It was a very tense morning for Michael, today was the last day he had to appear in court. Tom Mesereau would be giving his closing statements and the jury would be dismissed to begin deliberations.

Michael hardly spoke a word that morning, he kept to himself and had eating nothing. Elisa knew that it was just his nerves but she hated seeing him so distance and silent. Michael's family arrived a few hours before they were due in court to show their support. All the Jacksons were wearing white and were in good spirits, they knew that Michael would be exonerated.

Elisa now felt like one of the Jacksons, none of Michael's siblings acted shy or secretive around her. The woman treated her like a sister and the man saw her as a friend. Elisa did notice a few side glances coming from the Jackson man but she knew it had nothing to do with their opinion towards her, they were man after all.

Even Joseph seemed to be at ease around her now, Elisa still felt animosity from him but it was not as strong as it was before. He was getting used to her and he knew that she was extremely important to his son. If he wanted to continue being a part of Michaels life than he had to show Elisa respect.

Janet, LaToya, Rebbie and Katherine were all in the kitchen having coffee while the man sat in the dining room. The house was full of chatter but Elisa did not hear Michaels voice, Elisa did not even see Michael. He was nowhere to be found. His family seemed to not notice they were all catching up and trying to calm their nerves, Elisa however had to find Michael. She had to hold him and tell him everything would be fine.

Elisa searched the entire house but Michael was nowhere to be found. She had looked in the bedrooms, the library, his office and his dance studio. All the rooms were quiet and empty.

Elisa finally made her way outside and she searched the grounds, she pasted by the pool to find Grace swimming with the children but no Michael. She walked over to the animal habitats but all she found were animals. She was heading back towards the main house when she finally realized were Michael was.

His "Giving tree", why hadn't she thought to look there first. She made her way to the large oak tree and sure enough there he was, perched high above Neverland deep in thought.

Elisa took off her kitten heals and made her way up the grand tree, Michael did not hear her until she was on the last step. He turned to look at her but did not smile or speak, he had been crying and his wet face and swollen red eyes made Elisa's heart break.

"Oh, Michael" Elisa said sitting next to him holding his hand.

"They have killed it, I can never look at it the same way again." Michael said sadly continuing to cry.

"Killed what?" Elisa said hooking her arm with his and bringing herself closer to him.

"Neverland, I don't see a home anymore. All I see is lies, ugly malicious lies. I don't feel comfortable or safe here anymore." Michael was so emotional, he had told Elisa before that he feared his view of Neverland would change but now it seemed like it was happening.

Michael had built Neverland to be his safe haven; he made it with the image of love and magic in mind. Neverland was full of wonderful memories but Michael was the type of man that always forgave but he never forgot.

Everywhere he looked he saw lies and broken dreams and Elisa knew it would haunt him.

"What are you going to do?" Elisa said not knowing what to say to comfort him.

"I can't be here anymore; I can't submerge myself in lies any longer. I have to leave this all behind. I need a fresh start." He said finally calming down and breathing deeply.

"Whatever you decided I am with you 100 percent." Elisa said keeping her voice steady. She knew Michael needed support now, she could not start crying or else Michael would never calm down.

"Thank you, I needed to hear that, I am so glad you understand. I just hope my children will." Michael said leaning his head onto hers.

"Michael I and your kids love Neverland but you have a very real and unwavering connection with this place. You build it in your image and if you do not find yourself comfortable anymore than you need to walk away from it. A home is supposed to be a place where you can shut yourself out from the outside world, it is meant to be a refuge not a prison. I will feel at home as long as I am with you, and I am sure your kids will feel the same way." Elisa said, she always knew what to say to make him feel better.

"I hope so." Michael said holding Elisa close, staring out over the beautiful wasteland that was his Neverland.

"Hey! You two love birds get down here; we have to leave pretty soon." Jermaine said standing at the bottom of the tree.

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Elisa and Michael wore all white to match with the rest of the family. They all packed into two cars and made their way to the court house. When the Jacksons arrived the press and fans went crazy. With each Jackson that left the car the screams and photos became more furious. When Katherine and Elisa got out of the car, they were welcomed with many I love you's from Michaels fans which surprised and humbled Elisa.

