The renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer Sunjai Parker is ready to tell the world her story. Follow along as she relives iconic moments in her career and personal life.
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The following week Sunjai was finally getting settled into the house. Most of the Jackson clan moved out on their own. The only ones still at the house were Michael, Randy, Latoya, and Janet. The house was quieter than you would expect from a large family. The boys were at the studio recording Latoya was doing her thing and Janet was in class with her tutor. Sunjai got a package from her father today. He forgot to give it to her before he left. Now she was in her room opening it.
"I wonder what daddy got me?" She opens the package which contains a small black box. She opened the box to see a beautiful butterfly bracelet inside. "Oh wow!"
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Her father always called her his little butterfly. She knew this was a way for them to cope with being far away from each other. She put the bracelet on loving how it shined from the sunlight from her window. Then she looked at the clock.
"Oh, I gotta get going before I'm late for work." She quickly grabbed her purse heading downstairs.
"Good morning Sunjai," Katherine said from on the couch.
"Good morning Mrs. Jackson." Sunjai smiled. "I'm about to head to work I'll be home around seven if traffic isn't horrible."
"Alright, I made lunch it's in the fridge."
"Mrs. Jackson you didn't have to make me lunch."
"Nonsense" Katherine waved her hand. "I'm not going to let you go to work hungry. You have a wonderful day and be safe."
"Thank you" Sunjai grabbed her lunch and made her way out the door.
~~~~~~ {Funk Factory} Santa Monica, California
Sunjai Voiceover: Funk Factory will always have a special place in my heart. I started working there when I was sixteen. Mr. Johnson who was the shop owner sold records and musical instruments. I miss him he gave amazing advice. He was so passionate about music it flowed through his veins. I loved working there.
"Good morning Mr. Johnson." Sunjai greeted him as she walked through the door.
"Good morning Sunjai." Mr. Johnson responded as he was fixing one of the displays. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good" She went to the back room putting her lunch in the refrigerator and putting her jacket on the coat rack.
"Did you move in okay?"
"Yeah, I did I'm finally settled in." She responded coming back. "It's still weird not seeing my dad though."
"Of course the two of you are inseparable. I know you must miss him a lot."
"I know he was looking out for my best interest. I didn't want to move. I would miss my friends too much."
"I would miss my favorite employee. You're the only one who shows up on time."
"Unlike most of them, I like to get paid." She giggled.
"You're not just looking for a paycheck. You have a passion for music." He stated. "You have a gift you know."
"I don't have a gift, Mr. Johnson. I think it's more of a hobby to me. Besides my dad's already worried about the new living arrangement." Mr. Johnson was one of the few people who knew about her friendship with the Jacksons. "He doesn't want me to get distracted."
"Do you think it's a distraction?"
"No I love music but my dad says it's more of a hobby. He wants me to finish school. Senior year starts back up in August."
"I believe you should follow your passion." Mr. Johnson told her. "It's your life Sunjai and if music is something that you want to pursue you should."
"I appreciate that Mr. Johnson but I'll leave music to Michael. He's the one with the real talent. He's going to change the world."
"You can change the world too." You have quite the voice yourself singing around the store."
"When a good song comes on I have to sing." She laughed. "Some people are meant to be stars. I'm not one of those people." Her father wanted her to get a good job with stability. If she pursued music he would probably flip out.
"Alright" He wasn't going to press on it. He could see that Sunjai was very talented she just didn't realize it yet.
~~~~~~ {Hayvenhurst} Encino, California
Later on that evening, Sunjai arrived back home. She came through the front door. "Sunjai you're home," Katherine said with a smile. "Did you have a good day at work?"
"Yes I did and thank you for making me lunch. It was really good." Sunjai loved Katherine's food that woman should be a chef.
"Of course honey." Katherine handed her a plate. "I made a plate for you since you missed dinner."
"Thank you I'm starving." Sunjai took her plate and saw Michael and Randy in the living room. "Hey guys!"
"Hey," Randy and Michael said at the same time.
"Is there room on the couch?"
"Yeah come on over." Michael scooted over and Sunjai took a seat next to him. "How was work?"
"Good, it wasn't really busy today. How is your album coming along?" She started eating her dinner.
"We're getting there but we still have so much work to do."
"Of course you would say that." She gave him a warm smile. Michael was a perfectionist so he's never satisfied. "I know it's going to be amazing."
"What would be amazing if you came down to the studio with me?" There he goes trying to get her to sing again.
"Mike you keep asking and I'll keep giving you the same answer. Let me break it down for you again." She pointed at him. "Singer" She then pointed at herself. "Not a singer." Randy chuckled at her actions.
"That's not true you can sing."
"Not professional." She stated. "That's you and your brothers. I stand on the sidelines and cheer you all on."
"I don't mind you cheering me on," Randy added which caused Michael to roll his eyes.
"Would you give it a rest? You've been flirting with her every day since she moved in." Michael said. "She's only been living here a week."
"Right which means that every day I'm one step closer to making her mine." Sunjai laughed out loud.
"Dude you're eighteen." Michael deadpanned.
"Age ain't nothing but a number." Randy shrugged.
"I hate to break it to you Randy but I gotta date someone who's old enough to drink," Sunjai spoke again. Michael gave him the I told you so look. "You're handsome so I know there's a girl out there for you."
"Ouch," Randy touched his chest acting as if he was hurt. "You didn't have to do me like that. She called me handsome so I'll take what I can get."
"Still not taking the hint Randy," Michael said.
After a while, Sunjai felt herself getting tired. "I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight guys."
"Goodnight," Michael and Randy said as Sunjai headed upstairs.
