2000 (28 years old)

Michael hadn't released an album in 3 years, I wonder what made him want to create another. Brian was in Colorado shooting another movie, I was so proud of him. His acting career was becoming more and more successful. But I was annoyed because I barely saw him. I had to keep convincing myself, this was his job.

Michael and I spent every day, all day in the studio working on this album. We both agreed we weren't at the top of the charts anymore, so we had to come in to the new year with a new sound. I sit and think to myself, I was now one of the old singers people's parents listened to and I'm not even 30 yet. I furrow my brow at my thoughts. I hand the disc holding an instrumental to the engineer and walk in the booth, placing my notepad on the stand and begin recording

"Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But I have not the words here to explain. Gone is the grace for expressions of passion. But there are worlds and worlds of ways to explain...to tell you how I feel..."

I begin singing, making direct eye contact with Michael. This was written when my feelings for him were at their heaviest. I could see he knew this song came from the heart.

"...But I am speechless, speechless. That's how you make me feel. Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real..."

I continue. I let the lyrics flow through my lips onto the microphone and back into my ears. I felt myself getting emotional as my eyes closed and I began swaying. Michael's intense gaze burned through the window separating us. It felt like all the memories of our relationship were replaying in my head, my emotions rose into a medley of notes, spewing lyric after lyric.

After recording, I place my headphones down and walk out the booth. I smile at Michael as he watched me come towards him. It looked as if he'd fell in love all over again. "Really good Jayla, you've always been a great songwriter." He says, clearing his throat and breaking eye contact. "Thanks" I smile, twiddling my thumbs. The air was awkward between us, I hated when it got that way. I grab my note pad and go sit next to the engineer and producer to re-listen to my recorded track. Michael rolled a chair next to me with his feet. We all sat, editing the track and working on other songs for the album.

I feel my phone ring and check the ID. "Dad" I sigh, he's been calling me all week. I'm surprised he hasn't disappeared yet. "I'm sorry you guys, I've gotta take this. I'll be right back" I say in an annoyed tone. Michael gives me a puzzled look as I walk out. "Dad I'm in the studio, what?!" I answer sharply. "I need more money.." He responds gruffly. He sounds like he's been drinking. "For what? I gave you Ten Thousand Dollars..." I say, trying to stifle my anger. "I'm your father, it shouldn't matter what for, I gave you that voice and talent. I have yet to hear a thank you. You would be nothing without me...." I roll my eyes while he sends out more hatred into my ears, trying to hold back my tears. "You will never be anything Jayla, the moment you fall off, they'll forget about you!" He screams again. Tears begin to fall down my cheeks and stain my shirt. I turn and see Michael walking out. "Dad I've gotta go, I'll call you later." I swiftly hang up and dry my cheeks. "Hey, you've been out here for a while... Are you okay?" He asks, worried and scanning my face. I nod my head staring at my shoes, I never could lie to Michael. I see Michael wasn't leaving. I feel his hand cup my chin and lift my head. "Jay..what's wrong?" "My dad..." I say, knowing he'd understand from those two words. "Oh no..what'd he do this time?" Michael grabs one of my hands and rubs the knuckles lightly. I feel my cellphone vibrate again and pull it out my pocket. Checking the ID, I throw my phone as hard as I can into a wall, letting out a scream I fall to the floor and begin sobbing. I feel Michael pull me into his arms as he kneeled down with me. This was my breaking point. "Baby.. Jay, what did he do?" He asks again in a softer tone. "The same thing he always does..." I say in between sobs. "He asks for money.. And tells me I'm not worth anything.." Michael wipes my eyes and holds my cheeks. "Baby, you are worth everything. You have millions and millions of fans that love you. He doesn't. He's jealous because he missed out on a great daughter, whose grown up to be a legend. You mean a lot to so many people..." I couldn't stop crying, after enduring this abuse for 15 years on and off was exhausting. "You have a boyfriend that loves you, your mother loves you, and I love you.." Michael continues. "It's so draining dealing with this. I just want him to go away. He makes me so sad Michael.." I release a few more sobs and deep breaths, burying my face in his chest. "You don't deserve all of this, I wish I could take that pain from you. Give you the happiness you deserve..." I feel his hand lightly stroking my cheeks, still wiping away tears. I look into his big brown eyes and become entranced. Suddenly, I feel his lips on mine. The passion through his kiss was deep and thorough. I felt him run his hands through my hair. I finally snap out of my emotions and back away. "No no no, this isn't right." I say backing away from Michael's beautiful lips. "Sorry." Michael says awkwardly. "That was not supposed to happen, I promise Jay... You just don't deserve the stuff you go through. It hurts me to see you this way." Michael says. He lifts me up by the arm. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom and get myself together. We're on studio time that I don't want to waste." I say, coldly. I was so sick of emotions. It felt like every man had hurt me in one way or another and I was feeling bitter from it. I walk into the bathroom and flush my face with water as mascara stained my cheeks. After washing my face I walk back towards the studio, I see Michael picking up fragments of my cellphone. "Just leave it..." I say to him as he stands up. "Are you ok?" His eyes watched my every move. "Yeah." I say shortly. "Let's just go back inside" I walk forward, my eyes to the floor.