Essence

Chapter 3

Above is Essence

September 8th, 1987

Aaliyah's P.O.V
My phone buzzed. I quickly grabbed it and smiled at Michael's name across my screen.
Over these past few days, Me and Michael have been on the phone non-stop. He's such a sweetheart. Kaylee comes into the dressing room snapping me out my thoughts. She was sweaty and out of breath.

"You're on girl" She breathed, taking a sip
of water. I took a deep breath and fixed my clothing , walking out.

"Next to the stage we'll have The Sensational Essence" The announcer spoke through the mic. The crowd roared and I walked out and began my routine.

Later on that night

I sat in the chair counting my money. I made $1,000 in one freaking night. Main reason I resorted to stripping in the first place. It started when I was 18. I wanted to have my own and a regular job wasn't cutting it. My mother eventually found out and it resulted in her kicking me out. That was 5 years ago and She still doesn't support my lifestyle. But, look I now have my own and don't have to depend on anybody for anything. I smiled in satisfaction and put my money away . I began collecting my things to go home.

"Later Liyah" a couple other "Co-workers" waved at me. I smiled and waved back. I grabbed my things and walked outside to a tall figure leaning against my car. I couldn't make out who it was because it was dark. The person had on shades and fedora. I frowned in confusion and stopped in my tracks .I flinched as the figure lifted its hands and pulled their sunglasses down the bridge of their nose revealing their self.

"Relax its me" Michael giggled. "Ughhhh" I hit him with my pocketbook and walked to the car getting in. He got in the passenger seat still laughing. I gave him serious face.

"I''m sorry Essence" He breathed . "But your face.." He began laughing again, removing his disguise. I stucked my teeth.

"It's not funny " I pouted. "Ok, it's not" He stopped wiping his tears. "Hi Sweetface" He chirped, placing a kiss on my cheek. Well, that's new. I felt the butterflies began to fly around in the pit of my stomach and the pace of my heart begin to speed up.

"Hi" I said quietly. "What are you doing here?" I faced my body towards him. I glanced at the time reading 3:30am. "I couldn't sleep" He shrugged. I shook my head.

"And I wanna ask you something" He looked at me. "So , I'm not sure if you know but I go on tour like in a couple of days. I've came to the conclusion that I would like for you to join me. Will you?" He smiled . I looked at him.

"Michael, I would love to. But , what about my job? Plus ,we just met . And you wanna take me on a WORLD tour with you?" I asked confused.

"Wasn't the response I was expecting but yes , I think it would be a good opportunity for you to get see what I love to do and you can't take a little vacation to see the world from your job" I thought about it. On tour with Michael..

"I hear you" I nodded. What do I have to lose ? "Sure" I smiled as he hugged me. "Under one condition though.. I get to bring Kaylee" I spat.

"Deal" He smiled

Well I guess I'm going on tour with Michael.