Love Lived Next Door

by Olivia97

Michael Jackson and Aurora Renee (Mariah Carey) were meant to be, as some may say. However, no one said that one who was meant to be would last forever. How well did they find the love that lived next door?

1966 was an important year for the Jackson family. They met their new neighbor, Aurora. Little did they know the huge impact Aurora would have on their young son, Michael's life.

Late Night

—
Michael | February 1, 1966

"Tito, get your dang fist outta my ear," I complained, pushing my sleeping brother's meaty hand off my head. We were piled in the back of my father's old Buick heading home from a gig at Mr. Lucky's. The engine roared as we made our way down our street.

"M-Michael, shut up. There ain't any room for me to put it." Tito groaned, pushing my face away from him. "Brush your teeth." He waved me off. I smirked sneakily and blew my stinky breath into his face. He shouldn't have told me otherwise.

"Michael, man. Stop acting so immature." Jackie whined.

"Says the little high pitched lady." I teased, "And what does immature mean?"

"It means to act like a little toddler kid." Tito groaned, rubbing his neck. "Jeez, this back is hard as a rock."

"You're lucky you got something to be chauffeured in." Joseph's deep voice called from upfront. I know, we have a lot of things to be fortunate for. Jeez, it's always the same thing said over and over again. He should be lucky I don't sling him like Cassius Clay. Bam, bam, he's out! Michael J. is the maaan. I smiled.

"Now boys, tomorrow night, we're doing a rerun. No complaints now. When you get home from school, I expect you to be getting those bricks moved. Understand?" Joseph commanded. We all nodded, or let out huffs in agreement. I scowled. Here we go again with Mr. Bossy Boss. Do this! Do that!

I huffed silently. "When I get older, I can boss 'im around," I whispered to myself. Thankfully, no one heard me, or I would be the laughingstock of the household. That wouldn't be fun on the trip to the toilet. Joseph pulled into our driveway and turned off the loud engine.

"Out the door, and into bed. And don't tell your mother about those women. She'd flip her lid." Joseph warned us, shaking a fist. How would she flip her lid? Does the top of her head come off? I shivered. No, that just sounds creepy. I yawned and scurried out of the car. Jackie was already helping Joseph take the guitars out of the backseat.

I grabbed a cymbal.. you know, those crashy little things that scare Randy to death? Yeah, those. I thought about crashing them together in Joseph's ears, but that wouldn't be fair to Mom, who'd be sleeping right next to him. Then, he'd probably do me one over on my behind.

I stumbled inside as Marlon pushed behind me. I groaned internally, trying so hard not to push him back. When you're tired, you're tired. Tito opened up the door and held it for everyone. I gave him the side-eye when he locked eye contact with my head. Did I get snow on me again?

For being almost eleven at night, almost every light was on. It smelled like hot chocolate too. That must mean Mommy was up making herself, or someone else a batch. I set down the cymbal on LaToya's stomach as she slept. I crept into the kitchen and stuck to the wall like a leech.

Mommy was pouring some hot chocolate into a few cups. Five to be precise! So, she must be makin' them for us! Gosh lee, she sure knows us well. Mommy looked in my direction and smiled a little. "I thought I heard you guys come in." She said, waving the hotness out of the chocolate. "I'm making you guys some hot chocolate, baby."

"Gee, thanks, Mommy." I smiled toothlessly.

"No problem, sweetheart." She ruffled my hair. Well, what I have of hair. It's more of a buzz cut. I snuck a little cup of hot chacalat. That sounds fun, man. Why can't that be the correct way of spellin' that? I slipped out of the kitchen.

Jermaine's eyes widened when he saw the chocolaty perfection in my hands. "Man, where'd you get that?"

"Mommy made 'em. Got get one." I shrugged. He pushed past me into the kitchen. Wait, did he have..? Nevermind. He looked like he'd been beaten by a street fighter, er somethin'. Actually, he had gotten into an accident while playin' baseball. It was not an incredible sight.

I sipped on my sweet drink, washing away the exhaustion that was set it by yet another performance. Whatever it takes to hit the big time. And to get those out of sight patented leather shoes like James Brown. Just.. gotta... man, this thing is exhausting me.

I gushed down the remainder of my hot chocolate and got ready for bed. I wallowed out of the bathroom and scrambled into the bedroom. Tito was making up his bed like a neat freak, while Marlon was continuing to mess up ours. I grunted tiredly and climbed up the ladder to our bed. We have these triple bunks, so it can be a mess. The world faded from me as Marlon struggled to get comfortable.

Meeting The Neighbors

Aurora| February 11, 1966

"Rora, this room looks like a war zone. Need I say it again, little girl? Clean. Your. Room." My mother nagged me for the millionth time. I get it! My room is a war zone, a pig sty, and an atomic bomb detonation sight. She never ever get onto my brother about his dumb room. Doesn't he know dinosaurs are extinct? I don't see the hysteria around it.

"Okay mom! Jeez." I said, a sarcastic look looming over me. "James' room isn't up to par either."

"He's only four, Aurora. Now quit always trying to get him into trouble." Mom snapped. She was applying her nifty girdle so she can slim down for the men. Using a raggedy old piece of fabric isn't gonna help her trim down her- ahem, excess weight. I pursed my lips in frustration. She's always pulling that stupid age excuse.

Yeah, and when he's twenty-eight, he'll be living in her basement. She expects me to be an adult already because I'm supposed to set a great example. I'm just a little scamp with a lot of attitude. Such a great example I'm setting. I huffed silently. Ever since my father left her, and moved to L.A with a waitress, that's all.

She never asked me how this is affecting me. I didn't wanna move to no dumb Gary, Indiana. I mean, who moves here willingly. The only attractions here are the gang fights and winos. And maybe some bars and nightclubs. Who knows what goes on in those? I hope and pray I never find out.

I guess since I better introduce myself. I'm a seven year old unruly child with a sensitive mother who gets onto me about petty issues. Oh, and I'm practically raising a little leech that is my brother. Music is my escapism to the least. He's a four year old who always has his way.

And seriously, I never have any privacy in this darn house. We've lived here for about a week, and I've resorted to locking my door at night. Seriously, I would to find at least one kid my age to hang with. Well, whatever. As long as I don't end up dead right? Yeah, I have a dark sense of humor. It's not that funny, yeah.

"You okay?" Mom asked, pulling her dress over her garments.

"I'm bored." I said plainly. "There's nothing to do around here."

"Play with your brother." She suggested, adjusting her dress. I shook my head.

"Somebody my age, Mom." I corrected myself.

"Well, I'm about to go meet our neighbors. They've got plenty of kids." Mom looked at me with a shy smile.

"Why didn't you tell me that?" I pouted. There have been people here this whole time? Finally! I smiled brightly as I went to throw on something for the cold weather. When I went out of my bedroom, I saw my mother chasing my brother around the living room. He was only in his underwear.

"Aurora, get him!" Mom shouted, tossing me his pants. I sighed, and began my escapade around the house. As he was about to enter our hallway, I tackled him to the ground. He squirmed under my hold until he looked into my eyes.

"Stop acting like an idiot!" I snapped, pinning him onto the ground. I finally got enough of a grip to pull his pants onto his legs. He stopped wiggling, and looked to be on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry. Please let me put your outfit on, huh? Are you okay?"

He nodded sadly. "I'm 'kay." James let me button his pants, and throw a shirt over him. I tucked in his plaid shirt into his blue jeans, and stood him up. He's pretty small for his age since he was a premie. I smiled a little. Okay, he can be a pain, but he's my little brother. I hate upsetting him, and it's so easy to.

I opened my arms, and he ran into them. I patted his back a little, and kissed his cheek. "Are you excited to meet the neighbors?" I asked, leaning my head against his.

"Are they nice?" James asked unsurely.

"They seem nice. Nice enough for mommy wanting us to meet them." I said.

"W'ere my shoes at?" He asked, looking around the room.

"I think they're by the front door." I told him. He ran off there, and I stood up. I went to get my shoes from my room. When I came back, James was sitting on the couch waiting for me. I slipped on my shoes and tied them. He looked at me with a shy smile, and handed me his shoes.

I sighed, and put on his left shoe. "Can I do the right one?" He asked politely. I nodded, and handed him the right shoes. He put it on with only a little difficulty.

"I'll tie them, alright?" I stared. He nodded, and laid back onto the couch. I tied his shoes, and snuck in a small candy bar next to him. Like every four year old, he's crazy about sugar. I know he's going to have a sugar attack.

"Hey." I caught his attention from his sneakers. "Look on the couch." He peered down to the sofa, and gasped.

"You got me candy?" He smiled. Next thing I knew, he threw his hands around my neck. "You're the best big sister ever."

"Don't mention it." I giggled, hugging him back.

"Kids! We gotta get going. The neighbors have lives, y'know." She said. I slipped on James' coat. After I put mine on, and zipped it up. We headed out of the doorway to the next door neighbors. It sounded like a stampede from inside. Mom knocked softly before stepping back.

The door pushed open, and a pregnant woman in her mid-thirties. A warm smile was placed on her face. "Hello, Angela. How are you?" She crossed her arms.

"I just wanted to introduce my children if that was alright. The kids around here don't seem to be the most socially accepting of them." Mom tried to word it her best. I know it's because my father was a white man. It's just not acceptable to be a mixed child, I assume.

"Well, that doesn't matter much around here." The woman nodded sympathetically. She then turned her attention to me. "And what's your name?" I shrunk back behind my mother who nudged me. I decided it was about time I tried to come out of my shell.

"Aurora." I placed my hand forward.

"Well, hello, Aurora. You're a beautiful little girl." She complimented. I smiled shyly.

"Thank you, Mrs-." I trailed off.

"Katherine. You can call me Katie if you'd like." She smiled. I swear this lady radiated loveliness. "And who is this?" She looked down to my brother.

"I'm James." He stated unequivocally. He's the polar opposite of me on the social aspect.

"You sure are adorable. Well, why don't you all come on in? Just a warning, we got a lot of kids." She said. The smile never left her face. We walked inside, and were stopped at the doorway. About eight people were in the living room. A man, five boys, and two girls.

"Everyone, these are our neighbors. Angela Reneé, and her two youngsters, Aurora and James." Katherine introduced. "This is my husband Joseph." I tried not to look at the man. He seemed rather - intimidating. "My eldest, Rebbie." She pointed to a girl who had a younger boy in her lap. "And the one in her lap is Marlon."

I waved at him, and he reflected. He was kinda cute, in a older next door boy kinda way. "Jackie, Jermaine, and Tito are on the couch." She pointed to the four boys who were aligned by age. "And these two are LaToya and Michael." Another girl, and a young boy were playing some card game on the floor.

Michael smiled shyly at me, waving a little bit. I waved back, and made my way towards them. "Hi there." I squeaked. Oh great, now I'm talking like a dang duck. "So you're Michael. And LaToya."

"Yeah." LaToya smiled, offering her hand. "Aurora? That's a very exotic name, now is it?"

"I guess. Mom just named me whatever." I explained.

"That's cool." Michael said, looking at his cards. "We're playing 55 and a half card pickup. Wanna join?"

"Sure." I nodded. "Why is it called 55 and a half?"

"Randy, our little brother, ate a half of the joker." She held up an obviously chewed card. "He's the youngest as of now."

"Yeah, I see your mom is—carrying, ain't she?" I commented.

"Yeah, and she can get real mean. Especially at Joseph." Michael said causally. I narrowed my eyes as I had expected the word, Dad, to leave his mouth.

"Wait, don't you mean.."

"Aurora! We're goin' now." Mom called. I sighed, and smiled softly.

"I'll see you later, I guess..." I trailed off.

"Bye." Michael waved.

"Bye, Michael." I sighed.

Michael Johnson?

Aurora| February 20, 1966

"Mom! Please get these old wash rags out of the tub." I groaned, picking up the stupid wet pieces of cloth out of our shared bathroom. I swear these people are so unsanitary, it's a cataclysm waiting to happen. I tossed it onto our tiled floor, and wanted so badly to wash the germs off my hands.

"Gosh, that is revolting." I muttered to myself, holding onto my stomach. That legitimately made me throw up in my mouth. Gosh, it's so volatile! "Mommy! Can you please remove this?!"

"I'll get it in a minute baby. I have a date to get ready for." Mom called back. "That nice girl Rebbie is coming over to watch you tonight." She placed her hair into an updo. Her dark brown was placed in a tight topknot. I groaned quietly. Dang woman thinks I'm so immature, I need a babysitter. I mothersit her all the time, and it's not an enjoyable pastime. Believe me, it's not.

"Fine." I groaned. I detested this rag so much. It's just a quirk of mine if you will. Dirty rags don't mix well with me. "Hey James!" I called. He came running towards the door in confusion. I gave him a fake smile before apathetically saying, "Can you get this repulsive thing outta here? It's yours." He picked it up with no issue, and I breathed in relief.

"Rora, don't make your little brother be your disposal master." Mom called with an angry tone. I rolled my eyes. I can never get away with anything, can I? I groaned as I started my bath. Once it filled up, I slipped out of my nightgown. The water felt good against my skin. I loved swimming, which we had a pool back in Phoenix.

I grabbed a loofah from the side, and scrubbed it against my skin. The grime from my body deposited onto it, and I felt better with my nastiness coming off slowly. Whenever I was done washing myself, I went on and did my hair. Suddenly, a horrible stench overcame the bathroom. When I noticed my brother's pet worms were decaying by the toilet. I screamed.

I heard shuffling behind the door as my mother banged on the door. I wasn't answering, gosh darn it! I was too busy screaming. "Rora! Open this damn door! Are you dying?" Mom screeched, banging on the bathroom. I finally answered it, and she stumbled into the bathroom.

