Sorry for such a long delay everyone. Thank you again for your support. To my girl Rebecca and my new German friend JaHa :) Thanks girls! btw any ideas are definitely welcome. Try to be patient with me, im in school and I've been on a tight schedule. I'll update when I can. Thanks!

Two hearts. One Dream Ch. 4

We sat there in his car in silence. I kept my hands in my lap. I didn't know what to say to him. I was embarassed. The look on his face when he was kneeling in front of me told me that he must've heard what those mean were saying about him.

"You sure you're alright? You look a little pale," his voice startled me.

"I'm s-sorry, Mr. Jackson." I whispered.

"For what?" he smiled.

"For what those men said about you. I'm just...sorry." I didn't know what else to say.

"You shouldn't apologize for something you had no control over. It's okay, really. I've been called worse."

I blushed and looked down at my hands. My heart was beginning to calm down. That is, until I noticed the dirt I had tracked into the car with me. Dirt from my feet, all over his nice, clean car.

"Oh!" I gasped. Michael jumped and looked at me curiously. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Jackson! I'm getting your car so filthy!" I yelped as I reached for the door to run outside.

Michael grabbed my hand. "Calm down, Lola. Dirt can be removed. Please, don't go back out there. I don't want to see you get hurt again," he pleaded with such sad eyes.

I looked at him in confusion for a minute and he pulled my hand against his chest.

"I've been in worse pain. If anything, them causing me physical pain only takes away the pain I have in my heart." I was looking right into his eyes, but I seemed to forget that I was speaking to the King of Pop. He was just too easy to talk to. He really was a normal human being like everyone else.

"Then let me help you. Stay..." he looked outside for a minute and I relaxed my hand in his. "Uh, where exactly do you live? I'll be happy to take you home, if you'd let me."

"Home? uh..." Michael looked at me again and waited patiently for me to speak. "It used to be in Oklahoma."

"Used to be? What happened?" he asked, holding my hand tighter against his chest. I felt his heartbeat pick up a little faster.

"It's a long story. Too much pain came from my home, so I left it and I ended up here. I didn't get here too long ago. I arrived yesterday, actually. I haven't really slept much, but when I did, I just curled up in the back seat for a few hours." I explained, trying to go into as little detail as I could. I didn't want him to know about my son. I wasn't sure if Michael would be the type of person to take someone else's problems as his own. That was the last thing he needed right now.

"So, you have been sleeping in your car...alone...on the streets of L.A.?" he asked wide eyed. I nodded. "You poor girl, I'm so sorry."

I smiled weakly at him. "Poor, yes, but it really isn't as bad as it sounds. That's my Mustang over there," I said, pointing down the street at my car.

Michael stared at the car for a minute and started to think. "Stay..." he repeated his last statement. "Stay with me at Neverland. We can have all sorts of fun. I'll show you so many things. Just stay long enough so you can get back on your feet."

I looked away and he sighed.

"Lola, where's your family?"

I winced. "Broken and away. Back in Oklahoma, and I can't be around them anymore. That's why I'm here. I ran...ran like a coward." I lowered my head and glared at my feet. I knew I must have sounded so pathetic to him right now.

Michael tilted my head up with his free hand, the other still held my hand tight against his chest. "Escaping the pain doesn't make you a coward, Lola."

I blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Jackson."

"Okay, we need to work on that," he smiled and pulled me back down into my seat. "Mr. Jackson is my...father," he shuddered for a minute. "Call me Michael, or Mike."

I blushed a deeper red and smiled. "Okay...Michael."

"Better," he smiled. "So, what do you say?"

I opened my mouth to speak and then closed it. I didn't know what to say. Why is he asking me to stay with him at Neverland?

'To heal you...'

"What?" I asked.

"Silly, I asked you what do you say?" he repeated.

I shook my head. "You said something about healing, what did you mean?" I asked.

"Healing?" he laughed a little. "I don't know about that. I just want you to come stay with me for a while."

'He's doing this to heal you...'

Oh, right. I mentally smacked myself in the head. I forgot my voice of reason is Michael's voice. I'm really going to have to pay more attention.

'To heal me...that's all?' I asked in my head.

'No...this is also your chance to heal him. Stay with him, for however long it takes. Heal each other...'

