Offstage || MJ

Offstage || Chapter 8

Author's Note: Michael's not playing games anymore! Enjoy.

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1986 – California ("Soul Train")

MICHAEL

A few days after watching that television report, I'd gained the nerve to finally visit her. Nearly a decade passed since I last stepped foot onto that "Soul Train" set. Don shook hands with me and understood the circumstances. As usual, crew members noticed me, but wouldn't fuss. I'd had been safe here for the quite some time anyway. Of course, this studio proved to exist as a goldmine for celebrities. Bill patrolled the area with his large security team. Frank stood alongside me and we marched onward, heading toward the almost limitless cameras.

Bass pulsed underneath my steps. Before I could step any further, Frank shook my shoulder from behind. I didn't know what to think until my eyes faced forward again. On one of many monitors, footage captured Janet performing on that legendary stage. Its famous logo burned bright in neon letters as expected.

"What Have You Done For Me Lately?" boomed loud enough for the "Soul Train" dancers groove and watch across from her. Two unknown men executed choreography on either side of my little sister. A proud smile immediately crept onto my face. I glanced to see Frank jokingly sticking out his tongue. No cigar. I rolled my eyes, but grinned once more.

I then nodded my head to the music, but Frank tapped my shoulder again. Just when I planned to feel annoyed, he pointed toward my left. Charlene had turned around to face me and smiled. I waved in a meek way, but seconds later, she turned back around. My eyes narrowed, but I soon remembered that she operated in "work mode" right now. I completely understood in one way or another. I'd shift back into a zone while focused, especially during projects.

Before long, everyone began to leave out and Don Cornelius ducked into the nearest limousine. Taping for this episode had ended by late afternoon. Moments later, I noticed Janet hugging Charlene near the same camera section. The two rocked in the embrace as if to resemble good friends.

I could've easily dropped my jaw. Even Frank popped that unlit cigar into his mouth and squinted. From the corner of my eye, Charlene and Janet continued catching up. "This is your chance. Go before you chicken out, Mike." Frank shook his head. I understood and headed toward my little sister and Charlene. Janet wasn't even close to slick when she noticed me first and open both arms. A smirk reached her lips.

"Hi, Donk." I smiled. We soon embraced while Charlene stood with folded arms and another grin. For obvious reasons, Janet and I hadn't seen each in quite a while. I kissed her cheek just before pulling away from her and excused myself. Janet then waved to Frank and jokingly gagged when recognizing his bobbed cigar.

Charlene and I laughed awkwardly for a moment, but she remained distant. An oversized sweatshirt drooped off her shoulders, staying tasteful. Her long black ringlets topped in a messy bun this time. My heart nearly stopped. at the sight of her minimal beauty. Even though I'd felt almost sappy, this woman looked gorgeous.

Other security guards quickly swooped and escorted Janet out of the room. I could take seconds to bid farwell before her gentle voice left my hearing. While crew members handled closing business, Frank and I stood awkwardly with Charlene. To my horror, Frank decide to walk out and stood in the hallway to wait. A lump formed in my throat. How could I even begin the conversation? Would I mention the apology letter? Would I even consider asking about Prince?

"Hey. Surprised to see you here. Did you hear about Janet or something?' Millions of questions had raced through my mind until Charlene finally spoke up. I mentally exhale this sigh of relief. Awkward couldn't even describe our encounter anymore. In that moment, I noticed her sarcastic remark. Charlene wouldn't even smile again.

"I really wanted to visit you, girl. Plus, I haven't been here in years." I cleared my throat. Two could play this game for sure. No different than me handling Jeffery on set not too long ago. Voices echoed around us to give distractions, but I still concentrated on her.

"Eight years. You promoted The Wiz back then. I was twenty-three and you were twenty or so." Charlene sighed as if the information about me had been engraved into her mind for decades. Just when my voice planned on responding, I backtracked, and my eyes nearly popped out.

She was twenty-three in 1978? Damn! I thought to myself.

"You're older than me..." I began to whisper, but caught myself. "Hey, wait. What's up with the time mentioning? It's not that big of a deal, Charlene."

"Just wanted to let you know." She smiled, but I didn't believe her faked happiness. Something wasn't right. We weren't close at all yet, but I began to wonder why she essentially cut me off like this. It couldn't have been that fight with Jeffery. There was something much more profound going on. What was the problem?

"Look, I've already apologized, and I hope you forgive me." I tried to make sense of the situation right now. Nothing worked, and she shook her head. Another round of awkward silence hit us despite the crew member noise. If she didn't say anything before too long, I'd lose it.

"You got that letter and all, but here's my real number. It's a direct line to my place. If you need anybody to talk to, just dial." When she finally gave up and began walking out, I cleared my throat once more. I'd raced toward one of the bodyguards and scribbled away on a tiny notebook sheet.

Charlene almost snatched the paper away from my fingers and walked out for good this time.