"I'm fine. Get these dead worms outta here!" I whined.

"Jesus, Aurora! You shared the living shit out of me!" She scolded. Her face contorted into exasperation. "That's isn't dead worms." My stomach felt like it was going to expel.

"Mom, don't expect me to clean that up. Natural regurgitation doesn't help disinfect the mess." I said, gripping the towel I had thrown around me.

"I expect you to remain calm in unconventional situations. Just go get dressed, and get your brother out of the playroom. Rebbie can only babysit you all over there, she just called. I guess you can play with that little Michael fella again." Mom emphasized, trying to push me out of the bathroom.

I begrudgingly made my way down the hallway where my brother was in the living room watching Tom and Jerry, his favorite TV show. I cleared my throat and he looked up at me. "James, turn on the set. Go and get dressed." He huffed, and stared at the TV. I narrowed my eyes, and stomped back down the hallway. I changed into some a red dress, and knee socks.

I trudged back down the hallway where his puny self was chugging down his milk. I crossed my arms, and cleared my throat. He huffed once again, and put down his glass. "Why you always gettin' onto me 'bout stuff?" He inquired.

"Because you never ever listen. Mom wants you to get ready, James. We have to go next door 'cause Rebbie is watching up tonight. I don't wanna have to remind you again to be on your best behavior. Just don't go screaming like a banshee." I ranted, trying to get his lazy butt of the couch.

After what seemed like an eternity, we were all ready. The clock ticked past six, and Mom grabbed her keys. We all scampered out of the house, and Mom walked us next door. She knocked a few times when Rebbie came and answered the door. She invited us in, and greeted our mother.

"You two be on your best behavior." She warned benignly. Like she'd do anything. She threatens, but she never delivers. I nodded blankly, which seemed to satisfy my mother. "Alright, I'll see you two later. James, don't hesitate to ask your sister for help if need be. We don't need another shredder accident." Yes, about that. Last summer, he got his pants somehow jammed in our home shredder, and it... ripped it apart.

"Okay." He sent me a snarky expression. I dared him to pull anything tonight, and his caboose would be obtuse. I smiled, and nodded in agreement. "Alright mom, you oughta get on with your plans so... bye bye." I waved impatiently.

"Okay." She replied carelessly. My mother has had a bit of an issue with her... addiction to certain things. A principal reason why my parents were no longer together. I guess my brother and I weren't good enough to tag along with him. I've always been afraid that my mother come home in an unsuitable condition around my brother.

She's had those issues, and she didn't necessarily come home in a great condition. My daddy warned her he would be out the next time he found her in this condition. And it reoccurred, and Daddy sure as heck kept his promise. Back to now, she's trying her best to keep herself clean. You wonder why I don't have much respect for her? She never, ever kept the promise before now.

Mom left so fast, the dust picked up. I sighed, and faced Rebbie. "So Aurora, what do you like to do?" She asked. I shrugged. "The boys will be home in a few minutes. Our father took them to a tailer." I nodded. "I hope you don't mind a male overhaul." She chuckled.

"With James, it's like eight men living with me. My mother is like another child so I get the dilemma." I expressed, glancing at my brother who was playing with Randy, the youngest boy. Apparently, he's the only one who doesn't work in a band. What Mom meant by that, I have no idea.

"Well, we're getting a new addition pretty soon. Mother's almost due, and we have to make room in this tiny little abode." Rebbie said. I nodded. I didn't remember when my brother entered the equation, so I didn't have time to veto that decision. A literal pain in my butt, he can be.

We settled onto the couch, Randy was perched right by me. James, who I sensed was acting a little jealous, scooted right up next to me as well. I was silently enjoying his jealousy, knowing he was really only used to me paying attention to him. "Aurora, what do you like to do for fun?" Randy asked.

"She likes tellin' me what to do." James interjected. I gave him the evil side eye.

"James, it's rude to interrupt people." I chastised. He pouted, and leaned up against me. I wrapped an arm around him. "I like playing cards, tag, anything really."

"Oh, Michael loves tag. He never ever ever lets me win." Randy said, eyeing the previous switched on television.

"That's because you can't outdo the master." I heard a familiar voice. Michael entered the room, dragging his coat behind him. Many brothers followed, and went to various locations through the house. "Oh, hey Rora, right?" He questioned.

"Yeah. Well, Aurora." I nodded. "I'm the girl you were playin' cards with."

"I know." He smiled.

"Where you from?" He questioned, plopping down across from my brother.

"Phoenix." I answered.

"Oh." Michael said, staring ahead of himself. He perked up, and tapped my shoulder which my brother was leaning against. I dragged my attention from the television. "I wanna show you something." He whispered. I nodded, and slowly wiggled myself from the two leeches. Thankfully, James was hooked on Tom getting slammed against a wall.

Michael led me down the tiny hallway, into the bathroom. I was confused why he lead me into the bathroom until he took out a stash of candy. He got to lollipops, and handed one to me. "Here, don't tell nobody 'bout my stash." He whispered. I nodded.

"Thanks, Michael." I giggled, and unwrapped the sweet candy. He blushed slightly, and nodded.

"So, uh. How did you say your name again?" He furrowed his brows.

"Aurora Reneé. You have to put a little accent on the last E." Michael nodded along to my explanation. "And you're Michael Johnson." I hesitated. I'm horrible with last names.

"No, it's Michael Jackson." He corrected. I smiled sheepishly.

Yes, I'm terrible with names. As I just said.

—-

Cold Winter Mornings

Michael| February 28, 1966

"Marlon, quit hitting me!" Jermaine's distorted voice dragged. I sleepily looked to his spot to find it empty. I guess he wanted a donut or somethin'. Jospeh bought us a whole batch of them last night. I turned onto my stomach, and peered down onto the floor. Marlon was passed out on the carpeted bed. Jermaine was standing over him, holding his leg.

I guess Marlon laid a mean one on him while still asleep. Nice job, Marlon! Jermaine griped, and looked up at me. "What're you looking at?" He mumbled. I just continued to stare at him. "Get ready for school, Michael." He bossed me around. Yeah, I don't listen to older dummies who get kicked by nine year olds.

"Okay." I said as he walked out of our bedroom. "You big headed dummy."

"Why are you always dishin' people?" Marlon asked. I shot him a confused expression. What the fudge is dishin'?

"What does that mean?" I questioned. He shrugged.

"I heard Jackie say it the other day. It must be some big kid lingo, er- maybe some adult talk." Marlon rubbed his arm. Oh, he must be embarrassed. He always does that while he's embarrassed.

"Cool, I guess. We have to get ready, man." I reminded him. He nodded, and ran off to our dresser drawers. "Hey Mike, can I borrow this?" He held out a striped t-shirt of mine.

"Yeah, just don't roll around in dirt. You ruined a good shirt of mine by doing that." I warned him.

"Thanks." He smiled sheepishly, throwing it on in a couple of seconds. I was dressed shortly after that. I ran out of the bedroom to be the first one to eat. In this house, it's every kid for themself. You need to be fast and agile to get those sweet leftover donuts.

Marlon was already munching on one, getting it all over my shirt. I rolled my eyes at his obliviousness. "Marlon, my goodness. You've been up for ten minutes, and you've already dirtied a shirt?" Mommy's irritated voice chastised him. "Go on, and change, boy! I'm not having my son walk around with a dirty shirt on."

Marlon hurried off to the bedroom to change while Mommy and I exchanged glances. "That boy is so messy." She mumbled to herself. "Michael, did you eat, baby?" She asked.

"Yeah, I got a donut. Annnd I didn't make a mess." I smiled. She smirked, and ruffled my hair. "I'm proud of you. Now, go and get your coat on. It's freezing outside." She commanded. I took a last bite of my delectable pastry, and headed for the living room. LaToya was cleaning up around the couch, and putting the bed back into the sofa.

"Hey Toya, have you seen my coat?" I asked. LaToya looked at me with a bored expression.

"Ask Mother, I don't know." She shrugged, going back to her business. I sighed, and went off to find Mother. I found her sitting on her bed, laying against the wall. She peered over to me with a startled expression.

"What do you need, sweetie?" She asked.

"Do you know where my coat is?" I inquired.

"It's on the rack in the living room." She answered almost breathlessly. I thanked her silently before running off to the living room. Sure enough, it was right there all along. I took it off the rack, and placed it around me.

I ran into the kitchen, and grabbed the last chocolate long john there was. Marlon peered at me with envy in his eyes. I stuck my tongue out at him to gloat about it. That's what he gets for messing up my shirt!

It was gone in a flash, and we were out the door. When I looked at the neighboring houses, I saw Aurora seemingly zipping up her little brother's house. Marlon and I waltzed over there... actually waltzing. Yeah, we're a little weird sometimes.

Aurora looked up to see up coming over. "Hey guys, what's up?" She greeted with a small smile on her face. When her eyes met mine, her face dropped as her eyes narrowed. "Michael, you have... chocolate on your face." She pointed out. My eyes widened as I wiped my face. Of course, there was some long john residue on there.

"Thanks. Somebody didn't tell me." I narrowed my eyes at Marlon, who smiled sheepishly. "So, are you walking to school?" I asked. She nodded.

"Yeah, we both are. Mom said she enrolled him in those kindergarten equivalency classes. Well, whatever that means." She explained. "You mind if we walk with you?"

"Of course, m'lady." Marlon bowed. James and I chuckled while Aurora remained passive. "Let's get going." He started walking towards our school. It wasn't that far so we could just walk. Mother says exercise is the most important thing for a human to do, so I'm sticking to that.

"James, keep your hat on." Aurora griped, grabbing the hat that James was clutching in his hand. "Boy, you're gonna get a cold or something." Man, you'd think she's the mom the way she's acting.

"But it's too tight." He whined. Aurora shook her head in boredom.

"James, Mom bought you a new one just a couple weeks ago. I told you to wear that one." Aurora said, placing it back on his head.

"It's in your room." James stated.

"Why is it in my room? Why were you in my room?" Aurora questioned.

"I couldn't sleep." He defended.

"Man, you need to learn to sleep by yourself. I'm just next door." She said.

"I just feel safer next to you." He walked closer to her, wrapping his arm around hers. I smiled a little. They're kind of cute when they're together. "Can I have ice cream at home?"

"I'll think about it. If you give me a good report, then we'll get you some ice cream." She gave him a side hug, then walked in tandem with him. We reached out school, and walked down to the hallways to the kindergarten classes.

"Okay, I'll see you later. Be good for your teacher." Aurora kissed his cheek. James nodded, and hugged her tightly. She rubbed his back, and whispered something in his ear. James walked into his classroom, looking back at us. Aurora waved with a smile, which James returned.

He went into his classroom, and closed the door behind him. "Okay, that's done. So, do you know what where Mrs. Scott's room was."

"Yeah, she's my teacher too. She's real nice."

"Cool. Should we get going?" She asked.

"Yeah, sure." I nodded.

—

Wake Up Call

Michael|March 12, 1966

I knocked impatiently at the Reneé's household. It must've been around six thirty in the morning, but this was important! Joseph had sent me over here to discuss something about Aurora. I guess he overhead her singing, and I kinda wanted to prevent her from doing anything that had to do with Joseph's control.

The door slowly creaked open as Aurora's exhausted face came into view. Actually, she looked pretty irritated. "Yeah?" She croaked. I smiled softly as a greeting.

"Hey, Aurora. May I come in?" I greeted.

"Michael, it's six thirty in the dang morning. I haven't had any time to even slip on some decent clothes. Yeah. Yeah, come on." Aurora rubbed her eyes before stepping aside. I walked in easily, and she shut the door behind me. "So, what do you need?"

"Joseph sent me." I explained. "He heard you singing around the neighborhood, and he's interested in putting you into the group. You're also real talented on the piano, I've heard."

"I'm average. So, that's what you do on a daily basis. Performing? No wonder why so much music comes from your house." Aurora concluded. I nodded. "Yeah, I guess that sounds fun."

"I wouldn't go that far. It's endless work, and Joseph ain't exactly fair on the behind part of us. I'll just say, you might need to have a strong stomach, and a willingness to work your tail off." I said, silently warning her what she's getting herself into.

"Michael, my mother is a recovering drug addict. My dad abandoned me. I'm raising my brother. I can handle someone who's rough. That's been the definition of my life." Aurora reminded me. I forgot about that, though. She seems like a completely normal person who's around my age. "My family needs the extra income. Mom's working at the grocery store, and that doesn't bring in much. Heck, I don't even know if she's doing the register, or mopping. As long as she brings in the money, and she's good enough to provide a home for my little brother, I'm fine."

I'll be honest that some of that went right over my head. Obviously, she's wanting to join so she can make money for her family. Family is important, like Mommy always said. And I guess she's strong enough to handle the tough nail that is Joseph.

"Okay, Ill tell him you will join. Aurora, just be careful. I don't know how rough it is in Phoenix, but it's not no parade here in Gary. Don't get involved in those gangs. Avoid weird looking people, the ones who jitter around town." I tried to warn her against. Here is real tough, like lying on nails tough.

"I know who to avoid." Aurora pressed. "You want some breakfast while you're over here? I'm getting ready to fix the eggs."

"Nah, Rebbie's already got it going. My mom would do it, but she's been real tired lately. I guess that's what happens when you get a bowling ball for a stomach." I shrugged. I seriously wonder how a bowling ball got in my Mommy's stomach. Didn't that hurt?