"Mr. Jackson..." I whispered. Michael quirked a brow at me and I giggled. "Sorry...Michael...I'd hate to be such a burden. I know you have so many other things to do other than babysit someone like me."

Michael laughed. "Nonsense, I need a friend to hang around with. My life has been so dull lately. And you said you would be my friend, remember? Besides..." he leaned in and squeezed my hand. "It would only be a burden for me if I was being forced to think about you being all by yourself out here," he whispered, making a sad face.

"Okay," I groaned.

"Okay what?" he asked.

"Okay, you win, Michael! Just stop making that face." I groaned.

Michael grinned. "Call it a gift."

"Sure, sure," I rolled my eyes.

He smiled at me again and put his hat on my head. He chuckled and it made me blush.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Nothing, you just have the funniest look on your face when you're frustrated," he laughed.

"Oh shut up," I grumbled, throwing his hat back at him.

He let go of my hand and caught the hat, laughing. "So fiesty." I rolled my eyes and he grinned. "Is there anything you need out of your car before we head home?"

I couldn't help but smile at his choice of words and I nodded. Michael leaned forward and opened the side door. I looked around and noticed there were more people around than before and I backed up a bit. Michael followed my gaze and he smiled.

"It's okay, Lola. I'll have one of my guys watching you while you get your things. I'm not going to let you get hurt anymore. I promise," he smiled and squeezed my hand again.

"Alright, I'll go get my things, but..." I stared outside and chewed on my bottom lip.

"But what?" he asked.

"I don't want to leave my car. I mean, I know it's a piece of crap, but it has been in my family for quite a few years." My knees started shaking.

Michael looked at my car and then put his hand on my knee to stop me from fidgeting. "I'll take care of that. I'll just put it in an auto shop and get you a new engine. How's that sound?" he offered.

"Michael...a new engine? That's asking for way too much," I said, shocked.

"Asking? No, this is more of an offer, but if you prefer, I could always insist," he winked at me.

I rolled my eyes at him and he gave me a silly grin and made my laugh.

"Okay, tell you what I'll do. I'll get you a new engine, and in the mean time, you stay with me at Neverland. Then, when your car is done, if you're that tired of being around me, you can be on your way."

I studied him for a minute, trying to figure out why he said that last part.

"Excuse me? Tired of you? Oh, come on, Mike, don't flatter yourself!" he looked at me confused. "I could get tired of all the servants or the movies, or the ranch in general...but you? Come on!" I lowered my voice. "Damned celebrities, always gotta be all about them. Sheesh!"

Michael stared at me for a minute and I stared back. I had to grit my teeth to keep from smiling. Then he lost it, which made me lose it too.

"You are something else, Lola. Are you sure you're one of my fans? I feel like..."

"Like we've known each other for years?" I finished.

"Exactly," he smiled.

I smiled and jumped up. I figured we'd been parked in the same spot long enough, and it would only be a matter of time before someone realized whose car this belonged to.

"I hope you have decent trunk space, your majesty," I teased. "I have alot of crap."

He laughed. "Plenty of space ma'am. I'll have one of my guys help you."

"Sure, sure. You just keep yourself hidden. I don't want my tour guide to be torn to pieces," I winked at him.

"Your guide? Is that all I am? Aw, I thought we were friends," he faked a sad face.

"Aw, but we are my wittle pwince," I cooed and he blushed. "Ha! Red looks good on you, buddy!"

He flipped me off from under his chin and I laughed and ran to my car. As he had promised, one of his men stayed close. I felt so weird when I got out of his car. Being in his presence was like sitting by a roaring fire on Christmas Eve, but you feel the bitter cold once that fire goes out. I shivered and grabbed my things.

The minute I jumped out of the car, Michael began making calls to find the best auto shop in town. Jermaine recommended one that was down the street from his place.

I made a few trips and heard him on the phone a few times. I had two bags left, and I placed one by Michael's feet.

"Hey, Lola..." he whispered. "When's your birthday?"

"Uh..." I raised a brow at him.

"Come on, I'm curious. I wanna do something fun for your birthday," he spoke in a sing song voice.

"It's next month. October fourteenth," I giggled at him.

