiful. He was certainly going to be a heart breaker.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both, I'm Elisa." She said walking closer to them and shaking their hands.
"You are very pretty, you look like a princess." Paris said making Elisa blush. Prince started laughing.
"Yeah, no wonder my daddy likes you." He said. Elisa turned to see Michaels face turn tomato red.
"I like your daddy very much to." Elisa said to the kids. Both Paris and Prince smiled and started at each other as if thinking the same thing.
"Prince, Paris go play for a while, I want to show Elisa around Neverland." Michael said to his kids. They said nothing but turned around and ran out of the room.
Michael led Elisa out through the backdoors and Elisa was speechless. His estate was beautiful; the first thing she saw was a huge Ferris wheel. Neverland was truly a mini amusement park. There were buildings that lined many carnival rides and popcorn and ice cream carts everywhere. There flowers, lights and beautiful bronze statues of children playing.
"Michael this truly is magnificent!" He was so happy she liked it. It sometimes took people time to warm up to Neverland but the honesty and wonderment in her eyes were proof enough she truly loved it.
They walked together around the entire estate. He showed her the movie theater, the lake, the zoo and the row of small cottages he used as guest houses. With every place he took her, Elisa lit up a little bit more. He was truly beyond words excited that she loved his home.
When they finally walked back toward the main house Paris was waiting for them on a bench.
"Daddy, Elisa!" she said running to him. "I made another picture for you, the queen was not pretty enough in the other picture." Paris said holding an even bigger paper, this time the queen had a head and a huge crown.
"Paris, I love this. Thank you." Michael said. Elisa was touched by the little girl's gesture.
"It's beautiful Paris, you have a lot of talent." Elisa said. Paris beamed.
"I was just about to show Elisa the library, how about we hang this in there." Michael said bending down so that he could be eye level with his daughter.
"Daddy this is not yours, its Elisa's I made it for her." Paris said in a matter of fact kind of voice.
Elisa laughed and took the drawing from Michael. "Thank you Paris, I will hang it up as soon as I get home." Paris smiled and hugged her waist. Elisa was a little shocked at first than wrapped her hands around the child. Michael stared at the two ladies. It was one of the most beautiful sites he had ever seen.
Elisa and Paris's touching moment was interrupted by one of Michaels employees.
"Mr. Jackson this was just sent over to you, It's the documentary." He said. Michael smiled happily and told him to set it up in the theater.
"Would you like to be the first to see it with me?" He asked Elisa. She nodded and they both walked hand in hand to his private theater.
After Michael, Elisa, Grace and the kids were all settled into their seats the lights dimmed and the documentary started.
Michael was all smiles for the first 20 minutes but then something changed. His expressions were of worry and confusion. Elisa felt the same way, Martin Bashir kept using unflattering camera angles and the entire documentary so far consisted of voiceovers of Martins opinions. Elisa was growing angrier by the second, she had a feeling this would happen. By the look in Michael's eye he was feeling the same. The scene now showed Michael sitting next to a young boy holding his hand. Elisa held her breath she knew exactly what Martin Bashir was trying to insinuate. So did Michael.
"Turn it off now!" Michael said loudly standing up. The screen went black and the lights were turned on automatically.
Paris and Prince looked confused. "What's wrong daddy? Don't you want to finish it?" Prince said. Michael turned to his son, what was he going to say to them.
"Daddy just noticed that it's not finished yet, I only want you to see it when it's perfect. Prince take your sister inside and wash up for dinner." He said smiling. Prince nodded and took Paris's hand. The theater was silent the only sound was the theater door closing after Prince and Paris.
The documentary was the most obvious case of yellow journalism that Elisa had ever seen. Martin had betrayed Michaels trust and she was furious. Michael sat back down and put his head in his hands, he was breathing heavily, and it broke Elisa's heart.
"It's called yellow journalism Michael, Martin manipulated the situation. He wanted people to see you in a bad light." She said quietly rubbing his back.
"How can people be so cruel and manipulative?" He said finally sitting back in his chair. She could see in his eyes he was on the verge of tears.
"What have I done to deserve this? What is it about me that people hate so much?" He said softly.
Elisa grabbed his face and made him look at her.
