Pernicious

|Chapter 4|

February 20, 1988

Kansas City, Missouri

Naya's Perspective:

"Michael, who is this?" The woman asked Michael. I could sense the vibe that she didn't really like me very much. She looked me up and down like an immature little high school girl.

What is a girl like this staying on our floor for?

"You really don't know who this is, Tatiana?" Michael looked at her puzzled. "This is my ex-wife Naya. Naya this is Tatiana. She's one of my performers on the tour." Michael explained.

"Oh, I guess I recognized you somewhere. I usually don't remember old news." She said looking down and twirling her hair.

Old news? Am I old news? Honey, I'll show you old news!!!

I give an unfriendly chuckle and uncomfortable smile.

"Yeah, I was only married to the biggest entertainer of this decade. Many people tend to forget about me I forgot." I answered sarcastically and with my arms crossed. "Hey Michael, I think I've lost my appetite, I think I'm going to head back to bed. It was so good meeting you!" I spun around as fast as I could so I didn't have to see her reaction.

Who was she to judge me anyway? What did I do to her? Was Michael seeing this girl?

Thoughts spun in my head as I ran back into my room.

Something tells me this isn't the last time I'll have to deal with this girl.

Michael's Perspective:

Oh boy...

I could feel the tension filling the hallway. Tatiana's reaction when Naya left was very enraged. The color of her face shifted to tomato red.

"You married that?" Tatiana asked irritated.

"Yeah, I did." Was the only way I knew how to answer.

Just because Naya and I didn't get along, I still couldn't hate her. Our split back in 86' had a large effect on myself and my work. I couldn't sing some of my songs the same way because it just didn't feel right. Some of my songs I wrote especially for her. Every time I have to sing them on stage, I thought of her. I felt a deep sinking feeling in my gut. That's why I really don't like seeing her that much.

It's a harsh reminder.

"Well nevermind her." Tatiana said shaking her head. "So, do you want to come to my room and have a little fun?" She suggested running her fingers up my chest.

I gently pulled her fingers away. I just couldn't do it tonight. No matter how good it felt.

"Not tonight, Tatiana. I have little Malik in my room, so I should really heading back." I said turning away.

She pulled on my shirt so I couldn't leave.

"Come on, Michael. I really miss your touch." She whined.

"I said not tonight, Tatiana." I said coldly.

She gave me a pouty face. I hated that face she makes when she doesn't get what she wants. Usually, I couldn't resist it, but not tonight. I left her at that and went back to my room.