Dear Michael: HIStory

Chapter 4

When we landed in LA, I just wanted to be left alone. I went to visit with Sandy to discuss my upcoming short film and who I wanted to work on it. We've got everything together when it comes to who's directing, who the choreographers will be, and the venue. This is going to be a long summer. Now all that's left is casting and auditions, which will be held in the weeks to come. Then production begins in April. Since Sony doesn't believe in my vision for this short film, I'm shelling out $15 million of my hard-earned money to make it happen. This is something that needs to be done and if nobody is gonna help me, I'll do it my damn self. Funny how they didn't want to help pay for this short film but were quick to buy a portion of my catalog.

The ride to Los Olivos was long and quiet. Shayla tried to spark up a conversation with me, but I wasn't up for it. I told her I had too much on my mind, which wasn't really a lie. I did have a lot on my mind pertaining to the short film. To which she replied, "you work too much." Okay? And she doesn't work enough. As far as Shayla and I go, I wish things were back to where they were maybe like five years ago. After that, everything has gone downhill and it's taking a toll on me. It almost makes me feel like I want to give up. But I didn't get married to divorce. That'll never happen. This is just a steppingstone we're going to have to get over. But how long will that take when we've been in this rut for two years?

"Michael, TJ just arrived," Shayla called from the front door. Since Dee Dee's death, we've done all we could to help out with the boys. The music bug has always been in our family, so it wasn't a surprise when my nephews began to show us their love and talent for singing. I signed them to my label under the name "3T." Dee Dee always called her boys that, so it was only fitting that they went under that name professionally. It doubled not only as their name but also as a tribute to their mother. Last year, they released their first album "Brotherhood." I couldn't be any prouder of them, because they truly heeded my mentorship and the album made number eleven in the UK. Although some were against them entering music after Dee Dee passed, they were adamant about putting their all into music. I understand what it symbolized because you have to do something with that pain. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost my mother. I assume I'd bury myself in music too, so I understand their reasoning. Not only did they use this as a way to honor her memory, but they're at an age where they need to figure out what they want to do with their lives. They chose music and they chose to dedicate "Brotherhood" to Dee Dee. I'd rather that than them doing something destructive.

"Hey, Tante." TJ kissed Shayla on the cheek. "I brought Kim along if you don't mind." He gestured toward Kimberly who stood shyly beside him. I don't know why she's still nervous around us. That must be her personality because we let her have her fourteenth birthday here two years ago. She's practically family. Kris and Robert did such an excellent job raising their children even though they divorced. Robert and I have had many great discussions, even discussing how he helped OJ last year. We're all family as far as I'm concerned.

"Hey, Kimberly!" Shayla pulled her in for a hug. "How was the drive up here?"

"Long!" Kimberly giggled. "But I'm glad we finally made it."

"Do you all want anything to eat? I'm sure you're starved."

"Do you want anything?" TJ asked his girlfriend.

"A sandwich?" She smiled at Shayla awkwardly.

"TJ, you want something?" Shayla looked at him.

"A sandwich would be fine, Tante."

"Michael?" She looked at me.

"A sandwich would be great, babe." I gave her a small smile.