Wednesday, August 29, 1979
Michael received his first 'happy birthday' wishes from Nicole, right as the clock struck midnight. They'd already been speaking on the phone for well over an hour. Nicole was telling a sweet story about the last birthday party she'd hosted the year she turned nine. Her parents hired a clown, ordered pizza, and arranged a few games for a simple house party but when the clown showed up intoxicated and vomited all over the middle of the carpet it led to a domino-effect of regurgitating nine-year-olds sending everyone into a frenzy. There's never been another party at the Dillard house since. Michael was laughing hysterically at her story while Nicole watched the clock, waiting for August 28th to turn August 29th. Instantly she broke into song, serenading awkwardly through a toothy grin, forcing Michael smile back. It was the first time he'd heard her sing.
Michael thought back to this moment now as he lay on the floor reading the latest comic in the new "The Invincible Iron Man" series. Tony Stark's malfunctioning armor had just caused him to inadvertently kill the foreign ambassador, and now, powerless and lonely, he has resorted to alcoholism as a comfort.
It was late in the morning now and Michael had yet to leave his bedroom. Some days were hard. He'd get tangled in his own thoughts, daydreaming and losing track of time. He couldn't stop wondering what it meant to be 21. Tony Stark would treat himself to a bottle of booze. Maybe Michael should try that?
Michael rolled onto his back staring up at the ceiling, his eyes following the crown molding around the corners of the room... Maybe he should reconsider moving out? No, he knew he didn't want to do that. Living in a home with his parents at this age wasn't ideal, but it was true, he would die of loneliness if he left. Though he could very well die of loneliness now... Maybe he was just restless? After all the energy and time put into creating and perfecting and promoting "Off the Wall," for the first time in recent history, Michael had reached a bit of a lull. He needed a new project, something to devote his free time and energy to--
Katherine: Michael?
Her voice was like a song. There was a soft knock on the door before it creaked open and Michael's mother appeared.
Michael: Good morning, Mother.
Katherine: Oh, good, you're awake! Come here, baby.
Michael rose to his feet and embraced his mother warmly. It was like their own private "bat signal" had gone off alerting Katherine that she was needed. She was his superhero; fighting the villains in his mind with her love and quiet strength. She kissed his cheek softly before holding his face in both hands. He stood over a foot taller than her now but their smiles matched up perfectly.
Katherine: Happy birthday my sweet Michael. I can't believe how grown-up you are!
Michael just blushed and shrugged. His mom was his idol and inspiration. Everything he did was to make her proud. And while he considered his siblings to be his closest friends, Katherine was his greatest ally, often knowing more about Michael than he knew about himself.
Katherine: What's wrong baby?
Michael: Oh, nothing--
Katherine: Come on boy, spit it out.
She pulled at his arm attempting to shake the information out. Searching deep in his eyes, she couldn't help but smile. Michael's eyes could never lie. Katherine knew all of her children like the back of her hand, but her connection with Michael was unique. He was special and needed her in a way that was different from her other sons. They were both empaths, taking the weight of the world on their shoulders. But the greatest burden was feeling the pain of each other. The past several years had been difficult for Katherine after learning of her husband's infidelities and the birth of an illegitimate daughter. It made her question her choices, her relationship, and even her faith, but Michael felt the betrayal equally, and oddly enough, the dissolution of her marriage made Katherine's relationship with her son even stronger.
Michael: I guess I just feel like I should be doing more--
Katherine: More!? Oh, baby, you've been working since you were six years old. What more could you want to do!?
Michael: I don't know... Maybe films or Broadway or--
Katherine: There you go, sounding just like your father! Now Michael, the only thing I knew how to do when I was your age was make babies--
Michael: Mother...
Katherine: -- Now I'm just saying, you've done so much! You've traveled the world and learned more than any school could teach you. You bring joy to so many people! Oh, Michael, you're so young... You won't be young forever. Why don't you go out and do what young people do, instead of hiding at home with your ol' momma all the time?
Michael: ... But I like hiding at home with you.
Katherine tugged his arm again, then smiled wider.
Katherine: I have a surprise for you.
Michael:... What is it?
Their matching grins turned mischievous as Katherine squeezed his hand, pulling him out the door. Her grip was tight and her stride was short as she walked with a limp down the hall. Michael could hear the familiar voices of his sisters in the kitchen, but it wasn't until he was close enough to see her face that he could recognize the third voice.
