The Chronicles Of A Princess: The Childhood Years

Motown 25/Thriller

Chapter Four

Motown 25 Yesterday, Today, Forever

May 16th 1983

Michael's POV

Don't get me wrong... I love Smokey Robinson, but are we done yet? This night has been rough, to say the least. The sting of not hitting the tip-toe pose for as long as I wanted still prevails. However, after a million hugs from my baby, I'm convinced to watch the rest of the show from the front seat. She's seated right in my lap, and when the cameras come around, she smiles big and waves, making me giggle.

Everyone she has encountered tonight has loved her. How can they not with a face like that? Out of everyone, there is one person she has been enamored with... Lionel Richie. We're actually sitting close to him at this very second. I think it's his voice and the way he animates it that makes her hang onto his every word.

I've known Lionel since The Commodores came to Motown as The Jackson Five's supporting act. We've always been close, and I'm glad Bianca has gotten to meet him. Now that he's solo, I can't wait to see what he comes up with on his own. As for me, it feels liberating to be out on my own and in control of my destiny.

This night has all of Motown's finest in one place, all because of one person... Berry Gordy. At first, I didn't want to perform for this show, but after a personal invitation from Berry, I felt I had to. This man has given me everything I have. He has believed in me from day one, and I can't wait to show him that the effort was not in vain.

It's going to happen, I know it. I'm going to be the greatest if it kills me. I keep getting pestered to do more with my brothers, but I'm just done with all of that. I want my own career without dragging my brothers along.

The next video or short film we're shooting needs to be better than anything I've put out so far. This isn't just some project; it could be something to set my family up so we never have to live as we did in Gary before we came to Motown.

Bianca will never know that kind of struggle. It's my number one priority to take care of her for life, just like Berry did for his family.

Feeling a nudge in my side, I look over to see Tito pointing to my chest. Looking down, I see that Bianca has fallen fast asleep. Aww, she's exhausted, which gives me the perfect excuse to leave.

"Cover for me?" I mouth to him.

He nods before letting me up. It's not like they need me here anyway. I'll just head home and put her to bed so I can get back to work on this short film concept.

<>

Bibi's POV

June 15, 1983

The piano keys feel smooth under my fingers as I sit in the music room, the sunlight streaming through the large windows. It's time for my weekly call with Freddie, and I can't wait to show him the new piece I've been practicing.

"Hello, darling," Freddie's familiar voice crackles through the phone.

"Hi, Freddie!" I say excitedly, positioning the receiver on the piano so he can hear me play. "Guess what? I've been practicing a new song. Do you want to hear it?"

"Of course, darling. Play away," he encourages.

Taking a deep breath, I begin to play "Für Elise." My fingers dance over the keys, and I can hear Freddie humming along on the other end of the line. When I finish, there is a brief moment of silence before he speaks.

"Absolutely brilliant! You have such a natural talent. How long have you been practicing that piece?"

"Only a week," I reply, beaming with pride.