Love Me Like You Do

..:: Nine ::..

Sarah collapsed against the bed, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling.

She was invited to Neverland.

Michael Jackson himself just invited her to his home.

On the outside she appeared calm and caught off guard. But on the inside she was screaming with joy. The professional aspect of her refused to allow the joy to escape. For the moment, at least.

Her eyes shift to the album on the nightstand, she has yet to take a listen. Sitting up and taking the jewel case in hand, Sarah's fingertips traced Michael's signature with a sigh. It was a true treasure to have in one's possession that much was certain. But she didn't want to bring any harm to such a one of a kind album.

Surely she would get an official copy the day of release, working at a music store has its perks.

Carefully taking the disc in hand, Sarah placed it in the stereo and pressed play. The sounds emitting from the speakers nearly blew her mind out of the water. Never had such a hard sound ever come from Michael's normally softer tone. It was breathtaking to say the least.

Just as he mentioned it was more edgy and a form of release. It could be heard clear as a bell from her perspective. The combined vocals of Michael and Janet were a powerhouse just waiting to hit the airwaves. This song would be a true hit.

Hell, the album in and of itself is sure to be spoken of for decades to come.

There had been countless times Michael surely wanted to scream. This song was speaking volumes for her.

"Stop fucking with me! Make me wanna scream!"

Sarah was surprised yet expecting a new touch to his music, even though it shocked her at first. Michael has always had a way with self expression, but this definitely went above and beyond.

The duet was quickly consuming her very soul, taking over every fiber, every thought, every dream. Somehow it took hold and refused to let go.

As the next track began to play, it brought a sense of realization to Sarah's mind. Not only was the album edgy, it was full of raw emotion. Both about life in general, and of the state of the world as we speak.

Michael is a true prodigy and lyrical genius. And to be able to speak with that genius on a personal level made this all the more special. Never had she seen him in the negative light of which the tabloids paint him in. She's always seen past the fame and spotlight, to be able to see the man beyond the name.

"Beat me, hate me, you can never break me! Will me, thrill me, you can never kill me!"

Sarah was taken aback. So much emotion! Raw and edgy anger contained so perfectly within each verse! Michael had truly hit the nail on the head on the current state of which people were in. Anger, hate, prejudice and greed filled our streets. Killing hundreds of thousands of people every single day.

Not just people, but countless children are also suffering. And Michael has always been so sensitive to the fact. And he was degraded for that love in way no human deserves.

"All I wanna say is that They Don't Really Care About Us!"

Dear God! The emotion! The heart, the soul! Each word just seemed to reach out and fully grasp her.

And to be able to see and connect on a level millions could only wish and dream to become reality.

Sarah was truly lucky to have spoken with him, and she knew it.

Forget lucky. Meeting Michael will forever be a blessing.

Sounds of light rain soon flowed around her, mimicking the rain which still continued to fall just outside the window. A brand new tone of voice came to life all around her. New yet some immensely familiar. It was low and filled with longing, even a touch of loneliness 

Her heart began to break silently. Michael was a tortured soul, despite a heart of gold he was forever tarnished by the press and false representations of human beings. No one deserves this much pain.

Sarah held back a sob, a silent tear making its way down her cheek as she lay upon the bed. His tone was calling out to her in such a peculiar way, and she couldn't quite understand as to why. At least not right now.

"Lord have mercy, like a Stranger In Moscow!"

Michael's voice echoed and vibrated to the very core of her being. Their conversation and the shifting tone of his voice became more and more clear.

He was lonely. All he wanted was someone to open up to without judgment or malice. Michael was reaching out through the power of music now more than ever.

And in her own special way, Sarah could relate in more ways than one.

Perhaps this was the will of someone from above, no one knows for sure but God himself.

But one thing was certain, Sarah was one of those rare people that answered the call of someone in need.

As the song came to a close, the rain soon cleared and was replaced with the soft sounds of her breathing. Michael's voice had quickly lulled her into a beautiful slumber.

Shades of gray were quickly replaced by color as she began to dream of tomorrow's meeting.

A meeting that would forever hold a place within her heart.

Neverland awaits.