"Okay!" he went back to his calls and I went back for my last bag.

'He's so goofy. Definitely not what I expected him to be. He's so fun. I wish more people saw this side of him. Maybe they would understand him a little more.'

'If they did, you wouldn't be the only one that would try to save him,' the voice spoke.

I groaned at my mind. I was mad at my so called voice of reason. It wasn't there when I needed it...

'I wasn't there, no...but he was. You don't need me when you have him.'

I grinned and my heart warmed. I had him. It sounded like too much to hope for though. I frowned at myself. King of Pop or not, he was still human, and humans make mistakes. I'm not going to let my guard down, doesn't matter if he's a celebrity or not.

I looked at Michael and he smiled at me and winked. He's being generous and giving me a place to stay. Why does he trust me so much? He just met me.

'Because of what he sees in your eyes.'

"What did you say?"

"Hm? I didn't say anything. You know, I think you could use a nap, Lola." he chuckled.

Damn, I've got to stop doing that.

"So, is that everything?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think I'm set."

"Great. Hop in. I've got a tow truck on the way. We'll head home once he gets here," he said.

"Home," I repeated him. I stayed standing outside the car for some reason.

"Yes, yours and mine. Temporarily, of course."

I looked at him for a minute. "Are you nervous?"

He blushed. "No. I don't want to make you stay where you aren't comfortable, that's all."

"Oh," I whispered. "But I am comfortable around you..." I slapped my hand over my mouth. That was supposed to remain in my thoughts.

Michael chuckled. "That's good to know, but it's hard to know how people really feel around you until they show it."

I started to question him when I caught sight of a rather large man standing a little too close to me. I jumped and he grinned.

"Hey, pretty lady. Here to tow your vehicle for ya."

Michael poked his head out the door and smiled. "Great. It's the green one over there."

He nodded and I felt him touch my side. I yelped and jumped into Michael's lap. I shivered and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and hid my face into his shoulder. He wrapped his arms protectively around me and looked at the other man.

He smiled at me. "I guess this means you trust me," he whispered and I nodded against his shoulder. He looked at the man outside his car. "Do you mind backing up a few steps?"

"Uh, sure. What's her deal?" he grumbled.

"Her deal? She doesn't have a deal. But you, that was rude to reach out for her keys without permission."

I felt stupid. I forgot my keys were latched to my belt loop on the side of my torn jeans.

"Oh," I whispered and let go of Michael. "I'm sorry, I'm just..."

I paused for a minute and Michael lightly rubbed my back.

"You're apologizing for something out of your control again. We're gonna have to work on that."

I smiled and slid out of his lap, handing the keys to the man. He took them and turned his back, grumbling.

"How rude," Michael snorted. "I'm going to have to remember to file a complaint."

I giggled. "Right, complain later. We've been at this spot way too long." I climbed in and sat down in my seat.

He nodded and shut the door and pointed forward and the driver took off. We talked about random things on the way to Neverland.

"You're going to love Neverland, Lola."

"I'm sure I will. I remember reading an article about it somewhere. You were quoted saying 'It's a place where you never grow old or..."

"Get sick," he finished. "Yeah, that was my dream. Unfortunalely, it isjust a dream, since I've grown older and I have been sick before, but Neverland does work some magic in easing the pain," he whispered, placing his hand over his heart.

I watched him as his eyes went sad again and I reached over and took his hand.

"You know, I'm no Neverland, Mike, but I will do everything I can do to help ease your pain."

He smiled and squeezed my hand. "And I'll do the same for you, Lola."

"That obvious, huh?" I sighed.

"Yeah, a little, but that's okay. You're only human."

"So are you."

He smiled and looked out the window. "It's so nice to have someone so close who sees me as just another normal person living in this world."

I smiled and looked at our hands grasping each other. "Yeah, it is."

"Oh, Lola...look!" he pointed out the window. "We made it."

I looked up and saw the front gates of Neverland slowly opening up and we drove through. Michael smiled as he watched me staring in awe at all the scenery in his ranch.

"Wow..." was all I could say.

"I know. I have so much to show you," he said.

I giggled at him. He sounded like a child showing off his new toy to his friends. It was too adorable.

