For All Time

Livin' Off The Wall

The year was now 1979, and Michael was a solo artist. He'd released his debut album entitled: 'Off The Wall', and it was a hit. It wasn't getting the recognition it deserved, but he had fun making it. Besides, working on the album gave him the ability to solidify himself as a solo artist.

He did some solo tracks with Motown, and of course he was the lead singer. However, working on his own solo album was a completely different animal.

And although he had released his solo album, he was still on tour with his brothers. But this time, Ebony was accompanying them.

She was officially on his team as a designer and a fashion coordinator. She was really skilled at custom-designing outfits for the boys, and she really enjoyed what she did.

"Stop moving, Applehead," she scolded Michael as she fixed the hem of his pants. He was stood spread-out as Ebony conducted a fitting.

The guys moved and danced alot on tour, and she wanted to make sure that the clothes held up. And no one was harder on their clothes than Michael and Marlon. Marlon, with his extra attention-grabbing movements, And Michael with his hard dancing.

"That should work," she announced to the room. "Y'all gon' 'head and change back now." A sigh could be heard from the guys as they began to change back into their normal clothing. Ebony gathered her materials and left the room to give the boys privacy.

The sun immediately glared in her face, causing her to slip her sunglasses onto her face. She loved her job, but she hated the California sun. She'd always hated the CA weather, ever since she'd moved up here with her family.

She hated all the noise and the hustle and bustle of CA, but Havenhurst was so much better than LA—so she couldn't complain. She secured her suitcase with a 'click' and slid it into the back of her van before shutting the trunk. Just as she turned around, she came face-to-face with no other than Michael himself.

"Y'all just about ready to head out?" She asked the popstar as he stood there in his jeans and shirt—tucked in of course. For such a big star, he often preferred to dress in casual clothes when on personal time. She'd even accompanied him to the salvation army a few times.

"Y'all?" Michael asked, cocking his head to the side in bewilderment. "Ain't you coming with us?"

"Nah," Ebony sighed, leaning against the back of her van. She then jumped at the heat of the metal, causing her to pout. Again, she hated the CA sun.

Michael watched the events before him and simply ignored it. "Well, can I go with you? The guys want to go cruise the town, and I really don't feel like hearing Marlon's mouth right now. Apparently, he didn't like something Jackie said to him, and he's been whining about it all day."

Ebony shook her head. Typical Marlon, he always had to be the center of attention. Perhaps that attitude came from being overshadowed by Michael's talents, but that's not a conversation he'd ever have.

"Yeah, just grab your things and come on. I'm just going to my apartment for the weekend, the one not too far from Ma's place."

Michael just nodded at her and walked back into the dance studio. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

"Where you goin' Mike?" Jackie asked, closing the cap on his water bottle.

"Ebony is showing me some new place she's getting. I'll probably be staying there for break."

"Okay, I'll let mother know," Jackie responded before going back to chatting with Tito.

Michael walked outside, tossed his bags in the trunk and climbed into the backseat of Ebony's van.

She got in, started the car, and pulled off. Next top, Ebony's place.