"Yeah, my mom was the same. She's had a real large stomach that moved when you touched it. When she brought James home, her stomach was little. And I knew then I'd have to protect my toys. They suffered some casualties from James' dumb teething phase. Now, I'm fulfilling his endless hunger. If it ain't one thing, it's another." She ranted. I only nodded along. I've learned lately that she just loves ranting.

"Okay yeah. Well, I'll see you soon. Joseph will have a fit if I ain't back soon." I started walking to the door.

"Yeah. See you soon." She waved, and walked into the kitchen leaving me alone. I walked out of the living room, and outside. I could practically smell the scent of breakfast as I ran back to my house. The bacon was waiting for me!

—

Aurora

I set the three plates down on our breakfast table. It was a simple table with the white cloth placed over it. My mother had a knack for neatness in our house. I just wish that knack spread to my room, which was still a mess. Sometimes, I don't even know how it gets messy like a tornado went through it.

I walked out of the kitchen/dining room area, and down the hallway to the house's bedrooms. I slowly opened James' door where he was sleeping soundly. I sighed, and walked over to his bed. I tapped his shoulder which woke him up immediately. He sleeps like a guard dog, meaning he sleeps very lightly.

"Go away, 'm sleepy." He groaned, turning back over. I rolled my eyes, and resorted to grabbing his legs. "No!" He gripped the bars of his headboard.

"James, you need to get up. I told you last night I had to go to the school library. Either you go with me or you stay home alone. Mom works today." I said. He sat up sleepily, and finally climbed out of bed. James walked past me, and down the hallway to the kitchen.

"Aurora, did you fix breakfast?" Mom's surprised voice came from the kitchen.

"Yeah, is that alright?" I called back.

"Of course." She stated. I walked into the dining area, and sat down with my family. Mom was placing a napkin around her neck like a bib. It's not like we're eating lobster, so I don't understand. James was acting like a clown, and playing with his food,

"James, quit playing with your food. Eat." Mom scolded, and took the fork out of his hand. "Goodness, I'm not gonna start feeding you again, am I? You're four years old, grow up now."

James just stared at her with no emotion on his face. He can't comprehend what would make my mother so flustered. "She means you need to act like a good little boy. Eat your food, don't play. Right now isn't the right time to play."

"Okay." He said in a small tone. James began eating like a civilized human being. Mom looked at me with a shocked expression.

"How'd you get him to do that?" She breathed.

"Easy, I explained it to him in a calm, put-together tone. You have to be soft with him, Mom. He's a little kid." I told her.

"So are you." She muttered.

—-

James and I walked into the library after Mom walked to work. She says she's gonna buy a car, but I don't think she realizes how expensive that is. "Rora, I'm tired." James complained.

"You act like I can carry you. Stop acting like such a baby. Go lay down on the bench, I'll be there in a few minutes." I started walking towards the kids section. James ran forward, and stopped me.

"You're gonna leave me alone?" James' face became scared. "This place is scary." He clutched on my coat, and looked around cautiously. I rolled my eyes at his behavior. He's so carefree in familiar places, but he acts like a fraidy cat.

"James, it's fine. I'm going twenty feet away from you, and you can still see me there. We're in a public library, you're okay." I tried to convince him, but he wasn't having it. Eventually, I gave up and dragged him around with me. Little brothers are so complicated, I swear.

First Rehearsal

Michael| April 7, 1966

"Michael, you get your ass back here in ten minutes. Rehearsals aren't getting pulled back 'cause of you, boy." Joseph growled.

"I'm not gonna!" I yelled, running out the front door. I was munching on my last snack before Momma had a fit. She's always telling me to stop snacking on stuff, and make room for dinner.

I had to get Aurora who was joining us for her audition. I almost ran into her as she stepped on our tiny porch. "Gosh, why do you always run everywhere?" She squealed, backtracking a step.

"I thought you were still home. Uhh, Joseph is gettin' angry so you might wanna get inside." I pointed behind me with my thumb. Aurora nodded, and followed me back inside.

Joseph peered over at us with an unamused expression. "Took you long enough. Now Areara, you're playing the piano. You're pretty good, aren't you?"

"If a contralto is b-flat." Aurora crossed her arms in amusement.

"Just get your ass in that seat. I don't play, Areara." Joseph warned, and again, pronounced her name incorrectly.

"It's Aurora. My name doesn't have the other word for butt in it. That's just nasty." Aurora corrected him.

"Never mind my pronunciation errors. Get to that piano this instant." Joseph hollered, making us all wince.

Aurora finally got the message, and scattered to the piano. I tensed up when rehearsal began, and the threat of being whipped commenced.

"Tonight, we're taking off where we were. Michael, you're the frontman, so you're the center of attention. That doesn't mean you guys in the back shouldn't give your all. People criticize the whole performance, and I won't have my sons performing anything less than perfect!" Joseph stated.

"That's what you said last time." Jermaine mumbled, causing me to look at him like he was an idiot. You don't say that in rehearsal! Or you're gonna...

"Jermaine! Boy, I don't take no disrespect from you. Get over here, or you're gonna get it harder." Joseph insinuated. Jermaine's face turned all expressionless, and he slowly walked over there. Sometimes he tries to be all big and tough.

"I will let it slip this once, boy. That mouth has issues, and your ass needs to shut it sometimes. I'm tired of this self entitled disrespect. You're gonna be the reason we lose, and your ass won't give me."

Ironically enough, he's more self entitled then everyone in the entire house. "We're starting with Lonely Teardrops. In one, two, three..."

I stepped up to the microphone, and began belting out the lyrics. "Lonely teardrops, my pillow never dries. Loonely teardrops. Come home! Come hoooome! Just say you will, say ya will." Everything stopped when I heard a thump behind me. Unsuprisingly, Marlon fell to his behind as he tripped over himself. Joseph looked like he was about to explode out of his head.

"Marlon! God, you can't stop messin' up can you? Get outside and get a switch, boy. Go!" He pointed out, and Marlon, who looked on the verge of tears, reluctantly went outside. He came back with a large switch, and Joseph began beating him. Aurora looked terrified, and frozen in her place.

I was in the same predicament, watching helplessly. It was difficult standing there, doing nothing. I didn't wanna get whooped! After about ten of them, Joseph finally let Marlon go back to his place. Marlon was a quivering mess, tears threatening to spill down his face. Sometimes I wanna do the same so he knows how much that hurts!

"We're gonna try this...again! You're gonna do it right this time, boy!" He raised his voice to Marlon, who sniffled in response. "From the top!" This is gonna drag on for a few hours.

Aurora

I stared in shock as Joseph pounded Marlon's back with the switch. The solemn and terrified cries coming from the boy's mouth was enough to scar me. I felt real bad as it was just a simple mistake. Marlon was finally let go, and everybody remained quiet. Only the occasional sniffle coming from Marlon could ever so often. Rehearsal dragged on for what seemed like forever. Michael even got whopped a few times!

It must've been nine when we were dispersed. "Aurora, be back tomorrow night. We're starting up where we left off. You're decent enough, I guess." Joseph muttered, a frown on his face.

"Yeah okay." I responded in a bored tone. I'm kinda outta options here.

"People should teach you manners." He commented next.

"It's not easy to be taught when you're too ruined to learn. But you don't wanna hear my life story, do ya Mr. Jackson? Not many do. I'll see you tomorrow." I dismissed myself, waving goodbye to Michael on the way out.

I finally got home when Mom came to the door in a panic. "I don't know how to get him to stop! He's having nightmares, and he won't stop hiding from me. I swear I've changed, Aurora! I promise." Tears came down her face as she brushed them away. James must've had a nightmare of one of Mom's episodes, or worse.

I pushed past her, and made my way to James' bedroom. The door was locked. "James, it's me. Unlock the door please." I assured him.

"Don't let 'er in! I don't want her! Rora, please don' let her get me!" He screamed. I sighed, and leaned against the door, unsure of what to do. Mom was standing there, her eyes filling with more tears.

"I don't know..." She stopped when I put my hand up. You see who runs this house basically.

"He's having an attack, Mom. Do us both a favor, and get away. Go to your room, and don't come out." I commanded softly. Mom stepped backwards, and closed the door behind her.

"She's gone, sweetie. It's alright. It's just me, Aurora. Nobody's coming in besides me." I said, with my hand on the door knob. His foot steps ascended to the door, and he unlocked it. He opened it enough for me to squeeze through, and slammed it behind him. James locked the door, turned around, and threw himself at me.

I wrapped my arms around him, and let him melt into me. "Shh now, it was only a dream. Mommy's different now. I know she wasn't really nice back then, but it's all better now. Mom had a sickness, and she's getting better. She's all better now." I rubbed his back, whispering that into his ear. James loosened his death grip around me.

"I-I know. B-but sometimes she.. she scares me, Rora. Please don't leave again." He begged as the tears streamed down his face.

"James, I have to go make some money. We need that to live. I know it's a new place, and you're nervous. Everything is much better than it was..." I stated until he interrupted me.

"With Daddy. I'm glad you didn't run away. Mommy and Daddy weren't nice together." James murmured into my chest. We were still standing in the middle of his room.

"No they weren't. James, we're a family. I would never run away. I won't ever leave you. Now let's get to bed. We have school tomorrow." I led him into bed, where I laid with him until he fell asleep. He hadn't been having these attacks lately. But they're really horrible when he does. I just hope he can cope with the way things are being run now.

It's Yours, Mommy

Katherine| April 27, 1966

I ricocheted out of bed, and balanced my giant stomach on my small frame of a body. I can't believe I'm due in a month! It's becoming a overwhelming reality we're having our ninth child. Something still doesn't ring clear to me that this is real. Nearly sixteen years of marriage, and eight children in eight years. Well, nine. So, I assume this little one is my tenth.

It's difficult to talk about that, but I'll have to move on with my life. God is just rewarding me another life to take care of, and love unconditionally. I can't explain my love for my children. It's not explainable. Today I was going to clean around the house so my husband don't throw a sissy fit. Then, I'm having a woman's day with my neighborhood friend, Mildred.

I grunted with each step as each became more difficult than the last. I can't wait until I get this child out of me. I have a breeze through my pregnancies, but they always get difficult at the end. Actually, we weren't expecting this one until I was about four months along. I just have a feeling this will be a girl. Just a feeling.

Anyways, I was out of breath when I reached my vanity. It isn't even five feet away, that's how exhausted I was. I took out a small chest I kept on the center of the vanity. I peered through it to find a rhinestone ring. That's odd. I shuffled through my jewelry again. I groaned as I set my chest down in frustration. That child is stealing my jewelry again! Ugh, that's the ring Joseph gave me for our first wedding anniversary.

He saved up for a few weeks to buy it, and it holds sentimental value. I almost felt guilty for getting upset with Michael as he's probably giving it to one of his teachers. I love my little boy with all my heart, but his generosity with my jewelry needs to stop. I'll run out of it before I can blink. I couldn't get onto him just yet since they left for school a few hours ago.

I just forgot about it, and I just started cleaning aimlessly. Anything to keep this house spotless! It needed to be pristine, and completely decontaminated. A few hours later, I heard a knock at my door. It was kind of odd since I wasn't expecting company. I hobbled over my cleaning stuff laid across the floor as I was going all out. I opened the door to see my sister's foolish face.

"Hattie, you're here." I smiled jokingly. Least to say, we're very close.

"I had to stop to see my big sister. You're such a whale of a good time." She razzed me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Leave it to her to remind me how big I've gotten.

"Hattie, you're such a witch! Since you're here, be useful and mop the kitchen." I grabbed a mop from the cart thing, and shoved it into her arms. She huffed, and began mopping.

"I don't know why I listen to you." She griped.

"Because you're my little sister, and I've kept you from doing some stupid nonsense. Like in high school, I told you that you shouldn't have gone out with Jacob Stalin. He's dead now... he died that night. He was drunk." I referenced. That night was the scariest of my life. I thought she had gone with him, and I lost her.

"He wasn't a bad guy. He was just... rough around the edges." Hattie narrowed her eyes as she looked towards her side.

"He was a wino. Come on now, that's not rough around the edges. That's borderline dangerous to be around. I worry myself to death with my kids hanging around all these gang members, and sketchy looking hoodlums. I hate being so harsh, but I worry something bad's gonna happen. I just hope none of my kids ever give into those drugs." I vented. "Now that we're having another, it's hard not to be trembling with fear. This house is overloaded with children, and it's only gonna get tighter. It's sad, but I can't do anything about it."

"You'll get to California, Katie. Your boys are pretty damn good." Hattie encouraged.

"At what cost?" I snapped my head in her direction. "I don't want to feel like I'm using my children for personal gain. That's not me! I want them to be happy, and healthy. If that means being scrunched in this tiny house, then so be it. Joseph is so hellbent on getting us out of here. He's been threatening about taking Marlon out, but I'm not letting that happen. How could he think that? It'll scar Marlon for life! The man is so... complicated."

"Katherine, Joseph is Joseph. He's always been a mystery to me. The man is so soft when it comes to romance, yet he's a runner up bull waiting to tackle anybody. Your children are pretty damn lucky to have their mama around. Not many kids have their mothers." Hattie finished mopping up the remaining area, and put it back in the roller thing.

"They're my children. I'd never abandon them for anything. I'm trying to suppress my anger, but it just bubbles beneath the surface. Joseph just irritates me sometimes." I admitted. It felt nice to confide in someone, and my sister was always there for me.

"All men can be irritating. We're rolling in on a new time. I can feel it. Just look at Martin Luther King. He's one of many who're changing our destiny. I'm optimistic." Hattie stated.

I formed a tiny smile, shaking my head. Leave it to her to make me better. "I know."

