In My Mind

Love, Now and Forever (Beyoncé x Michelle)

2000

Tenitra Michelle Williams had just been offered the opportunity of a lifetime. She would be one of the newest members of sensational girl group Destiny's Child. Having wanted to sing all her life she really didn't know what to do or how to pursue her dream so she settled. She had done a few gigs singing back-up for well known singers but she always wanted a piece of the spotlight. She was attending college when she got the call to audition, she never doubted herself but also didn't think that they would choose her. She and another young lady made the final cut. They were now the 3rd and 4th members of Destiny's child. Upon formally meeting Beyoncé and Kelly she immediately felt a bond with them. There was something about Beyoncé that drew Michelle to her. She had a connection with Kelly but there were always the many commonalities that she and Beyoncé shared. Neither were morning people, they had a work ethic out of this world, they shared similar music tastes and so much more. She now looked at the two of them as her best friends. That other girl, meh, not so much.

Things began moving quickly, Michelle packed up and moved to Texas with the help of Mama Tina, Beyoncé's mother. Immediately she felt a connection to her too. It was motherly but different from the relationship she shared with her own mother. Mama Tina became another source of encouragement and they formed a special kinship. Kelly always made sure that Michelle was comfortable and doing well with learning the old and new songs. Overtime they got to know each other more and more, and their relationship flourished. Beyoncé was the same way but there was a slightly deeper connection with her. It was like they understood each other on another level. It was at this time that they began to lay the foundation for what was to come later. In retrospect the foundation had been laid through their actions over time. Neither bothered to really pay it much attention.

In the months to follow after joining the group the dynamics in the group were changing. Anyone with eyes could see that there was clearly a bond between three of the four and the other ostracized herself by trying to be someone else. She just didn't fit; as quickly as Destiny's Child became a foursome again, it just as quickly as it became a trio. Less than six months after joining the group its fourth member was asked to leave. Beyoncé was given this task and the way she went about it was hilarious especially since MTV had been following them and recording everything. The kicker was what Beyoncé said, "It's better for you to go home then not have no luggage." And at the end of the segment that aired MTV played the song Sail On. The irony of it was not to be missed.

During the months leading up to the fourth member's departure Michelle and Beyoncé found themselves growing closer. Moments where they would be talking and end up looking into each other's eyes. One time in particular that was profound was this:

"Bey, we need a break, even if it's small." Michelle said as she sat down on the couch in Beyoncé's hotel room.

"I know Chelle-Belle but try convincing my father to do that." Beyoncé said while getting a water from the fridge and handing Michelle her requested juice.

"We've just been going non-stop. I don't want to seem ungrateful but I need just a moment of peace."

"Me too." Beyoncé said sitting down.

The pair continued to talk and somehow Beyoncé's head ended up in Michelle's lap and she turned over and looked up at Michelle. It was as if time stood still and both stared into the other's eyes. Michelle quickly cleared her throat and looked away. She didn't know what this feeling was and she was unsure how to proceed. What she didn't know as Beyoncé felt the same thing.

"BeyBey, I think it's time for me to go to bed."

"Good night Chelle-Belle." Beyoncé said while removing herself from Michelle's lap.