{Dancing with the Stars}
Hollywood, California
October 1, 1981
Tonight is week two of Dancing with the Stars. The competition was heating up between the contestants. Nova made it her mission to be in the ballroom tonight to support Michael. She had to make sure River wasn't getting too handsy either.
"Next up we have Michael and River with a Charleston. Let's see how they prepared for their routine." Alfonso announced a video package of their rehearsals played.
"The Charleston is a lot," Michael said when he was doing his interview for the show. "I'm used to giving my all when performing. River is giving me a run for my money." The crowd laughed at the comment. Nova huffed at the mention of River's name. The video package showed them practicing.
"No, Michael." River shook her head. "You step down on two."
Michael nodded. "Step down on two got it."
"Alright let's start again." The video ended and the two were in the position to do their routine.
"Dancing the Charleston with his partner Rive Franklin it's Michael Jackson!" The announcer stated.
~~~~~~~
Once the two finished their routine they made their way to the skybox after getting positive feedback.
"Michael, how are you feeling about what the judges said?" Julianne asked holding out the microphone.
"It makes me feel good but I know I can do better. River has been pushing me to be the best version of myself." Michael smiled at River. "She's a tough teacher and she doesn't play." The two laughed.
"How do you think Michael is doing River?"
"Michael is doing an amazing job. He comes into rehearsal ready to learn. I'm proud of the progress we're making. I want him to enjoy his time here as well." River answered and Michael hugged her.
"I'm happy to hear that. Alright, let's get your scores." The announcer stated
"Will the judges please reveal your scores? Carrie Ann Inaba."
"9" Carrie Ann held up her sign.
"Derek Hough"
"8" Derek answered.
"Bruno Tonioli"
"9" Bruno revealed the last score. Michael and River hugged as the audience cheered.
"That is 26 out of 30 for Michael and River. You guys have the first nine's of the season. Michael, how are you feeling about the score?" Julianna asked.
"It feels good to know that I have improved from last week. I know I can do better and I hope I get that chance if we make it through elimination." Michael responded looking over to River who was grinning ear to ear. Her opinion mattered the most to him. Seeing the smile on her face made him want to work harder.
"Everyone at home cannot rely on the judges scores alone," Julianne stated. "If you want to keep them in this competition they need your votes." She looked directly into the camera.
~~~~~~
Michael and River made it through elimination. Once again the two were at the top of the leaderboard. The competition is only going to get more difficult. After the show, Michael and River were talking when Nova approached them.
"Hi, baby" Nova wrapped her arms around Michael's neck kissing him. "You were amazing tonight."
River stood there a moment not sure if she was supposed to leave or stay.
"Thanks, Nov" Michael smiled. "Nova this is River." He realized that the two hadn't formally met.
"It's nice to meet you, Nova. Michael talks about you all the time." River said.
"I heard a lot about you too. Thanks for keeping my MAN looking good." Nova held onto Michael's arm.
"Michael has been giving his all each week."
"I wouldn't be here without having you as my teacher," Michael added. Nova was trying hard not to frown. She had to make this clear that Michael was hers.
"Thankfully I have a great student."
"I enjoyed being here in the ballroom. I think I'll come here every week." Nova quickly changed the subject.
"I wouldn't mind that Nov. I appreciate that you came tonight." Michael smiled. He's glad to see the two women getting along. There's been so much tension but it looks like progress is being made.
"And you're at the top of the leaderboard again!" She exclaimed. "We have to celebrate baby."
"Right, we're supposed to go on our date," Michael remembered. "I'll see you tomorrow for rehearsal River. I'm looking forward to what dance we'll have next."
"I'll find out tonight once I speak with the producers. You guys have fun I'll be going home and getting in my bed." River was tired feeling like she could fall asleep at any moment. "See you tomorrow Michael." She walked away from that couple.
"You have to teach me some of those new moves you learned," Nova smirked. "But seriously there's no way you're not gonna win. I know I was apprehensive about this with River. You being on here shows a different side of you. The world deserves to see that. I'm with you all the way."
"Really?" He was happy to hear that. "So you're okay with everything?"
"You couldn't control River becoming your partner. You had no way of knowing and I should have been more understanding of that. This is a great opportunity and turning it down would rob you of this experience."
"I'm glad you're not upset anymore."
"Like you told me whatever you and River had is in the past. What matters is that me and you are together." She looked at him. "I get a little territorial sometimes I'm sorry. I have to be on guard because women don't care that we're dating." She explained.
"I get it and I was never trying to disregard your feelings. River isn't that type of woman. She wouldn't try to sabotage our relationship." River wasn't malicious at all. "You know I love you."
"I know" She giggled. "I love you just as much. I'm glad we're now on the same page."
"Me too I hate fighting with you."
"Same here." She held his hand. "It's me and you against the world." No one was going to come in between the two. She wasn't going to allow River to destroy what they had built. She'll know her place soon enough. Little did she know her plans were going to backfire on her.
