Falling In Love With Him

Chapter 10

**Michael's Point of View**

I couldn't stop thinking of how beautiful Mariah looked. Singing my heart out there for her tonight, in front of the world had been one of the most satisfying moments of my career.
Before wrapping up the performance, I had escorted Mariah back to her seat—and kissed her hand goodbye, before going back on stage. Once the song had ended, we gave our bows before walking off stage back to our dressing room. I still felt the rush.
We all piled back into the room, closing the door behind us. "Mike!" Jermaine came up and patted me on the back. "Bro that performance was epic! We told you, we had your back man." he smiled. "Yeah, it was so sweet. You had me up there ready to cry." Jackie joked. We all started laughing. "Man, thank you guys. I know it was a last minute change to the routine, and you didn't have to it. You guys had my back." I nodded. "I really think that performance showed Mariah, that I really do care for her. So, I appreciate you."
    Suddenly, the door to the dressing room swung open. It was Joseph and he was angry. We could see it in his face. "Everybody get out. NOW!" Joseph stared dead at me, which let me know he meant everyone else, but me. I was in trouble. I stood there and watched as everyone else left the room. "Shut that door behind you." he said sternly.
Jackie and Marlon were the last two out.

Joseph started to walk towards me. I prepared myself for a slap, or maybe even a punch. Whatever it was, I wasn't going to back down. I knew I had did what needed to be done. Not for anyone else, but for me. He bumped right past me and sat in the chair behind me. I turned around, facing him. "Who's idea was it?" I stared at him in silence. "Who's idea was it for you to serenade that girl?" He gave me the coldest stare I'd ever seen. "Joseph, it was my idea."

"Is that the girl you were talking about?" I placed my hands in my pocket. I did that whenever I was nervous, or when I was around my father. "Yes, Joseph. Her name is Mariah, and I love her." He chuckled at me, then stood up. "This relationship you have with Priscilla is bringing in the loot. No one cares about how you feel about that Mariah girl, so just let that go. You and Priscilla will continue to date, whether you like it or not and if people ask about that bullshit stunt you just pulled, it was an executive decision for publicity. All a joke." Joseph stood up and looked me up and down, "sort of like you." he said, as he made his way towards the door.
    "I won't do it." Joseph turned and looked back at me. "Boy, if you know what's best for you, you'll do as I say. It's no option. There is no choice." Joseph opened the door and shut it behind him. I pushed off all of the water and hairspray cans, off the table onto the floor. I could feel myself beginning to cry.

I love Mariah. Why can't Joseph see how happy she makes me? Everyone else sees it. Mother sees it. My siblings see it. Hell, even Jet magazine can see it; but not my own father?

I sat down in my seat, and began to unbutton my shirt as all these thoughts got thrown around inside of my head. I let out a deep sigh.

When am I going to be able to make my own decisions? Why can't I make my own choices?

**Priscilla's Point of View**

"Priscilla? Priscilla?" I felt a tap on my shoulder. "PRISCILLA?!" I snapped out of my daze. "Are you okay?" Amanda asked. "Am I okay?" I let out a sigh. "Amanda. Tell me, what I think I saw did not just happen!" I was furious. I couldn't tell if it was just too much heat blowing in that arena, or if it was just me. That's how angry I was. "Please tell me Michael did not just serenade—" I could feel the vomit coming up. I hated feeling like I was inferior to anyone. I began to rub my ears; my yoga instructor suggested that would help me to relax, and normally it worked for me, but tonight was different.
"Did he just serenade that bitch, in front of my face?" Amanda looked nervous, as if she didn't want to be the one to answer the question. She shook her head in disbelief. "It was probably just a publicity stunt, or even a joke. Haha." Amanda assured.
They're both jokes, but tonight the joke was on me. It was almost intermission, but I needed answers now. I stormed onto stage left, and through the double doors that lead to the dressing rooms.

If this loser thinks that he can play with me, he's got the wrong one! Who does he think he is? I mean look at me. I'll ruin him. Both of them. They have no idea who they're dealing with.

It didn't take much walking in these designer heels to find Michael's dressing room, and after engaging in a few brief interactions with fellow celebrities congratulating me on my Grammy win, I finally found the door that read:

Jackson 5! Ha. Got you.

I knock on the door. I heard some movement, and just a few seconds later, Tito opened the door. He had an anxious look on his face. "Priscilla, hey wh--" I put my hand in his face, interrupting him.
"Save it. Where's Michael?"
Tito opens the door all the way, allowing me to see the entire room. Michael was sitting in his chair drinking a bottle of water. "You!" I said, pointing my finger at Michael. "We need to talk."
I could hear the sound of Michaels' brothers snickering. Everything was a joke to these people. I didn't take the thought of being the center of jokes lightly. "Is there something funny?" I snapped. The boys all shook their heads no.
"Cool down, mama. You don't wanna give yourself frown lines." Randy joked. The boys all left out of the room, laughing. I slammed the dressing room door behind them. It was just Michael, and I by ourselves. Alone.