Michael was the last to get out and the fans rejoiced, they scream furiously and edged closer to the security barricade, screaming there love and support to him. The press was in a frenzy shouting questions and persistently snapped their cameras.

Michael usually was in high spirits when he arrived at the courthouse but today he was not smiling or waving to fans. He was calm and focused all this attention on his breathing, he was extremely tense.

They all were escorted into the court house by Tom Mesereau and Susan Yu, and went through the security check. Michael ignored the cameras and questions and held Elisa's hand as he made his way into the courtroom.

Michael walked her to her seat before opening the small swinging door to take his seat next to Tom Mesereau.

"Michael" Elisa said getting up and walking over to the wooden divider.

Michael who had not sat down yet turned with tense eyes and looked at her. Elisa gestured him to come closer to her. He looked so nervous, she did not want any of the jury members or reporters to see him so tense.

"Yeah" Michael said quietly.

Elisa just smiled and kissed sweetly, Michael stiffened for a moment but then relaxed into her soft kiss.

Elisa pulled away and wiped her lipstick off his lips.

"I love you." She said knowing that all the jury members and reporters were looking.

"I love you more." Michael said relaxing his tense shoulders and sat next to a smiling Tom Mesereau. Tom knew what Elisa was doing and smiled over at her before saying something quietly to Michael.

Everyone took their seats and the final day of the trial began. Tom Mesereau was brilliant, he spoke beautifully of Michaels kind heart and reminded the jury again that they entire case was built around lies and manipulation. He reminded them about Janet's Avizo past with breaking the law and about her suing and claiming sexual assault many times before.

Elisa looked over at the Jury while Tom spoke and could see understanding in their eyes. Most were very focused on Tom's words and nodded their heads with agreement. Elisa than looked over at Michael and he was also looking at Tom, he was staring at him with admiration and respect.

The Jury was not so easily swayed or calm when they heard the district attorney speak. He was too forceful and made the entire room uncomfortable. The judge than reminded the Jury to be clear and decisive during deliberations and excused them from the room.

The courtroom quickly emptied and Michael grabbed Elisa's hand, making their way out together. All the Jacksons ignored the press and camera's as they quickly entered the cars except Joseph. He stopped a few times and answered a few questions before sitting next to Katherine as she glared at him with disappointed eyes.

They all look at him with disappointment but said nothing as the car speed away, leaving screaming fans and press behind.

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The next week was hell for Michael; he spent most of his time alone and was extremely paranoid. Not only was he jumpy every time the phone rang but every time someone walked into a room or a loud noise was heard he would get anxious. Tom called him almost every morning to talk to him and keep him calm; he would tell him that the longer the deliberations were the better it looked for him. Tom knew that the longer the Jury looked over the evidence the more they would come to realize how ridiculous the allegations were.

Michael understood the logic and tried to stay calm but all he kept thinking about was his children and what would happen to them if he was found guilty. A guilty verdict would be like a death sentence for him, he would never survive prison.

What would happen to his children if he was jailed? They would be thrown to the wolves, the press would be all over them making up stories and haunting them. He knew his family would love and take care of them but he did not want anyone raising his kids except him.

What would happen to Elisa? She would be devastated; she would be a large target also. Every reporter and publication would be following her and he knew she could not handle such pressure.

The press was vicious and stalked her with helicopters because they found out she was dating him, Michael could only imagine what they would do if they found out that she was his fiancée.

"Daddy?" Michael turned to find Paris standing next to the door looking nervous.

"Hey Honey." Michael said smiling wearily.

Paris walked a little closer but stayed away, Michael was upset usually she would ran into his arms happily.

"What's wrong sweetie?" Michael said

"Grandpa, said to leave you alone but I wanted to see you. Is that ok?" she said frightened.

Michael rolled his eyes and held out his arms to show Paris that it was ok to come closer.

"Honey, come here. Don't listen to grandpa, there will never be a time when I will not want to see you." He said putting her on his lap and hugging her.

"Why are you so sad daddy?" Paris said resting her head against him.

"I am just under a lot of stress, but it should all be ok soon." Michael said trying not to sound scared.

"Daddy, the next time you leave to make music can I go with you. I miss you." Paris said making Michaels heart break.

Not only was he hurting his daughter but he did not feel inspirited musically. That has never happened to him in his entire life, music was his craft he never stopped making music. It was a part of him.

