𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐦. 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

33

Third Person POV
tw: threats of violence

The tour is soon winding down, and the Jacksons are back in their hometown. The family gathers at their parents' house, a mixture of relief and anticipation in the air as they prepare to return to their regular lives. Tonya was going to stay and visit with them at their house for a bit before going back to her own.

As Marlon and Tonya arrive together, their closeness is pretty obvious. They seem more friendly and smiley than usual and it stands out, and it doesn't go unnoticed by Joseph.

Joseph watches from a distance, his expression darkening as he sees Marlon and Tonya interact. Frustration bubbles inside him. He was already stressed and annoyed with Jackie and Tito for spending time with their wives instead of focusing more on the family business. Seeing Marlon's affection for Tonya only fuels his anger.

Joseph approaches Marlon and Tonya with a stern demeanor. "Marlon, can I have a word?"

Marlon looks at Tonya, then back at Joseph and nods hesitantly.

In a secluded part of the house, Joseph's temper can't be concealed anymore. "So, I see you've been spending a lot of time with Tonya," he starts, his voice sharp and accusing. "What's going on with that?" He asks, feigning an interested tone when in reality he's pissed.

Marlon, caught off guard, shifts uncomfortably. "We're just— close. What's the issue?"

Joseph's eyes narrow dangerously. "The issue is that you're letting yourself get distracted. You already act like you don't know how to focus on things and I've already got enough problems with Jackie and Tito tryna run off with their wives. And now you're fuckin' around with that girl Tonya? What do you think you're doing, boy?"

Marlon's face reddens with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "We're not— It's not like that— she means something to me."

Joseph scoffs, his tone full of disdain. "Oh, really? You think you're in love or something? She's just a girl who's been around. For all you know, she could be all over your brothers right now, and you know how Jermaine is with women. You don't even know what you're getting into."

Marlon's jaw tightens. "Don't talk about her like that. She isn't like that. You barely know her."

Joseph shakes his head, clearly displeased. "You're young and naive. You're just setting yourself up for heartbreak. I'm not about to let you waste time on a distraction while we need to focus on making money and keeping the family together."

Marlon's eyes blaze with anger. "She's not a distraction. And I'm not going to let you talk about her like that."

Joseph's face hardens. "Oh yeah?"

He can see Marlon hesitate, probably thinking over his words before he says them, before speaking up again.

"Yeah," Marlon replies, trying to make his voice sound confident as he locks eyes with Joseph.

"She means a lot to me, and I'm not going to let you disrespect her." Marlon adds, sitting upright.

Joseph's face hardens, his temper out of control. "You gon' disrespect me, huh? You think talking back is okay? I can do whatever the hell I want. I'm trying to keep this family together and focused on what's important. And here you are, acting all high and mighty over some girl who's nothing but trouble!"

Marlon's eyes flash with anger, his voice raising a little as he stands up. "I'm not going to let you talk to me or her like that. I'm not a kid anymore, Joseph!"

Joseph's expression is filled with rage. "You're nothing but a kid! And you're acting like a disrespectful fool. You live in my damn house, under my goddamn rules. If you can't see the importance of this family and our business, then maybe you need to get your priorities straight."

Joseph steps closer to Marlon, getting in his face. "You think you're tough, boy? I'll show you what happens when you disrespect me."

Joseph's threat leaves Marlon visibly shaken. The harsh words and Joseph's aggressive demeanor are a stark reminder of the control he has over the family.

Marlon, feeling the heat of the moment, lowers his gaze. He hastily goes to apologize, and although he knew he wasn't in the wrong, Joseph never failed to make him feel like he was. "My bad, Joe. I didn't mean to disrespect you. I just—"

Joseph cuts him off, his face flushed with anger. "You think you can apologize your way out of this? You're playing with fire, Marlon. You've got one chance to get your act together. Don't let it happen again."

Marlon nods quickly, fear and regret clear on his face. "I understand. I'm sorry."

Joseph's expression barely changes, his eyes dark, but his voice lowers a little though he remains real stern. "You'd better be glad that girl is here or I'd whip the black off of you. This is the only time I'm going to give you a break. I don't tolerate disrespect from my boys, and you know that. So, consider this your warning."

Marlon nods, clearly relieved but still shaken. "Y-Yeah, I understand. Thank you."

Joseph's gaze is sharp but there's a rare hint of mercy in his eyes. "Good. Now, get out of my face and keep your focus where it needs to be."

Marlon returns to the living room, visibly distressed but trying to put on a brave face. Tonya notices his demeanor and approaches him. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Marlon forces a smile, lets out a laugh, trying to mask his anxiety. "Girl, I'm fine. Let's just enjoy being home."

Tonya doesn't seem convinced, but she doesn't push any further.