here's the last part . hope this final update on divine & michael was up to par for you all. it was supposed to have been updated yesterday but bs started.
im only updating this since its the end & im bouncing to take care of some business concerning some things. i'll be back whenever. until then, thanks for the love and being a great support system that i always had since i joined this orange app esp for yk what. ♥️✌🏾
enjoy!
•••
•••
MAY 9
OMNISCIENT
All the adults were gathered around and seated in the livingroom with Marleigh and Malaijia. A pin dropping to the floor could be heard because that's how quiet it was amongst everyone. No one dared said a word, and, besides, Michael called for this intervention so, he would be doing most of the talking. Marleigh was seated next to Malaijia while the adults sat next to their respective spouses with the exclusion of Connor. She sat in an accent chair adjacent to the loveseat from Divine and Quadir.
Clasping his hands together, Michael got down to business. "We all know why we are here today. I called for this intervention 'cause an altercation occured between our children," he said this while eyeing both Divine and Connor. "What Malaijia had done days ago was unacceptable and she knows it. She has hurt Marleigh's feelings in the process, which has caused for her to stay away the last couple days. I don't want either of my children to feel as though they are not loved nor wanted, especially when it comes to me. So Mala, I'm gonna ask you what made you say such mean words to your sister?"
Malaijia glanced around the room at all the adults, then at Marleigh and finally down at her lap. She took a moment to think if she should be honest or keep partial of the truth to herself to spare. But the way things were set up, she knew she had to come clean. She was already in deep trouble and on punishment.
"Truth is, I don't hate Marleigh. I was just upset and started to speak angrily 'cause she didn't want to have fun with me in the pool. That's why I pushed her. It's like everytime she comes over to stay when we're all here, she acts like she's too good to do anything...with me. I just feel she's just fillin' in 'cause Mykelti is gone. If he was here, I would be a lot more happier with him."
Divine heart strings were pulled hearing her daughter speaking on the absence of her twin brother. It was evident she has been dealing with his loss for quite some time. But for how long?
"How long have you been feeling this way, baby?" Divine asked her.
Marliegh shrugged. "I don't know. Since dad's documentary thingy. When he told the truth of what happened to Mykelti; I guess it made me angry at Marleigh. That's why I said what I said to her."
"Hearing your sister say that, how did that make you feel, Marleigh?" Divine turned to her, watching the young girl fiddle with her fingers.
"Are you kidding me right now?!" Connor exclaimed in an incredulous tone. "How do you think it made her feel, Divine? The question is self explanatory."
"I was not talking to you. I asked Marleigh and we would all like for her to express her feelings to not only us but to her sister. Seeing that these two need to have a serious conversation about what happened. I've got this." Divine held up her hand, rolling her eyes as she gave Marleigh her undivided attention. "Go on, baby. Excuse your mother."
Connor shook her head chuckling at what she heard, shooting daggers at Divine from the side.
"I was hurt," Marleigh started off saying. "I felt like I wasn't wanted and someone who everyone didn't like. When Mala said she hated me I believed her because I do feel like I was a mistake..."
Tears begun to form in her brown eyes as she fought hard not to cry about it anymore like she's done the day of. Divine was hurting for her with her own eyes welling up. To hear a child say they feel like they are a mistake is the worst thing to hear from them. It pained her because the feeling this child has only stems from the mistake of her father and she's carrying the guilt because she is the product of that mistake. That's deep.
"Jonai, you listen to me and listen good," came Michael's deep voice, firm but gentle. "You are not a mistake. Don't ever think that. You will never be. I love you so much and I'm proud to have you as my daughter just like with Mala and Liah. You girls are my world."
"I love you, too, dad."
"And Mala," he turned his attention to her. "I understand you're hurt. And I am the reason for that and no matter how many times I say that or I have said I'm sorry or how many times I have beat myself up about it, it isn't gonna bring Mykelti back. But understand one thing; hurt people hurt people and that's exactly what you've done to your sister. She's done nothing to you but love you. What you've said to her was wrong and out of line. You know better so do better. If you wanna be angry at anyone than be angry at me because I am the reason you are feeling this way and have been for a while. So if you have anything you'd like to say to me, say it. I want you to be able to express your feelings to me. Tell me how you feel, baby."