"I don't think I will be making any music anytime soon." Michael said truthfully before asking the question that had been haunting him.

"Paris, how would you feel if we left Neverland for a while?" Michael said stroking her hair anxiously.

Paris looked up at him as if she could not believe what he was saying.

"Why would we leave Neverland? Daddy what's wrong?" She said close to tears.

"We would not leave forever, just for a little while." Michael said trying to assure her.

"But why?" Paris said wanting to understand.

"Sometimes people just need a change, like when you change the wall color of your room. You can't see the same thing every day sometimes you have travel and see new things." Michael said desperately hoping that his beautiful little princess would understand.

Paris still did not understand but she nodded and rested her head against her father's chest.

"As long as I am with you daddy, I am happy." She said sweetly.

Elisa told Michael that his kids would be happy as long as he was near and he thanked god she was right.

"Will Elisa go with us?" Paris said.

Michael smiled, he loved the fact that Paris was so attached to Elisa.

"Yes, of course she will." Michael said giggling.

Paris looked up at her father again, only this time she was smirking brightly.

"I think you want to marry her." She said giggling.

"And why do you think that?" Michael said staring at his brilliant daughter; Paris took his breath away sometimes. She was so mature and wise for someone so young.

"Because you love her, that's what people do when they love each other they get married." Paris said in an all knowing voice, which reminded him of his mother.

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It was very late and Michael was in his bedroom with his doctor. Elisa and Frank waiting outside the door, while the doctor followed up with Michael. Michaels back and hip pain was no longer the problem, it was his anxiety and insomnia that worried everyone. Michael had not had a good night sleep in weeks and his anxiety was effecting his day to day activities.

Elisa tried her hardest to hear what the doctor was saying through the large wooden door but all she heard was muffled voices.

"What is taking so long?" Elisa said pacing back and forth impatiently.

Frank leaned against the wall across from her smoking his usual cigar.

"I am sure everything is fine, stop worrying. All you're pacing is making me dizzy." Frank said irritated. Elisa rolled her eyes and turned to the door just as the doctor opened it.

"So?" Elisa said pleadingly.

The doctor seemed relaxed and calm which to Elisa was a good sign.

"He is fine, he is in perfect health. His anxiety and insomnia is not surprising to me due to all the stress he is under. I have prescribed him a few medications that should help." He said to Elisa.

"A few? Is that really necessary?" Elisa said worried, Michael was already taking pain medication and muscle relaxers she did not want him taking too many drugs at once.

"Insomnia is a very serious condition, if Michael does not calm down and sleep than it will affect more than just his mood. Anxiety should not be taken lightly either; it can lead to strong panic attacks that can sometimes feel like a heart attacks. Don't worry Elisa the medications are not too strong, if he takes them correctly than he should be fine." He said sternly before turning to Frank.

Elisa did not want to hear their conversation she wanted to see Michael. She closed the bedroom door softy behind her and walked over to the bed. Michael looked drowsy which was a good sign, she has not seen him cozy in bed in weeks.

"Hey" he said softly.

Elisa smiled and sat next to him.

"Hey, so I guess the medication is working." She said watching him trying to keep his eyes open.

"Yeah I guess so" he said with a smirk before closing his eyes and breathing steady.

Elisa stared at him for a few moments and knew that he was asleep; she whispered a prayer in Italian that her grandmother used to whisper to her when she was a little girl before kissing him on the cheek.

"Good Night" she whispered. Elisa looked over at the bedside table and saw 6 orange prescription bottles; she sighed sadly and put them in the drawer. She did not want to see them.

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"Hello?" Elisa said picking up the phone.

"Elisa, the jury has their verdict Michael needs to get here as soon as possible. I will contact the rest of his family and meet you there." Tom said quickly before hanging up.

Elisa broke into a cold sweating, she ran into Michael's office. Michael looked up at her startled as she rushed into the room.

"Michael the verdict is in; we have to get to the courthouse." Elisa said quickly out of breath.

She and Michael quickly got dressed and left, Michael was completely silent in the car and lost in his thoughts. Elisa just held his hand and prayed silently that the verdict would be in their favor.

