Inhaling Alongside You✔️

Chapter Three: Frustrations

They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, so I no longer keep my inner thoughts to myself. At this point in my life, I have learned how to take full advantage of my independence. With my contract with Joseph finally invalidated, I am officially able to do freely with my career.

Though here and there my Joseph does call with another "get rich quick" schemes, always mentioning an reunion between my brothers and I.

Believe me when I say that I love my family, but they make me sick at times, especially my brothers and fathers. They are always hounding me about another tour, even though I specifically told them during the Victory Tour, that after this, I'm done. I even gave my earnings to charity.

Whatever they did with their earnings is their business, but I refuse for them to go broke and think they can run to me for another tour or commercial or any type if publicity advertisement as The Jackson's. I was through.

Going through that with my own flesh and blood has hardened my ways with other people in my very small circle, so when Bill began scolding me for sneaking into Jesse's audition, I ignored him and made it very clear that I wasn't going to listen.

This did not sit well with Bill, instead of letting me go on with my day, he begins this sermon about, how Jesse is changing me; and that's where I drew the line.

Within the next pasting minutes, a regular debate becomes howls and insults as both Bill and I try to maintain control over one another. Frankly, neither one of us is backing down. I'll be quite honest, Bill is a scary man when he's peeved, but I know he doesn't want to loose his job or ruin his career over an argument about my girlfriend.

"Look Michael, You need to wake the hell up! Not everyone is what you think they are! I'm just trying to make sure you are safe! God you're so hard headed!" He fusses, flexing his right hand in agitation.

I roll my eyes.

It's always the same story with him. He's always trying to "help me". He's not helping me if he's adding on to my headaches. I don't need that, and if this is how he is going to carry on, then I don't need him.

"I don't need you Bill! I'll be just fine without you! You're just another Joseph, always trying to control me! I'm no ones puppet!" I retort, already feeling the sting of tears.

This is what happens when I think of my past. The life I lived as an isolated child. On the outside, I had everything. I could travel, meet people from around the world, and do something I love as well as share it with the world, all before the age of eighteen.

The only thing was, I wasn't happy. I was constantly hurting on the inside. I wanted to be like the other kids who would come from school, eat dinner, then venture into the world of imagination before the street light would shine. I wanted that. But it wasn't mine to have.

Bill stares at me silently, his expression a bit softer. I know he feels guilty now, which he should. This is my life, I don't need another person telling me how to live it.

When he does speak again, his voice has declared surrender and defeat.

"Michael... I love you to pieces. I just want what's best for you. I was worried sick when I didn't find you in this hotel. You can't do that Michael, you just can't. You are Michael Jackson, you can't just go out without bodyguards. I wouldn't know why to do if something happen to you. You're like a son to me, I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt"

I nod in mutual understanding.

Bill may work my nerves sometimes, but he doesn't mean any harm.

"I'm sorry Bill" I whisper, loud enough for him to hear me.