With Michael

Chapter 3 - Paul & Linda

1978
Brooklyn is 12, Michael is 20

Brooklyn: Michael and I just finished another dancing routine.

"That was perfect, Brooke. I'm telling you, you'll be everywhere in a matter of years." he said, sitting on my bed.

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, right."

"I'm serious."

We started talking, trying to get to know each other.

"You know," Michael said, "Janet never actually told me how you two met. You've known each other for eight years, and I still haven't heard the story."

"It's really boring, actually. You know how I moved here from Chicago when I was four, right? Well, my dad signed me into kindergarden and it just happened to be the one that Janet went to." I explained. "Boring, right?"

"No, it's actually really sweet." he smiled.

We talked some more, and it led to him asking about my mother. I never talked about her, really, and I never wanted to. I only told Janet what my dad told me had happened to her.

"You don't have to tell me, you know that, right?"

I nodded. "But I want to. I guess it's nice to tell more than one person about it."

He mentioned me to tell me story.

"My dad told me she just left us when I was three years old, and Chris, my brother was six years old. He said he just woke up one day without her by his side, with no explaination or anything."

"Oh, God. Brooke, I'm so sorry for asking. I-" Michael started, but I cut him off quickly,

"It's fine, really. Like I said before, it's nice to be able to tell someone who's not Janet."

He smiled sweetly, standing up.

"Come on," he said, offering me his hand, "Let's dance one more time."

~

1982
Brooklyn and Janet are 16, Michael is 24

Brooklyn: The years flew by, and Michael and I got closer. I considered him as a really close friend now.

But, everyone got so busy suddenly.

Janet started her musical career, and got noticed. I was so happy for her, she was finally doing what she loved, but I was seeing her less than before.

And Michael was now working on his 'Thriller' album, having no time for me.

I really didn't need our dance classes anymore, because Michael claimed I was a professional already.

I was just missing them both, so much.

~

"You HAVE to come over, I need to tell you something." I spoke into the phone, twirling the wire around my finger.

"You're lucky I have a day off." Janet said, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "Michael wants to speak to you."

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey, Brooke. Listen, I was wondering. I, uh, I have a recording session for the new album with Paul McCartney tomorrow, and since I know how much you adore him, I thought you might like to join me." Michael's voice was a bit shaky.

"Oh my God, yes! I mean- I'd love to, Mike. Thank you for asking." I said, trying to hide my excitement.

"No problem. Janet says she's on the way to your place." he mumbled.