Elisa did not remember arriving or entering the courtroom, she was so lost in her thoughts. The other Jacksons all arrived in unison and took their seats in silence everyone was tense and anxious.

The courtroom went silent as the Jury entered and sat in their usual positions, all of their faces were neutral. No one knew what to expect. The Judge entered and asked the head Juror to stand and give the verdict, the entire courtroom was dead silent.

"The people of the state of California Plaintiff Vs. Michael Joe Jackson, Defendant. Case number 113360 count one verdict, we the jury in the above entitled case find the defendant not guilty of conspiracy as charged in count one of the indictment. Count two verdict, we the jury in the above entitled case find the defendant not guilty of allured act upon a minor child as charged in count two of the indictment. Count three verdict, we the jury in the above entitled case find the defendant not guilty…." With every not guilty verdict Michael cried tears of Joy.

Katherine squeezed Latoya and Elisa hands and sighed happily.

Michael and Susan Yu were crying and Tom Mesereau was ecstatic. Elisa's heart was pounded, she had never been so happy in her entire life.

The verdict was the only part of the trail that was released to the public so the fans outside were screaming and crying joyfully for their idol. A woman outside was so happy that she released a beautiful white dove every time she heard the words "NOT GUILTY".

As cold and distance as Michael was when they left Neverland he was the opposite on the way back. After smiling and waving to his devoted fans outside he hugged and kissed his family as well as his defiance team before getting into the car with Elisa.

As soon as the car drove away from the courthouse Michael pulled Elisa onto his lap and kissed her like he had never kissed her before. She held him tight and gave as well as she received. Michael's nightmare was finally over and he was showing his happiness by kissing the woman he loved.

Michael's nightmare was over but the press was till hunting him and his family. Michael's anxiety and insomnia was getting worse which by extension made him more and more dependent on his medications.

Elisa tried to make Michael as relaxed as possible but his anxiety was unwavering, Michael tried to fall asleep without the meds but it was extremely difficult. He would lay down next to Elisa and try his hardest to shut his mind off but he could not.

Most nights he would wait till he knew Elisa was asleep than climb out of bed and take the medication his doctor prescribed. He knew that she hated seeing him taking so many meds, but he truly needed them.

Now that the trial was over his main concern now was spending time with children and relocating. He could not stand to be at Neverland anymore and wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Michael's brother Jermaine overheard a conversation between Michael and Frank about leaving Neverland to recuperate from the trial. Jermaine who had converted to Islam in 1988 told Michael to go to the Middle East, Jermaine insisted that the people over there were friendly and would treat him with respect. Michael kept his suggestion in mind while he and Frank searched for suitable chooses for him, Elisa and his kids.

Michael's children were enjoying their fathers company but just as Michael predicted his family moved on with the rest of their lives. Janet was back in New York, his brothers were off with their families and Joseph was doing interviews by the dozen.

Katherine called Michael and stopped by frequently but she had a family to take care of. Michael tired to get back into his music but his recording sessions, contended mostly of him listen to old tracks and synthesizing beats he created in his 20's.

Elisa noticed Michaels discomfort and weariness and tried her hardest to cheer him up but he was persistent with his misery.

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Maria opened the front door to find Frank holding a very large black binder. She smiled at him and lead him into the living room before going to get Michael.

Michael was in his office pretending to write song lyrics, the page before was filled little stitches and words describing how he was feeling. Maria opened the door slowly not wanted to disturb him.

"Mr. Jackson, Frank is here to see you. He is in the living room." She said quickly.

Michael looked up and crumbled the paper before getting up.

"Thank you, can you please find Elisa and tell her to join us." He said putting his aviator glasses on and walking to the door.

Maria moved out of his way with a nod before leaving to find Elisa.

Michael walked swiftly to the living room and hugged Frank after he entered. Frank patted him on the back and they sat down next to him.

"How are you doing, Mike" Frank said crossing his legs getting confortable.

"I am fine." Michael said looking over at him.

"Fine is not a feeling Mike. Come on tell me how you are feeling." Frank said staring at one of his closes friends.

Michael sighed and leaned back against the cushions.

"I am miserable, I am thankful that the trial is over but I am haunted by all that has happened this past year. I can't sleep, I can't think I am lost in my mind. I am willing to forgive the media and Gavin but I can't forget. Frank I can't forget, I don't think I will ever fully recover from this." Michael said shaking.