Malaijia sat calmly beside Marleigh, eyes casted downward at her lap as she chewed the inside of her cheek-a natural habit of hers when she contemplated getting something off of her chest. She may have been young, but she knew a few things and was very aware of a lot. But this was something she kept bottled up for so long after her father aired his documentary almost three years prior from today. She loved her father and it was evident, but hearing him talk about his mistakes and being the reason why her twin brother was no longer living stuck with her ever since. She could not let that go. She kept it to herself while battling with her emotions about it. As time went on, it worsened and what occured between her and Marleigh triggered her anger and the words rolled off her tongue without much of a second thought. Did she mean what she had said? No. Malaijia knew that Marleigh was not the reason. It was just easier to blame her because she came months after she and her brother were born following his passing.
"Why did you have to do what you did and it took my brother from me? Why, daddy?" Her pretty gray eyes that were once a lighter shade darkened due to her sadness. It was quite a fascinating feature but also easy to tell which emotion she was feeling.
Michael, who leaned forward on his elbows, interlocked his fingers and rested his chin upon his hands. Divine hung her head low, trying not to cry because she never knew that it was this deep with their daughter so, to hear her speak out for the first time made her realize that they should have done more by talking to her about her brother and her feelings, especially after Michael's book released and documentary aired.
"Why did you cheat on mommy that it killed my brother?"
"Because daddy was stupid then. I was dumb and careless. I've done some things I regret because it costed Mykelti's life and if I could, baby, I would change it all at the drop of a dime. I'm so sorry for putting you and your siblings through this. I never meant to hurt you but I hurt you anyway because of my past actions..." He paused for a second. "C'mere."
Malaijia stood from the sofa she shared with Marleigh and made her way over to their father, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands as she sniffled. Michael grabbed her by her little waist and sat her down in his lap, wiping away her tears that continued to fall.
"I know you're hurt, Mala. I know. And I should have saw this coming sooner. But please believe me when I tell you that I'm truly sorry. I don't want you to ever feel this way any longer."
"I know, but it isn't fair. Nobody knows how it feels to grow with someone and then grow up to be by yourself because they died when you were both born. I feel like a part of me is gone with him, daddy."
Divine took that as her cue and rose to her feet, making her way over to them. She placed her hand on her daughter's back, running it smoothly in circles to comfort her. "Baby, it's alright. It's okay to feel how you're feeling. We completely understand. Let it all out."
The two parents consoled their daughter until the tears came to a slow stop. Marleigh then came over and sat on the arm of the sofa next to their father.
"Mala, please don't hate me. I don't want you to feel like I took Mykelti's place. He was my brother, too. I hope we can still be friends 'cause I love you so much and I just don't want you to be mad at me."
Malaijia turned around and looked at her younger sister, a faint smile reaching her face. "I don't hate you. I was just mad. And I'm sorry for all the mean things I said to you. I didn't mean them at all. I love you a lot, Squirt."
Hearing her sister call her by her personal nickname she had given her, it made Marleigh smile, happiness radiating off her. Everyone watched the interaction between the two and it made them smile to see that all is well... At least for them.
"So are we good here?" Divine questioned the two sisters and they both nodded. "Good. And, Mala, regardless of what happened, never inflict your pain onto others who are innocent. Take this as a lesson learned."
"Yes, ma'am. And now that everything is okay, am I still grounded?"
"Yes!" Michael and Divine answered together.
Malaijia smacked her lips and removed herself from her father's lap. "Maaannn."
"You'll be alright," Divine waved her off.
"Why don't you two go upstairs to your rooms. The adults need to talk," Michael told them.