Hattie left a few minutes ago, leaving me to rest on our sofa. I heard the door open, and many kids pour in. Each child came up to hug me before going their way. When Michael reached me, I hugged him and got close to his ear. "Come to my room this instant." I pulled back to see the questioning, and scared look on his face. I want my kids to be a little scared of me so they won't do dumb things. It's an automatic for me.

I walked into my bedroom with Michael following. I sat on my bed, and motioned for him to do the same. He climbed on, and fumbled with his thumbs. "Honey, you're not in trouble." I told him calmly. Michael let out a exhale of relief. "However..." I tilted my head as he looked at me with his beautiful almond eyes. "you need to learn to leave my jewelry alone. I understand you're a natural giver, but baby, my stuff is to not be given away. I know you took my rhinestone ring. That holds a lot of value to my heart, Michael."

He shyly smiled before handing me a small box wrapped in newspaper. I stared at it confusingly for a few seconds as he nodded for me to open it. I slowly unwrapped the newspaper as a ring box appeared. "Why, what's this?" I asked.

"I felt real bad for giving away your jewelry so I saved my pennies to buy you somethin'. You give me everything, and I wanted to get you somethin' in return. It's yours, Mommy. And I didn't give away your rhinestone ring. Rebbie stopped me. It's on Joseph's nightstand." He pointed out. I looked down on my husband's nightstand, and sure enough, it was there. How did I not see that? I ignored that, and went back to Michael's gift.

I opened it, and let out a gasp of shock. It was a ring with a small pearl in the middle. I felt some tears swell in my eyes, and I took my son into a long embrace. I kissed his forehead repeatedly. "Oh baby, it's beautiful. You're such a sweet little boy. But you remember, you never have to give me anything. I get reward enough by being your mother. I'll cherish this forever." I explained.

Quite a surprise, I'll say!

Mr. Lucky

Michael| May 6, 1966

"Aurora, get those cymbals. We're leaving in five minutes." Joseph demanded as he wallowed around us. He was like a hawk, spying on every move that we made. The hawk, that's more like to. Aurora obliged, and gathered the cymbals.

"I'm gonna crash these against him one day." He whispered as she past me. I let out a small chuckled which triggered Joseph to spin around. "What?" He narrowed his eyes at me.

"Nothin', she was just talkin' about something funny that happened at school." I lied. Okay, it was a little white lie. Nothing wrong with that.

"Just get those damn instruments, and get in the car." Joseph barked... like a dog! I'm just imagining him in with a dog tag, and being on all fours. Ha, that'd be funny.

We got all our instruments into the Volkswagen, and went on our way. Aurora was seated on a drum while I sat in front of her. "Michael, why do you have white stuff in your hair? Is this paper?" She started digging through my short Afro. I started growing it out.

"Marlon was doing arts and crafts last night. He spilt some all over the place." I answered, glaring over at Marlon who was fast asleep. Gosh, he is so complicated sometimes. He can't even keep awake! We've only been driving for five minutes.

"What a dunce." She giggled, joining in on the fun.

"Yeah, seriously." I replied. I actually enjoyed the feeling of her rooting through my hair. I always enjoyed head rubs. I mean, who don't? Exactly! We reached our destination which was a nightclub called Mr. Lucky's. I wonder who this guy was, and why he's getting so lucky. Joseph sneaked up from behind me, and pushed me forward.

"We can't afford you standing here all night boy! Get inside right now!" Joseph muttered. I scoffed under my breath. I'm gonna get this meanie later!

"Come on Michael! Stop standing there!" Joseph commanded. I ran forward, and through the back entrance of the stage. Aurora was already helping Jackie set up the drums. Johnny Jackson, our drummer was standing by, conversing with Tito. "A'ight everyone, we're on in five minute. We've practiced, and y'all know your routine. No mess ups tonight, or you won't be paid."

"You seem real sure of yourself, Joseph. These children are pretty talented, eh?" A woman's voice came from the back room. She was dressed in very little, if any, clothes.

"Diamond, it's funny seeing you here." Joseph blushed, looking rather embarrassed. What's he so embarrassed about?

"I'll expect that payment soon, now won't I? We wouldn't want any complications to arise. I don't think your wife would wanna hear about those thing, will she?" Diamond stated smugly. "Have a nice night, Joseph. Don't mess my life up, now." She turned around, and walked off in a stance.

"Joseph, what was that about?" Jackie pressed. Joseph ripped his attention to his oldest son, and spat hatefully at him. "None of your damn business. Get on that fuckin' stage."

We were basically thrown on there when the curtains opened. "Welcome tonight ladies and gentlemen. Hope you enjoy the show." I said kindly into the microphone.

We finished a few hours later. I was mind blowingly exhausted. Marlon kept on pushing me to get in the van faster, and I ended up clubbing him in the middle of his forehead. He whined as he tried hitting me back, but I was already climbing over Jackie's lap.

"Stop being such a money." Jackie complained, pushing me off him. I settled in next to Aurora, who looked annoyed. "What's wrong, Aurora?"

"Joseph don't know how to pick a good outfit. I look like a striped pancake!" Aurora mouthed her hands up and down. "Just put the syrup on top, and get chowing." She huffed in her seat.

Oh, girl problems.

—-

My Baby Sister

Katherine| May 16, 1966

Oh, this was such an incredible dream. The fields were mesmerizingly green, and the pastures long and wide. Then came some pulses. Well, little trickles of pain. It felt like I was constantly pulsating the pain.

One, ow. Two, ow. And three, ow! I shot up in bed with sweat pouring down my face. Good lord, was that... what? I slowly felt my surrounding area. It was wet. Actually, it was soaked.

"Oh, good lord. Joseph. Joseph! Joe Jackson!" I grabbed a pillow, and struck him in the head. He groaned as his eyes flew open. "What?!" He practically screamed.

"I think my water broke. Dear lord, this is painful! It never hurt like this before!" I said through my contractions. They were rough, real rough. I don't think Joseph was psychologically ready for what was happening. This child was coming this second!

Joseph's face turned panicked as he climbed out of bed. "Alright, let's remain calm. The kids can walk to school, and we'll just call them tonight. Rebbie will be home right?" He looked at me curiously.

"As far as I know, yes. However, she might go see Nathaniel tonight." I explained. Joseph peered at me with a terrified expression. "We need to leave, Joseph. Do you want me to give birth on this freaking on the floor? Get me to the hospital!"

Joseph raced around the bed, and grabbed my arms. He led me out of our bedroom, and into the living room. The girls were peacefully sleeping, and looking so adorable. I smiled through the pain as Joseph led me out of the house.

He dashed in front of me, and helped me down the porch step. We came down the pathway, and I limped to the Volkswagen. He pushed me inside, and closed the door. Joseph climbed inside the car, and thrust the engine to life. "Oh, good lord!"

"Stay calm, Katherine. No need to scream now." He tried comforting me with his idiotic expressions. I shot my head in his direction.

"I'm in labor, you arrogant Moran! Pushing out a life form out of my womanhood. You need to shut up, and drive me there so I don't give birth on here!" I screeched, trying my hardest to not smack him in the face. Joseph bit his tongue, and continued to drive us to the hospital.

The more we drove through the unpopulated streets in the early morning dusk, the more it dawns on me a new Jackson is on the brink of existence.

—-

Michael

My left eye flew open, and the darkness filled them. "Michael, wake up! We have to get ready for school." Marlon's exasperated voice filled my ear. He yawned, and began climbing over me. Ugh, does personal space not exist in this house? I pushed him off, and he fell off. I gaped as his terrified face fell past me.

"Oh my god!" Jermaine whined. I peered over to see Marlon on top of him. "Marlon, the next time you decide to become an avalanche, let the occupants on the floor know.

"Michael pushed me off. Gosh, man! I didn't even startle you." Marlon complained, pushing himself off of Jermaine. I narrowed my eyes at him, knowing dang well he scared me. Why do you think I reacted like that?

I ignored his stupid— ity? Stupidoo. There we go, that's his new nickname. I climbed off our bunk, using Jackie's as a support to get to the ground. I released the bedsheets, and ran towards the bathroom. Rebbie came in shortly after, grabbing her toothbrush.

I stared at her for a few seconds as she brushed her pearly white teeth. She looked just like Mommy! How come I never noticed that? Rebbie even had that little space in between her teeth that Mommy had. Speaking of Mommy, I hadn't seen her all morning.

"Hey Rebbie." I mumbled as I brushed my teeth, getting foam everywhere.

"Michael, finish brushing your teeth." She chuckled, grabbing the towel, and wiping the counter below me. I smiled sheepishly, and spat out the toothpaste and nastiness in my mouth. I wiped the stray toothpaste off my mouth, and cupped my hands to get some water.

I was finally done, and turned to Rebbie who was standing there with her arms crossed. "Where's Mom?" I asked.

"Oh, she went to the hospital. Mom's having the baby." Rebbie said. My eyes widened. Mommy's having a baby! Wait, how does... "How?" I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

"The-uh... s-stork. Yeah, a magical white pelican like creature who delivers babies to parents." She expressed.

"Really?" I breathed.

"Yeah, now that's enough of that question. Let's go get ready for school now." Rebbie pushed me outside the bathroom. Why's she so jittery about a bird?

—-

Katherine

"Congratulations, Katherine." Hattie hugged me tightly. I embraced her back, and rested my head against her shoulder. "Oh, she is so darling. Look at those chubby cheeks." She cooed in an unnaturally high pitched voice.

"Alright, Hattie. We don't need you bursting our eardrums now. There are people down the hallway you know," I chuckled, cradling my newborn daughter in my arms. Truth be told, I was in denial I was holding her. It's a feeling I get when I hold each one of my children for the first time.

"I can't help it. She's the cutest little girl I've ever seen. What's her name?" She clasped her hands together, and looked at me with a huge smile.

"Janet Damita Jo. I wanted to name her Damita, but Joe didn't necessarily like it. Janet was my second option." I explained. Janet moved slightly in my arms before going back to her slumber.

Joseph came back inside, and sat down on a chair besides me. "Rebbie is bringing Marlon, Michael, Aurora, and Jermaine up. Tito and Jackie decided to stay home with Randy and LaToya." He said.

"They visited after school. Make sure they remain quiet. I don't want little miss to get upset." I kissed my daughter's forehead. A few minutes later, the door shuffled open. Rebbie and the younger ones piled in when she closed the door.

"Mother, she looks heavenly." Rebbie complimented, giving me a small hug.

"She sure is. Actually, she looks just like you, Michael. She even has the funny cone head you did." I looked at Michael, who looked down at his feet. Sweet kid gets so shy sometimes. I handed Janet to Rebbie, and invited the younger three over here. Michael and Marlon gave me some hugs while Aurora just smiled.

I could tell she was keeping her distance. "How are you, Aurora?" I questioned.

"I'm good. Thank you, Miss Katherine." She mumbled in a polite tone.

"You're welcome. Thank you for coming. Would you like to hold Janet?" I asked.

"That'd be nice." Aurora nodded, and sat down on a chair. Rebbie handed Janet to Aurora, who cradled her with such carefulness.

"She's so cute." She smiled, rocking Janet slightly.

"Yeah. I can't believe I have a baby sister." Michael gazed in amazement.

"Yeah, that's my baby sister." Marlon stared at her.

I smiled in adoration. Such a beautiful moment.

—

Responsibility

Aurora| May 29, 1966

"James, I told you to stay out of my room!" I griped, pushing past my annoying younger brother. He was in the middle of his legendary temper tantrums. I thought the prophecy was over, and he would eventually grow up. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.

"Rora, you know I can't sleep a'one." He had a slight speech impediment that made him trip on his syllables and pronunciation sometimes. I rolled my eyes. It was in the freaking middle of the day.

"James, I know you get scared sometimes, and that's fine. But, every single night isn't going to work. I love you to the moon and back. But my back don't want legs digging in to them all night." I said, trying to get him to see that he doesn't need to sleep in my bed with me constantly.

"But I have nightmares. You're already gone all the time!" James complained.

"I'm sorry that you have nightmares. And I already told you I need to work to bring in some support for us. Like Mommy has that job, I have to work for Joseph. I play with the Jacksons." He nodded along to every word.

"You can stay home and play with me." James smiled, causing me to do the same.

"That's cute, baby. I'll play with you later tonight. I have to go in an hour, James. Mommy will be home in a few minutes." I pinched his cheek causing him to wince. "Sorry, you have such cute cheeks."

"No I don't. You're adorable." His cheek flushed red as he said that. I gave him a small kiss on the forehead before sending him off to the living room. He annoys the crap out of me, but he's my baby brother. I'm very protective of him, and I'd never let anyone hurt him.

I wrapped my arms around him into a sheltering embrace. "Oh, thank you, sweetie. James, do you want some goldfish? Will that help you feel better?" I asked, running my hands up and down his back as I hugged him.

"Yeah. Will you fix dinner tonight?" James questioned, resting against my chest.

"We'll see. It'll be pretty late. Mommy will get some dinner if I don't make it home by seven. Tomorrow, we have a gig so it'll be real late." I said, letting him go.

"Can I sleep in your room tomorrow night if you're not there? I just feel safer in your bed." James asked, picking at his shirt.

"You have a safe, warm bed, James. I won't even be there." I narrowed my eyes, trying to keep him out of my bed. Dang child is so adamant on sleeping with me because he's scared. I know he shouldn't sleep in my room because can become very dependent on that. Well, more than he already is.

A few hours passed, and my mothers wasn't home yet. It was around six o'clock when I finally decided to just take him with me. I was livid. Where was my mother? She was supposed to be here within ten minutes. It's been around three hours. James was getting tired and cranky, obviously in need of a nap.