Elisa walked in just as Michael was confessing his feelings to Frank and stood next to the door until he finished. It broke her heart how miserable he was.

"Your not the only one that suffered these past months Michael. We are all trying to heal." Elisa said making her presence known to them.

"She is right Michael, Your whole family is coping, we are all here for you." Frank said patting him on the back again.

Michael felt ashamed of his selfishness, he had not even thought about how Elisa or his handlers were dealing with the aftermath of the trials. Michael had the worse of the storm but all who loved him were hit and healing.

"So why did you want to see me." Elisa said after sitting next to Michael and kissing his cheek.

"I wanted your opinion on some things" Michael said sitting up straighter and taking the binder form Frank.

"What is all this?" Elisa said interested, in the binder on Michaels lap.

"Property listings" Michael said flipping through most of the pages.

"I see" Elisa said trying her hardest to hide her disappointment. Michael heard it in her voice but ignored her disappointment as he flipped through the pages.

"Is there a certain location that you were thinking of Michael?" Elisa said getting into the search with him.

"I just want to be…away from here" He said sadly continuing to flip.

Elisa could sense his sadness and leaned closer to him. The homes and locations were all beautiful but she had no idea what Michael was looking for.

"Michael I am sure that you will find the perfect property, anything you decide is ok with me." Elisa said.

Michael took her hand and sighed closing the binder, he had no idea what he was doing. Deep inside he did not want to leave Neverland but he could not live with the feeling of lies and hate anymore.

"I need you right now more than ever, I need you to help me get through this" Michael said squeezing her hand.

Elisa knew what Michael was saying and she also knew it had nothing to do with property listings. Michael needed help, he needed come for his wounds to heal.

"What about Jermaine's suggestion" Frank said, after clearing his throat. Michael had forgotten that he was in the room.

"What suggestion?" Elisa said looking at Frank.

Michael had not told her about Jermaine's because he was not sure if he could uproot his family to the other side of the world.

"Jermaine thought it would be a good idea to go overseas for a while, so I would not have to deal with the smug of the American tabloids." Michael said wanted to get her opinion on the idea of going overseas before telling her the exact location.

"Where exactly?" Elisa said curious to see into the mind of Jermaine Jackson.

"The Middle East" Michael said waiting for Elisa to react, to his shock she remained neutral.

Elisa did not except Michael to say that. That certainty would be a change of scenery, but how would they adjust to the culture shock.

"That defiantly would be a chance of scenery Michael, what do you think about it.?" Elisa said wanted to know if Michael was seriously considering it.

"I think it would be an adventure. It would be different but I think what we need right now is different." Michael said honestly.

Elisa truly did not care where they went as long as she was with him. If this would get his mind of the horrific events of the last year, than she would stand by him.

"I did receive a letter from the Bahraini Royal family. Jermaine has been connected to the family for quite some time and they have agreed to be your hosts if you do go to the Middle East." Frank said trying to shed some light on the matter.

Elisa was speechless, a royal family wanted to be Michaels host. Michael was shocked as well he looked at Frank with disbelief.

"That is so nice of them, they do not even know me and yet they are being so generous. That would never happen in America." Michael said looking down, he was truly disappointed in his country. Not only did they crucify him in the media but they never cared for him and always treated him with disrespected.

Michael had molded and invented American music but no one seemed to notice or respect him. When they wanted his talent they took it, but when he needed support they casted him out as the freak.

"How long were you expecting to be out of the country?" Elisa said knowing that Michael was seriously considering this.

"I don't know, for as long as it takes." He said determined.

(SINCE I AND THE REST OF THE WORLD DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WHILE MICHAEL WAS IN BUHRAIN I AM GOING TO FAST FORWARD TIME. I WILL RESUME THE STORY WITH HIM IN EUROPE WORKING ON THE REMAKE OF THRILLER)

Michael had everything settled. He, Elisa and his children left for Bahrain within a month after receiving the letter from the royal family. Michael and Elisa were worried about how they would adjust to being submerged in an entirely different culture but surprisingly everything went smoothly.

Bahrain was primarily an Islamic country so Elisa and Michael had to make a few arrangements and compromises with their relationship. Elisa wore more conservative clothing and her and Michael did not sleep in the same bedroom.

