let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

unwanted visitors

(a/n: i just wanna clarify that before we start this chapter, i have no idea how mj receiving the fake mtv award went down and by that i mean idk if they told him he was getting an award or if they just let him believe that, i rlly have no idea. so i'm just going to write my own version of what could have went down, okay, okay. let's get back to the story.)

August 29th, 2002

Ariana

I sit in the audience, waiting patiently for Michael to accept the award he's to be given. Neither Michael or myself really wanted to attend the VMA's tonight but someone working in the production aspect of the show and who knows Michael, told him he'd be receiving a special award for his impact on the music industry and because it just so happens to be his birthday today.

So here I am, watching Britney Spears walk out on stage and start speaking into a microphone.

"I am thrilled to be here with you in New York on such a special night. And it's more special because it just so happens to be someone special's birthday." I notice as she talks, a huge four layered cake along with a silver treble clef trophy is wheeled out. "This is someone who's inspired me and just about everyone in this room and the world. I consider him the artist of the millennium."

Consider? I thought he is already considered artist of the millennium.

"He's a true innovator who pioneered the true art of music video, broke down countless barriers and sold more records than any other artist along the way. So, happy birthday my friend, the King Of Pop."

Michael bumps his arm harshly on his way out from backstage but he continues stepping across the stage professionally, giving her a little hug. The audience is hurling cheers and they're all stuck in a standing ovation. Michael's presence won't ever get old to them, huh?

Michael picks up the trophy from the table and holds it high in his hands. "Well...um...God Bless you. Um...I love you too! Thank you very much, Britney Spears, you're wonderful. If... when I was a little boy in Indiana, if someone had told me... if someone had told me that one day I would be getting, as a musician, the 'Artist Of The Millennium' award I wouldn't have believed it. This is really amazing. I can't believe it. Thank you so very much." He then digs into his pocket, searching for a piece of paper and unfolding it.

I scan the row of seats, searching every little expression I spot and the fans all look...confused. As if Michael being awarded is something they aren't expecting. I don't know if I feel so good about this anymore.

"But there's a couple of people I have to thank who made this possible. First I'd like to thank God who makes all things possible. My mother, Joseph Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Trudy Green, Howard Koffman, the genius of John McClain, John Brenka, Berry Gordy, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Quincy Jones, I love you. David Blaine your magic is real and I believe in you. And I'd like to thank... I think James Brown is a genius. My wonderful wife, Ariana. I love you so much. And all the fans around the world, I love you. God bless you. Thank you."

The audience goes wild once again until Britney awkwardly shuffles back to the microphone saying "Hey! Now, let's take a look at the nominees for this year's Best Pop Video!"

I'm still drowning in perplexity, Michael is nowhere to be seen and I'm about to get out of my seat to go find him but the crowd roars again.

I look to my front and No Doubt is suddenly on the stage accepting an award. After they give their speech, Jimmy Fallon's voice catches all of our attention.