Love Me Like You Do

..:: Ten ::..

Morning soon came. The world slowly came to life, and its heart began to beat.

Michael was up earlier than originally expected. The night prior and the conversation with Sarah partially kept him awake, with thoughts running rampant back and forth.

It's been ages since this kind of excitement raged through his veins. Images of what could come to pass came and went like the ebb and flow of the tide. An almost goofy grin crept upon his lips. He sighed and adjusted his red button up, which complemented his dark slacks and loafers

With one last nod to the mirror, Michael grabbed his mask and fedora before racing down the stairs and out the main door to where Bill awaited him in the vehicle.

"Hey, Mike." Bill greeted. "Why the rush?"

"Oh, just bringing someone to Neverland for the day."

"Is that so?" The older man chuckled, putting the car into gear. "I haven't seen you so relaxed a d excited in years."

Michael chuckled. "Yeah, well. Life has a sense of humor with me lately."

The pair ride in silence, the scenery rapidly changing and shifting. The rain had let up thankfully, because Michael planned to show some of the rides to Sarah. He was feeling like a kid in a candy or toy store. Fidgeting around d in his seat, Michael hummed along to a song of only he knew.

As the van came to a stop before the apartment complex, he quickly became nervous.

"Hey, Bill?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you go and escort Miss Underwood?"

"You got it. You gonna be ok?"

Michael nodded with a slight wave of his hand. "Yep, I'm good "

Bill nodded and quickly exited the van, securely locking it behind him. Walking up the stairs to the intercom, he pressed the button for Sarah's apartment.

"Yes?"

"Miss Underwood?"

"Speaking."

"Mr. Jackson is waiting for you, if you are ready."

After a moment Sarah came to the main doors, greeting Bill with a shy smile. "I'm ready." She said breathlessly.

With a smile, she was led to the van. "Michael, she's here."

Michael's eyes immediately lit up with joy and surprise. "Sarah! So good to see you!"

She smiled and blushed, "Same here, Michael."

As the van began to head back towards Neverland, things got quiet between the pair. An almost awkward silence filled the air. Michael cleared his throat, slowly tapping his fingers along his thighs as his eyes shifted to Sarah every so often.

Sarah was sort struck once more, heart thundering against her ribcage. She was beginning to wonder if Michael could hear it. Her breathing was slow, yet almost difficult, her thoughts racing and running rampant.

Being invited to Neverland was an honor in and of itself. Anyone's dream come true, both young and old. The stories of inner city kids and those with terminal illnesses being able to live out their childhood and final years in peace and harmony.

Her gaze slowly shifts to Michael, where she meets his eyes. An audible gasp passes her lips at the contact and jumps back slightly. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright," Michael smiled. "You're excited, no need to apologize. Feel free to let your inner child free."