Truth

Investigate

Jai was exhausted, the flight back was only four hours and she was anticipating going home to her man. It still felt kinda funny to say out loud but yes for all intents and purposes Chris Brown was her man and not just any Chris Brown thee Chris Brown.

She remembered having a crush on him throughout her teens and preteens. She was a low-key stan who knew his birthday, his former address, his high school...

Let's just say her investigative skills had to be honed in on somehow. She blushed as she recalled her Stan account's name @lilchris98. She kept it on a low only feeling comfortable enough to express her true love of all things CB within the realms of team breezy. Which was why they loved her now- they knew her little secret and so did Chris- who had pieced it together a month after they started dating by comparing her writing style to that of one of his biggest and most caring fans.

He had never managed to reply to her concerned letters not because he didn't want to but because he was either extremely busy or extremely high. Part of the lack of response also had to do with the fact that she was definitely underage. Until one night when he did- he sent her a massive heart emoji and he knew that rocked her world because he had started following her account. She was over the moon and that warmed his heart.

She had seemed sweet- he had no idea that ten years later he'd know that she also tasted sweet.

"To think that I'm now his girl" she whispered to herself  as she lugged her luggage behind her; unfortunately she wouldn't be homeward bound, no oh no she was swiftly sent on another assignment- this time to wonderful Nigeria to fill in for an investigative reporter and do a docu-series on an alleged serial rapist who had not yet been convicted for his crimes. She wondered exactly why she was chosen to do this story. As it was known that she herself was linked to a character not so savory; but as her trip to England showed many people actually didn't know that she was dating Chris outside of America- or if they did they really were not as invested in it. 

It was an eye-opener to also see how many people were closet Chris Brown fans- enjoying his music in private so as to remain politically correct. It was sad this whole PC culture and very much cult-like in the way that it was beginning to restrict people's freedom of individual thought a serious group-think mentality was prevailing; she didn't like it one bit. 

When she was told that she was to interview the alleged rapist it suddenly made more sense- her being connected to such a controversial figure made her edgy; somehow able to understand how men like that think. 

That was precisely what the executives at Viacom thought when they came across her docu-series with Chris; 

" This young woman has a way of engaging with these hoodlums that I have not seen in a long time, it's riveting."

"That docu-series bought us in over 15 million new viewers across all demographics"

"I have no idea how she did it but she made that piece of shit very likeable"

"Ah Brown was always likeable- don't you remember him at 15 very charming fellow"

"I suppose every thug has their softer side"

Mr Edward Davidson had carefully scratched his beard:

"This Nigerian artist Jugabo he's being accused of raping multiple women- our original investigative reporter for this story has been forced to go into sick leave; I want this Jai Summers."

"She was just doing a docu-series with that British R&B singer he had some hits in the early 2000's ah...."

"Craig David."

"Yes him"

"We own Shine On! and I want her to do the series - she's young and hungry she'll do it"

The young intern raised an eyebrow- "Wouldn't it seem to be a conflict of interest sir- she is currently dating Mr.Bro-"

"That is even better for our ratings; do you not see how well Love & Hip Hop has done, black people love controversy it's going to spark twitter debate and get eyes on MTV Africa ."

And that was that Jai was now being rerouted to Nigeria- in fact she was on the plane taking her right back through England.It was here that she was having a very emotional conversation with Chris on facetime.

"I am so exhausted bae just mentally and emotionally - I'm not cut out for all of this traveling and back and forth I want to go home; I miss you so much and I miss Roro. I just want to be Jai again regular ole- Jai who does the fun little interviews with local celebs and the little Youtube vids trying different foods and challenges- everything is going so fast."

It was at this moment where he understood just how much intersection could exist between entertainment journalism and being an artist. It reminded him of how 2005 felt; how much he just wanted to be Christopher from Tappahannock again but if he never pushed past that there would have been no 15-year legacy. He could see the career trajectory that Jai could have- she was good- very good at being a journalist and she had it in her to host a television show.

"Jai in five years time you're going to look back at this phase and see it as necessary for the development of your legacy. In fifteen years time you're going to see it as a pivotal point in your journey, you have the potential to be the next Gayle King or Wendy Williams. Stop running from your potential because you're scared- I have a show in Nigeria with Davido you'll see me soon. I love you jj and I'm here to support you. I understand this traveling life- it is exhausting but guess what it's worth it. You're more than just my girlfriend baby you are Jai Summers and it's high time you saw that ."

In moments like this Jai was extremely glad to have a partner who understood a hectic work schedule. 

" I feel like I'm losing myself Chris"

Christopher wished he had the perfect reply for her but he didn't. Considering that he had felt like that for years and was still feeling like that deep inside. Instead he just gave her the facts.

"Jai there isn't a public figure alive that doesn't experience that- it goes with the territory. Some use vices to numb the pain but if I hear a word about you touching that stuff I will flip and we both know that doesn't always end well.  It's an everyday learning process baby none of us have it all figured out yet. I'd tell you to change careers but you're born for this bae- look at least you don't have my level of recognition. If you need to reconnect with yourself go out and be a civilian. Do the things that make you who you are- talk to people who know Jai and not "Jai Summers" but whatever you do babe don't dim your light cause you're scared."

Jai knew he was right there was just a safe wisdom that came from being in the industry as long as he was. Despite the assumptions made Chris gave sound advice probably because he only gave it when necessary or asked for. Sometimes she wished he trusted in his ability to guide her more at the end of the day he was 30 and those nine years made a difference in understanding life. Jai had been sheltered from so much that she lacked a real world perspective sometimes. Being with Chris was grounding and expanding her point of view.

"You're a really wise guy you know that"

He blushed

"I'm just human baby- now get off the phone and get some rest you're going to need it for when you hit down in Lagos."

Ever obedient Jai did as she was told