With a yes, sir, the girls gradually made their way out of the livingroom leaving the adults to talk. Before Divine could go and sit down, Michael stopped her in her tracks by saying, "Mala is going to therapy. We don't want her having another emotional fit. It's obvious she's been dealing with her brother's loss in a way that isn't helpful."
"I agree. I'm fine with that and I was actually thinking the same thing."
"Glad to know we're on the same page." He grinned at her as she took her seat next to Quadir.
"Glad to know y'all are letting her go to therapy. We don't need nothing like that happening again. It shouldn't have happened in the first damn place." Connor added in.
Divine was on the verge of retaliating but Michael butted in before things could escalate between the women. Divine shot him a look as if to say see? this is what I meant by her being on some bullshit.
Nodding his head in understanding, Michael proceeded, "what I need to talk to you women about is the communication. We are all adults here and if Quadir and I can communicate and be cordial you three can as well. Especially you two." He eyed Divine and Connor.
"Listen, Mike, I already told you, I don't mind being civil, but I don't have anything to say to her, really," Divine truthfully admits.
"I feel the same way about you, too." Connor remarked.
"I talk with Divine. We never had any issues, but I never really said anything to Connor or felt that I needed to either." Kadeidre spoke of lastly.
Michael sighed exasperatedly. "I get that. But you all have to have better communication when it comes to our children. I can't always be the person fixing everything, especially in a situation like this. When it's necessary, you all should be able to sit down and talk and handle things respectfully as grown women. It's taking a toll on me."
"Michael, I love you, I do, but you can't expect me of all people to do what you want because it's taking a toll on you. We would not have to be sitting down having this intervention or dealing with anything that happened between Mala and Marleigh had you not stepped out with Connor in our marriage. No one would have to suffer from the consequences of your actions."
"So technically you're still feeling some kind of way because I slept with your husband and got pregnant with his child around the same time you lost your son. Are you implying that my daughter is a mistake? 'Cause I'm honestly starting to believe again that she got that shit from you. I am convinced now." Connor glared her eyes at Divine, crossing her arms above her chest.
Divine kept still, thinking of what to do or say next. But when she finally made up her mind, she hastily stood to her feet as well as Quadir and Michael who knew to expect anything to happen.
"I'm not gonna do anything. Y'all can have a seat." She told them, her eyes never leaving Connor.
Reluctantly, Michael and Quadir took their seats but before their behinds could even touch the cushion of the sofa their were sitting on, Divine was already in front of Connor, giving her face two good slaps that echoed throughout the entire room. This also caused for Kadiedre to remove herself from the sofa.
"Oh, shit!" Quadir exclaimed with widened eyes before rushing over to grab his wife.
"You need to learn to stay in your fucking place and don't ever speak up on my dead child. You don't know what I've gone through losing him because of your trifling ass spreading diseases. Are you fucking crazy, bitch?!"
"Baby, calm down," Coaxed Quadir.
"No, I'm not gonna calm down! I spared her the first time!"
"For you to put your hands on me. You lost your fucking mind, Divine!" Connor yelled, getting ready to charge for her but Michael intervened before it could even go there.
"See," Kadeidre started, shaking her head. "This is why we cannot communicate with her, Michael. Because of shit like this."
Connor snapped her head in Kadeidre's direction and said, "nobody asked for you input. You only kissing Divine's ass so that you can be her friend. Miss me with the bullshit, Kadeidre."
And just like that, Kadiedre started to go off on Connor and the two went back and forth until Michael became fed up and escorted Connor out.
"Out. Now."
•••
After bidding Marleigh a goodbye before she left with her mother, Michael then returned to the livingroom to see his wife and Divine are now calmed down. What he thought would be a good way to get the women to actually come to some mutual understanding to communicate better for the sake of their children backfired on him. He just wanted for everyone to be cordial and able to sit down and talk when certain situations arise but if it means it'll turn out like what just happened moments ago, then no other alternative would help. He was all dried up. Plopping down on the sofa next to his wife, he exhaled a breath and shook his head, running a hand over his face.
"What the hell was that?" He asked to no one in particular.
