A Charmed Life

Caught Up

Chapter Four

July 22, 1979

🎶 Do what you want to do. There ain't no rules it's up to you. 🎶

I sing into my hairbrush while thrusting my hips around my hotel room. The title song of Michael's new album is quickly becoming my favorite. It hasn't been out that long, and I know every word. I'm so proud of him; it's heartwarming. To see him finally doing his own thing is inspiring, really. We haven't seen much of each other since he started production on Off The Wall. Soon I'll be going off on tour, and we won't see each other at all.

"Ivy, we need to leave in fifteen," Wheaton informs me from the little intercom that is connected to our rooms.

I'm doing an interview with Barbara Walters today... She's a tough cookie, so I'm very nervous. Pulling my boots on, I heave a huge sigh. Going to the full-length mirror, I make sure I look okay. Meeting Wheat in the hallway, we get in the elevator and head down to the lobby.

"What kind of rental did you get?" I ask while double-checking that my clothes are straight.

"I think they're sending a Rolls Royce," he says, digging in his briefcase to find the information.

As we're walking towards the exit, I notice a sleek, black, stretch limousine parked out front. "Wheat? Are you sure about that?"

He slowly looks up while saying, "I specifically asked for one, and they promised to deliver..." His jaw slackens a little. "What's that?"

The hotel doorman opens the door, and we go out to investigate. The assumed driver opens the door and waits patiently while I wonder what's going on.

"Miss Gux, I am Carmine, your security and driver for the day," he says, stepping forward with his hand stretched out for me to take.

I get in, and just before he shuts the door, he hands me an envelope. I look up at him with confusion written all over my face.

"From Mr. Jackson," he clarifies.

I'm shocked but nod in understanding. "Thank you," I tell him. "I should have known. He has been on me about driving places on my own. Such a worrywart."

"Well, you are getting a lot more attention from the media/public. Now that you're in the spotlight, it is smart to think about protection," Wheat says from upfront with the driver, with that crazy managerial look in his eyes.

I shake my head. "It's not even that serious, Wheat. Yeah, I get recognized sometimes, but nothing bad has happened. I can handle it."

"Michael has the right idea. I'll call him later and get some references," he says, making a note of it.

I fold my arms and look out of the window. They're both ridiculous. Remembering the envelope, I grab it off of the floor and tear it open.

Don't kill me. I know you think you don't need it, but you do. So be mad if you want, I just need you to be safe.

Good luck with Barbara, and don't be nervous.

Love, Applehead

Of course, he'd be across the country controlling my life. Sighing, I just focus on this interview and not on being overprotected.

<>

We're halfway through the interview when we actually get to the tour. The first twenty minutes we went over my mom, dad, and the situation that surrounded me being the product of a single-parent household. The subject of women dying during childbirth is almost taboo to talk about. There's a lot of shame that is piled on the child that survives whether intentional or not. So I'm glad when she changes the subject.