"Over there is my farris wheel, and to the right are the bumper cars..." he went on with the small tour and I payed close attention. Getting lost in this place for me would be too easy.

We slowed down and I looked out my window and saw two huge lions charge the fence and growl.

I jumped back against Michael and he laughed. "It's okay, they're just hungry."

"Well, you can tell them that I'm not part of the menu."

He laughed and put his arm around my shoulders. "Welcome home, Lola."

We stopped and he got out and offered his hand to me. I took it and he helped me climb out of the car. I tripped on the last step and landed in his soft embrace.

"Maybe we better go shopping for new shoes later," he joked. "Can't have you falling all over the place here."

I blushed and straightened up. "Shopping? Wouldn't people talk if they saw us together?"

"Yeah, that's why you'll be going with Janet. She's a master at avoiding the media," he smiled.

"Janet? I thought she was on tour."

"Nah, she actually just finished. Don't worry, I called her while you were getting your things from your car. She's looking forward to meeting you," he grinned as I stared at him. "What? Don't tell me you're getting shy around celebrities now."

"No, I just don't understand what is so interesting about me."

"Your heart and your kindness. That's just my idea. Anyway, I'll have my guys unload your things. Let me show you to your room. Janet will be here tomorrow, so you can clean up and rest. You will feel so much better."

I sighed in delight. A hot shower sounded so wonderful to me. He chuckled and took my hand and lead me inside. He pointed out a few things on the way to my room. When we got to a long hallway, I recognized his bedroom door from an interview I'd seen with him. He stopped at a door just a little ways down from his.

"This is where you will stay," he said, opening the door. "I hope you like it."

It was so beautiful. The walls were a deep aqua blue and it had a royal Egyptian theme to it. "Wow, it's beautiful."

"Thank you. I designed it myself. You have your own bathroom in here and there are locks on every door. My bedroom is just down the hall incase you need me. If you're okay here, I'm going to go do some things of my own."

I turned and smiled at him. "Yeah, thank you so much Michael. This is so sweet of you to take care of me like this. Will you be far?" I didnt want to sound so needy, but being in a new place and not knowing where he was if I got scared, made me nervous.

"No, I won't be too far away. If you can't find me, just ask one of the servants. They will come find me for you." I smiled and he winked at me. "I'll come check on you once you settle in."

I couldn't help myself anymore. I reached up and pecked him on the cheek and hugged him. "Thank you again. You don't know how much this means to me." I backed up and he smiled widely at me. I turned back towards the bathroom and stepped inside, taking one last look at Michael. He put his hand over his cheek where I kissed him. I thought I might have stepped over the line by doing that, until I saw him grin before he turned on his heels and walked out.

'You know, it's funny. I think I'm already starting to mend.'

As soon as I thought that, my chest felt like I was getting stabbed again. I gasped and put my hand over my chest and fell to my knees. Damn, being around him only numbs the pain. That's nice, but is it always going to be like this? Will I ever mend completely? One thing's for sure...if being around Michael makes the pain go away, even temporarily, then I need to stay near him. Not only for me, but the chances are if this is how I feel around him, maybe, just maybe being around me numbs his pain as well.

'That's more than enough reason for me to stay here with him.' I thought.

Finally the pain subsided and I got into the hot shower and let the water beat on my back. Holding myself up was proving to be rather difficult. I cleaned myself up and dried off. I noticed a white cotton robe laying on the counter. When I put it on, Michael's initials were sewn into the fabric. In the pocket, there was a note.

"Lola,

I'm sorry I didn't have a robe for you. I'll get you your very own with your initials on it when I get the chance. Until then, please enjoy my robe. Don't worry, I have one of these in every color you can think of. Enjoy!

Love, Michael"

That boy is too sweet for his own good. I placed the note in the frame of the mirror in the bedroom. I wanted to make sure I'd see that note every day as long as I stayed here. I looked at myself in the mirror for a minute and noticed how tired I really looked.

'Well, atleast the dirt is gone now.'

I layed back on the bed. 'Feather pillows? Wow...he has good taste.' I yawned and closed my eyes. I might as well sleep while I could. I have no idea what kind of shopper Janet was. I went to sleep hoping I'd be able to keep up with her tomorrow. Keep up and I hope she likes me.