"Michael there is nothing wrong with you. It's them that have the problem. They are greedy and soulless. They ride on the backs of the rich and powerful to advance their careers. Martin Bashir did not even deserve to be in your presents. He thinks he is a journalist but he is no better than the filthy tabloid." She said looking deep into his eyes. Michael knew she was right but he still felt disappointed in himself for trusted Martin. He had never been this close to Elisa before, her gaze was electric.
His whole body tingled as he leaned in and kissed her softy. To his surprise she did not stiffen or pull back she welcomed his kiss and placed her hands around his neck.
A few moments ago he felt like his world was crumbling around him, now with Elisa soft lips on his he felt like nothing could hurt him.
She was his salvation.
Dinner that night was quite. Paris and Prince decided to watch cartoons so they were setting in the living room eating their food. Michael tried to be charming and talkative but he was upset and Elisa could see anger and sadness in his eyes every time he looked down at his plate.
"Michael, for what it's worth it was pretty obvious what Martin Bashir was doing. Any publication or educated mind for that matter, will know that he was trying to make you look bad." Elisa said trying to make him feel better.
Michael however just poked at his meal in silence. Elisa returned to her dinner, he was so focused that she assumed that he did not even hear her.
"I am not worried about how the press will perceive this, I know that they will see Martin for who he really is. It's the tabloids I am worried about. The tabloids are like the social grape vine, they have no morals or ethics. They write what sells and I am sure they are going to have a field day with documentary." He said still focusing on his plate of uneaten food.
Elisa could not even begin to imagine how he must be feeling. She was sure that by Monday morning there was going to be a frenzy of stories and accusations about Michael. They whole world would be writing their own stories and it made her nauseas to even think about it.
"Michael you are an amazing person. Your fans, friends and family all know that you are wonderful. It's just the ignorant people of the world that might be swayed by the outcome of this. We just have to pray and keep faith that it will all be ok." She said taking his hand and rubbing it gently.
He was silent for a few moments with their hands together until Michael slammed his other hand on the table causing her to jump.
"I just can't believe that I trusted him, there were so many signs. Looking back on the past year I should have known. I have written songs about people like Martin, I have met hundreds of people that I knew had hidden agendas. I should have stopped this from happening." He said angrily.
Elisa had never seen him angry before, he was always so calm now he looked heated. He kept his free hand in a fist and was rigid.
"You can't blame yourself, he did not just fool you Michael he fooled your managers, handlers and even your staff. You were not being naïve or oblivious he was just too good at hiding his true nature." Michael still looked at his plate. Elisa needed for him to look at her; she needed him to understand that it was not his fault.
"Michael, look at me." She said. He remained still. "Michael, look at me!" she said more forcefully. He finally turned his head.
"I will not stay her if you are going to sulk all weekend. Now I came here to be with the wonderful and charming Michael that I know, If you are going to drowning himself in sorrow than I will leave." She said seriously.
Michael snapped back to the reality of the situation. He could do nothing about Martin at this point. Elisa was right he just had to keep faith. He had been waiting to be with Elisa for so long, he was not going to let a money hungry pig ruin his time with her. He would have his lawyers deal with him.
"You are not going anywhere, I have been waiting for this weekend and I will not let anything ruin it." He said making eye contact. Elisa smiled and kissed him softly before returning to her meal.
When dinner was over he took Elisa to Blankets nursery, she had been asking to see him all evening and since Blanket was up for a feeding he took her up before he fall asleep again.
When they entered the room Grace was mixing the baby formula and Elisa could hear a baby whimpering in a large crib. Blanket smiled up at them, as her and Michael stood together hovering over him. He was beautiful. He defiantly was his father's son no doubt about that. His beautiful check bones and big brown eyes reminded her so much of Michael.
"He is beautiful Michael." She said. "Can I hold him?" she asked turning to him.
"Of course." Michael said leaning forward and gently placing him in Elisa's arms. He was so adorable, he did not whimper or cry he stared up at her with those beautiful brown eyes.
"He is so precious" she said handing him to Grace after a few moments so she could feed him. "All of your children are wonderful. You are an excellent father." She said. They walked out of the room and Michael gently closed the door.
"What would you like to do now?" he said. Elisa wanted to see the rest of the main house, so Michael showed her everything. With each room he showed her Elisa grew more impressed. He showed her the library, his office, the living room and the wine cellar.
