Chapter 43

I realize that both of our breathing is shallow, merely because of the electrifying nearness of our lips.

One of the many things we do to each other.

"I'm sorry baby," Michael whispers, putting distance between our wanting lips. "She'll keep knocking if I don't answer."

"No, go ahead," I reply, gesturing toward the door.

He walks over to open it and once he does, the woman that I have finally seen in person jumps into his arms.

"It's been so long!" She grips his shoulders tightly and he hugs her back.

"Hey, Tati. I'm so glad you're here."

Tati?

I try not to let everything that Michael just told me go in one ear and out the other.

He said I'm beautiful. He said he loved me. So what exactly am I afraid of?

They pull away from their a-little-too-friendly hug and Michael beckons me over.

I awkwardly and unsurely walk toward them, meeting Tatiana's confident smile.

Why can't I have that? I'd do anything to be more self-assured.

"You don't have to introduce yourself, Bella, I know all about you." Tatiana speaks before any words can come out of my mouth.

Should I be concerned about that?

Nevertheless, I hold my hand out for her to shake. "It's nice to meet you."

Instead of shaking my hand, she pulls me in for a hug.

"Sorry, I'm more of a hugger." She says as we pull back.

I study her eyes, searching for even a trace of deceit, or even jealousy.

Only to find... nothing.

Absolutely nothing except genuineness.

Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

Then I finally decide that I'm not giving her the benefit of the doubt, which is unfair.

She could be sweet, if I give her a chance.

So I return her smile.

Michael claps his hands together. "Alright, now that we're all aquatinted, how about a little more perfecting before the big show?"

Tatiana bounces on the balls of her feet. "Yes! Let me go put on my stage dress."

Then, she jogs gracefully (in Louis Vuitton heels, might I add) out of Michael's dressing room.

"Come on, baby, what's wrong now?" Michael asks.

I look at him, confused. "What are you talking about? Everything's fine."

"Then why are you crossing your arms and why do you have a little pout on your face? Which, I admit, is so cute, but I don't like when you're upset." He says.

I uncross my arms and then stand on my tiptoes to kiss his full lips. "I'm not upset."

"Simmons, you're gonna have to do a lot more than one short kiss to convince me." He smirks.

I can't help but smile before kissing him three more times. "Better?"

"A few more," Says Michael.

"Later," I groan. "Can I call to your attention that your first solo world tour starts later today?"

He looks at me. "I'm well aware."

"Then let's get a move on!" I clap my hands together, mimicking his earlier actions which earns a sweet laugh from him.

"Time for perfecting," I giggle as Michael follows me out of the room.

-

It's surreal. Being here in this moment, peeking out from backstage to glance at Michael's fans sardined in Korakuen Stadium.

"There's got to be at least a million of them," I mutter to myself.

I feel a hand on my waist that makes me jump and turn around.

"It's just me," Michael smiles, joining me in my awe.

"They're all here for you," I gaze at him. "How does that feel?"

No words but a loving smile is his response at those who adore him.

He takes my hand. "Bill has set up an area backstage where you can see me perform. Stay there unless you tell him where you're going. I want someone to know where you are at all times."

"Got it." I grin, one that he doesn't return.

"I'm serious Bella. Don't go wandering around. There are a lot of people here. Please," He says.

"Okay." I nod and he leans in to kiss me.

I hug him close right after we pull away. "I love you Michael."

I feel his heartbeat quicken against my ear. "I love you more."

"Mike, you're on in five!"

I reluctantly let go and he winks at me.

I can't help but stare at his outfit. Black buckled pants, white socks, loafers, a grey fitted shirt, and a huge silver belt buckle, with a black jacket on top.

"You look great."

Michael kisses my forehead. "Go."

"Knock 'em dead."

With one more kiss, we part and I go take my seat backstage, a front row seat to all the musical magic about to unfold.

"Tokyo, I love you!" Michael runs out onto the stage, where his beloved fans begin to scream even louder than before and cry because of his presence.

The band starts the upbeat tune of Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' and the concert is in full swing.

I bob my head to the beat as Michael shows off his moves.

It looks so natural to him, like he's at home.

"Great concert, isn't it?" A voice behind me asks.

I turn around to see a woman who looks just like Michael. The resemblance is uncanny.

"His mom and I love watching him perform."

"Janet. You're Janet Jackson, aren't you?" I finally decipher.

She nods proudly. "Mother!"

I nearly choke on air. Katherine Jackson.

She's here, now?

--

Chapter 43

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~Joy ✌🏼️