Mr. & Miss JACKSON: The Beginning

Chapter 29: Mine

MJ POV
December 12, 1985
NBC Studio- 'Stars at Night' show

"So, Michael. Did you see all the ladies when you came in?"

"I saw the fans, yes. I love my fans. Very dearly" I say putting my hand up to my heart

"And they love you. Really really love you."

I chuckle at his comment.

"The album, when can we expect it?"

"Oh wow. Well, I've been preparing a lot and mentally transitioning for a new album but if I'm being very honest, I've just been enjoying myself. The ride of Thriller, is still going fast. I-uh- I plan to record very soon. We've been going over songs and just a matter of creating a vision."

"We? Are you gonna keep Quincy for the new project?"

"Quincy is great and we haven't talked about it but most times, Lo and I create and put our heads together to get the body of art."

"Lo?"

I laugh, not realizing what I said "yes, Liza Love."

"AWWWEEEE" the crowd says at once and I end up blushing

"You slid it in so smooth, I almost didn't catch it. How is she by the way? So this must be real. I mean-the world is so infatuated by this thing between you two. We see photos of you passing and some backstage but when can we get a real understanding of your new love life. We are dying to know, Michael"

"My life, surely my love life, is private and we are just enjoying one another. We are entertainers and find peace at creating music arts that will change someone's life. So this 'thing' is everything and we want to focus on our music in public and the rest, is for us. No one needs to understand." I finish that statement a bit harsh.

"I guess, we see you. We've known you your entire life and you are reserved, well not on stage of course, but in your personal life. And now, Liza...the lovely beau has swept you off your feet. But we don't know you as a couple. We know her and then we know you...but not you together. Do you understand? She's this innocent girl next door and you're the most known man in the world who has dedicated his life to show biz. Besides music, what is it about her?"

I laugh to myself hearing 'innocent girl next door' when all I could think about is how I had her bent over last night.

"Well...why does it need to be anything else?"

**Silence*
The talk show host looks confused

"You asked what else is it about her? Right? That question is the reason why people make it hard to love. I need no other reason to want her, to be with her, not one other reason. I don't need to search for reasons to love someone."

"But it must be something- you've been around entertainers your entire life-why now-why Liza-"

"Why not Liza" I smile and say

He laughs and the crowd is in awe. They watch me as if they are watching their favorite love movie.

"There was a story..."

Here we go

"...apparently you were upset that she had a secret boyfriend and you found out. You then went to talk to her about it and she blew you off for her band mate. Pretty bad story"

We laugh and I don't respond...for many reasons

"I had Prince here not too long ago and he said he loves Thriller and he can't wait to hear the next album because he knows you have the best song writer as a girlfriend. I asked him if he wanted to write a song with her since she co wrote Purple Rain and he responded 'Yes, and maybe some other things' "

In his dreams...

"Well it's like this. I admire Prince, and we actually inspire one another during a time when music is changing but-it's-okay...three words-

"Three words? Oh my-he's gonna say he loves me" the host jokes

I remain serious and just relax
"Three words, so everyone knows.
Liza's with me" 😎

"AWWEEEEEE"
The host sits there blushing with red cheeks

"Welp, you heard it hear folks. The lovely Liza, or shall we say Miss Jackson, is taken. Thank you for joining us, Michael and goodnight America"

———LATER THAT NIGHT
Bill is dropping me off to have dinner with
Brooke. She's in town and has asked if she could talk to me about something important.

I adore Brooke, but truth is all I could think about while she at dinner talking is, my baby, Aliza. I can't wait to get to California. Three more days and she'll be in my arms.

Brooke and I wrap up dinner and just as we were headed out, Brooke nearly trips on the steps and I catch her. We bust out laugh and get into the car. I take her home and head back to the hotel.

Finally, in my suite, I fall onto the bed and
call Liza.

"Hey you" she answers

"Hey Lovely" I say trying sound sexy

"You sound like Frankee now. I miss you, you know. I dread going to sleep tonight. I mean, literally, you were on my mind all day. Thinking about what you showed me last night. I don't see how ppl can cheat on someone they love. Anywho, babe how was your day, anything special?"

"Just you and I miss you more. When I get home, I'm gonna take you somewhere nice. Just us. I know most times, we are with people but I wanna treat you to a real regular date." I say, meaning it 110%

"Awwwee. Where is this coming from? I love our dates. Even when we do absolutely nothing. I love it."

Silence takes over a minute or so. I take my clothes off and get into bed while Liza is snoring on the other end of phone.

I hear the other line come in and tell her to hold on even though she's asleep.

"Hello" I say with a disguise voice

"Michael! It's me, Janet. You have to come home! Your Lil girlfriend or whatever is here going crazy, again! James said she's was saying she's gonna tell the world about the real you and ruin your career. Just come home soon. Luckily Mother isn't here and Joseph is gone. Michael...you need to take away her access so she won't keep getting in. I'm about ready to put my foot up her behind. ...hello, Michael?'"

"Dunk, I'm here. I heard you. I'll try to fly back tomorrow but do me a favor and tell James to not say anything."

"Okay, and Mike, try hard. I have a feeling this won't end well...bye"

Janet hangs up and I click back over.

"Hello, baby?" She doesn't answer so I turn over on my side with the phone to my ear. Lights off and I drift off just listening to her asleep.