"There is one more room that I want to show you." He said eagerly taking her hand and practically running down the halls. When he finally stopped running Elisa looked around confused.
"I don't see a door?" she said. Michael just smiled and pressed in a secret panel that was disgusted in the molding. A door suddenly appeared, the room was large and vacant. It consisted of one small table with a radio on it, and the walls were covered with floor to ceiling mirrors.
"This is my private dance studio, only certain people have ever been in here. Only a few people even know that it exists." He said after they entered the room.
"So this is where you come up with your out of this world dance moves." She said smiling at him.
"Michael, I know that you are shy but can you dance for me?" she asked sweetly. Michael was incredibly shy but he wanted to make her happy so he put his bashfulness aside just so he could see her smile.
"I'm a little rusty, I will just show you a step or two." He said walking over to the radio. A little rusty, let's see what a little rusty looks like when Michael Jackson dances. Elisa thought to herself as he turned on his sister Janet's hit "Rhythm Nation".
It was like a bolt of lightning went through Michael as soon as he pressed play. He moved with such grace and precision. He moved his body like no other dancer, he was truly otherworldly when he danced. He only danced for about 30 seconds before his shyness caught up with him and he turned off the music.
"That was just, a sample." He said walking back over to her.
"A little sample, that was amazing. You are like the god of music." Michael did not like hearing that.
"You shouldn't say that, we always have to be humble. I am who I am because he gave me the talent." He said seriously. She loved it when he was passionate. He was so humble; she has never met anything with such latent that was so modest and compassionate. He was truly one in a billion.
They spent the rest of the evening sharing a bottle of wine in a gazebo next to the lake. Elisa thought that Neverland was beautiful but by night Neverland was exquisite. There were twinkle lights all over the estate and the rides all lit up so perfectly, she felt like she was a child again. She loved being there so much.
It was midnight when Michael walked Elisa to one of the guest houses where she would be staying. She felt like she was in a fairy tale, the cottage was surrounded by flowers and trees, and was absolutely adorable.
Michael walked her to the door and unlocked it. He stood to the side and let her walk in first. The cottage consisted of only two rooms, a bed room and a bathroom. It was beautifully decorated with comfortable chairs and a huge wooden canopy bed covered in fluffy pillows. It was not as grand as the main house but it pleased Elisa.
"I debated wither to have you stay in one of the guest rooms, but I thought you would be more comfortable out here." He said standing next to the door while she looked around and explored. There were candles and chocolates on her dresser along with beautiful roses. Elisa opened the closet and saw that her clothes were already hung up with her suit case on the floor.
"Wow, I am not used to such V.I.P treatment." She said walking over to him. "I think you are trying to impress me, Mr. Jackson." She said smirking.
"I am just treating you the way you deserve to be treated." He said smirked back keeping his composer.
"Thank you, I have only been here for a few hours but I already feel so at home. I love being here with you." She said hugging him and resting her head against his chest.
"I'm glad" Michael whispered, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on her head. He inhaled deeply smelling flowers in her hair. God he was amazed at how much she thrilled him.
His body began to tingle and butterflies invaded his stomach. He stroked her soft hair which caused Elisa to look into his eyes.
She smiled knowing exactly what he wanted to do; she stood on her toes and kissed him passionately. He kissed her soft lips and felt completely free, her lips were like symphony. He was filled with a jolt of adrenaline, he felt like he was on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. He was truly and incandescently happy.
Michael had no idea how long they stayed joined together but his mind was racing. His tingle was now more of a yearning and he knew they had to stop before he lost control.
He gently kissed her once more before pulling away. "Elisa, I was not lying to James when I said I was a gentleman. I don't want us to move to fast, I want us to blossom not wilt." He said staring deeply into her eyes. His now swollen lips were turning her on even more but he understood he was an old fashioned man.
"Michael, if I did not want you to kiss me than trust me you would not have." She said "I have never felt so connected to someone in my entire life, I love being with you. I am not going anywhere." She said moving a lock of hair away from his eye.
"You're stuck with me." She smiled.