Michael: Nicole?
She was standing behind the kitchen counter making small talk with LaToya and Janet when she heard his footsteps approaching. Michael was across the room wearing dark khaki-colored pants and a thick grey sweatshirt pushed up to the elbows. She was relieved he looked pleasantly surprised, as she waved bashfully. Each busy with school and work, they hadn't been able to see each other since their date almost two weeks ago. Enhanced by the awkwardness of being watched by Michael's mom and sisters, they weren't sure how to greet.
Nicole: Hey there... Birthday Boy...
Michael: What are you doing here? --
Janet: Now is that any way to welcome a pretty girl!? Come on Michael, give her a hug!
Michael continued walking toward her cautiously, embarrassed and flustered from the stares of his teasing siblings. It wasn't until Nicole's arms wrapped around his waist and he could smell her familiar shampoo, that the rush of comfort fell over him again. He closed his eyes, holding the back of her head against his chest before softly kissing her cheek and reluctantly releasing her.
LaToya: Awww!
Michael: Hi.
Nicole: Your mom said it was okay that I come over...
Katherine: -- Oh good, so you two know each other! This nice young lady called me, I thought she was just a hitchhiker or somethin--
Michael: Mother...
Katherine laughed again as she pulled at the shirts of her giggling daughters, all but Michael amused by the annoyance on his face.
Katherine: Come on girls, let's leave your brother alone.
The Jackson women drifted off to another room, LaToya waving goodbye to the cute couple. Once out of range, Nicole looked back at Michael, realizing she was still holding tight to the hem of his baggy sweater. He was slightly hunched forward, eyeing her intently and grinning weakly. She moved her mouth, preparing to say something clever, but Michael stopped her with a kiss. His lips were warm and intimate now as they recognized each other's taste and embrace. She loved the way he held her cheek and found herself leaning into him, then softly humming when he pulled away.
Michael: I uh, just didn't want to keep you waiting this time.
Nicole: Um-- hmm, thank you...
Laughing and awkward again, Nicole didn't know what else to say. She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment and tried to cover the redness with her hands before quickly changing the subject.
Nicole: Oh! -- So I should probably tell you why I'm here! Happy birthday again--
Michael: Thank you--
Nicole: You're welcome-- And I know you don't typically celebrate these things but twenty-one is such a big deal I just really wanted to do something special for you... So...
Pivoting suddenly, Nicole reached to the floor and pulled up a wicker basket.
Nicole: I thought we could have a little picnic!
Michael's heart skipped a beat when she smiled, holding the basket proudly between them. He knew the perfect shady spot beneath one of his favorite trees deep within the property grounds. It was a bit of a walk, but gave Michael the chance to hold Nicole's hand again. It was a beautiful California day, cool and bright. The breeze would catch beneath Nicole's thin, pink, bohemian-print maxi-dress, accentuating the curves of her body, testing Michael to blush as he watched her walk. Together they laid out a blanket and sat cross-legged as Nicole carefully unpacked the food.
Nicole: So, I wasn't really sure what you like to eat... Aside from KFC and orange juice in a wine glass... That was why I ended up calling your mom. She said you're 'vegetarian-ish?' and love Mexican and Italian food, so... I made spaghetti, with meatballs on the side, just in case. And cheese quesadillas with this super spicy salsa. And, if you hate all of that... I made peanut butter and jelly! Grape jelly-- of course.
Michael: Nicole, this is wonderful. You made all of this for me!?
Nicole grinned and nodded proudly, watching as he surveyed the Tupperware containers before picking up a meatball.
Michael: Wow, thank you so much... This is the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me.
Conversation flowed easily as they were comfortable together now. They talked about food. Nicole loved to cook and create new recipes. Michael, though cautious of his weight, was an adventurous eater, enthusing over Asian and Indian and African flavors, he would try anything.
They talked about Janet and LaToya. Nicole's first impression of them was positive, they seemed like the kind of girls she could be friends with. Michael told her that when he was younger and often traveled with his brothers, he rarely got a chance to see his mom or sisters, but now that the boys have married and moved out he feels the differences in living with women. The house is always clean and smells good, but when they're fighting, it's every man for himself!
LaToya and Janet usually got along well, but had very different personalities. LaToya loved dressing to the nines, keeping house, and was often concerned with the public's perception. Janet couldn't care less, fine to wear a sweatshirt and jeans with even the most illustrious guests.
