Offstage || MJ

Offstage || Chapter 12

1987 – "Smooth Criminal" Shoot (California)

MICHAEL

As he came into the window.
It was the sound of a crescendo.
He came into her apartment.
He left the bloodstains on the carpet.
She ran underneath the table.
He could see she was unable.
So she ran into the bedroom.
She was struck down, it was her doom...

Between takes on set, Jeffery Daniel and I sat across from each other. As I've said, we'd forgiven each other regarding the drama of last year. One phone call later, we seated together here. This entire place furnished with rounded tables. Imitation candlelight topped almost every center. As I'd wanted, this set embodied the feeling a vintage jazz club.

I chose a beige tinted suit and fedora, honoring the great Fred Astaire. Light blue accented everything from this dress shirt to a simply added armband found on one side. Meanwhile, apparel experts selected this purely brown ensemble for Jeffery, right down to the fedora too.

I almost chuckled when joking that his last accessory needed to be a pimp cane or something. Jeffery instantly caught my cheerful tease and nearly toppled laughing with the other fellas. Even Frank and Bill rolled their pairs of eyes while catching on. For the moment, I'd found some friends and wouldn't beg for a date like Frank sometimes guessed.

All the while, Charlene crossed my mind once more. Jeffery understood and allowed me to vent. We both wondered how she fared given that time Prince these days. As of late, Jeffery hadn't even received a phone call. I didn't know what to think, but Jeffery wouldn't dwell on anything. At least not yet.

"Charlene's touring with Prince in the summer, man. I don't know what to do." Dancers mingled or cooled down all around us. I sympathized. Before long, an exhausted Vincent Patterson slugged his footsteps by the table. Nearby, crew members and my director huddled to set up for the next round of filming. Our lunch break would stop in a little while.

"Why are you freaking out? Who cares? That woman's in demand and it's great work. No offense. Do you know how many people would kill to work with you or Prince right now? She's blessed." Jeffery squinted toward me. I sipped from a water bottle. I'd even removed my fedora.

"I don't think you understand my point. I wanted her first. Prince just stole an opportunity away from me." I leaned in to face him even more. It wasn't long before Jeffery followed my lead. My voice now dropped down to a whisper by now. Jeffery recognized my hesitation and quickly nodded before listening again. I'd never felt more worried about anything else.

"Did you ask her about touring? You can't just assume things, Michael." Jeffery shook his head. Once again, I didn't know what to think. If only shooting would pick back up now. I couldn't even stand dealing with this awkwardness. Music and dance would distract me from thinking of hat beautiful woman.

"No." I confessed. "I thought she'd find out on her own and..." Without hesitation, Jeffery lifted one hand. I could only face his stern palm. Nearly ashamed, I picked up the fedora and hid right underneath its brim. From the corner of my nearly hidden eye, Jeffery scowled. My heart thumped even with the circumstances of this neighboring set. I then braced myself for his debating words.

"Like I said, you can't assume anything. Especially with someone like her. Charlene ain't submissive and the only reason why she ran off that day during 'Bad" was because you were ridiculous. Think about your previous experiences, Michael. You've got to earn trust back. No matter how forgiving she seems right now, remember that you acted like an asshole. She doesn't want to work with toxic people. Admit it." Jeffery sighed out loud.

__

By the end, dancing waterlogged our suits and overalls. Sweat even warmed up flapper dresses for the ladies. By now, the song its rang through my ears, but I couldn't stand another round of playback. I licked salt away from my lips. Everyone offered manic applause for a job-well-done. Even then, I remained humble and quiet.

Frank patted my back while Bill and other security tailed behind my footsteps. I deserved hibernation at this point. But as always, insomnia would kick my ass tonight. Like I've said, there was no other choice. I decided to head home. Some people dared to party this evening despite their current fatigue. I kept a low profile.

Near the exit, Jeffery and I glanced one last time. He nodded and quickly remember his advice concerning trust with Charlene. To be honest, girlfriend had my nose wide open, but I'd ruined almost any chances. As I've said, rebuilding would take time. Now, if only jealousy toward her and Prince would stop nagging my mind.

Back home, I mustered up the courage to call her. I didn't even care if I could only leave a message. My heart thumped to see that face or at least hear her voice again. Just minutes earlier, I'd turned off another television broadcast. Onscreen, Charlene discussed her upcoming opportunities with Prince. The press hounded for details. Still jealous and curious, I turned up the volume.

"By May, Prince is gonna tour in Sweden first. I won't come along until June, though. From there, we'll start shows in Paris. I'll handle some staging and choreography. I'm so excited." Onscreen, Charlene parked herself on a comfortable sofa. I almost dropped my jaw as she spoke. Even her hands opened or closed between words. Some of the darkest make-up accented her brown complexion. Everything from her nails to lips colored with shades of violet or black. Her curls still dropped right down to a shoulder length.

She'd given off this nearly gothic but stunning appearance. I began wonder if she had filmed this interview earlier and planned to visit a nightclub afterwards. All the same, I turned off the televsion and still prepared for this upcoming phone call. My interest and jealousy still boiled within.

Three rings later, I heard that familiar voice. An honest crept onto my face. My jealousy calmed down in one way or another. Instead, butterflies swarmed throughout my stomach again. I couldn't help it. The previous reminder of her appearance fascinated me.

"Hello?" Charlene questioned. Her voice seemed relaxed once more. I knew this woman smiled in person. For some odd reason, "That Girl" by Stevie Wonder even began to play in my mind. I even imagined her simply walking to the beat. So slick and just, no pun intended, bad in a good way.

"Hello." I teased back and lowered my own voice. Charlene laughed suggestively on the other hand. I didn't even think of Prince right now. In this moment, she was mine. I'd take anything. Especially if it involved flirtation. There was nothing wrong with checking her out.

Even her "Thriller" audition photograph drove me insane. Hell, I somehow kept a copy.. In that damn picture, she crouched down and faced a main camera with the most hypnotizing eyes. One look from this woman glared my soul. Those curls still dropped to both shoulders as expected. Charlene rocked a short-sleeved crop top. Her hips molded into sleek leggings. Adams even positioned on her toes mid-stance. White "Nike" sneakers emphasized those dancing feet.

It wasn't long until I remembered that she auditioned as a dancer and not my possible love interest. To be honest, she could've given Ola a run for her own money. Damn. I shook my head and whistled downward. Even with this conversation, I dreaded the usual awkward silence. Yet, I kicked off the dialogue again. 

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something. Girl, I'm still concerned about you and Prince." I snapped out of fantasizing. My words then lied in one way or another. The jealousy returned for obvious reasons. I couldn't stand the idea of not seeing her again. Prince had her wrapped around his finger. I knew it was the case anyhow.

"There's nothing to stress about. Please stop acting so insecure. It's not like we're together. Why are you so worried about me? If you honestly cared, I wouldn't have to worry about us arguing. I'm working with Prince soon and you can't change anything about it, Michael. I'm not even worth it. You have the world at your hands. I'm just another woman. You'll find someone else." This time, Charlene lowered her voice with startling grief. I couldn't even grin anymore.

"Please don't hang up." I whispered, drained.

The line cut off.