Fault In Our Stars (Michael Jackson)

Ch.11- Michael's Past

Way Back When...

I was 5 when I started making music.

I was in a boy group and we were from Gary Indiana.

Becoming famous as black folks was really a mission and a half. To think about it, I wasn't even going to be in this group...or even become internationally famous for that matter.

My dad- he didn't really care about me, my mom or my siblings. He didn't care about anything else but fame, fortune,and groupies. When I asked whether I could join this group that consisted of my 4 older brothers...

He just laughed...in my face. I felt immature, belittled...Basically, like nothing. So when I was home alone, I'd just sing.

Sing because it was another day.

Sing because I could breathe fresh air.

Sing because my siblings weren't home to bully me. They weren't home to call me "Big Nose".

Sing because my dad was not home to beat me.

And...

Sing because I liked and enjoyed it.

One day, my mom, Katherine Jackson, was home early and I was not even aware of this. I was still singing "My Girl" when her smooth, gentle, a bit husky and whispery yet soothing voice echoed above my high-pitched singing.

"But Michael, my boy, you 'can' sing".

I swear that I swung around on my heels so fast...(this could have been how I came up with that signature move of mine)

"Mom,...I...I didn't know you were home".

"Michael ", she said dropping the brown paper grocery bags that were filled with groceries carelessly in the table, "I didn't know that you could sing"

She hugged me so tightly. She gave amazing hugs.

Before I knew it, she begged my father to let me into the group.

"This boy can truly sing, Joseph. Give him a chance. He may be 5, but he'll bring about amazing music. Believe in your him....believe in your son, Joseph".

Being in the Jackson 5, later The Jacksons, was difficult and...

Painful.

Painful?  

My father would beat us. He'd sit on a chair in front of us as we rehearsed. He'd beat us every time we'd mess up on a move.

Especially when he found out out that I started talking to this girl over phone calls and letters. He was so furious and he stopped it immediately...I miss her though...

The shrieking university bell of Billie's university made me jump a bit. What if she hated the exam and now I am here unexpectedly...oh well. It's worth the try. There I see her coming from the doors with her hair in a messy bun and Drew alongside her. I suddenly became nervous. Can she see me in the parking lot though?