"Thriller" released and everything blew up. Millions of copies already flew away from shelves. I now captured the "Billie Jean" short film. Director Steve Barron teamed up with me to develop a magical project. As I threw this jacket over one shoulder and roamed the sidewalk, thoughts wandered. Crew members finally dismantled the glowing tiles.
Steve Barron and his associates huddled to speak with one another nearby. My father Joseph lurked underneath a lamppost across the street. I didn't even care. He always wanted to "visit" at the most inopportune times. I'd deal with the chaos for years.
As my final day on set ended, Steve vowed that I wouldn't even breathe near the editing room this time. I'd already invested enough to him. But the perfection in me never wavered. To avoid Joseph and my emerging thoughts, I immediately noticed when Steve waved me over.
We all exchanged greetings and packed as a unit near the camera monitor. I'd heard this record countless times, but I grin still crept onto my face. Once that lurking investigator flipped the coin, we all cheered.
I slipped the jacket back on to brave another long evening. I'd stay until looked flawless. No matter what. I'd refused to even release a project that seemed terrible in one way or another. Album, single or otherwise.
For whatever reason, Joseph decided to join me for the limousine trip back home. I stared out the window. Lampposts and traffic headlights filled my vision time and time again. Just when I planned to nod off for once, Joseph cleared his throat.
Unlike previous years, he would never abuse me in this vehicle. Still, I turned to face him out of respect. My eyes blurred between exhaustion and frustration as I watched him now. Up front, Bill and our driver gently increased volume on the radio. Quiet Storm lulled my ears.
"I know about that new girl signed to your label. Don't you dare let her get in the way, boy. I didn't come this far for you to fuck up." Joseph crushed my peace within seconds. I just knew that this man would reprimand another woman who entered my life. Kim and I weren't a couple. Simply friends and labelmates.
This woman finally began recording a new album and busied herself almost every day. She even lessened her shifts at that wonderful nightclub to make time during the weekend. I didn't hear any records yet, though. Kay would even shoot a "film" to her own single. Happiness for this woman crossed my mind on numerous occasions. My new labelmate worked so hard and deserved the emerging musical break.
"Nothing's happening." I somewhat lied to my father and shut him up. It wasn't long before my eyes faced the window once more. Joseph wouldn't believe me. I turned to face him again. There was no other choice.
Ignoring my father would've encouraged more drama. I refused to irk this man even more. Words couldn't even begin to describe his rage at times. I knew that violent outcomes all too well, but even the word "cruel" had been an understatement for my father.
"Good. You don't need to see no girls anyway. All they want is the money, son. Even those industry hoes." Joseph tuned back to face his own window. I cringed at his strong choice of language right now.
Thank Jehovah that Mother didn't travel in the limousine with us. I also knew for a fact that Bill and our driver ignored this whispered argument. These employees pushed aside opinions in one way or another. Sometime, even Bill had no other choice nit to avoid helping me for the most part.
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Insomnia still kicked in for the millionth time. Around three in the morning, I knew that Kim wouldn't pick up. She worked at the nightclub for once. As of late, we'd taken pictures due to "industry party" events. One of the photographs in question topped my nightstand. I picked up the photograph while sitting on this bed and grinned.
Kim and I posed by facing one another with bubbly Champagne. Our smiles never wavered. Kim once again dressed up, but remained tasteful given surroundings. Quincy lurked nearby and held a sparkler. I guessed that the theme still reminded everyone of New Year sentiments. Nonetheless, I enjoyed that party atmosphere. After a few "reasonable" drinks, my flirting emerged that night.
**
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If you didn't come to party, don't bother knockin' on my door. I got a lion in my pocket and baby he's ready to roar. Everybody's got a bomb, we could all die any day. But before I let that happen, I'll dance my life away...
"Where you going?" I stopped Kim mid-step before this woman could head to the dance floor. Our industry party still crowded around midnight. Ironically, Prince stated control of these dancing bodies from numerous speakers.
Rhythms boomed under our steps. Kim glanced over one shoulder to look at me. I almost melted watching the sly grin creeping onto her face. She then shook her head and turned around to stare toward me head-on.
"Stop acting like you're my man. I can go wherever I want. Watch yourself, Jackson." She teased, but I held ground in one way or another. In that moment, I'd already interlocked her fingers with my own.
She then licked her dark painted lips. I nearly buckled from needing forgiveness. For once, my heart wanted Jehovah to save me from sinning. Lust almost consumed my entire being. Girlfriend left me sprung right now.
"But you're mine." I whispered closer to her ear and walked off.
