The 2 Minute Engagement

Chapter 29

Chapter 29
Lucy

2017

"...y'all are up in ten seconds, ladies." A stage manager tells me, Kim, and JJ. Above us, Bruno Mars is performing Perm from his album 24K Magic that was modeled off of SJC's 1988 24K Magic.

We quickly shake off the nerves before Bruno cuts the music. "No no no. When I said 'right side' y'all gotta make some noise. Ready? Come on right side," Bruno cuts the music again. "You know what? I got some friends. 2, 3, 4!"

As the music kicks off again, the three of us bend our knees to our bodies tightly as we are pushed up. We land heavy on our feet onstage but we're prepared for it and just sing and dance with Bruno and his group of guys. The audience is going crazy at our appearance.

"Thank you." Bruno waves at the audience before hugging and kissing our cheeks as the digital screen that is raised and lowered for each performance is lowered in front of us.

MC Lyte's voice is heard announcing all of the performers and appearances before introducing us. The entire time she speaks, we are getting a quick costume and hair change. "And now welcome your lovely hosts for the 2017 BET Awards— Jackson Bivins, Kim Tresvant, and Lucy Tresvant of JKL!"

The screen raises and we walk forward to a lot of applause. "Now, MC Lyte, didn't I tell you to call me Jackson Bennet?" JJ says after the applause dies down. The audience laughs and applauds at the same time. Chance smiles widely from the second row behind SJC, NE, and our family.

"I'm sorry. I'm just reading what's written, Mrs. Bennet." MC Lyte says and we all laugh.

"So y'all know how this goes. The host always walks back and forth on stage saying 'What's good, BET? What's up, BET 2017?'. But we're not doing that. Because this BET Awards will be different." I say with as much sass as possible.

"Right, sis. That's so over done," Kim says then pauses. "But let's sing it."

"I'm down, d-d-down, d-d-down, d-d-down, down, down," JJ sings and the audience laughs. "Three, two, one. Hit me!"

A funky beat starts and we sing "what's good, BET? Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! What's up, 2017?" that has everyone up and dancing.

"Alright. Honestly, we have to start our first time hosting the BET Awards by thanking God because without Him none of this would have been possible." Kim says.

"We want to thank our parents, aunts, and uncles because they introduced us and our brothers into this industry. We grew up at the BET Awards. We grew up performing so it's a dream come true to be here hosting the show the same year that our family will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award— The first time more than one artist or group will be doing so." JJ says and the audience applause.

"So thank you, Miss Debra Lee and BET," I smile as I look at the first two rows where our family is sitting. "And thank you to Chance— you married my cousin and gave her a little girl. Thank you, Luke— you proposed to my fine self and gave me a beautiful angel. Thank you for loving us through this crazy journey."

"So let's get a move on. Y'all ready to see some lit performances and presenters? I know I've been waiting to see Trey Songz so he can tell me that he doesn't want anyone but me, okay." Kim sticks her tongue out with a smile and everyone laughs.

"No I'm waiting to see Uncle Bobby old self get up here. That man know he gonna get tired while walking up the steps." JJ jokes while miming an old person walking up stairs.

"Please. I'm ready to go back in time with Xscape. Girl, I finally found someone who I can run to so I need to shout all of the lyrics." I say with a smile and I get a lot of shouts of agreement from other ladies and men in the audience.