Elisa and Michael were housed in separate wings of the huge mansion but saw each other often. They did not engage in any public displays of affection, but they did have plenty of alone time thanks to the Queen. The Queen enjoyed Elisa's company and she arranged many dates and romantic evening for her and Michael on her extensive property.

Michael's children still continued there education and had many children to play with. The Bahraini royal family was a very large family so there were plenty of children running around.

The country itself was very tolerant and beautiful, English was widely spoken so Michael, Elisa and his children were comfortable in their interactions.

Elisa and Michael's stay at the royal estate was limited, Michael was determined not to stay idle. He and Elisa traveled all around the Middle East, visiting important families and attending functions. Jermaine was right when he said everyone would be friendly and obliging. Everywhere they went they were met with smiles and love.

Of course there were screaming fans and paparazzi but nothing compared to what Michael was used to in the states.

Elisa started feeling like she was the first lady not the girlfriend of a pop star. Her clothes were chosen for her, her time was scheduled and she was constantly surrounded by dozens of body guards. All the attention and smothering would have driven her mad if it was not for Michael's smile.

Michael was finally beginning to act like his old self. The love and friendly manners that the Middle Eastern people showed him, made him happy and inspired.

He was writing lyrics again and began to visit the music studio more often. Michael's recording studio visits stared off short but soon he was dragged back into the beat and began to spend hours creating music.

Michael and Elisa had still kept their engagement a secret; for one thing the culture of the Middle East was very conservative and traditional so they did not want there relationship known to the Arabic news papers. And second, Elisa was more preoccupied with Michael's healing process she was not persistent or wanting of an engagement ring.

Who needed a diamond ring when you were watching the man you love heal and blossom into the wonderful iconic man he used to be. To Elisa Michaels love and feelings were more important.

After spending a year traveling and exploring The Middle East, Michael had bought a refurnished farm house in Northern Ireland and settled in the Irish country side with Elisa and his kids.

His back pain was now very minimal and his anxiety was nonexistent. Michael still suffered from a mild case of Insomnia but it was due to all the music and ideas running through his head, not from memories of lies and anger.

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It was a very mild morning in Ireland and Michael was sitting in the backyard drinking coffee staring at the beautiful cloud covered sky. He felt content and relaxed which was like heaven to him.

It had been so long since he felt pain free and relaxed. His mind was filled with his children's laughter and beautiful music lifted his soul, he felt like Michael Jackson again.

Michael loved Elisa now more than ever, she had stood by his side when he was at his lowest point. Now that he felt back on top again he would show her how much he loved and appreciated her. After all, every king needs a queen.

Michael knew that he had not formally made her his wife but she certainly felt like it to him. She was constantly by his side making sure that he was ok and at ease. She was the first face he saw in the morning and the last face he saw at night. She took care and loved his children as if they were her own and made every house or hotel they stayed at feel like home.

Now that his muse and inspiration had returned, Elisa was very patient with him being in the studio for hours on end. Elisa used to stay with him while he created beats but it became too much for her, she was not used to sitting in a chair for hours listening to rhythms and beats. She did not have the ear for music the way Michael did, but she had learned so much about music and the magic behind it from Michael.

Elisa also got back into her own element, she started writing again and like Michael she was very inspired by the beauty and tranquility around her. She started off slow with her writing, she began with poems and short stories but eventually she let go off all her fears and began to write novels.

She was still very self conscious about her writing so her work was done in private and she would not let anyone read it, even Michael. Paris, Prince and Blanket were also enjoying their stay in Ireland. The wide open spaces and lush green fields reminded them of Neverland, they played outside for hours and Michael was at ease with their safety since they were in the middle of the country side and there location was kept secret.

I was late spring when Michael finally felt comfortable enough to get back into the music industry; he contacted Frank and told him to of his plans.

By Michaels request Frank contacted a young music artist named Will. from the pop band The Black-Eyed Peas and told him to meet him in Ireland. Within the week he was there and in the music studio with Michael.

Elisa was beyond thrilled that Michael was back into his music and spent the entire day making a wonderful dinner for Michael and his guest. She made what she made best, Italian.

