Pernicious

|Chapter 20|

A/N: There's a new cover for Pernicious! My lovely friend x_PoeticInjustice_x   made it for me! I hope you like it! Enjoy the chapter!

April 2, 1988

Hartford, Connecticut

Naya's Perspective:

How do I put this is in simple terms?

I'm tired of the tour life.

I'm exhausted.

I'm cranky, bored, tired, and lonely.

Even with Michael around, I felt like I was losing touch with the outside world.

He's noticed a shift in my attitude too.

He always sits down with me and asks me what the matter is, but I just don't have the heart to tell him the truth.

I just want to go home.

When I wasn't watching his spectacular shows or doing charitable events with Michael, I was held up in my hotel room with two very hyper children. When the kids were away with a tutor, I spent that time trying to sleep. Unfortunately, the more we travel and hit different time zones, the more difficult it is for me to get a sufficient amount of rest. Because of this, I stopped being the love interest in the Way You Make Me Feel performance. Michael handed over the part to his backup singer, Sheryl Crow. In my opinion, she doesn't do as good of a job as me or Tatiana, but she does alright.

Last night, Michael finished up his last concert here in Hartford and he has a week before he has another one in Houston.

We already leave tomorrow.

Just to add on to my exhaustion.

I decided to go with Michael to his last rehearsal that he wanted to do here in Connecticut. Apparently, he wanted to switch things up a little bit before we go to Texas. While he was out on stage, I went to crash on a couch in his dressing room. Unable to sleep, I kept trying to get comfortable, but it was no use.

That's it! I'm tired of being isolated! I need to get out!

After pushing myself off the couch, I wander over to a nearby phone and punch in Annie's number.

*Ring*

*Ring*

"Hello?" She answers.

"Hey Annie, it's Naya."

"You know I don't have the kids, right? They're with the-"

I cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

"I need to do something pronto."

"Do something? Like what?" She asks.

"I don't know. Something that involves not being in a hospital, a school, a hotel room, or an arena."

"Well, we could do a spa day. You know, get our nails done, get a massage, maybe get a facial?" She recommends.

"That sounds great. Can you meet me here? I'm sure I can get Bill to come with us just in case."

"Yup! I'll be there in 10!"

"You're the best! I'll see you in a bit."

"See ya!" She says before ending the call.

As I'm gathering my things, Michael surprisingly walks into the room. He places an arm against the wall and leans in towards it.

"What are you doing?" He asks curiously.