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( CHAPTER ONE: A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE ) May, 1994
❝this isn't going to be easy. ❞
◯
"Let's get him!" The joyous screams of Janet's nieces and nephews filled the fresh air, prompting a very ecstatic Devon Emmet to humorously run away from the gaggle of children, eagerly engaged in their game. He ran along the large back garden, avidly dodging each kid, who giggled and chased after the dancer with gusto— and Devon had to admit, these kids were fast.
It was safe to say that not many people could claim that they have been to a Jackson family dinner. But luckily for Devon, he has now been to three. Hell, six odd years ago, Devon wouldn't have ever dreamed of stepping foot in the lavish hills of Encino, and yet, here he was— partying it up with the Jackson family in their lavish Havenyhurst estate.
Even now, when Janet and him arrived to the family mansion, he still wasn't used to the extravagance that came with the home. The grand garden, the expensive stone exterior, and of course, the lively characters that were present within the family. Looking back, it was almost laughable how overwhelmed Devon was by the presence of the Jackson 5, but now, they were all here, as well as their extended family. Their wives, children, cousins— the whole Jackson clan was present.
Luckily for Devon, he had acquired the affections of Janet's nieces and nephews, and he had to admit, he grew quite fond of them as well. "Come on, you ain't gonna catch me!" Devon taunted, chucking the small children a mischievous smile. His words never thwarted their hopes, and the four little children continued to chase after the dancer, determined to catch him.
Stevanna and Genevine, who were Randy's daughters, and Jourdynn and Jaimy, who were Jermaine's sons— were all under six years old. What did this mean? Well, for one, they were energetic, playful and incredibly animated. Plus, it didn't hurt that they thought Devon was the funnest (their words, not his) uncle in existence. I mean, who else volunteered to happily play tag with them for the entire night?
"I got him!" Jourdynn, the youngest boy, managed to latch onto Devon's leg, which slowed the dancer down immensely. Devon playfully groaned in response, letting Stevanna, Genevieve and Jaimy jump on his frame in triumph. They climbed on his back, latched onto his torso and tugged at his hips, extremely proud that they had one this game of tag.
"Y'all were cheating!" Devon exclaimed, but the four youngsters were already relishing in their victory, claiming that Devon was just a sore-loser. Hm, these damn kids were ruthless.
"Alright everyone, that's enough," a light, feathery voice interrupted the playful exchange. Devon craned his head, delighted to see that Janet Jackson, his glowing, ethereal girlfriend was approaching the group with a humorous smile. "Dinner is ready, so that means playtime is over."