And they talked about Michael's mother. Katherine was lovely and kind, eager to welcome visitors, not because she ever needed the companionship, but simply because she was so endearing. Everyone was family to the Jacksons. Fans were often hanging out around the house, hoping for a hug or autograph from one of the boys. Anytime Katherine was made aware of this, she'd invite them in for a snack or dinner, just like she'd want someone to do with one of her own children.
Nicole: You seem really close to your sisters and mom. I know you are always hanging out together but it's nice seeing it in person-- The way you joke around with each other, you know?
Michael: It's true, we are very close. I'm glad they were kind to you, they can be very nosey sometimes.
Nicole: Really? Do they often interrogate the women you bring home?
Michael: Yes! I would've warned you if I knew you were coming.
Nicole: I'm sorry I caught you off guard. I wanted to surprise you.
Michael: You did! I'm still shocked... But I'm glad you're here, really I am! So what do you think? It's pretty weird that I still live with my parents, huh?
Nicole: No way, look at this place! Gosh, you have everything you could ever need right here. Why would you ever leave?
The Hayvenhurst Estate was certainly a mansion compared to any place Nicole had seen before. From where they sat, the property looked like it stretched on forever, though Michael said it was only two acres. He pointed out the different buildings, one a theater, another a game room where he often wrote music and watched television, another a music studio, and on the far side, attached to the main house but with a private patio, was Michael's room. They were done eating now. Unable to remember if he had dinner before their midnight phone call, this was the first time Michael had eaten in at least 12 hours, warranting him finishing the spaghetti with meatballs and half the quesadilla. He felt refreshed, suddenly ready to fly across the yard.
Michael: I should give you a tour! Come on--
Before he could stand, Nicole reached for his hand making him pause.
Nicole: Wait-- I have one more thing for you.
Michael: What is it?
Like a child, Michael loved surprises. He shifted to sit on his feet. Now Nicole hesitated.
Nicole: You have to close your eyes...
Smirking, Michael did as told, covering his eyes with both hands. Then he felt the pressure of Nicole's small hand over his, ensuring no peeking. After a long moment, she released him.
Nicole: Okay... Open.
Blinking his eyes revealed Nicole mirroring on her knees right in front of him, and in her hands, on a small paper plate, was a single cupcake topped with a yellow glowing candle.
Nicole: I don't know your favorite flavor but of course I remembered your favorite color so... I hope you like red velvet?
Michael: It's perfect...
Nicole: Oh good! So just... Make a wish...
Michael: Gee, I -- I don't know? I have everything I could ever need... Um... What should I wish for?
Nicole: Well, what about things you don't need? What's something you want?
Michael watched the fire flicker, then looked up towards the sky. The clouds were floating by quickly today. He wondered where they were headed. Then wondered if anyone had ever asked him this question before.
"What's something you want?"
Jacksons didn't celebrate holidays or birthdays, which meant they never really exchanged gifts. Most favors he received were poorly-disguised marketing tactics from big brands or hopeful business partners looking for a free endorsement deal. Anything Michael "wanted," he'd simply purchase for himself. He finally looked back at Nicole, one hand was blocking the wind from blowing out the flame as the wax slowly slid down to the cream cheese frosting. After another moment's hesitation, he leaned forward, closed his eyes and softly blew. Nicole smiled and cheered.
Michael: I wished--
Nicole lurched forward gasping, covering his mouth with her hand. Michael's eyes were wide as she shared the secret most learned in their youth.
Nicole: You can't tell me! Then your wish won't come true. And birthday wishes always come true. That's the rule.
He nodded quietly as Nicole freed him and peeled back the paper wrapping on the cupcake. She discarded the soft candle back to the basket before passing the plate to him.
Nicole: It's my grandmother's recipe. I hope you like it.
She was giddy as he took the first taste. Her infectious excitement made him flustered as he tried to keep the too-big bite behind his lips.
Nicole: So, what do you think? It's good, huh?
Michael nodded, trying to chew but unable to stop giggling as Nicole now laughed with him. He noticed the sun shining in her eyes for the first time, making her pupils a bright honey color. He gently motioned towards her offering the cake back, but instead of reaching, Nicole parted her lips, welcoming Michael to feed her. He froze, no longer able to laugh, as he watched her close her eyes and take a bite, her warm breath on his fingertips. She nodded and slowly raised her eyes to view him again.
Nicole: That's really good...
Michael: Yes, it is.