However, I wasn't wasting anymore time, or risking getting whooped by Joseph. I've managed to avoid him spanking me, and I wasn't about to start that. "James, get your shoes on." I was getting impatient. He was sprawled on our couch, pressed in a fetal position. That is how he always slept.

"I'm tired, Rora. I wanna sleep." He yawned.

"I know. Uh, just come on. I'm sure Mrs. Katherine wouldn't mind you sleeping in the boys' room, or something. We gotta go." I walked over to a small shoe closet, and dug out some white sneakers for him. "Come on now, we gotta get going." I stated, sitting down besides him. I grabbed his feet, and turned him towards me.

"Why do I have to go ov'r there?" He whined, rubbing his eyes.

"James, quit complainin'! I'm in a hurry, and you're being a pest. Just shut your mouth, and come on." I scolded angrily. James hitched his breath, seemingly on the verge of tears.

"I'm sorry, Rora. I know I'm a bad boy. I'll be better." He avoided eye contact with me. I rolled my eyes. I hated when he became so sensitive.

"You're not a bad boy. You just don't listen. Now let me get your shoes on." I said. He finally let me slip on his shoes, and we were finally at his way.

I opened the front door, and the storm door to follow that. I made sure to lock the front door before slamming it behind me. James took his hand into mine as we headed towards the Jackson residence. I knocked on the door. An agitated Michael came to the door, and answered it.

"Finally! Joseph's getting home in a few minutes, and we- eh, we have a problem. Jermaine tripped over a wire, and now he's stuck." Michael tried his best to not laugh. I was stifling laughter until I heard Jermaine's threats from behind Michael. "And he's acting more like a baby than Janet does."

"Oh, I gotta see this!" I looked down at my younger brother who was standing there shyly. "Michael, I don't think you've been formally introduced. This is my little brother, James."

"Hey James, what's up?" Michael smiled, offering his hand.

"Nothin' much. So you're who Aurora goes to everyday?" James tilted his head. Michael smiled and nodded.

"Well, I go over here. Remember to be polite, and do what Mrs. Katherine says. She's real nice. Actually, I need to talk to her." I explained.

"She's in the kitchen fixing Janet a bottle." Marlon came out of nowhere. "Hurry up, or Joseph's gonna blow his top."

"He'll blow his top no matter what we do. The man has a bull for a temper. One trip will set him off. I'll be right back. James, stay here. And don't get on Jermaine's nerves. He's a pain in the butt." I smiled, and ran off to the kitchen. Sure enough, Katherine was there holding Janet, and feeding her a bottle of formula.

"Hi dear." She said when she noticed me. "Can I help you?"

"My mom hasn't come home so I had to take James with me. Could he possibly sleep in the boys' room?" I explained.

"I'll do you one better. He can sleep in my room. That way he won't be disturbed." Katherine smiled.

"Thanks. James, go on. We're starting practice soon." I turned to my younger brother who was standing there tiredly. He turned, and wallowed down the hallway. It was quite easy to figure out who's room is which.

A few minutes later, we were in our positions when Joseph walked through the door. "Huh, everyone's here. Finally somebody can do something right. Are all your chores done?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I made sure they did, Joseph. They already ate dinner, and yours is in the oven ready to be consumed. And Aurora's little brother is sleeping in our bedroom." Katherine interjected. Joseph peered in my direction in confusion. "Her mother hasn't shown."

"Yeah." Joseph said, seemingly uninterested. "Alright, let's get going."
—

"Can we go one night without getting whipped?" Michael was annoyed. James was basically sleepwalking, and tugging on my jacket. I rubbed his back lovingly, and jestered him out the door.

"I know. That was my first time. God, that hurts." I rubbed my behind. Michael nodded.

"G' night. It's ten, you know." Michael pointed to the clock.

"I'm so tired." James whined. I nodded.

"Alright, Michael. I'll see you at school tomorrow." I waved goodbye, and he did the same.

We made it home, and once we got inside, I saw my mother passed out on the couch with a bottle of whiskey carelessly tossed besides her. I shook my head, and pushed my younger brother to his room.

"Was that Mommy?" He curiously asked.

"Yeah, she's sleepy. Let's not bother her tonight, okay?" I tried to get him away from my passed out drunk mother. Long story short, she and I were having a little talk tomorrow.

I kissed James' forehead once he was in his pajamas, and climbing in bed. "I'll sleep in here tonight, alright ?" He nodded, and I slid under the covers. I was making sure he wasn't gonna he around my mother at any cost.

—

I woke up around five, and snuck out his room. My mother and I had some serious issues to discuss. I was irate at her. How dare she lie to me, and show up home passed out freakin' drunk. I stomped down the hallway, and slammed my hand on her blanketed body.

She shot up in a hangover type daze. "W-wha...?"

"Really, Mom?" I scoffed, holding the whiskey bottle above me. "Drugs weren't your thing, and now you're switching ships. I don't understand you. You lie to me about what time you're coming home, and you come home in this state. God, I can't deal with you. I'm seven! I shouldn't have to be the one keeping it all together. Start being a mother! Your excuses won't cut it. Learn some responsibility." I turned around before she could say anything. Heck, she looked too shocked to even say something.

My mother is falling apart at the seems. How on earth can I keep this together? My mind thought hopelessly.

Mommy's Companion

James| June 15, 1966

I woke up snuggled in my cover. Rora said I had to sleep in my bed, or I'd never learn to live on my own. I'm four! Plus, I feel safe in her bed, whether or not she is there. Mommy has been acting real strange lately. She's gone more, and that makes Rora real mad.

Yesterday, she accidentally yelled at me, and made me cry. Well, I got to sleep in her bed that night without her getting upset. And she's been spending a lot more time over at the Jackson family's house. I don't like that she's gone all the time, but Randy and I play sometimes. He's nice, but he likes to argue with me over every little thing.

Mrs. Katherine is really nice. She's like a better version of my Mommy. I don't know Rebbie that well, but she's nice. Jackie and Jermaine are kinda weird. Jackie speaks in a really high pitched voice for such a big boy, and Jermaine likes making fun of my sister. Nobody is aloud to make fun of her! She's the best person ever.

LaToya is nice, too. Marlon likes playing with Randy and I sometimes. What I don't like is that Michael kid. He's really nice, but he seems to be gettin' close to my sister. A little more close than I'd like. Aurora tells me they're just friends, maybe even best friends. I'm her only best friend! She's my sissy, not his.

Rora acts more like my mommy than my own mommy does. I'd like to have a Mommy like the Jackson Mommy. She's really nice. No wonder Rora loves spending time over there. Rora was watching TV, and leaning against the back of the sofa. I rubbed my eyes tiredly, and walked over to her.

"You're up! Did you sleep good?" Rora asked, running her hand through my mane of hair. I nodded, and sat down right besides her. She kissed my forehead, and we relaxed on the sofa just like that. Sometime later, Mommy came through the door with a scruffy looking man. She softly closed the door from behind her, and widened her eyes when she saw us.

"Oh, you're here. Aurora, I thought you all were at Michael's house." Mommy stuttered, swear beads forming in her hair.

"Uh, Joseph called off rehearsals. Who is this guy?" She acknowledged the scary looking guy in the corner.

"This is Reaglo. Reaglo, this is my children, Aurora and James." Mommy told the big, scary guy. I scooted closer to Aurora for safety. She wrapped her arm around my waist, and pulled me to her.

"Hi. What's going on?" Aurora stated bluntly. The guy seemed shocked by Rora's tone.

"I'm surviving. Angela, how about you give me a beer, huh? I'd love to get to know your children, if you know what I mean." Reaglo commanded Mommy, and Aurora shot him a glare. Mommy nodded, and went off in the kitchen. "You know who I am, correct?"

"Some random person who ended up in my house. Yes, I am aware." Aurora raised an eyebrow.

"You have a mouth of you, don't you? I don't deal with kids. You all just need to let me have my way with your mother, and we'll get along just fine." He snickered. His face was ugly with scars and bruises all over it. He smelled like chimney smoke.

"And I don't deal with idiotic people trying to control my family. You think you're so smart, acting like you own the place. I help pay for it. My mother is a mopper at a freaking gas station. I don't care who you are. I'm not a person to be telling what to do." Rora narrowed her eyes, and deepened her voice. "You understand, Reaglo? Don't fuck with us."

Reaglo's face turned angry, and he stood up to do something to my sister. Aurora dodged him, and pushed me off to the side. Mommy came back in, and screamed. Next thing I know, Reaglo's on the ground bleeding. Aurora was holding two sharp pieces of a lamp that she smashed over his head.

"Oh god, Aurora! What happened? What the hell did you do?" Mommy screamed, going to her knees.

"He tried to attack me! I'm not letting anyone hurt me, Mother. Who the heck is this guy?" Aurora yelled back, anger embedded in her eyes.

"He's my boyfriend! You should've done what he asked! We need to call an ambulance." Mommy freaked out. Aurora just rolled her eyes. She didn't seemed scared by the scene, like she's been through this before.

"And I'm your daughter. Makes me think you don't give a crap about your children. Dang Mom! This guy was the best you could do? I'm calling the police." Aurora came back at Mommy. She went to the phone, and Mommy slid down on the floor, tears falling down her face. I slowly walked over to her, and wrapped my arms around her.

"God, I'm so sorry, James! I'm sorry, baby. No one will ever hurt you as long as I live. I love you so so much, baby. Mommy's sorry." She sobbed into my shoulder, holding me close to her. I was crying myself, seeing my Mommy so upset. Aurora came back in the room. When the cops came, I was safe with her arms wrapped around me. Aurora talked to the police, then Mommy, then me.

When Reaglo came to conciseness, they arrested him. Aurora put me to bed that night, assuring me everything would be okay, and we wouldn't see any more of this companion of Mommy's.

Playground

Aurora| July 24, 1966

It's been over a month since our little incident with Mom's boyfriend. I have to admit, Mom seems to be doing a lot better. She's showing up on time, which allows me to be at practice. I get to spend more time with Michael, too. He's a really good friend. Mrs. Katherine is teaching me how to sew, and I actually find it really fun.

James was coming with me to hang out with Randy, so that would give me time to practice the piano. Jermaine was actually bearable today, and even helped me unload some instruments from the Volkswagen. We had a show the night before at Mr. Lucky's again. Once we arrived at their doorstep, Michael pulled me back into the boys' bedroom.

"I wanna show you something. Since you've been a great friend, and you're a good person, I got you some nail polish. I really don't know if that's..." I cut him off by hugging him.

"No, it's incredible. Thanks Michael. You're real sweet." I complimented causing him to blush. We walked back into the front where everyone was. James and Randy were playing some random card game.

"You're welcome. So, how's your family." Michael said.

"We're managing. Mom works late tonight. And James has... troubles sleeping." I explained.

"That sucks. Joseph says we have to get ready for a gig tonight." Michael stated in a clearly bored tone.

"Oh, wonderful. When is he gettin' home?" I wondered.

"Not until late. He's working overtime. Mommy's letting us go outside." He said.

"Cool, I'm just gonna go make sure James is settled, then we can go." I pointed back. Michael nodded, and strolled out of the bathroom.

"Tag!" Michael squeaked as he tried to escape my finger's grasp. However, the tip of my finger touched his shoulder. He stopped, causing me to slam into his body. We both toppled to the ground. I opened my mouth to apologize to him, but he cut me off with his cunning laughter.

The look in his eyes explained he was planning something mischievous. I know. I have a little devilish brother. He grabbed my shirt, and tagged to nose. "Tag, you're it." He whispered. Then he let go, and began sprinting off towards the patchy grass. I sped off, chasing him.

We played a few more rounds falling to the ground tiredly. "Man, this is so much fun! We didn't have playgrounds in Phoenix. They were always melting." I rolled onto my stomach, and looked in Michael's curious brown eyes.

"Like another planet? That don't sound too nice to live in. Were the trees burnin'?" He asked. I decided to play along with his fascination.

"Oh, yeah. The dogs weren't allowed outside 'cause they'd turn to hot dogs or somethin'. And elephants roamed the streets, and clowns drove taxis." I joked. Michael shook his head with a contagious smile on his face.

"You're not very good at storytelling." Michael remarked, digging his finger into the dirt. He then took out a sunflower seed, and planted it. "Now a sunflower will grow, and flourish in nature's beauty. Mommy always says that giving the planet sunflowers makes it smile."

"That's sweet, sunny boy. Hey, that's a cool nickname. You gotta give me one, Michael. It's the principle of friendship." I declared. Michael tilted his head as he went into thought, I suppose. His face lightened up.

"Does Aurora mean Dawn or sunlight?" Michael quizzed. I nodded. My dad used to tell me I was his sunshine. Now, he's my darkness. Phoenix wasn't just hot, it was hell. So many bad memories came from that place. I felt like Gary was a fresh start for our family. "Okay, then it's Dawn. Sunny boy and Dawn. Or sunshine. You're my sunshine, and I'm your sunny boy." Michael clarified. He put out his hand for an agreement.

"It's a deal." I giggled, shaking his hand.

He's my sunny boy. And I'm his sunshine. I love best friend lingo.

These Are Real Issues

Katherine| September 6, 1966

"Joseph, please do the laundry for one in your life. Do I ask you for much? I don't think so." I griped at the man who's spending eternity perched in his damn chair.

"Katie, I just got home from working double overtime. Please let me rest." He pleaded, his eyes annoyed at my behavior.

"Whatever, Joe. I'm physically tired, and I'd love my husband to pitch in. Handling nine children all day isn't easy. Everyone has something to do, and I'm at my wits end." I grabbed a duster from the side table, and dropped it on his lap. "Do somethin' practical. Your wife would so appreciate it."