Michael woke up very early the next morning, it seemed that as soon as he opened his eyes he was smiling. He got out of bed and looked out the window, he had the perfect view of the guest cottages. He prayed that Elisa was awake, he wanted to spend all day with her. He quickly got dressed and made his way downstairs, his smile however quickly turned into agitation when he say his manager and handlers waiting in his living room.
"Michael we need to talk." His manager named Frank said smoking a long cigar.
Michael knew why they were there and sat down waiting for the bad news.
"The Bashir documentary was a disaster, more than 50 Million people watched as that man made you look like a fool. We should have known this guy would play us, we need to think of something do to Mike. The press is having a field day." Frank said.
Michael sat back in his chair and through for a moment. He still had access to all the footage he would get a court order to retrieve all the tapes and edit it himself. He would show the world the truth, using the same footage but this time it would be of what really happened.
Michael told Frank and his handlers what he was thinking and they loved it. Frank immediately got on the phone with Granada productions authorizing them to release the footage, while Michael spoke to his handler about how and where they would release the footage.
Michael was close friends with Geraldo Rivera and knew he could trust him, he would be the perfect person for this. He had never been so determined in his entire life, he had to show the world the truth. Martin Bashir would not get away with making him look like a fool.
After hours of planning and negotiating Frank and Michaels handlers finally left. And Michael sat down at his piano and played vigorously trying to calm himself down. Michael's mind was on one thing and one thing only and that was his fingers hitting the keys. He closed his eyes and played passionate until his mind stopped racing and his heart beat was steady. Music was his drug.
When he finally stopped he leaned over the keys and took a few deep breaths.
"Can I come and join you." Said a soft sweet voice from behind him. Michael turned to find Elisa leaning against the doorway, she was wearing a beautiful sun dress and her hair fail in waves around her face. She took his breath away.
He said nothing just smiled and signaled her to come over to him. Elisa sat next to him and listened to him play a soft melody. He was so handsome when he was in his element, he was an instrument of nature. The beat and harmony would captivate him and his hands would flow effortlessly over the keys.
When he finished the melody, he wrapped his arm around Elisa to bring her closer to him.
"Grace told me you where having a meeting. Was it about the Bashir documentary?" Elisa said after a moment of blissful silence.
"Yes, we are formulating a rather in genius plan." He said smiling. Elisa turned so that she was face to face with him.
"Enlighten me" she said eagerly. Michael told me everything he was planning and Elisa loved his idea. You do not scorn a man like Michael Jackson and get away with it.
"Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Michael asked. Elisa shook her head. "I was waiting for you." She and Michael made their way out to the patio where they found brunch already set up for them. Paris and Prince were already setting down waiting eagerly
"Finally daddy! We are hungry." Paris said filling her plate with muffins and biscuits.
Elisa got into a discussion with Paris about which Disney princess she loved the most while Michael and Prince talked about Star Wars. The meal was filled with laughter and smiles it made Michael so happy.
When the table was being cleared Prince got up and tugged on his father's shirt.
"Come on dad, let's have a water balloon fight." He said enthusiastically. Michael just smiled and shook his head.
"I don't think that is a good idea Prince, we have a guest. I don't think she would like to play that game." He said coolly
"Excuse me? You know what just for saying that. I want to be on Prince's team." Elisa said jokingly.
Paris and Prince got up and ran inside to get the squirt guns and balloons. Michael turned to her and raised his eye brow. "You really want to play?"
Elisa just shrugged "Why not, it sounds like fun. And it is a very hot day."
Michael just sat back in his chair. "Ok if you insist, but I have to warn you I never lose a water fight."
Elisa leaned over and looked him in the eye, Michael thought she was going to kiss him but she just smirked and said. "We will just see about that."
Elisa and Prince were the red team and Michael and Paris where the white team. They each got a basket full of balloons and one squirt gun. The teams stood about 10 feet away from each other ready to charge. Michael cocked his squirt gun and winked at Elisa.
"You ready to lose" he yelled to her. Elisa held up her gun and smiled. "Are you?" she yelled back.
"Ok! ONE, TWO THREE GO!" Michael yelled. They all ran around screaming. Elisa shot Paris with a water balloon causing her to scream happily while Prince tried attacking his father. Michael moved so fast, he was like the Michael Jordan of water fights. About 15 minutes into the game they were all soaked except for Michael. He yelled a time out and they all met in the middle of the field.