Since she had excess to the most delicious fresh sea food she made sea food scampi with a side of fresh vegetables and garlic bread. Paris was her little helper in the kitchen while she sent Prince and Blanket off into the fields to pick fresh flowers for the center pieces.

After everything was prepared and the table was set she changed into an elegant sun dress and went to surprise Michael and Will..

The recording studio was a few hundred yards away from the main house which gave Michael the privacy he needed but he was close enough to his children. Elisa opened the door and made her way down a short flight of stairs. The music she was met with was invigorating; the beat was amazing it made her want to dance. The King was back!

She opened the door to find both men snapping their fingers and bobbing their heads to the beat. They were both smiling and tapping their feet in unison.

"That was amazing; it has such a good hook." Michael said smiling as soon as the beat finished.

"You have no idea how honored I am to hear you compliment one of my beats. You are the reason why I love music." Will said smiling bright.

"It was really fantastic." Elisa said finally making herself known.

Both men turned and smiled.

"Did you really enjoy it?" Michael said swerving in his chair to face her.

"Yes, it made me want to dance." Elisa said walking over to them.

"Thank you, Elisa." Will said, continuing to smile bright. He still could not believe that he was sitting with the king of pop. Michael was such an inspiration to him, he was an inspiration to every artist that amounted to anything in the music industry.

Will. knew that there was something missing from the music world and Michael was just the person to find it. Who better to put a jolt back into the music world than the person who was responsible for it being there in there in the first place?

"You both have been out here for hours you must be starving" Elisa said coming up behind Michael and rubbing his shoulders.

"I am actually" Michael said relaxing into her touch.

"Yeah, I could go for something to eat." Will said watching the couple before him and feeling a bit envious.

"Well, I have been in the kitchen all day with Paris, you both are in for a treat." Elisa said excitingly. Her and Michael usually ordered out or had one of his employees cook dinner, Elisa was so anxious on hearing what they both thought of her cooking.

"You cooked?" Michael said looking up at her shocked. Elisa was a little offended but brushed it off with a smile.

"I am not completely incompetent in the kitchen Michael. Dinner should be ready in 10 minutes and I assure you, you will not be disappointed." She said walking around the chair to face him.

After a quick giggled filled kiss she felt Will and Michael alone and headed back to the house.

Will whistled and laid back in his chair swinging slowly back and forth.

"She truly is something else. Beautiful, smart, kind, and she can cook. Come on man, how did you get so lucky?" Will said eyeing Michael with a crooked smile.

Michael blushed, he didn't even know how he got so lucky.

"I have been asking myself the same thing for the past 2 years." Michael said chuckling.

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Dinner was filled with laughter and chatter, to Michaels surprise the food was excellent and Elisa was glowing the entire evening form all the compliments coming her way.

Will and Michael talked about how the music industry had changed and Elisa listened on with fascination. The men sitting before her were so passionate it was a joy to just watch them.

The conversation than turned to Will's childhood, he talked about growing up in a poor neighborhood and about how Michaels music inspired him. Michael than told stories about his childhood, he talked about the ups and downs of being a child star while Will listened to every word captivated.

Paris, Prince and Blanket asked their dad questions about when he was a kid which Michael answered happily. However, as soon as their favorite show started they ran out of the room living the adults behind.

Will asked a lot of questions about how Elisa and Michael met and the couple argued a bit about some details that they seemed to disagree on. Will watched them and knew that what he was seeing was the real deal. The way that they interacted and looked at each other was electric. He knew that they were truly in love.

Will than stared lovingly at Elisa and asked her if she had a sister that he could get to know. Elisa turned bright red and almost choked her coffee, she laughed and wiped her mouth before she answered.

"I am sorry Will, I am an only child" She said still blushing.

Will leaned back in his chair and looked over at Michael.

"Some men have all the luck." He said with a mixture of humor and resentment.

Elisa than served desert, she finally got a chance to make her famous tiramisu. The last time she tried her day ended horribly but today it turned out perfect.

The room was silent as they ate the wonderful chocolate and espresso desert. Michael and Will who had been talking nonstop were silent and indulging in the treat before them.

Elisa was so happy.

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Will was back in the recording studio with Michael when he received a phone call. He walked outside and took the call, It was his manager. Entertainment tonight wanted to do an interview with Michael and they wanted Will to convince him to do it.

