Book 6 - 1970 (Michael Jackson)

Chapter 4 - Unexpected Visit

Chapter 4 - Unexpected Visit

Date: Saturday, January 31, 1970

MICHAEL'S POV

"That was a marvelous show, you guys. It was a marvelous show, indeed." The show host pat everyone on the back, showing nothing but smiles to everyone. When he stopped at me, he nodded, adding, "Great job, little guy," as he pat my own back.

"Thanks, Mr. Williams," I chirped. For some reason, I felt really proud of myself, which was not something I often felt. Usually, after a show, I'd feel pretty tired or hungry, but I was satisfied this time. I wasn't sure if that was the best of reactions, but it was a nice change for the time.

"You deserved it," he insisted. "You all deserve some respect. It's not easy, going out in front of a national audience and singing. You've got the pressure of knowing that one little mistake could botch everything, yet you all carried through with style. Not too many groups can say that, especially young ones like y'all." He winked at Joseph, smirking.

I believe Joseph did not realize that was his queue to say something until late, because he struggled to find the right words to add to his explanation. "Yeah... they are, they're some good kids. Talented, for sure."

"Yeah... Well, I've got to get going." Andy quickly gazed at his watch, adding, "I've got to run. Got to find Miss Thelma Houston's contact information. She needs to be on the show, I believe."

I took a note from my brothers, who were halfheartedly nodding in response, and agreed. "I like Miss Houston."

My comment went unnoticed, however, and the show host went off into another room, tending to his business. That left me in an incredibly awkward position, for I was still waiting for a response. My lips were still slightly parted, and one finger was raised in the air. Kayla gave me the worst look of empathy I'd ever received from a person before, and because of this, I had begun to crack up a little.

That was when her expression changed. "What's that for?"

"Sorry," I chuckled. "Sometimes, your face doesn't carry through with your emotions." Instead of appearing empathetic, which she had originally planned, she looked stressed, almost anxious. Her comforting smile took a strange turn, which looked almost like a forced smirk, and her eyes were wide and strained, instead of depressed. I got the message either way, though, for she had been making those faces at me since we first met.

Kayla and I followed the rest of the group, who had begun to make their way to the car. "Gosh," she said, unknowingly changing the subject, "I dunno what it is, but I guess the show knocked the wind out of me. I feel a bit light-headed."

"Really? Heh, isn't that funny, I feel kinda weird, too. Not light-headed or anything, but good." I skipped ahead to catch up with the group, who had a few feet on us. "Really, really good."

"That's nice to hear. At least someone's doing well, right?"

"Mmhmm. Hey, 'cause we won't be home in time for dinner, what do you guess we'll be eating?"

She shrugged, cocking her head at an angle. "I don't know. I s'pose that we may just have leftovers or something when we get home. I'm not all that hungry right now."

"You're never hungry," I retorted playfully. "Hehe, I hope we pick up some KFC soon. We've barely had any since we got here."

"Same goes for the glazed donuts," she mentioned, blankly looking ahead and reminiscing. "We've had that maybe once since we've been here?"

"Yeah. And it isn't as good as the stuff from Gary." Sighing, I mumbled, "Those were pretty close to perfection."

"Yes." She sighed wistfully, rubbing her forehead. "You know, I miss Gary. Can't say I miss the smog, but I miss nearly everything else."