Offstage || MJ

Offstage || Chapter 34

January 1989 – Bad Tour (Second Leg, California)

CHARLENE

Nearly a year passed by. I just wouldn't stop everything to see Michael once more. Not that I didn't care about the man, but we had our own lives to deal with even before meeting each other. I wouldn't even catch up with Prince again. He still toured with Lovesexy. Right now, my dance class still prevailed, and Paula Abdul chased her own music career. "Straight Up" pulsed everywhere. I would've lied to say that the cheesy song didn't reach my ears. That woman wasn't the best singer, but tunes proved catchy regardless.

I rushed to the final concert. Of course, Mike announced that that he would never perform again. I didn't even blame him considering his career of twenty years at that point. This genius dazzled my teenage eyes almost decades earlier. Little Michael Jackson performed with his brothers on the "Ed Sullivan" show in this case. I only watched through a black and white screen. Mom smacked the top of that faulty TV for better reception.

Now, Michael hugged band members onstage. Clever, I wedged between Sheryl Crow and Jennifer Batten while waiting in the formed line. Michael just finished saying goodbye to background vocalist Dorian Holley. When Jackson finally noticed my presence, I almost stomped my boots into the stage surface. During a wide smile, I stuck out my tongue while turning my low. Even my dimples hurt by now.

Michael opened his sweaty arms and I didn't even care as we embraced. I'd known the "performance struggle" my entire life, of course. We rocked back and forth, and his almost dampened lips kissed the top of my head. I blushed all over again. His surrounding bandmates applauded between noise of the devoted crowd. I understood.

When drums kicked back in for "Man In The Mirror," I stepped back to hide in the wings. Michael continued singing in his wonderful manner and closed his eyes. I nodded as the uplifting song ended. Before long, I found myself embracing this man again. A personal assistant had already taken away the roses in his hand. I then walked hand in hand with Michael, blushing for the millionth time. For whatever reason, Michael's arrogance suddenly disappeared. No fighting. No drama.

"Congratulations." I smiled at him. Michael kissed our interlocked fingers. I felt so cliché, but appreciated at all at the same time. My usual caution toward Jackson slowly faded right now. Still, I knew better than to fall in love. I wasn't stupid. Anything could've happened between now and the next few months or something.

"Thank you so much, girl. I've worked hard for this." Michael turned to face my stare and I quickly backtracked to 1983 in my mind. In that otherwise crowded dance studio, some sort of attraction sparked between us. Something beyond professionalism. I just knew better than to act on foolishness. Michael glared me with lust in one way or another.

Backstage for good, we headed toward another private room. All kinds of treat tables lined the walls. I licked my lips at the sight of brownies and Michael rubbed his hands while snatching up a tiny plate of gummy bears. We felt like such children, but I could've cared less. That typical silence fell between us. Bill Bray and the security detail guarded right out in the hallway. I'd waved to Frank Dileo just before entering this room and Michael left the door creaked open.

"Um, can I ask you somethin'?" It wasn't long before Michael spoke up again. Even his Gary accent made its rare appearance. I didn't know what to think of his words and narrowed both eyes while sitting down. I'd already thrown away my brownie plate. Judging his voice, I knew the question wasn't easy or fun. Out of respect, I simply remained quiet and watched Michael pace. There was no other choice. Rushing the man would've led to an argument. I just knew.

"Of course," I nodded without smiling and folded both arms. Another round of silence fell. Michael sighed for whatever reason. Once again, I didn't know what to think. His expected happiness from evening slowly vanished. My heart suddenly ached for this previously delighted man.

"It's about Brenda." Michael shook his head and finally sat down. I scooted to open space between us on the sofa. Michael even stopped even the Gummy bears and placed them on a side table before facing me again. In that same moment, I narrowed both eyes once more, but wouldn't panic. At least not yet.

"What happened?" A lump formed in my throat just wouldn't address his question for me. Millions of scenarios raced through my mind. Did Michael hit things off with B instead of Tatiana? Did Michael feel jealous since B possibly found someone? While cliché, possibilities were endless.

"She's getting married next month and invited me to the wedding." Michael sighed once more. I didn't know what to think of the gesture. If anything, why would she invite Michael to the wedding? Those two had only met once on set. Still, it wasn't my place to judge.

"Why are you bringing me into this?" I licked my lips. Out of nowhere, frustration washed over my heart. I only would've gone if Brenda mailed one of the surely gorgeous invitation. Hell, I would've gone alone and sat in the pews by myself. Michael tricked me right now.

"Girl, she said I could bring a guest and I'm asking you if..." Michael almost ranted by now. His words cut off when I rolled my eyes within seconds. One more round of silence fell between us as usual. Again, Michael had slyly demanded my presence. Prince would've simply asked like a gentleman.

"You haven't asked. That was an order. I'm not going with you." For the millionth time, I walked away from him. Again, there was no other choice. I refused to let a man take advantage. I only deserved respect. If Michael didn't understand kindness, I still wanted nothing to do with him.