Always and Forever

12 - Oh So Sweet

Janet

I'll handle everything, just sing.

My father's words echoed in my head as I was just sitting in my hotel room deep in my thoughts. I really didn't like the fact that my father kinda forced this upon me. And I feel like this project won't be the best, because it's not truly me. I knew that this was what my father wanted, mainly because he had a vision for me that was so vivid. And I guess he wanted me to follow in my brothers foot steps. Since signing my contract with A&M Records, my father made it clear that he wanted to get this album out as soon as possible. So I was to have songs ready to be published in about two months or so. My father made sure I was working all this week while I was here in Minneapolis. Today was my last day, and I was just tired honestly. I had to meet up with my vocal coach at 3, and I was just ready to get it over with. I put on a pair of shades, my cap and then I headed out while holding my room key and beeper. I had a rental car, so I drove to get fries from McDonald's, and then I headed to the studio where my vocal coach held her classes. She wanted to speak to me before I left for some odd reason, and I didn't know why.

When I walked inside I saw her sweeping the little area where the refreshments were, and as soon as she saw me she placed the broom aside and approached me with a toothless smile.

"Thanks for coming to see me Janet. I know today was your day to relax before your flight, but I wanted to ask you something. And I thought it would be best to ask you in person."

My throat kind of dry, I clear it as I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. "Okay, what is it?"

Before she started to speak, she held her hands trying to gesture what it was she was trying to say, or get out. "When I heard you singing the first time around, before we were even getting this project started. You sounded so different, now it's like...something's changed about you. And I can't put my finger on what it is." She said as she held her chin, looking dead at me. I've known Sandra for about four years now, met her when I was working on the first project. So she knew me like a friend would, and could spot a difference in every little thing. I hated it sometimes, but I was glad someone brought it up. I wanted to talk to someone about my newfound happiness with my girlfriend. She was everything, and then some.

"Well...It's probably the fact that I'm....falling in love." I said and then I take my glasses off, and hang them on my shirt.

Sandra nods her head as we walked over to sit near the speakers. "I figured it was something of that sort. Because this glow about you is totally different than anything I've ever seen from you. And I honestly like it...I really do. Because I noticed how you kind of seemed unhappy, once your brothers left. I knew you were so used to having them around, and then for them to up and leave on tour leaving you home alone, or with your older sisters, who's lives have already started. You were left to branch out on your own, and you kinda became lonely. I noticed that Janet, and the fact that your no longer in that state is such a beautiful thing to me. Whoever this is in your life, I hope he continues making you happy."

I pursed my lips as I held my hand in the other. "She is making me very happy. Her name is Toni, I met her in school. She's amazing." I said as I just came straight out with it, she looked shocked. But he facial expressed changed from that back to it's normal state.

"Well I hope she continues doing what she's doing Janet. And...I wanted to give you these. The lyrics to each of your songs. The notes, for the piano, and also the scripts for the back up singers." She said as she reaches over, and grabs a manila folder from the table and hands it to me.