Chapter 44

"You're just as beautiful as Michael described." Mrs. Jackson says softly with a smile.

"H-he described me?" I squeak, dumbfounded.

Janet and her mother take a glance at each other before bursting into laughter.

Man, this whole family is musical. They even harmonize their giggles.

Their chuckles finally die down and Janet speaks.

"He will not shut up about you. It's been giving us a headache, he always talks our ears off about this mystical Bella. He makes you out to be a perfect, unreal creature. It's sweet, really. And it's been going on for weeks."

"Weeks? What do you mean weeks?" I ask, flustered.

I thought last night was the only time that Michael spoke to Katherine about me. Apparently, I was dead wrong.

Janet begins to reply, but Mrs. Jackson politely stops her from continuing.

"We shouldn't deprive her of watching Michael perform. We can always have this conversation later. Enjoy the show, sweetie." She says.

Janet nods and winks at me before I turn my attention back to Michael once more.

He's lighting up the stage.

I take in a deep breath. I'm not sure why. Maybe because Michael's mother is seated right next to me, or the fact that Michael is melodically thrusting his hips to This Place Hotel.

Both.

Yeah, both.

There has to be at least five hundred or so fans that have fainted, so far. And I can honestly see why. The way the music takes him is beautiful. It simply can't be matched.

His gestures and expressions are all responding to the beat. Everything is in sync, even the fans singing, dancing, and clapping.

No doubt that this is their dream come true. To be able to see their idol perform, these two hundred thousand blessings are lucky in and of themselves.

"We walked up the stairs still concealing gloom, there were two girls sitting in my room," Michael sings while jogging across the stage.

And I find myself singing along. The beat is contagious, and you can't help but snap your fingers.

To appreciate his tour much more, I've taken the time listened to practically all Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson music.

Instead of this, for years, I'd been reading thick classical novels and acting like a recluse in my apartment corner.

As I look back, I see how much time I've wasted.

I've mentally beat myself up repeatedly, because I've been unintentionally depriving myself of such passionate, heavenly music.

I sigh and lean forward in my chair, my eyes radiant as Michael bows and blows kisses to his loving fans.

He runs off the stage for an outfit change and I make my way over to him.

He's truly a sight to see at this moment. Covered in sweat, breathing quickly, his eyes wide and bright.

He looks like he has enough energy for days. That must be what it feels like.

I could not hug him, or jump in his arms yet, despite how badly I want to. He has to stay still for the costume designers to get him in the The Way You Make Me Feel outfit. Which, personally, is one of my favorites.

"Baby, God.. you were..." I realize I'm standing three feet away from him and babbling like an idiot.

His crew chuckles at me and my loss for words.

"Deep breaths, girl," Michael teases and I laugh slightly.

The designers finally finish their work and Michael's makeup artist, Karen Faye, brushes up his face lightly as he grabs my hands in his.

"In all honesty, what did you think?" Michael asks when Karen leaves.

I take a moment to collect my thoughts. They're all over the place.

"You were magnificent. You are magnificent. It was so electrifying, so.. I'm sorry. I can't even think of adjectives that can do your performance justice. You move in the way that only you can move. You sing in the way that only you can sing. It's remarkable."

Michael has a huge grin on his face, his cheeks reddening with every word that tumbles out of my mouth.

"That means the world over, coming from you." He whispers.

I wink at him and he pulls me in for a tight hug.

"I'm keeping you. Go. Go work more magic."

With a quick kiss, he's off once again.

-

"Stand up! Stand up! Stand up! Stand up and lift yourself naa!"

He's on fire. His feet are like springs as he jumps in the air, in time with the music.

"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!"

The choir accompanies him. "Yeah! Make that change!"

Everyone is on their feet. Every single person is on their feet. How can you sit down in the presence of a man who is seized by so much emotional energy?

Michael spins around three times before falling to his knees, still moving on the ground.

"Ow! Make that change!"

He slowly gets back to his feet.

"You'll love it, you'll love it, you'll love it, you'll love it..."

Tears stream down my face, my palms steeples in front of my mouth.

"Change...."

The crowds screams are deafening.

"Make that change."

--

Chapter 44

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~Joy ✌🏼️