Meanwhile, on the way home, Michael could not think of anything but Ashley. He remembered how Ashley had hugged him tightly thinking that this may be the last time they will ever see each other again. He remembered how Ashley's sad eyes took a last glance at him before entering her house. Finally, after a long drive, Michael finally arrives at his Neverland home. He went to take a long, hot shower to freshen up and he puts on some fresh pair of pajamas. As he laid on the bed and closes his eyes, all he could think of was Ashley. He just lay there staring at the ceiling, thinking where Ashley was right now. He was there motionless for over an hour or so. He then glanced at the clock. "1:00 a.m." he sighed. He knew he couldn't sleep. He then changes his clothes and decided to walk in the park. He may even get to see Ashley there. Unfortunately, when Michael arrived, the park was empty. No one was around. So he decides to sit in on of the park benches there. He starts to stare at the sky full of stars. Then he starts to wonder where Ashley was again. Then, a young lady sits beside Michael. Even though Michael couldn't clearly see the girl, he knew who it was. "Ashley?" Michael whispered. "Yes? Who are you?" the girl replied. "It's me Michael" Michael said. "Oh hi Michael" Ashley said. "Why are you at this time of the night?" Ashley asked. "Well, I'm here because it's peaceful and quiet and I like to relax here" Michael replied. Ashley then remembered that it was the same thing he said the first time they met. "So, why are you here?" Michael asked. "Well, I came here cause I was upset. You see, tomorrow will be my dad's funeral. Would you like to come?" Ashley said. "Oh, I want to but I have a concert to perform tomorrow" Michael said with disappointment. "Oh" Ashley said also disappointed. Then Michael talked about stars again and tears began to fill her eyes. She was fighting back tears but she was losing the battle so she let the tears flow. "I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?" Michael asked. "No" Ashley replied. "It's just that... I love my dad so much and I don't want to lose him" Ashley said in between sobs. Michael leaned closer to Ashley and held her into his arms. Ashley held tight in Michael's arms. She felt so safe there. At that moment, it was like she didn't want to let go. But she knew she had to. She finally let go and wiped the tears off her cheeks. They talked a few more hours until Ashley felt sleepy. "Want me to drive you home?" Michael asked. "No thanks Michael" Ashley replied with a yawn. But it was too late. Ashley had already fallen asleep on Michael's shoulder. Just like the first time they met. Michael carried Ashley back into his car and gently laid her in the back seat. Since he already knew where she was living, he didn't have to take her home with him. That upset him very much. He just wanted to look at her. She was so beautiful. He was falling for this girl but was afraid to tell her because she might not have the same feelings for him. During the long drive, Michael kept glancing at the backseat to see if Ashley was alright. They finally arrived at Ashley's home. Michael didn't want to wake up Ashley so he carried her. He softly knocked on the door and her mother had answered it. "Good morning Mrs. Thompson. I'm sorry to wake you at a time like this but your daughter fell asleep and I had to take her home" Michael said apologetically. "No it's alright dear. Please come inside" Ashley's mother said with a sleepy smile. "Do you want some coffee?" Ashley's mom asked. "No thank you Mrs. Thompson. I just wanted to take her home" Michael replied. "Okay. Her bedroom is upstairs. Just lay her on her bed" Ashley's mother replied. Michael followed and went upstairs to where Ashley's room was. He gently laid her on her bed and tucked her in like a child. Then he kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear "Sleep tight my dear". Just then, Ashley moved and slowly opened her eyes but Michael stopped her. "Michael?" Ashley whispered. "Shhh... Yes it's me. Go to sleep sweetheart" Michael said. "Okay" Ashley replied and went back to sleep. "Good night" Michael whispered as he turned off the lights and quietly closed the door. As he went downstairs, Michael saw Ashley's mother making coffee for the both of them. "Oh hi there" Ashley's mother exclaimed. "She still asleep?" she asked. "Yes she is" Michael replied. "Here have some cup of coffee" she said handing one cup to Michael. They both sat on the couch and got to know each other since Ashley's mother saw him holding her daughter. "So tell me... who are you?" She started. "I'm Michael Jackson ma'am" Michael said. "Really? Michael Jackson? Oh God I'm a big fan" Ashley's mom replied. "Oh" Michael exclaimed. Ashley's mom started throwing Michael some questions about him and her daughter. Then finally, Michael had to go home. He said goodbye to Ashley's mom and headed back home to Neverland. But his thoughts are still on Ashley.

To Be Continued...