Saved By Your Love

9. Listen to Your Heart

Thursday 4th June 1987

Sheri's POV

The week dragged more than the way people would sag their pants back in South Central L.A. Back from the daycare and I couldn't get Michael off my damn mind that particular night. The same thoughts...looping, rewinding, playing through my mind again and again. Aside from his telephone, another thing that was left unanswered was Michael's trial of silence over the past few weeks. Or maybe that was just his ego talking for him. Kidding...Michael doesn't have an ego. Neither do I. So I sucked it up and finally called him in hopes he'd be up. Anything to get my life back under control.

Obviously, he was awake; he barely sleeps!

"Hey, Sheri,"

"Hi," I smiled, "everything alright?"

"Yes, you?"

"All good here," I said. Ten seconds of silence passed and I momentarily lowered the receiver as I thought of what to say next. "Are you mad at me or what?"

It kinda just slipped out. I couldn't pretend anymore.

"No, why would I be mad?"

Since you wanna play games. "Oh, okay. Playing hide and seek then? You win!"

"Sheri, I'm not..." his voice trailed off into a sigh, "I'm not hiding from you, girl."

There was a pause.

I was afraid to speak. "Look, I'm just saying that 'cause you haven't come over in a while. I haven't seen you since..." Since we kissed.

He hesitated a pulse before answering. "I've been really busy, Sheri," he apologized, "there's so much going on with the album and trying to get it done. You know I don't have that much time."

That was true, but it was still an excuse. I could've put money on it. He was avoiding me.

"I know, I know...but you should take it easy, alright? Catch up on your sleep. Don't want you passing out in the middle of a song," I joked, in an effort to lighten the mood.

He laughed quietly, "I'll be fine. In case I ever need a rest, there's a bed in the studio."

"See, that's what I love about you, Michael. You're hilarious," I laughed.

"I'm not joking—there is!"

"Really? I didn't know the place doubled as a motel." I rolled my eyes and pictured his crazy big smile.

"God, that reminds me, you should come down to the studio one day. I think you'd have a great time. I can show you around and everything. I-If you want."

I twisted the phone cord around my finger. "Yeah, I'd love to. Why not...?"

This ain't working.

"Sheri?"

"...Yeah?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to let you know,"

I felt so small.

"I get it. It's cool. You gotta get the album done."

"I...I'm sorry that we haven't seen each other..."

I shook my head. "What are you sorry for? Come on Michael, it ain't like you did it on purpose." Did you?

"N-no, I—"

"Then can you try and squeeze me into your schedule?" I requested, knowing that he wouldn't give in so easily. Unless... "Joy really misses you."