tabloid junkie (Michael Jackson)

February 21ˢᵗ ─ 8:30 ᵃᵐ

"Hey, Jermaine." I said, watching as he turned in surprise. He took his hands from his pocket and stared at me, a stare that was a lot like Michael's.

Jermaine chuckled. "Diana. It's good to see you."

"So, do you always take walks this early in the morning?" I asked, my hands behind my back.

"Yep. Reporters aren't awake yet." He said. "Come on, walk with me."

We both turned, and began walking down the sloping pathway that led back to my car. But he didn't know. "How's Michael?" I asked.

"Oh he's fine." Jermaine waved away my concern. "Sweeter than candy, but...he has been in a lot of pain. It can't help that he's been hanging out with Churlish Shannon." Jermaine rolled his eyes.

I laughed a bit. "Churlish Shannon? Did you come up with that insulting nickname?" I asked, hugging my arms, they were covered with goosebumps. It was really cold.

"Nah, the tabloids did. After Michael and Shannon were engaged, they began to spread their hate for her." Jermaine began kicking rocks.

"They were...engaged." I said, surprised and shocked.

Jermaine looked down at me. "Yep."

"You know, the tabloids came up with a name for me too." I said.

Jermaine smirked. "Oh yeah?"

"Yep. I'm officially Dirty Diana, I kidnapped Michael, had a nervous breakdown and beat him to a pulp." I said sarcastically.

Jermaine burst into a laugh. "The Dirty Diana?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"Wow." He said, shaking his head. "Um. Just wow."

"What?" I said, grinning widely.

He looked toward me. "There's just nothing dirty about you."

I blushed, still hugging my arms.

"Diana, I would like to invite you to the ornamental Paisley Ball." He said, stopping walking and turning toward me.

"The...what?" I asked, scrunching my eyebrows.

Jermaine laughed a bit. "They're old friends of ours, and it's an anniversary of their father's death. Ariel and her sons expect the Jacksons to be there and since Michael is going with Shay, you should come with me. Be my plus one."

"I-"

"Diana, don't think too hard about this. Do you really want to go?"

I shook my head. "Of course. Yes, but-"

"Then I'll see you tonight at 8."

I nodded. "Okay."

"Goodbye, Diana."