"You give up." He asked Elisa. "Not even close" she said confidently.
"Ok fine we will go one more round. When Grace comes out with the ice cream the game with be over, Deal?" Elisa nodded and started grabbing water balloons getting him ready.
"Ok GO!" Michael yelled. It was chaos Elisa was getting hit from all sides she was obviously a rookie. She finally hide behind a tree and took a deep breath, Prince came running up to her looking defeated.
"He always wins! It's not fair" Just than Elisa thought of an idea. "They Prince I have an idea." She said.
She whispered her plan in his ear and his smile got bigger and bigger. When she was done he nodded and ran away.
Michael was not going to win this time. When Grace brought out the ice cream on a big silver dish covered with lid. Michael yelled stop and they all made their way to the patio. Elisa and Paris were soaked while Michael was completely dry.
"I told you, I am the champ." He said happily sitting down. Elisa just smiled and tided up her wet hair.
"Where is Prince?" Paris said looking around.
"He told me he was going to the bathroom" Elisa said. Michael than took the lid of the silver tray. It was empty.
"Michael looked confused but Elisa started laughing hysterically.
"What's so funny?" Michael asked curiously.
"Oh, Daddy" Michael turned around to find Prince holding a garden hose. Before Michael had time to think, Prince began spraying him. Elisa, Prince and Paris all laughed hysterically.
Michael admitted defeat he just sat there smiling while Prince soaked him. When Prince was done with his punishment, he turned off the hose and ran inside to tell Grace to bring out the real ice cream.
Michael turned to Elisa. "This was your idea?" he asked
"Yes it was." She said continuing to laugh.
Michael started at her beautiful smile and emerald green eyes and knew at that moment he was in love with Elisa Catani.
Elisa spent a good part of the afternoon with Paris, while Michael went to the recording studio. He promised her a big surprise that evening so she was counting down the minutes till he came home.
She and Paris spent most of their time in the guest house. They painted each other's nails and gave each other facials. They talked about their favorite colors, movies, music and even celebrity crushes. Paris had a big crush on boy who played Peter Pan and Elisa thought that was adorable.
Paris had never spent quality time with a woman that was not family so she was shy at first. However, after the first coat of paint dried on her nails she warmed up to Elisa and acted like a regular kid. Paris sat cross legged in front of Elisa on her bed, Elisa was French braided her long beautiful hair.
"Elisa, can I ask you something?" Pairs said quietly. Elisa took the comb out of her mouth and answered.
"Of course sweetie, you can ask me anything." She said continuing to braid. Paris hunched her shoulders and relaxed.
"Do you love my daddy?" she asked. Elisa went rigid, how was going to answer her. Elisa loved being with Michael and knew she had an incredibly strong connection to him, but love. They had only known each other a month and half of their relationship had been over the phone.
Elisa knew that she did not want to lose him, he was an amazing father and friend. She could not imagine life without seeing him or speaking to him. He made her feel more alive than anyone she had ever known. She could just be herself around him, she did not have to dumb herself down or be less passionate. He liked her for who she was.
But was she in love with Michael Jackson?
"Love is a very strong word Paris. I do like your father very much. He has become extremely important to me. I do believe that very soon we will be in love but I think now it's too soon for such strong feelings. Do you understand what I mean?" She asked slowly wishing that the girl would not get upset.
"I understand." She said quietly. Elisa felt so relieved. "There are always people that say they love my daddy, but then they leave him or do something mean. You are very nice, I don't think you will hurt him." Elisa was touched by Paris's words; she was incredibly wise for someone so young.
Elisa finished braiding Elisa's hair and they began doing each other's make up when there was a soft knock on the door. Elisa opened it to find Prince looking sad.
"I'm bored" he said looking sad. "Can I play with you guys?" He asked. Paris jumped off the bed and stood next to Elisa.
"We are not playing Prince we are doing girl stuff." She said boldly holding up bright pink lipstick. Prince looked like he was going to throw up. It was obvious to Elisa that he did not want to do anything girly.
"How about we go on some rides?" Elisa said hoping to solve the problem. To her relief they both accidently agreed and ran ahead to the rides. Prince was one step ahead of her and got one of the security guards to operate the rides. They rode on everything, from the carousel to the Ferris wheel. Elisa started off doing it just to make Prince and Paris happy but she soon become more excited than them. They rode the rides over and over, Elisa laughed and screamed like she was 6 years old again.
