Mr. & Miss JACKSON: The Beginning

Chapter 3: Checked Out

*PRESS PLAY ABOVE*
Los Angeles, CA
Aliza POV

I'm standing in a line at the Cosmo Theatre. There must be at-least 5,000 people in front of me and of all days it's thundering. So much for tryna be cute.
Two hours go by and I'm still waiting. All contestant are to perform three rounds before going before any member of the Jackson family.
I'm so close to getting in the hotel but I guess I should write as I wait...

'I hear you with the melodies from above, I've crossed our paths so many times, I'm obliged to this love. We are one and two worlds apart. I think I know you as my mother knew me in her womb...just a waiting game I'll resume. I am beating time and you are like a noun and every now and then I know you but as I knew Ben'
Wait Ben—what the hell.

I stop writing and just listen to the world.
I've always found peace in the rain. Clarity. Closer to what my meaning was. It was indeed a spiritual cleanse for me. It felt like love. Hate. Healing. Unknowing. It felt real. It felt safe for me. I hum my music as I wait and I look into space and get lost.

Six Hours Later

"Number P650!! P-6-5-0." The host calls out.
"Hey, that's you. Go. Good luck." I say to the guy ahead of me.
"Thanks. You're a real beauty"
He was charming. He seemed like a lost soul...found.
Gosh, I'm next up!

One hour later

"Okay folks- we've reached our maximum capacity for the evening. The Jackson family would like to thank you for your time and wish you great endeavors on your search."

The entire crowds is shocked and sad. How could this be...I mean I was literally next. My hair is drained and my notebook is nearly soaked. I used my last hard earn money from my stand up today getting here and I've checked out the hotel. SOMEBODY is gonna listen to me.

"Sir-please, if I can just go in. Please."

"I wish I could mam but those are the orders. I'm sure you get in next time"

"Next time?" Now I'm pissed to say the least. "Next time I'll be on a stage when I see the Jackson's." Cocky much? I'm just upset. I rip a page from my journal.

"Okay. Wait! Please if you could please pass this song along to ANYONE. My number is listed. Please. This song is from me. And that means it's from God."

The host is apprehensive as I hold out my note to him. He takes it.

"I'll try but that's all"

"Thank you" if it hadn't been raining he would see the tears on my face.
I run off the the phone booth across the street and begin to call my mom. My everything.

"Hello-Ma! It's me"

"Me, who?"

"Who else calls you Ma?" I say because she's so funny without even knowing it.

"Hey where are you my love?"
"On my way home. I didn't get in"
"What? They are fools. Your voice and words are brilliant!"
"No Ma, I didn't get it. They were done for the day and I was next! Ugh I'm crying and I'm a mess." My voice breaks
"Well...it's not your time. Soon, my love. I love you. Get out that storm and hurry your butt home. Gogo is cooking for you."
"Aww I love her. Y'all are the best. See you soon ma and tell grandma I love her. Oh have you heard from dad?"
"Not yet"
"Bye Ma. Love you!"
I hang up and hurry to find a ticket to catch the bus home. It's gonna be a long ride home...
As I turn around-SPLASH.
Some Mercedes Benz splashes me. Who the hell do they think I am. Just think...I'm already wet but now I am utterly soaked. This is not my best day.

Next Day

Hayvenhurst Residence
"Hey bro. How was the auditions? Did y'all find any new stars..." Dunk asked me
"Maybe...Dunk, can you go grab Latoya for me?"
Janet runs off and go finds Latoya.
"Michael, Michael, do you need me?"
"Yes, the interviewer is here. He wants to start now."
"Ok, goody!" She says in her high pitch voice.
We go outside in the courtyard to film and it's a beautiful night here in Encino. Wish I could say the same for downtown. It was awful. The rain held up so much traffic yesterday.
We're an hour into shooting and Randy decides to butt in and play. Which I'm happy he did because I'm exhausted.
"So Randy can you tell us your favorite part from the audition?" The interviewer asks.
"Sure thang. Well I did like seeing a lot of girls my age because I do enjoy the attention but my girlfriend doesn't like it."
We all laugh.
"Umm he means his fantasy girlfriend" I say
"Please note-whom we never met" latoya winks
"Nor, ever heard her voice" I say with a Witty tone to tease Randy.
"Yeah yeah...only Dunk knows her-ANY WAY, my favorite part was leaving."
"Leaving? I don't understand" the interviewer says.
"On our way out, the car splashed a girl on the curbside. She was furious. It was awful but so funny"
"Not nice" latoya says
"Well that's a wrap" interviews say
To sleep I go.