"Mike, you tried, man. Give yourself that much credit." Quadir told him.
"You're right, but this was not it."
"At the end of the day, man, you have the woman you cheated with and your ex-wife all in the same room. What did you really expect from her other than Divine?"
"Not a damn thing," Divine answered for him. "It was never gonna work out. You see what she'd done? That is why I said from the very start I would rather not associate with her no matter the situation. I understand what you were trying to do, Michael, and where you was coming from with all this, but working things out with Connor for the sake of the kids is better off being where it is and where it has been for the last twelve years. No communication."
"Yeah..." he muttered. "I understand. I was hoping that maybe things could change for the better."
"With her? No. She was on the bullshit the moment she stepped into the house. It was all in her demeanor. I gave it shot and you got the results from that. There's nothing else that needs to be said or done. It is what it is."
Licking his lips, Michael nodded. "You're right. What was I thinking?"
Divine gave him sympathetic look as she told him, "you were thinking right with good intentions. Don't doubt yourself. It's just some things are better off being left alone."
•••
MAY 14
Maliah, Que, and Monroe were officially Buckley High School graduates of class 2008. Seeing their children walking across the stage centre of their football and track field, Michael, Divine, Quadir, and Kadeidre were the loudest people in the crowd when their children's named were being called. Usually, most schools would say to hold off on the excitement until the very end, but when dealing with black folks, that wasn't going to ever happen. Proud would be an understated word to describe the way the parents were feeling.
Their children have accomplished so much at such a young age. Maliah would be attending Spelman College, the school she was hoping to get accepted in and majoring in mathematics. Monroe will be going off to Clark Atlanta University on a track scholarship, and Que will be staying close to home, having a free ride with his football scholorship to attend and play for UCLA Bruins. Even though they knew they could go to any college they wanted without any financial setbacks, they wanted to do things on their own and be just like everyone else: earning their spot in any college of their choice.
After the commemoration, everyone had gathered around to take family photos even some with their classmates who were introduced to Michael and Divine.
Now at the ranch in the backyard-at the party that the adults put together for the kids-everyone was enjoying themselves as the DJ played some nice tunes. Everyone from the Jackson family, Rochelle and Shawn with their family, Deldrin and Veronique with their family, Jada and Teddy with their family, and Elliesha and her girlfriend Shaunté were all in attendance. It has been a while since all of them have gotten together at a function. Times have really changed throughout the years. The group of adults were having conversation amonst themselves with Janet arriving and greeting everyone before going to bear her niece and nephews their graduation gifts.
"Man, their finally outta there. How y'all feel 'bout that?" Deldrin asked, eyeing Divine, Michael, and Quadir.
"We've waited for this day to come. But we didn't think it'll come so fast. It feels like yesterday when Liah and Roe were just toddlers and now they're teenagers. Young adults who's getting ready to go off into the real world," Michael said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I remember when Que was just a lil jit himself. Times really do fly by when you don't notice it." Quadir added in, taking a sip from his can of root beer.
"This just only lets us know that we are getting older and our kids aren't getting any younger," Divine stated. "This is it for them. After that, Marleigh and Mala then King will be graduating before you know it."
"Oh, please don't speak on it yet. Not now. I need King to stay little as long as he possibly can." Kadiedre laughed and everyone else joined in.
About an hour or so later, the party had definitely took a turn for the best. The DJ was really on his A-game as he played Kriss Kross' 1992 smash hit Jump. It brought back memories of when Michael featured them in his short film Jam and had them as the opening act of his Dangerous World Tour. The kids were going ballistic jumping up and down as the song told them to.
(Jump Jump)
The Mac Dad'll make ya (Jump jump)
The Daddy Mac'll make ya (Jump jump)
Kris Kross'll make ya (Jump jump)
Uh huh, uh huh
(Jump jump)
The Mac Dad'll make ya (Jump jump)
The Daddy Mac'll make ya (Jump jump)
Kris Kross'll make ya (Jump jump)
You'd think they all were at some club instead of a backyard, but to see them all having a good time was worth it. More songs that were up to date to the kids liking were on rotation such as Paper Planes, Bust It Baby, which was one of Divine's and Jada's favorite songs that they couldn't help but to get up dance to, Walk It Out, and Good Life. But what the kids didn't know is that Michael pulled some strings to have someone come out and perform for them. It was a little graduation gift he wanted to surprise them with and he knew the kids would definitely love it.
