Author's Note: I've decided to pull through with a "Rare Brenda Hughes and Michael Jackson Interview" idea. As a disclaimer, this concept is 100% fictional. Also, the picture I've inserted should give you a suggestion for how I imagined Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart for this chapter. Was this even a good idea for me to write at all? Feedback is appreciated. Thanks again.
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1989
BRENDA
Not even within five seconds, Michael's lips crashed against mine after he rushed into the room. Never did I even get a chance to speak while he desperately moaned into my mouth. I couldn't even move while holding the side of his sweet face on the sofa. Without any shame, he sat beside me in one swift motion and grabbed my face instantly again. I could feel my legs wrap around him. Even my back pressed into cushions when someone unexpectedly walked into the room.
I'd never felt so embarrassed in all my life. Entertainment news anchor Mary Hart stood in heels on the marbled floor with a dropped jaw. I completely understood. Michael and I untangled ourselves for obvious reasons and fumbled with our clothes look presentable again.
Before long, I'd finally realized why Michael insisted on getting frisky just minutes ago: Cold feet. He'd been reasonably hesitant about the whole idea and expectedly testy with me about this interview and we fought quite often throughout the week leading up to this day.
Back and forth, he insisted on remaining quiet, even with backlash of my record with him still churning in some angles of the business. Time and time again, while our relationship wasn't crafted for the world, I argued that if we didn't say anything, this bullshit would never stop.
Michael shook hands with Mary first and offered a friendly hug. My make-up artist Nikki touched me up again as I sat down on the plush couch. I looked back to see the California sun beaming high as expected and looked up at the ceiling as Nikki worked on my face and all. My lips puckered as she applied lipstick once more and smirked noticing Michael.
"What got into him just now? That was kind of sexy." Nikki chuckled asking.
"Nerves." I mumbled batting my eyes for a second. "He always better after I kiss him."
"Right..." Nikki dragged, winking. I chuckled one last time.
Michael and Mary returned from their conversation moments later. A director's chair of some sorts had been for Mary when Michael and I were still settled with the couch. I didn't know what to think of the arrangement, but asked no questions.
"Again, I'm so sorry." I apologized to Mary. "We had no idea you'd come in like that and Michael's nervous about this whole thing. You're a great reporter and all, but..."
Mary lifted her hand and I silenced. "It's no trouble. I actually thought it was pretty funny. Now, let's get started, shall we?"
Whew.
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Before cameras even rolled, Michael stopped holding my hand. I smirked noticing his change in demeanor once he folded his arms, nearly disgust like a child. Without Mary's knowledge, I slapped Michael's arm. Not once did I care when his eyes bucked at me. After waiting too long, we were doing this. Bickering afterwards meant nothing to me anymore.
I looked to find Mary's gaze on me just before she stopped scribbling on a notepad. We exchange fake smile we each other and I knew she realized the tension here. There was only silence outside of her pen moving swiftly across for notes. She flashed a smiled and lipped one phrase to me: "It's going to be all right."
I could only hope so.
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"Hello. This is Entertainment Tonight. I'm Mary Hart. Throughout my career, I've encountered many high- profile names, but this interview should take the cake for every single viewer. He's one of the biggest stars in the world right now. She's an underrated and harshly ridiculed talent. Tonight, they've finally come forward to clear the air and hopefully set the record straight. At long last, here are Brenda Hughes and Michael Jackson..."
Hughes: (Smiles) Thank you for having us.
Jackson: (Smiles) Thank you.
Hart: I don't even know where to start, so I should just dive into things. Both of you are known in entertainment, but for those who don't know the story, how did you two even meet?
Jackson: (Camera zooms in on Michael holding Brenda's hand) I went to a party after the Motown 25 anniversary special and we met. She was beautiful, sweet, friendly and just a good person to be around. I was drawn to that. (Turns to face Brenda and smiles again)
Hart: Brenda, people and tabloids question Michael's behavior on a regular basis. What was your first impression after meeting him?
Hughes: Michael was friendly, amusing and flirtatious. Nothing like the tabloids have painted. He's just great."
Hart: Did you ever believe in tabloids before meeting Michael?
Hughes: Absolutely not. Most of the headlines were just unrealistic.
Hart: Michael? Did you believe any rumors surrounding Brenda after the "Soul Train" debacle?
Jackson: (Lowers voice) No. Nothing you read in the tabloids about me or her is true.
Hart: Even your album "Rollercoaster" struggled, Brenda. Have you ever considered quitting show business altogether?
Hughes: (Sit ups and pulls hand away from Michael) Never. I'll always have a weakness for music. It's not a coincidence, but I don't plan on touring anymore, just like Michael. I'll roll with the punches and keep my head high...
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Not once did Mary question my relationship with Michael during the interview. I felt so relieved. At the very least, she knew where to set boundaries unlike many other reporters. All three of us bid farewell in this marble floored room and Mary still felt tickled by our awkward meeting before everything started. I understood.
When Mary left us alone, Michael reached for my hand once more. I clutch it tightly and kissed his cheek to reassure him over earlier panic. Yet, his eyes were still full of pain. Again, I didn't know what to think at the moment.
"What's wrong?" I asked honestly concerned.
"Do you really fly out tomorrow?" he asked in a childish voice. I didn't know whether to punch him or blush at the question emerging from his lips.
"Yes, baby." I kissed his cheek again. "I can't stay here for the rest of my life."
"Yes you can. Bring the family over and I'll help them looking for houses. Please?" he swooped me into his arms and began to kiss me when yet another voice interrupted.
"Aha!" Mary's waved blonde hair hopped as she chuckled. "Sorry, sorry! I couldn't help it. Great job, you two. See you around, hopefully. Sorry again. Bye."
"And to think I really wanted her for this interview." Michael joked through clenched teeth and draped an arm around my shoulder. Our footsteps slowly moved out of the building as Michael whispered sweet nothings in my ear, just like old times.
Despite the madness of our egos. we were finally back in love.
