Work Text:
It’s been twelve years. Twelve years since you were taken from us. I miss you so much.
You were my best friend. You were twelve years older than me yet we connected like we were the same age. You supported me throughout my career, when I chose to be different from the family and pursue acting instead of singing and dancing. You supported me so much and even casted me in “Captain EO,” “Moonwalker,” and “Ghosts” when I was 16, 18, and 26 respectively.
While still being an actress, I joined Foo Fighters. Definitely was one of the best decisions of my life. You supported me throughout. You were my pillar.
When I got in a relationship with Henry and eventually got married to him, you were so protective. You didn’t want me getting hurt. You made sure he didn’t break my heart. But you still supported the both of us and gave us so much love.
When you found out I was pregnant with my oldest D’Angelo, you were so happy and excited for me. I remember your reaction.
“EVELYN!!!! NO WAY!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I’M GONNA BE AN UNCLE AGAIN!!!!”
You didn’t scream a lot. But when you did, you were pretty loud. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You were the one that started calling him “Danny” first. Then it stuck. You and him were best friends. I prayed for the day you’d have your own children. And you did. You have Prince, Paris, and Bigi.
When I had my second son five years later, you were also incredibly happy now that Prince and Paris would have a younger cousin. I named him Silas Michael. When you found out Silas’ middle name was Michael, you were so overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness. I loved seeing that joy on your face. You called him “Silly Silas” since he acted like a pure goofball. He still does, just not a lot.
My daughter Sabina was born four years later. Danny was 9 and Silas was 4. You called Sabina “Billie,” since the name Sabina reminded you of the name Billie. It certainly stuck. Sabina is similar to you. On her right eye, she has a white blotch due to vitiligo, the skin pigmentation disorder you had that the public didn’t believe. It’s more minor than yours, but she still has it. She also has lupus, like you. Some days are tough, but we manage.
We were so alike considering we had two boys and a girl. All of our kids were best friends. They were the cousins that would beg their parents to have their favorite cousins sleep over. That’s how they were and still are.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I don’t want to remember it. Poor Danny was there because he slept over and he witnessed everything. When that asshole took you away from us. He was 14 at the time and to this day, at 26, he’s not the same. He is still happy go-lucky, but he just has an emptiness in his life that left when you were taken away.
Sabina was only 5 when you passed. Her first memories are of your funeral, not of the unconditional love you gave her. That’s what hurts the most. She’ll only know you by pictures, videos, and your songs. Not memories.
I miss you so much Michael. I wish you didn’t have to leave. I wish you could’ve stayed here with me. I wish you could’ve seen your children grow into wonderful adults. But I know you’re watching from afar in Heaven.
I hope you’re happy, my beloved brother. I love you.