Michael Jackson Imagines

Never Stood a chance P.2 (Bad Era)

AN: I know I messed with the timeline a little here, but I tried my best. Also, I'm sorry for going almost two months without updating. Enjoy part two, and I've got more coming soon. Promise. 

After Michael left me, he left his family too. Well, not to the same extent but I was no longer in charge of his costumes and wardrobe. When Janet started her career, she brought me along to work as her designer and personal seamstress, as well as a friend she had known practically her whole life.

1988

"Y/N, please come with me. You're my best friend. And I don't want to go alone. Plus, you've got these pants so tight I'm going to split a seam, so I'll need you for emergencies." I roll my eyes and bump her shoulder. "Fine. I'll see what I can whip up for myself in a week and a half. I swear, you're going to give me gray hairs before I turn thirty. Oh god, I'll be thirty in three years. And I'm still single! You're lucky I'm going to be an old maid forever because I'll be chained to your side by my pins and needles." She throws an arm over my shoulder and gives a kiss to my cheek. "You're the best."

Luckily Janet had a more simple outfit for the awards show, so I was able to finish hers and get to work on mine. I found myself going back to the colors and patterns that I had used for Michael, my Mona Lisa's and my David's. I finally decided to do a shiny deep deep navy, practically black, mermaid gown with a high slit, showing off my leg with a red lining inside, a flash of fun in my dark and sensual outfit. It took up a lot of my time, but it was worth it to try it on in the mirror and feel down right sexy.

"Janet, I feel bad. I put so much more work into my dress than your outfit. Are you sure you don't want me to add something to it? Make it a little more, something?" Janet rolled her eyes and made a gesture to spin. "No, I love it. Both mine and yours. Remember the white dress you made me that one year? That was amazing, and now it's your turn to wear something beautiful. It actually reminds me of that one dress from that god awful holliday movie you demand we watch every year. The one Rosemary Clooney wore." I scrunch up my nose at her as I smile. "First of all, White Christmas is a holiday staple in my house, and second of all, I am so happy to have you as a friend. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't here with you." Janet gets the zipper started for me as she snorts a laugh behind me. "You'd be filling La Toya's high standard needs. And fending off my brothers with a stick! God, it was so weird growing up and hearing them talk about you. 'You see Y/N today?' 'Y/N in that bathing suit is a dream.' 'No way she'd want you, she'd rather me.'" I pick up my skirts and give her a look. "Alright, I'm going to ignore the admission you just made and get changed now that I have your blessing on the dress." Her laugh rings through the space as I disappear behind the partition and change back to my working clothes. "Alright Janet. Two days and we'll be walking down the red carpet!"

I jiggle my leg under my dress in the back of the limo Janet had pick me up. A glove covered hand placed itself gently onto my knee. "Girl, you've got this. You look fine as hell, and you're here with your best friend, me!" I roll my eyes at her playfully. "Alright, you're right. I shouldn't be this nervous. I've been to an awards show before. With Randy of all people! I should be fine right?" Janet nods at me and I gnaw at my lip nervously. "What if Michael's there? I haven't faced him in years. What if he still hates me? What if I make him upset by being here? This was a mistake Janet. I shouldn't have come. I'm not meant for these things." As I finish my ramblings, the car pulls to a stop in front of the entrance. "Well, too late now! I'm sure it will all be fine. Come on!" Janet pulls me from my seat after her and we walk out onto the carpet, shoulder to shoulder. The people behind cameras shout for Janet to look this way and that, to answer question after question. One she does answer shouts: "Ms. Jackson! Who are you wearing tonight?" She grabs my hand and pulls me into the limelight. "My best friend and personal seamstress, Y/N L/N! Who, I've brought as my plus one for the evening." We pose for pictures together and then questions are thrown at me. "Ms. L/N! How long have you known Janet?" I pause to think a bit. "Well, my mother started working for Mrs. Jackson in '71, it's '88 now, so seventeen years!" Another question is hurled my way. "Did you ever design for Michael?" That one makes me stop in my tracks a bit and blink in surprise. "Oh, well, yes. I designed and created his outfits for awards shows and tours until, until..." I trail off as flashbacks of that night five years ago. "Until '83. That was when Janet swooped in and claimed me as her personal seamstress and designer. Though those military jackets are my Mona Lisa's." We continue down the carpet, ignoring questions until someone else pulls up. I hear shouts of "Michael!" and I can't help but turn to look at the source of the shouts. I watch as a mass of dark curls make their way out of an expensive looking limousine. I turn away quickly before my eyes fill with tears and follow Janet inside the large theater.