She had no idea how long they were playing until she noticed the sun setting. They must have been on the rides for hours.
She, Paris and Prince sat on a bench next to one of the snow cone machines trying to cool down. The kids seemed to be fine but Elisa had never laughed and ran around so much in her life. She was exhausted.
"Daddy!" screamed Paris bouncing off the bench and running down the path to hug her father. He wrapped his arms around her and spun her a few times before kissing her forehead. Paris and Michael walked hand in hand to the bench.
"How was your afternoon?" He asked Elisa. Before she could answer Paris and Prince began yelling simultaneously, telling their father everything they did. When they finally stopped yelling Elisa answered.
"What they said." She said, Michael laughed and sat down next to her placing Paris on his lap.
"How was your recording session?" Elisa asked taking another bite of her snow cone.
"It was fine." He said taking a bite of Paris's red snow cone.
"You better go get cleaned up, I have something special planed." Michael said winking at her.
"You did not have to arrange anything special Michael, I happy just being with you." She said honestly.
"To be honest I feel guilty that I can't take you out on a real date, so I want to do something special. I want us to have a proper courtship. I am just a regular guy after all."
Michael told her to be ready at nine, he was going to put the kids to bed so they could have a special evening alone. Elisa was so excited, Michael had already showed her all of Neverland. What could he possibly be planning?
Elisa took a shower and dressed casual she did take her time and put on her makeup. At nine on the dot there was a knock at her door.
Elisa opened it to find Michael standing at the door holding a small white box, with a golf cart park on the path in front of the cottage.
"You look amazing tonight." He said walking in. "Thank you" she said wondering what was going on.
He opened the box and pulled out a corsage made from lavender flowers. Elisa felt like she was going to cry, he certainly was an old fashioned type of guy.
"May I?" he asked before talking her arm and placing it around her wrist. Elisa felt like she was going to prom, she was definitely falling for the King of Pop.
When they walked outside he opened the door of the golf cart to help her in.
"I told you I had something special planed we are going to have a proper first date." He said closing the door and getting into the driver's seat.
"So where are you taking me?" she asked curiously, He just smiled and said that it was a surprise.
He drove the golf cart around Neverland showing her the scenery that surrounded it. He then turned around and headed back to the main part of the house. He parked outside of his private movie theater and escorted her inside. When they went inside things were different. Elisa saw one of Michael's gardeners and security guards standing at the once empty ticket booth and candy counter.
"Hello welcome to Neverland Valley Movie Theater, how many tickets would you like?" The gardener said happily when they walked up to the counter.
"Two please" said Michael putting his hand in his pocket. Elisa knew he was trying to make to look realistic but was he really going to pay them?
Elisa busted out laughing when Michael pulled out Monopoly money and paid for the tickets. Michael tried to keep himself from laughing also but it was hard. He had a smile on his face the whole time.
She was still giggling when they reached the candy counter. One of Michael's huge bodyguards stood wearing a ridiculous white and pink stripped hat. Michael was certainly going all out.
"What can I get for you this evening?" He said trying to sound happy and not embarrassed.
"hmmmm…what would you like Elisa?" Michael asked trying to act indecisive. Elisa smiled and ordered a chocolate bar and popcorn. Michael ordered the same and paid with the same Monopoly money he used to pay for the tickets.
When they entered the theater they sat down and the commercials started. Elisa felt so special that Michael would go through all the trouble of setting this up. The lights dimmed even lower and the movie E.T started. She was actually really looking forward to seeing it, she loved that movie.
When the movie was over they walked back over to the golf cart and they made their way to the patio. There was a candle lit table set for two.
Michael pulled out her chair for her and placed her napkin on her lap. Michael's chief than came out dressed like a waiter.
"Good Evening, welcome to Neverland Bistro. Can I start you off with a bottle of wine?" she said. Michael answered her and she gave them paper menus before leaving. Elisa just smiled and looked over her menu.
"Wow, there is such a plethora of options. However will I choose." She said sarcastically. The menu only had one thing to choose from. Michael looked over the menu pretending to make a decision, Elisa stared at him with amassment.
