let me love you ~ michael jackson & ariana grande

joseph

     December 12th, 1983

Ariana

The Jackson family including I are all surrounded around the dinner table. They soon realized that Michael and I's relationship wasn't going anywhere and that we truly cared for each other; this resulting in me coming to the Jackson estate a lot more often.

Small talk is heard between the table but like always, big conversations weren't happening.

I sit there, eating the mashed potatoes while Michael's hand rests on my thigh.

Suddenly, I hear a manly voice from across the table.

"So, how's Thriller going, Michael?" Jackie voices.

Michael glances at Joseph before answering.

"Good." His short worded response doesn't surprise me, I would like to say he's the most open whenever we're together.

"Good? What you taking bout, man? The sales are through the roof. It's a real sellout." Randy adds.

Michael nervously laughs and thanks his younger brother.

"Will your next album be this successful? Have you even started your next album, Michael?" Joseph's chilling voice speaks up across from me.

As soon as those words leave his mouth, an uncomfortable silence has taken over.

Michael parts his lips slightly before answering.

"I'm still waiting for the Thriller success to, uh, die down."

"Waiting? What are you, an idiot?" Joseph raises his voice which startles me.

"Joe, not now." Katherine tugs at his blazer.

Joseph rudely ignores her and diverts his attention back to Michael.

"Have you listened to a damn word I've said? I've told you multiple times that waiting won't help you in this industry, it'll only bring you down." His frightening tone doesn't change.

I grip Michael's hand and hold it tight in a comforting way.

"I'm not a machine, Joseph. I can't write song after song. Just let me take time to bathe in the prosperity that Thriller has brought me." I'm now just realizing that their voices really contrast with one another.

Joseph's being an aggressive, rough male tone while Michael's is as soft as feathers. It's interesting to say the least.

"There's no time for that, Michael! Just admit it, after this there's no way you're gonna have another hit again if you aren't progressing." He's now shouting which causes me to inspect the rest of the Jackson family.

They all sit there as if it's just another family dinner which really freaks me out. Does Joseph always yell like this?

"Stop yelling at me!" Michael abruptly gets up, still latching onto my hand and continues. "I'm not a kid anymore, Joseph! I'm a 25 year old man and I can decide for myself."

This seems to unleash some sort of fury inside of Michael's father because he's quick to grab Michael by the collar and hold him close to his face, his expression is very spiteful while Michael looks like he's fearing for his life.

Gasps are heard all throughout the room, Marlon and Tito are the first ones to jump up from their seats and hold Joseph.

I glimpse at Janet and she looks at me apologetically, so he is always like this.

I'm tired of seeing Michael get pushed around by his father so I take no time to intervene.

I pull Michael back from Joseph's grip, he was easy to grab since I pushed him back so unexpectedly.