A Charmed Life

Being Used

Chapter Eleven

June 26th, 1983

Hayvenhurst

Pulling up to Havenhurst after so long feels just like a homecoming. The familiar sights of the estate bring a flood of memories, both fond and bittersweet. I can't wait to see Mama K and, of course, Michael. A few days ago, a letter arrived from him, unexpected yet intriguing, inviting me to spend some time with him.

At first, I was hesitant. After months of silence, a sudden invitation felt like a perplexing twist. But deep down, I knew I couldn't ignore it. Despite the uncertainty, a part of me longed to reconnect, to bridge the gap that had grown between us. So here I am, back at Havenhurst, ready to face whatever awaits.

" Ivy! " Janet's voice rings out as she rushes out of the house to greet me.

" Janet! " I exclaim, my heart warming at the sight of her. We embrace tightly, the bond of sisterhood palpable in the air. " I missed you so much, Dunkie."

" I'm so happy to see you! I just knew you'd come if I sent that letter! " Janet says, her eyes shining with excitement before quickly stifling her enthusiasm.

I raise an eyebrow, sensing mischief afoot. " Dunk, what did you do? "

She stumbles over her words, a mischievous glint in her eyes. " Well, you see, what had happened was... "

Before she can finish, I retrieve the letter from my bag, unraveling the mystery. " Oh my gosh, Janet Damita Jackson! You did not do this! " I exclaim, teasingly scolding her as I examine the torn remnants of the letter.

With a mischievous grin, she snatches the letter from me and shreds it into tiny pieces. " I don't know what you're talking about. Michael! Look who's here! " she calls out, darting back into the house.

I watch the pieces of the letter scatter in the breeze, unable to suppress a chuckle. That sneaky little move was classic Janet. Michael's unexpected invitation suddenly feels less surprising in light of her antics.

" So the movie star has returned. " Michael's voice, tinged with amusement, catches me off guard as I glance around, searching for him.

Looking up, I spot him perched in his favorite spot in the tree, his presence a familiar comfort amidst the chaos of emotions swirling within me.

" Hi, " I say simply, a mixture of emotions coursing through me.

He meets my gaze, his expression guarded yet curious. " Hi, " he responds, a hint of warmth softening his features.

Attempting to ease the tension, I offer a small observation. " I hear you all the time on the radio... 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is funky. "

A flicker of surprise crosses his face before a brilliant smile lights up his features. He descends from the tree, bridging the distance between us with easy strides, and envelops me in a warm embrace.

" I missed you, Ivy, " he says, his voice sincere, melting away the remnants of unease that lingered between us.

I'm taken aback by his sincerity, a surge of conflicting emotions washing over me. " I... Missed you too... " I manage to respond, my voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

" Come on, I have so much I want to talk about, " he says eagerly, his excitement infectious as he leads me towards his personal studio.

As we settle into the studio, Michael's enthusiasm is palpable, his eagerness to catch up evident in the rapid-fire questions he throws my way.

" So what's the movie about? Are you working on new music out there? How's the weather in Minnesota? " he fires off, barely pausing for breath as he pulls me along.