"You are truly something else, Michael." She said admiring him for being so sweet.
"Here you go Mr. Jackson." The "waitress" said handing him the bottle of wine. Michael poured to glasses and placed the opened bottle in an ice bucket next to the table.
"Have you decided yet?" she said. Elisa looked back at her menu.
"It was a hard decision but I think I will have the lasagna. What about you Michael?" she said trying not to laugh.
"I agree, the lasagna sounds wonderful." He said. The "waitress" nodded and took their menus, before walking back inside.
"I have to say that this the best date I have ever been on." Elisa said lifting up her glass. "What should we toast to?"
Michael lifted his glass also. "Let's toast to our health and happiness, and to the children of the world." He said sincerely. Somehow she knew he would say something like that, she knew he was so sensitive to the pain of the sick and underprivileged. They clinked there glasses together and each took a sip.
Dinner was fantastic; Michael chief sure had a true talent for cooking. It seemed that everything she did and everything she ate at Neverland was more delicious and substantial. Neverland was truly magical.
When the table was cleared Michael "paid" for dinner and they walked hand in hand over to the golf cart.
"So what do you have planned next?" Elisa asked as he helped her into the passenger seat.
"I have one more surprise." He said driving away from the main house. Before they reached her final surprise Michael stopped the golf cart and pulled a blind fold out of his jacket pocket.
"Are you serious?" Elisa asked looking amazed. "Come on humor me, it's only a bit further." He said. Elisa sighed and turned so he could tie the blind fold. He helped her set forward again and placed her hands on the dash board so that she did not wobble.
After about two minutes Michael stopped the golf cart and helped her out. He walked behind her holding her shoulders. All Elisa could hear was Michaels breathing and the crickets. She could feel that they were walking on grass and not on any path, where was he taking her? She thought nervously.
Finally they stopped walking.
"Are you ready?" he said sounding excited. Elisa nodded and Michael untied that blind hold.
Elisa could not believe what she was seeing, she just stood there speechless with wide eyes. They were at the same lake that they shared a bottle of wine at the night before but this time it was different.
There were beautiful candle lit lanterns that were floating all over the lake and a gondola waiting for them on the shore. Next to the lake stood a violinist and a man in a white and black stripped shirt, who Elisa assumed would be driving the gondola.
Elisa had no words, she had never seen anything so beautiful. She could no longer hold back her tears of joy.
"I knew you would like this" Michael whispered into her ear, holding her even closer.
"Michael, I feel like I am in a dream, I love this!" she said sobbing. Michael knew they were happy tears, but he still did not like to hear her cry. He turned her so that they were standing face to face and wiped her tears away. He held her face with his strong hands and stared into her amazed eyes.
"You are so beautiful" he whispered. He leaned in close and kissed her softly on the cheek, he than kissed each swollen eye making his way to her other cheek. He kissed every inch of her wet face teasing her with his soft kisses. Finally he kissed her lips and she placed her hands around his neck. She might be speechless but she could use her lips to show how much she appreciated everything he did for her. There kiss became more passionate and this time it was Elisa who pulled away, she blushed and looked down.
Michael knew it was because the violinist and the gondola driver were standing only a few feet away. He took her hand up to his lips and kissed it as he led her to the gondola. He helped her and she sat leaning against his chest.
Elisa had never been so happy or relaxed in her entire life. The violinist began to play and she closed her eyes taking in the beautiful moment.
Maybe she was not falling in love with Michael Jackson maybe she was already in love.
Michael relaxed and held Elisa close, he never wanted to let her go. He wished the night would last forever. After his children Elisa was quickly becoming the most important person in his life. She did not treat him like a pop star she did not walk on egg shells around him, she saw him as a person not a personality. He quickly began to realize that he had never experience true love until now. His emotions were so real and genuine, he knew that this was what countless poets and philosophers spoke and wrote about.
He was truly in love with Elisa, and he was never going to lose her or let anyone hurt her.
As they gently rowed across the river he looked up at the star spangled sky and thank god for bringing Elisa into his life. He had been alone for so long, but he was not going to be alone anymore.
The world may think he was a freak pop star, but here now with Elisa he was just a man in love.
Holding her and loving her was all that he cared about.