Gaining everyone's attention by tapping the microphone gently, Michael starts of his speech. "Um, thank you all for coming out this evening to celebrate Monroe's, Maliah's, and Que's graduation party. It's turning out to be a success. I'm gonna make this short 'cause I'm sure Divine and Quadir will love to say something. But I just wanted to let you three know how proud of you I am. All of the hardwork and studying did not go in vain and in a matter of months, you all will be leaving for college. Continue keeping your head on the right path, continue to make us-your parents proud, and I love you."
Applause ensued as Divine walked over to Michael and grabbed the microphone from him. "I'm speaking on behalf of my husband with this speech. He doesn't do to well with public speeches," she laughed as well as everyone else. "To Roe and Liah, your father has said just what I was gonna say about us being proud of you and we are. I'm very proud of you. You have grown up to be such fine young adults and your father and I have instilled so much into you both to take along as you travel throughout this world. Enjoy life, have fun but not too much fun when you go off to college, but always remain focused and keep God first. And Que, I've been in your life since you were seven years old. I've watched you grow up to be a fine young man and I know your mother is so proud of you at what you've accomplished and will continue to accomplish as you go on in life. I love you like you're my own and am so proud of you, baby. Congratulations to the the three of you."
Once Divine said her speech, the food was being served right after Katherine said a small prayer. Several minutes into eating, Michael feels his phone vibrate in his pocket as he pulls it out to see that it was Bill calling. He knew what the call was about before he even answered.
"He's here," Bill said just as Michael answered the call.
"Okay. Just bring him through the house and out the patio doors. Make sure you and Javon keep him out of eyesight until I make the announcement."
"Copy that, boss."
"Who was that?" Kadeidre asked with curiosity.
"Bill. I had him doing me a favor is all," Michael casually replied, recieving a soft okay in response.
While everyone was still somewhat eating, Michael made his way over to the DJ's booth and grabbed the microphone once more. He couldn't contain the smile that formed on his face because he knew that in a matter of seconds, every teenager out there were about to lose it. He also took heed of how much his own children and Que loved this particular artist's music and always doing the dances to his songs. If he could say so himself, they were catchy and children appropriate which is why he wanted for the young man to come perform at their party. Besides, he was around the same age as Maliah, Que, and Monroe and graduated from high school as well.
"I only came back up here just so that I can make a little announcement. I have had this surprise in the bag for a while now and I'm thrilled to show the graduates what I have for them..." Michael looked ahead into the distance to see Bill and Javon blocking his surprise's view. "I want everyone to welcome our special guest as he will be performing a few of his hit songs. Here is Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!"
Like he had thought, the kids went crazy when Bill and Javon revealed the young rapper-who was dressed in a white T-shirt twice his size, baggy khaki shorts, a gold chain aeound his neck, a snap back turn sideways and tented white shades with his name painted on them-as he jogged to the very front table and introduced himself to Maliah, Monroe and Que, congratulating them. Going over to stand next to Michael who was one of his idols, he shook hands with the very man that invited him to his home to perform.
"Thanks for the invite, Mr. Jackson. It's an honor to finally meet you and to do this for ya kids, man."
Michael flashed a polite smile at him. "No, thank you. And call me Michael."
"A'ight, Michael."
"Put on a good show." Michael pointed at him then patting him on the back.
"Oh, I will."
Once Soulja Boy gave a kind speech and publically congratulating the graduates, he put on a damn good show performing his most popular songs such as Let Me Get Em, Donk, Bird Walk, Turn My Swag On, Whoop Rico and saving the best for last Crank That (Soulja Boy). It was a sight to see them having fun and singing along while doing the dance that went along with it.