"Katie, lay off me. I've exerted everything I have to put food on the damn table. You don't understand how difficult it is to do that shit!" Joseph snapped, leaning forward in his seat.

"No, I just care for ten kids, including you. You've had all evening to wind down, so shush. Don't snap on me just because you're doing nothing practical. I'm trying my best to support you, and your decisions. But, this house needs a little attention, and I'm exhausted. You know Janet is teething, hence I've gotten little sleep. So... clean." I threw a broom into his lap. "Starting with the kitchen would be lovely. I'll go take a nap if that concerns you." I smiled in satisfaction.

However, before I even got the chance to walk two steps, a knock expelled from the door. It was after dinner, and the children were either asleep, or getting ready for sleep. I hobbled over to the door, and cautiously opened it. There stood Angela, all bloodied with a bottle of alcohol clutched tightly in her hand.

"Katherine. Pleasant to see you." She slurred. I was alarmed by her appearance.

"Angela, what happened to you? Were you attacked?" I spat out in horror.

"Oh, I just cut myself on the shards. Tell Aurora I won't be home until tomorrow evening. I have some important things to handle." She about turned around until I put my hand around her arm.

"Oh, you're not goin' anywhere. Sit down. Goodness, you're bloodied and drunk. Who's taking care of your children?" I questioned, making sure she didn't injure herself further.

"T-tell Reaglo I'll tip him if he didn't..." she got up really close to my ear. "Fuck me mercilessly." I was appalled by her language.

"Good Jehovah, what is wrong with you? Who is Reaglo. Where are your kids?" I was steadily getting more upset. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know the extent. Aurora, poor child. What are she and her brother living by.

"They're home... or the city dump. Wherever in this t-town." She giggled immensely. Okay, a woman in this state isn't reliable at all. I sighed in anger, and let go of her.

"Don't you move one inch. You hear me? How foolish of you to act this way." I scolded like she was a toddler. I left her sitting on my front porch, and made my way next door. I knocked impatiently on the door. Aurora came and answered.

"Hi, Ms. Katherine. What're you doing here?" She asked.

"May I come in?" I replied. She nodded, and made way for me. We both sat on the couch, and she looked at me. "Do you need something?"

"I need you to tell me everything, honey. Your mother is at my house blackout drunk. I can't continue to let you two living under these conditions if she's going to act like that. Please, tell me what you can. You can leave out anything too personal, and I will not judge you." I assured her.

"Mrs. Katherine, really there is nothing wrong. It's perfectly normal." Aurora smiled nervously.

"Having your seven year old raise her brother, and not caring about where she is is not normal. Aurora, I'm a thirty-six year old woman. I know what an alcoholic is, and I know what an unstable household looks like. It's not your job to be the adult, it's hers. And she needs help." I said. "Sweetie, let me help you. You're such a sweet girl. You don't need this. I will help you only if you let me."

Aurora's face became disturbed. "They'll take us away. That's what they do to kids if their parents are bad." She sniffled. I could see tears well up in her eyes. "I can't lose her, Mrs. Katherine. Or my brother. Everything was fine until just recently, I swear."

"But it will only get worse. A person can't just quit. That's why they call it an addiction. Your mom needs help. I won't let anything happen to you." I assured her. "Aurora, think about yourself. Please be a child for once. Live out the innocent, sweet girl you are. I won't let anyone take you away. You and your brother mean everything to me and my family. Certainly, you mean the world to Michael. Let me help. Please." I placed two fingers under her chin.

"Okay. Just get her help." She started sobbing. I opened my arms for a hug, and she obliged. Her head rested on my shoulder as she cried out endless tears. "I can't deal with it anymore! I need a mom! Not her! I don't know her!" She sniveled into my shoulder.

"She will get better soon. I can't promise it'll be tomorrow, but it'll be soon. Okay, pack a bag for you and your brother. You ain't staying here tonight alone. I can make a pallet on the floor for you two. Is James asleep?" She nodded, and let go of me.

"I'll go wake him." She wipes her eyes.

"No, I'll do it. Just pack your clothes, and let me handle the rest." I responded, putting my hand on her shoulder. Aurora went off to pack while I woke James up. Sleepy and disoriented, he just wrapped his arms around my neck, and placed his head on my shoulder.

Of course, Angela was long gone by the time we arrived home. I didn't expect her to be. I brought the kids inside. Joseph gave me a questioning look, but I gave him the "we'll take later" expression. Michael, who surprisingly wasn't asleep yet, came running to hug Aurora.

"What're you doin' here so late? We don't have rehearsals." Michael asked.

"They're spending the night. Maybe for awhile. It's a long story you can't hear since you better be in bed in five, four, three..." I counted down. Michael scurried off before I could finish.

"Rebbie, go get some extra pillows from the closet. We have some guests tonight." I directed her. She scurried off to the closet, and came back with two pillows. I made out a pallet, and the two climbed in tiredly. "Excuse me. Goodnight, you two. Rest up now." I patted the blanket.

I picked up the receiver in the kitchen, and dialed the police. Now for the hard part. "9-1-1, what is the nature of your emergency?"

"I'd like to report a case of child neglect. My neighbor hasn't been taking care of her children. She came to my house earlier drunken and bloody. I'm keeping her kids in the meantime." I explained.

"An officer will be sent to scope the scene. Are you willing to right a report?" She asked.

"Yes. Her name is Angela Reneé. She's a recovering drug addict..."

—-

True Colors?

September 14, 1966
Aurora

Today would be the day Mom is returning home. They evaluated her, and sent her to a rehab center. She discharged herself last night, and begged Katherine to give her another chance. Mrs. Katherine hesitantly agreed, but warned she would be keeping a close eye on us.

Mom and I had a good time really long phone conversation last night. She admitted that she got out of control, and she needed to get a hold of herself before it costs her everything. I'm a bit nervous though.

I'm so grateful for the Jacksons. They've proven to be like a second family. Even Jermaine has taken a notch down on his teasing, and that's saying something. Michael tells me everyday that he's always here for his sunshine. He's still on that binge.

A few hours passed when I heard the roaring of a car pull in our driveway. I climbed off the couch, and saw my mother getting out of her recently purchased car. I know what you're thinking, how can a person who was admitted in rehab get a car? I'm thinking the same thing. I refrain from asking though.

The door opened, and my mom came walking in. I stood there staring at her. Mom sent me a small smile, and opened her arms. I slowly walked over, and wrapped my arms around her. I just wanted my normal, sweet Mom back. That's not too much to ask.

"I'm gonna try, sweetie. You've been so strong through all of this, and I've been a terrible mom. No more. I'm done." She faintly promised. Why is it so hard to believe her?

"Prove it." I exhaled.

Mom unlatched from me, and stared into my eyes. "What?" She asked.

"Don't give me anymore empty promises. You can't tell me that you'll do something I know you won't. I've heard that line a lot of times, and it always comes back false. Prove it to me, mom." I reinstated. I can't keep being hurt like this.

"I said I'll try. I'm not promising anything." She raised her voice. "You just don't understand what addiction is, do you?" She huffed before walking off to her bedroom. I bet she has a stash somewhere.

"Just proves you don't give a damn." I challenged. "For me or James. Don't try to act all nice, and willing to fight this for us. And furthermore, I know what addiction is 'cause I saw your sorry behind doing it. I've almost been attacked 'cause of it. Don't act like you're mother of the year when you're the furthest thing from. I should've gone with Daddy instead of you. At least he had his life together." I conceded. Mom stopped dead in her tracks.

"He fucked her, and you're still on his side? He left me to care for two emotionally broken lab rats, and you still love him? I tried my best to quit, but that motherfucker didn't give a damn 'bout anybody! Don't tell me you want to live with him, Aurora! He's a fucking liar! Fuck him to hell! Fuck him! Fuck you! And fuck everybody! I should've never had you! I should've..." she stopped. I already had tears in my eyes. She really thought that about me. "Aurora..."

"Get out." I choked. "GET OUT! Get out of my life!" I was screaming at this point, pushing her by the stomach. I've never felt so much hatred for her before. My vision went red. "OOOUUUUTTT!" I hollared, probably alarming half the neighborhood. She didn't move. I pushed passed her, and ran for the Jackson home. At least they wanted me.

I banged on the door. James was already over here playing with Randy. LaToya answered the door. "Hey, Aurora." Her face turned worried when she saw the tears streaming down my face. "Mom! Come here!" She shouted. Mrs Katherine rushes to the door. I shook my head, and cried into her shoulder.

How can she be acting more like my mom than my own mother. She actually cared for me. I guess I finally witnessed my mother's true colors. "She isn't trying. Mrs. Katherine, she'll never change. She said she didn't want me."

"I'm sorry, Aurora. It's alright, dear. Everything will be okay." Mrs. Katherine tried to assure me. Will it?
—-

Exhaustion

Katherine| October 15, 1966

"You don't understand how crazy that sounds?" I chuckled, scrubbing a plate in the boiling suds of the sink. "There is nothin' wrong."

"He's been acting strange, Kate. Michael's been having those damned night terrors. Kids get over that at like three years of age." Joseph scoffed, explaining why I should believe his silly self. He examined a notepad of his ridiculous theories by our imaginative sons.

"I'm sure it's purely coincidental, Joe. And the boys probably jotted that down before they came to you. They're boys. It's all just a joke, I'm guessing." I looked at his eyes. They were filled with disbelief.

"Nah, the writing's faded. Look." He shoved a notebook, and calendar in my face.

"Writing fades if you make it look faded. Joe, I'm washing dishes. I'll look at the "evidence" as soon as I get done." I laughed, air quoting with my sudsy fingers. "I swear sometimes you got a strange imagination."

"Katie, of all people, ya don't think that Mike's got somethin' strange goin' on with him? With those strange quirks he has." He remarked, setting down the notepad besides the sink... right by the drying dishes.

I ignored that. "Joseph, there's nothing wrong with our son. We have perfectly normal kids. It's just a stage that kids go through. All our children have gone through the same thing." That man thinks there's something wrong with our normal eight year old boy. He plays, and he has fun. That sounds pretty normal to me.

He shook his head. I looked down, rolling my eyes. My naive husband. He may rule with an iron fist, but he is so gullible. Michael walked into the kitchen very lethargically. He yawned. I chuckled quietly admiring my adorable son.

"Are you exhausted honey?"

Michael nodded. I could tell Joseph was focused on something else. "Have a good night then." I smiled, drying my hands off with a wash towel.

"Thanks, Mommy." He replied, blinking a few times. He turned to walk away but Joseph stopped him.

"Michael, we needa discuss something." I inhaled deeply, knowing exactly what he wanted to talk about. "Hey, back in here boy."

Michael slumped back into the kitchen, looking more tired than he has ever. He even had dark circles under his eyes. He looked so exhausted. "I wanna go to bed. I'm tired." He whined. He always gets like this whenever he hasn't slept. He's just like me.

"Kate, mind joining in?" Joseph looks at me.

"What are you wanting to know? Just let him go to bed." I said. "The boy is tired. He needs his rest. You already work them hard enough."

"Not until I find out what's goin' on." Mike exchanged a confused, tired look with me.

"Sit down." Joe commanded him.

Michael walked over to me. I picked him up, and set him on my lap. Now, I always dress comfortably in dresses. I also love cotton, and soft fabrics. I can't stand wool, though. It may keep you warm, but it ain't comfortable. Mike's eyelids began drooping, and his head fell to the crook of my neck. I rubbed his hand. He has pretty large hands for his size, being the little spunky eight year old he was. And he was pretty short for his age, which I found adorable.

I looked over at Joe whose eyes were builging out of his head. "Are you seriously..."

"Now, why you keep interrupting me?" Joseph interrogated, also interrupted me.

"I'm tired, Joseph." Michael replied nonchalantly, resting his head against my shoulder.

"Michael, get up off your mother now.." Joseph walked to Michael, pulling at his arm. Michael groaned, wrapping his other arm around my neck.

"Joseph! Leave the boy alone. Let him sleep." I raised my voice. "It's around your bedtime anyways." I smiled. Michael nodded along with me.

"And Joe, go to bed. You must've gotten little to no sleep last night. I'll put the kids to bed." I told him. I stood up, and walked to the boy's room. Everyone looked at us as we walked by. I hobbled to to the room, and settled Michael into the covers. He was already long gone by the time I got him to bed. He was in some strange position.

I sure hope he gets a restful night's sleep. Boy, these children can Sure fall asleep in some strange places. EVERYONE was looking at me all funky in a sorta science experiment way. "Do I have eleven fingers, twelve toes, and a nose that gets bigger every time I lie?" I retorted to my audience. "I've told ya'll to not stare. So don't stare." They finally got the message, and stopped following my every move.

"And boys, don't go showing your father some ridiculous hypothetical melodrama. I'm tired of him pestering me about it." I warned. Ugh, kids.

When you become a parent, you become the constant eye candy of young children. I finally got everyone settled down, and in bed. It's not easy being a mother to 9 children. 10 if you include my husband. Sometimes, he more needy than my children. I add to the stress by inviting strangers that need me. I try to be the best role model to my children. Now, that's the difficult part.

I climbed into bed. Joseph rolled over, taking me into his arms. The kids didn't see the soft, kind, actually loving man I know, and fell in love with very often. He's hard on the kids, but he really does love them. I know my kids are sensitive, especially Michael and Jermaine. When I was pregnant with Michael, Jermaine thought it would be a grand idea to eat salt. A whole bag of it. He spent quite a few days in the hospital, and it made him the most attached to my hip toddler I've ever witnessed.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH! Someone help me!" I heard someone screaming. Joseph shot up like a bullet, scowling and griping.