Will said no right away but his manager explained that the interview was strictly music related. Will said he would talk to Michael but he could not make any guarantees.

When he reentered the small studio Michael was dancing in his chair to the beat. Even in his chair, not really trying he still was exceptional.

"Hey Mike, can I run something by you?" Will said sitting back down.

Michael turned the beat off and turned to him.

"Sure"

"That was my manager on the phone, it seems that Entertainment Tonight is looking to do an interview with you. Would you be interested?" Will said leisurely.

Michael thought for a moment before he answered him.

"What kind of Interview?" Michael said wanted all the facts.

"My manager says it would be strictly music related. They will be interviewing me too." Will said.

"I guess that would be ok. At least my fans will get to see that I'm ok and back in my element." Michael said turning the beat back on.

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Michael was in Dublin all morning doing a few radio interviews and attending a couple of meetings. The reporter from Entrainment tonight would be arriving at his house in a few hours and Michael was looking forward to it.

He was a little late coming back home, he had to make one last stop and it went longer than he expected.

Elisa was waiting for him when he arrived, she was outside writing when Michael got out of the car, and he was met with her irritated glare.

"Where have you been? You said you would only be gone for a few hours." She said getting up and walking over to him.

"The meetings were longer than I expected. Has the reporter arrived yet?" He said smiling at her.

"A few minutes ago, they parked next to the studio. Will is talking to them." Elisa said smiling back, his smile was infectious.

Michael touched her cheek, and kissed her softly.

"You look beautiful" He said whispering.

"Michael, I look awful. I have been out here for hours! I have the worst case of writers block." Elisa said quickly. Michael silenced her with another kiss.

"You look beautiful." He said again.

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The interview went beautifully. The reporter was kind and respectful and asked very good intriguing questions.

They talked about Michael's music plans and the reporter seemed genuinely excited at the idea of Michael releasing a new album. Michael confidence was on high after he played a few beats that he and Will were working on. The reporter was captivated and enjoyed every minute of it. Maybe he still had it in him.

After the interview Michael and Elisa went for a walk around the property so that he could fill her in on what happened.

"It was amazing; you should have seen the look in his eyes when I said that I wanted to release a new album." Michael said happily walking in the moonlight holding Elisa's hand.

"I am sure he was beyond thrilled. People may write trash about you and call you names but they cannot deny your musical genius. If you do release a new album everyone will love it." Elisa said boosting his confidence even more.

"He did say something that intrigued me." Michael said more seriously.

"What?"

"We were talking about Thriller and he suggested that I should try to release it again but this time with new tracks and remixes." Michael said wanting to get her opinion.

"I think that sounds fun, who better to remix the classics than the man who created them." Elisa said knowing.

"I am not saying it's a bad idea I just wanted to move on with my music, I don't want to be 50 years old and still be performing Billie Jean. I want to grow as an artist." Michael said profoundly.

Elisa laughed and turned to Michael, they both stopped walking.

"Michael I think if you grow more as an artist they will have to invent a new genre just for you. You are an icon; the world has never seen a star as big as you." Michael smiled and blushed in the moonlight.

"If you perform Billie Jean or any of your other hits, it's not because you are living in the past or that you have not grown as an artist. It's because your songs are legendary, they were ahead of their time. No one can top them" Elisa said smiling bright and filling his heart with joy.

Michal hugged Elisa kissed her head thanking her for her kind words.

"Elisa I have a confession to make." Michael said tensing up against Elisa.

Elisa let go of Michael and looked up at him with concern, why was he so tense all of a sudden.

"What is it?" She said in an uneasy voice.

"I did not have any meetings today." Michael said quickly pulling a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"So what were you doing in town all day?" Elisa said ignoring the romantic gesture.

"I was getting this." Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box.

Elisa knew what it was and instantly began to cry.

Michael smiled and went down on one knee.

"Elisa Maria Catani, you have been my best friend, my lover and my salvation these past 2 years. My love grows for you with each passing day, I know that I have already asked you this question but will you marry me?"

Michael opened the box and waited for her reply.

Elisa was speechless she had never seen anything so beautiful. The ring was beautifully crafted in an antique setting and the diamond sparkled in the moonlight making it look enchanted.

"Yes! A thousand times yes."