Soulja Boy off in this ho
Watch me crank it, watch me roll
Watch me crank dat Soulja Boy
Then Superman that ho
Now watch me yuuuuuuu (Crank dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me yuuuuuuu (Crank dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me yuuuuuuu (Crank dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me yuuuuuuu (Crank dat Soulja Boy)
•••
As the sun began to set, the party was coming to a slow end as everyone was leaving out one by one. The DJ continued to play some tunes but one of the songs brought back instant memories for both Michael and Divine. Just a Touch, Keith Sweat's version, blasted from the speakers and Michael being the man that he was could not help but to ask for her to dance. To say they weren't married and remained great friends over the years, that song would forever be their favorite. And anytime they'd hear it, they would dance together just like old times while Kadeidre and Quadir watched on. They knew it wasn't nothing to it so they never had anything to say against it. If anything, it was great to see them getting along as friends than enemies. Making her go into a smooth spin, Michael pulls Divine back to his front, creating a space between them out of respect.
"I'm surprised you aren't tired. All that Bird Walking and Crank That Soulja Boy you was doing an hour and a half ago."
Michael gave her a look, trying to hold in his laugh but to no avail. "Mind ya business, girl."
"I'm just saying." She shrugged, laughing herself.
"You know I never get tired of dancing. I've been doing it for years just like you have."
"You've gotta point there."
As they swayed, a comfortable silenced ensued until Divine spoke up again. "Can you believe we have high school graduates?"
"Honestly, I can but at the same time I can't. I really miss when they were just knee high in height and missing teeth and learning to sing their ABCs. I'm still asking myself where did the time go?"
"You and me both, but their all grown up now and will be in college in the fall."
"About that, why did Liah have to go all the way to Atlanta where it's easier for her to have access to boys outside of the campus?"
Divine shook her head at his overprotective daddy instincts kicking in. "You are so unbelievable sometimes."
"Hey, I don't need no knucklehead interfering with what my baby has going for herself. College guys look for fresh meat like her. She's beautiful, smart, and going through adolescence. She's beginning to look like a grown woman and that scares the shit out of me knowing she's gonna attract those negros."
"Maliah is sixteen, Michael. She knows what to do and what not to do. Besides, she's not an easy nut to crack. They'll have a hard time trying to get through to her."
Michael pursed his lips in thought and hummed. "Maybe you're right about that."
"And don't forget that Roe will be at Clark Atlanta. They'll both be within the same city and seven minutes away from each other. Literally a walking distance."
"Well, since you put it like that, I'll make sure to call Roe every week to be my eyes and ears."
Swatting him on the chest, Divine shook her head in amusement. "You are too much."
"In all honesty, I think we've done a pretty damn good job with them. We've done everything in our power to keep them level headed and maintain a normal childhood..."
"We did. From the time we were married to now, we've done more than a good job. We've done a fantastic job. They say team work makes the dream work."
"All the time. But hey?"
"Yeah?" Her brows rose.
"Thank you."
"Now I'm confused," Divine grinned with her brows knitting together. "Thank me for what?"
"For being you. Someone I love very much. My truest friend in all forms. I'm proud to call you that...still."
"You always getting sentimental on me everytime we get like this."
Michael bit his bottom lip and smiled. "I can't help it. You tend to bring it out of me. But I'm serious, Dova. Our friendship is solid forever. I really appreciate and cherish it."
"I feel the same way, too. We've come a long, long way but we do have a great friendship and deep love for one another. I cherish it as well."
"I truly love you. Always know that."
Divine smiled, "I love you, too."
Holding out her hand, she did the sign for their secret handshake that they haven't done in years. It was like a distant memory but never forgotten.
"I can't believe you still remember this."
"Of course. You made it up."
"I did. I did," Michael said as they both shook on it, creating a sense of nostalgia.
The two then embraced each other before going back over to their spouses, the sounds of Keith Sweat's voice fading out to an end.
Just enough of your love
to my mind keeps me high...