"Damn iit, Michael!" He muttered under his breath. I sighed, and began climbing out of the bed. I heard Jackie mutter something, and Tito screaming for him to wake up wake up. I walked into the room seeing the boys crowding around Michael, shaking him. Michael was still screeching. "Stupid night terrors." I griped to my self.

"Boys, move." I made my way through them. "Michael, wake up, baby." I gently shook him myself. He finally woke up, shaking. "H-huh? W-w-what happen'd?" He stuttered, gripping my arm.

"You had a night terror, sweetie. You alright?" I cooed.

"Yeah." He put his hand to his head. "I' am not that tired no more, Mommy. I don' even remember it."

"It's 4:34 in the morning." I glanced at the clock. "Try fallin' back asleep."

"Take him with you. I don't wanna hear that again." Marlon complained.

"Yeah. I'm too tired." Jermaine whined. The other boys nodded.

"Really, ya'll?" I rolled my eyes. "I'm goin' back to bed. Go back to sleep. Michael, come with me." I lifted him off of the bunk, and took him into my arms. Oh, the things you do for the love of your children.

"What'chu doin' boy?" Joseph glared at Michael. Joseph has never enjoyed having our children in our room since we only share a double sized. "You ain't sleepin' in here." Michael's eyes widened.

"Be quiet." I scolded him. I sat down in bed. "He's sleepin' with me, not you." I moved towards the middle, putting my back to Joe's. He groaned. Michael reluctantly climbed into bed next to me, facing away from me. I scooted towards him. "Try to get more sleep sweetie." I kissed the back of his head.

I felt the bed shift as my son scooted towards me, melting into me. I'm a big-time affectionate person so I gladly accepted it. I love cuddling my kids; it gives us some bonding time. I chuckled a little as Joseph fell off the bed. I turned around to see him climbing back in bed. "You alright?" I asked. Mike gripped me tighter. I instinctively wrapped my arms around him more tightly.

"I fell off the damn bed, wha' you think?" He groaned. "Ya'll are too close to me." I shook my head. "I'ma go sleep on the couch." He stated, leaving the room groaning. "The girls and Randy are occupying the couch." I chuckled.

Michael relaxed a lot. I rubbed through his soft growing natural. "I love you, baby." I told him. "No matter where you go in life, I'll always be here for you. If you need me, just call me. I'm blessed to have you as my son." I whispered. He nodded in response. Even though it was dark, I saw beautiful doe eyes, and smile looking up at me. "Thanks, Mommy." He said, tiredly.

"You're welcome, Michael. Go back to sleep now." I rubbed his head until he fell asleep in my arms.
—-

Hit The Deck

Katherine| October 24, 1966

I felt something looming above me. I opened my eyes seeing my son sitting on my stomach, smirking. I narrowed my eyes at him, confused. "What did you do?" I asked, feeling my face. He laughed at my actions. "Sure, laugh. No candy then." He shut right up. "That's what I thought, boy." I joked, laughing at him now. He smirked again.

"You're funny, Mommy." He said, bouncing on my stomach. I love my little my energetic troublemaker. I needa watch behind my back now because he is that sneaky. I rolled my eyes giggling at my son. "How're you so energetic when you haven't eaten any candy? I can't even jump once unless I'm on a sugar high."

"Aww... Mama's jealous." He joked.

"Nah. Mama's old." I admitted.

"You're not that old, Mommy." He said. "You're only..."

"Don't test me." I pushed him off me onto the side. I pinned him down, and started tickling his sides. He trashed around, laughing very loudly. "You know not to say stuff like that." He laughed even more. I couldn't hold in my laughter, his was that infectious.

"Mercy, Mama! Have mercy!" He yelled. I stopped, allowing him to catch his breath.

"What's goin' on it here?" I heard Rebbie standing at the door.

"Your brother's a little troublemaker. Messing around with your poor Mommy." I joked. She shook her head, smiling. "You don't even need to tell me who. It's Mike, ain't it?"

"The one and only." Michael, stretching his arms out to Rebbie. She picked him up. One thing to say is he loves his sister.

"You're a dork, Mike Joe." She loves to call him that.

"No, I'm not. And, it's Michael, not Mike Joe." He shook his head vicariously. "Well, not Mike Joe, the dork." She emphasised dork. He rolled his eyes.

"You're bein' a big pain, Michael." Rebbie said, putting Michael down. Michale just shrugged.

"I am not." He frowned.

"Yeah.. yeah." Rebbie joked, laughing at their faces.

"You are kind of a dork, baby." I interrupted.

"Mommy!" Michael yelled.

"I'm kidding." I laughed. Goodness, this kid is sensitive. "Alright, Rebbie. Go set the table, please."

"Already done. And, Jackie is cooking breakfast." She smirked, crossing her arms.

"How'd you get Jackie to cook?" I asked, curious.

"He, and I made a bet. He lost, and the bet was if he lost he'd have to make breakfast for the week. I'll make sure he don't burn the house down, Mom. Don't worry." She assured me.

"Oh, and Nathaniel wants to meet the family. Is that alright?" Rebbie pleaded with her eyes.

"I'd love to meet the boy who's makin' my baby happy." I cooed.

"Mama, I'm not a baby." She said confidently.

"You'll always be my baby no matter how old ya get. Same for all your brothers, and sisters." I smiled.

"Same here?" Michael asked, wanting to be the center of attention.

"Yes." I kissed his forehead. He beamed at me.

"Breakfast!" Jackie called. Michael raced out as soon as he heard those words.

We all sat down, said grace, and began eating. Breakfast was unusually quiet. I grew bored fairly quickly.

"Joe, how'd ya sleep?" I asked, stabbing the pancake with my fork.

"You kicked me off the bed, and I slept on a hard couch, girl. No more kids in our bed." He smirked at me.!

"Sure, Joe." I rolled my eyes. "We have nine children. At least one of them will have bad dreams:"

We soon finished breakfast, and the boys were doing the dishes.

I sighed as I buttoned up the last one on my shirt. I suddenly felt some masuline hands drape around me, and a pair of familiar lips kiss my neck tenderly. Now, it felt good, but he was keeping me from buttoning this top all the way. "Joe, I'm tryna get ready." I giggled, the sensation of his warm lips against my neck. I tried holding back a moan but it escaped anyway. Great, now this man had me in his fingertips.

He started unbuttoning my shirt; that's when I needed to put an end to it. "Joe, I gotta get ready. And we have nine kids in this house. We can't be foolin' around. We're not teenagers." He rubbed my shoulders.

"Well, I'd love to be a teenager with this beautiful body again." Joe tenderly rubbed my sides, and blowing softly into my ear. God, this man. I slapped his hands away.

"Joseph Walter, let me get ready! I can't be having these thoughts and desires today. I promise Janelle I'd help her at the drive. And you gotta get the boys and Aurora ready to perform there." I buttoned up my top again, and walked into the living room.

I was dressed in a plain white polo shirt with some beige khaki capris and white loafers. My hair was parted to the left with my natural curls falling to the side. Rebbie and LaToya had on some "Heal Gary" tees on with some matching jeans, and old Nike tennis shoes. I dressed Randy in a casual red-white striped top with some blue corduroys cuffed at his ankles and some red sneakers. I finished braiding Janet's growing hair in a cute pattern before putting a tiny wrap around it. My older five boys were in pink suits with black dress shoes.

Their suits reminded me of Elvis Presley. Now that man looked good. Jackie was combing his hair, even though he ain't got none. Tito was cuffing and uncuffing his sleeves as it annoyed him more and more. Jermaine was admiring himself in the mirror. Marlon was lost in space somewhere while Michael kept jabbing at him. I started towards the kitchen when something stopped me... a large boom banging throughout the house.

That sounded like a gunshot...

Joe looked out the window, and his face dropped as he turned white as a ghost. Before I could ask him what was wrong, he yelled at us to hit the deck. I instructed everyone nearby that meant kiss the carpet, and lay flat on the floor. I grabbed Randy, who was standing besides me, and hit the floor,

I heard something ricochet off a pipe. My fear grew more and more as each gunshot rung. My fear wasn't for myself, it was for my children. I looked at Randy under me reassuring them it'll be over soon, and we'll be okay.

Marlon's eyes opened real wide when I heard the glass smash. Stupid me was right by the window. Thankfully that was the blowover. Joe told us to stay down as he looked out the window. He gave us the okay signal. I began to feel the stinging from my cuts as my shirt was torn all across my back. Good thing I was on top of Randy or he would've would've got cut too.

"You alright, Mom?" Jackie asked worriedly.

"Thinking of what could've happened, I'm fine. I'll be fine." I examined myself through the bathroom mirror. There was no blood gushing but I had several abrasions on my back and some cuts on my shirt. I grabbed some alcohol and cotton balls from our medicine cabinet, and got a reluctant Joe to put the antiseptic on.

"Girl, this is nasty." He said, dabbing it on my cuts.

"Boy, I do this once a day with your nine reckless kids." I laughed, ignoring the pain.

"I ain't know how you do it." He gagged at his doing.

"Well, you're learning." I laughed.

We were finishing up as I stood up from the bed. He pulled me back down on his lap and started rubbing me all over. "Joe, we can't do this... again." I pulled away walking in the living room. As soon as I turned the knob and opened the door, a domino of kids youngest to oldest exactly fell to the floor. "Are y'all okay?" I asked as they groaned. "What's goin' on?" Joe asked exiting the room as they scrambled ot their feet.

I helped Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon to their feet. Rebbie helped up LaToya, Michael, and Randy. "You okay, Mom?" Tito asked.

"I'm fine, sweetie. Are you good?"

"I'm alright."

"We have to get going. Let's go. Go on!"

And off we went...

—-

Crushes + Tacos

Tito| November 1, 1966

"Rachel Dean?" The teacher called out. We were in the middle of roll call... ugh, it's so boring. I swear this teacher is getting paid to annoy the life out of people. I can feel my eyelids getting heavy.

"To—- Tariano Jackson?" She pronounced my name wrong. I rolled my eyes. I raised my hand.

"It's Tito." She glared at me for a second before continuing her roll calls. I suddenly feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn around to see this young girl with the same expression on my face.

"Tito, huh?" She urged. She was eyeing the teacher who was glaring at another student. Man, I hate the dang 7th grade.

"Yeah. Yours?" I acquired.

"Janette. Jannette Califor." My eyes widened in surprise. "I know, weird last name."

"It's not weird. It's unique." She smiled.

"Nice choice of words, Tariano." She stated, squinting her eyes.

"It's not... Its just Tito." I rubbed my fingers against the sides of my nose.

"Tito, Janette! Pay attention." The teacher roared.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"Now class, back to our equations." She gushed, pressing a piece of chalk against the blackboard. "What is 9 plus 9. Toto?" She looked at me.

"Tito." I breathed. "It's 18."

She rolled her eyes, but nodded.

I felt that familiar tap again. "Tito." I heard a whisper. Janette was handing me a piece of paper. I grabbed it before the teacher could see it and shoved it into my desk. The scrunch's sound filled the room and heads turned my way. Ms. Dean raised an eyebrow while writing a three.

"I-I was grabbing some paper to do the equation... for notes." I took out another sheet of paper to make it seem like I was doing it. She did a double take but turned her attention to no one in particular.

I looked down to the paper and uncrumple it.

I've noticed you and you look really good. I'd love to hang out sometime.
Kisses,
Janette Califor

I could feel myself blush. She looked at me smiling...

Oh, she likes me?

—

I was walking through the sea of kids to the cafeteria. It was a rather large cafeteria so everyone had lunch at the same time. I wanted to find Jackie and Jermaine, they'd know what to do. At first, I found Jermaine, Michael and Aurora standing in a line that was thankfully open. I inhaled and walked to the line.

"Maine." I yelled at Jermaine, causing him to jump. Michael laughed at him. "What was that for, man?" He asked defensively.

"Nothin'. I needa show you something." I exasperated, gripping the letter. Jermaine peered at it and took it from me without warning. He read it and his eyes widened and a smirk cast place on his face. "Ohhh... Tito's got a girl?" He laughed. I regretted showing him the letter.

"Man, grow up!" I babbled.

"Tito, girls are gross. You ever heard of coovies?" Michael's face looked disgusted, and his mispronounce made me laugh. Aurora looked at him like he was stupid.

"It's cooties, Mike." Jermaine giggled with me. Michael rolled his eyes.

"And that's a myth, Michael." Aurora added.

"What's a myth?" Michael asked, confused.

"Something that isn't true." Jackie butted in, joining our line.

"Why people say stuff that ain't true?" Michael exclaimed.

"People lie, Mike. It's a way of life." Jackie explained.

"Well, that ain't fair." Michael crossed his arms.

"Life ain't fair." Marlon pouted walking towards us. "They outta tacos."

"Sorry man." I sympathize.

"And those are some good dang tacos." Michael added, sulking.

"Y'all are weird." Aurora pitched in again, moving in front of all of us. We groaned, and she just shot us back a smile. Remind me why we had a conjoined lunch again?

—-

Joseph's POV

"Well, that rat won out once again." I examined the mouse-trap. Being stupid, I pick it up. Next thing I know, it snapped on me. "God dammit!" I cursed.

"Joe Jackson, you never say the heavenly lord's name in vain. You understand me." She slapped my arm.

"The dang mousetrap snapped on me, and you expect me not to say that." I asked angrily. Kattie glared at me for a second before shaking her head, muttering underneath her breath. "What you say, Kate?"

"I said this man is gonna be the end of me." Kattie retorted back, then slapped her forehead. "Umm... can you go get the feather duster from the boy's room? I forgot it in there again."

