Chapter 4

                                    

                                          
For years, I've wanted a chance at normalcy. I catapulted myself into the spotlight to where I would never truly have the opportunity. When I met the love of my life, she brought me back to earth in only a way she could. She loved me through my madness. Through my fame. Through my indiscretions. She tried to love me to complete and total normalcy, but that was hard for me to truly accept. Wanting to hold onto being "The King of Pop" whilst remaining Michael Jackson was hard for me. Since we got back together, I feel she's loved me to that point. I can experience life like a normal person, or as best as I possibly can. Being in what feels like a remote place like Ohio has certainly made me feel that way. Maybe she did this on purpose. Even if she did, it worked. I've never felt so "normal" in my life. I can't say that I never want to go back to life as I originally knew it, but who I am today makes me want to explore only giving myself to the world occasionally, not all the time like I used to. I want to be completely done with music at some point. I just want to give myself to the people I love, whilst still remaining true to my fans.
	"Mom," Mimi snuggled in between us once she completed her homework.
	"What's up, sweetie?" Shayla put her book down and kissed our daughter's forehead.
	"After I finished my homework, I called Nova to wish her a happy birthday and she said she started her period yesterday. What's that?" My gaze slowly went from my book to Shayla, who's eyes were just as big as mine. There goes that "talk" we planned on having.
	The innocence that comes with childhood is slowly fading away, bringing forth so many different feelings and lessons on life. I can't say that I was ready for this because I never truly prepared myself. But this day was going to come one way or another. In a way I'm kind of glad Mimi brought it up, now we don't have to be so awkward about bringing it up ourselves.
	Shayla took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "welp. I probably should have told you this sooner, but I suppose now is the right time, hmm?" She quickly raised her eyebrows at me.
	"Is it a bad thing?" Mimi asked. "Because Nova said she was having cramps and didn't feel like talking to me much longer, hence why we got off the phone."
	"It's not a bad thing... It comes with being a lady..." Shayla broke down the monthly cycle of a woman in a way that only a ten year old could understand. She told our daughter the story of when she first experienced her first period and how it does suck, but how it can be a life saver at times. I smiled at the memories of when Shayla and I wanted children but weren't completely ready, but when her period came we both felt a sense of relief. Becoming a parent, I feel, is something you have to totally prepare yourself for. Yeah, "oops" babies happen and everything eventually works out. But being prepared for the life you plan on bringing into the world is so worth it. After raising the twins for ten years, I actually want to start all over and try for another... I feel so much more prepared now. Not to say I wasn't before, but now that I have a handle on things, raising a third would be ten times easier.
	"Boys don't have periods? Mikey's not gonna get one?" Mimi wondered.
	"No," I interrupted. "Boys don't have periods. Only women can carry children. Men's bodies aren't made for all that."
	"I swear men have 'mental cycles' or something, though," Shayla rolled her eyes. "There have been times when your father or your uncles would have some fit out of nowhere and I'm certain it's their 'time of the month' or 'week' or what have you. We have a physical cycle whereas theirs is more mental."
	"Can you scientifically prove that?" I challenged her.
	"I don't have to. I've lived with men all my life to know."
	"So, Mike's just gonna have a random fit with me some day?" Mimi looked between us.
	Shayla laughed, "I mean, maybe. You'll notice it! I promise. It's not like an on the dot thing like with us. Men and women's mood swings are wild. Just be prepared for not only your own, but your brothers. I'm telling you from experience."