Spotlight || MJ/Prince

Spotlight || Chapter 2

1980

Angela "Angie" Powell

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Mr. Jackson." I jokingly teased Michael, opening my arms as we noticed each other. I'd just watched playback of his television interview with Sylvia Chase. As the camera crew moved out of here, Mike offered another adorable smile towards me. His joy seemed more obvious around me now.

"Stop it. What are you doing here?" Laughing, Michael pulled away from our embrace and we sat down together on one of the backstage sofas. Comfortable silence then fell between us both, but I knew better than to ask stupid questions.

"Almost finished with my first album. A little birdie just told me that you'd be here, so I pulled some strings." I winked, hoping that Jackson wouldn't actually kick me out or something. Security tightened around this famous group for obvious reasons.

"Congratulations. I appreciate the visit, but why didn't you just call? You would never have to pull strings for me." Michael offered his own answer. I smirked, knowing that his father Joseph would question me. Few strangers could enter into the Jackson circle. I wasn't stupid enough to assume anything, even around Mike.

"That's sweet, but I don't want special treatment, Michael. I'm just like everyone else, believe it or not." I spoke up for myself, hoping that he wouldn't be offended in one way or another. On the other hand, Jackson sighed, then planning to speak.

"No. I can't be the first person to say this, but you're different from other women out here." Michael told me, showing off his Indiana accent for once. Sadness layered his voice in one way or another, too. I nodded, soon understanding him.

"If that remark means that I'm not some groupie, thank you for the compliment." I said, reaching to squeeze his hand. Michael had wanted companionship for quite some time now. At that moment, his eyes called for sympathy and peace. I knew.

"You're so much more than just another pretty face in the press." Michael wouldn't even blink his soulful eyes towards me. Silence fell between us once more, almost leaving me breathless. He then reached out to hold my hand, soon blushing like some little kid. I even remembered his early days from the Ed Sullivan show.

Just before I could say anything to Michael, someone walked in to interrupt us. I didn't know what to think as Jackie Jackson peeked his head in the doorway and folded both arms. Michael scooted away from me as if caught red-handed here.

"Sorry, but Joseph wants you to get out of here, Mike." Jackie cleared his throat and didn't bother to step into this room. I kept my mouth shut, then trying to bridge the gap between myself and these two brothers. I felt nervous for once.

"Please don't be rude. I'll be out of here soon, Jackie." Michael stood up from the sofa. As he confronted his brother, I remained completely still. I even contemplated whether or not I should've left the room. This seemed to be a private conversation between these siblings. As I stood and wanted to leave, Mike had noticed my fear.

"Hi. I'm sorry about ignoring you. Joseph isn't patient as you can tell." Jackie shook hands with me and reached out to respectfully kiss my cheek. I welcomed the greeting, but Michael cornered himself near the door frame for whatever reason.

"No apology needed. It's an honor to meet you, Jackie." I said, hoping that Jackie would change the subject. I hadn't felt intimidated, but this entire situation still felt awkward. Michael folded both arms. I'd traded eye contact with him soon after.

Knowing that Jackie donned a wedding ring, I kept our chat platonic. Michael had joined in every so often, but tried to speed things more and more. Joseph must've stalked outside the hallway or something. Otherwise, Michael wouldn't need to act so rushed. This room was his backstage area. There was his television interview.

After just a few more minutes, Jackie excused himself this time. I didn't know what to think as he closed the door and left me alone with Michael again. The room turned noiseless once more, stunning me with many thoughts as we stood here.

"I'm sorry. Just know that I still care about you." Michael apologized for the umpteeth occasion, but soon left me alone in the room to probably deal with his father. With no other soon, I finally departed this area and drove to clear my head.

______

"Did you actually figure out what happened with Joseph?" I called Michael later that night, still puzzled by what happened earlier. Too many questions swirled within the crevices of my own mind. Silence had reached my bedroom around midnight.

"Not really, but he just doesn't like you, girl." Michael then sighed on the other line, prompting me to tilt my head for a moment. I didn't know what to think, but Mike continued speaking. Our talk that night turned out to be complicated in my eyes.

"He's notorious for not liking folks. It doesn't bother me, Mike. Why are you so worried right now?" I questioned, trying to understand what Jackson meant this time. Silence fell between us once more and I just waited for him to respond.

"I'm afraid to lose you. There's a reason why gaps in time keep us apart." Michael offered his opinion. In turn, I then volleyed back to him on the other line, trying to calm down his upcoming nerves. Michael seemed to act more and more anxious.

"Listen to me: this is your own life. Joseph can't control you anymore, Michael." I tried to speak up, but it wasn't long before then Michael cleared his throat. Out of nowhere, my heart started to drum its own rapid beat. This night dragged on.

I know, but..." As Michael responded to me, the phone cut off.