"You need to get your mind checked. You losin' it, woman." I smirked. She rolled her eyes, doing the same. I pecked her lips. "Yeah.. yeah." She turned around and went back to wiping off the counters.

I wondered into the boy's room. A scowl grew on my face as I saw messed up bedsheets, clothes on the floor. Remind me why we had like a bajillion kids? I started picking the discarded clothes and placed them on Jackie's bunk. Ha. Let him clean that up. I started straightening up the bedroom forgetting why I was in there in the first place. Soon I was a Jermaine and Tito's bunk.

"Joe?" I heard Katie ask. She appeared in the doorway with an eyebrow raised. Her eyes widened. "Are you cleaning?" She questioned, grabbing the feather duster. Oh, yeah. I was supposed to get that. "Sorry, sweets." I gave her a smile.

"No, thanks for cleaning. I really appreciate that." She smiled joyfully and left the room. I returned to fixing up the bunks when I heard a paper rustling sound coming from in Tito's pillowcase. I reached in and pulled out a folded up letter. My eyes squinted in curiosity. I opened it and read it. By the end, I was surprised and angry.

I took off for the kitchen to show my wife. "Katie, look at this." I handed her the letter as she put down a wipe. She read it carefully, her eyes widening. A smile persisted on her face confusing me. Why ain't she angry? "Oh, that's so cute." She smiled.

"What do you mean cute? It's disturbing." I yelled. Randy turned his attention from his blocks in the living room to us.

"Joe, Tito's only 14 years old. That's way too young for any relationship. It's puppy love Joe. I had it too." She handed me the letter.

"What'dya mean ya had it too?" I asked impatiently.

"Joseph, you tell me you never had a girl like you, and you liked her back when you were a kid." Katherine began. "It was nothing but a childhood attraction. Did it go anywhere?" She questioned looking into my eyes.

"Well... no." I looked down at the letter.

"Exactly." She smiled, kissing the corner of my mouth.

"Well, he can't anyways. We have practice tonight." That made Kattie tense up. I don't understand why she don't like that. It's for the boy's future.

"Mhhhh." She pulled away from me, going back to cleaning.

"What?" I crossed my arms.

"Nothing, Joseph." She looked away from me. I knew something was on her mind, and I was gonna hear it whether or not she liked it.

"Katherine Esther Jackson, tell me now." I demanded. She looked at me with a glare.

"One, I am not your child. Two, don't demand anything out of me. I'm not saying anything for I have nothing to say." She griped.

"Kate..." I began.

"Damn it, Joseph. Leave it alone!" She yelled, then gasped. I gaped. "Just please, leave it alone." She closed her eyes and muttered something followed by "forgive me, God." Kate is a very religious woman and never curses unless something really gets to her. Alright, I'll leave her alone.

"Should I confront Tito about this?" I asked myself. Katie interjected as if was asking her.

"No, put it back where you found it. Tito put it there for a reason. He don't want us to see it." Katherine explained. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Well, I found it. I'm gonna confront him on it." I persisted.

"Joe, you'd do anything to antagonize that poor child. Leave this be. Don't embarrass him." She stated as she tried to grab the letter from me. I pulled it away from her grip. She glared at me.

"Joseph." "Katherine." We both said.

"Whatever, Joe." She shook head, leaving the room and me smiling in victory.

Now to confront Tito about this.

—

Oh Rats

Katherine| November 26, 1966

I vicariously wash the dishes getting these stains out when I heard a squeaking noise. Not the washing machine squeak or a door... an animal. I look around the kitchen in curiosity. I set the plate down on the counter when I see a tiny shadow move across the floor. My mood sets in that something isn't quite right.

I walk to where the noise was coming from. My heart dropped whenever I a huge white-fur rat by the kitchen sink on the counter. Terror fills my body and I scream at the top of my lungs. "Dear God, not a rat!" I am utterly terrified of rats. "Joseph! Joe! Joe Jackson!" I scream.

He barged into the kitchen, nearly tripping over himself. "Dear God woman! I though you were being murdered. What the hell is the problem?" He breathed.

"A r-r-rat." I pointed at a now absent spot. Joseph groaned. "Get that damn thing out of this house, Joe Walter Jackson." I cussed.

His eyes widened at me. I rarely do curse but again, I am mortified. "Alright, Katie. Calm down before you have a heart attack." He grabbed my sides, pulling me to him. I gripped his shirt still shaking. Joseph kissed my cheek. "I'll get him outta here, baby." I nodded, sitting down in a chair.

I really need to calm down.

—

Michael

"Mr. Rat?" I whispered-yelled. "Where are you?" I looked around shining the flashlight I was holding around. "I got some food. Mr. Rat?" I crawled under the kitchen table and tried not wake my sisters and brother in the next room over. "Where you at?" I giggled guessing he was playing hide and seek.

I saw something on the ground laying still. It was Mr. Rat, he was playing dead. I walked up to him and shown my flashlight down on him. He was in this metal thing. Maybe it was a work-out machine for rats. That's really cool!

"Mr. Rat!" I whisper-yelled again. He didn't move...

"Mr. Rat?" I frowned wondering why he wouldn't stop playing dead. Is he... dead?
"Mr. Rat?" I choked out. He didn't move. Oh-no!

"Mommy!" I yelled, running towards her and Joseph's room. I threw open the door seeing Mom up on her elbows looking at me concerned. Joe was looking at me running around the door to her.

"What's wrong, Michael?" She asked me, cupping her hand against my face. Tears fell from my eyes.

"Mr. Rat's dead." I cried. She had a confused look on her face but it softened to a look of sympathy.

"Oh, we got him good." Joe interrupted and turned over to go back to sleep.

"Joe." Mommy scolded and I took off out of their room. He's so mean to us sometimes. "Michael!" Mommy called after me but I ignored her. I rushed back to Mr. Rat to see if there was a chance he'd be alive.

Katherine

I was very confused by what just happened. A rat? Ugh. Michael's upset. Joe's... well... he's just fine. I shook these thoughts off and went off after Michael. "Michael, baby." I called after him. Once I got to the kitchen, I saw him sitting on the floor by the mousetrap with the rat in it. I got that feeling of sickness in my stomach again. I ignored it and pulled out a chair, sitting down it.

"Come here, honey." I told him softly. He obeyed and stood up, and sat on my lap.

"He never hurt no one, and Joseph killed him." He looked solemn.

"Honey, it's just a rat. Now you know we can't have any mice in the house." I consoled him. He nodded, and snuggled closer to me. I gently rubbed his head. "Michael, I know it's hard to lose somebody or something you love. But, it's just a test. Like my leg. I'm not all sad and angry because I have a limp. I say it's just a test for my strength. I made it through my trials and misfortune, and you will too." I informed him. "Understand?" I rocked him gently. He nodded. "Good."

"Mother, why do things die?" He asked me, playing with my necklace.

"They just do. It's because everyone has a time, and when God calls us home, that's our time. Everyone has a purpose they need to fulfill." I said.

"Are you gonna die?" He asked curiously.

"No, not for a long, long time. I have way too many things to live for." I told him.

"Like what?" He asked.

"Well, you, your brothers and sisters. Your father. Our dreams." I caressed his cheek.
"I wanna own a candy shop." He told me, smirking.

"Well, then you'll do that." I laughed.

"I wanna buy you a big house with a million things." He stated.

"That's sweet, baby. But, I want you to buy yourself some nice things. You just being you is the million things that I need." I informed him. "Also, know that I will always love you." I kissed his forehead.

"Thanks, Mommy." He grinned.

"Anytime, sweetie." I smiled. The clock read 3:46 AM. "I think we should go back to bed."

He nodded.

He stood up and started walking to his room.

"Mommy?" He asked.

"Yes?" I questioned back.

"Does Mr. Rat have a purpose?" My eyes softened.

"Did he make you happy?" I asked him.

"He made me so happy." He smiled.

"Then that was his purpose. That will also be his legacy." I smile.

"What's a leg-aagie?" He asked, confused.

"A legacy is what you leave on this world or with people after you die. It's what people remember you by." I explained.

"I'm gonna leave an awesome legacy." He said right.

"Yes you will, baby." I nodded.
-

Winter Fun

Aurora|December 3, 1966

The snow was piling high in our yards. Some even collected among the siding of the various houses. Now, I wanted to build a snowman as conditions would permit. However, Michael decided to drag me into a full fledged snowball fight. What he didn't is that I was wildly competitive.

We had 30 seconds to build our own bases before we were punched in the face by the snowballs. I found a depression in the ground were I could build over. Within that time, I constructed the incline I needed to hide behind. Michael's was pretty impressive as well. I thought mine was solid proof, but when I was hit in the face, it was proven false.

"Ha! Gotcha." Michael squealed in joy. I narrowed my eyes at his celebration, and gathered enough snow. I chucked it in his direction, and it splattered his face. Now it was my turn to laugh at his expense.

"Nope, you're out, Jackson!" I redirected. "You can't beat me!" Michael sent me a competitive grin, and I knew I would have to get my behind moving. We chased each other around for a while when Jermaine came running out dressed in a very heavy winter coat. Well, it was a basically a blizzard.

"Joseph needs y'all to come inside. He's gonna film us, or somethin'." Jermaine said in a monotone, bored expression. Michael and I glanced at each other, and we went back inside. Joseph was putting everybody in place, clutching a film camera.

"Now, we're gonna do this perfectly, do you understand? I'm sending this off to Motown for an audition." He paused when he saw us dressed in outdoor gear. "Get out of that right now! We don't have time for your childish games." I almost rolled my eyes. Whatever.

We began doing our best, and Joseph filmed our performance. He seemed satisfied as he let up go shortly afterwards. We were dismissed to do our own thing shortly afterwords. Michael and I were sitting on the front porch watching the cars do by.

"So.." I stared at the concrete that was plastered in snow.

"Yeah." Michael picked up a stone besides him, and tossed it off into the snow covered yard. "Gosh, there is nothing to do 'round here! Mommy forbade me from going to the park 'cause it's too cold and dangerous." He huffed. I was just as bored.

There is seriously nothing we can do here? I looked around for something to play when I found two sticks laying side by side on the ground. Huh, that's was coincidental. I stood up, and grabbed the sticks. I handed one to Michael who looked at me confused.

"En garde!" I challenged, positioning my stick to begin our fight. He grinned, and brought himself into his position. We whacked each other's sticks a few times before I smacked his arm. It was covered so it didn't hurt. He got me a few second by hitting my leg. "Ouch!" I jumped.

"You okay?" Michael asked worriedly.

"Yeah. Take this!" I ran forward and tackled him to the ground. We chuckled as the snow piled on top of us. I laid on top of him as Michael rested in the ground. It's all in winter fun!

Aurora| December 5, 1966

Everybody seemed to be asleep. Why am I regaining consciousness? That's when I realized that James was poking my arm. I rubbed my eyes when I looked behind to see him there. "What's wrong?" I wondered.

He didn't say anything. I wrapped my arms around him, and pulled him close. "Is Mommy coming home soon?" He mumbled against my shoulder. I inhaled tiredly as I tried to sing my brother back to sleep. Ugh, I hate waking up at 1 in the morning.

James fell asleep shortly after with his arm thrown over my stomach. I just kissed his forehead, and tried my best to fall back asleep. A few hours passed when I felt a tap on my forehead. My eyes fluttered open to see LaToya bending over me.

"Breakfast is ready." She whisperer, minding James who was still sleeping against me. I nodded. I squirmed away from him, and made my way into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Aurora." Mrs. Katherine acknowledged.

"Morning, Mrs. Katherine. How're you?" I asked.

"Fine. We've got pancakes and bacon." She stated. After everyone woke up, we settled around the fairly small table, and said grace. I kept glancing at Marlon who was trying to entertain the younger ones. I looked around for everyone's reactions. Joseph was looking dead with bags under his eyes.

Mrs. Katherine was chatting Rebbie while passing everyone some silverware. Jackie, Tito and Jermaine were chomping on their bacon. It seriously looked like a dang cartoon where everyone does stuff in harmony. Speaking of the jokesters, Michael, Randy and James were laughing their behinds off at Marlon's showcase.

LaToya, She was... eating like a regular human being. Huh, cool. "Mother, these eggs are exquisite." She complimented. Katherine smiled.

"Thank you, dear." Katherine accepted sincerely.

"Mother, can you settle an argument for us?" Marlon intervened. Katherine turned her full attention to him. "Michael said I'm a blockhead. My head is perfectly round, right?" I tried to hold back a laugh. Poor Marlon didn't catch on that was an insult.

"Michael!" Katherine scolded. Michael just shrugged humorlessly.

"He said my teeth were humongous boulders. I'm not lettin' anyone get to me without a comeback, Mother. It's only fair." Michael argued.

"Michael, you're the blockhead." I corrected. "Your face looks like Wile E. Coyote when he's flattened against the wall." Michael sent me a semi-dirty look. I say semi because he had a hint of amusement in his face.

"Oh, Mrs. Sunshine." Michael's face turned mischievous. Actually, his natural face is mischievous. I rolled my eyes, knowing now he's never ever gonna let me live that down.

"Where'd you get that nickname?" Marlon questioned.

"That's what her name means, ya dolt." Jermaine said. Marlon narrowed his eyes at him.

"Alright, Jermaine." Katherine interrupted. "No need to rude."

"Sorry." He whispered non-apologetically.

"I know you didn't mean that." Katherine shook her head with a smile on her face.

"Okay, I'm really sorry, Marlon. I acted like an inconsiderate bafoon." Jermaine said.

"It's alright. I'm glad you see what you really are. Marlon smiled.

That's how the rest of breakfast went. Half felt compliments and insults. That's what family means. And god, family means delicious food.